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Study Text of the Chrysostom Divine Liturgy
According to the Ruthenian Recension
English Translation
Personal notes and reflections of Deacon Anthony
Send comments to: liturgy_study
UPDATED: 7-MAR-2007
| This page is dedicated to a study of the English
translation of the Chrysostom Divine Liturgy. The basis for
this study is the translation of the 1941 typical edition of the
Slavonic text that was promulgated in the 1965 Liturgicon (English).
Since this study text is amended it, of course, has no official
status. Rather, it is MY attempt to engage the text of the
liturgy in order to better appreciate its meaning and beauty, and to
share my observations and notes in the hope that they may be useful
to others also.
This study draws on several inputs and is especially indebted to discussions on The Byzantine Forum some of which are in the threads 2006-2002 (more to be added):
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29-JUN-2006
Liturgical Directives in the Liturgikon, the Ordo, and the
Liturgical 
Articles.htm Fr. David Petras reviews Studies on the Byzantine
Liturgy – 1
The Draft Translation: A Response to the Proposed Recasting of the
Byzantine-Ruthenian Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Serge
Keleher
The Byzantine Forum: Serge Keleher: Studies on the Byzantine Liturgy – 1
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I am not sure of the format of The Recensio Ruthena (Rome,
1941) referenced in Studies on the Byzantine Liturgy, but based
on the number of pages it seems to be close to the layout or size
(approx. 3x5 inches) of the Sluzebnik,
Rome 1952. The following Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and
Preparation Rite, extracted from the Sluzebnik,
seems to have the correct page numbering corresponding to The
Recensio Ruthena to within +/-1 page, using the inserted page
numbering at the bottom. <<<<< pdf file 8.7MB for Acrobat v5 or higher; 127 pages |
|
Page links are given for the Slavonic text from the Sluzebnik.
Similar page links will be added for the 1950
Greek text (Rome) and the 1965
English Liturgikon facsimile versions.
The sections below follow the pages of the Slavonic text, consequently, the English (and the Greek when added) is to within a line or two (usually) of the Slavonic, so +/- one page at the start and end of a section.
Reference numbers inserted in the text in brackets [ ] are the SCRIPTURAL/LITURGICAL ANNOTATIONS from The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom, Eparchy of Passaic, 1997. Some text targeted for comment is highlighted like this. Grading system for notes (like the system that is used for variant readings for the critical Greek text of the New Testament) on words below: A compelling reason not to change
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| Greek 5
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THE RITE OF THE SACRED AND DIVINE LITURGY
The priest who intends to celebrate the divine mystery should be reconciled, first of all, with everyone and have no animosity toward anyone. To the best of his ability, he must keep his heart free from evil thoughts. He must abstain from food and drink in accordance with ecclesiastical legislation until his priestly function. When that time has come, he goes into the church where the deacon joins him, |
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and together they make three bows towards the East before the royal
doors.
The deacon then says: Master bless. Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Deacon: Amen. The deacon continues: Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.Heavenly king, comforter, spirit of truth, Who are everywhere present and fill all things, treasury of blessings and giver of life, come and dwell within us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, O gracious Lord.[1] Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal,[2] have mercy on us. (Three times.) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy |
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Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen. Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse us of our sins; Master, forgive our transgressions; come to us, Holy One, and heal our infirmities for Your name's sake. Lord, have mercy. (Three times.) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen. 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.[3] Priest: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, Father, Son and Holy |
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Greek 7 English 5 English 6 |
Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen. They then say: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us: since we have no defense, we sinners offer this supplication to You, our Master; have mercy on us. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Lord, have mercy on us, for in You we place our hope, be not exceedingly angry with us nor mindful of our transgressions; but look upon us even now with mercy and deliver us from our enemies;[4] for You are our God and we are Your people: we all are the work of Your hands,[5] and we call upon Your name.[6] Now and ever, and forever. Amen. Open unto us the doors of mercy, O blessed Mother of God, that we, who place our trust in you, |
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may not perish, but that through
you we be delivered from misfortune; for you are the salvation of all
Christians.
They then approach the icon of Christ, and kissing it, they say: We bow before Your pure image, O Good One, and beg forgiveness for our offenses, O Christ, our God; for You, of Your own will, deigned to ascend the cross in your human nature to deliver those whom You have created from the bondage of the enemy. Therefore, we gratefully cry out to You: by Your coming to save the world, O Savior, You have filled all with joy.[7] They then kiss the icon of the Mother of God, saying this troparion: O Mother of God, fount of mercy, deem us worthy of compassion. Look upon a sinful people; as always show your power;
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for,
placing our trust in you,[8] "Hail !" we cry out to you as did once
Gabriel,[9] the prince of angels.[10]
The priest then bows his head and says this prayer: O Lord, send forth Your hand[11] from the height of Your holy dwelling-place, and strengthen me for the service which I am to render to You, that I may stand before Your awesome altar without condemnation and perform the unbloody sacrifice. For yours is the power, forever. Amen. They then bow to the choirs on either side, and go to the sanctuary, saying: I will come into Your house, I will bow towards Your holy temple in fear of You. Conduct me, O Lord, in Your justice; |
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because of my enemies direct my way in Your sight. For in their mouths there is no truth; their heart is vain, their throat is an open sepulcher; they dealt deceitfully with their tongues. Judge them, O God, and let them fall by their own counsels; according to the multitude of their wickedness cast them out, for they have provoked You, O Lord. And let all them be glad that hope in You, they shall rejoice forever, and You will dwell in them; and all they that love Your name shall glory in You. For You will bless the just, O Lord: You have crowned us with a shield of Your good will.[12] Having entered the sanctuary they make three bows before the holy altar. They then kiss the holy gospel book, the holy table, and the hand-cross on the altar. Each then takes his sticharion into his right hand |
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Greek 8 Greek 9 English 6 English 7 |
and makes three bows towards the East, each saying silently: O God, be merciful to me a sinner.[13] Then the deacon, holding his sticharion and orarion in his right hand, approaches the priest and bowing his head to him, says: Master, bless this sticharion and the orarion. And the priest says: [ORDO 43 §103] Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and forever. Amen. The deacon then goes to one side of the sanctuary and puts on his sticharion, praying thus: My soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for He has clothed me with the garment of salvation, and with the robe of joy He has covered me; |
