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THE SERVICE OF HOLY UNCTION 

 

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THE SERVICE OF HOLY UNCTION

Served by seven Priests in Church or in a home.

 

A table is set up in the centre of the solea with an icon of our Lord Jesus Christ or of our Lady Mother of God and a vessel with wheat or flour in which is placed a vigil lamp with wine and oil. The Priests stand behind the table facing the people and the Priest first in order begins the service saying:  

 

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

READER: Amen.

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.

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 or Lord have mercy. [12]

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

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 142

Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications: in Thy faithfulness answer me, and in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgement with Thy servant: for in Thy sight shall no man be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have long been dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy works; I muse on the work of Thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto Thee: my soul thirsteth after Thee, as a thirsty land. Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth: hide not Thy face from me, lest I be like them that go down to the pit. Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto Thee to hide me. Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God: Thy Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O Lord, for Thy name’s sake: for Thy righteousness’ sake: bring my soul out of trouble. And of Thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am Thy servant.

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

CHOIR: Kyrie eleison [3]

DEACON: Again we pray for the servants of God, all our fathers and brethren here present and praying with us and that the grace of the Holy Spirit may come upon them.   

CHOIR: Kyrie eleison [3]

PRIEST

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.

Alleluia. Alleluia, Alleluia.

 Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger, neither chasten me in Thy wrath.

Alleluia. Alleluia, Alleluia. 

Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak.

Alleluia. Alleluia, Alleluia. 

Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for destitute of all defence, we sinners, O Master, offer unto Thee this prayer. Have mercy upon us.

Glory...

O Lord, have mercy upon us, for in Thee have we put our trust. Be not altogether wroth with us, neither remember our iniquities, but inasmuch as Thou art merciful, look down upon us even now, and deliver us from our enemies. For Thou art our God and we are Thy people. We all are the work of Thy hands, and we call upon Thy name.

Now and for ever...

Open the gate of compassion unto us, O blessed Mother of God, so that hoping in thee we shall not fail, but through thee may we be delivered from all adversity; for thou art the salvation of all Christian peoples.

Psalm 50

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgression, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight; that Thou mightest be justified in Thy sayings, and mightest overcome when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou revealed to me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed: Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that are humbled 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 within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and stablish me with Thy sovereign spirit. I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn again to Thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall shew forth Thy praise. For hadst Thou desired sacrifice, I would have given it; Thou wilt not delight in whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, oblation and whole burnt offerings: then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

 

 THE CANON

Ode 1 Tone 4

O Master Christ, have mercy upon thy servants.
With the oil of thy compassion, O Master, thou dost ever make glad the souls and bodies of mortals and through oil dost preserve the faithful: Therefore through this oil, do thou also now have compassion on them that draw nigh unto thee.  

O Master Christ, have mercy upon thy servants.
The whole earth is filled with thy mercy, O Master: therefore we who today are mystically anointed with divine oil, beseech thee with faith to bestow upon us thine incomprehensible mercy.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
O Lover of mankind, who didst command thine Apostles to minister thy sacred anointing on thy servants in poor health; through their prayers have mercy on all by thy seal.
Now and for ever world without end.  Amen.
O Pure one, who alone art enriched with the ocean of peace, by thine unceasing prayers unto God, deliver thy servants from illnesses and sorrows, that they may unceasingly magnify thee.

 
Ode 3

O Master Christ, have mercy upon thy servants.
O Christ who alone art wondrous and merciful unto faithful men, do thou grant from on high thy grace unto those who are gravely ill.
O Master Christ, have mercy upon thy servants.
O Lord, who by thy divine dispensation, didst of old show forth with an olive branch that the flood had abated; through mercy save those that are suffering.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
With the lamp of divine light, O Christ, in thy mercy make glad, through the anointing, those who now in faith make haste to thy mercy.
Now and for ever world without end.  Amen.
Favourably look down from on high, O Mother of the Creator of all, and by thy prayers, release from bitter pain him those that are afflicted.

Kathisma. Tone 8

O Merciful, thou who art a divine river of mercy, an abyss of great compassion, make manifest the divine streams of thy mercy and heal all. Pour forth abundantly fountains of miracles, and wash all. For ever making haste unto Thee, we fervently entreat Thy grace.

Another
Tone 4, Lifted up of Thine own will upon the Cross

O physician and helper of those in pains, Deliverer and Saviour of those in sickness, do thou O Master and Lord of all, grant healing unto thine afflicted servants, have compassion and mercy on those with many transgressions, and deliver them from their errors that they may glorify thy divine power.

