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PASCHA

the Resurrection of our Lord and God and Savior

Jesus Christ

Text prepared by Priest Aleksey Paranyuk

For the use at Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church

Little Falls, NJ PASCHA 2020

the Midnight Office (Nocturn)

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Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Reader: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3x)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Your Name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. (3x) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever

and unto ages of ages. Amen. Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom

come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Reader: Amen.

Come, let us worship God our King. Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God. Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and

our God. Psalm 51 (50 LXX)

Have mercy on me, O God, in Your great mercy, and in the abundance of Your compassions blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness,


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and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You alone have I sinned, and done evil before You, so that You are justified in Your words and victorious in Your judgment. For, behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sin my mother gave birth to me. For, behold, You love truth, You revealed to me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom. Sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, let the bones that You have humbled rejoice. Turn Your face away 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 establish me with Your guiding Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You. Rescue me from bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will rejoice at Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise, for if You had desired sacrifice, I would have given it, You will not take pleasure in whole burnt offerings. The sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise.


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Do good, O Lord, to Zion, in Your good pleasure, and let the walls of Jerusalem be rebuilt. Then You will be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole-burnt offerings, then bulls will be offered on Your altar.

the Canon Ode 1

Irmos: Of old You buried the pursuing tyrant beneath the waves of the sea. Now the children of those who were saved bury You beneath the earth. But like the maidens, let us sing to the Lord, for gloriously has He been glorified. Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

To You I sing a hymn for the departed and a song of burial, O Lord my God, for by Your burial You have opened for me the entrance to life, and by Your death You have put death and hell to death. Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Beholding You upon the throne on high and in the grave below, the things of heaven and the things beneath the earth trembled at Your death, for in a manner past understanding You, the very Source of Life, were seen dead. Refrain: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

You descended to the depths of the earth to fill everyone with Your glory, for my person that is in Adam was not hidden from You, and when You were buried, You renewed me who am corrupt, O Lover of mankind.

Ode 3 Irmos: You suspended the earth immovably upon the waters. Now creation beholds You suspended on Golgotha. It quakes with great amazement and cries, “None is Holy but You, O Lord.” Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

By a multitude of visions You indicated the signs of Your burial, O Master. But now, as God and Man, You make clear Your hidden things even to those in hell, who cry, “None is Holy but You, O Lord.”


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Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You. You have stretched out Your hands, O Savior, and united what before

had been divided. And by clothing Yourself in a shroud, You have saved even those held captive by the tomb who cry, “None is Holy but You, O Lord.” Refrain: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

By Your will a sealed tomb contained You, Who cannot be contained, for by Your divine accomplishments, You have made known Your power to those who sing, “None is Holy but You, O Lord, Who love mankind.”

Kathisma Hymn The soldiers guarding Your tomb, O Savior, became as dead men at the lightening flash of the angel who appeared announcing Your resurrection to the women. We glorify You, Who cleanse from corruption. We fall down before You, Who rose from the tomb, our only God.

Ode 4 Irmos: Foreseeing Your divine humiliation on the Cross, Habakkuk cried out trembling, “You shattered the dominion of the mighty by joining those in hell as the almighty Lord.” Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

You have sanctified this, the seventh day, which of old You blessed by rest from work, for You bring all things into being and renew them, O my Savior, while resting and reviving on the Sabbath. Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

By the overwhelming strength of Your divine nature You won the victory, O Word, for Your soul was parted from the flesh, separating by Your power the bonds of hell and death. Refrain: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

When hell encountered You, O Word, it was embittered. Seeing You as a mortal man deified, marked with wounds yet having almighty power, it


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cried out at Your great appearance. Ode 5

Irmos: Isaiah saw the never-setting light of Your compassionate manifestation to us as God, O Christ. Rising early from the night, he cried out, “The dead will arise. Those in the tombs will awake. All those on earth will greatly rejoice.” Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

When You became earthly, O Creator, You renewed those born on earth, and the shroud and the grave revealed the mystery concerning You, O Word, for Joseph the noble counsellor, fulfills the counsel of Him Who begot You and Who wondrously renews me in You. Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Through death You transform what is mortal, and through burial You transform what is corruptible, for in a manner befitting God, You make incorrupt and immortal the nature which You have assumed, since Your flesh did not see corruption and in a wondrous manner Your soul was not abandoned in hell. Refrain: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

You came out from a painless birth, O my Maker, and Your side was pierced. By this You, the new Adam, have accomplished the restoration of Eve. You fell into a sleep surpassing nature and renewing nature, and, as the most powerful One, You raised up life from sleep and corruption.

Ode 6 Irmos: Jonah was caught but not held fast in the belly of the whale. He was a sign of You, for You suffered and accepted burial. Coming out from the beast as from a bridal chamber, he called out to the guard, “By observing vanities and lies, you have forsaken your own mercy.” Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

You were killed, O Word, but not separated from the flesh which You share with us, for even though the temple of Your body was destroyed at the time of the Passion, the person of Your divinity and of Your flesh was one, for in both You remain one Son, Word of God, God and man.


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Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You. The fall of Adam resulted in the death of man, not God, for even though

the earthly substance of Your flesh suffered, Your divinity remained passionless. In Yourself You have transformed the corruptible to incorruption, and by Your resurrection You have revealed a fountain of incorruptible life. Refrain: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Hell rules the race of mortal people, but not eternally, for when You were placed in the grave, O powerful One, You tore apart the bars of death by Your life-giving hand and proclaimed true deliverance to those sleeping there from the ages, since You, O Savior, have become the first-born of the dead.

Kontakion He Who shut in the depths is beheld dead, wrapped in fine linen and spices. The immortal One is laid in a tomb as a mortal man. The women have come to anoint Him with myrrh, weeping bitterly and crying, “This is the most blessed Sabbath on which Christ has fallen asleep to rise on the third day.”

Ikos He, Who holds all things together, has been lifted up upon the Cross, and all of creation weeps at seeing Him hanging, naked, upon the Wood. The sun hid its rays and the stars cast aside their splendor. The earth shook with great fear, the sea fled, and the rocks were split apart. Many tombs were opened, and the bodies of holy people arose. Hell groaned below and the Israelites considered how to slander the resurrection of Christ, but the women cried, “This is the most blessed Sabbath on which Christ has fallen asleep to rise on the third day.”

