Radonitsa Reader’s Memorial Service for the Departed

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Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy upon us. Amen.

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

Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered, and let them that hate Him flee from before His face.

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

As smoke vanisheth, so let them vanish, as wax melteth before the fire.

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

So let sinners perish at the presence of God, and let the righteous be glad.

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

This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad therein

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

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

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

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen

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

Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times)

Prayer: Remember, O Lord our God, Thy servants, N., who have reposed in the Faith and hope of life eternal, and in that Thou art good and the Lover of mankind, Who remittest sins and blottest out iniquities, do Thou loose, remit and pardon all their sins, voluntary and involuntary. Deliver them from eternal torment and the fire of Gehenna, and grant unto them the communion and delight of Thine eternal good things prepared for them that love Thee. For though they have sinned, yet have they not forsaken Thee, and they undoubtedly believed in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; and even until their last breath did they confess Thee in Orthodox fashion: God glorified in Trinity, Unity in Trinity and Trinity in Unity. Wherefore, be Thou merciful unto them and reckon their faith in Thee, rather than their deeds, and in that Thou art compassionate, grant them rest with Thy saints; for there is no man that liveth and doth not sin. But Thou alone art wholly without sin, and Thy truth is forever; and Thou alone art the God of mercies, and compassion, and love for mankind, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Paschal Canon

Ode 1, Eirmos: It is the Day of Resurrection! Let us be radiant, O ye people! Pascha! The Lord’s Pascha! For Christ our God hath brought us from death to life, and from earth unto heaven, as we sing triumphal hymn!

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Let us purify our senses and we shall behold Christ, radiant with the inaccessible light of the Resurrection, and we shall hear Him saying clearly, “Rejoice!” As we sing the triumphal hymn!

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Let the heavens rejoice in a worthy manner, let the earth be glad, and the whole world, visible and the invisible, keep the Feast. For Christ our eternal joy hath arisen!

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

Thou hast broken through the barrier of death, by giving birth to Christ, the eternal Life, Who today hath shone forth from the tomb, O Virgin all-blameless, and Who hath enlightened the world.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Having beheld thy resurrected Son and God, rejoice thou with the apostles, O Pure One graced of God, and be the first to rejoice, as thou hast received the Cause of joy for all, O Mother of God all-blameless.

Katavasia: It is the Day of Resurrection…

Ode 3, Eirmos: Come, let us drink a new drink, not miraculously drawn from a barren rock, but the fountain of Incorruption springing from the tomb of Christ in Whom we are established.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Now all things are filled with light: heaven and earth, and the nethermost regions. So let all creation celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, whereby it is established.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Yesterday, I was buried with Thee, O Christ, and today I arise with Thine arising. Yesterday I was crucified with Thee. Glorify me, O Saviour, with Thee in Thy Kingdom.

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

Into incorruptible life have I entered today, through the goodness of Him Who was born of thee, O Pure One, and Who makest all the ends of the earth radiant with joy.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Having beheld God, Whom thou hast borne in the flesh, risen from the dead, as He said, O Pure One, dance, and Him as God, O most Pure One, do thou magnify.

Katavasia: Come, let us drink…

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

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Prayer: Remember, O Lord our God, Thy servants, N., who have reposed in the Faith and hope of life eternal, and in that Thou art good and the Lover of mankind, Who remittest sins and blottest out iniquities, do Thou loose, remit and pardon all their sins, voluntary and involuntary. Deliver them from eternal torment and the fire of Gehenna, and grant unto them the communion and delight of Thine eternal good things prepared for them that love Thee. For though they have sinned, yet have they not forsaken Thee, and they undoubtedly believed in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; and even until their last breath did they confess Thee in Orthodox fashion: God glorified in Trinity, Unity in Trinity and Trinity in Unity. Wherefore, be Thou merciful unto them and reckon their faith in Thee, rather than their deeds, and in that Thou art compassionate, grant them rest with Thy saints; for there is no man that liveth and doth not sin. But Thou alone art wholly without sin, and Thy truth is forever; and Thou alone art the God of mercies, and compassion, and love for mankind, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Hypakoe, Tone 4: When at dawn, the women with Mary came and found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre, they heard from the angel: Why seek ye among the dead, as if He were a mortal man, Him Who lives in everlasting light? Behold the grave-clothes. Run and tell the world that the Lord is risen, and hath slain death. For He is the Son of God Who saveth mankind.

Ode 4, Eirmos: May the divinely speaking Abbacum now stand watch with us, and show forth a shining Angel saying resoundingly: Today salvation hath come to the world; for Christ is risen as Almighty.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Christ revealed Himself as of the male sex when He opened the Virgin’s womb, and as a mortal is He called the Lamb. Thus, without blemish also, is our Pascha, for He tasted not corruption, and, since He is truly God, He was proclaimed perfect.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Christ, our blessed Crown, like a yearling Lamb, of His own good will sacrificed Himself for all, a Pascha of purification, and as the glorious Sun of Righteousness, He has shone upon us again from the grave.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

David, the forefather of our divine Lord, leapt and danced before the symbolic Ark of the Covenant. Let us also, the holy people of God, beholding the fulfilment of the symbols, be divinely glad; for Christ hath risen as Almighty.

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

He Who created Adam thy forefather, O Pure One, took form from thee, and the habitation of the dead hath He demolished today through His death, and shone upon all things with the divine radiance of the Resurrection.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Beholding Christ Whom thou hast borne, shining forth splendidly from the dead, O Pure One, who art good and spotless among women, and comely, today rejoicing with the apostles in the salvation of all, Him do thou glorify.

Katavasia: May divinely speaking Abbacum…

Ode 5, Eirmos: Let us arise in the deep dawn and, instead of myrrh, offer a hymn to the Lord, and we shall behold Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, Who causest life to dawn for all.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

When they who were held by the chains of hell beheld Thy boundless compassion, O Christ, they hastened to the light with joyful feet, exalting the eternal Pascha.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Bearing lights, let us meet Christ, Who cometh forth from the tomb like a bridegroom. And with the ranks of joyfully celebrating Angels, let us celebrate the redeeming Pascha of God.

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

Enlightened by the divine rays and the life-bearing Resurrection of thy Son, O most pure Mother of God, the gathering of the pious is filled with joy.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Thou didst not open the gates of virginity in the incarnation, nor the seal upon the tomb didst Thou destroy, O King of creation; from whence seeing Thee risen, Thy Mother rejoiceth.

Katavasia: Let us arise…

Ode 6, Eirmos: Thou didst descend into the nethermost regions of earth, O Christ, and didst shatter the eternal bars which held the prisoners captive; and like Jonah from the sea-monster, after three days Thou didst rise from the grave.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Having kept the seals intact, Thou didst rise from the grave, O Christ, Who didst not violate the Virgin’s womb by Thy birth, and Thou hast opened to us the gates of Paradise.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

O my Saviour, while as God Thou didst voluntarily offer Thyself to the Father as an unslain and living sacrifice, Thou didst raise up with Thyself the whole race of Adam, when Thou didst rise from the grave.

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

He that of old was held by death and corruption is raised up by Him Who was incarnate of thy most pure womb, O Theotokos Virgin, unto incorruption and everlasting life.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

He Who went down into the nethermost part of the earth, and came into thy womb, O Pure One, and dwelt, and past understanding wast incarnate, hath also raised up Adam with Himself when He rose from the tomb.

Katavasia: Thou didst descend…

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

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Prayer: Remember, O Lord our God, Thy servants, N., who have reposed in the Faith and hope of life eternal, and in that Thou art good and the Lover of mankind, Who remittest sins and blottest out iniquities, do Thou loose, remit and pardon all their sins, voluntary and involuntary. Deliver them from eternal torment and the fire of Gehenna, and grant unto them the communion and delight of Thine eternal good things prepared for them that love Thee. For though they have sinned, yet have they not forsaken Thee, and they undoubtedly believed in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; and even until their last breath did they confess Thee in Orthodox fashion: God glorified in Trinity, Unity in Trinity and Trinity in Unity. Wherefore, be Thou merciful unto them and reckon their faith in Thee, rather than their deeds, and in that Thou art compassionate, grant them rest with Thy saints; for there is no man that liveth and doth not sin. But Thou alone art wholly without sin, and Thy truth is forever; and Thou alone art the God of mercies, and compassion, and love for mankind, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion for the departed, Tone 8: With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Thy servants, where there is neither pain, nor sorrow, nor sighing, but life everlasting.

