THE ENTRANCE PRAYERS AND THE VESTING CONTENT When the desires to celebrate the Divine Mystery, he must first be at peace with all and hold nothing against any person, The Entrance Prayers ...... 2 keep his heart, insofar as he is able, from deceitful distractions, and keep himself in abstention and sobriety from the prior evening, of Saint John Chrysostom ...... 7 even to the time of the sacred service. When the time comes, he enters the temple, and together with the , facing east, they Prayers in Preparation for Holy Communion ...... 65 bow before the Royal Doors three times, and say:

DEACON: Bless, Master. Prayers of Thanksgiving ...... 74 PRIEST: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, The Third Hour ...... 77 and unto ages of ages.

DEACON: Amen. The Sixth Hour...... 88 О Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth; Who art everywhere and fillest all things. Treasury of , and Giver of Life: Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, О Good One.

Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us! (3)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Most Holy Trinity have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Master, pardon our trans- gressions; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmi- ties, for Thy Name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

1 2 Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be They go before the of Christ, and kissing it, say: Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will We venerate Thy Most Pure Image, О Good be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us One, and ask forgiveness of our transgres- this day our daily bread; and forgive us our sions, О Christ God. Of Thy good will Thou trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass wast pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh against us, and lead us not into temptation, and deliver Thy creatures from the bondage but deliver us from the evil one. of the enemy. Therefore with thankfulness

we cry aloud to Thee: Thou hast filled all PRIEST: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, with joy, О our Savior, for Thou didst come and the glory; of the Father, and of the Son, to save the world. and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. They also kiss the icon of the , saying:

DEACON: Amen. Make us worthy of mercy, О Theotokos, Foun- tain of tenderness. Look on us sinful people Have mercy on us, О Lord, have mercy on us, and reveal your power as always, for we have for laying aside all excuse, we sinners offer to put our hope in you. Rejoice! we cry to you, as Thee, as to our Master, this supplication: have once did , the leader of the bodiless hosts. mercy on us. Standing before the Royal Doors, the priest bows his head and Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to recites this prayer: the Holy Spirit. O Lord, stretch forth Thy hand from Thy holy dwelling place on high, and strengthen me for О Lord, have mercy on us, for in Thee have this, Thine appointed service, that standing we put our trust. Do not be angry with us, nor uncondemned before Thine awesome throne, remember our iniquities, but look down on us I may offer the bloodless sacrifice. For Thine even now, since Thou art compassionate, and is the power and the glory unto ages of ages. deliver us from our enemies; for Thou art our Amen. God, and we are Thy people; we are all the work of Thy hands, and we call on Thy Name. They turn and bow to the people, then enter the through the south deacon’s door saying: Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. I will enter Thy house, I will worship toward О blessed Theotokos, open the doors of com- Thy holy temple in the fear of Thee. Lead passion to us whose hope is in you, that we me, О Lord, in Thy righteousness because of may not perish but be delivered from adver- my enemies; make my way straight before sity through you, who are the salvation of the Thee. For there is no truth in their mouth; Christian people. their heart is destruction, their throat is an

3 4 open sepulchre, they flatter with their tongue. DEACON: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down Judge them, О God; let them fall by their death by death, and upon those in the tombs own counsels; because of their many transgres- bestowing life! (3) sions cast them out, for they have rebelled When they came before the dawn with Mary against Thee. But let all who take refuge in and found the stone rolled away from the tomb, Thee rejoice, let them always sing for joy; they heard from the angel: “Why seek among and do Thou dwell in them, that those who the dead Him Who abides in everlasting light? love Thy Name may exult in Thee. For Thou Behold the graveclothes! Go quickly, and pro- blessest the righteous, О Lord, Thou coverest claim to the world that the Lord is risen, and has us good will as with the shield. slain death. For He is the Son of God, who saves mankind!” Having come into the sanctuary, they bow three times before the Holy Table, kiss the Holy Gospel and the Holy Table. Then In the tomb with the body, in Hades with the soul, each takes his stikharion (robe) and, bowing three times towards as God; in paradise with the thief, and on the the east, prays silently: Throne with the Father and the Spirit, wast Thou, О Christ, filling all things, Thyself infinite. О God, cleanse me a sinner, and have mercy Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the on me. (3) Holy Spirit. Thy tomb has shone forth as giving life more * * * splendid than paradise, and more radiant than On Great and Holy Saturday, the Entrance Prayers are any royal chamber, О Christ, the fountain of our said before the Plashchanitsa (Epitaphion). After О blessèd resurrection! Theotokos.... The deacon says: The noble Joseph..., then Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. as usual, they go before the icon of Christ, and kissing it, Rejoice, О hallowed divine abode of the Most say: We venerate Thy Most Pure Image..., and the rest, as High! For through you, О Theotokos, joy is given usual. to those who cry aloud to you: Blessèd are you

among women, О Lady most pure! * * * When the Entrance Prayers are read preceding the Mid- They go before the icon of Christ, and kissing it, say: We night Service prior to the Paschal on the first day venerate Thy Most Pure Image...” and the rest, as usual. of Holy Pascha, “O Heavenly King...” is not said, but im- mediately Holy God... (3),” and the rest, as usual. * * *

From St. Thomas Sunday until the Leavetaking of Pascha,

after the opening , “O Heavenly King...” is not said, * * * but immediately the following: During and on the Leavetaking of Pascha, after the opening blessing, “O Heavenly King...” is not said, Christ is risen from the dead... (3) but immediately the following: Holy God... (3), and the rest, as usual 5 6 DIVINE LITURGY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM DEACON: For this country, its President (or title of the highest civil authority), for all civil authorities, DEACON: (aloud) Bless, Master. and for the armed forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord. The priest kisses the Holy Gospel, lifts it up with both hands, and lowering it, blesses the Holy Table cross-wise, saying: CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of DEACON: For this city (or village, or holy habitation), for the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, every city and country, and for the faithful and unto ages of ages. dwelling in them, let us pray to the Lord. CHOIR: Amen. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

GREAT LITANY DEACON: For seasonable weather, for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, DEACON: In peace let us pray to the Lord. let us pray to the Lord. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. DEACON: For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. DEACON: For travelers by land, by sea, and by air; for the sick and the suffering; for captives and CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. their salvation, let us pray to the Lord. DEACON: For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy churches of God, and for CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. the union of all, let us pray to the Lord. DEACON: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.

DEACON: For this holy temple and for those who enter CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord. DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us О God, by Thy grace. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. DEACON: For our lord His Beatitude, the Most blessed Metropolitan ______, for our lord His Emi- DEACON: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, nence, the Most reverend Archbishop (His most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos Grace, the Right reverend Bishop) ______, for and Ever-Virgin Mary with all the saints, let the honorable priesthood, the diaconate in us commend ourselves and each other, and Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let all our life unto Christ our God. us pray to the Lord. CHOIR: To Thee, О Lord. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

7 8 During the Litany, the priest quietly recites the prayer of the Who redeems your life from the Pit, who First Antiphon: crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. PRIEST: О Lord our God, Whose power is incomparable, Whose glory is incomprehensible, Whose mercy Who satisfies you with good as long as you is immeasurable, and love for man ineffable, live so that your youth is renewed like do Thou, О Master, according to Thy goodness, the eagle’s. look down upon us and upon this holy temple, The Lord works vindication and justice for and show us and those who pray with us the all who are oppressed. richness of Thy mercy and Thy compassion. He made known His ways to Moses, His Exclamation: acts to the people of Israel. PRIEST: For unto Thee are due all glory, honor, and The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to anger and abounding in steadfast love. the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages [The Lord is compassionate and merciful, long of ages. suffering and of great goodness!] CHOIR: Amen. He will not always chide, nor will He keep His anger for ever. * FIRST ANTIPHON He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor requite us according to our in- (Traditionally the entire Psalm 102 is sung, but in modern iquities. practice usually only the verses in boldface are sung.) For as the heavens are high above the earth, During the singing of the First Antiphon, the deacon, having so great is His steadfast love toward bowed to the Holy Table, steps aside and stands before the icon of those who fear Him. Christ. As far as the east is from the west, so far

CHOIR: Bless the Lord, О my soul! Blessed art Thou, does He remove our transgressions from O Lord! us. Bless the Lord, О my soul; and all that is As a father pities his children, so the Lord within me, bless His holy name! pities those who fear Him. Bless the Lord, О my soul, and forget not For He knows our frame; He remembers all His benefits. that we are dust. Who forgives all your iniquity, who heals As for man, his days are like grass; he flour- all your diseases. ishes like a flower of the field.

* On Feast Days, special Antiphons are sung. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.

9 10 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from DEACON: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, everlasting to everlasting upon those most blessèd and glorious Lady Theotokos who fear Him. and Ever-Virgin Mary with all the saints, let And His righteousness to children’s children, us commend ourselves and each other, and to those who keep His covenant and re- all our life unto Christ our God. member to do His commandments. CHOIR: To Thee, О Lord.

The Lord has established His throne in the Likewise during the Litany, the priest quietly recites the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all. prayer of the Second Antiphon: Bless the Lord, O you His angels, you mighty ones who do His word, hearkening to PRIEST: О Lord our God, save Thy people and bless Thine the voice of His word! inheritance. Preserve the fullness of Thy Church. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Thy house; Bless the Lord, all His hosts, His ministers glorify them in return by Thy divine power, that do His will! and forsake us not who put our hope in Thee. Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Exclamation: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to PRIEST: For Thine is the dominion, and Thine is the the Holy Spirit. kingdom, and the power, and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Bless the Lord, О my soul, and all that is CHOIR: Amen. within me, bless His holy name. Blessed art Thou, O Lord!

SECOND ANTIPHON*

LITTLE LITANY (Traditionally the entire Psalm 145 is sung, but in modern

practice usually only the verses in boldface are sung.) At the completion of the First Antiphon, the deacon, takes his accustomed place, and, having made a reverence, says: And the Second Antiphon is sung in like manner by the choir

while the deacon again, stands before the icon of Christ. DEACON: Again and again in peace let us pray to the

Lord. CHOIR: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. the Holy Spirit. DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, О God, by Thy grace. * On Feast Days, special Antiphons are sung. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

11 12 Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the LITTLE LITANY Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have being. DEACON: Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord. Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men in whom there is no salvation. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. When his breath departs he returns to his DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep earth; on that very day his plans perish. us, О God, by Thy grace. Happy is he whose help is the God of Jacob, CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. whose hope is in the Lord his God. DEACON: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos all that is in them. and Ever-Virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and Who keeps faith for ever; who executes jus- all our life unto Christ our God. tice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. CHOIR: To Thee, О Lord.

