The translation of the Psalms provided here
is from the Psalter of the Seventy, the translation of the Septuagint Psalter
made by the fathers of Holy Transfiguration Monastery, in Brookline Massachusetts
and are used with the permission of the monastery. The numbering is that
of the Septuagint Old Testament with the Masoretic numbering provided in
parentheses.
The usual practice in parishes and many monasteries is to sing the Beatitudes straight through like a hymn. There are, however verses appointed to be inserted between the Beatitudes. These verses vary according to the Tone of the week, and the observance of the day. They can be found in the Octoechos or the Menaion.
In Thy Kingdom remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest in* Thy Kingdom.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for
they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children
of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall
say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.
*The received text reads en te Basileia(i) sou the revised text used in modern translations reads eis ten Basileian sou. The former translates to "in Thy Kingdom", the latter to "into Thy Kingdom". Hence the discrepancy found in many translations.
The responses, which change each Sunday and
feast day, are sung straight through by either the choir/congregation or
Psaltes in North American parish practice
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The verses marked with an asterisk (*) are normally sung in parish practice. Whether the entire Psalm is sung or only select verses, the usual practice is for the choir/congregation to sing the Psalm verses with alternating verses straight through like a hymn. Alternatively, there may be two choirs, one singing the Psalm verse while the other (together with the congregation) sings the responses, or the canonarch may intone the Psalm verse while the choir/congregation sings the response after each verse.
*Come let us rejoice in the Lord, let us shout with jubilation unto
God our Saviour.
O Son of God Who art wonderful
in Thy saints, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
*Let us come before His countenance with thanksgiving, and with psalms
let us shout in jubilation unto Him.
O Son of God Who art wonderful
in Thy saints, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
*For the Lord is a great God and a great king over all the earth.
O Son of God Who art wonderful
in Thy saints, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
For in His hand are the ends of the earth, and the heights of the mountains
are His.
O Son of God . . .
For the sea is His, and He made it; and the dry land His hands have
fashioned.
O Son of God . . .
O come, let us worship and fall down before Him, and let us weep before
the Lord Who made us.
O Son of God . . .
For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep
of His hand.
O Son of God . . .
Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation,
in the day of temptation in the wilderness.
O Son of God . . .
For your fathers tempted Me, they proved Me and saw My works.
O Son of God . . .
Forty years long was I grieved with that generation, and I said: They
do always err in their hearts.
O Son of God . . .
And they have not known My ways; so I sware in Mine anger: They shall
not enter into My rest.
O Son of God . . .
*Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both
now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen
O Son of God . . .
Let the house of Israel now say that He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever.By raising Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion, Thou didst confirm the universal resurrection, O Christ God! Like the children with the psalms of victory, we cry out to Thee: O Vanquisher of Death: Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!
Let the house of Aaron now say that He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever.By raising Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion, Thou didst confirm the universal resurrection, O Christ God! Like the children with the psalms of victory, we cry out to Thee: O Vanquisher of Death: Hosanna inthe highest! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!
By raising Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion, Thou didst confirm the universal resurrection, O Christ God! Like the children with the psalms of victory, we cry out to Thee: O Vanquisher of Death: Hosanna inthe highest! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!
Let all that fear the Lord now say that He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever.
Back to the top of the pageBy raising Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion, Thou didst confirm the universal resurrection, O Christ God! Like the children with the psalms of victory, we cry out to Thee: O Vanquisher of Death: Hosanna inthe highest! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!
Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered, and let them that hate Him flee from before His face.
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
As smoke vanisheth, so let them vanish; as wax melteth before the fire,
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
So let sinners perish at the presence of God. And let the righteous be glad;
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad therin
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
(Introit) In congregations bless ye God, the Lord from the well-springs of Israel. O Son of God, Who didst arise from the dead save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
Hear this, all ye nations; give ear, all ye that inhabit the world,
O Christ God, Thou hast ascended in Glory, granting joy to Thy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through the blessing they were assured that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world!
Both ye that are born of earth, and ye sons of men, rich and poor men together.
