Divine Liturgy of St. Basil

with Vespers for Great Saturday

The priest, fully vested in black vestments, opens the royal doors and quietly recites the usual prayers before approaching the holy altar. After kissing the altar, gospel book, and hand cross, he raises the gospel over the altar, making a sign of the cross vertically , while intoning:

Priest: Blessed is the kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever.

People: Amen.

Come, let us adore our King and God.
Come, let us adore Christ, our King and our God.
Come, let us adore and bow down to Christ, our King and our God.

Psalm 103
Praise of God's Creation

-Bless the Lord, 0 my soul!
You are very great, 0 Lord, my God!
-Clothed in pomp and brilliance,
arrayed with light as with a cloak.

-Stretching out the sky as a tent-cloth,
covering your lofty halls with water.
-You make the clouds your conveyance,
You surge on the wings of the wind.

-You make spirits your messengers
and flaming fires your attendants.
-You settle the earth on its firm foundation:
it shall stand unmoved from age to age.

-The abyss covers it like a garment;
waters stand over the mountains.
-At your rebuke, they will take to flight,
at the peal of your thunder they will fear.

-They hurdle the hills and run down the dales
to the place you have chosen for them.
-You have set up a boundary not to be passed:
they shall never return to cover the earth.

-Down in the gullies, You make springs to rise:
waters shall go down between the mountains.
-They shall give drink to the beasts of the field;
wild asses will seek them to quench their thirst.

-The birds of the sky will abide by them:
from among the rocks they will raise their song.
-From your lofty halls You refresh the mountains;
the earth shall be fed with the fruit of your works.

-You make green pastures for the cattle
and food-plants for the service of man,
-So that bread may be brought forth from the earth
and wine that gladdens the heart of man.

-So that oil may put a gleam upon his face
and that bread may strengthen the heart of man.
-The trees of the plain will be satisfied,
the cedars of Lebanon that He planted.

-The sparrows will build their nests in them
and the herons will call them their home.
-To the deer belong high mountains,
to rodents, the shelter of the rocks.

-You have made the moon to mark the seasons;
the sun knows the time of its setting.
-You establish darkness and it is night
wherein the forest creatures prowl around.

-Young lions roar for their prey
and call out to God for their meat.
-As the sun rises, they will come together
and lay themselves down in their dens.

-Man will go out to his labor
and work until eventide.
-How great are your works, 0 Lord!
In wisdom You have wrought them all:
the earth is filled with your creatures.

-Even the wide and open sea itself:
within it there are countless creeping things,
living beings small and large.
-Upon it there are ships a-sailing
and that great beast You made to have fun.

-All of them look up to You
to give them their food in due time.
-You provide and they gather up;
You open your hand and they are full.

-You hide your face and they cringe,
You suspend their breath and they die and return to their dust.
-You send forth Your breath and they live:
You renew the face of the earth!

-May the Lord's glory endure forever,
may the Lord rejoice in his works.
-He looks upon the earth and makes it quake,
He touches the mountains and they smoke.

-I will sing to the Lord as long as I live,
I will praise my God as long as I last.
-Would that my thoughts be pleasing to Him
and I will rejoice in the Lord.

-May the sinners vanish from the earth
and may the wicked be no more.
-Bless the Lord,
0 my soul!

-Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever, and forever. Amen.
-Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia.
Glory be to You, 0 God. (3 times with a bow)

SIT

LITANY OF PEACE

Priest: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For peace from on high, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For peace in the whole world, for the well-being of the holy Churches of God and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For this holy church and for all who enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For our holy ecumenical pontiff N., the Pope of Rome, for our most reverend Archbishop and Metropolitan N., for our God loving Bishop N., for the venerable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For our civil authorities and all in the service of our country, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For this city, for every city and country, and for those living within them in faith, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

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

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For those who travel by sea, air, and land, and for the salvation of the sick, the suffering and the captive, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For deliverance from all affliction, wrath, and need, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Protect us, save us, have mercy on us and preserve us, O God, by your grace.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Having remembered our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary with all the saints - let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life, to Christ, our God.

