St. Michael the Archangel

Orthodox Christian Community

Pickens, South Carolina

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Typika

Arranged as a Reader’s Service

Sunday, the Thirteenth of September, 2026

Tone Six

The Sunday before the Exaltation
The Forefeast of the Exaltation of the Cross

The Founding of the Church of the Resurrection at Jerusalem (355)
Hieromartyr Cornelius the Centurion (1st c.)
Martyrs Cronides, Leontius and Serapion of Alexandria (237)

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When all is ready, the service leader crosses himself three times with bows and begins:

I. The Opening

Service Leader: Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.

Reader: Amen. Glory to You, our God, glory to You.

These introductory prayers are not taken if the Typika immediately follows the Hours.

O Heavenly King, the Comforter, Spirit of Truth, everywhere present and filling all things. Treasury of blessings and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, cleanse us from every impurity and save our souls, O Good One.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Thrice)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

All-Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities for Your Name's sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

People: Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Service Leader: Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ Our God have mercy on us and save us.

Reader: Amen. Lord have mercy. (twelve times)

Glory to the Father, to the Son, to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

If the Typika immediately follows the Hours, the service begins here.

II. The First Antiphon (Psalm 102)

On major feasts the festal antiphons are taken in place of these three. Chanted antiphonally — the Service Leader taking the flush lines, the Reader those indented.

Bless the Lord, my soul and all that is within me bless His Holy Name.

Bless the Lord, my soul and forget not all His benefits.

Who forgives all your iniquity, Who heals all your diseases.

Who redeems your life from destruction and crowns you with steadfast love and tender mercy.

Who satisfies your desire with good things, your youth will be renewed like an eagle's.

The Lord gives mercy and justice to all who are being wronged.

He made known His ways to Moses, His Will to the people of Israel.

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to anger and of great goodness. He will not always be angry, nor will He threaten forever.

He has not dealt with us according to our lawlessness, nor rewarded us according to our sins.

For as high as heaven is from the earth, so great is the Lord's mercy to those who fear Him.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He put our sins from us.

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.

For he knows of what we are made, He remembers that we are dust.

Man's days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field.

When the spirit in him has passed, he will not exist and he will know his place no longer.

But the Lord's mercy is from age to age for those who fear Him and His justice is for their children's children. For those who keep His covenant and remember to carry out His commandments.

The Lord has prepared His throne in heaven and His kingdom rules over all.

Bless the Lord, all you His angels, mighty in strength, you who do His word and listen to the sound of His words.

Bless the Lord, all His hosts, and His ministers who do His Will.

Bless the Lord, all His works, in every place of His dominion. Bless the Lord, my soul.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

III. The Second Antiphon (Psalm 145)

Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men, // in whom there is no salvation.

When their breath departs they return to their earth; // on that very day all their plans perish.

Blessed is the one whose help is the God of Jacob, // whose hope is in the Lord his God;

Who made heaven and the earth, // the sea and all that is in them.

The Lord sets the prisoners free; / the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. / The Lord lifts up those who are bowed low; // the Lord loves the righteous.

The Lord watches over the sojourners, / He upholds the widow and the orphan; // but the way of the wicked He brings to ruin.

The Lord will reign forever; // your God, O Zion, to all generations.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

IV. The Third Antiphon (The Beatitudes)

All: 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 those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who 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 sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.

Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great shall be your reward in heaven.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

V. The Little Entrance

In the reader's service there is no entrance. The Troparia are taken directly.

VI. The Troparia

Resurrection Troparion, in the Sixth Tone

All: The Angelic powers were at Your tomb. The guards became as dead men. Mary stood by Your grave seeking Your most pure Body. You captured hades, not being tempted by it. You came to the Virgin, granting life. O Lord who arose from the dead: Glory to You.

Troparion of the Holy Archangel Michael, in the Fourth Tone

The troparion of our patron. Taken twice.

Supreme commanders of the heavenly armies, we, the unworthy, do ever entreat you, that by your prayers ye surround us with the protection of the wings of your immaterial glory, preserving us who earnestly fall down before you and cry aloud: Deliver us from misfortunes, in that ye are the leaders of the hosts on high.

Troparion of the Dedication, in the Fourth Tone

Thou didst show forth the beauty of the holy dwelling-place of Thy glory here below, O Lord, like the splendor of the firmament on high. Establish it forever and ever, and accept our supplications which we unceasingly offer therein unto Thee, through the Theotokos, O Life and Resurrection of all.

Troparion of the Forefeast of the Cross, in the Fourth Tone

O Lord, we offer unto Thee in supplication the life-creating Cross of Thy goodness, which Thou hast bestowed upon us, unworthy though we are. Save Thou the sovereigns and Thy city, which is preserved in peace, through the Theotokos, O only Lover of mankind.

VII. The Prokimenon

Chanted in the normal manner.

Reader: The Prokimenon in the Sixth Tone. Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance.

People: Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance.

Reader: Verse: To You, O Lord, will I cry; O my God, be not silent unto me.

People: Save Your people, O Lord, and bless Your inheritance.

VIII. The Epistle

The Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians 6:11–18

Reader: The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians. Brethren…

Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

The Alleluia, in the Sixth Tone

Reader: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

People: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Reader: Verse: You have given a sign to them that fear You, that they may flee from the face of the bow.

People: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

IX. The Gospel

The Holy Gospel according to St. John 3:13–17

Service Leader: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. John.

People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You!

Service Leader: The Lord said…

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You!

X. The Homily

The homily is read.

XI. Remember Us, O Lord

In the Sixth Sticheron Tone.

People: Remember us, O Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom.
Remember us, O Master, when You come into Your Kingdom. //
Remember us, O Holy One, when You come into Your Kingdom.

The heavenly choir praises You and says: / Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth; // heaven and earth are full of Your glory.

Come unto Him, and be enlightened and your faces shall not be ashamed.

The heavenly choir praises You and says: / Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth; // heaven and earth are full of Your glory.

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

The choir of Holy angels and archangels, / with all the heavenly hosts / praises You and says: / Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth; // heaven and earth are full of Your glory.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

XII. The Symbol of Faith

All: I believe in One God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

And in One Lord, Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, being of one essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made.

Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became Man;

Who was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate and suffered and was buried;

And on the third day He rose from the dead in accordance with the Scriptures;

And ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father;

And He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; and His Kingdom will have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets.

In One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins.

I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.

XIII. The Prayer of Forgiveness

Service Leader: O God, remit, pardon and forgive our sins, whether voluntary or involuntary, whether by words or deeds, whether in knowledge or ignorance, whether by day or night, whether in mind or thought; forgive us all these, for You are good and love mankind.

XIV. The Lord's Prayer

People: Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Service Leader: Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ Our God have mercy on us and save us.

Reader: Amen.

XV. The Kontakia

Resurrection Kontakion, in the Sixth Tone

When Christ God, the Giver of life, raised all of the dead from the valleys of darkness with His life-giving hand, He bestowed resurrection on the human race. He is the Saviour, the resurrection, the life and the God of all.

Kontakion of the Holy Archangel Michael, in the Second Tone

The kontakion of our patron.

O ye chief commanders of God, ministers of glory divine, captains of the angels and instructors of men. Beg ye great mercy and that which is profitable for us, for ye are the supreme commanders of the bodiless hosts.

Kontakion of the Dedication, in the Fourth Tone

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

The Church hath been shown to be a heaven of great splendor, which enlighteneth all the faithful; and, standing therein, we cry aloud: Establish this house, O Lord.

Theotokion, in the Sixth Tone

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Steadfast Protectress of Christians,
constant advocate before the Creator:
Despise not the entreating cries of us sinners,
but in your goodness come speedily to those who call on you in faith.
Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us, O Birth-giver of God, //
for you always protect those who honor you.

XVI. The Prayer of the Trinity and Psalm 33

Service Leader: Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times)

Service Leader: O All-Holy Trinity, the consubstantial dominion, the indivisible Kingdom, and cause of every Good: Show Your good will even unto me a sinner; make steadfast my heart and grant it understanding, and take away every defilement; and enlighten my mind that I may glorify, hymn, worship, and say:

(Sung without the Amen at the beginning and end.)

People: Blessed be the Name of the Lord, henceforth and forevermore. (Thrice)

Service Leader: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Psalm 33 (Akathist melody)

I will bless the Lord at all times; / His praise shall continually be in my mouth. /

My soul will be praised by the Lord; / let the meek hear and be glad. /

Magnify the Lord with me / and let us exalt His Name together. /

I sought the Lord and He answered me / and He delivered me out of all my troubles. /

Come to Him and be radiant / and your faces will not be ashamed. /

The righteous cried and the Lord heard them / and delivered them out of all their afflictions. /

The angel of the Lord will camp around those who fear Him / and will deliver them. /

Taste and see that the Lord is good. / Blessed are they who hope in Him. /

Fear the Lord, all you His saints, / for those who fear Him lack no good thing. /

The rich become poor and hungry, // but those who seek the Lord will not be in want of anything good.

XVII. The Dismissal

Hymn to the Birth-giver of God

All: More hon’rable than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to the Word. True Theotokos, we magnify you!

People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. O Lord, bless.

Service Leader (facing the icons, rather than the people): O Christ our True God, who is risen from the dead, through the intercessions of His Most Pure Mother, of the holy, glorious, and all-praised Apostles, of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-called, Founder of Christ's Church in Ukraine, of the holy Archangel Michael, patron of this community, of the holy Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen, whose precious relics we honor this day, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for You are good and the Lover of all mankind.

People: Amen.

(All come forward and venerate the icons.)