The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord Likewise during the Litany, the priest quietly recites the opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord prayer of the Third Antiphon: lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. PRIEST: О Thou Who hast given us grace to make our common and united supplication unto Thee, and The Lord watches over the sojourners, He promised that when two or three are gathered upholds the widow and the fatherless; together in Thy Name Thou wouldst grant their but the way of the wicked He brings to requests: Fulfill now, О Lord, the petitions of ruin. Thy servants as may be expedient for them: The Lord will reign forever; Thy God, О granting us in this world the knowledge of Thy Zion, to all generations. truth, and in the world to come, life everlasting. Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Exclamation: PRIEST: For Thou art a good God and lovest man- Only-begotten Son and Immortal Word of kind, and unto Thee do we send up glory: to God, Who for our salvation didst will to be the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy incarnate of the Holy Theotokos and Ever- Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Virgin Mary, Who without change didst be- CHOIR: Amen. come man and wast crucified, О Christ our

God, trampling down death by death, Who The Royal Doors, if closed, are now opened. art One of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit, save us! 13 14 THIRD ANTIPHON* LITTLE ENTRANCE

The Third Antiphon, or the Beatitudes with troparia (if DEACON: (with a lowered voice) Let us pray to the Lord. Sunday or as appointed in the Menaion), is sung. At Glory... (or Blessed are the peacemakers... if the Beatitudes are sung PRIEST: (silently recites the Prayer of the Entrance) without troparia), the priest and deacon reverence the Holy O Master, Lord our God, Who hast appointed in Table as usual, and the deacon receives the Holy Gospel from heaven orders and hosts of angels and archangels the priest kissing his right hand. Preceded by the servers for the service of Thy glory: Grant that with our with lighted candles, they go around the Holy Table, and entrance there may be an entrance of holy angels, through the north door make the Little Entrance. serving with us and glorifying Thy goodness. For unto Thee are due all glory, honor, and worship: CHOIR: In Thy Kingdom remember us, О Lord, when to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Thou comest in Thy Kingdom. Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Blessèd are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. (on 12) Standing before the Royal Doors and leaning the Holy Gospel upon his left shoulder, the deacon holding his orarion with Blessèd are those who mourn, for they shall three fingers of his right hand points towards the east through be comforted. the open Doors and says to the priest: Blessèd are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (on 10) DEACON: Bless, Master, the Holy Entrance. Blessèd are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. The priest gives the blessing, saying:

Blessèd are the merciful, for they shall obtain PRIEST: Blessed is the entrance of Thy holy ones always, mercy. (on 8) now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Blessèd are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. The deacon presents the Holy Gospel to the priest who then kisses the Gospel and places his right hand on the side of the book Blessèd are the peacemakers for they shall so the deacon can kiss it. Once the Third Antiphon is concluded, be called the sons of God. the deacon, stands before the open Doors facing east and exclaims Blessèd are those who are persecuted for righ- in a great voice as he elevates the Book in a crosswise fashion: teousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. DEACON: Wisdom! Let us attend! Blessèd are you when men shall revile you

and persecute you, and shall say all manner of The deacon now enters the sanctuary, returns the Holy Gospel evil against you falsely for my sake. to the Holy Table and kisses it as the choir sings the Entrance Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is Hymn, Come let us worship.... The priest, having kissed the your reward in Heaven. (Glory...) small of Christ and the Theotokos on either side of the Royal doors, reenters the sanctuary.

* On Feast Days, special Antiphons are sung. CHOIR: Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ. О Son of Cod... 15 16 SUNDAYS: Who didst rise from the dead, Blessing him, the priest awaits the end of the Kontakion. The deacon comes out through the Royal Doors and stands before the WEEKDAYS: Who art wonderous in the saints, icon of Christ. When the Kontakion is completed, he exclaims:

FEASTS OF THE THEOTOKOS: DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, CHOIR: Lord have mercy.

(OTHER FEASTS): ...save us, who sing to Thee: Alleluia! PRIEST: For Holy art Thou, O our God, and unto Thee do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the The choir now sings the appointed Troparia and Kontakia Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever...

PRIEST: О Holy God, Who resteth in Thy Holy Place; During the priest’s exclamation, he points with his orarion to Who art hymned by the Seraphim with the the icon of Christ and then, at its conclusion exclaims Thrice-Holy cry, and glorified by the Cherubim, antiphonally with the choir: and worshipped by every heavenly power; Who out of nothing hast brought all things into being: DEACON: О Lord, save the pious! / And hear us! Who hast created man after Thine own image Then, stepping into the middle of the amvon, and leading with and likeness, and hast adorned him with Thine his orarion from left to right while turning and facing the every gift; Who givest to him who asks wisdom worshipping congregation, he completes the exclamation in a and understanding; Who dost not despise the great voice: sinner, but instead hast appointed repentance unto salvation; Who hast vouchsafed us, Thy DEACON: ...And unto ages of ages! humble and unworthy servants, even in this hour to stand before the glory of Thy holy , And the deacon enters the sanctuary, reverences the High and to offer worship and praise which are due Place, bows to the priest, and returns to his usual place. If there unto Thee. Thyself, О Master, accept even from is no deacon, the priest completes: ...and unto ages of ages! the mouths of us sinners the Thrice-Holy hymn, and visit us in Thy goodness. Forgive us every CHOIR: Amen. transgression, both voluntary and involuntary. The choir now sings the Hymn while the priest and Sanctify our souls and bodies, and enable us to deacon quietly recite the Trisagion in the sanctuary, making serve Thee in holiness all the days of our life. three reverences before the Holy Table, as usual. Though the intercessions of the Holy Theotokos and all the saints who from the beginning of the TRISAGION * world have been well-pleasing to Thee. CHOIR: Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! At Now and ever... and the last Kontakion, the deacon kisses the Have mercy on us. (3) corner of the Holy Table, and holding his orarion to receive a blessing, approaches and reverences the High Place saying: * On certain Feast Days, this is replaced by another hymn. DEACON: Bless, Master, the time of the Thrice-Holy. 17 18 Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to DEACON: Wisdom! the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. READER: The reading from... (the Acts of the Holy Apostles). Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us. (... the Epistle of the holy Apostle Paul to the ______). Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! (... the [General] Epistle of Saint ______). Have mercy on us. DEACON: Let us attend! And the deacon says to the priest: The reader chants the appointed Epistle pericope while the DEACON: Command, Master! deacon, having received the blessing, censes the Holy Table round about, the entire sanctuary, and the priest. As they go to the High Place, the priest says:

PRIEST: Blessèd is He that comes in the Name of the Lord. The priest, meanwhile, standing at the High Place, quietly reads the Prayer before the Gospel: DEACON: Bless, Master, the High Place. PRIEST: Blessèd art Thou on the Throne of the glory of PRIEST: Illumine our hearts, О Master Who lovest mankind, Thy Kingdom, Who sittest upon the Cherubim; with the pure light of Thy divine knowledge. Open the always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. eyes of our mind to the understanding of Thy Gospel teachings. Implant also in us the fear of Thy blessèd commandments, that trampling down all carnal EPISTLE READING desires, we may enter upon a spiritual manner of living, both thinking and doing such things as are The priest then takes his place on the south side of the High well-pleasing unto Thee. For Thou art the illumina- Place, the center being reserved for the Bishop, while the tion of our souls and bodies, О Christ our God, and deacon, having come from the High Place to stand at the unto Thee do we send up glory, together with Thy Royal Doors faces the congregation, and says: Father, Who is from everlasting, and Thine All-Holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and DEACON: Let us attend! unto ages of ages. Amen.

PRIEST: Peace be unto all! Upon the completion of the Epistle reading, the priest blesses READER: And to your spirit! the reader with the Sign of the Cross, saying:

DEACON: Wisdom! PRIEST: Peace be unto you, reader. READER: The Prokeimenon in the ______Tone: READER: And to your spirit.

The reader and choir antiphonally chant the Prokeimenon from DEACON: Wisdom! the Psalms of David, and its verse(s) READER: In the ______tone, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

19 20 GOSPEL READING The appointed Gospel pericope is chanted by the deacon. Upon its completion, the priest blesses the deacon with the Sign of Having returned the censer to its place during the singing the Cross, saying: of the Alleluia and its verses, the deacon receives from the priest the book of the Holy Gospels holding the orarion in his PRIEST: Peace be unto you who has proclaimed the right hand, and brings it to the place appointed, preceded by good tidings. candles. Now, holding it upright on the lectern, he says: CHOIR: Glory to Thee, О Lord, glory to Thee. DEACON: Bless, Master, him who proclaims the good tidings of the holy Apostle and Evangelist The deacon, coming back to the Royal Doors, gives the book of ______(Matthew, Mark, Luke or John the Theologian). the Holy Gospels to the priest who blesses the faithful with it.

The priest blesses him with the Sign of the Cross, saying: * * * THE SERMON MAY BE GIVEN HERE PRIEST: May God, through the prayers of the holy, * * * glorious, and all-laudable Apostle and LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION Evangelist ______, enable you to proclaim the good tidings with great power, to the fulfill- DEACON: Let us say with all our soul and with all our ment of the Gospel of His beloved Son, our mind, let us say. Lord Christ. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON: Amen. DEACON: О Lord Almighty, the God of our fathers, we pray Thee, hearken and have mercy. PRIEST: Wisdom! Let us attend. Let us hear the Holy CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. Gospel. DEACON: Have mercy on us, О God, according to Thy Also: Peace be unto all. great goodness, we pray Thee, hearken and have mercy. CHOIR: And to your spirit. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

Then, placing his orarion on the lectern, and laying the book The priest now quietly recites the Prayer of Fervent Supplication: of the Holy Gospels down upon it, the deacon says: PRIEST: О Lord our God, accept this fervent supplication DEACON: The reading from the Holy Gospel according of Thy servants, and have mercy on us according to Saint ______. to the multitude of Thy mercies. Send down Thy bounties upon us and upon all Thy people, CHOIR: Glory to Thee, О Lord, glory to Thee. who await the rich mercy that comes from Thee.

