ON THURSDAY EVENING

At, Lord, I have cried, Prosomoia.

Stichera for the Cross.

Mode 3. N/M (The power of Your holy Cross.)

O Lord above all honor, as the Lover of mankind, * for us You were insulted, * You tasted of the vinegar, * and You willingly endured the crucifixion, * so that, O Benefactor, * by Your own death You might * redeem all from corruption.

You willingly were hung upon the Cross, O gracious Lord, * and unto Your own Father * were offered as a sacrifice; * and You ended sacrifices unto idols, * and destroyed the dominion * of the malignant one, * O King of all the ages.

Additional Stichera. For the Theotokos. N/M (When Moses stood.)

He who of old beguiled Adam in Eden * to disobey his Creator, * the same now having seduced me, * turning me off of the straight way, * has thrown me into the ditch of many sins on an impassable byway, * and the hellion dares to vaunt * as he beholds me completely fallen down. * So with the sword of your intercessions, O Virgin, * smite him down and free me from his snares, * since you are most compassionate.

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. N/M (The power of Your martyr Saints.)

All-blameless Lady, when you saw Him who was born of you * upon a cross suspended, you keened for Him and cried out, * "O my dear beloved Child, where has Your beauty set, which is luminous * and which has beautified the entire human race?"

At the Aposticha.

Aposticha. Mode 3. For the Cross.

I worship your precious Cross, O Christ, the guardian of the world, the salvation of us sinners, the great expiation, the victory of the King, the boast of the whole inhabited world.

Verse: I lift my eyes to You, who dwell in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hands of their masters, as the eyes of the maidservant look to the hands of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God until He shall have compassion on us. [SAAS]

A tree of disobedience sprouted death for the world; the tree of the Cross life and incorruption; and so we worship you, the crucified Lord. May the light of your face be marked upon us.

Verse: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we are greatly filled with contempt; our soul is greatly filled with it. We are a disgrace to those who prosper, and a contempt to the arrogant. [SAAS]

For the Martyrs.

Great is the power of your Cross, O Lord; for it was fixed in a place and is active in the world; it made Apostles of fishermen and Martyrs from nations, that they might intercede on behalf of our souls.

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

The purest Virgin cried aloud to You, O Word of God: * The world is granted mercy, * creation is enlightened, * and the Gentiles find salvation through Your Cross, O Master. * But now I suffer, my Son, as I behold * Your voluntary suffering.

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ON FRIDAY MORNING

MATINS

After the first Psalter reading, Kathismata. For the Cross.

Mode 3.

A Cross was fixed on earth and touched the heavens, not that the tree reached the heights, but you, who were on it, filled the universe. Lord, glory to you!

You were lifted up, Lamb of God, on cypress, pine and cedar, that you might save those who worship in faith your voluntary Cruci-fixion. Christ our God, glory to you!

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. N/M (Seeing how beautiful.)

The pure and all-immaculate and blameless Virgin cried out to You, "All creation greatly rejoices, seeing You, the long-suffering Lord, lifted up on the Cross. For it has found redemption through You, my beloved Son. By a tree, You remedied the condemnation incurred because of the tree. But I am shaken to the core, not able to watch You being put to death."

After the second Psalter reading, Kathismata. For the Cross. N/M (Seeing how beautiful.)

The armies of the Angels are amazed as they contemplate your measureless authority and your voluntary Crucifixion: How is He who cannot be looked at scourged in the flesh? He wishes to de-liver human nature from corruption, and so we cry out to you, Giver of life: Glory, O Christ, to your compassion!

Same Melody.

Choosing to suffer crucifixion and death, in the midst of the created world, you endured these when You, O Savior, were well pleased to have Your body nailed to the Cross. Then the sun hid its rays; then the Robber, seeing You on the Cross, extolled You, and reverently cried out, "Remember me!" And he believed and received Paradise.

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. Same Melody.

When the divine and unyoked heifer comprehended that her own young bull was enduring the Passion and crucified of His own will, she uttered, "My son, what is this strange mystery? How can You, being immortal, deign to die? I extol Your long-suffering, O Logos. I glorify Your immeasurable mercy."

After the third Psalter reading, Kathismata.

For the Cross.

You were struck with blows for the sake of the human race and were not enraged; free our life from corruption, Lord, and save us.

For the Martyrs.

Your wholehearted endurance vanquished the machinations of the enemy and author of evil, O all-lauded medal-winners. That is why you have been counted worthy of eternal blessedness. We entreat you to intercede with the Lord, that He save the flock of Christ-loving people, for You, O Martyrs, are witnesses of the truth.

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. N/M (Seeing how beautiful.)

Heaven saw it and shuddered, and earth quaked in fear, when You, the sinless One, were lifted on the Cross voluntarily. The sun went dark and so did the moon. Then Your Mother lamented and uttered, "My Son, what is this spectacle? How is it that You alone suffer for the sake of all?"

