Wednesday in Cheese Week

MATTINS

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

℣. My spirit seeks Thee early in the morning, O God, for Thy commandments are a light upon the earth.

℣. Learn righteousness, ye that dwell on earth.

℣. The wrath of God shall fall upon a disobedient people, and fire shall now devour the enemy.

℣. Bring more evils upon them, O Lord, bring more evils upon them that are glorious on earth.

Then the choir sings the Hymns to the Trinity in the Tone of the week (see pp. 571 ff).

After the first reading from the Psalter, the sessional hymns of the Cross in the Tone of the week, from the Octoechos.

After the second reading from the Psalter, the following sessional hymns:

TONE TWO

Grant us humbly and in peace to pass through the days of cleansing that prepare us for the Fast. In Thine ineffable love for mankind, O Christ our God, destroy the wicked schemes of the enemy and preserve us all by Thy Cross, for Thou alone knowest the secrets of man’s heart.

Glory be to the Father… Repeat. Both now…

Stavrotheotokion

Thy Virgin Mother, standing by Thy Cross, could not endure to see Thee suffering unjustly, but weeping and lamenting she cried out to Thee: ‘O Child dear to my heart, how dost Thou suffer, though Thou art impassible by nature? I sing the praises of Thy perfect love.’

The Canon

We use six troparia (including the irmos) from the Canon of the Cross in the Tone of the week, from the Octoechos; four troparia from the Canon to the saint of the day, from the Menaion; and then the Canon of the Triodion with four troparia. But at Canticles Three, Eight and Nine we omit the Canons from the Octoechos and the Menaion, and we use six troparia (including the irmos) from the Canon of the Triodion, and then eight troparia from the two three-canticled Canons, with the irmos of the second three-canticled Canon sung at the end. In certain churches the three Canticles omitted from the Canon in the Menaion are included as follows. At Canticle One, four troparia (including the irmos) from the Canon in the Octoechos; six troparia from Canticles One and Three from the Canon in the Menaion; and then the Canon of the Triodion with four troparia. We do likewise at Canticles Six and Seven; at Canticle Six we use Canticles Six and Eight of the Canon in the Menaion, and at Canticle Seven we use Canticles Seven and Nine of the Canon in Menaion.

Canon of the Triodion

by St. Andrew of Crete

TONE FOUR

Canticle One

Irmos: I will sing to Thee, O Lord my God, for Thou hast led Thy people out of the bondage of Egypt, and hast drowned in the waters the chariots and the might of Pharaoh.

Fasting as man, the Lord overcame the tempter; and so He gave us an example, showing us what lies within our power and setting limits for us.

Through abstinence, Moses was counted worthy to speak with God face to face on Sinai. With faith let us follow his example.

Be merciful, O Lord, unto Thy people; look upon them as God with a compassionate eye and visit them all with the fullness of Thy mercy.

Theotokion

To thee we all run, Theotokos, for thou art our sure defender, and we ask thine intercession that thy flock may be delivered from all peril.

Canticle Three

Irmos: My heart is firmly established in the Lord my God: for the weak have been girded with strength.

Through abstinence Enoch the wonderful was translated from the earth: emulating his example, let us be translated from corruption and enter into life.

Through prayer and fasting let us entreat the mercy of the Deliverer: for the Maker rejoices over the repentance of His creatures.

Make ready, O my soul, and cleanse thyself before the Passion of the Lord, that thou mayest keep festival with Him in spirit at His Resurrection.

Theotokion

O thou who hast borne God, intercede for us without ceasing: for to thee, O Theotokos, we sinners flee for refuge.

The Three-Canticled Canons

Canticle Three

First Canon

TONE TWO

by Joseph

Irmos: On the rock of faith Thou hast established me…

Thou hast stretched out Thine hands upon the Cross and by Thy death hast slain the curse, giving life to men by Thy Passion. Therefore we sing the praises of Thy divine Crucifixion, O Jesus our God who lovest mankind.

Killed through eating from the tree, we have been restored to life through the Tree of Thy Cross. This Thy Cross we offer unto Thee to plead on our behalf. Send down upon us grace and mercy, O Master and Benefactor great in compassion.

