We celebrate the memory of all pious Christians, our fathers and brethren who have reposed in times past.

On Lord, I have cried…, 6 stichera: 3 of the martyrs, in Tone VI—

Thy martyrs did not deny Thee, O Lord, nor did they depart from Thy commandments. Through their supplications have mercy on us.

Those who suffered for Thy sake, O Christ, endured many torments and have received perfect crowns in the heavens. Let them pray in behalf of our souls.

O martyred passion-bearers, citizens of heaven who suffered on the earth, ye endured many torments. By their supplications and entreaty, O Lord, preserve us all.

And 3 stichera for the departed, in Tone VIII: Special Melody: The paradise which was in Eden…—

Celebrating by name today the memory of all the dead of ages past, who lived piously and with faith, O ye faithful, let us hymn the Savior and Lord, earnestly entreating Him that at the hour of judgment they may give a good answer unto our God Himself, Who will judge the whole world, and may receive a place to stand at His right hand in joy, amid the portion of the righteous, among the radiant lot of the saints, and may be worthy of His heavenly kingdom.

O Savior, Who hast redeemed men by Thy blood, hast delivered us from bitter death by Thy death, and by Thy resurrection grantest us everlasting life, grant rest, O Lord, to all who have reposed in piety, either in the wilderness or in the cities, on land or at sea, or in any place—kings, priests and bishops, monks and layfolk, of every age and stature; and vouchsafe them Thy heavenly kingdom.

Because of Thine arising from the dead, O Christ, death no longer hath dominion over those who die in piety; wherefore, we earnestly pray: Grant rest in Thy courts and in the bosom of Abraham unto Thy departed servants, who from Adam to our day have served Thee in purity: our fathers and brethren, our friends and kinfolk, and every man who during his life served Thee faithfully and hath passed over to Thee in many ways and forms, O God; and vouchsafe that they may receive Thy heavenly kingdom.

Glory…, in Tone VIII—

I weep and lament when I think upon death and behold our beauty, which hath been created according to the image of God, lying in the grave, bereft of form, devoid of glory, unsightly. O the wonder! What is this mystery concerning us? How have we been given over to corruption? How have we been yoked together with death? Truly, as it is written, this is by the command of God Who giveth rest unto those who have departed.

Now & ever…: Dogmatic theotokion, in Tone VI—

Who doth not call thee blessed, O all-holy Virgin? Who will not hymn thine all-pure birthgiving? For the only-begotten Son Who shone forth timelessly from the Father, came forth, ineffably incarnate, from thee, the pure one; and being God by nature, He became man for our sake, not divided into two Persons, but known in two natures without confusion. Him do thou beseech, O pure and most blessed one, that our souls find mercy!

Then, O gladsome Light…

Instead of the prokimenon, we chant Alleluia, in Tone VIII—

Stichos: Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Stichos: Their remembrance is unto generation and generation.

Then, Vouchsafe, O Lord…

Aposticha stichera, in Tone VI—

Martyricon: Thy Cross was the invincible weapon of the martyrs, O Lord; for they looked upon imminent death, foreseeing the life which is to come, and they were strengthened by hope in Thee. By their supplications have mercy on us!

Nekrosima:

Stichos: Their souls shall dwell among good things.

With Thine image didst Thou honor me, the creation of Thy hands, O Savior Who in material form didst depict the likeness of noetic nature, wherein Thou didst appoint me to share, O Thou Who hast set me to have dominion over the things on earth by the free will of my word. Wherefore, in the land of the living, in the habitations of the righteous, grant rest unto Thy servants, O Savior.

Stichos: Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and hast taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Let my life be considered the legacy of others, O Thou Who in Eden didst establish a garden adorned with all manner of trees, and make me a sharer in life divine, free from grief and care, like an angel on the earth, though of mingled nature. Wherefore, O Savior, grant rest to Thy servants in the land of the living, in the habitations of the righteous.

Glory…, in the same tone—

Thy creating command was my beginning and foundation; for, desiring to fashion me into a living being out of that which is invisible and that which is visible, Thou didst form my body out of earth, and didst give me a soul by Thy divine and life-creating breath. Wherefore, grant rest unto Thy servants, O Christ, in the land of the living, in the habitations of the righteous.

Now & ever…: Theotokion—

O Christ, through the prayers of her who gave Thee birth, of Thy martyrs and apostles, the prophets and holy hierarchs, the venerable, the righteous and all the saints, grant rest to Thy departed servants.

Dismissal.

Then, the priest saith: Blessed is our God…; and we recite Psalm 90: He who dwelleth in the help if the Most High…; Alleluia, thrice. 

Stichos: Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and hast taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Then, the troparion: O Lord, Thou only Creator…, and the theotokion: Thee do we have as a rampart…; Then follow the eulogitaria of the dead:

Blessed art Thou, O Lord…; and the priest commemorateth all Orthodox ancestors who have departed before us. After the exclamation, Psalm 50.