PRIEST: Let us attend! 21 22 And the Antimension is partly unfolded by the priest: the CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3) upper portion is left folded. Exclamation: DEACON: Again we pray for our lord His Beatitude, PRIEST: For Thou art a merciful God, and lovest man- the Most blessed Metropolitan ______, for our kind, and unto Thee do we send up glory: to lord His Eminence, the Most reverend Arch- the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy bishop (His Grace, the Right reverend Bishop) Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. ______, for , , and all other clergy; and for all our brethren in Christ. CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3) * * * The Litany for the Departed may be recited here, except on DEACON: Again we pray for this Country, its President Sundays and Feast Days. (or title of the highest civil authority), for all civil authorities, and for the armed forces. LITANY FOR THE DEPARTED

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3) DEACON: Have mercy on us, О God, according to Thy

great goodness, we pray Thee, hearken and DEACON: Again we pray for the blessed and ever- memorable holy Orthodox Patriarchs; and have mercy. for the blessèd and ever-memorable CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3) founders of this holy temple; and for all our DEACON: Again we pray for the repose of the soul(s) of fathers and brethren, the Orthodox departed the servant(s) of God ______, departed this life; this life before us, who here and in all the and that he (she, they) may be pardoned all his world lie asleep in the Lord. (her, their) sins, both voluntary and involuntary. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3) CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, DEACON: That the Lord God will establish his (her, their) salvation, and visitation for the servants of soul(s) where the just repose. God ______, and for the pardon and remission CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3) of their sins. DEACON: The mercies of God, the Kingdom of CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3) Heaven, and the remission of his (her, their) sins, let us ask of Christ, the Immortal King DEACON: Again we pray for those who bring offer- and God. ings and do good works in this holy and all- CHOIR: Grant it, О Lord. venerable temple; for those who labor and those who sing; and for all the people here DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord. present, who await Thy great and rich mercy. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. 23 24 PRIEST: О God of spirits, and of all flesh, Who hast LITANY FOR THE CATECHUMENS trampled down death and overthrown the devil, and given life to Thy world; do Thou, the same DEACON: Pray to the Lord, you catechumens. Lord, give rest to the soul(s) of Thy departed servant(s) ______, in a place of brightness, a CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. place of refreshment, a place of repose, where all sickness, sighing, and sorrow have fled DEACON: Let us, the faithful, pray for the catechumens, away. Pardon every transgression, which he that the Lord may have mercy on them. (she) has (they have) committed, whether by word or deed or thought. For Thou art a good God CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. and lovest mankind; because there is no man who lives yet does not sin; for Thou only art DEACON: That He may teach them the word of truth. without sin; Thy righteousness is to all eternity; and Thy Word is Truth. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

Exclamation: DEACON: That He may reveal to them the Gospel of For Thou art the Resurrection, the Life, and righteousness. the Repose of Thy servant(s) ______, who is (are) fallen asleep, О Christ our God, and CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. unto Thee do we send up glory, together with Thy Father, Who is from everlasting, and DEACON: That He may unite them to His Holy, Catholic, Thine All-Holy, Good, and Life-creating and Apostolic Church. Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. CHOIR: Amen. DEACON: Help them, save them, have mercy on them, The Royal Doors are now closed and the deacon intones the and keep them, О God, by Thy grace. Litany for the Catechumens. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON: BOW your heads unto the Lord, you catechu- mens.

CHOIR: To Thee, О Lord.

During the Litany, the priest quietly recites the Prayer for the Catechumens:

25 26 PRIEST: О Lord our God, Who dwellest on high and placed in this Thy service, by the power of Thy regardest the humble of heart; Who hast sent Holy Spirit, blamelessly and without offence, in forth as the salvation of the race of men Thine the pure witness of our conscience, to call upon Only-begotten Son and God, our Lord Jesus Thee at all times and in every place; that hear- Christ: Look down upon Thy servants the ing us Thou mayest be merciful to us according catechumens, who have bowed their necks to the multitude of Thy great goodness. before Thee; make them worthy in due time of the laver of regeneration, the remission of sins, DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep and the robe of incorruption. Unite them to Thy us, О God, by Thy grace. Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, and num- ber them with Thy chosen flock. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON: Wisdom! Exclamation:

That with us they may glorify Thine all- Exclamation: honorable and majestic Name: of the Father, PRIEST: For unto Thee are due all glory, honor, and and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to and ever, and unto ages of ages. the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages

of ages. CHOIR: Amen. CHOIR: Amen. The Antimension is now fully unfolded. The priest makes the Sign of the Cross over it with the sponge, then kisses the sponge DEACON: Again and again in peace let us pray to the and lays it on the right side. Lord.

DEACON: All catechumens, depart. Depart catechu- CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. mens. All that are catechumens depart. Let no catechumen remain. Let us, the faithful, * * * again and again in peace pray unto the Lord. The four following petitions are recited only if a deacon is serving. If the priest serves alone, they are omitted. CHOIR: (slowly) Lord, have mercy. DEACON: For the peace from above and for the salva- And the priest quietly recites the First Prayer of the Faithful: tion of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

PRIEST: We thank Thee, О Lord God of Hosts, Who CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. hast accounted us worthy to stand even now before Thy holy altar, and to fall down before Thy DEACON: For the peace of the whole world, for the compassion for our sins and for the errors of all welfare of the holy churches of God, and for thy people. And enable us also, whom Thou hast the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.

27 28 CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. DEACON: Wisdom! The deacon returns to the sanctuary through the south door. DEACON: For this holy temple and for those who enter with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let Exclamation: us pray to the Lord. PRIEST: That guarded always by Thy might we may send up glory unto Thee: to the Father, and CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. DEACON: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord. CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. The Royal Doors are now opened. The deacon takes the censer, receives the priest’s blessing, and censes the Holy Table round about, the Holy Gifts, the sanctuary, the , the priest, * * * the choir, and the people, reciting to himself Psalm 50 (51) and the penitential troparia, as he may see fit, while the choir DEACON: Help us, save us, and have mercy on us, and solemnly sings the Cherubic Hymn: keep us, О God, by Thy grace. CHOIR: Let us who mystically represent the Cheru- CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. bim, and who sing the Thrice-Holy hymn to the Life-creating Trinity, now lay aside all earthly cares. And during the Litany, the priest quietly recites the Second Prayer of the Faithful: As the choir sings the Cherubic Hymn, the priest quietly recites the prayer: PRIEST: Again and oftentimes we fall down before Thee, О God Who lovest mankind, that looking down PRIEST: (quietly) No one who is bound with the desires upon our petition Thou wouldst cleanse our souls and pleasures of the flesh is worthy to approach and bodies from all defilement of flesh and spirit; or draw near or to serve Thee, О King of Glory; and grant us to stand blameless and without for to minister to Thee is great and awesome condemnation before Thy holy altar. Grant also even to the heavenly powers. Nevertheless to those who pray with us, О God, growth in life through Thine unspeakable and boundless love and faith and spiritual understanding. Grant for mankind, Thou didst become man, yet with- them to worship Thee blamelessly with fear and out change or alteration, and as Ruler of All love, and to partake without condemnation of didst become our High Priest, and didst commit Thy Holy Mysteries, and to be accounted worthy to us the ministry of this liturgical and bloodless of Thy heavenly Kingdom. sacrifice. For Thou alone, О Lord our God, rulest over those in heaven and on earth; Who art borne on the throne of the Cherubim; Who art 29 30 Lord of the Seraphim and King of Israel; Who The deacon says to the priest: alone art Holy and resteth in Thy Holy Place. Therefore, I entreat Thee Who art good and ready DEACON: Lift up, Master. to listen: Look down on me, a sinner, Thine un- profitable servant, and cleanse my soul and my The priest puts the large aer on the deacon’s left shoulder saying: heart from an evil conscience; and by the power of the Holy Spirit enable me, who am endowed with PRIEST: Lift up your hands to the Holy Place and bless the grace of the priesthood, to stand before this, the Lord. Thy Holy Table, and perform the Sacred Mystery of Thy Holy and Pure Body and Precious Blood. Then, taking the holy diskos, he gives it to the deacon with all For I draw near to Thee, and bowing my neck I heed and reverence. The priest himself takes the in his implore Thee: Do not turn Thy face away from hands, and they both go forth on the north side, praying, and me, nor cast me out from among Thy children; but preceded by servers with lighted candles they make the Great make me, Thy sinful and unworthy servant, wor- Entrance. thy to offer gifts to Thee. For Thou art the One Who Offers and the One Who is Offered, the One GREAT ENTRANCE Who Receives and the One Who is Received, О Christ our God, and unto Thee do we send up glory, During the Great Entrance, the deacon and the priest pray aloud together with Thy Father, Who is from everlasting, for the hierarchy and the faithful, according to the accepted and Thine All-Holy, Good and Life-creating formula of the local tradition. After the deacon commemorates Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. the ruling hierarchs, he enters the sanctuary through the Royal Doors, sets himself on his right knee at the southwest corner of When the priest finishes reciting the prayer and the deacon the Holy Table holding aloft the diskos while the commemorations his censing, both stand before the Holy Table and recite the are completed. At their conclusion, the priest says: Cherubic Hymn three times, bowing after each recitation: PRIEST: You and all Orthodox Christians, may the PRIEST: Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim, Lord God remember in His Kingdom always, and who sing the Thrice-Holy hymn to the Life- now and ever, and unto ages of ages. creating Trinity, now lay aside all earthly cares. The priest re-enters the sanctuary through the Royal Doors as DEACON: That we may receive the King of All, Who comes the choir sings: invisibly upborne by the angelic hosts. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! CHOIR: Amen. That we may receive the King of All, Who They go before the Table of Oblation; the priest censes the comes invisibly upborne by the angelic hosts Offering, praying silently to himself: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

PRIEST: О God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me. 31 32 As the priest enters through the Royal Doors, the deacon says to The priest takes the censer from the deacon and censes the him: Gifts thrice, saying:

DEACON: May the Lord God remember your priest- PRIEST: DO good to Zion in Thy good pleasure, and let the hood in His Kingdom. walls of Jerusalem be built. Then shall Thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with And the priest to him: oblations and whole-burnt offerings; then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar! PRIEST: May the Lord God remember your diaconate in His Kingdom, always, now and ever, and The priest returns the censer to the deacon; then he bows his unto ages of ages. head and asks the deacon:

PRIEST: Remember me, brother and concelebrant. The priest sets the holy chalice down on the Holy Table, and then, taking the holy diskos from the deacon, sets it down on DEACON: May the Lord God remember your priesthood in the Holy Table also, saying: His Kingdom.

PRIEST: The noble Joseph, when he had taken down Thy PRIEST: Pray for me, my concelebrant. Most Pure Body from the tree, wrapped it in fine linen and anointed it with spices, and placed it DEACON: May the Holy Spirit descend on you, and the in a new tomb. power of the Most High overshadow you.

In the tomb with the body, in Hades with the soul, PRIEST: May the Holy Spirit Himself serve together with as God; in paradise with the thief and on the us all the days of our life. Throne with the Father and the Spirit, wast Thou, О Christ, filling all things, Thyself infinite. DEACON: Remember me, holy Master,

Thy tomb has shone forth as giving life more PRIEST: May the Lord God remember you in His Kingdom splendid than paradise, and more radiant than always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. any royal chamber, О Christ, the fountain of our DEACON: Amen. resurrection!

The deacon kisses the priest’s right hand, and then goes to his The priest takes the veils from the holy diskos and chalice and customary place for the litany. places them on the Holy Table, saying:

LITANY OF SUPPLICATION PRIEST: The noble Joseph, when he had taken down Thy

Most Pure Body from the tree, wrapped it in fine DEACON: Let us complete our prayer unto the Lord. linen and anointed it with spices, and placed it

in a new tomb. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

33 34 DEACON: For the Precious Gifts now offered, let us pray CHOIR: Grant it, О Lord. to the Lord. DEACON: An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.

DEACON: For this holy temple, and for those who enter CHOIR: Grant it, О Lord. with faith, reverence, and in the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord. DEACON: Pardon and remission of our sins and trans- gressions, let us ask of the Lord. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. CHOIR: Grant it, О Lord. DEACON: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and necessity, let us pray to the Lord. DEACON: All things that are good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask of CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. the Lord.

