Eastern Orthodox Readings and Prayers for Great Lent



Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Sunday of the Last Judgment

Forgiveness Sunday
1st Monday of Lent
1st Tuesday of Lent
1st Wednesday of Lent
1st Thursday of Lent
1st Friday of Lent
1st Saturday in Lent (Commemoration of St. Theodore the Recruit)

Sunday of Orthodoxy
2nd Monday of Lent
2nd Tuesday of Lent
2nd Wednesday of Lent
2nd Thursday of Lent
2nd Friday of Lent
2nd Saturday of Lent (Memorial Saturday)

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
3rd Monday of Lent
3rd Tuesday of Lent
3rd Wednesday of Lent
3rd Thursday of Lent
3rd Friday of Lent
3rd Saturday of Lent (Memorial Saturday)

Sunday of the Holy Cross
4th Monday of Lent
4th Tuesday of Lent
4th Wednesday of Lent
4th Thursday of Lent
4th Friday of Lent
4th Saturday of Lent (Memorial Saturday)

Sunday of the John Climacus
5th Monday of Lent
5th Tuesday of Lent
5th Wednesday of Lent
5th Thursday of Lent
5th Friday of Lent
5th Saturday of Lent (Saturday of the Akathist)

Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt
6th Monday of Lent
6th Tuesday of Lent
6th Wednesday of Lent
6th Thursday of Lent
6th Friday of Lent
Lazarus Saturday

Palm Sunday
Holy Monday
Holy Tuesday
Holy Wednesday
Holy Thursday
Holy Friday
Holy Saturday

Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee

Readings:

Matins Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20
Epistle: 2 Timothy 3:10-15
Gospel: Luke 18:10-14

Prayers:

Doxastikon of the Aposticha, Saturday Vespers in the Plagal of the First Tone
Mine eyes are weighed down by my transgressions, and I cannot lift them up and see the height of heaven. But receive me, Savior, in repentance as the Publican and have mercy on me.

Troparion after "Have Mercy", Matins Service in the Plagal of the Second Tone
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy loving kindness and according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.

As I ponder in my wretchedness the many evil things I have done, I tremble for the fearful day of judgment. But, trusting in Thy merciful compassion, like David do I cry out to Thee: have mercy upon me, O God, in Thy great mercy

Doxastikon of the Ainoi, Matins Servicein the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
O Lord, Thou hast condemned the Pharisee who justified himself by boasting of his works, and Thou hast justified the Publican who humbled himself and with cries of sorrow begged for mercy. For Thou dost reject proudminded thoughts, but Thou dost not despise a contrite heart. Therefore in abasement we fall down before Thee who hast suffered for our sake: grant us forgiveness and great mercy.

Kontakion, Tone Four
Let us flee the proud speaking of the Pharisee and learn the humility of the Publican, and with groaning let us cry unto the Savior: Be merciful to us, for Thou alone art ready to forgive.


Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Readings:

Matins Gospel: Mark 16:1-8
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Gospel: Luke 15:11-32

Prayers:

Kontakion, Tone 3
I have recklessly forgotten Your glory, O Father;
and among sinners I have scattered the riches which You had given me.
Therefore, I cry to You like the Prodigal:
"I have sinned before You, O compassionate Father;
receive me a penitent and make me as one of Your hired servants."


Sunday of the Last Judgment

Readings:

Matins Gospel: Mark 16:9-20
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 8:8-9:2
Gospel: Matthew 25:31-36

Prayers:

Troparion - Tone 1
When You, O God, shall come to earth with glory,
all things shall tremble
and the river of fire shall flow before Your judgment seat;
the books shall be opened and the hidden things disclosed!
Then deliver me from the unquenchable fire,
and make me worthy to stand at Your right hand, righteous Judge!


Forgiveness Sunday

Readings:

Matins Gospel: John 20:11-18
Epistle: Hebrews 12:1-10
Gospel: Matthew 6:14-21

Prayers:

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and condescended to be buried for three days, so that from the pas­sions You might set us free. Our life and resurrection, O Lord, glory be to You.

