Books - Sources

Pentecostarion

The Ascension

Menaion - May 21

Memory of the Holy and Glorious Great God-Crowned Emperors Constantine and Helen, the Equals to the Apostles.

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MATINS

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CHOIR

Mode 4.

God is the Lord, and He revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. [SAAS]

Verse 1: Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His holy name.

Verse 2: All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I defended myself against them.

Verse 3: And this came about from the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.

Apolytikion.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 4.

You ascended in glory, O Christ our God, after You filled the Disciples with joy, by promising to send them the Holy Spirit, and You blessed them and established their faith, that You are the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world. [SD]

Glory. For the Equals-to-the-Apostles.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

Your Apostle among the Rulers, St. Constantine, who once beheld in the sky the image of Your Cross, and who like Paul received his calling not from man, once entrusted the Ruling City into Your hand. We entreat You to restore it in peace forever, at the intercession of the Theotokos, O only benevolent Lord. [SD]

Both now. For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 4.

You ascended in glory, O Christ our God, after You filled the Disciples with joy, by promising to send them the Holy Spirit, and You blessed them and established their faith, that You are the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world. [SD]

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To you, O Lord.

PRIEST

For yours is the dominion, and yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

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Kathisma I.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 1. The stone having been sealed.

Τοῦ λίθου σφραγισθέντος.

While Angels were amazed by Your unusual ascension, * and the Disciples were astounded by Your awe-inspiring lift-off, * in glory You ascended, as God, * and gates were lifted up for You, O Lord. * For this reason were the powers of heaven crying out to You in amazement, * "Glory, O Savior, to Your descent; * glory to Your Kingdom; * glory be to Your Ascension, only One who loves mankind." [SD]

Glory. Both now. Repeat.

While Angels were amazed by Your unusual ascension, * and the Disciples were astounded by Your awe-inspiring lift-off, * in glory You ascended, as God, * and gates were lifted up for You, O Lord. * For this reason were the powers of heaven crying out to You in amazement, * "Glory, O Savior, to Your descent; * glory to Your Kingdom; * glory be to Your Ascension, only One who loves mankind." [SD]

Kathisma II.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 2.

The Maker of the sun and all creation was led once to the Cross. And now to himself He leads you, the shining star, by stars from heaven. And to you first He bestowed imperial power. Therefore, O most pious emperor Constantine, we extol you and your mother Helen the godly-minded. [SD]

Glory. Both now. For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 3. You were so beautiful.

Τὴν ὡραιότητα.

The un-originate and pre-eternal God, * having in mystical manner now deified * the human nature He assumed, has on this day ascended. * As He was proceeding up * into heaven with glory great, * Angels who had run ahead * pointed Him out to the Apostles; * and worshipping before Him, they cried aloud, * "Glory to You, O God, who has ascended." [SD]

Kathisma III.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Come quickly.

Ταχὺ προκατάλαβε.

Your dignified memory has shone upon us today. * It brightens the universe with light of knowledge divine, * O God-inspired Constantine. * You among kings and rulers showed yourself to be pious, * for you obeyed the laws of the King of the heavens. * Therefore by your entreaties, from trials deliver us. [SD]

Glory. Both now. For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 1. As the Father and Spirit.

Τὸν συνάναρχον Λόγον.

When You came down from heaven, O Savior, to the earth, * and with yourself as God resurrected Adam's form * which was lying down below in the dungeon of hell, * and then to heaven raised it up by Your Ascension, O Christ, * You made it sit with You together * on the throne of Your Father, * for You are merciful and love mankind. [SD]

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To you, O Lord.

PRIEST

For blessed and glorified is your all-honoured and majestic name, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

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CHOIR

Antiphon 1.

Mode 4.

Since my youth have many passions waged war against me. O my Savior, nonetheless help me and save me. (2) [SD]

You, the haters of Zion, be put to shame by the Lord, for like thatch in fire you will be completely dried up. (2) [SD]

Glory.

From the Holy Spirit every soul receives life, and through cleansing is lifted and brightened, in a hidden, sacred manner, by the trinal Monad. [SD]

Both now.

From the Holy Spirit do the streams of grace well forth; they irrigate everything created, so that life be engendered. [SD]

Prokeimenon. Psalm 46.

God ascended with a shout, the Lord with the sound of the trumpet. (2)

Verse: Oh, clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with the voice of rejoicing.

God ascended with a shout, the Lord with the sound of the trumpet. [SAAS]

Stand for the Gospel reading.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

For You are holy, our God, who rest among the Saints, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Mode 2.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. (2) Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord our God that we may be made worthy to hear the holy Gospel.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace to all.

CHOIR: And to your spirit.

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PRIEST

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

DEACON: Let us attend.

CHOIR

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

PRIEST (from the gate)

Eothinon 3

Mk. 16:9 – 20

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went out and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it. After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them. Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” So then the Lord, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen. [RSV]

CHOIR

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

READER

Having seen the Resurrection of Christ…, [Lash]

READER (read)

Psalm 50 (51).

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me. Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me. Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice. Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built; then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. [SAAS]

From Pentecostarion - - -

CHOIR

Glory. Mode 2.

