Author: JH

The Resurrection of Our Lord
Matins, Divine Liturgy, and Blessing of Paschal Food

Matins, followed by Divine Liturgy of our Father among the Saints John Chrysostom, celebrated by Father Yuriy at Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Parish, Victoria. 8AM 4 April 2021.

At the commencement of the Divine Liturgy, after the priest has exclaimed, Blessed be the Kingdom… and the people have responded, Amen, the clergy sing the Paschal Troparion once and the people repeat it. Then, the clergy sing the first half, and the people conclude it:

Paschal Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead, * trampling death by death, * and to those in the tombs * giving life.

First Antiphon
Verse: Shout to the Lord, all the earth, * sing now to His name, give glory to His praise.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.

Verse: Say unto God, “How awesome are Your works! * Because of the greatness of Your strength Your enemies will flatter You.”
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.

Verse: Let all the earth worship You and sing to You, * let it sing to Your name, O Most High!
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.

Third Antiphon
Verse: Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered; let those who hate Him flee from before His face.
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead, * trampling death by death, * and to those in the tombs * giving life.

Verse: As smoke vanishes, let them vanish, as wax melts before the fire.
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead, * trampling death by death, * and to those in the tombs * giving life.

Verse: So let sinners perish before the face of God, but let the righteous be glad.
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead, * trampling death by death, * and to those in the tombs * giving life.

Entrance verse: In the churches bless God, the Lord from the fountains of Israel.
Troparion: Christ is risen from the dead, * trampling death by death, * and to those in the tombs * giving life.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Now and forever and ever, Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 8
Though You descended into a tomb, O Immortal One, * yet You destroyed the power of Hades; * and You rose as victor, O Christ God, * calling to the myrrhbearing women: Rejoice! * and giving peace to Your Apostles: * You, who grant resurrection to the fallen.

Instead of “Holy God” we sing: All you who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!

Prokeimenon, Tone 1
This is the day which the Lord has made; * let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 117:24,1)

Epistle : Acts 1:1–8
A reading from the Acts of the Apostles
In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. ‘This,’ he said, ‘is what you have heard from me; for John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.’ So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’

Alleluia, Tone 1
Verse: When you rise, You will have compassion on Sion. (Psalm 101:14)
Verse: The Lord looked down from heaven to earth to hear the groans of the prisoners, to set free the sons of those put to death. (Psalm 101:20)

Gospel : John 1:1–17
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”’) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

Instead of ‘It is truly...’ we sing: The Angel cried out to the One full of Grace: O chaste Virgin, rejoice! And again I say, Rejoice! Your Son has risen from the tomb on the third day, and raised the dead. Let all people rejoice! Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you! Exult now and be glad, O Sion! And you, O chaste Mother of God, take delight in the resurrection of your Son.

Сommunion Hymn
Receive the Body of Christ; * taste the fountain of immortality. * Alleluia, alleluia, * alleluia.

[A private prayer of spiritual communion:
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in these Holy Gifts!
I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot receive You now,
I place before You my whole life and hope, O loving Master;
and I ask, pray, and entreat You: Make me worthy to partake in a mystical way
and with a pure conscience of Your awesome and heavenly Mysteries:
for forgiveness of sins, for the pardon of offences, for communion of the Holy Spirit,
for the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, for confidence before You,
and not for judgment or condemnation.
I embrace You as You enter and abide in me, and I unite myself completely to You.
Permeate my soul and body, and never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.]

Instead of “Blessed is He” we sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life (1x).

Instead of “We have seen the true light” we sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life (1x).

Instead of “Let our mouths be filled” we sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life (3x).

Instead of “Blessed be the name of the Lord” we sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life (3x).

At the end of the Liturgy we sing: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs giving life (3x).
And to us he has granted life eternal;* we bow down before his resurrection on the third day.

The Theophany of Our Lord

Divine Liturgy of our Father among the Saints John Chrysostom, celebrated by Father Yuriy at Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Parish, Victoria. 10AM 6 January 2021.

