THE GREAT LITANY AND THE ANTIPHONS (*)
_________________________________________________________________
Deacon:
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Deacon:
For the peace of God and the salvation of our souls, let us
pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Deacon:
For peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy
churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the
Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Deacon:
For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith,
reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Deacon:
For our Archbishop (Name), our Bishop (Name), the honorable
presbyters, the deacons in the service of Christ, and all the
clergy and laity, let us pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Deacon:
For our country, the president, and all those in public
service, let us pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Deacon:
For this parish and city, for every city and country, and for
the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Deacon:
For favorable weather, an abundance of the fruits of the earth,
and temperate seasons, let us pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Deacon:
For travelers by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the
suffering, the captives, and for their salvation, let us pray
to the Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Deacon:
For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and
distress, let us pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by
Your grace.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Deacon:
Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady,
the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us
commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ
our God.
People:
To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice):
Lord, our God, whose power is beyond compare, and glory is beyond
understanding; whose mercy is boundless, and love for us is ineffable; look
upon us and upon this holy house in Your compassion. Grant to us and to
those who pray with us Your abundant mercy.
Priest:
For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship to the Father
and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the
ages of ages.
THE FIRST ANTIPHON
_________________________________________________________________
(The designated verses from the Psalms are sung with the hymn:)
People:
By the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us (3).
Deacon:
In peace let us again pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Deacon:
Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by
Your grace.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Deacon:
Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady,
the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us
commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ
our God.
People:
To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice):
Lord, our God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance; protect the
whole body of Your Church; sanctify those who love the beauty of Your
house; glorify them in return by Your divine power; and do not forsake us
who hope in You.
Priest:
For Yours is the dominion, the kingdom, the power, and the
glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and
forever and to the ages of ages.
THE SECOND ANTIPHON
_________________________________________________________________
(The designated verses from the Psalms are sung with the hymn:)
People:
Save us, O Son of God, (who rose from the dead), to You we
sing: Alleluia (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and
forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Only begotten Son and Word of God, although immortal You
humbled Yourself for our salvation, taking flesh from the holy
Theotokos and ever virgin Mary and, without change, becoming
man. Christ, our God, You were crucified but conquered death
by death. You are one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the
Father and the Holy Spirit - save us.
Deacon:
In peace let us again pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Deacon:
Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by
Your grace.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Deacon:
Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady,
the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us
commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ
our God.
People:
To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice):
Lord, You have given us grace to offer these common prayers with one heart.
You have promised to grant the requests of two or three gathered in Your
name. Fulfill now the petitions of Your servants for our benefit, giving us
the knowledge of Your truth in this world, and granting us eternal life in
the world to come.
Priest:
For You are a good and loving God, and to You we give glory, to
the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and
to the ages of ages.
THE ENTRANCE
__________________________________________________________
(While the Apolytikion is sung, the priest carrying the holy
Gospel Book comes in procession before the Beautiful Gate and
prays in a low voice:)
Priest:
Master and Lord our God, You have established in heaven the orders
and hosts of angels and archangels to minister to Your glory. Grant
that the holy angels may enter with us that together we may serve
and glorify Your goodness. For to You belong all glory, honor, and
worship to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and
forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(The priest blesses the entrance saying in a low voice:)
Blessed is the entrance of Your saints always, now and forever and to the
ages of ages. Amen.
(He then raises the holy Gospel Book and says:)
Priest (Deacon):
Wisdom. Let us be attentive.
People:
Come, let us worship and bow before Christ. Save us, O Son of
God who rose from the dead, to You we sing: Alleluia.
(The priest enters the sanctuary. The Apolytikion is repeated and the
Troparion of the church and the Kontakion of the day are
sung.)
