Paschal Canons

 

Paschal Canon

All the days during Bright Week, all the prayers are replaced by the Paschal Hours. The Penitential Canon, Canon to the Mother of God and Canon to the Guardian Angel are replaced by the Paschal Canon:

The Canon of Pascha, a composition by St. John of Damascus.

Ode 1. 1st Tone. Irmos.

The day of Resurrection, let us be radiant, O peoples! Pascha, the Lord’s Pascha; for Christ God has brought us from death to life, and from earth to heaven, as we sing the triumphal song. Twice.

Before each Troparion we sing:

Glory to Thy holy Resurrection, O Lord!

Troparia.

Let us purify our senses, and in the unapproachable light of the resurrection we shall see Christ shining forth, and we shall clearly hear him saying ‘Rejoice!’, as we sing the triumphal song.

Let the heavens, as is fitting, rejoice and let the earth be glad. Let the whole world, both seen and unseen, keep the feast: for Christ has risen, our eternal joy.

Katavasia.

The day of Resurrection, let us be radiant, O peoples! Pascha, the Lord’s Pascha; for Christ God has brought us from death to life, and from earth to heaven, as we sing the triumphal song.

Christ has risen from the dead, by death he has trampled on death, and to those in the graves given life. (x3)

Jesus, having risen from the tomb as he foretold, has given us eternal life and his great mercy.

Ode 3. Irmos.

Come let us drink a new drink, not one marvellously brought forth from a barren rock, but a Source of incorruption, which pours out from the tomb of Christ, in whom we are established.

Troparia.

Now all things have been filled with light, both heaven and earth and those beneath the earth; so let all creation sing Christ’s rising, by which it is established.

Yesterday I was buried with you O Christ, today I rise with you as you arise. Yesterday I was crucified with you; glorify me with you, Saviour, in your Kingdom.

Katavasia.

Come let us drink a new drink, not one marvellously brought forth from a barren rock, but the Source of incorruption, which pours out from the tomb of Christ, in whom we are established.

Christ has risen from the dead, by death he has trampled on death, and to those in the graves given life. (x3)

Jesus, having risen from the tomb as he foretold, has given us eternal life and great mercy.

Ode 4. Irmos.

Let the Prophet Avvakoum, inspired by God, keep the divine watch with us, and show forth the radiant Angel, who with resounding voice declares, ‘To-day is salvation for the world, for Christ has risen as omnipotent’.

Troparia.

Christ appeared as a ‘male’ who opened the virgin womb. As our food he is called ‘lamb’; ‘unblemished’, as our Passover without stain; and ‘perfect’, for he is true God.

As a yearling lamb, for us a crown of goodness, the Blessed One, the cleansing Passover has been sacrificed for all; and from the tomb the fair Sun of justice has shone for us again.

God’s forebear David, dancing, leaped before the Ark, mere shadow, but seeing the fulfilment of the types, let us, God’s holy people, inspired, rejoice, for Christ has risen as omnipotent.

Katavasia.

Let the Prophet Avvakoum, inspired by God, keep the divine watch with us, and show forth the radiant Angel, who with resounding voice declares, ‘To-day is salvation for the world, for Christ has risen as omnipotent’.

Christ has risen from the dead, by death he has trampled on death, and to those in the graves given life. (x3)

Jesus, having risen from the tomb as he foretold, has given us eternal life and great mercy.

Let us arise in the early dawn, and instead of myrrh, offer praises to the Master; and we shall see Christ, the Sun of Justice, who causes life to dawn for all.

Troparia.

Those who were held by Hades’ bonds, seeing your measureless compassion, press forward to the light, O Christ, with joyful steps, praising an eternal Passover.

With torches in our hands let us go out to meet Christ as he comes from the grave like a bridegroom, and with the festive ranks of Angels, let us together feast God’s saving Passover.

Katavasia.

Let us arise in the early dawn, and instead of myrrh, offer praises to the Master; and we shall see Christ, the Sun of Justice, who causes life to dawn for all.

Christ has risen from the dead, by death he has trampled on death, and to those in the graves given life. (x3)

Jesus, having risen from the tomb as he foretold, has given us eternal life and great mercy.

Ode 6. Irmos.

You went down to the deepest parts of the earth, and you shattered the everlasting bars of those that those that were fettered, O Christ. And on the third day, like Jonas from the whale, you arose from the tomb.

