Holy Friday

Through a tree Adam lost his home in Paradise, and through the Tree of the Cross the thief made Paradise his home. For the one, by eating, transgressed the commandment of his Maker; but the other, crucified at Thy side, confessed Thee as the hidden God. Remember us also, Savior, in Thy Kingdom.

For my sake Thou wast crucified, to become for me a fountain of forgiveness. Thy side was pierced, that Thou mightest pour upon me streams of life. Thou wast transfixed with nails, that through the depth of Thy sufferings I might know with certainty the height of Thy power, and cry to Thee O Christ the Giver of Life: O Savior, glory to Thy Cross and to Thy Passion.

When Thou wast crucified, O Christ, all the creation saw and trembled. The foundations of the earth quaked in fear of Thy power. The lights of heaven hid themselves and the veil of the Temple was rent in twain, the mountains trembled and the rocks were split. With the faithful thief we cry: Remember us, O Savior.

O Lord, on the Cross Thou hast torn up the record of our sins; numbered among the departed, Thou hast bound fast the ruler of hell, delivering all men from the chains of death by Thy Resurrection. Through this Thy Resurrection, O Lord who lovest mankind, we have been granted light, and cry to Thee: Remember us also, Savior, in Thy Kingdom.

- from the Stichera at Matins of Holy and Great Friday