Lectionary of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church

By Rev. Fr. Arshen Aivazian

Scripture readings of the Armenian Church for Sundays and Feast Days of the Liturgical year. The book also includes a complete list of daily readings for the entire liturgical year, as well as other useful information on the history and contents of the Lectionary of the Armenian Church.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: May 15, 2023
• ISBN: 9798350903744

Book preview

INTRODUCTION TO THE LECTIONARY OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH

The Lectionary is one of the earliest liturgical books to develop in Christian worship. The practice of reading select passages from the Law and the Prophets was a well established tradition in Jewish worship.¹ Our Lord himself attended the Synagogue and on occasion read the Holy Scriptures.² Early Christian communities, made up mostly of Jewish converts, continued the tradition.³ As Christian scriptures emerged in the decades following our Lord’s ascension, they were included in the worship service of the developing liturgical life of the Church.⁴ Gradually the Gospels and other Christian writings were included in the worship service. By the end of the first century select passages from both the Old and the New Testaments were incorporated into the services of the Christian Church.

In the early centuries the priest or the worship leader selected appropriate passages to be read. With the development of the Christian liturgical year a collection of readings from the Holy Scriptures emerged and spread through neighboring communities. Thus developed the Lectionary of the Christian Church. Jerusalem, where the holy places associated with the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ attracted many Christian worshippers, became a center and a leader in the development of Christian worship and liturgical practice. By the 4th and 5th centuries the Jerusalem Lectionary emerged as the standard for the universal church.

The Armenian Lectionary (Ya,oz Girq) Jashots Kirk or Ya,oz (Jashots) reflects its Jerusalem origins even in its present form. It has gone through various editions over the centuries. The last edition of the Lectionary was done by Catholicos Symeon of Yerevan (1763-1780) in the context of his revision of the T7nazo\z (Donatsooyts/Typikon).

The Lectionary was first published in Venice in 1686 by the priest Thaddeus Hamazaspian of Yerevan. It has been published in Constantinople, Rome, Etchmiadzin in 1872, and Jerusalem in 1873. The Etchmiadzin Lectionary was reprinted in 1999. The Jerusalem edition, which was reprinted in 1967, is the commonly used Lectionary now in the Armenian Church.

In the United States, the first Armenian Church communities continued to use the existing Lectionary in the first few decades after the formation of the Diocese in 1898. However, as the English speaking generations matured the needs of the community and the urgency of reading the Holy Scriptures in the common language of the people, whether English or modern Armenian, became a necessity. The hierarchy of the Church has formally granted permission for the proclamation of the Word of God to be done in English or modern Armenian.

The proclamation of the Sacred Scriptures in public gatherings of the community of the faithful is the core and essence of liturgical worship. In the course of a liturgical celebration the proclamation of the Word is done as shown in the T7nazo\z (Donatsooyts/Typikon). In the celebration of the Divine Liturgy the Word is proclaimed at the beginning in the segment known as the Synaxis (Ya,ou Vam/Jashou Zham), also known as the Liturgy of the Word. After the faithful gather for the celebration of the Eucharist the Word is proclaimed, the priest gives the homily reflecting on the readings just proclaimed and the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist is celebrated.

Presently the Lectionary readings during Liturgical celebrations in general and the Divine Liturgy in particular present a challenge. The failure of the vast majority of the faithful to gather in time for the celebration poses a clear challenge as the proclamation of the Word is done either during the Synaxis in the absence of the majority of the faithful or moved to a later spot thus breaking the traditional structure of the liturgy. The absence of a Lectionary in English pauses some serious issues as well: the Synaxis Psalm is often eliminated, the selection from the Old Testament in general and the prophets in particular is usually omitted, and in many cases the prescribed readings are edited, often out of necessity, but without any general uniformity.

The selection of a proper translation for authorized use in liturgical settings is another issue of utmost importance. Currently different translations are used in various parishes. We lack textual uniformity. There are many fine English translations of the Bible. But not all translations are suitable for use in the Armenian Church. The authorized translation for Liturgical use should reflect the theology and teachings of the Church. Some translations, even though popular, do not this important criteron. For this Lectionary I have used the New King James Version (NKJ) for its sound reflection of Orthodox theology and its authorized usage in other Orthodox jurisdictions. For the selections from books that are included in the Canon of the Bible of the Eastern/Oriental Orthodox Church (known as Apocrypha in the Western Canon) I have used the St. Athanasius Academy Septuagint (SAAS).

The need for a new revision of the Lectionary has become an urgent matter for the Armenian Church, and it has been the subject of much discussion and debate in the last few decades. Until such time as a revision is accomplished it becomes imperative to do what we must to bring the Word to the hearing of the faithful in the most effective and practical way possible.

The publication of this Lectionary is the first such endeavor. It is not the entire Lectionary. It contains only the Synaxis readings for Sundays and readings for some feast days through the liturgical year. (For a complete calendar of daily readings please refer to the Lectionary Readings in the Armenian Liturgical Year on page 587 of this Lectionary.) The readings are presented in full leaving the editing, if necessary, to the Diocesan or parish church authorities. In addition to the selections from the Holy Bible the Armenian Lectionary contains prayers, homilies and treatises from church fathers. They are included in this Lectionary in full, with the modern Armenian and English translations side by side, for the first time. Regarding the public reading of these homilies, the ideal would be to read all in their entirety. However, considering our present circumstances and time constraints on liturgical celebrations the decision of what to read and how much is left up to the presiding clergy. In an effort to help in the selection of passages to read publicly sections that may be omitted are shaded. However the final decision is still up to the celebrant priest. These homilies are rich in spiritual reflection and will nurture the soul of the reader and the listener. I had before me previous translations of some of these readings from patristic literature. Particularly I benefited from the modern Armenian translations by the late Patriarch of Jerusalem Archbishop Mesrob Nshanian (d. 1944) published in the Patriarchate’s monthly magazine SION in 1957, and the Prayer on the Descent of the Holy Spirit by St. Nersess of Lambron by Yeghivart published in 1936.

My research to find English translations of the readings from St. John Chrysostom or St. Basil of Caesarea did not yield any results. My friend Dr. Abraham Terian, Professor Emeritus of Patristics at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, suggested that these writings may have survived only in their Armenian translations from the original Greek. The Very Rev. John Behr, former Dean of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and a scholar of patristic literature confirmed that opinion and encouraged their translations as they would be available to students of patristic literature for the first time. My thanks to both Dr. Terian and Fr. Behr. I am especially grateful to Dr. Terian for reading my translations and making many suggestions and corrections, and for making available his English translation of the Prayer of St. Nersess of Lambron on Pentecost. Special thanks to His Grace Bp. Daniel Findikian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church, for giving his imprimatur to the publication of the Lectionary; to the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean of St. Nersess Armenian Theological Seminary, for making the facilities and means of the Seminary available for storage and distribution of the Lectionary. Lastly, my sincere thanks to Mr. Robert J. Kleeblatt for his invaluable help in intellectual property and legal matters.