Having placed the Divine Gifts on the Holy Table, the priest CHOIR: Grant it, О Lord. quietly prays the Prayer of the Prothesis (Offertory): DEACON: That we may complete the remaining time of PRIEST: O Lord God Almighty, Who alone art Holy, Who our life in peace and repentance, let us ask of dost accept the sacrifice of praise from those who the Lord. call upon Thee with their whole heart. Accept also the prayer of us sinners, and bear it to Thy CHOIR: Grant it, О Lord. holy altar, enabling us to offer unto Thee gifts and spiritual sacrifices for our sins and for the DEACON: A Christian ending to our life, painless, blame- errors of the people. Make us worthy to find less and peaceful; and a good defense before grace in Thy sight, that our sacrifice may be the dread judgment seat of Christ, let us ask acceptable unto Thee, and that the good Spirit of the Lord. of Thy grace may dwell upon us and upon these Gifts here offered, and upon all Thy people. CHOIR: Grant it, О Lord.

DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep DEACON: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, us, О God, by Thy grace. most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary with all the saints, let CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God. DEACON: That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask of the Lord. CHOIR: To Thee, О Lord.

35 36 Exclamation: DEACON: The doors! The doors! In wisdom, let us attend! PRIEST: Through the compassions of Thine Only-

begotten Son, with Whom Thou art blessed, CREED together with Thine All-Holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto The priest lifts the large aer and raises it up and down over the ages of ages. Holy Gifts. If several priests are serving, then they lift the holy aer and hold it over the Holy Gifts and raise it up and down CHOIR: Amen. saying to themselves the Confession of the Faith, as do the people.

PRIEST: Peace be unto all. PEOPLE: I believe in One Cod, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things CHOIR: And to your spirit. visible and invisible. And in One Lord Jesus DEACON: Let us love one another, that with one mind Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, we may confess: begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true Cod of true God; Begotten, CHOIR: Father, Son and Holy Spirit! The Trinity, not made; of One Essence with the Father, One in Essence, and Undivided! by Whom all things were made; Who for us The priest bows three times before the Holy Table, saying each men and for our salvation came down from time: heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man. And PRIEST: I will love Thee, О Lord, my strength. The Lord is He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, my foundation, my refuge, and my deliverer. (3) and suffered, and was buried. And the third

And he kisses the Holy Things, which remain covered, thus: day He rose again, according to the Scriptures, first the top of the holy diskos, then the top of the holy chalice, and ascended into heaven, and sits at the and the edge of the Holy Table in front of him. If there are right hand of the Father; and He shall come two or more priests, they all kiss the Holy Things and each again with glory to judge the living and the other on the shoulder. The celebrant says: Christ is in our dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end. midst. And the one he kisses answers: He is and ever shall be. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of

Life, Who proceeds from the Father; Who with If two or more deacons remain in the sanctuary, they kiss their oraria where the cross is depicted and exchange the Kiss of the Father and the Son together is worshipped Peace with each other in like manner to the priests. and glorified; Who spoke by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The deacon on the amvon, similarly makes reverences stand- I acknowledge one baptism for the remission ing in his place, kisses his own orarion where the cross is of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, depicted, and then exclaims: and the life of the world to come. Amen. 37 38 ANAPHORA Spirit. Thou it was Who brought us from non- existence into being, and when we had fallen DEACON: Let us stand aright! Let us stand with fear! away didst raise us up again, and didst not Let us attend, that we may offer the Holy cease to do all things until thou hadst brought us Oblation in peace. up to heaven, and hadst endowed us with Thy CHOIR: A mercy of peace! A sacrifice of praise! Kingdom which is to come. For all these things we give thanks to Thee, and to Thine Only- The priest, having taken the aer off of the Holy Things, kisses begotten Son, and to Thy Holy Spirit; for all it, and lays it to one side, saying: The grace of our Lord.... things of which we know and of which we know The deacon, having made a reverence, returns into the sanc- not, whether manifest or unseen; and we thank tuary, and taking a fan, devoutly fans the Holy Things [now Thee for this Liturgy which Thou hast deigned only at ]. to accept at our hands, though there stand by Exclamation: Thee thousands of archangels and hosts of an- gels, the Cherubim and the Seraphim, six- PRIEST: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of winged, many-eyed, who soar aloft, borne on the Holy Spirit be with all of you. their pinions...

CHOIR: And with your spirit. Exclamation:

PRIEST: Singing the triumphant hymn, shouting, PRIEST: (facing east) Let us lift up our hearts. proclaiming and saying:

CHOIR: We lift them up unto the Lord. As the priest chants the above, the deacon touches the diskos with each of the points of the star (making the Sign of the PRIEST: Let us give thanks unto the Lord. Cross—east, west, north and south), then kisses it and lays it aside; he goes to the right side of the Holy Table. CHOIR: It is meet and right to worship the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit: the Trinity, One in essence, and undivided. CHOIR: Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord of Sabbaoth! Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory! Ho- And the priest prays quietly: sanna in the highest! Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the PRIEST: It is meet and right to hymn Thee, to bless Thee, highest! to give thanks to Thee, and to worship Thee in every place of Thy dominion: for Thou art God The priest quietly prays: ineffable, inconceivable, invisible, incomprehen- sible, ever-existing and eternally the same, Thou PRIEST: With these blessed powers, O Master Who lovest and Thine Only-begotten Son and Thy Holy 39 40 mankind, we also cry aloud and say: Holy art The priest quietly prays: Thou and All-Holy, Thou and Thine Only- begotten Son and Thy Holy Spirit! Holy art Thou PRIEST: Remembering this saving commandment and all and All-Holy, and magnificent is Thy glory! Who those things which have come to pass for us: the hast so loved Thy world as to give Thine Only- Cross, the Tomb, the Resurrection on the third begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him day, the Ascension into heaven, the Sitting at the should not perish but have everlasting life; Who right hand, and the second and glorious Coming.

when He had come and had fulfilled all the And the deacon crosses his right hand over his left and dispensation for us, in the night in which He elevates the holy diskos and the holy chalice with devout was given up — or rather, gave Himself up for reverence, as the priest exclaims: the life of the world — took bread in His holy, pure, and blameless hands; and when He had PRIEST: Thine own of Thine own, we offer unto given thanks and blessed it, and hallowed it, Thee, in behalf of all and for all. and broken it, He gave it to His holy disciples CHOIR: (slowly) We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we and apostles saying: give thanks unto Thee, О Lord; and we pray

unto Thee, O our God. Exclamation:

Take! Eat! This is My Body which is broken As the priest quietly prays: for you, for the remission of sins. PRIEST: Again we offer unto Thee this rational and CHOIR: Amen. bloodless worship, and ask Thee, and pray

As this is being said, the deacon points to the holy diskos, Thee, and supplicate Thee: Send down Thy Holy holding his orarion with three fingers of his right hand, and Spirit upon us and upon these Gifts here offered. in like manner when the priest says: Drink of it, all of you..., he points to the holy chalice. The priest and the deacon bow three times before the Holy Table as they say: PRIEST: (quietly) And likewise, after supper, He took the cup, saying: PRIEST: О Lord, Who didst send down Thy Most Holy Spirit upon Thine apostles at the third hour: Exclamation: Take Him not from us, O Good One, but renew PRIEST: Drink of it, all of you! This is My Blood of Him in us who pray to Thee. the New Testament, which is shed for you and for many, for the remission of sins! DEACON: Create in me a clean heart, О God, and renew a right spirit within me. CHOIR: Amen.

41 42 PRIEST: О Lord, Who didst send down Thy Most Holy The priest blesses the Holy Gifts, saying: Spirit upon Thine apostles at the third hour: Take Him not from us, О Good One, but renew PRIEST: Making the change by Thy Holy Spirit. Him in us who pray to Thee. DEACON: Amen. Amen. Amen. DEACON: Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. The deacon bows his head to the priest and says:

PRIEST: O Lord, Who didst send down Thy Most Holy DEACON: Remember me, a sinner, holy Master. Spirit upon Thine apostles at the third hour: PRIEST: May the Lord God remember you in His Kingdom Take Him not from us, О Good One, but renew always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Him in us who pray to Thee. DEACON: Amen. Then bowing his head and pointing to the diskos and the Holy Bread with his orarion, the deacon says: The priest makes a low bow before the Holy Table and contin- ues to pray quietly: DEACON: Bless, Master, the Holy Bread. PRIEST: That they may be to those who partake for the The priest blesses the Holy Bread with the Sign of the Cross, purification of soul, for the remission of sins, saying: for the communion of Thy Holy Spirit, for the fulfillment of the Kingdom of Heaven, for bold- PRIEST: And make this Bread the Precious Body of ness towards Thee, and not for judgment or Thy Christ. condemnation.

DEACON: Amen. Again we offer unto Thee this rational worship

for those who have fallen asleep in the faith: The deacon points to the chalice, saying: ancestors, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, DEACON: Bless, Master, the Holy Cup. preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics, and for every righteous spirit made The priest blesses the Holy Cup with the Sign of the Cross, saying: perfect in faith.

PRIEST: And that which is in this Cup, the Precious The priest censes the Holy Table thrice, while making the Blood of Thy Christ. exclamation:

DEACON: Amen. PRIEST: Especially for our most holy, most pure, most blessèd and glorious Lady Theotokos and The deacon points to both, saying: Ever-Virgin Mary.

DEACON: Bless both, Master. Then hands the censer to the deacon who continues to cense the Holy Table and the sanctuary. 43 44 HYMN TO THE THEOTOKOS * And after the choir concludes the hymn, the priest exclaims:

CHOIR: It is truly meet to bless you, О Theotokos, PRIEST: Among the first, remember, О Lord, His ever-blessed and most pure, and the Mother Beatitude, our lord, the Most blessèd ______, of our God. More honorable than the Cheru- Archbishop of [city], Metropolitan of All bim, and more glorious beyond compare than America and Canada, and His Eminence the Seraphim: without defilement you gave (His Grace), our lord, the Most reverend (Right birth to God the Word: true Theotokos, we reverend) ______, Archbishop (Bishop) of magnify you. [city]. Grant them for Thy Holy Churches in peace, safety, honor, health, and length of During the singing of this hymn, the priest continues to pray: days, rightly to divide the word of Thy truth.

PRIEST: For the holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist CHOIR: And all mankind. John; the holy glorious, and all-laudable apostles; Saint ______(of the day) whom we commemorate And the priest continues to pray quietly: today; and all Thy saints, at whose supplication PRIEST: Remember, O Lord, the city (or village, or holy look down upon us, О God. Remember all those habitation), in which we dwell, every city and who have fallen asleep before us in the hope of country; those who in faith dwell in them. Re- resurrection to eternal life, especially ______; member, О Lord, travelers by land, by sea, grant them rest, О God, where the light of Thy and by air; the sick and the suffering; cap- countenance shines on them. tives, and their salvation. Remember, О Lord, those who bring offerings and do good works in Again we entreat Thee: Remember, О Lord, all Thy Holy Churches; those who remember the the Orthodox Episcopate, who rightly teach the poor; and upon us all send forth Thy mercies. word of Thy truth; all the priests, the deacons in (And here he remembers by name the living faithful, Christ, and every order of the clergy. whom he will). Again we offer unto Thee this rational worship: for the Holy Catholic, and Apostolic Church; for Exclamation:

those who live in chastity and holiness of life; for PRIEST: And grant that with one mouth and one all civil authorities; grant them, О Lord, peace- heart we may praise Thine all-honorable and ful times, that we, in their tranquility, may lead a calm and peaceful life in all godliness and majestic Name: of the Father, and of the sanctity. Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. * On certain Feast Days, this is replaced by another hymn. CHOIR: Amen. 45 46 The priest turns and blesses the people: Mysteries of this sacred and spiritual table with a pure conscience: for remission of sins, for PRIEST: And may the mercies of our great God and forgiveness of transgressions, for the communion Savior Jesus Christ be with all of you. of the Holy Spirit, for the inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven, for boldness towards Thee, CHOIR: And with your spirit. but not for judgment or condemnation.

