Chapter VI: Part 6

They that to lusts material subject are, in nowise have forgiveness there: there terrible accusers are, and there too opened are the books. Then where, O man, wilt thou glance round? or who will there then thee assist? save thou in life hast wrought some good, or done some kindness to the poor, singing the _Alleluia_.

Both youth and bodily beauty fade away in time of death, and then in painful wise is parch’d the tongue, and, dried up, is scorch’d the throat, then quenched is the beauty of the eyes, all chang’d the beauty of the face, the beauty of the neck is spoil’d, and what remaineth silent is to say ofttimes the _Alleluia_.

Keep silence then, keep silence: O ye survivors, be ye still before him lying there, and contemplate the mystery great; for fearful is the hour. Hush, that the soul may go in peace; for it endureth anguish great, and in much fear beseecheth God with _Alleluia_.

I have seen an infant dying, and for my life have wept; for it was altogether scar’d, and, when its hour came, trembling cried, O father, help me; mother, save me! and none sufficient was to help it then: they only griev’d beholding, and in the grave bewail’d it. _Alleluia._

How many on a sudden have been taken from their bridal to the grave, betroth’d been with an everlasting troth, have costless made the dirge, and from the chamber have not risen; but together there was marriage and the grave, together troth and parting, together laughter and the wail, yea, and the psalm, the _Alleluia_.

We are enflam’d when only hearing that everlasting light is there, there our life’s fount, and there eternal joy: the paradise is there where every soul rejoiceth with the just. We all in Christ shall gather’d be, that so to God we all may cry the _Alleluia_.

All-holy Virgin, thou unwedded one, who didst bring forth th’ approachless light, I pray, entreaty make, and beg, Cease not to pray the Lord concerning him, thy sleeping servant, thou most pure, that in the day of judgment he may find forgiveness there; for thou, as Queen all pure, to pray thy Son hast always boldness. _Alleluia_.

_Then again the condakion._

Rest with the Saints, O Christ.... _Page 188._

_Ode vii. Irmos._

Narrateless wonder....

As being pitiful, O Christ, deliver him, thy servant, whom thou in faith received hast, from fearful doom, and from gehenna’s fire, and to thy servant grant to sing to thee, Blessed art thou, redeemer, God.

Within the land of gentle ones, and in delights of paradise, in glory’s wondrous dwelling-place, thy servant faithfully asleep esteeming worthy, God, do thou grant him to sing to thee, Blessed art thou, redeemer, God.

_Glory._

Great is the doom and undescribable the need, O brethren, in gehenna; for the souls of sinners there are burned with their bodies, and in anguish weep, unable to exclaim, Blessed art thou, redeemer, God.

_Both now._

Them that undoubtingly thee praise, O Mother of God, thou altogether undefil’d God-bearing one, when living by thy prayers for ever guard, and when departed free from bitter torment, that they with thee to Christ may say, Blessed art thou, redeemer, God.

_Ode viii. Irmos._

Fearingly quake, O heaven....

O what dread hour awaiteth sinners, brethren! O what terror then! gehenna’s fire consumes, and shall eternally torment. Therefore, O Christ, compassionate Lord, deliver him departed now from us from fearful threatening, and snatch him from gehenna’s pains eternally.

Oh, of the just the joy which they receive when comes the judge! for them the bridal-chamber is prepar’d, and paradise, and all Christ’s kingdom; and there thy servant, Christ, make manifest rejoicing with the Saints eternally.

_Glory._

Who shall endure the fearful menace of thy presence, Christ? the heavens thereat roll’d up shall be as is a scroll in fearful wise, the stars shall fall, and all creation shake with fear, and changed be the light; but then, O Word, spare him whom thou removed hast from us.

_Both now. Theotokion._

Him whom thou gavest flesh in supernatural wise, O pure, even the Son, he is the judge of living and of dead, and judgeth all the earth, and saves from torment whom he wills, and them especially who in types adore him lovingly, and thee, God-bearing one, extol eternally.

_Ode ix. Irmos._

Weep not for me, O mother....

O weep ye not, all ye who die in faith; for Christ for us bore flesh, the cross, and sepulture, and made all them immortal sons that sing to him, O into judgment with thy servant enter not.

Let us, ye faithful, from the heart pray Christ to stablish in the dwellings of the saints the brother who in faith and hope of resurrection sleeps; for there is judgment stern and trial dread, and none can help himself without good works, and common prayer of faithful ones; and let us cry, Lord, into judgment with thy servant enter not.

_Glory._

In, Blessed One, thy glory that becomes not old, and in delights of paradise, place him who now is gone from us, and in the right-belief and penitence betaketh him to thee in faith; and of thy kingdom him a chosen partner make.

_Both now. Theotokion._

God-bearing Virgin, we reverently, we, faithful ones, extol thee who art mother of life in supernatural wise; for we, aforetime dead, being made immortal, life have found; and, lo, to thee the song we end.

_Deacon._ Again and again.... _Page 142._

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

_Exapostilarion._

Now am I at rest, and much forgiveness have receiv’d; for I have passed from corruption, and am translated unto life: glory to thee, O Lord.

_And the people the same._

_Verse i._ Man is as grass, his day is as a flower of the field.

_Verse ii._ For his spirit goeth through in him, and he shall not be.

_Verse iii._ And the mercy of the Lord shall endure to ages.

_And to each verse the exapostilarion._

_Then, Glory. Both now._

Now have I chosen the maiden Mother of God, for Christ, redeemer of all, was born of her: glory to thee, O Lord.