Kontakion of the resurrection, Tone 8: Though Thou did descend into the grave, O Immortal One, yet didst Thou destroy the power of hell, and didst rise again as a conqueror, O Christ our Lord, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, rejoice! And giving peace to Thine Apostles, and offering Resurrection to the fallen.

Eikos: The myrrh-bearing maidens anticipated the dawn and sought, as those who seek the day, their Sun, Who was before the sun and Who had once sat in the grave. And they cried to each other: Friends, come, let us anoint with spices His life-giving and buried body – the Flesh Who raised up fallen Adam, and Who now lies in the tomb. Let us go, let us hasten, and like the Magi, let us worship; and let us bring myrrh as a gift to Him, Who is wrapped, not now in swaddling clothes, but in a shroud. And let us weep and cry: Arise, O Lord, Who dost offer Resurrection to the fallen.

Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the Holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless One. We worship Thy Cross, O Christ, and Thy Holy Resurrection we praise and glorify; for Thou art our God, and we know no other than Thee; we call upon Thy name. O come all ye faithful, let us worship Christ’s holy Resurrection. For behold, through the Cross joy hath come to all the world. Ever blessing the Lord, let us praise His Resurrection. For by enduring the Cross for us He destroyed death by death.

Jesus, having risen from the grave as He foretold, hath given us eternal life and great mercy.

Ode 7, Eirmos: He Who delivered the children from the furnace, and became man and suffered as a mortal, through His suffering, He clothes mortality with the grace of incorruption. He is the only blessed and most glorious God of our fathers.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

The godly-wise women came to Thee with myrrh. But Him Whom they sought with tears as dead, they joyfully adored as the living God. And they told Thy disciples, O Christ, the glad-tidings of the mystical Pascha.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

We celebrate the death of death, the destruction of hell, the beginning of eternal life. And leaping for joy, we celebrate the Cause, the only blessed and most glorious God of our fathers.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

For a truly holy and a supreme feast is this saving night radiant with Light, the harbinger of the bright day of Resurrection, on which the Eternal Light shone bodily from the grave upon all.

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

Thy Son, having put death to death, O all-spotless One, today hath granted unto all mortals the life that abideth unto the ages of ages, the only blessed and most glorious God of our fathers.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

He Who reigneth over all creation, became man, dwelling in thy God-graced womb, and having endured crucifixion and death, is risen in a God-befitting manner, raising us up with Himself, for He is almighty.

Katavasia: He Who delivered…

Ode 8, Eirmos: This is the chosen and Holy Day, the first of Sabbaths, the Sovereign and Queen, the Feast of Feasts, and Triumph of Triumphs, on which let us bless Christ forever.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

O come, let us partake of the fruit of the new vine of divine joy on the auspicious Day of the Resurrection and Kingdom of Christ, praising Him as God forever.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

Cast thine eyes about thee, O Zion, and behold! For lo! Thy children have assembled unto thee from the West and from the North and from the South and from the East, as divinely radiant luminaries, Blessing Christ unto the ages.

Refrain: O Most Holy Trinity, our God, glory to Thee.

O Father, Almighty, the Word, and the Spirit, one Nature in three Persons united, transcending essence supremely Divine! In Thee we have been baptized, and Thou wilt bless us throughout all ages.

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

Through thee the Lord came into the world, O Virgin Theotokos, and the womb of hades did He tear open, granting unto us mortals resurrection; wherefore, we bless Him unto the ages.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Laying low all the dominion of death by His resurrection, thy Son, O Virgin, as the mighty God, hath raised us up with Himself and deified us; wherefore, we sing His praise unto the ages.

Katavasia: This is the chosen…

Ode 9, Eirmos: Shine, shine, O New Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord hath risen upon thee. Dance now for joy and be glad, O Sion! And thou, pure Mother of God, rejoice in the rising of Him Whom thou didst bear.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

O divine, O dear, O sweetest Voice! For Thou, O Christ, hast faithfully promised to be with us to the end of the world. And holding fast this promise as an anchor of hope, we the faithful rejoice.

Refrain: Christ is risen from the dead.

O great and holiest Pascha, Christ! O Wisdom, Word and Power of God! Grant that we may more perfectly partake of Thee in the unending Day of Thy Kingdom.

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

With one voice, O Virgin, the faithful do bless thee: Rejoice, O Portal of the Lord; rejoice, O living City; rejoice, thou through whom, for our sake, the Light hath shone, Who, born of thee, is the resurrection of the dead.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Be glad and rejoice, O Portal of the Divine Light; for Jesus, set into the grave, hath dawned forth shining more brightly than the sun, and hath illumined all the faithful, O Sovereign Lady who rejoiceth in God.

Katavasia: Shine, shine, O New Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord hath risen upon thee. Dance now for joy and be glad, O Sion! And thou, pure Mother of God, rejoice in the rising of Him Whom thou didst bear.

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

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Prayer: Remember, O Lord our God, Thy servants, N., who have reposed in the Faith and hope of life eternal, and in that Thou art good and the Lover of mankind, Who remittest sins and blottest out iniquities, do Thou loose, remit and pardon all their sins, voluntary and involuntary. Deliver them from eternal torment and the fire of Gehenna, and grant unto them the communion and delight of Thine eternal good things prepared for them that love Thee. For though they have sinned, yet have they not forsaken Thee, and they undoubtedly believed in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; and even until their last breath did they confess Thee in Orthodox fashion: God glorified in Trinity, Unity in Trinity and Trinity in Unity. Wherefore, be Thou merciful unto them and reckon their faith in Thee, rather than their deeds, and in that Thou art compassionate, grant them rest with Thy saints; for there is no man that liveth and doth not sin. But Thou alone art wholly without sin, and Thy truth is forever; and Thou alone art the God of mercies, and compassion, and love for mankind, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Troparia, Tone 4: With the spirits of the righteous give rest, O Saviour, to the souls of Thy departed servants and keep them in the blessed life with Thee, O Lover of man.

In the place of Thy rest, O Lord, where all Thy saints repose give rest also to the souls of Thy servants, for Thou alone art the Lover of men.

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

Thou art the God Who descended to hell and loosed the chains of the captives. Give rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

O only pure and immaculate Virgin, who without seed didst bear God, pray to Him that their souls may be saved.

Lord, have mercy. (Forty times)

Prayer: Remember, O Lord our God, Thy servants, N., who have reposed in the Faith and hope of life eternal, and in that Thou art good and the Lover of mankind, Who remittest sins and blottest out iniquities, do Thou loose, remit and pardon all their sins, voluntary and involuntary. Deliver them from eternal torment and the fire of Gehenna, and grant unto them the communion and delight of Thine eternal good things prepared for them that love Thee. For though they have sinned, yet have they not forsaken Thee, and they undoubtedly believed in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; and even until their last breath did they confess Thee in Orthodox fashion: God glorified in Trinity, Unity in Trinity and Trinity in Unity. Wherefore, be Thou merciful unto them and reckon their faith in Thee, rather than their deeds, and in that Thou art compassionate, grant them rest with Thy saints; for there is no man that liveth and doth not sin. But Thou alone art wholly without sin, and Thy truth is forever; and Thou alone art the God of mercies, and compassion, and love for mankind, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without defilement gavest birth to God the Word, the true Theotokos, thee do we magnify.

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

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. (Thrice) Lord, bless.

Christ our True God, Who art risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the graves bestowing life, through the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all Thy saints, grant the souls of Thy departed servants, N to dwell in the abode of all Thy saints, and number them among the righteous, and have mercy on us, for Thou art good and the Lover of mankind. Amen.