People: To You, O Lord.

Priest: (Silently) O Lord, our God, whose might is beyond description, whose glory surpasses all understanding, whose mercy is without limits, whose love for man is beyond expression, now, O Master, in your kindness, look down upon us and this holy church, and bestow on us and upon those praying with us your abundant mercies and your benefits.

(Aloud) For to You is due all glory, honor, and worship, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever.

People: Amen.

STAND

PSALM 140

Tone 2

O Lord, I have cried to You, hear me. *Hear me,0 Lord. O Lord, I have cried to You, hear me: * receive the voice of my prayer when I call upon You. * Hear me, O Lord.

Let my prayer be directed as incense to You, * the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice; * hear me, 0 Lord.

HYMNS OF THE VESPERS

RESURRECTION HYMNS - Tone 1

Verse: Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord: O Lord, listen to my voice.

Hymn: Receive our evening prayers, 0 Holy Lord, * and grant us remission of sins, for You alone have revealed to the world Your resurrection.

Verse: Let Your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.

Hymn: Encircle Sion, all you peoples, * and embrace it, * giving glory to Him Who is risen from the dead; * for He is our God, * and He has delivered the world * from the deceit of the enemy.

Verse: If You, 0 Lord, mark iniquities,* Lord, who can stand? * But with You is forgiveness.

Hymn: Come, you people, let us sing a hymn * and bow before Christ, * glorifying His resurrection from the dead; * for He is our God, * and He has delivered the world from the deceit of the enemy.

Verse: For Your Name’s sake, 0 Lord, I have waited for You, * my soul has waited for Your word, my soul has hoped in the Lord.

Hymn: By Your passion, 0 Christ, * we have been freed from passions, * and have been delivered from corruption by Your resurrection. * Glory be to You, 0 Lord.

Hymns of Great Saturday
Tone 8

Verse: From the watch of dawn until the night, * from the watch of dawn let Israel long for the Lord.

Hymn: Today, the Abyss sighed and cried out: * "1 should never have received the One Who was born of Mary; * for He came against me and destroyed my power * and crushed my gates of bronze. * Being God, He raised the souls which I once held." * Glory to Your cross and resurrection, 0 Lord.

Verse: For with the Lord there is mercy and with Him abundant redemption; * and it is He Who will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.

Hymn: Today the Abyss sighed and cried out: * "My power has been destroyed. * For I received a dead Man as one of their dead, * but I could not hold Him. * Then I also lost with Him all those who were under my power. * From the beginning I held the dead, * but now this One raises them." * Glory to Your cross and resurrection, 0 Lord.

Verse: Praise the Lord all you nations, * exalt Him all you peoples.

Hymn: Today the Abyss sighed and cried out: * "My power has been swallowed up. * For the Shepherd, crucified, has resurrected Adam; * and those whom I held I lost. * Those whom I swallowed I have given up. * For the One they crucified has emptied the graves, * and the power of Death has vanished." * Glory to Your cross and resurrection, 0 Lord.

TONE 6

Verse: For mighty is His love for us, * and the truth of the Lord endures forever.

Hymn: The great Moses foreshadowed this day mystically when he said: * "And God blessed the seventh day." * This is the blessed Sabbath. * This is the day of rest * on which the Only-begotten Son of God rested from His work, * keeping the Sabbath physically by the providence of death, * in returning through resurrection to what He had been, * granting us eternal life; * for He alone is gracious and He loves mankind.

STAND

Tone 1

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

Hymn: Let us sing a hymn of praise to the Virgin Mary, * glory of the whole wide world. * She herself was formed by human seed, * yet became the mother of the Master, * the Gate of Heaven, * the theme of the Angels’ hymn, and a woman of beauty to the faithful. * She Was seen as heavenly and the tabernacle of the Godhead. * She indeed tore down the wall of enmity between God and men, * and brought peace in its place, * opening the heavenly kingdom. * Let us, therefore, cling fast to her; for she is the Anchor of Faith. * Let us consider as our fortress the Lord born of her. * O people of God, be confident — be confident! * For He will be victorious over enemies, since He is mighty.