 
Ode 4

O Master Christ, have mercy upon thy servants.
As thou art, O Saviour, like an incorruptible myrrh, who through grace empties himself and cleanses the world,  have compassion and mercy on those who with divine faith anoint the bruises of the flesh.  
O Master Christ, have mercy upon thy servants.
Having sealed the senses of thy servants with the joyful seal of thy mercy, O Master, make impassable and inaccessible the entrance to all adverse powers
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
O Lover of mankind who hast commanded the sick to summon thy sacred ministers, that they may be saved through their prayers and the anointing of thy oil, through thy mercy save the suffering.  
Now and for ever world without end.  Amen.
Most holy ever-Virgin Mother of God, my steadfast shelter and protector, haven and rampart, ladder and bulwark, have mercy and compassion, for unto thee alone do we seek refuge.

 
Ode 5

O Master Christ, have mercy upon thy servants.
O Good and Merciful, who art an abyss of mercy, by thy divine oil have mercy on those that suffer, for thou art compassionate.
O Master Christ, have mercy upon thy servants.
O Christ, who with the imprint of thy divine seal, from on high, hast ineffably sanctified our souls and bodies, heal us all by thy hand.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Most gracious Lord, through thy ineffable love, thou didst accept the anointing with myrrh by the harlot, have compassion on thy servants
Now and for ever world without end.  Amen.
O all-praised and most-gracious Lady, have mercy on those who are anointed with the divine oil and save thy supplicants. 

 
Ode 6

O Master Christ, have mercy upon thy servants.
By thy words thou hast shown, O Lover of mankind, that anointing with oil is for kings and this is performed by high priests; by thy seal do thou also save the suffering for thou art compassionate.
O Master Christ, have mercy upon thy servants.
Let no involvement of bitter demons touch the senses of those who are signed with divine anointing, O Saviour, but surround them with the protection of thy glory.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Stretch forth Thy hand from on high, O Lover of Mankind, and having sanctified thine Oil, O Saviour, grant it to thy supplicants for health and deliverance from every sickness.
Now and for ever world without end.  Amen.
With thy divine birth-giving, O Mother of the Creator, thou hast been shown forth as a fruitful olive tree, through which the world appeared full of mercy. Therefore by thine intercessions save those in suffering.  

 
KONTAKION
Tone 2

As thou art, O Most Gracious, a fountain of mercy, do thou, who art compassionate, deliver from every harm them that with fervent faith fall down before thine ineffable mercy, and taking away their diseases, grant them divine grace from on high.   

 
Ode 7

O Master Christ, have mercy upon thy servants.
O only God and Saviour, who in thy mercy and compassions dost heal all the passions of the soul and the failings of the body, Do thou, O Compassionate One, also heal those who are suffering from diseases.
O Master Christ, have mercy upon thy servants.
When the heads of all are anointed with the oil, grant the joy of gladness to those that seek the mercy of thy redemption in thine abundant mercy, O Lord. 
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Thy seal is a sword against demons, O Saviour, and the prayers of priests a fire consuming the passions of the soul, therefore we who have received healing hymn thee in faith.
Now and for ever world without end.  Amen.
O Mother of God, who didst receive in thy womb, in a manner meet for God, him who holds all things in the hollow of his hands and ineffably didst give him flesh: we beseech thee,  redeem those who suffer.

 
Ode 8

O Master Christ, have mercy upon thy servants.
Have mercy on all, O Saviour, according to thy great and divine mercy, for mystically imitating thy mercy, O Master, we bring the anointing with sacred oil for the sick whom do thou heal them all by thy power.
O Master Christ, have mercy upon thy servants.
With the streams of thy mercy, O Christ, and through the anointing of thy priests, wash away, O compassionate Lord, the pains and wounds and the grievous attacks from those consumed by passions, that through thy cleansing they may obtain strength. 
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Thy holy oil of gladness, O Master, is for us a sign of thy grace and help from on high,  do not take away thy mercy neither despise those who with faith incessantly cry aloud: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.
Now and for ever world without end.  Amen.
O pure one, nature hath received thy Divine offspring as a glorious crown, who crushed the ranks of the enemies and mightily defeated them. Therefore we, who are crowned with the joyful splendour of thy grace, hymn thee, O Lady, most praised.

 
Ode 9

O Master Christ, have mercy upon thy servants.
Look down from heaven, O Compassionate, and show forth thy mercy to all: bestow now thy help and strength to those who draw near to thee, through the divine anointing by thy priests, O Lover of mankind.  
O Master Christ, have mercy upon thy servants.
Rejoicing we have seen the divine oil, O Most Benevolent Saviour, which in thy divine condescension thou hast accepted, and formally distributed to those who have partaken of thy divine washing.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Show compassion, have mercy, O Saviour, deliver from sufferings and pains, rescue from the arrow of the evil one, the souls and bodies of thy servants, for thou art a merciful Lord, healing by thy divine grace.
Now and for ever world without end.  Amen.
As thou receivest the hymns and prayers of thy servants, O Virgin, through thine intercessions deliver from distressing pains and sufferings, those who through us, flee to thy divine protection, O Most Pure.
Meet it is in very truth to call thee blessed who didst bring forth God, ever blessed and most pure, and Mother of our God. 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.
DEACON: Again and again in peace let us pray unto the Lord.
CHOIR: Kyrie eleison.
DEACON: 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
For all the powers of heaven praise Thee, 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.