Lastly, I give thanks to our heavenly Father, to our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the Holy Spirit who inspired me in every step of this monumental task. Praise and glory to the Holy Trinity.

May this Lectionary help in bringing the Word of God to the people of God. May it resound in the life of the faithful.

Fr. Arshen Aivazian

1Acts 13:27; 15:21

2Lk 4:16-17

3Acts 13:14-15

4Col 4:16; 1Thess 5:27

INSTRUCTIONS TO LECTORS

The Minor Orders of the Church, i.e. the Clerics (Arm. K[;rikos/Ggherigos), commonly known as Dpir/Tbir, includes the Lector or Reader (Arm. Enj;rzo[/Untertsogh). In the Service of Ordination the bishop prays that the Lord will pour his graces on his servant who is called to the service of reader, then he hands the Holy Scriptures/Lectionary to the postulant with the exhortation Take the Scriptures and be a narrator of the Divine Word…and as you become a reader in the House of God fulfill your assignment with all care. The following instructions and guidelines are intended to help Lectors/Readers fulfill their calling to bring the Word of God to the people of God.

Introducing the Lectionary

•The Lectionary is a collection of all the readings from the Holy Bible that the Church has designated for every day of the liturgical year.

•The readings ordinarily include a psalm verse known as the Synaxis Psalm, a passage from the Old Testament, usually from the prophets, a passage from one of the letters or epistles of St. Paul or from the letters of St. James, St. Peter, St. John or St. Jude, known as Catholic Letters, another psalm verse appropriate for the day known as the Gospel or Synaxis Alleluia, and a select passage from the Gospels.

•The introduction of the readings in the Lectionary is as it is in the tradition of the Armenian Church. The source of the select passage, i.e. the chapter and verse, are for the reader’s information. It is not read or pronounced in the introduction.

•Take note of the fact that the chapter and verse numbers are from the original Armenian Lectionary. In the English version of the Holy Bible there could be differences in the verse numbers.

•The numbering of the Psalms is different in the traditions of Easter/Oriental Orthodox and Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant Churches. The Eastern/Oriental Orthodox/Roman Catholic number reflects the numbering in the Armenian original and the Protestant numbering appears in parenthesis.

Reading the Word of God

•Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled beginning of the Divine Liturgy.

•Before the Divine Liturgy begins make sure the Lectionary is on the lectern and mark the proper page.

•The Lectionary readings should be proclaimed from the portable lectern placed in the center on the edge of the chancel or from the stationary lectern usually on the right side of the chancel.

•Always bear in mind that as Lector you are placing yourself in the service of God. You are making yourself a vehicle through whom God is speaking to his people.

•Familiarize yourself with the passage/s you are going to proclaim. Practice the reading beforehand.

•Sometimes there are unfamiliar words or names of places and persons that are difficult to pronounce. You may consult a dictionary of biblical names or a guide to the pronunciation of biblical names on the internet.

•When reading, your voice should be loud and clear, projecting reverence and solemnity.

•The Bible contains books of history, prayer, prophesy, poetry and other genres. Your reading voice and style should reflect the literary style of the passage.

•The hearing of the Word of God should inspire meditation and reflection. Read slowly and deliberately. Take a brief pause between readings to allow the Word of God to penetrate into the mind and heart of the faithful through the action of the Holy Spirit.

•Typically the Synaxis readings begin with a psalm verse and include selections from the Old Testament, Apostolic Letters, the Gospel Alleluia, and the Gospel.

•The Lector reads only the selections from the Old Testament and the Apostolic Letters.

•The choir or the deacon/deacons chant the Gospel Alleluia, followed by the reading of the Gospel from the Bema by the deacon or the priest.

•If the readings need to be edited consult with the parish priest.

The Synaxis/Bashdon Jashou (Pa,t7n Ya,ou)

•At the beginning of the Lesser Entrance the Protodeacon who is going to proclaim the Gospel, approaches the Altar on the left side of the celebrant priest. Simultaneously, the Lector/Reader comes forward and stands in the center of the Chancel.

•When the choir sings the Trisagion Hymn/:r;qsrb;an :rg–Soorp Asdvadz/Sourb Astoua6 the deacon receives the Gospel book from the celebrant priest, kisses it in reverence, elevates it and processes around the Altar led by the censor and the candle holders.

•As the deacon approaches the edge of the Bema, the Lector/Reader comes forward and kisses the Gospel book with reverence and makes the sign of the cross, then steps back and stands in the center of the chancel facing the altar.

•Sometimes separate Lectors/Readers are assigned for each reading. In that case both or all assigned readers follow the steps outlined here.

•The deacon turns around and stands on the right side of the celebrant priest. After the celebrant blesses the congregation, the Lector/Reader turns around, steps up to the lectern and stands facing the altar until the priest says: Xi o[orma6 ;u mardashr ;s Astoua6 golow111 Zee voghormadz yev martaser yes Asdvadz kolov… For you are merciful, God…

•The Lector/Reader turns and faces the congregation and starts proclaiming the Word.

•If there are more than one reader, Reader 1 finishes his/her reading, steps away and Reader 2 comes to the lectern and proclaims his/her reading.

•Introduce the Word as it is in the Lectionary: A READING FROM… and read only what is printed in black. Do not give chapter or verse. In the tradition of the Orthodox Church chapter and verse are not pronounced as they are inconsequential to hearing and receiving the Word of God.

To Chant or to Read

•In the tradition of the Armenian Church selections from some books of the Holy Scriptures are chanted, and some are read.

•Selections from most of the Old Testament are read, except the Prophets which are always chanted.

•The Psalms are used extensively in the worship services of the Armenian Church. Depending on their usage, they are read, chanted, intoned or sung. On ordinary Sundays the Synaxis Psalm verse is read, but the Synaxis (Gospel) Alleluia is always sung.

•Selections from the Acts of the Apostles, the Letters of St. Paul and the Catholic Letters are always read.

•The Gospel is always chanted.

•The Chanting tone is quite simple and can be learned easily with some practice, but it is not of crucial importance. If you prefer to read it without chanting it is just as acceptable.

How to Conclude the Readings

•In the tradition of the Armenian Church the readings are concluded by chanting the last few words of the last reading in the musical tone that leads into the intonation of the Synaxis (Gospel) Alleluia by the deacon/s or the choir.

•If you are unprepared or uncomfortable chanting the ending words simply read the last few words with emphasis and look toward the choir director or the deacon to indicate that you are approaching the end. Do not say: Here ends the reading or any similar phrase as that is not in the tradition of the Orthodox Church.