The gateway to the Fast has been opened; the arena of abstinence lies here before us. Let us rouse ourselves with fiery eagerness, and so we shall receive God’s grace to quench the burning flames of our offences.

The blessed season of the Fast has dawned and shines upon us with the light of repentance. Let us draw near with love and reverence, and greatly rejoicing let us shake off the darkness of sloth.

With discernment let us observe a holy fast; let us proclaim a time of abstinence from the passions; and weeping let us cry aloud to the Master: O Lord of many mercies, grant us grace to do Thy will.

Accepting the Fast as a gift, let us glorify the Giver who established it for our salvation. With all our strength let us observe it and so receive from our Creator the forgiveness of our trespasses.

Theotokion

All-holy Lady, Mother and Virgin, by thy mediation and protection quell the tumult of my passions, heal the wounds of my soul, and rouse me from the sleep of slothfulness.

Another Three-Canticled Canon

SAME TONE

Irmos: O God, the husbandman of all good trees…

When Thou wast raised of Thine own will upon the Cross, O Saviour, all the earth was shaken and the veil of the Temple was rent in twain.

For my sake, O Jesus, Thou hast suffered on the Cross, and Thy side was pierced, O loving Lord. With faith I worship Thy divine power.

Glory be to the Father…

Kneeling upon the earth, I worship the Father, I glorify the Son, and I praise the Spirit: sovereignty single in will, yet three in Persons.

Both now…

Theotokion

The mystery of thy childbearing, O Holy Virgin Mary, is beyond our understanding. For without knowing man thou hast borne God, and yet thou remainest inviolate.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

By Thy power, O Christ, sanctify the season of the Fast; and from the snares of the enemy save us all who worship Thee.

Irmos: O God, the husbandman of all good trees and fruit, make fruitful my barren mind in Thy compassion.

Sessional hymn for the saint of the day, from the Menaion; Glory be to the Father… Both now…; Stavrotheotokion from the Menaion.

Canticle Four

Irmos: I have heard of the report of Thee, O Lord, that Thou hast appeared upon the earth, and I have glorified Thy power.

Because of his virtue and his hospitality, Abraham received into his home the Trinity present in angelic form.

The gift of abstinence is a treasure which no thief can steal, and he who has this as his wealth will be rich in God.

Come, let us lament and cry aloud with faith: be merciful to us, O God, for we have greatly sinned.

Theotokion

O blessed Mother, Virgin pure and undefiled, pray for the world to thy Son and our God.

Canticle Five

Irmos: O Thou who hast caused the light to shine, who hast made bright the dawn and revealed the day; glory to Thee, glory to Thee, O Jesus Son of God.

Moses, when of old he fasted on Mount Sinai, was granted the vision of God; and Elijah was borne up in a chariot of fire.

Because he fasted, Isaiah the wise tasted the coal of fire when the angel, holding it in tongs, touched his lips with it.

Because they fasted, Daniel and the three Children broke the teeth of lions and trampled underfoot the burning flames.

Theotokion

O pure Mother of God, who still remaining virgin hast carried God within thy womb, protect thy flock and keep it safe from harm.

Canticle Six

Irmos: O Christ my God, Thou hast delivered Jonah the prophet from the whale: bring me out also from the depth of my offences and save me, for Thou alone lovest mankind.

The holy Fast preserved Jonah in the whale: let us therefore fast with all our heart, and we shall escape destruction in Gehenna.

Through their fervent repentance and their sorrow, the men of Nineveh turned God from His wrath. With the same sorrow and yearning let us all follow their example.

The approaching Fast calls us to repentance: let us run the race with eager hearts, and learn what is the gift of abstinence.

Theotokion

In ways past speech thou hast borne Christ our God, the Saviour of the world; continually entreat Him to save all those who sing thy praises.

Kontakion for the saint of the day; if there is no appointed kontakion, sessional hymn to the Martyrs in the Tone of the week.

Canticle Seven

Irmos: O God of our fathers, put us not to shame, but enable us to sing with boldness unto Thee: O God, blessed art Thou.

