THE HIERATIKON. THE DIVINE AND HOLY LITURGY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

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THE HIERATIKON

THE DIVINE LITURGY

OF OUR FATHER AMONG THE SAINTS

JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

The prayers of the Divine Liturgy are from the ORTHODOX LITURGY by the Holy Stavropegic Monastery of St. John the Baptist, Essex, but with changes in places.

DEACON: Master, give the blessing.

The Priest making with the Gospel book the sign of the Cross over the antiminsion shall say:

Blessed is the kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end.

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON

In peace let us pray unto the Lord.

CHOIR: Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. And after each petition

For the peace from on high, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray unto the Lord.

For the peace and union of the whole world, and for the good estate of the holy churches of God, let us pray unto the Lord.

For this holy temple and for them that enter therein with faith, reverence and fear of God, let us pray unto the Lord.

For our Archbishop [Name], for the honourable order of priesthood, and for the diaconate which is in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray unto the Lord.

For this city [village, monastery]; for every city and land, and for them that dwell therein with faith, let us pray unto the Lord.

For fair seasons and the abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray unto the Lord.

For them that travel by land, by water, by air; for the sick and the suffering, for those in captivity, And for their salvation, let us pray unto the Lord.

That He may deliver us from all tribulation, wrath, danger and necessity, let us pray unto the Lord.

Succour, save, have mercy and preserve us, O God, by Thy grace.

Mindful of our most holy and undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary, and of all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.

During the litany, the Priest shall read before the Holy Altar the prayer of the first antiphon.

THE PRAYER OF THE FIRST ANTIPHON

O Lord our God, whose might is ineffable; whose glory passeth all understanding; whose mercy is infinite; whose love toward mankind is beyond utterance: do Thou, O Sovereign Lord, of Thy compassion look down upon us, and upon this holy temple; and bestow upon us, and upon them that now make their supplications with us, Thy bountiful goodness and mercy.

For unto Thee belong all glory, honour and worship, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end.

CHOIR: Amen.

At the beginning of the first antiphon, the Deacon shall bow himself and go from his place to stand before the Icon of Christ. When the antiphon is done, he returneth to his accustomed place to begin the Short Litany.

DEACON

Again and again in peace, let us pray unto the Lord.

CHOIR: Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. And after each petition

Succour, save, have mercy and preserve us, O God, by Thy grace.

CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.

THE PRAYER OF THE SECOND ANTIPHON

PRIEST

O Lord our God, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Preserve the fullness of Thy Church. Sanctify them that love the habitation of Thy house. Do Thou by Thy divine power exalt them unto glory; and forsake us not who put our trust in Thee.

For Thine is the might, and Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end.

CHOIR: Amen.

Again, while the second antiphon is being sung, the Deacon shall go to stand before the Icon of the Mother of God. When the hymn “O only-begotten Son” is sung, he returneth to his accustomed place and says again the Short Litany.

Again and again in peace, let us pray unto the Lord.

CHOIR: Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. And after each petition

Succour, save, have mercy and preserve us, O God, by Thy grace.

Mindful of our most holy and undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary, and of all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our

whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.

The Deacon shall now enter the sanctuary by the south door.

THE PRAYER OF THE THIRD ANTIPHON

PRIEST

O Thou who hast given us grace with one accord to make our common supplications unto Thee; and dost promise that when two or three are gathered together in Thy name Thou wilt grant their request: fulfil now, O Lord, the petitions of Thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of Thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting.

For Thou, O God, art good and loving-kind, and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end.

As the choir sing the “Glory” of the Beatitudes or the third antiphon, the Priest and the Deacon standing before the Holy Altar shall bow themselves thrice. The Priest shall then take the Gospel Book and give it to the Deacon, who shall kiss the Priest’s right hand, and they shall pass behind the Altar and go out at the north side, preceded by lighted candles, to make the Little Entrance. And standing in their customary places both shall bow their heads, and the Deacon shall say:

Let us pray unto the Lord. Kyrie eleison.

And the Priest shall say the Prayer of the Little Entrance.

O Master and Lord our God, who stablished the heavenly orders and hosts of angels and archangels to minister unto Thy glory: Grant that the holy angels may enter with our entrance, to minister with us, and with us to glorify Thy goodness.

For unto Thee belong all glory, honour and worship, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

DEACON: Bless master, the holy entrance.

And the Priest giving the benediction with his right hand shall say:

Blessed is the entrance into the holiest, always, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

Then the Deacon having held up the Gospel Book for the Priest to kiss, shall stand in front of the Priest and raise his hands somewhat and shew the Holy Gospel, and making the sign of the Cross with it shall cry in a loud voice:

Wisdom. Stand steadfast.

And as the choir begin the entrance hymn, they shall both bow their heads and the Deacon shall lead the Priest into the Sanctuary where he shall lay the Gospel Book upon the Altar.

[If the Liturgy is officiated by a bishop and priest or by two or more priests, the entrance hymn is customarily sung by the clergy before entering the sanctuary and the last line “who sing to Thee: Alleluia” is sung by the choir. On entering the sanctuary, they shall also sing the first apolytikion and the kontakion.] See RESURRECTION HYMNS, TROPARIA AND KONTAKIA OF THE GREAT FEASTS and APOLYTIKIA FOR SAINTS.

And while the choir sing the apolytikia hymns, the Priest shall say the Prayer of the Thriceholy hymn in a low voice.