FEAST OF THE NATIVITY AND THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - JANUARY 6

The Synaxis Psalm

Alleluia; alleluia:

The Lord has said to Me: You are My Son, today I have begotten You.

Psalm 2:7

A READING FROM

THE LETTER OF THE APOSTLE PAUL

TO TITUS

2:11-15

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

The Synaxis Alleluia

Alleluia; alleluia:

There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11

THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

1:18-25

About the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ

Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.

So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, God with us.

Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name JESUS.

THE RITE OF THE BLESSING OF WATER

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy on a small table on the bema a large bowl filled with water shall be placed with three candles symbolizing the Holy Trinity, with a cross and the Gospel book. And they sing the hymn D}1 Lo\s i louso\/Tone VII. Looys ee looso/Light from light. Then the presiding bishop/priest pours water from a pitcher into the bowl crosswise reciting Psalm 28 (29):3,1-10.

Alleluia; alleluia:

The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the Lord is over many waters.

Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, give unto the Lord glory and strength.

Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders; the Lord is over many waters.

The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars, yes, the Lord splinters the cedars of Lebanon.

He makes them also skip like a calf, Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox.

The voice of the Lord divides the flames of fire.

The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness; the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

The voice of the Lord makes the deer give birth, and strips the forests bare; and in His temple everyone says, Glory!

The Lord sat enthroned at the flood, and the Lord sits as King forever.

The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.

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

Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

A READING FROM

THE PROPHET ISAIAH

12:3-6

Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

And in that day you will say:

"Praise the Lord, call upon His name;

Declare His deeds among the peoples,

Make mention that His name is exalted.

Sing to the Lord,

For He has done excellent things;

This is known in all the earth.

Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion,

For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!"

A READING FROM

THE BOOK OF JOSHUA

1:14-17

So it was, when the people set out from their camp to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, and as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks during the whole time of harvest), that the waters which came down from upstream stood still, and rose in a heap very far away at Adam, the city that is beside Zaretan. So the waters that went down into the Sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, failed, and were cut off; and the people crossed over opposite Jericho. Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan.

A READING FROM

THE BOOK OF EXODUS

15:22-27

So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah.

And the people complained against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them, and said, If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you. Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters.

A READING FROM

THE BOOK OF FOURTH KINGDOMS

(SECOND KINGS)

2:19-22

Then the men of the city said to Elisha, Please notice, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees; but the water is bad, and the ground barren. And he said, Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it. So they brought it to him. Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, Thus says the Lord: ‘I have healed this water; from it there shall be no more death or barrenness.’ So the water remains healed to this day, according to the word of Elisha which he spoke.

A READING FROM

THE PROPHET EZEKIEL

47:1-12

Then the Spirit brought me back to the door of the temple; and there was water, flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east, for the front of the temple faced east; the water was flowing from under the right side of the temple, south of the altar. He brought me out by way of the north gate, and led me around on the outside to the outer gateway that faces east; and there was water, running out on the right side.

And when the man went out to the east with the line in his hand, he measured one thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the water came up to my ankles. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through the waters; the water came up to my knees. Again he measured one thousand and brought me through; the water came up to my waist. Again he measured one thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross; for the water was too deep, water in which one must swim, a river that could not be crossed.

He said to me, Son of man, have you seen this? Then he brought me and returned me to the bank of the river. When I returned, there, along the bank of the river, were very many trees on one side and the other. Then he said to me: This water flows toward the eastern region, goes down into the valley, and enters the sea. When it reaches the sea, its waters are healed. And it shall be that every living thing that moves, wherever the rivers go, will live. There will be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters go there; for they will be healed, and everything will live wherever the river goes. It shall be that fishermen will stand by it from En Gedi to En Eglaim; they will be places for spreading their nets. Their fish will be of the same kinds as the fish of the Great Sea, exceedingly many. But its swamps and marshes will not be healed; they will be given over to salt. Along the bank of the river, on this side and that, will grow all kinds of trees used for food; their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. They will bear fruit every month, because their water flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.

A READING FROM

THE FIRST LETTER OF THE APOSTLE PAUL

TO THE CORINTHIANS

10:1-4

Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.

The Gospel Alleluia

Alleluia; alleluia:

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and all its fullness; let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.

Psalm 95 (96):11-12

THE HOLY GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW

3:1-17

About the baptism of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.’

Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me? But Jesus answered and said to him, Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

The deacon proclaims the litany. At the conclusion of the litany the presiding bishop/priest reads the Prayer of Blessing over the Water by St. Basil of Caesarea.

A[7jq =ouri 7rfnouj;an

Sourb Bars;[ K;sarazi Fa\rap;tin

&rfn;al ;s Thr Astoua6 am;nakal4 amhn bani mh= fx7r ;u sqanc;lagor64 or ;rkinqn ou ;rkire ;u 6owe st;[6;zir anniuj ;u anpatrast .auara\in andoundhn4 ;u qou Fogid ke ,r=hr =our;roun wra\1¹ doun esir or lo\s ella\ ;u lo\s ;[au4² ;u qou .7sqowd ;rknqi tak gtnouo[ =our;re irarmh bavnou;zan!³ +r;[hn kamare ;rkar;zir ;rknqi fastatouj;an famar4 ;u ankh ya5aga\j;zir ar;un ou lousinn ou ast[;re1 fr;[hnn;re k*anznin =ourin mh=hn ou c;n ,i=ir3 orowf;t;u q;xi famar amhn ban kar;li h! :rkri fime 6owou wra\ fastat;zir3 g;t;rou patrastouj;amb1 =our;re fa-uaqou;zan 6owoun mh=4 ;u zamaqe ;r;u;zau ir bolor bo\s;row!⁴

^owi ;rkounqhn 6nan m;6 ou 0oqr ]kn;[hnn;r4 ;u t;sak t;sak j5counn;r 6nan 7din mh=1 ;rkire 6nound touau k;ndani anasounn;rou ;u wa\ri gaxann;rou1⁵ a[biurn;r b[.;zouzir :d;makan parthxin mh=4 ;u cors g;t;rou bavanoumow3 ;rkri cors ko[m;re pat;zir!⁶ Doun marde st;[6;zir ;rkri fo[hn4 ;u xa\n k;ndanazouzir qou am;nasourb ,ouncowd4 ;u ir;n touir :d;makan dra.te Ar;u;lqi mh=4 ;u bolor a,.arfe ir;n fnaxand;zouzir!⁷ Isk an manouki me nman 7]in patranqn;rhn frapouroua63 gitouj;an 6a5in ptou[e ya,a-k;z4 ;u m;rkazau ir 0a5qhn ;u karkatoun t;r;ue faga63 dra.thn artaqsou;zau!⁸ Ba\z doun cant;s;zir qou 6a5ad4 a\l gjalow anor s;roundn;roun3 q;xi 6a5a\ endoun;zir Shjn ou :nowqe⁹ oronq q;xi fay;li jou;zan1 :nowqe anmafazouzir4¹⁰ ;u ambari,t Ka\hne ir s;roundn;row3 anw;r= an]r;uow =n=;zir4 isk ardar No\e .acani, tapanow =rf;[;[hn axat;zir!¹¹