O Christ God, Thou hast ascended in Glory, granting joy to Thy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through the blessing they were assured that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world!
My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
O Christ God, Thou hast ascended in Glory, granting joy to Thy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through the blessing they were assured that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world!
I will incline mine ear unto a parable, I will unfold my problem on the psaltery.
O Christ God, Thou hast ascended in Glory, granting joy to Thy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through the blessing they were assured that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world!
(Introit) God is gone us pin jubiliation, the Lord with the voice of the trumpet. O Son of God, Who hast ascended from us in glory into the Heavens, save us who chant to Thee: Alleluia!
O Christ God, Thou hast ascended in Glory, granting joy to Thy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through the blessing they were assured that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world!
Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, who hast revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit; through them Thou didst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of man, Glory to Thee!
The desire of his heart hast Thou granted unto him, and hast not denied him the requests of his lips.
Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, who hast revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit; through them Thou didst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of man, Glory to Thee!
Thou wentest before him with the blessings of goodness, Thou hast set upon his head a crown of precious stone.
Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, who hast revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit; through them Thou didst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of man, Glory to Thee!
(Introit) Be Thou exalted, O Lord, in Thy strength; we will sing and chant of Thy mighty acts.
Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, who hast revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit; through them Thou didst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of man, Glory to Thee!
According to Slavic practice the Beatitudes are sung. With the Beatitudes are sung four troparia from Canticle Three of the first Canon of the feast, and four troparia from Canticle Six of the second Canon. According to modern Greek usage, the following antiphon is sung.
This is My rest for ever and ever; here will I dwell, for I have chosen her
Thy Nativity, O Virgin, hast proclaimed joy to the whole universe! The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, hast shone from thee, O Theotokos! By annulling the curse, He bestowed a blessing. By destroying death, He hast granted us eternal life.
The Most High hath hallowed His tabernacle.
Thy Nativity, O Virgin, hast proclaimed joy to the whole universe! The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, hast shone from thee, O Theotokos! By annulling the curse, He bestowed a blessing. By destroying death, He hast granted us eternal life.
Holy is Thy temple, wonderful in righteousness.
(Introit) Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Son of God, save us who sing to Thee: AlleluiaThy Nativity, O Virgin, hast proclaimed joy to the whole universe! The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, hast shone from thee, O Theotokos! By annulling the curse, He bestowed a blessing. By destroying death, He hast granted us eternal life.
Back to the top of the pageThy Nativity, O Virgin, hast proclaimed joy to the whole universe! The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, hast shone from thee, O Theotokos! By annulling the curse, He bestowed a blessing. By destroying death, He hast granted us eternal life.
The Lord is king, let the peoples rage; He sitteth on the cherubim, let the earth be shaken.
O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries; and by the virtue of Thy Cross, preserve Thy habitation.
The Lord is great in Sion, and He is high above all peoples.
O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries; and by the virtue of Thy Cross, preserve Thy habitation.
Let them confess Thy great name, for it is terrible and holy; and the king's honour loveth judgment.
(Introit) Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship the footstool of His feet; for He is holy.O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries; and by the virtue of Thy Cross, preserve Thy habitation.
Back to the top of the pageO Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries; and by the virtue of Thy Cross, preserve Thy habitation.
The rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
Today is the preview of the good will of God, of the preaching of the salvation of mankind. The Virgin appears in the temple of God, in anticipation proclaiming Christ to all. Let us rejoice and sing to her: Rejoice, O Divine Fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation!
All the glory of the daughter of the King is within, with gold-fringed garments is she arrayed, adorned in varied colours.
Today is the preview of the good will of God, of the preaching of the salvation of mankind. The Virgin appears in the temple of God, in anticipation proclaiming Christ to all. Let us rejoice and sing to her: Rejoice, O Divine Fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation!
The virgins that follow after her shall be brought unto the King, those near her shall be brought unto Thee.
Today is the preview of the good will of God, of the preaching of the salvation of mankind. The Virgin appears in the temple of God, in anticipation proclaiming Christ to all. Let us rejoice and sing to her: Rejoice, O Divine Fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation!
(Introit) Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Son of God, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia
Today is the preview of the good will of God, of the preaching of the salvation of mankind. The Virgin appears in the temple of God, in anticipation proclaiming Christ to all. Let us rejoice and sing to her: Rejoice, O Divine Fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation!
The Lord said unto my Lord: Sit Thou at My right until I make Thine enemies the footstool of Thy feet.
Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world the light of wisdom! For by it, those who worshipped the stars, were taught by a star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Orient from on high. O Lord, Glory to Thee!
A sceptre of power shall the Lord send unto Thee out of Sion; rule Thou in the midst of Thine enemies.
Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world the light of wisdom! For by it, those who worshipped the stars, were taught by a star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Orient from on high. O Lord, Glory to Thee!
With Thee is dominion in the day of Thy power, in the splendour of Thy saints.
Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world the light of wisdom! For by it, those who worshipped the stars, were taught by a star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Orient from on high. O Lord, Glory to Thee!
(Introit) From the womb before the morning star have I begotten Thee. The Lord hath sworn and will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedek. O, Son of God born of the Virgin, save us who sing to Thee: alleluia
Back to the top of the pageThy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world the light of wisdom! For by it, those who worshipped the stars, were taught by a star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Orient from on high. O Lord, Glory to Thee!
O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever.
When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest! For the voice of the Father bare witness to Thee, and called Thee His beloved Son! And the spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God, who hast revealed Thyself and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee!
Let the house of Israel now say that He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever.
When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest! For the voice of the Father bare witness to Thee, and called Thee His beloved Son! And the spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God, who hast revealed Thyself and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee!
Let the house of Aaron now say that He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever.
When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest! For the voice of the Father bare witness to Thee, and called Thee His beloved Son! And the spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God, who hast revealed Thyself and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee!
Let all that fear the Lord now say that He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever.
When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest! For the voice of the Father bare witness to Thee, and called Thee His beloved Son! And the spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God, who hast revealed Thyself and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee!
(Introit) Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord. We have
blessed you out of the house of the Lord. God is the Lord, and hath appeared
unto us.
O Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to Thee!
Alleluia
Back to the top of the pageWhen Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest! For the voice of the Father bare witness to Thee, and called Thee His beloved Son! And the spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God, who hast revealed Thyself and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee!
Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear; and forget thine own people and thy father's house.
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, Full of Grace! From thee hast shone the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those who sat in darkness! Rejoice and be glad, O righteous elder; for thou didst accept in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls, who grants us the Resurrection.
The rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, Full of Grace! From thee hast shone the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those who sat in darkness! Rejoice and be glad, O righteous elder; for thou didst accept in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls, who grants us the Resurrection.
I shall commemorate thy name in every generation and generation.
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, Full of Grace! From thee hast shone the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those who sat in darkness! Rejoice and be glad, O righteous elder; for thou didst accept in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls, who grants us the Resurrection.
(Introit)The Lord hath made known His salvation, in the sight of the nations hath He revealed His righteousness. O Son of God, carried in the arms of Simeon the righteous, save us who sing to Thee: alleluia.
Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, Full of Grace! From thee hast shone the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those who sat in darkness! Rejoice and be glad, O righteous elder; for thou didst accept in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls, who grants us the Resurrection.
On Saturdays and Sundays during Lent, and on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday durinig Easter Week, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated before Vespers at the usual hour.
In Slavic usage the Beatitudes are sung, in Greek usage the following:
His name shall be blessed unto the ages, before the sun doth His name continue.
Today is the beginning of our salvation, the revelation of the eternal mystery! The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin as Gabriel announces the coming of Grace. Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos: Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, Who alone doeth wonders.
And blessed is the name of His glory for ever, and unto the ages of ages,Today is the beginning of our salvation, the revelation of the eternal mystery! The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin as Gabriel announces the coming of Grace. Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos: Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.
Today is the beginning of our salvation, the revelation of the eternal mystery! The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin as Gabriel announces the coming of Grace. Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos: Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.
(Introit) Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; proclaim from day to day the good tidings of His salvation.
Today is the beginning of our salvation, the revelation of the eternal mystery! The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin as Gabriel announces the coming of Grace. Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos: Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.
They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Sion; he that dwelleth at Jerusalem nevermore shall he be shaken.
Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealing Thy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlasting light shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giver of Light, glory to Thee!
Mountains are round about her, and the Lord, is round about His peopple from henceforth and for evermore.
Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealing Thy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlasting light shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giver of Light, glory to Thee!
O Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? And who shall dwell in Thy holy mountain?
Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealing Thy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlasting light shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giver of Light, glory to Thee!
Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place?
Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealing Thy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlasting light shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giver of Light, glory to Thee!
(Introit) O send out Thy light and Thy truth; they have guided me along the way, and have brought me unto Thy holy mountain, and unto Thy tabernacle
Back to the top of the pageThou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealing Thy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlasting light shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giver of Light, glory to Thee!
For Thou hast said: Mercy shall be built up forever.
Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealing Thy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlasting light shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giver of Light, glory to Thee!
The heavens shall confess Thy wonders, O Lord, and Thy truth in the congregation of saints.
Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealing Thy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlasting light shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giver of Light, glory to Thee!
Blessed is the people that knoweth jubilation.
Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealing Thy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlasting light shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giver of Light, glory to Thee!
O Lord, in the light of Thy face shall they walk, and in Thy name shall they rejoice all the day long, and in Thy righteousness shall they be exalted
Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealing Thy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlasting light shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giver of Light, glory to Thee!
(Introit) Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Thy name.
Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealing Thy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlasting light shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giver of Light, glory to Thee!
In Slavic usage the Beatitudes are sung for the Third Antiphon, in Greek usage the following:
Ready is my heart, O God, ready is my hear; I sill sing and chant in my glory.
In givine birth, thou didst preserve thy virginity! In falling asleep thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos! Thou was translated to life, O Mother of Life, and by thy prayers thou didst deliver our souls from death!
What shall I render unto the lord for all that He hath rendered unto me?
In givine birth, thou didst preserve thy virginity! In falling asleep thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos! Thou was translated to life, O Mother of Life, and by thy prayers thou didst deliver our souls from death!
I will take the cup of ssalvation, and I will call upon the name of the Lord.
In giving birth, thou didst preserve thy virginity! In falling asleep thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos! Thou was translated to life, O Mother of Life, and by thy prayers thou didst deliver our souls from death!
(Introit) Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Son of God, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia
Back to the top of the pageIn givine birth, thou didst preserve thy virginity! In falling asleep thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos! Thou was translated to life, O Mother of Life, and by thy prayers thou didst deliver our souls from death!
It should be noted that there is scholarly opinion that the festal antiphons, as we have them, do not represent a reduction of singing (i.e. from singing an entire Psalm with its appropriate responses to just a few verses) but rather that the appointed verses were all that were ever sung. This has its basis at least in part in the example of the antiphons for the Nativity and Transfiguration in which selected verses from different Psalms are sung. On the other hand there are those who point out that the original function of the Antiphons were to accompany stational processions. That is, there would be a procession to the Great Church to celebrate the Liturgy for the day. On the way, the procession would stop at pre-appointed places or stations (such as the tomb containing the relics of the saint being commemorated on that day) where the lesser litanies would be chanted. The Antiphons, according to this understanding, accompanied the procession from station to station until it came to the Church entrance at which time "O come let us worship and fall down before Christ...." was sung as the introit, or entrance hymn. It is not our wish or intention to take sides in a scholarly discussion, to pass judgement on any particular usage, nor to edit the Tradition for future generations. It is rather to give, as completely as possible, those alternatives which are consistent with Church Tradition and which are known to have some actual historical precedent. It is our hope that in each place the People of God following their appointed clergy may offer the prayer, praise, and thanksgiving of the Divine Liturgy in an attentive and appropriate manner, and yet within the capabilities of the people in each place.