The verses marked with an asterisk (*) are the verses usually sung in parishes. Those marked with a cross ( ) are 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 the response after each verse.
Glory be to the
Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
*Praise the Lord, 0 my soul. I will praise the Lord in my life, I will chant
unto my God for as long as I have my being.
*Trust ye not in princes, in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation.
*His spirit shall go forth, and he shall return unto his earth.
*In that day all his thoughts shall perish.
+Blessed is he of whom the God of Jacob is his help, whose hope is in the Lord
his God,
+Who hath made heaven and the earth, the sea and all that is therein, Who
keepeth truth unto eternity,
+Who executeth judgment for the wronged, Who giveth food unto the hungry.
+The Lord looseth the fettered; the Lord maketh wise the blind; the Lord setteth
aright the fallen; the Lord loveth the righteous; the +Lord preserveth the
proselytes.
+He shall adopt for His own the orphan and widow, and the way of sinners shall
He destroy.
*The Lord shall be king unto eternity; thy God, 0 Sion, unto generation and
generation.
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and immortal Word of God Who for our salvation willed to be
incarnate of the Holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, who without change became
man and was crucified; Who is one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the
Father and the Holy Spirit: O Christ our God, trampling down death by death,
save us!
Either the
choir/congregation or Psalters sing straight through the responses in North
American parish practice
O Son of God, Who
art risen from the dead, save us who sing unto Thee: Alleluia.
O Son of God Who art risen from the dead, save us who sing unto Thee: Alleluia
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
O Son of God Who art risen from the dead, save us who sing unto Thee: Alleluia
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and immortal Word of God Who for our salvation willed to be
incarnate of the Holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, who without change became
man and was crucified; Who is one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the
Father and the Holy Spirit: O Christ our God, trampling down death by death,
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 Lord is King,
He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength and He hath girt
Himself.
Response: Through the prayers of all thy saints, O Savior, save us.
*For He established the world which shall not be shaken.
Response: Through the prayers of all thy saints, O Savior, save us.
Thy throne is prepared of old; Thou art from everlasting.
Response: Through the prayers of all thy saints, O Savior, save us.
The rivers have lifted up, 0 Lord, the rivers have lifted up their voices.
Response: Through the prayers of all thy saints, O Savior, save us.
The rivers will lift up their waves, at the voices of many waters.
Response: Through the prayers of all thy saints, O Savior, save us.
Wonderful are the surging of the sea, wonderful on high is the Lord.
Response: Through the prayers of all thy saints, O Savior, save us.
*Thy testimonies are made very sure. Holiness becometh Thy house, O Lord, unto
length of days.
Response: Through the prayers of all thy saints, O Savior, 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.
Only-begotten Son and immortal Word of God Who for our salvation willed to be
incarnate of the Holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, who without change became
man and was crucified; Who is one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the
Father and the Holy Spirit: O Christ our God, trampling down death by death,
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 congregation/congregation sings the response after each verse.
*I believed,
wherefore I spake; I was humbled exceedingly.
Response: O Son of God who sat upon the foal, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
As for me, I said in mine ecstasy: Every man is a liar.
Response: O Son of God who sat upon the foal, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
*What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto me?
Response: O Son of God who sat upon the foal, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
*I will take the cup of salvation, and I will call upon the name of the Lord.
Response: O Son of God who sat upon the foal, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
*My vows unto the Lord will I pay in the presence of all His people.
Response: O Son of God who sat upon the foal, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
Response: O Son of God who sat upon the foal, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
O Lord, I am Thy servant; I am Thy servant and the son of Thy handmaid.
Response: O Son of God who sat upon the foal, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
Thou hast broken my bonds asunder.
Response: O Son of God who sat upon the foal, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
I will sacrifice a sacrifice of praise unto Thee, and I will call upon the name
of the Lord.
Response: O Son of God who sat upon the foal, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
My vows unto the Lord will I pay in the presence of all His people, in the
courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of thee, 0Jerusalem.