At the intercession of the Apostles, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]

Both now. Same Mode.

At the intercession of the Theotokos, O Lord of mercy, blot out my many offenses. [SD]

Idiomelon. Mode pl. 2.

Verse: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression.

Today, the Powers on high see our nature in the heavens, and they marvel at the strange manner of its ascent. They were perplexed and said to one another, “Who is this who is coming?” But as they saw it was their own Master, they were ordered to raise the heavenly gates. We join them in unceasingly extolling You, who from there will come again in the flesh, as Judge of all and almighty God. [SD]

PRIEST

O God, save your people and bless your inheritance. Look upon your world with mercy and compassion. Raise the Orthodox Christians in glory, and send down upon us your rich mercies,

through the prayers of our all-pure Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary; by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross; through the protection of the honoured Bodiless Powers of heaven; through the intercessions of the honoured, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John; of the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles; our Fathers among the Saints, the great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, Athanasios, Cyril, and John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria; Nicholas, bishop of Myra, Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, Nektarios of Pentapolis, the wonder-workers; the holy, glorious great Martyrs George the Victorious, Demetrios the Myrobletes, Theodore the Teron, and Theodore the General, Menas the Wonderworker, the Hieromartyrs Haralambos and Eleftherios; the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs; the glorious great Martyr and all-laudable Euphemia; the holy and glorious Martyrs Thecla, Barbara, Anastasia, Katherine, Kyriake, Fotene, Marina, Paraskeve and Irene; of our holy God-bearing Fathers; (local patron saint); of the holy and righteous Forebears of God, Joachim and Anna, the holy, glorious, great, God-crowned Sovereigns Constantine and Helen, the Equals to the Apostles, whose memory we are celebrating; and of all your Saints:

We beseech you, only merciful Lord, hear us sinners who pray to you and have mercy on us.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (12)

PRIEST

By the mercy and compassion and love for humankind of your only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

From Pentecostarion - - -

Ode i.

Canon 1 of the Feast.

Mode pl. 1. Heirmos.

Τῷ Σωτῆρι Θεῷ.

To our Savior and God, who led His people of old * across the Red Sea, and they walked on dry ground, * and under water covered Pharaoh and his forces all, * to Him only let us sing, for He is glorified. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

All you peoples, let us sing * a song of victory to Christ * who on the shoulders of the Cherubim * was taken up with glory, and seated us with himself * at the right hand of the Father, for He is glorified. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

When they beheld in the heights * with His flesh Christ himself * the Mediator between God and men, * the hosts of Angels were astounded, and with one accord * they sang unto Him a hymn a victory. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O spotless Mother of God, * without ceasing intercede * with Him who from you was incarnated * and who did not depart from the Begetter's bosom, as God, * to save those whom He fashioned from all calamity. [SD]

From the Pentecostarion. Canon 2.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 4. I open my mouth.

Ἀνοίξω τὸ στόμα μου.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Immortal by nature, You rose on the third day and then appeared * unto the Eleven and to the Disciples all, * and You then returned, O Christ, unto the Father, * riding on a cloud, O You who are the Maker of all. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Divinely inspired David in his Psalm cries explicitly: * The Lord has gone up into the heavenly abodes * with a shout of joy and the blast of a trumpet, * and thus He attained unto the Father and Source of light. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O Lord, by Your suffering and resurrection You made the world * new again; for due to many sins it had grown old. * You were taken up thereafter into heaven, * transported upon a cloud. Glory to Your glory. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O all-spotless Lady, you have given birth to the Lord of all * who deigned for our sakes to suffer voluntarily, * and who after this ascended to His Father * from whom He had never left, though He had taken flesh. [SD]

From the Menaion. Canon 1.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. Of old when the Israelite.

Ὑγρὰν διοδεύσας.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Master and only heavenly King, * earnestly I beg You to deliver my humble soul * from the reign of sin that now constrains it, * at the entreaties of Your faithful servant kings. [SD]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Becoming a lover of the divine * kingdom of the heavens, you believed in the King of all * and Master with purest mind and reason, * O blessed Constantine; therefore you worshiped Him. [SD]

Glory.

When you were illumined with the divine * light, O godly Helen, you decidedly left behind * the darkness of ignorance, and truly * unto the King of ages you ministered. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

As you are the gateway of the divine * Orient, O Lady Theotokos, open for me * the gates of repentance and deliver me * by your entreaties from the deadly gates of sin. [SD]

Ode 1: Katavasia

Ode i. Katavasia. Mode 4.

Having been concealed in divine darkness, Moses, * slow of tongue, declared the Law that God had written. * For shaking off impurity from his mind's eye, * he sees the One who is, being an initiate * of the Spirit's knowledge, lauding with songs inspired. [SD]

Ode iii.

Ode iii.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon 1 of the Feast.

Ode iii. Mode pl. 1. Heirmos.

Δυνάμει τοῦ Σταυροῦ σου.