THE TRISAGION HYMN
_________________________________________________________________
Deacon:
Let us pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Priest (in a low voice):
Holy God, You dwell among Your saints. You are praised by the Seraphim with
the thrice holy hymn and glorified by the Cherubim and worshiped by all the
heavenly powers. You have brought all things out of nothing into being. You
have created man and woman in Your image and likeness and adorned them with
all the gifts of Your grace. You give wisdom and understanding to the
supplicant and do not overlook the sinner but have established repentance
as the way of salvation. You have enabled us, Your lowly and unworthy
servants, to stand at this hour before the glory of Your holy altar and to
offer to You due worship and praise. Master, accept the thrice holy hymn
also from the lips of us sinners and visit us in Your goodness. Forgive our
voluntary and involuntary transgressions, sanctify our souls and bodies,
and grant that we may worship and serve You in holiness all the days of our
lives, by the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the saints who
have pleased You throughout the ages.
Priest:
For You are holy, our God, and to You we give glory, to the
Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever...
Deacon:
...and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us
(3).
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now
and forever and to the ages of ages.
Amen. Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Deacon:
Again, fervently.
Priest (turning towards the Prothesis, the priest says in a low
voice:):
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
(Then turning towards the holy Table, he says:)
Blessed are You on the throne of glory of Your kingdom, seated upon the
Cherubim, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
People:
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Reader:
The reading is from (The name of the book of the New Testament
from which the Apostolic reading is taken).
Deacon:
Let us be attentive.
(The Reader reads the designated Apostolic pericope.)
Priest:
Peace be with you.
People:
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Priest (in a low voice):
Shine within our hearts, loving Master, the pure light of Your
divine knowledge and open the eyes of our minds that we may
comprehend the message of your Gospel. Instill in us, also,
reverence for Your blessed commandments, so that having conquered
sinful desires, we may pursue a spiritual life, thinking and doing
all those things that are pleasing to You. For You, Christ our God,
are the light of our souls and bodies, and to You we give glory
together with Your Father who is without beginning and Your all
holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages
of ages. Amen.
LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION
_________________________________________________________________
Priest:
Let us say with all our soul and with all our mind, let us say:
People:
Lord, have mercy. (once)
Priest:
O Lord Almighty, the God of our Fathers, we beseech Thee, hear
us and have mercy.
People:
Lord, have mercy. (once)
Priest:
Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great goodness, we
beseech Thee, hear us and have mercy.
People:
Lord, have mercy. (three times)
Priest:
Furthermore we pray for this country, its ruler, (title and
name of the ruler), its people, civil authorities and armed
forces.
People:
Lord, have mercy. (three times)
Priest:
Furthermore we pray for our Most Reverend Bishop (name of the
diocesan bishop, or, if he be an archbishop or metropolitan,
mention his rank and name), and for all the Orthodox bishops.
People:
Lord, have mercy. (three times)
Priest:
Furthermore we pray for our brethren: priests, deacons, monks
and all other clergy, and for all our brethren in Christ.
People:
Lord, have mercy. (three times)
Priest:
Furthermore we pray for the blessed ever-memorable and most
holy Orthodox patriarchs, for devout kings and rightbelieving
queens, for the blessed founders of this holy church and for
all our Orthodox fathers, brethren, and sisters departed from
this life before us, and who rest in peace here and everywhere.
People:
Lord, have mercy. (three times)
Priest:
Furthermore we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation,
visitation, forgiveness and remission of the sins of the
servants of God: benefactors, trustees, members and supporters
of this holy church.
People:
Lord, have mercy. (three times)
(Here special petitions for the recovery of the sick, or any special
needs for individual parishoners are offered.)
Priest:
Furthermore we pray for those who bring offerings and do good
works in this holy and all-venerable church; for those who
labor in its service, for the singers and for the people here
present, who await from Thee great and abundant mercy.
People:
Lord, have mercy. (three times)
Priest (in a low voice):
O Lord our God, accept this fervent supplication from Thy servants, and
have mercy upon us according to the multitude of Thy mercies; and send
forth Thy compassion upon us and upon all Thy people, who await the rich
mercy that cometh from Thee.
Priest:
For Thou art a merciful God and lovest mankind, and unto Thee
we ascribe glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
LITANY FOR THE DECEASED
_________________________________________________________________
(This litany is offered only if there are remembrances for the
deceased.)
Priest:
Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we
beseech Thee: hear us, and have mercy.