Ir tasn;rord s;round Abra-fame pafpan;zir4 ;u anor f;t ou.t knq;zir4¹² ou anor xauakn;re :giptazuoz ;rkrhn fan;zir1 Karmir ^owe Mowshsi gauaxanow y;[q;zir ;u Isra\hlazi vo[owourde anzouzir isk go5ox )arauone 6owaf;[] kor6an;zir4¹³ ;u qou vo[owourdd :[imi a[biurn;roun m7t ;u ;7janasoun armau;nin;roun tak i mi fauaq;zir4¹⁴ ;u anonz zo\z touir qou 0a5qid x7roujiune Sina l;ran wra\4 ;u m,ou,apat amp;row ou fraza\t ka\6akn;row ;u afaxd;zik 0o[ow anonz touir lousauor patouirann;re3 Mowshsi ];5qow1¹⁵ faxar faxarauorn;r k;rakr;zir ;rkinqhn t;[aza6 fazow ou qa[zrafam manana\ow4¹⁶ cor qarhn a[biur b[.;zouzir ;u 6arau vo[owourde \ag;zouzir!¹⁷ |;soui 7r;roun ;us fra,agor6;zir qou 7rhnsdir framanowd |ordanan g;ti fosanqe kas;zn;low3 sourb tapanake anzouzir4¹⁸ ;u qafanan;rou otq;rou f;tq;rhn tasn;rkou va\5;r fan;zir Ga[ga[a\i mh=¹⁹ oronq minc;u a\s7r ke mnan orphs wkan;r qou sqanc;liqn;roud!

|ordanan g;ti jo\l =oure qarakarka5 ]oul;zir4 ;u :riqo-wi qara,hn parispe =ouri nman ja0;zir ;u qou .7sqowd 0l;zir!²⁰ |;sou kas;zouz ar;ui ;u lousni enjazqe4 ;u ir j,namin;re wan;low korst;an matn;z4 ou Isra\hli ordin;roun famar s;0akan;z a\n ;rkire our kaj ou m;[r ke b[.i!²¹

Ouri, ,at fra,qn;r ;us katar;-zir mardka\in k;anqi mh=! :u i lroumn vamanaki qou fa\rakan 6ozhd mia6in Ordid [rk;zir or ;kau ;u Sourb Ko\shn mardka- \in marmin xg;zau4 ;u 0nt5;lou ;lau molor;al marde3 xor j,namin fana6 hr dra.thn ;u car gaxani nman xa\n f;tapnd;low t;sak t;sak a.t;row3 mafab;r jo\n;row wirauor;z4 ;u wa\ri yamban;rou ;u da,t;rou wra\ zirouzan zrou;z!

Ba\z qou bar;rar Mia6in Ordid .7s;low ir qa[zr ]a\-now esau1 9In6i ;khq bolor \og-na6n;r ou b;5nauoroua6n;r3 ;u ;s fangist piti tam ];xi qa[zr lou6ow ;u j;j;u b;5ow!(²² :u bolore fauaq;low ir bar;rarouj;amb3 |ordanan g;t b;rau4 ;u t;sau afagin wi,ape or =our;roun mh= bnakoujiun fastata63 k*ouxhr mardike klan;l4 ;u |ordanan g;ti \orda5at wtakn;re ir aknakapiyin mh= endoun;z4 incphs k*esh |ob!²³

Isk qou mia6in Ordid an]amb ;u ir x7rouj;amb3 m;6 gaxane j,oua5azouz =ourin mh= xa\n otnako. en;low4 incphs kan- .au esa6 h margarhn1 9Doun =our;roun wra\ wi,apin glou.e =a.=a.;zir!(²⁴ Fon \a\tn;zir ir Astoua6oujiune4 Fa\r4 ir masin es;low1 9A\d h im sir;li Ordis4(²⁵ ;u lousa0a\l Fogin a[aunak;rp i=au ir wra\!

Ousti \a5a=enjaz karap;tn ou mkrtice |owfannhs3 xinq matnan,;low esau1 9Afa Astou6o\ ga5nouke or ke ba5na\ a,.arfi m;[q;re!(²⁶ :u apa frama\;z bolorin =oure mtn;l ;u otnako.;l j,namiin x7roujiune4 ;u bolore loualow m;[qi a[t;[ouj;nhn3 nora0;tour xardar;z ;u .acani, dro,mow knq;z orphs mhk f7t ;u mhk fowiu4 ;u kajo[ikh sourb :k;[;zin entr;z orphs ir gauije4 xor amrazouz margarhn;row4 parsp;z a5aq;aln;row4 psak;z martirosn;row4 xouarjazouz au;tarani .7sq;row3 orphsxi amhnqe wa\;l;n .a[a[ouj;amb4 ;ritasardn;r ;u ko\s;r4 6;r;r ou t[an;r4 fog;kan amhn zn6ouj;amb ;u oura.ouj;amb gofoujiun tan Astou6o\1 orowf;t;u a\s7r4 a\s t7ne ;rkna\in h ou patouakan4 ;u Sourb Fogiin astoua6a\in ya5aga\jn;rou lo\se pa\6a5aza6 ke 6agi a,.arfi wra\!

A\s7r =our;re ke maqrh4 mardik ke lousauorh ;u xanonq ;rkna\in arara6n;r ke dar]nh!

A\s7r ;rkire patouow nor ;rkinq k*ella\ orowf;t;u Astou6o\ Ordin ;rkri wra\ k*;r;ui ;u mardoz mh= ke ,r=i4 ;u |ordanan g;tin mh= mtn;low =our;re ke maqrh4 mard;re ke lousauorh srbouj;an =ourow ;u k;ndanouj;an fogiow!

A\s7r Astoua6a\in :rrordou-jiune ;rkri wra\ ;r;u;low ambo[= ;rkire ke l;zoui anor 0a5qow1 Fa\re ;rkinqhn ke wka\h1 9A\d h im sir;li Ordis oroun fay;za\4(²⁷ ;u Sourb Fogin anor wra\ k*i=nh a[aunii k;rparanqow!

A\s7r w;rnakan anmarmin x7rq;rou banakn;re ;rkri wra\ ke spasauor;n Qristosi3 m;r Astou6o\n4 ;u ;rknqi mh= 0a5abanoujiun ke matouzan;n F7r!

