Transfiguration vigil

[Olga]

I am currently compiling the text of the vigil service for the coming feast of the Transfiguration. I have complete texts for this service in Greek and Slavonic, but for some odd reason, the English sources I have are incomplete, in that they lack the first and second sessional hymns (kathismata, sedalniy) which are sung just before the Polyeleos at Matins.

If anyone could post these two verses, or provide a URL link to a site which has them, I would greatly appreciate it.

[Olga]

These are the hymns in Slavonic (polytonic Greek is a pain to post online ...)

Tone 4:


Человеческое изменение, еже со славою Твоею, Спасе, второе и страшное Твоего Пришествия показуяй, на горе Фаворстей преобразился еси, Илиа и Моисей глаголаху с Тобою, и триех от ученик спризвав: иже видевше, Владыко, славу Твою, блистанию Твоему удивишася. Иже тогда сим свет Твой Возсиявый, просвети души наша.

Tone 8:

На горе Фаворстей преобразился еси, Иисусе, и облак светел протязающься яко сень, апостолы славою покры: темже и на землю ниц падаху, не терпяще зрети светлости неприступныя Славы лица Твоего, Безначальне Спасе Христе Боже. Иже тогда сим свет Твой Возсиявый, просвети души наша.

[Fr Aaron Warwick]

According to the book, "Divine Prayers and Services" translated by Nassar, the three sessional hymns or poetic kathismata are below. Note that, in the Byzantine tradition, these hymns are all appointed in tone 4. The first two to the special melody, "Joseph marveled," and the second to, "You who were lifted."

"Thou hast been transfigured, O Savior, on Mount Tabor, indicating the transformation of mankind which shall take place at Thy dreadful Second Coming. Moses and Elijah did converse with Thee. But Thy Disciples, whom Thou didst call, when they beheld Thy glory, O Master, were dazzled by Thy brightness. Wherefore, O Thou Who didst at that time cause Thy light to shine on them, lighten our souls."

AND

"Thou hast been transfigured, O Jesus, on Mount Tabor, and a brilliant cloud spread out itself like a tabernacle, covering the Apostles of Thy glory. They looked to the ground, unable to behold the unapproachable splendor of the glory of Thy countenance, O Christ, Savior and God without beginning. Therefore, O Thou Who didst cause Thy light to shine on them, lighten our souls."

The third poetic kathismata, which is said/chanted after the Polyeleos is:

"Thou didst ascend the mount with Thy Disciples, and didst shine in the glory of the Father, and Moses and Elijah were present with Thee; for the law and the prophets do serve Thee, since Thou art God. And the Father designated for Thee natural prophetship, calling Thee “Son.” Wherefore, do we praise Him, with Thee, and with the Holy Spirit."

Aaron

[Olga]

Thank you so much, Aaron. It turns out I was also missing the third sessional hymn as well, but you've provided that as well.