First Antiphon
Verse: When Israel came forth from Egypt, the house of Jacob from an alien people.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Verse: Judah became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Verse: The sea beheld this and fled,* the Jordan turned back on its course.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Verse: Why was it, O sea, that you fled,* that you, O Jordan, turned back on your course?
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God,* O Saviour, save us.

Third Antiphon
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Troparion, Tone 1: When You, O Lord, were baptised in the Jordan, * worship of the Trinity was revealed; * the voice of the Father bore witness to You, * naming You the ‘beloved Son,’ * and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the Word’s certainty. * Glory to You, O Christ God, * who appeared and enlightened the world.

Verse: Therefore let the house of Israel say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptised in the Jordan, * worship of the Trinity was revealed; * the voice of the Father bore witness to You, * naming You the ‘beloved Son,’ * and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the Word’s certainty. * Glory to You, O Christ God, * who appeared and enlightened the world.

Verse: Therefore, let the house of Aaron say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptised in the Jordan, * worship of the Trinity was revealed; * the voice of the Father bore witness to You, * naming You the ‘beloved Son,’ * and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the Word’s certainty. * Glory to You, O Christ God, * who appeared and enlightened the world.

Verse: Let all who fear the Lord say that He is good, for His mercy endures forever.
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptised in the Jordan, * worship of the Trinity was revealed; * the voice of the Father bore witness to You, * naming You the ‘beloved Son,’ * and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the Word’s certainty. * Glory to You, O Christ God, * who appeared and enlightened the world.

Entrance Verse: Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord, we bless you from the house of the Lord; the Lord is God and has appeared to us.
Troparion, Tone 1 When You, O Lord, were baptised in the Jordan, * worship of the Trinity was revealed; * the voice of the Father bore witness to You, * naming You the ‘beloved Son,’ * and the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the Word’s certainty. * Glory to You, O Christ God, * who appeared and enlightened the world.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Now and forever and ever, Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 4
Today you have appeared to the world and Your light, O Lord, has been signed on us, who with knowledge sing Your praises. You have come, You have appeared, O unapproachable Light.

Instead of the Trisagion we sing:
All you, who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!
All you, who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!
All you, who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and ever, Amen. You have put on Christ! Alleluia!
All you, who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia!

Prokimenon, Tone 4
Blessed is He, who comes in the Name of the Lord; God the Lord has appeared to us.
Verse: Give thanks to the Lord for He is good for His mercy endures forever.

Epistle : Titus 2:11–15; 3:4–7
A reading from the Second Epistle of Saint Apostle Paul to Titus
My son Titus, the grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of the great God and of our saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people as his own, eager to do what is good. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another. But when the kindness and generous love of God our saviour appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our saviour, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

Alleluia, Tone 1
Verse: Bring to the Lord, you sons of God; bring to the Lord young rams.
Verse: The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the God of glory has thundered, the Lord reigns over vast waters.

Gospel : Matthew 3: 13–17
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptised by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, ‘I need to be baptised by you, and yet you are coming to me?’ Jesus said to him in reply, ‘Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptised, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’

Instead of ‘It is truly...’ we sing:
O my soul, magnify Christ the King, baptised in the Jordan.
Irmos, Tone 4 Every tongue is at a loss to praise you as is your due, O Mother of God. Even a spirit from above is filled with dizziness when seeking to sing your praises. But since you are good, accept out faith, for you know well our love inspired by God. For it is you who protect all Christians; therefore, we magnify you.

Сommunion Hymn
The Grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

[A private prayer of spiritual communion:
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in these Holy Gifts!
I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot receive You now,
I place before You my whole life and hope, O loving Master;
and I ask, pray, and entreat You: Make me worthy to partake in a mystical way
and with a pure conscience of Your awesome and heavenly Mysteries:
for forgiveness of sins, for the pardon of offences, for communion of the Holy Spirit,
for the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, for confidence before You,
and not for judgment or condemnation.
I embrace You as You enter and abide in me, and I unite myself completely to You.
Permeate my soul and body, and never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.]

