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THE PEOPLE'S HANDBOOK

THE HOURS OF GREAT LENT

The First Hour

If the First Hour is to be read immediately after Mattins then the service begins from * O come, let us worship and bow down before our King and our God (see below). Otherwise the Priest shall give the opening blessing.

PRIEST

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

READER: Amen.

PRIEST: Glory be to Thee, our God, glory be to Thee.

O heavenly King and Comforter, Spirit of Truth, that art in all places and fillest all things, Treasure of goodness, and Giver of life: come and abide in us; and cleanse us from all that defileth, and save our souls, O Thou who art Good.

READER

O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake.

Kyrie eleison (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

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.

READER: Amen.

Kyrie eleison. (12)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

* If the First Hour is to be read immediately after Mattins then the service begins from here.

O come, let us worship and bow down before our King and our God.

O come, let us worship and bow down before Christ our King and our God.

O come, let us worship and bow down before the very Christ our King and our God.

Psalm 5

Hearken to my words, O Lord, attend to my cry. Attend to the voice of my supplication, my King, and my God: for to thee, O Lord, will I pray. In the morning thou shalt hear my voice: in the morning will I wait upon thee, and will look up. For thou art not a god that desires iniquity; neither shall the worker of wickedness dwell with thee. Neither shall the transgressors continue in thy sight: thou hatest, O Lord, all them that work iniquity. Thou wilt destroy all that speak falsehood: the Lord abhors the bloody and deceitful man. But I will enter into thine house in the multitude of thy mercy: I will worship in thy fear toward thy holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make my way plain before thy face. For there is no truth in their mouth; their heart is vain; their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit. Judge them, O God; let them fail of their counsels: cast them out according to the abundance of their ungodliness; for they have provoked thee, O Lord. But let all that trust on thee be glad in thee: they shall exult for ever, and thou shalt dwell among them; and all that love thy name shall rejoice in thee. For thou, Lord, shalt bless the righteous: thou hast compassed us as with a shield of favour.

Psalm 89

Lord, thou hast been our refuge in all generations. Before the mountains existed, and before the earth and the world were formed, even from age to age, Thou art. Turn not man back to his low place, whereas thou saidst, Return, ye sons of men? For a thousand years in thy sight are as the yesterday which is past, and as a watch in the night. Years shall be vanity to them: let the morning pass away as grass. In the morning let it flower, and pass away: in the evening let it droop, let it be withered and dried up. For we have perished in thine anger, and in thy wrath we have been troubled. Thou hast set our transgressions before thee: our age is in the light of thy countenance. For all our days are gone, and we have passed away in thy wrath: our years have spun out their tale as a spider. As for the days of our years, in them are seventy years; and if men should be in strength, eighty years: and the greater part of them would be labour and trouble; for weakness overtakes us, and we shall be chastened. Who knows the power of thy wrath? and who knows how to number his days because of the fear of thy wrath? So manifest thy right hand, and those that are instructed in wisdom in the heart. Return, O Lord, how long? and be intreated concerning thy servants. We have been satisfied in the morning with thy mercy; and we did exult and rejoice: let us rejoice in all our days, in return for the days wherein thou didst afflict us, the years wherein we saw evil. And look upon thy servants, and upon thy works; and guide their children. And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us: and do thou direct for us the works of our hands.

Psalm 100

I will sing to thee, O Lord, of mercy and judgment; I will sing a psalm, and I will be wise in a blameless way. When wilt thou come to me? I walked in the innocence of my heart, in the midst of my house. I have not set before mine eyes any unlawful ting; I have hated transgressors. A perverse heart has not cleaved to me; I have not known an evil man, forasmuch as he turns away from me. Him that privily speaks against his neighbour, him have I driven from me: he that is proud in look and insatiable in heart, — with him I have not eaten. Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walked in a perfect way, the same ministered to me. The proud doer dwelt not in the midst of my house; the unjust speaker prospered not in my sight. Early did I slay all the sinners of the land, that I might destroy out of the city of the Lord all that work iniquity.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory be to Thee, O God. (3)

Kyrie eleison. (3)

Tone 6

In the morning hearken unto my voice, O my king and my God.

Verse: Hearken to my words, O Lord, attend to my cry.

In the morning hearken unto my voice, O my king and my God.

Verse: For to thee, O Lord, will I pray.

In the morning hearken unto my voice, O my king and my God.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

Theotokion

What shall we call thee, O Full of grace? Heaven? For thou hast made the Sun of Righteousness to rise. Paradise? For thou hast blossomed the flower of incorruption Virgin? For thou hast remained inviolate. Pure Mother? For thou hast held in thy holy embrace a Son who is God of all. Beseech Him for the salvation of our souls.