And straightway we chant in the crypt this canon for the departed, the acrostic whereof is “I chant a sixth hymn for the departed”, in Tone VI—

Ode I

Irmos: Traversing the deep on foot, as though it were dry land, and seeing the tyrant Pharaoh drowned, Israel cried aloud: Let us chant unto God a hymn of victory!

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

In the chambers of heaven the valiant martyrs always beseech Thee, O Christ. Grant that the faithful whom Thou hast translated from the earth may receive everlasting good things.

Stichos: Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants who have fallen asleep.

O Thou Who hast adorned all things, Thou didst form man’s living substance midway between lowliness and majesty; wherefore, grant rest to the souls of Thy servants, O Savior.

Glory…: In the beginning Thou didst set me to be a dweller and husbandman in the garden of paradise; yet Thou didst drive me forth, who broke Thy commandment; but grant rest to the souls of Thy servants, O Savior.

Theotokion: He Who of old fashioned our first mother Eve from Adam’s rib is clothed in flesh through thine all-pure womb; and therewith He destroyed the might of death, O pure one.

Ode III

Irmos: There is none as holy as Thou, O Lord my God, Who hast uplifted the horn of Thy faithful and established us on the rock of the confession of Thee, O Good One.

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Having suffered lawfully and been adorned by Thee with crowns of victory, Thy martyrs, O Bestower of life, earnestly ask that everlasting honor be given unto the faithful who have passed away.

Stichos: Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants who have fallen asleep.

Having first with many miracles and signs instructed me, the lost one, in latter times Thou didst abase Thyself as One compassionate; and having searched, Thou didst find and save me.

Glory…: They who come to Thee from the one who poureth forth unstable corruption do Thou cause to dwell joyously in the eternal mansions, O Good One, justifying them by faith and grace.

Theotokion: There is none as immaculate as thee, O all-pure Mother of God; for thou alone didst conceive in thy womb the true God Who is from before the ages, Who hath destroyed the power of death.

Katavasia: There is none as holy as Thou…

Then, the litany, and this sessional hymn, in Tone VI—

Truly all things are vanity, and life is a shadow and a dream; for in vain doth every mortal trouble himself, as say the Scriptures. When we have acquired the world, then will we take up our abode in the grave, where kings and paupers dwell together. Wherefore, O Christ God, grant rest unto the departed, in that Thou lovest mankind.

Glory…, Now & ever…:

O most-holy Theotokos, forsake me not during the time of my life. Leave me not to human intercession, but do thou thyself help and have mercy on me.

Ode IV

Irmos: Christ is my power, my God and my Lord, the honored Church doth sing, crying out in godly manner with a pure mind, keeping festival in the Lord.

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Revealing knowledge greater than wisdom and the most perfect goodness of spiritual gifts, O Master, Thou didst unite the choirs of the martyrs to the angels.

Stichos: Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants who have fallen asleep.

Grant that those who have passed over to Thee may receive Thine all-pure glory, O Christ, where are the dwelling-places of those who are glad and the sound of pure rejoicing.

Glory…: Those who hymn Thy divine might do Thou receive, taking them from this earth and making them children of the Light, and cleansing them of the darkness of sin, O greatly Merciful One.

Theotokion: The Master chose thee as the all-pure receptacle, the immaculate temple, the most holy ark, the virginal place of sanctity, the beauty of Jacob.

Ode V

Irmos: With Thy divine light illumine the souls of those who with love rise at dawn unto Thee, O Good One, that they may know Thee, O Word of God, to be the true God Who calleth all forth from the darkness of sin.

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Sacrificing themselves to our glorious God as a sacred whole-burnt offering and the firstfruits of human nature, the martyrs ever win salvation for us.

Stichos: Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants who have fallen asleep.

Vouchsafe a sojourn in heaven and generous gifts unto Thy faithful servants who have fallen asleep, O Lord, granting them deliverance from transgressions.

Glory…: O only Compassionate and Immortal One, Who alone art by nature the Bestower of life and the truly unfathomable Abyss of goodness: Vouchsafe Thy kingdom unto those who have fallen asleep.

Theotokion: O Mistress of the world, He Who was born of thee became the might, song and salvation of those who perished, delivering from the gates of hades those who bless thee with faith.

Ode VI

Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations, fleeing to Thy calm haven I cry unto Thee: Lead up my life from corruption, O greatly Merciful One!

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Nailed to the Cross, Thou didst gather to Thee the choirs of the martyrs who imitated Thy suffering, O Good One; wherefore, we beseech Thee: Grant rest unto those who have passed over to Thee.

Stichos: Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants who have fallen asleep.

When in awesome manner and with ineffable glory Thou shalt come to judge the whole world, O Deliverer, be Thou well-pleased that thy faithful servants, whom Thou hast taken from the earth, may meet Thee in splendor on the clouds.