Let us become like Daniel, who through fasting tamed the roaring lions in their den.

With fear let us emulate the three Children, and so escape from the fire of Gehenna as they escaped from the Babylonian furnace.

Let us fast with a pure heart; let us sanctify our body and consecrate our whole spirit entirely to God.

Theotokion

O pure Virgin Mother, from thee the pre-eternal Word took flesh: never cease to pray to Him for the salvation of our souls.

Canticle Eight

Irmos: The Children, prisoners in the furnace, confessed Christ the King, crying with a loud voice: O all ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord.

Because he had fasted, Joseph fled from intercourse with the sinful woman and was granted royal power. Through fasting, then, let us also quench the fiery arrows of Beelzebub the enemy.

Because he had fasted, David gained the victory over the Philistine and obtained a kingdom. Through abstinence, then, let us also gain the victory over our enemies, and we shall be crowned by the Lord.

Let us preserve these virtues: the fortitude of Job, the singlemindedness of Jacob, the faith of Abraham, the chastity of Joseph and the courage of David.

Theotokion

For us the Virgin Mary has borne Christ the King, while still remaining a pure virgin after childbirth. O all ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord.

First Three-Canticled Canon

Irmos: God came down to the children of the Hebrews…

Upon the mountain Moses raised his arms in the form of a Cross and put the enemy to flight; and Thou, O Saviour, stretching out Thine hands upon the Cross, hast put to death the all-destructive tyranny of hell.

O Christ my Saviour, Thou wast nailed to the Cross and Thy side was pierced; and so Thou hast delivered from the curse those born on earth, making them sharers in unending joy. Therefore we bless Thy love for mankind.

The season of abstinence has dawned, and spiritually it illumines the senses of the soul, driving away the darkness of the passions. Let us, then, accept it with our whole heart, exalting Christ above all for ever.

Fasting kills the passions that destroy the soul and the pleasures that bring death upon us, and it sets in order the impulses and movements of the heart. With faith, then, let us eagerly accept the Fast.

Let us the faithful in sincerity honour the present holy day, regarding it, not as the firstfruits of the Fast itself, but as the entry and forecourt that precedes the Fast.

With this first day of spiritual cleansing the holy Fast welcomes beforehand the soul that loves God, enabling it to mount up by degrees as though on the rungs of a ladder. That is why the present day has been added to the seven weeks.

Theotokion

Open unto us, O Virgin, when we knock and call upon thy mercy, for thou art the speedy refuge of mankind and our firm help in all things, and the sure protection of those in distress.

Second Three-Canticled Canon

Irmos: The Lord of old foreshadowed…

Nailed to the Cross, O Master of all, Christ our Saviour, Thou hast called back Adam and Eve, leading them into Paradise once more; and they sing Thy praises for ever.

When Thou wast lifted of Thine own will upon the Cross, O Christ, the rays of the sun drew back in fear and the day became dark; therefore the thief confessed Thee as God for ever.

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

We believe that the Son and Holy Spirit are equal to the Father; and with faith we worship the Holy Trinity in one Godhead, ever trampling underfoot the teaching of Arius.

Both now…

Theotokion

Darkened by the filth of sin, how shall I sing thy praises as I ought, O Virgin Theotokos? Forgive, then, O Most Holy, the boldness of my poor song.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Cross, hope of the faithful, weapon of kings, glory of priests, strength of monks, save for ever by thy might all those who sing thy praises.

We praise, bless and worship the Lord…

Irmos: The Lord of old foreshadowed the miracle of the Virgin to Moses in the bush upon Mount Sinai: let us praise, bless and exalt Him above all for ever.

Canticle Nine

Irmos: We all magnify Thy love for mankind, O Christ our Saviour. Thou art the glory of Thy servants and the crown of the faithful, who hast magnified the memory of her that bore Thee.

Performing miracles through fasting, Moses parted the sea in Egypt and led the people through it, and he fed them in the untrodden wilderness.

Through abstinence Joshua the son of Nun sanctified the people and brought them across the Jordan, giving them the promised land as their inheritance.

Through abstinence and prayer Gideon overcame the Midianites with only the three hundred men who had lapped the water with their hands. Let us follow his example.