People:
Lord, have mercy. (three times)
Priest:
Furthermore we pray for the repose of the soul(s) of the
servant(s) of God (name-s of the deceased), departed from
this life, and that Thou wilt pardon all his (or her or their)
sins, both voluntary and involuntary.
People:
Lord, have mercy. (three times)
Priest:
That the Lord God will establish his (or her or their)
soul(s) where the just repose.
People:
Lord, have mercy. (three times)
Priest:
The mercies of God, the Kingdom of Heaven, and the remission of
his (or her or their) sins, we ask of Christ, or King
Immortal and our God.
People:
Grant this, O Lord.
Priest:
Let us pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy. (one time)
Priest:
O God of spirits, and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down
death by death, and overthrown the Devil, and hast bestowed
life upon Thy world: do Thou Thyself, O Lord, grant rest to the
soul(s) of Thy departed servant(s), (name-s of the deceased),
in a place of brightness, a place of verdure, a place of
repose, whence all sickness, sorrow and sighing have fled away.
As the gracious God, Who lovest mankind, pardon every
transgression which he (or she or they) has (or have)
committed, whether by word, or deed, or thought. For Thou alone
art without sin, and Thy righteousness is to all eternity, and
Thy word is truth. For Thou art the Resurrection, and the Life,
and the Repose of Thy departed servant(s) (name-s of the
deceased). O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe gory,
together with Thy Father, Who is from everlasting, and Thine
All-Holy, and Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and
unto ages of ages.
PRAYER OF THE CATECHUMENS
_________________________________________________________________
(During the litany of the catechumens, the priest unfolds on the
altar table the corporal [antimins], a cloth with a depiction
of the burial of Christ.)
Priest:
Pray unto the Lord, ye catechumens.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Ye faithful, pray ye for the catechumens, that the Lord may
have mercy upon them.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
That He may teach them the word of truth;
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
That He may reveal to them the Gospel of righteousness.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
That He may unite them unto His Holy, Universal, and Apostolic
Church;
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Save them, have mercy upon them, preserve them, and protect
them, O God, by Thy grace.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Bow your heads unto the Lord, ye catechumens.
People:
To Thee, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice):
O Lord, our God, Who dwellest on high and regardest the humble of
heart; Who hast sent forth as the salvation of mankind Thine
Only-begotten Son and God, our Lord Jesus Christ; look down upon Thy
servants, the catechumens, who have bowed their heads before Thee;
make them worthy in due season of the laver of regeneration. Unite
them to thy Holy, Universal and Apostolic Church, and number them
with Thy chosen flock.
Priest:
That they also with us may glorify Thy most honorable and
majestic Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
DISMISSAL OF THE CATECHUMENS
_________________________________________________________________
Priest:
All ye catechumens, depart! Depart, ye catechumens! All ye that
are catechumens, depart! Let no catechumens remain! But let us
who are of the faithful, again and again, in peace pray to the
Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Priest (in a low voice):
We give thanks unto Thee, O Lord God of the Powers, Who hast
accounted us worthy to stand even now before Thy holy altar, and to
prostrate ourselves before Thy compassion for our sins and errors of
the people. Accept our supplications, O God; make us worthy to offer
unto Thee prayers and supplications, and bloodless sacrifices for
all Thy people. And enable us, whom Thou hast appointed in this Thy
ministry, by the power of Thy Holy Spirit, blamelessly and without
offense, in the pure testimony of our conscience, to call upon Thee
at all times and in every place; that hearing us, Thou mayest show
mercy upon us according to the multitude of Thy goodness.
Priest:
Help us, save us have mercy upon us and protect us, O god, by
Thy grace.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
For unto Thee are due all glory, honor, and worship, to the
Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever,
and unto ages of ages.
PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL
_________________________________________________________________
Priest (in a low voice):
Again, we bow before You and pray to You, O good and loving God.
Hear our supplication: cleanse our souls and bodies from every
defilement of flesh and spirit, and grant that we may stand before
Your holy altar without blame or condemnation. Grant also, O God,
progress in life, faith, and spiritual discernment to the faithful
who pray with us, so that they may always worship You with reverence
and love, partake of Your Holy Mysteries without blame or
condemnation, and become worthy of Your heavenly kingdom.