 
EXAPOSTILARION  

Tone 3 (Επεσκέψατο ημάς)

In thy mercy, O Good One, look down upon our supplication, for we are gathered here today, in thy holy temple, to anoint with divine oil, thy servants who are afflicted.

 

THE PRAISES

TONE 4 (Έδωκας σημείωσιν)

Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens: praise Him in the heights. To Thee belongeth the hymn, O God.

Praise the Lord from the heavens: praise Him in the heights. To thee belongeth the hymn, O God.

 

Ήχος δ΄

To execute upon them the judgement written: this honour have all His saints.

Through thine Apostles thou gavest* thy grace, O forgiving* Lover of mankind,* to heal with thy holy oil every wound and illness,* therefore, O Compassionate,* those who now with faith approach* thine oil do thou sanctify,* have mercy and cleanse from every infirmity,* and make worthy, O Lord, of thine* imperishable bliss. 

Praise God in the sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power.

O thou Incomprehensible,* merciful, Lover of mankind,* who with thy hand invisible,* dost seal our senses with thy divine oil.* Look down from heaven* on those who run to thee with faith,* seeking forgiveness of their sins,* and do thou grant them healing* of soul and body,* that with desire they may glorify thee,* magnifying thy dominion.

Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness..

Anointing with thy mercy and the touch of thy priests, O* Lover of mankind,* from on high do sanctify thy servants, O Saviour,* from illnesses deliver them,* wash and purify their souls,* deliver them from manifold temptations,* their pains do thou comfort,* avert all their obstacles,* remove all afflictions,* for thou art compassionate and merciful.   

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

I pray thee O most highly praised and most pure palace of the King,* my mind do thou purify,* which has been defiled,* with every sin,* and a pleasing dwelling make,* for the Most Holy Trinity,* that I thy wretched servant,* being saved may magnify,* thine infinite mercy* and thy dominion.   

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.

CHOIR: Amen.

 

Troparion Tone 4 (Ταχύ προκατάλαβε)

Alone art thou, O Christ, who quickly comes to our aid, from on high make manifest thy speedy response, to thy suffering servants, deliver them from diseases and terrible pains, raise them up to praise thee and to glorify thee ceaselessly, by the prayers of the Mother of God, O only Lover of mankind.

DEACON

In peace let us pray unto the Lord.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison. (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 (…..), 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 the people here present, who await the grace of the Holy Spirit, let us pray unto the Lord.

For this oil, that it may be sanctified by the descent, and might and operation of the Holy Spirit, let us pray unto the Lord.

For the servants of God who have come to this Holy Mystery, that God may visit them and that the grace of the Holy Spirit may come upon them, let us pray unto the Lord.

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

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

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

CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.

PRIEST

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.

The Priest will then recite the prayer of the Oil over the Vigil lamp.

DEACON: Let us pray unto the Lord.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison

PRAYER OF THE OIL

PRIEST

O Lord, who in thy mercy and thy compassions dost heal the disorders of our souls and bodies, do thou, O Master, sanctify this oil, that it may be to them that are anointed with it for healing and release from every passion, bodily illness, defilement of the body and spirit, and every evil, so that by this thy most holy name may be glorified, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

 

The Choir then sing the following troparia.

 

Tone 4 (Ταχύ προκατάλαβε)

Alone art thou, O Christ,* who quickly comes to our aid,* from on high make manifest* thy speedy response,* to thy suffering servants,* deliver them from diseases* and terrible pains,* raise them up to praise thee* and to glorify thee ceaselessly,* by the prayers of the Mother of God,* O only Lover of mankind.

  Tone 4 Thou hast appeared today (Επεφάνης σήμερον)

With the eyes of my soul,* I have become unseeing,* unto thee I come, O Christ,* as did the man that was born blind,* and in repentance I cry to thee,* for those in darkness* thou art the most resplendent light.

Tone 3 Today the Virgin (Η Παρθένος σήμερον)

Through sins of many kind,* and improper deeds,* O Lord, my soul has been* dreadfully paralyzed:* raise me up* by thy divine intervention,* as of old* thou didst raise up the Paralytic,* so that saved I may cry to thee,* O compassionate Christ,* glory to thy dominion.