Ode 7 Irmos: Inexpressible wonder. In the furnace You saved the holy Youths


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from the flame. Now You are placed in the grave as a lifeless corpse, for the salvation of us who sing, “Blessed are You, O God, our Redeemer.” Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Hell was wounded in heart when it received Him Whose side was pierced by a spear, and it groans, consumed by divine fire, for the salvation of us who sing, “Blessed are You, O God, our Redeemer.” Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

Happy is the tomb. For having received the Creator as one asleep, it became a divine treasury of life, for the salvation of us who sing, “Blessed are You, O God, our Redeemer.” Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

In accordance with the law of the dead, the Life of all accepts burial in the tomb, and the tomb becomes the source of resurrection, for the salvation of us who sing, “Blessed are You, O God, our Redeemer.” Refrain: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

In hell, in the tomb, and in Eden, the divinity of Christ was one and undivided with the Father and the Spirit, for the salvation of us who sing, “Blessed are You, O God, our Redeemer.” The curtain and the holy doors are opened, the priest censes around the Shroud three

times, and at the singing of the Katavasia of Ode 9, at the words, “For I will arise…,” the priest lifts the Shroud and carries it into the altar through the holy

doors and places it on the altar table.

Ode 8 Irmos: Be amazed, O heavens. Be shaken, O foundations of the earth. Behold, He Who dwells in the highest is numbered among the dead and sheltered in a lowly tomb. Bless Him, O youths. Praise Him, O priests. O people, exalt Him above all forever. Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The pure Temple has been destroyed, yet He raises with Himself the tabernacle that had fallen. For the second Adam, Who dwells in the highest,


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has descended to the first Adam, even to the lowest chambers of hell. Bless Him, O youths. Praise Him, O priests. O people, exalt Him above all forever. Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

The courage of all the disciples failed, but Joseph of Arimathea showed boldness, for seeing the God of all dead and naked, he sought Him and dressed Him for burial, crying, “Bless Him, O youths. Praise Him, O priests. O people, exalt Him above all forever.” Refrain: Let us bless the Lord: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

What new wonders. What great goodness. What inexpressible patience. For He Who dwells in the highest is willingly sealed beneath the earth, and God is slandered as a deceiver. Bless Him, O youths. Praise Him, O priests. O people, exalt Him above all forever. Refrain: We praise, we bless, and we worship the Lord, singing and exalting Him forever.

Ode 9 Irmos: Do not lament Me, O Mother, seeing Me in the tomb, the Son conceived in the womb without seed. For I will arise and be glorified with eternal glory as God. I will exalt all who magnify you in faith and in love. Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

“I escaped sufferings and was blessed beyond nature at Your strange birth, O Son without beginning. But now, beholding You, My God, dead and without breath, I am deeply pierced by the sword of sorrow. But arise, that I may be magnified.” Refrain: Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

“By My own will, the earth covers Me, O Mother, but the gatekeepers of hell tremble at seeing Me clothed in the blood-stained garments of vengeance. For when I have vanquished My enemies on the Cross, I will arise as God and magnify you.” Refrain: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

“Let creation rejoice. Let all born on earth be glad. For hateful hell has been despoiled. Let the women with myrrh come to meet Me, for I am


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redeeming Adam and Eve and all their descendants, and on the third day I will arise!” Katavasia: Do not lament Me, O Mother, seeing Me in the tomb, the Son conceived in the womb without seed. For I will arise and be glorified with eternal glory as God. I will exalt all who magnify you in faith and in love.

The holy doors and the curtain are now closed. Reader: Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Reader: Amen.

Resurrectional Troparion When You descended to death, O Life immortal, You slayed hell with the splendor of Your Divinity. And when from the depths You raised the dead, all the powers of heaven cried out, “O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory to You.”

the Litany Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, in Your great goodness, we pray You, hear us and have mercy. Singers: Lord, have mercy. (3x)

Again we pray that the Lord our God will keep this city, and this holy church, and every city and countryside from wrath, famine, palgue, earthquake, flood, fire, the sword, foreign invasion, from civil war, and from sudden death. That our good and loving God may be gracious, favorable and conciliatory, and turn away and dispel all the wrath stirred up against us, and all sickness, and may deliver us from His righteous chastisement which


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impends against us and have mercy on us. Singers: Lord, have mercy. (3x) Priest: Hear us, O God our Savior, the Hope of all the ends of the earth, and of those far off upon the sea, and be merciful, be merciful, O Master, to us sinners and have mercy on us. For You are a merciful God and love mankind, and to You we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

the Dismissal Priest: Glory to You, O Christ, our God and our hope, glory to You. Singers: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (3x) Father, bless.

Priest: May Christ our true God, by the prayers of His most pure Mother, by the prayers of our venerable and God-bearing fathers and mothers, and by the prayers of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind. Singers: Amen.

At this point, all the lights in the church are extinguished.

the Matins of Pascha

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The priest lights the candles in the altar, opens the curtain and the holy doors. The priest exits the altar and proclaims:

Priest: Come, take light from the Light that never fades. Come, glorify Christ, Who is risen from the dead.

the Procession

Then, the priest takes the Paschal three-branched candlestick and the censer, and

censes the altar, while the choir begins singing three times:

our resurrection, O Christ our Savior, the angles in heaven sing. Enable us on earth to glorify You in purity of heart.

оскресен́ие Твое,́ Христе́ Спа́се, а́нгели пою́т на небесех́, и нас на земли́ сподо́би чи́стым сер́дцем Тебе́ сла́вити.

At the conclusion of the Procession, the priest gives the opening exclamation of

Matins: Priest: Glory to the holy, consubstantial, life-giving, and undivided Trinity, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen. Priest: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (3x)

Христо́с воскрес́е из мер́твых, сме́ртию смерть попра́в и су́щим во гробех́ живо́т дарова́в.

Y В


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People: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (3x)

Христо́с воскрес́е из мер́твых, сме́ртию смерть попра́в и су́щим во гробех́ живо́т дарова́в. Priest: Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered. Let those who hate Him flee from before His face. Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (1x) Priest: As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish, as wax melts before the fire. Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (1x) Priest: So sinners will perish before the face of God, but let the righteous be glad. Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (1x) Priest: This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (1x) Priest: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (1x) Priest: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death… People: …and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.


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And blessing the people: Priest: Christ is risen! (3x) People: Indeed He is risen! (3x)

the Canon of Pascha

Ode 1 Irmos: (Priest): This is the day of resurrection. (Singers): Let us be illumined be illumined, O people. Pascha, the Pascha of the Lord. For from death to life and from earth to heaven has Christ our God led us, as we sing the song of victory. Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Let us purify our senses and we will see Christ shining in the unapproachable light of His resurrection. We will clearly hear Him say, “Rejoice,” as we sing the song of victory. Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the whole world, visible and invisible, keep the feast. For Christ is risen, our eternal joy.