PRAYER OF ENTRANCE

As the "Glory he" is being sung, the priest opens the royal doors and places incense in the censer. Then taking the holy gospel from the altar and censer in hand, and preceded by servers carrying a candle, he proceeds around the altar and comes before the royal doors where he recites the following prayer quietly:

O gracious King, You love mankind and bless all things. With contrite heart and humble spirit we pray to You, 0 Christ our true God, to bless our going and coming. For Your coming and dwelling among us and Your going in the Ascension are blessed always, now and ever, and forever. Amen.

When the people complete the last Hymn of Vespers, the priest raises the Holy Gospel on high and intones:

Priest: Wisdom! Be attentive!

The priest returns the Holy Gospel to its usual place upon the altar, and while the people sing the following H YMN OF THE EVENING, he incenses the altar, icons, and the people in the usual manner He then goes behind the altar until near the completion of the Old Testament readings. The royal doors remain open until the Divine Liturgy is completed.

REMAIN STANDING

HYMN OF THE EVENING

O Joyful Light! * Light and Holy Glory * of the Father immortal, * the heavenly holy, the Blessed One; * 0 Jesus Christ. * Now that we have reached the setting of the sun, * and see the evening light, * we sing to God, * Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. * It is fitting at all times * to raise a song of praise in measured melody to You, * 0 Son of God, the Giver of Life. * Behold,the universe sings Your glory.

SIT

FIRST OLD TESTAMENT READING

A reading from the Book of Exodus is given.

Exodus 13:20-14:31

Then they set out from Succoth and camped in Etham on the edge of the wilderness. And the LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.

Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, "Tell the sons of Israel to turn back and camp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea; you shall camp in front of Baal-zephon, opposite it, by the sea. "For Pharaoh will say of the sons of Israel, 'They are wandering aimlessly in the land; the wilderness has shut them in." "Thus I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and he will chase after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD." And they did so. When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his servants had a change of heart toward the people, and they said, "What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?" So he made his chariot ready and took his people with him; and he took six hundred select chariots, and all the other chariots of Egypt with officers over all of them. And the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he chased after the sons of Israel as the sons of Israel were going out boldly. Then the Egyptians chased after them with all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, his horsemen and his army, and they overtook them camping by the sea, beside Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon. And as Pharaoh drew near, the sons of Israel looked, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they became very frightened; so the sons of Israel cried out to the LORD. Then they said to Moses, "Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you dealt with us in this way, bringing us out of Egypt? "Is this not the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, 'Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians'? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness." But Moses said to the people, "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. "The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent." Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. "And as for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land. "And as for Me, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them; and I will be honored through Pharaoh and all his army, through his chariots and his horsemen. "Then the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots and his horsemen." And the angel of God, who had been going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud along with the darkness, yet it gave light at night. Thus the one did not come near the other all night. Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. And the sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. Then the Egyptians took up the pursuit, and all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots and his horsemen went in after them into the midst of the sea.

And it came about at the morning watch, that the LORD looked down on the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and cloud and brought the army of the Egyptians into confusion. And He caused their chariot wheels to swerve, and He made them drive with difficulty; so the Egyptians said, "Let us flee from Israel, for the LORD is fighting for them against the Egyptians."

Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their horsemen."

So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even Pharaoh's entire army that had gone into the sea after them; not even one of them remained. But the sons of Israel walked on dry land through the midst of the sea, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. And when Israel saw the great power which the LORD had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in His servant Moses.

STAND

VERSES with RESPONSE
(Tone 5- Prokimenori)

Response: Let us sing to the Lord, * for He is gloriously triumphant.

First, the Response is sung; then the verses are recited either individually or in groups. The Response is sung again after each verse or each group of verses.

1. He is my help and protector in salvation.

2. He is my God and I glorify Him: He is the God of my father and I exalt Him.

3. The Lord Who crushes enemies; the Lord is His name. He has cast Pharaoh and his armies into the sea.

4. Your right hand, 0 Lord, was made glorious in power.

5.Your right hand, 0 Lord, has crushed the enemies, and with the greatness of Your glory You have wiped out the adversaries.