Resurrectional Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
When You had risen from the grave, You also raised those who had died and resurrected Adam; and now Eve is celebrating in Your Resurrection, and the ends of the world keep festival, for Your rising from the dead, O Most-Merciful.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal of the Second Tone
O Master, Prudence, Guide of Wisdom, Instruction to the foolish and Defender of the poor, strengthen my heart and grant it discernment. Give me words, Word of the Father, for behold, I shall not keep my lips from crying out to You, "O Merciful One, have mercy on me who has fallen.


1st Monday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 1:1-20
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 1:1-13
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 1:1-20


1st Tuesday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 1:19-2:3
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 1:14-23
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 1:20-33


1st Wednesday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 2:3-11
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 1:24-2:3
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 2:1-22


1st Thursday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 2:11-21
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 2:4-19
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 3:1-18


1st Friday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 3:1-14
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 2:20-3:20
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 3:19-34


1st Saturday in Lent
(Commemoration of St. Theodore the Recruit)

Readings:

Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-12
Epistle, St. Theodore: 2 Timothy 2:1-10
Gospel: Mark 2:23-28; 3:1-5
Gospel, St. Theodore: John 15:17-16:2

Prayers:

Apolytikion in the Second Tone
Great are the achievements of faith! In the fountain of flame, as by the water of rest, the holy Martyr Theodore rejoiced; for having been made a whole-burnt offering in the fire, he was offered as sweet bread unto the Trinity. By his prayers, O Christ God, save our souls.

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
Having received the Faith of Christ in thy heart as a breastplate, thou didst trample upon the enemy hosts, O much-suffering champion; and thou hast been crowned eternally with a heavenly crown, since thou art invincible.
Sunday of Orthodoxy

Readings:

9th Matins Gospel: John 20:19-31
Epistle: Hebrews 11:24-26,32-40
Gospel: John 1:43-51

Prayers:
Troparion -Tone 2
We venerate Your most pure image, O Good One,
and ask forgiveness of our transgressions, O Christ God.
Of Your own will You were pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh to deliver Your creatures from bondage to the enemy.
Therefore with thanksgiving we cry aloud to You:
You have filled all with joy, O our Savior, by coming to save the world.

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the First Tone
The stone had been secured with a seal by the Judeans, * and a guard of soldiers was watching Your immaculate body. * You rose on the third day, O Lord * and Savior, grant­ing life unto the world. * For this reason were the powers of heaven crying out to You, O Life-giver: * Glory to Your resurrection, O Christ; * glory to Your eternal rule; * glory to Your dispensation, only One who loves mankind.

Resurrectional Kontakion in the First Tone
You arose from the sepulcher in glory as God, and with yourself resurrected the world. And mortal nature extolled You as God, and death was obliterated, and Adam is dancing, O Master; and Eve, now redeemed from the bonds, rejoices crying out: O Christ, You are He who grants resurrection to all.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"

Kontakion - Tone 8
No one could describe the Word of the Father;
but when He took flesh from you, O Theotokos, He accepted to be described,
and restored the fallen image to its former beauty.
We confess and proclaim our salvation in word and images.

2nd Monday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 4:2-5:7
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 3:21-4:7
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 3:34-4:22


2nd Tuesday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 5:7-16
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 4:8-15
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 5:1-15


2nd Wednesday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 5:16-25
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 4:16-26
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 5:15-6:3


2nd Thursday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 6:1-12
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 5:1-24
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 6:3-20


2nd Friday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 7:1-14
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 5:32-6:8
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 6:20-7:1


2nd Saturday of Lent
(Memorial Saturday)

Readings:

Epistle: Hebrews 3:12-16
Gospel: Mark 1:35-44
Epistle, Departed: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
Gospel, Departed: John 5:24-30

Prayers:

Troparion - Tone 8 Only Creator, with wisdom profound, You mercifully order all things,
and give that which is needed to all men:
Give rest, O Lord, to the souls of Your servants who have fallen asleep,
for they have placed their trust in You, our Maker and Fashioner, and our God.

Kontakion - Tone 8
With the saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Your servants,
where there is neither sickness nor sorrow, and no more sighing,
but life everlasting.

Apolytikion in the Second Tone
O Apostles, martyrs, prophets, hierarchs, righteous, and just ones, who have finished your course well and have kept the Faith: seeing ye have boldness with the Saviour, beseech Him for us, since He is good, that your souls be saved, we pray.