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon

those in the tombs bestowing life! (3x)

the Little Litany Priest: Again and again in peace, let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us surrender ourselves, each other, and all our life unto Christ our God. Singers: To You, O Lord. Priest: For Yours is the majesty, and Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever


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and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

Ode 3 Irmos: (Priest): Come let us drink, (Singers): not miraculous water drawn from a barren stone, but a new vintage from the fount of incorruption, springing from the tomb of Christ. In Him we are established. Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Now all is filled with light: heaven and earth and the lower regions. Let all creation celebrate the rising of Christ. In Him we are established. Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Yesterday I was buried with You, O Christ. Today I arise with You in Your resurrection. Yesterday I was crucified with Your. Glorify me with You, O Savior, in Your Kingdom.

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life! (3x)



Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us surrender ourselves, each other, and all our life unto Christ our God. Singers: To You, O Lord. Priest: For You are our God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and every and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

the Hypakoe of Pascha Before the dawn, Mary and the women came and found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They heard the angelic voice, “Why do you seek among the dead as a man the One Who is everlasting Light? Behold the clothes in


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the grave. Go and proclaim to the world: The Lord is risen. He has slain death, as He is the Son of God, saving the race of men.”

Ode 4 Irmos: (Priest): The inspired prophet Habakkuk (Singers): now stands with us in holy vigil. He is like a shining angel who cries with a piercing voice, “Today salvation has come to the world, for Christ is risen as all-powerful.” Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Christ our Pascha has appeared as a male Child, the Son that opens a virgin womb. He is called the Lamb as one destined to be our food, unblemished for He has not tasted of defilement, and perfect for He is our true God. Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Christ, the Crown with which we are blessed, has appeared as a yearling Lamb. Freely He has given Himself as our cleansing Paschal Sacrifice. From the tomb He has shone forth once again, our radiant Sun of Righteousness. Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

David, the ancestor of God, leaped and danced before the ark which prefigured You. Now let us, the holy people of God, seeing the fulfillment of all figures, rejoice in piety, for Christ is risen as all-powerful.




Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us surrender ourselves, each other, and all our life unto Christ our God. Singers: To You, O Lord.


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Priest: For You are a good God and love mankind, and to You we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and every and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

Ode 5 Irmos: (Priest): Let us arise at the rising of the sun (Singers): and bring to the Master a hymn instead of myrrh, and we shall see Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, Who causes life to dawn for all. Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

The souls bound in the chains of hell, O Christ, seeing Your compassion without measure, pressed onward to the Light with joyful steps, praising the eternal Pascha. Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Let us go with lamps in hand to meet Christ, Who comes from the tomb like a Bridegroom. And with the festive ranks of angels, let us celebrate the saving Pascha of God.




Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us surrender ourselves, each other, and all our life unto Christ our God. Singers: To You, O Lord. Priest: For sanctified and glorified is Your most honorable and majestic Name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and every and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.


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Ode 6 Irmos: (Priest): You descended, O Christ, (Singers): to the depths of the earth. You broke the everlasting bars which had held death’s captives, and like Jonah from the whale on the third day, You arose from the grave. Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

You arose, O Christ, and yet the tomb remained sealed, as at Your birth the Virgin’s womb remained unharmed. And You have opened for us the gates of Paradise. Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

O my Savior, as God You brought Yourself freely to the Father, a Victim living and unsacrificed, resurrecting Adam, the father of us all, when You arose from the grave.




Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us surrender ourselves, each other, and all our life unto Christ our God. Singers: To You, O Lord. Priest: For You are the King of peace and the Savior of our souls, and to You we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and every and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

Kontakion You descended into the tomb, O Immortal, You destroyed the power of death. In victory You arose, O Christ God,


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Proclaiming, “Rejoice!” to the myrrh-bearing women, granting peace to Your apostles, and bestowing resurrection on the fallen.

Ikos Before the dawn, the myrrh-bearing women sought, as those who seek the day, their Sun, Who was before the sun yet had descended to the grave, and they cried to each other, “O friends, come let us anoint with spices His Life-bearing yet buried body, the flesh which raised the fallen Adam and now lies in the tomb. Let us assemble and, like the magi, let us hasten and let us worship. Let us bring myrrh as a gift to Him Who is wrapped now, not in swaddling clothes, but in a winding-sheet. Let us lament and cry, “Arise, O Master, and bestow resurrection on the fallen.”

Hymn of the Resurrection Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the Holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless One. We venerate Your Cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Your holy Resurrection. For You are our God, and we know no other than You. We call on Your Name. Come, all you faithful, let us venerate Christ’s holy Resurrection. For behold through the Cross joy has come into all the world. Let us ever bless the Lord, praising His Resurrection. For by enduring the Cross for us, He has destroyed death by death. Jesus has risen from the tomb, as He foretold, granting us eternal life, and great mercy.

Ode 7 Irmos: (Priest): He Who saved the three young men in the furnace (Singers): became incarnate and suffered as a mortal Man. Through His sufferings He clothed what is mortal in the robe of immortality. He alone is blessed and most glorious: the God of our fathers. Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

The godly women hastened to You with myrrh, O Christ. In tears they had sought You as a dead Man, but in joy they worshipped You as the living


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God and proclaimed the mystical Pascha to Your disciples. Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

We celebrate the death of Death and the overthrow of hell, the beginning of another life which is eternal, and in exultation we sing the praises of its source. He alone is blessed and most glorious: the God of our fathers. Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

This is the bright and saving night, sacred and supremely festal. It heralds the radiant day of the resurrection on which the Tieless Light shone out from the tomb for all.




Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us surrender ourselves, each other, and all our life unto Christ our God. Singers: To You, O Lord. Priest: Blessed and glorified is the power of Your Kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and every and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

Ode 8 Irmos: (Priest): This is the chosen and holy day, (Singers): first of sabbaths, king and lord of days, the feast of feasts, holy day of holy days. On this day we bless Christ forevermore. Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Come on this chosen day of the Resurrection, let us partake of the new Fruit of the Vine. Let us share in the divine rejoicing of the Kingdom of Christ, praising Him as God forevermore.


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Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead. Lift up your eyes, O Zion, round about and see. Your children like

divinely shining stars assemble from the North, the South, the East and the West to bless Christ in you forevermore. Refrain: O Most Holy Trinity, our God, glory to You.

Father almighty, Word, and Spirit, one Nature in Three Persons, surpassing essence and divinity. In You have we been baptized, and You we bless forevermore.




Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us surrender ourselves, each other, and all our life unto Christ our God. Singers: To You, O Lord. Priest: For blessed and glorified is Your Kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and every and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

Ode 9 The angel cried to the Lady full of grace, “Rejoice, O pure Virgin. Again I say, Rejoice. Your Son is risen from His three days in the tomb. With Himself He has raised all the dead. Rejoice, all people.”

Shine! Shine! O new Jerusalem! The glory of the Lord has shone on you.


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Exult now and be glad, O Zion. Be radiant, O pure Theotokos, in the resurrection of your Son.

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon




Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us surrender ourselves, each other, and all our life unto Christ our God. Singers: To You, O Lord. Priest: For all the powers of heaven praise You, and to You we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and every and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

the Hymn of Light (Exaposteilarion)

In the flesh You fell asleep as a mortal man, O King and Lord. You rose on the third day, raising Adam from corruption and destroying death: O Pascha of incorruption, the salvation of the world.

the Praises Let every breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord in heaven. Praise Him in the highest. To You, O God, is due a song. Praise Him all you angels of His. Praise Him, all His hosts.


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To You, O God, is due a song. Verse: Praise Him for His mighty deeds, praise Him according to His exceeding greatness.

We praise Your saving suffering, O Christ, and we glorify Your Resurrection.

Verse: Praise Him with trumpet sound, praise Him with lute and harp.

You endured the Cross and destroyed death by raising from the dead. Give peace to our life, O Lord, as the only almighty One.

Verse: Praise Him with timbrel and dance, praise Him with strings and pipe.

You captured hell, O Christ, and resurrected us by Your Resurrection. Enable us to praise and glorify You in purity of heart.

Verse: Praise Him with sounding cymbals, praise Him with loud clashing cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.

We glorify Your divine condescension, and we praise You, O Christ. You were born of a Virgin yet not separated from the Father. You have suffered as a man and voluntarily endured the Cross. You have risen from the tomb, coming as from a bridal chamber to save the world.


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O Lord, glory to You. the Paschal Verses

Verse: Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered.

Today, a sacred Pascha is revealed to us, a new and holy Pascha, a mystical Pascha, a Pascha worthy of veneration, a Pascha which is Christ the Redeemer, a blameless Pascha, a great Pascha, a Pascha of the faithful, a Pascha which has opened to us the gates of Paradise, a Pascha which sanctifies all the faithful.

Verse: As smoke vanishes so let them vanish.

Come from that scene, O women, bearers of glad tidings, and say to Zion, “Receive from us the glad tidings of joy, of Christ’s Resurrection. Exult and be glad, and rejoice, O Jerusalem, seeing Christ the King, Who comes out from the tomb like a bridegroom in procession.”

Verse: So the sinners will perish before the face of God. But let the righteous be glad.

The myrrh-bearing women, at the break of dawn, drew near to the tomb of the Life-giver. There they found an angel sitting upon the stone. He greeted them with these words, “Why do you seek the Living among the dead? Why do you mourn the Incorrupt amid corruption?


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Go, proclaim the glad tidings to His disciples.” Verse: This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Pascha of beauty, the Pascha of the Lord, a Pascha worthy of honor has dawned for us. Pascha! Let us embrace each other joyously. Pascha, ransom from affliction. For today, as from a bridal chamber, Christ has shone forth from the tomb, and filled the women with joy saying, “Proclaim the glad tidings to the Apostles.”

Verse: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

This is the Day of Resurrection. Let us be illumined by the Feast. Let us embrace each other. Let us call brothers even those that hate us, and forgive all by the Resurrection, and so let us cry: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon


the Sermon of Saint John Chrysostom The people stand during the sermon.

Is there anyone who is devout and a lover of God? Come, and receive this bright, this beautiful Feast of feasts!

Is there anyone who is a wise servant? Rejoice, as you enter into the joy of your Lord!

Is there anyone who is weary from fasting? Come, and receive your


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reward! Is there anyone who has labored from the first hour? Accept today your

fair wages! Is there anyone who came after the third hour? Be glad, as you celebrate

the Feast! Is there anyone who came after the sixth hour? Have no doubts, for

nothing is being held back! Is there anyone who delayed until the ninth hour? Come forward,

without any hesitation! Is there anyone who came up only at the eleventh hour? Do not be afraid

because of your lateness – for the honor and generosity of the Lord is unsurpassed.

He accepts the last as well as the first. He gives rest to those who arrive at the eleventh hour, as well as to those who labored from the first.

He is as merciful to the former as He is gracious to the latter. He shows His generosity to the one, and His kindness to the other. He accepts the deed and welcomes the intention.

Therefore, enter all of you into the joy of your Lord! Both first and last – receive the reward; rich and poor – dance and sing together; sober and heedless – honor this day; those who have fasted and those who have not – enjoy the Feast today!

The table is filled, and everyone share in the splendor. The calf is fatted, and no one must go away hungry. Come, one and all, and receive the feast of faith! Come, one and all, and receive the riches of loving-kindness!

No one lament his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed. No one despair over his failings, for forgiveness has sprung up from the grave. No one fear death, for the death of the Savior has set us all free.

By being held in its power He extinguished it, and by descending into Hell, He made Hell captive. He embittered Hell when it tasted His flesh. And in anticipation of this, the prophet Isaiah exclaimed: “Hell was in an uproar, when it encountered You below.” 

Hell was in an uproar, for it was wiped out. Hell was in an uproar, for it was mocked. Hell was in an uproar, for it was vanquished. Hell was in an


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uproar, for it was bound in chains. Hell took a body, and met God face to face. Hell took earth, and came

face to face with Heaven. Hell took what it saw, and was struck down by what it did not see.

O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen! and Hell is overthrown. Christ is risen! and the demons are struck down. Christ is risen! and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen! and life is abundant and free. Christ is risen! and there are no dead left in the tombs!

For Christ, when He was raised from the dead, became the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Then the troparion of Saint John Chrysostom is sung. Grace shining forth from your lips, like a beacon has enlightened the universe. It has shown to the world the riches of poverty. It has revealed to us the heights of humility. Teaching us by your words, O father John Chrysostom, intercede before the Word, Christ our God, to save our souls.

And the Divine Liturgy immediately begins.