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as on a bridegroom he has placed on me a crown, and as a bride He has adorned me with beauty.[14] And kissing the orarion he puts it on his left shoulder. Then he puts the cuffs on his hands, saying for the right hand: Your right hand, O Lord, was made glorious in power; Your right hand, O Lord, has crushed the enemies; and with the greatness of Your glory You have wiped out the adversaries. For the left hand he says: Your hands have created me, and formed me; give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments. He then goes to the table of preparation and arranges the sacred vessels. He places the holy discos on the left hand and the poterion, that is, the holy chalice, on the right, and the other vessels with them: The priest vests in the following manner. He takes his sticharion into his left hand and bows three |
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times towards the East, as mentioned above; then he makes the sign of the cross over his sticharion, saying: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and forever. He then puts on the sticharion, saying: My soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for He has clothed me with the garment of salvation, and with the robe of joy He has covered me; as on a bridegroom he has placed on me a crown, and as a bride He has adorned me with beauty.[15] Then taking the epitrachelion and making the sign of the cross over it, he puts it on, saying: Blessed is God Who pours out His grace upon His priests, like a precious ointment on the head, which runs down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down to the hem of his garment.[16] Then taking the cincture and girding himself with it, he says: |
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Blessed is God Who girds me with strength, and made my way blameless, making my feet like the feet of harts, and setting me upon high places.[17] Putting the cuffs on his hands, he says for the right hand: Your right hand, O Lord, was made glorious, in power; Your right hand, O Lord, has crushed the enemies; and with the greatness of Your glory You have wiped out the adversaries.[18] For the left hand he says: Your hands have created me, and formed me; give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments.[19] Then he takes the epigonation, if he has one, and blessing and kissing it, says: Fasten Your sword upon Your loins, O mighty Lord, in Your glory and majesty; |
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| and ride forth victoriously and reign, for the
cause of truth and meekness and justice, and Your right hand will guide
You wondrously, always, now and ever, and forever. Amen.
Then taking the phelonion and blessing it, he kisses it, saying: Your priests, O Lord, shall be clothed with justice, and Your saints shall exult with joy[20] always, now and ever, and forever. Amen. Then they go to the table of preparation and wash their hands, saying: I will wash my hands among the innocent, and I will go around Your altar, O Lord, that I may hear the voice of Your praise, and recount all Your wonders. O Lord, I have loved the splendor of Your house and the place where Your glory dwells. Take not away my soul |
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with the wicked, nor my life with men of blood, in whose hands are iniquities, their right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I walked in my integrity, redeem me, O Lord, and have mercy on me. My foot stood on righteousness, O Lord; in the churches I will bless You.[21] Then they make three bows before the table of preparation, each saying: O God, be merciful to me a sinner.[22] You have redeemed us from the curse of the law with Your precious Blood,[23] nailed to the Cross, and pierced with the lance, You have gushed forth immortality unto men: glory be to You, our Savior.[24] The deacon then says: Master, give the blessing. And the priest begins: Blessed is our God, always, |
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now and ever, and forever. Deacon: Amen.The priest then takes a prosphora in his left hand and the lance in his right; and makes the sign of the cross three times with the lance over the seal of the prosphora, saying: In remembrance of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. (Three times) He then thrusts the lance into the right side of the seal and says while cutting: Like a sheep that is led to the slaughter.[25] Then into the left side: And like a lamb without blemish, that before its shearer is dumb, so he opened not his mouth.[26] Then into the upper side of the seal: In his humiliation judgment of him was taken.[27] Then into the lower side: Who shall declare his generation?[28] |
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The deacon, holding his orarion in his hand, looks with piety upon this mystery and says at each incision: Let us pray to the Lord. After which he says: Master, remove. And the priest inserts the holy lance obliquely into the right side of the prosphora and lifts out the holy bread, saying: For his life is being cut off from the earth.[29] He then places it, seal downwards, on the holy discos; and the deacon says: Master, offer it. And the priest offers it, in the form of a cross saying: The Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world, is being offered for the life and salvation of the world.[30] He turns it over so that the seal is upwards. The deacon says: |
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Master, pierce it. And the priest pierces it with the lance on the right side, saying: One of the soldiers pierced His side with a lance, and immediately there came out blood and water; and he who saw it has borne witness, and his witness is true.[31]
Then the deacon takes wine and water, and says to the priest: Master, bless this holy union.
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And having obtained the blessing over them, he pours wine together with a little water into the holy chalice. The priest then takes a second prosphora in his hand, saying: In honor and memory of: Our most blessed Lady, the Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary, through whose prayers, O Lord, accept this sacrifice upon Your heavenly altar. And cutting off a particle, he places it to the right of the holy bread, close to the middle, saying: The Queen stood at Your right hand vested in golden robes, adorned.[32] Then he takes a third prosphora, says: The mighty leaders of heavenly hosts.
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And cutting off the first particle, he places it to the left of the holy bread, thus starting the first column with it. Then he says: The honored and glorious prophet, precursor and baptist John, and all the holy prophets. And cutting off a particle, he places it properly below the first particle. He then again says: The holy, glorious and illustrious apostles, Peter and Paul, and all the other holy apostles. He places the third particle below the second, thus completing the first column. He then says: Our holy fathers, the hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; Athanasius and Cyril; Nicholas of Myra; the teachers of the Slavs, Cyril and Methodius;
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the holy bishop-martyr Josaphat, and all holy hierarchs. And cutting off the fourth particle, he places it near the first particle, in this way beginning the second column. Then he again says: The holy apostle, first martyr and archdeacon Stephen, the holy great martyrs: Demetrius, George, Theodore of Tyre, and all the holy martyrs. And taking the fifth particle, he places it below the first particle of the second column. He then says: Our venerable and God-inspired fathers: Anthony, Euthymius, Sabbas, Onuphrius, and all venerable men and women.