Give rest eternal, O Lord, in blessed repose, to the souls of Thy departed servants, our fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters N., and make their memory eternal.

MEMORY ETERNAL. (Thrice)

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and on those in the graves bestowing life (Thrice).

And has bestowed on us life eternal, we worship His resurrection on the third day.

Pax Christi – the Peace of Christ

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In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Dear brothers and sisters, at the end of Bright Week, yesterday saw our celebration of Thomas Sunday, and during the Liturgy we heard the account of Christ’s appearance to the Apostle Thomas, who had not been present at the Lord’s first appearance to His disciples.

During the homily, before talking about witnesses of the resurrection, I reflected on the Risen Saviour’s blessing as He entered the house in which the disciples hid “for fear of the Jews.”

We can only appreciate the force and meaning of the His greeting, “Peace be unto you” by reflecting upon the turmoil, darkness, anxiety and loss that gripped His disciples after His death and burial.

The disciples had no peace – mentally, emotionally or spiritually – as they dwelt, dazed and confused, behind locked doors – their world fallen apart and gripped by fear and uncertainty.

Whilst those who had already seen the Master had rejoiced and found peace in the resurrection, Thomas lacked that until His encounter with the Risen Lord.

It was in their trauma, agony, pain, bereavement and loss that the Saviour came to the disciples and gave them peace: peace which is something and not simply the absence of noise, conflict, or violence.

When we speak of peace in worldly terms, what we mean is very often not peace at all, but simply an absence of the contrary things that shatter it or destroy it.

The peace that Christ brought to His disciples, and for which we pray in the Great Litany, is not simply a quiet truce or hiatus in the conflicts of relationships, life and the world, but a qualitative manifestation of the presence of the God of love, compassion and mercy, Whom we worship and adore in the Life-Giving and Undivided Trinity.

In the Imperial Capital, Constantinople, the church of Agia Ireine, was dedicated not to the Holy Great-Martyr, but to the Peace of Christ: the peace from above, for which we pray in each Liturgy, and the peace which the Saviour desires to rule the hearts, and characterise the lives of all who have been baptised into His Life-Giving death and resurrection.

This peace is the qualitative indwelling and manifestation of Christ and His Gospel, as we seek the joining of our will, our actions, our mind and thoughts to Him: to put on Christ and reflect Him in all things, as living icons of His presence in the world.

But for this to be a reality, we cannot simply see the Peace of Christ as something coming from outside, regardless of our lives and the things we do, say or think.

We must actively seek peace in the restoration of wholeness and holiness in lives united to Him, and aspiring to conform to His life and Gospel.

In the Sermon on the Mount the Saviour teaches us, “Blessed are the peacemakers…”, but for this to be an abiding reality we must remember that we must also be proactive peace-seekers, recognising that this means perpetually striving to make the Peace of Christ not simply a possibility, but a constant reality.

For the Peace of Christ to be real and indwelling, we must always strive for reconciliation, as it is only possible for us to receive it because through having been reconciled with God through the Saviour’s Life-Giving cross and passion.

Recognising this salvific reconciliation with God, we must also seek reconciliation with one another.

It is in seeking and making peace that we become children of God, and just as children resemble their parents, this spiritual labour and aspiration is the means by which the image and likeness of God can be seen and recognised in us.

We cannot be Christians, and recognised as such, unless we continually seek peace; strive for peace; struggle for peace: opposing strife, conflict and division with love, forgiveness and humility, as the qualitative evidence of the Peace of Christ in our lives and hearts.

In his letter to the Colossians (3:12–15), the Apostle Paul instructs us in the ways by which we should seek to do this:

“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”

The devil always seeks to steal this peace from us; to destroy the first thing for which we pray in our Liturgy; fearing the Peace of Christ, which is the foundation of unity and the sign of His rule.

St Seraphim of Sarov said, “Make peace in your own heart and thousands around you will be saved…” and this is a truth that the devil fears, desiring neither peace in our hearts nor the salvation of a single person, let alone thousands – doing everything in his power to destroy peace and destroy human souls.

So, let us always be watchful and vigilant, knowing that he will use everything fallen and base in us to seek the destruction of peace, and to destroy our labour and striving for it in our lives: our personal weak points and passions, ego, jealousy, prejudices, power, authority, jealousy, ambition, our past sins, interpersonal dynamics and the fault-lines in relationships, anxieties and fears  – whatever can be exploited to bring conflict and division and destroy PEACE.

Opposing this, we must always remember that when we choose to live and act in love and be at peace with one another, we are allowing Christ’s peace to rule in our hearts, making the Peace of Christ a reality in the Church and in the world, no matter how dark, destructive or violent the age and times in which we live.

Let us remain vigilant and struggle in the name of the Risen Lord, the Prince of Peace, who assures us,

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

(John 14:27)

May the peace of God which passes all understanding guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus!

Christ is Risen!

Amen.

The Canon to St Antipas

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The Canon of the Holy Hieromartyr Antipas of Pergamum, the acrostic whereof is: “I honour Antipas, radiant among the martyrs”, the composition of Joseph, in Tone IV.

Ode I, Irmos: Through the deep of the Red Sea, * marched dry shod Israel of old, * and by Moses’ outstretched hands, * raised in the form of a cross, * the power of Amalek was routed in the wilderness.

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

Illumined by the radiance of the grace of the threefold Sun, O martyr Antipas, do thou illumine those who celebrate thy radiant feastday, delivering us from the darkness of the passions.

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

The Word of God showed thee to be a true witness of His sufferings, O all-wise one, who hast destroyed impiety and vanquished all the wickedness of the demons.

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

Having mortified the wisdom of thy flesh with much asceticism, thou wast arrayed in the sacred vesture of the divine priesthood; and didst offer the bloodless sacrifice of Him Who became mortal for thy sake.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

With the radiance of thy light illumine my heart, which is mired in the night of passions and temptations, O all-immaculate Maiden, who ineffably shone forth the Sun of righteousness upon all.

Ode III, Irmos: Thy Church, O Christ, rejoiceth in Thee crying aloud: * Thou, O Lord, art my strength, * my refuge and foundation.

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

Thou didst pour forth rivers of doctrine, giving drink to the faithful, and drying up the turbulent waters of polytheism.

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

Thou didst cut down the might of the persecutors by the might of Christ, O blessed one, and suffering patiently thou hast received the crown of martyrdom.

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

Thou didst enlighten those who worshiped demons to worship the true God Who, in the richness of His compassion, bore mortal flesh, O venerable one.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Thou hast given birth to the Redeemer Who hath delivered us all from the captivity of the enemy, O pure one. Wherefore, we piously glorify thee.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Sessional Hymn, in Tone III: Enkindled with the divine embers of the love of God, O martyr Antipas, thou didst quench the flame of ungodliness; and, thrust into a heated cauldron, thou didst depart into never-waning Light. O venerable father, entreat Christ God, that He grant us forgiveness of sins.

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

Theotokion, Tone III: Without separating Himself from the divine Essence when He took flesh in thy womb, the one Lord remained God though He had become a man; and even after thy birthgiving He preserved thee, His Virgin Mother, as immaculate as thou wast before giving birth. Him do thou earnestly beseech, that He grant us great mercy.

Ode IV, Irmos: Beholding Thee, the Sun of righteousness, * lifted up upon the cross, * the Church now standeth arrayed and doth worthily cry aloud: * Glory be to Thy power, O Lord.

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

The opposition of the most iniquitous ones did not shake the pillar of thy heart, O martyred passion-bearer; wherefore, aflame with zeal for the Faith, thou didst shown thyself to be mightier than fire.

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

Awakening those held fast by the slumber of impiety, O all-praised one, by the teachings of the Holy Spirit thou didst raise them up to the understanding of true knowledge.

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

Thou didst bring low the loftiness of the demons, yearning for God with exaltation, O Antipas, deified by divine ascents and known to be a God-seer.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Thou wast preserved after giving birth as thou wast before birthgiving, O incorrupt Virgin Mother; for thou hast given birth to the Creator of all, Who through thee voluntarily took upon Himself a human body.