Paschal Divine Liturgy

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of Saint John Chrysostom

The Fast ends with the Divine Liturgy, when we participate in the Communion of the

precious Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

LESSED IS THE KINGDOM of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Singers: Amen. Priest: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (3x)

Христо́с воскрес́е из мер́твых, сме́ртию смерть попра́в и су́щим во гробех́ живо́т дарова́в. Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (3x)

Христо́с воскрес́е из мер́твых, сме́ртию смерть попра́в и су́щим во гробех́ живо́т дарова́в. Priest: Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered. Let those who hate Him flee from before His face. Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (1x)

B


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Priest: As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish, as wax melts before the fire. Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (1x) Priest: So sinners will perish before the face of God, but let the righteous be glad. Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (1x) Priest: This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (1x) Priest: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (1x) Priest: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death… Singers: …and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

the Great Litany Priest: In peace, let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.


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Singers: Lord, have mercy. For our Patriarch [name], for our Bishop (or Archbishop or Metropolitan)

[name], for the honorable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

For this country, its president, for all civil authorities, and for the armed forces, let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

For this city, for every city and countryside, and for the faithful dwelling in them, let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

For seasonable weather, for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

For travelers by land, by sea, and by air; for the sick and the suffering; for captives and their salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

That we may be delivered from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.


Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us surrender ourselves, each other, and all our life unto Christ our God. Singers: To You, O Lord. Priest: FOR TO YOU ARE DUE ALL GLORY, honor, and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.


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the First Paschal Antiphon Singers: Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth! Sing of His Name, give glory to His praise! Refrain: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.

Say to God: How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cringe before You! Refrain: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.

Let all the earth worship You and praise You! Let it praise Your Name, O Most High! Refrain: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Refrain: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.

the First Little Litany Priest: Again and again in peace, let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.


Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us surrender ourselves, each other, and all our life unto Christ our God. Singers: To You, O Lord. Priest: FOR YOURS IS THE MIGHT, and Yours is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

the Second Paschal Antiphon Singers: God be bountiful to us and bless us! Show the light of Your face upon us and have mercy on us! Refrain: O Son of God Who arose from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia!


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That we may know Your way upon the earth, and Your salvation among all nations! Refrain: O Son of God Who arose from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia!

Let the people give thanks to You, O God! Let all the people give thanks to You! Refrain: O Son of God Who arose from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia!

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Only-begotten Son and immortal Word of God, for our salvation You willed to be incarnate of the holy Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary, and without change You became man, and were crucified, O Christ our God, trampling down death by death, You are one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: save us.

the Second Little Litany Priest: Again and again in peace, let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.


Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us surrender ourselves, each other, and all our life unto Christ our God. Singers: To You, O Lord. Priest: FOR YOU ARE A GOOD GOD and love mankind, and to You we give glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

the Third Paschal Antiphon Reader: Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered, and let those who hate Him flee from before His face. Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and


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upon those in the tombs bestowing life! Reader: As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish, as wax melts before the fire. Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life! Reader: So the sinners will perish before the face of God, but let the righteous be glad. Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life! Reader: This is the Day which the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

the Small Entrance Entrance verse:

Priest: Wisdom. Stand upright. Bless God in the churches, O you who are of Israel’s fountain! Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!

the Hypakoe of Pascha Before the dawn, Mary and the women came and found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They heard the angelic voice, “Why do you seek among the dead as a man the One Who is everlasting Light? Behold the clothes in the grave. Go and proclaim to the world: The Lord is risen. He has slain death, as He is the Son of God, saving the race of men.”

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion You descended into the tomb, O Immortal,


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You destroyed the power of death. In victory You arose, O Christ God, Proclaiming, “Rejoice!” to the myrrh-bearing women, granting peace to Your apostles, and bestowing resurrection on the fallen.

Trisagion Priest: FOR HOLY ARE YOU, O our God, and to You we give glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

Singers: As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.

Ели́цы во Христа́ крести́стеся, во Христа́ облеко́стеся. Аллилу́иа. As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever

and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Во Христа́ облеко́стеся. Аллилу́иа. As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.

the Epistle Reading Priest: Let us attend. Peace be unto all. Reader: And to your spirit. Priest: Wisdom. Reader: The Prokeimenon in the 8th tone: This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Singers: This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Reader: O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever! Singers: This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!


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Reader: This is the day that the Lord has made! Singers: Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Priest: Wisdom. Reader: The reading from the Acts of the Apostles. Priest: Let us attend.

The lesser censing is made during the Epistle reading. Reader: In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He had chosen. After His suffering He presented Himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the Kingdom of God. While staying with them, He ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This,” he said, “is what you have heard from Me, for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized by the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, is this the time when You will restore the Kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Priest: Peace be to you. Reader: And to your spirit. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, in the 4th tone: You arose and had mercy on Zion. Singers: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Reader: The Lord looked down form heaven and saw all the sons of men. Singers: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

the Gospel Lesson Prayer before the Gospel:

LLUMINE OUR HEARTS, O Master, Who love of mankind, with the pure light of Your divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our mind to the I


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understanding of Your Gospel teachings. Implant also in us the fear of Your blessed commandments, that trampling down all carnal desires, we may enter upon a spiritual manner of living, both thinking and doing what is well-pleasing to You. For You are the illumination of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and to You we give glory, together with Your Father, Who has no beginning, and Your Most Holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Priest: Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be unto all. Singers: And to your spirit. Priest: The reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint John. Singers: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. Priest: Let us attend.

N THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him. And without Him not one thing came into being

that has come into being. In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of all people. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the Light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the Light, but he came to testify to the Light. He was the true Light that enlightens everyone coming into the world. The Light was in the world, and the world came into being through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not accept Him. But to all who received Him, who believed in His Name, He gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen His glory, the glory as of the Only-begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. John testified to Him and cried out, “This was He of Whom I said, ‘He Who comes after me ranks ahead of me because He was before

I


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me.’” From His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The Law indeed was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Singers: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

the Augmented Litany Priest: Let us all say, with all our soul and with all our mind, let us say. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

O Lord almighty, the God of our fathers, we pray You, hear us and have mercy. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

Have mercy on us, O God, in Your great mercy, we pray You, hear us and have mercy. Singers: Lord, have mercy. (3x)

Again we pray for our Patriarch [name], for our Bishop (or Archbishop or Metropolitan) [name], for priests, deacons, and all other clergy, and for all our brethren in Christ. Singers: Lord, have mercy. (3x)

Again we pray for this country, its president, for all civil authorities, and for the armed forces. Singers: Lord, have mercy. (3x)

Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable Orthodox bishops; and for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church; and for all our departed fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, (especially, for the departed servants of God, [names]); and for all Orthodox Christians departed this life before us, who here and everywhere lie asleep in the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy. (3x)

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, and visitation for the servants of God, [names], and for all the parishioners of our community, and for the forgiveness and remission of our sins. Singers: Lord, have mercy. (3x)

Again we pray for those who bring offerings and do good works in this holy and all-venerable temple, for those who labor and those who sing, and for all the people here present, who await Your great and rich mercy.