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In the same way cutting off the sixth particle, he places it below the second particle, thus completing the second column. After that he says: The holy and charitable wonder-workers: Cosmas and Damian, Cyrus and John, Panteleimon and Hermolaus, and all the charitable workers. And cutting off the seventh particle, he places it at the top, beginning a third column. Then he says: The holy and just forebears of God, Joachim and Anna. And he places the eighth particle in order below the first particle. He then says: And in memory of Saint N. (the Saint of the Church and of the day), and all the saints, through whose prayers look down upon us, O God.
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| Greek, 16 |
And likewise cutting off the ninth particle he places it at the end of the third column in order to complete it. He then takes a fourth prosphora, and says: Remember, O Master, Lover of Mankind, our holy ecumenical Pontifft N., the Pope of Rome, our most reverend metropolitan, archbishop N., our God-beloved bishop N., and the entire episcopate of the true believers, the honorable presbyterate, the diaconate in Christ, and all others in sacred orders; (If in a monastery: our most venerable hieromonks proto-archimandrite N., our archimandrite N., our proto-hegumen N., and our hegumen N.) our concelebrating brother priests
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and deacons, and all our brethren, whom You, O most gracious Master, have called in Your loving kindness to communion with You. And taking a particle, he places it below the holy bread. Then he mentions by name those of the living whom he wishes, and for each name he cuts off a particle, saying: Remember, O Lord, N. And taking particles in that way he places them below the holy bread. Then he takes the fifth prosphora, and says: For the blessed memory and remission of sins of the blessed founders of this holy church (if a monastery: of this monastery). He then makes mention of the bishop who ordained him and others |
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of the departed whom he wishes, by name. At the mention of each name he cuts off a particle, saying: Remember, O Lord, the soul of Your departed servant N. Finally, he says: And of all our fathers and brethren of the true faith who have died in the hope of resurrection, of eternal life and of Your fellowship, O Lord who Loves Mankind. He then cuts off a particle. After that he says: Remember also, O Lord, my unworthiness, and according to Your great mercy pardon my every transgression voluntary and involuntary. And he cuts off a particle. And taking the sponge he gathers the particles together below the holy bread on the discos
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so that they be secure and none fall off. The deacon then takes the censer and putting incense into it, says to the priest: Master, bless the incense. And immediately he adds: Let us pray to the Lord. And the priest says the Prayer of Incense: We offer incense to You, O Christ, our God, unto an aroma of spiritual fragrance[33] that, having received it on Your heavenly altar, You in return send down to us the grace of Your most Holy Spirit. Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.The priest, having incensed the star, places it over the holy bread, saying: And the star came and stood over the place where the child was.[34]
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Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.The priest, having incensed the first veil, covers the holy bread and the discos with it, says: The Lord has reigned, He is clothed with beauty; the Lord is clothed with strength, and has girded Himself. For He has established the world, which shall not be moved. Your throne is prepared from of old, You are from eternity. The rivers have risen, O Lord, the rivers have lifted up their voices; the rivers will lift their waves with the noise of many waters; wondrous are the surges of the sea, wondrous is the Lord on high. Your testimonies have become exceedingly credible; holiness is becoming to Your house, O Lord, unto length of days.[35] Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Master, cover.
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The priest incenses the second veil, and covering the holy chalice with it, he says: Your glory, O Christ, has covered the heavens, and the earth is filled with Your praise.[36] Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Master, cover.And the priest incenses the veil, that is, the aer, and covers both the chalice and the discos, saying: Shelter us under the cover of Your wings;[37] drive away from us every enemy and foe. Make our life peaceful, O Lord, have mercy on us and on Your world, and save our souls, for You are good and You love mankind. The priest, taking the censer, incenses the prepared gifts, saying: Blessed is our God, Who was thus well pleased. And the deacon says:
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Always, now and ever, and forever. Amen. And they both bow reverently. The deacon then says: For the precious gifts offered, let us pray to the Lord. And the priest takes the censer and says the Prayer of Offering: O God, our God, Who have sent forth the heavenly bread[38] as the nourishment of the whole world,[39] our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, the savior and redeemer[40] and benefactor, to bless and sanctify us, bless these gifts placed here before You and accept them on Your heavenly altar. Remember, as the merciful lover of mankind, those who brought the offerings and those for whom they offered them; and keep us |
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blameless in the holy celebration of Your divine mysteries. For sanctified and glorified is Your most honored and sublime name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen. The priest then begins the dismissal, saying: Glory be to You, O Christ, our God, our hope, glory be to You. Deacon: Glory . . . now and ever . . . Lord, have mercy. (Three times.) Give the blessing.The priest says the dismissal: (If it be Sunday): Christ, our true God, Who has risen from the dead. (But if not Sunday): Christ our true God, through the prayers of His most pure Mother,
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and of our holy Father, John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople, and of all the saints, will have mercy on us and will save us, for He is gracious and loves mankind. Deacon: Amen.After the dismissal, the deacon incenses the prepared gifts. Then he departs and incenses the holy altar round about, in the form of a cross, saying silently: When your body was in the tomb, and Your soul in hell, when You were in paradise with the thief, You were at the same time O Christ, as God, upon Your throne with the Father and the Spirit infinite and filling all things.[41] Then Psalm 50 Psalm 50 (51) After having incensed the sanctuary, the icons, the choir and the people, he returns to the sanctuary, and again incenses the holy table. |
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and the priest. He then places the censer in its proper place, and goes to join the priest. Standing together before the holy altar, they make three bows, each praying silently and saying: Heavenly king, comforter, spirit of truth, Who are everywhere present and fill all things, treasury of blessings and giver of life, come and dwell within us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, O gracious Lord.[42] Glory be to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men.[43] (Twice.) O Lord, You will open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.[44] The priest then kisses the holy gospel book, the deacon the holy table. |
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After which the deacon bows his head to the priest, and holding the orarion with three fingers of his right hand he says: It is time for the Lord to act.[45] Master, give the blessing. The priest, blessing him says: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and forever. Amen.Then the deacon: Master, pray for me.The priest: May the Lord direct your steps.[46]And again the deacon: Master, remember me.The priest: May the Lord God remember you in His kingdom, always, now and ever, and forever.Deacon: Amen.