Ode V, Irmos: Thou, O Lord, who camest into the world, * art my light, * a holy light turning from the darkness of ignorance * those who sing Thy praises in faith.

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

Thou didst ascend the mountain of the virtues, O blessed one, and noetically enter into the uttermost darkness, and there converse with God.

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

With the nets of thy words, O holy hierarch, thou didst draw forth from the abyss of ungodliness lost souls, and saved them by grace.

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

Thou gavest thy body over as food for the fire, O holy hierarch, richly receiving divine dew from God.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The Lord, Who is supremely divine in godly form, having assumed my form, made His abode within thy womb, O all-immaculate one.

Ode VI, Irmos: The church crieth out unto Thee O Lord, * ‘I will sacrifice unto Thee with a voice of praise’ * having been cleansed of the blood of the demons’ * by the blood that for mercy’s sake flowed from Thy side.

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

Having crucified thy members by asceticism and struggled in fasting, O blessed Antipas, thou wast crowned with the struggles of martyrdom, which thou didst undergo with firmness of mind.

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

Thou didst stand before the tribunal, preaching the incarnation of Him Who abased Himself for thy sake, Who stood before the tribunal of Pilate and hath slain the enemy by the Cross, O passion-bearer.

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

The Church, wherein thy patient body lieth, O blessed martyr, is a source of healing for the sick, emitting the divine effulgence of the gifts of the Spirit.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Holy is Jesus, O Virgin Maiden, Who made His abode within thy womb, and Who resteth in the saints and glorifieth those who glorify Him with true
faith.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Kontakion, Tone IV: O most wise Antipas, the iniquitous consumed thee who tended well the sheep of God, with fire as a lamb of the flock of Christ the Chief Shepherd; and thou didst chant: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Ode VII, Irmos: In the Persian furnace the youths and descendants of Abraham, * burning with a love of piety * rather than by a flame of fire, * cried aloud saying: * Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord.

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

Emulating the three young children, O wise Antipas, thou didst stand in the midst of a cruelly heated brass vessel as they did in the midst of a furnace, crying aloud: Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord!

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

That thou mightest be shown to be a partaker of the Light, enlightened by God thou didst pass through the darkness of the evil demons, crying aloud: Blessed art Thou, O God my Lord!

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

Through the activity of the Spirit, O martyr Antipas, thou dost assuage the divers sufferings of men, emulating the sufferings of Christ, and crying aloud: Blessed art Thou, O God my Lord!

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The Word, Who with the Father is unoriginate, was truly incarnate of thy virginal blood, O Maiden, setting aright our broken state. Blessed art thou among women, O most immaculate Sovereign Lady!

Ode VIII, Irmos: Having spread his hands, Daniel closed the lions jaws * in their den; * while the zealously pious youths, * girded with virtue, * quenched the power of the fire and cried aloud: * Bless ye the Lord, all ye works of the Lord.

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

Now that thou beholdest the ultimate of good things, not in reflections or indistinct images, but face to face, transcending all shadows, thou dost cry out joyously to Him Who hath glorified thee: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

O most wise Antipas, the iniquitous consumed thee who tended well the sheep of God, with fire as a lamb of the flock of Christ the Chief Shepherd; and thou didst chant: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

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

Thou didst set the feet of thy heart firmly upon the rock of the divine commandments, and the winds of cruel torments and the tempests of blandishments could not shake thee, O most wise Antipas, who chanted: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

As the Mother of the Creator of all, as the divine temple of the Almighty, as the unploughed ground which produced the uncultivated Grain, O Virgin Mother, preserve the faithful who cry: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Ode IX, Irmos: A cornerstone not cut by hand O Virgin, * was cut from thee the unhewn mountain: * even Christ, Who hath joined together the disparate natures; * therefore rejoicing we magnify thee, * O Theotokos.

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

As a hierarch thou didst finish the sacred race, most sacredly reaching the end of thy most sacred life, O holy hierarch, and, rejoicing, thou didst run to Him Who was beloved of thee, O most sacred martyr Antipas.

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

Being comely in aspects of the virtues, O most sacred one, thou wast sanctified by the glory of martyrdom, and didst pass over to the comely Lord, O God-pleaser, now deified by communion with Him.

Holy Hieromartyr, Antipas, pray to God for us.

Aflame with love for the Lord, O martyr Antipas, thou didst eagerly enter the heated vessel, and being wholly consumed, O father, thou didst offer thyself to God as a pleasing sacrifice.

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

The sacred shrine of thy sacred relics, O blessed one, poureth forth the myrrh of healings, dispelling the fetid passions and manifestly perfuming those who glorify thy memory.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Bearing in thine arms Christ Who beareth all things in His hand, O pure one, entreat Him as God and Master, that He take pity upon us who ever confess thee to be the pure Theotokos, O immaculate Lady.

St Antipas of Pergamum

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April 24, 2023 / April 11, 2023

The Hieromartyr Antipas, a disciple of the holy Apostle John the Theologian (September 26), was bishop of the Church of Pergamum during the reign of the emperor Nero (54-68).

During these times, everyone who would not offer sacrifice to the idols lived under threat of either exile or execution by order of the emperor. On the island of Patmos (in the Aegean Sea) the holy Apostle John the Theologian was imprisoned, he to whom the Lord revealed the future judgment of the world and of Holy Church.

“And to the angel of the Church of Pergamum write: the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. I know where you live, where the throne of Satan is, and you cleave unto My Name, and have not renounced My faith, even in those days when Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells” (Rev 2:12-13).

By his personal example, firm faith and constant preaching about Christ, Saint Antipas began to turn the people of Pergamum from offering sacrifice to idols. The pagan priests reproached the bishop for leading the people away from their ancestral gods, and they demanded that he stop preaching about Christ and offer sacrifice to the idols instead.

Saint Antipas calmly answered that he was not about to serve the demons that fled from him, a mere mortal. He said he worshiped the Lord Almighty, and he would continue to worship the Creator of all, with His Only-Begotten Son, and the Holy Spirit. The pagan priests retorted that their gods existed from of old, whereas Christ was not from of old but was crucified under Pontius Pilate as a criminal. The saint replied that the pagan gods were the work of human hands and that everything said about them was filled with iniquities and vices. He steadfastly confessed his faith in the Son of God, incarnate of the Most Holy Virgin.

The enraged pagan priests dragged the Hieromartyr Antipas to the temple of Artemis and threw him into a red-hot copper bull, where usually they put the sacrifices to the idols. In the red-hot furnace the martyr prayed loudly to God, imploring Him to receive his soul and to strengthen the faith of the Christians. He went to the Lord peacefully, as if he were going to sleep (+ ca. 68).

At night Christians took the body of the Hieromartyr Antipas, which was untouched by the fire. They buried him at Pergamum. The tomb of the hieromartyr became a font of miracles and of healings from various sicknesses.

We pray to the Hieromartyr Antipas for relief from toothache, and diseases of the teeth.

Troparion, Tone IV: As thou didst share in the ways of the apostles * and didst occupy their throne, * thou didst find thine activity to be a passage to divine vision, * O divinely inspired one. * Wherefore, ordering the word of truth, * thou didst suffer for the Faith even to the shedding of thy blood, ** O Hieromartyr Antipas, entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved.

Another Troparion, Tone IV: Thou didst demolish the false idols, O Antipas, * and trampling underfoot the power of the devil, * thou didst boldly confess Christ in the face of those who fought against God. * Wherefore, dwelling in the highest with the ranks of the angels, * sending up glorification to the Master of all, * thou dost offer supplication of thanksgiving on our behalf, * granting us the grace of healing: * wherefore, we honour thee. O hieromartyr Antipas, ** entreat Christ God, that our souls be saved

Parish Pilgrimage to Mathern and Tintern

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Dear brothers and sisters,

I have just entered the house and boiled the kettle for a cup of tea at the end of a very long but very blessed day of pilgrimage, with our senior sister and seven of the brothers of the parish, having greatly enjoyed our spiritual-journey to Mathern and Tintern.