Glory…: O Master, Who art the wellspring of life, cause Thou to dwell amid the food of paradise Thy servants, who with divine courage have departed unto Thee in faith; and lead up those who were in chains.

Theotokion: Having broken the commandment of God, we returned to the earth; but because of thee, O Virgin, we have been elevated from earth to the heavens, shaking off the corruption of death.

Katavasia: Beholding the sea of life…

Litany, and this kontakion, in Tone VIII—

With the saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Thy servants, where there is no pain, nor grief, nor sighing, but life never-ending.

Ikos: Thou alone art immortal, Who didst create and fashion man; wherefore, as mortals we have been formed from the earth, and unto the same earth shall we go, as Thou didst command, Who created and said unto me: “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Thither do all of us go, making a funeral lament of the hymn: Alleluia!

Ode VII

Irmos: The Angel caused the furnace to pour forth dew upon the pious youths, and the command of God, which consumed the Chaldæans, prevailed upon the tyrant to cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Delivered from the first crime by Thy blood, the martyrs, stained with their own blood, manifestly provide an image of Thy sacrifice. Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Stichos: Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants who have fallen asleep.

Thou didst slay savage death, O life-creating Word. Accept those who have departed in faith, who hymn Thee, O Christ, and say: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Glory…: O most divine Master, Who didst breathe Thy divine breath into me, a man, vouchsafe Thy kingdom unto those who have passed from this life, O Savior, that they may hymn Thee and say: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Theotokion: Thou wast the most exalted of all created beings, O all-immaculate one, having conceived Him Who broke down the gates of hades and shattered its doors; wherefore, we, the faithful, hymn thee as the Mother of God.

Ode VIII

Irmos: From the flame didst Thou pour forth dew upon the venerable ones, and didst consume the sacrifice of the righteous one with water; for Thou, O Christ, dost do all things soever Thou desirest. Thee do we exalt supremely for all ages!

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Mightily showing forth struggles, ye received crowns of victory, O martyrs and passion-bearers, crying out to Christ: We supremely exalt Thee, the Lord, forever!

Stichos: Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants who have fallen asleep.

The faithful, who in sacred manner have forsaken the things of this life and have meekly gone to Thee, the Master, do Thou receive, in that Thou art full of lovingkindness, granting peace unto those who supremely exalt Thee, the Lord, forever.

Glory…: Be Thou well-pleased, O Savior, that all who have fallen asleep in the faith may now dwell in the land of the meek, justifying by faith in Thee and by grace those who supremely exalt Thee, the Lord, forever.

Theotokion: We all call thee blessed, O all-blessed one, for thou didst truly give birth to the good Word, Who became flesh for our sake. Him do we exalt supremely for all ages.

Katavasia: From the flame didst Thou pour forth dew…

Ode IX

Irmos: It is not possible for men to behold God, upon Whom the ranks of angels dare not gaze; but through thee, O most pure one, hath the Word appeared incarnate unto men; and magnifying Him with the armies of heaven, we call thee blessed.

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Hope strengthened the choirs of the martyrs, and enkindled thereby they took wing to the love of Thee, thereby depicting beforehand the truly unshakable rest which is to comewhich do Thou vouchsafe unto the faithful departed, O Good One.

Stichos: Grant rest, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants who have fallen asleep.

Be Thou well-pleased, O Christ, that those who have departed in faith may receive Thy radiant and divine effulgence, granting them rest in the bosom of Abraham, and vouchsafing them everlasting blessedness, in that Thou alone art merciful.

Glory…: As Thou art good and full of lovingkindness by nature, the Willer of mercies and the Abyss of compassion, those of this place of affliction and the shadow of death Thou hast taken away. Cause them to dwell where Thy light shineth, O Savior.

Theotokion: O pure one, we know thee to be the holy tabernacle, the ark, the tablets, the law and grace; for for thy sake remission hath been given to those justified by the blood of Him Who became incarnate of thy womb, O most immaculate one.

Katavasia: It is not possible for men to behold God…

Trisagion through Our Father and this troparion, in Tone VIII—

O Lord, Thou only Creator, Who in the depths of Thy wisdom and Thy love for mankind dost set all things in order, and providest all with what is beneficial: Grant rest to the souls of Thy servants, for they set their hope on Thee, our Creator, Fashioner and God.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion, in the same tone—

Thee do we have as a rampart and refuge, and a right acceptable intercessor before God to Whom thou gavest birth, O unwedded Theotokos, salvation of the faithful.

And the priest maketh the usual commemorations. Dismissal.

After the Six Psalms, we chant Alleluia, in Tone VIII, with its stichoi.

Troparion: O Lord, Thou only Creator, Who in the depths of Thy wisdom and Thy love for mankind dost set all things in order, and providest all with what is beneficial: Grant rest to the souls of Thy servants, for they set their hope on Thee, our Creator, Fashioner and God.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion, in the same tone—

Thee do we have as a rampart and refuge, and a right acceptable intercessor before God to Whom thou gavest birth, O unwedded Theotokos, salvation of the faithful.