O Christ, I pray You strengthen my mind * and heart, O Savior, by Your Cross’s might, * that I may praise You and glorify * Your Ascension that has saved us all. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

You ascended to the Father, O Christ * Giver of life, and did exalt our race, * in Your ineffable compassion, * O Lover of humanity. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The orders of the Angels beheld * our mortal nature going up with You. * And being struck with astonishment, * they extolled You as the Savior of all. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O pure one, do unceasingly entreat * the One who came forth from your virgin womb, * that those who praise you as the Mother of God * be delivered from the Devil's deceit. [SD]

From the Pentecostarion. Canon 2.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 4. Establish your servants.

Τοὺς σοὺς ὑμνολόγους.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

"Behold, Christ the Lord and King of glory * is coming, now that He has put on * a body which was made of earth. * So take away your heavenly gates." * Thus spoke to their superiors the lower ranks of angelic hosts. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

O Christ, having sought and finding Adam * deceived by the guile of the snake, * You put him on yourself and then * as such did You ascend and sit * at Your coequal Father's right, * while angels praised and exalted You. [SD]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Today earth keeps festival and dances, * and heaven rejoices now as well * at the ascension of the Lord * and Maker of creation all. * For though they were divided, He * clearly unites them as He so willed. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O Maid, who gave birth to death's destroyer, * the one and only immortal God, * O Virgin Mother wholly pure, * ever entreat Him earnestly * to mortify the passions that * are killing me, and to save my soul. [SD]

From the Menaion. Canon 1.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. O divine Master Builder.

Οὐρανίας ἁψῖδος.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

You made haste to obtain heavenly rewards for yourself. * Hence you followed after the One who called you and left behind * the darkness and the error of your forebears, becoming * a light by the Holy Spirit, O godly-minded one. [SD]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O all-modest Saint Helen, clinging to Christ you had placed * all your hope on Him when you traveled unto the Holy Lands, * where the supremely good Master, becoming incarnate, * suffered His immaculate Passion to save the world. [SD]

Glory.

All aflame with divine love, O woman blessed of God, * you unearthed the wood of the precious Cross of our Savior Christ, * the hope of Christians all, the saving weapon and trophy * that cannot be broken, that through envy was concealed. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

I have fallen, O Pure one, from a divine way of life, * and I have become like the cattle. And therefore I am now * condemned in every way. But you the just Judge’s mother, * save me and deliver me from condemnation all. [SD]

Ode 3: Katavasia

Ode iii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

By itself the prayer of the Prophetess Anna * broke the fetters of her womb that made her childless, * and the harsh derision of the one with many children, * of old when she brought a broken spirit * to the God of knowledge and only Sovereign. [SD]

Ode 3: Short Litany

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To you, O Lord.

PRIEST

For you are our God and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

From Menaion - - -

READER

Kontakion.

Mode 3. On this day.

Ἡ Παρθένος σήμερον.

On this day does Constantine along with Helen his mother * show the holy Cross, that tree worthy of all veneration. * Raised on high, it is a shame for all the Judeans, * but a shield against the enemy for faithful rulers; * and for us it has been shown forth to be a great sign, * inspiring awe in war. [SD]

Oikos.

O believers, let us honor Constantine and Helen his mother; for, hearing the words of the Prophet, they recognized in the cedar, the pine and the cypress, the tri-composite Cross, by which the saving Passion came to pass. And they roused all the Jews, to be prepared to display before the people the great justification, hidden because of their hatred and jealousy. And when they found the Cross, they put it on display. Therefore, they were revealed to all as victors, bearing the unassailable shield, a great sign, inspiring awe in war. [SD]

CHOIR

Kathisma.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the Wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

When you lifted your senses toward the heights * and you studied the beauty of all the stars, * by them you were introduced to the Lord of the universe. * For the shield of the Cross shone resplendently in their midst; * there inscribed was the message, “In this be victorious.” * Therefore as the vision of your soul was awakened, * you read what was spelled out there, and you learned what you ought to do. * All-august St. Constantine, * intercede with Christ our God, * that He grant forgiveness of offenses * to us who celebrate your holy memory with faith and love. [SD]

Glory. Both now. For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 4. By conceiving the Wisdom.

Τὴν Σοφίαν καὶ Λόγον.

Mounted on the clouds of heaven, leaving behind your peace to those on earth, you went up and sat down on the Father’s right hand, as consubstantial with him and the Holy Spirit; for you appeared in the flesh, yet remained unchanged; therefore you await the final consummation, when you are coming on earth to judge the whole world. O Lord, just judge, spare our souls and grant forgiveness of offences, as God who has mercy on your servants. [Lash]

Ode iv.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon 1 of the Feast.

Ode iv. Mode pl. 1. Heirmos.

Εἰσακήκοα τὴν ἀκοήν.

I have heard the report about the power of Your Cross, * that the Garden of Eden was opened by it, O Christ, * and I cried aloud: * Glory to Your strength, O Lord my God. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

You were taken up in glory, King of the Angels, to send us the Advocate from the Father. And so we cry out: Glory, O Christ, to your Assumption! [Lash]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

As the Saviour had ascended to the Father with his flesh, the hosts of Angels were struck with amazement, and cried out: Glory, O Christ, to your Assumption! [Lash]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

The Virgin gave birth, and did not know a mother’s pangs; but Mother she is, while Virgin she remained. Singing her praise we cry: Hail, Mother of God! [Lash]

From the Pentecostarion. Canon 2.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 4. He who sits in holy glory.