_And straightway_, Praise the Lord from the heavens....[47]

_Then stichera, tone vi._

_Like_, Having despair’d....

Thy godly minister is gone to thee, now deified in the translation by thy quickening mystery, Christ: take as a bird his soul into thy hand, and range him in thy courts and in the angelic choirs, and rest him whom thou hast received by thy command, O Lord, for thy great mercy’s sake.

Strange is the mystery of death; for unacceptably it comes to all, nature by force is spoil’d; it taketh elders, abbots, scribes, teachers who vainly strive, bishops, and pastors too. Then let us cry with tears, Him, whom thou hast receiv’d, O Lord, by thy command, O rest, for thy great mercy’s sake.

He that in piety hath liv’d, and was thy decorated priest, O Christ, the celebrant and offerer of thy mysteries divine, is gone, by thy divine command, from life’s alarms to thee; and him, accepting as a priest, O Saviour, save, and with the righteous rest, even him whom thou received hast, for thy great mercy’s sake.

_Glory. Both now. Theotokion._

God-bearing Virgin, we have understood the God made flesh from thee, whom do thou pray to save our souls.

_Then they say_, Glory to God in the highest....

_And after the_ Vouchsafe, O Lord....

_the following stichera idiomela are said,
of Damascene, 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.

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

By deed, my Saviour, thou hast shewn that thou the resurrection art of all, who didst, O Word, by word raise Lazarus from the dead. Then were the fetters burst, and shatter’d hades’ gates; then human death declared was a sleep. Thou, therefore, who didst come thy creature, not to judge, but save, rest him whom thou received hast, as lover of mankind.

_Glory. Both now. Theotokion._

Thou art made manifest, O Bringer-forth of God, a fervent advocate for all, for all a shelter, and a might of God for them that hie to thee, an aid for them that are in need, a quick deliverance for the bound. For thee against barbarians Christ hath placed as a fence, and barrier, and assailless wall; and for the weak a strength unovercome; and for our souls the arbitress of peace.

_Stichera, 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.

_Verse._ When I was in affliction I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me.

Come, let us all a wonder passing thought behold: he who but yesterday abode with us now lieth dead. Come, let us know that soon in funeral swathes we also at an end shall be; and they anointed with the fragrant myrrh shall lie of odour ill. How is it they adorn’d with gold lie unadorn’d and void of form? Therefore, my brethren well belov’d, musing on our brief life, let us of Christ entreat for rest for him who hence hath gone, and for great mercy for our souls.

_Verse._ O Lord, deliver my soul from unrighteous lips.

Farewell, vain life; farewell, all friends, acquaintances, and children too; for in a way I go where never have I trod. But come, remembering my love for you, follow ye me, and give ye to the grave this clay of mine, and pray ye Christ with tears, who hath to judge my humble soul, that he may snatch me from the quenchless fire.

_Glory. Both now. Theotokion._

O gate impassable, in mystery seal’d, God-bearing Virgin bless’d; accept our prayers, and offer them thy Son and God, that he, through thee, may save our souls.

_Stichera idiomela, tone iii._

Lo, brethren mine belov’d, amid you all I silent lie, bereft of speech; the mouth is listless, still the tongue, impeded are the lips, the hands are tied, the feet together bound, the countenance is chang’d, the eyes are dimm’d and see not them that wail, the hearing takes not in the cry of them that mourn, the nose the fragrant incense smelleth not; but in nowise true love becometh dead. Therefore I you beseech, all mine acquaintances and friends, Remember me before the Lord, that I in day of doom may mercy find before that fearful judgment-seat.

_Verse._ I have lifted up mine eyes to the hills, whence cometh my help.

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.

_Verse._ The Lord shall keep thy goings-out and thy comings-in from henceforth and for evermore.

O men, why do we vainly we ourselves disquiet? the course we run is quick and hard: life is as smoke: soon vapour, dust, and ashes we shall be; and as a flower shall fade. Therefore let us to the immortal Christ exclaim, Rest him remov’d from us where is the dwelling-place of all that joy.

_Glory. Both now. Theotokion._

God-bearing Virgin, we, we tempest-tost upon life’s sea, thee as salvation’s haven have. Therefore pray God, who seedlessly from thee incarnate was, and man became unspeakably, to save our souls.

_Stichera, 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.

_Verse._ I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

Death as a robber came, like as a thief he came, and laid me low; he came, and me declar’d as one existing not; he came, and, being earth, I lie as being not. We verily are a dream, O men, a phantom verily. But, come ye, let us cry to the immortal King, O Lord, vouchsafe thine everlasting blessings unto him remov’d from us, him resting in the life that grows not old.

_Glory. Both now. Theotokion._

O only pure and spotless Virgin, who without seed didst bring forth God, pray that our souls be sav’d.

_Stichera, 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.

_Verse._ Our feet have stood in thy courts, O Jerusalem.

Thou, Christ, hast said that he in thee believing shall not death behold: but, as I out of light in light am light, so shall ye also in my glory be enlightened in me; for I, that am true God, have come to save them that revere me in true right-belief, me, one Lord God, in dual nature of deity and flesh, but one in essence. Therefore, thy faithful servant, who thus confesseth thee, rest in thy countenance’s light among the Saints, as lover of mankind.

_Glory. Both now. Theotokion._

We thee beseech, as Mother of God, O blessed one, Pray thou for us, that we be sav’d.