And then

Order my steps according to Thy word, and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

Deliver me from the false accusation of men, and I will keep Thy commandments.

Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant, and teach me Thy statutes.

Let my mouth be filled with Thy praise, O Lord, that I may sing Thy glory and majesty all the day long.

The Last verse is said three times

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the 4^th week of Great Lent, instead of the verses "Order my steps according to Thy word..." we sing the following in Tone 2:

Thy Cross, O Master, do we venerate, and Thy holy Resurrection we glorify.

Then

O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake.

Kyrie eleison. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

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.

READER: Amen.

On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday:

The Most glorious Mother of God, more holy than the holy angels, let us hymn unceasingly with our heart and mouth, confessing her to be the Theotokos, for verily she didst give birth to God incarnate, and dost pray unceasingly for our souls.

On Wednesday and Friday:

Hasten to our aid, before we be enslaved to the enemies that blaspheme Thee and threaten us, O Christ our God. Destroy by Thy Cross them that war against us, let them learn the might of the Orthodox Faith; through the intercessions of the Mother of God, O only Lover of mankind.

On Saturday

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.

During the 4^th week of Great Lent we say the Kontakion for the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross.

Tone 7

No longer does the flaming sword guard the gate of Eden, for a marvelous quenching is come upon it, even the Tree of the Cross. The sting has been taken from death, and the victory from Hades. And, thou, O my Saviour, hast appeared unto those in Hades saying: Enter again into Paradise.

Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. (40)

O Thou, who at all times and every hour, art worshipped and glorified, Christ our God, who art long-suffering, plenteous in mercy and ever-compassionate, who lovest the righteous and hast mercy upon sinners, who callest all to salvation through the promise of the blessings to come: Do Thou, O Lord, at this very hour accept our supplications, and direct our lives in the way of Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, purify our bodies, correct our reasoning, cleanse our thoughts: and deliver us from all affliction, evil and pain. Compass us about with Thy holy angels, that being guarded and guided by their interposition, we mat attain unto the unity of the faith, and to the knowledge of Thine unapproachable glory: For blessed art Thou, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Kyrie eleison. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

More honourable than the cherubim and past compare more glorious than the seraphim, who inviolate didst bear God the Word, very Mother of God, thee we magnify.

In the name of the Lord, Father, give the blessing.

PRIEST

God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us and have mercy upon us.

The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian. After each verse we make a deep prostration.

O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despondency, lust for power, and vain words.

But the spirit of integrity, humility, patience and love, grant unto me Thy servant.

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me awareness of my own sins and let me not judge my brother: for blessed art Thou for ever and ever. Amen.

Then we make 12 small prostrations each saying to himself: O God, be gracious unto me, a sinner and have mercy upon me. Then the last verse of the prayer is repeated with another deep prostration.

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me awareness of my own sins and let me not judge my brother: for blessed art Thou for ever and ever. Amen.

READER

O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake.

Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

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.

READER: Amen.

Kyrie eleison (12)

PRIEST

O Christ, the true light who enlightens and sanctifies every man that comes into the world, let the light of thy countenance be signed upon us, that in it we may behold the unapproachable light, and direct our steps to doing thy commandments, at the prayers of thy most pure Mother and of all the saints.

READER: Amen.

The Third Hour

O come, let us worship and bow down before our King and our God.

O come, let us worship and bow down before Christ our King and our God.

O come, let us worship and bow down before the very Christ our King and our God.

Psalm 16

O Lord of my righteousness, attend to my petition; give ear to my prayer not uttered with deceitful lips. Let my judgment come forth from thy presence; let mine eyes behold righteousness. Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me by night; thou hast tried me as with fire, and unrighteousness has not been found in me: I am purposed that my mouth shall not speak amiss. As for the works of men, by the words of thy lips I have guarded myself from hard ways. Direct my steps in thy paths, that my steps slip not. I have cried, for thou heardest me, O God: incline thine ear to me, and hearken to my words. Shew the marvels of thy mercies, thou that savest them that hope in thee. Keep me as the apple of the eye from those that resist thy right hand: thou shalt screen me by the covering of thy wings, from the face of the ungodly that have afflicted me: mine enemies have compassed about my soul. They have enclosed themselves with their own fat: their mouth has spoken pride. They have now cast me out and compassed me round about: they have set their eyes so as to bow them down to the ground. They laid wait for me as a lion ready for prey, and like a lion's whelp dwelling in secret places. Arise, O Lord, prevent them, and cast them down: deliver my soul from the ungodly: draw thy sword, because of the enemies of thine hand: O Lord, destroy them from the earth; scatter them in their life, though their belly has been filled with thy hidden treasures: they have been satisfied with uncleanness, and have left the remnant of their possessions to their babes. But I shall appear in righteousness before thy face: I shall be satisfied when thy glory appears.