Priest:
And grant that always guarded by Your power we may give glory
to You, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and
forever and to the ages of ages.
THE GREAT ENTRANCE
_________________________________________________________________
People:
We who mystically represent the Cherubim sing the thrice holy
hymn to the life giving Trinity. Let us set aside all the
cares of life that we may receive the King of all...
Priest (While the Cherubic Hymn is being sung, the priest prays in
a low voice):
No one bound by worldly desires and pleasures is worthy to approach,
draw near or minister to You, the King of glory. To serve You is
great and awesome even for the heavenly powers. But because of Your
ineffable and immeasurable love for us, You became man without
alteration or change. You have served as our High Priest, and as
Lord of all, and have entrusted to us the celebration of this
liturgical sacrifice without the shedding of blood. For You alone,
Lord our God, rule over all things in heaven and on earth. You are
seated on the throne of the Cherubim, the Lord of the Seraphim and
the King of Israel. You alone are holy and dwell among Your saints.
You alone are good and ready to hear. Therefore, I implore You, look
upon me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, and cleanse my soul and
heart from evil consciousness. Enable me by the power of Your Holy
Spirit so that, vested with the grace of priesthood, I may stand
before Your holy Table and celebrate the mystery of Your holy and
pure Body and Your precious Blood. To You I come with bowed head and
pray: do not turn Your face away from me or reject me from among
Your children, but make me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, worthy
to offer to You these gifts. For You, Christ our God, are the
Offerer and the Offered, the One who receives and is distributed,
and to You we give glory, together with Your eternal Father and Your
holy, good and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages
of ages. Amen.
(The priest censes and recites in a low voice:)
Priest:
We who mystically represent the Cherubim sing the thrice holy hymn to the
life giving Trinity. Let us set aside all the cares of life that we may
receive the King of all...
(On Sundays)
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy
Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We venerate Your cross, O Christ,
and we praise and glorify You holy resurrection. You are our God. We
know no other than You, and we call upon Your name. Come, all
faithful, let us venerate the holy resurrection of Christ. For
behold, through the cross joy has come to all the world. Blessing
the Lord always, let us praise His resurrection. For enduring the
cross for us, he destroyed death by death.
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and
according to the multitude of Your compassion, blot out my
transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me
from my sin. For I acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is ever
before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done evil in
Your sight, that You may be found just when You speak, and
victorious when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in
iniquity, and in sin my mother bore me. For behold, You have loved
truth; You have made known to me the secret and hidden thing of Your
wisdom. you shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made
clean; You shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me
to hear joy and gladness, that the afflicted bones may rejoice. Turn
Your face away from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create
in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit
from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and establish me
with Your governing Spirit. I shall teach transgressors Your ways,
and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from
bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall
joyfully declare Your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, and my
mouth shall proclaim Your praise. For if You had desired sacrifice,
I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offerings. A sacrifice
to God is a broken spirit; God will not despise a broken and a
humbled heart. Do good in Your good pleasure to Sion; and let the
walls of Jerusalem be built. Then You shall be pleased with a
sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole burnt offerings.
Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.
(Then the Great Entrance takes place.)
Deacon:
May the Lord God remember all of you in His kingdom, now and
forever and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen.
(The priest enters the sanctuary, while the people sing the end of
the Cherubic Hymn.)
People:
...invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts. Alleluia.
Alleluia. Alleluia.
(After placing the holy gifts on the holy Table, he says:)
THE PETITIONS
_________________________________________________________________
Deacon:
Let us complete our prayer to the Lord.
People:
Lord have mercy.
Deacon:
For the precious gifts here presented, let us pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord have mercy.
Deacon:
For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith,
reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord have mercy.
Deacon:
For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and
distress, let us pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord have mercy.
Deacon:
Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by
Your grace.
People:
Lord have mercy.
Deacon:
For a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless day, let us ask the
Lord.
People:
Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon:
For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our
souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.