The deacon, having received leave from the priest comes out through DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep the north door, and standing in his customary place begins: us, O God, by Thy grace.

LITANY BEFORE THE LORD’S PRAYER CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON: Having remembered all the saints, again and DEACON: That the whole day may be perfect, holy, again in peace let us pray to the Lord. peaceful and sinless, let us ask of the Lord.

CHOIR: Grant it, О Lord. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON: An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian DEACON: For the Precious Gifts offered and sanctified, of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord. let us pray to the Lord. CHOIR: Grant it, О Lord. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. DEACON: Pardon and remission of our sins and trans- DEACON: That our God, Who lovest mankind, receiving gressions, let us ask of the Lord. them upon His holy, heavenly, and ideal altar as a sweet spiritual fragrance, will send down CHOIR: Grant it, О Lord. upon us in return His divine grace and the gift of DEACON: All things that are good and profitable for our the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord. souls, and peace for the world, let us ask of

the Lord. CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

CHOIR: Grant it, О Lord. DEACON: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and necessity, let us pray to the Lord. DEACON: That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask of CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. the Lord.

And the priest quietly prays: CHOIR: Grant it, О Lord.

PRIEST: Unto Thee we commend our whole life and our DEACON: A Christian ending to our life: painless, blame- hope, О Master Who lovest mankind. We ask Thee, less, and peaceful; and a good defense before and pray Thee, and supplicate Thee: Make us the dread judgment seat of Christ, let us ask worthy to partake of the Heavenly and Awesome of the Lord. 47 48 CHOIR: Grant it, О Lord. CHOIR: (slowly) To Thee, О Lord.

DEACON: Having asked for the unity of the Faith and While the priest prays quietly: the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us com- mend ourselves and each other, and all our PRIEST: We give thanks unto Thee, О King invisible, life unto Christ our God. Who by Thy measureless power didst make all CHOIR: To Thee, О Lord. things, and in the greatness of Thy mercy didst bring all things from non-existence into being. Exclamation: Look down from heaven, О Master, upon those who have bowed their heads unto Thee, for they And make us worthy, О Master, that with have not bowed down unto flesh and blood, but boldness and without condemnation we may unto Thee, the awesome God. Do Thou Thyself, dare to call upon Thee, the heavenly God, as О Master, distribute these gifts here offered, unto Father, and to say: all of us for good, according to the individual need of each; sail with those who sail, travel PEOPLE: Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be with those who travel by land, by sea and by air; Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be heal the sick, О Thou Who art the physician of done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this our souls and bodies. day our daily bread; and forgive us our tres- passes, as we forgive those who trespass Exclamation: against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Through the grace and compassion and Love toward mankind of Thine Only-begotten Son While the Lord’s Prayer is being sung, the deacon, standing with Whom Thou art blessed, together with before the Royal Doors, crosses his orarion over his shoulders. Thine All-Holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Exclamation: CHOIR: Amen. PRIEST: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory; of the Father, and of the Son, and And the priest prays quietly: of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. PRIEST: Attend, О Lord Jesus Christ our God, out of Thy CHOIR: Amen. holy dwelling-place, from the throne of glory of Thy Kingdom; and come to sanctify us, О Thou PRIEST: Peace be unto all. Who sittest on high with the Father, and art here invisibly present with us; and by Thy mighty CHOIR: And to your spirit. hand impart unto us Thy Most Pure Body and DEACON: Bow your heads unto the Lord. Precious Blood, and through us to all the people.

49 50 Now the priest, and likewise the deacon standing at his place, Let it be known to you, О priest, that as you divide the Holy make three low hows, saying silently each time: О God, cleanse Lamb, it is to be placed on the holy diskos with the seal down- me a sinner, and have mercy on me... ward, the cut side upward as before, when it was sacrificed.

When the deacon sees the priest stretch out his hands and touch Then, you are to place the portion IC toward the upper part the Holy Bread in order to make the elevation, he exclaims: of the holy diskos, that is to the east; the portion XC, toward DEACON: Let us attend! the lower part, that is to the west; and the NI to the north side, and KA to the south side, as shown here: And the priest, taking up the Holy Bread in both hands, elevates it above the Holy Table and exclaims: PRIEST: The Holy Things for the Holy! CHOIR: One is Holy! One is the Lord Jesus Christ, to the glory of Cod the Father! Amen.

* COMMUNION HYMN

CHOIR: Praise the Lord from the heavens! Praise Him in the highest! Alleluia! Alleluia! The portion IC is then placed in the chalice. The portion XC is Alleluia! further divided for the communion of the priests and the deacons. The other two portions, NI and KA are for the com- After the priest completes the exclamation, he closes the Royal munion of the faithful people. Doors and the curtain is drawn. The deacon then returns to the sanctuary through the south door, stands on the right side of the priest, and at the conclusion of the Communion Hymn says: The deacon, then, pointing to the holy chalice, says:

COMMUNION DEACON: Fill, Master, the Holy Cup.

DEACON: Divide, Master, the Holy Bread. As the priest places the portion IC into the chalice, the priest makes the Sign of the Cross with it over the chalice, saying: The priest divides the Holy Bread into four parts, with due reverence. PRIEST: The fullness of the Holy Spirit.

PRIEST: Divided and distributed is the Lamb of God: DEACON: Amen. Who is divided, yet not disunited; Who is ever eaten, yet never consumed; but sanctifies And taking the hot water, the deacon says to the priest: those who partake thereof.

* The text printed here is sung on Sundays only; other days and/or feasts have special hymns.

51 52 DEACON: Bless, Master, the warmth. As the priest takes a portion of the Holy Bread for himself, he prays: The priest blesses the hot water, saying: PRIEST: The Precious and Most Holy Body of our Lord and PRIEST: Blessèd is the warmth of Thy Holy Things always, God and Savior Jesus Christ is given unto me, the now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. priest ______, for the remission of my sins, and The deacon pours a sufficient quantity of hot water into the unto life everlasting. chalice cross-wise, saying: I believe, О Lord, and I confess that Thou art DEACON: The warmth of faith, full of the Holy Spirit. truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, Amen. Who camest into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first. I believe also that this is The deacon sets aside the hot water and stands aside. truly Thine Own Most Pure Body, and that

The priest breaks the portion XC into a number of pieces this is truly Thine Own Precious Blood. There- corresponding to the number of clergy who take part in the fore, I pray Thee: have mercy upon me and Liturgy. forgive my transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, committed PRIEST: Deacon, draw near. in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me

worthy to partake without condemnation of The deacon approaches and bows, asking forgiveness; he then kisses the Holy Table and says: Thy Most Pure Mysteries, for the remission of my sins, and unto life everlasting. Amen. DEACON: Give unto me, Master, the Precious and Holy Body of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ. Of Thy Mystical Supper, О Son of God, accept me today as a communicant; for I will not speak Kissing the deacon’s shoulder, the priest gives to him a portion of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies, neither like of the Holy Bread, saying: Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but like the thief PRIEST: To the pious deacon ______, is given the will I confess Thee: Remember me, О Lord, in Precious, Holy, and Most Pure Body of our Lord Thy Kingdom. and God and Savior Jesus Christ, for the remission of his sins, and unto life everlasting. May the communion of Thy Holy Mysteries be neither to my judgment nor to my condemnation, The deacon kisses the priest’s hand and shoulder as he receives O Lord, but to the healing of soul and body. the Holy Bread, and goes behind the Holy Table and prays with bowed head: Thus they partake of the Holy Bread with all fear and reverence. The priest then, takes the holy chalice in both hands with the DEACON: I believe, О Lord, and I confess... veil and partakes of it thrice, saying: 53 54 PRIEST: The Precious and Most Holy Blood of our Lord, DEACON: In the fear of God, and with faith, draw near! God and Savior Jesus Christ is partaken by me, the servant of God, priest ______, for the remission CHOIR: Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the of my sins, and unto life everlasting. Amen. Lord! God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us! The priest cleans the chalice and his lips with the veil, and says: PRIEST: (facing the people) I believe, О Lord, and I PRIEST: Lo, This has touched my lips, and shall take confess... away my iniquities, and cleanse my sins. When he has finished the Communion Prayer, the priest com- The priest then summons the deacon: municates those who are prepared to receive the Mystery, saying to each person: PRIEST: Deacon, draw near.

PRIEST: The servant (or handmaid) of God ______, The deacon approaches and bows once, saying: partakes of the Precious and Holy Body DEACON: Lo, I draw near unto the Immortal King and our and Blood of our Lord and God and Savior God. Give unto me, Master, the Precious and Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins and Holy Blood of our Lord and God and Savior unto life everlasting. Jesus Christ. During the communion of the people, the choir sings: The priest holds the chalice and says:

CHOIR: Receive the Body of Christ; taste the Fountain PRIEST: The servant of God, deacon ______, partakes of Immortality. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! of the Precious and Holy Blood of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, for the remission The deacon cleans the lips of each communicant as he receives of his sins, and unto life everlasting. with the communion cloth. After all have been communi- cated, the celebrants return to the sanctuary and replace the When the deacon has partaken, the priest says: chalice on the Holy Table. The deacon holds the diskos over the

chalice as he says these Hymns of the Resurrection: PRIEST: Lo, This has touched your lips, and shall take away your iniquities, and cleanse your sins. DEACON: Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us The priest now divides the portions NI and KA of the Holy worship the Holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless Lamb and puts them into the chalice for the communion of One. We venerate Thy Cross, О Christ, and we the people; the chalice is covered with a veil. Similarly, he praise and glorify Thy Holy Resurrection; for lays the star-cover and the veils on the holy diskos. The Royal Thou art our God, and we know no other than Doors are opened. The deacon, making a reverence, receives Thee; we call on Thy Name. Come all you faith- the chalice from the priest with devotion, goes through the doors, ful, let us venerate Christ’s Holy Resurrection! and elevating the holy chalice, shows it to the people, saying: 55 56 For, behold, through the Cross, joy has come The priest gives the diskos to the deacon, and the deacon, into all the world. Let us ever bless the Lord, taking it reverently, bows toward the faithful through the praising His Resurrection, for by enduring the Royal Doors, saying nothing, he carries it with reverence to the Table of Oblation. Cross for us, He has destroyed death by death.