  Tone 8 Apolytikion for St. James the Lord's Brother

As a disciple of the Lord, thou hast receive the Gospel, O righteous one, as a Martyr thou hast found eternal life, as the Lord's Brother thou hast boldness, as a hierarch thou hast the power of prayer. Intercede to Christ our God that he may save our souls.

  Tone 4 Kontakion for St. James the Lord's Brother

Lifted up of Thine own will (Ο υψωθείς εν τω Σταύρώ)

The Only-begotten Word of God the Father*, who in these latter days has dwelt among us,* appointed thee O divine James,* as the first shepherd and Teacher,* of Jerusalem, and a faithful steward* of the spiritual Mysteries:* therefore, O Apostle, we all honour thee.

Tone 3 Kontakion for St. Nicholas

Today the Virgin (Η Παρθένος σήμερον)

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.  

Tone 3 Apolytikion for St. Demetrios (Θείας πίστεως)

The world hath found in thee,* a great defender in times of need,* and a victor against the heathen, O Champion.* Wherefore as Lyaeus’ disdainfulness thou didst bring down* by reassuring Nestor in the stadium,* do thou, O holy and Greatmartyr Demetrios,* intercede to Christ our God* that He may grant unto us great mercy. 

Tone 3 Apolytikion for St. Panteleimon

O champion and healer saint Panteleimon,* beseech our merciful God* that He may grant unto our souls* the remission of sins.

Tone 8  Apolytikion for the Selfless Physicians

O holy wonder-workers and selfless physicians,* visit our infirmities,* freely ye have received,* freely give unto us.

Tone 2  Kontakion for St. John Theologian

Who can declare thy greatness, O Virgin, for thou pourest out wonders and dost bring forth streams of healings, and dost intercede for our souls, as the Theologian and friend of Christ.

Tone 2 (Τα άνω ζητών)

O fervent advocate, and fortress invincible, * the wellspring of mercy, the refuge of the world; * earnestly we cry to thee, O Lady, Mother of God, hasten thou, * and from all danger deliver us, * for thou alone art our hasty defender. 

 

1ST APOSTLE

READER: Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER: Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous.

DEACON: Wisdom

READER: 

The reading is from the General Epistle of St. James.

DEACON: Let us attend.

James 5:10-16

Brethren, take, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

PRIEST: Peace unto thee.

READER: And unto thy spirit.

CHOIR: Alleluia [3]. 

1ST GOSPEL

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

PRIEST: Peace unto all.

CHOIR: And unto thy spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke

DEACON: Let us attend.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

PRIEST:

Luke 10:25-37

At that time, a certain lawyer came to Jesus, tempted him, and saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

DEACON

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

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison (3)

DEACON
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all those who have come to this Holy Mystery and for the forgiveness of their every transgression voluntary and involuntary.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison (3)

PRIEST

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.

DEACON: Let us pray unto the Lord.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison

1ST PRAYER

PRIEST

O Thou Who art without beginning, eternal, Holy of Holies, who didst send down Thine Only-begotten Son to heal every disease and every infirmity of our souls and bodies, send down thy Holy Spirit and sanctify this Oil; and cause it to be for thy servants who are to be anointed with it, perfect deliverance from their sins, and for the inheritance of the Heavenly Kingdom. ***

For thou art a great and wonderful God, who keeps thy covenant and thy mercy towards them that love thee, granting deliverance from sins through thy holy child, Jesus Christ: who regenerates us from sin, who gives light to the blind, and raises up those who are cast down, who loves the righteous, and is merciful to sinners, who brings us forth out of darkness and the shadow of death, saying unto them that are in bondage, "Go forth," and unto them that are in darkness, "Open your eyes". For the light of knowledge of thine Only Begotten Son hast shone in our hearts since for our sakes he appeared upon earth and dwelt amongst men: and to those that accepted him he gave the power to become children of God, granting us adoption through the washing of regeneration, setting us free from the tyranny of the devil. Inasmuch as he was not pleased that we should be cleansed through blood, but through holy oil, he gave us an image of his Cross, that we might become the flock of Christ, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, cleansing us by water and sanctifying us by thy Holy Spirit. Do thou, O Master and Lord, grant grace to this thy ministry, as thou didst grant to Moses thy servant, and Samuel thy beloved, and John thy chosen one, and to all who from generation to generation have been well pleasing unto thee. So also, make us to be ministers of the New Covenant of thy Son through this oil, which thou hast secured through his precious Blood; that putting aside our worldly desires, we may die unto sin and live in righteousness, being clothed in our Lord Jesus Christ, through the anointing with the oil of sanctification we are about to receive. Let this oil, O Lord, be an oil of gladness, an oil of sanctification, a royal garment, a breastplate of power, the averting of every diabolical action, an unassailable seal, a joy of the heart and eternal rejoicing; that they who are anointed with this oil of regeneration may be fearsome to their adversaries and shine in the brightness of thy saints, having neither spot nor wrinkle, and enter into thine eternal rest and receive the prize of their high calling.
For Thine it is to have mercy, and to save, O our God, 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.

