Chapter V: Part 5

Thy martyrs suffer’d lawfully, O Giver of life, and with a crown of victory adorn’d, they ceaselessly bestow on the departed faithful one an everlasting ransoming.

For me, a wanderer, taught erewhile by signs and wonders many, thou hast at last thyself made void, as sympathiser, and, seeking, me hast found and sav’d.

_Glory._

Him that departs to thee from streams of transient mortal life, count worthy to abide with joy in tabernacles that eternal be, him justifying, Blessed One, by faith and grace.

_Both now. Theotokion._

There is none undefil’d as thou, God’s Mother thou most pure; for thou alone didst in the womb conceive the true eternal God, who hath annull’d the power of death.

_Deacon._ Again and again.... _Vide page 142._

_Kathisma, tone vi._

Verily everything is vain, and life a shadow is, a dream; for vainly every earth-born one disquieteth himself, as saith the scripture. When we have gain’d the world, then dwell we in the grave, where kings and beggars are as one. Therefore, Christ God, as lover of mankind, to thy departed servant give thou rest.

_Glory. Both now. Theotokion._

All-holy Bringer-forth of God, in my life’s time forsake me not, to human mediation leave me not; but me thyself defend, and be thou merciful to me.

_Ode iv. Irmos._

Christ is my might, the God and Lord....

Of greatest wisdom shewing sign, and of rewards’ perfectionment, O gracious Lord, with Angels thou the choirs of martyrs number’d hast.

Of thy narrateless glory count him worthy to participate, who unto thee translated is, where, Christ, their dwelling is who joy, and where pure gladness’ voice resounds.

_Glory._

Him that extols thy might divine, whom thou from earth received hast, do thou accept, creating him a child of light; and cleanse him from the gloom of sin, O thou Most Merciful.

_Both now. Theotokion._

O tabernacle thou most pure, temple all-undefil’d, all-holy ark, virginal place of sanctity, of Jacob thou the excellence, the Lord hath chosen thee.

_Ode v. Irmos._

With thy divine light, O Blessed One....

Like an oblation sacred, and human nature’s first-fruits, the martyrs, who were offer’d for God’s glorifying, for our salvation ever mediate.

Of heavenly dwelling, of grace’s distribution, thy faithful servant gone before, count worthy, Lord, and give him ransom from iniquities.

_Glory._

Thou that alone by nature life-effector art, and grace’s trackless depth, him that is gone, count worthy of thy kingdom, Pitiful, thou sole immortal one.

_Both now. Theotokion._

The strength, and song, and saving of the lost is he become that to the world was born of thee, O Queen, delivering them, who thee in faith call bless’d, from hades’ gates.

_Ode vi. Irmos._

Life’s sea perturb’d....

Nail’d on the cross the choir of martyrs thou hast gather’d to thyself, them that thy passion imitate, O Blessed One. Therefore, we thee beseech, Rest him that now betaketh him to thee.

When thou in thy narrateless glory all the world to judge shalt on the clouds in terror come, Deliverer, be thou pleas’d that he, thy faithful servant, whom thou from earth received hast, may meet thee shiningly.

_Glory._

Being life’s fount, O Lord, who, through divine humanity, didst lead the fetter’d forth; thy servant, who to thee in faith is gone, place thou in joys of paradise.

_Both now. Theotokion._

We have been turned back to earth for breaking the divine command of God; but, through thee, Virgin, unto heaven from earth are rais’d again, shaking off death’s corruption.

_Deacon._ Again and again.... _Vide page 142._

_Condakion, tone viii._

Rest with the Saints, O Christ, thy servant’s soul, where is no pain, nor grief, nor sighing, but life that endeth not.

_Icos._

Thyself alone immortal art, who madest and didst fashion man; for out of earth we mortals fashion’d were, and unto that same earth shall go, as thou who madest me hast given command, and sayest unto me, Earth thou art, and unto earth shalt thou return. And thither all we mortals go, making the funeral wail, even the song, the Alleluia.

_And again._

Rest with the Saints, O Christ....

_Ode vii. Irmos._

The angel made the furnace to bedew....

From the primeval fall were sav’d the martyrs by thy blood, and, with their own blood sprinkled, they clearly thy slaying image forth. Blessed art thou, our fathers’ God.

O life-originating Word, thou hast slain raging death; and him O now receive, O Christ, who sleeps in faith, and sings, and says, Blessed art thou, our fathers’ God.

_Glory._

Divine-originating Lord, who me, a man, with breath divine sufflated hast; vouchsafe thy kingdom unto him departed hence, who, Saviour, sings to thee, Blessed art thou, our fathers’ God.

_Both now. Theotokion._

Most undefil’d, conceiving God, who crush’d death’s gates and burst the bars, thou higher than all creatures art. Therefore, we faithful thee, O pure, extol as Mother of God.

_Ode viii. Irmos._

From flame thou didst a dew outpour on reverend ones....

Martyrs of Christ, who sufferings bore, who in the strifes were steadfast prov’d, ye are adorn’d with victory’s crown, crying, O Christ, to ages thee we set on high.

The faithful ones who life depart in sacred wise, and unto thee, O Master, go, gently, as loving-kind, receive, that they may rest, and thee to ages set on high.

_Glory._

Now in the land of gentle ones, Saviour, be pleas’d to stablish all who fallen have on sleep afore, and who in thee, by faith and grace, are justified, and thee to ages set on high.

_Both now. Theotokion._

All-blessed one, we thee all bless, who didst bring forth the Word who is blessed indeed, who for our sake incarnate was, and whom on high to ages we set up.

_Ode ix. Irmos._

Mortals may not see God....