_Stichera, 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.

_Verse._ Unto thee have I lifted up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in heaven.

That which thy hands did frame thou with thine image honour’d hast, O Word; for, in material form inscribing livingly a mental essence’s similitude, of this me also thou hast made participant, placing me on the earth to be, of mine own power, creation’s lord. Therefore, thy servant, Saviour, rest in tract of them that living are, and in the dwellings of the just.

_Glory. Both now. Theotokion._

God-bearing Virgin, we have understood the God made flesh from thee, whom do thou pray to save our souls.

_Stichera, 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.

_Verse._ How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts.

Death looseth every grief befalling Adam’s nature; for corrupt we have become, partaking of the food. Then let us learn, form’d out of earth, we dust and ashes shall become, like as we were before. Therefore let us with wailing voice our Maker pray pardon and mercy to bestow on him removed hence.

_Glory. Both now. Theotokion._

Thee, O God-bearing one, we faithful have as an unbroken wall and trust. Therefore, cease not, O Queen, to pray for them thy servants that in faith have slept, that in the judgment there may pardon be for them, when he thy Son and God shall sit; for thou dost nature know, that it with every sin is now commix’d: so may we bless thee all.

_Stichera, 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 disfigur’d, 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.

Bearing an image incorrupt, and having an immortal soul received by breath divine, and so become compound, as it is written, why do we fade away? and why did we God’s bidding overstep? O wonder! why did we leave the food of life, and eat the fruit that bringeth bitter death? why, by guile, have we been robb’d of life divine? As for the rest, let us exclaim to Christ, Him whom thou hast removed hence place in thy courts.

_Glory. Both now. Theotokion._

God-bearing Virgin, thy protection is a spiritual healing place; for thereunto betaking us, we are set free from ailments of the soul.

_Stichera, tone viii. Idiomela._

To them that prodigally live unmeasur’d torment is, gnashing of teeth, and wailing unconsol’d, gloom unillum’d, and darkness most profound, the never dying worm, and unavailing tears, and, without mercy, doom. Therefore let us, before the end, lift up our voice, and say, O Master Christ, him who thou chosen hast give rest with thine elect.

_Similar._

The trumpet shall give sound, and, as from sleep, the dead shall rise, desiring to obtain the heavenly life, they who have put their trust in thee, the Maker and the Lord. Then, O condemn thy servant not; for thou, immortal one, for our sake mortal didst become. Therefore let us, before the end, lift up our voice, and say, O Master Christ, him whom thou chosen hast, give rest with thine elect.

Behold, the elements, the heaven and earth shall be transform’d, and all creation shall with incorruption clothed be. Corruption shall be done away, and darkness at thine advent fly; for thou with glory art to come again, as it is written, to render unto each as he hath done. O Master Christ, him whom thou chosen hast, give rest with thine elect.

_Glory, tone vi._

O come ye all and see a strange and fearful sight made manifest to all, the image now beheld, and vex yourselves no more with transient things. To-day divided from the body is a soul, and is translated to th’ eternal world; for in a way it goeth wherein never yet it went, and to the Judge who no respect of persons hath, where stand the Angels’ hosts. My brethren, fearful is that judgment-seat, where naked all of us shall stand, and some be crown’d and some be sham’d. Then let us to th’ immortal King exclaim, When thou shalt try the secrets of mankind, O spare thy servant whom thou hast receiv’d, Lord, Lover of mankind.

_Both now. Theotokion._

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_, It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord.... _The whole._ Trisagion. _After_ Our Father....

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.

In thy resting-place, O Lord, where all thy Saints repose, O rest thy servant’s soul; for thou alone art lover of mankind.

O holy Mother of describeless Light, revering thee with angels’ songs, we magnify thee piously.

_The deacon saith,_

Have mercy upon us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we pray thee, hear and have mercy. _Vide page 139._

_After the exclamation of the prayer the kiss is given, while the choir singeth the stichera, tone ii._

Come, brethren, let us give the last kiss....

_And the rest, as hath previously been written in the order for laymen._

_Then, Glory, tone vi._ Me, lying voiceless....

_Both now. The theotokion._

_And giving forth to the grave the priests sing the irmi of the great canon, that is to say,_

A help and protection.... _And the rest._

_Trisagion._ _After_ Our Father.... In thy resting-place, O Lord.... O only pure and spotless Virgin....

_Then_, Have mercy upon us, O God.... _and the rest as customarily_. O God of spirits....

_And the remains are buried._

_And the full dismissal is made._

_Chapter XIX._

THE OFFICE OF THE BURIAL OF A BABE.

_After the priest hath given the blessing, the singers sing,_

Whoso dwelleth under the defence of the Most High....[48]

_And after this_, Alleluia, _in tone viii_.

_Verse._ Blessed is he whom thou hast chosen....

_Verse._ And his remembrance is to generation and generation.

_Trisagion._ _And after_ Our Father.... For thine is the kingdom.

_Then_, Thou who man-lovingly in depth of wisdom....

_Glory._

Our Maker, and our Author, and our God.

_Both now._

We have thee as a fortress and a haven....

_Then psalm l._

_And after this the requiem canon over a departed babe is begun._

_Ode i. Tone viii._

Crossing the sea as on dry land....

_Refrain._ Rest thou the babe, O Lord.

O Word of God, who in the flesh didst poor become, and, without change, wast pleas’d a babe to be; we pray thee place in Abraham’s bosom the babe thou hast receiv’d.