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Second Tone

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee
Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

Readings:

10th Matins Gospel: John 21:1-14
Epistle: Hebrews 1:10-14; 2:1-3
Epistle, Saint: Hebrews 7:26-8:2
Gospel: Mark 2:1-12
Gospel, Saint: John 10:9-16

Prayers:
Troparion - Tone 8
O light of Orthodoxy, teacher of the Church, its confirmation,
O ideal of monks and invincible champion of theologians,
O wonder-working Gregory, glory of Thessalonica and preacher of grace,
always intercede before the Lord that our souls may be saved.

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Tone
When You descended unto death, O Lord who yourself are immortal Life, then did You mortify Hades by the lightning flash of Your Divinity. Also when You raised the dead from the netherworld, all the Powers of the heavens were crying out: O Giver of life, Christ our God, glory be to You.

Resurrectional Kontakion in the Second Tone
You rose from the tomb, O Savior all-powerful, * and Hades beheld the marvel and was struck with fear, * and the dead were rising up, and creation beholds and rejoices with You, * and Adam is also exultant; O my Savior, and the world ever sings Your praise.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"

Kontakion - Tone 8
No one could describe the Word of the Father;
but when He took flesh from you, O Theotokos, He accepted to be described,
and restored the fallen image to its former beauty.
We confess and proclaim our salvation in word and images.

Kontakion - Tone 8
Holy and divine instrument of wisdom, joyful trumpet of theology, together we sing your praises, O God-inspired Gregory. Since you now stand before the Original Mind, guide our minds to Him, O Father, so that we may sing to you: "Rejoice, preacher of grace."

Kontakion - Tone 4
Now is the time for action! Judgment Judgment is at the doors! So let us rise and fast, offering alms with tears of compunction and crying: "Our sins are more in number than the sands of the sea; but forgive us, O Master of All, so that we may receive the incorruptible crowns."
3rd Monday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 8:13-9:7
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 6:9-22
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 8:1-21


3rd Tuesday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 9:9 - 10:4
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 7:1-5
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 8:32 - 9:11


3rd Wednesday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 10:12-20
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 7:6-9
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 9:12-18


3rd Thursday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 11:10-12:2
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 7:11-8:3
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 10:1-22


3rd Friday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 13:2-13
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 8:4-21
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 10:31-11:12


3rd Saturday of Lent
(Memorial Saturday)

Readings:

Epistle: Hebrews 10:32-38
Gospel: Mark 2:14-17
Epistle, Departed: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17
Gospel, Departed: John 5:24-30

Prayers:

Troparion - Tone 8
Only Creator, with wisdom profound, You mercifully order all things, and give that which is needed to all men: Give rest, O Lord, to the souls of Your servants who have fallen asleep, for they have placed their trust in You, our Maker and Fashioner, and our God.

Kontakion - Tone 8
With the saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Your servants, where there is neither sickness nor sorrow, and no more sighing, but life everlasting.

Apolytikion in the Second Tone
O Apostles, martyrs, prophets, hierarchs, righteous, and just ones, who have finished your course well and have kept the Faith: seeing ye have boldness with the Saviour, beseech Him for us, since He is good, that your souls be saved, we pray.

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Second Tone
O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
Sunday of the Holy Cross

Readings:

11th Matins Gospel: John 21:14-25
Epistle: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:1-6
Gospel: Mark 8:34-38; 9:1

Prayers:

Troparion in the Fourth Tone
O Lord, save Your people, and bless Your inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians, over their adversaries. And by virtue of Your Cross preserve Your habitation!

Kontakion in the Seventh Tone
Now the flaming sword no longer guards the gates of Eden; it has mysteriously been quenched by the wood of the Cross! The sting of death and the victory of hell have been vanquished; for You, O my Savior, have come and cried to those in hell: "Enter again into paradise."

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Tone
Let the heavens sing for joy, and let everything on earth be glad. * For with His Arm the Lord has worked power. * He trampled death under foot by means of death; * and He became the firstborn from the dead. * From the maw of Hades He delivered us; * and He granted the world His great mercy.