Ὁ καθήμενος ἐν δόξῃ.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Jesus the Giver of life, taking those he loved, ascended the mount of Olives and blessed them and, riding on a cloud, he came to the Father’s bosom, which he had never left. [Lash]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The whole world, visible and invisible, keeps the feast with gladness; Angels and humans leap for joy as they glorify without ceasing the Assumption of the One who by his goodness was united to us in the flesh. [Lash]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Having abolished the might of death as immortal Lord, you granted immortality to all, O Lover of humankind, and you were taken up in glory, as your revered Disciples watched you, Jesu all-powerful. [Lash]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Blessed has your womb become, All-blameless Lady, for you were found worthy to contain beyond explanation the One who marvellously emptied the belly of Hell. Implore him to save us who sing your praise. [Lash]

From the Menaion. Canon 1.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (I have heard.)

Εἰσακήκοα Κύριε.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Constantine, Christ the Lord caught you in his net from heaven, like He did Paul of old, and He taught you to worship Him as the only King. [SD]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

Christ the Sun, using stars, shined a very bright sign on you, O blessed Saint, and He made of you a luminary for those who were in darkness. [SD]

Glory.

O blessed Helen, you were God-loving in manner and admirable in your godly deeds. Therefore we faithfully glorify you. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Ever-virgin, who gave birth to the Sun of Righteousness, shine light into my soul, for my transgressions have darkened it. [SD]

Ode 4: Katavasia

Ode iv. Katavasia. Mode 4.

Monarch of monarchs, the only from the only, * Logos who came forth from the uncaused Father, * as Benefactor You sent out Your unerring, * equipotent Spirit unto the Apostles, * as they sing, Glory be unto Your might, O Lord. [SD]

Ode v.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon 1 of the Feast.

Ode v. Mode pl. 1. Heirmos.

Ὀρθρίζοντες βοῶμέν σοιε.

Arising very early, we cry aloud to You, O Lord. * Save us, for You are our God. * We know no other, except for You. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

When you had filled the universe with gladness, merciful Lord, you took your place with your flesh among the powers on high. [Lash]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The angelic powers, as they saw you being lifted up, cried out: Lift up the gates for our King! [Lash]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Mother of God, we praise you as Virgin after childbirth; for you bore for the world God the Word in flesh. [Lash]

From the Pentecostarion. Canon 2.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 4. Amazed was the universe.

Ἐξέστη τὰ σύμπαντα.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

When you had slain death by your death, Lord, you took those whom you loved and ascended the holy mount of Olives, and from there you hastened back to your Begetter, O Christ, riding on a cloud. [Lash]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Strange was your Birth, strange your Resurrection, strange and fearful your divine Assumption from the mount, O Giver of life, of which Elias was an icon when he went up in a four-horse chariot, singing your praise, O Lover of humankind. [Lash]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Angels spoke to the Apostles as they watched: Men of Galilee, why are you amazed at the Assumption of Christ the Giver of life? He will come again to earth to judge the whole world, as most just Judge. [Lash]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Now Christ is ascending to His Father whom He never left, * even when from you, O Theotokos, * He was incarnate with soul and intellect, * and kept your virginity intact, * even after childbirth, in His mercy ineffable. [SDSD]

From the Menaion. Canon 1.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (We rise at early morn.)

Ὀρθρίζοντες βοῶμέν σοι.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O divinely wise Emperor, you woke up to the never-setting Sun and Master, and you were filled with light. [SD]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Helen, with love and perfect sympathy as as garment of royal purple, you are dwelling in the royal courts on high. [SD]

Glory.

O Helen, you served God by your virtuous deeds. Now you join the choirs of the bodiless hosts. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, purify my soul, for it is defiled by the pleasures of the body, through the spite of the serpent. [SD]

Ode 5: Katavasia

Ode v. Katavasia. Mode 4.

Receive now the fire-breathing dew of the Spirit, * redemptive purgation of all your offences, * O children of the Church having been illumined; * for now a law has gone forth out of Zion, * namely the tongued and fiery grace of the Spirit. [SD]

Ode vi.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon 1 of the Feast.

Ode vi. Mode pl. 1. Heirmos.

Ἐκύκλωσέ με ἄβυσσος.

The deep abyss encompassed me; the great fish became like a tomb for me. * But I cried aloud to You, benevolent Lord my God. * Then with Your right hand, You raised me and delivered me. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

On seeing the Creator lifted up on high today, the Apostles leaped for joy in hope of the Spirit, and in fear they cried: Glory to your ascent! [Lash]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Angels came and cried out, O Christ, to your Disciples: In the way that you have seen Christ going up, he will come in the flesh as just Judge of all. [Lash]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

As Bush unburned, mountain, living ladder and heavenly gate, fittingly we glorify you, glorious Mary, boast of the orthodox. [Lash]

From the Pentecostarion. Canon 2.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 4. O godly-minded believers.