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The deacon bows and goes out of the sanctuary by way of the northern door, because the royal doors are kept closed until the Entrance; and standing in his customary place before the royal doors, he bows reverently three times, saying silently: O Lord, You will open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.[47] After that he continues: Master, give the blessing. And the priest begins: Blessed is the kingdom ...It should be noted that whenever the priest celebrates the liturgy without a deacon, he is not to say those words proper to the deacon at the rite of preparation, nor those in the Liturgy before the gospel, nor those in answer to him; Master give the blessing, and, Master, let it be pierced, and, it is time to offer the sacrifice, are not said, but only the ektenias and the rite of preparation as prescribed. Whenever priests concelebrate, only one of them shall perform the rite of preparation; |
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the other concelebrants do not recite the rite of preparation. At a Pontifical Liturgy, one of the priests begins the rite of preparation as usual, then he places particles in honor of the Mother of God and all the saints, after which he covers the holy discos and the holy chalice with the aer, saying nothing; the bishop himself completes the rite of preparation before the great entrance, during the singing of the cherubic hymn. |
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THE DIVINE LITURGY OF OUR FATHER AMONG THE SAINTS JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
Deacon: Master, give the blessing. Priest: BLESSED is the kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. R: Amen.
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Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.For peace from on high, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.For peace in the whole world, for the well-being of the holy Churches of God and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.For this holy church and for all who enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.For our holy ecumenical pontiff N., the pope of Rome, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.
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For our most reverend archbishop and metropolitan N., for our God-loving Bishop N., for the venerable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.For our civil authorities (For our divinely-protected Emperor N. or King N.) and all our armed forces, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.For this city (or: for this village, or: for this holy monastery), for every city, countryside, and for those living within them in faith, let us pray. to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.For seasonable weather,
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for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.For those who travel by sea, air, and land, for the sick, the suffering, the captive, and for their safety and salvation, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.Whenever a general commemoration of the departed is made, the following is added: For the souls of all who through the ages have departed in the true faith, and in the hope of resurrection and eternal life; for our departed fathers and brethren, for the founders and benefactors of this holy church, for our parents and relatives, for those buried here and those inscribed here, and for all Christians of the true faith everywhere,
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and for their blessed repose, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.That they may stand uncondemned before the fearsome judgment-seat of Christ, and that their souls be committed to the region of the living, to the place of light, where all the saints and just repose, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.When the commemoration is for a particular person or persons: For the servant of God N., (or: For the servants of God N. and N.) and for his (her or their) blessed memory, and that his (her or their) every transgression, voluntary and involuntary, be forgiven, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.That he (she or they) may stand uncondemned
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| Greek 24 |
before the fearsome judgment-seat of Christ, and that his (her or their) soul(s) be committed to the region of the living, to the place of light, where all the saints and just repose, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.That we be delivered from all affliction, wrath and need, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.Protect us, save us, have mercy on us and preserve us, O God, by Your grace. R: Lord, have mercy.Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend |
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ourselves and one another, and our whole life, to Christ, our God. R: To You, O Lord.The priest silently says the prayer of the First Antiphon: O Lord, our God, Whose might is beyond description, Whose glory surpasses all understanding, whose mercy is without limits,[48] Whose love for man is beyond expression; do You, O Master, in Your kindness, look down upon us[49] and this holy church, and bestow on us and upon those praying with us Your abundant mercies and Your benefits. Aloud: For to You is due all glory and honor and worship,[50] Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. R: Amen.
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The singers then chant the first antiphon. The deacon meanwhile makes a bow; leaves his place, goes and stands before the icon of Christ, holding his orarion with three fingers of his right hand. At the conclusion of the antiphon the deacon returns and stands in his customary place; and having made a bow, he says: Again and again, let us pray to the Lord in peace R: Lord, have mercy.Protect us, save us, have mercy on us and preserve us, O God, by Your grace. R: Lord, have mercy.Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life, to Christ, our God. R: To you, O Lord. |
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PRAYER OF THE SECOND ANTIPHON: O Lord, Our God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance;[51] preserve the fullness of Your Church; sanctify those who love the beauty of Your House;[52] glorify them in return by Your divine power, and do not forsake us[53] who place our hope in You;[54] Aloud: For Yours is the might, and Yours is the kingdom and the power, and the glory,[55] Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. R: Amen.The second antiphon is then chanted in the same manner by the singers; and the deacon does the same thing as during the first prayer. Then the deacon: Again and again, let us pray to the Lord in peace.