PRAYER OF THE THRICEHOLY

O Holy God, who restest in the holies; unto whom the seraphim sing the thriceholy song; whom the cherubim glorify, and all the heavenly hosts adore; who didst bring into being all that exists; who didst create man in Thine image and likeness, and didst adorn him with Thine every gift; who givest wisdom and understanding to him that asketh, and art not wroth with the sinner, but dost grant repentance to salvation; who hast deemed us, Thine humble and unmeritable servants, worthy at this hour to stand before the glory of Thy Holy Altar, to bring unto Thee rightful worship and praise: accept, O Master, from the mouths of us sinners the thriceholy hymn, and visit us with Thy goodness. Pardon our offences, voluntary and involuntary. Sanctify our souls and bodies, and grant us to serve Thee in holiness, all the days of our life. By the prayers of the Mother of God, and of all the saints which have been well pleasing unto Thee since the world began.

The choir having sung the kontakion, the Deacon shall say:

Let us pray unto the Lord.

PRIEST

For Thou our God art holy, and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever:

DEACON: And world without end.

While the choir sing the thriceholy hymn, the Priest and the Deacon repeat the thriceholy secretly and together bow themselves thrice before the Holy Altar.

[If the Liturgy is celebrated by two or more priests then the thriceholy is sung five times before the “Glory… and now…” on this wise: First by the right choir, second by the left, third by the clergy, fourth by the right, fifth by the clergy, Glory by the left, now by the right Holy and Immortal by the left, and the Power by the right.]

After the choir has sung the “Glory… and Now…” of the thriceholy, the Deacon facing the people shall cry aloud:

Power.

And immediately after shall say to the Priest:

Master, give the command.

And they shall proceed toward the throne, the Priest saying as he goes:

Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.

DEACON: Bless, Master, the throne on high.

PRIEST

Blessed art Thou on the glorious throne of Thy kingdom, that sittest upon the cherubim, always, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

And after the conclusion of the thriceholy, the Deacon shall come before the Holy Doors and when the reader has read the first line of the prokhimenon of the Apostle reading, he shall say:

Let us give heed.

And when the reader has read the second line:

Wisdom.

And when he has announced which Apostolic reading is to be read:

Let us give heed.

And on completion of the Apostolic reading, the Priest shall bless the reader saying:

Peace unto thee [that readest].

During the singing of the Alleluia the Deacon shall take up the censer with the incense and approaching the Priest shall say:

Master, bless the incense.

PRIEST

Blessed is our God always, now and for ever: world without end.

And whilst the Deacon censes in the customary way, the Priest standing before the Holy Altar shall say in a low voice:

THE PRAYER OF THE GOSPEL

O Lord and lover of mankind, make the imperishable light of Thy divine knowledge to shine in our hearts; and open the eyes of our understanding that we may apprehend the preaching of Thy Gospel. Implant in us likewise awe of Thy blessed commandments, that trampling under feet all the lusts of the flesh we may pursue a spiritual life, thinking and doing always such things as are pleasing in Thy sight.

For Thou art the enlightening of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thine eternal Father and Thine all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

The Deacon having put aside the censer shall come to the Priest and bowing his head shall say:

Bless, Master, the herald of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist [Name].

The Priest signing him with the sign of the Cross shall say:

May God through the prayers of the holy and all-glorious Apostle and Evangelist [Name] grant thee to preach the word with much power, unto the fulfilling of the Gospel of His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

And he shall give the Book to the Deacon who shall say Amen and kiss the Gospel Book and the Priest’s right hand and shall then step forth through the Holy Doors, preceded by lighted candles and go to the customary place. Then the Priest standing before the Holy Altar facing toward the west shall say:

Wisdom. Stand steadfast. Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Peace unto all.

DEACON

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. [Name]

PRIEST

Let us give heed.

And after the reading of the Gospel, the Priest shall bless the Deacon saying:

Peace unto thee [that dost preach the good tidings].

Then the Deacon shall go to the Holy Doors and shall deliver the Book to the Priest who shall kiss it and make with it the sign of the Cross blessing the people before placing it upon the Holy Altar.

Then the Deacon standing in his accustomed place shall say the following petitions:

Let us all say with our whole soul, and with our whole mind, let us say.

CHOIR: Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. And after each petition

O Almighty Lord, God of our fathers, we pray Thee, hear us and have mercy.

Have mercy upon us, O God, after Thy great goodness. We pray Thee, hear us and have mercy.

Again we pray for our Archbishop [Name], and for all our brethren in Christ.

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of the sins of the servants of God, [Names] (and) all the pious Orthodox Christians who dwell or visit this city [town, village, monastery], the parishioners, the Church committee, those who give help and those who have dedicated gifts in this holy temple.

Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy Church [monastery] and for all our departed fathers, brethren, and Orthodox Christians everywhere who have fallen asleep.

If there be a commemoration of them that are fallen asleep the Deacon may also say:

Again we pray for the repose of the soul[s] of the departed servant[s] of God [Name(s)], and for the forgiveness of his [her, their] every transgression, voluntary and involuntary.

Again we pray for them that strive and bring forth the fruit of good works in this holy and venerable temple; for them that serve, and them that sing; and for all the people here present who await Thy great and bountiful mercy.

PRIEST

O Lord our God, accept this fervent supplication from Thy servants, and have mercy upon us according unto the multitude of Thy mercies; and send down Thy compassions upon us and upon all Thy people who await Thy great and bountiful mercy.

For Thou art a merciful God, and a lover of mankind, and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

DEACON

Catechumens, pray ye unto the Lord.

CHOIR: Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. And after each petition

Let us, the faithful, pray for the catechumens.