6. With Your justice You have guided these Your people whom You have delivered.

7. The Lord rules forever, at all times, even now.

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

And again the RESPONSE.

SECOND OLD TESTAMENT READING

A reading from the Book of Daniel is given.

Daniel 3:1-30

Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, the height of which was sixty cubits and its width six cubits; he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent word to assemble the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates and all the rulers of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. Then the satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates and all the rulers of the provinces were assembled for the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

Then the herald loudly proclaimed: "To you the command is given, O peoples, nations and men of every language, that at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe, and all kinds of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up. "But whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire."

Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe, and all kinds of music, all the peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. For this reason at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and brought charges against the Jews.

They responded and said to Nebuchadnezzar the king: "O king, live forever! "You yourself, O king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, and bagpipe, and all kinds of music, is to fall down and worship the golden image. "But whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire. "There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. These men, O king, have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up."

Then Nebuchadnezzar in rage and anger gave orders to bring Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego; then these men were brought before the king. Nebuchadnezzar responded and said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? "Now if you are ready, at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, and bagpipe, and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well. But if you will not worship, you will immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?"

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. "But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."

Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with wrath, and his facial expression was altered toward Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. He answered by giving orders to heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. And he commanded certain valiant warriors who were in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, in order to cast them into the furnace of blazing fire. Then these men were tied up in their trousers, their coats, their caps and their other clothes, and were cast into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire. For this reason, because the king's command was urgent and the furnace had been made extremely hot, the flame of the fire slew those men who carried up Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. But these three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, fell into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire still tied up.

Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up in haste; he responded and said to his high officials, "Was it not three men we cast bound into the midst of the fire?" They answered and said to the king, "Certainly, O king." He answered and said, "Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!"

Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the furnace of blazing fire; he responded and said, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, come out, you servants of the Most High God, and come here!"

Then Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego came out of the midst of the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors and the king's high officials gathered around and saw in regard to these men that the fire had no effect on the bodies of these men nor was the hair of their head singed, nor were their trousers damaged, nor had the smell of fire even come upon them. Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king's command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God. "Therefore, I make a decree that any people, nation or tongue that speaks anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego shall be torn limb from limb and their houses reduced to a rubbish heap, inasmuch as there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way."

Then the king caused Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego to prosper in the province of Babylon.

STAND

VERSES with RESPONSE
(Tone 5 - Prokimenon)

Response: Sing praise to the Lord, * and exalt Him above all forever.

 

First, the Response is sung; then the verses are recited either individually or in groups. The Response is sung again after each verse or each group of verses.

    1. All you works of the Lord, bless the Lord.
    2. You angels of the Lord and you heavens of the Lord, bless the Lord.
    3. You waters above the heavens and all you powers of the Lord, bless the Lord.
    4. You sun, moon, and you stars of heaven, bless the Lord.

      5. Every shower and dew and all you winds, bless the Lord.

    5. Fire and heat, cold and warmth, bless the Lord.
    6. Frost and snow, ice and cold, bless the Lord.
    7. Light and darkness, nights and days, bless the Lord.
    8. Plains and mountains and hills and all that grow upon them, bless the Lord.
    9. Fountains, seas and rivers, whales and all that move in the waters, bless the Lord.
    10. Birds of the heavens, animals and cattle, bless the Lord.
    11. Sons of men, children of Israel, bless the Lord.
    12. Priests of the Lord and servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.
    13. Spirits and souls of the Just, you holy and humble of heart, bless the Lord.
    14. Ananias, Azarias, and Mizael bless the Lord.
    15. Apostles, Prophets, and Martyrs of the Lord, bless the Lord.
    16. We bless the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
    17. Now and ever, and forever. Amen.
    18. Worshiping the Lord, we praise and bless Him.

And again the RESPONSE.

At the altar, the priest intones:

For You are holy, our God, and we render glory to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever.

People: Amen

REMAIN STANDING

INSTEAD OF TRISAGION

All you who have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia! (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen. Have put on Christ. Alleluia.