Then, the usual kathisma from the Psalter (the 16th).

At all the litanies of the kathismata and the canon all our fathers and brethren who have departed before us are commemorated.

After the first chanting of the Psalter, these sessional hymns, in Tone VI—

Martyricon: While the choirs of the incorporeal ones stood by, holding trophies of victory, and tyrants and kings were amazed, the all-wise ones showed forth athletes’ opposition at the tribunal and the wounds of torture in their martyrdom; and they cast down the apostate by their confession of Christ. O Lord Who strengthened them, glory to Thee!

Stichos: Wondrous is God in His saints, the God of Israel.

Martyricon: Having endured the struggle of martyrdom, the saints receive from Thee the honors of victory; they set at naught the intentions of the iniquitous, and have received crowns of incorruption. For their sake be Thou entreated, O God, and grant us great mercy.

Stichos: The righteous cried, and the Lord heard them, and He delivered them out of all their tribulations.

Martyricon: The memory of Thy saints hath appeared today like the garden of paradise in Eden, O Lord; for therein all creation rejoiceth, and by their supplications Thou grantest us peace and great mercy.

Glory…: Nekrosimon—

They who have piously fallen asleep, and whom Thou hast received, O Jesus, do Thou establish in the habitations of the elect, in the land of the living, in that Thou art God right kind. Fill them with the never-waning light, and vouchsafe them Thy heavenly joy.

Now & ever…: Theotokion—

O Thou Who didst call Thy Mother blessed, Thou didst go to Thy suffering with a free will, and didst shine forth upon the Cross, desiring to seek out Adam. And Thou didst say to the angels: Rejoice with Me, for I have found the lost coin! O our God Who hast ordered all things in Thy wisdom, glory to Thee!

Then, the 17th kathisma is read in two stases, whereupon we chant the eulogitaria of the dead—

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord, teach me Thy statutes.

The choir of the saints hath found the wellspring of life and the door of paradise. May I also find the way of repentance. I am a lost sheep: call me, O Savior, and save me.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord…

Having preached the Lamb of God and been slain like lambs, ye have passed over into everlasting life which ageth not, O saints. Him do ye earnestly entreat, O martyrs, that He grant us remission of debts.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord…

O all ye who tread the narrow path of sorrow, and in this life have taken up the Cross like a yoke and followed Me with faith, come and enjoy the heavenly honors and crowns prepared for you.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord…

I am the image of Thine ineffable glory, even though I bear the wounds of transgressions. Take pity on thy creation, O Master: cleanse me by Thy compassion, and grant me the longed-for homeland, making me again a citizen of paradise.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord…

O Thou Who of old didst create me out of nothingness and honor me with Thy divine image, and Who, because I broke Thy commandment, hast returned me to the earth from whence I was taken: raise me up unto that which is in accordance with Thy likeness, that Imay again be conformable to mine ancient beauty.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord…

Grant rest unto Thy servants, O God, and cause them to dwell in paradise, where the choirs of the saints and the righteous shine forth like lamps. Give rest to Thy departed servants, O Lord, overlooking all their offenses.

Glory…: Let us piously hymn the threefold radiance of the one Godhead, crying aloud: Holy art Thou, O unoriginate Father, O Son equally without beginning, and divine Spirit! Enlighten us who serve Thee with faith, and rescue us from eternal fire.

Now & ever…: Rejoice, O pure one who for the salvation of all gavest birth to God in the flesh, and through whom the human race hath found salvation! Through thee may we find paradise, O pure and blessed Theotokos.

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God! Thrice

Then, the litany for the departed—

Deacon: Again and again…

People: Lord, have mercy! Forty times 

Priest: O God of spirits…

After the exclamation, this sessional hymn of the departed, in Tone V—

Unto Thy servants grant rest with the righteous, O our Savior, and cause them to dwell in Thy courts, as it is written, overlooking, in that Thou art good, all their transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, committed in knowledge and in ignorance, O Thou Who lovest mankind.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

O Christ God Who shone forth from the Virgin and through her hast shown forth children of the light Have mercy upon us.

Then, Psalm 50 is recited.

Canon of the saint of the temple, with 6 troparia, including the irmos; and this canon of the departed, with 8 troparia, the acrostic whereof is (in the Triadica and Theotokia) “By the unworthy Theodore”, in Tone VIII—

Ode I

Irmos: O ye people, let us send up a hymn unto our wondrous God, Who freed Israel from bondage, singing and crying out a hymn of victory unto Thee Who alone art Master.

Let us all pray to Christ, celebrating today the memory of the dead of ages past, that He deliver from eternal fire those who have reposed in the hope of life everlasting.

O Christ, in the profundity of Thy judgment Thou hast most wisely predestined the end of each one’s life, its span and manner; wherefore, at the judgment save those whom the grave covereth in each land, O most Compassionate One.