Thou wast beheld a babe who ere all ages art, and, as the blessed one, thy kingdom promis’d hast to babes: O number thou therein the present babe.

_Glory._

The undefiled babe, O Saviour Christ, whom thou received hast ere earthly pleasures’ trial, vouchsafe eternal blessedness, as lover of mankind.

_Both now._

Thou who unspeakably didst bear him who the Father’s Wisdom is and Word; heal thou my soul’s sore wound, and my heart’s pain appease.

_Ode iii. Irmos._

O Lord, creator of the vault of heaven and builder of the church; thou me hast stablish’d in thy love, thou ending of desire, the faithful’s confirmation, sole lover of mankind.

_Refrain._ Rest thou the babe, O Lord.

O thou most perfect Word, who didst appear a perfect babe, thou hast removed to thyself a babe imperfect in its growth, whom do thou rest with all the just who have been welcome unto thee, sole lover of mankind.

Him taken hence, not tasting of the pleasures of the world, of supermundane blessings make participant we pray, O thou Compassionate One, even the uncorrupted babe, whom thou hast chang’d by thy divine command.

_Glory._

Of heavenly dwellings, and of shining lot, and of the sacred choir of Saints, O Lord, make the pure babe participant, even him, whom, Saviour, as thou wast well-pleas’d, thou hast remov’d.

_Both now._

Bereft of all, to thy sole shelter, most pure Queen, I fly, O aid thou me; for I unto much sinful riches cleave, but with a poverty of virtues am altogether fill’d.

_Then the irmos. And after the irmos the priest saith this ectenia._

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

_Choir._ Lord, have mercy.

Furthermore let us pray for the repose of the happy babe, _name_, and that to him may be vouchsafed, according to thine undeceiving promise, thy heavenly kingdom.

_Choir._ Lord, have mercy, _thrice_.

That the Lord our God may place his soul where all the just repose.

_Choir._ Lord, have mercy, _thrice_.

The mercy of God, the kingdom of heaven, and repose among the Saints, for him and for ourselves let us ask of Christ, our immortal King and God.

_Choir._ Vouchsafe, O Lord.

_Priest._ Let us pray to the Lord.

_Choir._ Lord, have mercy.

_Priest._

O Lord Jesus Christ our God, who hast promised to bestow the kingdom of heaven upon them that are born again of water and of the spirit and in a blameless life are translated onto thee, and hast said, Suffer the children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven; we humbly beseech thee to grant, according to thine undeceiving promise, the inheritance of thy kingdom unto thy servant, the blameless babe, _name_, now removed from us; and count us worthy to continue and end an unblamable and christian life, and to be stablished in heavenly abiding-places with all thy Saints.

_And he exclaimeth,_

For thou art the resurrection, the life, and the repose of all thy servants, and of thy servant, the babe, _name_, now removed from us, 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.

_Choir._ Amen.

_Then troparion._

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, elders and babes together are. Therefore, Christ God, as lover of mankind, rest the departed babe.

_Ode iv. Irmos._

I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of thy dispensation....

_Refrain._ Rest thou the babe, O Lord.

We wail not for the babes, but rather for ourselves do we lament, we, who have always sinn’d, that we may be delivered from gehenna.

Thou, Master, hast depriv’d the babe of the delights of earth: do thou, as righteous judge, vouchsafe him heavenly blessings.

_Glory._

He hath declared thee a citizen of paradise, O truly happy babe, he who hath taken thee from earth and ranged thee among the choirs of Saints.

_Both now. Theotokion._

All we that are illuminated, O all-pure, own thee God-bearing, thou, O Ever-virgin; for thou the Sun of righteousness hast borne.

_Ode v. Irmos._

Why hast thou rejected me....

_Refrain._ Rest thou the babe, O Lord.

By thy just dooming, ere he waxed perfectly in growth, thou hast, as new grown herb, cut down the babe whom thou hast taken, Lord; but, leading him, O Word, to hill divine of everlasting blessings, plant him there.

As a young branch the sword of death hath come and cut thee off, thou who of worldly sweets no trial hast sustain’d, thou happy one! but, lo, to thee the gates of heaven Christ open’d hath, counting thee with th’ elect, as being loving-kind.

_Glory._

Concerning me, lament ye not; for I in nowise have begun for weeping to be meet; but rather weep ye alway for yourselves, ye who have sinn’d, O kinsfolk and O friends, the dead babe cries, so that of torment ye have no essay.

_Both now._

I am despairing of myself when on the number of my deeds I muse; but when in mind I bear thee, Mother of God, who above mind didst bear the Lord, I am refresh’d with hope; for we have thee a sole defence.

_Ode vi. Irmos._

I will pour forth a prayer before the Lord, and to him will I tell my grief; for my soul is full of evils, and my life draweth nigh unto hades, and I pray as Jonas, O God, raise me out of corruption.

_Refrain._ Rest thou the babe, O Lord.

Thou was laid in a manger as a babe, and wast plac’d in an elder’s arms, who generatest babes in the womb; and ere this one attain’d perfect growth, thou hast bidden him to thee. Then we with thanksgiving extol thee.

Thou didst say to the apostles, O Word, Let the children come unto me; for my kingdom is for them that are such in wiseness. Then count the babe remov’d to thee of thy light worthy.

_Glory._

Thou of earth’s blessings hast depriv’d thy babe, that thou of heaven’s might’st make him sharer, who hath not overstepp’d thy bid divine. O Good One, we extol thy judgments’ depth unmeasur’d.