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Prayer of fervent supplication: LORD OUR GOD, accept this fervent supplication of Your servants, and have mercy on us in the abundance of Your mercy. Send down Your

generous gifts upon us and upon all Your people, who await the rich mercy that comes from You. FOR YOU ARE A MERCIFUL GOD and love mankind, and to You we give glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

the first Litany of the Faithful Priest: Let us, the faithful, again and again in peace pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

Wisdom. First prayer of the faithful:

E THANK YOU, O Lord God of hosts, for You have made us worthy to stand even now before Your holy altar, and to fall down before Your

compassions for our sins and for the errors of the people. Receive our prayer, O God, make us worthy to offer to You prayers and supplications and bloodless sacrifices for all Your people. And enable us, whom You have placed in this Your service, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, blamelessly and without offense, in the pure witness of our conscience, to call upon You at all times and in every place, that hearing us You may be merciful to us in the greatness of Your goodness. FOR TO YOU ARE DUE ALL GLORY, honor, and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

the second Litany of the Faithful Priest: Again and again in peace, let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

Wisdom. Second prayer of the faithful:

GAIN AND OFTENTIMES we fall down before You and ask You, O Lord, Who love mankind, that, looking down upon our petition, You would

O

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cleanse our souls and bodies from all defilement of flesh and spirit, and grant us to stand blameless and without condemnation before Your holy altar. Grant also to those who pray with us, O God, growth in life and faith and spiritual understanding. Grant us always to worship You blamelessly with fear and love, and without condemnation to partake of Your holy Mysteries, and to be accounted worthy of Your heavenly Kingdom. THAT GUARDED ALWAYS by Your power, we may give glory to You, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of age. Singers: Amen.

the Great Entrance The Cherubic hymn is sung three times:

Singers: Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim, and who sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-giving Trinity, now lay aside all earthly cares.

Иже херувимы тайно образующе и животворящей Троице трисвятую песнь припевающе, всякое ныне житейское отложим попечение.

The entrance is made with the usual commemorations.

After the Entrance: Singers: That we may receive the King of all, Who comes invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Яко да Царя всех приимем ангельскими невидимо дориносима чинми. Аллилуиа, аллилуиа, аллилуиа.

the Litany of Supplication Priest: Let us complete our prayer to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For the precious Gifts now offered, let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

Prayer of the Offering:


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LORD GOD ALMIGHTY, You alone are holy and accept the sacrifice of praise from those who call upon You with their whole heart: Accept

also the prayer of us sinners, and bear it to Your holy altar, enabling us to offer to You gifts and spiritual sacrifices for our sins and for the errors of the people. And make us worthy to find grace in Your sight, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to You, and that the good Spirit of Your grace may rest upon us and upon these Gifts here offered, and upon all Your people. THROUGH THE COMPASSIONS of Your Only-begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed, together with Your Most Holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

the Creed Priest: Peace be unto all. Singers: And to your spirit. Priest: Let us love one another, that with one mind we may confess: Singers: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: the Trinity one in essence, and undivided.

Addressing the faithful: Priest: Christ is among us. People: He is and always will be. Priest: The doors. The doors. In wisdom, let us attend. People: I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, True God of True God, begotten, not made, of one essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our

Верую во единаго Бога Отца Вседержителя, Творца небу и земли, видимым же всем и невидимым. И во единаго Господа Иисуса Христа, Сына Божия, Единороднаго, Иже от Отца рожденнаго прежде всех век. Света от Света, Бога истинна от Бога истинна, рожденна, несотворенна, единосущна Отцу, Имже вся быша. Нас ради человек

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salvation came down from Heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He arose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, Whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

и нашего ради спасения сшедшаго с небес и воплотившагося от Духа Свята и Марии Девы и вочеловечшася. Распятаго же за ны при Понтийстем Пилате, и страдавша, и погребенна. И воскресшаго в третий день по Писанием. И возшедшаго на небеса, и седяща одесную Отца. И паки грядущаго со славою судити живым и мертвым, Егоже Царствию не будет конца. И в Духа Святаго, Господа, Животворящаго, Иже от Отца исходящаго, Иже со Отцем и Сыном спокланяема и сславима, глаголавшаго пророки. Во едину Святую, Соборную и Апостольскую Церковь. Исповедую едино крещение во оставление грехов. Чаю воскресения мертвых, и жизни будущаго века. Аминь.

the Anaphora ET US STAND UPRIGHT. Let us stand with fear. Let us attend, that we may offer the holy Oblation in peace.

Singers: A mercy of peace. A sacrifice of praise.

Blessing the faithful: HE GRACE of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Singers: And with your spirit.

L

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Priest: Let us lift up our hearts. Singers: We lift them up to the Lord. Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord. Singers: It is meet and right to worship the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, one in essence, and undivided.

The priest prays: T IS MEET AND RIGHT to hymn You, to bless You, to praise You, to give thanks to You, and to worship You in every place of Your dominion, for

You are God inexpressible, inconceivable, invisible, incomprehensible, existing forever, and forever the same, You and Your Only-begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. You brought us from non-existence into existence, and when we had fallen away You raised us up again, and did not cease to do everything until You had brought us up to heaven, and had granted us Your Kingdom, which is to come. For all these things we give thanks to You, and to Your Only-begotten Son, and to Your Holy Spirit, for all these blessings, both known and unknown, and for all the benefits bestowed upon us, whether manifest or hidden. And we thank You for this Liturgy, which You have been pleased to accept from our hands, even though You are surrounded by thousands of archangels and hosts of angels, by the Cherubim and the Seraphim, six-winged, many-eyed, who fly around on their wings: SINGING THE TRIUMPHANT HYMN, shouting, proclaiming and saying: Singers: Holy, holy, holy, Lord of Sabaoth. Heaven and earth are full of Your glory: Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Priest: With these blessed powers, O Master Who love mankind, we also cry aloud and say: Holy are You and Most Holy, You and Your Only-begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. Holy are You and Most Holy, and magnificent is Your glory, for You have so loved Your world as to give Your Only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. When He had come and fulfilled for us the entire plan of salvation, in the night in which He was betrayed – or rather, gave up Himself for the life of the world – He took bread in His holy, most pure, and blameless hands, and