Psalm 24

To thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul. O my God, I have trusted in thee: let me not be confounded, neither let mine enemies laugh me to scorn. For none of them that wait on thee shall in any wise be ashamed: let them be ashamed that transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O Lord; and teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art God my Saviour: and I have waited on thee all the day. Remember thy compassions, O Lord, and thy mercies, for they are from everlasting. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my sins of ignorance: remember me according to thy mercy, for thy goodness' sake, O Lord. Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he instruct sinners in the way. The meek will he guide in judgment: the meek will he teach his ways. All the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth to them that seek his covenant and his testimonies. For thy name's sake, O Lord, do thou also be merciful to my sin; for it is great. Who is the man that fears the Lord? he shall instruct him in the way which he has chosen. His soul shall dwell in prosperity; and his seed shall inherit the earth. The Lord is the strength of them that fear him; and his covenant is to manifest truth to them. Mine eyes are continually to the Lord; for he shall draw my feet out of the snare. Look upon me, and have mercy upon me; for I am an only child and poor. The afflictions of my heart have been multiplied; deliver me from my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my trouble; and forgive all my sins. Look upon mine enemies; for they have been multiplied; and they have hated me with unjust hatred. Keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I have hoped in thee. The harmless and upright joined themselves to me: for I waited for thee, O Lord. Deliver Israel, O God, out of all his afflictions.

Psalm 50

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I am conscious of mine iniquity; and my sin is continually before me. Against thee only have I sinned, and done evil before thee: that thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged. For, behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother conceive me. For, behold, thou lovest truth: thou hast manifested to me the secret and hidden things of thy wisdom. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be purified: thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt cause me to hear gladness and joy: the afflicted bones shall rejoice. Turn away thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit in my inward parts. Cast me not away from thy presence; and remove not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of thy salvation: establish me with thy directing Spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and ungodly men shall turn to thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation: and my tongue shall joyfully declare thy righteousness. O Lord, thou shalt open my lips; and my mouth shall declare thy praise. For if thou desiredst sacrifice, I would have given it: thou wilt not take pleasure in whole-burnt-offerings. Sacrifice to God is a broken spirit: a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, to Sion in thy good pleasure; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. 19 (50:19) Then shalt thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, offering, and whole-burnt-sacrifices: then shall they offer calves upon thine altar.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory be to Thee, O God. (3)

Kyrie eleison. (3)

O Lord, who at the third hour didst send down Thy Most-holy Spirit upon Thine apostles: Take Him not from us, O Good One, but renew Him in us who pray unto Thee.

Verse: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit in my inward parts.

O Lord, who at the third hour didst send down Thy Most-holy Spirit upon Thine apostles: Take Him not from us, O Good One, but renew Him in us who pray unto Thee.

Verse: Cast me not away from thy presence; and remove not thy Holy Spirit from me.

O Lord, who at the third hour didst send down Thy Most-holy Spirit upon Thine apostles: Take Him not from us, O Good One, but renew Him in us who pray unto Thee.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

Theotokion

O Mother of God, thou art the true vine, that has brought forth the fruit of life. Thee we beseech, O Lady, intercede together with the Apostles and all the Saints, that God have mercy upon our souls.

Blessed be the Lord God, blessed be the Lord day by day; the God of our salvation shall prosper us along the way. Our God is the God of salvation.

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the 4^th week of Great Lent, instead of the verses " O Lord, who at the third hour didst send down..." we sing the following in Tone 2:

Thy Cross, O Master, do we venerate, and Thy holy Resurrection we glorify.

Then

O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake.

Kyrie eleison. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

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.

READER: Amen.

Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast made manifest the fishermen as most wise, By sending down upon them the Holy Ghost, And by them hast drawn the world into Thy net. O Lover of mankind, glory to Thee.

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

Grant speedy and steadfast consolation unto thy servants, O Jesus, when our spirits are become despondent. Depart not from our souls when they be in afflictions, neither do thou distance thyself from our minds when in tribulations, but do thou ever attend unto us. Draw nigh unto us, draw nigh, O thou who art everywhere present: even as thou wast ever with Thine apostles, so also do thou unite thyself to them that long for thee, O Compassionate One, that, being united with Thee, we may praise and glorify Thine All-Holy Spirit.