Troparia.

Keeping the seals intact, O Christ, you rose from the tomb, you who did not harm the locks of the Virgin’s womb at your birth, and you have opened to us the gates of Paradise.

O my Saviour, the living, unslain Victim, as God offering yourself willingly to the Father, you raised with yourself all Adam’s race, in rising from the tomb.

Katavasia.

You went down to the deepest parts of the earth, and you shattered the everlasting bars of those that those that were fettered, O Christ. And on the third day, like Jonas from the whale, you arose from the tomb.

Christ has risen from the dead, by death he has trampled on death, and to those in the graves given life. (x3)

Jesus, having risen from the tomb as he foretold, has given us eternal life and great mercy.

Ode 7. Irmos.

He who delivered the Young Men from the furnace, becoming man suffers as a mortal, and through suffering he clothes the mortal with the glory of incorruption: the only blessed and most glorious God of our fathers.

Troparia.

The holy women hastened after you with sweet spices. The One whom they sought with tears as a mortal, they worshipped with joy as the living God, and they proclaimed the mystic Passover, O Christ, to your disciples.

We feast death’s slaughter, the overthrow of Hell, the first fruits of a new eternal life: and dancing we hymn the cause: the only blessed and most glorious God of our fathers.

How truly holy and all-festive is this saving night, how full of light, herald of the bright day of the resurrection, in which the timeless Light shone bodily for all from the tomb.

Katavasia.

He who delivered the Young Men from the furnace, becoming man suffers as a mortal, and through suffering he clothes the mortal with the glory of incorruption: the only blessed and most glorious God of our fathers.

Christ has risen from the dead, by death he has trampled on death, and to those in the graves given life. (x3)

Jesus, having risen from the tomb as he foretold, has given us eternal life and great mercy.

Ode 8. Irmos.

This chosen and holy day is the first of Sabbaths, the Queen and Lady, the Feast of Feasts and the Festival of Festivals on which we bless Christ to all the ages.

Troparia.

Come let us share in the new fruit of the vine, in divine joy, and in the kingdom of Christ, on the glorious day of the Resurrection, as we sing his praise as God to all the ages.

Lift your eyes around you, Sion, and see. For behold, like beacons shedding light divine your children have come to you, from West and North, from the Sea and from the East, blessing Christ in you to all the ages.

Almighty Father, Word and Spirit, nature united in three Persons, beyond all being and beyond all Godhead, into you we have been baptised and we bless you to all the ages.

Katavasia.

This chosen and holy day is the first of Sabbaths, the Queen and Lady, the Feast of Feasts and the Festival of Festivals on which we bless Christ to all the ages.

Christ has risen from the dead, by death he has trampled on death, and to those in the graves given life. (x3)

Jesus, having risen from the tomb as he foretold, has given us eternal life and great mercy.

Ode 9. Irmos.

Megalynarion: Magnify, O my soul, him who suffered willingly, and was buried, and rose from the grave on the third day.

Shine, shine, O New Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Dance now and be glad, O Sion, and you too rejoice, pure Mother of God, at the arising of him to whom you gave birth.

Megalynarion: Magnify, O my soul, Christ the Giver of life, who arose from the grave on the third day.

Shine, shine, O New Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Dance now and be glad, O Sion, and you too rejoice, pure Mother of God, at the arising of him to whom you gave birth.

Megalynarion: Christ is the new Passover, the living sacrificial victim, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

O divine! O beloved! O sweetest voice! You have truly promised that you will be with us unto the end of time, O Christ. And we the faithful rejoice, having this as an anchor of hope.

Megalynarion: The Angel cried to her that is full of grace: Pure Virgin, rejoice! And again I say: Rejoice! For your Son has risen from the tomb on the third day.

O divine! O beloved! O sweetest voice! You have truly promised that you will be with us unto the end of time, O Christ. And we the faithful rejoice, having this as an anchor of hope.

Megalynarion: Mary Magdalen ran to the tomb, and seeing Christ, questioned him as though he were the gardener.

O divine! O beloved! O sweetest voice! You have truly promised that you will be with us unto the end of time, O Christ. And we the faithful rejoice, having this as an anchor of hope.

Megalynarion: A dazzling Angel appeared to the women and cried: Cease your tears, for Christ has risen.

O divine! O beloved! O sweetest voice! You have truly promised that you will be with us unto the end of time, O Christ. And we the faithful rejoice, having this as an anchor of hope.