Theotokion

Hail, Mary pure and worthy of all veneration, glory of virginity, strength of the angels, defence of men, joy of the world, Mother and Handmaiden of our God.

First Three-Canticled Canon

Irmos: God, the Word from God…

Stretching out Thy divine hands upon the Cross, Thou hast joined together that which before was divided, and by Thy mediation Thou hast offered as a gift to the Father the nature of mortal man, that was under condemnation.

The grace of the holy Fast has begun to shine upon us, cleansing our unstable thoughts and driving away the darkness of our surfeiting. Let us, then, accept this grace with eager faith.

Bringer of light, the Fast has mixed for us a cup filled with God’s gifts of grace, which on this day of preparation it shows to all of us. If we wish to have a share in this grace for our soul’s salvation, let us pray to the Master of all to lend us His aid.

With the nails that pierced Thy divine hands, O compassionate Lord, Thou hast nailed our sins to the Cross. With the spear that wounded Thy side Thou hast torn in pieces the bitter record of our transgressions. Therefore we sing the praises of Thy sinless Crucifixion.

The path of holiness lies open before us today. See, the arena of the Fast is made ready for us all. Striving lawfully for the prize, let us pray to Christ to grant us from on high a peaceful Lenten season.

Theotokion

Through thy watchful intercession, through thine unsleeping protection, through thy powerful defence, pure Lady, keep thy faithful servants from all attacks of the enemy, and guard them from passions and stumbling and temptation.

Second Three-Canticled Canon

Irmos: With faith let us magnify the only Theotokos…

Crucified of Thine own will upon the Cross, O Christ, Thou hast delivered us from the curse of the law. Therefore, as is right, we magnify Thee.

All of us venerate Thy sufferings, O Saviour, which Thou hast willingly accepted in order to deliver man from the bondage of the enemy.

Glory be to the Father…

From all eternity and without undergoing change, the Father has begotten the Son and caused the Spirit to proceed; and so the Trinity remains undivided and equal in honour.

Both now…

Theotokion

O Mary most blessed, intercede with the Saviour who took flesh from thee, that He may grant to us sinners the remission of our trespasses.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

By thy power, O Cross, grant to those who venerate thee that they may pass the season of the Fast in peace, and deliver them from the bondage of the enemy.

Irmos: With faith let us magnify the only Theotokos, for in ways surpassing nature she has conceived within her womb, according to the flesh, the Word that outside time shone forth from the Father.

The Hymn of Light in the Tone of the week (see pp. 571 ff).

Aposticha:

TONE ONE

If thou dost fast from food, my soul, yet dost not cleanse thyself from passions, thou dost rejoice in vain over thine abstinence. For if thy purpose is not turned towards amendment of life, as a liar thou art hateful in God’s sight, and thou dost resemble the evil demons who never eat at all. Do not by sinning make the fast worthless, but firmly resist all wicked impulses. Picture to thyself that thou art standing beside the crucified Saviour, or rather, that thou art thyself crucified with Him who was crucified for thee; and cry out to Him: Remember me, O Lord, when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom (twice).

To the Martyrs

O martyrs praised in all the world, neither tribulation nor distress nor hunger nor persecution, neither peril nor the fury of wild beasts nor the sword nor threat of fire, could separate you from God. But suffering out of love for Him, as though your bodies were no longer your own, ye forgot nature and despised death. So ye have received the reward that ye deserve for all your toil, and ye have become inheritors of the heavenly Kingdom. Offer intercession for our souls.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Stavrotheotokion

When she saw the Lamb hanging on the Cross, the undefiled Virgin lamented and cried: ‘O my beloved Child, what is this strange and fearful sight? O Thou who holdest all things in the hollow of Thy hand, how art Thou nailed in the flesh to the wood?’

Then It is a good thing to give thanks…, and the rest of Mattins as on weekdays in Lent, including the Prayer of St. Ephraim, which is said with four prostrations and twelve bows (see p. 94).

