Cheesefare Wednesday

From Matins, the Triodion

                (After the 2nd reading of the Psalter):

                SESSIONAL HYMN                  TONE 2

Grant us to pass in peace and humility
Through the days of cleansing that prepare us for the Fast.
In your ineffable love for mankind, Christ our God,
Destroy the evil plans of the enemy.
Preserve us all by Your Cross,//
For You alone know the secrets of our hearts.

      Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit

Grant us to pass in peace and humility
Through the days of cleansing that prepare us for the Fast.
In your ineffable love for mankind, Christ our God,
Destroy the evil plans of the enemy.
Preserve us all by Your Cross,//
For You alone know the secrets of our hearts.

      Now and forever and ever. Amen.

Your Virgin Mother, standing by Your Cross,
Could not bear to see You suffering unjustly.
Weeping and lamenting, she cried out to you:
Child, dear to my heart,
How do you suffer Your passion when by nature You are impassable?
I sing the praises of Your perfect love!

      Aposticha

                TONE 1

In vain do you rejoice in not eating, my soul!
You abstain from food, but are not purified from passions!
If you have no desire for improvement,
You will be despised as a lie in the eyes of God!
You will be compared to evil demons, who never eat!
If you continue in sin, you will perform a useless fast:
Therefore, remain in constant warfare,
That you may stand before the crucified savior,
Or rather that you may be crucified with him who died for your sake://
Remember me, Lord, when you come in your kingdom!

No tribulation, threat, or hunger,
Persecution, fire, sword, or savage beast
Could separate the Holy Martyrs from God!
They were bound by His love, and lived as exiles in this world!
Their suffering has won them a glorious prize:
They inherited the heavenly kingdom,
Where they ceaselessly pray for our souls!

      Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.

The blameless Virgin cried out with tears
When she beheld the Lamb suspended on the Cross:
What is this new and fearful sight, my beloved Son?//
How can the Creator of all be nailed to the wood in the flesh?

From Sixth Hour


      Troparion Of The Prophecy       Tone 3

King, holy and almighty, before You all creation stands in fear and trembling!// save us and forgive our sins, in Your great mercy.

      Prokeimenon                     Tone 6

O lord, save Your people,  *  and bless Your inheritance!
      VERSE: To You, Lord, will I call; my God, be not silent to me!
     

      Prophecy:  Joel 2: 12-26

      Prokeimenon                     Tone 7

The Lord will give strength to His people!  * the Lord will bless His people with peace!
      VERSE: Give to the Lord, sons of God, give to the Lord glory and praise!

From Vespers

      Prokeimenon                     Tone 5

Save me, o god, by Your name  *   and judge me by Your strength!
      VERSE: Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth!

      READING FROM THE PROPHECY OF JOEL: 3:12-21

      Prokeimenon                     Tone 6

Let Israel hope in the Lord  *  henceforth and forevermore!
      VERSE: Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high!

      Aposticha

                TONE 3

The lenten spring has come!
The flower of repentance!
Brethren, let us cleanse ourselves from all evil,
Crying out to the Giver of light://
Glory to You, Lover of mankind!

Your martyrs, Lord,
Were confirmed by faith and strengthened by hope.
Spiritually united by love of Your Cross,
They overcame the tyranny of the enemy.
They have obtained crowns of glory,//
And together with the angels, they pray for our souls!

      Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and ever. Amen.

You are the joy of the heavenly host,
The Apostles' song and the Prophets' fulfillment!
Accept our humble prayers,//
Pure and most blessed Lady!