Megalynarion: You awoke and wakened the dead from every age, as the Lion of Juda, roaring like a king.

O great and most sacred Pascha, Christ! O Wisdom and Word and Power of God! Grant that we may partake of you fully in the day that has no evening of your Kingdom.

Megalynarion: Christ has risen, trampling on death and raising the dead. Rejoice all you peoples.

O great and most sacred Pascha, Christ! O Wisdom and Word and Power of God! Grant that we may partake of you fully in the day that has no evening of your Kingdom.

Megalynarion: Today the whole creation rejoices and is glad, for Christ has risen and Hell has been despoiled.

O great and most sacred Pascha, Christ! O Wisdom and Word and Power of God! Grant that we may partake of you fully in the day that has no evening of your Kingdom.

Megalynarion: Today the Master despoiled Hell and raised the prisoners whom it had held from the ages in harsh captivity.

O great and most sacred Pascha, Christ! O Wisdom and Word and Power of God! Grant that we may partake of you fully in the day that has no evening of your Kingdom.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Megalynarion: Magnify, O my soul, the might of the Godhead in three Persons yet undivided.

O great and most sacred Pascha, Christ! O Wisdom and Word and Power of God! Grant that we may partake of you fully in the day that has no evening of your Kingdom.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Megalynarion: Rejoice, O Virgin, rejoice! Rejoice, Blessed One! Rejoice, Glorified One. your Son has risen from his three days in the tomb.

O great and most sacred Pascha, Christ! O Wisdom and Word and Power of God! Grant that we may partake of you fully in the day that has no evening of your Kingdom.

Katavasia.

Megalynarion: Magnify, O my soul, him who suffered willingly, and was buried, and arose from the grave on the third day.

Shine, shine, O New Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. Dance now and be glad, O Sion, and you too rejoice, pure Mother of God, at the arising of him to whom you gave birth.

Archimandrite Ephrem

Bright Week

Bright Week is the first week following the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which is celebrated each year at Pascha. It ends on the Sunday of St. Thomas. Bright Week begins a period of celebration that continues for fifty days until Pentecost.

The celebration includes the practice of the faithful joyously greeting each other with the salutation of Christ is risen, followed by the response indeed He is risen or truly He is risen, as the whole of creation is renewed by our Lord and Savoir. The services of Bright Week are done with the Royal Doors fully open. This unblocked view of the altar symbolizes the open door of Christ's empty tomb as well as the rent veil of the Jewish Temple, which was torn apart at the moment Christ died. The entire week is considered to be one continuous day and the main reason why fasting is completely prohibited to all during the week.

Paschl Hours

 

From the Holy and Great Sunday of Pascha until the Saturday of Renewal Week, in place of the usual Morning and Evening Prayers, Nocturns, the Hours, Compline, and the Prayers of Thanksgiving after Holy Communion, the Paschal Hours are read. It is brief, beautiful, and full of elements taken from the Paschal services. It is intended that praying the Paschal Hours are to give one a respite from the longer prayers he normally prays,

The Prayer:

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life! (3)

Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the Holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one. We venerate Your Cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Your Holy Resurrection, for You are our God, and we know no other than You: we call on Your name. Come, all you faithful, let us venerate Christ's holy Resurrection, for behold, through the Cross joy has come into all the world. Let us ever bless the Lord, praising His Resurrection, for by enduring the Cross for us, He has destroyed death by death. (3)

Before the dawn, Mary and the women came and found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They heard the angelic voice: Why do you seek among the dead, as a man, the One who is everlasting Light? Behold the clothes in the grave! Go and proclaim to the world: the Lord is risen! He has slain death, as He is the Son of God, saving the race of man.

O Christ our God, though You descended into the grave, You overthrew the power of Hades, and rose as an immortal conqueror: You greeted with joy the myrrh-bearing women, and sent Your peace to Your Apostles, and to the fallen, O Lord, You brought Your resurrection.

In the grave bodily; in Hades with Your soul, though You were God; in Paradise with the thief; and on the Throne with the Father and the Spirit it is You who fills all things, O Christ the Uncircumscribable.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

How life-giving, how much more beautiful than paradise, and truly more resplendent than any royal palace is Your grave, the source of our resurrection, O Christ.

