The verses
marked with an asterisk (*) are the verses usually sung in parishes. Those
marked with a cross ( ) are additionally recommended to be sung in the Divine
Liturgy music published by St. Vladimir's Seminary in 1982.In parishes and most
monasteries the usual practice is to sing the Psalm (or selected verses)
straight through, singing the Response after the first and last verses. In
other places, the custom is to have a canonarch chant the verses of the Psalm
(or selected verses), and have the choir/congregation sing theresponse after
each verse.
*Bless the Lord, 0 my soul,
Response: Blessed art Thou, O Lord.
*Bless the Lord, 0
my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name.
*Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all that He hath done for thee,
*Who is gracious unto all thine iniquities, Who healeth all thine infirmities,
+Who redeemeth thy life from corruption, Who crowneth thee with mercy and
compassion,
+Who fulfilleth thy desire with good things; thy youth shall be renewed as the
eagle's.
+The Lord performeth deeds of mercy, and executeth judgment for all them that
are wronged.
+He hath made His
ways known unto Moses, unto the sons of Israel the things that He hath willed.
*Compassionate and merciful is the Lord, longsuffering and plenteous in mercy;
not unto the end will He be angered, and neither unto eternity will He be
wroth.
Not according to our iniquities hath He dealt with us, neither according to our
sins hath He rewarded us.
For according to the height of heaven from the earth, the Lord hath made His
mercy to prevail over them that fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath Here moved our iniquities from
us.
Like as a father hath compassion upon his sons, so hath the Lord had compassion
upon them that fear Him; for He knoweth whereof we are made, He hath remembered
that we are dust.
As for man, his days are as the grass; as a flower of the field, so shall he
blossom forth.
For when the wind is passed over it, then it shall be gone, and no longer will it
know the place thereof?
But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity, even unto eternity, upon them that
fear Him.
And His righteousness is upon sons of sons, upon them that keep His testament
and remember His commandments to do them.
+The Lord in heaven hath prepared His throne, and His kingdom ruleth over all.
+Bless the Lord, all ye His angels, mighty in strength, that perform His word,
to hear the voice of His words.
+Bless the Lord, all ye His hosts, His ministers that do His will.
+Bless the Lord, all ye His works, in every place of His dominion. *Bless the
Lord, 0 my soul.
Response: Blessed art Thou, O Lord.
Either the choir/congregation or Psalters sing straight through the responses in North American parish practice
Through the prayers
of the Theotokos, O Saviour save us!
Through the prayers of the Theotokos. O |Saviour save us!
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour save us!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The verses
marked with an asterisk (*) are normally sung in parish practice. Whether the
entire Psalm is sung or only select verses, the usual practice is for the
choir/congregation to sing the Psalm verses with alternating verses straight
through like a hymn. Alternatively, there may be two choirs, one singing the
Psalm verse while the other (together with the congregation) sings the responses,
or the canonarch may intone the Psalm verse while the choir/congregation sings
the response after each verse
.
*It is good to
give praise unto the Lord, and to chant unto Thy name, 0 Most High,
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*To proclaim in the morning Thy mercy, and Thy truth by night, on a psaltery of
ten strings, with an ode upon the harp.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
For Thou has gladdened me, O Lord, by Thy deeds, and in the works of Thy hands
will I rejoice.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
How great are Thy works, 0 Lord, exceeding deep are Thy thoughts.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
A mindless man shall not know it, nor shall a stupid man understand it.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
When the sinners spring up like grass, and all that work iniquity look loftily
down,
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
It is that they may be utterly destroyed unto ages of ages; but Thou art Most
High forever, 0Lord.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
For lo, Thine enemies, 0 Lord, for lo, Thine enemies shall perish; and
scattered shall be all they that work iniquity.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
And lifted high as that of a unicorn shall be my horn, and mine old age shall
be strengthened with rich oil.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
And mine eye hath looked down upon mine enemies, and mine ear shall hear
concerning the wicked that rise up against me.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The righteous man shall flourish like a palm tree, and like a cedar in Lebanon
shall he be multiplied.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
They that are planted in the house of the Lord, in the courts of our God they
shall blossom forth.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*They shall still increase in a ripe old age, and happy shall they be to
proclaim that upright is the Lord our God, and there is no unrighteousness in
Him.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The verses
marked with an asterisk (*) are normally sung in parish practice. Whether the
entire Psalm is sung or only select verses, the usual practice is for the
choir/congregation to sing the Psalm verses with alternating verses straight
through like a hymn. Alternatively, there may be two choirs, one singing the
Psalm verse while the other (together with the congregation) sings the
responses, or the canonarch may intone the Psalm verse while the
choir/congregation sings the response after each verse.