A\s7r ;khq Qristosi faua-taz;al nor vo[owourdn;r4 zn6anq ;u a\s sourb ou ;rkna\in t7ne fr;,takn;rou f;t t7n;nq!

A\s7r m;xi fasau vame a\s lousauor t7nin4 ;u fr;,takn;r mardoz f;t ke t7n;n ou sourb;rou .oumb;r ke baxmapatk;n 7roua\ patiue!

A\s7r Sourb Fogiin ,norfn;re ke maqr;n a\s =oure ;u gor6akiz ke dar]n;n xa\n!

A\s7r ;rkinqe ,norfn;rou z7[e ke z7[h zn6ouj;amb4 ;u a\s7r an,h= ar;gake ke 6agi ;u ambo[= a,.arf lo\sow ke ya5aga\jh!

A\s7r lousine m;6 lo\sow ke 6agi4 ;u ir f;t a,.arfe ke pa\6a5aznh!

A\s7r lousaxg;st ast[;r m;6 0a\lqow ti;x;rqe ke xardar;n!

A\s7r astoua6a\in amp;r ;u ;rkna\in z7[;r mard;re ke w;raz7[;n!

A\s7r 6ow;r ;u =our;rou marminn;r ke tara6ouin Tiro= qa\l;roun ;u gar,aparn;roun tak!

A\s7r an;r;uo\je k*;r;ui ;u ant;san;lin ke t;snoui orphsxi m;x xinq t;sno[ enh!

A\s7r an;[e ir ;[;louj;an .orfourdow ke ];5nadroui!

A\s7r an.onarfe ir glou.e ke .onarf;znh ir 6a5a\in orphsxi m;x 6a5a\ouj;nh axath!

A\s7r l;5n;re 6a5a\ouj;an ke .onarf;znh4 ;u g;t;re 6owi w;ra6;low k*7rfnouin ;u ke maqrouin =ouri mh= bnako[ bolor hakn;re!

A\s7r \a5a=enjaz margarhn [|owfannhs] ke kangni a5=;ue anor or a,.arfi m;[q;re ke ba5na\!

A\s7r a\n or fx7r h pat;raxmi mh= ke yakatamarti orphsxi faka5akordn;rou wi,ape enk[mh!

A\s7r kamowin kouga\ ;u ke lousauorh bolor anonq oronq k*aknkal;n ir a5a= k;nal!

A\s7r a5a=enjaz margarhn [|owfannhs] .mbagor6o[in a5=;u k;za63 do[alow ke t;snh xAstoua6 or mard arara6n;rou ke m7t;na\!

A\s7r astoua6a,ounc qnare ke m7t;na\ afauor ou frakhx glou.in orphsxi apakanouj;an louazoume .a0anh!

A\s7r 6a5an Tiro= a5=;u ke k;na\ ;rkiu[a6ouj;amb orow;t;u Astoua6 a,.arf ;ka6 h!

A\s7r Sourb Fogii ,norfn;roun fosanqn;re kou gan ;u bolor arara6n;r anow k*o5ogouin!

A\s7r an or \anzanq couni3 \7varakam7rhn a,.arfi mh= ke stana\ ir inqnouj;an fastatoujiune!

A\s7r mardoz \anzanqn;re |ordanani =ourow ke =n=ouin!

A\s7r 6owou l;[i =our;re ke qa[zranan m;r Astou6o\ ;r;u;low!

A\s7r snoti ouna\nouj;an kou5q;re ke .a0anouin ;u ke f;5azouin4 ;u mardka\in bnoujiune m;[qi 6a5a\ouj;nhn axata63 k*ar]akoui!

A\s7r a,.arfi ma5a.ou[e ke w;rana\ ou ke maqroui Astou6o\ ;r;uoumow!

A\s7r a,.arfi 0rkouj;an famar =our;re ke w;r;r;uin!

A\s7r bolor arara6n;r ya5a-ga\jaxg;st k*;r;uin3 Astou6o\ ;r;uoumow!

A\s7r m;r bnouj;an dra.te ke .7si4 ;u ardarouj;amb ke zn6an mardik \auit;nakan k;anqi mh=!

A\s7r fin trtmoujiunn;rhn ke 0o.ak;rpouinq ;u orphs Nor Isra\hl k*aprinq!

A\s7r Astou6o\ arqa\oujiune ke va5ang;nq orowf;t;u Tiro= arqa\oujiune anwa.yan h!

A\s7r m;nq ;us bar]ra]a\n k*a[a[ak;nq ou k*es;nq1 M;6 ;s doun Thr ;u sqanc;li ;n qou gor6;rd4 ;u o#c mhk .7sq bauakan h 7rfnaban;lou qou sqanc;liqn;rd4 orowf;t;u qou am;nakaro[ x7rouj;ambd w;ra-zouza6 ;s bolor arara6n;re4 ;u qou na.a.namouj;ambd ke kargauor;s a,.arfe!

Doun a\s a,.arfe cors tarr;row \7rin;zir4 ;u cors ;[anakn;row bowandak tarin ambo[=azn;low psak;zir!

Q;xmh ke do[an imanali x7roujiunn;re4 q;x k*7rfnh ar;ue4 q;x ke 0a5auorh lousine4 q;x ke bar;ban;n ast[;rou fo\l;re4 q;xi ke fnaxandi lo\se4 q;xmh ke sarsin andoundn;re4 q;xi ke 6a5a\;n a[biurn;re!

Doun ;rkinqe ;rkar;zir orphs kamar4 ;u ;rkire ka5ouzir =our;rou wra\ fastat;low1 doun 6owe st;[6;zir auaxow1 doun ,nc;lou famar 7de tara6;zir1 doun afauor ;s4 ;u o2w krna\ qou a5=;ud k;nal!

Fr;,taka\in x7rq;r q;x k*7rf-n;n4 fr;,takap;tn;rou .oumb;r q;xi k*;rkrpag;n4 w;zj;u;an s;rowbhn;r ;u baxmat;sak q;rowbhn;r ke w;ranan ou par0akou;low ke 6a6kouin qou anmato\z lo\sowd4 orowf;t;u doun anparagr;li4 anya5;li ;u anpatm;li Astoua6 ;s!

:rkir ;kar4 mardoz nmanoujiun a5n;low3 6a5a\i k;rparanq sta-zar ;u mardka\in k;rparanqow \a\tnou;zar orowf;t;u4 mardashr Thr4 qou a5at gjouj;ambd cfandourv;zir or mardka\in z;[e bansarkouhn b5nadatoui4 a\l ;kar ou 0rk;zir m;x! Qou ,norfn;rd ke .ostowaninq4 qou o[ormoujiund ke qarox;nq4 ou c;nq 6a6k;r qou bar;gor6oujiund!