_Both now. Theotokion._

We have thee, Maiden, as a sheltering wall, for souls a full salvation, and in afflictions ample room; and in thy light we aye rejoice, and in this save us now, O Queen, from passions and from dangers.

_Then the irmos. And after the irmos the priest saith the previously written ectenia and the prayer. Page 139._

_Then the 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 these following icosi._

More sympathetic than a mother there is none, and than a father more compassionate none; for vexed are their inward parts when they the babes accompany hence: great is the sting which for the children’s sake their hearts receive, and still the more when these sweet-spoken are, and they their words remember with the song, the Alleluia.

For oft beside the grave they smite their breasts, and say, O thou my son and sweetest child! hearest thou not thy mother what she saith? lo, ’tis the womb that thee hath borne: why dost thou speak not as thou wert wont to speak to us? But so thou silent art, even to say with us the Alleluia.

O God, O God, who callest me, be now the comfort of my house, for great the wailing is befalling them; for they all have regard to me, even they who have me as a sole-begotten one. But thou who wast of Virgin Mother born, refresh the bowels of my mother, and bedew my father’s heart, even with this, the Alleluia.

_Then the condakion, tone viii._

Rest with the Saints....

_Ode vii. Irmos._

The hebrew children in the furnace.

_Refrain._ Rest thou the babe, O Lord.

Write in the book of them that saved be, as lover of mankind compassionate, thy babe, that he rejoicing may exclaim to thy might’s glory, Thou art bless’d.

By, O thou Word, thy countenance’s light, illuminate thy babe, who now to thee in faith, at an untimely age, is gone, and sings to thee, Thou blessed art, O Lord, O God.

_Glory._

Affliction’s cause thy going hence now seemeth unto them that thee have lov’d, but unto thee procuracy in truth of gladness and of joy; for thou, O babe, inheritest eternal life.

_Both now. Theotokion._

Behold my grief, O Virgin, which th’ abundance of mine ills doth bring on me, and ere my going hence give me refreshment by thy mother prayers to make God merciful to me.

_Ode viii. Irmos._

The furnace seven times more....

_Refrain._ Rest thou the babe, O Lord.

In Abraham’s bosom, in tabernacles of repose, where is their joy who ever festal keep, in places of refreshment where living water is, may Christ thee place, yea, he who for our sake became a child, even ours who unto him cry ceaselessly, O priests, extol him, and, O people, set him up for aye.

A constant cause of grief to us, yea, and for tears, thine ever thought on parting is in truth become; for ere the tasting in this life of things that give delight thou hast left earth, yea, and thy parents’ breasts. But Abraham’s bosom hath received thee, as babe, and unparticipant of every stain.

_Glory._

Why mourn ye me, a babe, that hence is gone? lying he cries invisibly: for I am wont not to be mourn’d; for destin’d is the joy of all the just for babes: to them that works perform not there meetness is for tears. But those the song upraise to Christ, O priests, extol him, and, O people, set him up for aye.

_Both now. Theotokion._

To mine assistance, O God-bearing one, arise, attend unto my prayer, and me deliver from the dreadful doom, the grave essay, the darkness, and the fire, the gnashing of the teeth, the contumely of demons, and from every need, thou hope of them that have no hope, thou, the despairing’s life.

_Ode ix. Irmos._

Be thou in dread concerning this, O heaven, and let earth’s limits be amaz’d: for God hath shewn himself in flesh to men, and wider than the heavens thy womb becomes. Therefore the principals of Angels and of men thee magnify, God-bearing one.

_Refrain._ Rest thou the babe, O Lord.

Christ, who unchang’d becam’st a babe, and willingly didst bear the cross, and the maternal pain didst see of her that gave thee birth; assuage the grief and bitter pain of faithful parents of a babe deceas’d, that we thy might may glorify.

Master, thou King of all, who from on high didst send and take the happy babe as a pure bird to heavenly nest, thou hast from diverse snares preserv’d his soul, and join’d it with the righteous souls thy kingdom’s sweets that taste.

_Glory._

To babes that nothing have perform’d, O Word of God, thou hast vouchsaf’d a heavenly dwelling-place; for so thou art well-pleas’d, O blessed one, with these to count up thy creation; and, taking now the babe to thee, do thou thyself alleviate the parents’ pain, as all-compassionate and lover of mankind.

_Both now. Theotokion._

The heart’s eyes turn I ever unto thee, who hast maternal prayer with him who birth receiv’d from thee; for I entreat thee, O All-pure, Quell thou the passions of my soul, rouse me betimes to penitence, O maid, and with thy light enlighten me.

_Then the little ectenia._

_And the exapostilarion._

Now am I at rest, and much forgiveness have receiv’d; for I have passed from corruption, and am translated unto life: glory to thee, O Lord.

_And the people the same._

_Verse._ Man is as grass, his day is as a flower of the field.

_Verse._ For his spirit goeth forth through him, and he shall not be.

_Verse._ And the mercy of the Lord shall endure to ages.

_And to each verse the exapostilarion._

_Then, Glory. Both now._

Now have I chosen the maiden Mother of God; for Christ, redeemer of all, was born of her: glory to thee, O Lord.

_And straightway the priest exclaimeth,_

For holy art thou, O our God, and thou restest on the Saints, and to thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to ages of ages.

_Choir._ Amen. _And they sing_, Holy God....