Hope made the choirs of martyrs strong, and flam’d them ardently towards thy love, prefiguring unto those to come a rest in verity undisturb’d; and unto this, O Blessed One, may thy departed faithful one be counted worthy to attain.

Of thine illumination, Christ, which bright and godlike is, be pleas’d that he, departed hence in faith, may share, to him, as being merciful, in Abraham’s bosom giving rest, and granting him eternal blessedness.

_Glory._

O thou that art by nature good and loving-kind, and mercy willest, and a depth of loving-kindness art, his lot, whom, Saviour, thou from this ill place removed hast, and from the shades of death, appoint where shines thy light.

_Both now. Theotokion._

A holy tabernacle thee we own to be, O Pure, an ark likewise, and breastplate of the law and grace; for pardon is bestow’d, through thee, on them, All-undefil’d, that have, by his blood justified been, who of thy womb incarnate was.

_Deacon._ Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord. _Vide page 142._

_We begin the idiomela of John the monk._

_Tone i._

What sweet of life abideth unaccompanied with grief? what glory stayeth upon earth unchang’d? All is the feeblest shade, all the most cheating dream: one moment, and death taketh all these things. But in thy face’s light, O Christ, and in the sweetness of thy beauty, grant rest to him whom thou hast call’d, as lover of mankind.

_Tone ii._

Woe unto me, what agony hath the soul when it is from the body torn! alas, then how it weeps, and none is merciful to it! To Angels lifting eyes, without effect it prays; to men extending hands, it findeth none to help. Therefore, my brethren lov’d, musing on our brief life, let us for the departed ask for rest from Christ, and for great mercy for our souls.

_Tone iii._

All human things are vanity which last not after death: riches abide not, nor doth glory stay; for when death cometh, these all disappear. Then let us cry to the immortal Christ, O rest him who is gone away from us where is the dwelling-place of all that joy.

_Tone iv._

Where is the predilection of the world? where their imaginings who fade? where is the silver and the gold? where servants’ multitude and noise? All dust, all ashes, all a shade. But, come ye, let us say to the immortal King, O Lord, him, who hath been remov’d from us, of thine eternal blessings worthy count, him resting in thine ageless happiness.

_Tone v._

I remember’d what the prophet said, I am earth, and I am dust; and again I meditated in the graves, and saw the naked bones, and said, Who now is king, or warrior who, or who is rich, or who is poor, or who the just, or he that sinn’d? But, with the just, thy servant rest, O Lord.

_Tone vi._

To me thy life-effecting bidding was substance and origin; for, willing me to form a living one from nature that unseen is and is seen, my body thou didst make of earth, and, by thy breathing life-creating and divine, me gavest soul. Therefore, O Christ, thy servant rest in tract of them that living are, and in the dwellings of the just.

_Tone vii._

After thine image and resemblance in the beginning making man, in paradise thou him didst place to be of thy creation lord; but, by the devil’s enviousness beguil’d, he ate the fruit, transgressing thy commands. Therefore, again to earth, whence he was taken, thou hast doom’d him to return, O Lord, and beg for rest.

_Tone viii._

I weep and I lament when I reflect on death, and see the comeliness, according to God’s image, that was shap’d for us lying in the graves disfigured, and bereft of glory and of form. O wonder! what is this mystery concerning us? how to corruption have we been assign’d? how unto death conjoin’d? Verily by God’s command, as it is written, who giveth the departed rest.

_The beatitudes, tone vi._

When in thy kingdom thou shalt come, O Lord, remember us.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Christ, who, aforetime, for his penitence, didst make the thief a citizen of paradise when on the cross to thee he cried, Remember me, of this even me, unworthy, worthy count.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Thou who dominion hast o’er life and death, rest in the courts of saints him whom from things of time thou taken hast; and think on me, when in thy kingdom thou shalt come.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

Thou who o’er souls and bodies lordship hast, thou in whose hand is held our breath, who mourners’ consolation art; rest in the land of righteous ones thy servant whom thou hast removed hence.

Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness’ sake....

Christ rest thee in the land of living ones, and open paradise’s gates to thee, and of the kingdom thee declare a citizen, and give thee pardon of those things wherein in life thou sinned hast, O thou of Christ belov’d.

Blessed are ye when men shall revile you....

Let us go forth and muse among the graves; for man is naked bones, the food of worms, and of an odour ill; and let us learn what riches are, yea, beauty, strength, and comeliness.

Rejoice, and be exceeding glad....

Let us give ear to what the Almighty saith, Woe unto them that seek to see the Lord’s most fearful day! for it is one of gloom: for everything with fire shall be tried.

_Glory._

By the unbeginningness, and the begetting, and the proceeding, I bow me to the Father who begat, the Son begotten I extol, I sing the Holy Ghost, co-shining with the Father and the Son.

_Both now. Theotokion._

How, Virgin, from thy breast flow’d milk? how didst thou nurture him, creation’s nurturer? It was as was the springing forth of water from the rock, as streams of waters for a thirsty folk, as hath been written.

_After this the deacon saith_, Let us attend.

_Priest._ Peace to all.

_And the choir singeth, prokimenon, tone vi,_

Blessed is the way wherein thou goest to-day, O soul, because a place of rest hath been prepared for thee.

_Verse._ Unto thee have I cried, O Lord.

_Deacon._ Wisdom.

_Reader. The epistle to the Thessalonians, section cclxx._

Brethren, I would not have you to be ignorant ... _ending_, be ever with the Lord.[31]

_Priest._ Peace to thee. _Alleluia._

_Tone vi._

Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and received, O Lord.