Nativity of Our Lord

Divine Liturgy of our Father among the Saints John Chrysostom, celebrated by Father Yuriy at Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker Parish, Victoria. 10AM 25 December 2020.

First Antiphon
Verse: I will confess You, Lord, with all my heart, * I will declare all Your wondrous deeds.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.

Verse: In the council of the just and the congregation, * great are the works of the Lord, conforming to His will in every way.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.

Verse: His work is filled with praise and majesty, * and His righteousness endures forever.
Refrain: Through the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us.

Third Antiphon
Verse: The Lord said to my lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies the footstool of you feet.’
Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God, * made the light of knowledge dawn on the world; * through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness, * and to know You, the Dawn from on high. * Glory to You, O Lord.

Verse: The Lord will send you a sceptre of power out of Zion; reign in the midst of your enemies.
Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God, * made the light of knowledge dawn on the world; * through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness, * and to know You, the Dawn from on high. * Glory to You, O Lord.

Verse: Yours is the dominion on the day you are given power in his splendour of your holy ones.
Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God, * made the light of knowledge dawn on the world; * through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness, * and to know You, the Dawn from on high. * Glory to You, O Lord.

Entrance Verse: From the womb before the daystar I begot you. The Lord has sworn an oath and will not go back on His word: You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.
Troparion, Tone 4: Your Nativity, O Christ our God, * made the light of knowledge dawn on the world; * through it, those who worshipped the stars were taught by a star* to worship You, the Sun of Righteousness, * and to know You, the Dawn from on high. * Glory to You, O Lord.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Now and forever and ever, Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 3
The Virgin today gives birth to Him who is above all being; * the earth offers the cave to Him whom no one can approach; * Angels with shepherds give Him glory, * while Magi make their way with a star, * for to us is born a little Child, the pre-eternal God.

Instead of ‘Holy God’ we sing: All you who have been baptised into Christ, you have put on Christ! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Prokimenon, Tone 8
Let all the earth worship You and sing to You; * let it sing to Your Name, O Most High.
Verse: Shout to the Lord, all the earth, sing now to His name, give glory to His praise.

Epistle : Galatians 4:4–7
A Reading from the letter of Saint Apostle Paul to the Galatians:
Sisters and Brothers, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

Alleluia, Tone 1
Verse: The heavens tell the glory of God, and the firmament declares the work of His hands.
Verse: Day announces its message unto day and night proclaims its knowledge unto night.

Gospel : Matthew 2:1-12
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.’ When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They said to him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet: “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel.”’ Then Herod called the magi secretly and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word, that I too may go and do him homage.’ After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their country by another way.

Instead of ‘It is truly…’ we sing: O my soul, magnify Christ the King born in a manger. Irmos, Tone 1: A strange and glorious mystery do I behold: the cave is heaven; the Virgin, the throne of the cherubim; the manger, a dwelling place in which is laid Christ, the God Whom nothing can contain. Singing His praises, we magnify Him.

Сommunion Hymn
The Lord has sent deliverance * to His people. * Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

[A private prayer of spiritual communion:
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in these Holy Gifts!
I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot receive You now,
I place before You my whole life and hope, O loving Master;
and I ask, pray, and entreat You: Make me worthy to partake in a mystical way
and with a pure conscience of Your awesome and heavenly Mysteries:
for forgiveness of sins, for the pardon of offences, for communion of the Holy Spirit,
for the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, for confidence before You,
and not for judgment or condemnation.
I embrace You as You enter and abide in me, and I unite myself completely to You.
Permeate my soul and body, and never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.]

Instead of ‘Blessed is He who comes…’ we sing: All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin. (1х)

Instead of ‘We have seen the true light…’ we sing: All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin. (1х)

Instead of ‘May our mouths…’ and ‘Blessed be the Name…’ we sing: All creation is filled with rejoicing today, for Christ is born of a Virgin. (3x)