That the Lord may have mercy upon them.

That He may instruct them in the word of truth.

That He may reveal unto them the gospel of righteousness.

That He may unite them to His Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

Save, have mercy, help and preserve them, O God, by Thy grace.

Catechumens, bow your heads unto the Lord.

THE PRAYER FOR THE CATECHUMENS

PRIEST

O Lord our God who dwellest on high, and dost look upon the lowly; who for the salvation of mankind didst send forth Thine Only-begotten Son and God, our Lord Jesus Christ: look upon Thy servants, the catechumens, who bow down their necks before Thee; and deem them worthy, at the appropriate time, of the washing of regeneration, of the remission of sins, of the garment of incorruption. Unite them to Thy Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church; and number them among Thy chosen flock.

That they also with us may glorify Thy sublime and majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end.

The Priest unfolds the antiminsion.

DEACON

As many as are catechumens depart. Catechumens depart. As many as are catechumens depart. Let not any of the catechumens remain. As many as are faithful,

Again and again in peace, let us pray unto the Lord.

Succour, save, have mercy and preserve us, O God, by Thy grace.

Wisdom.

FIRST PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

PRIEST

We give thanks unto Thee, O Lord God of hosts, who hast accounted us worthy also now to stand before Thy Holy Altar and to bow down and beseech Thy compassions for our sins and the errors of the people. Accept, O God, our prayer; make us to become worthy to offer unto Thee prayers and supplications, and the bloodless sacrifice for all Thy people: and enable us, whom Thou hast appointed to this Thy ministry, by the power of Thy Holy Spirit, to call upon Thee, at all times and in every place, without impediment and without condemnation, with a clear testimony of our conscience, so that hearing us Thou mayest be gracious unto us in the multitude of Thy goodness.

For unto Thee belong all glory, honour and worship, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end.

DEACON

Again and again in peace, let us pray unto the Lord.

Succour, save, have mercy and preserve us, O God, by Thy grace. Wisdom.

SECOND PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

PRIEST

Again and many times, we bow down before Thee and pray to Thee, who art good and lovest mankind, that Thou wouldst look upon our prayer and cleanse our souls and bodies from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit; and grant us to stand guiltless and without condemnation before Thy Holy Altar. Grant also, O God, to them that pray with us, an increase of life, and of faith, and of spiritual understanding. Grant unto them that for evermore worshipping Thee in fear and love, to partake, without guilt and without condemnation, of Thy Holy Mysteries, and to be accounted worthy of Thy heavenly kingdom.

That being ever guarded by Thy might we may give glory to Thee, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end.

Then during the singing of the Cherubicon, the Priest bowing his head shall say the following prayer on behalf of himself.

THE PRAYER OF THE CHERUBICON

None is worthy among them that are held fast in fleshly desires and pleasures to approach, or to draw nigh, or to minister unto Thee, O King of glory, for to minister unto Thee is a great and fearful thing, even for the heavenly powers themselves. Notwithstanding, through Thine ineffable and immeasurable love for mankind, Thou didst become man suffering no change or altering, and art become our High Priest and hast Thyself bestowed upon us the ministry of this divine office and Bloodless sacrifice as Master of all. For Thou only, O Lord our God, hast dominion over all things in heaven and on earth, who art borne upon a throne of cherubim, who art Lord of the seraphim and king of Israel; who alone art holy and dost rest in the holies. Therefore, I beseech Thee, who alone art good and ready to hear, look down upon me Thy sinful and unprofitable servant, and cleanse my soul and my heart from an evil conscience. And by the power of the Holy Spirit, enable me, who am invested with the grace of priesthood, to stand before this Thy Holy Table, and to administer Thy most pure and sacred Body and Thy precious Blood. For unto Thee I come, to Thee I bow my head, and I beseech Thee: turn not Thy face from me, neither reject me from among Thy servants, but account it meet that these gifts be offered unto Thee by me, Thy sinful and unworthy servant. For Thou art He that offereth and He that is offered, and He who dost receive and art given, O Christ our God, and to Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thine eternal Father, and Thine all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

The prayer being finished, the Priest and the Deacon shall say the Cherubic hymn thrice, making a reverence at the end of each repetition.

PRIEST

Let us who mystically represent the cherubim and chant the Thriceholy hymn to the life-giving Trinity, now lay aside all earthly care.

DEACON

That we may receive the King of all, invisibly attended by the angelic hosts. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Then the Priest taking up the censer and blessing the incense in the usual way, shall cense the Holy Table round about, the prothesis, the Iconostasis and the people saying secretly “O come let us worship, etc” and Psalm 50. On Sundays he shall say the hymn “We have seen the resurrection of Christ” and then Psalm 50 up to the verse “O God Thou wilt not despise”. On entering the sanctuary he shall again cense the Holy table, the prothesis and all the sanctuary and replace the censer in its customary place. Then standing before the Holy Altar, the Priest and the Deacon shall make two lowly reverences saying each to himself:

O Saviour, I have sinned before Thee as the Prodigal Son, accept me, O Father, as a penitent, and have mercy upon me, O God.

With the voice of the Publican I cry unto Thee, O Christ Saviour. Be gracious unto me, as Thou wast with him, and have mercy upon me, O God.

And kissing the antiminsion they shall again make a reverence and turn and bow humbly to the people saying in a low voice:

May God forgive them that hate us and them that love us.

Then shall they proceed to the offertory table saying as they go:

O God, be gracious unto me a sinner, and have mercy upon me.