_Prokimenon, tone vi._

Blessed is the way in which thou goest to-day, O soul....

_Verse._ Return, O my soul, unto thy rest.

_The epistle to the Corinthians, section clxii._

Brethren, all flesh is not the same.... _ending_, a quickening spirit.[49]

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

_Verse._ His soul shall dwell in good things.

_The gospel from John, section xxi._

The Lord spake unto the Jews that came unto him, I am the bread of life.... _ending_, at the last day.[50]

_And straightway the last kiss is given, while the singers sing these stichera. Tone viii._

_Like_, O most glorious wonder!

Who would not weep, my child, because of thy lamented taking from this life; for thou, a babe unwax’d in growth, from the maternal arms, like to a bird, hast quickly flown, and unto all things’ Maker hast betaken thee. O child! who would not weep, beholding faded thy clear face, which erewhile beauteous as a lily was? Who would not sigh, my child, and would not cry with wailing because of thy much comeliness, and for the charm of thine estate? for as a ship that leaves no track thou quickly from the eyes art gone. Come, ye, my friends, kinsfolk, and neighbours, and, along with me, let us him kiss whom send we to the grave.

Death is the freeing of the babes; for unparticipants of ills of life they are declar’d, and unto rest attain, and they in Abraham’s bosom with heavenly joys are glad, and now along with holy babes in choirs divine rejoice, and festal high in faith they keep; for from corruption, through the love of sin, they, being pure, translated are.

_Glory. Tone vi._

On Adam pain befell of old in Eden through the tasting of the tree, when bane the serpent spued; for thereby death hath come on the omnigenous man who ate. But the Lord came, subdued the serpent, and repose bestow’d on us. Then let us cry to him, O Saviour, spare, and rest with thine elect him whom thou hast receiv’d.

_Both now. Theotokion._

Thou that alleviation art for those in grief, deliverance of the weak, God-bearing Virgin, save the city and the folk, thou that for those at enmity art peace, for tempest-tost a calm, the faithful’s sole defence.

_Then_, Trisagion. O most holy Trinity.... Our Father.... For thine is the Kingdom....

_Then the troparion_, With the spirits of the righteous.... _Page 138._

_And he commemorateth according to custom, saying the previously written ectenia, and the prayer. Page 139._

_Then the deacon._ Wisdom.

_Choir._ The more honourable than the Cherubim.... _Glory. Both now._ Lord, have mercy, _thrice_. Bless.

_And the priest maketh this dismissal._

Thou that didst arise from the dead, and hast dominion over quick and dead, Christ our true God, through the prayers of thy most pure Mother, and of all thy Saints, place the soul of the babe, _name_, removed from us, in holy tabernacles, and number it with the just, as being good and the lover of mankind.

_Choir._ Amen.

_And after the dismissal the priest saith,_

Thy remembrance is everlasting, O thou deservedly blessed and ever remembered babe, _name_.

_And the choir singeth thrice_, Everlasting remembrance.

_After this the priest saith this prayer,
the deacon having said_, Let us pray to the Lord,
_and the singers_, Lord, have mercy.

O Lord, who guardest babes in the life that now is, and in the world to come preparest for them the amplitude of Abraham’s bosom, and, for their purity, bright angelic places where the souls of the righteous are established; do thou thyself, O Lord Christ, accept in peace the soul of thy servant, the babe, _name_. For thou hast said, Suffer the children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of heaven. For to thee is due all glory, honour, and worship, with the Father, and with the Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.

_And, taking up the body, they go to the grave, preceded by the priests and deacons and all the clergy, singing_, Holy God....

_And, the remains having been laid in the grave, the presiding priest, taking a shovel, scattereth earth in the grave, saying,_

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

_And they depart giving thanks unto God._

_End of the burial of a babe._

_Chapter XX._

THE ORDER OF THE LESSER SANCTIFICATION OF WATER.

_A table covered with brocade is placed in the middle of the church in the customary place, and water in a stoup. And the priest, having put on epitrachelion and phelonion, and holding in his hand the honourable cross with an aspergillus, is preceded by the deacon with the censer, and by two light-bearers with tapers. And having come before the table, he layeth thereupon the cross, and, taking the censer, he censeth the water crosswise, and beginneth as customarily. And the priest having blessed, we begin psalm cxlii._

O Lord, hear my prayer....

_Then_, God is the Lord, and hath manifested himself unto us.... _thrice, in tone iv_.

_And the present troparia, tone iv._

To the God-bearing one we now earnestly hie, we, sinful and lowly ones, and bow down, crying in penitence from the depth of the soul, Help us, O Queen, being pitiful unto us: make speed, we are undone by the multitude of iniquities: turn not thy servants empty away; for thee we hold indeed an only trust. _Twice._

At no time, will we, unworthy ones, be silent, God-bearing one, to tell of thy mighty acts; for, hadst thou not prevented with intercession, who would have delivered us out of so many dangers? and who would have kept us free until now? We will not turn away from thee, O Queen; for thou ever savest thy servants from all ills.

_Then, psalm l._ Have mercy upon me, O God....

_Then we sing these troparia, tone vi._

Thou that didst receive the salutation of the Angel, and didst bring forth thy Creator, save, O Virgin, them that magnify thee.

_The first troparion is said twice._

We sing praises unto thy Son, God-bearing one, and cry, O most pure Queen, deliver thy servants from every danger.

Thou art the boast of kings, of prophets and apostles, and of martyrs, and the mediatress of the world, All-undefiled one.