_The gospel from John, section xvi._

The Lord spake unto the Jews that came unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you ... _ending_, the Father which hath sent me.[32]

_Deacon._

Have mercy upon us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we pray thee, hear, and have mercy.

Lord, have mercy, _thrice_.

Furthermore let us pray for the repose of the soul of the servant of God, _name_, who hath fallen asleep, and that to him may be remitted every transgression, voluntary and involuntary.

Lord, have mercy, _thrice_.

That the Lord God may place his soul where the righteous rest.

Lord, have mercy, _thrice_.

The mercy of God, the kingdom of heaven, and the forgiveness of his sins let us ask of Christ, our immortal King and God.

Vouchsafe, O Lord.

_Deacon._ Let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

_And after the conclusion of this the first of the priests, or the archpriest, if one happen to be there, saith the prayer_, O God of spirits.... _with a loud voice, standing nigh unto the dead._

_And in like manner all the priests that be present._

_And be it known that as many times as the petition is said by the deacon, while the petition is being said by him, each of the priests in his order saith the above mentioned prayer in a low voice nigh unto the dead, and exclaimeth,_

For thou art the resurrection....

_And now by the first priest, or by the archpriest, the prayer_, O God of spirits.... _is said with a loud voice, as is mentioned above._

_And, after the exclamation, the kiss is given._

_And we sing the present stichera of similar rhythm._

When from the tree....

_Tone ii._

Come, brethren, let us give the last kiss to the dead, and render thanks to God; for he hath left his kinsfolk, and hasteneth to the grave: to him there is no care concerning vanities and carnal toil. Where now are kinsfolk and where friends? Lo, we are parted from him, whom, Lord, we pray thee to give rest.

What, O ye brethren, is this parting? what this weeping? what this wailing in the present hour? Come, kiss ye then him whom but lately was with us; for he is given to the grave, is cover’d with a stone, in darkness dwelleth, is buried with the dead, and now is parted from all kinsfolk and from friends; and him, O Lord, we pray thee to give rest.

Now is life’s evil boast of vanity destroy’d; for from its dwelling-place the soul is gone, the clay is ashen, the casket broken, it voiceless is, no feeling hath, is dead and motionless. And him consigning to the grave, let us beseech the Lord to give him everlasting rest.

What is our life? a flower, a smoke, and, verily, a morning dew. O come ye then, let us, with open eyes, regard the graves. Where is the beauty of the body? where youth? where eyes, and carnal form? All are consum’d as grass, all vanish’d. Come, fall we down to Christ in tears.

Great is the weeping and the wailing, great is the sighing and the need at parting from the soul. Hades and destruction wait; and transitory life appears a fleeting shade, a dream of error; and the toil of earthly life unseemly phantasy. Far let us fly from every worldly sin, that heaven may be our heritage.

Gazing on him that lieth dead, O take we all a likeness of our final hour; for he is pass’d as vapour from the earth, is wither’d as a flower, as grass cut down, wrapp’d in a winding-sheet, and hid in earth. And, leaving him unseen, let us pray Christ to give him everlasting rest.

Adam’s descendants, come ye, let us see laid low in earth a likeness of ourselves, which hath all beauty lost, is in the grave’s decay dissolv’d, in darkness is by worms consum’d, and in the earth is hid. And, leaving him unseen, let us pray Christ to give him everlasting rest.

When from the body parted is the soul by force by Angels dread, all kinsfolk and acquaintance it forgets, and is impress’d concerning standing at the judgment-seat to come, that shall decide the things of vanity and carnal toil. Then, praying to the judge, let us all beg the Lord to pardon him what he hath done.

Come, brethren, let us within the grave behold the ashes and the dust whereof we formed were. Where go we now? and what become? what is the poor, or what the rich? or what the lord, and what the free? Are not all dust? The beauty of the countenance is gone, and death hath wasted all the flower of youth.

Verily vain and perishing are all the things of life, seeming, and gloriousless; for we all go away, all die, kings and princes, judges and them that mighty be, the rich and poor, and every mortal man; for now they that aforetime liv’d are cast into the grave, whom that the Lord may rest we pray.

Now all the organs of the body idle are beheld, which active were but late, all without motion, without feeling, dead; for closed are the eyes, the feet are bound, the hands are listless, and with them the ears; the tongue is clos’d in silence, consigned to the grave: all human things are vanity indeed.

Save them that put their trust in thee, O Mother of the Sun that setteth not, thou Bringer-forth of God: with thine entreaties, we beseech thee, pray the most good God to rest him now departed hence where rest the righteous souls; him of divine good things declare thou heir in halls of righteous ones, unto remembrance everlasting, thou all undefil’d.

_Glory. Tone vi._

Me, lying voiceless and depriv’d of breath, beholding, bewail ye me, O brethren and O friends, O kinsfolk and acquaintances; for yesterday I spake with you, and suddenly on me came the dread hour of death. But, come ye, all that love me, and kiss me with the final kiss; for never shall I go with you again, or further converse hold with you. For I depart unto the judge, where no respect of persons is, where slave and lord together stand, the king and warrior, rich and poor, in equal worthiness; for each, according to his deeds, is glorified or sham’d. But I beg all, and all entreat unceasingly to pray Christ God for me, that, for my sins, I be not bidden unto torment’s place, but that he may appoint my lot where is the light of life.

_Both now. Theotokion, the same tone._

Through her entreaties who to thee gave birth, O Christ, and those of thy forerunner, and of apostles, prophets, hierarchs, venerables, and just, and of all Saints, unto thy sleeping servant give thou rest.

_Then_, Trisagion. O most holy Trinity.... Our Father....

_Priest._ For thine is the kingdom....

_Then_, With the spirits of the righteous.... _and the rest_.