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R: Lord, have mercy.Protect us, save us, have mercy on us and preserve us, O God, by Your grace. R: Lord, have mercy.Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life, to Christ, our God. R: To you, O Lord.PRAYER OF THE THIRD ANTIPHON: YOU, Who promised to grant the petitions of two or three united together in Your name,[56] have given us to offer these prayers with a single and united voice; also hear now the requests of Your servants for their benefit, giving to us the knowledge of Your truth in the present time[57] |
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and granting life eternal in the age to come. Aloud: For You, O God, are gracious good and You love mankind, and to You we render glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. R: Amen.At this time the royal doors are opened for the little entrance. The singers chant the third antiphon, or if it be Sunday, the Beatitudes; when they begin to sing the "Glory be ..." the priest and the deacon who are standing before the holy altar make three bows; then the priest takes the holy gospel book and gives it to the deacon, and preceded by candle-bearers, they go to the right and pass behind the holy altar and go out of the sanctuary by way of the north door, thus making the little entrance; and standing in the customary place |
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they both bow their heads, and the deacon says: Let us pray to the Lord, and the priest silently recites the prayer of the entrance.THE PRAYER OF THE ENTRANCE: O Lord, our Master and God, Who in heaven established orders and armies of angels and archangels for the service of Your glory, make this our entrance to be an entrance of holy angels, serving together with us, and with us glorifying Your goodness. For to You is due all glory, honor and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen. When the prayer is concluded the deacon, holding his orarion with three fingers of his right hand and pointing to the East says to the priest: Master, bless the holy entrance |
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The priest, blessing, says: Blessed is the entrance of Your saints[61], always, now and ever, and forever. The deacon then presents the holy gospel book to the priest who kisses it. When the last troparion is concluded, the deacon goes to the center, and standing in front of the priest, raises the holy gospel book a little saying: Wisdom! Be attentive be aright. The deacon then makes a bow and enters the sanctuary, and the priest follows him; the deacon then places the holy gospel book upon the holy altar; meanwhile the singers chant: Come, let us worship and bow before Christ:[62] O Son of God, |
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wondrous in Your saints, save us who sing to You: Alleluia! But if it be Sunday: O Son of God, risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia! Then the proper troparia are chanted; meanwhile the priest says this prayer: THE PRAYER OF THE THRICE HOLY HYMN: O holy God, Who abide in the saints,[63] Who are praised by the thrice-holy voice of the Seraphim,[64] and are glorified by the Cherubim, and are adored by all the heavenly powers; Who brought all things out of nonexistence into being,[65] and created man to Your own image and likeness[66] and adorned him with Your every gift; giving wisdom and understanding to him who asks,[67] and not despising the sinner, but ordaining repentance for his |
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salvation.[68] You have allowed us, Your humble and unworthy servants, to stand at this time before the glory of Your holy altar[69] and to offer to You the adoration and praise due You; accept, O Master, from the lips of us sinners the thrice-holy hymn, and deal with us according to Your kindness. Forgive us every offense, voluntary and involuntary, sanctify our souls and bodies, and grant that we may serve You in holiness all the days of our life;[70] through the prayers of the holy Mother of God and all the saints, who have pleased You from the beginning of time. When the singers come to the last troparion, the deacon, bowing his head and with three fingers holding his orarion in his hand, says to the priest: |
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Master, bless this occasion for the thrice-holy hymn. The priest blesses him and intones: For You are holy, our God, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever: The deacon comes close to the royal doors and pointing to those standing outside the sanctuary loudly intones: And forever. R: Amen.The choir continues: Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal,[71] have mercy on us. (Thrice) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen. Holy and immortal, have mercy on us. Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us. While the Trisagion is being sung by the choir, it is also recited by the priest and deacon who at the same time make three bows before the holy altar. Then the deacon says to the priest: Master, command.And they go to the throne behind the altar, the priest saying as he goes: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.[72] |
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Deacon: Master, bless the throne chair on high Priest: Blessed are You on the throne of the glory of Your kingdom, enthroned upon the Cherubim, always, now and ever, and forever. It is to be noted that the priest does not ascend the throne nor does he sit on it, but he sits on the south side of it. When the thrice-holy hymn is ended, the deacon comes before the royal doors and says: Let us be attentive! The priest intones: Peace be with all.And the deacon: Wisdom! Be attentive!The choir chants the prokimen, taken from the psalms of David. |
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Then the deacon: Wisdom!And the lector reads the title of the Epistle: A reading from the Acts of the holy apostles. Or: A reading from the universal epistle of Saint James, Or: A reading from the epistle of Saint Peter Or A reading from the epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Romans, Or: to the Corinthians, Or: to the Galatians. And the deacon: Let us be attentive!When the Epistle has been read the priest says: Peace be with you. Deacon: Wisdom! Be attentive!R: Alleluia. with verses.During the singing of the Alleluia the deacon takes the censer and puts incense into it, and goes to the priest and, having received the blessing from him, he incenses the holy altar round about, the entire sanctuary and the priest. Meanwhile the priest stands before the holy altar, and says this prayer, silently.
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THE PRAYER BEFORE THE GOSPEL: O gracious Master, infuse in our hearts[73] the spotless light of Your divine wisdom and open the eyes of our mind[74] that we may understand the teachings of Your Gospel. Instill in us also the fear of Your blessed commandments, so that, having curbed[75] all carnal desires,[76] we may lead a spiritual life, both thinking and doing everything to please You.[77] For You, O Christ, our God, are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies; and, to You we render glory, together with Your eternal Father, and with Your all holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen.
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The deacon returns the censer to its proper place and comes to the priest, and, bowing his head to him and holding his orarion with the tips of his fingers and pointing to the holy Gospel Book, says: Master, bless the announcer of the gospel of the holy apostle and evangelist N. The priest, blessing him, says: May God, through the prayers of the holy, glorious and illustrious apostle and evangelist N., grant that you announce the Word with great power, for the fulfillment of the gospel of His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. And he hands him the Gospel Book. The deacon says: Amen, and bowing to the holy gospel book he takes it, and goes out by the way of the royal doors, |
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preceded by candle-bearers, to the ambo or to some other designated place. The priest stands before the holy altar, turns toward the west and intones: Wisdom! Let us stand and listen to the holy gospel. Then: Peace be with all.R: And with your spirit.Deacon: A reading from the holy gospel according to Saint N. R: Glory be to You, O Lord, glory be to You.Priest: Let us be attentive!If there be two deacons then one says: Wisdom! Let us stand . . . (and also) Let us be attentive! When the gospel has been read, the priest says: |
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Peace be with you who have announced the holy gospel. R: Glory be to You, O Lord, glory be to You.The deacon then goes to the royal doors and hands the gospel book to the priest. The royal doors are again closed. The deacon stands at his usual place, and begins as follows: Let us all say with our whole soul, and with our whole mind, let us say. R: Lord, have mercy.O Lord almighty, God of our fathers, we pray You, hear and have mercy. R: Lord, have mercy.Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy; we pray You, hear and have mercy. R: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)THE PRAYER OF SUPPLICATION: ACCEPT, O Lord our God, |
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this fervent prayer from Your servants and have mercy on us according to Your great mercy,[78] and send down Your benefits upon us and upon all Your People, who expect from You abundant mercies.[79] Deacon: In parish churches: We also pray for our holy ecumenical pontiff N., the pope of Rome, and for our most reverend archbishop and metropolitan N., for our God-loving bishop N., for those who serve and have served in this holy church, for our spiritual fathers, and for all our brethren in Christ. R: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.) Deacon: In monasteries: We also pray for our holy |
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ecumenical pontiff N., the pope of Rome, and for our most reverend archbishop and metropolitan N., for our God-loving bishop N., for our most venerable hieromonks: proto-archimandrite N., archimandrite N., proto-hegumen N., and hegumen N., for those who serve and have served in this holy monastery, for our spiritual fathers, and for all our brethren in Christ. R: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)We also pray for our civil authorities (or for our divinely protected Emperor N. or King N., for his health and salvation) and for all the armed forces.