Now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

Thou art, O immaculate Mother of God, the hope and protection and refuge of Christians, the unassailable wall, the peaceful haven of those in distress, but as thou dost save the world through thine unceasing intercession, remember us also, O all-lauded Virgin.

During the 4^th week of Great Lent we say the Kontakion for the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross.

Tone 7

Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. (40)

Kyrie eleison. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

More honourable than the cherubim and past compare more glorious than the seraphim, who inviolate didst bear God the Word, very Mother of God, thee we magnify.

In the name of the Lord, Father, give the blessing.

PRIEST

God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us and have mercy upon us.

The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian. After each verse we make a deep prostration.

O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despondency, lust for power, and vain words.

But the spirit of integrity, humility, patience and love, grant unto me Thy servant.

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me awareness of my own sins and let me not judge my brother: for blessed art Thou for ever and ever. Amen.

Then we make 12 small prostrations each saying to himself: O God, be gracious unto me, a sinner and have mercy upon me. Then the last verse of the prayer is repeated with another deep prostration.

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me awareness of my own sins and let me not judge my brother: for blessed art Thou for ever and ever. Amen.

READER

O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake.

Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

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.

READER: Amen.

Kyrie eleison (12)

PRIEST

O God the Master, Father Almighty, O only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ and thou, O Holy Spirit, one Godhead, one Power, have mercy upon me a sinner, and by the judgements known to thee, save me thine unworthy servant; for blessed art thou unto the ages of ages.

READER: Amen.

The Sixth Hour

O come, let us worship and bow down before our King and our God.

O come, let us worship and bow down before Christ our King and our God.

O come, let us worship and bow down before the very Christ our King and our God.

Psalm 53

Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy might. O God, hear my prayer; hearken to the words of my mouth. For strangers have risen up against me, and mighty men have sought my life: they have not set God before them. For lo! God assists me; and the Lord is the helper of my soul. He shall return evil to mine enemies; utterly destroy them in thy truth. I will willingly sacrifice to thee: I will give thanks to thy name, O Lord; for it is good. For thou hast delivered me out of all affliction, and mine eye has seen my desire upon mine enemies.

Psalm 54

Hearken, O God, to my prayer; and disregard not my supplication. Attend to me, and hearken to me: I was grieved in my meditation, and troubled; because of the voice of the enemy, and because of the oppression of the sinner: for they brought iniquity against me, and were wrathfully angry with me. My heart was troubled within me; and the fear of death fell upon me. Fear and trembling came upon me, and darkness covered me. And I said, O that I had wings as those of a dove! then would I flee away, and be at rest. Lo! I have fled afar off, and lodged in the wilderness. I waited for him that should deliver me from distress of spirit and tempest. Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues: for I have seen iniquity and gain saying in the city. Day and night he shall go round about it upon its walls: iniquity and sorrow and unrighteousness are in the midst of it; and usury and craft have not failed from its streets. For if an enemy had reproached me, I would have endured it; and if one who hated me had spoken vauntingly against me, I would have hid myself from him. But thou, O man like minded, my guide, and my acquaintance, who in companionship with me sweetened our food: we walked in the house of God in concord. Let death come upon them, and let them go down alive into Hades, for iniquity is in their dwellings, in the midst of them. I cried to God, and the Lord hearkened to me. Evening, and morning, and at noon I will declare and make known my wants: and he shall hear my voice. He shall deliver my soul in peace from them that draw nigh to me: for they were with me in many cases. God shall hear, and bring them low, even he that has existed from eternity. Pause. For they suffer no reverse, and therefore they have not feared God. He has reached forth his hand for retribution; they have profaned his covenant. They were scattered at the anger of his countenance, and his heart drew nigh them. His words were smoother than oil, yet are they darts. Cast thy care upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee; he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. But thou, O God, shalt bring them down to the pit of destruction; bloody and crafty men shall not live out half their days; but I will hope in thee, O Lord.