_The petition by the deacon_, Have mercy upon us, O God, according to thy great mercy....

_Vide page 142. And after the exclamation, Glory. Both now. And the dismissal._

He that arose from the dead, Christ our true God, through the prayers of his most pure Mother, of the holy glorious and all-praised apostles, of our venerable and God-bearing fathers, and of all the Saints, place the soul of his servant, _name_, departed from us, in the tabernacles of the just, rest it in the bosom of Abraham, and number it with the righteous, and have mercy upon us, as being good and the lover of mankind. Amen.

_And the archpriest, or the principal priest, saith himself this thrice._

Thy remembrance is everlasting, O our deservedly blessed and ever remembered brother.

_Thrice._

_Then the singers sing thrice,_

Everlasting remembrance.

_And straightway the archpriest, if he happen to be there, or the priest, readeth the prayer of absolution with a loud voice._

The Lord Jesus Christ our God, who gave divine commandments unto his holy disciples and apostles to bind and loose the sins of the fallen, and from whom we have again received authority to do the like, forgive thee, O spiritual child, whatever thou hast done in the life that now is, voluntarily or involuntarily, now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.

_And so, taking up the remains, we go forth to the grave, followed by all the people, and preceded by the priests, and singing_, Holy God.... O most holy Trinity.... Our Father.... _and the rest_.

_And they lay the remains in the grave; and the archpriest, or the priest, taking earth upon a shovel, casteth it crosswise over the remains, saying,_

The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof, the world and all they that dwell therein.

_And after this he poureth over the remains oil from the lamp, or scattereth ashes out of the censer, and so they fill up the grave as customarily, meantime singing the troparia_, With the spirits of the righteous.... _and all the rest. Vide page 138._

_And the dismissal._

_Chapter XVII._

THE ORDINANCE THAT IS OBSERVED CONCERNING THE CARRYING FORTH OF THEM THAT FALL ASLEEP IN HOLY PASCHA, AND IN ALL THE BRIGHT WEEK.

It behoveth to know that if any pass away on holy pascha, or on any day whatever of the bright week until the sunday of Thomas, somewhat less of the customary song for them that have fallen asleep is sung, because of the majesty and honour of the joyful festival of the resurrection; for it is a festival of joy and gladness, and not of lamentation. And since all who die in hope of resurrection and eternal life are through the resurrection of Christ, removed from the griefs of this world to things that are joyful and glad, the church at the time when Christ is risen proclaimeth this by the resurrection song over them that have fallen asleep; and, by somewhat less song, ectenias and prayer for them that have fallen asleep, we are assured that he that dieth in penitence, if he have not yet made satisfaction concerning his iniquities, these are remitted to him by the prayers of the church, and that he is freed from their bond.

_The priest then having come, with his clerks, to the house in which the body of the dead lieth, and put on him the epitrachelion and the phelonion, and censed the remains, beginneth as customarily,_

Blessed be our God.... _And the clerk singeth_, Christ is risen.... _in tone v. And the priest saith the customary verses, that is to say,_ Let God arise.... _and all the rest_.

_And while these are being sung, the priest sprinkleth the body of the dead with sanctified water, and his coffin without and within, and straightway they lay him therein. And, the song being ended, the deacon saith the customary ectenias for them that have fallen asleep. And the priest in a low voice readeth the prayer, that is to say_, O God of Spirits.... _Vide page 139. And after the exclamation they read,_

Having seen the resurrection of Christ....

_And taking up the remains of him that hath fallen asleep, they go forth to the church, the priests, deacons, and every clerk going before, and the lay people following; and, as they go, the clerks and singers sing the paschal canon, that is to say_, It is the day of resurrection....

_This in order until they come even unto the church. And in the church, having put down the remains, they conclude the canon that hath been begun, while the priests cense according to the customary rite. And at the fourth ode, the customary diaconals for them that have fallen asleep, with the prayer._

_And he exclaimeth,_

For thou art the resurrection, and the life....

_Then_, Preventing the dawn....

_And after this the ivth ode is sung in order._

_And after the sixth ode, the customary diaconals for them that have fallen asleep with the prayer._

_And he exclaimeth_, For thou art the resurrection and the life....

_Then the condakion_, Rest with the saints.

_And the icos_, Thyself alone immortal art.... _Vide page 149._

_And, instead of the trisagion,_

As many as have been baptized into Christ....

_The epistle in the Acts for the day being.[33] Alleluia in tone ii._

_The first resurrection gospel._[34]

_And after this_, Having seen the resurrection of Christ, we adore....

_And the other odes of the canon._

_And after the conclusion of the canon is read or sung the exapostilarion_, Asleep in flesh.... _twice_.

_After these we sing_, Blessed art thou, O Lord: O teach me thy statutes.

The angelic council was amaz’d....

_Then the stichera of pascha, with their verses._

_Glory. Both now._

It is the day of resurrection.... and Christ is risen.... _thrice_.

_And these stichera having been sung, the customary kiss of him that hath fallen asleep taketh place, saying,_

Christ is risen.

_And after the stichera the customary diaconals for them that have fallen asleep with the prayer, which is read with a loud voice by the archpriest, or the priest, nigh unto the remains._

_And he exclaimeth,_

For thou art the resurrection and the life....

_And the customary dismissal is made._

_Then the prayer of absolution._

The Lord Jesus Christ our God.... _Vide page 163._

_And we go forth to the grave, bearing the body of him that hath fallen asleep to the burial. And the priests with all the clerks, preceding the remains, sing,_

Christ is risen....

_And they bury them with thanksgiving and joy, doing and saying all that is written at page 157 for the burial of a lay person._

_And singing the troparion._

O earth that yawnest, take thou that that out of thee was made.

