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Sacred Music Library

The Department of Sacred Music is pleased to offer free of charge to you the Liturgical Music PDF Library. For any comments or suggestions, please contact us.

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The music listed below is in alphabetical order according to either Title, or Season (like Lent or Feast Days), or is Grouped according to type of hymns (such as Antiphons, Communion Hymns, etc.). If it is a Group heading, click on the title of the Group, for example, "Annunciation to the Theotokos," and then all the hymns in that group will unfold under the title.  Then click on the title of the hymn you wish to see or download.

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Displaying All Music with Keyword: Holy Week
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Title & Description Keywords
A
Alleluia-with verses, sung during Holy Week

This Alleluia is sung during the first 4 days of Holy Week at Matins.  Verses begin:  "My spirit seeks thee early in the nightwatches . . . ."

Arise, O God

Sung at the Vesperal Liturgy on Holy Saturday morning

B
Behold the Bridegroom (Arabic version with English phonetics)

This is the Troparion sung on Palm Sunday night, Holy Monday & Tuesday night, during the Bridegroom Matins/Orthros, in Arabic with English phonetics. 

Bridegroom Matins-Palm Sunday evening, Aposticha

This is the Aposticha sung on Palm Sunday evening at the Holy Monday Bridegroom Orthros.  "The mother of the sons of Zebedee . . . ."

C
Anti-Cherubic Hymn for Holy Thursday

Sung on Holy Thursday morning Vesperal Liturgy: Receive me today... Updated 3/30/18.

Anti-Cherubic Hymn, Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy

This Cherubic Hymn is sung at the Vesperal Liturgy on Holy Saturday morning.  "Let all mortal flesh keep silence . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.  Updated 7/4/2022.

Communion Hymn, Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy

This is the Communion Hymn sung at the Vesperal Liturgy on Holy Saturday morning.  "And the Lord was awakened as one out of sleep . . . ."

Communion Hymn, Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy (choral)

This is the choral version of the Communion Hymn sung at the Vesperal Liturgy on Holy Saturday morning.  "And the Lord was awakened as one that sleepeth . . . ."

E
Bridegroom Matins, Exaposteilarion (chant)

This Exaposteilarion is sung at the Bridegroom Matins served on Palm Sunday evening, Holy Monday & Tuesday evening.  "I behold Thy bridal-chamber richly adorned . . . ."

Bridegroom Matins, Exaposteilarion (choral)

This is the choral version of the Exaposteilarion sung at the Bridegroom Matins served on Palm Sunday evening, Holy Monday & Tuesday evening.  "I behold Thy bridal-chamber richly adorned . . . ."

Holy Friday Matins, Exaposteilarion

This is sung on Holy Thursday night for Holy Friday Orthros (Matins).  "Thou didst make the thief worthy of paradise . . . ."

Holy Friday Matins, Exaposteilarion (choral)

This is the choral version of the Exaposteilarion sung on Holy Thursday night for Holy Friday Orthros.  "Thou didst make the thief worthy of paradise . . . ."

In One Moment (choral) [Listen]

This is the Exaposteilarion sung on Holy Thursday night (for Holy Friday Matins).  "In one moment thou didst graciously grant Paradise to the wise thief . . . ."  It is sung here by the St. George Cathedral Choir, Wichita, Kansas.  Updated with audio on 4/4/2021.

Exaposteilarion of the Bridegroom Matins (Arabic version with English phonetics)

This is the Exaposteilarion sung at the Bridegroom Matins on the first 3 days of Holy Week, as sung by Metropolitan Ilyas Kurban, in Arabic, with English phonetics. 

G
Give Me This Stranger

This hymn is sung on Great and Holy Friday night (Orthros of Holy Saturday), after the procession with the bier, as people are coming back into church, or at the end of the service. It is in both Western and Byzantine notation.  Updated 4/30/2021.

H
Holy Friday Matins

These are Prof. Hilko's arrangements of the Orthros Service sung on Holy Thursday evening, in anticipation of Holy Friday, using Russian Tones. UPDATED 6/4/13!

Holy Friday Royal Hours, Complete Service-Byzantine notation

This is the complete service of music for the Royal Hours as sung on Holy Friday morning, Byzantine notation only.  Updated 4/11/2023.

Holy Monday Matins, Complete Service-Byzantine notation

This is the Complete service for Holy Monday Bridegroom Matins (Orthros), sung on Palm Sunday night, Byzantine notation only.