*** Let is be known that some say the Prayer only this far, with the exclamation, For Thine it is to have mercy.... But others say it to the end.

 

2ND APOSTLE
READER: The Lord is my strength and my song.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER: The Lord hath chastened me sore.

DEACON: Wisdom

READER

The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER: 

Romans 15:1-7

Brethren, we that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

PRIEST: Peace unto thee.

READER: And unto thy spirit.

CHOIR: Alleluia [3]. 

2ND GOSPEL

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

PRIEST: Peace unto all.

CHOIR: And unto thy spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke

DEACON: Let us attend.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

PRIEST

Luke 19:1-10

At that time, Jesus passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

DEACON

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

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all those who have come to this Holy Mystery and for the forgiveness of their every transgression voluntary and involuntary.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison (3)

PRIEST

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.

DEACON: Let us pray unto the Lord.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison

2ND PRAYER

PRIEST

O Great and most-high God, who art worshipped by all creation, the source of wisdom, in truth the unfathomable abyss of goodness, and the boundless sea of compassion:  do thou, O Master and Lover of mankind, the God of pre-eternal and wondrous things, whom no man contemplating has the ability to comprehend, look down upon us and hear us, thine unworthy servants, and wherever we bring this oil in thy great name, send down the gift of thy healing and forgiveness of sins, and heal them in the multitude of thy mercy. Yea, O Lord who art easily reconciled, who alone art merciful and a Lover of mankind, who repents of our evil deeds, who knows that the thoughts of man are inclined to evil from his youth, who desires not the death of a sinner, but that he should repent and live, who for the salvation of sinners wast thou incarnate, thou art God, yet wast created for the sake of thy creatures. Thou art he that said: "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance"; Thou art he that sought the lost sheep; Thou art he that diligently sought for the lost coin and found it; Thou art he that said: that "he that comes unto Me, I will not cast out"; Thou art he that did not despise the Harlot who washed thy precious feet with tears; Thou art he that said: that "as often as thou fallest, arise, and be saved"; Thou art he that said: There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repents". Do thou, O Compassionate Master look down from the height of thy holy place, and at this hour overshadow us thy sinful and unworthy servants, with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, and make thy dwelling in these thy servants who acknowledge their transgressions and draw near to thee in faith. And accepting them in thy love for mankind, forgive them in whatever they have sinned, whether in word or deed or thought, purify and cleanse them from every sin and being ever present with them preserve them in the remaining time of their lives that walking in thy commandments they may no longer be objects of joy to the devil, so that they may glorify thy most holy name.

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

CHOIR: Amen.

3RD  APOSTLE
READER: The Lord is my light and my Saviour.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER: The Lord is the defender of my life.

DEACON: Wisdom

READER

The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

1 Corinthians 12:27-13:8

Brethren, ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth.

PRIEST: Peace unto thee.

READER: And unto thy spirit.

CHOIR: Alleluia [3]. 

 3RD  GOSPEL

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

PRIEST: Peace unto all.

CHOIR: And unto thy spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew

DEACON: Let us attend

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

PRIEST:

Matthew 10:1, 10:5-8

At that time, Jesus called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. These Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

DEACON

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

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all those who have come to this Holy Mystery and for the forgiveness of their every transgression voluntary and involuntary.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison (3)

PRIEST

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.

DEACON: Let us pray unto the Lord.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison

3RD PRAYER

PRIEST

O Master Almighty, Holy King, thou who chastises, but dost not kill, who supports them that are fallen and raises up them that are cast down; who restores to health the bodily afflictions of men, we beseech thee, O our God, that thou will send thy mercy upon this oil, and upon them that are anointed with it in thy name, that it may be unto them for the healing of soul and body and for the cleansing and deliverance from every passion, and every illness and infirmity and every defilement of the flesh and spirit. Yea, O Lord, send down from heaven thy healing power, touch the body, quench the fever, soothe the suffering, and banish every hidden ailment. Be thou the physician of these thy servants, raise them up from the bed of sickness, and from the couch of suffering; grant unto them that they may be in thy Church whole and complete, that they may be well pleasing unto thee and abiding in thy will.

For Thine it is to have mercy, and to save, O our God, 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. 

4TH APOSTLE
READER: In the day when I call answer me speedily.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER: Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto thee.

DEACON: Wisdom

READER

The reading is from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1

 Brethren, ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

PRIEST: Peace unto thee.