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when He had given thanks, and blessed it, and sanctified it, and broken it, He gave it to His holy disciples and apostles, saying, “TAKE, EAT: This is My Body, which is broken for you, for the remission of sins.” Singers: Amen. Priest: And likewise, after supper, He took the cup saying, “DRINK OF IT, all of you: This is My Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you and for many, for the remission of sins.” Singers: Amen. Priest: Remembering this saving commandment and everything that has come to pass for us: the Cross, the Tomb, the Resurrection on the third day, the Ascension into heaven, the Sitting at the right hand, and the Second and glorious Coming, OFFERING TO YOU Your own of Your own, on behalf of all and for all – Singers: we praise You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, O Lord, and we pray to You, O our God. Priest: O God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me. (3x)

GAIN WE OFFER TO YOU this rational and bloodless worship, and ask You, and pray You, and supplicate You: Send down Your Holy Spirit

upon us and upon these Gifts here offered, AND MAKE this Bread the precious Body of Your Christ. Amen. AND THAT which is in this Cup – the precious Blood of Your Christ. Amen. MAKING THE CHANGE by Your Holy Spirit. Amen. Amen. Amen.

And the priest continues pray: That these Gifts may be to those who partake for vigilance of soul, for

the remission of sins, for the communion of Your Holy Spirit, for the fulfillment of the Kingdom of heaven, for confidence before You, and not for judgment or condemnation.

Again we offer to You this rational worship for those who have fallen asleep in the faith: ancestors, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics, and every righteous spirit made perfect in faith: ESPECIALLY for our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary.

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Singers: The angel cried to the Lady full of grace, “Rejoice, O pure Virgin. Again I say, Rejoice. Your Son is risen from His three days in the tomb. With Himself He has raised all the dead. Rejoice, all people.” Shine! Shine! O new Jerusalem! The glory of the Lord has shone on you. Exult now and be glad, O Zion. Be radiant, O pure Theotokos, in the resurrection of your Son. А́нгел вопия́ше Благода́тней, “Чи́стая Дев́о, ра́дуйся! И па́ки реку́: ра́дуйся! Твой Сын воскрес́е триднев́ен от гро́ба, и мер́твыя воздви́ гнувый, лю́дие, весели́теся.” Свети́ся, свети́ся, но́вый Иерусали́ме, сла́ва бо Госпо́дня на тебе́ возсия́. Лику́й нын́е и весели́ся, Сио́не. Ты же, Чи́стая, красу́йся, Богоро́дице, о воста́нии Рождества́ Твоего́.

The priest continues:

For the holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John, the heavenly intercessor of our community; for the holy, glorious, and all-praised apostles; and for all Your saints, at whose supplication look down upon us, O God.

And remember all those who have fallen asleep before us in the hope of resurrection to eternal life, especially, and grant them rest, O God, where the light of Your face shines on them.

Again we ask You: Remember, O Lord, all the Orthodox episcopate, who


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rightly teach the word of Your truth, all the priests, the deacons in Christ, and every order of the clergy.

Again, we offer to You this rational worship for the whole world; for the Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church; for those who live in chastity and holiness of life; and for all civil authorities and the armed forces: Grant them, O Lord, peaceful governance, that we also, in their tranquility, may lead a calm and peaceful life in all godliness and sanctity.

AMONG THE FIRST, remember, O Lord, his holiness [name], Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia, and his grace (or eminence) [name], Bishop (or Archbishop or Metropolitan) of [title]. And grant them to serve Your holy churches in peace, safety, honor, health, and length of days, rightly teaching the word of Your truth. Singers: And all mankind. Priest: Remember, O Lord, this city in which we live, every city and countryside, and the faithful living in them. Remember, O Lord, travelers by land, by sea, and by air; the sick and the suffering; captives and their salvation. Remember, O Lord, those who bring offerings and do good works in Your holy churches; those who care for the poor; and upon us all send down Your mercies.

AND GRANT US, with one voice and one heart, to glorify and praise Your most honorable and majestic Name, of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

Blessing the people:

Priest: And may the mercies of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ be with all of you. Singers: And with your spirit.

the Litany Before the Lord’s Prayer Priest: Having remembered all the saints, again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

For the precious Gifts now offered and sanctified, let us pray to the Lord.


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Singers: Lord, have mercy. That our God, Who loves mankind, having received these Gifts upon His

holy, heavenly, and mystical altar as a fragrant spiritual offering, will send down upon us in return His divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

That we may be delivered from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.


That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask of the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy. (3x)

An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy. (3x)

Forgiveness and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask of the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy. (3x)

All things good and beneficial for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy. (3x)

That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy. (3x)

A Christian ending to our life, painless, blameless, and peaceful, and a good account before the Great Judgment Seat of Christ, let us ask. Singers: Lord, have mercy. (3x)

Having asked for the unity of the faith and the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us surrender ourselves, each other, and all our life unto Christ our God. Singers: To You, O Lord.


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Prayer before the Communion: O YOU WE SURRENDER our whole life and our hope, O Master Who love mankind, and we ask You and pray You and supplicate You: Make us

worthy to partake of the heavenly and fearful Mysteries of this sacred and spiritual table with a pure conscience, for remission of sins, for forgiveness of transgressions, for the communion of the Holy Spirit, for the inheritance of the Kingdom of heaven, for confidence before You, but not for judgment or condemnation. AND MAKE US WORTHY, O MASTER, that with boldness and without condemnation we may dare to call on You, the heavenly God, as Father, and to say:

Our Father UR FATHER, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day

our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of age. Singers: Amen. Priest: Peace be unto all. Singers: And to your spirit. Priest: Let us bow our heads to the Lord. Singers: To You, O Lord.

Prayer of inclination: E GIVE THANKS TO YOU, O King invisible, for by Your infinite power You made all things, and in the greatness of Your mercy You brought

all things from non-existence into existence. Look down from heaven, O Master, upon those who have bowed their heads to You, for they have not bowed down to flesh and blood, but to You, the fearful God. Yourself, O Master, make smooth and beneficial what lies ahead for us all, according to the individual need of each: travel with those who travel by land, by sea, and by air, and heal the sick, for You are the Physician of our souls and bodies.