Psalm 90

He that dwells in the help of the Highest, shall sojourn under the shelter of the God of heaven. He shall say to the Lord, Thou art my helper and my refuge: my God; I will hope in him. For he shall deliver thee from the snare of the hunters, from every troublesome matter. He shall overshadow thee with his shoulders, and thou shalt trust under his wings: his truth shall cover thee with a shield. Thou shalt not be afraid of terror by night; nor of the arrow flying by day; nor of the evil thing that walks in darkness; nor of calamity, and the evil spirit at noon-day. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou observe and see the reward of sinners. For thou, O Lord, art my hope: thou, my soul, hast made the Most High thy refuge. No evils shall come upon thee, and no scourge shall draw night to thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge concerning thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up on their hands, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread on the asp and basilisk: and thou shalt trample on the lion and dragon. For he has hoped in me, and I will deliver him: I will protect him, because he has known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will hearken to him: I am with him in affliction; and I will deliver him, and glorify him. I will satisfy him with length of days, and shew him my salvation.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory be to Thee, O God. (3)

Kyrie eleison. (3)

O Thou Who on the sixth day and hour didst nail upon the Cross Adam's defying sin in paradise, do thou also tear asunder the record of our sins, O Christ God, and save us.

Verse: Hearken, O God, to my prayer; and disregard not my supplication.

O Thou Who on the sixth day and hour didst nail upon the Cross Adam's defying sin in paradise, do thou also tear asunder the record of our sins, O Christ God, and save us.

Verse: I cried to God, and the Lord hearkened to me.

O Thou Who on the sixth day and hour didst nail upon the Cross Adam's defying sin in paradise, do thou also tear asunder the record of our sins, O Christ God, and save us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

Theotokion

In that we have no boldness because of our many sins, do thou, O Virgin Mother of God, intercede with the One born of thee, for a Mother's prayer has great strength to win the favour of the Master. Despise not the prayers of sinners, O most honourable, for he, who for our sake, willingly accepted to suffer, is merciful and able to save.

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the 4^th week of Great Lent, instead of the verses "O Thou Who on the sixth day..." we sing the following in Tone 2:

Thy Cross, O Master, do we venerate, and Thy holy Resurrection we glorify.

We then read the Troparion of the Prophecy (Look in the Triodion at the day and week of the service) the Prokheimenon, the Prophecy and again the Prokheimenon.

Then the following:

Let thy compassion speedily come to us, O Lord, for we are greatly impoverished; help us, O God our Saviour, for the glory of thy name, O Lord, deliver us and have mercy upon our sins for thy name's sake.

O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake.

Kyrie eleison (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

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.

READER: Amen.

Thou hast wrought salvation in the midst of the earth, O Christ God; Thou didst stretch out Thine immaculate hands upon the Cross, thereby gathering all the nations that cry to Thee: O Lord, glory be to Thee.

Glory...

We venerate Thy most pure Icon, O Good One, asking forgiveness of our transgressions, O Christ our God, for of Thine own will Thou wast pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, so that Thou mightest deliver from the bondage of the enemy those whom Thou didst fashion. Therefore in thanksgiving we cry aloud to Thee. Thou hast filled all things with joy, our Saviour, who didst come to save the world.

Now and for ever...

Theotokion

On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday:

Being the source of mercy, vouchsafe unto us thy compassion, O Mother of God. Look down upon thy people who have sinned: make manifest as always thy power; for hoping in thee we cry to thee hail, as aforetime did Gabriel, the commander of the bodiless hosts.

On Wednesday and Friday:

We hymn thee, O Virgin Mother of God, who art most glorious, for through the Cross of thy Son, Hades hast been cast down and death hast deceased, we who are dead have risen, and have been vouchsafed life, we have received Paradise, our ancient delight, therefore in thanksgiving we glorify Christ our God as almighty and only most merciful.

During the 4^th week of Great Lent we say the Kontakion for the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross.

Tone 7

Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. (40)

Kyrie eleison. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

More honourable than the cherubim and past compare more glorious than the seraphim, who inviolate didst bear God the Word, very Mother of God, thee we magnify.

In the name of the Lord, Father, give the blessing.

PRIEST

God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us and have mercy upon us.

The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian. After each verse we make a deep prostration.

O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despondency, lust for power, and vain words.

But the spirit of integrity, humility, patience and love, grant unto me Thy servant.

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me awareness of my own sins and let me not judge my brother: for blessed art Thou for ever and ever. Amen.

Then we make 12 small prostrations each saying to himself: O God, be gracious unto me, a sinner and have mercy upon me. Then the last verse of the prayer is repeated with another deep prostration.

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me awareness of my own sins and let me not judge my brother: for blessed art Thou for ever and ever. Amen.

READER

O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake.

Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

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.

READER: Amen.

Kyrie eleison (12)

PRIEST

O God and Lord of hosts, and author of all creation, who in thine incomparable tender mercy didst send thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the salvation of our race, and through his precious Cross didst tear up the record of our sins, and thereby triumphed over the principalities and powers of darkness; Do thou, O Master who lovest mankind, also accept from us sinners these prayers of thanksgiving and supplication, and deliver us from every dark and deadly transgression, and from every visible and invisible enemies that seek to do us harm. Nail our flesh with fear of thee, and incline not our hearts to evil words or thoughts, but would our souls with desire for thee, that ever gazing upon thee and guided by thy light and beholding thee, the everlasting light that no man can approach, we may ascribe unceasing praise and thanksgiving to thee, the Father without beginning, together with thine only-begotten Son and thy most holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever: world without end.