Every tongue of the orthodox praiseth, and blesseth, and glorifieth thy most pure childbirth, O god-wedded Mary.

Grant even unto me, an unworthy one, O my Christ, forgiveness of trespasses, I beseech thee, through the prayers of her that bore thee, as being compassionate.

I have put my trust in thee, God-bearing one: save me by thy prayers, and grant me forgiveness of iniquities.

Quicken me, O thou that didst bring forth the life-giver and Saviour: save me, by thy prayers, thou blessed trust of our souls.

All-undefiled Virgin, who didst conceive in thy womb the Creator of all things, save our souls by thy prayers.

God-bearing one all-praised, who by word didst above word bring forth the Word, pray him to save our souls.

Propitiate towards me the judge and thy Son, me, above every man most iniquitous, effecting this by thy prayers, O thou Queen.

As it is meet we cry to thee, Hail, God-bearing one, pure ever-virgin! entreating to be saved by thy prayers.

Deliver me from the everlasting fire and the torments that await me, O parent of God, that I may bless thee.

Despise not the supplications of thy servants, O Queen all-extolled, we beseech thee, that we may be delivered from every besetment,

From ailments, and from all afflictions, and from dangers deliver us, even us who fly to thy sacred protection.

Strange is the wonder appertaining thee, God-conceiving one; for the creator of all things, and our God, for our sake and like us, was born of thee.

Thy temple, God-bearing one, is declared a free hospital for the sick, and a place of consolation for afflicted souls.

Most holy God-bearing one, who didst bring forth the Saviour, save thy servants from dangers, and from every other necessity.

Deliver thy servants from every approaching menace, O most pure Queen, and from every spiritual and bodily harm.

By thy prayers, O God-bearing Virgin, save all them that betake themselves to thee, and deliver them from every want and affliction.

Who hieth to thy temple, O most pure God-bearing one, and receiveth not quickly a spiritual and also a bodily healing?

O Compassionate One, who art besought by all saints and by hosts on high, cleanse me through her that bore thee.

Spare, O Saviour, the souls of our brethren, who have died in hope of life, and pardon and forgive their iniquities.

Hail, Virgin, propitiation of the world! hail, vase of divine manna and golden candlestick of light, O Bride of God!

We sing thee, one God in Trinity, uttering the thrice-holy voice, and praying that we may obtain salvation.

_Glory._

O Virgin, who didst bring forth the Saviour, and Master, and Lord of the world! beseech him to save our souls.

_Both now._

Hail, mountain! hail, bush! hail, gate! hail, ladder! hail, divine table! hail, Queen, aid of all!

Through the prayers, O Gracious One, of thy most pure Mother, and of all thy Saints, bestow thy mercies upon thy people.

Through the prayers of the glorious Archangels and Angels, and of the hosts on high, safeguard thy servants, O Saviour.

Through the prayers of thine honourable and glorious Baptist, the prophet, the forerunner, O Christ, my Saviour, preserve thy servants.

Through the prayers of glorious apostles and martyrs, and of all thy Saints, bestow thy mercies upon thy people.

Through the prayers of the glorious unmercenary ones, O God-bearing one, preserve thy servants, as being the protection and stablishing of the world.

_Glory._

Let us glorify the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, saying, O Holy Trinity, save our souls.

_Both now._

Thou that unspeakably to the uttermost didst conceive and bring forth thy Creator, save, O Virgin, them that magnify thee.

_Then,_

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

_Then_, Let us pray to the Lord.

_Priest._ For holy art thou, O our God....

_Choir._ Amen.

_Then the present troparia, tone vi._

Now present is the time that halloweth all, and the just Judge awaiteth us. Then turn thyself to penitence, O soul, exclaiming, as the harlot did, with tears, O Lord, be merciful to me.

Thou, who to-day the healing fountain in the Virgin’s all-revered temple hast with waters shower’d, dost with the sprinkling of thy blessing quell the ailments of the weak, O Christ, physician of our bodies and our souls.

A virgin who no nuptials knew thou didst bring forth, and thou, unwedded mother, virgin didst remain, God-bearing Mary: O pray Christ our God that we be sav’d.

Most pure God-bearing Virgin, do thou direct our works, and pray for pardon of our trespasses, as we the angelic song upraise,

Holy God, holy mighty one, holy immortal one, have mercy upon us.

_And it is sung as customarily, and, after the trisagion, the deacon saith_, Let us attend.

_Priest._ Peace to all.

_Choir._ And to thy spirit.

_Reader, the prokimenon, tone iii._

The Lord is mine illumination and my Saviour, whom shall I fear?

_Verse._ The Lord is the defence of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?

_The epistle to the Hebrews, section cccvi._

Brethren, he that sanctifieth ... _ending_, them that are tempted[51]

_Priest._ Peace to thee.

_Alleluia, tone vi._

_Verse i._ My heart uttereth a good word.

_Verse ii._ I speak of my works unto the King.

_The gospel from John, section xiv._

At that time Jesus went up ..., _ending_, whatsoever disease he had.[52]

_Then the deacon the ectenia._

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

For the peace that is from above....

For the peace of the whole world....

For this holy temple....

For the Most Holy Governing Synod....

For our Most Pious....

That he would assist them and subdue under Their feet....

For this city.... (_if it is a monastery_)

For this holy habitation....

For healthiness of weather....

For them that voyage, that journey....

That this water may be hallowed by the might, and operation, and visitation of the Holy Ghost.