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R: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.) Petitions for special intentions can be added at this time. We also pray for the people here present who await Your great and abundant mercy, for those who showed us mercy, and for all Christians of the true faith. R: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)Priest: Aloud For You are a merciful and gracious God, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. R: Amen.If the sacrifice is being offered for the dead, the deacon, or the priest, says this ektenija: Have mercy on us, O God, |
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according to Your great mercy; we pray You, hear and have mercy. R: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)We also pray for the repose of the souls of the departed servants of God N., and that their every transgression, voluntary and involuntary, be forgiven them. R: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)May the Lord God commit their souls to the place where the just repose. R: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)For the mercy of God, for the kingdom of heaven, and for the remission of their sins, let us beseech Christ, the immortal King and our God. R: Grant it, O Lord.Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.
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Priest: O God, of spirits and of all flesh,[80] Who have trampled death, and vanquished the devil, and have granted life to Your world; do You, O Lord, give rest[81] to the souls of Your departed servants N., in a place of light, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, where there is no pain, sorrow or sighing[.82] As a good and gracious God, forgive every sin committed by them, in word or deed or thought, for there is no man living who does not sin.[83] For You alone are without sin, Your justice is everlasting justice,[84] and Your word is truth.[85] Aloud: For you are the resurrection and the life,[86] |
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and the repose of Your departed servants N., O Christ our God, and to You we render glory, with Your eternal Father, and Your all holy, gracious and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and forever. R: Amen. Then the deacon continues: Catechumens, pray to the Lord R: Lord, have mercy.Faithful, let us pray for the catechumens, that the Lord have mercy on them. R: Lord, have mercy.That He instruct them in the word of truth.[87] R: Lord, have mercy.That He reveal to them the Gospel of righteousness. R: Lord, have mercy.That He unite them with His holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
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R: Lord, have mercy. Save them, have mercy on them, protect and preserve them, O God, by Your grace. R: Lord, have mercy.Catechumens, bow your heads to the Lord. R: To You, O Lord.PRAYER FOR THE CATECHUMENS: O Lord, our God, You Who dwell on high and behold the humble,[88] Who for the salvation of mankind have sent down Your only-begotten Son and God, our Lord Jesus Christ, look down upon Your servants, the catechumens, who have bowed their heads to You, and deem them worthy in due time of the waters of regeneration,[89] of the remission of sins, and of the robe of incorruption.[91] Unite them with Your holy, catholic, and |
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apostolic Church, and number them among Your chosen flock. Aloud: That with us they also may praise Your most honored and sublime name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. R: Amen.The priest now unfolds the iliton. The deacon says: All catechumens, depart! If there be a second deacon, he now says: Catechumens, depart! The first deacon again says: All catechumens, depart! Let none of the catechumens remain, all the faithful, again and again, let us pray to the Lord in peace. R: Lord, have mercy.
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If there be but one deacon, or if the priest be celebrating without a deacon, then he says as follows: All catechumens, depart! Catechumens, depart! All catechumens, depart! Let none of the catechumens remain; all the faithful, again and again, let us pray to the Lord in peace. R: Lord, have mercy.FIRST PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL: WE thank You, O Lord God of Powers, for having deemed us worthy to stand, at this time, before Your holy altar, and to prostrate ourselves before Your mercy, for our sins and for the people's transgressions.[92] Accept our prayer, O God, and make us worthy to offer to you prayers and supplications, and unbloody sacrifices for all Your people, and enable us, |
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whom You have placed in this Your ministry through the power of Your Holy Spirit, to call upon You at all times and in all places, without condemnation and blame, with a true testimony of our conscience,[93] that, hearing us, You may be merciful to us in the greatness of Your goodness. Deacon: Protect us, save us, have mercy on us and preserve us, O God, by Your grace.R: Lord, have mercy.Deacon: Wisdom!The priest says aloud: For to You is due all glory, honor, and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. R: Amen.
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Deacon: Again and again, let us pray to the Lord in peace.R: Lord, have mercy.SECOND PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL: AGAIN and again, we fall down before You, and beseech You, O gracious lover of mankind, that You hear our prayer[94] and cleanse our souls and bodies of every defilement of flesh and spirit.[95] Grant that we may stand before Your holy altar without blame and condemnation. Bestow, O God, also upon those who pray with us, advancement in faith and life and spiritual understanding. Grant that they who serve You in fear and love, may partake of Your holy mysteries without blame and condemnation and be deemed worthy of Your heavenly Kingdom.[96]
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Deacon: Protect us, save us, have mercy on us and preserve us, O God, by Your grace.R: Lord, have mercy.Deacon: Wisdom!The deacon enters the sanctuary by the north door. The priest says aloud: That, being ever protected by Your power, we may render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever. R: Amen.The royal doors are now opened. While the cherubic hymn is being sung, the deacon, taking the censer and putting incense into it, goes to the priest and, having obtained the blessing of the incense from him, incenses around the holy altar, then the entire sanctuary and the iconostasia, the priest, the choirs, and the people, saying Psalm 50 while he incenses.