READER: And unto thy spirit.

CHOIR: Alleluia [3]. 

4TH GOSPEL

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

PRIEST: Peace unto all.

CHOIR: And unto thy spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew

DEACON: Let us attend.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

PRIEST:

Matthew 8: 14-23

At that time, when Jesus was come into Peter's house,  he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead. And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

DEACON

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

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison (3)

DEACON
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all those who have come to this Holy Mystery and for the forgiveness of their every transgression voluntary and involuntary.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison (3)

PRIEST

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.

DEACON: Let us pray unto the Lord.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison

4TH PRAYER

 

O Good Lord and Lover of mankind, compassionate and greatly merciful, plentiful in mercy, and rich in benevolence, O Father of compassions and God of all consolation, who hast given us strength through thy holy Apostles to heal the sicknesses of the people with oil and prayer: Do thou establish this oil for the healing of them that are anointed with it, for the relief of every illness and every infirmity, for the deliverance from evils for them that await salvation from thee. Yea, O Master and Lord our God, we pray unto thee Almighty, to save us all and sanctify us, O thou alone art the physician of our souls and bodies; who healest every sickness, do thou heal these thy servants, raise them up from the bed of suffering, through the mercy of thy goodness; visit them in thy mercy and compassions; cast from them every sickness and infirmity, that being raised up by thy mighty hand they may serve thee with all thanksgiving, as also now, sharing in thine ineffable loving kindness, we hymn and glorify thee who performs deeds great and wonderful, glorious and excellent.          

For Thine it is to have mercy, and to save, O our God, 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. 

  

5TH APOSTLE
READER: Thou, O Lord, shalt keep us and shalt preserve us.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER: Save me, O Lord, for the godly man ceaseth.

DEACON: Wisdom

READER

The reading is from the Second Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

2 Corinthians 1:8-11

Brethren, we would not,  have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

PRIEST: Peace unto thee.

READER: And unto thy spirit.

CHOIR: Alleluia [3]. 

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

PRIEST: Peace unto all.

CHOIR: And unto thy spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew

DEACON: Let us attend.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

PRIEST:

 

5TH GOSPEL

 Matthew 25:1-13

The Lord said this parable: The kingdom of  heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

DEACON

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

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison (3)

DEACON
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all those who have come to this Holy Mystery and for the forgiveness of their every transgression voluntary and involuntary.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison (3)

PRIEST

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.

DEACON: Let us pray unto the Lord.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison

5TH PRAYER

O Lord our God, who chastises and again heals, who raises the poor from the earth and lifts up the beggar from the dunghill; O Father of orphans, and haven for those tossed by the storm, and physician of the sick, who painlessly dost bear our infirmities and dost receive our afflictions, who with gladness shows mercy, who overlooks transgressions and takes away unrighteousness, who art quick to help and slow to anger; who didst breathe upon thy disciples saying: "Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them"; who accepts the repentance of sinners, and hast the authority to forgive many and grievous sins;  and grants healing unto all that live in sickness and chronic illness; who hast called me thy humble, sinful and unworthy servant, entangled in many sins and wallowing in the pleasures of the passions, to the holy and great degree of the priesthood, and to enter the Holy of Holies, where the holy Angels desire to look into, and to hear the voice of glad tidings of the Lord God, and behold with my eyes the presence of the Holy Oblation, and to take joy in the divine and sacred Liturgy; who hast accounted me worthy to minister thy heavenly Mysteries and to offer unto thee gifts and sacrifices for our sins and for the errors of the people' and to mediate for thy reason-endowed sheep, that through thy great and ineffable love for mankind thou wouldst blot out their transgressions. Do thou, O Most-good King, give ear to my prayer at this hour and holy day and at all times and in every place, and attend to the voice of my supplication, and grant healing to these thy servants who indeed are ailing in body and soul, grant them remission of sins and forgiveness of transgressions voluntary and involuntary; heal their incurable wounds, and every sickness and every infirmity. Grant them spiritual healing as thou didst touch Peter's mother in law and the fever left her and she arose and ministered unto thee. Do thou also, O Master, bestow healing to these thy servants and release from all deadly suffering; and remember thy boundless compassion and thy mercy. Remember that the thoughts of man constantly incline towards evil from his youth, and that on one can be found sinless upon the earth; thou alone art without sin who didst come and save the human race, and didst set us free from the bondage of the enemy; for if thou wast to enter into judgement with thy servants, no one would be found without stain; but every mouth would be sealed shut having no justification, for all our righteousness is as filthy rags before thee; therefore, O Lord, remember not the sins of our youth.  

For thou art the hope of the hopeless and the rest to them that are weary and heavy-laden with iniquities, and to thee we ascribe glory together with thine eternal Father, and thine all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, would without end.       