All you who have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia!

REMAIN STANDING

PROKIMENON
Tone 5

The priest intones from behind the altar:

Priest: Let us be attentive! Peace t be with all! Let us be attentive!

Response: Let all the earth worship and sing praise to You, * sing praise to Your Name, O Most High.

Verse: Shout joyfully to the Lord, * all the earth sing praise to His Name; * give to Him glorious praise. Let all the earth worship and sing praise to You, * sing praise to Your Name, 0 Most High.

SIT

EPISTLE

A reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans is given.

Romans 6:3-11

Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin, once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

 

STAND

INSTEAD OF ALLELUIA
Tone 7 Prokimenon melody

Arise, 0 God, and judge the earth, for all nations belong to You.

    1. God has taken His place amidst the assembly of gods and in their midst He holds judgment.
    2. How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?
    3. Defend the orphan and the lowly, maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.
    4. Rescue the weak and the needy, and deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
    5. They neither know nor understand; they walk about in darkness.
    6. Let all the foundations of the earth be shaken. I said: You are gods, and all sons of the Most High: Nevertheless, you shall die like men, and fall like any prince.

STAND

GOSPEL

The priest says the usual silent prayer before the Gospel and incenses in the usual manner, giving the customary intonations.

Response before and after the Gospel:

Glory be to You, 0 Lord, glory be to You.

Gospel reading: Matthew 26: 1 to end of chapter.

Matthew 28:1-20

Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. And his appearance was like lightning, and his garment as white as snow; and the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. And the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. "And go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going before you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you."

And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy and ran to report it to His disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they shall see Me."

Now while they were on their way, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. And when they had assembled with the elders and counseled together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, and said, "You are to say, 'His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.' "And if this should come to the governor's ears, we will win him over and keep you out of trouble."

And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews, and is to this day. But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful.

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil continues:

LITANY OF SUPPLICATION

Responses to the petitions:

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. (3) - for four petitions

Amen.

STAND

Let all mortal flesh be silent, * and let it stand with fear and awe, * having no earthly thought. * The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords * comes to be sacrificed * and to be given as food to the faithful. * Before Him go the choirs of angelic Hosts, * Powers and Principalities, * the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim. * They cover their faces while they chant: * "Alleluia, * alleluia, * alleluia."

AFTER THE GREAT ENTRANCE

Let all mortal flesh be silent, * and let it stand with fear and awe, * having no earthly thought. * The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords * comes to be sacrificed * and to be given as food to the faithful. * Before Him go the choirs of angelic Hosts, * Powers and Principalities, * the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim. * They cover their faces while they chant: * "Alleluia, * alleluia, * alleluia."

Priest: Peace be with all.

Response: And with your spirit.

Priest: Let us love one another so that with one mind we may profess.

Response: The Father, and the Sort, and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, one in substance and undivided.

Priest: [The doors, the doors,] in wisdom let us be attentive!

THE SYMBOL OF FAITH

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, the only-begotten, born of the Father before all ages. Light of light, true God of true God, begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father, through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and Mary the Virgin, and became man. He was also crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And He rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures. And He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again to judge the living and the dead, and of His kingdom there will be no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, Who spoke through the Prophets. In one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I profess one baptism for the remission of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead; and the life of the world to come. Amen.

THE ANAPHORA

Priest: Let us stand aright, let us stand in awe, let us be attentive to offer the holy oblation in peace.

Response: The offering of peace, the sacrifice of praise.

Priest: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

Response: And with your spirit.

Priest: Let us lift up our hearts.

Response: We have them lifted up to the Lord.

Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord.

Response: It is proper and just to worship the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, one in substance and undivided.

KNEEL

Priest: Singing, shouting, crying out and saying the triumphal hymn:

Response: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of Your glory; hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord, hosanna in the highest.

Priest: He gave it to His holy Disciples and Apostles, saying: Take eat; this is My body, which is broken for you for the remission of sins.

Response: Amen.

Priest: He gave it to His holy Disciples and Apostles, saying: Drink of this, all of you; this is My blood of the new testament, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins.