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Meanwhile the priest says the following prayer silently: No one who is bound by carnal desires and pleasures is worthy to come to You, to approach You, or to minister to You, the king of glory,[97] for to minister to You is great and awesome, even to the heavenly powers themselves. Yet, because of Your ineffable and boundless love for mankind, though in nature unchanged and unchangeable, You became man and were made our high priest and, as Master of all, gave into our keeping the holy office of this liturgical, unbloody sacrifice. For you alone, O Lord our God, rule over all things in heaven and on earth, and are borne on the cherubic throne, and are the Lord of the Seraphim and King of Israel,[98] Who alone are holy and dwell in the saints.[99] |
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| Therefore, I beseech You, Who alone are gracious and ready to hear me; look favorably upon me, Your sinful and unprofitable servant,[100] and cleanse my heart and soul of an evil conscience,[101] and with the power of Your Holy Spirit, enable me who have been clothed with the grace of the priesthood, to stand before this Your holy altar, and offer the sacrifice of Your sacred and most pure body and precious blood. With bowed head, I approach You and implore You, turn not Your face away from me, nor exclude me from among Your children, but allow these gifts to be offered to You by me, Your sinful and unworthy servant; for it is You, O Christ, our God, Who offer and are offered, Who receive and are distributed, and to You we render glory, | 229 | |
with Your eternal Father, and with Your all holy, gracious and life- creating Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen. The prayer and the incensing being finished, the priest and the deacon, standing before the holy altar, say together the cherubic hymn three times and at the conclusion of each they bow once. Let us, who mystically represent the Cherubim, and sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-creating Trinity, now set aside all earthly cares.[102] That we may welcome the King of all, invisibly escorted by angelic hosts. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Thrice They then go to the table of preparation,
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the deacon going first, and the priest incenses the holy gifts, saying silently: O God, be merciful to me a sinner. The deacon says to the priest: Lift up, O master. The priest takes the aer and places it on the deacon’s left shoulder, saying: Lift up your hands to the holy things, and bless the Lord.[103] The priest then takes the holy discos and places it carefully and reverently upon the head of the deacon who holds the censer with one finger of his right hand. The priest takes the chalice in his hands and then both go out through the north door, praying and preceded by candle-bearers. The deacon intones: May the Lord God remember in His kingdom all you Christians of the true faith,
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always, now and ever, and forever. The priest intones: May the Lord God remember in His kingdom, Our holy ecumenical pontiff N., Pope of Rome, our most reverend archbishop and metropolitan N., and our God-loving bishop N., (our very reverend father proto-archimandrite N., archimandrite N., our potohegumen N., our hegumen N.) and the entire priestly, diaconal, and monastic order, our civil authorities (or: our divinely protected Emperor N., or: King N.) and all our armed forces, the noble and ever-memorable founders |
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and benefactors of this holy Church (holy monastery), and all you Christians of the true faith, always, now and ever, and forever. R: Amen.Then the choir sings: That we may welcome the King of all, invisibly escorted by angelic hosts. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Entering the sanctuary by way of the royal doors, the priest then places the holy chalice upon the holy altar; and taking the holy discos from the deacon’s head, he also places it upon the holy altar. Then taking the veils off the sacred discos and the holy chalice, he places them to one side of the altar; and taking the aer from the deacon’s shoulder and incensing it, he covers the holy gifts with it, saying: The noble Joseph |
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took down Your most pure body from the cross, wrapped it in a clean shroud, and with fragrant spices laid it in burial in a new tomb.[104] And taking the censer from the deacon’s hand, he incenses the holy gifts three times, saying: Deal favorably, O Lord, in Your good will with Sion, that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up. Then You shall accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations and whole burnt offerings, then shall they lay calves upon Your altar.[105] Then he gives back the censer and bows his head and says to the deacon: Remember me, brother and fellow-celebrant. The deacon replies: May the Lord God remember your priesthood in His kingdom. The priest:
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Pray for me my fellow-celebrant. Then the deacon also bows his head and, holding his orarion with three fingers of his right hand, says to the priest: The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow you.[106] The priest: May the Spirit Himself join with us in our celebrations all the days of our lives.[107]The deacon says to the priest: Remember me, holy Master.Priest: May the Lord God remember you in His kingdom, always, now and ever, and forever.Deacon: Amen.The deacon then bows to the priest, goes out by way of the north door, and standing in his customary place, he says:
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| Let us complete our prayer to the Lord.
R: Lord, have mercy.For the precious gifts here offered, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.For this holy church and for all who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.That we be delivered from all affliction, wrath and need, let us pray to the Lord. R: Lord, have mercy.The Prayer of the offering which is said after the holy gifts have been placed on the altar: O Lord God Almighty, Who alone are Holy and receive the sacrifice of praise[108] from those who call upon You with their whole heart,[109] |
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accept the prayer also of us sinners; bring us to Your holy altar, enable us to offer to You gifts and spiritual sacrifices for our sins,[110] and for the people’s transgressions;[111] and deem us also worthy to find favor in Your sight,[112] that our sacrifice may be pleasing to You,[113] and that the good Spirit of Your grace may rest in us and upon these gifts here present, and upon all Your people. Deacon: Protect us, save us, have mercy on us and preserve us, O God, by Your grace.R: Lord, have mercy.That this whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and without sin, let us beseech the Lord. R: Grant it, O Lord.
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For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us beseech the Lord. R: Grant it, O Lord.For the pardon and remission of our sins and offenses, let us beseech the Lord. R: Grant it, O Lord.For what is good and beneficial to our souls and for the peace of the world, let us beseech the Lord. R: Grant it, O Lord.That we may spend the rest of our life in peace and repentance, let us beseech the Lord. R: Grant it, O Lord.For a Christian, painless, unashamed, peaceful end of our life, and for a good account before the fearsome judgment-seat of Christ, let us beseech the Lord. R: Grant it, O Lord.
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Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life, to Christ, our God. R: To You, O Lord.The priest says aloud: Through the mercies of Your only-begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed,[114] together with Your all holy, gracious and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and forever. R: Amen.Priest: Peace be with all.R: And with your spirit.Deacon: Let us love one another, so that with one mind we may profess.