And kissing the holy gifts they shall say:

O Holy God, the Father eternal, Holy and Strong, the Son co-eternal, Holy and Immortal, the all-holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, glory to Thee.

Then the Deacon shall say to the Priest:

Lift, Master.

And the Priest taking the aer shall first cense it and then lay it on the Deacon’s shoulders saying:

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.

Then censing his hands he shall take up the paten and set it on the Deacon’s head with all care and reverence. Then the Priest shall himself take up the chalice in his hands saying:

God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet.

And the Deacon leading, they shall go out of the sanctuary by the north side and make the Great Entrance, preceded by lighted candles and the six-winged fans. And as they shall go round about the nave, the Deacon shall say in a loud voice:

May the Lord God remember all of you in his kingdom, always, now and for ever: world without end.

The Deacon going in at the Holy Doors stands to the right and as the Priest enters he shall say to him:

May the Lord God remember thy priesthood in His Kingdom, always, now and for ever: world without end.

And the Priest shall say to him:

May the Lord God remember thy sacred ministry in His kingdom always, now and for ever: world without end.

The Priest shall then set the holy chalice upon the Altar, and taking the paten from the Deacon’s head he shall place it to the left of the chalice. And removing the veils he shall place them on the one side or the upper part of the Altar, and taking from the Deacon’s shoulders the aer and censing it he shall cover therewith the holy gifts saying:

Down from the tree Joseph, a godly man, took Thy most pure Body, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, and laid and closed it in a new sepulchre.

DEACON: Do good, Master.

And taking the censer the Priest shall cense the holy gifts three times saying:

Do good in Thy good pleasure unto Zion: build Thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine alter.

And giving back the censer he shall bow his head and say to the Deacon:

Remember me, brother and fellow minister.

DEACON

May the Lord God remember thy priesthood in His Kingdom, always, now and for ever: world without end.

And the Deacon bowing his head shall say to the Priest:

Pray for me, holy Master.

And the Priest blessing the Deacon shall say:

The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee.

DEACON

The same Spirit shall labour with us all the days of our life.

Remember me, holy Master.

PRIEST

The Lord God remember thee in His kingdom, always, now and for ever: world without end.

DEACON: Amen.

And kissing the Priest’s right hand he shall stand in his customary place and say the following litany.

Let us complete our supplication unto the Lord.

CHOIR: Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. And after each petition

For the precious gifts here set forth, let us pray unto the Lord.

For this holy temple and for them that enter therein with faith, reverence and fear of God, let us pray unto the Lord.

That He may deliver us from all tribulation, wrath, danger and necessity, let us pray unto the Lord.

Succour, save, have mercy and preserve us, O God, by Thy grace.

That this whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and without sin, let us entreat the Lord.

CHOIR: Grant us O Lord. And after each petition

For an angel of peace, faithful guide and guardian of our souls and bodies, let us entreat the Lord.

For pardon and remission of our sins and transgression, let us entreat the Lord.

For things good and profitable to our souls, and peace for the world, let us entreat the Lord.

That we may pass the remainder of our lives in peace and repentance, let us entreat the Lord.

For a Christian ending to our life, painless, without shame and peaceful, and a good defence before the dread judgement seat of Christ, let us entreat the Lord.

Mindful of our most holy and undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary; and of all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.

Meanwhile the Priest having set the divine gifts upon the Holy Altar shall say the following prayer.

THE OFFERTORY PRAYER

O Lord God Almighty, who alone art holy, who dost accept the sacrifice of praise from such as call upon Thee with their whole heart; accept and receive also unto Thy Holy Altar the supplication of us sinners; and enable us to offer unto Thee both gifts and spiritual sacrifices for our sins and for the errors of the people. And account us worthy to find grace in Thy sight, that our sacrifice may be well-pleasing to Thee, and the good Spirit of Thy grace may dwell in us, and in these gifts here set forth, and in all Thy people.

Through the compassions of Thine only-begotten Son, with whom Thou art blessed; together with Thine all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever: world without end.

And blessing the people, the Priest shall say:

Peace unto all.

DEACON

Let us love one another that with one mind we may confess.

And while the choir sing “The Father and the Son…” the Priest shall bow himself thrice saying within himself:

I will love Thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my firm support, and my refuge, and my deliverer.

And he shall kiss the holy gifts, they still being covered: first the paten, then the chalice and the edge of the Holy Altar before him. And if there be two priests or more, they likewise shall kiss the holy things and then embrace and kiss each other with the Kiss of Peace; first on the left then on the right and then each other’s right hand. And while they embrace, the Priest first in rank shall say:

Christ is in our midst.

And the other shall say:

He is, and ever shall be.

The deacons also, if there be two or more, shall embrace each other in like manner as the priests, saying the same words. And after this the Deacon shall cry aloud:

The doors, the doors. In wisdom let us give heed.

And the Priest, the choir and all the people shall recite the Creed [Confession of Faith]. All the while, the Priest shall take up the aer and hold it over the sacred gifts and calmly shake it up and down. If there be several priests, each shall take hold of the aer. At the words of the Creed “And ascended into heaven” the Priest shall lift the aer from the holy gifts, fold it and kiss it and lay it aside with the other veils. But he shall not leave the chalice uncovered lest any fly or other insect settle thereon. If he has not a small fan, he may cover the chalice with a folded communion veil, which he shall remove just before the consecration of the holy gifts and again cover until the time for communion.

DEACON

Let us stand upright, let us stand with fear: let us take heed to present the holy offering in peace.