After chanting the Paschal Hours at Nazareth House, our eastward journey took us to Mathern, the place where St Tewdrig died from his battle wounds after leading the Welsh army against the invading Saxons.

His hope was to be buried on Ynys Echni (Flat Holm), but divine intervention took him only as far as Mathern, where a miraculous spring gushed forth – though today the waters in it are choked with autumn leaves and decaying vegetation.

However, the brothers of the parish have suggested that cleaning the well is something they would very much like to do.

Three of the brothers from Bath and Chippenham met us, having already explored the churchyard.

Our first stop, however, was neither the well nor the church – a graceful and imposing building despite its stark protestant interior – but the lovely little green area around the statue of St Tewdrig, where the instant-appearance of a table from Menna’s Land-rover (in which I greatly enjoyed travelling!) and the assembly of parishioners’ offerings conjured up a much appreciated picnic lunch.

After visiting the church, enclosing the site where St Tewdrig’s coffin and relics were found, and subsequently reburied in the 17th century, we made our way to the Holy Well, where we chanted the Paschal moleben, with the Paschal Canon and hymns to the saint.

We then made our way through the beautiful Wye Valley to Tintern, with its ruins of the great abbey.

It was here, Din-Teyryn, long before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of the Cistercians, that St Tewdrig retired from kingly-rule to live as a hermit, until an angelic messenger commanded him to emerge from his seclusion and lead the warriors of the local kingdom against the invading Saxons, and despite their victory, a blow to the head by a spear thrown by one of the fleeing Saxons mortally wounded the king.

To quote his hagiography,

“…Tewdrig, fully harnessed, mounted his horse and stood at the head of the troops to defend the ford over the Wye. The Saxons were put to flight, but one of them hurled a lance across the water and wounded the old king.

When it was perceived that the wound was mortal, his men were for removing him, but he forbade them to do so, and said that he would die there, and that he had desired his body to rest in the Isle of Echni, the Flat Holm, in the Severn Sea.

On the morrow, however, appeared two stags harnessed to a wagon, and Tewdrig, recognising that they were sent by the will of God, allowed himself to be lifted into the conveyance. The wagon carried him to the bank of the Severn and there stayed, and on the spot a sparkling spring began to flow. Then suddenly the wagon dissolved, and Tewdrig gave up the ghost.

Meurig erected an oratory on the spot, which was blessed by S. Oudoceus. The spot was Mathern, below Chepstow; there the old king was laid, and not conveyed, as he had desired, to Echni.”

The beautiful village that has grown in the more than a thousand years since the death and burial of St Tewdrig, with its centuries old cottages and gardens full of spring flowers and trees in bud and blossom, was a wonderful place in which to honour our martyred hermit-king and saint, and whilst the drama of Tintern was so impressive, and the social time spent there after exploring was a blessing, the spiritual heart and climax of our day was in the little village by the Severn, sacred to St Tewdrig.

I would partcularly like to thank our drivers, Peter, Porphyrios and Menna – and also Aldhelm for playing the accordion and bringing such cheer during our picnic lunch.

Dioch yn fawr!

Troparion to St Tewdrig, King and Hermit, Tone VI:
O Holy and Right-Believing King and Champion of the Faith, having resigned thine office thou didst retire to Tintern and the silence of the eremitical life; * but, upon the invasion of the pagans, * was prompted by an angel of God * to return and lead the victorious Christian host; * and grievously wounded, didst consecrate the Welsh soil with thy blood; * and borne to Mathern didst leave the mortal world * and wast born again in heaven. * Wherefore, O Holy Tewdrig, * intercede to Christ the High King of Heaven, * to bless our land, * and have mercy on our souls!

Venerable Hermit-King and Martyr, Tewdrig, pray to God for us!

This Week in the Parish

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Dear brothers and sisters – Christ is Risen! Христос воскресе! Hristos a înviat! Χριστός ἀνέστη!

After a prayerful Holy Week in Nazareth House, Pascha night brought a very well attended and beautiful celebration of the resurrection in St John’s, Canton.

At the beginning of the Midnight Office of Holy Saturday, we were somewhat puzzled by such unexpectedly low numbers in St John’s, but during the singing of the canon, the continual rising and falling of the door-latch announced the arrival of groups of friends, families and carloads of worshippers: Greeks, Russians, Ukrainians, Serbs, Bulgarians, Romanians, and locals – and others came and went during the long services, joining our procession around the church before the proclamation of the resurrection after the third circling of St John’s.

In the stillness of the mild spring night, no candles were blown out and nothing detracted from the prayerful chanting of the faithful:

“Воскресе́ние Твое́, Христе́ Спа́се, А́нгели пою́т на Небесе́х, и нас на земли́ сподо́би чи́стым се́рдцем Тебе́ сла́вити.” 

“Thy Resurrection, O Christ Saviour, the angels hymn in the heavens; vouchsafe also us on earth with to glorify Thee in purity of heart.”

Every year we greatly look forward to the singing of the Paschal Canon, with the repeated censing and changing vestment colours, and the constantly repeated “Christ is Risen!”

This year was no different, as the choir alternated singing in Slavonic and English, mirroring the alternating language of our deacons, and the sight of so many joyful faces lit by the flames of their candles was a wonderful sight as I censed the church with the necessary vigour and haste needed of Pascha night, after the servers removed one phelonion and replaced it with one of a different colour: red, gold, blue, green… finally returning to white.

After a busy week of confessions, we knew that there would be many communicants, including visitors, and it was wonderful that so many of the faithful partook of the Holy Mysteries. Some of those who communed had also partaken of the mystery of Holy Unction.

Eggs and Paschal baskets were blessed at the end of Liturgy, before the distribution of eggs at the kissing of the Cross.

As always, the services of Pascha passed in such a seemingly short time, and I was very glad that our Wessex parishioners and students stayed to share a meal with some of the core members of the parish – though it would have been nice to have far more doing so!

Next Saturday will see a group of us head to Mathern and Tintern, on a local pilgrimage to honour St Tewdrig, after a morning service in Nazareth House. I had hoped to celebrate the Divine Liturgy, but a lack of singers may preclude this. However, we shall still have a service at 11:00, before heading east.

Anyone wishing to join us is asked to email our Pilgrimage Coordinator, Tracy: t_sbrain@yahoo.co.uk

Before then, I shall hear confession in Nazareth House, on Thursday, and would appreciate an email from those confessing by Wednesday midday.

Please make sure that Paschal prayers and hymns resound throughout the week.

Finally, profound thanks to those who have worked so hard for Holy Week and Pascha.

Our choir and servers have been wonderful, and having Hierodeacon Avaraamy has made an immense difference to our celebrations.

Thanks to matushka Alla for the floral decorations, and for all who brought flowers, and supplied food for the clergy throughout the week, as well as dyed eggs for Pascha night and wonderful food with which to celebrate the resurrection.

Thanks also to the brothers of the parish for spending so many hours setting up and putting away. This added hours to the week’s services, and was quite a challenge, especially after three-and-a-half-hour services.

In Christ – Hieromonk Mark

Paschal Greetings – Christ is Risen!

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“Come receive the light, from the never-setting light; and glorify Christ who has risen from the dead.”

Dear brothers and sisters,

Christ is Risen! Христос воскресе! Hristos a înviat! Χριστός ἀνέστη!

As we reflect on the meaning of the resurrection in the life of the Church and the lives of individual believers, we can all too easily forget the sheer confusion and uncertainty of the first Pascha for the apostles and first Christians: traumatised and confused, and mourning the Saviour’s death – especially after the wonder of the raising of Lazarus and His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

After the euphoria of Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday, their world had come crashing down around them: collapsed and swallowed in spiritual, mental and emotional darkness.

At the death of the Saviour, there was darkness over all the land as the sun was eclipsed, but we should remember that, ironically, darkness also characterised the moment of the resurrection in the last hours of the night, in which the Saviour rose from the dead in the Divine Dawn, as the “Everlasting Sun of Righteousness”.