The priest takes the chalice in his right hand, and makes Shine! Shine! О New Jerusalem! The glory of with it the Sign of the Cross over the Antimension, and says the Lord has shone on you! Exult now and be quietly to himself: glad, О Zion! Be radiant, О pure Theotokos, in the Resurrection of your Son! PRIEST: Blessed is our God...

О Christ! Great and Most Holy Pascha! О Then, holding the chalice, and facing the people, he says aloud: Wisdom, Word, and Power of God! Grant that PRIEST: Always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. we may more perfectly partake of Thee in the never-ending Day of Thy Kingdom. The priest carries the chalice to the Table of Oblation as the deacon censes and then, receiving the censer, censes As the deacon thoroughly wipes the remaining particles from the chalice three times. the diskos with the holy sponge into the chalice, he reverently says: CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON: Wash away, О Lord, the sins of all those who Let our mouths be filled with Thy praise, have been remembered here, by Thy Precious О Lord, that we may sing of Thy glory; for Blood; through the prayers of Thy saints. Thou hast made us worthy to partake of Thy Holy, Divine, Immortal, and Life-creating The priest blesses the people exclaiming: Mysteries. Keep us in Thy holiness, that all the day we may meditate upon Thy righteousness. PRIEST: О God, save Thy people, and bless Thine Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! inheritance. The deacon goes through the north door to his usual place for CHOIR: We have seen the true Light! We have received the Litany; the priest returns to the Holy Table and again the heavenly Spirit! We have found the true folds the Antimension. Faith! Worshipping the undivided Trinity, Who has saved us. LITANY OF THANKSGIVING

The priest covers the chalice with one veil. He puts all others on DEACON: Let us attend! Having partaken of the Divine, the diskos. He censes the chalice three times saying quietly: Holy, Most Pure, Immortal, Heavenly, Life- creating, and Awesome Mysteries of Christ, PRIEST: Be Thou exalted, О God, above the heavens, let us worthily give thanks unto the Lord. and Thy glory over all the earth. 57 58 CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. PRAYER BEHIND THE AMVON

DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep PRIEST: О Lord, Who blesses those who bless Thee, and us, О God, by Thy grace. sanctifiest those who trust in Thee: Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Preserve CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. the fullness of Thy Church. Sanctify those DEACON: Asking that the whole day may be perfect, who love the beauty of Thy house; glorify holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us commend them in return by Thy divine power, and for- ourselves and each other, and all our life unto sake us not who put our hope in Thee. Give Christ our God. peace to Thy world, to Thy churches, to Thy priests, to all those in civil authority, and to all CHOIR: To Thee, О Lord. Thy people. For every good and every per- fect gift is from above, coming down from PRIEST: We thank Thee, О Master Who lovest mankind, Thee, the Father of Lights, and unto Thee we Benefactor of our souls, that Thou hast made us send up glory, thanksgiving and worship: to worthy this day of Thy Heavenly and Immortal Mysteries. Make straight our path; strengthen the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy us all in Thy fear; guard our life; make firm our Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. steps; through the prayers and intercessions of the glorious Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, CHOIR: Amen. and of all Thy saints. Blessed be the Name of the Lord, henceforth The priest, having again folded the Antimension, makes the and forevermore. (3) Sign of the Cross over it with the Holy Gospel as he exclaims: And the choir continues with Psalm 33 (34): I will bless the PRIEST: For Thou art our Sanctification, and unto Lord.... The deacon, holding the orarion, stands with bowed Thee do we send up glory: to the Father, and head before the icon of our Lord Christ until the completion to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and of the prayer behind the amvon. The priest enters the sanctu- ever, and unto ages of ages. ary through the Royal Doors.

CHOIR: Amen. The deacon, after entering through the north door, kneels at the north side of the Holy Table, while the priest says quietly PRIEST: Let us depart in peace. the following prayer over him and blesses him:

CHOIR: In the Name of the Lord. PRIEST: О Christ our God, Who art Thyself the fulfill- ment of the law and the prophets, Who didst DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord. fulfill all the dispensation of the Father: fill our

hearts with joy and gladness always, now and CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. 59 60 After hearing this prayer, the deacon goes to the Table of Obla- AFTER THE DISMISSAL tion and consumes the Holy Gifts with all reverence and awe. The priest returns to the sanctuary, says the Prayers of Thanks- The priest blesses the people, saying: giving (Appendix II) and removing his priestly prays:

PRIEST: The blessing of the Lord be upon you through St. Symeon’s Prayer His grace and love for mankind always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word. For mine eyes have seen CHOIR: Amen. Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people: a light to enlighten the DISMISSAL Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people, Israel.

PRIEST: Glory to Thee, О Christ God, our Hope, glory Trisagion Prayers to Thee! Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have CHOIR: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to mercy on us. (3) the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages

of ages. Amen. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the

Lord have mercy. (3) Father, bless. Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. * PRIEST: May [He Who rose from the dead], Christ our true God, through the prayers of His most Most Holy Trinity have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse pure Mother; of the holy, glorious, and all- our sins; Master, pardon our transgressions; Holy laudable apostles; of our father among the One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s saints, John Chrysostom, Archbishop of sake. Constantinople; of Saint(s) ______(of the Church); of Saint ______(of the day) whom we Lord, have mercy. (3) commemorate today; of the holy and righ- teous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the and of all the saints: have mercy on us and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. save us, for He is good and loveth mankind. Amen.

CHOIR: Amen. Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on And the choir now sings the Many Years. earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive * On Sunday. For Dismissals used on other days, see Appendix III. those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. 61 62 For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the beуond compare than the Seraphim: with- Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. out defilement you gave birth to God the Word. Amen. True Theotokos, we magnify you.

AT THE LITURGY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. : Grace shining forth from your lips Amen. like a beacon has enlightened the universe. It has shown to the world the riches of poverty. It The priest pronounces the dismissal. has revealed to us the heights of humility. Teaching us by your words, О father John the The deacon consumes the Holy Things with all diligence, so Golden-mouth, intercede before the Word, that пo slightest particle fall or remain, pours water and Christ our God, to save our souls. wine into the holy chalice, consumes it, and absorbs all moisture with the sponge, and sets the holy vessels together. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the wraps them and puts them in their usual place, saying: Lord, Holy Spirit: now lettest Thou Thy servant depart... and the rest, as does the priest, and he washes his hands in the usual place, KONTAKION: You received divine grace from heaven, and makes a reverence together with the priest. The dismissal and by your lips you teach all to worship the One is given, and giving thanks to God, they go their way. God in Trinity, О John Chrysostom, all-blessed saint. Worthily do we extol you, for you are a Thus concludes the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom. teacher who makes clear the things divine.

Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

THEOTOKION: Steadfast protectress of Christians, constant advocate before the Creator: despise not the cry of us sinners, but in your goodness come speedily to help us who call on you in faith. Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us, О Theotokos, for you always protect those who honor you.

Lord, have mercy! (12)

63 64 PRAYERS IN PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION Therefore, although I am unworthy both of heaven and of earth and of this passing life, having A Prayer of St. Basil the Great wholly yielded myself to sin and defiled Thine O Lord and Master, Jesus Christ our Cod, image, yet being Thy creature and of Thy the Fountain of life and immortality, the Creator making, I do not despair of my salvation in my of everything visible and invisible, the eternal and wickedness. But made bold by Thine infinite com- everlasting Son of the eternal Father, Thou hast passion, I draw near. come in these latter days because of the abun- dance of Thy goodness, Thou hast put on our Receive me, О Christ, Who lovest mankind, human flesh and wast crucified and buried for us as Thou didst receive the prostitute, the thief, the thankless and graceless men, and through Thine tax-collector and the prodigal. Take away the Own Blood Thou hast renewed our human na- heavy burden on my sins, for Thou takest away ture which is corrupted by sin. And now, О Im- the sins of the world, Thou healest the infirmities mortal King, accept the repentance of me a sin- of mankind, Thou callest to Thyself and givest ner, and incline Thine ear to me and listen to my rest to those who labor and are heavy laden. words: Thou hast not come to call the righteous, but I have sinned, О Lord, I have sinned before sinners to repentance. Cleanse me from every stain heaven and before Thy face, and I am not worthy of flesh and spirit. Teach me to fulfill holiness in to look upon the height of Thy glory. I have pro- fear of Thee, that having the testimony of my own voked Thy goodness, I have transgressed Thy conscience clean, and having communion of Thy commandments, I have not obeyed Thy statutes. Holy Things, I may united with Thy Body and Blood and may have Thee to dwell and abide in But, О Lord, since Thou dost not remember me, with the Father and Thy Holy Spirit. evil, but art long-suffering and of great mercy, Thou hast not given me over to destruction for my О Lord Jesus Christ my God, may the com- lawlessness, but hast ever awaited my conversion. munion of Thy Most Pure and Life-creating Mysteries not bring me into judgment, nor may I О Lover of mankind, Thou hast said by Thy become weak in soul and body by partaking in Prophets; “I have no pleasure in the death of the an unworthy manner, but grant me to receive wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way communion of Thy Holy Things without condem- and live.” nation even to my very last breath, and by them to receive communion of the Holy Spirit, provi- For Thou dost not wish, О Master, that the sion for the journey of eternal life, and an accept- work of Thy hands should perish, neither dost able answer at Thy dread judgment seat; that Thou take pleasure I the destruction of men, but I, together with all Thy chosen ones, may also be Thou desirest that all men should be saved and a partaker of the incorruptible blessing which Thou come to a knowledge of the truth. hast prepared for those who love Thee, O Lord, in whom Thou art glorified forever. Amen. 65 66 A Prayer of St. John Chrysostom increase of Thy divine Grace, and inheritance of Thy Kingdom. О Lord my God, I know that I am not wor- thy nor sufficiently pleasing that Thou shouldst For I do not come to Thee in presumption, О come under the roof of the house of my soul, for Christ my God, but made bold by Thine inex- it is entirely desolate and fallen in ruin, and Thou pressible goodness, lest I stray far away form Thy wilt not find in me a place worthy to lay Thy flock, О Master, and become caught by the wolf head. Hut as Thou didst humble Thyself from on of souls. high for our sake, so now humble Thyself from on high for our sake, so now humble Thyself to Therefore, I pray Thee, О Master, for Thou my lowliness. alone art Holy: sanctify my soul and body, my mind and heart, my muscles and bones. Renew As Thou didst deign to lie in a cavern, in a man- me entirely. Implant Thy fear in my fleshly mem- ger of dumb beasts, so no deign to enter into the bers and let Thy sanctification never be removed from me. manger of my beastly soul, and into my soiled body. Be my helper and defender, guide my life in As Thou didst not disdain to enter and to cat peace and make me worthy to stand at Thy right with sinners in the house of Simon the leper, so hand with all Thy saints. now be pleased to enter into the house of my sold, humble and leprous and sinful. By the prayers and supplication of Thy most pure Mother, of Thy spiritual servants, the most As Thou didst not cast out the prostitute, the pure angelic powers, and of all the saints who have sinful woman who came to touch Thee, so have been well-pleasing to Thee. Amen. compassion on me a sinner who comes to touch Thee. A Prayer of St. Simeon Metaphrastes