Τὴν θείαν ταύτην.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Let the clouds rain down for us eternal gladness from above; for Christ, riding on a cloud as on the Cherubim, today ascends to his Father. [Lash]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Appearing in the likeness of flesh, you brought together in one things that were formerly separated, O Lover of humankind; and as your Disciples watched you, O Merciful, you were taken up to the heavenly places. [Lash]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Why are the garments red of the One who was united to the solidity of flesh? said the holy Angels, as they saw Christ bearing the divine marks of his precious passion. [Lash]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Pure Maiden, we hymn your conceiving, we hymn your ineffable giving birth, through which we have been delivered from the destruction, the wickedness and the gloomy incarceration of Hell. [Lash]

From the Menaion. Canon 1.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. I pour out my supplication.

Τὴν δέησιν ἐκχεῶ.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Constantine, * you assembled the blessed * congregation of the God-bearing fathers, * in an extraordinary Council; and through them * you gave support to the wavering hearts of all, * that they should glorify the Word, * who is one with His Father in honor and rule. [GOASD]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Helen, * once you believed in the living * Lord of all, who gives existence to all things, * you put away former pagan traditions * and the contemptible idols that profit not * but rather deaden; and instead * you accepted the heavenly kingdom with joy. [GOASD]

Glory.

O Logos, * the pious sainted emperors, * being governed by Your hand, had departed * from the confusion of pagan religion * and from the absolute darkness of ignorance. * Through You they ruled, and they were led * to the haven of Orthodoxy joyfully. [GOASD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Maiden, * heal my heart, which is wounded * by the devil’s poison sting and is ailing * and is incurable, all-holy Virgin. * Give me the cure that you have, O immaculate one. * And save me, who rely on you, * by your prayers to your Son on behalf of all. [GOASD]

Ode 6: Katavasia

Ode vi. Katavasia. Mode 4.

Master Christ, as expiation and salvation, * unto us You shone forth from the holy Virgin, * so as to snatch from corruption the entire * fallen race of Adam, as once You did Jonah * the Prophet of old from the chest of the sea beast. [SD]

Ode 6: Short Litany

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To you, O Lord.

PRIEST

For you are the King of peace and the Saviour of our souls, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

READER

Kontakion.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode pl. 2. Automelon.

When You had fulfilled the dispensation for our sake, * and united things on earth with the things in heaven, * You were taken up thither in glory, O Christ our God, * going not away from any place, * but continuing inseparable, * and to them that love You crying out: * “I am with you, and there is, therefore, none against you.” [SD]

Oikos.

Leaving things of earth upon the earth; consigning things of ash unto the mound; come, let us rouse ourselves, lift up eyes and thoughts, and to the heights ascend. Let our faces and our senses, mortals, likewise look to heaven’s gates. Imagine us upon the mount called Olivet to gaze upon the Redeemer riding on a cloud. From there, the Lord went straightaway to the heavens. There, the Liberal One distributes gifts to His Apostles: as a father calling them, confirming them; directing them as sons; saying to them, “I do not part from you. I am with you, and there is, therefore, none against you.” [GKD]

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Stand for the reading of the Synaxarion.

Synaxarion

From the Menaion.

On May 21 we commemorate the holy, glorious, God-crowned and great Sovereigns Constantine and Helen, the Equals to the Apostles.

The holy Neo-martyr Pachomios, who witnessed in Ousaki, Philadelphia, died by the sword.

From the Pentecostarion.

On this day, Thursday of the sixth week of Pascha, we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Verses

O Word, You sat at the right of the Father,

Having granted initiates faith that is surer.

Christ our God, taken up in glory, have mercy on us. Amen.

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CHOIR

Ode vii.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon 1 of the Feast.

Ode vii. Mode pl. 1. Heirmos.

Ὁ ἐν καμίνῳ πυρός.

Inside the furnace You saved the three young men who sang Your praises. * You are the God of our fathers, Lord, and blessed are You. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

You were taken up on a cloud of light and saved the world; blessed are you the God of our fathers. [Lash]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Lifting up on your shoulders the nature which had been led astray, O Christ, you were taken up and brought it to God the Father. [Lash]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

You were born from a Virgin, whom you made Mother of God; blessed are you the God of our fathers. [Lash]

From the Pentecostarion. Canon 2.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 4. Godly-minded three.

Οὐκ ἐλάτρευσαν.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

A cloud of light received you, Lord, who are light, as you were being taken up beyond understanding from earth; and heavenly multitudes with the Apostles praised you, saying, 'O God, blessed are you'. [Lash]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Let us all gladly clap our hands at Christ’s Assumption, and let us shout with joy, 'The Lord has gone up with the sound of the trumpet and, as equal in majesty with the Father, taken his seat on his right hand to the ages’. [Lash]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Great Moses of old chanted and cried out: Let the Angels of heaven worship Christ as he ascends as King of all. To him we cry, 'Lord and God of our Fathers, blessed are you'. [Lash]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

O marvellous wonders! How did you, O full of God’s grace, contain the uncontainable God, who made himself poor according to the flesh, and today with great glory has been taken up to heavenly places and given life to humankind. [Lash]

From the Menaion. Canon 1.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (Servants, descendants.)