Holy Saturday Great Vespers, Apolytikia

These are the two apolytikia sung on Holy Friday afternoon at the Great Vespers for Great & Holy Saturday.  "The noble Joseph . . . Unto the myrrh-bearing women . . . ."

Holy Saturday Great Vespers, Doxastikon (Glory/Both now) at the Aposticha

This is the Doxastikon (Glory & Both now) sung at the Aposticha for Great & Holy Saturday, sung on Holy Friday afternoon.  "Thou Who coverest Thyself with light as with a garment . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation. Updated 5/10/19.  This text and music is also sung as the Glory of the Aposticha for Great Vespers of the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, Joseph of Arimathaea, and Nicodemus, the 2nd Sunday after Pascha.  Updated 4/28/2020.

Holy Saturday Great Vespers, Stichera at the Aposticha

These are the stichera at the Aposticha at Great Vespers on Great & Holy Saturday (Holy Friday afternoon), The Original Melody "When he took thee."  "When he took Thee dead from off the Tree . . . ."

Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation Service), 1-God is the Lord & Apolytikia

This is the God is the Lord with the Apolytikia that are sung on Holy Friday evening for Holy Saturday Orthros (Lamentation service).  "God is the Lord . . . The noble Joseph . . . Glory . . . When Thou didst descend unto death . . . Both now . . . Unto the myrrh-bearing women . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.  Updated 3/17/2020.

Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation Service), 2-Kathismata

These are the two Kathismata sung on Holy Friday night for Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation service), Prosomoion "The soldiers standing guard."  "When Joseph asked Thy worshipful Body from Pilate . . . The Angel choirs were awestruck to see . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.  Updated 3/17/2020.

Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation Service), 3-The Canon

These are the Hiermoi, troparia & Katavasia for each Ode of the Canon sung on Holy Friday night for Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation service).  "He that once had hidden beneath the sea's waves . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.  Updated 3/17/2020.

Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation Service), 4-The Lamentations

These Lamentations are sung on Holy Friday night for the Matins of Holy Saturday.  "In a grave they laid Thee . . . Right it is indeed . . . Every generation chanteth hymns of praise . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.  Updated 3/26/2020.

Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation Service), 5-Evlogetaria

These are the long version and the short version of the Evlogetaria of the Resurrection sung on Holy Friday night for Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation service).  "Blessed art thou, O Lord . . . The assembly of angels was amaed to see Thee . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.  Updated 4/6/2023.

Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation Service), 6-Praises

These Praises are sung on Holy Friday night for Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation service).  "Let every breath praise the Lord . . . Today the grave holdeth Him Who holdeth creation in the palm of His hand . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.  Updated 3/18/2020.

Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation Service), 7-Glory/Both now at the Praises

These are the Glory & Both now at the Praises sung on Holy Friday night for Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation service).  "Glory . . . Great Moses mystically prefigured this day . . . Both now . . . Most blessed art thou, O Virgin Theotokos . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.  Updated 3/18/2020.

Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation Service), 8-Great Doxology

This is the Great Doxology sung on Holy Friday night for Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation service).  It is in triple-meter.  "Glory to Thee Who hast shown forth the light . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.  Updated 3/18/2020.

Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation Service), 9-Give Me This Stranger

This hymn is sung on Holy Friday night for Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation service), either during or after the procession with the Epitaphios.  "When he saw that the sun had hidden its rays . . . ."  Updated 4/30/2021.

Holy Saturday Matins-Complete-Byzantine notation

This is the complete service for Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation service) sung on Holy Friday night.  It contains:  God is the Lord, Apolytikia, Kathismata, Canon, Lamentations, Evlogetaria (long & short versions), Praises, Glory/Both now at the Praises, Great Doxology and "Give me this Stranger."  BYZANTINE NOTATION ONLY.  Updated 4/6/2023.

 

Holy Saturday Matins-Complete-Western notation

This is the complete service for Holy Saturday Matins (Lamentation service) sung on Holy Friday night.  It contains:  God is the Lord, Apolytikia, Kathismata, Canon, Lamentations, Evlogetaria of the Resurrection (long & short versions), Praises, Glory/Both now at the Praises, Great Doxology and "Give me this Stranger." It is in Western notation.  Updated 4/30/2021.

Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil, Complete Service-Byzantine notation

This is the complete set of music for the Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil on Holy Saturday morning, Byzantine notation only.  Updated 4/11/2023.