Response: O Son of God who sat upon the foal, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and immortal Word of God Who for our salvation willed to be
incarnate of the Holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, who without change became
man and was crucified; Who is one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the
Father and the Holy Spirit: O Christ our God, trampling down death by death,
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.
*God be gracious
unto us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us and have mercy on us,
Response: O Son of God who arose from the dead, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
*That we may know upon the earth Thy way, among all the nations Thy salvation.
Response: O Son of God who arose from the dead, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
*Let the peoples give Thee praise, O God, let all the peoples praise Thee.
Response: O Son of God who arose from the dead, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
Let the nations be glad and rejoice, for Thou shalt judge peoples with
uprightness; and nations shalt Thou guide upon the earth.
Response: O Son of God who arose from the dead, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
Let the peoples give Thee praise, O God, let all the peoples praise Thee; the
earth hath yielded her fruit.
Response: O Son of God who arose from the dead, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
Let God, our God, bless us; let God bless us, and let all the ends of the earth
fear Him.
Response: O Son of God who arose from the dead, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and immortal Word of God Who for our salvation willed to be
incarnate of the Holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, who without change became
man and was crucified; Who is one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the
Father and the Holy Spirit: O Christ our God, trampling down death by death,
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.
Great is the Lord,
and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, in His Holy mountain, in the
well-rooted joy of all the earth,
Response: O Son of God who ascended in glory, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
*The mountains of Sion on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
Response: O Son of God who ascended in glory, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
God is known in her towers, when He cometh to help her.
Response: O Son of God who ascended in glory, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
*For lo, the kings of the earth were assembled; they came together.
Response: O Son of God who ascended in glory, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
When they saw her thus they marveled, they were troubled, they were shaken,
trembling took hold of them; there were pangs as of a woman in travail.
Response: O Son of God who ascended in glory, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
With a vehement wind shalt Thou shatter the ships of Tharsis.
Response: O Son of God who ascended in glory, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
Even as we have heard, so too we have seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in
the city of our God. God hath laid her foundations unto eternity.
Response: O Son of God who ascended in glory, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
We have thought, 0 God, of Thy mercy in the midst of Thy people.
Response: O Son of God who ascended in glory, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
According to Thy name, 0 God, so is Thy praise also unto the ends of the earth;
Thy right hand is full of righteousness.
Response: O Son of God who ascended in glory, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
Let Mount Sion be glad, and let the daughters of Judea rejoice, because of Thy
judgments, 0 Lord.
Response: O Son of God who ascended in glory, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
Encircle Sion and encompass her; tell her story in her towers.
Response: O Son of God who ascended in glory, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
Set your hearts upon her strength, and consider her bulwarks, that ye may tell
it to another generation.
Response: O Son of God who ascended in glory, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
For He is our God for ever, yea, for ever and ever; He shall shepherd us unto
the ages.
Response: O Son of God who ascended in glory, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and immortal Word of God Who for our salvation willed to be
incarnate of the Holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, who without change became
man and was crucified; Who is one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the
Father and the Holy Spirit: O Christ
our God, trampling down death by death, 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) sing the responses, or the canonarch may intone the Psalm verse while the choir/congregation sings the response after each verse.
*The Lord hear
thee in the day of affliction; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee.
Response: O Gracious Comforter, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
*Let Him send forth unto thee help from His sanctuary, and out of Sion let Him
help thee.
Response: O Gracious Comforter, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
*Let Him remember every sacrifice of thine, and whole-burnt offering let Him
fatten.
Response: O Gracious Comforter, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
The Lord grant thee according to thy heart, and I all thy purposes.
Response: O Gracious Comforter, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
We will rejoice in Thy salvation, and in the name of the Lord our God shall we
be magnified, the Lord fulfill all thy requests.
Response: O Gracious Comforter, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
Now have I known that the Lord hath saved is anointed one; He will hearken unto
him out of is Holy heaven; in mighty deeds is the salvation of His right-hand.
Response: O Gracious Comforter, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will call upon the name of
the Lord our God.