People:
Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon:
For forgiveness and remission of our sins and transgressions,
let us ask the Lord.
People:
Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon:
For all that is good and beneficial to our souls, and for peace
in the world, let us ask the Lord.
People:
Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon:
For the completion of our lives in peace and repentance, let us
ask the Lord.
People:
Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon:
For a Christian end to our lives, peaceful, without shame and
suffering, and for a good account before the awesome judgment
seat of Christ, let us ask the Lord.
People:
Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon:
Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady,
the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us
commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ
our God.
THE PRAYER OF THE PROSKOMIDE
_________________________________________________________________
Priest (in a low voice):
Lord, God Almighty, You alone are holy. You accept a sacrifice of
praise from those who call upon You with their whole heart. Receive
also the prayer of us sinners and let it reach Your holy altar.
Enable us to bring before You gifts and spiritual sacrifices for our
sins and for the transgressions of the people. Make us worthy to
find grace in Your presence so that our sacrifice may be pleasing to
You and that Your good and gracious Spirit may abide with us, with
the gifts here presented, and with all Your people.
Priest:
Through the mercies of Your only begotten Son with whom You are
blessed, together with Your all holy, good, and life giving
Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen.
Priest:
Peace be with all.
People:
And with your spirit.
Deacon:
Let us love one another that with one mind we may confess:
(The Priest kisses the holy Gifts saying:)
Priest:
I love You, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress,
and my deliverer.
(At this time it is customary for the kiss of peace to be exchanged.)
People:
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Trinity one in essence and
inseparable.
Deacon:
Guard the doors. Wisdom. Let us be attentive.
THE CREED
_________________________________________________________________
People:
I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator 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 ages. Light of Light, true
God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with
the Father, through whom all things were made.
For us and for our salvation, He came down from heaven and was
incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became
man.
He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and He suffered
and was buried.
On the third day He rose according to the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the
Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.
His kingdom will have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who
proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the
Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke through the
prophets.
In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
THE HOLY ANAPHORA
_________________________________________________________________
Deacon:
Let us stand well. Let us stand in awe. Let us be attentive,
that we may present the holy offering in peace.
People:
Mercy and peace, a sacrifice of praise.
Priest:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the
Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with all of
you.
People:
And with your spirit.
Priest:
Let us lift up our hearts.
People:
We lift them up to the Lord.
Priest:
Let us give thanks to the Lord.
People:
It is proper and right.
Priest (in a low voice):
It is proper and right to sing to You, bless You, praise You, thank
You and worship You in all places of Your dominion; for You are God
ineffable, beyond comprehension, invisible, beyond understanding,
existing forever and always the same; You and Your only begotten Son
and Your Holy Spirit. You brought us into being out of nothing, and
when we fell, You raised us up again. You did not cease doing
everything until You led us to heaven and granted us Your kingdom to
come. For all these things we thank You and Your only begotten Son
and Your Holy Spirit; for all things that we know and do not know,
for blessings seen and unseen that have been bestowed upon us. We
also thank You for this liturgy which You are pleased to accept from
our hands, even though You are surrounded by thousands of Archangels
and tens of thousands of Angels, by the Cherubim and Seraphim,
six-winged, many-eyed, soaring with their wings,
Priest:
Singing the victory hymn, proclaiming, crying out, and saying:
People:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord Sabaoth, heaven and earth are filled
with Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who
comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna to God in the highest.
Priest (in a low voice):
Together with these blessed powers, merciful Master, we also
proclaim and say: You are holy and most holy, You and Your only
begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. You are holy and most holy, and
sublime is Your glory. You so loved Your world that You gave Your
only begotten Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish,
but have eternal life. He came and fulfilled the divine plan for us.
On the night when He was delivered up, or rather when He gave
Himself up for the life of the world, He took bread in His holy,
pure, and blameless hands, gave thanks, blessed, sanctified, broke
and gave it to His holy disciples and apostles, saying:
Priest:
Take, eat, this is my Body which is broken for you for the
forgiveness of sins.
People:
Amen.
Priest (in a low voice):
Likewise, after supper, He took the cup, saying:
Priest:
Drink of it all of you; this is my Blood of the new Covenant
which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
People:
Amen.