Holy Saturday Vespers, Complete Service-Byzantine notation

This is the complete set of music for Vespers of Holy Saturday, as sung on Holy Friday afternoon, Byzantine notation only.  Updated 4/11/2023.

Holy Tuesday Matins, Complete Service-Byzantine notation

This is the Complete service for Holy Tuesday Bridegroom Matins (Orthros), sung on Holy Monday night, Byzantine notation only.  Updated 4/11/2023.

Holy Unction Service

Music for the Sacrament of Holy Unction - sung on Holy Wednesday evening and other times for healing.  UPDATED: 2/19/2023.  A few type-setting issues.

Holy Unction Service (Complete)

This is the complete set of music for the service of Holy Unction.  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.  Updated 1/21/2024.

Holy Wednesday Matins, 01 Alleluia & Apolytikion

This is the Alleluia, with verses, and the Apolytikion of the Bridegroom sung on Holy Tuesday night for Holy Wednesday Matins.  "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.  Updated 4/6/2023.

Holy Wednesday Matins, 02 Kathismata

These are the 3 Kathismata sung on Holy Tuesday night for Holy Wednesday Matins.  1) Tone 3: Prosomoion "Awed by the beauty."  "The harlot came to Thee . . . ."  2) Tone 4: Prosomoion "Be quick to anticipate."  "The treacherous Judas . . . ."  3)  Tone 1:  Prosomoion "The soldiers standing guard."  "While sighing from the depths."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.

Holy Wednesday Matins, 03 The Triodion Canon

This is the Triodion Canon, Odes 3, 8 & 9, sung on Holy Tuesday night for Holy Wednesday Matins.  "Upon the rock of faith . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.

Holy Wednesday Matins, 04 Exaposteilarion

This is the Exaposteilarion sung on Holy Tuesday night for Holy Wednesday Matins.  "Thy bridal chamber, O my Savior . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation. 

Holy Wednesday Matins, 05 Praises

These are the Praises sung on Holy Tuesday night for Holy Wednesday Matins.  "Let every breath praise the Lord . . . Thee, the Son of the Virgin . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.

Holy Wednesday Matins, 06 GBN at the Praises

This is the Glory/Both now at the Praises sung on Holy Tuesday night for Holy Wednesday Matins.  "Glory . . . The sinful woman ran to purchase myrrh . . . Both now . . . She that was engulfed in sin . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.

Holy Wednesday Matins, 07 Aposticha at the Praises

This is the Aposticha at the Praises sung on Holy Tuesday night for Holy Wednesday Matins.  "Today, Christ is present in the house of the Pharisee . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.

Holy Wednesday Matins, 08 GBN at the Aposticha at the Praises

This is the Glory/Both now at the Aposticha at the Praises sung on Holy Tuesday night for Holy Wednesday Matins, also known as The Hymn of Kassiani.  "O Lord, the woman who had fallen into many sins . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.

Holy Wednesday Matins, Complete Service-Byzantine notation

This is the complete service for Holy Wednesday Orthros/Matins, sung on Holy Tuesday night, in BYZANTINE NOTATION ONLY.  Updated 4/6/2023.

Holy Wednesday Matins, Complete Service-Western notation

This is the complete service for Holy Wednesday Orthros/Matins, sung on Holy Tuesday night, in WESTERN NOTATION ONLY.  Updated 4/6/2023.

Holy Wednesday Orthros, Both now at Praises

This is the Both now at the Praises of Holy Wednesday Orthros, sung on Holy Tuesday evening.  "She that was engulfed in sin . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.

Holy Week Series

This Series of music includes:  Alleluia (before "Before the Bridegroom"), Behold the Bridegroom (for each night-chant & choral), the Exaposteilarion (I behold Thy bridal chamber-chant & choral), Hymn of Kassiani (Kazan), Today He is suspended (choral), Exaposteilarion for Holy Friday (Thou didst make the thief-chant & choral), the Canon of Holy Saturday.

Holy Week-Bridegroom Matins (Orthros), Alleluia & Apolytikion

This is the Alleluia and Apolytikion sung on the first three nights of Holy Week: Palm Sunday night, Holy Monday night, & Holy Tuesday night, with all 3 endings for each night.  "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night . . . ."  Updated 4/6/2023.