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THROUGH THE GRACE AND COMPASSION AND LOVE for mankind of Your Only-begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed, together with Your Most Holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen. Priest: O God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me. (3x)

Let us attend. The Holy Gifts are for the holy. Singers: One is Holy, One is Lord: Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

During the clergy communion: AVING BEHELD the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We venerate Your Cross, O Christ, and

we praise and glorify Your holy Resurrection, for You are our God, and we know no other than You, we call on Your name. Come, all you faithful: let us venerate Christ’s holy Resurrection. For, behold, through the Cross joy has come into all the world. Let us ever bless the Lord, praising His Resurrection, for by enduring the Cross for us, He has destroyed death by death. Jesus has risen from the tomb as He foretold, granting us eternal life, and great mercy.

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

In the flesh You fell asleep as a mortal Man, O King and Lord. You rose on the third day, raising Adam from corruption and destroying death, O Pascha of incorruption, the salvation of the world.

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

оскресен́ие Христо́во ви́девше, поклони́мся Свято́му Го́споду Иису́су, еди́ному безгреш́ному, Кресту́ Твоему́ покланя́емся,

Христе,́ и свято́е Воскресен́ие Твое ́поем́ и сла́вим. Ты бо еси́ Бог наш, ра́зве Тебе ́ино́го не зна́ем, и́мя Твое ́имену́ем. Прииди́те вси ве́рнии, поклони́мся Свято́му Христо́ву Воскресе́нию, се бо прии́де Кресто́м

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ра́дость всему́ ми́ру. Всегда́ благословя́ще Го́спода, пое́м Воскресен́ие Его́: распя́тие бо претерпев́, сме́ртию смерть разруши́.

And prayers before receiving Communion: BELIEVE, O LORD, and I confess that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am

the first. I believe also that this is truly Your own most pure Body, and that this is truly Your own precious Blood. Therefore, I pray You: Have mercy on me and forgive my transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, committed in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy to partake without condemnation of Your most pure Mysteries, for the remission of my sins and for life everlasting. Amen.

F YOUR MYSTICAL SUPPER, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant, for I will not speak of Your Mystery to Your enemies,

neither like Judas will I give You a kiss, but like the thief will I confess You, “Remember me, O Lord, in Your Kingdom.”

AY THE COMMUNION of Your holy Mysteries be neither to my judgment nor to my condemnation, O Lord, but to the healing of soul

and body. Amen.

Communion of the Faithful Priest: In the fear of God, with faith and love, draw near. Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (1x)

Receive the Body of Christ, taste the fountain of immortality. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

After the Communion, the priest blesses the people: Priest: O God, save Your people, and bless Your inheritance. Singers: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (1x)

And blessing the people: Priest: Always, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

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Singers: Amen. Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (3x)

the Litany of Thanksgiving Priest: Stand upright. Having partaken of the divine, holy, most pure, immortal, heavenly, life-giving, and fearful Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.


Asking that the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us surrender ourselves, each other, and all our life unto Christ our God. Singers: To You, O Lord.

Prayer of Thanksgiving: E THANK YOU, O Master Who love mankind, Benefactor of our souls, that You have made us worthy this day of Your heavenly and

immortal Mysteries. Make straight our path, strengthen us all in Your fear, guard our life, make firm our steps, through the prayers and intercessions of the glorious Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary, and of all Your saints. FOR YOU ARE OUR SANCTIFICATION, and to You we give glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

the Dismissal Prayer The priest going out for the prayer before ambo:

Priest: Let us depart in peace. Singers: In the Name of the Lord. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy.

Prayer behind the ambo: LORD, You bless those who bless You and sanctify those who trust in You: Save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Preserve the

fullness of Your Church, sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house, glorify them in return by Your divine power, and forsake us not who put our

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hope in You. Give peace to Your world, to Your churches, to Your priests, to all those in civil authority, to the armed forces, and to all Your people. For every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from You, the Father of Lights, and to You we give glory, thanksgiving, and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen. Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (3x)

The priest blessing the people: Priest: The blessing of the Lord be upon you through His grace and love for mankind, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

the Dismissal Priest: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death… Singers: …and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

The priest giving the dismissal: AY CHRIST, WHO IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life, our true God, by

the prayers of His most pure Mother, and by the prayers of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind. Singers: Amen.

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (3x) And unto us He has given eternal life. Let us worship His Resurrection on the third day. Priest: Christ is risen! (3x)

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Prayers of blessing

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Prayer at the blessing of the Artos

The Artos is placed near iconostasis before the beginning of the Midnight Office on Pascha night. At the conclusion of Paschal Liturgy, the priest blesses it.

Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy. Priest: O God Most Powerful and Lord almighty, at the Exodus of Israel from Egypt, and the liberation of Your people from the bitter slavery of Pharaoh, You commanded by Your servant Moses that a lamb be slain, pre- figuring the Lamb Who, because of our deeds, was of His own will slain upon the Cross and took away the sins of the whole world, Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. We humbly ask You: Look down now also upon this bread, and bless and sanctify it. For we Your servants, in honor and glory, and in commemoration of the glorious Resurrection of Your Son and our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom we have received freedom and release from the eternal slavery of the enemy and the unbreakable bonds of hell, now offer this bread before Your majesty on this exceedingly bright, most glorious, and saving day of Pascha. And count us worthy who offer this, along with those who will venerate it and taste of it, to become partakers of Your heavenly blessing. And by Your power drive away from us every sickness and infirmity, granting health to all. For You are the fountain of blessing, and the bestower of healings, and to You we give glory, to the Father without beginning, together with Your Only-begotten Son, and Your Most Holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

And the priest sprinkles the Artos with holy water three times, saying: This artos is sanctified by the grace of the Most Holy Spirit, through the

sprinkling of this holy water, in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayers of blessing

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Blessing of Paschal foods

Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Singers: Lord, have mercy. Priest: O Lord Jesus Christ our God, look down upon our Paschal baskets and sanctify the food in them, as You sanctified the ram which the faithful Abraham brought to You, and the lamb which Abel offered to You as a whole-burnt offering, likewise the fatted calf which You commanded to be slain for Your prodigal son when he returned to You, that as he was counted worthy to delight in Your blessings, so we might also delight in what You sanctify and bless for the our nourishment. For You are the true Nourishment and the Giver of all blessings, and to You we give glory, together with Your Father, Who has no beginning, and Your Most Holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen. Priest: O Master, Lord our God, Author and Creator of all things: Bless the food in our Paschal baskets, and preserve us in Your goodness, so that, partaking of this food, we may be filled with Your gifts and with Your inexpressible goodness, which You always so generously and graciously give to us. For Yours is the might, and Yours is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Singers: Amen.

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life. (3x)

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