Resurrectional Kontakion in the Third Tone
From the tomb You rose today, * O Lord of tender compassion, * also from the gates of death * You led us out, O our Savior. * On this day is Adam dancing and Eve rejoices, * and with them together Patriarchs and the Prophets * are unceasingly extolling the divine power of Your authority.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
4th Monday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 14:24-32
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 8:21-9:7
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 11:19-12:6


4th Tuesday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 25:1-9
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 9:8-17
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 12:8-22


4th Wednesday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 26:21-27:9
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 9:18-10:1
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 12:23-13:9


4th Thursday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 28:14-22
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 10:32-11:9
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 13:19-14:6


4th Friday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 29:13-23
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 12:1-7
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 14:15-26


4rd Saturday of Lent
(Memorial Saturday)

Readings:

Epistle: Hebrews 6:9-12
Gospel: Mark 7:31-37
Epistle, Departed: 1 Corinthians 15:47-57
Gospel, Departed: John 5:24-30

Prayers:

Troparion in the Eighth Tone
Only Creator, with wisdom profound, You mercifully order all things, and give that which is needed to all men: Give rest, O Lord, to the souls of Your servants who have fallen asleep, for they have placed their trust in You, our Maker and Fashioner, and our God.

Kontakion in the Eighth Tone
With the saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Your servants, where there is neither sickness nor sorrow, and no more sighing, but life everlasting.

Apolytikion in the Second Tone
O Apostles, martyrs, prophets, hierarchs, righteous, and just ones, who have finished your course well and have kept the Faith: seeing ye have boldness with the Saviour, beseech Him for us, since He is good, that our souls be saved, we pray.

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Second Tone
O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.


Sunday of John Climacus

Readings:

1st Matins Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20
Epistle: Hebrews 6:13-20
Epistle, Saint: Ephesians 5:9-19
Gospel: Mark 9:17-31
Gospel, Saint: Matthew 4:25-5:12

Prayers:

Troparion - Tone 1
Dweller of the desert and angel in the body, you were shown to be a wonder-worker, our God-bearing Father John. You received heavenly gifts through fasting, vigil, and prayer: healing the sick and the souls of those drawn to you by faith. Glory to Him who gave you strength! Glory to Him who granted you a crown! Glory to Him who through you grants healing to all!

Apolytikion - Tone 4
When the women Disciples of the Lord had learned from the Angel the joyful message of the Resurrection and had rejected the ancestral decision, they cried aloud to the Apostles triumphantly: Death has been despoiled, Christ God has risen, granting His great mercy to the world.

Kontakion - Tone 4
Savior and Deliverer is He who raised up from the tomb and from the bonds those born on earth, for He is God; and He destroyed Hades' bars and gates, and on the third day arose, as the Master of all.

Kontakion - Tone 4
The Lord truly set you on the heights of abstinence, to be a guiding star, showing the way to the universe, O our Father and Teacher John.

Kontakion - Tone 4
To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"


5th Monday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 37:33-38:6
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 13:12-18
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 14:27-15:4


5th Tuesday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 40:18-31
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 15:1-15
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 15:7-19


5th Wednesday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 41:4-14
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 17:1-9
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 15:20-16:9


5th Thursday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 42:5-16
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 18:20-33
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 16:17-17:17


5th Friday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 45:11-17
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 22:1-18
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 17:17-18:5


5th Saturday in Lent
- Saturday of the Akathist of the Theotokos

Readings:

Epistle: Hebrews 9:24-28
Epistle, Theotokos: Hebrews 9:1-7
Gospel: Mark 8:27-31
Gospel, Theotokos: Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28

Prayers:

Full Akathist

Troparion - Tone 8
When the archangel understood the mysterious command, he came to the house of Joseph with haste and proclaimed to the unwedded Lady: The One Who bowed the heavens by His condescension is contained wholly and without change in you! As I behold Him in your womb, taking the form of a servant, I am frightened, but cry: Rejoice, unwedded Bride!

Apolytikion - Tone 4
When the bodiless one learned the secret command, in haste he came and stood before Joseph's dwelling, and spake unto the Maiden who knew not wedlock: The One Who hath bowed the Heavens by His descent is held and contained unchanging wholly in thee. Seeing Him receiving the form of a servant in thy womb, I stand in awe and cry to thee: Rejoice, thou Bride unwedded.

Kontakion - Tone 4
To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"

Kontakion - Tone 8
Victorious leader of triumphant hosts, we your servants, delivered from evil, sing our grateful thanks to you, Theotokos! As you possess invincible might set us free from every calamity, so that we may sing: Rejoice, unwedded Bride!


Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

Readings:

2nd Matins Gospel: Mark 16:1-8
Epistle: Hebrews 9:11-14
Epistle, St. Mary: Galatians 3:23-29
Gospel: Mark 10:32-45
Gospel, St. Mary: Luke 7:36-50

Prayers:

Troparion - Tone 8
The image of God was truly preserved in you, mother, for you took up the Cross and followed Christ. By so doing, you taught us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away, but to care instead for the soul, since it is immortal. Therefore your spirit, holy mother Mary, Rejoices with the angels!

Apolytikion - Tone 4
Let us worship the Word who is unoriginate * with the Father and the Spirit, and from a Virgin was born * for our salvation, O believers, and let us sing His praise. * For in His goodness He was pleased * to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and to undergo death, * and to raise up those who had died, * by His glorious Resurrection.

Kontakion - Tone 3
Having been a sinful woman, you became through repentance a Bride of Christ. Having attained angelic life, you defeated demons with the weapon of the Cross. Therefore, most glorious Mary, you are a Bride of the Kingdom!

Kontakion - Tone 1
You descended to Hades, my Savior, and shattered its gates, as the Almighty. As Creator, You raised the dead with yourself, and smashed the sting of death, O Christ. You freed Adam from the curse, O Lover of humanity. Therefore we all cry out to You, Save us, O Lord.

Kontakion - Tone 4

To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
6th Monday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 48:17-49:4
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 27:1-41
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 19:16-25


6th Tuesday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 49:6-10
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 31:3-16
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 21:3-21


6th Wednesday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 58:1-11
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 43:26-31; 45:1-16
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 21:23-22:4


6th Thursday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 65:8-16
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 46:1-7
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 23:15-24:5


6th Friday of Lent

Readings:

Orthros Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 66:10-24
Vespers Old Testament Reading 1:Genesis 49:33-50:26
Vespers Old Testament Reading 2: Proverbs 31:8-31


Lazarus Saturday

Readings:

Epistle: Hebrews 12:28-29; 13:1-8
Gospel: John 11:1-45

Troparion - Tone 1
O Christ our God, before Your Passion, You raised Lazarus from the dead to confirm the common Resurrection for all. Therefore, we carry the symbols of victory as did the youths, and we cry out to You, the victor over death, "Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. "

Kontakion - Tone 2
Christ, everyone's joy, the truth, the light, life, the resurrection of the world, has by His goodness appeared to those on earth. He is the archetype of the resurrection, granting divine forgiveness to all.


Palm Sunday

Readings:

Vespers, 1st Reading: Genesis 49:1-2,8-12
Vespers, 2nd Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-19
Vespers, 3rd Reading: Zephaniah 9:9-15
Matins Gospel: Matthew 21:1-11; 15-17
Epistle: Philippians 4:4-9
Gospel: John 12:1-18

Troparion - Tone 4
See! The Bridegroom sets forth in the dead of night. And blessed is that servant whom he shall find on watch; unworthy the one he shall come upon lazing. See to it, soul, that sleep does not overtake you, lest you be given up to death and be shut out of the kingdom. Bestir yourself, then, and sing out: "Holy, holy, holy are You, our God; through the protection of the bodiless powers, save us."

Kontakion - Tone 4
Jacob mourned the loss of Joseph, while the noble one rode in a chariot, honored as royalty. For having spurned the enticements of the Egyptian woman, he was in turn glorified by Him who knows the hearts of men and bestows an incorruptible crown.


Holy Monday

Readings:

Matins Gospel: Matthew 21:14-43
6th Hour Ezekiel 1:1-20
Vespers, 1st Reading: Exodus 1:1-20
Vespers, 2nd Reading: Job 1:1-12
Gospel: Matthew 24:3-35

Troparion - Tone 1
By raising Lazarus from the dead before Your passion, You did confirm the universal Resurrection, O Christ God! Like the children with the palms of victory, We cry out to You, O Vanquisher of death; Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord!

Troparion - Tone 4
O Christ, Our God, we have been Buried with You through Baptism, and by Your Resurrection made worthy of Life immortal. Praising You, we cry out, "Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord."

Kontakion - Tone 2
In Heaven, He is seated upon a Throne and on earth He rides upon a foal. O Christ our God, accept the praise of the Angels and the hymn of the Children who cry out to You, "Blessed are You who comes to recall Adam."