READER: Amen.

The Ninth Hour

O come, let us worship and bow down before our King and our God.

O come, let us worship and bow down before Christ our King and our God.

O come, let us worship and bow down before the very Christ our King and our God.

Psalm 83

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, and faints for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh have exulted in the living god. Yea, the sparrow has found himself a home, and the turtle-dove a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will praise thee evermore. Blessed is the man whose help is of thee, O Lord; in his heart he has purposed to go up the valley of weeping, to the place which he has appointed, for there the law-giver will grant blessings. They shall go from strength to strength: the God of gods shall be seen in Sion. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: hearken, O God of Jacob. Behold, O God our defender, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For one day in thy courts is better than thousands. I would rather be an abject in the house of God, than dwell in the tents of sinners. For the Lord loves mercy and truth: God will give grace and glory: the Lord will not withhold good things from them that walk in innocence. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusts in thee.

Psalm 84

O Lord, thou has taken pleasure in thy land: thou hast turned back the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven thy people their transgressions; thou has covered all their sins. Pause. Thou has caused all thy wrath to cease: thou hast turned from thy fierce anger. Turn us, O God of our salvation, and turn thy anger away from us. Wouldest thou be angry with us for ever? or wilt thou continue thy wrath from generation to generation? O God, thou wilt turn and quicken us; and thy people shall rejoice in thee. Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation. I will hear what the Lord God will say concerning me: for he shall speak peace to his people, and to his saints, and to those that turn their heart toward him. Moreover his salvation is near them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met together: righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth has sprung out of the earth; and righteousness has looked down from heaven. For the Lord will give goodness; and our land shall yield her fruit. Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set his steps in the way.

Psalm 85

O Lord, incline thine ear, and hearken to me; for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul, for I am holy; save thy servant, O God, who hopes in thee. Pity me, O Lord: for to thee will I cry all the day. Rejoice the sold of thy servant: for to thee, O Lord, have I lifted up my soul. For thou, O Lord, art kind, and gentle; and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon thee. Give ear to my prayer, o Lord; and attend to the voice of my supplication. In the day of my trouble I cried to thee: for thou didst hear me. There is none like to thee, O Lord, among the god; and there are no works like to thy works. All nations whom thou hast made shall come, and shall worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and doest wonders: thou art the only and the great God. Guide me, O Lord, in thy way, and I will walk in thy truth: let my heart rejoice, that I may fear thy name. I will give thee thanks, O Lord my God, with all my heart; and I will glorify thy name for ever. For thy mercy is great toward me; and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. O God, transgressors have risen up against me, and an assembly of violent men have sought my life; and have not set thee before them. But thou, O Lord God, art compassionate and merciful, long-suffering, and abundant in mercy and true. Look thou upon me, and have mercy upon me: give thy strength to thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid. Establish with me a token for good; and let them that hate me see it and be ashamed; because thou, O Lord, hast helped me, and comforted me.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory be to Thee, O God. (3)

Kyrie eleison. (3)

O Thou Who at the ninth hour for our sake didst taste of death in the flesh, mortify our carnal mind, O Christ God and save us.

Verse: Let my supplication come near before thee, o Lord; instruct me according to thine oracle.

O Thou Who at the ninth hour for our sake didst taste of death in the flesh, mortify our carnal mind, O Christ God and save us.

Verse: Let my petition come in before thee, O Lord; deliver me according to thine oracle.

O Thou Who at the ninth hour for our sake didst taste of death in the flesh, mortify our carnal mind, O Christ God and save us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

Theotokion

O Thou, O Good One, who for us was born of a Virgin and didst suffer crucifixion, and by death didst destroy death, and as God didst reveal resurrection: Despise not those whom Thou hast created with Thine own hand. Show forth Thy love for mankind, O Merciful. Accept the intercessions of the Mother of God who gave Thee birth, and save, O Saviour, a people in despair.

For Thy holy Name’s sake, do not utterly forsake us, and dispel not Thy covenant, and take not Thy mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham, beloved of Thee, and for the sake of Isaac, Thy servant, and of Israel, Thy holy one.