Response: Amen.

Priest: We offer to You Yours of Your own, in behalf of all and for all.

Response: We praise You, we bless You, we thank You, 0 Lord, and we pray to You, our God.

Priest: May we obtain mercy and grace especially with our most holy, most pure, and most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary.

STAND

INSTEAD OF IT IS TRULY PROPER

Mourn not for Me, 0 My Mother, * when you behold in the tomb * the Son Whom you, as a virgin, conceived. * For I shall arise and be glorified;* and I, as God, shall exalt * with unending glory those who honor you with faith and love.

Priest: Among the first, O Lord, remember our holy ecumenical Pontiff as they faithfully dispense the word of Your truth.

Response: And remember all Your people.

Priest: And grant that we, with one voice and one heart, may glorify and praise Your most honored and sublime Name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever.

Response: Amen.

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

Response: And with your spirit.

Priest: And make us worthy, 0 Lord, that we may with confidence and without condemnation dare call You, the God of heaven, Father; and say:

Response: Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Priest: For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever.

Response: Amen.

Priest: Peace I be with all.

Response: And with your spirit.

Priest: Bow your heads to the Lord.

Response: To You, 0 Lord.

Priest: Through the grace, the mercies and the loving-kindness of Your only-begotten Son with Whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, gracious, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and forever.

Response: Amen.

KNEEL

Priest: Let us be attentive! Holy things to the holy.

Response: One is holy, One is Lord, Jesus Christ, for the glory of God the Father, Amen.

COMMUNION HYMN

The Lord arose * as out of a sleep, * and having resurrected, * He saves us. * Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

Priest: Approach with fear of God and with faith.

Response: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; God the Lord has revealed Himself to us.

COMMUNION PRAYER

O Lord, I believe and profess that You are truly Christ, the Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first.

Accept me as a partaker of Your mystival supper, 0 Son of God; for I will not reveal Your mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas, but like the thief I confess to You.

Remember me, 0 Lord, when You shall come into Your kingdom.

Remember me, 0 Master, when You shall come into Your kingdom.

Remember me, 0 Holy One, when You shall come into Your kingdom.

May the partaking of Your holy mysteries, 0 Lord, be not for my judgment or condemnation, but for the healing of soul and body.

O Lord, I also believe and profess that this, which I am about to receive, is truly Your most precious Body and Your life-giving Blood, which, I pray, make me worthy to receive for the ~emission of all my sins and for life everlasting. Amen.

O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

O God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me.

O Lord, forgive me, for I have sinned without number.

Priest: Save Your people, 0 God, and bless Your inheritance.

Response: We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith; and we worship the undivided Trinity; for the Trinity has saved us.

Priest: [Blessed is our God] always, now and ever, and forever.

Response: Amen.

May our lips be filled with Your praise, O Lord, so that we may sing of Your glory; for You have deemed us worthy to partake of Your holy, divine, immortal and life-creating Mysteries. Keep us in Your holiness, so that all the day long we may live according to Your truth. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!!

STAND

Priest: Let us go forth in peace.

Response: In the name of the Lord.

Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.

Response: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: O Lord, blessing those who bless... now and ever, and forever.

Response: Amen.

BLESSING OF THE BREAD

Immediately sing:

Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.

Response: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: O Lord, Jesus Christ, our God now and ever, and forever.

Response: Amen.

And the people immediately sing:

Blessed be the Name of the Lord, now and ever, and forever. (3)

Priest: The blessing t of the Lord be upon you, through His grace and loving kindness, always, now and ever, and forever.

Response: Amen.

Priest: Glory be to You, 0 Christ our God; glory be to You.

Response: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy Lord, have mercy. Give the blessing!

The priest gives the dismissal of the feast:

May Christ our true God, Who, for our salvation was placed in the tomb and descended to the realm of Death because of the deeds of mankind, have mercy on us and save us through the prayers of His most holy Mother, and of our holy Father, Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, and of all the Saints, for He is gracious and loves mankind.

Response: Amen.

 

END OF THE DIVINE LITURGY