Response: O Gracious Comforter, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
They have been fettered and have fallen, but we risen and are set upright.
Response: O Gracious Comforter, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
O Lord, save the king, and hearken unto us in the ay when we call upon Thee.
Response: O Gracious Comforter, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and immortal Word of God Who for our salvation willed to be
incarnate of the Holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, who without change became
man and was crucified; Who is one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the
Father and the Holy Spirit: O Christ our God, trampling down death by death,
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) sing the responses, or the canonarch may intone the Psalm verse while the choir/congregation sings the response after each verse.
*O God, why hast
Thou cast us off unto the end? O Why hath Thine anger raged against the sheep
of Thy pasture?
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
*Remember Thy congregation, which Thou hast purchased from the beginning.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
*Thou hast redeemed the rod of Thine inheritance, this Mount Sion wherein Thou
hast dwelt.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
Lift up Thy hands against their pride at the end, against the things, which the
enemy hath wickedly done in Thy Holy place.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
And they that hate Thee have boasted in the midst of Thy feast. They set up
their ensigns, yea, signs (though they knew it not) as it were for the
departing on high.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
As in a forest of trees, with axes they cut down the doors thereof together,
with two-edged axe and mason's hammer have they broken it down.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
With fire have they burned down Thy sanctuary, they have profaned even unto the
ground the habitation of Thy name.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
They said in their heart, even the whole kindred of them together: Come, let us
abolish all the feasts of God from the earth.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
Our signs have we not seen; there is no more any prophet, and he will know us
no more.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
How long, 0 God, shall the enemy utter reproaches? Shall the adversary provoke
Thy name to the end?
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
Wherefore turnest away Thy hand, and Thy right hand out of the midst of Thy
bosom forever?
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
*But God is our king before the ages, He hath wrought salvation in the midst of
the earth.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
Thou didst establish the sea by Thy might, Thou didst break the heads of the
dragons in the water.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
Thou hast cloven fountains and torrents, Thou hast dried-up the rivers of
Etham.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
Thine is the day and Thine is the night; Thou has perfected the light and the
sun.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
Thou hast made all the borders of the earth; summer and spring hast Thou
fashioned. Be mindful of this Thy creation.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
The enemy hath reproached the Lord, and a mindless people hath provoked Thy
name.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
O deliver not unto beasts the soul, which doth confess Thee; of the souls of
Thy paupers be not forgetful unto the end.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
Look Thou upon Thy covenant, for the dark places of the earth are filled with
the houses of iniquity.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
Let not the humbled and shamed man be turned away; the beggar and the poor man
shall praise Thy name.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
Arise, O God, judge Thine own cause; remember the reproach made against Thee by
the mindless man all the day long.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
Forget not the voice of Thy suppliants; the pride of them that hate Thee
ascendeth continually.
Response: O Son of God, crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to Thee,
Alleluia!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and immortal Word of God Who for our salvation willed to be
incarnate of the Holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, who without change became
man and was crucified; Who is one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the
Father and the Holy Spirit: O Christ our God, trampling down death by death,
save us!
*Blessed is the
man that feareth the Lord; in His commandments shall he greatly delight.
Response: O Son of God, born of the Virgin, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
*His seed shall be mighty upon the earth; the generation of the upright shall
be blessed.
Response: O Son of God, born of the Virgin, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
*Glory and riches shall be in his house, and his righteousness abideth unto
ages of ages.
Response: O Son of God, born of the Virgin, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
*There hath risen up in darkness a light for the upright; he is merciful and
compassionate and righteous.
Response: O Son of God, born of the Virgin, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
A good man is he that is compassionate and lendeth; he shall order his words
with judgment, for he shall remain unshaken for ever.
Response: O Son of God, born of the Virgin, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
In everlasting remembrance shall the righteous be; he shall not be afraid of
evil tidings.
Response: O Son of God, born of the Virgin, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
His heart is ready to hope in the Lord; his heart is established, he shall not
be afraid, until he look down upon his enemies.