Holy Tuesday

Readings:

Matins Gospel: Matthew 22:15-23:39
6th Hour Ezekiel 1:21-2:1
Vespers, 1st Reading: Exodus 2:5-10
Vespers, 2nd Reading: Job 1:13-22
Gospel: Matthew 24:36-26:2

Troparion - Tone 8
See! The Bridegroom sets forth in the dead of night. And blessed is that servant whom he shall find on watch; unworthy the one he shall come upon lazing. See to it, soul, that sleep does not overtake you, lest you be given up to death and be shut out of the kingdom. Bestir yourself, then, and sing out: "Holy, holy, holy are You, our God; through the protection of the bodiless powers, save us."

Kontakion - Tone 2
You know that this is the last hour, O wretched soul, And fear the cutting of the fig tree. Work diligently therefore at the talent given to you Keep watch and pray: Let us not remain outside the bridal chamber of Christ.


Holy Wednesday

Readings:

Matins Gospel: John 12:17-50
6th Hour Ezekiel 2:3-3:3
Vespers, 1st Reading: Exodus 2:11-22
Vespers, 2nd Reading: Job 2:1-10
Gospel: Matthew 26:6-16

Troparion - Tone 8
When the glorious disciples were enlightened At the washing of their feet before the supper, Then the impious Judas was darkened, ailing with avarice And to the lawless judges he betrays You, the righteous Judge. Behold, O lover of money, this man who because of money hanged himself. Flee from the greedy soul which dared such things against the Master. O Lord, who is good towards all men, glory to You!

Kontakion - Tone 2
With his hands the betrayer receives the Bread. With his hands he secretly receives the silver, The price of Him who fashioned man with His hands; So the servant and deceiver Judas remains depraved.

Kontakion - Tone 2
Though I have outdone the harlot in sin, yet I have offered You no shower of tears. Rather, I fall before You fervently kissing Your spotless feet, praying silently that, as Master, You will remit my debts as I cry: "Savior, free me from the foulness of my deeds!"


Holy Thursday

Readings:

Matins Gospel: Luke 22:1-39
1st Hour Jeremiah 11:18-12:5,9-11,14-15
Vespers, 1st Reading: Exodus 19:10-19
Vespers, 2nd Reading: Job 38:1-23; 42:1-5
Vespers, 3rd Reading: Isaiah 50:4-11
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
Composite Gospel: Matthew 26:2-20; John 13:3-17;Matthew 26:21-39;Luke 22:43-45;Matthew 26:40-27:2
At the Washing of the Feet: John 13:1-11
After the Washing of the Feet: John 13:12-17

Troparion - Tone 6
Of Your Mystical Supper, O Son of God, Accept me today as a communicant. For I will not speak of Your mysteries to Your enemies, Neither like Judas will I give You a kiss, But like the thief will I confess You. Remember me, O Lord, in Your Kingdom!

Troparion - Tone 4
By Your precious blood, You have redeemed us from the curse of the law. By being nailed to the cross and pierced by a spear, You have poured forth immortality for man. O our Savior, glory to You!

Troparion - Tone 4
As the glorious disciples, in the washing of the feet, were enlightened, the profane Judas, ravaged by greed, was benighted. And to the lawless judges he surrenders You the just judge. Consider, you who love money, the one who hanged himself for the sake of it. Shun the insatiate heart that could dare such a deed against the Teacher. Lord, benevolent above all humans, glory to You.

Kontakion - Tone 8
Come, let us all sing the praises of Him who was crucified for us, For Mary said when she beheld Him upon the tree: Though You do endure the cross, You are my Son and my God!

Kontakion - Tone 2
Taking the Bread into his hands, the betrayer stretcheth them forth secretly and receiveth the price of Him that, with His own hands, fashioned man. And Judas, the servant and deceiver, remained incorrigible.