M;r mardka\in bnouj;an s;roundn;re axat;zir4 kousakan argande srbazouzir qou anya5;li 6noundowd! Amhn arara6n;r k*7rfn;n q;x4 Astou6o\ \a\tn;al >7sqe4 orowf;t;u doun4 Astoua64 ;rkri wra\ ;r;u;zar ;u mardoz mh= ,r=;zar!

Doun |ordanani fosanqn;re maqr;zir ;rkinqhn qou Sourb Fogid [rk;low4 ;u wi,apin glou.e3 or fon bo\n dra6 hr3 =a.=ac;zir!

:u a\vm k*a[ac;nq q;xi4 mardashr Thr4 qou Sourb Fogid [rkh a\s =ourin wra\4 ;u 7rfnh ou maqrh xa\n4 ;u asor tour |ordanani ,norfn;re! &rfnouj;an a[biur erh a\s =oure4 anapakanouj;an parg;u4 m;[q;rou jo[oujiun4 fiuandn;rou bv,koujiun4 afaxd;zik d;u;rou .ortakoum4 a.tawarakn;rou a5o[=oujiun4 j,namiin dhm xa\n l;zn;low fr;,takakan anw;f;r x7rouj;amb1 orowf;t;u doun ;s m;r Astoua6e or anapati da5n =oure4 Mowshsi ];5qow3 0a\tin mi=ozau qa[zrazouzir ;u 6arau vo[owourde \ag;zouzir!²⁸

Doun ;s or :[ia\i mi=ozau4 =ourow ;u fourow Isra\hli vo[owourde axat;zir Bafa[i 6a5a\ouj;nhn!²⁹

Doun ;s or :[ishi mi=ozau da5n ou wnasakar =oure a[ow a5o[=azouzir4 ;u an6nound vo[o-wourde bv,k;zir!³⁰

:u a\vm3 doun inqnin Thr4 m7t;zir m;xi Sourb Fogiid mi=ozau4 ;u 7rfnh a\s =oure orphsxi an ella\ mi=oz toun;rou ,inouj;an4 fiuandn;rou bv,kou-j;an4 fogin;rou ;u marminn;rou 0rkouj;an4 ;u 7gtakar amhn bani famar4 orowf;t;u doun o[orma6 ;u mardashr Astoua6 ;s! Jo[ a\s =ourhn f;5anan bolor anonq oronq qou 6a5an;roud cariqe ke .orfin! Thr4 qou m;64 0a5auor;al ;u sqanc;li anound ke w;rakoc;nq4 ;u q;xi ke matouzan;nq 7rfnoujiun ;u 0a5q3 F7r4 ;u Ordiin4 ;u Sourb Fogiin4 fima ;u mi,t ;u \aui-t;naphs1 amhn!

✠ >a[a[oujiun bolorid!

Astoua6 k;ndani or Hir4 ;u :s4 ;u piti ellas Astoua64 or o#c mhk banow skixb ounis4 a\l na.i,- .anouj;amb skixbn ellalow go\ou-jiun oun;zo[ amhn bani4 go\oujiun parg;u;zir amhn bani ;u amhn ban st;[6;zir!

Amhn bani st;[6ic Astoua64 or qou sourb ;u k;ndanarar Fogid \a\tn;zir =our;roun wra\ ,r=;low4 ;u |ordanan g;tin mh= qou x7roujiund ou 0a5qd \a\t-n;zir! Karap;tn ou margarhn |owfannhs3 a[aunii nmanouj;amb t;sn;low qou hakiz Sourb Fogid3 a[a[ak;z es;low qou masid1 9Afa Astou6o\ ga5nouke or ke ba5na\ a,.arfi m;[q;re!(³¹ Doun =our;roun wra\ qal;zir ;u xanonq qou sourb otq;roud f;tq;row maqr;zir!

:u a\vm4 Thr Astoua6 m;r4 7rfnh a\s =oure4 ;u erh xa\n mi=oz qou 6a5an;roud maqrouj;an4 ;u f;5azour askh amhn wnas ou car bi6 ;u a.t ;u satana\i amhn b5noujiun1 a\s =ourin mh= fastath qou am;nax7r Sourb Fogiid ,norfn;re4 ;u am;nacarin x7rouj;an dhm tour bv,koujiun4 a5o[=oujiun ;u \a[joujiun!

:u m;nq bolors3 asor mi=ozau arvani ellanq qou 7gnakanou-j;and ;u qou endoun;louj;and4 bv,kouj;and4 7rfnouj;and ;u srbouj;and4 ;u andadar 0a5a-uor;nq Fa\re ;u Ordin ;u Sourb Fogin fima ;u mi,t ;u \aui-t;naphs1 amhn!

1^nn1 A1 1-2

2^nn1 A1 3

3^nn1 A1 6-8

4^nn1 A1 11-12

5^nn1 A1 20-21

6^nn1 B1 10-14

7^nn1 A1 26-28

8^nn1 G1 1-6

9T;s ^nn1 D1 25 ;u D1 17

10^nn1 :1 24

11^nn1 H1

12^nn VD1

13^nn IB1 15-18

14:liz V:1 27

15:liz I1 1-17

16:liz VX1 4

17:liz VH1 5-6

18|;s1 G1 1-17

19|;s1 D1 20

20|;s1 X1 1-27

21|;s1 V1 7-15

22Matj1 VA1 28-29

23|ob >1 23-34

24Sa[1 FG1 14

25Matj1 G1 17

26|owf1 A1 29

27Matj1 G1 17

28:liz V:1 25

29A1 Jag1 VE1

30B1 Jag1 B1 19-22

31|owf1 A1 29

Prayer of the Blessing of Water

by St. Basil of Caesarea

Blessed are you Lord God almighty, mighty in everything and wonderworker. You created the heavens and the earth and the sea out of nothing and formless chaos of darkness, and your Spirit hovered over the waters.¹ You commanded that there be light and there was light,² and by your decree the waters above the heavens were separated.³ You stretched the arch of water as the foundation of the sky, and from there projected the sun and the moon and the stars. The fiery creatures go through the water and are not extinguished because everything is possible for you. You established the foundation of the earth on the sea with rivers as tributaries; water gathered in the sea, and the land appeared with all its plants.⁴

The sea gave birth to big and small fish, and an assortment of birds were born in the air. Earth gave birth to living animals and wild beasts.⁵ You caused fountains to flow in the Garden of Eden, and with the partition of four rivers you surrounded the four corners of the world.⁶ You created man out of the soil of the earth and brought him to life by breathing into him your all-holy breath. You gave him the Garden of Eden in the East, and made the whole world subservient to him.⁷ But he, like an infant, attracted by the deceits of the serpent, ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge, and was stripped of his glory, and covered with patched up leaves was expelled from paradise,⁸ Yet, you did not forsake your servant, but with compassion toward his generations received as your servants Seth and Enoch⁹ in whom you were well pleased. You gave immortality to Enoch,¹⁰ the impious Cain with his generations you wiped out with the unrelenting flood, but you saved the righteous Noah in the cross-shaped ark.¹¹