O Lord, Thou hast set the bounds of our life; wherefore, show forth those who have reposed from the night of life to be children of the never-setting day—Orthodox priests, kings and all Thy people.

The faithful whom water hath covered and battle mown down, those who have been over-whelmed by earthquake, whom murderers have slain, and fire hath consumed, do Thou establish in the portion of the righteous, O Merciful One.

O our Savior, Who dost overlook all the debts of our flesh, set forth uncondemned the whole human race, whatever their age, who will give answer to Thee before Thy judgment-seat.

Triadicon: I hymn the three individual Hypostases of the one Nature—the unbegotten Father, the begotten Son, and the Holy Spirit: the unoriginate Kingship and Power, the one Godhead.

Theotokion: Thou wast truly shown to be heaven on earth, greater than the heavens on high, O unwedded Virgin; for from thee shone forth in the world the Sun Who exerciseth dominion in righteousness.

Ode II

Irmos: See, O see ye that I am your God, Who was begotten of the Father before time began, and in latter times was conceived of the Virgin without the aid of man, and have absolved the sin of Adam the forefather, in that I love mankind.

See, see ye that I am your God, Who have established the bounds of life and receive into incorruption, out of corruption, all who have reposed in hope of eternal resurrection.

O Lord Who from the four ends of the earth dost receive those who reposed in the Faith, either in the sea or in the rivers, in springs, in lakes, or in torrents, those devoured by wild beasts, birds and serpents: Grant them all rest.

O Lord Who holdest all things in Thy hand, Thou didst forejudge those who have dissolved into the four elements; but gathering them together at Thy coming, resurrect them, forgiving all the transgressions they committed in knowledge and in ignorance.

O Thine awesome second coming, O Lord! For, having come to the earth in the form of lightning, Thou shalt move all Thy creation to come to judgment. Then vouchsafe that those who lived in the Faith may be with Thee, having met Thee.

Triadicon: O all-perfect, all-divine Unity in three Hypostases—unbegotten Father, only-begotten Son, Spirit Who proceedest from the Father and art made manifest through the Son—one Essence and Nature, Dominion, Kingship: Save us all!

Theotokion: Ineffable is the wonder of thy birthgiving, O Virgin Mother; for how dost thou give birth and art pure therein? How dost thou bear a Child, yet in nowise hast experience of a man? For I know the Word of God Who was newly born in manner transcending nature.

Ode III

Irmos: O Word of God, Who didst establish the heavens by Thine arm: with the enlightenment of the true understanding of Thee make steadfast the hearts of us who trust in Thee.

Those who have passed through the course of life be Thou well-pleased to invest with a crown of righteousness in glory, O God, and to delight in everlasting good things.

To those who have been suddenly caught up, who are consumed by lightning, who have died of cold or any wound, do Thou grant rest, O God, when Thou shalt try all things by fire.

Those who have navigated the ever-turbid sea of life, steered by an Orthodox manner of life, do Thou vouchsafe to arrive at the incorruptible haven of Thy life, O Christ.

Those whom every creature of the sea and the birds of the sky have taken for food do Thou by Thy judgments grant resurrection with glory on the last day, O Christ God.

Triadicon: I join together the indivisible, that at the same time I may noetically and simply distinguish the divine Unity in three Persons; for the thrice-radiant One is perceived in Unity, like the speed of lightning.

Theotokion: Incomprehensible is thy wonder! For thou givest birth without man, and having given birth dost preserve thy virginity, O pure one; wherefore, the multitude of the angels and the human race hymn thee forever.

Sessional hymn, in Tone V: Special Melody: The Word Who with the Father and the Spirit is equally without beginning…—

O Savior, Who for our sake didst endure the Cross and death, Who didst slay hades and raise up the dead with Thyself, as Thou art God Who lovest mankind, grant rest to those who have departed from us, and at Thine awesome coming which will fill all with trembling, vouchsafe them Thy kingdom, for Thou art possessed of an abundance of mercy.

Glory…: The foregoing is repeated.

Now & ever…: Theotokion—

Show forth thy speedy protection, aid and mercy upon thy servants, O pure one. Still thou the waves of our vain imaginings, O Theotokos, and raise up my fallen soul; for I know, I know, O Virgin, that thou canst do all things soever thou desirest.

Ode IV

Irmos: O Word, with divine vision the prophet perceived Thee Who wast to become incarnate of the Theotokos alone, the mountain over-shadowed; and with fear he glorified Thy power.

Remember, O our Savior, all our fathers and forefathers, our grandfathers and ancestors, from the first to the last, who have died in Orthodoxy and observance of the law.

The monks and layfolk, young and old, who lost their lives in the mountains, in the ways, in the desolate wastes, do Thou cause to dwell with the saints, O Christ.

O our Savior, grant rest unto all who, beyond hope, came from grief and joy, who straightway altered their way of life through faith and suffered in times of prosperity or misfortune.