*I am filled with
love, for the Lord will hear the voice of my supplication.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*For He hath inclined His ear unto me, and in my days will I call upon Him?
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*The pangs of death have encompassed me, the perils of Hades have found me
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*Tribulation and sorrow have I found, and I called upon the name of the Lord: 0
Lord, deliver my soul.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Merciful is the Lord and righteous, and our God hath mercy.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The Lord preserveth the infants; I was brought low and He saved me.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Return, 0 my soul, unto thy rest, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with
thee.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
For He hath delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet
from sliding.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
I will bewell-pleasing before the Lord in the land of the living.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the
Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of
ages. Amen.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The verses marked
with an asterisk (*) are normally sung in parish practice. Whether the entire
Psalm is sung or only select verses, the usual practice is for the
choir/congregation to sing the Psalm verses with alternating verses straight
through like a hymn. Alternatively, there may be two choirs, one singing the
Psalm verse while the other (together with the congregation) sings the
responses. At Paschal services there is no reading (i.e. simple chanting by a Psalters
or Canonarch,) but everything is sung to the prescribed melodies.
*Shout with
jubilation unto the Lord all the earth; chant ye unto His name, give glory in
praise of Him.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*Say unto God: How awesome are Thy works! In the multitude of Thy power shall
Thine enemies be proved false unto Thee?
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*Let all the earth worship Thee and chant unto Thee; let them chant unto Thy
name, 0 Most High.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Come and see the works of the Lord, how awesome He is in His counsels, more
than the sons of men.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
He turneth the sea into dry land; in the river shall they pass through on foot.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
There shall we rejoice in Him, in Him that is ruler in His sovereignty forever.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
His eyes look upon the nations; let not them that embitter Him be exalted in
themselves.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
O bless our God, ye nations, and make the voice of His praise to be heard,
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Who hath established my soul in life, and permitteth not my feet to be shaken.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
For Thou has proved us, 0 God, and by fire hast Thou tried us even as silver is
tried by fire.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Thou hast brought us into the snare, Thou hast laid afflictions upon our back,
Thou madest men to mount upon our heads.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
We went through fire and water, and Thou didst bring us out into refreshment.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
I will go into Thy house with a whole-burnt offering; to Thee will I pay my
vows which my lips pronounced and which my mouth had spoken in mine affliction.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Whole-burnt offerings full of marrow will I offer unto Thee, with incense and
rams; oxen and goats will I offer unto Thee.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Come and hear, and I will declare unto you, all ye that fear God, what things
He hath done for my soul.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Unto Him with my mouth have I cried, and I exalted Him with my tongue.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
If in my heart I regarded unrighteousness, let the Lord not hear me.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Wherefore God hath hearkened unto me, He hath been attentive to the voice of my
supplication.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Blessed is God who hath not turned away my prayer, nor His mercy away from me.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The verses marked
with an asterisk (*) are normally sung in parish practice. Whether the entire
Psalm is sung or only select verses, the usual practice is for the
choir/congregation to sing the Psalm verses with alternating verses straight
through like a hymn. Alternatively, there may be two choirs, one singing the
Psalm verse while the other (together with the congregation) sings the
responses, or the canonarch may intone the Psalm verse while the
choir/congregation sings the response after each verse.
*Clap your hands,
all ye nations; shout unto God with a voice of rejoicing,
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*For the Lord Most High is terrible, a great King over all the earth.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*He hath subdued peoples under us, and nations under our feet.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
He hath chosen us for His inheritance, the beauty of Jacob, which He loved.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*God is gone up in jubilation, the Lord with the voice of the trumpet.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
O chant unto our God, chant ye; chant unto our King, chant ye.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
For God is king of all the earth, O chant ye with understanding.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
God is king over the nations, God sitteth upon His holy throne.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The princes of the peoples are gathered together with the God of Abraham; for
God's mighty ones of the earths are greatly exalted.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The verses marked
with an asterisk (*) are normally sung in parish practice. Whether the entire
Psalm is sung or only select verses, the usual practice is for the
choir/congregation to sing the Psalm verses with alternating verses straight
through like a hymn. Alternatively, there may be two choirs, one singing the
Psalm verse while the other (together with the congregation) sings the
responses, or the canonarch may intone the Psalm verse while the
choir/congregation sings the response after each verse.
*The heavens
declare the glory of God, and the aments proclaimeth the work of His hands.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!*
Day unto day poureth forth speech, and night unto night proclaimeth knowledge.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
There are neither tongues nor words in which their voices are not heard.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*Their sound hath gone forth into all the earth, and their words unto the ends
of the world.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
In the sun hath He set His tabernacle; and He, like a bridegroom coming forth
from his chamber, will rejoice like a giant to run his course.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
From the outermost border of heaven is His going forth, and His goal is unto
the outermost part of heaven, and there shall no man hide himself from His
heat.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The law of the Lord is blameless, converting souls; the testimony of the, Lord
is trustworthy, bringing wisdom to infants.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The statutes of the Lord are upright, gladdening the heart; the commandment of
the Lord is far shining, enlightening the eyes.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever and ever; the judgments of the
Lord are true, altogether justified,
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
More to be desired than gold and much precious stone, and sweeter than honey
and the honeycomb.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Yea, for Thy servant keepeth them; in keeping them there is much reward.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
As for transgressions, who will understand them? From my secret sins cleanse
me, and from those of others spare Thy servant.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
If they have not dominion over me, then blameless shall I be, and I shall be
cleansed from great sin
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
And the sayings of my mouth shall be unto Thy good pleasure, and the meditation
of my heart shall be before Thee forever, 0 Lord, my helper and Redeemer.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The verses
marked with an asterisk (*) are normally sung in parish practice. Whether the
entire Psalm is sung or only select verses, the usual practice is for the
choir/congregation to sing the Psalm verses with alternating verses straight
through like a hymn. Alternatively, there may be two choirs, one singing the
Psalm verse while the other (together with the congregation) sings the
responses, or the canonarch may intone the Psalm verse while the
choir/congregation sings the response after each verse.
*God, my God,
attend to me; why hast Thou forsaken me?
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*Far from my salvation are the works of my transgressions.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*My God, I will cry by day, and wilt Thou not hearken? and by night, and it
shall not be unto for me.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*But as for Thee, Thou dwellest in the sanctuary, Praise of Israel.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
In Thee have our fathers hoped; they hoped, and u didst deliver them.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Unto Thee they cried, and were saved; in Thee they hoped, and were not brought
to shame.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
But as for me, I’m a worm, and not a man, a reproach of men, and the outcast of
the people. All that look upon me have laughed me to scorn; they have spoken
with their lips and have wagged eir heads:
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
He hoped in the Lord; let Him deliver him; let Him save him, for He desireth
him.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
For Thou art He that drewest me forth from the womb; my hope from the breasts
of my mother.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
On Thee was I cast from the womb; from my other's womb, Thou art my God.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Depart not from me, for tribulation is nigh, for there is none to help me.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Many bullocks have encircled me, fat bulls have surrounded me.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
They have opened their mouth against me, as might a lion ravenous and roaring.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
I have been poured out like water, and scattered are all my bones; my heart is
become like wax melting in the midst of my bowels.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
My strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue hath cleaved to my
throat, and into the dust of death hast Thou brought me down.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
For many dogs have encircled me, the congregation of evildoers hath surrounded
me; they have pierced my hands and my feet
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
They have numbered all my bones, and they themselves have looked and stared
upon me.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
They have parted my garments amongst themselves, and for my vesture have they
cast lots.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Rescue my soul from the sword, even this only-begotten one of mine from the
hand of the dog.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Save me from the mouth of the lion, and my lowliness from the horns of the
unicorns.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
I will declare Thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I
hymn Thee.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Ye that fear the Lord, praise Him; all ye that are of the seed of Jacob,
glorify Him; let all fear Him that are of the seed of Israel.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
For He hath not set at nought nor abhorred the supplications of the pauper, nor
hath He turned His face from me; and when I cried unto Him, He hearkened unto
me.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
From Thee is my praise; in the great church will I confess Thee; my vows will I
pay before them that fear Thee.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The poor shall eat and be filled, and they that seek the Lord shall praise Him;
their hearts shall live forever and ever.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
All the ends of the earth shall remember and shall run unto the Lord, and all
the kindred of theations shall worship before Him.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
For the kingdom is the Lord's and He Himself is over reign of the nations.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
All they that be fat upon the earth have eaten and worshipped; all they that go
down into the earth shall down before Him.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Yea, my soul liveth for Him, and my seed shall serve Him.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The generation that cometh shall be told of the Lord, and they shall proclaim
His righteousness to a people that shall be born, which the Lord hath made.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The usual
parish practice is to sing all the verses and responses straight through like a
hymn
I will confess
Thee, 0 Lord, with my whole heart, I will tell of all Thy wonders. (Psalm
9:1)
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
In the council of the upright and in the congregation. Great are the works of
the Lord (Psalm 110:1-2)
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Sought out in all the things that He hath willed. (Psalm 110-2)
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Confession and majesty are His work, and His righteousness abideth unto ages of
ages.(Psalm 110:3)
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The verses
marked with an asterisk (*) are normally sung in parish practice. Whether the
entire Psalm is sung or only select verses, the usual practice is for the
choir/congregation to sing the Psalm verses with alternating verses straight
through like a hymn. Alternatively, there may be two choirs, one singing the
Psalm verse while the other (together with the congregation) sings the
responses, or the canonarch may intone the Psalm verse while the
choir/congregation sings the response after each verse.
*When Israel went
out of Egypt, and the house of Jacob from among a barbarous people,
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
* Judea became His sanctuary, Israel His dominion.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*The sea beheld and fled, Jordan turned back.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The mountains skipped like rams, and the hills like lambs of flocks.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
*What aileth thee, 0 sea, that thou fleddest? And thou Jordan that thou didst
turn back?
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Ye mountains that ye skipped like rams and ye hills like lambs of flocks?
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
At the presence of the Lord the earth was shaken, at the presence of the God of
Jacob,
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Who turneth the rock into pools of waters, and the precipice into fountains of
waters.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Not unto us, 0Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy
and Thy truth,
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Lest haply the heathen say: Where is their God?
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
But our God is in heaven and on earth; all things so ever He hath willed, He
hath done.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The idols of the nations are of silver and gold, the works of the hands of men.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
They have a mouth, but shall not speak; eyes have they, and shall not see.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Ears have they, and shall not hear; noses have they, and shall not smell.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Hands they have, and shall not feel; feet have they, and shall not walk; they
shall make no sounding their throat.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Let those that make them become like unto them, and all that put their trust in
them.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The house of Israel hath hoped in the Lord; their helper and defender is He.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The house of Aaron hath hoped in the Lord; their helper and defender is He.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
They that fear the Lord have hoped in the Lord; their helper and defender is
He.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The Lord being mindful of us hath blessed us.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
He hath blessed the house of Israel; He hath blessed the house of Aaron.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
He hath blessed them that fear the Lord, the little with the great.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The Lord grant you increase, to you and to your children.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Not the dead shall praise Thee, 0 Lord, nor any that go down to Hades.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
But we the living will bless the Lord from henceforth and for evermore.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The usual
Russian parish practice is to sing all the verses and responses straight through
like a hymn
Shout with
jubilation unto the Lord all the earth; chant ye unto His name, give glory in
praise of Him. (Psalm 65 (66): 1-2)
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The voice of Thy thunderous in their rolling. And Thy lightning have lightened
the world; the earth was shaken and it trembled. (Psalm 76(77):19)
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Confession and majesty hast Thou put on, Who coverest Thyself with light as
with a garment. (Psalm103(104): 1-2)
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Great is the Lord,
and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, in His holy mountain (Psalm
47(48): 2)
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Who settest fast the mountains by Thy strength, who art girded round about with
power, Who troublest the hollow of the sea; as for the roar of its waves, who
shall withstand them? (Psalm 64 (65):7-8)
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
Confession and majesty hast Thou put on, Who coverest Thyself with light as
with a garment. (Psalm 103(104): 1-2)
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
The mountains shall rejoice at the presence of the Lord, for He cometh; yea, He
is come to judge the earth. (Psalm 97(98):8-9)
Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Response: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Saviour, save us!
It should be noted that there is scholarly
opinion that the festal antiphons, as they are commonly sung in parish usage,
do not represent a reduction of singing (i.e. from singing an entire Psalm with
its appropriate responses to just a few verses) but rather that the appointed
verses were all that were ever sung.
This has its basis at least in part in the
example of the antiphons for the Nativity and Transfiguration in which selected
verses from different Psalms are sung.
On
the other hand there are those who point out that the original function of the
Antiphons were to accompany stational processions. That is, there would be a
procession to the Great Church to celebrate the Liturgy for the day.
On the way, the procession would stop at
pre-appointed places or stations (such as the tomb containing the relics of the
saint being commemorated on that day) where the lesser litanies would be
chanted. The Antiphons, according to this understanding, accompanied the
procession from station to station until it came to the Church entrance at
which time "O come let us worship and fall down before Christ...."
was sung as the introit, or entrance hymn.
It
is not our wish or intention to take sides in a scholarly discussion, to pass
judgement on any particular usage, nor to edit the Tradition for future
generations. It is rather to give, as completely as possible, those
alternatives which are in actual use, are consistent with Church Tradition or
which are thought to have some actual historical precedent. It is our hope that
in each place the People of God following their appointed clergy may offer the
prayer, praise, and thanksgiving of the Divine Liturgy in an attentive and
appropriate manner, and yet within the capabilities of the people in each
place.