“HYMNS OF LENT”

Friday, March 17, 2006— 2:30 P.M

PRAYER: - PSALM 4

A. OUR WINTER-SPRING 2005-2006 SESSIONS

Various topics including Video and VCR Presentations, including possibly topics such as Introducing Orthodoxy; Orthodox Saints; Church History; Our and Other Churches; Parables of Christ, Contemporary Ethical Issues, etc.

B. WHAT WE WILL DO TODAY

  Today, since we are now in the period of the Great Fast, we will read, think about and pray some of the hymns from the Lenten period. Most of the translations are from Byzantine Daily Worship.  

C. HYMNS OF GREAT LENT

1. From Monday of Great Lent: Sticheron of the Triodion

   Let us hasten to tame the flesh through fast and abstinence as we approach the battlefield of blameless fasting; let us tearfully pray to the Lord our Savior, and turning completely away from sin let us cry out: “O Christ the King, we have sinned against You. Save us as You saved the people of Nineveh, and, O Compassionate One, give us a share of your heavenly Kingdom.

2. From the Salutations to the Theotokos: Troparion – “Ten Oraioteta”

   Awed by the beauty of your virginity, and the exceeding radiance of your purity, Gabriel stood amazed and cried unto you, O Theotokos; "What praise may I offer you that is worthy of your beauty? By what name shall I call you? I am lost and bewildered. But I shall greet you as I was commanded: "Hail, O full of grace.”

3. From the Orthros of the 1^st Sunday of Lent: Troparion of  the Sunday of Orthodoxy

   Before Your most pure icon, we bow reverently, O Good One, begging forgiveness for our stumblings, Christ God; because You chose of Your own free will to ascend upon the Cross in the flesh in order to deliver from the enemy’s yoke those You have created. For this reason we cry out to You in thanksgiving: “You our Savior have filled all thins with joy when you came to save the world.

4. From the Vespers of the 2^nd Sunday of Lent (St. Gregory Palamas): Sticheron

   O Word of God, my Lord Jesus Christ, I am lost in the wilderness of my transgressions. Call me back to You I am keeping away from You because of my many sins! Draw me back to You! I am dead. Revive me. I cry out to You: “O Christ, my Lord, have mercy on me, for You are gracious and generous in your mercy.

5. From the Vespers of the Feast of the Annunciation (March 25): The Dismissal Hymn

   Today is the fountainhead of our salvation and the revelation of the mystery that was planned from all eternity. The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin and Gabriel announces this grace. Let us join him in crying out to the Mother of God: “Hail O Woman full of grace! The Lord is with you.”

6. From the Orthros of the 3^rd Sunday of Lent (Adoration of the Cross): Kontakion of the Cross

   The Angel’s fiery sword will no longer guard the gate of Paradise, for the Cross of the Lord has put it away wondrously. The power of death has been broken, the victory of Hades wiped out, and You, my Savior, have rose up and called out to all those bound in Hades, “Come now, and enter Heaven!”

7. From the Vespers of the 4^th Sunday of Lent (St. John of the Ladder): Sticheron

   Righteous Father John, you heeded the voice of the Gospel and gave up the world, and the riches and glories of the world, counting them as nothing for the sake of Christ. Wherefore you could cry out to all: “Love God, and you will find eternal favor. Place nothing above his love, so that when He comes in His glory, you may find rest with the saints.” Wherefore, O Christ God, preserve and save our souls through his intercession.

8. From the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete: A Verse of the Canon

   O my soul, your end has come and your departure is near at hand. You have shown no concern, nor have you made yourself ready. Life is passing. Rise up! The Judge is close to the door. Be ready! Lifetime slips away like a dream or a flower. Why are we troubled in vain?

9. From the Akathist Hymn: Kontakion ‘Te Ypermacho’

    Unto thee, O Theotokos, the invincible Champion, your city, in thanksgiving inscribes the victory for the deliverance from my sufferings. As your might is unconquerable, free me from all dangers as I cry to you: Hail O ever-Virgin and Bride.

10. From the Vespers of the 5^th Sunday of Lent (St. Mary of Egypt): Dismissal Hymn

  In you, O Mother Mary, the faithful image of God shone forth, for you carried your cross and followed Christ. You taught by your deeds how to spurn the body, for it passes away, and how to value the soul, for it is immortal. Wherefore your soul is forever in happiness with the angels.

11. From the Orthros of the Saturday of Lazarus: Dismissal Hymn

  O Christ God, when You raised Lazarus from the dead, before the time of your passion, you confirmed the future resurrection of all. We too, like the children of old, carry before You the symbols of your triumph and victory and cry out to You, the Conqueror of Death: “Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!

CONCLUDING PRAYER

A PRAYER OF GLORY TO CHRIST BY ST. EPHRAIM THE SYRIAN

Glory to You, Lord.

-What shall I give You, Lord, in return for all Your Kindness?

-Glory to You for Your love.

-Glory to You for Your mercy.

-Glory to You for Your patience.

-Glory to You for forgiving us all our sins.

-Glory to You for coming to save our souls

–Glory to You for Your Incarnation in the Virgin’s womb.

–Glory to You for Your bonds.

-Glory to You for receiving the cut of the lash.

–Glory to You for accepting mockery.

-Glory to You for Your crucifixion.

–Glory to You for your burial.

-Glory to You for Your Resurrection.

– Glory to You who were preached to all people.

–Glory to You in whom they believed.

– Glory to You who were taken up into Heaven.

-Glory to You who sits in great glory at the Father’s right hand.

-Glory  to You whose will it is that the sinner should be saved through Your great mercy and compassion.

–Glory to You, O Lord!

Glory to You!

Amen.

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