The imagery and symbolism of Christ the Light dominates our Paschal night: as the faithful carry candles circumambulating the temple; as the priest repeatedly censes the Church with the Troitsa candlestick in his left hand and the censer in his right, making the sign of the cross with the recurring joyful cry – “Christ is Risen!”

Reflecting the miracle of the Holy Fire, in Jerusalem, in Byzantine tradition, at the end of the midnight office the priest emerges from the sanctuary into the darkened temple chanting,

“Come receive the light, from the never-setting light; and glorify Christ who has risen from the dead.”

The sustained light-symbolism is not just a poetic and allegorical detail, but presupposes that the light of Christ is desired, to illuminate those who follow Him and to bring spiritual-light to those surrounded by the darkness of the world, whatever it makes of Christ. During the Liturgy, the Prologue of the Gospel of St John was read, declaring this very point:

“In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.”

Sadly, the world still has little understanding of the Light of the World, who dawned from the tomb, but for us, as those who have been baptised into His death and resurrection, we celebrate this wondrous dawn in the feast, and are called to be light-bearers, reflecting the light of Christ.

Just as the flame of Pascha spreads around the temple from candle to candle before our symbolic processional-journey seeking the Body of Christ, so the light of Christ must be carried in our hearts and illumine our lives, so that we become participators and heralds of the Light of the World: burning with the flame of faith, hope and love.

No matter how confusing and fearful the world is, in ever-deepening darkness, with the swelling persecution of Faith, sinister socio-political agendas, growing authoritarianism unnoticed by the masses, and the wholesale violent rejection of traditional Christian values and morality, the light of the resurrection cannot be taken from those who truly believe in Him, Who has risen for the dead; despoiling Hades and trampling down death by death; bestowing life upon those in the graves.

The greater the darkness that surrounds us, the brighter even the smallest burning flame appears, and however much the looming darkness of the world grows, Christ our Light and Life is risen, and nothing can change the reality of His victory and the radiance it sheds upon the world.

As the third ode of the Paschal Canon reminds us,

“Now all things are filled with light: heaven and earth, and the nether regions. So let all creation then celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, by which it is strengthened.”

Now, walking in the light and radiance of our Paschal celebration of the resurrection, we must not only ensure that nobody and nothing is allowed to rob us of the light and joy of the resurrection, but also take the flame of Faith and the light of the Risen Christ into the surrounding darkness, so that others may be kindled and delivered from fear, hopelessness and uncertainty.

Like those passing the Paschal flame to others around them in our wonderful Paschal celebration, we must do this spiritually in our darkening, suffering world, shedding the Light of Christ upon friend, colleague, neighbour, and those whom our lives touch, through words and deeds – even if simply in unrecognised and hidden acts of kindness, generosity and love in His Name.

One of the abiding memories of Pascha will be the wonderful sight of our Greek friends in the greyness of the first light, guarding the Paschal in their lanterns as they headed homewards through the quiet streets.

As that flame went with them, may this also be the spiritual reality of Pascha for each and everyone of us, as we take Christ the Light and Life into our streets, homes, families, workplaces, schools and colleges – taking head to the Saviour’s words, recorded by St John the Theologian,

“Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

May we shed His light upon the world.

Christ is Risen!

Fr Mark

The Mystery of Holy Unction Tonight

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Dear brothers and sisters,

Travelling to Cardiff, now, it is with great anticipation that I look forward to serving the Mystery of Holy Unction with Father Luke this evening, and it is precisely because it is a Holy Mystery that we approach it with compunction and repentance.

In all of the Holy Mysteries, we draw near to Christ in repentance as He, like the father of the prodigal, journeys toward us in a reciprocal movement of love, and just as the deacon calls us to approach the chalice with the fear of God and faith in the Liturgy, so do we equally approach the Mystery of the Oil, knowing that through the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, our Great High Priest, Christ Himself acts as the Divine Physician in this Holy Mystery.

It is He who anoints us through the hands of his bishops and priest. It is He and not men Who confers the healing power of Grace upon both soul and body and Who forgives sins. This vicarious action of the priests, on behalf of our High Priest is made clear in the prayer that will be pronounced before anointing, as the faithful kneel beneath the Gospel:

“O Holy King, deeply- compassionate and greatly-merciful Lord Jesus Christ, Son and Word of the Living God, Who desirest not the death of a sinner, but that he should turn back and live: I lay not my sinful hand upon the head of them that come to Thee in sins and ask of Thee, through us, for remission of sins, but through Thy hand, mighty and powerful, which is in this, Thy Holy Gospel which my fellow ministers hold upon the head of Thy servants, and I pray with them and entreat Thy merciful love for mankind which remembereth not evil, O God, our Saviour, Who by Thy prophet Nathan didst grant remission of his iniquities unto the repentant David, and didst accept the prayer of repentance of Manasses. And do Thou Thyself, in Thy customary love for mankind, accept Thy servants, who repent of their sins, overlooking their transgressions. For Thou art our God, Who hast given command to forgive even seventy time seven times them that have fallen into sins. For as is Thy majesty, so also is Thy mercy, and unto Thee is due all glory, honour and worship, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages, amen.”

As a sign of this repentance, we prayerfully approach the anointing with the oil of God’s mercy having made a recent confession, desiring repentance and amendment of life, and we seek to commune of the Holy Mystery of the Saviour’s Body and Blood, in Holy Communion, as soon as possible.

There can be nothing casual about this Holy Mystery, and no-one can simply approach as their ‘right’. As such, those who are under a penance, those who have excluded themselves from the worship of the Church, and anyone who is excommunicated or live a life incompatible with the teaching of the Church may not partake of this Holy Mystery, just as they may not commune until they have corrected what is amiss in their lives.

Holy Unction and the healing it confers, can only make sense in lives that are actively dedicated to God and open to Grace through prayerful and conscious regular participation in the mysteries and divine medicine of repentance and Holy Communion, which the Saviour has bequeathed as the abiding signs of His love and mercy:His sacramentalindwelling in His Church and the lives of His children.

Sadly, in many parishes, parishioners do not understand the difference between Holy Unction and the other anointing that take place during vigils and other services. This is NOT the same, but one of the seven Holy Mysteries of the Church, so only Orthodox Christians (and not catechumens) may partake of anointing.

And… as this is a Holy Mystery, it is a priestly action, on behalf of the Great High Priest, within the liturgical life of the Church. The oil is the vehicle of God’s Grace, and therefore the Holy Church and the clergy have custody of it, as with all of the the Holy Mysteries. Therefore, despite some local customs, oil is not taken by the faithful after the service, so please do not make this request. Just as we no longer take Holy Communion to our houses (despite ancient Tradition), we neither do so with the Oil of Unction in ROCOR.

Some parishioners have already confessed, and are blessed to receive the Mystery of Holy Unction, some will confess in the mid-afternoon, and other during the ‘open’ two hours before the beginning of the service. Once again, we ask all those confessing to mindful of others and to limit confession at this time to five minutes, as there may be a considerable number of penitents – particularly in in the last forty-five minutes before Holy Unction. We should also remind parent, that Unction is only for those who are confessing before the Holy Mysteries, so children below the age of seven years do not partake. Those who have already partaken of this mystery during the Great Fast, do not approach anointing again.

There will be open time for confession from 17:00 to 19:00, though I have asked some people to come at specific times, and Holy Unction will commence at 19:00 with an explanation of the Holy Mystery before it commences.

If needed there will be additional confessions and anointing after the service.

May God bless you all.

Hieromonk Mark

From Palm Sunday to Holy Week and Pascha

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Dear brothers and sisters,

It was an great blessing to follow yesterday’s celebration of the raising of St Lazarus the Four-Days-Dead with that of the Saviour’s short journey from Bethany to Jerusalemand the Lord’s Entrance into the Holy City.

After a rather rushed set-up, due to lack of access to Nazareth House last night and a later Mass today, everything came together very well, with confessions finished and the covering of the Gifts and completion of the Hours leading seamlessly into our Liturgy, with the faithful standing ready with their willows and palms.