_End of the order of the burial of them that fall asleep in the days of the bright week._

_Chapter XVIII._

THE MORTUARY ORDER OVER A DEPARTED PRIEST.

When one of the secular priests departeth to the Lord, three priests come and lift him from the bed, and lay him on the floor upon a mat. And since it behoveth not that he be washed, being naked, by the priests, they sponge him with pure oil. Then they clothe him in his customary garments, and after that with all the priestly vestments, and cover his face with the aër, and lay the holy gospel upon him. Then the priests come vested in the priestly vestments.

_And the president maketh_, Blessed be our God....

_And they that are standing by begin,_

Holy God.... O most holy Trinity.... and Our Father.... For thine is the kingdom....

_And straightway they sing these troparia, tone iv._

With the spirits of the righteous.... _Page 138._

_The deacon saith,_

Have mercy upon us, O God.... _Vide page 139._

_And straightway the priests take the remains, and carry them into the porch of the temple, and lay the holy gospel over him, as aforesaid, and candlesticks crosswise with tapers, and the singer beginneth,_

The undefiled in the way, alleluia.

_In tone vi._

_Then_, Blessed are the undefiled.... _Page 141._

_After the first stasis, deacon_, Again and again.... _Page 142._

_After this we begin the second stasis in tone v, in which at the end of a verse we say,_

Have mercy upon thy servant.

_The choir beginneth_, Thy commandments....

Have mercy upon thy servant.

_And again the same choir_, Thy hands have made me....

_After the iind stasis, deacon_, Again and again.... _Page 142._

_And again they begin the third stasis in tone iii._

Thy name, alleluia.

_And again the same choir singeth,_

Look upon me, and have mercy upon me....

_After the iiird stasis, and after the troparia of the undefiled, deacon_, Again and again.... _Page 142._

_Then troparia, tone v._

Our Saviour rest thy servant with the just, and place him in thy courts, as it is written, as being good, despising his iniquities, both willing ones and those unwilling, and all those done in knowledge and in ignorance, O lover of mankind.

_Glory. Both now._

Christ God, who from the Virgin, shinest to the world, who hast through her made manifest the sons of light, have mercy thou on us.

_Then graduals, tone vi._

Unto heaven have I lifted up mine eyes, unto thee, O Word; have compassion upon me, that I may live to thee.

Have mercy upon us who have been set at nought, appointing us, O Word, to be vessels acceptable unto thee.

_Glory._

To the Holy Ghost belongs every all-saving cause: on whomsoever he, through worthiness, doth breathe, he quickly taketh him from earthly things, gives wings, exalteth and appoints his place on high.

_Both now, the same._

_Then prokimenon, tone vi._

Blessed is the way wherein thou goest to-day, O soul, because a place of rest hath been prepared for thee.

_Verse._ Return O my soul, unto thy rest, for the Lord hath wrought a good thing for thee.

_The message of the holy apostle Paul to the Thessalonians, section cclxx._

Brethren, I would not have you to be ignorant.... _ending_, be ever with the Lord.[35]

_Priest._ Peace to thee.

_Reader._ And to thy spirit.

_Reader. A psalm of David. Alleluia, tone viii._

Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and received, O Lord.

_Deacon._ Wisdom, standing, let us hear the holy gospel.

_Priest. The reading of the holy gospel from John, section xvi._

The Lord said unto the Jews that came unto him, Verily, verily, I say.... _ending_, the Father which hath sent me.[36]

_Then the deacon._ Let us pray to the Lord.

_Choir._ Lord, have mercy.

_And the priest the prayer._

Master, Lord our God, who only hast immortality, who dwellest in unapproachable light, who killest and makest alive, who wentest down into hades and didst arise therefrom; thou didst in wisdom create man, and didst turn him again to earth, exacting payment of his spiritual debt. Thee we beseech, Accept the soul of thy servant, and rest him in the bosom of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob; and give unto him the crown of thy righteousness, the portion of the saved, in the glory of thine elect; that in whatsoever he hath laboured in this world for thy name’s sake, he may receive a plenteous reward in the habitations of thy saints; through the grace, and compassions, and love to man of thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

_Kathisma, tone ii._

To-day I from my kinsfolk sever’d am, and unto thee betake myself, thou only sinless one: O rest me in the tabernacles of the just with thine elect.

_Then we say psalm xxii._

The Lord tendeth me, and there is nothing lacking to me.

_Alleluia, thrice, repeating alleluia to every verse of the rest of the psalm._

_Then the present troparion, tone ii._

Since to the same abiding-place we all are urg’d, and under the same stone shall come, and in a little time in self same dust shall be, let us ask Christ for rest for him removed hence. For such our life is, brethren, this on earth, a toy: that which is not it abides, and that that doth abide it perisheth. We are a dream that stayeth not, a breath that is not held, a flight of passing birds, a ship upon a trackless sea. Then let us cry to the immortal King, O Lord, vouchsafe to him thine endless blessedness.

_Prokimenon, tone vi._

Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and received, O Lord.

_Verse._ To thee is due a song, O God, in Sion.

_The epistle to the Romans, section lxxxix._

Brethren, as by one man sin.... _ending_, Jesus Christ our Lord.[37]

_Alleluia, tone vi._

_Verse._ Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and received, O Lord.

_The gospel from John, section xv._

The Lord saith unto the Jews that came unto him, My Father worketh.... _ending_, but is passed from death unto life.[38]

_Then the deacon._ Let us pray to the Lord.

