On Lord, I have cried, four stichera are sung:

Tone Four

to the special melody, Thou hast given an ensign…

Come, let us rejoice, mounting up from the earth to the highest contemplation of the virtues: let us be transformed this day into a better state and direct our minds to heavenly things, being shaped anew in piety according to the form of Christ. For in His mercy the Saviour of our souls has transfigured disfigured man and made him shine with light upon Mount Tabor (twice).

O let us who love to see and hear things past understanding, mystically behold Christ shine as lightning with the rays of divine splendour; and let us make the Father’s voice resound, who proclaimed Him as His well-beloved Son. On Mount Tabor He makes bright the weakness of man and bestows enlightenment upon our souls.

Let the assembly of all on earth and in the world above be moved to praise Christ our God, Lord both of the living and the dead. For when He was divinely transfigured on Tabor, the Saviour of our souls was pleased to have at His side the leaders and the preachers of both the Law and Grace.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Tone Eight

The shining cloud of the Transfiguration has taken the place of the darkness of the Law. Moses and Elijah were counted worthy of this glory brighter than light and, taken up within it, they said unto God: ‘Thou art our God, the King of the ages.’

Aposticha:

Tone Two

to the special melody, O house of Ephratah…

Today Christ on Mount Tabor has changed the darkened nature of Adam, and filling it with brightness He has made it godlike.

℣. The heavens are Thine, the earth also is Thine: as for the world and the fullness thereof, Thou hast founded them (Psalm 88:12).

Shining forth with the light of the virtues, let us set foot on the holy mountain that we may gaze upon the divine Transfiguration of the Lord.

℣. Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Thy Name (Psalm 88:13).

The sun which makes the earth bright sets once more; but Christ has shone as lightning with glory upon the mountain and has filled the world with light.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Same Tone

Moses and Elijah saw upon Tabor God, who was made flesh of a virgin Maid for the redemption of mortal men.

Apolytikion (troparion) of the feast:

Tone Seven

Thou wast transfigured upon the mountain, O Christ our God, showing Thy glory to Thy disciples as far as they were able to bear it. At the intercessions of the Theotokos, make Thine everlasting light shine forth also upon us sinners. O Giver of light, glory to Thee.

Dismissal.

No reading from the Psalter.

On Lord, I have cried, eight stichera are sung:

Tone Four

by Cosmas the Monk

Before Thy Crucifixion, O Lord, the mountain became as heaven and a cloud spread itself out to form a tabernacle. When Thou wast transfigured and the Father testified unto Thee, Peter with James and John were there, who were to be present with Thee also at the time of Thy betrayal: that, having beheld Thy wonders, they should not be afraid before Thy suffering. Grant in Thy great mercy that we too may be counted worthy to venerate these Thy sufferings in peace (twice).

Before Thy Crucifixion, O Lord, taking the disciples up into a high mountain, Thou wast transfigured before them, shining upon them with the bright beams of Thy power: from love of mankind and in Thy sovereign might, Thy desire it was to show them the splendour of the Resurrection. Grant that we too in peace may be counted worthy of this splendour, O God, for Thou art merciful and lovest mankind (twice).

When Thou wast transfigured, O Saviour, upon a high mountain, having with Thee the chief disciples, Thou hast shone forth in glorious majesty, proving thereby that those who surpass in the height of their virtues shall be counted worthy of the divine glory. Talking with Christ, Moses and Elijah showed that He is Lord of both the living and the dead, the God who spake of old through the Law and the prophets. And the voice of the Father testified to Him from the cloud of light saying, ‘Hear ye Him, who through His Cross harrows hell and gives the dead eternal life’ (twice).

The mountain that was once gloomy and veiled in smoke has now become venerable and holy, since Thy feet, O Lord, have stood upon it. For thy dread Transfiguration, the mystery hidden before the ages, has been made manifest in the last times to Peter, John, and James. Unable to endure the shining of Thy countenance and the brightness of Thy garments, they fell to the ground upon their faces. Seized with astonishment and wonder, they saw Moses and Elijah talking with Thee of the things that should befall Thee; and a voice in testimony came from the Father, saying: ‘This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased: hear ye Him. He it is who grants the world great mercy’ (twice).

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Tone Six

by Anatolios

Prefiguring, O Christ our God, Thy Resurrection, Thou hast taken with Thee in Thy ascent upon Mount Tabor Thy three disciples, Peter, James, and John. When Thou wast transfigured, O Saviour, Mount Tabor was covered with light. Thy disciples, O Word, cast themselves down upon the ground, unable to gaze upon the Form that none may see. The angels ministered in fear and trembling, the heavens shook and the earth quaked, as they beheld upon earth the Lord of glory.

Entrance, O joyful light, and the prokimenon of the day.

Lessons:

Reading from Exodus (24:12–18).

The Lord said unto Moses, Come up to Me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them. And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua; and Moses went up into the mount of God. And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them. And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. And the glory of the Lord abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day He called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.

Reading from Exodus (33:11–23; 34:4–6, 8).

The Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle. And Moses said unto the Lord, See, Thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people; and Thou hast not let me know whom Thou wilt send with me. Yet, Thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in My sight. Now therefore, I pray Thee, if I have found grace in Thy sight, shew me now Thy way, that I may know Thee, that I may find grace in Thy sight; and consider that this nation is Thy people. And He said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. And he said unto Him, If Thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. For wherein shall it be known here that I and Thy people have found grace in Thy sight? Is it not in that Thou goest with us? So shall we be separated, I and Thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth. And the Lord said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in My sight, and I know thee by name. And he said, I beseech Thee, shew me Thy glory. And He said, I will make all My goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the Name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. And He said, Thou canst not see My face; for there shall no man see Me, and live. And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by Me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: and it shall come to pass, while My glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with My hand while I pass by: and I will take away Mine hand, and thou shalt see My back parts; but My face shall not be seen. And Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up unto mount Sinai, as the Lord had commanded him, and the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the Name of the Lord. And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth. And Moses made haste and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

Reading from the Third Book of Kings (1 Kings 19:3–9, 11–13, 15–16).

In those days, Elijah came to Beer-sheba which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said unto him: Go forth and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Elisha, the son of Shaphat, to be prophet in thy room.

At the Lity:

Tone Two

O God, who in Thy goodness hast sanctified with Thy light all the inhabited earth, Thou wast transfigured upon a high mountain, showing Thy might unto Thy disciples: for Thou dost redeem the world from transgression. Therefore we cry aloud to Thee: O Lord of compassion, save our souls.

Same Tone

O Christ our God, who wast transfigured in glory on Mount Tabor, showing to Thy disciples the splendour of Thy Godhead, do Thou enlighten us also with the light of Thy knowledge and guide us in the path of Thy commandments, for Thou alone art good and lovest man.

Same Tone

Christ, the Light that shone before the sun, who in the body went about the earth, having fulfilled before His Crucifixion, as befitted His divine majesty, all things pertaining to His fearful dispensation, this day has mystically made known upon Mount Tabor the image of the Trinity. For taking apart the three disciples He had expressly chosen, Peter, James, and John, He led them up into the mountain by themselves; and for a short time He concealed the flesh. He had assumed, and was transfigured before them, making manifest the excellence of the original beauty, though not in its full perfection. For while giving them full assurance He also spared them, lest perchance at the sight they should lose their lives: yet they saw as much as their bodily eyes were able to receive. He likewise called before Him the chief prophets Moses and Elijah, who testified to His divinity, that He is indeed the true brightness of the essence of the Father, the Ruler of the living and the dead. Wherefore a cloud wrapped them round like a tent; and out of the cloud from above loudly sounded the voice of the Father, testifying and saying: ‘This is my beloved Son, whom I have begotten without change from the womb before the morning star: Him have I sent to save those who are baptized in the Name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and who confess with faith that the One Power of the Godhead is indivisible. Hear ye Him.’ And do thou Thyself, O Christ our God, supreme in goodness, who lovest mankind, shine upon us with the light of Thy glory that no man can approach and make us worthy to inherit Thy never-ending Kingdom.

Glory be to the Father…

Tone Five

Come, let us ascend into the mountain of the Lord, even to the house of our God, and behold the glory of His Transfiguration, glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father. Let us receive light from His Light, and with uplifted spirits let us for ever sing the praises of the consubstantial Trinity.

Both now…

Same Tone

Moses who saw God and Elijah who rode in the chariot of fire, passing across the heavens unconsumed, beheld Thee in the cloud at Thy Transfiguration, O Christ, and they testified that Thou art the maker and the fulfilment of the Law and the prophets. With them, count us also worthy of Thy light, O Master, that we may sing Thy praises unto all ages.

Aposticha:

Tone One

He who once spoke through symbols to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying, ‘I am He who is’, was transfigured today upon Mount Tabor before the disciples; and in His own person He showed them the nature of man, arrayed in the original beauty of the Image. Calling Moses and Elijah to be witnesses of this exceeding grace, He made them sharers in His joy, foretelling His decease through the Cross and His saving Resurrection.

℣. The heavens are Thine, the earth also is Thine: as for the world and the fullness thereof, Thou hast founded them (Psalm 88:12).

David the ancestor of God, foreseeing in spirit from afar the sojourn with men of the Only-begotten Son in the flesh, called the creation together to rejoice with him, and prophetically lifted up his voice to cry: ‘Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Thy name.’ For having gone up, O Christ, with Thy disciples into Mount Tabor, Thou wast transfigured, and hast made the nature that had grown dark in Adam to shine again as lightning, transforming it into the glory and splendour of Thine own divinity. Therefore we cry aloud unto Thee: O Lord and Creator of all things, glory to Thee.

℣. Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Thy Name (Psalm 88:13).

When the chosen apostles beheld upon the mountain of the Transfiguration the overwhelming flood of Thy light, O Christ who hast no beginning, and Thy divinity unto which no man may approach, they were caught up into a divine trance. The cloud of light shone around them on every side, and they heard the voice of the Father confirming the mystery of Thine Incarnation: for even after taking flesh Thou dost remain the Only-begotten Son and the Saviour of the world.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Tone Six

On Mount Tabor, O Lord, Thou hast shown today the glory of Thy divine form unto Thy chosen disciples, Peter, James, and John. For they looked upon Thy garments that gleamed as the light and at Thy face that shone more than the sun; and unable to endure the vision of Thy brightness which none can bear, they fell to the earth, completely powerless to lift up their gaze. For they heard a voice that testified from above: ‘This is my beloved Son, who has come into the world to save mankind.’

Apolytikion (troparion) of the feast:

Tone Seven

Thou wast transfigured upon the mountain, O Christ our God, showing Thy glory to Thy disciples as far as they were able to bear it. At the intercessions of the Theotokos, make Thine everlasting light shine forth also upon us sinners. O Giver of light, glory to Thee.

And the Dismissal.

After the first reading from the Psalter, sessional hymn:

Tone Four

Thou wast transfigured upon Mount Tabor, showing the exchange mortal men will make with Thy glory at Thy second and fearful coming, O Saviour. Elijah and Moses talked with Thee, and Thou hast called the three disciples to be with Thee. As they gazed upon Thy glory, O Master, they were struck with wonder at Thy blinding brightness. Do Thou who then hast shone upon them with Thy light, give light now to our souls.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Repeat.

After the second reading from the Psalter, sessional hymn:

Tone Four

Thou wast transfigured upon Mount Tabor, O Jesus, and a shining cloud, spread out like a tent, covered the apostles with Thy glory. Whereupon their gaze fell to the ground, for they could not bear to look upon the brightness of the unapproachable glory of Thy face, O Saviour Christ, our God who art without beginning. Do Thou who then hast shone upon them with Thy light, give light now to our souls.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Repeat.

After the polyeleos, the megalynarion:

We magnify Thee, O Christ the Giver of life, and we venerate the all-glorious Transfiguration of Thy most pure flesh.

℣. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised: in the city of our God and in His holy mountain (Psalm 47:2).

We magnify Thee…

℣. Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? and who shall dwell in Thy holy mountain? (Psalm 14:1)

We magnify Thee…

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, glory be to Thee, O God (three times).

We magnify Thee…

Sessional hymn:

Tone Four

Going up with the disciples into the mountain, Thou hast shone forth with the glory of the Father. Moses and Elijah stood at Thy side, for the Law and the prophets minister to Thee as God. And the Father, acknowledging Thy natural Sonship, called Thee Son. We praise Him in song together with Thee and the Spirit.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Repeat.

But in the Slav use, after Both now…, a further sessional hymn is provided:

Tone Eight

Enlightening the disciples that were with Thee, O Christ our Benefactor, Thou hast shown them upon the holy mountain the hidden and blinding light of Thy nature and of Thy divine beauty beneath the flesh; and they, understanding that Thy glory could not be borne, loudly cried out, ‘Holy art Thou’. For Thou art He whom no man may approach, yet wast Thou seen in the flesh by the world, O Thou who alone lovest mankind.

The first antiphon of the hymn of degrees in Tone Four.

Prokimenon:

Tone Four

Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Thy name (Psalm 88:13).

℣. The heavens are Thine, the earth also is Thine (Psalm 88:12).

Let everything that hath breath…

Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke (9:28–36).

At that time Jesus took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as He prayed, the fashion of His countenance was altered, and His raiment was white and glistering. And, behold, there talked with Him two men, which were Moses and Elijah: who appeared in glory, and spake of His decease which He should accomplish at Jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with Him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw His glory, and the two men that stood with Him. And it came to pass, as they departed from Him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah: not knowing what he said. While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is My beloved Son: hear Him. And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.

After the Gospel, in the Greek use the following is read and sung:

Psalm 50.

Glory be to the Father…

At the prayers of the apostles…

Both now…

At the prayers of the Theotokos…

Have mercy upon me…

O God, who in Thy goodness hast sanctified with Thy light all the inhabited earth, Thou wast transfigured upon a high mountain, showing Thy might unto Thy disciples: for Thou dost redeem the world from transgression. Therefore we cry aloud to Thee: O Lord of compassion, save our souls.

But in the Slav use we say:

Psalm 50.

Glory be to the Father…

Today all things are filled with joy: Christ is transfigured before the disciples.

Both now…

Today all things are filled with joy…

Have mercy upon me…

Tone Five

Having uncovered, O Saviour, a little of the light of Thy divinity to those who went up with Thee into the mountain, Thou hast made them lovers of Thy heavenly glory. Therefore they cried in awe: ‘It is good for us to be here.’ With them we also sing unto Thee, O Saviour Christ who wast transfigured.

Two Canons are read: the first, by St. Cosmas, in eight troparia including the irmos, and the second by St. John of Damascus, in six, likewise including the irmos. The irmoi of each Canon are sung twice. Before the troparia we say, Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

Canticle One

First Canon

Tone Four

Irmos: The choirs of Israel passed dry-shod across the Red Sea and the watery deep; and beholding the riders and captains of the enemy swallowed by the waters, they cried out for joy: ‘Let us sing unto our God, for He has been glorified.’

Delivering to His friends words of life concerning the Kingdom of God, Christ said to them: ‘When I shall shine forth with unapproachable light, ye shall know that the Father is in Me, and shall cry out for joy: Let us sing unto our God, for He has been glorified.’

‘O my disciples and friends, ye shall eat the strength of the Gentiles and their riches shall be your boast: for when I shall appear shining brighter than the sun, ye shall be filled with glory and cry out for joy: Let us sing unto our God, for He has been glorified.’

Today as He has promised Christ, shining on Mount Tabor, dimly disclosed to His disciples the image and reflection of the divine brightness; and filled with godlike and light-bearing splendour, they cried out for joy: ‘Let us sing unto our God for He has been glorified.’

Second Canon

Tone Eight

Irmos: Having crossed the water as though it were dry land, and escaped from the wickedness of Egypt, the children of Israel shouted aloud: ‘Let us sing unto our Deliverer and our God.’

In times past, Moses saw prophetically the glory of the Lord by the Red Sea in the cloud and the pillar of fire, and he shouted aloud: ‘Let us sing unto our Deliverer and our God.’

Protected by a godlike body as by a rock and seeing Him who is invisible, Moses who beheld God shouted aloud: ‘Let us sing unto our Deliverer and our God.’

Thou hast appeared to Moses both on the Mountain of the Law and on Tabor: of old in darkness, but now in the unapproachable light of the Godhead.

Katavasia: Inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross upon the waters, Moses marked a straight line before him with his staff and divided the Red Sea, opening a path for Israel who went over dry-shod. Then he marked a second line across the waters and united them in one, overwhelming the chariots of Pharaoh. Therefore let us sing to Christ our God, for He has been glorified.

Canticle Three

First Canon

Irmos: The bow of the mighty has waxed feeble and the weak have girded themselves with strength: therefore is my heart established in the Lord.

Thou hast put Adam on entire, O Christ, and changing the nature grown dark in past times, Thou hast filled it with glory and made it godlike by the alteration of Thy form.

In the past Christ led Israel in the wilderness with the pillar of fire and the cloud; and today ineffably He has shone forth in light upon Mount Tabor.

Second Canon

Irmos: O Lord, Thou Builder of the vault of heaven and Founder of the Church, do Thou confirm me in Thy love: for Thou art our supreme desire and the support of the faithful, O Thou who alone lovest mankind.

The Glory that once overshadowed the tabernacle and spake with Thy servant Moses, O Master, was a figure of Thy Transfiguration that ineffably shone forth as lightning upon Tabor.

The leaders of the apostles went up with Thee into Mount Tabor, O Only-begotten Word most high, and Moses and Elijah were both present with Thee as attendants of God, O Thou who alone lovest mankind.

Being complete God, Thou hast become complete man, bringing together manhood and the complete Godhead in Thy Person which Moses and Elijah saw on Mount Tabor in the two natures.

Katavasia: The rod of Aaron is an image of this mystery, when it budded it showed who should be priest. So in the Church, that once was barren, the wood of the Cross has now put forth flower, filling her with strength and steadfastness.

Sessional hymn

Tone Four

Thou wast transfigured upon Mount Tabor, O God, between Moses and Elijah the wise, in the presence of James, Peter, and John; and Peter, as he stood there, spake thus to Thee: ‘It would be good to make three tabernacles here: one for Moses, one for Elijah, and one for Thee, O Christ our Master.’ Do Thou who then hast shone upon them with Thy light, give light now to our souls.

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Repeat.

Canticle Four

First Canon

Irmos: I have heard of Thy glorious Dispensation, O Christ our God: how Thou wast born of the Virgin, that so Thou mightest deliver from error those who cry aloud to Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

Thou, O Christ our God, hast delivered the written Law upon Mount Sinai, and hast appeared there riding upon the cloud, in the midst of fire and darkness and tempest. Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

As a pledge of Thy glorious dispensation, Thou hast ineffably shone forth on Tabor, O Christ our God, who wast before the ages and whose chariot is the clouds.

Those with whom Thou hast conversed of old in fiery vapour, in darkness and the lightest of winds, stood before Thee in the manner of servants, O Christ our Master, and talked with Thee. Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

Moses who in past times foresaw Thee in the fire of the burning bush, and Elijah who was taken up in a chariot of fire, were present on Tabor and made known there Thy decease upon the Cross.

Second Canon

Irmos: Lightning flashes of divinity proceeded forth from Thy flesh: therefore the chosen prophets and apostles sang and cried aloud: Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

Thou hast preserved the bush unharmed, O Master, though it was united with fire, and Thou hast shown to Moses Thy flesh shining with divine brightness, while he sang: ‘Glory to Thy power, O Lord.’

The visible sun was eclipsed by the rays of Thy divinity, when it saw Thee transfigured on Mount Tabor, O my Jesus. Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

Thou wast revealed as an immaterial fire that burns not the material substance of the body, when Thou hast appeared to Moses and the apostles and Elijah, O Master who art one in two natures and both of them perfect.

Katavasia: O Lord, I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation: I have considered Thy works, and I have glorified Thy Godhead.

Canticle Five

First Canon

Irmos: Thou hast parted the light from the original chaos, that Thy works might celebrate Thee in light, O Christ, as their Creator: do Thou direct our paths in Thy light.

The seasons bowed down before Thy face: for at Thy feet the sun laid its light and its bright rays which fill the heavens, when Thou, O Christ, vouchsafed to change Thy mortal form.

‘Behold the Saviour’, cried Moses and Elijah on Tabor the Holy Mountain, and their words rang in the ears of the disciples. ‘Lo, here is Christ whom we in ancient times proclaimed as God.’

The nature that knows no change, being mingled with the mortal nature, shone forth ineffably, unveiling in some small measure to the apostles the light of the immaterial Godhead.

When they saw Thee, O Christ the eternal Light, shining forth in the glory of the Father, the disciples cried aloud to Thee: ‘Direct our paths in Thy light.’

Second Canon

Irmos: O Light that never sets, why hast Thou cast me from Thy face? And why has the alien darkness covered me in my wretchedness? But I entreat Thee, cause me to return and direct my paths towards the light of Thy commandments.

No tongue, however eloquent, can declare Thy mighty works. For Thou who art Lord of life and Master of death hast called Moses and Elijah before Thee on Mount Tabor, to bear witness to Thy divinity.

Thou, O Christ, with invisible hands hast fashioned man in Thine image; and Thou hast now displayed the original beauty in this same human body formed by Thee, revealing it, not as in an image, but as Thou art in Thine own self according to Thine essence, being both God and man.

In a union without confusion, Thou hast shown us on Mount Tabor the live coal of the Godhead that consumes sins while it enlighten souls, and Thou hast caught up in ecstasy Moses and Elijah and the chief disciples.

Katavasia: O thrice-blessed Tree, on which Christ the King and Lord was stretched! Through thee the beguiler fell, who tempted mankind with the tree. He was caught in the trap set by God, who was crucified upon thee in the flesh, granting peace unto our souls.

Canticle Six

First Canon

Irmos: In my affliction I cried unto the Lord, and the God of my salvation heard me.

The Saviour Christ, Light shining forth on Tabor more brightly than the brilliance of the sun, has enlightened us.

Going up into Mount Tabor Thou wast transfigured, O Christ, and darkening all error Thou hast made Thy Light shine forth.

On Tabor, O Christ, the glorious apostles recognized Thee as God and bent their knees before Thee in their amazement.

Second Canon

Irmos: Be merciful to me, O Saviour, for many are my transgressions, and lead me up, I beseech Thee, from the abyss of evil, for unto Thee have I cried: Hearken unto me, O God of my salvation.

How mighty and fearful is the vision that was seen today! The visible sun shone from heaven, but from the earth there shone upon Mount Tabor the spiritual Sun of Righteousness, past all compare.

‘The shadow of the Law has grown exceeding weak and passed away, and Christ the Truth has plainly come’, cried Moses as he looked upon Thy Godhead on Tabor.

The pillar of fire plainly showed to Moses Christ transfigured, and the cloud pointed clearly to the grace of the Spirit that overshadowed Mount Tabor.

Katavasia: Jonah stretched out his hands in the form of a cross within the belly of the sea monster, plainly prefiguring the redeeming Passion. Cast out from thence after three days, he foreshadowed the marvellous Resurrection of Christ our God, who was crucified in the flesh and enlightened the world by His Rising on the third day.

Kontakion

Tone Seven

Thou wast transfigured upon the mountain, and Thy disciples beheld Thy glory, O Christ our God, as far as they were able so to do: that when they saw Thee crucified, they might know that Thy suffering was voluntary, and might proclaim unto the world that Thou art truly the Brightness of the Father.

Ikos

Awake ye sluggards, lie not for ever on the ground; and ye thoughts that draw my soul towards the earth, arise and go up to the high slope of the divine ascent. Let us run to join Peter and the sons of Zebedee, and go with them to Mount Tabor, that with them we may see the glory of our God and hear the voice they heard from heaven; and they proclaimed that this is the Brightness of the Father.

Canticle Seven

First Canon

Irmos: In Babylon the Children, sons of Abraham, once trampled upon the flame of the fiery furnace, and they sang this song of praise: ‘O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’

On Mount Tabor, O Christ, the apostles, bathed in the light of Thine unapproachable glory, cried aloud: ‘O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’

The apostles delighted in the whirlwind of the divine voice, in the cloud that shed dew, and in Thy shining majesty, O Christ; and they sang: ‘O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’

As Peter looked upon Thee, O Christ, shining forth on Mount Tabor in unapproachable light, he cried aloud: ‘O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’

The children of Zebedee were with Christ, the Prince of life, when light went forth from His Person, and they thundered out: ‘O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’

Second Canon

Irmos: The Hebrew Children in the furnace boldly trampled upon the flame, and they changed the fire to dew as they cried aloud: ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, for evermore.’

Now the invisible has become visible to the apostles: on Mount Tabor the Godhead has shone forth before them in the flesh, and they cried aloud: ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, for evermore.’

On Mount Tabor the apostles, struck with wonder, trembled with fear before the beauty of the divine Kingdom, and they cried aloud: ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, for evermore.’

Now the unheard of has been heard. For the Son who came forth without father from the Virgin, receives glorious testimony from His Father’s voice, that He is both God and man for evermore.

Not by adoption hast Thou become the beloved Son of the Most High, but Thou wast such by essence before the world began; and without changing Thou hast come to dwell with us who cry to Thee: ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, for evermore.’

Katavasia: The senseless decree of the wicked tyrant, breathing forth threats and blasphemy hateful to God, confused the people. Yet neither the fury of wild beasts nor the roaring of the fire could frighten the three Children: but standing together in the flame, fanned by the wind that brought refreshment as the dew, they sang: ‘Blessed art Thou and praised above all, O our God and the God of our fathers.’

Canticle Eight

First Canon

Irmos: In Babylon the Children, burning with zeal for God, bravely trampled upon the threat of the tyrant and the fire; thrown into the midst of the flames but refreshed with dew, they sang: ‘O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.’

Thou, who dost uphold all things by Thy will, hast gone up with Thine undefiled feet into Mount Tabor. There Thy face shone with a splendour brighter than the light of the sun, and in its radiance stood the elect of the Law and of Grace, singing: ‘O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.’

When the infinite Light that knows no evening, even the brightness of the Father that gives splendour to creation, ineffably appeared in unapproachable glory on Mount Tabor, it made men godlike as they sang: ‘O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.’

Standing in reverence on Mount Tabor, Moses and Elijah clearly beheld the express image of the divine Person, even Christ, shining forth as lightning with the glory of the Father, and they sang: ‘O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.’

The face of Moses once shone with glory because of the divine voice he heard in the darkness; but Christ covers Himself with light and glory as with a garment. For He, who is by nature Himself the Author of light, shines upon those who sing: ‘O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.’

The disciples, looking on Mount Tabor upon Christ wrapped in a cloud of light, fell on their faces to the ground, and with their minds enlightened they sang this hymn of praise to Him, and to the Father and the Spirit: ‘O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.’

Second Canon

Irmos: The tyrant of the Chaldeans ordered the furnace to be heated seven times more for the three Children who were filled with reverent fear of God: but seeing them saved by a greater power, he cried: ‘O ye children, bless ye the Creator and Deliverer; O ye priests, sing His praises; O ye people, exalt Him above all for ever.’

The disciples, O Master, heard the testimony of the Father; and unable to bear the sight of Thy Face whose lightning brightness was too fierce for the eyes of man, they fell to the ground in awe, singing: ‘O ye priests, bless ye Christ; O ye people, exalt Him above all for ever.’

O blessed Master, Thou art by nature the fairest King of all Kings and blessed Lord of all Lords, and Thou dwellest in unapproachable light. To Thee the disciples, struck with wonder, cried: ‘O ye children, bless ye Christ; O ye priests, sing His praises; O ye people, exalt Him above all for ever.’

Because Thou art Master of heaven and Lord of the earth, and hast dominion over the things under the earth, there stood beside Thee, O Christ, the apostles from the earth, and Elijah the Tishbite as if from heaven, and Moses from the dead, singing with one accord: ‘O ye people, exalt Christ above all for ever.’

Thy chosen apostles left all idle cares behind them upon earth, and followed Thee who lovest mankind to the divine way of life that is high above this world. So they were accounted worthy to receive the vision of Thy Godhead, and they sang: ‘O ye people, exalt Christ above all for ever.’

Katavasia: O ye Children, equal in number to the Trinity, bless ye God the Father and Creator; sing ye the praises of the Word who descended and changed the fire to dew; and exalt ye above all for ever the most Holy Spirit, who gives life to all.

Canticle Nine

The Magnificat and Greater in honour than the cherubim are not sung, but before the irmoi and the troparia we sing the megalynarion:

Magnify, O my soul, the Lord who was transfigured on Tabor.

First Canon

Irmos: Thy birthgiving was undefiled: God came forth from thy womb, and He appeared upon earth wearing flesh and made His dwelling among men; therefore we all magnify thee, O Theotokos.

The disciples, struck with fear and illuminated with the sudden stream of strange light, looked at one another and fell face downwards upon the ground, worshipping Thee the Master of all.

A divine voice came forth from the cloud confirming the wonder. For the Father of lights called to the apostles: ‘This is My beloved Son. Hear ye Him.’

On Tabor the ministers of the Word looked upon strange and marvellous wonders, and hearing the voice of the Father, they cried out: ‘This is the imprint of the archetype, even our Saviour.’

O unchanged Image of the One Who Is, O Seal that cannot be removed or altered, Son and Word, Wisdom and Arm, Right Hand and Strength of the Most High, Thee do we sing with the Father and the Spirit.

Second Canon

Irmos: Every ear trembled with fear at hearing of the ineffable condescension of God: how the Most High of His own will came down even unto the flesh and was made man from a virgin womb. Therefore we the faithful magnify the undefiled Theotokos.

To show plainly how, at Thy mysterious second coming, Thou wilt appear as the Most High God standing in the midst of gods, on Mount Tabor Thou hast shone in fashion past words upon the apostles and upon Moses and Elijah. Therefore we all magnify Thee, O Christ.

Come and hearken unto me, O ye peoples: going up into the holy and heavenly mountain, let us stand in spirit in the city of the living God, and let us gaze with our minds at the spiritual Godhead of the Father and the Spirit, shining forth in the Only-begotten Son.

Thou hast taken me captive with longing for Thee, O Christ, and hast transformed me with Thy divine love. Burn up my sins with the fire of the Spirit, and count me worthy to take my fill of delight in Thee, that dancing with joy I may magnify both Thy Comings, O Lord who art good.

Katavasia: O Theotokos, thou art a mystical Paradise, who untilled hast brought forth Christ. He has planted upon earth the life-giving Tree of the Cross: therefore at its Exaltation on this day, we worship Him and thee do we magnify.

Another Katavasia: Today the death that came to man through eating of the tree, is made of no effect through the Cross. For the curse of our mother Eve that fell on all mankind is destroyed by the fruit of the pure Mother of God, whom all the powers of heaven magnify.

Exapostilarion:

Today on Tabor in the manifestation of Thy Light, O Word, Thou unaltered Light from the Light of the unbegotten Father, we have seen the Father as Light and the Spirit as Light, guiding with light the whole creation (three times).

Lauds. Four stichera are sung:

Tone Four

Before Thy precious Cross and Thy Passion, taking with Thee those among Thy holy disciples that Thou hadst specially chosen, Thou hast gone up, O Master, into Mount Tabor, wishing to show them Thy glory. And when they saw Thee transfigured and shining more brightly than the sun, falling upon their faces, they were smitten with wonder at Thy power, and cried aloud: ‘O Christ, Thou art the timeless Light and Brightness of the Father, yet of Thine own will without changing Thou art made manifest in the flesh’ (twice).

O Thou who from all eternity art God the Word, who coverest Thyself with light as with a garment, Thou wast transfigured before Thy disciples, shining more brightly than the sun. Moses and Elijah stood by Thy side, making it plain that Thou art Lord both of the dead and of the living: they glorified Thine ineffable dispensation, Thy compassion and Thy great condescension, whereby Thou hast saved the world lost utterly in sin.

O Lord who wast born of a virgin cloud and made flesh, Thou wast transfigured on Mount Tabor, encompassing Thyself with a bright cloud; and the voice of the Father in the presence of the disciples plainly declared Thee to be the beloved Son, one in essence and sharing the same throne. Thereupon Peter spoke with wonder, not knowing what he said: ‘It is good for us to be here, O Thou Benefactor rich in mercy.’

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

Tone Eight

by Byzas

Christ took Peter, James, and John up into a high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them. His face shone as the sun and His raiment became white as the light. There appeared Moses and Elijah talking with Him; a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying: ‘This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased: hear ye Him.’

Great Doxology and Dismissal.

In the Greek use the following antiphons are sung:

Antiphon One

Tone Two

℣ 1. Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised: in the city of our God and in His holy mountain (Psalm 47:2).

At the prayers of the Theotokos, save us, O Saviour.

℣ 2. By His strength He setteth fast the mountains, being girded with power: He troubleth the depths of the sea; who shall endure the noise of its waves? (Psalm 64:7–8)

At the prayers of the Theotokos…

℣ 3. Thou art clothed with honour and majesty: Thou coverest Thyself with light as with a garment (Psalm 103:1–2).

At the prayers of the Theotokos…

℣ 4. The mountains shall be joyful before the face of the Lord: for He is come to judge the earth (Psalm 97:8–9).

At the prayers of the Theotokos…

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

At the prayers of the Theotokos…

Antiphon Two

Same Tone

℣ 1. His foundations are in the holy mountains (Psalm 86:1).

O Son of God, transfigured upon Mount Tabor, save us who sing to Thee: alleluia.

℣ 2. The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob (Psalm 86:2).

O Son of God…

℣ 3. Glorious things are spoken of thee, O city of God (Psalm 86:3).

O Son of God…

℣ 4. Zion is our mother, a man shall say, and such a man was born in her: and the Most High Himself hath established her (Psalm 86:5).

O Son of God…

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

O Only-begotten Son and Word of God…

Antiphon Three

Tone Seven

℣ 1. I will sing of Thy mercies for ever, O Lord (Psalm 88:2).

The troparion of the feast:

Thou wast transfigured upon the mountain, O Christ our God, showing Thy glory to Thy disciples as far as they were able to bear it. At the intercessions of the Theotokos, make Thine everlasting light shine forth also upon us sinners. O Giver of light, glory to Thee.

℣ 2. The heavens shall praise Thy wonders, O Lord: and Thy truth in the congregation of the saints (Psalm 88:6).

The troparion of the feast.

℣ 3. Blessed is the people that know the sound of joy (Psalm 88:16).

The troparion of the feast.

℣ 4. They shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance: in Thy Name shall they rejoice all the day, and in Thy righteousness shall they be exalted (Psalm 88:16–17).

The troparion of the feast.

But in the Slav use the antiphons are as follows:

Antiphon One

Tone Two

℣ 1. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: sing forth the honour of His Name; make His praise glorious (Psalm 65:1–2).

At the prayers of the Theotokos, save us, O Saviour.

℣ 2. The voice of Thy thunder was heard in the whirlwind, Thy lightnings shone upon the inhabited earth: the earth trembled and shook (Psalm 76:19).

At the prayers of the Theotokos…

℣ 3. Thou art clothed with honour and majesty: Thou coverest Thyself with light as with a garment (Psalm 103:1–2).

At the prayers of the Theotokos…

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

At the prayers of the Theotokos…

Antiphon Two

Same Tone

℣ 1. Mount Zion upon the north side is the city of the Great King (Psalm 47:3).

O Son of God, transfigured upon the mountain, save us who sing to Thee: alleluia.

℣ 2. And He brought them to the mountain of His sanctuary: even to this mountain which His right hand had purchased (Psalm 77:54).

O Son of God…

℣ 3. He chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which He loved: and He built His sanctuary as the place of the unicorns (Psalm 77:68–69).

O Son of God…

Glory be to the Father… Both now…

O Only-begotten Son and Word of God…

Antiphon Three

Tone Seven

℣ 1. They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion: he that dwells in Jerusalem shall never be shaken (Psalm 124:1).

The troparion of the feast:

Thou wast transfigured upon the mountain, O Christ our God, showing Thy glory to Thy disciples as far as they were able to bear it. At the intercessions of the Theotokos, make Thine everlasting light shine forth also upon us sinners. O Giver of light, glory to Thee.

℣ 2. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about His people: from henceforth even for evermore (Psalm 124:2).

The troparion of the feast.

℣ 3. Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? and who shall dwell in Thy holy mountain? (Psalm 14:1)

The troparion of the feast.

℣ 4. Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: or who shall stand in His holy place? (Psalm 23:3)

The troparion of the feast.

Introit in the Greek use:

Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Thy Name (Psalm 88:13).

O Son of God, transfigured upon Mount Tabor, save us who sing to Thee: alleluia.

But in the Slav use the introit is as follows:

O Lord, send forth Thy light and Thy truth that they may lead me and bring me to Thy holy mountain (Psalm 42:3).

Then, in both the Greek and the Slav use, are sung the troparion of the feast; Glory be to the Father… Both now…; the kontakion of the feast.

Prokimenon:

Tone Four

O Lord, how marvellous are Thy works: in wisdom hast Thou made them all (Psalm 103:24).

℣. Bless the Lord, O my soul: O Lord my God, Thou art very great (Psalm 103:1).

Reading from the second Epistle General of Peter (1:10–19).

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory. This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with Him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.

In the Greek use, Alleluia:

Tone One

℣ 1. The heavens shall praise Thy wonders (Psalm 88:6).

℣ 2. God is glorified in the assembly of the saints (Psalm 88:8).

In the Slav use, Alleluia:

Tone Eight

℣ 1. The heavens are Thine, the earth also is Thine (Psalm 88:12).

℣ 2. Blessed is the people that know the sound of joy (Psalm 88:16).

Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (17:1–9).

At that time, Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart, and was transfigured before them: and His face did shine as the sun, and His raiment was white as the light. And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elijah talking with Him. Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if Thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for Thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah. While he yet spake, behold a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him. And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were sore afraid. And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid. And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.

In place of It is meet, we sing the irmos from Canticle Nine of the first Canon).

Magnify, O my soul, the Lord who was transfigured on Tabor.

Irmos: Thy birthgiving was undefiled: God came forth from thy womb, and He appeared upon earth wearing flesh and made His dwelling among men; therefore we all magnify thee, O Theotokos.

Communion verse:

We shall walk, O Lord, in the light of the glory of Thy countenance: and in Thy Name shall we rejoice all the day (Psalm 88:16–17).

It is the custom to bring grapes to the church on this day. They are placed on a table in the centre of the church and blessed by the priest at the end of the Liturgy. In the Greek use he says the following prayer:

Bless, O Lord, this new fruit of the vine, which Thou hast been pleased to bring to full ripeness through temperate seasons, showers of rain, and calm weather. May we who partake thereof be filled with joy; and upon those who offer this fruit of the vine for use at Thy Holy Table, may it confer forgiveness of sins, through the sacred and holy Body and Blood of Thy Christ, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy most holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

But in the Slav use the priest says:

O God our Saviour, who wast pleased to call Thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Vine, and in Him hast granted us the fruit of immortality: do Thou now bless this fruit of the vine lying here, and make us Thy servants, who eat of it, partakers of the true Vine. Keep our lives from harm and ever give us peace, and adorn us with the eternal gifts of grace that none can take away: at the intercessions of our most pure Lady, the Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary, and of all Thy saints who have pleased Thee down the ages. For Thou art a good God who lovest mankind, and unto Thee, Father without beginning, together with Thine Only-begotten Son and Thy most holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, do we ascribe glory, now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The grapes are then distributed by the priest, together with the blessed bread (antidoron).

On the day of the feast, fish, wine, and oil are allowed, but meat and animal products are not eaten, because it is within the fast before the Dormition of the Theotokos.

The apodosis of the feast falls on 13 August. On that day all the office of the feast is repeated, omitting only the entrance, lessons, lity, and blessing of bread at Vespers; the polyeleos and Gospel at Mattins: and the blessing of grapes at the Liturgy.