CHOIR: Amen. 

6TH APOSTLE

READER: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER: Create in me a clean heart, O God.

DEACON: Wisdom

READER

The reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

Galatians 5:22-6:2

Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

PRIEST: Peace unto thee.

READER: And unto thy spirit.

CHOIR: Alleluia [3]. 

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

PRIEST: Peace unto all.

CHOIR: And unto thy spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke

DEACON: Let us attend.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

PRIEST:

6TH GOSPEL

Matthew 15:21-28

At that time, Jesus went into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

DEACON

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

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison (3)

DEACON
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all those who have come to this Holy Mystery and for the forgiveness of their every transgression voluntary and involuntary.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison (3)

PRIEST

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.

DEACON: Let us pray unto the Lord.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison

6TH PRAYER

 

We thank thee, O Lord our God, O Good Lover of mankind and physician of our souls and bodies, who painlessly bears our infirmities, by whose wounds we have all been healed; who art the Good Shepherd, who came in search of the wandering sheep; who gives comfort to the faint-hearted, and life to the broken hearted; who didst heal the woman who for twelve years had an issue of blood; who didst set free the daughter of the Canaanite woman from the wearisome demon; who didst forgive the debt of the two debtors, and give forgiveness to the sinful woman; who didst grant healing to the Paralytic as well as the forgiveness of  his sins; by thy word thou didst justify the Publican, and didst accept the thief in his last confession; who didst take away the sins of the world, by nailing them to the Cross; we pray thee and beseech thee, do thou, O God, in thy goodness, loose, remit, and forgive the transgressions, sins and iniquities of these thy servants, whether voluntary or involuntary, witting or unwitting, in violation and disobedience, at night and during the day, whether committed through banishment of a priest or by a curse from father or mother, whether by the glance of the eye, or the weakness of the sense of smell, or by the self pollution of touch, or the taste of fornication, or in whatever action of the flesh and spirit they have alienated themselves from thy will and from thy holiness; if we also have sinned in like manner do thou forgive, for thou art a Good God who loves mankind and dost not remember evil; do not permit them or us to fall into a life of impurity neither to follow paths of destruction. Yea, O Master and Lord, hear me a sinner, at this hour, on behalf of these thy servants; overlook all their iniquities for thou art the God that remembers not evil; deliver them from eternal punishment; fill their mouths with thy praise, open their lips to the glorification of thy name; stretch forth their hands to perform thy commandments; guide their feet on the path of thy Gospel, strengthening all their members and thoughts by thy grace. For thou art our God, who through thy holy Apostles hast commanded us, saying: "Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." And as thou didst hearken unto Ezekiel in the affliction of his soul in the hour of his death, and didst not despise his prayer, so also hearken unto me thy humble, sinful and unworthy servant in this hour that I pray to thee. For thou, O Lord Jesus Christ, art he that in thy goodness and love for mankind didst command to forgive unto seventy times seven them that have fallen into sins; and dost repent concerning our evil ways and rejoices upon the return of them that have gone astray.

For as is thy majesty, so also is thy mercy, 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.

CHOIR: Amen.

 

7TH APOSTLE  
READER: O Lord, rebuke me not in thine anger.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER: Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak.

DEACON: Wisdom

READER

The reading is from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Thessalonians.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

1 Thessalonians 5:14-24

Brethren, we exhort you, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

PRIEST: Peace unto thee.

READER: And unto thy spirit.

CHOIR: Alleluia [3]. 

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

PRIEST: Peace unto all.

CHOIR: And unto thy spirit.

PRIEST

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke

DEACON: Let us attend.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

PRIEST:

7TH GOSPEL
Matthew 9: 9-13

At that time, as Jesus passed forth, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him. And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners? But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

CHOIR: Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.

DEACON

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

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison (3)

DEACON
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all those who have come to this Holy Mystery and for the forgiveness of their every transgression voluntary and involuntary.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison (3)

PRIEST

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.

DEACON: Let us pray unto the Lord.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison

7TH PRAYER

 