Hymn of Kassiani

This is the Doxastikon (Glory/Both now) at the Aposticha of the Praises for Holy Wednesday Orthros (sung on Holy Tuesday night).  "O Lord, the woman who had fallen into many sins . . . ."  It is in Western & Byzantine notation.  Updated 4/11/2023.

Hymn of Kassiani the Nun

Sung as the Doxastikon of the Aposticha for Holy Wednesday Bridegroom Matins. UPDATED and corrected 7/31/13!

All creation rejoices in thee

Sung as the Megalynarion in place of "It is truly meet..." for the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great (January 1st, the Sundays of Great Lent, Holy Thursday & Holy Saturday morning).  Format updated 2/19/19.

All creation rejoices in thee [Listen]

Sung as the Hymn to the Theotokos for the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great (January 1st, the Sundays of Great Lent, Holy Thursday & Holy Saturday morning).  Updated 12/3/2021.

All creation rejoices in thee [Listen]

This replaces "It is truly meet" at the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great: on his feast day of January 1st, on each Sunday during Lent, on Holy Thursday & Holy Saturday morning, and on the Paramon of the Nativity of Christ and the Paramon of Theophany (except when the Nativity and Theophany fall on a Sunday-then it's on the day of the feast itself).  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.  Updated text (spiritual) 2/13/2022.  (The audio may be updated at some point.)

In Thee Rejoices

This hymn is sung during the Divine Liturgy on the Sundays in Lent, on January 1st, and on Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday, all for the Liturgy of St. Basil.  "In thee rejoices, O thou who art full of grace, every created being . . . ."  (All creation rejoiceth.)

L
Lamentations from Holy Saturday Matins, 1st Stasis

This is the 1st Stasis of the Lamentations sung on Holy Friday night for Holy Saturday Matins.  They are written as single verses, with the first one also in Arabic phonetics, using HTM translation and the music from Chadi Karam.  There are 18 verses total, including the Glory, Both now, and repeat at the end.

Lamentations from Holy Saturday Matins, 2nd Stasis

This is the 2nd Stasis of the Lamentations sung on Holy Friday night for Holy Saturday Matins.  They are written as single verses, with the first one also in Arabic phonetics, using HTM translation and the music from Chadi Karam.  There are 23 verses total, including the Glory, Both now, and repeat at the end.

Lamentations from Holy Saturday Matins, 3rd Stasis

This is the 3rd Stasis of the Lamentations sung on Holy Friday night for Holy Saturday Matins.  They are written as single verses, with the first one also in Arabic phonetics, using HTM translation and the music from Chadi Karam.  There are 36 verses total, including the Glory, Both now, and repeat at the end.

Lamentations-Stasis 1, 2, & 3

These are the Lamentations that are sung on Holy Friday evening, during Orthros of Holy Saturday, and are taken from the Antiochian Archdiocese Holy Friday (Yellow) music book. These are written with several verses under each other.

Let All Mortal Flesh

Holy Saturday Divine Liturgy (to be sung in place of the Cherubic Hymn. Text Adaptation by Michael G. Farrow

P
Come All You Works

For Holy Saturday

Penitential Troparia (Troparia of Contrition)

These troparia are sung at various times during Lent and at the Sacrament of Holy Unction.  "Have mercy on us, O Lord ... O Lord, have mercy on us . . . Open unto us the door of thy compassion . . . ."

Let My Prayer Arise (chant)

There are two versions here:  one in Tone 6/Plagal Second Mode (for the first week of Lent and Holy Week), and the second in Tone 5/Plagal First Mode (for the rest of Lent).  Updated 3/1/2023.

Presanctified Liturgy, 01 Troparion of the 9th Hour [Listen]

Before Presanctified begins, we pray the 9th Hour and sing this Troparion:  "Thou who at the ninth hour . . . ."  It is sung here by the St. John the Divine Choir from the Diocese of Los Angeles & friends.

Presanctified Liturgy, 02 Beatitudes (Typika) [Listen]

Before Presanctified begins, after the 9th Hour, we pray the Typika service, which begins with the Beatitudes, "In thy kingdom remember us, O Lord . . . ."  It is sung here by the St. John the Divine Choir from the Diocese of Los Angeles & friends.

Presanctified Liturgy, 03 Litany of Peace [Listen]

This is the Litany at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.  The audio is the Byzantine version, as sung by the St. John the Divine Choir from the Diocese of Los Angeles & friends.  For the choral audio, please see the Litany of Supplication below.