Grant rest, O Christ our Savior, unto those who have been killed by the sword, or dragged by horses, whose number hath been increased by hail, snow and rain, or who have been buried under bricks or soil.

Triadicon: Strange is it that the Godhead is One and Three, all indivisible, yet individual in Person; for the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are worshipped as a single God.

Theotokion: Guide us by thy supplications, O Virgin who dost pilot the tempest-tossed over the waves of sin to the havens of salvation, delivering them from every grief, O thou who gavest birth to the Lord.

Ode V

Irmos: My spirit riseth at dawn unto Thee, O God, for the commandments of Thine advent are light; wherefore, illumine our mind therewith, O Master, and guide me to the path of life.

Celebrating today the memory of each of those who have died in piety in ages past, O Lord, we earnestly cry out to Thee: Grant them all rest with Thy saints.

Those whom Thou hast taken to Thee from every generation and generation—those who lived in Orthodox manner among kings, princes or monastics—O Compassionate One, do Thou deliver from everlasting torment.

O Lord Who knowest the things that are beneficial for all whom Thou hast created, those whom Thou hast permitted to die unexpectedly from sudden falls do Thou deliver from all torment, O our God.

O our Savior, all who have died in faith do Thou deliver from the ever-burning fire and the darkness devoid of light, from the gnashing of teeth, the endlessly torturing worm, and from all torment.

Triadicon: O equally enthroned, beginning-less Unity in three Hypostases, Who dost possess oneness in distinction yet distinction as to Person, join us to the single desire to keep Thy commandments.

Theotokion: Thou wast shown to surpass the fiery seraphim, O pure and most honored one, having given birth to Jesus the Savior, Whom they dare not approach, and Who by His incarnation hath deified the nature of man.

Ode VI

Irmos: O Thou Who lovest mankind, accept me, who am held fast by many sins, and who fall down before Thy compassion; and save me, as Thou didst the prophet, O Lord.

O our God, Author of life, Who, having suffered, didst destroy death, grant rest to Thy servants who have reposed in ages past.

In Thine ineffable judgments, O Lord, grant rest with the saints unto those who have met their death through sorcerous potions, spells, and choking on bones.

When Thou shalt judge all things, and all men stand naked and stripped bare before Thy countenance, O Compassionate One, take pity then upon those who have served Thee with faith, O Good One.

When Thine archangel will sound the last trumpet for the resurrection of all unto life, then grant rest to Thy servants, O Christ.

O God, vouchsafe that the faithful whom Thou hast taken to Thyself in the past, every generation of men, may glorify Thee forever with those who minister unto Thee.

Triadicon: O thrice-holy Godhead, equally enthroned Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Thou art my God, Who sustainest everything by Thy rule over all.

Theotokion: Leap up, O Jesse the forefather! Christ God, Who saveth the world, the Flower of life, hath sprung forth from thy root through the pure Maiden.

Kontakion, in Tone VIII—

With the saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Thy servants, where there is no pain, nor grief, nor sighing, but life never-ending.

Ikos: Thou alone art immortal, Who didst create and fashion man; wherefore, as mortals we have been formed from the earth, and unto the same earth shall we go, as Thou didst command, Who created and said unto me: “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Thither do all of us go, making a funeral lament of the hymn: Alleluia!

Ode VII

Irmos: O Lord God of our fathers, Who in the beginning didst found the earth and establish the heavens by Thy word: Blessed art Thou forever!

Celebrating the memorial of those who in piety have passed on in ages past, we cry out: Blessed art Thou forever, O Lord God of our fathers!

O God, grant rest to the faithful who in piety died suddenly, struck by any missile of wood, iron or stone.

At Thy dread coming, O Compassionate One, set on the right hand Thy sheep who during their lifetime served Thee in Orthodox manner and have passed over unto Thee, O Christ.

Number Thy servants among the choir of Thine elect, O Christ, that they may cry unto Thee: Blessed art Thou forever, O Lord, God of our fathers!

O compassionate Savior and God, Who didst take dust from the earth and invest flesh with life, grant rest in the life which ageth not unto those Thou hast taken to Thyself.

Triadicon: Let the Father, the Son and the divine Spirit be hymned as the three-Sunned Godhead, the single Union of light, one in essence, yet three in hypostasis.

Theotokion: Together, like David we chant to thee a hymn, O Virgin, calling thee the mountain of God, whereon the Word, dwelling within thee in the flesh, hath in Himself spiritually deified us.

Ode VIII

Irmos: The Lord Who was glorified on the holy mountain, and by the fire in the bush revealed to Moses the mystery of the Ever-virgin, hymn ye and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

O Lord of glory, Who didst first dispel the shadow of death and shonest forth like the sun from the tomb, forever make children of Thy resurrection all who have died in the Faith.

O Thou Who knowest unknown and hidden things, when Thou shalt come to uncover the deeds of darkness and the secrets of our hearts, demand not an answer from all who have reposed in the Faith.