CHOIR: The mercy of peace…

The Priest shall fan the holy things with a small fan or the folded aer saying:

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

And turning to face the people, the Priest shall bless them. The choir shall respond:

And with thy spirit.

And raising his hands he shall say:

Let us lift up our hearts.

CHOIR: We lift them up unto the Lord.

And turning to face the Icon of Christ the Priest shall say:

Let us give thanks unto the Lord.

CHOIR: It is meet and right.

And standing before the Holy Altar, the Priest shall offer this prayer.

It is meet and right to hymn Thee, to bless Thee, to praise Thee, to give thanks unto Thee, to worship Thee in all places of Thy dominion. For Thou art God ineffable, unknowable, invisible, incomprehensible, Thou art eternal, Thou art unchanging, Thou, and Thine Only-begotten Son, and Thy Holy Spirit. Thou didst bring us from non-being into being; and didst raise us up that were fallen away; and left naught undone till Thou hadst lifted us to heaven, and hadst bestowed upon us Thy kingdom to come. For all these things we give thanks unto Thee, and Thine Only-begotten Son, and unto Thy Holy Spirit: for all whereof we know and whereof we know not; for benefits both manifest and hid which Thou hast wrought upon us. We give thanks unto Thee also for this ministry which Thou dost deign to receive at our hands, even though thousands of archangels, and tens of thousands of angels wait upon Thee, the many-eyed cherubim and the six-winged seraphim that sour aloft

Singing the triumphal hymn, exclaiming, crying aloud and saying:

And as the choir sing “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Sabaoth”, the Deacon shall take the asterisk from off the paten and making the sign of the Cross over it shall kiss it and lay it aside. And when the choir is finished, the Priest shall continue:

And with these blessed Powers, O Master and lover of mankind, we also cry aloud and say: Holy and most Holy art Thou, and Thine Only-begotten Son, and Thy Holy Spirit. Holy and most Holy art Thou, and magnificent is Thy glory, who so loved Thy world that Thou didst give Thine only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Who being come and having accomplished all that was appointed for our sakes, in the night that He was betrayed, but rather, in the which He did give Himself for the life of the world, took bread in His sacred , pure and spotless hands, and when He had given thanks, and blessed and sanctified it, He brake it and gave it to His holy disciples and Apostles, saying:

Take, eat: this is my Body which is broken for you for the remission of sins.

The Deacon meanwhile holding his orarion shall also show with the Priest the paten. And in like manner they shall show the chalice when the Priest says:

After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying,

Drink ye all of it; this is my Blood of the new testament, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins.

The Priest bowing his head shall say the following prayer.

Remembering therefore this commandment of salvation, and all those things which came to pass for our sakes: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection on the third day, the ascension into heaven, the sitting on the right hand, the coming again a second time in glory,

Thine own of Thine own, we offer unto Thee in all and for all.

While the Priest says “Thine own of Thine own…” the Deacon crossing his hands shall raise the holy things, lifting the paten with his right hand and the chalice with his left. And having lifted the holy gifts he shall make the sign of the Cross with them.

PRIEST

Moreover we offer unto Thee this reasonable and bloodless service; and we beseech Thee, and we pray and implore Thee: send down Thy Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts here set forth.

DEACON: Bless, Master, the holy bread.

And the Priest blessing the holy bread shall say:

And make this bread the precious Body of Thy Christ.

DEACON: Amen. Bless, Master, the holy cup.

And the Priest blessing the chalice shall say:

And that which is in this cup the precious Blood of Thy Christ.

DEACON: Amen. Bless, Master, both the holy things.

And the Priest blessing both the holy bread and the chalice shall say:

Transmaking them by Thy Holy Spirit.

DEACON: Amen. Amen. Amen.

PRIEST

That they may be to them that partake thereof unto vigilance of soul, the remission of sins, the communion of Thy Holy Spirit, the fulfilment of the kingdom of heaven; and for boldness to approach Thee, neither unto judgement nor unto condemnation.

Moreover, we offer unto Thee this reasonable service for them that have gone to their rest in faith: for our Forefathers, Fathers, Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Preachers, Evangelists, Martyrs, Confessors, Ascetics; and for every righteous spirit in faith made perfect.

And taking up the censer, he shall cense three times before the Holy Altar saying aloud:

More especially our most holy and undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary.

The Choir shall sing 'Meet it is' or the appointed hymn.

Then giving the censer to the Deacon who shall go behind the Altar and call to mind as he will the living and the departed, the Priest shall continue:

For St. John the Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, for the holy and all-glorious Apostles, for St. [Name] to whose memory we dedicate this day, and for all Thy saints, at whose intercessions visit us, O God.

And remember all them that are fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection unto life eternal: [and he remembers such as he will of the departed, pronouncing their names] and give them rest where the light of Thy countenance watcheth over them.

Also we beseech Thee, remember, O Lord, all the Orthodox episcopate who rightly divide the word of Thy truth, all the priesthood, the diaconate which is in Christ, and all clerical and monastic orders.

Also we offer unto Thee this reasonable service for the whole world; for the Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church; for them that live in purity and decency; for those in authority over us who are faithful and pious and all their household. Grant unto them, O Lord, to rule over us in peace, that we also may lead a peaceable and quiet life in all godliness and decency.

And remember first, O Lord, our Archbishop [Name], whom do Thou grant to serve Thy Holy Churches in peace, safety, honour, health and length of days that he may rightly divide the word of Thy truth.

DEACON

And everyone that each of us has in mind, and all and everyone.