_And the priest._

We give thanks unto thee, O Lord our God, for thine alone it is to have immortal life, and inaccessible glory, and unspeakable love to man, and an uninheritable kingdom, and there is no respect of persons with thee; for thou hast appointed unto all men a common limit of life, when life hath been fulfilled. Therefore we beseech thee, O Lord, Rest thy servant, and our fellow minister, _name_, who hath fallen asleep in hope of the resurrection of eternal life, in the bosom of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. And as on earth thou hast appointed him a minister of thy church, so also declare him at thy heavenly altar, O Lord; and like as thou hast adorned him with spiritual honour among men, so accept him uncondemned in angelic glory. Thou thyself hast glorified his life on earth, and do thou thyself appoint the outgoing of his life to be the ingoing to thy holy righteous ones; and number his soul among all them that from ages have been acceptable unto thee.

For thou art the resurrection and the life, and the repose of thy servant, _name_, who hath fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and to thee we ascribe glory, with thine unbeginning Father, and with thy most holy, and good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.

_Antiphon ii._

Were not the Lord with us, we none could have withstood the foe’s attack; for they that overcome are thence lift up.

As a small bird be not my soul caught in their teeth, O Word: woe unto me! how from the foe shall I be freed, who am a lover of sin.

_Glory._

Through the Holy Ghost divinity comes to all, goodwill and understanding, peace and blessing; for he is like-effective with the Father and the Word.

_Both now, the same._

The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.[39]

_Alleluia, thrice, repeating alleluia to every verse of the rest of the psalm. Glory, alleluia. Both now, alleluia._

_Troparion, tone ii._

In faith, and hope, and love, and meekness, and in chastity, and in the priestly dignity thou piously hast liv’d, thou aye remember’d one. Therefore the eternal God, whom thou hast served, in a bright and pleasant place, where rest the just, thy soul hath plac’d; and, at the judgment-seat of Christ, thou shalt forgiveness gain, and mercy great.

_Kathisma, tone v._

Thou knowest, O our God, that we were born in sin. Therefore we thee beseech, Rest him who is remov’d from us, o’erlooking, as the good one, the iniquities, which he, as mortal man, hath done in life, through the God-bearing one’s entreaties, thou sole lover of mankind.

_Prokimenon, tone vi._

Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and received, O Lord.

_Verse._ His remembrance is to generation and generation.

_The epistle to the Corinthians, section clviii._

Brethren, I declare unto you.... _ending_, so ye believed.[40]

_Alleluia._ Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and received, O Lord.

_The gospel from John, section xxi._

The Lord spake unto the Jews that came unto him, I am the bread.... _ending_, at the last day.[41]

_Then the deacon._ Let us pray to the Lord.

_And the priest this prayer._

O Lord of hosts, who art the joy of the afflicted, the consolation of mourners, and the aid of all them that are faint-hearted; do thou in thy tenderness console them that are constrained with grief for him that hath fallen asleep, and heal every distress that lieth in their hearts, and rest thy servant, _name_, who hath fallen asleep in hope of the resurrection of eternal life, in the bosom of Abraham.

For thou art the resurrection, the life, and the repose of thy servant, _name_, O Christ our God, and to thee we ascribe glory, with thine unbeginning Father, and with thy most holy, and good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.

_Antiphon iii._

They that trust in the Lord are terrible to enemies, and wonderful to all; for they look on high.

Let not the inheritance of the righteous, having thee, O Saviour, as a helper, stretch forth their hands unto transgression.

_Glory._

Of the Holy Ghost is the might in all things: him the hosts above worship, and everything that hath breath below.

_Both now, the same._

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts....[42]

_Alleluia, thrice, repeating also in order the rest of the Psalm._

_Then troparion, tone vi._

O my beloved brethren, do ye forget me not, when ye sing unto the Lord; but remember ye the brotherhood, and beseech ye God that the Lord may rest me with the just.

_Troparion, tone vi._

On me death suddenly hath come, and parted me to day from that which was mine own; but me, translating, do thou rest, O Christ, in places of refreshment.

Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us; for, destitute of all defence, we sinners offer unto thee, as Master, this prayer, Have mercy upon us.

_Glory._

O Lord, have mercy upon us; for we have put our trust in thee. Be not exceedingly wroth against us, neither remember our transgressions; but, as being loving-kind, look now upon us, and deliver us from our enemies; for thou art our God, and we are thy people, we are all the work of thy hand, and we call upon thy name.

_Both now. Theotokion._

Open unto us the gates of loving-kindness, O blessed God-bearing one, that we perish not who put our trust in thee, but through thee may we be delivered from calamities; for thou art the salvation of the christian race.

_Prokimenon, tone vi._

His soul shall dwell in good things.

_Verse._ Unto thee, O Lord, have I cried....

_The epistle to the Corinthians, section clx._

Brethren, Christ is risen ... _ending_, God may be all in all.[43] _Alleluia._

Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord.

_Verse._ His seed shall be mighty upon earth.

_The gospel from John, section xxii._

The Lord spake unto the Jews that came unto him, This is the will.... _ending_, at the last day.[44]

_Then the beatitudes in tone ii._

In thy kingdom remember us, O Lord, when thou comest in thy kingdom.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

For tasting the tree’s fruit of old Adam from paradise was driven; but for thee owning to be God, when on the cross he hung, the thief was plac’d in paradise. And, saved by thy passion, Lord, we imitate the thief, crying in faith, Remember us, when in thy kingdom thou shalt come.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

My maker, taking clay from earth, by will divine my body form’d, but by a holy ordinance he plac’d a soul therein, by breathing breath that beareth life. And when to sin’s corruption I in evil wise was bound, me thou recalledst, lover of mankind, by tenderness extreme. But rest, O God, among thy Saints, him whom thou hast receiv’d.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

When soul and body parted are, fearful and dread the mystery is to all: then wailing goeth forth the soul, and hid the body is, consign’d to earth. Therefore let us, knowing the final going hence, before the Saviour come with tears, and cry, When in thy kingdom thou shalt come, do thou remember us.

Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Why bitterly do ye lament, O men, for me? and why in vain do ye a murmuring make? he that is gone to all exclaims; for unto all a rest is death. Then let us hear the voice of Job who saith, Death is the rest of man. But rest, O God, among thy Saints him whom thou hast receiv’d.

Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my name’s sake.

The all-wise Paul hath clearly fore-announc’d the change, instructing all that uncorrupt the dead shall rise, and we be chang’d by God’s command. Then shall that trumpet sound in fearful wise, and they that have from ages slept shall rise from sleep. But rest, O God, among thy Saints him whom thou hast receiv’d.

Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven.

He that is gone and in the grave lies dead, being reconcil’d, to all exclaims, Come unto me, ye sons of earth, see ye the body’s beauty render’d dark. Then, brethren, knowing his departure hence, let us before the Saviour come, and cry with tears, Rest thou, O God, among thy Saints him whom thou hast receiv’d.

_Glory. Both now. Theotokion._

Thou, Queen, didst seedlessly within thy womb in supernatural wise conceive the God who ere the ages was, and bring him forth in flesh unchangedly and unconfusedly, himself being God and man. Therefore we ever owning thee God-bearing one in faith exclaim to God brought forth from thee, Remember in thy kingdom also us.

_Prokimenon, tone vi._

Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and received, O Lord.

_Verse._ His soul shall dwell in good things.

_The epistle to the Romans, section cxiii._

Brethren, he that regardeth the day.... _ending_, the dead and living.[45]

_Alleluia, tone vi._

Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen and received, O Lord.

_Verse._ His soul shall dwell in good things.

_The gospel from John, section xxiii._

The Lord spake unto the Jews that came unto him, I am the bread of life.... _ending_, at the last day.[46]

_Then psalm l. And the canon, tone vi._

_Ode i. Irmos._

Him that beneath the surges of the sea....

_Refrain._ Rest, O Lord, thy sleeping servant’s soul.

To thee, O benefactor, Christ, and Lord of all, we cast us down with fervent tears, and wailing cry this funeral song, Thy faithful servant rest, thou that art loving-kind.

Him that is dead in hope of resurrection grant the holy standing, Word, at thy right hand with thine elect, prolongedly with voice of praise we pray, O lover of mankind.

Thy chosen servant from the earth remov’d, O lover of mankind, count worthy brightly to rejoice within thy kingdom heavenly and rever’d; and overlook, as loving-kind, his soul’s iniquities.

_Glory._

Alas! life’s glory grew as grass, and straightway was dried up. Where in the grave is honour? and where form or beauty there? Then spare thy servant, Lord, as being loving-kind.

_Both now. Theotokion._

With love, as it behoves, we thee all praise, O Mary, Mother of God, Virgin most pure; for thou hast ever sleepless eyes—thy prayers—to save us now from sins, and from the doom of death.

_Ode iii. Irmos._

There is none holy like to thee, O Lord my God....

There is no man on earth that hath not sinn’d, O Word. Therefore accept a prayer from us, the lowly ones: and, Saviour, pardon and forgive thy servant all iniquities.

And who, O lover of mankind, as thou, Lord merciful, forgivest sins of quick and dead with great authority? Therefore thy servant do thou save by this.

_Glory._

Of calling from on high, O Saviour, him heritor declare, even him gone hence in faith, accepting his last tearful prayer, thou only sinless one.

_Both now. Theotokion._

O thou that art our Queen, all holy Virgin, cease not beseeching God, whom thou didst bear, to count him worthy of his kingdom, even him who hence in faith hath gone.

_Kathisma, tone vi._

Verily everything is vain, and life a shadow is, a dream; for vainly every earth-born one disquieteth himself, as saith the scripture. When we have gain’d the world, then dwell we in the grave, where kings and beggars are as one. Therefore, O Christ, thy servant rest in tract of living ones, and in the dwellings of the just.

_Ode iv. Irmos._

Thy divine exhaustion on the cross....

Since importable is the terrible threatening of that day, let us unceasingly beseech of Christ forgiveness of all sins for him that hath in faith and hope of resurrection hither gone.

Since, through penitence, he, thy servant, unto thee a lamp enkindled brightly ere his death, O Master, Saviour loving-kind, vouchsafe to him in brightly wise thy bridal-room.

_Glory._

When all things hid thou dost reveal, and prove our sins, O Christ, him whom thou hast receiv’d do thou then spare, remembering his confession, Lord.

_Both now. Theotokion._

Holy God-bearing one, forget not all that cry to thee with ceaseless wail; and find him rest, thou blessed one, even him, thy faithful servant, who is gone from us.

_Ode v. Irmos._

Of thy divine epiphany, O Christ....

In the elect ones’ choir, and in the joy of paradise, O thou compassionate one, give rest to him whom thou from us in faith removed hast; for thou, our Saviour, hast divine repentance laid on all men who have sinn’d; and him, as Master, of thy kingdom worthy count.

According to thy might as God, thou art, in lordly wise, unto thy creature merciful, whom thou subjected hast to human law, O Lord, sole lover of mankind. Therefore remit, forgive the sins of him gone hence in faith, and him, O Saviour, of thy kingdom worthy count.

_Glory._

None there escape the fearful sentence of thy judgment-seat: kings, mighty ones with servants all together stand, and them, the people who have sinn’d, the judge’s fearful voice bids to gehenna’s doom; but save from this thy servant, Christ.

_Both now. Theotokion._

In supernatural wise from thee was born, according unto human nature, him that Redeemer is; and him, O thou unwedded Virgin, ceaselessly beseech to free from torment all, and from the fierce and fearful hades’ pains; and save him who is now in faith remov’d from us.

_Ode vi. Irmos._

The lowest depth....

Death and the grave and judgment us await, impressing all our works; and out of these thy servant save, O lover of mankind, even him who thou removed hast.

Open, my Saviour, I beseech thee, unto him gone hence thy mercy’s door, that he, O Christ, in glory may in chorus sing, partaking of the gladness of thy mightiness.

_Glory._

Deliver, Saviour, from iniquities thy servant for thy mercy’s sake, him whom thou now removed hast in faith; for none is justified by human works, O lover of mankind.

_Both now. Theotokion._

The slayer of death and looser of the curse in flesh thou broughtest forth, God-bearing one, and all that die in faith he saves, as being good and lover of mankind.

_Then the customary ectenia._

Again and again.... _Page 142._

_And the prayer_, O God of spirits.... _Page 139._

_Condakion, tone viii._

Rest with the Saints, O Christ, thy servant’s soul, where is no pain, nor grief, nor sighing, but life that endeth not.

_Icos._

Thyself alone immortal art, who madest and didst fashion man, for out of earth we mortals fashion’d were, and unto that same earth shall go, as thou who madest me hast given command, and sayest unto me, Earth thou art, and unto earth shalt thou return. And thither all we mortals go, making the funeral wail, even the song, the _Alleluia_.

Hearken in thoughtful wise, I pray; for I with pain these words announce; yea, for your sake I make the wail: it may for profit be to some. But when ye have to sing these words, remember me who once was known; for ofttimes we together went, and in God’s house together sang the _Alleluia_.

Arise ye then, and gather ye together all, and, sitting down, hear ye a word, Brethren, the judgment-seat is dread, where we have every one to stand. There none is slave, and none is free; there none is little, none is great; but all in nakedness shall stand: for this cause it is well to sing ofttimes the psalm, the _Alleluia_.

Bewail we all with tears as we behold the relics lie, and all approaching them to kiss let us in equal wise exclaim, Lo, thou hast left them who thee lov’d: wilt thou not speak with us again? Why dost thou speak not, friend, as thou wast wont to speak to us? But so thou silent art, even to say with us the _Alleluia_.

What, brethren, are the dying’s bitter words, which, when they go, they say? I from the brethren parted am, I quit and leave you all, O friends. Then where I go I do not know, and how I shall be there know not: God only knows, who calleth me. But make ye my memorial with the song, the _Alleluia_.

Then where now go the souls? then how now fare they there? I long to learn the mystery; but none sufficient is to tell. Do they remember their own things, as we remember them? or have they us forgotten who are left, who them lament and make the song, the _Alleluia_.

Accompany the dead, O friends, and to the grave with heed hie ye, and muse ye there in thoughtful wise, and your own feet prepare: all youthfulness is cast therein, all vigour fadeth there: there dust and ashes are, and worms: there all is silence, and none saying _Alleluia_.

Lo, now we see him lying, but to us no presence is of him: behold, the tongue now silent is, and, lo, already cease the lips. Farewell, O friends, O children; be ye saved, O ye brethren, O acquaintance, be ye sav’d; for I depart my way. But make ye my memorial with the song, the _Alleluia_.

Not one of those who there hath gone doth live again to tell to us how they, our brethren once and kinsfolk, fare who there have come before the Lord. Therefore, we oft, yea, ever say, Do they each other there behold? do they a brother see? do they together say the psalm, the _Alleluia_?

We go the everlasting way in mien as them that are condemn’d, with faces all cast down. Then where is beauty? where is wealth? then where the glory of this life? Nothing of these shall help us there, even to say ofttimes the psalm, the _Alleluia_.

Why in untimely wise disquietest thou thyself, O man? one hour, and all is gone; for there in hades no repentance is, nor any further pardon there: the never-dying worm is there, all there is dark and gloomy land, where I must come to be condemn’d. For I have not ofttimes made speed to say the psalm, the _Alleluia_.

Nothing so soon forgotten is by man as man when he is gone; for, if we do remember for a time, we straightway death forget, when absent is the dead. And parents even every child forget, that, of the womb begot, they nourish’d have, and have with tears accompanied with the song, the _Alleluia_.

I remind you, O my brethren, and my children, and my friends, that ye forget me not when ye beseech the Lord. I pray, I ask, I make entreaty that ye keep these words in memory, and bewail me day and night. I speak to you as Job did to his friends, O sit ye down to say again the _Alleluia_.

Forsaking all things we depart, and naked and abhorrent we become; for comeliness doth fade away as grass, but only do we men delude ourselves. Thou naked, wretched one, wast born, and altogether naked there shalt stand! Then be not prodigal in life, O man; but only always sigh with wailing, _Alleluia_.

If thou, O man, art merciful to man, he there shall mercy have to show to thee; and if to any orphan hast been kind, he there shall thee deliver out of need; if thou in life the naked clothed hast, he there shall clothing have to put on thee, and sing the psalm, the _Alleluia_.

The way is evil whereby I depart, and therein so I never went; that country also is unknown, where me none recognize at all. ’Tis fearful them to see who dreadfully are led, and him who me hath call’d, who ruleth life and death, and there us biddeth when he willeth. _Alleluia._

If from some country we depart, we of some guides have need. What shall we do, and whither go, that country in, where we are quite unknown? To thee will then be needful many guides, and many prayers to go with thee to save thy wretched soul, ere it attain to Christ, and say to him, the _Alleluia_.