When thou shalt take Thy throne and command that those assembled by the trumpet from the ends of the earth come forth to be judged, O Christ, take pity on us all, in that Thou art merciful.

O Lord of glory, absolve forever those who have reposed in faith, who have died suddenly from accidents, from mighty clamor and fleet running, from blows, choking and being kicked.

We bless the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit: the Lord.

Triadicon: O Father, Son and all-holy Spirit, I hymn Thee as the Unity of natures, I worship Thee as the Trinity of Persons, and I glorify the unoriginate dominion of Thy kingship forever.

Theotokion: O Virgin Theotokos, thou hast been shown to be the fountain of the Stream of life; for having given birth to the Lord without knowing man, with the water of immortality thou givest drink to the faithful forever.

Ode IX

Irmos: Thy birthgiving, O Ever-virgin, which was revealed to the law-giver on the mountain in the fire and the bush, for the salvation of us, the faithful, do we magnify with unceasing hymnody.

Vouchsafe that all who have reposed in the Faith and hope in ages past may rejoice where is the abode of Thy gladsome saints, O Lord.

Grant rest, O Christ, unto all the faithful who have died at the threatening of God by all manner of fatal thunderings borne down from heaven, when the earth was cloven asunder and the sea rose up and roared forth.

Grant rest, O God, to the faithful of whatever age, whom Thou hast taken to Thyself—the elderly, youths, children and suckling babes—whether male or female.

Grant rest unto those who served Thee with faith, who died of venomous bites, or were devoured by serpents, trampled by horses, or strangled or hanged by others.

Vouchsafe, O Christ, that at Thy coming those who in the past, from one generation to the next, reposed in the Faith may each stand before Thee uncondemned.

Triadicon: O God, Who art One in Trinity, unceasing glory be to Thee! For even though the Father, the Son and the Spirit is each God, they are one in nature and thrice-radiant in their characteristics.

Theotokion: Past understanding is thy birthgiving: for thou gavest birth unto Him Who existeth from before time; thou didst ineffably feed with milk Him Who feedeth the world; and thou holdest Him Who upholdeth all things—Christ, our only Deliverer, O most immaculate one.

Then, It is truly meet…

Exapostilarion: Special Melody: The heaven with stars…—

Celebrating the memory of all who have fallen asleep in Christ, O ye faithful, let us be mindful of the last day, ever entreating Christ in their behalf and our own.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion—

O Virgin Mother of the Lord, delight of the angels, joy of the sorrowful and intercessor for Christians: Help us, and from everlasting torments deliver us.

On the Praises, 4 stichera, in Tone VI: Special Melody: The despairing…—

Fearsome is the end of death, and terrible the judgment of the Master; for unquenchable fire is prepared there, with the sleepless worm which tormenteth and the gnashing of teeth, the outermost darkness and everlasting damnation. Wherefore, let us cry out to the Savior: In Thy great mercy grant rest to those whom Thou hast taken from among transitory things.

Come, all ye who remain in this life, and filled with horror enter ye into the tombs and perceive the delusion of the world. Where now is the beauty of the body and the glory of riches? Where is the pride of life? Truly all things are vanity. Wherefore, let us cry out to the Savior: In Thy great mercy grant rest to those whom Thou hast taken from among transitory things.

He who was once enthroned is now in the tomb; he who was once clad in purple hath been clothed in corruption. No longer is he on the throne, but lieth in the grave. Lo! the royal might hath vanished! Behold, like a dream doth man’s life pass away. Wherefore, let us cry out to the Savior: In Thy great mercy grant rest to those whom Thou hast taken.

In that Thou lovest mankind, O Savior, in Thy great mercy reckon in the bosom of Abraham and in places of ease all who have passed from hence in the hope of everlasting life and who have departed this life in every way—men, women and new-born babes, of every rank and generation.

Glory…, in Tone II—

Every man cometh to ruin: he withereth like a flower and passeth away like a shadow. Once the trumpet soundeth, as in the midst of an earthquake all the dead will arise to meet Thee, O Christ God, then wilt Thou reckon among the tabernacles of Thy saints those whom Thou hast taken from us, O kind-hearted Master, overlooking their offenses.

Now & ever…: Theotokion, in Tone VI 

Thou art our God, Who hast created all things in Thy wisdom, and Who didst send us the prophets to foretell Thy coming, and the apostles to proclaim Thy mighty acts; for the former prophesied Thy coming, and the latter enlightened the nations with baptism. And the martyrs, having suffered, received glory from them, and earnestly pray to Thee, the Master, with the Mother who gave Thee birth, saying: “O God, grant rest to the souls Thou hast taken to Thyself, and vouchsafe us Thy kingdom,” O my Deliverer and God Who didst endure the Cross for the sake of me, who am condemned.