Παῖδες Ἑβραίων.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O Lord, Constantine kept Your commandments and submitted to Your law. Thus he brought down the armies of those who rejected Your law, and he cried to You: Blessed are You, O God. [SD]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O praiseworthy Helen, you uncovered for us the Wood, which drew humanity out of the pit of perdition. It had been buried through envy, and now it buries the destructive demons, unto the ages. [SD]

Glory.

O Helen, with godly deeds you constructed your heart to be a temple of God. You also erected sacred churces for Him, on the sites where He physically endured His immaculate Passion for us. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O all-holy Theotokos, I willfully sin, and I am enslaved to vile habits. Now I run to your habitual sympathy. Save me, for I am desparate. [SD]

Ode 7: Katavasia

Ode vii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

The combined sound of the instruments demanded * everyone to worship the gold, lifeless image. * But the Holy Spirit's grace, which is light-bearing, * incites to shout with awe, "Only equipotent, * unoriginate Trinity, You are blessed." [SD]

Ode viii.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon 1 of the Feast.

Ode viii. Mode pl. 1. Heirmos.

Τὸν ἐκ Πατρὸς πρὸ αἰώνων.

Before the ages begotten from the Father, He is Son and God. * He was incarnate and born of a Virgin Mother in latter times. * Praise Him, priests and people, exalt Him beyond measure, unto all the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Christ, the giver of life, who rose in his two natures with glory to heaven and is now seated with the Father, you priests praise, you people highly exalt to all the ages. [Lash]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Saviour, who redeemed creation from the slavery of idols and set it free before your own Father, we praise you and highly exalt you to all the ages. [Lash]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

You were revealed, pure Mother of God, as higher than the Cherubim, for you carried in your womb the One who rides upon them; whom with the bodiless powers we mortals glorify to all the ages. [Lash]

From the Pentecostarion. Canon 2.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 4. Guiltless were those Servants.

Παῖδας εὐαγεῖς.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The Intelligences appeared to the Apostles at the Assumption and said, 'Why do you stand gazing and amazed? He who is ascending into heaven will also come again to judge humankind on earth, for he alone is judge'. [Lash]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Let us give majesty to God; let us cry aloud with one accord; let us sing; let us dance and let us clap our hands. Our God has gone up from earth to heaven, as Angels and Archangels sing his praise as Master and Maker of all things. [Lash]

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Our nature, which of old had fallen, has been raised above the Angels and beyond understanding established on God’s throne. Come, let us keep festival and let us cry out, 'You his works, praise the Lord, and highly exalt him to all the ages’. [Lash]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

See, Mother of God, your Son, having despoiled death by his Cross, rose on the third day, and having shown himself to his Disciples he has hastened to the heavenly places; as we worship you with him, we give praise and glory to all the ages. [Lash]

From the Menaion. Canon 1.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. N/M (The tyrant king.)

Ἑπταπλασίως κάμινον.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O glorious Constantine, you clothed yourself in graciousness as in royal purple, and in good compassion as in a mantle. You were crowned with a mind perfected in the virtue. And thus you were translated from earth to the royal courts on high, where now you sing: O priests, bless Christ; O people, highly exalt Him, unto the ages. [SD]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

O glorious Helen, as we see you rejoicing with your godly-minded son in the royal courts of God, we magnify Christ, who has shown us your august feast, which guides us to the light with rays brighter than the sun, as we faithfully sing: O people, highly exalt Christ, unto the ages. [SD]

Glory.

O glorious Helen, the boast of women! How marvelous was your longing! How inspired was your manner! When you arrived at the places that hosted the august Passion of the Master of all, you adorned them with beautiful churches, and you sang: O people, highly exalt Christ, unto the ages. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Theotokos, the eyes of my soul have become blind because of my many transgressions. I pray you, restore their sight. And give peace to my mind, and to my heart, which is agitated by various pleasures. And save me who am singing now: O priests, bless Christ; O people, highly exalt Him, unto the ages. [SD]

Ode 8: Katavasia

Ode viii. Katavasia. Mode 4.

We praise and we bless and we worship the Lord.

Once the triple radiant type of the Godhead * loosed the bonds and bedewed the flame in the furnace. * The three young men then sang praises; and together * with all created nature they blessed the only * Savior and Maker of all as Benefactor. [SD]

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Stand for the singing of Ode ix.

DEACON

Let us honor and magnify in song the Theotokos and the Mother of the light.

CHOIR

Ode ix.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Canon 1 of the Feast.

Ode ix. Mode pl. 1. Heirmos.

Σὲ τὴν ὑπὲρ νοῦν.

You, transcending mind and reason are Mother of God; * you gave birth to the timeless One in time inexpressibly. * We the faithful with one accord magnify you. [SD]

Troparia.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Watching You the world's Redeemer, O Christ our God, * be divinely exalted, the Apostles with reverent awe * did exultantly leap, and You they magnified.

Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

As the Angels saw Your deified flesh in the heights, * they signaled to one another: * This is truly our God. [SD]

Most-holy Theotokos, save us.

Theotokion.

Rejoice, O Theotokos, Mother of Christ our God. * As today you watched the One whom you had borne flying up * from the earth, with the Angels Him you magnified. [SD]

Canon 2 of the Feast.

Ode ix. Mode 4. All you born on earth.

Ἅπας γηγενής.