As Thou didst not abhor the kiss of her sin- О only Pure and Incorruptible Lord, because stained and unclean mouth, do not abhor my of the unspeakable mercy of Thy love for man- mouth, worse stained and more unclean that hers, kind. Thou didst take to Thyself our entire human nor my stained and shamed and unclean lips, nor composition from the pure blood of the Virgin who my still more impure tongue. gave birth to Thee beyond nature, by the descent of the Holy Spirit and the goodwill of the Ever- But let the fiery coal of Thy Most Pure Body existing Father. and Thy Most Precious Blood bring me sanctifi- cation, enlightenment, and strengthening of my О Christ Jesus, Wisdom of God and Peace lowly soul and body, relief from the burden of my and Power, through the human nature which Thou many transgression, protection against every ac- didst take to Thyself, Thou didst suffer the Life- tion of the devil, repulsion and victory over my creating and saving Passion: the cross, the nails, wicked and evil habits, mortification of my pas- the spear — death itself. Put to death in me the sions, accomplishment of Thy commandments, soul-destroying passions of the body. 67 68 Though Thy burial, Thou didst capture the Let them not be for my punishment, or for the kingdom of death. Bury in me the evil devices of increase of my sins. But let them be for my purifi- the devil with good thoughts, and destroy the spir- cation and sanctification, as a promise of the life its of evil. and Kingdom to come, a defense and a help and a repulsion of every attacker and the removal of Through Thy Life-bringing Resurrection, my many transgressions. For Thou art a God of Thou didst raise up the first father who had fallen. mercy and generosity and love for mankind, and Raise me up who am sunk down in sin and give unto Thee we send up glory, with the Father and me the image of repentance. the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Through Thy glorious Ascension, Thou didst deify the flesh which Thou didst assume to be di- vine, and placed it on the throne at the Father’s A Prayer of St. Basil the Great right hand. Grant me to receive a place at the right hand with the saved through communion of Thy I know, О Lord, that I have communion un- Holy Mysteries. worthily of Thy Most Pure Body and Thy Most Precious Blood, and that I am guilty and drink Through the coming of Thy Spirit, the Com- condemnation to myself not discerning Thy Body forter, Thou didst make Thy consecrated disciples and Blood, О my Christ and God. But daring upon to be honorable vessels. Show me also to be the Thy generous loving-kindness I come to Thee Who receptacle of His coming. hast said: “He who eats My Flesh and drinks My Thou hast promised to come again to judge Blood abides in Me and I in him.” Be merciful, the world in righteousness. Grant that I may go to therefore, О Lord, and do not rebuke me, a sin- meet Thee in the clouds, my Judge and Creator, ner, but deal with me according to Thy mercy, with all Thy saints; that I may glorify and praise and let Thy Holy Things be for my purification Thee without end, together with Thy Father, Who and healing, for enlightenment and protection, for is without beginning, and Thy Most Holy, Good the repulsion of every tempting thought and ac- and Life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto tion of the devil which works spiritually in my ages of ages. Amen. fleshly members. Let them be for boldness and love for Thee, for the correction and grounding of A Prayer of St. John of Damascus my life, for the increase of virtue and perfection, for the fulfillment of Thy commandments, for the О Lord and Master Jesus Christ our God, communion of the Holy Spirit, for the journey of Who alone hast power to absolve men from their eternal life, for a good and acceptable answer at sins, for Thou art good and lovest all men, forgive Thy dread judgment, but not for judgment or con- all my transgressions done in knowledge or in ig- demnation. Amen. norance, and make me worthy without condem- nation to have communion of Thy Divine and Glorious and Pure and Life-creating Mysteries. 69 70 A Prayer of St. John Chrysostom Another Prayer of St. John Chrysostom

О God, absolve, remit and pardon me my О Lord Jesus Christ my God, absolve, loose, transgressions; as many sins as I have committed cleanse and forgive me Thy sinful and useless and by word or action or thought, willingly or unwill- unworthy servant my errors, transgressions and ingly, consciously or unconsciously; forgive me ev- sinful failings as many as I have committed from erything since Thou art good and the lover of men. my youth up to this present day and hour, con- And by the prayers of Thy most pure Mother, of sciously and unconsciously, in words or actions or Thy spiritual servants, the holy angelic powers reasonings, thoughts, pursuits and in all my senses. and all the saints, who from all ages have been By the prayers of Thy Mother the most pure and well-pleasing to Thee, be pleased to allow me to Ever-Virgin Mary who gave birth to Thee without receive Thy Most Pure Body and Thy Most Pre- human seed, my only hope which will not put me cious Blood for the healing of my soul and body, to shame, my intercessor and salvation, grant me and the purification of my evil thoughts. For Thine to have communion without condemnation of Thy is the Kingdom and the power and the glory with Most Pure, Immortal, Life-creating and Awesome the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and Mysteries; for the remission of sins and unto life unto ages of ages. Amen. everlasting; for sanctification, enlightenment, strength, healing and health of soul and body; for the most perfect removal and destruction of my Another Prayer of St. John Chrysostom evil thoughts and reasonings and intentions, fan- tasies by night, brought by dark and evil spirits; I am not worthy, Master and Lord, that Thou for Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the shouldst enter under the roof of my soul; yet inas- glory and the honor and the worship with the Fa- much as Thou desirest to live in me as the Lover ther and Thy Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto of men, I approach with boldness. Thou hast com- ages of ages. Amen. manded: Let the doors be opened which Thou alone hast made and Thou shalt enter with Thy love for men just as Thou art. Thou shalt enter Another Prayer of St. John of Damascus and enlighten my darkened reasoning. I believe that Thou wilt do this. For Thou didst not cast I stand before the doors of Thy temple, and I away the prostitute who came to Thee with tears, do not forsake my wicked thoughts. But, О Christ neither didst Thou turn away the tax-collector my God, as Thou hast justified the tax-collector, who repented, nor didst Thou reject the thief who and hast had mercy on the woman of Canaan acknowledged Thy Kingdom, nor didst Thou for- and hast opened the gates of paradise to the thief, sake the repentant persecutor, the Apostle Paul, open to me the interior depths of Thy love for even as he was. But all who came to Thee in re- mankind and receive me as I come and repent pentance Thou didst unite to the ranks of Thy before Thee. Receive me as Thou didst receive friends, Who alone art blessed forever, now and the sinful woman and the woman with the flow of unto the endless ages. Amen. blood. For the first embraced Thy most pure feet 71 72 and received the forgiveness of her sins, and the PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AFTER second just touched the hem of Thy garment and HOLY COMMUNION received healing. But I who am lost, daring to re- ceive Thy whole Body, may I not be burned; but PRIEST: Glory to Thee, О God! (3) receive me as Thou hast received them, and en- lighten my spiritual senses, burning up my sinful READER: I thank Thee, О Lord my God, for Thou faults by the prayers of her who gave birth to Thee hast not rejected me, a sinner, but hast made me without human seed, and of the heavenly angelic worthy to be a partaker of Thy Holy Things. I powers, for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. thank Thee, for Thou hast permitted me, the Amen. unworthy, to commune of Thy Most Pure and Heavenly Gifts. But, О Master, Who lovest man- Another Prayer of St. John Chrysostom kind, Who for our sakes didst die and rise again, and gavest us these Awesome and Life-creating I believe, О Lord, and I confess that Thou art Mysteries for the good and sanctification of our truly the Christ, the Son of the living Cod Who souls and bodies, let them be for the healing of camest into the world to save sinners, of whom I soul and body, the repelling of every adversary, am first. I believe also that this is truly Thine Own Most Pure Body, and this is truly Thine Own Pre- the illumining of the eyes of my heart, the peace of cious Blood. Therefore, I pray Thee: have mercy my spiritual powers, a faith unashamed, a love upon me and forgive my transgressions both vol- unfeigned, the fulfilling of wisdom, the observing untary and involuntary, of word and of deed, com- of Thy commandments, the receiving of Thy divine mitted in knowledge or in ignorance. And make grace, and the attaining of Thy Kingdom. Pre- me worthy to partake without condemnation of served by them in Thy holiness, may I always Thy Most Pure Mysteries, for the remission of my remember Thy grace and live not for myself alone, sins, and unto life everlasting. Amen. but for Thee, our Master and Benefactor. May Of Thy Mystical Supper, О Son of God, ac- I pass from this life in the hope of eternal life, and cept me today as a communicant; for I will not so attain to the everlasting rest, where the voice speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies, neither of those who feast is unceasing, and the gladness like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but like the thief of those who behold the goodness of Thy counte- will I confess Thee: Remember me, О Lord, in Thy nance is unending. For Thou art the true desire Kingdom. and the ineffable joy of those who love Thee, О

May the Communion of Thy Holy Mysteries Christ our God, and all creation sings of Thy praise be neither to my judgment, nor to my condemna- forever. Amen. tion, О Lord, but to the healing of soul and body. Amen.

73 74 A Prayer of St. Basil the Great Thy servant, a child of light. For Thou art the only Sanctification and Light of our souls, О Good One, О Master Christ our God, King of the Ages, and unto Thee, our Master and God, do we send up Maker of all things: I thank Thee for all the good glory day by day. things Thou hast given me, especially for the com- munion with Thy Most Pure and Life-creating Another Prayer Mysteries. I pray Thee, О gracious Lover of Man: preserve me under Thy protection, beneath the О Lord Jesus Christ our God; let Thy Holy shadow of Thy wings. Enable me, even to my last Body be my eternal life; Thy Precious Blood, my breath, to partake worthily and with a pure con- remission of sins. Let this Eucharist be my joy, science of Thy Holy Things, for the remission of health, and gladness. Make me, a sinner, worthy sins and unto life eternal. For Thou art the Bread to stand on the right hand of Thy glory at Thine of Life, the Fountain of Holiness, the Giver of all awesome second Coming, through the prayers of Good; and unto Thee do we send up glory, with Thy most pure Mother and of all the saints. the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. A Prayer to the Theotokos

О most holy Lady Theotokos, the light of my A Prayer of St. Simeon Metaphrastes darkened soul, my hope, my protection, my ref- uge, my rest, and my joy. I thank you, for you Freely Thou hast given my Thy Body for have permitted me, the unworthy, to be a par- my food, О Thou Who art a fire consuming the taker of the Most Pure Body and Precious Blood unworthy. Consume me not, О my Creator, but of your Son. Give the light of understanding to the instead enter into my members, my veins, my eyes of my heart, you that gave birth to the True heart. Consume the thorns of my transgressions. Light. Enliven me who am deadened by sin, you Cleanse my soul and sanctify my reasonings. Make that gave birth to the Fountain of Immortality. firm my knees and body. Illumine my five senses. Have mercy on me, О loving Mother of the Nail me to the fear of Thee. Always protect, guard, merciful God. Grant me compunction and con- and keep me from soul-destroying words and trition of heart, humility in my thoughts, and a deeds. Cleanse me, purify me, and adorn me. Give release from the slavery of my own reasonings. me understanding and illumination. Show me to be a temple of Thy One Spirit and not the home And enable me, even to my last breath. to receive of many sins. May every evil thing, every carnal the sanctification of the MOST Purе Mysteries, for passion flee from me as from a fire as I become the healing of soul and body. Grant me tears of Thy tabernacle through communion. I offer Thee repentance and confession, that I may glorify you as intercessors all the saints: the leaders of the all the days of my life, for you arc blessed and bodiless hosts, Thy Forerunner, the wise apostles, greatly glorified forever. Amen. and Thy pure and blameless Mother. Accept their prayers in Thy love, О my Christ, and make me, 75 76 THE THIRD HOUR Most Holy Trinity have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Master, pardon our transgressions; Holy PRIEST: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s unto ages of ages. Sake.