On Monday, Wednesday and Friday of the 4^th week of Great Lent, instead of the verses " O Thou Who at the ninth hour..." we sing the following in Tone 2:

Thy Cross, O Master, do we venerate, and Thy holy Resurrection we glorify.

Then

O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake.

Kyrie eleison (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

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.

READER: Amen.

The Thief seeing the prince of life hanging on the Cross, said: If he who is crucified with us were not God incarnate, the sun would not have hidden its rays, nor would the shaken earth be quaking. But thou who didst bear all things, Remember me, O Lord, in thy kingdom.

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

Between two thieves thy Cross became the scales of justice: the one was dragged down to hell by the weight of his blasphemy, but the other lightened of his faults was raised to the knowledge of the things of God. Christ God, glory to thee.

Now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

Seeing the Lamb and Shepherd and Saviour of the world on the Cross, she who bore Him said weeping: The world rejoices, for it receives redemption; but my inward parts burn as I see thy crucifixion, which thou didst endure for all mankind, O my Son and my God.

Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. (40)

Kyrie eleison. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

More honourable than the cherubim and past compare more glorious than the seraphim, who inviolate didst bear God the Word, very Mother of God, thee we magnify.

In the name of the Lord, Father, give the blessing.

PRIEST

God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us and have mercy upon us.

The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian. After each verse we make a deep prostration.

O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despondency, lust for power, and vain words.

But the spirit of integrity, humility, patience and love, grant unto me Thy servant.

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me awareness of my own sins and let me not judge my brother: for blessed art Thou for ever and ever. Amen.

Then we make 12 small prostrations each saying to himself: O God, be gracious unto me, a sinner and have mercy upon me. Then the last verse of the prayer is repeated with another deep prostration.

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me awareness of my own sins and let me not judge my brother: for blessed art Thou for ever and ever. Amen.

And then

Choir 1.

In thy kingdom remember us, Lord, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Remember us, Lord, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Choir 2.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for their’s is the kingdom of heaven.

Remember us, Lord, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Choir 1.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

Remember us, Lord, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Choir 2.

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

Remember us, Lord, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Choir 1.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Remember us, Lord, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Choir 2.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Remember us, Lord, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Choir 1.

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Remember us, Lord, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Choir 2.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

Remember us, Lord, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Choir 1.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for their’s is the kingdom of heaven.

Remember us, Lord, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Choir 2.

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

Remember us, Lord, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Choir 1.

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

Remember us, Lord, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Choir 2.

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

Remember us, Lord, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Choir 1.

Now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

Remember us, Lord, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Choir 2.

Remember us, Lord, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Choir 1.

Remember us, Master, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

Choir 2.

Remember us, Holy One, when thou comest into thy kingdom.

The Reader continues:

The heavenly choir hymns thee saying: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth, heaven and earth are full of thy glory.

Verse:

Draw near to him, and be enlightened: and your faces shall not by any means be ashamed.

The heavenly choir hymns thee saying: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth, heaven and earth are full of thy glory.

Glory...

The choir of the holy Angels and Archangels with all the heavenly Powers hymns thee saying: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth, heaven and earth are full of thy glory.

Now and ever...

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son of God, Begotten of the Father before all 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 the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spake by the Prophets.

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.

Forgive, remit, and pardon, our transgressions, O God, voluntary and involuntary, in deed and in word, in knowledge and in ignorance, committed by night or by day, those in mind and thought; forgive us them all, for thou art good and lovest mankind.

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.

READER: Amen.

During the 4^th week of Great Lent we say the Kontakion for the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross.

Tone 7

During the other weeks of Great Lent we say the following Kontakion:

KONTAKION OF THE TRANSFIGURATION

Thou wast transfigured upon the mountain, and Thy disciples beheld Thy glory, O Christ our God, as far as they were able so to do: that when they saw Thee crucified, they might know that Thy suffering was voluntary, and might proclaim unto the world that Thou art truly the Brightness of the Father.

The Kontakion of the day

On Monday, of the Archangels

Supreme Leaders of the hosts of God and ministers of the divine glory, princes of the bodiless angels and guides of men, ask for what is profitable for us and great mercy, as Supreme leaders of the bodiless hosts.

Chief captains of God, ministers of divine glory, guides of mankind and princes of the Bodiless ones, ask for what is for our good and for great mercy, as Chief Captains of the Bodiless ones.

On Tuesday, of the Forerunner

O Prophet of God and Forerunner of Grace, having obtained thy head from the earth as a most sacred rose, we are always receiving healings; for as of old in the world, thou still preachest repentance.