The Angels beholding the Master's ascension * were filled with great astonishment * at how with glory He was lifted * from the earth into heaven.

Oh, the gifts of God * beyond comprehension! Oh, the awesome mystery! * For the sovereign Lord of all * rising from earth to the heavenly abodes * sent down to His Disciples the all-holy Spirit of God, * who illumined their mind and their intellect, and effectively set them afire with grace. [SD]

The Angels beholding the Master's ascension * were filled with great astonishment * at how with glory He was lifted * from the earth into heaven.

To the sacred band * of holy Disciples did the risen Lord command: * Tarry in Jerusalem * and I shall send you another Comforter, * who shares the Father's throne and is of equal honor with me * whom you see now into heaven taken up, * being carried aloft on a cloud of light. [SD]

The Angels beholding the Master's ascension * were filled with great astonishment * at how with glory He was lifted * from the earth into heaven.

The magnificence * of the One who in flesh became poor clearly was * higher than the heavens raised. * Our fallen nature has now been honored by * its session with the Father. Therefore let us celebrate * and with one voice jubilantly cry aloud, * and with gladness of heart let us clap our hands. [SD]

The Angels beholding the Master's ascension * were filled with great astonishment * at how with glory He was lifted * from the earth into heaven.

Theotokion.

O all-blameless one, * from you rose the Light which manifestly shone from Light * and which has entirely * dispelled the darkness and gloom of godlessness * and led unto the light those who had been asleep in the night. * We all, therefore, as we are obliged to do, * to eternity ever pronounce you blest. [SD]

From the Menaion. Canon 1.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. The heavens were astounded.

Ἐξέστη ἐπὶ τούτῳ.

Saints of God, intercede for us.

The tomb wherein your sacred and precious corpse * lies, O Constantine, surges continually with divine * lightning flashes and the resplendent rays * of cures for every malady unto all who draw near with ardent faith. * It drives away the darkness; * and by its never-setting * luster illumines those who sing your praise. [SD]

Saints of God, intercede for us.

In saintliness you finished your earthly life. * You have now gone to dwell with the other saints, for you abound * with illumination and holiness. * And therefore you continually * overflow with rivers of cures for all. * You wash away the passions, * O blessed Saint Eleni, * and you refresh our souls with holy drink. [SD]

Glory.

Eternally beginningless sovereign King, * You have granted to Saint Helen and to Constantine the Great * kingly rule in heaven, as in the past * You once permitted them to reign * as Orthodox Emperors on the earth, * for they sincerely loved You. * And by their intercessions * on all have mercy, O immortal Lord. [SD]

Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin, you conceived the immortal King * and Creator of all, and gave birth to Him. And now behold, * you stand at His right hand, even as Queen * such as you are. And therefore, O pure one, importunely do I entreat: * Redeem me from the portion * on the left, and include me * among the right-hand sheep on Judgement Day. [SD]

Ode 9: Katavasia

Ode ix. Katavasia. Mode 4.

Queen of all, rejoice! boast of mothers and virgins; * for there is no fluent, no eloquent speaker * whose words have the power worthily to praise you; * and every mind is dazed when on your childbirth it thinks; * hence we glorify you in unison. [SD]

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To you, O Lord.

PRIEST

For all the Powers of heaven praise you and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

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Exaposteilarion. For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2. Automelon.

Τῶν Μαθητῶν ὁρώντων σε.

With the disciples witnessing, You ascended, * O Christ, unto the Father, to sit beside Him. * Angels ran before You and they cried aloud, * Lift up the gates, O lift them up. * Behold the King has ascended * to light-principial glory. [SD]

For the Equals-to-the-Apostles.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 2. Let us in faith.

Τοῖς Μαθηταῖς συνέλθωμεν.

The great and holy Constantine * with his mother St. Helen * did not receive imperial * rule and dominion from men * but by divine grace from heaven. * He is the one who witnessed * the divine trophy of the Cross * shining above, and by it he crushed the foes, * ending the deceptive ruse of the idols; * and he confirmed the Orthodox * faith as a world religion. [SD]

For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2. Automelon.

Τῶν Μαθητῶν ὁρώντων σε.

With the disciples witnessing, You ascended, * O Christ, unto the Father, to sit beside Him. * Angels ran before You and they cried aloud, * Lift up the gates, O lift them up. * Behold the King has ascended * to light-principial glory. [SD]

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Lauds. Mode 1.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars and light.

Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens. Let them praise the Lord’s name.

For He spoke, and they were made; He commanded, and they were created.

He established them forever and unto ages of ages; He set forth His ordinance, and it shall not pass away.

Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all the deeps.

Fire and hail, snow and ice, stormy wind, which perform His word.

Mountains and all the hills, fruitful trees and all cedars.

Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds.

Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all judges of the earth.

Young men and maidens, elders with younger, let them praise the Lord’s name, for His name alone is exalted.

His thanksgiving is in earth and heaven. And He shall exalt the horn of His people.

A hymn for all His saints, for the children of Israel, a people who draw near to Him.

Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of His holy ones.

Let Israel be glad in Him who made him, and let the children of Zion greatly rejoice in their King.

Let them praise His name with dance; with tambourine and harp let them sing to Him.