It was lovely to see our deacons censing the church bearing bunches of willows, palms and flowers, and the festal feel to the Liturgy echoed that of yesterday’s humbler but equally jubilant celebration in Cheltenham.

Parishioners with none-Orthodox spouses and some of our students were unable to be with us due to western Easter, but we were to happy to welcome new Ukrainian and Georgian visitors on this happy day, and hope that they will be with us for Pascha. So… all in all, numbers were hardly dented by western celebrations.

We are very grateful to our choir and oltarniky, and to the sisters who prepared food to celebrate the feast before the austerities of Holy Week. We are also grateful to those who brought flowers. May God bless you all!

We now look forward to a busy week of services and confessions, and as Deacon Mark reminded the faithful, if confessing during the ‘open’ times before and after services, we should endeavour to be mindful of others and the shear number of confessions to be heard.

This may be very pertinent on Wednesday, when we will celebrate ‘soborovanie’ – the Holy Unction.

Those approaching the Mystery should have made a recent confession. If confessing before the service of the Holy Oil, please try to keep your confession to five minutes. I will be in Nazareth House during the afternoon, and may hear longer confessions before 17:00, when I will be more generally available for those needing to confess.

We have many new people in the parish, so I recommend them to read a very good articles on Holy Unction on orthochristian – reminding all that this is a Holy Mystery, so only Orthodox Christians may partake of it.

https://orthochristian.com/69891.html

https://orthochristian.com/97264.html

https://orthochristian.com/130141.html

I am very pleased that will have Archpriest Luke with us for this service, and greatly value his help with confessions. Fr Luke will be with us from 18:00, and I know that there will be those who will wish take advantage of being able to make their confession to him. But… again, please be mindful of the time.

Parishioners who are NOT able to be with us on Wednesday should be reassured that anointing with the oil from the service is possible after all of the evening services during Holy Week for those who have prepared.

In addition to the previously advertised services, the Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Thursday will now be celebrated in Nazareth House (like all of the services from Wednesday to Friday) and will commence at 11:00, after the daily Mass.

Unfortunately, due to the use of the chapel on Friday morning, it will not be possible to celebrate the Royal Hours in our Cardiff home.

Having celebrated the Lord’s Entry into Jerusalem today, the matins of the coming days will look forward to His return as the judge of the world and Bridegroom of His Church, and the beginning of Holy Week calls us to vigilance, so that we may be ready and waiting for His return – like the wise virgins, who tended their lamps and took care that they were vigilant and watching.

At the beginning of this Great Week, let us be like them as we keep vigil, remembering the last week of the Saviour’s earthly life before His crucifixion, life-giving Cross, and the wonder of His resurrection.

Let us endeavour to watch and pray, and to not fall asleep as we spiritually journey to the upper room, the Mount of Olives, the praetorium and thence to Golgotha and the sepulchre.

“Behold the Bridegroom cometh in the midst of the night, and blessed is the servant whom He shall find watching; and again unworthy is he whom He shall find heedless. Beware, therefore, O my soul, lest thou be borne down with sleep, lest thou be given up to death, and lest thou be shut out from the Kingdom.”

May God bless you all, and give you strength and grace in this Holy and Great Week.

Asking your forgiveness for Christ’s sake.

Hieromonk Mark

The Festal Canon of the Raising of Lazarus

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The feast of the Annunciation, which we celebrated today marked the end of Great Lent, but before we begin the Holy and Great Week of the Lord’s Passion with Palm Sunday, tomorrow brings the joy of Lazarus Saturday.

With the Liturgy in Cheltenham tomorrow, a day which belongs to neither Lent nor Holy Week, we celebrate the raising of St Lazarus the Four Days Dead: a signpost to the Saviour’s own Resurrection.

The wonder of the raising of Lazarus sets the tone of excitement for the Lord’s Entry into Jerusalem, going to His voluntary passion on the colt of a ass.

This day of rejoicing, points to the coming joy beyond the dark days of the Lord’s passion, the Cross and Golgotha, to the Harrowing of Hell, in which the Victor and Vanquisher of death will not command Lazarus, but the souls of the Old Testament saints to come forth.

Though Lazarus was still destined to fall asleep in the Lord, and his rising was a mere foretaste of the resurrection of the dead, it beckons us in our celebrations to the joy of the Paschal dawn in which Christ comes forth from the tomb as Victor for all eternity.

Turning to St Lazarus, we ask his prayers before the throne of the Risen and Victorious Saviour, for strength and endurance in the holy days ahead.

Holy Father, Lazarus the Four Days Dead, pray to God for us!

Ode I, Irmos: Let us sing to the Lord, Who led His people through the Red Sea: for He alone is gloriously glorified.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

With Thy divine command Thou hast raised dead Lazarus, in Thy love for mankind; for Thou art the Fashioner and Guardian of Life.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O immortal Lord, with Thy word Thou hast raised Lazarus, four days dead, and by Thy power Thou hast destroyed the dark kingdom of hell.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Thou hast given to all, O Master, a proof of Thy transcendent Godhead, raising Lazarus from the dead on the fourth day.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Today Bethany proclaims beforehand the Resurrection of Christ the giver of Life, and it rejoices at the rising of Lazarus.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

In the beginning Thou hast brought all creation out of nothing, and Thou knowest the secrets of our hearts; and now as Master Thou dost foretell to Thy disciples the falling asleep of Lazarus.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Christ, Thou hast become man, taking human nature from the Virgin, and as man Thou hast asked where Lazarus was buried, although as God Thou wast not ignorant of this.

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

O Word, giving us an assurance of Thine own Resurrection, Thou hast raised Thy friend as if from sleep, though he had lain four days in the tomb and already stank.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The host of angels and of mortal men praise thee, O Virgin Mother, without ceasing.  For thou hast carried their creator as a babe in thine arms.

Ode III, Irmos: Thou art the support of those who flee unto Thee, O Lord, Thou art the light of those in darkness, and my spirit doth hymn Thee.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Displaying Thy two energies, O Saviour, Thou hast made manifest Thy two natures: for Thou art both God and man.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Though Thou art the Abyss of knowledge, Thou dost ask where they have laid the body of Lazarus.  For it was Thy purpose, O Giver of Life, to raise him from the dead.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Going from one place to another, Thou hast as mortal man, appeared circumscribed; but, as God uncircumscribed, Thou fillest all things.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

At Thy divine word, Thou hast raised Lazarus, O Christ, I pray Thee, raise me also, dead through my many sins.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Lord who workest miracles, standing in Bethany by the tomb of Lazarus, Thou hast shed tears for him in accordance with the law of nature, confirming the full reality of the flesh which Thou hast taken, O Jesus my God.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Straightway Thou hast made the sorrow of Mary and Martha to cease, O Saviour, showing Thy sovereign authority.  For, as Thou hast said, Thou art in truth the Resurrection and the Life and the Lord of all.

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

O Lord, from the ranks of the dead and the darkness of hell thou hast snatched Thy friend Lazarus, bound in his grave-clothes; and by Thine all-powerful word Thou hast broken open the gates of the kingdom of death.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Taking up Thy dwelling in a Virgin, O Lord, Thou hast appeared to men incarnate, enabling them to see Thee with their eyes; Thou hast made her in very truth the Theotokos and the help of the faithful, O Thou who alone lovest mankind.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. 

Sessional hymn, Tone 4:  The sisters of Lazarus stood beside Christ and, lamenting with bitter tears, they said to Him: “O Lord, Lazarus is dead.” And though as God He knew the place of burial, yet He asked them, “Where have ye laid him?”  Coming to the tomb, He called Lazarus that was four days dead; and he arose and worshipped the Lord who had raised him.

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

Sessional hymn, Tone 8: Foreknowing all things as Creator, Thou hast warned the disciples at Bethany saying: “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep today.” And, though Thou was not ignorant, Thou hast asked: “Where have ye laid him?” Weeping as a man, Thou hast prayed to the Father; Thou hast called Thy friend Lazarus from hell, O Lord, and raised him when he had been four days dead. Therefore, we cry to Thee: Accept, O Christ our God, the praise we dare to offer, and count us all worthy of Thy glory.

Ode IV, Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, of the mystery of Thy dispensation, and I considered Thy works, and I have glorified Thy Godhead.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Thou hast prayed to the Father, not because Thou art in need of any help, but to fulfill the mystery of Thine incarnation; and so, almighty Lord, Thou hast raised up a corpse that was four days dead.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Coeternal with the Father, the Word that was revealed from the beginning as God, now offers prayers as man, though it is He that receives the prayers of all.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Saviour, Thy voice destroyed all the power of death, and the foundations of hell were shaken by Thy divine might.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Let us sing the praises of the Virgin, for she remained a virgin after bearing child, and she gave birth to Christ our God, who has delivered the world from error.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

As Shepherd, O Saviour and Creator, Thou hast snatched from the fierce and all-devouring wolf a man that had been four days dead; and through him, in Thy power as Lord, Thou hast revealed beforehand the universal glory of Thy Resurrection on the third day.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Beholding Thee, O Christ the Life, the companions of Martha cried aloud: “If Thou hadst been here, O Lord, the Light and Life of all, Lazarus would not have died.”  But since Thou art the Life of the dead, in Thy love for mankind Thou hast turned their sorrow into joy.

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

The depths are afraid at Thy presence, O Lord, the source of life; all the waters are Thy servants.  The gatekeepers tremble before Thee, O Christ, and the bars of hell are broken by Thy power, as Lazarus rises from the dead at Thy command, almighty Saviour who lovest mankind.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Unwedded Virgin, thou art the glory of the faithful; thou art the advocate and refuge of Christians, their rampart and haven, for, Undefiled, thou dost offer intercession to thy Son, saving from danger those who in faith and love acknowledge thee as the pure Theotokos.

Ode V, Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy face from me, O Light never-waning? And why hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to the light of Thy commandments, I pray.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

In Thy love for mankind, coming to the tomb of Lazarus Thou hast called him and granted him life, for Thou art the immortal life of all mortal men; and so Thou hast as God clearly foretold the future Resurrection.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

His feet bound in the grave-clothes, Lazarus walked out from the tomb.  O wonder of wonders!  Christ who gave him strength is greater than the power of death which held him back.  All things obey Christ’s word, serving Him as God and Master.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Thou hast raised Lazarus on the fourth day, though his corpse already stank.  Raise me up, O Christ, for I am dead in sin and lie in the pit and the dark shadow of death; deliver and save me in Thy compassion.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Thou hast prayed and given glory to the Father, for Thy power is not opposed to His.  To confirm the faith of the multitude that stood round Thee, Thou hast thanked Thy Father, O longsuffering Lord, and then raised Lazarus by Thy command.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O voice of God!  O divine power and might!  With that voice, O Saviour, Thou hast shattered the gates of hell and all-devouring death.  Deliver me from my passions, as once Thou hast delivered Thy friend Lazarus that was four days dead.

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

At the prayers of Lazarus, of Martha and Mary, O loving Lord, make us worthy to behold Thy Cross and Passion, and the joyful Queen of Days, the feast of Thy Resurrection.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Since, all-pure Virgin, thou hast a mother’s boldness before thy Son, do not forget us and our needs, we pray, for we are thy kinsfolk: thee alone we Christians bring as intercessor, to win the gracious mercy of the Master.

Ode VI, Irmos: O Lord, who hast made Jonah dwell within the whale, deliver me from corruption, as Thou hast delivered him; for I am caught in the snares of the enemy.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Love led Thee, Master, to Lazarus at Bethany; and as God Thou hast raised him, though his corpse already stank, and hast delivered him from the bonds of hell.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Martha despaired when she saw Lazarus already four days dead.  But Christ, as God, raised him from decay and brought him back to life by His word.

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

As true God Thou hast known of the falling asleep of Lazarus and hast announced it beforehand to Thy disciples, giving them a proof, O Master, of the infinite power of Thy divinity.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Thou who art by nature uncircumscribed wast circumscribed in the flesh; coming to Bethany, O Master, as man Thou dost weep over Lazarus, and by Thy power as God Thou dost raise him on the fourth day from the dead.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. 

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

Kontakion, Tone 2:  Christ, the Joy of all, the Truth, the Light, the Life, the Resurrection of the world, hath, of His goodness, appeared to those on earth, and become the archetype of the Resurrection, granting divine forgiveness unto all.

Ikos: The Creator of the world foretold to His disciples what would come to pass, proving to them that He knows all things as the Maker of all.  “Brethren and companions, our friend has fallen asleep”,  He said.  “Let us go, then, and see a strange burial, and behold the tears of Mary and the tomb of Lazarus.  For I shall work a miracle there, as the prelude to My Crucifixion, granting divine forgiveness unto all.”

Ode VII, Irmos: In the furnace the Hebrew children boldly trod the flame underfoot and transformed the fire into dew, crying out: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Weeping as man in Thy compassion, Thou hast as God raised Lazarus from the tomb; and, delivered from hell, he cried aloud: “Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!”

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

At the Master’s word Lazarus came out bound in grave clothes, escaping from the chaos and darkness of hell, and he cried aloud: “Blessed art Thou, O Lord God, forever!”

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Shedding tears over Thy friend, O merciful Lord, Thou hast made the tears of Martha cease, and by Thy voluntary Passion Thou hast wiped away all tears from the face of Thy people.  O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.

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

Master of Life and Saviour, Thou hast called the dead man as if he were asleep.  With Thy word thou hast burst asunder the belly of hell and raised up Lazarus as he sang: “O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.”

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Master, Thou hast raised a dead man bound in grave clothes, a corpse that already stank.  I am held fast in the bonds of sin; raise me up and I shall sing: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.

Ode VIII, Irmos: When the instruments of music sounded, countless multitudes worshipped the image in Dura; but the three Children, refusing to bow down, praised and glorified the Lord forever.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

As Shepherd, Thou hast gone to seek Thy sheep; rescuing the dead man from the fierce and destructive wolf, in Thy power Thou hast brought him from corruption to new life, and he cried out to Thee: “Praise the Lord and exalt Him above all forever.”

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

As mortal man Thou hast asked where Lazarus was buried; as Maker, Thou hast raised him from the dead by Thy royal command.  Hell was afraid of him when he cried out to Thee: “Praise the Lord and exalt Him above all forever.”

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

As a mortal, Thou dost search for Lazarus; as God, Thou dost raise him by Thy word, though he was four days dead.  Therefore we sing Thy praises forever.

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

Fulfilling a debt of gratitude for her brother, Mary brought Thee, O Lord, sweet-smelling spices; and she sings Thy praises forever.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

As man Thou dost pray to the Father, as God Thou dost raise Lazarus.  Therefore, O Christ, we sing Thy praises for ever.

Ode IX, Irmos:  O ye people, with glory let us honour the pure Theotokos, who conceived within her womb the divine fire and yet was not consumed, and let us magnify her with hymns.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Seeing a four-day corpse walking, the people were struck with wonder at the miracle and cried out to the Deliverer: “We magnify Thee in hymns, O God.”

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Thou hast established men’s faith in Thy glorious Resurrection, O my Saviour, before it came to pass, by freeing Lazarus from hell when he was four days dead; and I magnify Thee in hymns.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

Honouring Thy Father, O Christ, and showing that Thou art not opposed to Him, after praying Thou hast by Thine own authority raised Lazarus that was four days dead.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O my Christ, Thou hast raised from the tomb Lazarus that was four days dead, and so Thou makest him a truthful witness to Thy Resurrection on the third day.

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

Thou dost walk and weep and speak, my Saviour, showing the action of Thy human nature; and, revealing Thy divine nature, Thou dost raise Lazarus.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

In ways surpassing speech, my Master and Saviour, Thou hast brought about my salvation by the free will exercised in each of Thy two natures.

Troparion, Tone 1: In confirming the common Resurrection, O Christ God, Thou didst raise up Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion. Wherefore, we also, like the children bearing the symbols of victory, cry to Thee the Vanquisher of death: Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.