Response: O Son of God, born of the Virgin, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor, his righteousness abideth unto
ages of ages; his whom shall be exalted with glory.
Response: O Son of God, born of the Virgin, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
The sinner shall see and be angered, he shall gnash with his teeth and melt
away; the desire of the sinner shall perish.
Response: O Son of God, born of the Virgin, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and immortal Word of God Who for our salvation willed to be
incarnate of the Holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, who without change became
man and was crucified; Who is one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the
Father and the Holy spirit: O Christ our God, trampling down death by death,
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) sing 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: O Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing
to Thee: Alleluia.
*For He hath inclined His ear unto me, and in my days will I call upon Him.
Response: O Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing
to Thee: Alleluia.
*The pangs of death have encompassed me, the perils of Hades have found me.
Response: O Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing
to Thee: Alleluia.
*Tribulation and sorrow have I found, and I called upon the name of the Lord: O
Lord, deliver my soul.
Response: O Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing
to Thee: Alleluia.
*Merciful is the Lord and righteous, and our God hath mercy.
Response: O Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing
to Thee: Alleluia.
The Lord preserveth the infants; I was brought low and He saved me. Return, O my
soul, unto thy rest, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.
Response: O Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing
to Thee: Alleluia.
For He hath delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet
from sliding. I will be well pleasing before the Lord in the land of the
living.
Response: O Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing
to Thee: Alleluia.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and immortal Word of God Who for our salvation willed to be
incarnate of the Holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, who without change became
man and was crucified; Who is one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the
Father and the Holy Spirit: O Christ our God, trampling down death by death,
save us!
The usual
Russian parish practice is to sing all the verses and responses straight
through like a hymn
The mountains of
Sion on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.(47[48]:3)
Response: O Son of God, transfigured upon the mountain, save us who sing to
Thee: Alleluia!
And He brought them unto the mountain of His sanctuary, this mountain which His
right hand had gained as a possession.(77[78]:54)
Response: O Son of God, transfigured upon the mountain, save us who sing to
Thee: Alleluia!
And He chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Sion that He loved. And He built His
sanctuary like that of a unicorn; on the earth He established it forever.
(77[78]:68-69)
Response:O Son of God, transfigured upon the mountain, save us who sing to Thee:
Alleluia!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and immortal Word of God Who for our salvation willed to be
incarnate of the Holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, who without change became
man and was crucified; Who is one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the
Father and the Holy Spirit: O Christ our God, trampling down death by death,
save us!
*His foundations
are in the Holy mountains;
Response: O Son of God, transfigured upon Mount Tabor, save us who sing
to Thee: Alleluia!
*The Lord loveth the gates of Sion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
Response: O Son of God, transfigured upon Mount Tabor, save us who sing
to Thee: Alleluia!
*Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God. I will make mention of Raab
and Babylon to them that know me.
Response: O Son of God, transfigured upon Mount Tabor, save us who sing
to Thee: Alleluia!
And lo, the foreigners and Tyre and the people of the Ethiopians, these were
born there.
Response: O Son of God, transfigured upon Mount Tabor, save us who sing
to Thee: Alleluia!
A man will say: Mother Sion; and: That man was born in her; and: The Most High
Himself hath founded her.
Response: O Son of God, transfigured upon Mount Tabor, save us who sing
to Thee: Alleluia!
The Lord shall tell it in the writ of the peoples and the princes, even these
that were born in her.
Response: O Son of God, transfigured upon Mount Tabor, save us who sing
to Thee: Alleluia!
How joyous are all they that have their habitation in Thee.
Response: O Son of God, transfigured upon Mount Tabor, save us who sing
to Thee: Alleluia!
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever and
unto ages of ages. Amen. Only-begotten Son and immortal Word of God Who for our
salvation willed to be incarnate of the Holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary,
who without change became man and was crucified; Who is one of the Holy
Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy spirit: O Christ our God,
trampling down death by death, 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. In as possible 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.
Back to the Priest’s Service Book