Canon for the Cross.

Mode 3. Ode i. Heirmos.

The sun once shone on dry land, mother of the deep. For the water was fixed fast like a wall on either side for the people as they marched on foot and sang a song pleasing to God, ''Let us sing to the Lord, for he has been greatly glorified.'' [EL]

Troparia.

О Compassionate One, making the waves of the sea solid by the rod of Moses, You led the people across, prefiguring Your Cross, by which You parted the water of deceitful error and led all who hymn you power with faith over to the land of divine knowledge.

О Lord, You created the deep by Your command, with strength You covered Your chambers with waters and suspended the earth upon the waters. Then You were suspended on the Cross, and shook all creation, and in the fear of You established the hearts of all.

For the Martyrs.

You became sons by adoption, О godly martyrs of Christ, and inhabitants and inheritors of the heavenly Zion, where you wear crowns and cry out: Let us sing to the Lord, for He is greatly glorified!

You were cruelly mutilated, you endured the cutting off of your hands and feet; you were cast into the fire, and did not renounce Christ, the God of all, but instead cried out fervently: Let us sing to the Lord, for He is greatly glorified!

Stavrotheotokion.

О most comely Virgin and Lady, as you watched you Son willingly crucified, you exclaimed, weeping and crying out in pain: O compassionate God and Master of all, since You art the Lord of glory, how can suffer these things?”

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode iii. Heirmos.

O Lord, the firm foundation of those trust in you, confirm the Church, which you purchased with your precious blood. [EL]

Troparia.

O Logos, having a single compound hypostasis, You endured a most ignoble crucifixion, which brings honor to those who honor You.

The curse on the earth-born was abolished when You, О Master, became a curse, and You poured out blessing through the Cross.

For the Martyrs.

As sojourners on earth, you were shown to be citizens of heaven indeed and fellow-heirs with Christ, О all-praised Martyrs.

The martyrs utterly vanquished all the power of the destructive foe, having the Cross as a most mighty armor.

Stavrotheotokion.

О pure Virgin, who gave birth to God incarnate. You remained a virgin even after giving birth. He of His own will was nailed to the Cross.

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode iv. Heirmos.

Your virtue, O Christ, covered the heavens, for coming forth from the Ark of your Sanctification, your undefiled Mother, you appeared in the temple of your glory as an infant carried in her arms, and the universe was filled with your praise. [EL]

Troparia.

You alone, as the new Adam, set aright the fall of Adam when Your hands were nailed to the Cross and You were beaten with the reed and tasted vinegar and gall, as Lord who transcends the heights of Your kingdom.

О Logos of God, the prophet foresaw You as a sheep and sacrifice, as a lamb who did not struggle nor cry out; for You willingly endured crucifixion, so that You, О loving Lord, might deliver and save those who have sinned of their own will.

For the Martyrs.

Having cultivated their souls with the plow of faith, the martyrs of Christ patiently sowed the seed of their torments, and they reaped in abundance the grain of martyrdom, which feeds the faithful. Therefore, they are glorified forever.

Oppressed by unbearable torments, in the expectation of great blessings, the martyrs attained to the open expanse of the kingdom of heaven, so that they might expand my ability to extol their contests unceasingly.

Stavrotheotokion.

The Virgin Mother, like those tongs of old, received the divine Coal, which did not consume her divine and seedless womb, but instead bedewed it. As she saw Him suspended in the flesh of His own will on the Cross, she glorified Him in song.

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode v. Heirmos.

When Isaias in a figure saw God on an exalted throne, escorted by Angels of glory, ''Woe is me!'' he cried, ''for I have seen beforehand God in a body, Lord of the light that knows no evening and Lord of peace.'' [EL]

Troparia.

For the Martyrs.

Stavrotheotokion.

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode vi. Heirmos.

The Elder having seen with his eyes, the salvation that had come to the people, cried aloud to you, ''O Christ, who come from God, You are my God!'' [EL]

Troparia.

О Christ, You were willingly slaughtered like a lamb, leading back to life him who of his own will was slain by the fruit of the tree.

When You were lifted on the Cross, the deception of the demons fell, and the multitude of believers were exalted, extolling You, О Giver of life.

For the Martyrs.

Wearing garments woven of their own blood, the martyrs stand near the King of all, adorned with radiant crowns.

The holy relics of the martyrs pour out cures to all who approach them, and they drown many sinful passions.

Stavrotheotokion.

The human mind is unable to comprehend the mystery of your childbirth, O Virgin, for it transcends nature. You gave birth to God incomprehensibly.

Canon for the Theotokos.

Ode vii. Heirmos.