O Master, Lord our God, Physician of souls and bodies, who cures the chronic illnesses and heals every sickness and infirmity among the people; who desires that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of thy truth; who  desires not the death of the sinner, but that he should repent and live; for thou, O Lord, in the Old Testament didst appoint repentance unto sinners, unto David and to the Nivevites, and to them that went before and them that came after; but also in the dispensation of thy coming in the flesh, thou didst not call the righteous, but sinners to repentance, as the publican, the harlot, the thief, as the blasphemer and persecutor the great Paul whom thou didst accept through repentance; thy most eminent apostle Peter thou didst accept through repentance when he denied thee thrice, and didst promise him saying: "Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven." Therefore, O good Lover of mankind, being confident in thy sincere promises, we also pray thee and entreat thee at this hour: Give ear to our prayer and accept it as incense offered to thee, and visit these thy servants and if they have transgressed in word or deed or thought, at night or during the day, whether committed through banishment of a priest, or fallen by their own anathema, if they have been embittered by an oath and cursed themselves, we implore thee and pray to thee, loose, remit and forgive them, O God, overlooking their iniquities and the sins committed by them whether witting or unwitting. And if they have transgressed thy commandments or sinned because they bear flesh and live in the world, or through the influence of the devil, do thou, O good God and lover of mankind, forgive; for there is no man that lives and does not sin: For thou only art without sin, thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy word is truth. For thou didst not create man for destruction, but for the keeping of thy commandments and for the inheritance of life incorruptible; and to thee we ascribe glory, together with thine eternal Father, and thine all-holy, good Spirit, now and for ever, world without end.

CHOIR: Amen.

Then those for whom the Holy Unction was performed shall go among the priests and the first Priest shall lay the open Holy Gospel with the text down, upon their heads, the book being held by all the priests, and the first priest shall say the following prayer:

DEACON: Let us pray unto the Lord.

CHOIR:  Kyrie eleison

THE FIRST PRIEST 

O Holy King, compassionate and most merciful Lord Jesus Christ, the Son and Word of the Living God, who desires not the death of a sinner, but that he should repent and live, it is not my sinful hand that I lay upon the heads of these who have come to thee in sins and beseech thee through us remission of sins, but it is thy mighty and strong hand, which is in this thy Holy Gospel, that my fellow ministers hold upon the heads of thy servants, and with them I pray and entreat thy compassionate love for mankind which remembers not evil; O God our Saviour, who through thy prophet Nathan didst grant forgiveness of sins to David when he repented, and didst accept the prayer of repentance of Manasseh, do thou in thy customary love for mankind, accept also these thy servants who repent of their own sins, and overlook all their transgressions. For thou art our God, who hast commanded us to forgive them who have fallen into sins, even unto seventy times seven. For as is thy majesty, so also is thy mercy. And unto thee belongs all glory, honour and worship, together with thine eternal Father, and thine all-holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end.        

CHOIR: Amen.

 

Prayer of Anointing.

PRIEST

O Holy Father, Physician of souls and bodies, who didst send thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who heals every sickness and delivers from death, heal also these thy servants of the bodily and spiritual illnesses that afflict them, and vivify them through the grace of thy Christ. Through the prayers of our Most-holy Lady Mother of God and Ever-virgin Mary; by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross; by the protection of the heavenly bodiless hosts; through the supplications of the glorious Prophet and Forerunner, John the Baptist; of the holy and all-glorious Apostles; of the holy, glorious and triumphant martyrs; of our holy God-bearing fathers; of the holy, selfless physicians Cosmas and Damian, Cyrus and John, Sampson and Diomedes, Mokios and Anicetus, Panteleimon and Hermolaos, Thalaleos and Tryphon; of the holy and righteous progenitors of God, Joachim and Anna; and of all the saints.

For thou, O God our God,  art the source of healing, 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 priests then anoint the faithful with the Holy Oil sealing them with the sign of the Cross on the forehead, chin, cheeks and hands saying:

O Holy Father, Physician of our souls and bodies, have mercy, forgive and save thy servant (name).  

While the priests anoint the faithful the choir sing the following hymns:

 

Tone 4

 Having a fountain of healings, O Holy Selfless Physicians, ye grant healing to all who beseech you, for ye have been accounted worthy of great gifts, from the eternal fountain of our Saviour Christ, for in that your zeal is equal to that of the Apostles, the Lord hath said unto you: Behold, I have given you power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease., therefore having well lived according to his commandments, freely ye have received, freely ye have given, healing the passions of our souls and bodies. 

 

 

Glory... Now and for ever...Theotokion

Tone 4

Incline unto the prayers of thy servants O All-blameless one, put an end to the terrible attacks upon us, release us from every affliction, for thee only do we have as our safe and sure anchor, and have attained thy protection. That we may not be put to shame, we beseech thee, O Lady, make haste to the supplications of them that cry to thee in faith, Hail, O Lady, the help of all, the joy and protection, and salvation of our souls.   

 

Dismissal

PRIEST: Glory be to Thee, O God 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; by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross; of the holy and righteous progenitors of God, Joachim and Anna; of our father among the saints James the Lord's Brother and of all the saints, have mercy upon us, and save us, 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 each shall make a prostration saying:                          

Bless, holy Fathers, forgive me a sinner.(3)

And having received their blessing and forgiveness he/she departs giving thanks to God.