Priest (in a low voice):
Remembering, therefore, this command of the Savior, and all that
came to pass for our sake, the cross, the tomb, the resurrection on
the third day, the ascension into heaven, the enthronement at the
right hand of the Father, and the second, glorious coming,
Priest:
We offer to You these gifts from Your own gifts in all and for
all.
People:
We praise You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we
pray to You, Lord our God.
Priest (in a low voice):
Once again we offer to You this spiritual worship without the
shedding of blood, and we ask, pray, and entreat You: send down Your
Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts here presented.
And make this bread the precious Body of Your Christ.
(He blesses the holy Bread.)
Deacon (in a low voice):
Amen.
Priest (in a low voice):
And that which is in this cup the precious Blood of Your Christ.
(He blesses the holy Cup.)
Deacon (in a low voice):
Amen.
Priest (in a low voice):
Changing them by Your Holy Spirit.
(He blesses them both.)
Deacon (in a low voice):
Amen. Amen. Amen.
Priest (in a low voice):
So that they may be to those who partake of them for vigilance of
soul, forgiveness of sins, communion of Your Holy Spirit,
fulfillment of the kingdom of heaven, confidence before You, and not
in judgment or condemnation. Again, we offer this spiritual worship
for those who repose in the faith, forefathers, fathers, patriarchs,
prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors,
ascetics, and for every righteous spirit made perfect in faith.
Priest:
Especially for our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady,
the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary.
People:
It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most
pure, and mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim,
and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without
corruption you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the
true Theotokos.
Priest (in a low voice):
For Saint John the prophet, forerunner, and baptist; for the holy
glorious and most honorable Apostles; for Saint(s) (Name-s), whose
memory we commemorate today; and for all Your saints, through whose
supplications, O God, bless us. Remember also all who have fallen
asleep in the hope of resurrection unto eternal life. (Here the
priest commemorates the names of the deceased.) And grant them rest,
our God, where the light of Your countenance shines. Again, we ask
You, Lord, remember all Orthodox bishops who rightly teach the word
of Your truth, all presbyters, all deacons in the service of Christ,
and every one in holy orders. We also offer to You this spiritual
worship for the whole world, for the holy, catholic, and apostolic
Church, and for those living in purity and holiness. And for all
those in public service; permit them, Lord, to serve and govern in
peace that through the faithful conduct of their duties we may live
peaceful and serene lives in all piety and holiness.
Priest:
Above all, remember, Lord, our Archbishop (Name) and our
Bishop (Name): Grant that they may serve Your holy churches
in peace. Keep them safe, honorable, and healthy for many
years, rightly teaching the word of Your truth.
Deacon:
Remember also, Lord, those whom each of us calls to mind and
all Your people.
People:
And all Your people.
Priest (in a low voice):
Remember, Lord, the city in which we live, every city and country,
and the faithful who dwell in them. Remember, Lord, the travelers,
the sick, the suffering, and the captives, granting them protection
and salvation. Remember, Lord, those who do charitable work, who
serve in Your holy churches, and who care for the poor. And send
Your mercy upon us all.
Priest:
And grant that with one voice and one heart we may glorify and
praise Your most honored and majestic name, of the Father and
the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of
ages.
People:
Amen.
Priest:
The mercy of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ be with all
of you.
People:
And with your spirit.
Deacon:
Having remembered all the saints, let us again in peace pray to
the Lord.
People:
Lord have mercy.
Deacon:
For the precious Gifts offered and consecrated, let us pray to
the Lord.
People:
Lord have mercy.
Deacon:
That our loving God who has received them at His holy,
heavenly, and spiritual altar as an offering of spiritual
fragrance, may in return send upon us divine grace and the gift
of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.
People:
Lord have mercy.
Deacon:
Having prayed for the unity of faith and for the communion of
the Holy Spirit, let us commit ourselves, and one another, and
our whole life to Christ our God.