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R: The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, one in substance and undivided.The priest bows three times, saying silently: I will love You, O Lord, my strength, the Lord is my fortress and my refuge.[115] (Thrice) He kisses the holy gifts, covered as they are, first over the holy discos, then over the holy chalice, and the edge of the holy altar before him. If there are two or more priests, they also kiss the holy gifts, and then each other on the shoulders. The concelebrant says: Christ is among us.And the one kissed replies: He is and shall be.The deacons also, if there be two of them,
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| Greek, 46 |
kiss the cross upon their orarion, and each other on the shoulders, saying the same as the priests. The deacon likewise bows, standing where he is, and kisses his orarion where the cross is and then intones: The doors, the doors, in wisdom let us be attentive! The priest lifts the aer and holds it over the holy gifts. If there be other concelebrating priests, then they also lift the aer and hold it over the holy gifts, shaking it lightly, and each saying to himself, the Profession of Faith along with the people. I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, the only-begotten, |
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| Greek, 46 | born of the Father before all ages. Light of light, true God of true God, begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father, through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and Mary the Virgin, and became man. He was also crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And He rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures. And He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory, to judge the living and the dead, and of His kingdom there will be no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and Giver of life, Who proceeds from the Father (and the Son), Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, | 242 |
| Greek, 46
Greek, 47 |
catholic, and apostolic Church. I profess one baptism for the remission of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead; and the life of the world to come. Amen. Deacon: Let us stand aright, let us stand in awe, let us be attentive, to offer the holy oblation in peace. R: The mercy, peace, the sacrifice of praise.The priest, having taken the aer off the holy gifts, kisses it and places it to one side, saying: The grace of our Lord ...The deacon, having made a bow, goes into the sanctuary and, taking the ripidion, waves it devoutly over the holy gifts. If there be no ripidion, he does the same with one of the veils.The priest intones: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, |
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and the love of God and Father, and the communion in the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.[116] R: And with your spirit.The priest turns to the East and says: Let us lift up our hearts! R: We have them lifted up to the Lord.The priest intones: Let us give thanks to the Lord. R: It is proper and just to worship the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, one in substance and undivided.The priest says: IT is proper and just to sing hymns to You, to bless You, to praise You, to thank You, to worship You in every place of Your kingdom;[117] for You are God ineffable, inconceivable, invisible, incomprehensible, |
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| ever
existing, yet ever the same, You, and Your only-begotten Son, and Your Holy
Spirit; You brought us forth from nonexistence into being,[118]
and raised us up again when we had fallen, and left nothing undone, until You
brought us to heaven and bestowed upon us Your future kingdom. For all this we
give thanks to You, and to Your only-begotten Son, and to Your Holy Spirit, for
all that we know and that we do not know, the manifest and the hidden benefits
bestowed upon us. We thank You also for this liturgy, which You have willed to
accept from our hands, even though there stand before You thousands of
archangels, tens of thousands of angels,[119] Cherubim and
Seraphim, six-winged,[120] many-eyed,[121]
soaring aloft on their wings. |
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The deacon, taking the holy asterisk from the holy discos, makes the sign of the cross over it. He then kisses the asterisk and lays it aside. The Priest intones: Singing, shouting, crying out and saying the triumphal hymn: R: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, heaven and earth are full of Your glory;[122] hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord, hosanna in the highest.[123]The deacon then approaches, and stands to his right; and taking the ripidion into his hands, he waves it gently over the holy gifts with attention and reverence, lest any flies or the like settle upon them. The priest prays: WITH these blessed powers, |
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| O
loving and kind
Master, Lover of Mankind, we too cry out and
say: Holy are You and all holy, You, and Your only-begotten Son, and Your
Holy Spirit; holy are You and all holy and
splendrous is Your glory,[124]
Who so loved Your world that You gave Your only-begotten Son, that
everyone who believes in Him should not perish, but should have life
everlasting;[125] Who, having come and having fulfilled
the whole divine plan concerning us, on the night when He was betrayed, or
rather, when He surrendered Himself for the life of the world, He took
bread into His holy and all pure and immaculate hands, gave thanks and
blessed (and he
blesses it), sanctified, broke, and gave it to His holy disciples
and apostles, saying: |
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Aloud: TAKE, eat, this is my body which is broken for you[126] for the remission of sins. The priest and deacon together make a profound bow. R: Amen.While this is being said the deacon, holding his orarion with three fingers of his right hand, points out the discos to the priest. In like manner, when the priest says: Drink of this all of you: the deacon points to the holy chalice.The priest says silently: Likewise the chalice (and again he blesses it) after supper, saying:[127] Aloud: DRINK of this, all of you, this is my blood of the new
testament, which
is shed for you and for many, for the remission of sins.[128] |
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And again the priest and deacon together make a profound bow. R: Amen. At a concelebration of the divine liturgy, all the priests simultaneously recite the words of Our Lord. The priest prays: Remembering, therefore, this salutary command, and all that was done in our behalf: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection on the third day, the ascension into heaven, the sitting at the right hand, the second and glorious coming again. He intones: We offer to You Yours of Your own,[129] in behalf of all and for all. While the above is being said, the deacon, having crossed his hands and having elevated the holy discos and holy chalice bows reverently.
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R: We praise You, we bless You, we thank You, O Lord, and we pray to You, our God.And the priest prays: Moreover, we offer to You this spiritual[130] and unbloody sacrifice, and we implore, and pray, and entreat You, send down Your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts lying before us. The deacon lays down the ripidion and comes close to the priest and both bow three times before the holy altar. The deacon then bows his head and pointing with his orarion to the holy bread says in a low voice: Master, bless the holy bread.
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The priest bends over the gifts and makes the sign of the cross over the holy bread, saying: And make this bread (+) the precious body of Your Christ. Deacon: Amen.And the Deacon again: Master, bless the holy chalice.And the priest blessing it says: And that which is in this chalice (+), the precious blood of Your Christ. Deacon: Amen.The Deacon again, pointing to both holy gifts, says: Master, bless both. And the priest blessing both holy gifts, says: Changing them (+) by Your Holy Spirit. Deacon: Amen, amen, amen.And ha |
