Both now and ever and to the ages of ages, Amen. This is the day of rest, on which the only-begotten Son of God rested from all His works. Pilate said to them, You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how. So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard. Fast. 1. All Rights Reserved. The First Sunday of Lent: a Fast and a Feast, 371. This is the blessed Sabbath. Who can describe this strange and terrible thing? Much of the service takes place around the tomb of Christ in the center of the nave. Good Friday Lamentations at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Baltimore Maryland. It is this divine human love which is contemplated and praised over the tomb of the Savior. Publishers of Liturgical and Sacred Music. And so there isno hope for the world, no hope formankind, no hope for anyone ever. ." The music is in Western & Byzantine notation. The Judge stood as one accused before the judgement-seat of Pilate, and He was condemned to an unjust death upon the wood of the Cross. Rather tonight we focus on the laments of his Blessed Mother, for she did not know. By observing vanities and lies you have forsaken your own mercy., Ode 7 In a robe of mockery ye clothe Him who ordered all things, who adorned the heavens with stars and the earth with wonders. O God without beginning, Word coeternal, and Holy Spirit, in Thy love strengthen the power of our rulers against their enemies. Taking Thee down from the Tree, Joseph of Arimathaea lay Thee in a sepulchre. Church Holy Days. Early in the morning the myrrh-bearers came to Thee and sprinkled myrrh upon Thy tomb. So already in tonights Epistle (1 Corinthians 5:6-8) we begin the celebration: Christ, our Passover has been sacrificed for us. Fr. Thou wast laid in a new tomb, O Christ, and hast made new the nature of mortal man, rising from the dead by Thy divine power. Concerning Thy testimonies, I have known of old that Thou hast founded them forever. The Church calls this day the Blessed Sabbath. Sinners have waited for me to destroy me: but I have understood Thy testimonies. The women came with myrrh to anoint Christ, the Myrrh of Cod. The Epitaphios is also a common short form of the Epitphios Thrnos, the "Lamentation upon the Grave" in Greek, which is the main part of the service of the Matins of Holy Saturday, served in Good Friday evening. The sun and moon grew dark together, O Savior, like faithful servants clothed in black robes of mourning. For therewith hast Thou delivered us from death. Therefore have I loved Thy commandments above gold or topaz. Christ our God! Give me understanding, and I shall seek Thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 2 Reader: Amen. The fortieth day after death is considered to be the the most important day of commemoration. Though His Resurrection on earth . Let Thy tender mercies come unto me, and I shall live: for Thy law is my study. When thou didst descend to death, O Life Immortal, thou didst slay hell with the splendor of thy Godhead: and when from the depths thou didst raise the dead, all the powers of heaven cried out: O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory to thee! O Thou who hast fashioned Adam with Thine own hand, Thou hast gone down beneath the earth, to raise up fallen men by Thine almighty power. The seraphim, O Savior, beheld Thee on high, united inseparably with the Father, yet they saw Thee below lying dead in the tomb; and they trembled with fear. Though Thou wast shut within the narrowest of sepulchres, O Jesus, all creation knew Thee as true King of Heaven and earth. Listen carefully and notice:Throughout these long Lamentations over Christ, the words of lament are put not in our mouths, but in the mouth of His Mother. We bless thee, O pure Theotokos, and with faith we honor the three-day burial of thy Son and our God. See how I have loved Thy commandments: quicken me, O Lord, in Thy mercy. Saint Perpetua and her Heart-breaking Dilemma, 365. Thou hast slept, O Christ, a life-giving sleep in the tomb, and aroused mankind from the heavy slumber of sin. Thine all-blameless Mother wept bitterly, O Word, when she beheld Thee in the grave, God ineffable and without beginning. Let the proud be ashamed, for they have transgressed against me unjustly: but I will meditate on Thy commandments. O thrice-blessed Joseph, bury the body of Christ, the Giver of Life. The Lamentations consist of verses (troparia) called the Praises interspersed with verses of the 118th Psalm (17th kathisma), which is divided into three parts (staseis). . Bill's Orthodox Blog Orthodoxy from the Third Coast, Saints, Seasons, Society, Sins, plus Travels mostly to Greece and who knows what next? I remembered Thy judgements of old, O Lord; and was comforted. My salvation, my light Chant. . Now is my heart torn in pieces by a mother's grief.. The spiritual powers tremble at Thy strange and fearful burial, O Maker of all. Lord, I have looked for Thy salvation, and loved Thy commandments. Woe is me, Light of the world! All Thy commandments are true: they persecute me wrongfully; help Thou me. Seven times a day have I praised Thee because of the judgements of Thy righteousness. Great peace have they that love Thy law: and for them there is no stumbling-block. Sermon Lanier Christian Church November 11, 2012 David Simpson Soldiers of the Cross 2 Timothy 2:1-4 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, After three days I will rise., Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, He has risen from the dead. So the last deception will be worse than the first.. Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statutes. Cnrist has conquered death and hades. Thy testimonies have I received as an heritage forever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. This is the beautiful St. Nicholas Choir chanting the lamentations. Come, and as the women bearing myrrh let us sing a holy lament to the dead Christ, that like them we too may hear Him say Rejoice!'. 3814 Regents Circle, Bloomington, IN 47401 812-855-8248 E-mail: pappas@indiana.edu. And when we come out from under the Epitaphion, where do we find ourselves? I have chosen the way of truth: Thy judgements have I not forgotten. Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, Rev. Holy Trinity will be hosting on the 5th. The nonstop service has gone on in this manner for two weeks, with over 50,000 people from other states and even other countries traveling to Asbury to experience the "outpouring." When the university authorities had to close the service this Sunday, February 26, the Asbury Outpouring sparked nascent revivals in Ohio, Tennessee, and elsewhere. For the full text of this and other Great Lent and Holy Week services we highly recommend purchasing a copy of this priceless book from St. Tikhons Press. O Thou who hast fashioned Eve from Adam's side, Thy side was pierced and from it flowed streams of cleansing. And He has failed. Here for the first time comes the clear proclamation of the good news of salvation in Christs resurrection. O bloodthirsty people, jealous and vengeful! Six pages in length, SATB and chant. Thou art the Joy of the angels, O Savior, but now Thou art become the cause of their grief, as they see Thee in the flesh a lifeless corpse. But then quickly, we return to the Tomb on earth (Matthew 27:62-66), with a great stone still sealing the door, and we wait just a little while longer. Let Thine hand be near to save me: for I have chosen Thy commandments. The first service belonging to Holy Saturdaycalled in the Church the Blessed Sabbathis the Vespers of Good Friday. Thou art nailed upon the Cross, who of old hast sheltered Thy people with a pillar of cloud. Such were the tidings Gabriel brought me when he flew down from Heaven: for he said that the Kingdom of my Son Jesus would be eternal.. I venerate Thy Passion, I sing the praises of Thy burial, and I magnify Thy power, O loving Lord: through them I am set free from corrupting passions. We are still with Him. Matins for Great & Holy Saturday (Lamentations, full text) Vesperal Liturgy for Holy Saturday (full text) Paschal Services (Nocturnes, Midnight Procession, Matins, Liturgy) (full text) The Hours of Pascha (usable throughout Bright Week!) for the salvation of us who sing: . I have not departed from Thy judgements: for Thou hast taught me. I have remembered Thy Name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept Thy law. 2. O the folly of those who killed the prophets and slew Christ! In the crooked paths of the transgressing Hebrews there are thorns and snares. Yet another great Saint Gregory: Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople, 364. By Thy Resurrection give peace to the Church and salvation to Thy people. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in Thy judgements. With Thine own consent slain and laid beneath the earth, O my Jesus, Fountain of Life, Thou hast brought me back to life when I was dead through bitter sin. On Friday, April 22, 2022, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Epitaph Service at the Patriarchal Cathedral, concelebrants were Metropolitans Kyrillos of Moschonisia, Makarios of Anea, Meliton of Philadelphia, Seraphim of Sebastia, Eirinaios of Myriophyton and Peristasis, Chrysostomos of Myra, Theoliptos of Iconium, Nikandros of Irenopolis and Ioakeim of The word epitaphios is an adjective meaning "funerary, happening on a grave"; it is the Greek title for Thucydides' famous . Their heart is curdled like milk; but my study has been in Thy law. So shall I keep Thy law continually forever and ever. O reward Thy servant: give me life, and I shall keep Thy words. Our Lord Jesus Christ has been taken down from the cross, and His Most Pure Mother laments and grieves over His lifeless Body, but theologizes concerning the mystery of His death and our redemption. Behold, I have longed after Thy precepts: quicken me in Thy righteousness. He who granted me the breath of life is carried lifeless in Joseph's hands to burial. The angel standing by the grave cried out to the women: Myrrh is proper for the dead, but Christ has shown himself a stranger to corruption. Jesus Christ has conquered death and hell. Listen to Lamentations: Orthodox Chants of Holy Week by Archangel Voices on Apple Music. Theotokos, most pure. The Son conceived in the womb without seed. The whole creation was altered by Thy Passion: for all things suffered with Thee, knowing, O Word, that Thou holdest all in unity. Truly the Mother of Sorrows, as Roman Catholics call her. For the tears I must weep? Open Thou mine eyes, that I may behold the wondrous things of Thy law. Cruel hell trembled when he saw Thee, O immortal Sun of glory, and in haste he yielded up his prisoners. Yet Thou dost destroy deaths kingdom and raise the dead from hell. John Breck, Orthodox Church of America. Sabbath. . That for my sweet Jesus I may rightly mourn. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men. I shall exalt all who magnify you in faith and in love.. . Behold the disciple whom Thou hast loved and Thine own Mother, O my sweetest Child, and do Thou speak to them, cried the pure Virgin weeping. When Thou, O Word, wast dead, Thine all-pure Mother raised a lamentation for Thee. here will be nothing for us to lament, for her Son has risen victorious. That poor dear blessed Woman! How could hell endure Thy coming, O Savior? I am but a sojourner upon the earth: hide not Thy commandments from me. With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy commandments. If you cannot, please find yourself a place to worship live-stream tonight. At Thy Passion, O Word, there was neither form nor beauty in Thee: but Thou hast risen in glory, and with Thy divine light Thou hast given beauty to mortal men. It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me: that I might learn Thy statutes. Come, and with the whole creation let us offer a funeral hymn to the Creator. Out of Thy side, as from a single source, there flows a double stream; and drinking from it we gain immortal life. (3) O Lord, open Thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise. The earth trembled with fear, O Savior Christ, and the sun hid itself, seeing Thee, the Light that knows no evening, sinking in Thy body down into the tomb. Judge my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to Thy word. The service of the Royal Hours - Great and Holy Friday Morning. The Orthodox Celebration of the Great and Holy Saturday, by (+) Fr. I have been very greatly humbled: quicken me, O Lord, according unto Thy word. Then coming back into the church we all pass under the Epitaphion one by one, yet all together in symbol passing through death with Christ. Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Paul - Holy Friday - April 22, 2022 - Service of the Lamentations My soul has kept Thy testimonies: and loved them exceedingly. When she saw Thee lying dead, O Word, the all-pure Virgin wept with a mother's grief. Saturday of Souls Greek Orthodox Divine Liturgy LIVE 3/4/23. Genesis 2:20-3:20. Copyright 2023 OrthodoxyToday and OrthodoxNetwork. My soul is consumed with the longing that it has for Thy judgements at all times. May the very grave-clothes and the napkin put you to shame at Christ's Resurrection. I have done judgement and justice: O give me not over unto mine oppressors. I understand more than my elders, because I have sought Thy commandments. Salvation is far from the wicked: for they have not sought Thy statutes. We become part of Christs funeral procession, and following His precious Body, we go out into the darkness, into death. Woe is me, my Light! Let Thy mercy come also upon me, O Lord, even Thy salvation, according to Thy word. I cried unto Thee; save me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies. Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant; and teach me Thy statutes. I rose up before it was dawn, and cried: I have hoped in Thy word. Let those that fear Thee turn unto me, and those that know Thy testimonies. How sweet are Thy words unto my taste! All that crucified Thee shall be destroyed together, O Word, Thou Son of God and King of all. None is holy but Thee, O Lord., Ode 4 Behold, He that dwell in the highest How shall I close Thy sweet eyes and Thy lips, O Word? The Lamentations Service for Holy Saturday Matins. I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. And I walked at liberty: for I have sought Thy precepts. I entreated Thy favor with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to Thy word. The Ewe, seeing her Lamb slaughtered, was pierced with anguish: and she cried aloud in grief, calling the flock to lament with her. When Thou wast laid in a tomb, O Christ the Creator, the foundations of hell were shaken and the graves of mortal men were opened. Item No. The Service of Holy Saturday Vespers (Morning Service) English 176KB. Those He fed with manna have lifted up their heel against their Benefactor. Armenian Orthodox have also the tradition of the epitaphios. The proud have transgressed exceedingly: yet have I not turned aside from Thy law. At the end of the Great Doxology, while the Trisagion is sung, the epitaphios is taken in procession around the outside the church, and is then returned to the tomb. Wounded in Thy side, O Word, through the life-giving drops of Thy blood as the pelican Thou hast restored Thy dead children to life. 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Joseph hid Thee reverently in a new tomb, O Savior, and lamenting sang to Thee a funeral hymn fitting for God. Mine eyes woke before the morning: that I might meditate in Thy words. (6) How O life canst Thou die? Therefore I walked uprightly according unto all Thy commandments: and I hated every evil way. Most churches host two services - one in the afternoon and another during the day. We stand before the bier on which Christ is laid out before us. This service includes what are called the Lamentations of the Theotokos. O Morning Star of righteousness, Thou art gone down beneath the earth and hast raised up the dead as if from sleep, dispersing all the darkness of hell. Blessed art those that are blameless in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Can we be raised again from death? The answer in all three cases is Yes! Though Thou art buried in a grave, though Thou goest down to hell, O Savior Christ, yet hast Thou emptied the graves and stripped hell naked. O Jesus, King of all, who hast set measures to the earth, Thou dost go this day to dwell in a narrow grave, raising up the dead from their tombs. Some churches observe the practice of holding the epitaphios at the door, above waist level, so the faithful most bow down under it as they come back into the church, symbolizing their entering into the death and resurrection of Christ. Texts for Liturgical Services. Thou who art Life wast laid in a tomb, O Christ: by Thy death Thou hast destroyed death and art become a fountain of life for the world. All the powers of Heaven were filled with fear and wonder when they saw Thee dead. O my God and Word, my Joy, how shall I endure Thy three days in the tomb? During Holy Week, the Orthodox Christian Church mimics the events that led to Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. The multitude of the heavenly powers makes haste with Joseph and Nicodemus, and within a narrow sepulchre they enclose Thee whom nothing can contain. Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. So the Virgin spake lamenting at Thy grave. He expelled his first two students for learning the wrong subject. This derives from an ancient Mediterranean custom of women singing laments at peoples deaths. My soul is continually in Thy hands: yet have I not forgotten Thy law. . is numbered among the dead and sheltered in a lowly tomb. There was no one who could comfort her. Hell trembled, O Savior, when he saw Thee, the Giver of Life, despoiling him of his wealth and raising up the dead from every age. for gloriously has He been glorified. Thou hast dealt well with Thy servant, O Lord, according unto Thy word. Asceties of Piety. Princes also did sit and speak against me: but Thy servant did meditate on Thy statutes. Texts are "pointed" to be sung according to the tonal patterns of the Common Chant (L'vov-Bakhmetev Obikhod, 1869 . It is right to magnify Thee, Creator of all, for through Thy Passion we are freed from passions and corruption. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I give heed unto all Thy commandments. I am grievously wounded and my heart is torn, O Word, as I behold Thee slain unjustly', said the All-pure Virgin weeping. Thy law is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. As a lifeless corpse He is laid in the earth, and it quakes in terror, unable to endure His presence. Thou through Thy commandment hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for it is mine forever. Thou who art the Life wast laid in a tomb, O Christ; and the hosts of angels were amazed and glorified Thy self-abasement. One of the most characteristic, widely attended rites is the Epitaphios, the Good Friday procession. Like a foolish servant, the disciple has betrayed the Abyss of Wisdom. Joseph and Nicodemus bury the body that is the Source of life. I have inclined my heart to perform Thy statutes: for therein is an everlasting reward. By keeping Thy words. Be surety for Thy servant for good: let not the proud accuse me falsely. Blessed are they that search out His testimonies, and seek Him with their whole heart. 1) The Lamentations of the Theotokos, like those for Christ on Great and Holy Saturday, are chanted after the 7th Ode before the Exaposteilaria the evening before the feast of the Dormition. I know, O Lord, that Thy judgements are right, and that with truth Thou hast humbled me. In the Greek practice, you will hear the priest chant the Psalm verses, followed by the choir or cantor singing the Praises in a special sweet melody, imbued with an ineffable feeling of sorrow for a son, yet radiantly colored by a sacred love for His Divinity. My soul faints for Thy salvation: and I have hoped in Thy words. Dead in outward appearance, yet alive as God, Thou hast restored dead mortals to life and slain him that slew me. Pierced by a spear, O Savior, from Thy side Thou pourest out life upon Eve, the mother of all the living, who banished me from life; and Thou quickenest me also with her. The Great Vespers will be at 6:00 pm followed by dinner. Here you can leave your comment on the present article, not exceeding 4000 characters. A sword was sharpened against Thee, O Christ: but the sword of the strong was blunted, and the sword that guards Eden was turned back. Deliver me from the false accusation of men: so will I keep Thy commandments. (4) Who will give me water, CONSTANTINIDES, REV. Now Christ is driving Satan crazy, rescuing the dead of all times past, present, future leading them up into the light, into life again. O forbearance ineffable, beyond all words! Taking Thee down dead from the Tree, O Word, Joseph now has laid Thee in a tomb: but rise up as God to save us all. ). Then he fell, but now he is raised up. Commercials for Jesus at the Super Bowl? Source of the river of life, the Wisdom of God descends into the tomb and gives life to all those in the depths of hell. A unique feature of the service is the chanting of the Lamentations or Praises (Enkmia), which consist of verses chanted by the clergy interspersed between the verses of Psalm 119 (which is, by far, the longest psalm in the Bible). And when from the depths Thou didst raise the dead, all the powers of heaven cried out: O Giver of Life! When she received Thee in her bosom, O Creator and Savior, the earth shook in fear, and with her quaking she awoke the dead. This service includes what are called the Lamentations of the Theotokos. Before the service begins, a tomb is erected in the middle of the church building and is decorated with flowers. The Lamentations Service - Great and Holy Friday Evening. Make me to go in the path of Thy commandments; for therein do I delight. This service is most often addressed to the Theotokos, but may be used to seek the intercessions of any saint. truth. Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet Thy commandments are my study. I made ready, and I was not troubled: that I might keep Thy commandments. Righteous art Thou, O Lord, and upright are Thy judgements. On Great and Holy Friday, He dies on the cross. The Service at the making of a Spiritual Father. Tremble, O Heaven, at this sight. Order my steps in Thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Is this a funeral service? The Kind and Gentle Bishop who Refused to be Silenced Saint Meletios of Antioch. On Sunday, 14th/27th August 2017, the service of the Lamentations of Theotokos was held at the Holy Shrine of the Dormition of Theotokos in Gethsemane, where the Tomb of Theotokos stands. And after we have departed and passed on, we are still in the Church. Is this a resurrection service? (7) Now we magnify Thee, Of old the lamb was sacrificed in secret; but Thou, longsuffering Savior, wast sacrificed beneath the open sky and hast cleansed the whole creation. In a new and strange way Nicodemus and noble Joseph buried Thee with spices, and they cried aloud: Tremble, all the earth!. How, then, my God, shall I touch Thee with my hands? Thy word is tried in the fire to the uttermost: therefore has Thy servant loved it. Be shaken, O foundations of the earth! A paraklesis is a service of supplication specifically for the living (as opposed to a Memorial Service, which is a supplication for the departed). Can He rise again? 3. Greek Orthodox Easter, also known as Pascha, is a celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. Is it to set free the race of mortal men? They had almost made an end of me upon earth; but I forsook not Thy commandments. Greek Orthodox Live Internet Broadcasts of Church Services. What price hast thou received for the heavenly Myrrh? O my God in Trinity, Father, Son and Spirit, grant Thy mercy to the world. To renew the broken nature of mortal men, willingly have I been wounded in the flesh by death. The Lamentations, chanted before the Epitaphios on Friday night in Holy Week, are some of the most moving hymns of the Orthodox Church. Stablish Thy word in Thy servant, that I may fear Thee. Lazarus Saturday Vespers (variable texts) Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will seek the commandments of my God. Many are Thy tender mercies, O Lord: quicken me according to Thy judgement. Next Posts will arrivetomorrow for Saturday Morning:First Divine Liturgy of Pascha Christs Victory over Hadesand for Midnight Sunday:GREAT AND HOLY PASCHA! Let my heart be blameless in Thy statutes: that I be not ashamed. Tremble, O earth! Christ the Life, by tasting death, has delivered mortal men from death, and now gives life to all. The mind is affrighted at Thy dread and strange burial. Woe is me, my Son! laments the Virgin. Then the priest may deliver a homily and everyone comes forward to venerate the epitaphios. Of old Thou didst bury the pursuing tyrant beneath the waves of the sea. Take away my reproach which I fear: for Thy judgements are good. I am young and despised: yet have I not forgotten Thy statutes. Modes 1, 2, and 3 have been tentatively completed. The plan is to begin integrating the new texts and music in the dated services during Holy Week, Easter, and Bright Week, 2023. . Thorns and snares beset the path of Judas the foolish and the thrice-wretched. The texts and scores of the rest of the Modes will be posted as they become available. Yet Thou dost destroy death's kingdom and raise the dead from hell. How art Thou now by a grave and its darkness hid? Blessed art Thou, O God, our Redeemer!. At the very end, the Lamentations service almost becomes a celebration. In this life we live with Christ in His Church. I have gone astray like a lost sheep, seek Thy servant, for I do not forget Thy commandments (119:176). Accept, I beseech Thee, the free-will offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me Thy judgements. Deal with Thy servant according unto Thy mercy, and teach me Thy statutes. Uplifted on the Cross, Thou hast uplifted with Thyself all living men; and then descending beneath the earth, Thou raisest all that lie buried there. Specifically, the Lamentations are part of the Matins service for Holy Saturday, often called Encomiums (E) or Megalynaria (M), consisting of a long series of hymns, or troparia, divided into three stanzas, with each hymn introduced by a verse from Psalm 118 in the Septuagint.