The Orthodox Pages THE PEOPLE'S HANDBOOK THE DIVINE LITURGY OF OUR FATHER AMONG THE SAINTS JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
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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.
PRIEST 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.
PRIEST In peace let us pray unto the Lord. 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 we may be delivered 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.
PRIEST: [SILENTLY] 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. And the choir shall sing the first Antiphon or the Psalm of the Typika. Feasts of the Lord and the Mother of God have their own special Antiphons.
PSALM 102 (103) Bless the Lord, O my soul. Blessed art Thou, O Lord. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth Thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgement for all that are oppressed. He made known His ways unto Moses, His acts unto the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and glorious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will He keep His anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward them that fear Him. As Far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him. And His righteousness unto children’s children; to such as keep His covenant, and to those that remember His commandments to do them. The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth all. Bless the Lord, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye His hosts; ye ministers of His, that do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Now and for ever: world without end. Amen. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy Name. Blessed art Thou, O Lord. OR THE FIRST ANTIPHONBless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy Name. By the Prayers of the Mother of God, Saviour, save us. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. By the Prayers of the Mother of God, Saviour, save us. The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth all. By the Prayers of the Mother of God, Saviour, save us.
PRIEST Again and again in peace let us pray unto the Lord. CHOIR: Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy.
PRIEST 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.
PRIEST: [SILENTLY] THE PRAYER OF THE SECOND ANTIPHON 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. And the choir shall sing the second Antiphon or the Psalm of the Typika. PSALM 145 (146) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth. In that very day his thoughts perish. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is. Which keepeth truth for ever: which executeth judgement for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The Lord looseth the prisoners: the Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous: the Lord preserveth the strangers. He relieveth the fatherless and widow; but the way of the wicked He turneth upside down. The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Now and for ever: world without end. Amen. O Only-begotten Son and word of God, O Thou who art Immortal, yet for our salvation didst deign to be incarnate of the holy Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, and without change was made man. O Christ, our God, who was crucified for us, and by death, didst overcome death. Being one of the Holy Trinity, glorified together with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, save us.
OR THE SECOND ANTIPHON Praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. ON SUNDAYS Save us, O Son of God, Thou who art risen from the dead, who sing to Thee, Alleluia. ON WEEKDAYS Save us, O Son of God, Thou who art wonderful in the saints, who sing to Thee, Alleluia. Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. The Lord shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations. Save us, O Son of God… Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Now and for ever: world without end. Amen. O Only-begotten Son and word of God, O Thou who art Immortal, yet for our salvation didst deign to be incarnate of the holy Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, and without change was made man. O Christ, our God, who was crucified for us, and by death, didst overcome death. Being one of the Holy Trinity, glorified together with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, save us.
PRIEST Again and again in peace let us pray unto the Lord. CHOIR: Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy.
PRIEST 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.
PRIEST: [SILENTLY] THE PRAYER OF THE THIRD ANTIPHON 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. CHOIR: Amen. During the singing of the hymn of the day or the Beatitudes, the Priest shall exit the sanctuary holding the Gospel Book for the Little Entrance. And standing in the customary place shall say silently: Let us pray unto the Lord. 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. 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 Priest and raise his hands and shew the Holy Gospel, and making the sign of the Cross with it shall cry in a loud voice: Wisdom. Stand steadfast. The choir shall sing the hymn of the day, the hymn to the saint to whom the Church is dedicated, the hymn to St. Barnabas, the patron saint of Cyprus, and the Kontakion of the day or feast. For the Sunday hymns and for Great Feasts see RESURRECTION HYMNS and TROPARIA AND KONTAKIA FOR THE GREAT FEASTS, For saints see APOLYTIKIA FOR SAINTS
APOLYTIKION FOR ST. GEORGE Tone 4 As the one renowned for setting captives free, * and for defending those in poverty, * the physician of the sick and the champion of kings, * do thou, o Victory-bearer and Great Martyr George, * intercede to Christ our God * for the salvation of our souls.
APOLYTIKION FOR ST. BARNABAS Tone 1 The great glory of Cyprus, the preacher of the world, * the first amongst the Antiochians, * the architect of Christian calling, * the renowned pioneer of Rome,* and the divine hauler of the nations,* the vessel of grace, the kinsman of the Holy Spirit, * the travelling companion of the holy and great Apostle Paul, * first amongst the Seventy, equal to the Twelve. * Let us all the faithful piously come together * and crown Barnabas with hymns * for he intercedes with Christ * to have mercy upon our souls.
KONTAKION FOR MOST SUNDAYS O steadfast help and shield of Christians; * constant advocate with the creator: * despise not the prayers of sinners, who call upon thee, * but of thy goodness attend unto our aid * who in faith cry out to thee. * Make speed to make supplication; *make haste to intercede; * O Mother of God who dost *ever watch over them that honour thee.
ON SATURDAYS As first-fruits of nature the world offers to Thee, * O Lord and Husbandman of creation, * the God-bearing Martyrs. * By their intercessions * and through the Mother of God, * preserve Thy Church in profound peace, O Most Merciful.
While the choir sing the hymns the Priest shall say the Prayer of the Thriceholy hymn in a low voice 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. Let us pray unto the Lord. CHOIR: Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy.
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; world without end. PRIEST O Holy God, holy and Strong, holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us.
Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Blessed art Thou on the glorious throne of Thy kingdom, that sittest upon the cherubim; always, now and for ever: world without end. Amen 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.
PRIEST PRIEST Let us all say with our whole soul, and with our whole mind, let us say, CHOIR: Kyrie eleison [3] And after each petition.
PRIEST 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, all the pious Orthodox Christians who dwell or visit this city, [village] 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 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 Priest 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. 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. CHOIR: Amen.
The following petitions for the Catechumen are usually omitted. PRIEST: Catechumens, pray ye unto the Lord. CHOIR: Kyrie eleison. 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. CHOIR: Amen.
PRIEST 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 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. CHOIR: Amen. PRIEST: 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 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. And when the Priest has entered the Sanctuary the choir shall continue: 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 The prayer being finished, the Priest shall say the Cherubic hymn thrice, making a reverence at the end of each repetition. 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 “We have seen the resurrection of Christ” and then Psalm 50 up to the verse “O God Thou wilt not despise”. Then standing before the Holy Altar, he shall make three lowly reverences saying 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 bowing humbly to the people he shall say in a low voice: May God forgive them that hate us and them that love us. Then shall he proceed to the offertory table saying as he goes: O God, be gracious unto me a sinner, and have mercy upon me. [3] And the Priest taking the aer shall first cense it and then lay it on his shoulders saying: Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. Then censing his hands he shall take up the paten and the chalice saying: God is gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. And he shall go out of the Sanctuary by the north side and make the Great Entrance, preceded by lighted candles, the Six-winged fans and the censer. And as he goes round about the nave, he shall say in a loud voice: May the Lord God remember all of you in his kingdom, always, now and forever: world without end. CHOIR: Amen The Priest shall then set the paten and holy chalice upon the Altar. And removing the veils he shall place them on the one side or the upper part of the Altar, and taking from his 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. And taking the censer he 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. 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.
And the choir having finished the Cherubic Hymn, the Priest shall say the following petitions. Let us complete our supplication unto the Lord. CHOIR: Kyrie eleison. 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 we may be delivered 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. 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. CHOIR: Amen.
And blessing the people, the Priest shall say: PRIEST Let us love one another that with one mind we may confess. CHOIR The Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Trinity Consubstantial and Undivided. 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. The doors, the doors. In wisdom let us give heed.
And the Priest, the choir and all the people shall recite the Creed. [Statement of Faith] And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son of God, Begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten not made, being of one substance 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 Ghost and the Virgin Mary, and was made man. And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, He suffered and was buried, and the third day He rose again according to the scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And He shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead: Whose kingdom shall have no end. And in one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
PRIEST Let us stand upright, let us stand with fear: let us take heed to present the holy offering in peace. PRIEST 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. CHOIR: And with thy spirit.
And raising his hands the Priest 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: PRIEST 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 CHOIR: Amen. 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. CHOIR: Amen.
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. 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. And the Priest blessing the holy bread shall say: And make this bread the precious body of Thy Christ. Amen. And the Priest blessing the chalice shall say: And that which is in this cup the precious blood of Thy Christ. Amen. And the Priest blessing both the holy bread and the chalice shall say: Transmaking them by Thy Holy Spirit. Amen. Amen. Amen. 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 the Holy Things saying aloud: More especially our most holy and undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary. 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 when the choir has finished he shall say aloud: 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. And everyone that each of us has in mind, and all and everyone. Remember, O Lord, this city [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.
PRIEST 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. CHOIR: Amen.
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. CHOIR: And unto thy spirit.
PRIEST Calling to remembrance all the saints, again and again in peace let us pray unto the Lord. CHOIR: Kyrie eleison. 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 sweet-smelling 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. 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. 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.
PRIEST 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. CHOIR: Amen.
The Priest shall then bless the people saying: Peace unto all. CHOIR: And unto thy spirit. PRIEST: Let us bow down our heads before the Lord. CHOIR: To Thee, O 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 Thy most holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. CHOIR: Amen.
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. O God, be gracious unto me a sinner, and be merciful unto me. [3] Let us give heed. The Holy Things unto the holy. And the Priest breaking the Lamb 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. 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. Amen. The Priest blessing the Zeon [warm water] shall say: Blessed is the fervency of Thy saints, always, now and for ever: world without end. Amen. And he shall pour into the chalice, crosswise, so much as suffices saying: The fervency of faith, full of the Holy Spirit. Amen The Priest bowing his head 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. 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. And he shall make three devout reverences saying: 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 having partaken he shall wipe his palm with the sponge making sure that no small particle is left thereon. 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 the Priest shall divide the two remaining portions into small particles sufficient for all and shall place them into the chalice, 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. And putting in the chalice all the particles [that is the particles for the Mother of God, the Saints and the souls] he shall say 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. And when all have communicated, then shall he place the particles into the chalice. And taking up the chalice and the spoon he goes out by the Royal Doors and cries: With fear of God, with faith and love draw near. 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.
Throughout the communion the choir shall sing the following Receive ye the body of Christ. Taste ye of the fountain of life. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. 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.
And when all have communicated, the Priest shall bless the people with the chalice saying: Save, O God, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. CHOIR We have seen the true Light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith. We worship the undivided Trinity: for the same hath saved us.
The Priest returning the chalice to the Holy Altar shall then cense the Holy Gifts thrice saying thrice: Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Thy glory be above all the earth. The Priest shall then take up the paten and 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. PRIEST 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. 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. 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. CHOIR: Amen. PRIEST: Let us depart in peace. Let us pray unto the Lord.
PRIEST 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. 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. PRIEST: Let us pray unto the Lord. CHOIR: Kyrie eleison.
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. CHOIR: Amen. PRIEST: Glory be to Thee, O our God, glory be to Thee.
CHOIR: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirt, now and for ever: world without end. Amen. Kyrie eleison [3]. Holy father, give the blessing. 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 and all-glorious Apostle Barnabas; of our father among the saints, John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople; of the holy, glorious and triumphant martyrs; of the holy and glorious Great Martyr George the Victory-bearer; of our holy God-bearing fathers; of the holy and righteous progenitors of God, Joachim and Anna; of [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 and 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 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. PRIEST 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.
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