You protected Abraham, his tenth generation, and sealed a covenant with him,¹² and you brought his posterity out of Egypt. You divided the Red Sea by the rod of Moses and the people of Israel crossed over it, but the boastful Pharaoh you destroyed by drowning.¹³ You brought your people near the fountains of Elim and you gathered them under the seventy palm trees.¹⁴ You showed them the power of your glory on Mount Sinai, under foggy clouds and fiery lightnings and awe-inspiring bellowing trumpets you gave them the luminous commandments by the hand of Moses.¹⁵ You fed thousands and thousands of them with the bread that fell from heaven and with sweet manna,¹⁶ you made a dry rock to bring forth a fountain and quenched the thirst of the people.¹⁷ In the days of Joshua also you worked a miracle with your command by halting the flow of the river Jordan and allowed the Ark of the Covenant to cross it;¹⁸ from under the feet of priests you raised twelve stones in Gilgal¹⁹ that remain until today as witnesses of your wondrous works.

You fashioned the soft waters of Jordan with hard rocks, and by your word you caused the stone-built walls of Jericho to collapse.²⁰ Joshua stopped the cycle of the sun and the moon and the enemies he banished in defeat, and for the children of Israel he secured the land of milk and honey.²¹

You performed many other miracles in the course of human life. And in the fulfillment of time you sent your only-begotten Son who came and took on human body, and sought the errant man whom the adversary had led out of paradise and like an evil beast pursued him with various illnesses, wounded him with deadly poison, and scattered them along desolate roads and fields.

Your only-begotten benevolent Son spoke in a sweet voice and said: Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest with my easy yoke and light burden.²² In his benevolence he gathered everyone and brought them to the river Jordan where he encountered the monstrous dragon that had established residence in the waters and wanted to devour men. He received the abundantly flowing waters of the river Jordan as the apple of his eye, as Job says.²³

Your only-begotten Son personally and in his own power defeated the beast in the water by trampling it under his feet, as the prophet says: You broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces.²⁴ There you revealed his divinity, Father, by testifying about him, saying: This is my beloved Son,²⁵ and the refulgent Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove.

The forerunner and baptizer John, pointing to him, said: Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.²⁶ And he commanded everyone to enter into the water and to trample the power of the adversary, and washing everyone from the filth of sin adorned them anew with the seal of the cross and united them as one flock and one shepherd, and the holy catholic Church he appointed as his vestibule which he strengthened with prophets, fortified with apostles, crowned with martyrs, heartened with the words of the gospel so that everyone may enjoy peace, young men and maidens, old men and boys, may give thanks to God with spiritual joy for this day, for this feast is heavenly and precious, the rays of the divine light of the Holy Spirit rise and shine over the world.

This day he cleanses the waters and enlightens men and makes them heavenly creatures.

This day the earth is honored and becomes a new heaven for the Son of God appears on earth and walks among men, and stepping into the river Jordan cleanses its waters, enlightens men with waters of holiness and spirit of life.

This day the divine Trinity is manifested on earth and the entire world is filled with his glory. The Father testifies from heaven: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,²⁷ and the Holy Spirit descends upon him in the form of a dove.

This day the armies of incorporeal heavenly hosts serve Christ our God, and in heaven offer glory to the Father.

This day let us new peoples, the faithful of Christ, rejoice and celebrate this feast with the holy and heavenly angels.

This day the hour has arrived for us to celebrate this luminous feast, and angels celebrate with men and assemblies of saints multiply the dignity of the day.

This day the graces of the Holy Spirit cleanse this water and make it a collaborator.

This day heaven sprinkles the dew of its graces joyfully, and this day the inextinguishable sun rises and spreads its rays over the whole world.

This day the moon rises with its bright light and brightens the world.

This day radiant stars adorn the universe with great splendor.

This day divine clouds sprinkle heavenly dew over men.

This day seas and bodies of water are spread out under the steps and feet of the Lord.

This day the invisible appears and the unseen is seen so that we may see him.

This day the uncreated one is ordained with the mystery of his creation.

This day the most humble one bows his head to his servant in order to liberate us from servitude.

This day he makes mountains bow in servitude, and rivers are blessed with overflowing waters as seas, and all creatures that live in water are cleansed.

This day the forerunner and prophet [John] stands before him who bears the sins of the world.

This day he who is mighty in war goes to battle in order to drown the dragon of our adversaries.

This day of his own will he comes and enlightens all those who await to stand before him.

This day the prophet [John] standing before the Gatherer trembles and sees God approaching men.

This day the divinely inspired lyre draws near to the awesome and fiery head in order to block the flood of corruption.

This day the servant stands before his Lord in reverence, for God has descended into the world.

This day the current of the graces of the Holy Spirit glows and all creatures are irrigated.

This day the one without sin willingly receives the confirmation of his identity in this world.

This day the sins of the world are washed away by the waters of the Jordan.

This day the bitter waters of the sea are sweetened with the manifestation of our God.

This day the idols of futile vanity are vanquished and driven away, and delivered from servitude to sin human nature is set free.

This day the fog over the world is lifted and cleared with the manifestation of God.

This day the waters reappear for the salvation of the world.

This day with the manifestation of God all creatures appear clothed with rays.

This day the paradise of our nature speaks, and men rejoice with righteousness in eternal life.

This day we are transformed from our old afflictions and we live as the New Israel.

This day we inherit the kingdom of God, for the kingdom of the Lord is eternal.

This day we too cry out in a loud voice and say: You are great, Lord, and wonderful are your works. Words are not sufficient to praise your wonderful works, for with your almighty power you have lifted up all your creatures, and you have arranged the world with your providence.

You created this world with four elements and you completed and crowned it with the four seasons of the year.

Rational powers tremble in your presence, the sun offers you praise, the moon glorifies you, the multitude of stars exalt you, light obeys you, the depths tremor from you, the fountains serve you.

You stretched the sky like an arch, you built the earth with its foundations in the waters, you created the sea surrounded by sand, you spread air for breathing. Who can stand in your presence?

Hosts of angels praise you, assemblies of archangels worship you, six-winged seraphim and multi-formed cherubim are elevated and covered with your unapproachable light, for you are God beyond bounds, ineffable, and indefinable.

You came to earth, in the likeness of man you took the form of a servant, and in the form of man you manifested yourself because, Lord who loves mankind, in your abundant compassion you did not endure that the human race would be constrained by the adversary, therefore you came and saved us. We profess your graces, we proclaim your mercy, and we do not conceal your benevolence.