That there may come down into this water the cleansing operation of the supersubstantial Trinity.

That this water may be to the healing of soul and body, and to the turning aside of every opposing might.

That the Lord God may send down the blessing of Jordan, and hallow this water.

For all them that need help and assistance from God.

That we may be illuminated with the illumination of understanding by the consubstantial Trinity.

That the Lord God may declare us sons and inheritors of his kingdom, through partaking of this water, and through being sprinkled therewith.

For our deliverance from every affliction....

Help us, save us, have mercy on us....

Commemorating our most holy, most pure....

_Choir._ To thee, O Lord.

_Exclamation._

For to thee is due all glory....

_Then this prayer._

O Lord our God, mighty in counsel, and wonderful in works, Maker of all creation, who keepest thy covenant and thy mercy towards them that love thee and that keep thy commandments, who acceptest the piteous tears of all them that are in need; for for this cause thou didst come in the form of a servant, not terrifying us with phantoms, but vouchsafing true bodily healing, and saying, Behold, thou art made whole, sin no more: yea, thou didst with clay restore the eyes of the blind, and didst bid him wash, and by a word didst make him see, O thou that breakest the waves of adverse passions, and driest up the salt sea of this life, and quellest the billows of lusts that are hard to be endured; do thou thyself, O man-loving King, who hast given unto us to be invested with a snow-white robe by water and the Spirit, by the partaking of this water, and by being sprinkled therewith, send down upon us thy blessing, which taketh away the defilement of passions. Yea, O Blessed One, we pray thee to visit our infirmities, and to heal our spiritual and bodily weaknesses by thy mercy: through the prayers of our altogether most pure, most blessed Lady, the God-bearing ever-virgin Mary; through the might of the honourable and life-effecting cross; through the intercessions of the honourable heavenly bodiless hosts; of the honourable glorious prophet, forerunner, and baptist, John; of the holy glorious and all-praised apostles; of our venerable and god-bearing fathers; of our fathers in the saints, the great hierarchs and ecumenical doctors, Basil the great, Gregory the theologian, and John Chrysostom; of our fathers in the saints, Athanasius and Cyril, patriarchs of Alexandria; of our father in the saints, Spyridon, wonderworker of Trimythes; of our father in the saints, archbishop Nicolas, wonderworker of Myrlicia; of our fathers in the saints, Peter, Alexis, Jonas, and Philip, wonderworkers of all Russia; of the holy and glorious great martyr, George, the triumphant; of the holy and glorious great martyr, Demetrius, the myrrh-emitter: of the holy and excellently victorious martyrs; of the holy and righteous god-progenitors, Joakim and Anna; of the holy glorious and unmercenary wonderworkers, Cosmas and Damian, Cyrus and John, Pantelimon and Hermolaus, Sampson and Diomed, Mocius and Anicetus, Thalaleus and Tryphon; and of the holy, _name_, whose memory we keep, and of all thy Saints.

And preserve, O Lord, thy Servant, our Most Pious, Autocratic, Great Lord, THE EMPEROR ALEXANDER ALEXANDROVITCH, of all Russia. _Thrice._

And His Consort, the Most Pious Lady, THE EMPRESS MARIA THEODOROVNA.

And His Heir, the Right-believing Lord, the Cesarevitch and Grand Duke, NICOLAUS ALEXANDROVITCH, and all the reigning House.

Save, O Lord, and have mercy upon the Most Holy Governing Synod, give unto them spiritual and bodily health, and be gracious in all things to this thy ministration of the christian polity. Remember, O Lord, every episcopate of the right-believers, that rightly divide the word of thy truth, and every priestly and monastic order, and their salvation. Remember, O Lord, them that hate and them that love us, our ministering brethren here present, and them that for a blessed cause are absent and have desired us, unworthy ones, to pray for them. Remember, O Lord, our brethren that are in bonds and afflictions, and have mercy upon them according to thy great mercy, delivering them from every need. For thou art the fountain of healing, 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.

_Choir._ Amen.

_Priest._ Peace to all.

_Choir._ And to thy spirit.

_Deacon._ Bow your heads to the Lord.

_Choir._ To thee, O Lord.

_And the priest secretly the prayer._

Incline thine ear, O Lord, and hearken unto us, thou who didst vouchsafe to be baptized in Jordan, and didst hallow the waters; and do thou bless us all, who through the bending of our necks indicate the representation of service; and count us worthy to be filled with thy sanctification through the partaking of this water; and may it be unto us, O Lord, for the healing of soul and body.

_Exclamation._ For thou art our sanctification, and to thee we ascribe glory, and thanksgiving, and worship, with thine unbeginning Father, and with thine all-holy, and good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and to ages of ages.

_Choir._ Amen.

_Then, taking the honourable cross, he blesseth the water thrice, dipping it and raising it perpendicularly in the form of a cross, and singing the present troparion in tone i thrice._

O Lord, save thy people, and bless thine inheritance, granting victory to our Right-believing EMPEROR, _name_, over enemies, and preserving thine estate by thy cross.

_And after this they sing this troparion, tone ii._

Make us worthy of thy gifts, O God-bearing Virgin, overlooking our iniquities, and vouchsafing cures unto them that in faith receive thy blessing, O thou most pure.

_Then the priest kisseth the honourable cross, as also do all the people, and he sprinkleth all with the sanctified water, and the altar, and the whole church. And the people sing the present troparia, tone iv._