People:
To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice):
We entrust to You, loving Master, our whole life and hope, and we
ask, pray, and entreat: make us worthy to partake of your heavenly
and awesome Mysteries from this holy and spiritual Table with a
clear conscience; for the remission of sins, forgiveness of
transgressions, communion of the Holy Spirit, inheritance of the
kingdom of heaven, confidence before You, and not in judgment or
condemnation.
Priest:
And make us worthy, Master, with confidence and without fear of
condemnation, to dare call You, the heavenly God, Father, and
to say:
THE LORD'S PRAYER
_________________________________________________________________
People:
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Priest:
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory of the
Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to
the ages of ages.
People:
Amen.
Priest:
Peace be with all.
People:
And with your spirit.
Deacon:
Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People:
To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice):
We give thanks to You, invisible King. By Your infinite power You
created all things and by Your great mercy You brought everything
from nothing into being. Master, look down from heaven upon those
who have bowed their heads before You; they have bowed not before
flesh and blood but before You the awesome God. Therefore, Master,
guide the course of our life for our benefit according to the need
of each of us. Sail with those who sail; travel with those who
travel; and heal the sick, Physician of our souls and bodies.
Priest:
By the grace, mercy, and love for us of Your only begotten Son,
with whom You are blessed, together with Your all holy, good,
and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of
ages.
People:
Amen.
Priest (in a low voice):
Lord Jesus Christ, our God, hear us from Your holy dwelling place
and from the glorious throne of Your kingdom. You are enthroned on
high with the Father and are also invisibly present among us. Come
and sanctify us, and let Your pure Body and precious Blood be given
to us by Your mighty hand and through us to all Your people.
Deacon:
Let us be attentive.
Priest:
The holy Gifts for the holy people of God.
People:
One is Holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God
the Father. Amen.
Priest (After the fraction of the sacred Bread, the priest says in
a low voice):
The Lamb of God is broken and distributed; broken but not divided. He is
forever eaten yet is never consumed, but He sanctifies those who partake of
Him.
(Then the priest places a portion of the sacred Bread in the Cup
saying:)
The fullness of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(He then blesses the warm water saying:)
Blessed is the fervor of Your saints, now and forever and to the ages of
ages. Amen.
(Pouring the water into the Cup crosswise, he says:)
(The Communion Prayers are recited silently by those prepared to
receive the holy Mysteries.)
People:
I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son
of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom
I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and
that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You,
have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and
involuntary, in word and deed, known and unknown. And make me worthy
without condemnation to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the
forgiveness of sins and for life eternal. Amen.
How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your
saints? If I dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my clothing will
accuse me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I
shall be cast out by the angels. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul
and save me.
Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these holy Gifts
be to my condemnation because of my unworthiness, but for the
cleansing and sanctification of soul and body and the pledge of the
future life and kingdom. It is good for me to cling to God and to
place in Him the hope of my salvation.
Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper.
I will not reveal Your mystery to Your adversaries. Nor will I give
You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess to You: Lord,
remember me in Your kingdom.
__________________________________________________________
(The priest proceeds to receive holy Communion.)
Priest (in a low voice):
Behold, I approach Christ, our immortal King and God.
The precious and most holy Body of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ
is given to me (Name) the priest, for the forgiveness of my sins and
eternal life.
(He then partakes of the sacred Bread.)
The precious and most holy Blood of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus
Christ is given to me (Name) the priest, for the forgiveness of my
sins and eternal life.
(He then drinks from the holy Cup. Afterwards, he wipes the holy Cup,
kisses it, and says:)
This has touched my lips, taking away my transgressions and cleansing my
sins.
(The priest then transfers the remaining portions of the consecrated
Bread into the holy Cup, saying:)
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy
Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We venerate Your cross, O Christ,
and we praise and glorify Your holy resurrection. You are our God.
We know no other than You, and we call upon Your name. Come, all
faithful, let us venerate the holy resurrection of Christ. For
behold, through the cross joy has come to all the world. Blessing
the Lord always, let us praise His resurrection. For enduring the
cross for us, He destroyed death by death.
(The priest takes up the holy Cup, proceeds to the Royal Doors,
raises the holy Cup, and says:)
Deacon:
Approach with the fear of God, faith, and love.