Presanctified Liturgy, 05 Let My Prayer Arise [Listen]

Following the OT readings in the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, we sing this Refrain following each of the verses chanted by the priest: "Let my prayer arise in thy sight as incense . . . ."  It is sung here by the choir at St. George Cathedral, Wichita, KS.

Presanctified Liturgy, 09a Let My Prayer Arise [Listen]

Following the OT readings in the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, we sing this Refrain following each of the verses chanted by the priest: "Let my prayer arise in thy sight as incense . . . ."  During the First Week of Lent, there is a tradtion to sing this in Tone 6 instead of Tone 5, sung here by the Boston Byzantine Choir.

Presanctified Liturgy, 09b Let My Prayer Arise [Listen]

Following the OT readings in the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, we sing this Refrain following each of the verses chanted by the priest: "Let my prayer arise in thy sight as incense . . . ."

Presanctified Liturgy, 16a Let My Prayer Arise [Listen]

Following the OT readings in the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, we sing this Refrain following each of the verses: "Let my prayer arise in thy sight as incense . . . ."  In the Russian tradition, the choir sings the Refrain and the verses, without the Glory/Both now, as it is sung here by the St. John the Divine Choir from the Diocese of Los Angeles & friends.

Presanctified Liturgy, 20a Now the Powers of Heaven [Listen]

This is the "Cherubic Hymn" sung at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts: "Now the powers of heaven . . . ."  The audio is from the St. John the Divine Choir from the Diocese of Los Angeles & friends. 

Presanctified Liturgy, 20b Now the Powers of Heaven [Listen]

This is sung as the "Cherubic Hymn" at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Liturgy.  "Now the powers of heaven . . . ."  The audio is a Slavonic version.

 

Presanctified Liturgy, 21 Litany of Supplication [Listen]

This Litany of Supplication used in the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts after the 1st Prayer of St. Ephraim.  Parts of it may also be used for the Great Litany and other litanies as well.

Presanctified Liturgy, 24a O Taste and See [Listen]

This is the Communion Hymn sung at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.  "O taste and see that the Lord is good."  It is in E-minor, and sung here by the St. John the Divine Choir from the Diocese of Los Angeles & friends.

Presanctified Liturgy, 24d O Taste and See [Listen]

This is the Communion Hymn sung at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.  "O taste and see that the Lord is good."  It is sung here by the Boston Byzantine Choir.

Presanctified Liturgy, 25a I Will Bless The Lord [Listen]

This is the Post-Communion Hymn sung at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, Obihod Tone 8.  "I will bless the Lord at all times . . . ."  It is sung here by the St. John the Divine Choir from the Diocese of Los Angeles & friends.

Presanctified Liturgy, 26a I Will Bless The Lord (Psalm 33) [Listen]

This is the first 10 verses of Psalm 33, to be sung at the end of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, after "Blessed be the name of the Lord."  "I will bless the Lord at all times . . . ."  It is sung here by the choir of St. George Cathedral, Wichita, KS.

Presanctified Liturgy, A History of

This is a short history of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.

Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy, Prokeimenon

This Prokeimenon is sung after the Epistle lesson on Holy Saturday morning Vesperal Liturgy.  "Arise, O God, and judge the earth . . . ."

R
Remember us, O merciful One

This is the post-Communion Hymn that is sung at the end of the Vesperal Liturgy on Holy Saturday morning.  "Remember us, O merciful One, as Thou didst remember the thief in the kingdom of heaven."

T
Trisagion Hymn

This Trisagion Hymn (Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal) is from the Holy Saturday Matins music book of the Antiochian Archdiocese, sung on Holy Friday night.  It may also be sung at the Divine Liturgy throughout the year.

Bridegroom, Troparion

This Troparion is sung at Orthros (Matins) of Holy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  The music is in Western and Byzantine notation.  "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh at midnight . . . ."

Holy Thursday & Friday Matins, Apolytikion

This Apolytikion is sung on Holy Wednesday night at Matins for Holy Thursday, and on Holy Thursday night for Holy Friday.  "While the glorious disciples were being illumined at the evening washing . . . ."  The music is in Western & Byzantine notation.  Updated 3/29/2018.

V
Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Holy Saturday

Complete service book for Holy Saturday from Kazan Byzantine Project

Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy, Stichera at "O Lord, I have cried"

These are the 3 stichera sung (first one repeated for 4) on Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy, after the ones for the Resurrection.  "Today hath Hades groaned, crying . . . ."