You saved generations of our human nature, you sanctified the virgin womb with your ineffable birth. All creatures praise you, revealed Word of God, for you, God, manifested yourself on earth and walked around among men.

You cleansed the waters of the Jordan by sending your Holy Spirit, and you trampled over the head of the dragon that had established its nest therein.

And now we beseech you, Lord who loves mankind, send down your Holy Spirit upon this water, bless and cleanse it, and bestow it with the graces of the Jordan. Make this water a source of blessing, a gift of incorruption, forgiveness of sins, healing of the sick, destruction of dreadful demons, health for those afflicted, filling it with indomitable angelic powers against the enemy, for you are our God who, by the hand of Moses, with the rod, sweetened the water in the desert and quenched the thirst of your people.²⁸

It is you who by the hand of Elijah and by the means of water and fire, saved the people of Israel from servitude to Baal.²⁹

It is you who by the hand of Elisha cleansed the bitter and harmful water with salt and healed the infertile people.³⁰

And now, Lord, come near us through your Holy Spirit, and bless this water so that this may be for the welfare of homes, the healing of the sick, the salvation of souls and bodies, and beneficial in everything, for you are a merciful God and you love humankind. May all those who plot evil for your servants stay away from this water. Lord, we call upon your great, glorified and wonderful name, and we offer you praise and glory; to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

✠ Peace be with all of you.

Living God, you were, you are, and you shall be God. You are without beginning in everything, and yet in your primal power you are the beginning of everything that exists, you granted existence to everything and you created everything.

God, creator of everything, you manifested your holy and life-giving Spirit by hovering over the waters, and revealed your power and glory in the river Jordan. The forerunner and the prophet John, seeing your consubstantial Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, cried out and said about you: Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!³¹ You walked over the water and you cleansed it with your footsteps.

And now, Lord God, bless this water, and make it a means of cleansing for your servants. Take away from it all harm and evil stain and ailment and all the tyranny of Satan. Endow this water with the graces of your Holy Spirit, and grant healing, health and victory over the power of the all-malevolent one.

And through this, may we all be worthy of your help, your acceptance, healing, blessing and sanctification, and always glorify the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

1Gn 1:1-2

2Gn 1:3

31:6-8

4Gn 1:11-12

5Gn 1:20-21

6Gn 2:10-14

7Gn 1:26-28

8Gn 3:1-6

9See Gn 4:25 and 4:17

10Gn 5:24

11Gn 7

12Gn 22:15-18

13Gn 14

14Ex 15:27

15Ex 20:1-17

16Ex 16:4

17Ex 17:5-6

18Josh 3:1-17

19Josh 4:20

20Josh 6:1-27

21Josh 10:7-15

22Mt 11:28-29

23Job 40:23-34

24Ps 73 (74):14

25Mt. 3:17

26Jn 1:29

27Mt 3:17

28Ex 15:25

291 Kgs (1 Sam) 18

302 Kgs (2 Sam) 19-22

31Jn 1:29

Then they chant the Litany over the Water by Hovhannes Vartabed Bluz of Dzordzor, |am;na\n Vam/Hamenayn Zham/Every Hour, the Ode Qristos Band F7r/Krisdos Panut Hor/Christ the Word of the Father by Constantine of Sareg; the Exhortation Ow xarmanali/Ov zarmanali/O Wondrous by Catholicos Gregory III Bahlavoony; and the Ode for the Blessing of Water A\s7r ]a\nen Fa\rakan/Aysor tsaynun Hayragan/This day the voice of the Father.

And now, the presiding bishop/priest immerses a large cross into the water and with the dove-shaped container of the Holy Muron/Chrism blesses the water as follows:

People: Amhn! Alhlouia4 alhlouia4 alhlouia!/Amen: Alleluia; Alleluia; Alleluia.

Bishop/priest: &rfn;szi ;u srb;szi =ours a\s n,anau sourb .acius ;u sourb au;taranaus ;u srbalo\s miu5onaus ;u auours ,norfiu anouamb F7r4 ;u Orduo\4 ;u Foguo\n Srbo\4 a\vm ;u mi,t ;u \auit;ans \auit;niz!

Orhnestsi yev surpestsi choorus ays nushanav soorp khaceevus yev soorp avedaranavus yev surpalooys muronavus yev avoorus shnorhiv, anvamp Hor, yev Vortvo, yev Hokvooyn Surpo, ayjm yev mishd yev havidyans havidenits. Amen.

Blessed and sanctified be this water with the sign of the Holy Cross, and the Holy Chrism and the Holy Gospel and by the grace of this day, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

Repeat the blessing three times, then say: &rfnoujiun ;u 0a5q F7r ;u Orduo\ ;u Foguo\n Srbo\4 a\vm ;u mi,t ;u \auit;ans \auit;niz1 amhn!

Orhnootyoon yev park Hor, yev Vortvo, yev Hokvoon Surpo, ayjm yev mishd yev havidyans havidenits. Amen.

Praise and glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Then the bishop/priest takes the cross out of the water and singing the hymn D}1 A5aq;lo\ a[auno\/Tone VII.Arakelo aghavno/The dove descended pours the Holy Muron/Chrism into the water three times.

Then the deacon proclaims the bidding Sourb >acius/Soorp Khacheevus/Through the Holy Cross and the bishop/priest offers the prayer Pafpan;a xm;x/Bahbanya uzmez/Protect us, blesses the people, and they conclude the service with the Lord’s Prayer.

SECOND DAY OF THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY AND THEOPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - JANUARY 7

MEMORIAL OF THE DEAD

The Synaxis Psalm

Alleluia; alleluia:

For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.

Psalm 5:12

A READING FROM

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

6:8-8:2

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. Then they secretly induced men to say, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God. And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council. They also set up false witnesses who said, This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law; for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs which Moses delivered to us. And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel.

Then the high priest said, Are these things so?

And he said, "Brethren and fathers, listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, and said to him, ‘Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.’ 4Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him to this land in which you now dwell. And God gave him no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on. But even when Abraham had no child, He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him. But God spoke in this way: that his descendants would dwell in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and oppress them four hundred years. ‘And the nation to whom they will be in bondage I will judge,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’ Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs.

"And the patriarchs, becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. Now a famine and great trouble came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers found no sustenance. But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. And the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to the Pharaoh. Then Joseph sent and called his father Jacob and all his relatives to him, seventy-five people. So Jacob went down to Egypt; and he died, he and our fathers. And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.

"But when the time of the promise drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt till another king arose who did not know Joseph. This man dealt treacherously with our people, and oppressed our forefathers, making them expose their babies, so that they might not live. At this time Moses was born, and was well pleasing to God; and he was brought up in his father’s house for three months. But when he was set out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him away and brought him up as her own son. And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.

"Now when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. And