(Those prepared come forth with reverence to receive Holy Communion
while the people sing the communion hymn.)
(When administering Holy Communion, the priest says:)
Priest:
The servant of God (Name) receives the Body and Blood of Christ for
forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
(After Communion has been given, the priest blesses the people,
saying:)
Priest:
Save, O God, Your people and bless Your inheritance.
People:
We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly
Spirit; we have found the true faith, worshiping the undivided
Trinity, for the Trinity has saved us.
Priest (Returning to the holy Table, the priest transfers the
portions of the Theotokos and of the saints into the holy Cup.
Then he does the same for those of the living and the dead
saying in a low voice):
Wash away, Lord, by Your holy Blood, the sins of all those
commemorated, through the intercessions of the Theotokos and all
Your saints. Amen.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let Your glory be over all the
earth (3).
Priest (the priest lifts the holy Cup and says in a low voice):
Blessed is our God.
Priest:
Always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen.
Let our mouths be filled with Your praise, Lord, that we may
sing of Your glory. You have made us worthy to partake of Your
holy mysteries. Keep us in Your holiness, that all the day
long we may meditate upon Your righteousness. Alleluia.
Alleluia. Alleluia.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
_________________________________________________________________
Deacon:
Let us be attentive. Having partaken of the divine, holy, pure,
immortal, heavenly, life giving, and awesome Mysteries of
Christ, let us worthily give thanks to the Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Deacon:
Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by
your grace.
People:
Lord, have mercy.
Deacon:
Having prayed for a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless day,
let us commit ourselves and one another, and our whole life to
Christ our God.
People:
To You, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice):
We thank You, loving Master, benefactor of our souls, that on this
day You have made us worthy once again of Your heavenly and immortal
Mysteries. Direct our ways in the right path, establish us firmly in
Your fear, guard our lives, and make our endeavors safe, through the
prayers and supplications of the glorious Theotokos and ever virgin
Mary and of all Your saints.
Priest:
For You are our sanctification and to You we give glory, to the
Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to
the ages of ages.
THE DISMISSAL
_________________________________________________________________
Priest:
Let us depart in peace.
Deacon:
Let us pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord have mercy.
Priest:
Lord, bless those who praise You and sanctify those who trust
in You. Save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Protect
the whole body of Your Church. Sanctify those who love the
beauty of Your house. Glorify them in return by Your divine
power, and do not forsake us who hope in You. Grant peace to
Your world, to Your churches, to the clergy, to those in public
service, to the armed forces, and to all Your people. For every
good and perfect gift is from above, coming from You, the
Father of lights. To You we give glory, thanksgiving, and
worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and
forever and to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen.
Blessed is the name of the Lord, both now and to the ages (3).
Priest (The priest proceeds to the Prothesis and prays in a low
voice):
Christ our God, You are the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets.
You have fulfilled all the dispensation of the Father. Fill our
hearts with joy and gladness always, now and forever and to the ages
of ages. Amen.
Deacon:
Let us pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord, have mercy (3.) Father, give the blessing.
Priest:
May the blessing of the Lord and His mercy come upon you
through His divine grace and love always, now and forever and
to the ages of ages.
People:
Amen.
Priest:
Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to You.
May Christ our true God (who rose from the dead), as a good,
loving, and merciful God, have mercy upon us and save us,
through the intercessions of His most pure and holy Mother; the
power of the precious and life-giving Cross; the protection of
the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven; the supplications of
the honorable, glorious, prophet, and forerunner John the
Baptist; the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles; the
holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs; our holy and
God-bearing Fathers (name of the church); the holy and
righteous ancestors Joachim and Anna; Saint (of the day)
whose memory we commemorate today, and all the saints.
People:
Amen.
Lord, grant long life to him who blesses and sanctifies us.
Priest:
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our
God, have mercy on us and save us.
People:
Amen.
Priest (blessing the people):
May the holy Trinity protect all of you.
(Distributing the antidoron, the priest says:)
Priest:
May the blessing and the mercy of the Lord be with you.
_________________________________________________________________