On Thursday, of the Apostles

Τοὺς ἀσφαλεῖς, καὶ θεοφθόγγους κήρυκας, τὴν κορυφὴν τῶν Μαθητῶν σου, Κύριε, προσελάβου εἰς ἀπόλαυσιν, τῶν ἀγαθῶν σου καὶ ἀνάπαυσιν· τοὺς πόνους γὰρ ἐκείνων καὶ τὸν θάνατον, ἐδέξω ὑπὲρ πᾶσαν ὁλοκάρπωσιν, ὁ μόνος γινώσκων τὰ ἐγκάρδια.

O Lord, thou hast taken to the enjoyment of thy blessings and rest, the unfailing and God-inspired preachers, the chiefs of thy disciples. For thou hast accepted their labours and death above every burnt offering, O Thou Who alone knowest the secrets of our hearts.

Another for St. Nicholas (on this day)

Kontakion Tone 3 (Today the Virgin)

To the people of Myra, thou wast revealed, O holy one, a true priest fulfilling the Gospel of Christ, for thou didst lay down thy soul for thy people, thou didst save those who were innocent from death: therefore thou wast sanctified as a great mystic of the grace of God.

On Wednesday and Friday

Kontakion of the Cross

Tone 4

Lifted up of Thine own will upon the Cross, do Thou bestow Thy compassions upon the new commonwealth, that bears Thy name, O Christ our God, Make glad with Thy strength, our pious rulers, granting them victory over their enemies; may they have as an alliance, that invincible trophy, Thy weapon of peace.

The Kontakion of the saint to whom the church is dedicated.

The Martyrikon of the day in the tone of the week. (see at the end of the Triodion after the 1^st Kathisma).

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

With the saints give rest, O Christ, to the souls of Thy servants, where there is no pain, nor sorrow, nor any sighing, but life everlasting.

Now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

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.

Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. (40)

Kyrie eleison. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

More honourable than the cherubim and past compare more glorious than the seraphim, who inviolate didst bear God the Word, very Mother of God, thee we magnify.

In the name of the Lord, Father, give the blessing.

PRIEST

God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us and have mercy upon us.

The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian. After each verse we make a deep prostration.

O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despondency, lust for power, and vain words.

But the spirit of integrity, humility, patience and love, grant unto me Thy servant.

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me awareness of my own sins and let me not judge my brother: for blessed art Thou for ever and ever. Amen.

Then we make 12 small prostrations each saying to himself: O God, be gracious unto me, a sinner and have mercy upon me. Then the last verse of the prayer is repeated with another deep prostration.

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me awareness of my own sins and let me not judge my brother: for blessed art Thou for ever and ever. Amen.

O Lord and Master, Jesus Christ our God, who art patient with our transgressions, and hast brought us even to this present hour, in which, as Thou didst hang upon the life-giving tree, Thou didst open the way to Paradise for the grateful thief, and by death didst destroy death: Do Thou also have mercy upon us sinners, Thine unworthy servants. For we have sinned and transgressed, and are not worthy to lift up our eyes and look upon the heights of heaven: for we have abandoned the way of Thy righteousness, and have walked after the desires of our own hearts. But we beseech Thy boundless goodness. Spare us, O Lord, according to the multitude of Thy mercy, and save us for Thy holy Name’s sake; for our days have passed away in vanity; deliver us from the hand of the adversary, and forgive us our sins, and eradicate our carnal imagination, that putting off the old man, we may put on the new man and live unto Thee, our Master and benefactor, and following in Thy commandments we may attain unto eternal rest, where is the abode of all those that rejoice. For verily Thou art the true joy and gladness of them that love Thee, 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.

And immediately begins Vespers (without the Presanctified Liturgy)

But if the Presanctified Liturgy is to be served then after the prayer "O Lord and Master..."

O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake.

Kyrie eleison (3)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

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.

READER: Amen.

Kyrie eleison (12)

PRIEST

O most holy Trinity, consubstantial Power, undivided Kingship, the cause of all good, be gracious even to me, a sinner. Confirm and instruct my heart and take away from me every defilement. Enlighten my mind, that I may ever glorify, praise and worship Thee, saying: One only is holy, One only is the Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. CHOIR: Amen.

The Holy doors are opened and the priest gives the small dismissal

PRIEST: Glory be to Thee, O Christ our God and our hope, glory be to Thee.

CHOIR: Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.

Kyrie eleison [3]. Holy Father, give the blessing.

PRIEST:

May Christ our true God, by the prayers of His most holy Mother; of the holy and all-glorious Apostles and of all the saints, have mercy upon us, and save our souls: For He is good and loving-kind.

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

CHOIR: Amen.

And so begins the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts