THE DIVINE LITURGY OF OUR FATHER AMONG THE SAINTS JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
Deacon: Bless, master.
Priest: Blessed is the kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Blessed is the kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Litany for Peace
Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace from above and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace of the whole world, the stability of the holy Churches of God and the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy house and those who enter it with faith, reverence and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our Archbishop (name), the honourable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and all the clergy and laity, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this land, its civil authorities and all its people, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this city, and every city and country, and the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For seasonable weather, the abundance of the fruits of the earth, and peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For those who are travelling by land, sea or air, the sick, the suffering, for captives, and the safety of them all, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our deliverance from all affliction, anger, danger and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest: For to you belong all glory, honour and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace from above and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace of the whole world, the stability of the holy Churches of God and the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy house and those who enter it with faith, reverence and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our Archbishop (name), the honourable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and all the clergy and laity, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this land, its civil authorities and all its people, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this city, and every city and country, and the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For seasonable weather, the abundance of the fruits of the earth, and peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For those who are travelling by land, sea or air, the sick, the suffering, for captives, and the safety of them all, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our deliverance from all affliction, anger, danger and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Prayer of the First Antiphon
Priest (in a low voice): Lord our God, whose might is beyond compare and whose glory is beyond understanding, whose mercy is beyond measure and whose love for us is beyond telling; in your loving kindness, Master, look upon us and upon this holy house, and grant to us, and to those who pray with us, the riches of your mercy and compassion.
Priest: For to you belong all glory, honour and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
First Antiphon
Verse. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Saviour, save us.
Verse. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all that he has done for you.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Saviour, save us.
Verse. The Lord in heaven has prepared his throne, and his kingdom rules over all.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Saviour, save us.
Small Litany
Deacon: Again and again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest: For yours is the dominion, and yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Prayer of the Second Antiphon
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, and yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Second Antiphon
On Weekdays:
Save us, Son of God, who are wondrous in your Saints; we sing to you, Alleluia.
On Sundays:
Verse. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord in my life, I will sing to my God while I have my being.
Save us, Son of God, who rose from the dead; we sing to you, Alleluia.
Verse. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.
Save us, Son of God, who rose from the dead; we sing to you, Alleluia.
Verse. The Lord will reign for ever; your God, O Sion, to generation after generation.
Save us, Son of God, who rose from the dead; we sing to you, Alleluia.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and Word of God, you who are immortal, and consented for our salvation to be incarnate of the holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, without change becoming human, and who were crucified, Christ our God, by death trampling on death; you who are one of the Holy Trinity, glorified together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, save us.
Save us, Son of God, who are wondrous in your Saints; we sing to you, Alleluia.
On Sundays:
Verse. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord in my life, I will sing to my God while I have my being.
Save us, Son of God, who rose from the dead; we sing to you, Alleluia.
Verse. Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.
Save us, Son of God, who rose from the dead; we sing to you, Alleluia.
Verse. The Lord will reign for ever; your God, O Sion, to generation after generation.
Save us, Son of God, who rose from the dead; we sing to you, Alleluia.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and Word of God, you who are immortal, and consented for our salvation to be incarnate of the holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, without change becoming human, and who were crucified, Christ our God, by death trampling on death; you who are one of the Holy Trinity, glorified together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, save us.
Small Litany
Deacon: Again and again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest: For you are a good and loving God, and to you we offer glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Prayer of the Third Antiphon
Priest (in a low voice): You who have given us these prayers to offer together and in harmony, and have promised to grant the requests of even two or three who join together in your name, fulfil now the petitions of your servants for their benefit, granting us the knowledge of your truth in the present age, and in the age to come eternal life.
Priest: For you are a good and loving God, and to you we offer glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Third Antiphon
Verse. This is the day of the Lord, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Small Entrance
Prayer of the Entrance:
Deacon (in a low voice): Let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: Master, Lord our God, who have established in heaven orders and armies of Angels and Archangels for the service of your glory, let there be with our entrance an entry of holy Angels, serving with us and joining us in glorifying your goodness. For to you belong all glory, honour and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Deacon: Bless, master, the holy entrance.
Priest: Blessed is the entrance of your saints, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Deacon: Wisdom. Attend.
People: Come let us worship and fall down before Christ. Save us, Son of God, who rose from the dead; we sing to you, Alleluia.
From the Sunday of Pascha to the Return of the feast: In the congregations bless God, the Lord from the springs of Israel. Save us, Son of God,…
Dismissal Hymns
If there is a Memorial, the Kontakion of the Departed:
Remember, Lord, your servant/s in your goodness, and all sins committed in his/her/their life forgive; for no one is without sin, except you who are able to grant rest to the departed.
Kontakion of the Current Feast
Remember, Lord, your servant/s in your goodness, and all sins committed in his/her/their life forgive; for no one is without sin, except you who are able to grant rest to the departed.
Kontakion of the Current Feast
Prayer of the Trisagion Hymn
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For you, our God, are Holy, and to you we offer glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever...
Deacon: ...and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest (in a low voice): Holy God, resting among the holy, who with the thrice-holy hymn are praised by the Seraphim, glorified by the Cherubim and worshipped by every heavenly Power; who brought all things from non-being into being; who created humanity in your image and likeness and adorned them with your every gift; who give wisdom and understanding to those who ask, and do not overlook the sinner, but have established repentance for salvation; who have made us, your lowly and unworthy servants, worthy to stand at this hour before the glory of your holy altar and offer the worship and praise due to you; accept, Master, the thrice-holy hymn even from the mouth of us sinners, and visit us in your goodness. Forgive us every offence, both voluntary and involuntary, sanctify our souls and bodies, and grant that we may worship you in holiness all the days of our life, through the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and all the Saints who in every age have been pleasing to you.
Priest: For you, our God, are Holy, and to you we offer glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever...
Deacon: ...and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Trisagion Hymn
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
On feasts of the Lord, instead of Holy God the following is sung: You who have been baptised into Christ, Christ have you put on. Alleluia.
On the feasts of the Worship of the Cross and the Elevation of the precious Cross the following is sung: Your Cross we venerate, Master, and your holy resurrection we glorify.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
On feasts of the Lord, instead of Holy God the following is sung: You who have been baptised into Christ, Christ have you put on. Alleluia.
On the feasts of the Worship of the Cross and the Elevation of the precious Cross the following is sung: Your Cross we venerate, Master, and your holy resurrection we glorify.
Deacon (in a low voice): Proceed, master.
Priest: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Deacon: Bless, master, the high throne.
Priest: Blessed are you on the glorious throne of your kingdom, seated upon the Cherubim, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Scripture Readings
The prokimenon is read by the reader.
Deacon: Let us attend.
The psalm verse is read by the reader.
Deacon: Wisdom.
Reader: The reading is from Paul’s Letter / Acts of the Apostles / the General Letter of…
Deacon: Let us attend.
The appointed passage of the Apostle is read by the reader.
Priest: Peace be with you, the reader.
People: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Prayer of the Holy Gospel
Priest: Make the pure light of your divine knowledge shine within our hearts, loving Master, and open the eyes of our mind to understand the message of your Gospel. Instil in us also the fear of your blessed commandments, so that having trampled down all desires of the flesh, we may pursue a spiritual way of life, thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to you. For you are the illumination of our souls and bodies, Christ our God, and to you we offer glory, with your eternal Father and your all-holy, good and lifegiving Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Deacon: Bless, master, the reader of the Gospel of the holy, glorious Apostle and Evangelist (name).
Priest: May God, through the intercessions of the holy, glorious Apostle and Evangelist (name), grant that you may proclaim the Gospel message with great power, for the fulfilment of the Gospel of his beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Deacon: Amen.
Deacon: Let us attend.
The psalm verse is read by the reader.
Deacon: Wisdom.
Reader: The reading is from Paul’s Letter / Acts of the Apostles / the General Letter of…
Deacon: Let us attend.
The appointed passage of the Apostle is read by the reader.
Priest: Peace be with you, the reader.
People: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Deacon (in a low voice): Bless, master, the incense.
Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. We offer you incense, Christ our God, as a sweet-smelling spiritual fragrance; receive it on your heavenly altar, and send down to us in return the grace of your all-holy Spirit.
Prayer of the Holy Gospel
Priest: Make the pure light of your divine knowledge shine within our hearts, loving Master, and open the eyes of our mind to understand the message of your Gospel. Instil in us also the fear of your blessed commandments, so that having trampled down all desires of the flesh, we may pursue a spiritual way of life, thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to you. For you are the illumination of our souls and bodies, Christ our God, and to you we offer glory, with your eternal Father and your all-holy, good and lifegiving Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Deacon: Bless, master, the reader of the Gospel of the holy, glorious Apostle and Evangelist (name).
Priest: May God, through the intercessions of the holy, glorious Apostle and Evangelist (name), grant that you may proclaim the Gospel message with great power, for the fulfilment of the Gospel of his beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Deacon: Amen.
Holy Gospel
Priest: Wisdom. Attend. Let us hear the holy Gospel. Peace be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: The reading is from the holy Gospel according to…
Priest: Let us attend.
People: Glory to you, Lord, glory to you.
The appointed passage of the holy Gospel is read by the deacon.
Priest: Peace be with you, the Gospel reader.
People: Glory to you, Lord, glory to you.
Sermon
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: The reading is from the holy Gospel according to…
Priest: Let us attend.
People: Glory to you, Lord, glory to you.
The appointed passage of the holy Gospel is read by the deacon.
Priest: Peace be with you, the Gospel reader.
People: Glory to you, Lord, glory to you.
Sermon
Litany of Fervent Supplication
Deacon: Let us all say with all our soul and with all our mind, let us say:
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Lord Almighty, the God of our fathers,
we ask you, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we ask you, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Again, we pray for our Archbishop (name).
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Again, we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, pardon and forgiveness of sins for the servants of God, all pious and Orthodox Christians who live in or visit this city, and all those who worship in this holy church.
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Again, we pray for the blessed and everremembered founders of this holy church, and for all our pious and Orthodox brothers and sisters who have gone to their rest before us, and lie asleep here and in all the world.
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For you are a merciful and loving God, and to you we offer glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Lord Almighty, the God of our fathers,
we ask you, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we ask you, hear us and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Again, we pray for our Archbishop (name).
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Again, we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, pardon and forgiveness of sins for the servants of God, all pious and Orthodox Christians who live in or visit this city, and all those who worship in this holy church.
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Again, we pray for the blessed and everremembered founders of this holy church, and for all our pious and Orthodox brothers and sisters who have gone to their rest before us, and lie asleep here and in all the world.
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Prayer of Fervent Supplication
Priest (in a low voice): Lord our God, accept this fervent supplication from your servants, and have mercy on us according to the abundance of your mercy, and send down your compassion on us and on all your people, who await your rich mercy.
Priest: For you are a merciful and loving God, and to you we offer glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Litany of the Catechumans
Deacon: Catechumens, pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Let us, the believers, pray for the catechumens.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That the Lord may have mercy on them.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he may instruct them in the word of truth.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he may reveal to them the Gospel of righteousness.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he may unite them with his holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Save them, have mercy on them, help and protect them, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Catechumens, bow your heads to the Lord.
Priest: That they also with us may glorify your all-honoured and majestic name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Those who are catechumens, go forth. Catechumens, go forth. Those who are catechumens, go forth. None of the catechumens.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Let us, the believers, pray for the catechumens.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That the Lord may have mercy on them.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he may instruct them in the word of truth.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he may reveal to them the Gospel of righteousness.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he may unite them with his holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Save them, have mercy on them, help and protect them, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Catechumens, bow your heads to the Lord.
Prayer for the Catechumens
Priest (in a low voice): Lord our God, dwelling on high and watching over things below, who for the salvation of the human race sent your only-begotten Son and God, our Lord Jesus Christ; look upon your servants the catechumens, who have bowed their neck to you, and in due time make them worthy of the washing of rebirth, the forgiveness of sins and the garment of incorruption; unite them with your holy, catholic and apostolic Church, and number them among your chosen flock.
Priest: That they also with us may glorify your all-honoured and majestic name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Those who are catechumens, go forth. Catechumens, go forth. Those who are catechumens, go forth. None of the catechumens.
Litany for the Belivers
Deacon: Those who are believers, again and again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Wisdom.
Priest: For to you belong all glory, honour and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Wisdom.
First Prayer for the Believers
Priest (in a low voice): We give thanks to you, Lord God of Powers, for making us worthy to stand now at your holy altar and fall down before your compassion on behalf of our sins and the failings of the people. Receive our prayer, O God; make us worthy to offer you prayers and supplications and bloodless sacrifices on behalf of all your people; and by the power of your Holy Spirit enable us, whom you have appointed to this your service, to call upon you without condemnation and without offence, in the pure testimony of our conscience, at all times and in every place, so that you may hear us and be merciful in the abundance of your goodness.
Priest: For to you belong all glory, honour and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Litany for the Belivers
Deacon: Again and again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Wisdom.
Priest: That always protected by your power, we may offer you glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The following prayers are said while the choir sings the Cherubic Hymn.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Wisdom.
Second Prayer for the Believers
Priest (in a low voice): Again and often we fall down before you, good and loving one, and ask you to regard our prayer; cleanse our souls and bodies from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and grant that we may stand at your holy altar without guilt or condemnation. Grant also to those who pray with us, O God, progress in life and faith and spiritual understanding; grant that they may always worship you with fear and love, and take part in your holy mysteries without guilt or condemnation, and be made worthy of your heavenly kingdom.
Priest: That always protected by your power, we may offer you glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The following prayers are said while the choir sings the Cherubic Hymn.
Prayer of the Cherubic Hymn
Priest (in a low voice): No one bound by the desires and pleasures of the flesh is worthy to approach you or draw near to you or minister to you, King of glory; for to serve you is great and fearful even for the heavenly Powers. Yet because of your inexpressible and infinite loving kindness, you became a human being without change or alteration and were appointed our High Priest, and as Master of all have entrusted to us the sacred rite of this liturgical and bloodless sacrifice. For you alone, Lord our God, rule over things in heaven and on earth, carried upon the throne of the Cherubim, Lord of the Seraphim and King of Israel, the only Holy one, resting among the holy. I implore you, therefore, who alone are good and ready to hear: look upon me your sinful and worthless servant, and cleanse my soul and heart from an evil conscience; and by the power of your Holy Spirit enable me, vested in the grace of priesthood, to stand at this your holy table and perform the sacred rite of your holy and pure Body and precious Blood. For to you I come, with bowed neck, and I ask you: do not turn your face from me or reject me from among your children, but allow these gifts to be offered to you by me, your sinful and unworthy servant. For you are the one who offers and is offered, who receives and is distributed, Christ our God, and to you we offer glory, with your eternal Father and your allholy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Priest: Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim, and who sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-giving Trinity, now lay aside all earthly care,: Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim, and who sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-giving Trinity, now lay aside all earthly care.
Deacon: That we may receive the King of all, invisibly attended by the angelic orders. Alleluia. Bless, master, the incense.
Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. We offer you incense, Christ our God, as a sweet-smelling spiritual fragrance; receive it on your heavenly altar, and send down to us in return the grace of your all-holy Spirit.
If it is a Sunday, Having beheld is said:
Priest: Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, who alone is without sin. We worship your Cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify your holy resurrection; for you are our God, we know no other but you, and we call upon your name. Come, all you faithful, let us worship Christ’s holy resurrection; for behold, through the Cross joy has come to all the world. Ever blessing the Lord, we praise his resurrection; for by enduring the Cross for us, he destroyed death by death. Come let us worship and fall down before God our King. Come let us worship and fall down before Christ our God and King. Come let us worship and fall down before him, Christ our God and King.
Psalm 50
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your great mercy, and according to the abundance of your compassion wipe out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against you only have I sinned, and done evil before you, that you might be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged. For behold I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold you have loved truth, the hidden and secret things of your wisdom have you made manifest to me. You will sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be made clean; you will wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. You will cause me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that are humbled will rejoice. Turn your face away from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create a pure heart in me, O God, and renew an upright spirit within me. Cast me not from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and with a guiding spirit strengthen me. I will teach transgressors your ways, and the ungodly will return to you. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation; my tongue will rejoice in your righteousness. Lord, you will open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. For if you had desired sacrifice I would have given it; with whole burnt offerings you will not be pleased. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.
O God be merciful to me a sinner, and have mercy on me. (3 times)
Deacon: Lift up, master.
Priest: Lift up your hands to the holy things and bless the Lord.
Cherubic Hymn
Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim, and who sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-giving Trinity, now lay aside all earthly care, that we may receive the King of all;
Great Entrance
Deacon: May the Lord God remember all of you in his kingdom, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Invisibly attended by the angelic orders. Alleluia.
People: Amen.
Invisibly attended by the angelic orders. Alleluia.
Deacon (in a low voice): May the Lord God remember your priesthood in his kingdom, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Priest: May the Lord God remember your diaconate in his kingdom, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: Do good, master.
Conclusion of Psalm 50
Priest: Do good to Sion in your good pleasure, Lord, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then will you be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole burnt offerings. Then will they offer calves upon your altar.
Priest: Remember me, brother and fellow celebrant.
Deacon: May the Lord God remember your priesthood in his kingdom, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Pray for me, holy master.
Priest: The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Deacon: This Spirit will serve with us all the days of our life. Remember me, holy master.
Priest: May the Lord God remember you in his kingdom, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: Amen.
Litany
Deacon: Let us complete our prayer to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the precious gifts presented, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy house and those who enter it with faith, reverence and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our deliverance from all affliction, anger, danger and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That this whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us ask of 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 of the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For pardon and forgiveness of our sins and offences, let us ask of the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For that which is good and beneficial to our souls, and for peace in the world, let us ask of the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: That we may complete the remainder of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: That the end of our life may be Christian, painless, unashamed and peaceful, and for a good defence at the fearful judgement seat of Christ, let us ask of the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest: Through the compassion of your onlybegotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Let us love one another, that with one mind we may confess:
People: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Trinity of one essence and inseparable.
Deacon: The doors, the doors; in wisdom let us attend.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the precious gifts presented, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy house and those who enter it with faith, reverence and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our deliverance from all affliction, anger, danger and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That this whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us ask of 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 of the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For pardon and forgiveness of our sins and offences, let us ask of the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For that which is good and beneficial to our souls, and for peace in the world, let us ask of the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: That we may complete the remainder of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: That the end of our life may be Christian, painless, unashamed and peaceful, and for a good defence at the fearful judgement seat of Christ, let us ask of the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Prayer of Presentation
Priest (in a low voice): Lord God Almighty, who alone are Holy, and accept a sacrifice of praise from those who call upon you with all their heart, receive also the prayer of us sinners and bring it to your holy altar; and enable us to offer you gifts and spiritual sacrifices on behalf of our sins and the failings of the people. And make us worthy to find favour before you, so that our sacrifice may be acceptable to you, and the good Spirit of your grace may dwell on us, and on these gifts presented, and on all your people.
Priest: Through the compassion of your onlybegotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Let us love one another, that with one mind we may confess:
People: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Trinity of one essence and inseparable.
Priest (in a low voice): I will love you, Lord my strength; the Lord is my foundation and my refuge and my deliverer.
If there are concelebrants: Christ is in our midst. He was and is and will be.
Deacon: The doors, the doors; in wisdom let us attend.
The Symbol of Faith
I believe in one God, Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages, light from light, true God from true God, begotten not made, of one essence with the Father; through him all things were made. Who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became human, and was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried, and rose on the third day according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and 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 worshipped and glorified, and who spoke through the Prophets.
In one holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the
forgiveness of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages, light from light, true God from true God, begotten not made, of one essence with the Father; through him all things were made. Who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became human, and was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried, and rose on the third day according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and 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 worshipped and glorified, and who spoke through the Prophets.
In one holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the
forgiveness of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.
The Holy Anaphora
Deacon: Let us stand well; let us stand with fear; let us attend, that we may make the holy offering in peace.
People: A mercy of 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 you all.
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.
People: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna to you in the highest.
Priest: Take, eat, this is my Body, which is broken for you, for the forgiveness of sins.
People: Amen.
Priest: Drink from it all of you, this is my Blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins.
People: Amen.
Priest: Your own from your own we offer you, in every way and for everything.
People: We praise you, we bless you, we give thanks to you, Lord, and we entreat you, our God.
Deacon: Amen. Bless, master, the holy cup.
Priest: And what is in this cup the precious Blood of your Christ.
Deacon: Amen. Bless, master, both the holy things.
Priest: Changing them by your Holy Spirit.
Deacon: Amen. Amen. Amen.
Priest: So that to those who partake of them, they may be for vigilance of soul, for the forgiveness of sins, for communion with your Holy Spirit, for the fullness of the kingdom of heaven, for boldness before you, not for judgement or condemnation. Again, we offer you this spiritual act of worship for those who have gone to their rest in faith, Forefathers, Fathers, Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Preachers, Evangelists, Martyrs, Confessors, Ascetics and every righteous spirit perfected in faith.
Priest: Especially for our all-holy, pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos and evervirgin Mary.
People: Truly it is right to call you blessed, Theotokos, ever-blessed and all-pure and the Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim, incomparably more glorious than the Seraphim, who undefiled gave birth to God the Word, true Theotokos, we magnify you.
Priest: Among the first remember, Lord, our Archbishop (name); grant to your holy Churches that he remain in peace, safety, honour, health and length of days, rightly teaching the word of your truth.
Deacon: And those whom each of us has in mind, and all men and all women.
People: And all men and all women.
Priest: And grant that with one mouth and one heart we may glorify and praise your all-honoured and majestic name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: And the mercies of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ will be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
People: A mercy of 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 you all.
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, to bless you, to praise you, to give thanks to you, to worship you in every place of your dominion. For you are God inexpressible, inconceivable, invisible, incomprehensible, ever existing, ever the same; you and your only-begotten Son and your Holy Spirit. You brought us from non-being into being, and when we fell you raised us up again, and left nothing undone until you brought us up to heaven and bestowed on us your kingdom to come. For all these things we give thanks to you and your only-begotten Son and your Holy Spirit, and for all the benefits known and unknown, seen and unseen, that have been granted to us. We give thanks to you also for this liturgy which you are pleased to accept from our hands, though thousands of Archangels and myriads of Angels attend you, the Cherubim and the Seraphim, six-winged, many-eyed, soaring aloft on their wings...
Priest: Singing the victory hymn, exclaiming, crying out and saying:
People: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna to you in the highest.
Priest (in a low voice): With these blessed Powers, loving Master, we also cry out and say: Holy are you and all-holy, you and your onlybegotten Son and your Holy Spirit. Holy are you and all-holy, and majestic is your glory. You so loved your world, that you gave your only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish, but have eternal life. He came and fulfilled all the divine plan for us, and on the night he was given up, or rather gave himself up, for the life of the world, he took bread in his holy, pure and blameless hands, gave thanks and 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 from it all of you, this is my Blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins.
People: Amen.
Priest (in a low voice): Remembering, then, this commandment of the Saviour and all that has been done for us, the cross, the tomb, the resurrection on the third day, the ascent into heaven, the sitting at the right hand, the second and glorious coming again.
Priest: Your own from your own we offer you, in every way and for everything.
People: We praise you, we bless you, we give thanks to you, Lord, and we entreat you, our God.
Priest (in a low voice): Again, we offer you this spiritual and bloodless act of worship, and we ask you and entreat you and implore you: send down your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts presented.
Deacon: Bless, master, the holy bread.
Priest: And make this bread the precious Body of your Christ.
Deacon: Amen. Bless, master, the holy cup.
Priest: And what is in this cup the precious Blood of your Christ.
Deacon: Amen. Bless, master, both the holy things.
Priest: Changing them by your Holy Spirit.
Deacon: Amen. Amen. Amen.
Priest: So that to those who partake of them, they may be for vigilance of soul, for the forgiveness of sins, for communion with your Holy Spirit, for the fullness of the kingdom of heaven, for boldness before you, not for judgement or condemnation. Again, we offer you this spiritual act of worship for those who have gone to their rest in faith, Forefathers, Fathers, Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Preachers, Evangelists, Martyrs, Confessors, Ascetics and every righteous spirit perfected in faith.
Priest: Especially for our all-holy, pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos and evervirgin Mary.
People: Truly it is right to call you blessed, Theotokos, ever-blessed and all-pure and the Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim, incomparably more glorious than the Seraphim, who undefiled gave birth to God the Word, true Theotokos, we magnify you.
Priest (in a low voice): For Saint John the Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, for the holy, glorious and praiseworthy Apostles, for Saint (name), whose memory we keep today, and for all your Saints, through whose supplications visit us, O God. And remember all those who have fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection to eternal life, (names) and give them rest where the light of your countenance keeps watch. Again, we ask you, Lord: remember all Orthodox bishops rightly teaching the word of your truth, all the priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and every priestly and monastic order. Again, we offer you this spiritual act of worship for the whole world, for the holy, catholic and apostolic Church, for those who lead a pure and holy way of life, for our civil authorities and all those in public service. Grant that they may serve and govern in peace, Lord, so that in a time of tranquillity we too may lead a peaceful and quiet life in all piety and holiness.
Priest: Among the first remember, Lord, our Archbishop (name); grant to your holy Churches that he remain in peace, safety, honour, health and length of days, rightly teaching the word of your truth.
Deacon: And those whom each of us has in mind, and all men and all women.
People: And all men and all women.
Priest (in a low voice): Remember, Lord, this city in which we live, and every city and country, and the faithful who live in them. Remember, Lord, those who are travelling by land, sea or air, the sick, the suffering, the captives, and the safety of them all. Remember, Lord, those who bear fruit and nurture the soil in your holy Churches and who remember the poor; and send your mercies upon us all.
Priest: And grant that with one mouth and one heart we may glorify and praise your all-honoured and majestic name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: And the mercies of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ will be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Litany
Deacon: Having commemorated all the saints, again and again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the precious gifts presented and sanctified, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That our loving God, who has received them on his holy, heavenly and spiritual altar, as a sweet-smelling spiritual fragrance, may send down to us in return divine grace, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Having asked for the unity of the faith and the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest: And make us worthy, Master, that we may with boldness and without condemnation dare to call upon you, the heavenly God, as Father, and say:
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the precious gifts presented and sanctified, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That our loving God, who has received them on his holy, heavenly and spiritual altar, as a sweet-smelling spiritual fragrance, may send down to us in return divine grace, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Having asked for the unity of the faith and the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): To you we entrust our whole life and hope, loving Master, and we ask you and entreat you and implore you: make us worthy to partake of your heavenly and awesome mysteries at this holy and spiritual table with a pure conscience, for the forgiveness of sins, for pardon of offences, for communion with the Holy Spirit, for inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, for boldness before you, not for judgement or condemnation.
Priest: And make us worthy, Master, that we may with boldness and without condemnation dare to call upon you, the heavenly God, as Father, and say:
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin 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, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Litany of Fervent Supplication
Priest: Peace be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest: Through the grace and compassion and loving kindness of your only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Let us attend.
Priest: The holy gifts for the holy ones.
People: One is Holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
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, who in your infinite power created all things and in the abundance of your mercy brought all things from non-being into being. Look from heaven, Master, upon those who have bowed their heads to you; for they have not bowed to flesh and blood, but to you the awesome God. Therefore, Master, smooth the way that is set before us, according to the need of each: sail with those who sail, travel with those who are travelling, heal the sick, physician of our souls and bodies.
Priest: Through the grace and compassion and loving kindness of your only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest (in a low voice): Hear us, Lord Jesus Christ our God, from your holy dwelling and from the throne of glory of your kingdom, and come to sanctify us, you who sit above with the Father and are here present with us unseen; and by your mighty hand be pleased to share your pure Body and precious Blood with us, and through us, with all the people.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner, and have mercy on me.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner, and have mercy on me.
O God, be merciful to me a sinner, and have mercy on me.
Deacon: Let us attend.
Priest: The holy gifts for the holy ones.
People: One is Holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Communion Hymn
On Sunday
Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the highest. Alleluia.
On Saturday
Blessed are those whom you have chosen and taken to yourself, Lord; their memory is to generation after generation. Alleluia.
Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise him in the highest. Alleluia.
On Saturday
Blessed are those whom you have chosen and taken to yourself, Lord; their memory is to generation after generation. Alleluia.
Deacon (in a low voice): Break, master, the holy bread.
Priest: The lamb of God is broken and distributed, broken yet not divided, ever eaten yet never expended, but sanctifying those who partake.
Deacon: Fill, master, the holy cup.
Priest: The fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Deacon: Amen. Bless, master, the hot water.
Priest: Blessed is the heat of your holy things, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. The heat of the Holy Spirit.
Deacon: Amen.
Prayers before Holy Communion
I believe, Lord, and I confess 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 indeed your pure Body, and this is indeed your precious Blood. I ask you, therefore, have mercy on me and forgive me my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, in knowledge and in ignorance; and make me worthy, uncondemned, to partake of your pure mysteries, for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Amen.
Behold, I approach for holy Communion;
Maker, burn me not as I partake;
For you are fire burning the unworthy;
But cleanse me from every impurity.
Of your mystical Supper, Son of God, receive me today as a partaker; for I will not speak of the mystery to your enemies; I will not kiss you as did Judas; but as the Thief do I confess you: Remember me, Lord, in your kingdom.
Tremble, mortal, as you behold the deifying Blood; For it is a burning coal consuming the unworthy. The Body of God both deifies and nourishes me; It deifies the spirit and wondrously nourishes the mind.
You have smitten me with yearning, Christ, and by your divine love you have changed me; but consume my sins with immaterial fire, and make me worthy to be filled with delight in you, that leaping for joy, Gracious One, I may magnify your first and second comings.
Into the splendour of your Saints how shall I, the unworthy one, enter? For if I dare to enter the bridal chamber, my clothing betrays me, for it is not a wedding garment, and I shall be bound and cast out by the Angels. Cleanse the defilement of my soul, Lord, and save me in your loving kindness.
Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ my God, let not these holy gifts be to me for judgement through my unworthiness, but for the purification and sanctification of both soul and body, and as a pledge of the life and kingdom to come. For it is good for me to cling to God, and to place in the Lord the hope of my salvation.
Of your mystical Supper, Son of God,…
Behold, I approach for holy Communion;
Maker, burn me not as I partake;
For you are fire burning the unworthy;
But cleanse me from every impurity.
Of your mystical Supper, Son of God, receive me today as a partaker; for I will not speak of the mystery to your enemies; I will not kiss you as did Judas; but as the Thief do I confess you: Remember me, Lord, in your kingdom.
Tremble, mortal, as you behold the deifying Blood; For it is a burning coal consuming the unworthy. The Body of God both deifies and nourishes me; It deifies the spirit and wondrously nourishes the mind.
You have smitten me with yearning, Christ, and by your divine love you have changed me; but consume my sins with immaterial fire, and make me worthy to be filled with delight in you, that leaping for joy, Gracious One, I may magnify your first and second comings.
Into the splendour of your Saints how shall I, the unworthy one, enter? For if I dare to enter the bridal chamber, my clothing betrays me, for it is not a wedding garment, and I shall be bound and cast out by the Angels. Cleanse the defilement of my soul, Lord, and save me in your loving kindness.
Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ my God, let not these holy gifts be to me for judgement through my unworthiness, but for the purification and sanctification of both soul and body, and as a pledge of the life and kingdom to come. For it is good for me to cling to God, and to place in the Lord the hope of my salvation.
Of your mystical Supper, Son of God,…
Holy Communion
Priest (in a low voice): Behold I approach Christ our immortal King and God. The precious and all-holy Body of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ is given to me (name) an unworthy priest, for the forgiveness of my sins and eternal life.
Deacon, approach.
Deacon: Behold I approach Christ our immortal King and God. Give me a portion, master.
Priest: The precious and all-holy Body of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ is given to you reverent deacon (name), for the forgiveness of your sins and eternal life. Again, the precious and all-holy and life-giving Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ is given to me (name) an unworthy priest, for the forgiveness of my sins and eternal life. This has touched my lips and will take away my iniquities and cleanse my sins.
Deacon, again approach.
Deacon: Behold I approach Christ our immortal King and God. Give me a portion, master.
Priest: Again, the precious and all-holy and lifegiving Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ is given to you reverent deacon (name), for the forgiveness of your sins and eternal life. This has touched your lips and will take away your iniquities and cleanse your sins.
Deacon: With fear of God, with faith and love, draw near.
The priest or deacon gives Communion, saying to each:
The Body and Blood of Christ is given to (name), for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
The following or a psalm may be sung:
Of your mystical Supper, Son of God, receive me today as a partaker; for I will not speak of the mystery to your enemies; I will not kiss you as did Judas; but as the Thief do I confess you: Remember me, Lord, in your kingdom. The Body of Christ come take, of the fount of immortality come taste.
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, worshipping the undivided Trinity, which has saved us.
Deacon (in a low voice): Exalt, master.
Priest: Be exalted above the heavens, O God, and your glory above all the earth. Blessed is our God...
Priest: Always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Let our mouth be filled with praise, Lord, that we may sing of your glory, for you have made us worthy to partake of your holy mysteries. Keep us in your holiness, as all the day we meditate upon your righteousness. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Thanksgiving
Deacon: Attend. Having partaken of the divine, holy, pure, immortal, heavenly and life-giving awesome mysteries of Christ, let us give proper thanks to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Having asked that this whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest: For you are our sanctification, and to you we offer glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Let us go forth in peace.
People: In the name of the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Having asked that this whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest (in a low voice): We give thanks to you, loving Master, benefactor of our souls, that also on this day you have made us worthy of your heavenly and immortal mysteries. Make straight our way; keep us all firm in the fear of you; guard our life; make safe our steps; through the prayers and supplications of the glorious Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary and all your Saints.
Priest: For you are our sanctification, and to you we offer glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Let us go forth in peace.
People: In the name of the Lord.
Prayer behind the Ambo
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O Lord, who bless those who bless you, and sanctify those who put their 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 priests, to those in authority, and to all your people. For every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from you, the Father of lights, and to you we offer glory and thanks and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, from now and for evermore.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, from now and for evermore.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, from now and for evermore.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O Lord, who bless those who bless you, and sanctify those who put their 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 priests, to those in authority, and to all your people. For every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from you, the Father of lights, and to you we offer glory and thanks and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, from now and for evermore.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, from now and for evermore.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, from now and for evermore.
Priest (in a low voice): Being yourself the fulfilment of the law and the Prophets, Christ our God, and having fulfilled all the divine plan of the Father, fill our hearts with joy and gladness, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Dismissal
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: May the blessing and mercy of the Lord come upon you, through his grace and loving kindness, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Glory to you, our God, glory to you.
People: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Holy father, bless.
Priest: May Christ our true God, who rose from the dead, through the intercessions of his all-pure and blameless holy Mother; through the power of the precious and life-giving Cross; through the protection of the honoured bodiless Powers of heaven; through the supplications of the honoured, glorious Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist; of the holy, glorious and praiseworthy Apostles; of the holy, glorious and triumphant Martyrs; of our holy and God-bearing Fathers and Mothers; of our father among the Saints John Chrysostom archbishop of Constantinople; of Saint (of the church); of the holy and righteous Ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; of Saint (name), whose memory we keep today, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, as a good and loving God.
[People: The one who blesses us and sanctifies us, Lord keep for many years.]
Priest: Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.
People: Amen.
The priest then distributes the antidoron, saying:
May the blessing and mercy of the Lord come upon you.
At the end of the distribution he says:
Through his grace and loving kindness, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: May the blessing and mercy of the Lord come upon you, through his grace and loving kindness, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Glory to you, our God, glory to you.
People: Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Holy father, bless.
Priest: May Christ our true God, who rose from the dead, through the intercessions of his all-pure and blameless holy Mother; through the power of the precious and life-giving Cross; through the protection of the honoured bodiless Powers of heaven; through the supplications of the honoured, glorious Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist; of the holy, glorious and praiseworthy Apostles; of the holy, glorious and triumphant Martyrs; of our holy and God-bearing Fathers and Mothers; of our father among the Saints John Chrysostom archbishop of Constantinople; of Saint (of the church); of the holy and righteous Ancestors of God Joachim and Anna; of Saint (name), whose memory we keep today, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, as a good and loving God.
[People: The one who blesses us and sanctifies us, Lord keep for many years.]
Priest: Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.
People: Amen.
The priest then distributes the antidoron, saying:
May the blessing and mercy of the Lord come upon you.
At the end of the distribution he says:
Through his grace and loving kindness, always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.