At the First Hour we use the Lenten verses, Hearken in the morning to my voice…, but we read them quickly, without singing and without prostrations; and so with the Lenten verses at the other Hours. The Prayer of St. Ephraim is said at the Hours, with the usual number of bows and prostrations.

SIXTH HOUR

Troparion of the Prophecy:

TONE THREE

O holy and almighty King, before whom all creation stands with fear and trembling, save us: for Thou hast power to forgive our sins in Thy compassion.

Glory be to the Father… Both now… Repeat.

Prokimenon (Psalm 27):

TONE SIX

O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.

℣. Unto Thee have I cried, O Lord my God.

Lesson: Joel 2:12–26.

Prokimenon (Psalm 28):

TONE SEVEN

The Lord will give strength unto His people: the Lord will bless His people with peace.

℣. Ascribe unto the Lord, ye sons of God, ascribe unto the Lord glory and honour.

Note that the Prokimenon before the lesson from the Old Testament is read as follows. When the troparion of the Prophecy has been read the second time, the priest says: Let us attend. Then the reader does not say Prokimenon, but says immediately: Tone Six. O Lord, save Thy people… After the prokimenon the priest says Wisdom. The reader: Reading from the Prophecy of Joel. Priest: Wisdom. Reader: Thus saith the Lord…, and the rest of the Old Testament Lesson. After the end of the lesson, the priest says: Let us attend. Reader: Tone Seven. The Lord will give strength… And so we do throughout Lent on weekdays when the Old Testament lessons are read at the Sixth Hour or at Vespers.

The Typika are read today after the Ninth Hour. We begin with Psalms 102 and 145, followed by O only-begotten Son and Word of God. Then the Beatitudes, read quickly, without singing, and the rest of the Typika, with the Prayer of St. Ephraim, as in Lent (see p. 94). After the Prayer of St. Ephraim, the reader at once begins Vespers, saying: O come, let us worship…, and then the Psalm of Introduction.

VESPERS

To Lord, I have cried, six stichera are sung, three in the Tone of the week from the Octoechos, and three for the saint of the day from the Menaion; Glory be to the Father…; doxastikon for the saint of the day, if such is appointed; Both now…; and the Theotokion from the Menaion.

After: O joyful Light, the prokimenon (Psalm 53):

TONE FIVE

Save me, O God, for Thy Name’s sake, and judge me in Thy might.

℣. Hear my prayer, O God, and hearken unto the words of my mouth.

Lesson: Joel 3:12–21.

Prokimenon (Psalm 130):

TONE SIX

Let Israel hope in the Lord, from henceforth and for evermore.

℣. Lord, my heart is not exalted, nor are mine eyes lofty.

Then Vouchsafe, O Lord…, and the Litany Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord…

Aposticha:

TONE THREE

The springtime of the Fast has dawned, the flower of repentance has begun to open. O brethren, let us cleanse ourselves from all impurity and sing to the Giver of Light: Glory be to Thee who alone lovest mankind (twice).

To the Martyrs

Supported by faith and made strong by hope, their souls united by the love of Thy Cross, Thy martyrs, O Lord, destroyed the tyranny of the enemy; and, receiving crowns of glory, together with the angels they make intercession for our souls.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Theotokion

First in holiness among the saints, hymned by the angelic hosts, song of the apostles, preaching of the prophets, O Lady, accept also our entreaties.

Then Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant…; Holy God…, etc., and the Lord’s Prayer; and then the apolytikion (troparion) of the saint of the day; Glory be to the Father… Both now…; and the Theotokion. Next comes the Litany Have mercy upon us, O God…; the Prayer of St. Ephraim once, with three prostrations (see p. 136).

O Most Holy Trinity, consubstantial Power, undivided Kingship, the Cause of all good, be gracious even to me, a sinner. Confirm and instruct my heart and take away from me every defilement. Enlighten my mind, that I may ever glorify, praise and worship Thee, saying: One is holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord… (three times); Glory be to the Father… Both now…; Psalm 33; Wisdom…, etc., and the Dismissal.

On this day and on Friday in the week before Lent, there is no celebration of the Liturgy; neither of the full Liturgy nor of the Liturgy of the Presanctified.

On Wednesday evening we say Small Compline.