For the Lord is pleased with His people, and He shall exalt the gentle with salvation.

The holy ones shall boast in glory, and they shall greatly rejoice on their beds.

The high praise of God shall be in their mouth and a two-edged sword in their hand.

To deal retribution to the nations, reproving among the peoples.

To shackle their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron.

Stichera for the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 1. For all the powers of heaven.

Τῶν οὐρανίων ταγμάτων.

To fulfill among them the written judgment: this glory have all His holy ones. [SAAS]

Let us on earth join the Angels and celebrate the feast, * crying aloud and singing * to our God, who is seated * on the throne of glory, the thrice-holy hymn, * “Heavenly Father, holy are You; * co-unoriginate Logos, holy are You; * and all-holy Spirit, holy are You.” [SD]

Praise God in His saints; praise Him in the firmament of His power. [SAAS]

As the preeminent Angels perceived Your strange ascent, * they were perplexed, O Savior, * and they asked one another, * “What are we beholding? Human in form * is the one we are seeing here. * He has a body; and yet, look how He ascends * far above the heavens, as our God.” [SD]

Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to the abundance of His greatness. [SAAS]

The men of Galilee, watching as You were taken up * from the Mount of Olives * with Your body, O Logos, * heard the voice of Angels who cried out to them, * saying, “Why do you stand and look? * This Jesus, henceforth incarnate, will come again * in the same way as you saw Him go.” [SD]

For the Equals-to-the-Apostles.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4. What a paradoxal.

Ὢ τοῦ παραδόξου.

Praise Him with the sound of trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. [SAAS]

Full of wisdom, Constantine, rejoice! * The well of Orthodox Faith, * that has watered in every age * the entire universe * with its waters most sweet, rejoice! * Glorious root, out of which has burgeoned forth * the fruit that feeds the entire Church of Christ, * you are the pride and joy * of the fathers; O rejoice! You are the first * of all Christian emperors. * Rejoice, believers’ joy! [SD]

Praise Him with timbrel and dance; praise Him with strings and flute. [SAAS]

He who rules over creation all, * O all-wise Ruler, foresaw * the obedience of your heart, * and through reason captured you * when unreason was ruling you; * and He illumined your thoughts and reasoning * with certain knowledge of Orthodox belief; * glorious Constantine, * to the world He showed you as a shining sun, * radiating brilliant beams * of godly words and deeds. [SD]

Praise Him with resounding cymbals; praise Him with triumphant cymbals; let everything that breathes praise the Lord. [SAAS]

Full of wisdom, Helen, praised by all, when you accepted the Lord’s * saving teachings, like chosen earth * you abundantly produced * many fruits of your virtuous deeds. * And by displaying a holy way of life * for imitation, you thereby feed our minds. * Therefore we celebrate * your divine memorial, O royal Saint, * festively observing it today with heightened joy. [SD]

Glory.

From Menaion - - -

Mode pl. 4.

The King of kings and God, who adorns the worthy with abundant gifts, caught you in His net, through the sign of the Cross, like He did to Paul the glorious, O Constantine. He said to you, “In this sign conquer your enemies.” Thus having sought Him, as did your godly-minded mother, and having found Him for whom you longed, you utterly defeated them. In company with your mother, earnestly pray for Orthodox rulers, and the Christ-loving armed forces, and all of us who loyally observe your memory, entreating our only benevolent Lord, to deliver us from all wrath. [SD]

Both now. For the Feast.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 2.

You were born, as You so willed; You appeared, as You so wished. You suffered in the flesh, O our God; You rose from the dead, after trampling death. You were taken up in glory, You who fill the universe; and You sent us the divine Spirit, that we might extol and glorify Your Divinity. [SD]

Stand for the Great Doxology.

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Great Doxology

Glory be to You who showed the light. Glory in the highest to God. His peace is on earth, His good pleasure in mankind. [SD]

We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, we give thanks to You for Your great glory.

Lord King, heavenly God, Father, Ruler over all; Lord, only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and You, O Holy Spirit.

Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, You who take away the sins of the world.

Accept our supplication, You who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.

For You alone are holy, You alone are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Every day I will bless You, and Your name will I praise to eternity, and to the ages of ages.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, this day, that we be kept without sin.

Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your name to the ages. Amen.

Let Your mercy be on us, O Lord, as we have set our hope on You.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes.

Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.

Lord, I have fled to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God.

For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we shall see light.

Continue Your mercy to those who know You.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Apolytikion.

From Pentecostarion - - -

Mode 4.

You ascended in glory, O Christ our God, after You filled the Disciples with joy, by promising to send them the Holy Spirit, and You blessed them and established their faith, that You are the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world. [SD]

LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Let us pray for pious and Orthodox Christians.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Also we pray for our Archbishop (name).

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Let us pray for our brethren, priests, hieromonks, deacons, and monastics, and all our brotherhood in Christ.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of the sins of all pious and Orthodox Christians living and visiting in this city, the parishioners, the members of the Parish Council and every Ministry of this Parish, and the donors and benefactors of this holy church.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Let us again pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church, and for all our fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters who are asleep here in the Lord and for the Orthodox everywhere.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON