Great Vespers
Great Vespers — the solemn evening service on the eve of Sundays and feasts, often joined to Matins as the All-Night Vigil.
The Opening Psalm
Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with honour and majesty… (Psalm 103/104, sung)
The First Kathisma
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly. Alleluia. (Psalm 1)
Lord, I Have Cried
Lord, I have cried unto Thee, hear me. Hear me, O Lord… Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. (Psalm 140/141, with the stichera of the day)
The Entrance — O Gladsome Light
O Gladsome Light of the holy glory of the immortal Father, heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ. Now that we have come to the setting of the sun and behold the light of evening, we praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: God…
The Prokeimenon
The Lord is King; He is clothed with majesty. (Saturday evening)
The Litya and Artoklasia
On vigils, the procession to the narthex and the blessing of the five loaves, wheat, wine, and oil.
The Prayer of St. Simeon
Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word…
The Apolytikion
The troparion of the resurrection in the tone of the week, or of the feast.