Aposticha stichera of the departed, in Tone VI: Special Melody: Having set aside…—

O greatly merciful Master, Who hast unapproachable lovingkindness for us and an inexhaustible wellspring of divine goodness, when those on earth depart unto Thee cause them to dwell in the beloved and desirable habitations, granting them possession which abideth forever. For Thou didst shed Thy blood for all, O Savior, and hast redeemed the world with a life-bearing ransom.

Stichos: Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Of Thine own will Thou didst endure a vivifying death, didst pour forth life, and gavest the faithful eternal food. Among them number those who have fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection, by grace forgiving all their offenses, in that Thou alone art sinless and alone art good and lovest mankind; that Thy name, O Christ, may be hymned by all, and we may glorify Thy saving love for mankind.

Stichos: Their souls shall dwell among good things.

Knowing Thee to be, in Thy divine power, the Lord of the living and Master of the dead, O Christ, we beseech Thee: With Thy chosen ones grant rest unto Thy faithful servants who have departed unto Thee, the only Benefactor, O Thou Who lovest mankind, in a place of comfort, amid the splendors of the saints; for Thou art the One Who wiliest mercy, and as God Thou savest those whom Thou didst create according to Thine image, O only greatly Merciful One.

Glory…, in the same tone—

Of old, the eating of the tree in Eden brought infirmity upon Adam when the serpent spewed forth its venom; for for this cause did universal death come about, devouring man. But the Master came, and cast down the serpent and hath given us resurrection. Unto Him, therefore, let us now cry out: Have pity on those whom Thou hast taken to Thyself, O Savior, and, as Thou lovest mankind, grant them rest with the saints.

Now & ever…: Theotokion—

Thou wast shown to be a receptacle of divine majesty, O all-pure one, for thou didst contain God and gavest birth unto Christ in two natures but a single Hypostasis, O Mother who knewest not wedlock. O pure one, entreat thine only-begotten and firstborn Child, Who preserved thee an unblemished virgin even though thou gavest birth, that He grant rest amid light and incorrupt blessedness unto those who have fallen asleep in the Faith.

Troparion in Tone VIII—

O Lord, Thou only Creator, Who in the depths of Thy wisdom and Thy love for mankind dost set all things in order, and providest all with what is beneficial: Grant rest to the souls of Thy servants, for they set their hope on Thee, our Creator, Fashioner and God.

Glory…, Now & ever…: Theotokion, in the same tone—

Thee do we have as a rampart and refuge, and a right acceptable intercessor before God to Whom thou gavest birth, O unwedded Theotokos, salvation of the faithful.

And the usual dismissal.

The Typical Psalms are chanted. 

Prokimenon, in Tone VI—

Their souls shall dwell among good things.

Stichos: Unto Thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul. O my God, in Thee have I trusted; let me never be put to shame.

Reading from the Acts of the Apostles, §51 [28:1-31] 

In those days, when we were escaped, we knew that the island was called Melita. And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves: “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.” And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god. In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously. And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So when this was done, others also, who had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: who also honored us with many honors; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary. And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three clays. And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli, where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum, and The Three Taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier who kept him. And it came to pass, that after three clays Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them: “Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Cæsar; not that I had aught to accuse my nation of. For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.” And they said unto him: “We neither received letters out of Judæa concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came showed or spake any harm of thee. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against.” And when they had appointed him a clay, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word: “Well spake the Holy Spirit by Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers, saying: ‘Go unto this people, and say: Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: for the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.’ Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the gentiles, and that they will hear it.” And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all who came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

Reading from the Epistle to the Corinthians, §163 [I Cor. 15:47-57]

Brethren, the first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also who are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither cloth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I show you a mystery: we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, Who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Alleluia, in Tone VI—

Stichos: Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Stichos: Their remembrance is unto generation and generation.

Gospel According to John, §67 [21:15-25] 

At that time, Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He had risen from the dead, and said to Simon Peter: “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me more than these?” He said unto Him: “Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee.” He said unto him: “Feed My lambs.” He said to him again the second time: “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?” He said unto Him: “Yea, Lord; Thou knowest that I love Thee.” He said unto him: “Feed my sheep.” He said unto him the third time: “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?” Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time: “Lovest thou Me?” And he said unto Him: “Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee.” Jesus said unto him: “Feed my sheep. Verily, verily, I say unto thee: When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldst: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldst not.” This spake He, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said unto him: “Follow Me.” Then Peter, turning about, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following; who also leaned on His breast at supper, and said: “Lord, who is he who betrayeth Thee?” Peter seeing him said to Jesus: “Lord, and what shall this man do?” Jesus said unto him: “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou Me.” Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, “He shall not die;” but, “If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” This is the disciple who testifieth of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.

A Second Gospel, John §21 [6:35-39] 

The Lord said to the Jews who came to Him: “I am the Bread of life: he who cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he who believeth on Me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, that ye also have seen Me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him who cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him Who sent Me. And this is the Father's will Who hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.”

Communion verse—

Blessed are they whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord; and their remembrance is unto generation and generation. Alleluia. Thrice