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Armenian Hymnal

THEOLOGICAL TREASURES OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH - ARMENIAN HYMNS (SHARAGANS)

The Armenian Church is rich in its music and literature. St. Nersess Armenian Seminary is proud to begin offering some of the Church’s unique liturgical services, hymns and writings. Check back often for updates.

The Armenian Church’s Book of Hymns, called the Sharagnots or simply Sharagan, contains well over one thousand hymns that are sung during the liturgical services of the Armenian Church. The theology of the Armenian Church is perhaps most exquisitely expressed in her hymns. Most of the sharagans were composed by the great saints of the Armenian Church, while some of them are very early translations of anonymous sacred songs that go back to ancient Christian times.

The first printed edition of the Sharagnots was published by Voskan Yerevantsi in Amsterdam in 1646. This is twenty years before the first printed edition of the Armenian Bible.

The faculty of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary has undertaken to translate the entire Sharagnots into English. This will be accomplished piecemeal as time and resources permit, with new installments to be uploaded to this page periodically. Those reproducing these translations for any reason, in print or electronically, are asked to credit the translator and St. Nersess Armenian Seminary.

Translations are based on the Jerusalem 1914 edition of the Tsaynkagh Sharagan.

Christmas Hymns of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church

To download the Christmas Hymns of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church, translated by Fr. Nigoghos Aznavourian, seminary graduate, click here.

TONE 2 Canon of the Saints Joachim and Anna (Որ նախիմաց իմաստութեամբ)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Հարց

Word of God, seated above the Cherubim, today with wondrous gifts you manifested holy Mary, throne of glory in heaven, born of Anna. Blessed is the Lord, God of our Fathers.

On the Mount of Horeb, O blazing Fire divine revealed in wind and earthquake to the astonishment of the holy prophet, today in compassion and mercy you fashioned Mary, signified in the still air, to become a place for your ineffably humble descent. Blessed is the Lord, God of our Fathers.

From early times you depicted the place of your providence, building a temple and a city bearing your exalted name. Today the holy Virgin Mary was truly revealed as the dwelling place of your divinity. Blessed is the Lord, God of our Fathers.

Գործք

Bless the Lord, all the Lord’s creation. Bless and exalt the one born today, the pure Mother of the Word, the ever Virgin.

The holy lady is praised in song by the spiritual hosts, born today by the law of nature, the Mother of God the Word, beyond nature. Exalt the one born today, the pure Mother of the Word, the ever Virgin.

The holy lady is praised by the ranks of prophets and the blessed apostles; destroyer of Eve’s travail, the Mother of Life is today born of Anna. Exalt the one born today, the pure Mother of the Word, the ever Virgin.

TONE 2 Canon of the Annunciation to the Holy Mother of God (Խորհուրդն անճառ)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Oրհնութիւն
Exodus 15

+ An ineffable mystery concealed from the nations and the ages was revealed through the archangel’s descent today to the Virgin Mary. We have her as intercessor with the Lord for ourselves.

+ The timeless One from the Father and bodiless Offspring of God, through the annunciation of Gabriel today, clothes himself in a body from the holy Virgin. We have her as intercessor with the Lord for ourselves.

+ He who cannot be borne by any, who carries the nature of all, today lovingly encompasses himself in the womb of the immaculate Virgin. We have her as intercessor with the Lord for ourselves.

+ The form of the invisible glory of the Father immutably humbles himself to the image of a servant in the womb through the Spirit of the purified one. We have her as intercessor with the Lord for ourselves.

+ The One unlimited in being, who brings into being us who are limited, today limits himself within the womb of the holy Virgin ineffably. We have her as intercessor with the Lord for ourselves.

+ Joy to our sorry [human] nature, O cheerful Virgin Mary, the One you bore through the good news of the greeting gave you the Law and is greeted. We have her as intercessor with the Lord for ourselves.

+ You sent your Only-begotten for the salvation of the universe, in his uncreated essence to assume a body from the holy Virgin, O heavenly Father. We have her as intercessor with you for ourselves.

+ You came to fulfill what was previously written by the prophets concerning you. The motherless One from the Father from the beginning became the fatherless One from the holy Virgin. We have her as intercessor with you for ourselves.

+ For the fulfillment of the ineffable [prophecies] from you a veiled mystery was revealed to the blessed Virgin, purified by you, when the power of the Father came upon her. We have her as intercessor with you for ourselves.

+ You erased the condemnation of the pain of the first mother’s curse, which brought about sorrowful birth, by giving birth without malady. Intercede with him always for our sake.

TONE 3 Canon for the Eve of Theophany (Ուրախացիր սրբուհի)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Օրհնութիւն
Exodus 15

+ Rejoice holy lady in Gabriel’s good news! He has proclaimed the coming of the King, the Lord of heaven.

+ Greetings to you, Mary. The Holy Spirit will come to you and the power of the Most High will protect you from above.

+ The One to be born of you is the leader of Israel and he is proclaimed to all as mighty God, the immortal Word.

+ Rejoice and be glad most holy Virgin, who gave birth to the sun of righteousness of the world. He has shined light on the human race.

+ Rejoice and be glad secure door, who gave birth to Christ the king of the world. He is seated on a throne not made with hands.

+ Sensible fleece that Gideon saw, having faith before this. We perceive the inconceivable Nativity and we worship God, who took body from you, O Virgin.

Հարց
Daniel 3

+ Beyond the comprehension of the heavenly choirs, today you revealed the concealed mystery to those born of the earth. Blessed are you, Lord God of our fathers.

+ Invisible to the many-eyed Cherubim, providentially you took our form from the holy Virgin.Blessed are you, Lord God of our fathers.

+ Eternally exalted beyond measure, you are the source of life, satisying perpetually. Blessed are you, Lord God of our fathers.

Գործք

Bless the Lord and highly exalt him forever.

He took the form of a servant and condemned sin in his own body. Praising without ceasing, highly exalt him forever.

Today he took body from the holy Virgin for the sake of the curse, and he took away the punishment of the first-created. All people, more highly exalt him forever.

He ascended to the heights, enslaving the power of death. Today he is distributed as imperishable gifts for humanity. More highly exalt him forever.

Մեծացուսցէ
Magnificat

Rejoice, Mother of God, exalted above the Seraphim. Shining forth from yourself light for us, you became the mother of Him who bears all. All nations and races, we magnify you!

You became the foundation of the church. You became the tabernacle of the Holy Spirit. Among the servant angels, Gabriel announced the good news to you. All nations and races, we magnify you!

We behold the terrifying yet wondrous mystery revealed. Conceived of the Holy Spirit, you gave birth to God the Word in the body.

Ողորմեա
Psalm 50(51)

We fall down before you, Mother of God, and we beseech you, immaculate Virgin.
Intercede for our souls and beseech your only-begotten Son–

To save us from temptation and from every danger that we face.

Տէր յերկնից
Psalm 148-150

We praise you, God, together with the choirs of bodiless ones who dwell with you on high. Care for your creatures.

We laud you, only-begotten Son and Word, O God, who took body from the Virgin. Care for your creatures.

We extol you, Holy Spirit, who are renewal and life. And let us say together, “Glory to God in the highest.”

Մանկունք
Psalm 112

Wondrous dawn who was concealed from us and incomprehensible Word of the Father; blazing fire who dwelled in a body without harming all creatures.

Miraculous dawn, that dawned from the Virgin, shining light on all creatures; the heavens delighted and the earth rejoiced. And Christ God walked among humans.

We take refuge in your, most holy Lady, greatest one, wondrous one and giver of good things. You are a fountain for the thirsty and rest for the weary and you took within you the divine Word.

Ճաշու
Psalm 91(92)

Mother of the unspeakable Light and dwelling place of the Son who has no beginning. With praise we magnify her.

Mother of unattainable providence and personal temple of God the Word, with praise we magnify her.

Mother of the entirety of salvation, who bore in your womb the divine One who cannot be borne. All people, with praise we magnify her.

TONE 8 Canon of Theophany. The First Day (Խորհուրդ մեծ եւ սքանչելի)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Օրհնութիւն
Exodus 15

+Great and wondrous mystery that was revealed today. The shepherds sing with the angels, giving good news to the world.

+A new king was born in the city of Bethlehem. Praise, children of humanity, for he took body for us.

+The One who cannot be bounded by heaven or earth was wrapped in swaddling clothes. Never parting from the Father, he lay in the holy cave.

+Today heaven above delights in the dazzling good news, and all creatures have been clothed in salvation.

+Today Christ the Son of God was presented in the cave, and the multitudes of fiery [angels] descended from heaven to earth.

+Today the shepherds beheld the sun of righteousness, and with the angels they sang, “Glory to God in the highest.”

+You shone from the Father to give light to creatures. O Lord, Sun of righteousness, glory to you.

+You revealed yourself to the shepherds, and were adored by the magi. O Lord, Sun of righteousness, glory to you.

+Let us, too, sing [to you], who took body from the Virgin. O Lord, Sun of righteousness, glory to you.

+Adored by magi, you appeared to shepherds. O Lord, Sun of righteousness, glory to you.

+We also will sing to you, born of the Virgin. O Lord, Sun of righteousness, glory to you.

Հարց
Tone 5

+O Word of the Father, unoriginate partner in Divinity, you existed before the ages and came for the salvation of your creatures. We praise you, God of our fathers.

+You were born of a virgin, an indescribable union. Inseparable and ever-exisiting, you did not depart from the Father’s lap. We praise you, God of our fathers.

+Rejoicing, let us celebrate the feast of your holy birth, for you were revealed to us as Light from Light, and with your light you filled the universe. We praise you, God of our fathers.

Գործք

+Praise the Lord, O handiwork of the Lord, and exalt him forever.

+Praise the One born of the holy VIrgin and exalt him forever.

+Extol the One unspeakable birth of the Savior and yet again exalt him forever.

Մեծացուսցէ

TONE 8 Canon of Theophany. The Second Day (Այսօր բանն ի Հօրէ)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Օրհնութիւն
Exodus 15

+ Today the Word from the Father was revealed on earth, through an inseparable and indescribable mystery, by means of the virgin womb.

+ Today the Creator of heaven and earth—eternally from the Father, without seed from the Virgin—was embraced as a child in his mother’s arms.

+ He cleansed the Jordan and washed away the sins of the world; whom all creatures unceasingly praise, equal in his divinity with the Father and the Spirit.

+ Light has dawned from the Light of the Father, and has illumined the universe: the imperishable birth of the shadowless light, whom the choirs of bodiless [angels] always glorify.

+ God is revealed in the land of the Jews, and in Bethlehem was born in the cave a child, eternally from the Father. And God and man is born in time and comes into being, whom the choirs of bodiless [angels] always glorify.

+And the shepherds, having seen the wondrous dawn of the star, hurried to the manger for unthinking [beasts], in which the child was placed, whom the choirs of bodiless [angels] always glorify.

+Delight and rejoice, Mary, not yet wed, for a Savior was born of you, who is the anointed Lord in the city of David, whom the choirs of bodiless [angels] always glorify.

Հարց
Daniel 3
Tone 5

+ Born with a body from the virginal womb, O Word from the Father before the ages, let us sing: Lord God, glorified is your name.

+ Seated among the Cherubim with the Father, O Son without origin, having become a babe, you were inexplicably wrapped in swaddling cloths. Let us sing: Lord God, glorified is your name.

+ Bestower of all that is good to the human race, you were presented to the Magi today. Let us sing: Lord God, glorified is your name.

Praise the Lord. Highly exalt him forever.

+ The One who is inexplicably enthroned in glory with the Father was revealed on Earth. Praise him. Highly exalt him forever.

+ Christ, who was ineffably born a king from a virgin, is also unceasingly glorified by the angels as God. O priests, praise him. Highly exalt him forever.

Մեծացուսցէ
Magnificat

+ O Mother, light of Light and dwelling of the life-giving Word, all nations and races shall call you blessed.

+ O Mother of the Creator and of the restorer of the withered form, all nations and races shall call you blessed.

+ Light has shone from you upon us who sat in darkness. All nations and races shall call you blessed.

Ողորմեա
Hymn of Psalm 50

+ The shepherds, having heard the terrifying words of the supernal ones in the spiritual hymns they uttered, praised the birth and the dawn of the undifferentiated Light. 

+ Proceeding to the cave by the good news of the archangel, they saw that the One whom the Seraphim cannot see, had humbled himself as a child, placed in a manger for irrational animals.

+ The Magi observed the radiance of the star, foretelling this to be God. For they had arrived to see the One who had taken body, offering him worship.

Տէր յերկնից
Hymn of Psalms 148-150

+ In the midst of the shepherds, the bodiless choirs of the heavenly host, praised the dawn of the great Light from the Father for our salvation.

+ And the Magi, by the sign of the star, came to Bethlehem, worshipped the Lord, and offered in the cave the gifts of the mystery.

+ And the shepherds sing with the angels, “Glory in the highest to you, great God,” who came for the salvation of the universe by means of your Epiphany.

Ճաշու
Hymn of Psalm 91

+ Most praiseworthy and higher than heaven, you bore in your womb the unapproachable Lord, and you gave birth to the delight of the world. For this, we all magnify you always.

+ Most radiantly glad every Virgin, who inexplicably conceived the Word incontainable Word, giving birth to God incarnate. For this, we all magnify you always.

+ Daniel foretold your seedless birth as a stone cut from the mountain without hands, O heavenly bride, and mother who remained a virgin after birth. For this, we all magnify you always.

TONE 6 Canon of Theophany. The Third Day (Էակից հօր եւ հոգւոյն)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Օրհնութիւն
Exodus 15

+ Equal to the divinity of the Father and the Spirit, O Son without origin. Without mother, first in priority, and with the Father forever.

+ Sent from the bosom of the Father, you were placed in a manger for unthinking [animals] and were revealed God the Word.

+ Christ, born in the city of David, the shepherds proclaim with the angels, and the Magi with the star.

+ You bore in your womb the Lord incarnate. Rejoice O unwed mother.

+ You bore incorruptibly in your womb the One who cannot be apprehended by anything that exists. Rejoice O unwed mother.

+ Bringing into existence the Word, the co-creator, you gave birth to him manifestly in the world. Rejoice O unwed mother.

Հարց
Daniel 3

+ Miracle working God, we extol you, who are seated upon the cherubic throne, O God of our fathers.

+ The One for whom the heavens do not suffice to contain your incontainable nature, you dwelled in the womb of the Virgin and were born inexplicably, O God of our fathers.

+ The One upon whose divinity the six-winged Seraphim do not dare to gaze; they saw you in the arms of the Virgin. Astounded, they praised you, O God of our fathers.

Praise the Lord and highly exalt him forever.

+ Christ God, who was ineffably born a king from a virgin, on account of whom the physical powers tremble. People, praise him and highly exalt him forever.

+ He was baptized in the Jordan and washed the universe of its sin; the voice of the Father and the appearance of the Holy Spirit bore witness to him. Priests, praise and further exalt him forever.

Մեծացուսցէ
Magnificat

+ O Mary, Mother of God, and unwed holy mother, who are blessed among women, we praise you always, who are worthy. We magnify you.

+ Imperishable temple and bridal chamber of light, the Word of life became your groom and dwelled in you. We praise you always, who are worthy. We magnify you.

+ Living fire that burned in the bush, you bore harmlessly in your womb, and gave birth to the One who is God and man. We praise you always, who are worthy. We magnify you.

Ողորմեա
Hymn of Psalm 50

+ O Word, image of the Father and co-creator, today, for the salvation of the human race, out of love for mankind, you put on the form of a servant from the Virgin. By means of your all-saving advent, have mercy on us, O God.

+ Concealed with the Father and the Holy Spirit in unapproachable light, you rested on the Cherubic throne. Today you were wrapped in swaddling cloths and were placed in a manger for unthinking [animals] in your love for mankind.

+ O King of glory, you came for the salvation of the human race. In your inexplicable humility, restore today to eternal life my soul, which was condemned to death through sin, in your love for mankind.

Տէր յերկնից
Hymn of Psalms 148-150

+ Christ was born today in the cave of Bethlehem and the choirs of watchful angels on high stood terrified and astonished, for they saw God the Word born in a body.

+ New miracles took place today in the cave of Bethlehem. A virgin gave birth to God and man, her virginal womb remaining incorrupt, for they saw God the Word born in a body.

+ The star prophecied to the Magi to bring gifts to the divine One. And the shepherds sang with the angels, saying, “Glory to God in the highest,” who sent God the Word for our salvation.

Ճաշու
Hymn of Psalm 91

+ Habitation of the Father’s Word who has no beginning, temple and bridal chamber, venue of the incontainable Light, we rightly magnify you in song, O Mother of God and virgin.

+ The One by whom all beings were created and brought to life became a babe without seed in your womb and the God of all assumed a body from you. We rightly magnify you in song, O Mother of God and virgin.

+ The One before whom the choirs of watchful angels on high trembled in astonishment you received as a babe and held in your arms. As his mother, you gave the One who created you your virginal holy milk to drink. We rightly magnify you in song, O Mother of God and virgin.

TONE 5 Canon of Theophany. The Fourth Day (Այսօր Գաբրիէլ ցնծութեամբ երգեաց)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Օրհնութիւն
Exodus 15

+ Today, rejoicing, Gabriel sang good news to the holy Virgin, who gave birth to the Savior of our souls.

+ The One whom heaven and earth cannot contain was revealed to us from the virginal womb as life, God, the visitor of mankind.

+ The Magi followed the shining of the brilliant star that preceded them as a sign to the birth of the Son of God.

+ Today the angel Gabriel, joyously sang to the holy Virgin, saying, “Rejoice, O favored one, the Lord is with you.”

+ Today the good news of the archangel joyously filled the holy Virgin, for the Only-begotten descended into the womb of the VIrgin.

+ Today the universe gleamed at the good news of the holy Virgin for the Word assumed body and dwelled in us.

Հարց
Daniel 3

+ O God the Word without beginning, who, from the bosom of the Father, took upon yourself to dwell in the Virgin’s womb, we extol you, God of our fathers.

+ Seated with the Father upon a throne not made with hands, you were placed in a manger for unthinking [animals], O King of glory. We extol you, God of our fathers.

+ Unceasingly praised by the thrice-holy song of the four-faced [angels], you were honored with the offerings of the magi in the cave. We extol you, God of our fathers.

Praise the Lord and highly exalt him forever.

+ Christ, the immortal king, sharing the divinity of the Father and the Spirit; today he became a child from the immaculate holy Virgin, saving us. People, praise him and highly exalt him forever!

+ Christ, creator of creatures, sharing the glory of the Father and the Spirit, today toook upon himself to be baptized by the hand of a terrestrial [man], saving us. Priests, praise and highly exalt him forever!

Մեծացուսցէ
Magnificat

+ O Mother of God, source of the unending Light that gives light to people of faith, singing in unison we magnify you!

+ O splendor of human virginity, you are the angels’ joy. You removed the curse. For this, O Mother of God, we magnify you!

+ O true Orient of the Sun of righteousness, whom whom salvation has dawned over the universe, singing in unison we magnify you!

Ողորմեա
Hymn of Psalm 50

+ We beseech you, co-eternal Son of the Father. Today with the nature of the first-created one you were born of the Virgin as God and man. Have mercy on us.

+ We beg you, co-divine Son of the Father. Today you were placed in a manger and you were honored by the angels as God and man. Have mercy on us.

+ We entreat you, true Holy Spirit. Today in the appearance of a dove you were revealed to the world as God. Have mercy on us.

Տէր յերկնից
Hymn of Psalms 148-150

+ Dwelling with the Father upon the fiery throne and ministered to by the angels, today, by the Father’s will you were revealed on earth with a body, by virtue of a virginal birth. With the bodiless armies we unceasingly sing your praises.

+ In the presence of whom the troops of the thrones, assembled with the Seraphim, trembled in terror, covering their faces with their wings like veils, today you were fed like a babe from the breasts of the virgin out of your love for mankind. With the bodiless armies we unceasingly sing your praises.

+ From inexplicable glory you lowered yourself to earth and bore the infirmities of earthly nature. Today, out of your love for mankind, you restored to life the sinful first father. With the bodiless armies we unceasingly sing your praises.

Ճաշու
Hymn of Psalm 91
Magnificat
Tone 3


+ O Virgin and Mother and dwelling of the divine incarnation, we thank you and exalt you, who gave birth to the Savior of life for the human race. For this, O Mother of God and Virgin, we sing your praise as mother and handmaiden of our Savior.

+ The Offspring of the Father, of the timeless Ancient of days forever, in time dwelled in your womb but was not separated from the Father. For this, O Mother of God and Virgin, we sing your praise as mother and handmaiden of our Savior.

+ Not only the children of mankind, but also the supernal powers, the choirs of bodiless ones from heaven, the fiery watchful ones and angels give thanks and exalt and glorify the mother and handmaiden of our Savior.

TONE 1 Penitential Hymns of Exodus 15 (Abashkharootyan Orhnootyoon) (Հայր բազումողորմ)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Most merciful Father, I confess to you as did the prodigal son. Forgive my sins and have mercy on me.

Lord, you showed compassion on the Canaanite woman. Show compassion on me, too, a sinner and have mercy on me.

Lord, you turned the tax-collector toward the knowledge of truth. Turn me, too, a wanderer, and have mercy on me.

Most mericful God, preserve your creatures, O Father almighty and have mercy [on us].

Sun of righteosness, shine upon our souls the light of truth and have mercy [on us].

Grant us peace, Lord, and save us from those who trouble us, O Spirit of truth, and have mercy [on us].

Help me, Lord, in my trouble as once [you helped] Jonah, and have mercy [on me].

Cleanse me, Lord, of my transgressions, as once [you cleansed] the tax collector, and have mercy [on me].

 Save me, Lord, from my insidious lips and revive me from [my insidious] blood, and have mercy [on me].

I shed tears of my contrition before you, O Christ. Forgive my sins as once [you forgave the sins of] the harlot, [for] you alone are most merciful.

I fall down before you, O Christ, shepherd of the rational flock. Seek me, too, who have gone astray, [for] you alone are most merciful. 

I shall expose to you my sins, O Christ, healer of souls and Lord of life. Heal, too, my illness, [for] you alone are most merciful.

I am in peril due to the multitude of my sins. O God of peace, help me.

I am thrown about in the wind of my lawlessness. O King of peace, help me.

Tossed about, I am floundering in the depths of the sea of sin. O good captain, save me.

Have mercy on me, O God.

When [I] hear the sound of the trumpet on that awesome day; when the archangel sounds it and calls [everyone] to judgment, have mercy on me, O God.

When you take your judgment seat, O fearful Judge; when, in a trial by fire you examine the sons of mankind, have mercy on me, O God.

The second Adam, who came from you, for the sake of the transgressions of the first [Adam]; preserving our [human] nature, he dissolved the deceipt of the fatal fruit. Intecede with Him always to save us.

Glory to the Father…

Now, Mother of God, beseech the one born of you for our sake, so that as He keeps us with Him, we might be renewed with Him by his holy resurrection. Intecede with Him always to save us.

Now and always…

At the second coming of the Son of God, the holy cross will appear and illuminate [the world]. For it is hope for those of faith.

TONE 2 Penitential Hymns of Exodus 15 (Abashkharootyan Orhnootyoon) (Ծով կենցաղոյս)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

The sea of my life ever tosses me about.

The enemy rises up against me like violent waves.

Good Captain, be a refuge for my soul.

I am about to go under; help me, good Captain. For the burden of sin has grown heavy upon me.

God, hurry to help me! For the depths of evil are pulling me down the abyss. But you, be my Captain and stretch out your hand to me.

Save me from danger, from the ship breaking up in the waves of the sea. For I am perishing from the error of my sins.

I beseech you, Lord, grant me in penance, to be washed of my sins and have mercy on me.

Accept the tears and groans of my heart through your love, and have mercy on me.

Let my requests come near you. Through your intercession, spare me and have mercy on me.

I beseech you, heavenly Father, do not turn your face from me, for I am in trouble. Hear me immediately!

My soul has gone astray through lawlessness. Do not let me perish, Lord, because of my lawlessness, O searcher of the lost sheep.

My soul is going under due to the weight of sin. Receive me, as once [you received] Peter, for I am perishing in the turbulence of my errors.

I have sinned, Lord, most merciful God, I have sinned. Have mercy on me.

I have sinned, Lord, and I fall down before you. I have sinned. Have mercy on me.

I have sinned, Lord, I confess my errors. Have mercy on me.

I have sinned against you, Lord, justify me.

We have sinned, we have transgressed, all of us. We have not kept your commandments, I have sinned against you Lord, justify me.

Turn back from your anger, Lord. Turn aside your wrath from us. I have sinned against you Lord, justify me.

Ineffably you gave birth to the uncreated Word, the Being of existent beings, for the salvation of us created ones. Intercede with Him always for our souls.

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

You consecrated to dead Adam the fruit of life of your womb, by Whose forty-day fast, He made expiation for eating the fruit. And He elevated him to never-ending life. Intercede with Him always for our souls.

Now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

At your second coming, when this holy sign appears, make your servant worthy of the renewal. For you alone are the King of glory, blessed forever.

TONE 3 Penitential Hymns of Exodus 15 (Abashkharootyan Orhnootyoon) (Դարձո զցասումն)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Turn your wrath away from us when the spiritual ones supplicate [you]. Most compassionate Lord, spare us and do not let us perish.

Raise up this one who has collapsed from the fall, wounded by the enemy. O healer of the sick, heal my sickness.

My soul is sorrowful because of my transgressions. I cry like the tax collector: God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

Searcher of hidden secrets, heal the sickness of my spirit and save me, unique Lover of mankind.

Forbearing toward all, have mercy on my most sinful soul and save me, unique Lover of mankind.

Grace of all-sufficient mercy, grant me forgiveness on the awesome day and save me, unique Lover of mankind.

Plenteous is your compassion toward my most sinful soul. Have mercy on me, O God, my forgiver.

For I have sinned against you, O lenient Lord, by the deception of the evil one. Have mercy on me, O God, my forgiver.

At your second coming, when you come to judge the earth. Have mercy on me, O God, my forgiver.

We have sinned until heaven and we have provoked your righteous wrath upon ourselves. Lord, by your great mercy, have mercy on us.

We have descended until hell, submerged in our lawlessness. Lord, remember the price of the blood of your son. And have mercy on me, O God, my forgiver.

Disperse from our midst the opponent and the invisible beast by the sign of your cross. And do not lead your inheritance to corruption.

Temple of shadowless light and bridal chamber, you lifted the sorrowful curse of Eve, the first mother. Plead with your Son, the only-begotten, Mediator of reconciliation with the Father, to lift the tumult from us and to give peace to our souls.

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

Mother of God not wed, bride from the earth consecrated to heaven; when you take your seat like light at the right hand of your only-begotten, at that time entreat Him with us to save us from the awesome flame, so that we may join the righteous to sing glory with the heavenly ones.

Now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The precious stone appeared like tile in the shape of a, dividing the Red Sea and leading the people by a column of undifferentiated, luminous cloud. It created for us a path showing us the way to enter the God-created gate to the Lord’s garden.

TONE 4 Penitential Hymns of Exodus 15 (Abashkharootyan Orhnootyoon) (Յամենայն ժամ)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

At all times my request is this: purify me of my sins, O Lord.

My heart trembles from my transgressions. I beg you, fortive me, Lord.

Do not silence my lamentation, O Lord, for I am an alien in a fleeting land.

Have mercy on me, O my God, have mercy on me. For I have no answer for anything. Forgive me, Lord.

Your paths are straight. Only I have gone astray. Turn me and have mercy on me, O God.

Your judgements are fair. Only I have sinned. Justify me and have mercy on me, O God.

You are my hope, O Lord, forgiver of my transgressions. Do not overlook the flow of my tears. Have mercy on me, O God.

I have taken refuge in you like the Prodigal Son. Father, I have sinned in heaven and before you. Have mercy on me, O God.

Save me, O God, from my many sins. Make we worthy of your holy kingdom. Have mercy on me, O God.

My sins are excessive, heavier than the sands of the sea, for against you alone have I sinned. Have mercy on me, O God.

Open, Lord, the gate of mercy, lamenting, I call to you, for against you alone have I sinned. Have mercy on me, O God.

Pour upon me your compassion, O most merciful lover of mankind, for against you alone have I sinned. Have mercy on me, O God.

I have sinned against you, Lord, I have sinned. Have mercy on me.

I have sinned, I have transgressed and have been betrayed into the hands of the lawless enemy. Now, having fallen down, I beg you: forgive me, Lord.

I have sinned even more than anyone, my compassionate Lord. More than anyone I have transgressed and have been betrayed into the hands of the lawless enemy. Now, having fallen down, I beg you: forgive me, Lord.

Let your mercy come upon us, Lord, and let your word of salvation keep our souls from sin.

May your mercy and your truth and the light of your face lead us to justice.

Merciful, compassionate and forbearing Lord, receive our supplications through the intercession of the holy Mother of God.

Lord, I heard the account of your second coming and I feared, for I learned from the holy commandments that you are coming to judge the earth.

Lord, I remembered my evil deeds and I was frightened, for I came to know, in truth, your awesome and impartial judgment. 

Lord, I remembered the compassion of your creative love toward your creatures, and taking refuge in your compassion, I beg: have mercy on me on that day, O Christ, righteous Judge.

Through the supplication of the Mother of God, your incorrupt mother, may you open the sensible eyes of our hearts in your mercy to gaze at your light, O Christ.

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

Mary, immaculate Virgin, plead with your incorrupt groom that he be reconciled with my widowed soul; and that he be reunited in love with me, who have been alienated from him.

Now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

When you shine from the East in light beyond words and enlighten those of faith; and when you condemn the race of faithless Jews, O holy four-winged cross; enlighten me, too, who have been obscured in sin, and promote me among the ranks of the book of your ineffable kingdom of heaven so that you may be praised ceaselessly. And your is the glory forever, Amen.

TONE 5 Penitential Hymns of Exodus 15 (Abashkharootyan Orhnootyoon) (Զերծո զիս)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Free me from the hunter’s trap and rescue me from every danger. And have mercy on me.

Keep me from the invisible enemy and from the secret darts of the Slanderer. And have mercy on me.

Save me from the transgressions of my sin, and renew me in a spirit of knowledge. And have mercy on me.

The sea of my sins tosses me about. You, the good Captain: grant me a harbor, O Father almighty.

The depths of deceit are destroying me. But you, good Captain, grant me a harbor, O Father almighty.

You alone have authority to forgive sins and I beg you, Lord, forgive my sins, O Father almighty.

The day of your coming has drawn near, O Lord. Hear the voice of my prayers, for I call to you. And have mercy on me.

Listen to my words, Lord, and take to heart my morning supplications, for I call to you. And have mercy on me.

I am sinking into the depths of evil. Send your Holy Spirit to me, for I call to you. And have mercy on me.

Have mercy on me, O God, for against you only have I sinned.

Hear me again from the mire of my errors, O Fountain of healing, and have mercy on me.

Save me from blood, for you have authority over souls and bodies, and have mercy on me.

My soul is wounded by transgressions, and I lift up my eyes to you. Forgive my sins, uniquely compassionate One, and have mercy on me, God, according to your great mercy.

The cruel enemy has destroyed me and wishes to ensnare me to the end. Compassionate Father, heal this wounded one, and have mercy on me, God, according to your great mercy.

The abyss of sins has besieged me for they are more than the sands of the sea. You, Lord, I entreat: save me from this evil and have mercy on me, God, according to your great mercy.

I sold the incorruptible, spiritual treasure to my corruptible life. But only you do I entreat, beneficent Savior: spare this sinful servant.

I dismantled the fence of my spirit and I became a vine without a shoot. But only you do I entreat, beneficent Savior: spare this sinful servant.

I was cropped like a palm tree. I was barren of fruit like the olive tree. But you, Savior, lenient and without vengeance, spare this sinful servant.

Tabernacle of Him who cannot be borne, carrier of Him who carries all beings; you gave birth to God in the body, the bodiless One born of God. Intercede for us, O Mary Mother of God.

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

You were ignited by the Sun and like the bush you were not consumed. But you gave the bread of life as food for rational ones. Intercede with Christ to erase the indictment of our sins.

Now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The portrait of your immaculate mother we will cast before your indulgent lordship when you come in the glory of the Father to judge the enemy of your cross. Excuse our transgressions by the intercession of your mother and virgin. We beg you, Lord, protect us under the shelter of your holy cross.

TONE 6 Penitential Hymns of Exodus 15 (Abashkharootyan Orhnootyoon) (Քրիստոս Աստուած աստուծոց)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Christ, God of Gods, have mercy on me.

In iniquity did my mother bear me into sin. I beseech you, Savior, have mercy on me.

Wounded by sin, I fall down before you, Savior. Do not overlook me. Have mercy on me.

The tax collector, sighing, received forgiveness in the temple. With his voice, I too cry, “Have mercy on me, O God.”

The thief beseeched from the cross, “Remember me, Lord.” With his voice, I too cry, “Have mercy on me, O God.”

The prodigal son, pleading, beseeched you. “I have sinned in heaven and before you.” With his voice, I too cry, “Have mercy on me, O God.”

Grant us temperence, Lord, after the example of Lazarus the poor man, so that through voluntary poverty we might become worthy of the kingdom of heaven with him. Hear us and have mercy on us, Christ God.

Instead of hunger for bread, you granted him the bread of immortality. And for the rich man’s indifference you received him in the bosom of Abraham. Hear us and have mercy on us, Christ God.

Enlighten the eyes of the heart to receive mercy for us in mercy from you, so that we might not beg for a fingertip of water for refreshment in the flaming fire.

Glorify the God without beginning, the almighty Father with the vigilant angels in heaven.

Glorify the only-begotten Son born of the Father, with an angelic voice.

And glorify with an exhilirating voice the Holy Spirit who makes new, with unceasing voice.

God without beginning and heavenly Father, glorified by the immortal hosts of heaven, we praise you, Father without beginning.

You humbled yourself from the heights for our salvation, O liberator of bonds and healer of our souls. We extol the only-begotten Son.

Consubstantial with the Father and glorified with your only-begotten, O distributor of gifts and giver of mercy. We glorify you, true Holy Spirit.

You shined the divine light of your Word upon the darkness of ignorance engulfing the world. Enlighten us, too, O Wisdom of the Father.

You gave an example in symbol of the general judgment to the rich man and Lazarus, contrarily giving them what they received here.

For this we beseech you, Lord, to save us from the fire of sin and torment; that we might rest in the bosom of Abraham the patriarch.

With whom, together with the choirs of angels, in unison we too might sing glory in the highest to the undivided holy Trinity.

Rejoice in the overshadowing power of the Most High and dwelling of the Holy Spirit, by whom you gave birth to God the Word. Intercede for us Mary, Mother of God.

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

Spring of life flowing from Eden, holy Mother of God, by whom the parched earth drank through the wisdom of the Spirit. Bid Him to give us springs of tears to purify us of our sins.

Now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Through you all of us here below delight in your second coming, and the choirs of bodiless angels ever exult with the heavenly beings.

TONE 7 Penitential Hymns of Exodus 15 (Abashkharootyan Orhnootyoon) (Համբառնամ առ քեզ տէր զաչս իմ)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

I lift up my eyes to you, Lord. Look down upon me in your compassion and have mercy on me.

You are my hope and my refuge. Free me from the trap of sins and have mercy on me.

My Rescuer and my Savior, rescue me from the trap of my sins and have mercy on me.

My soul is weighed down by a multitude of transgressions. I beg only for you, the lover of mankind. Have mercy on me, O God.

With flowing tears and sighs of my heart I ceaselessly plead in the multitude of my sins. Forgive me, God.

Most compassionate lover of mankind, forgive my transgressions, for I entreat you alone. Forgive me, God.

Loving God, who justified the tax collector, forgive this sinner.

By the fringe of your garment you healed the one who approached you. Forgive this sinner.

By the word of your command you restores the paralytic to health. Forgive this sinner.

You heard and accepted the cry of the foreign woman through your love for mankind, O Savior. Make mine, too, worthy of repentance, accepting the voice of this sinner.

You did not keep silent by the sighing voice of the maiden, O Savior, who welcomes sinners. Make mine, too, worthy of repentance, accepting the voice of this sinner.

You did not spare the relic of your first gift, consigning it to the dog who lovingly follows the shepherd. Make mine, too, worthy of repentance, accepting the voice of this sinner.

I fall down before you and ask forgiveness for my transgressions. Father, do not overlook my entreaties.

I entreat you like the tax collector, and pour out my tears before you like the harlot. Father, do not overlook my entreaties.

I have been defeated by the invisible enemy and wounded by the secret arrows of the Slanderer. Father, do not overlook my entreaties.

I fall down before you, Lord. Have mercy on this great sinner.

I call out to you, Savior, with the voice of the Canaanite. Have mercy on this great sinner. 

I implore you, Savior and Benefactor, with the sigh of the tax collector. Have mercy on this great sinner.

Have mercy on eme Christ, in  your great mercy, for I long for your grace and mercy. Have mercy on me and hear me, a great sinner.

Hear the voice of this lamenter; of these doleful entreaties, Lord, for I stand in shame before you by my most evil conduct. Have mercy on me and hear me, a great sinner.

Receive my supplications and the sighs of my heart, Lord, for I cry to you like the Canaanite woman. Have mercy on me and hear me, a great sinner.

You came to save mankind through your birth of the Virgin Mary, and by your life-giving resurrection you invited us mortals to a resurrection of immortality. For this, by the supplications of your mother, save us, O Savior.

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

By your incorruptible birth you freed the first mother from the pain of labor, O Mary, Mother of God. Intercede with the only-begotten Son to free us from the chains of our sins and supplicate him to save our souls from temptation.

Now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Uncreated Word, co-existent with the Father and the Holy Spirit, when you appeared on earth creatures shone brilliantly. By the power of the mighty One, He ascribed also to us the grace of adoption.

TONE 8 Penitential Hymns of Exodus 15 (Abashkharootyan Orhnootyoon) (Քրիստոս Աստուած յոյս ապաշխարողաց)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Christ God, hope of the penitents, forgive the multitude of my errors.

Most-compassionate One, we take refuge in you and call to you: Because of your mercy, do not refuse us.

Like the thief I cry to you: Remember me too, Lord, in your kingdom.

I confess my sins to you, Christ, who alone are most compassionate in forgiving. Have mercy me on me, O God.

You love the truth, O Lord, and you search the secrets of my heart. Have mercy me on me, O God.

Grant me the delight of salvation and establish me with a spirit of your lordship. And have mercy me on me, O God.

The waves of my errors toss me about and my many sins reproach me.

Now what shall I do with my sinful self? For I shall not survive the awesome fire.

I have sinned against you, Christ, Son of God. Grant forgiveness for my many errors.

Lord, in the midst of the mountain you made water spring forth from the stone.

Lord, draw for me tears of repentance from my heart.

So that I may live and in repentance survive the coming judgment.

With my sinful self I call to you, heavenly Father. Help me in my tribulation. Help me, who have died in my sins.

I have been wounded by the invisible enemy. O healer of the sick, heal my sickness. Help me, who have died in my sins.

I have gone astray like the lost sheep. O searcher of captives, search for me, who have gone astray. Help me, who have died in my sins.

I have sinned against you. Forgive me and have mercy on me, O God.

I am a sheep of your rational flock and I take refuge in you, good Shepherd. Search for me, who have gone astray, and have mercy on me, O God.

I am tossed about in the sea of sins, and I take refuge in you, good Captain. Save me from this danger and have mercy on me, O God.

For this, pray to your only-begotten Son, O Mary, Mother of God, that he might grant us, like the thief, to inherit again the dignity of paradise.

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

Be glad, Mary, dawn of the Sun of righteousness, and supplicate God, born of you, for us. That he may return us to the inheritance of paradise.

Now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

By the triumphant power of your cross, keep us, O Christ God. You spread out your hands upon it and dissolved the seal of the condemnation of our transgressions to rescue us from the deception of the enemy.

TONE 1 Principal Canon of Exodus 15 (Avak Orhnootyoon) (Երգեսցուք երգ նոր)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

(օրհ)
Let us sing a new song to God our Savior, who has saved us from the servitude of the enemy by his mighty power. And the glorious One has given us life in glo

You, God, took it upon yourself to be lifted onto the Cross for our sake, and to nail upon it the relic of our sins. We therefore bow down and bless your ineffable humility.

From all the nations of the earth God chose to be born of her, in order to save us from the worship of idols. Let us glorify her as the Mother of God.

(նայ)
I looked at your all-powerful economy and in fear I shall glorify you, Christ.

When you were crucified you killed death, and from the spring in your side you gave immortality as a drink to the universe.

O Mother of God, immaculate Virgin, we take shelter in you. Intercede with Christ for our souls.

(զիհ)
By the fire of your divinity, O Christ, you burned the gates of hell and destroyed death and granted immortality to the human race.

We have tasted from your vineyard of immortality, and we have seen how sweet and right you are, O Lord. And for the sake of all you came for the salvation of the world.

Through the intercession of the holy Mother of God, grant to us who worship the Holy Trinity the hope of resurrection to eternal life.

(ջան)
We have recognized you, Christ the eternal king, and we have seen you to be the prince of death and of life, for you are the Lord, and there is no other than you.

By your right hand, lifted up, you shall take revenge on the enemy, and your arrows shall drink his blood; for you are the Lord, and there is no other than you.

You, who rose from the dead and renewed the human race; by the prayers of the Holy Virgin, lay the foundation of your holy Church; for you are the Lord, and there is no other than you.

(հաս)
Be my foundation, O Lord, who, by your triumphant Cross, destroyed hell; for you rose on the third day, restoring Adam, the fallen one.

Help us who boast in your Cross, O Savior, God; us, who hope in you, Lord. And save our souls from peril, you, who alone are good.

Let us always glorify you, the only one blessed among women, mother and ever-virgin and intelligible light; birth-giver of our Creator.

(գիշ)
Arising early in the night, we bless you, Christ God, who humbled yourself for us, took everything upon yourself and endured the Cross.

We were enlightened by your commandments, O God, King of Kings, who destroyed the power of death; you took everything upon yourself and endured the Cross.

You were enveloped by cherubic wings, O holy Mother of God, Virgin and mother and dwelling of the Divine; exalted by all the apostolic proclamations.

(եսա)
Hope and resurrection of the human race, O Christ God, revive the sickness of my soul as you did previously to Ezechiel.

You took upon yourself suffering and death, you, who give life to all. Restore to health the sickness of my soul as you did previously to Ezechiel.

We take refuge in you, O tabernacle and temple of God the Word, Mary, mother and Virgin. Interceded with Christ for our souls.

(որհ)
We praise in song the One glorified among creatures, and worshipped from the ends of the earth, the Word incarnate of the Virgin.

We praise in song the One who comes forth from Edom by resounding trumpet, who, having risen in battle drowned the invisible Amalech, the Word who descended into Hell.

We praise in song Him who came forth from the Father and is glorified with the Holy Spirit; who rose today from the dead, the Word who ascended into heaven.

(նեղ)
God, who heard the cry of Jonah in the belly of the whale, save me too from the invisible enemy, and become [my] savior, who sit in the cherubic throne.

You, who chose for yourself again a preacher to the Ninevites, him, who was snatched by the whale for three days, descending into hell; liberate me too, a manifold sinner, from the chains of death to eternal life.

You, who came for the salvation of your creatures, you conformed yourself to earthly man, you killed sin, and you saved from sin those who were captured by death.

(տրլ)
The heavenly hosts were amazed when you assumed the form of a servant, and frightened, the prophet said, “I heard your news and was afraid; I saw your works and I was frightened.”

For you, the Son, who were glorified with the Father and the Spirit before the ages, came and appeared between the two creatures. You were lifted up to the Cross, riding horses to salvation, for the pangs of death were reversed.

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

You appeared for the salvation of your creatures. Without departing from the Father you willingly assumed the Cross and burial. And with power you rose from the dead, for the pangs of death were reversed.

Now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Unmarried Mother of God, holy lady; with unceasing voice we beseech you, who bore, and gave birth to God, the Word of the Father: Intecede always with him for our souls.

TONE 2 Principal Canon of Exodus 15 (Avak Orhnootyoon) (Երգեցէք տեառն երգ նոր)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

[օրհ]
Sing a new song to the Lord and praise his name with triumphant praise! For he is glorified in his glory.

By a pillar of fire and cloud he led the people of Israel into the wilderness and drowned Pharaoh and his forces in the Red Sea. Sing a new song to the Lord and praise his name with triumphant praise! For he is glorified in his glory.

We beseech you always, holy Mother of God. Intercede with Christ our God to save us from temptation and from our every danger.

[to be continued]

TONE 3 Principal Canon of Exodus 15 (Avak Orhnootyoon) (Օրհնեսցուք զտէր որ օրհնեացն զիսրայէլ)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

[օրհ]
Let us praise the Lord who blessed Israel and saved his people from the hands of the Pharaoh by means of his all-powerful and wondrous glory.

The Lord is victorious in battle. His name is Hope, the Lord, who has saved everyone from the hands of oppressors by means of his all-powerful and wondrous glory.

Intercede for us, O Mary, Mother of God, who gave birth to the Lord God, the Shepherd of Israel, by means of his all-powerful and wondrous glory.

[նայ]
God spoke from above, the One who came and saved all creatures. Listen, O residents of the earth! So that we may call the name of the Lord. Give praise in the heights!

We were called New Israel in Christ. We became part and parcel of the Lord and co-heirs with Christ. So that we may call the name of the Lord. Give praise in the heights!

We shared a meal from the stone-altar of life, for the Lord is sweet. We in the oil of holiness we were anointed in faith. So that we may call the name of the Lord. Give praise in the heights!

We have placed our trust in you, the mother and handmaiden of Christ. Intercede for us, So that we may call the name of the Lord. Give praise in the heights!

[to be continued]

TONE 4 Principal Canon of Exodus 15 (Avak Orhnootyoon) (Փարաւոն հանդերզ կառօք ընկըղմեցաւ)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

[օրհ]
The Pharaoh was drowned in the flowing waters together with his chariots, and the children of Israel walked on dry land in the midst of the sea.

When Moses divided [the sea] with his his staff in the sign of the Cross, its depths were cleaved, and he led them to the unapproachable Light.

This is God the Word, who was before the ages. Through his unutterable advent, he was revealed to the universe, born of the Virgin.

[to be continued]

TONE 5 Principal Canon of Exodus 15 (Avak Orhnootyoon) (Օգնական ընդունելի եղեւ)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

[օրհ]
The Lord became my welcome helper toward salvation. This is my God and I shall glorify him!

He was nailed to the Cross and he nullified the captivity of hell. This is my God and I shall glorify him!

By his death he nullified death and by his resurrection he rendered sin void.

O Mother of God, you are hope and protection for those who confess you. Intercede with your Son and God to grant us life.

[to be continued]

TONE 6 Principal Canon of Exodus 15 (Avak Orhnootyoon) (Երգեցէք տեառն երգ նոր)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

[օրհ]
Sing a new song to the Lord with a voice of joy. To him who humbled himself from the Father’s heart to save his creatures. Praise to him with triumphant song!

He divided the sea of the world by the mystery of the Cross and released New Israel from the bodiless Pharaoh.

O Mother of God, pillar of Light, cloud of protection and dwelling of the Word, who shepherded Israel by his Word. Intercede with him for our souls.

[to be continued]

TONE 7 Principal Canon of Exodus 15 (Avak Orhnootyoon) (Օրհնեսցուք զտէր եւ զյաղթող զօրութիւն)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Let us praise the Lord and his might. Let us sing to him with glory for he is our Savior and Protector and Helper.

This is our God, whom we saw enthroned in glory with the Father, having appeared on earth. Let us sing to him, for he is our Savior and Protector and Helper.

By his death on the cross he restored life to the dead, and by his body nailed to it, he unlatched the bolts of death. Let us all sing to him, for he is our Savior and Protector and Helper.

You bore in your womb the whom no one can bear, and inconceivably you gave birth to Christ, the hope of the human race. Intercede always with him to grant us life.

The Lord, mighty in strength, plunged Pharaoh’s chariots and his forces into the Red Sea. Let us sing to him with glory for his is the glorified Lord.

[to be continued]

TONE 8 Principal Canon of Exodus 15 (Avak Orhnootyoon) (Յաղթական քեզ օրհնութիւնք)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

(օրհ)    
Triumphant praises to you, O Lord, who divided the water of the depths of the sea. For in it, you crushed the head of the tyrant and by means of your cross you raised the captives to life.

By the voluntary death which came from you, O Lord, you liberated the spirit of power. In the midst of death, you destroyed death and swept it away. And by your cross you raised the captives to life.

We sing praise to you alone among women, who remained a virgin after giving birth; for Light from light was revealed to the world through you. And he lifted the curse of the first mother by means of his ineffable birth to you.

(նայ)
Look at the words of the prophet, the living message, who proclaimed to us the dew of life from heaven.

The prophet foretold your descent for us, Christ, and he called the voluntary suffering of the cross, saying, “He spread out his wings and received him.” And lifted up, he brings salvation to the world.

Blessing in the highest to you alone, who took body from the holy Virgin. We sing praise, saying, glory to you, Christ, who came by the will of the Father to save us.

(զիհ)
Clap your hands, all nations and praise God, for the fire, God the Word, took body from the Virgin. He destroyed hell and dissolved the power of death.

The holy apostles received the cup of joy from the orchard of immortality. They went forth throughout the universe and enlightened it, inviting all into the kingdom of heaven.

On the day of vengeance, of apportionment to the ungodly, you will raise us to the choir of spiritual ones in place of the fallen angels, by the intercession of the holy Mother of God.

(ծան)
We have come to know you, Christ, as glorified together with the Father and the Spirit. The prophets foretold your self-humbling from heaven. Know and see that the Lord has worked wonders.

The Sun of Righteousness has shone on us from the East. We have seen him enthroned with authority upon the chariot of the cross. Know and see that the Lord has worked wonders.

Heaven and Earth not sufficient to bear the Light, O Dwelling. You served nature of the Word. Supplicate your only-begotten Son for us.

(հաս)
Our hearts have become established in you, Christ God, and we have rejoiced in your salvation. Receive our supplications, only Lover of mankind.

In your wisdom you prepared knowledge for us creatures. And by your resurrection you made known our resurrection. Receive our supplications, only Lover of mankind.

Rejoice, Mary, who became mother of Christ. And pray to God the Word, who took body from you, to save us from temptation.

(գիշ)
Rising at night we cry; hear us, Lord, for apart from you we know none other, O Lover of mankind.

Grant us your peace, O Lord, and save us from the hands of lawless, cruel rebels. For apart from you we know none other, O Lover of mankind.

Through the intercession of your mother and ever Virgin, we implore you, Christ, Savior of the world. For apart from you we know none other, O Lover of mankind.

(եսա)
When my days leave me, Lord, help me, only Lover of mankind.

You took upon yourself the suffering of the cross and death. Lord, help me, only Lover of mankind.

Through the intercession of the holy Mother of God and ever Virgin, Lord, help me, only Lover of mankind.

(օրհ)
The heavenly hosts and those created by your immaculate hand bow down to you, all-holy Trinity, ever glorifying your lordship.

Let us bow down before your all-holy cross, O Lord, by which you removed your creatures’ condemnation of death, ever glorifying your lordship.

All-praised Mother of God, Mary, cherubic throne of the economy of our Creator. All nations ever bless him.

(նեղ)
From the belly of the whale, the prophet cried and said, “Lord, look upon me and to do give me over this mighty one.”

I raised my voice from the depths of the abyss to merciful God. May the voice of my cry reach your ears, O Lord.

Through the intercession of the holy Mother of God and ever Virgin, I plead. Lord, save me from the womb of the invisible enemy.

(տրլ)
I heard the wondrous news of your economy. For humbling yourself from heaven, you took body from the holy Virgin and you were crucified with the thieves. And surprised, I was amazed at your infinite love for mankind.

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

The prophet foretold your magisterial resurrection. He says, you rose into your chariot. Your riding, O Christ, became salvation in your rising.

Now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

You appeared to save creatures from death. And amazed, hell trembled in awe of your all-powerful glory.

Tone 1 Easter Hymn of Exodus 15 (Orhnootyoon) (Այսօր յարեաւ ի մեռելոց)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Today the immortal and heavenly bridegroom has risen from the dead, good tidings of exultation to you, church, bride from the earth. Praise your God in a voice of delight, O Sion.

Today the ineffable Light from light enlightened your children. Enlighten, Jerusalem! For Christ, your light, has risen. Praise your God in a voice of delight, O Sion.

Today the darkness of ignorance has dispersed by the triple Light and upon you, the light of knowledge has shone, Christ, risen from the dead. Praise your God in a voice of delight, O Sion.

Today is our Passover through the sacrifice of Christ. Having been renewed from the relic of sin, let us celebrate in joy, saying, “Christ is risen from the dead!”

Today the radiant angel descended from heaven and frightened the guards. And the holy women proclaimed, saying, “Christ is risen from the dead!”

Today we are called “New Israel” in Christ; liberated by the blood of the Lamb of God, let us dance with the heavenly ones, saying, “Christ is risen from the dead!”

At the rising of the sun on the first day of the week, the women hastened to the tomb to anoint the incorruptible body.

And they found the stone removed from the doors to the tomb. And they heard the voice of the angel, “Christ has risen and destroyed death.”

And when you met the apostles, Lord, and gave them the life-creating greeting, you sent them out for the salvation of the universe.

Glory to your resurrection, O Lord.

Through the deception of the first-created, we were stripped of the light. But by the resurrection of the Only-begotten, we have put on immortailty. Glory to your resurrection, O Lord.

By the fraud of the wood, we ate death. But as a result of the wood of life, we have all been renewed. Glory to your resurrection, O Lord.

With the oil-bearing women we rise early in the morning to greet you, the living one, O eternal Christ. Receive our praise in place of their incense.

In place of the holy, vigilant angel bearing good news, let us encounter your compassion, in the hope of knowledge, to console and to enlighten our souls.

With them, announcing the good news, let us proclaim your wonders alone. For you rose from the dead, O most powerful, immortal King.

Glorified with the Father through your ineffable essence, you took it upon yourself to suffer in the body for us. With the perpetual blessing of the angels, blessed are you, O Lord.

Consubstantial with the Father and the Holy Spirit, you were crucified and buried for us by the will of the Father. With the perpetual blessing of the angels, blessed are you, O Lord.

You will come again with the glory of the Father, divinely granting resurrection to the universe. By all creatures, eternally blessed are you, O Lord.

TONE 7 Canon of Pentecost. The First Day (Առաքելոյ աղաւնոյ իջանելով)

Translated by: Abraham Terian

Օրհնութիւն
The Dove that was sent came down
with great sound from on high,
like the flashing of light;
armed the inconsumable disciples with fire
while they were sitting in the holy Upper Room.

The Dove immaterial, inscrutable,
that searches the deep counsels of God
and taking the same from the Father signals the awesome
second coming,
has been declared consubstantial [with the Father and the Son].

Blessing in the highest
to the One who proceeds from the Father, to the Holy Spirit,
through whom the Apostles drank
the immortal cup
and invited the earth to heaven.

Life-giving God, man-loving Spirit,
you enlightened with fiery tongues
those assembled in unity of love;
wherefore today
we celebrate your holy coming.

The holy Apostles rejoiced
with your coming,
as they called to unity those who were scattered
by the confusion of tongues;
wherefore today
we celebrate your holy coming.

Through the spiritual, holy baptism
at their hands you adorned the universe
with shining and new garments;
wherefore today
we celebrate your holy coming.

Հարց
We celebrate the coming of the Spirit
who comforted the Apostles
by resting upon them in the form of fiery tongues.
Blessed forever.

We celebrate the appearance of the Spirit,
confessing him God from on high,
Restorer and Giver of Life.
Blessed forever.

Today, rejoicing in the Spirit,
we confess the Holy Spirit to be God,
who, flowing out, filled everyone.
Blessed forever.

Գործք
Bless the Lord
and lift him up always.

Bless the One who proceeded from the Father and is consubstantial with the Son
and lift him up always.

Bless God who came this day
with fiery tongues to the chosen of the Word
and lift him up always.

Մեծացուսցէ
Today, O new people,
rejoice for the coming of the Holy Spirit,
magnifying the One who proceeded from the Father.

Today the Apostles rejoice,
adorned by the grace of the Holy Spirit,
magnifying the One who proceeded from the Father.

Today the creatures exult
in the true coming of the Holy Spirit,
magnifying the One who proceeded from the Father.

Ողորմեա
You who are at all times Divine
and descended from heaven with a mighty sound,
O Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

You who fill everyone with your power
and descended to dwell within the rank of the Apostles,
O Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

You who are indivisible in your Divinity
yet were divided into separate fiery tongues
[as] you rested upon the Apostles,
O Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Տէր յերկնից
You who are seated in the cherubic chariot,
descended from heaven this day
to the rank of the Apostles.
O Holy Spirit,
blessed are you, immortal King.

You who moves on the wings of the winds,
were divided into separate fiery tongues this day,
resting upon the Apostles.
O Holy Spirit,
blessed are you, immortal King.

You who cares for your creatures through your oversight,
came to establish your Church this day.
O Holy Spirit,
blessed are you, immortal King.

The chosen eleven assembled,
awaiting the Father’s good news
faithfully in the Upper Room.

The Holy Spirit appeared to the saints,
filled with joy the Holy Apostles
faithfully [waiting] in the Upper Room.

Those who drank the living fire
went on and made the universe drink;
those who drank came to life.

Ճաշու
The One who springs forth perpetually,
since the beginning, distinctly with the Son,
the Lordly Holy Spirit,
was poured down mightily from heaven this day,
filling all those in the company of the Apostles.
Let us bless and bow down to him.

The One without beginning and always with the Self-existent,
the Holy Spirit, inseparably consubstantial and co-creator with the Son,
was preached in fiery, distinct languages this day,
bringing the nations to the light
by distributing diverse gifts to them.
Let us bless and bow down to him.

The One who created the creatures by brooding over the waters,
inseparable from the Father and the Son,
the equally sovereign Holy Spirit,
regenerated all nations this day
by the living water gushing forth from Jerusalem.
Let us bless and bow down to him.

Համբարձի
The indivisible Trinity
and heavenly Power
had shone forth light upon the world.
Offer him praises in song.

The One who descended from heaven this day
and rested upon the Apostles,
the true Holy Spirit…
Offer him praises in song.

The One who in his saving mysteries,
in descending upon the Apostles this day,
had made himself known to the prophet [Joel].
Offer him praises in song.

TONE 3 Canon of Pentecost. The Second Day (Նոյն եւ նման Հօր եւ Որդւոյ)

Translated by: Abraham Terian

Օրհնութիւն
In the very likeness of the Father and the Son,
uncreated and consubstantial Spirit,
inscrutable effluence from the Father,
receiving ineffably from the Son,
you descended into the Upper Room
and made drink of your spiritual gifts.
Make us also to drink, with your mercy,
from your cup of wisdom.

Creator of the creatures,
you who were hovering over the waters,
so also over the waters of the font,
for us to be blessed with the One of your essence,
whom you embraced with dove-like love,
so as to give birth to God-like people.
Make us also to drink, with your mercy,
from your cup of wisdom.

Teacher of heavenly knowledge,
whose presence is felt on earth today,
who makes Prophets out of shepherds
and Apostles out of fishermen,
bearer of good news to tax collectors,
counsel to the adverseries of your Word.
Make us also to drink, with your mercy,
from your cup of wisdom.

Like a fierce wind,
with a frightening, loud outburst,
you appeared in the Upper Room
to the rank of the Twelve
who were baptized by you,
purified as gold through fire.
Cleanse the fog of sin in us
and clothe us with the light of glory.

You came to earth in a godly manner
to judge the world magisterially,
in righteous judgment,
and to condemn sin and the evil one.
You opened up your spiritual treasury,
bestowed gifts to the children of men.
Cleanse the fog of sin in us
and clothe us with the light of glory.

Love, begotten of Love, sent you who are Love
to unite unto himself his own members through you,
his Church that he built,
establishing it upon your seven pillars.
He appointed the Apostles as stewards in her,
endowing them with your seven graces.
Cleanse the fog of sin in us
and clothe us with the light of glory.

Հարց
True Spirit, you who are by nature
incomprehensible and ineffable,
eternally proceeding from the Father
and consubstantial with the Only-begotten Son.
We bless you, God of our fathers.

Spirit of God, perfect in personhood,
of the very same nature in perfect Trinity,
for which reason, with the Father and the Son
you are always worshiped by creatures.
We bless you, God of our Fathers.

The theologians of the Church declared you
equal in honor with the Father and the Son,
into whom we are baptized and whom we confess:
consubstantial and indivisible Trinity.
We bless you, God of our Fathers.

Գործք
Bless the Lord.
Lift up the Distributor of spiritual gifts.

Come, new creatures,
born anew in Christ
through the font, by the Holy Spirit.
Lift up the Distributor of spiritual gifts.

New priesthood
honored by Christ
with the unction of the Holy Spirit.
Lift up the Distributor of spiritual gifts.

Ողորմեա
Uncreated and consubstantial Spirit,
you were sent by the Father
and the asking of the Lord, the One of the same essence with you,
to be the Comforter
of the holy Apostles.
We ask you to have mercy on us.

You descended as Lord from heaven,
like a fierce wind,
God, made manifest,
and being divided into fiery tongues
you rested on the ranks of the Apostles.
We ask you to have mercy on us.

You inebriated the souls of your holy Apostles
with the heavenly wine of wisdom,
and they served the joyous cup from the vine of Eden,
to the grieving children of Adam.
We ask you to have mercy on us.

Տէր յերկնից
True Spirit, you poured generously
your divine and supreme wisdom
on the incorporeal hosts first,
to become glorifiers of the Holy Trinity.
With them we glorify
the one Trinity.

You adorned with the breath of your life-giving grace
the one created in the image of God
following deliberation among the Trinity,
and spoke through the Prophets and the Law
to those who were descended from him.
With them we glorify
the one Trinity.

After his resurrection
the One who is of the same essence as you
entered the Upper Room, the doors locked,
and breathed – as you did at the beginning – on the Eleven,
saying to the Apostles: “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
With them we glorify
the one Trinity. 

TONE 4 Canon of Pentecost. The Third Day (Այսօր երկնայինքն ուրախացան)

Translated by: Abraham Terian

Օրհնութիւն
Today the heavenly beings rejoiced
over the renewal of the earthlings,
because the Spirit, the restorer of beings,
by whom the ranks of the Apostles were renewed,
descended into the holy Upper Room.

Today this nature of earthly substance
rejoices over the reconciliation with the Father;
although he withdrew the Spirit
from creatures born in human bodies,
he gives it back again as a gift.

Today the children of the Church
joyfully celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit,
by whom they were adorned
in bright and luminous garments;
they sing the Trisagion with the Seraphim.

The One who through the division of tongues
scattered those united at the tower,
today united again in the holy Upper Room
the divided tongues of the nations.
Let every spirit bless the Spirit of God.

The Spirit of the Lord who descended
and led the twelve tribes of Israel through the desert,
today leads the twelve Apostles with the Gospel.
Let every spirit bless the Spirit of God.

The Spirit of the Lord who filled Bezalel
the architect of the Temple,
today builds men into temples for the Trinity.
Let every spirit bless the Spirit of God.

Հարց
Father, unborn and without beginning,
without causation, you are the cause of all beings:
the cause of the Son, timeless in birth,
and of the inscrutable procession of the Spirit.
Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers.

Word of God, ever with the Uncreated,
by the will of the Father and of the Holy Spirit
you descended from the Father’s bosom and with Gabriel’s annunciation
that thrilled the Virgin’s spirit,
from whom you were ineffably born, bodily, through the Holy Spirit.
Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers.

Spirit, who through the Prophets foretold
the coming of your co-existent One
and of whom you testified by your descent as a dove at the Jordan,
resting on the Word that took body.
Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers.

Գործք
Bless the Lord;
lift him up always.

Today, the co-existent with the Father and the Son,
the Spirit, rising like glowing fire,
descended to the Upper Room,
baptized the ranks of the Apostles in the non-consuming fire.
Bless the Lord;
lift him up always.

Today, the co-creator with the Father and the Son,
the Spirit, made the immaterial
living water flow in Jerusalem
for wisdom and remission of sins.
Bless the Lord;
lift him up always.

Ողորմեա
You rested with seven-fold graces
on the blossomed scepter of Jesse,
Spirit of God and counsel,
Spirit of humility and power,
Spirit of wisdom and knowledge,
Spirit of reverent piety.
We pray you to grant us also
of your gifts with mercy.

The One who was anointed by you fulfilled in person
that which you had prophesied through Isaiah,
saying: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,’
as he – given his Lordship –
read humbly
the word spoken of him by the prophet.
We pray you to grant us also
of your gifts with mercy.

The sending of the Word to the world by the Father and you the Spirit,
you announced through the prophet [Isaiah]
who on behalf of the One who took body
declared to humankind:
‘The Lord, the Lord and his Spirit have sent me.’
We pray you to grant us also
of your gifts with mercy.

Տէր յերկնից
With the heavenly ranks of spiritual beings
we sing to the Creator of souls.
Glorious is the coming of the Holy Spirit!

With the band of the Apostles
we cry out, thrilled in the Spirit.
Glorious is the coming of the Holy Spirit.

All over again in Zion’s Upper Room
let her children sing with angelic voice.
Glorious is the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Let us glorify with a joyful voice
the One who has renewed us.
Glorious is the coming of the Holy Spirit.

TONE 5 Canon of Pentecost. The Fourth Day (Արեգակն արդարութեան)

Translated by: Abraham Terian

Օրհնութիւն
The Sun of Righteousness, Christ, rising over the world
banished the darkness of ignorance
and after his death and resurrection
ascended to the Father by whom he was begotten.
He is worshipped by the heavenly and the earthly beings
together with the Father and the Holy Spirit;
and therefore we bow down
to the Father in spirit and in truth.

Who in lieu of the Word born of the [Father’s] bosom, who ascended to heaven,
was sent from on high with good tidings from the Father,
the Spirit of Truth,
to comfort them that were stricken with grief since Adam
and to arm with fire the ranks of the chosen Apostles;
and therefore we bow down
to the Father in spirit and in truth.

The foremother’s sorrowful and nocturnal pangs of giving birth
have been loosed today,
for those who were born with body unto death and corruption
have been reborn of the Spirit
as sons of light of the heavenly Father;
and therefore we bow down
to the Father in spirit and in truth.

You who are consubstantial with the Father and the Son,
ineffable effluence from the eternally Self-existent,
today you poured the water of life in Jerusalem.
Spirit of God, have mercy.

You who are Creator with the Father and the Son,
having given life to creatures that live in water,
today you give birth to children of God trough the water [of the font].
Spirit of God, have mercy.

You who are glorified with the Father and the Son
and search the depths of God,
today you have made the fools of the world utterly wise.
Spirit of God, have mercy.

Հարց
Unsearchable in essence,
consubstantial Trinity,
thrice-holy one Dominion,
God in one nature,
we praise you
God of our fathers.

Father, before all ages
the cause of the birth of the Son
from whom your Spirit radiates
with indistinct separation,
we praise you
God of our fathers.

Son, consubstantial with the Father,
light from light, ineffable dawn;
Holy Spirit, uncreated,
equal to the Father and the Son;
we praise you
God of our fathers.

Գործք
Bless the Lord.
Lift up the effluent from the Father.

Today, all rational souls,
bless with thankful voice
and glorify forever
the Holy Spirit of Truth
who descended from heaven
with the sound of a mighty wind,
in the form of fiery tongues.

Today, priests of the Church,
praise with spiritual song,
always lift up
the life-giving Holy Spirit
who distributes generously
the manifold gifts
in the churches of the righteous.

Ողորմեա
Source of life, distributor of graces,
O Spirit, descending from above
you imparted your incorruptible gifts
to the Apostles.

Hovering over the waters,
you created the creatures [there];
descending into the waters of the Font
you beget children of God.

You always adorn and restore
your newfound Church;
her children shine
with your diverse gifts.

Տէր յերկնից
The fiery spirits
celebrate with us today
the coming of the Spirit of God.

The seer foretold
the rapid streams of wisdom
flowing towards us from the Spirit.

[Peter] the rock of faith,
inebriated with the immortal cup,
passed it on to the thirsty today.

Zion, the Mother Church,
the city of God, rejoices
at the flow of the rivers.

For this reason we too
sing “Glory to the Highest”
to the Triune and One God.

TONE 6 Canon of Pentecost. The Fifth Day (Զանըսկզպնաբար բղխումն)

Translated by: Abraham Terian

Օրհնութիւն
We glorify with spiritual song
the True Spirit who proceeds from the Father without beginning,
who descended with a thundering sound on this day in the Upper Room,
like a mighty wind.

We glorify with spiritual song
the One consubstantial with the Father and the Son, the Distributor of gifts,
who, being divided into fiery tongues,
granted to the holy Apostles the distinct knowledge of languages.

We glorify with spiritual song
the Fount of Wisdom,
the One perfect in personhood,
who spoke through the Law, the Prophets, and the Gospels.

Today the ranks of Apostles rejoice
at the coming of the Spirit of God,
who comforts in lieu of the Word
who was bodily among them.
Let us glorify him with a sanctified voice.

Today the water of life gushed forth in Jerusalem,
causing the divine rivers to overflow;
and running over, they fed the universal spring
that courses in four streams through Eden.
Let us glorify him with a sanctified voice.

Today, by the intelligible dew from the Spirit’s clouds,
the plants of the Church revived,
the fields of justice became fertile,
and the deserts became beautiful with pure virginity.
Let us glorify him with a sanctified voice.

Հարց
Uncreated God, Maker of us creatures,
who sent to earth your co-uncreated Spirit
to glorify your Only-begotten Son,
blessed are you Lord God of our fathers.

You who originated from the Father trough inexplicable birth,
who sent the Comforter to your holy Apostles,
your Spirit, who like you is Lord,
blessed are you Lord God of our fathers.

Spirit of God, uncreated, self-existant,
perfect in personhood and perfecter of all,
united to the Father and the Son by nature,
blessed are you Lord God of our fathers.

Գործք
Bless the Lord
all you souls,
with the sound of the Trisagion
praise the Holy Spirit
who is consubstantial with the Father and the Son.

The heavenly Fire
who with the Word fashioned the rational world,
who baptized the Apostles on this day
in the holy Upper Room…
All you souls,
with the sound of the Trisagion
praise the Holy Spirit
who is consubstantial with the Father and the Son.

The One who proceeds from the Father,
the richly gushing Fountain of Wisdom,
who spoke through the Old
and New Testaments of God…
All you souls,
with the sound of the Trisagion
praise the Holy Spirit
who is consubstantial with the Father and the Son.

Ողորմեա
O Lord, you descended into the world with your mercy
and transformed
this dead nature unto life.

O Lord, you ascended gloriously unto the Father in heaven
and sent the Holy Spirit,
the Comforter of the Apostles.

O Lord, you opened your heavenly treasure on this day
and bestowed generous gifts
upon this poor nature.

Տէր յերկնից
Today, the Fountain of Wisdom
flowed in the holy Upper Room
like a flooded river,
by which the universe was saturated.

Today, the Good News of the Father
descended from heaven to earth,
to announce the Good News to Adam
to return to Eden.

Today, New Zion rejoices
with her children whom she bore,
renewed with her children of light and day
by the unction of the Spirit.

Today, all souls bless
the Spirit with the Father and the Son
by singing the Trisagion
with melodies of thanksgiving.

Today, we earthlings rejoice
for the coming of the heavenly One,
and joining the circle of angels
we sing “Glory to the Most High.”

TONE 7 Canon of Pentecost. The Sixth Day (Անմահաբար բաժակ հեղեալ)

Translated by: Abraham Terian

Օրհնութիւն
O Holy Spirit, the immortalizing Cup
poured from heaven,
from which the file
of the holy Apostles drank;
blessed are you, True Spirit.

O Living Fire that spread
widely among us,
since the Apostles who drank
made the universe drink;
blessed are you, True Spirit.

O Lifie-giving Cup,
enchanted by you
the churches of the gentiles
rejoice greatly today;
blessed are you, True Spirit.

O God without beginning, Holy Spirit,
you enlightened resplendently
the predictions of the prophets
by pouring yourself abundantly on the Apostles.

O eternal, Only-begotten Son,
you fulfilled in the Upper Room
the promised gifts of the good news
by pouring yourself abundantly on the Apostles.

O heavenly, almighty Father,
you granted to us earthlings
the dawn of your indivisible light
by pouring yourself abundantly on the Apostles.

Հարց
True Spirit, inexpressible procession from the Father,
descending mysteriously to the Upper Room on this day,
you rested upon the Apostles;/
O God of our fathers.

Being One with the Father,
you search the unsearchable depths of God;
descending with fiery wings on this day,
you rested upon the Apostles;
O God of our fathers.

O Holy Spirit, inexhaustible fountain of light,
divided into fiery tongues on this day,
you rested upon the Apostles;՞
O God of our fathers.

Գործք
Bless the Lord.
Lift up the True Spirit.

With inexpressible humility
you rested upon the Apostles,
crowning them
with sun-like, glorious light.
Lift up the True Spirit.

You revealed to them
the inexpressible mystery of the Trinity;
you sprung in them
the living Fountain of Wisdom.
Lift up the True Spirit.

Ողորմեա
You, Fountain of Light,
who proceeded from the Father’s essence
and with radiant light filled the Apostles,
inundating them with joy,
have mercy through their intercession.

You who admirably revealed
your Being to the fiery beings,
who with that same tangible light
inundated the Apostles with joy,
have mercy through their intercession.

You who in the beginning transformed into light
the darkness covering the world,
who with your divine light on this day
inundated the Apostles with joy,
have mercy through their intercession.

You who spread the blazing fire,
igniting it at the outset, O True Spirit,
and with your divine torchlight
inundated the Apostles with joy,
have mercy through their intercession.

Տէր յերկնից
You who oversees the fiery beings beneath your soaring wings,
have poured yourself from heaven today with unutterable love
upon the ranks of earthly beings.
Blessed are you, Holy Spirit, God.

You who are thrice-blessed by the fiery tongues,
have poured yourself from heaven today like torch-lit fire
upon the lips of earthly beings.
Blessed are you, Holy Spirit, God.

You who reveals yourself constantly as luminous flame to those in fiery form,
have poured yourself from heaven today as a cup overflowing with fire
upon the earthly beings.
Blessed are you, Holy Spirit, God.

TONE 8 Canon of Pentecost. The Seventh Day (Ի հարաշարժ աղբերէն)

Translated by: Abraham Terian

Օրհնութիւն
From the ever-flowing Fountain,
O Holy Spirit, a distinct,
life-giving Stream;
blessed are you, True Light.

You came to the holy Upper Room on this day,
O True God;
you adorned the Apostles gracefully
with your glorious light, O Spirit.

The Apostles
filled with cheerful joy
sang in exaltation:
“Blessed are you, True Light.”

Upon the ascension of the Word to heaven
and his sitting at the right hand of the Father,
the cheerful Apostles bowed down,
blessing the Father, the Sender of the Word.

The assembly of the saints, gathered together
in the mystical Upper Room,
with their eyes lifted up, were waiting for the Spirit,
blessing the Father, the Sender of the Word.

The life-giving Fountain of Light
erupting suddenly, with a roaring sound,
adorned with the immortal Light of Life
those who were blessing the Father, the Sender of the Word.

Հարց
Uncreated Holy Spirit, glorified with the Father
and consubstantial with the begotten Son,
you are the incomprehensible God of our fathers.

You who are seated on the foursquare throne
and are in sanctity blessed by the fiery tongues,
you are the incomprehensible God of our fathers.

With love for mankind you descended as God on this day
and distributed the fiery tongues by resting on those in the holy Upper Room;
you are the incomprehensible God of our fathers.

Գործք
Bless the Lord,
lift him up,
the Spirit, True God.

The comforting Holy Spirit
who came down from the Father in lieu of the Only-begotten,
who adorned gracefully
the holy Apostles,
lift him up,
the Spirit, True God.

The heavenly streams flowed into the holy Upper Room
and, adorning the holy Apostles, armed them with divine fire;
lift him up,
the Spirit, True God.

Ողորմեա
O True Spirit,
you who fulfilled your divine directives
prefigured to David’s offspring
by making the Apostles drink
of your abundance in the holy Upper Room,
have mercy.

You who were sent by the Father,
Life-giving Stream
and True Light,
who made the sons of Zion drink
of the flow of your gentleness,
have mercy.

You who fulfilled the desires
of the hearts of those
who sat waiting
for your grand coming
in the holy Upper Room,
have mercy.

Տէր յերկնից
Who with light, immaterial wings
soars past
the fiery Seraphim
and with general supervision
cares for his creatures,
O Holy Spirit,
you are blessed by your creatures.

Who in your amazing brightness
are praised ceaselessly, vocally,
with the Father and the Son,
and who watches kindly over your creatures,
O Holy Spirit,
you are blessed by your creatures.

With your divine supervision, on this day
you roared through the Upper Room with the sound of wind,and by making the Apostles drink,
you were distributed to your creatures;
O Holy Spirit,
you are blessed by your creatures.

Համբարձի
The Holy Spirit always was and is and will be;
he neither had a beginning, nor will he have an end;
he is eternally ranked and numbered
with the Father and the Son;
and is forevermore blessed.

He has always been accepting, sanctifying,
perfecting, and deifying;
he is eternally ranked and numbered
with The Father and the Son;
and is forevermore blessed.

Ever-moving, self-moving, of his own will,
Sovereign, Almighty;
for he blows wherever he wills,
whenever and as much and as long as he wishes;
and is forevermore blessed.

He is of himself, ever the same
with those among whom he is ranked;
unseen, eternal,
unchangeable, immutable;
and is forevermore blessed.

Without quantity,
without quality;
invisible,
impalpable;
and is forevermore blessed.

Lord, Sender, Determiner,
Builder of his own Temple;
leading, strengthening,
distributing gifts as he wills;
and is forevermore blessed.

Life and Giver of Life,
Light and Giver of Light,
Absolute Good, Spring of Goodness;
the rightly guiding Spirit;
and is forevermore blessed.

Spirit of power and awe,
by whom the Father is known and the Son is glorified;
one rank, one honor, one devotion,
perfection, holiness;
and is forevermore blessed.

TONE 1 Canon for the Feast of the Dedication of the Holy Cross (Ի վերայ վիմի հաւատոյ)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Exodus 15 (օրհ)
Upon the rock of faith you have built your holy church. Keep her in peace.

You granted mercy in the dwelling of the angels and the place of mankind’s expiation.Grant her your unshaken peace.

In the temple of the glory of your holiness, children sing to you. Grant them your abundant mercy.

Come, people, to the temple of Christ’s glory. Give praise, everyone, in the highest.

For Christ the king crowned her with his wondrous glory. Give praise, everyone, in the highest.

In her even the hosts of angels in their choirs celebrate the feast of the Lord. Give praise, everyone, in the highest.

The life-giving cross, which became salvation for us—through it, we all sing your praise.

Radiating on earth as light from the Father of light, and a scepter of power for the faithful—through it, we all sing your praise.

A brilliant effusion, it was shown to us miraculously for relief against the enemy. Through it we all sing your praise.

Daniel 3 (հրց)
At the marvelous Dedication in Jerusalem, your cross was shown to us in radiant majesty, O Lord, God of our fathers.

And reborn in baptism of the holy font, today we celebrate the feast with joy by the sign of your holy cross, O God of our fathers.

Bless the Lord and exalt him forever.

For the holy church is betrothed to Christ. The heavenly bridegroom has crowned her with the cross; to the left and to the right it takes wing, making heirs of the nations. Exalt him forever.

Come, O people of Christ, let us bow down before this divine sign. Nailed to it with him, we also reign with him. Exalt him forever.

Magnificat (մեծ)
We magnify you, O Word and indescribable offspring of the Father. Having taken body from the Virgin, you were made manifest to us.

We magnify you, who trampled down death as God, and dissolved the seal of death. You were lifted to the cross by the will of the Father.

We magnify you, who were buried in a new tomb, and you rose on the third day. You ascended to heaven with the glory of the Father.

Psalm 50(51) (ողր)
In your sanctuary of holiness, which you chose by your coming, O Christ; in her we beseech you in unison: hear the voice of our supplications; accept us and revive us.

With your divine light, shining more brightly than the sun, you illuminated your holy church. In her we beseech you in unison: hear the voice of our supplications; accept us and revive us.

Today even the angels rejoice at the brilliance of your holy church. In her we beseech you in unison: hear the voice of our supplications; accept us and revive us. 

Psalm 148 (տէր)
In the temple of the holiness of your glory, O Christ, which you illuminated from heaven by your divine dawning. In her, we shall sing your praise unceasingly.

You granted us the redemptive mystery of the knowledge of God your high priest and witness. By his supplications, spare us.

Keep untroubled and peaceful the faithful people of the holy Trinity, those who take refuge in the sanctuary of your glory.

Psalm 112 (մնկ)
Your altar, O Lord of hosts, was erected in faith in your sanctuary. Come, people, let us venerate it.

Today a precious stone was set up in your sanctuary. Come, people, let us venerate it.

In her was offered the true sacrifice and the incorrupt oblation. Come, people, let us venerate.

TONE 1 Canon for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Որ զանարատ բազուկս քո ի խաչին տարածեցեր)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Exodus 15 [օրհ]
O Christ God, who spread apart your spotless arms on the cross and gave us the sign of triumph. Through it preserve our lives.

O Christ God, in the world-saving unfolding of the arms of your cross you gave us a scepter of power; through it preserve our lives.

Through the wood of life you restored to life the one who died by eating from the wood of transgressions. Through it preserve our lives.

The holy cross, relief for the faithful, was erected on earth, triumphing over the enemy. Come, people, let us venerate it.

God the creator was lifted onto the cross, and upon it he renewed and revived those who had died in sin by eating of the wood.

When the Son of God comes again, the holy cross will appear and shine light, for it is the hope of the faithful.

The wondrously built and powerful wood of your cross, O Christ, appeared on earth as a scepter of power. Come, people, let us venerate it.

Concealed by the Jews, the unconcealed treasure was revealed as the wood of life at the Queen’s wish. Come, people, let us venerate it.

This is the weapon of triumph for the faithful, trophy and victorious seal against the enemy. Come, people, let us venerate it. 

The indescribable apparition appeared to the Queen. Sitting in the court in Jerusalem she searched for the precious wood of the cross, upon which they nailed the Messiah.

At her stern command, the Jews assembled, displaying for her the precious wood of the cross, on which the creator of creatures went up and ascended.

When the holy cross was discovered in the place of holiness with a fragrant scent of incense, the universe was abundantly filled with gifts.  

Daniel 3 [հրց]
Today, by your precious cross, you have revived your people. It is a scepter of power and the wood of life, O God of our fathers.

For we became immortal by means of the wood of life after having eaten the fatal fruit. The four-armed cross was erected in the middle, facing south, O God of our fathers. 

And you willingly ascended your cross, O Christ. You spread out your arms to gather to yourself the human race, which had been alienated from you, Lord, God of our fathers.

Bless the Lord and most highly exalt him forever.

Today the only-begotten Son spread out his spotless arms upon the holy cross. Most highly exalt him forever.

For he triumphed over death by his mighty power, and he called the universe to salvation and to eternal life. Most highly exalt him forever. 

Magnificat [մեծ]
Mother and virgin maiden of Christ, who always intercede for the world. All nations call you blessed.

Pure dove and heavenly bride, Mary, temple and throne of God the Word. All nations call you blessed.

Through you the rational ones and the earthly ones were well-pleased, and through you, we have drawn near to the wood of life. All nations call you blessed.

Psalm 50 [ողր]
O wood of life, instead of the fatal fruit, you gave forth Christ. Fortify and protect the covenant of the faithful.

Through you was opened to us the path to the tree of life, which was guarded by the Seraphim. Fortify and protect the covenant of the faithful.

Through you the forefather was liberated from [the sin of] eating the fruit. And all faithful bow down before you. Fortify and protect the covenant of the faithful.

Psalm 148 [տէր]
Called “tree of knowledge,” it removed and exiled us from life. Through it Mother Eve transgressed and deceived the forefather.

But the life-giving wood of your cross is a scepter of power for the life of mankind and hope of creation. It became our guide to life eternal.

You gave us a triumphant sign, your holy cross, so that through it we might enter by the narrow gate to the constricted path, for which the earthly sons of mankind have yearned. 

Psalm 92 [ճշւ]
Faithful people, let us always sing a triumphant and new blessing in the highest to Christ the king.

Who came to illuminate his chosen, holy church. And he crowned her with his holy cross. Let us sing his glory.

Today we too celebrate the Dedication of [the] Holy Cross. And to the Savior we offer glory and honor forever. 

Hymn for the Veneration of the Cross [Խաչի քո Քրիստոս]
Before your cross, O Christ, we bow down; 

And we magnify your burial; 

And we glorify your holy resurrection.

Come, faithful ones, let us bow down to Christ our God.

For he came [and] through his Cross, granted gifts to the world.

Glory to the holy Cross. Alleluia.

[Glory] to holy Sion. Alleluia.

[Glory] to [the] holy Resurrection. Alleluia.

The light of your countenance became a sign for us,

And you filled our hearts with joy.

You filled them with their fruits of wheat, wine and oil.

TONE 3 Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Sixth Day (Friday) (Անապական սուրբ զխաչն)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Օրհնութիւն
Exodus 15
(Ա) Let us praise the incorruptible holy cross, which became the thief’s guide and created for us a path showing us the way to enter the God-created gate to the Lord’s garden.

(Բ) A key to the kingdom was given to earthen mankind. Thus having been cast out for eating the first meal, [mankind could enter] eternal life. It created for us a path showing us the way to enter the God-created gate to the Lord’s garden.

(Գ) It appeared to the Egyptian race in the shape of a scepter, showing them the power of the holy cross and snatching away the magical scepters. It created for us a path showing us the way to enter the God-created gate to the Lord’s garden.

(Դ) Seal of understanding imprinted upon the lintels of their doors, keeping the people intrepid against the extermination of the first-born. It created for us a path showing us the way to enter the God-created gate to the Lord’s garden.

(Ե) Appearing like a pavement of precious stone in the form of the cross, dividing the Red Sea [and] leading the people by a pillar of cloud, undifferentiated light. It created for us a path showing us the way to enter the God-created gate to the Lord’s garden.

By the sign of your all-triumphant cross, O Christ, you took away the condemnation of the human race.

You granted us victory in combat to eradicate the power of the enemy.

Through this bring peace to our lives, only-compassionate One, and save us from all temptation.

Today the God-loving queen seeks the precious wood of the cross, which was left on Golgotha. Come, faithful, let us bow down before this divine holy sign.

Today Golgotha hands over that which was covered in the ground, sending it up with fragrant incense by blessed Judas. Come, faithful, let us bow down before this divine holy sign.

Today by the saving, holy cross, the dead youth is revived and Satan laments over his own destruction. Yet we who believe in Christ shall bow down before this divine holy sign.

(Ա) We have taken refuge in  your cross, O eternal Creator, who gave us a triumphant guardian against the enemy. Through it we beseech you, Savior, defend our souls.

(Բ) Exalted king, you ascended the cross for our sake, and through it took away the transgressions of Adam the first-created. Through it we beseech you, Savior, defend our souls.

(Գ) Holy summit of faith and wood of life revealed to mankind, the vile demon saw it and was destroyed, never to rise up again. Through it we beseech you, Savior, defend our souls.

(Դ) The enemy shuddered when the holy cross was revealed, and in awe of his glory he was destroyed in the abyss of the earth. Through it we beseech you, Savior, defend our souls.

(Ե) Heaven exulted and the earth rejoiced, for the holy cross was manifested as savior, and bearer of light to the universe. Through it we beseech you, Savior, defend our souls.

Հարց
Daniel 3
Today you were sacrificed, O Lamb of God, for the transgression of the first-created. Sacrificed on the cross, you poured out your blood for [our] salvation. Blessed Lord, God of our fathers.

Today in exchange for the knowledge of the wood of death by which the first father died, you granted us your redemptive sign, the wood of life. Blessed Lord, God of our fathers.

Today having taken away the flaming sword, you opened to the sons of Adam the way to the tree of life, which the Seraphim surrounded and protected with care. Blessed Lord, God of our fathers.

Գործք
Praise the Lord and highly exalt him forever.

By being nailed to the cross, Christ released those in bondage, yet he indelibly bound the enemy by his life-giving cross. Praise the Lord and highly exalt him forever.

Instead of the fatal fruit of the tree he fed the fruit of life upon the four-winged [cross] to the race of the sons of mankind. Praise the Lord and highly exalt him forever.

He erased the writ of condemnation, born from the rib, with flowing springs of fire pouring from his side, which was wounded by the lance, and with which he quenched the thirst of the universe. Praise the Lord and highly exalt him forever. 

Մեծացուսցէ
Magnificat
Mother of light, O Mary, holy virgin, you gave birth in the body to the light from the Father, and you became the dawn of the sun of righteousness. With spiritual song, we magnify you, O holy lady.

The throne and tree of life of the immortal fruit were more excellent than the Cherubim, O Ark of the covenant of the Word and golden urn of the heavenly manna. With spiritual song, we magnify you, O holy lady.

Through you was opened the gate to paradise, guarded by the Seraphim, and through you was given to us the wood of immortality, which, upon it, the immortal victim of the sacrifice today illuminated from heaven. With spiritual song, we magnify you, O holy lady. 

Ողորմեա
Psalm 50(51)
O four-winged [cross] born of light, sign of splendor, building life for all. The Deity ever spreads his arms toward you.

Refuge and guardian of the races of the four corners of the world at the rising and the setting [of the sun]; salvation from demons and a mighty rampart.

O tangible stamp and seal on the face of all, you are also imprinted as a mystery upon the divine ones, from whom rays shine like the sun.

Տէր յերկնից
Psalm 148
O guardian who arose from Eden, sign of victory against the invisible enemy.

You opened up sealed Paradise and guided the thief; you took the flaming sword as booty by order of the uncreated One.

Through you we all, here below, exult at your second coming, and the choirs of the bodiless ones delight perpetually with God.

TONE 5 Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Second Day (Զօրութիւն սուրբ խաչի)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Օրհնութիւն 
Exodus 15
The power of your holy cross, O Christ, which you erected for the salvation of the world—let it protect us from all temptation.

For on it, God, you were lifted up, and on it you poured out your precious, holy blood. Let it protect us from all temptation.

And by the sign of your cross you showed the world your second coming. Let it protect us from all temptation.

When Adam turned a deaf ear in life-creating Paradise, through the deceptive seduction of the wood of the tree of knowledge, he ate of the fruit by the serpent’s seduction and settled below, in the capital, Jerusalem.

The dawn gave forth in Paradise the wood of the cross. He came and met his end in the place of the Skull. The elemental wood rose to the sentry. The holy four-winged cross is the protector of our souls.

Uncreated Word, consubstantial with the Father and the Holy Spirit, having appeared on Earth, creation glistened. By the power of the mighty One, he assigned to us too the grace of adoption.

Հարց
Daniel 3

Today the sign of the Lord appeared among the luminous clouds through the fiery effulgence of the cross. Those who saw it, ran ahead to the city and told of your sign, O Lord, God of our fathers.

The ray of the holy cross shone from the East; your sign, with rays like the sun, was seen by all at the third hour.

The redemptive cross was shown to us as a refuge, so that with it, we might triumph over the lawless enemy. We have received the seal of establishment, your cross, upon our souls.

Գործք
Bless the Lord and exalt him forever.

Today the sign of the holy cross appeared in heaven. Come, new people, together bless the Lord and exalt him forever.

Today, reflecting upon holy Golgotha, an awesome sight appeared to the people. Priests, bless the Lord in song, exalt him forever. 

Մեծացուսցէ
Magnificat
Mother of light, O Mary, holy virgin, you gave birth in the body to the light from the Father, and you became the dawn of the sun of righteousness. With spiritual song, we magnify you, O holy lady.

The throne and tree of life of the immortal fruit were more excellent than the Cherubim, O Ark of the covenant of the Word and golden urn of the heavenly manna. With spiritual song, we magnify you, O holy lady.

Through you was opened the gate to paradise, guarded by the Seraphim, and through you was given to us the wood of immortality, which, upon it, the immortal victim of the sacrifice today illuminated from heaven. With spiritual song, we magnify you, O holy lady.

Ողորմեա
Psalm 50
The sign of the triumph having appeared from heaven, today the light of mercy has shone upon the nations.

And today a multitude of people saw the holy cross adorned with beams of light.

At the appearance of your holy cross, O Christ, today Jerusalem reveled exceedingly.

And the multitude of the assembly saw the rising of the light of your divine, radiant sign. 

The all-triumphant power of your cross, O Christ, was displayed by your power as relief against the warring enemy.

Տէր յերկնից
Psalm 148
Christ, you gave us your cross as a scepter of power. With this, we shall triumph over the lawless enemy.

This is a weapon of triumph, sharpened by the blood of the Son of God and with this, we shall triumph over the lawless enemy.

This is a throne of sovereignty, and upon it is seated Christ, the Son of God. And with this, we shall triumph over the lawless enemy.

This is an altar of holiness, and upon it is sacrificed Christ, the lamb of God. And with this, we shall triumph over the lawless enemy.

This is a forerunner to the day of the coming of the Savior, and a crown of splendor for the faithful. And with this, we shall triumph over the lawless enemy.

TONE 4 Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Third Day (Խաչն կենարար որ եղեւ)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Օրհնութիւն 
Exodus 15
The life-giving cross, which became salvation for us—through it, we all sing your praise.

Radiating on earth as light from the Father of light, and a scepter of power for the faithful—through it, we all sing your praise.

In a brilliant effusion, it was shown to us miraculously for relief against the enemy. Through it we all sing your praise.

O Word of God, you are seated upon the throne of glory; you humbled yourself from the paternal bosom; you took body from the Virgin, restoring our earthen nature in place of the fallen light.

You erected your cross in the middle of the earth, and through it you opened to the first-created the gate to paradise, guarded by the Seraphim, raising him to life after he ate the fatal fruit.

And by the power of your cross, O Christ, you founded the catholic church as a dwelling for the holy Trinity, enlightening the nations in her through rebirth.

To you, O Christ, who gifted the catholic church with the triumphant, precious, God-pleasing holy sign, we offer hymns of praise always in the highest.

By your will, O Christ, and on the wings of the all-powerful holy Spirit, and in a choir of angels, it soars and comes upon Mount Varag to dwell in us.

Come, people, let us venerate this divine and holy sign. Together, lift up your hands in holiness and let us always glorify the one who dwells upon it.

Called “tree of knowledge,” it removed and exiled us from life. Through it Mother Eve transgressed and deceived the forefather.

But the life-giving wood of your cross is a scepter of power for the life of mankind and hope of creation. It became our guide to life eternal.

You gave us a triumphant sign, your holy cross, so that through it we might enter by the narrow gate to the restricted path, for which the earthly sons of mankind have yearned.

Acrostic Hymn (“Stepanos”)
[S] You gave your holy cross as holy of holies to the church, O Lord, for with your immaculate hand extended upon it with nails, you gathered to yourself all races of rational beings. We beseech you, Lord, protect us under the shadow of your holy cross.

[T] The luminous holy sign was previously shown as a vision of the mystery beyond words; for the blazing, fiery Seraph surrounded it in the midst of splendid and majestic Paradise. We beseech you, Lord, protect us under the shadow of your holy cross.

[E] It was displayed as a stairway to heaven, creating a perceptible path for the sons of mankind to enter through the door to life. For it was displayed as a symbol of Jacob’s miracle, allowing the descent and ascent of the of the heavenly host. We beseech you, Lord, protect us under the shadow of your holy cross.

[P‘] The marvelous wise one called it the tree of life by means of the Spirit. For the creator of creatures was lifted upon it. And drops of his incorruptible blood, flowing from his side, erased the sins of the one born from the side [of Adam]. We beseech you, Lord, protect us under the shadow of your holy cross.

[A] By the radiance of the vision of a column, it was shown to be a guide for the people of Israel. An intense strike of the scepter parted the mountainous swells of water, transforming it into solid rock. We beseech you, Lord, protect us under the shadow of your holy cross.

[N] Working wonders, Moses lifted up his hands in the form of a cross against the Amalekites, and he defeated Beliar in battle. And he who was sealed upon a solid mass, with it, subdued and vanquished [Beliar]. We beseech you, Lord, protect us under the shadow of your holy cross.

[N] By the sign of your cross, O Lord, the darkness that swallowed up the world dispersed with a shudder. For you crowned with that all-conquering holy sign the man who had sinned by transgressing against the wood of life, crucifying him with you. We beseech you, Lord, protect us under the shadow of your holy cross.

[O] The wondrous sign, which, at the end of that brief day extinguishes [the day’s] condensed, supposed light, yet radiates from heaven with its tremendous rays; and all the companies of the infidels lament, groaning. We beseech you, Lord, protect us under the shadow of your holy cross.

[S] By the intercession of the holy Mother of God, accept our requests, Lord, when, you rise in the East with wonder beyond words, making the triumphant, holy cross your forebear. We beseech you, Lord, protect us under the shadow of your holy cross.

Հարց
Daniel 3
Rejoice today, O holy church and celebrate your feast, O daughter of Sion. For the Lord God was pleased to dwell in you, the God of our fathers.

Rejoice, Queen, daughter of Sion, and exult O supernal Jerusalem, for Christ the king of heaven is coming to you, Lord, God of our fathers.

Rejoice, Sion, mother church, for upon you the divine ray from the Father of light has shone, Lord, God of our fathers.

Գործք
Bless the Lord and highly exalt him  forever.

He crowned the holy church today with the sign of his cross. Bless the Lord and highly exalt him forever.

He enlightened the race of the sons of mankind by rebirth of the holy font. Bless the Lord in song. Highly exalt him forever. 

Մեծացուսցէ
Magnificat
Rejoice, Mother of God, exalted by the Seraphim. Light shined forth from you upon us and you became the mother of Him who stretches out [the heavens]. Races and tribes magnify you.

You became the foundation of the church. You became the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit [and are]served by the angels. Gabriel heralded to you the good news. Races and tribes magnify you.

We see the terrible, wondrous mystery revealed. Having conceived by the Holy Spirit, you gave birth to the Word of God in the body. Races and tribes magnify you. 

Ողորմեա
Psalm 50(51)
You established your church by your word, O Christ, upon the apostolic rock, in order to sing spiritual songs in her.

The altar of holiness was erected in her. [Christ] distributes his body and blood and from this he gives us renewal for the forgiveness of our sins.

In a dove-like appearance, the Holy Spirit descends upon the body and blood of the Lord for the healing of our spirits.

Տէր յերկնից
Psalm 148
Shine, Jerusalem! Adorn your fortress, for the heavenly groom has come near you. Granting you salvation, he has crowned you with his wondrous glory.

Today Christ, the sun of righteousness has shone on you, O Queen, the daughter of Sion. And the grace of the Holy Spirit has been spread about you plentifully with gifts.

Rejoice today holy Sion, mother church. Brighten your children like the sun, for Christ the king has filled you with inexpressible glee.

Մանկունք
Psalm 112
The only-begotten descended from the Father and the light of glory with him. Voices have resounded in the abysses of hell.

Seeing the great light, Patriarch Gregory joyously recounted it to the faithful king.

Come let us build the holy tabernacle of light. For in it light has shone on us in the land of Armenia.

TONE 5 Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Fourth Day (Ուրախ լեր սուրբ եկեղեցի)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Օրհնութիւն
Exodus 15

Rejoice, O holy Church, for Christ the king of heaven today has crowned you with his cross, and he has adorned your fortress with his wondrous glory.

Exult greatly, O daughter of Sion, for through your renewal earth has today become heaven, and the heavenly king was pleased to dwell within you.

With the choirs of the heavenly hosts, we celebrate today and lift up unceasing glorification. Be glad, immaculate bride, in your inscrutable mystery.

A tabernacle of holiness was erected, the holy church, and Christ the king was sacrificed in it. Come, faithful, let us bow down to Christ with a new song.

The choirs of angels having descended from heaven, sing aloud. Making melody with their wonderful voice, they sing songs of praise, chanting the three holies.

Rejoice! Be glad, O holy church become bride. Brighten your children in praise of Him who shined a beam of light on you, O mother church. 

Հարց
Daniel 3
Today the holy church was filled with divine grace, a resplendent column of light. In her we praise you, O God of our fathers.

Bridal chamber for righteous men, in her a divine beam radiated from the Father of light. In her we praise you, O God of our fathers.

Bestower of mercy, O Lord, bestow her your unshaken peace. There we praise you, O God of our fathers.

Գործք
Bless the Lord and most highly exalt him forever.

With the bodiless multitudes, he comes today to the holy church, Christ the king. All nations praise and most highly exalt him forever.

Come into the church, you who believe in the Holy Trinity. Praise God. Joyfully proclaim a feast to the corners of the table, and most highly exalt him forever.

Մեծացուսցէ
Magnificat
Rejoice, O Mother of God, hope and mother of salvation. O recipient of light, we magnify you.

Mother of light and virgin, treasure of life, with a divine voice and praise, we magnify you.

Holy mother of the immaculate light, honored by angelic praise, we magnify you. 

Ողորմեա
Psalm 50(51)
Renovating us, whom you created in your image, you made us a temple for yourself. Receive this temple in our midst, renovated by us, as a dwelling place for you.

O giver of life, you grant us the living image of your servile form, bearing [the image] of the one who raises up all in the glory of the holy Trinity.

Save the son of your servant, whom you honored by the sees of Rome, where they placed the rock of faith of the foundation of the holy church.

You wondrously adorned this latter [church]. You made its foundation glisten by dwelling in it with [us], thereby making the sumptuous, lustrous glory of this latter house greater than that the first. 

Տէր յերկնից
Psalm 148
Adorner of the holy church, with magnificent glory, he set out a glittering dwelling, a tabernacle for the choirs of angels. Praise him all creatures!

With miracles arising from himself, he laid her foundation upon the foundation of the holy apostles. And he granted forgiveness in her. The sons of mankind were promoted among the supernal, vigilant angels. Praise him all creatures!

By his omnipotent power and through his indescribable birth, he divinely opened his hands to the human race. And he bestowed dazzling vestments and ornaments as incorruptible grace, and wreathed crowns from the unapproachable light. Praise him all creatures!

Մանկունք
Psalm 112
Today the multitudes of heaven rejoice and delight at the dedication of the holy church, for an eternal high-priest has been granted to us for the enlightenment of the holy, universal church. Glory to your advent, O Lord.

Today a pillar of light from on high became our shelter, for the heavenly king comes into the holy church and the hosts of angels proliferate to celebrate with humanity. Glory to your advent, O Lord.

Today the true high priest, by means of the divine law, honors and erects the quadrangular table of the cross. He distributes the body and blood of the Lord, worthily sacrificed. O saved, new people, draw near in purity and beseech Christ to grant this to us for length of days.

TONE 4 Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Fifth Day (Անպատումն կառք անքննելի)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Օրհնութիւն
Exodus 15
O chariot beyond description, and vessel of the impenetrable mystery, O holy four-armed [cross], invisibly reverenced in awe by the hovering, fluttering wings of the Seraphim; we bow down to you. Come to our aid in our comings and goings.

Invincible sign and vessel of the unassailable power, O holy four-winged [cross], you appeared to the dismay of the rebels, who shuttered and trembled for fear of you, and submerged in dread, they perished. We bow down to you. Come to our aid in our comings and goings.

The Prophet Zechariah envisaged you as a golden lamp stand with seven lamps of light, shining upon the earth, O holy four-winged cross. The immaterial being who came into being in our [human] nature, and who was stretched out upon you, purified the filth of the human race through the fountain flowing from his side. We bow down to you. Come to our aid in our comings and goings.

When you emerged from burial, O holy four-winged [cross], the legions of the Slanderer’s armies perished in awe of you; and at the rising of the youngster the faithful rejoiced. We bow down to you. Come to our aid in our comings and goings.

Heaven on Earth, and speechless intercessor for us in heaven, O holy four-winged [cross]. You are the forerunner to the awesome and blazing resplendence [that] foretell the coming of the Son of God. We bow down to you. Come to our aid in our comings and goings.

When you shine from the East in light beyond words and enlighten those of faith; and when you condemn the race of faithless Jews, O holy four-winged [cross]; enlighten me also, darkened in sin, and promote among those of the book of your kingdom of heaven ineffable, so that you may be unceasingly praised. And yours is the glory forever. Amen.

Հարց
Daniel 3
Today the choirs of angels rejoice at the dedication of Christ’s holy church, singing praise to the Lord God of our fathers.

Today the choirs of the holy apostles celebrate the feast of the upper Jerusalem; in the intelligible temple they offer spiritual songs, singing Lord God of our fathers.

Today lifting up their voices in song, the choirs of faithful cry out together: Make us worthy, in the temple of your holiness to glorify the all-holy Trinity, the Lord, God of our fathers.

Գործք
Praise the Lord and most highly exalt him forever.

The One who enlightened the holy, universal, mother church with the divine light; all nations praise and most highly exalt him forever.

The One who elevated the children of the holy church to the choirs of the supernal hosts; priests, bless and most highly exalt him forever.

Մեծացուսցէ
Magnificat
The angel proclaimed the good news with a divine voice, O Mother of God, heavenly gate. Rejoice, O delighted one, the Lord is with you.

The One seated among the Cherubim with the Father was pleased to dwell incorruptibly in your womb. Rejoice, O delighted one, the Lord is with you.

He who was surrounded and protected by the fiery Seraphim is revealed among men today on an earthly lap. Rejoice, O delighted one, the Lord is with you. 

Ողորմեա
Psalm 50(51)
Shine, Jerusalem, for your light has come. Adorn your fortresses and the glory of the Lord will rise upon you.

Praise from Sion befits you, O God, with songs of praise and psalms; and prayers will be offered to you in Jerusalem.

Praise the Lord, Jerusalem, and bless your God, new people, [the] queen, [the] daughter of Sion.

Տէր յերկնից
Psalm 148
Today the divinity exults, creating the earth anew. Holy choirs of vigilant angels glorify [the divinity]. Let us, too, adorn this holy feast with shouts of praise.

Today we too delight in this feast with universal acclaim. With magnificent resplendence [the divinity] appeared in the world. [Expressions of] thanksgiving rush toward God. They unceasingly proclaim the living word.

Rejoice and exult virgin holy church and bride of the heavenly groom. Behold we see the anointed One, Christ, coming to you, the Light to the nations!

Մանկունք
Psalm 112
Wisdom of the Father, who, from the beginning, in wisdom, established the church, which Moses signified by prefiguring it in the tent resembling heaven on Mount Sinai, illuminated by the glory of God.

Imprinting the mystery of your incorruptible economy from the holy Virgin in the ark of the divine covenant of the testaments of the Word of God, a place of rest for the glory of the uncreated One.

In the turning of the Jordan you gave an example of the return of our nature to life; and through the destruction of Jericho by means of the ark, [you gave an example of] the captivity of death and of hell; of the cross working wonders in the new Israel. The children shall sing praise to you, Lord.

Ճաշու
Psalm 91
Today the choirs of angels rejoice at your establishment on earth, O luminous, heavenly tabernacle, O holy church. Be glad, precious stone, our shelter and hope.

Delight, immaculate bride, fittingly veiled. Adorn yourself with glory and run ahead to the heavenly bridegroom. Be glad, barren mother of many, behold the bridegroom comes to you.

In this very place a font of baptism was renovated for us; a mother’s womb, in which, conceived by the Spirit, second birth is given to us who believe in Christ. Be glad, you, who formerly had no mother, behold your son comes to you.

TONE 5 Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The Seventh Day (Saturday) (Որ ծագեցեր մեզ լոյս մեծ)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Օրհնութիւն 
Exodus 15
You shined upon us the sign of the victory of your cross, a great light, O King eternal. And you gaveit to your faithful as a solid rampart, a mighty tower in the face of the enemy. We beseech you, Lord, protect us under the shadow of your holy cross.

This is a crown adorned by the grace of the intelligible Light and placed upon the head of the sinner. [It is] painted in suitable hues with the blood and the water from the lance-wounded side, that you sustained from the soldier. We beseech you, Lord, protect us under the shadow of your holy cross.

With this you parted the abyss of the sea of sin, and you engulfed the captor in the depths of eternal fire. You retrieved your people into the abodes of heaven of the fallen hosts. We beseech you, Lord, protect us under the shadow of your holy cross. 

The sign lifted on a pole became a figure of the four-armed holy cross. Moses fashioned a bronze serpent for the Israeli camp, to deliver those who had been wounded by the poison of the biting reptiles. We beseech you, Lord, protect us under the shadow of your holy cross.

Before your charitable sovereignty we submit the portrait of your immaculate mother. When you come with the glory of the Father to judge the enemy of your cross, forgive us for our errors through the intercession of your mother and virgin. We beseech you, Lord, protect us under the shadow of your holy cross.

O Consubstantial with the Father, you willingly came to suffer. You took upon yourself suffering. Enduring the cross, you descended into the tomb.

The oil bearers came to your tomb, O Savior. They brought sweet oil to perfume your incorruptible body.

They heard the good news of the angel, who said, “The Lord has risen from the dead. He has granted you life.”

O God most-merciful in all things, look compassionately upon me and rescue me, for you alone love mankind.

And with your life-giving cross keep me; and with your resurrection save me and deliver me, for you alone love mankind.

And at your second coming, O Lord, renew me again and deliver me, for you alone love mankind.

Christ God, who stretched out your hands upon the cross and dissolved the seal of our condemnation, have mercy [on us].

You were nailed to the cross and by the flowing of your blood you saved the universe from sin. Have mercy [on us].

You were buried in the earth and you rose on the third day. You destroyed hell by your word. Have mercy [on us].

Hell shuddered from the cruciform wood. By the power of the Holy Spirit the earth was renewed. Who is this who has thwarted death?

The angel gave good tidings to the virgin Mary. This is the Word from the beginning, the Son who is before the ages. This is the king who thwarted death.

He rose on the third day. The rocks split. The earth shook. Hell trembled. This is Christ, the One who lives through the ages. 

Հարց
Daniel 3
Christ God, who, exhibited your triumphant sign more fiery than the sun, high above holy Golgotha. For this we extol you, God of our fathers.

For your resplendent and holy, saving cross, O Lord, adorned by the light of heaven, reflected and appeared to Jerusalem. For this we extol you, God of our fathers.

And by its flaming, radiant gleam, it surpassed the rays of the solar bodies. And awestruck, both natives and pilgrims proceeded to the place of expiation for prayers.

Գործք
Praise the Lord and exalt him forever.

Christ typified today the awesome mystery of his second coming through the shining of the holy cross, by which the earth reveled. And exalt [him] forever.

It was exhibited in an awesome manner. Jerusalem rejoiced. But terrified, the ranks of those in hell trembled. And exalt [him] forever. 

Մեծացուսցէ
Magnificat

Mother of God, more resplendent than heaven, you dawned on us the great and excellent Light, by whom the darkness of ignorance dissipated. In the voice of the Seraphim, we extol you and with spiritual song we magnify you.

Swift and luminous cloud, who poured out from the heavenly sea the rain of life within you, which you spilled upon the parched earth; in the voice of the Seraphim, we extol you and with spiritual song we magnify you.

O Eden, cloistered garden planted by God, in the midst of your paradise, the tree of life was also planted by the Spirit. He filled the universe with the immortal fruit. In the voice of the Seraphim, we extol you and with spiritual song we magnify you.

Ողորմեա
Psalm 50(51)
Today the triumphant sign appeared on earth and made the universe sparkle. You gave your cross, O Lord, as a weapon of triumph to rescue us from the deception of the enemy.

Wood of life erected in the middle of the universe; hope and refuge of the human race. Let this keep us from our every danger to rescue us from the deception of the enemy.

By the triumphant power of your cross, protect us, Christ God, for you stretched out your hands upon it and dissolved the seal of condemnation for our errors to rescue us from the deception of the enemy.

Տէր յերկնից
Psalms 148-150
All creatures bow down before your cross, O Christ, which was erected for our salvation. Let it be our triumphant protector to rescue us from the deceit of the Slanderer.

On it you were lifted up, O Lifter of the curse, who are glorified with the Father, to gather together by the life-giving wood those who have been alienated; to rescue us from the deceit of the Slanderer.

All creatures have been illuminated through it. Those who were held captive in the sin-loving prison waited for it, which freed us from the deceit of the Slanderer. 

Մանկունք
Psalm 112
The troops of Cherubim with the fiery Seraphim surrounded and guarded the path to the tree of life in the garden created by God. Today you shone forth upon the earth, O wood of life and salvation, adorned by God. The children of the holy church praise you.

A ram [caught] in the sabek tree was offered in immolation in place of Isaac. But upon you was sacrificed the immaculate lamb as reconciliation with the Father and to take away our sins. The children of the holy church praise you.

The Pauline splendor professed you as the locus and the altar of the divine Word. For through you we have been rescued from the biting, bodiless beast, and droplets of the incorruptible blood that poured forth upon you have erased the sin of the one born of the rib. 

Ճաշու
Psalm 91(92)
You gave your holy cross as a weapon to your holy church. With it, condemned, the enemy was defeated.

With it, protect your people, Christ. Through it we worship you with the Father and the Spirit.

We take refuge in you, O Christ, who are coming again by means of your cross in order to save us on that day of the awesome tribunal.

Համբարձի
Psalm 120(121)
Today the apparition of the great, gleaming sign of our Lord God radiates on the [Feast of the] Dedication in Jerusalem. O people, extolling Christ, celebrate with joy!

For the glimmer of the life-giving holy cross was revealed in the East, shining like the sun with the piercing light. O people, extolling Christ, celebrate with joy!

Reflecting from heaven in awesome and spectacular wonder, the Lord’s sign was shown over holy Golgotha. O people, extolling Christ, celebrate with joy!

TONE 1 Feast of the Holy Cross of Varag. Hymns of Daniel 3 (Harts)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

You shined today the light of your unspeakable divinity upon the Cross,

On the mount of Varag.

Blessed is the Lord God of our Fathers!

You made known today the appearance of your awe-inspiring second coming,

By the sign of your Cross, beaming it on earth.

Blessed is the Lord God of our Fathers!

You gave a sign to those who fear, and a weapon against the enemy.

With it, protect those who believe in your holy name.

Blessed is the Lord God of our Fathers!

He adorned today the sign of the Cross

With a heavenly light brighter than the sun.

Bless the Lord and exalt him forever!

He revealed today the redemptive sign to the angels,

By descending to the mount of Varag.

Blessed is the Lord God of our Fathers!

Come all you saved by the life-giving Cross,

Bowing down to Christ our Savior upon it.

Blessed is the Lord God of our Fathers!

TONE 5 Resurrection Magnificat (Medzatsoostseh Harootyan) (Աստուածածին երկնային դուռն)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

O Mother of God, heavenly Gate,

With a divine voice the angel proclaimed,

“Rejoice, O favored one, the Lord is with you.”

Enthroned by the cherubim with the Father,

He was was pleased to dwell incorruptibly in  your womb.

Rejoice, O favored one, the Lord is with you.

The One surrounded and protected by the flaming seraphim

Today was revealed in the midst of mankind, in [your] earthly bosom.

Rejoice, O favored one, the Lord is with you.

TONE 6 Annunciation Magnificat (Medzatsoostseh) (Աստուածածին խորան լուսոյ)

Translated by: V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan

Mother of God, luminous tabernacle of the unbounded Sun of life,

Who became the Dawn of the Sun of righteousness,

And who shined light upon us who sat in darkness,

We magnify you always.