God the Word, who in the fire dropped dew upon the Youths as they sang of God[64] and who dwelt in an undefiled Virgin, we praise you as we devoutly sing, ''Blessed are you the God of our Fathers''. [EL]

Troparia.

О Lord, One of the Trinity, You were lifted up on the cedar, the pine and the cypress, raising up those who had fallen into the depths of many pleasures. O God of our fathers, You are blessed.

You cleansed creation of the blood offered to vile demons, with Your own precious blood, О Lord. And when like an innocent lamb You were slaughtered, О Logos of God, You abolished abominable sacrifices to demons. Glory to Your dominion!

For the Martyrs.

The spiritual athletes stood before their tormenters like immovable pillars. They made deception quake, and made the hearts of the faithful strong, and they sang: О Lord, God of our fathers, You are blessed!

Stavrotheotokion.

Only pure and Virgin Mother, you gave flesh to the Master, who was crucified. Incomprehensible was your conceiving, and ineffable was your childbirth! We sing to Him and cry out: О Lord, God of our fathers, You are blessed!

Canon for the Theotokos. Three Youths in a furnace. (NM)

Ode viii. Heirmos.

In the unbearable fire, but unharmed by the flames, the Young Men, famed for their reverence for God, became as one as they sang the divine hymn, ''All you works of the Lord bless the Lord, and highly exalt him to all the ages.'' [EL]

Troparia.

For the Martyrs.

Stavrotheotokion.

Canon for the Theotokos. The Lord who came down. (NM)

Ode ix. Heirmos.

In the shadow and letter of the Law, let us the faithful discern a figure. ''Every male child that opens the womb shall be holy to God.'' Therefore the Son and Word of the Father who has no beginning, the firstborn child of a Mother who had not known man, we magnify. [EL]

Troparia.

For the Martyrs.

Stavrotheotokion.

Canon for the Theotokos. We, O holy Virgin, perceive you.

At the Aposticha of Lauds.

Aposticha. Mode 3. For the Cross.

On the mountain Moses by stretching out his hands on high in the form of a Cross routed Amalek, while you, O Saviour, opening your palms on the Cross, took me in your embrace and saved me from the slavery of the foe; and you gave me the mark of life to flee from the bow of my enemies; therefore, O Word, I worship your precious Cross.

Verse: We were filled with Your mercy in the morning, and in all our days we greatly rejoiced and were glad; gladden us in return for the days You humbled us, for the years we saw evil things. And behold Your servants and Your works, and guide their sons. [SAAS]

Through jealousy I was cast out from delight and fell in a harsh fall; you did not disdain, Master, to assume for me that which was mine and to crucify it, and you save me, you lead me into glory. My Redeemer, glory to you!

Verse: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the works of our hands. [SAAS]

For the Martyrs.

Come, all peoples, let us honour the memory of the holy Champions; for they became a spectacle to Angels and to men and received from Christ the crown of victory, and the intercede for our souls.

Glory. Both now. Stavrotheotokion. N/M (The power of Your holy Cross.)

As the all-blameless Lady wept and poured out streams of tears, * she sighed and she lamented, and cried out from the depths of her soul, * "How have You now set, O Jesus, my sweetest light? * How is it that I see You on the Cross speechless now, * who by a word created all things?"

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LITURGY

The Beatitudes. Mode 3.

When our primal father Adam disobeyed Your divine command, O Christ, You expelled him from Paradise. But when the faithful Robber while on the cross confessed You to be Lord, You restored him there, as he cried to You: "O Savior, when You come in Your kingdom, remember me."

When the sun beheld that You, O Lord, were crucified, * it made its light go dark; O holy Master, the rocks split apart; * and all the earth was quaking. * Even the Temple curtain tore in two, * when it saw how You were unjustly suffering, * You the Savior of all and incomprehensible.

On behalf of all, O Jesus, You were led to death, * You life of the living, so that by Your divine sufferings * You being God might save all * who died because of eating from the tree, * and might make them residents of Paradise. * Therefore we who believe magnify Your sufferings.

For the Martyrs.

Imitating the Passion of Christ the Savior, * who suffered for us and took away reproach from humanity, * through many painful tortures, * you wrestled down and beat the hostile foe, * and were granted glory from God on high. * Holy Martyrs, and thus * you are fittingly glorified.

Glory.

O believers, let us glorify the Father * and Son and Holy Spirit, in unconfused Divinity, * the single rule and glory, * solemnly worshiping our only God * as befits Him with faith that is Orthodox, * as we cry out and say, * "In Your kingdom remember us."

Both now. Stavrotheotokion.

O all-blameless Lady, you were wholly shaken * as you watched as your Son was voluntarily crucified * and suffered in His body. * O pure One, you lamented and cried out, * "Woe is me! How have You, my only Child, died, * O Savior, who wish to revive all mankind that had died."