PRIEST

Remember, O Lord, this city [monastery or village] in which we live, and every city and land, and them that dwell therein with faith. Remember, O Lord, them that travel by water, by land, by air; the sick and the suffering; those in captivity and their salvation. Remember, O Lord, them that strive and bring forth the fruit of good works in Thy holy Churches and them that care for the poor; and upon all of us, do Thou send down Thy mercies.

And grant us with one mouth and one heart to glorify and praise Thy sublime and majestic name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end.

And turning to face the people he shall bless them saying:

And may the mercies of our Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ be with you all.

DEACON

Calling to remembrance all the saints, again and again in peace let us pray unto the Lord.

CHOIR: Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. And after each petition

For the precious gifts here offered and hallowed, let us pray unto the Lord.

That our God, which loveth mankind, who hath received them unto His holy and heavenly and spiritual altar for a sweetsmelling savour of spiritual fragrance, may send down upon us divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray unto the Lord.

That we may be deliver from all tribulation, wrath, danger and necessity, let us pray unto the Lord.

Succour, save, have mercy and preserve us, O God, by Thy grace.

That this whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and without sin, let us entreat the Lord.

CHOIR: Grant us O Lord. And after each petition

For an angel of peace, faithful guide and guardian of our souls and bodies, let us entreat the Lord.

For pardon and remission of our sins and transgression, let us entreat the Lord.

For things good and profitable to our souls, and peace for the world, let us entreat the Lord.

That we may pass the remainder of our lives in peace and repentance, let us entreat the Lord.

For a Christian ending to our life, painless, without shame and peaceful, and a good defence before the dread judgement seat of Christ, let us entreat the Lord.

Having besought the unity of the faith and the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.

PRIEST

Unto Thee we entrust our entire being and our hope, O Master and lover of mankind, and we beseech Thee and we pray and implore Thee, account us worthy to partake of Thy heavenly and dread mysteries at this sacred and spiritual table, with a pure conscience, unto the remission of sins, the forgiveness of transgressions, the communion of the Holy Spirit, an inheritance in the kingdom of heaven, and for boldness to approach Thee, neither unto judgement nor unto condemnation.

And vouchsafe, O Lord, that boldly and without condemnation we may dare to lift our voices unto Thee, O heavenly God and Father, and say:

And the Priest, the choir and all the people recite the Lord’s Prayer. And having finished, the Priest shall say:

For Thine is the kingdom. The power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end.

The Priest shall then bless the people saying:

Peace unto all.

DEACON

Let us bow down our heads before the Lord.

PRIEST

We give thanks unto Thee, O King invisible, who in Thine immeasurable power didst fashion all things, and in the multitude of Thy mercies didst from non-being bring all things into being. Do Thou, O Master, look down from heaven upon them that bow their heads unto Thee; for they are bowed not before flesh and blood, but unto Thee, O dread God. Therefore, do Thou grant, O Master, that these Thy gifts may be for each of us beneficial, for each according to his needs. Sail with them that sail, accompany them that travel by land, heal the sick, O Thou who art the physician of our souls and bodies.

Through the grace and compassions and love for mankind of Thine only-begotten Son, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thine all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever: world without end.

The Priest, bowing his head shall say also this prayer:

Give heed, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, from Thy holy dwelling place, and from the glorious throne of Thy kingdom, and come to sanctify us, O Thou that sittest on high with the Father and art here invisibly present with us. And vouchsafe by Thy mighty hand to impart unto us of Thy most pure Body and precious Blood; and through us unto all Thy people.

While the Priest is praying this prayer, the Deacon shall gird his orarion about him crosswise. Then the Priest and the Deacon shall bow themselves thrice saying each to himself:

O God, be gracious unto me a sinner, and be merciful unto me.

DEACON: Let us give heed.

The Priest taking the Holy Bread with both hands, and raising it a little and making the sign of the Cross with it shall say:

The Holy Things unto the holy.

CHOIR: One only is holy…

DEACON

Break, O Master, the Holy Bread.

And the Priest breaking it in four parts shall say:

Broken and divided is the Lamb of God; which being broken yet is not divided; Being ever eaten, never is consumed; But sanctifieth them that partake thereof.

And he shall place the four pieces on the holy paten, laying the ΙC at the top of the paten. The ΧC at the bottom, the ΝΙ to his own left-hand side and the ΚΑ to his right.

DEACON: Fill, Master the Holy Cup.

And the Priest taking from the paten the particle, which lies uppermost, that marked IC, shall make therewith the sign of the Cross over the chalice, and placing it therein shall say:

The fullness of the Holy Spirit.

DEACON: Amen.

And taking the Zeon [warm water] he shall say to the Priest:

Bless, Master, the fervency.

The Priest blessing the warm water shall say:

Blessed is the fervency of Thy saints, always, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

And the Deacon shall pour into the chalice, crosswise, so much as suffices saying:

The fervency of faith, full of the Holy Spirit. Amen

The Priest and Deacon, bowing their heads, shall now say the following communion prayers.

I believe, O Lord, and confess that Thou art in truth the Christ, the Son of the living God, come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. And I believe that this is indeed Thine incorruptible Body, and this Thy most precious Blood. Wherefore I pray Thee have mercy upon me, and forgive me my trespasses, voluntary and involuntary, whether of word or deed, witting or unwitting; and vouchsafe that I may partake without condemnation of Thy most pure mysteries, for the remission of sins and unto life everlasting. Amen.

Behold I draw near to divine Communion, O Creator, let me not be destroyed thereby; for Thou art fire to consume the unworthy: the rather do Thou cleanse me from all that defileth.

Of Thy mystical supper, O Son of God, accept me this day as a partaker; for I will not speak of the mystery to Thine enemies, nor will I give Thee a kiss like Judas; but like the thief I will acknowledge Thee: remember me, O Lord, in Thy kingdom.

The blood that maketh divine, O man, let it be your fear, let it be your dread: fire it is to consume the unworthy. The divine body doth make me a partaker of the divine nature, and likewise feedeth me. Maketh the spirit divine and wondrously nourisheth the mind.

Thou hast ravished my heart with Thy love, O Christ; Thy divine care hath converted my soul. Yet do Thou consume my sins with celestial fire, and grant me to delight myself in Thee; that rejoicing I may exalt Thine incarnation and Thy second coming, O Thou who art good.

How may I, unworthy as I am, enter into the brightness of Thy saints? For if I come boldly to the king’s palace my apparel doth convict me, in that I have no wedding garment, and I shall be bound and cast away by the angels. O Lord, cleanse my soul from all filthiness, and save me for Thou art loving-kind.

O Master and Lover of Mankind, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these holy things be to my judgement, in that I am unworthy: but rather unto the cleansing and hallowing of soul and body, unto an earnest of life eternal and the kingdom. For I hold it good to cleave to God, to hope in the Lord for my salvation.

And approaching to partake of the Holy Mysteries, the Priest shall say to the Deacon:

Brother and fellow minister, forgive me a sinner.

And the Deacon shall respond:

May the Lord God remember thy priesthood in His kingdom, always, now and for ever: world without end.

And they shall make three devout reverences saying each to himself:

O God, be gracious unto me, and have mercy upon me.

And the Priest taking and dividing the particle of the Holy Bread with the XC shall place a piece in the palm of his right hand saying:

Behold, I draw near unto Christ our Immortal King and God.

The precious and most holy Body of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, is imparted unto me [Name] the unworthy Priest, for the remission of my sins and unto life everlasting.

And in fear and with all precaution he shall partake of the particle in his hand. And wiping his palm with the sponge making sure that no small particle is left thereon he shall summon the Deacon saying:

Deacon, draw near.

DEACON

Behold, I draw near unto Christ our Immortal King and God.

O Master, impart unto me [Name], the unworthy Deacon, the precious and most holy Body of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, for the remission of my sins and unto life everlasting.

And the Priest shall place a particle of the Holy Bread in the palm of the Deacon’s right hand saying:

The precious and most holy Body of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, is imparted unto thee [Name] the reverend Deacon, for the remission of thy sins and unto life everlasting.

Then the Priest taking with his left hand one end of the communion veil shall place it below his lips, and with his right hand holding the other end of the veil, he shall take up the chalice and partake of it three times saying:

The precious and most holy Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ is imparted unto me [Name], the unworthy Priest, for the remission of my sins and unto life everlasting.

Then wiping his lips and the rim of the chalice with the veil and kissing the chalice he shall say:

Lo, this hath touched my lips; and mine iniquity is taken away, and my sin purged.

Then he shall summon the Deacon saying:

Deacon, again draw near.

DEACON

Behold, I draw near unto our Immortal King and God.

O Master, impart unto me [Name], the unworthy Deacon, the precious and most holy Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, for the remission of my sins and unto life everlasting.

And the Priest shall give to the Deacon to partake of the chalice three times on this wise: The Deacon taking the edge of the veil shall place it under his lips. The Priest shall hold the other end with his right hand together with the stem of the chalice. Only the Deacon shall make the movement of the chalice by pushing down the base of the chalice. As the Deacon partakes the Priest shall say:

The precious and most holy Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, is imparted unto thee [Name] the reverend Deacon, for the remission of thy sins and unto life everlasting.

And when the Deacon has partaken the Priest shall say:

Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

Then the Priest shall divide the two remaining portions, the NI and the KA, into small particles sufficient for all. The Deacon shall then take up the paten and the sponge and with extreme care shall place the divided particles of the Lamb into the chalice and then all the other particles saying:

We have seen the resurrection of Christ, wherefore let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, who alone is without sin. We venerate Thy Cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Thy holy Resurrection. For Thou art our God: we know no other save Thee; we call upon Thy Name. O Come all ye faithful, let us venerate the holy resurrection of Christ: for behold, through the Cross joy is come to all the world. Evermore blessing the Lord, we sing the praises of His Resurrection: for He endured the Cross on our behalf, death by death hath He destroyed.

Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord hath risen upon thee, celebrate now and be glad, O Zion. And do thou O pure, Mother of God, rejoice in the rising of thy child.

O divine! O beloved! O sweetness of Thy voice.! For that thou, O Christ, hast truly promised to be with us till the end of time. Wherefore we the faithful rejoice, holding these Thy words as an anchor of hope.

O Christ, O Great and most sacred Passover! O Wisdom, and Word of God, and Power! Grant that we may more truly have communion with Thee in the day of Thy kingdom which knoweth no eventide.

Wash away, O Lord, the sins of them that have been remembered here, by Thy precious Blood, at the prayers of the holy Mother of God and all Thy saints. Amen.

But if there be many that desire to communicate, then he shall not put in the other particles, but only the Lamb. Otherwise, he shall cover the chalice with the veil and place on the paten the asterisk and all the other veils. Then the Priest placing the spoon in the chalice shall take it up and give it to the Deacon who shall show it to the people saying:

With fear of God, with faith and love draw near.

And as many as desire to communicate shall now approach one by one in an orderly fashion bearing themselves with all godly humility and awe. The Priest shall take the chalice from the Deacon and shall communicate to each the Holy Mysteries saying to each:

The servant of God [Name] partaketh of the precious and most holy Body and Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, for the remission of his/her sins and unto life everlasting.

The Body and Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The Body and Blood of Christ.

And when all have communicated, and if all the other particles were placed in the chalice before the communion of the people, the Priest shall bless the people with the chalice saying:

Save, O God, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.

And he shall go into the Sanctuary and place the chalice on the Holy Altar. But if the other particles were not put into the chalice, after the communion of the people, he shall place the chalice on the Altar. The Deacon shall then take up the paten and the sponge and with extreme care shall wipe all the other particles into the chalice saying:

Wash away, O Lord, the sins of them that have been remembered here, by Thy precious Blood, at the prayers of the holy Mother of God and all Thy saints. Amen.

The Priest shall then bless the people, not with the chalice, but with his right hand saying:

Save, O God, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.

And after the blessing the Priest shall take up the censer as the Deacon says:

Exalt, O Master.

The Priest shall then cense the Holy Gifts thrice saying:

Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Thy glory be above all the earth.

And giving the censer to the Deacon, he shall take up the paten with the asterisk and the veils, and set it upon the Deacon’s head who shall proceed to the offertory table where he shall set it down. The Priest shall then take up the chalice saying in secret:

Blessed is our God;

And turning to face the people he shall say aloud:

Always, now and for ever: world without end.

And he shall proceed to the offertory table and there set down the chalice: the choir meanwhile singing “Let our mouths be filled”. And when the choir is finished, the Deacon shall say:

Be upright: having partaken of the divine, holy, undefiled, immortal, heavenly, life-giving and awesome mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks unto the Lord.

Succour, save, have mercy and preserve us, O God, by Thy grace.

Having prayed that this whole day be perfect, holy, peaceful and without sin, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.

And the Priest folding the antiminsion shall say:

We give Thee thanks, O Lord, and lover of mankind, who art the benefactor of our souls, for that Thou hast accounted us this day to be worthy of Thy heavenly and immortal mysteries. Make straight our ways, stablish us all in Thy fear, watch over our life, make sure our steps; by the prayers and supplications of the glorious Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary, and of all Thy saints.

And taking up the Gospel Book he shall make with it the sign of the Cross over the antiminsion and lay the Book upon it saying:

For Thou art our sanctification, and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and unto the Holy Spirit, now and for

ever: world without end.

Let us depart in peace.

DEACON: Let us pray unto the Lord.

And going out of the Sanctuary by the Holy Doors, the Priest shall stand before the Icon of Christ, or, below the chancel steps and say the following prayer.

BEHIND THE PULPIT PRAYER

O Lord, who dost bless them that bless Thee, and sanctifieth them that put their trust in Thee: save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Preserve the fullness of Thy Church, and sanctify them that love the beauty of Thy house. Do Thou, by Thy divine power glorify them, and forsake us not who put our trust in Thee. Grant peace to Thy world, to Thy Churches, to Thy priests, to those in authority over us, to the army and to all the people.

For every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from Thee, the Father of lights; and to Thee we ascribe glory, thanksgiving and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end.

CHOIR: Amen. Blessed is the name of the Lord… [3]

As the choir sing “Blessed is the name…” the Priest shall enter the sanctuary and going to the offertory table shall say the following prayer silently.

O Christ our God, who art the fulfilling of the law and the prophets, and hast fulfilled all things appointed of the Father; fill our hearts with joy and gladness, always, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

DEACON

Let us pray unto the Lord.

The Priest standing by the Holy Doors shall bless the people saying:

May the blessing and mercy of the Lord come upon you, by His divine grace and loving-kindness, always, now and for ever: world without end.

Glory be to Thee, O our God, glory be to Thee.

THE DISMISSAL

May [He who is risen from the dead] Christ our true God, by the prayers of His most holy Mother; by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross; by the protection of the heavenly bodiless hosts; through the supplications of the glorious Prophet and Forerunner, John the Baptist; of the holy and all-glorious Apostles; of the holy, glorious and triumphant Martyrs; of our holy God-bearing Fathers; of our father among the saints, John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople; of [Name of the saint to whom the Church is dedicated]; of the holy and righteous progenitors of God, Joachim and Anna; [Name of saint] to whose memory we dedicate this day; and of all the saints, have mercy upon us, and save our souls: For He is good and loving-kind.

CHOIR

May the Lord God make firm the holy and undefiled faith of pious Orthodox Christians in this holy Church [monastery], this city [village] and in all Thy world, for ever and ever. Amen.

Eternal be the memory of the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy Church [monastery] and all Orthodox Christians.

PRIEST

May the Holy Trinity preserve the people in peace always, now and for ever: world without end.

CHOIR

Unto him who blesses and sanctifies us; do Thou, O Lord, preserve unto many years.

By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us.

CHOIR: Amen.

And distributing the antidoron he shall say to each recipient:

May the blessing and mercy of the Lord come upon thee.

And to the last recipient he shall also say:

By His divine grace and loving-kindness, always, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

Meanwhile the Deacon shall consume the remainder of the Holy Things. And having consumed with care all that is in the chalice he shall pour in wine and water and again consume until the chalice is clean and no part remains. He shall then wipe and dry the chalice with a communion veil and covering the sacred vessels, he shall wash his hands. And saying the prayers of thanksgiving he shall remove his vestments.