Holy Friday

Readings:

The Twelve Gospels of the Passion of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
These are read on the Evening of Holy Thursday

John 13:31-38; 14:1-18:1
John 18:1-28
Matthew 26:57-75
John 18:28-40; 19:1-16
Matthew 27:3-32
Mark 15:16-32
Matthew 27:33-54
Luke 23:32-49
John 19:25-37
Mark 15:43-47
John 19:38-42
Matthew 27:62-66

1st Hour, Prophecy Zechariah 11:10-13
1st Hour, Epistle Galatians 6:14-18
1st Hour, Gospel Matthew 27:1-56

3rd Hour, Prophecy Isaiah 50:4-11
3rd Hour, Epistle Romans 5:6-11
3rd Hour, Gospel Mark 15:16-41

6th Hour, Prophecy Isaiah 52:13-54:1 or Amos 8:9-12
6th Hour, Epistle Hebrews 2:11-18
6th Hour, Gospel Luke 23:32-49

9th Hour, Prophecy Jeremiah 11:18-12:5,9-11,14-15
9th Hour, Epistle Hebrews 10:19-31
9th Hour, Gospel John 18:28-19:37

Vespers, 1st Reading: Exodus 33:11-23
Vespers, 2nd Reading: Job 42:12-17 (LXX version):
"Yes,the Lord blessed the last years of Job more than the ones before, and his livestock was: fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke ofoxen, a thousand female donkeys at pasture. Andthere were born to him seven sons and three daughters, and he called the first Day and the second Cassia and the third Horn of Amaltheia. And there were not found women more excellent than Job’sdaughters beneath heaven, and their father gavethem an inheritance along with their brothers. Now Job lived after his calamity one hundred and seventy years, and all the years he lived were two hundred and forty-eight years. and Iob saw his sons and the sons of his sons, a fourth generation, and Job died, old and full of days. And it iswritten that he will rise again with those the Lord raises up."
Vespers, 3rd Reading: Isaiah 52:13-54:1

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:2
Composite Gospel: Matthew 27:1-38; Luke 23:39-43;Matthew 27:39-54;John 19:31-37;Matthew 27:55-61

Kontakion - Tone 8
Come, let us all sing the praises of Him who was crucified for us, For Mary said when she beheld Him upon the tree: Though You do endure the cross, You are my Son and my God!

Troparion - Tone 2
The angel came to the myrrh-bearing women at the tomb and said: Myrrh is fitting for the dead, But Christ has shown Himself a stranger to corruption.

Troparion - Tone 2
The Noble Joseph, When he had taken down Your most pure Body from the tree, Wrapped it in fine linen, And anointed it with spices, And placed it in a new tomb.


Holy Saturday

Readings:

Matins, Prophecy Ezekiel 37:1-14
Matins, Epistle 1 Corinthians 5:6-8
Matins, Epistle Galatians 3:13-14

Matins, Gospel Matthew 27:62-66

Vespers, 1st Reading: Genesis 1:1-13
Vespers, 2nd Reading: Isaiah 60:1-16
Vespers, 3rd Reading: Exodus 12:1-11
Vespers, 4th Reading: Jonah 1:1-4:11
Vespers, 5th Reading: Joshua 5:10-15
Vespers, 6th Reading: Exodus 13:20-15:19
Vespers, 7th Reading: Zephaniah 3:8-15
Vespers, 8th Reading: 3 [1] Kings 17:8-24
Vespers, 9th Reading: Isaiah 61:10-62:5
Vespers, 10th Reading: Genesis 22:1-18
Vespers, 11th Reading: Isaiah 61:1-9 3
Vespers, 12th Reading: 4 [2] Kings 4:8-37
Vespers, 13th Reading: Isaiah 63:11-64:5
Vespers, 14th Reading: Isaiah 63:11-64:5
Vespers, 15th Reading: Daniel 3:1-23; Song of the Three 1-66

Epistle Romans 6:3-11
Gospel Matthew 28:1-20

Troparion - Tone 2
Lowering Your pure body from the Cross, Joseph wrapped it in clean muslin with fragrant spices and laid it in a new tomb. Kontakion - Tone 2
He who shut in the depths is beheld dead, Wrapped in fine linen and spices. The Immortal One is laid in a tomb as a mortal man. The women have come to anoint Him with myrrh, Weeping bitterly and crying: "This is the most blessed Sabbath On which Christ has fallen asleep to rise on the third day!"

Troparion - Tone 2
When You did descend to death, O Life Immortal, You did slay hell with the splendor of Your Godhead, And when from the depths You did raise the dead, All the Powers of Heaven cried out, O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory to You!



 
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