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Rejoice, O sanctified and divine tabernacle of the Most High; for through you, O Theotokos, joy is given to them that cry: Blessed are you among women, O all immaculate Lady.

Lord, have mercy. (40)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

More honorable than the Cherubim, more glorious beyond compare than the the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word, true Theotokos we magnify you.

At Compline we also say this prayer; otherwise, we proceed with Christ is risen... as set forth below.

A Compline Prayer of St. Basil the Great

Blessed are You, 0 Almighty Master, Who enlightened the day with the light of the sun and illumined the night by the rays of fire, Who deemed us worthy to pass through the length of the day and draw nigh to the beginning of the night. Hearken unto Our supplication, and that of all Your people. Forgive all of us our sins, voluntary and involuntary, accept our evening entreaties, and send down the multitude of Your mercy and compassions upon Your inheritance. Encompass us with Your holy Angels; arm us with the armor of Your righteousness; surround us with Your truth; protect us by Your might; deliver us from every grievous circumstance and from every conspiracy of the adversary. And grant unto us that this evening together with the coming night and all the days of our life may be perfect, holy, peaceful, sinless, without stumbling and vain imaginings; by the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the Saints who, from ages past, have been well-pleasing unto You. Amen.

A Pascha Poem

To Christ our God, Who raised Lazarus from the dead.
You traveled to Jerusalem with the people you led.
Teaching all to be servants rather than trying to get ahead.
Your Body and Blood for eternity us you fed.
Then nailed to the Cross, You conquered death for three days dead.
As we wait to proclaim with our eggs dyed red.
"I am the Resurrection and the Life,
he who believes in me shall never die." Jesus said.

Artist Sergey Dmitrievich Miloradovich

Paschal Hours

From the Holy and Great Sunday of Pascha until the Saturday of Renewal Week, in place of the usual Morning and Evening Prayers, Nocturns, the Hours, Compline, and the Prayers of Thanksgiving after Holy Communion, the following is read:

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life! (3)

Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the Holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one. We venerate Your Cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Your Holy Resurrection, for You are our God, and we know no other than You: we call on Your name. Come, all you faithful, let us venerate Christ's holy Resurrection, for behold, through the Cross joy has come into all the world. Let us ever bless the Lord, praising His Resurrection, for by enduring the Cross for us, He has destroyed death by death. (3)

Before the dawn, Mary and the women came and found the stone rolled away from the tomb. They heard the angelic voice: Why do you seek among the dead, as a man, the One who is everlasting Light? Behold the clothes in the grave! Go and proclaim to the world: the Lord is risen! He has slain death, as He is the Son of God, saving the race of man.

O Christ our God, though You descended into the grave, You overthrew the power of Hades, and rose as an immortal conqueror: You greeted with joy the myrrh-bearing women, and sent Your peace to Your Apostles, and to the fallen, O Lord, You brought Your resurrection.
In the grave bodily; in Hades with Your soul, though You were God; in Paradise with the thief; and on the Throne with the Father and the Spirit it is You who fills all things, O Christ the Uncircumscribable.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
How life-giving, how much more beautiful than paradise, and truly more resplendent than any royal palace is Your grave, the source of our resurrection, O Christ.

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice, O sanctified and divine tabernacle of the Most High; for through you, O Theotokos, joy is given to them that cry: Blessed are you among women, O all immaculate Lady.

Lord, have mercy. (40)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

More honorable than the Cherubim, more glorious beyond compare than the the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word, true Theotokos we magnify you.

At Compline we also say this prayer; otherwise, we proceed with Christ is risen... as set forth below.

A Compline Prayer of St. Basil the Great

Blessed are You, 0 Almighty Master, Who enlightened the day with the light of the sun and illumined the night by the rays of fire, Who deemed us worthy to pass through the length of the day and draw nigh to the beginning of the night. Hearken unto Our supplication, and that of all Your people. Forgive all of us our sins, voluntary and involuntary, accept our evening entreaties, and send down the multitude of Your mercy and compassions upon Your inheritance. Encompass us with Your holy Angels; arm us with the armor of Your righteousness; surround us with Your truth; protect us by Your might; deliver us from every grievous circumstance and from every conspiracy of the adversary. And grant unto us that this evening together with the coming night and all the days of our life may be perfect, holy, peaceful, sinless, without stumbling and vain imaginings; by the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the Saints who, from ages past, have been well-pleasing unto You. Amen.