READER: Amen. Lord, have mercy. (THRICE)

Glory to Thee, our God, Glory to Thee. Glory..., now and ever.... Amen.

О Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth; Who Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy art everywhere and fillest all things. Treasury of Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on Blessings, and Giver of Life: Come and abide in us, earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive souls, О Good One. those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. From St. Thomas Sunday through the Leavetak- ing of Pascha, after the initial “AMEN” the PRIEST: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and Reader immediately chants: the glory; of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs READER: Amen. Lord, have mercy. (12 TIMES) bestowing life. (THRICE) Come, let us worship God our King! Come, let us Then the Reader continues with “HOLY GOD... ” worship and fall down before Christ, our King and (below). our God! Come, let us worship and fall down be-

Paschal Season fore Christ Himself, our King and our God! Also note that the prayer “O HEAVENLY KING... ” (WITH THREE REVERENCES) is not read until . From the Leavetaking of Pascha until the Sunday of Pentecost, after the initial “AMEN, ” the Reader continues with “HOLY PSALM 16 (17) GOD... ” Hear my righteousness, О Lord, and attend to my cry! Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit. THRICE) on us. ( Let my judgment come forth from before

Thy presence Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy That mine eyes may behold the things that Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. are just.

77 78 Thou hast proven my heart, Deliver my soul from the ungodly, Thou hast visited me by night, Whose portion in life is of the world. Thou hast tried me as by fire, And Thou hast found no wickedness in me. Draw Thy sword, О Lord, and destroy them by Thy hand, That my mouth might not speak of the works That they may lie down in their graves! of men, Though their bellies had been filled with For the sake of the words of Thy lips Thy treasures, I have kept to the difficult path — Yet they have satisfied themselves with swine and O direct my steps in Thy way so my feet may have left the remains to their babes. not slip! As for me, I shall behold Thy face in righteousness, I have cried to Thee, О God, for Thou hast heard And shall be satisfied with beholding Thy glory. me! Incline Thine ear to me, and hear my words. Show me the wonders of Thy mercies, О Savior PSALM 24 (25) of those who hope in Thee, To Thee, О Lord, have I lifted up my soul. Against them that rise up against Thy right hand! О my God, in Thee have I placed my hope, let me

not be put to shame; Keep me as the apple of Thine eye; Neither let mine enemies exalt over me. Hide me in the shelter of Thy wings, Yea, let none that wait for Thee be put to shame: From the godless that oppress me;

From the enemies that surround my soul. Let them be ashamed who are wantonly treach-

erous. They have satisfied themselves with their Show me Thy ways, О Lord, and teach me own glory; Thy paths. With their mouths they speak arrogantly; Guide me in Thy truth, and teach me, for Thou

art the God of my salvation They who have cast me out — And for Thee I wait all the day long. Now, they surround me;

Be mindful of Thy mercy and lovingkindess, They have set their eyes to cast me to the ground. Lord, They are like a lion For they have been ever of old. Eager for prey, О remember not the sins nor the ignorance of As a young lion lurking in ambush. my youth,

But in Thy mercy, remember me for Thy good- Arise, О Lord, confront them, ness’ sake, О Lord. Overthrow them!

79 80 Good and upright is the Lord, Redeem Israel, О God, Therefore He instructs sinners in the way. Out of all his troubles. He shall guide the meek in judgment, And He shall teach the humble His ways. PSALM 50 (51)

Have mercy on me, О God, All the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth, According to Thy great mercy; Unto such as keep His covenant and His And according to the multitude of Thy compassions testimonies. Blot out my transgressions. For Thy Name’s sake, О Lord,

Pardon my sin for it is great! Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity,

And cleanse me from my sin. Who is the man that feareth the Lord? For I know my transgressions: Him shall He teach in the way that He shall And mу sin is ever before me. choose.

His soul shall dwell in blessedness Against Thee only have I sinned And his seed shall inherit the land. And done that which is evil in Thy sight,

That Thou mayest be justified in Thy sayings, The Lord is the strength of those who fear Him, And victorious when Thou dost judge. And He makes known to them His covenant.

Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord; Behold, I was conceived in iniquities, For He shall pluck my feet out of the net. And in sins did my mother bear me.

For behold, Thou lovest truth Turn Thou to me, and have mercy on me, And the secrets of Thy Wisdom Thou hast made For I am lonely and afflicted. known to me. The sorrows of my heart are enlarged:

О bring me out of my distresses. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop and I

shall be clean; Consider mine adversity and my misery Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter And forgive me all my sins. than snow. Consider mine enemies, how many they are, Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness; And the tyrannous hatred they bear against me. That the bones which Thou hast humbled

may rejoice. О keep my soul

And deliver me; Turn Thy face away from my sins Let me not be put to shame And blot out all mine iniquities. For I have put my hope in Thee. Create in me a clean heart, О God,

And renew a right spirit within me. The innocent and righteous have joined me For I wait on Thee. 81 82 Cast me not away from Thy presence THEOTOKION And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. О Theotokos, thou art the true vine who didst bud Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation forth for us the Fruit of Life: We pray thee, О Lady, And uphold me with Thy ruling Spirit. intercede together with the apostles and all the saints,

Then shall I teach transgressors Thy ways, that He will have mercy on our souls.

And the godless shall return to Thee. However, if this be a weekday during Lent, the Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, О God, Thou appointed Kathisma, if any, is read. Then, after God of my salvation, “LORD, HAVE MERCY. (THRICE)” and instead of the And my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. Troparion of the day, the following Troparion is

О Lord, open Thou my lips, sung, Tone Six: (Resurrection Tone)

And my mouth shall show forth Thy praise. ► О Lord, Who at the third hour / For if Thou hadst desired a sacrifice, Didst send down upon Thine apostles Thy Then would I have given it. Holy Spirit: /

But Thou hast no delight in whole-burnt Take Him not away from us, O Good One, /// offerings. But renew Him in us who pray to Thee!

The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit: VERSE 1: Create in me a clean heart, О God, A broken and contrite heart, О God, and renew a right spirit within me. During Lent Thou wilt not despise.

► О Lord, Who at the third hour... Do good, О Lord, to Zion in Thy good pleasure; VERSE 2: Cast me not away from Thy presence, And let the walls of Jerusalem be built. and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with oblations and whole-burnt ► О Lord, Who at the third hour... offerings; Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar! READER: Glory..., now and ever... Amen. [THEOTOKION:] “О THEOTOKOS, THOU ART THE TRUE Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy VINE... ” (See above). Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Blessèd be the Lord God; Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory to Thee, О God. Blessèd be the Lord from day to day; (THRICE) And may the God of our salvation prosper us, For He is our God, the God of salvation! Lord, have mercy. (THRICE) Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy Glory...: The Troparion. on us. (THRICE)

Now and ever... Amen. Glory..., now and ever... Amen. 83 84 Most Holy Trinity have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Master, pardon our transgressions; Holy Depart not away from our souls in afflic- One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s tion, nor he Thou far from our sake. thoughts in times of trouble / But always defend us and draw near to us, Lord have mercy. (THRICE) О Thou, Who art everywhere present / As Thou art ever with Thine apostles, so Glory..., now and ever... Amen. also, unite Thyself to those who long for Thee, О Bountiful One, /// Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy That with one accord we may sing our praise Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on to Thee, and may glorify Thy Most earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily Holy Spirit. bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive

those who trespass against us; and lead us not into During Lent Now and ever... Amen. temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ► Thou art the hope and protection of Chris- PRIEST: For Thine is the Kingdom... tians, О Theotokos, / And the unassailable bastion and the storm- READER: Amen. The Kontakion. free haven, О most pure Virgin /// Remember us also as thou dost save the However, if this be a weekday during Lent or a world by thine unceasing interces- Kontakion is not appointed, the following Kontakia sions. are sung in Tone Eight: Lord, have mercy. (40 TIMES) ► Blessed art Thou, О Christ our God, / Who hast revealed the fishermen as PRAYER OF THE HOURS most wise, / By sending down upon them the Holy READER: Thou Who at all times, and at every hour, both in Spirit. / heaven and on earth art worshipped and glorified, Through them Thou didst draw the world О Christ God, long-suffering and plenteous in into Thy net. /// mercy and compassion; Who lovest the just and During Lent О Lover of mankind, Glory to Thee! showest mercy to those who are hardened in sin; Who callest all to salvation through the promise of Glory..., good things to come: О Lord, in this hour receive our supplications and direct our lives according to ► Grant us, Thy servants, speedy and stead- Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our fast consolation when our spirit is bodies; set aright our minds; cleanse our thoughts; cast down within us, О Jesus. / and deliver us from all calamity, evil and distress. Compass us ‘round about with Thy holy angels; 85 86 that, guided and guarded by their host, we may THE SIXTH HOUR attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of Thine unapproachable glory. For blessed art READER: Come, let us worship God our King! Come, Thou unto ages of ages. Amen. let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God! Come, let us worship and fall down Lord, have mercy. (THRICE) before Christ Himself, our King and our God! (WITH THREE REVERENCES) Glory..., now and ever... Amen. PSALM 53 (54) More honorable than the Cherubim, and more Save me, О God, by Thy Name, glorious, beyond compare than the Seraphim, And judge me by Thy strength! without corruption thou gavest birth to God the Hear my prayer, О God, Word, true Theotokos, we magnify thee. And give ear to the words of my mouth!

In the Name of the Lord, Father (MASTER ) bless! For strangers are risen against me; And mighty men, PRIEST: Through the prayers of the holy fathers, О Lord Who have not set God before their eyes, Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us! Seek after my soul.

READER: Amen. Behold, God is my helper; If this be during Lent, then the Prayer of St. The Lord is the protector of my soul — Ephraim the Syrian follows, with 3 great prostra- He sháll reward the evils of mine enemies. tions; followed by: “O GOD, CLEANSE ME A SINNER. (12 TIMES)” with 12 small prostrations; followed O, destroy them with Thy truth, О Lord, and I again by the Prayer of St. Ephraim and 1 great During Lent will willingly bring sacrifice to Thee! prostration. Then, as usual: I will confess Thy Name for it is good; For Thou hast delivered me from every trouble And mine eye hath looked down upon mine THE PRAYER OF ST. MARDARIUS enemies.

О God the Master, Father Almighty, О Lord, Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son, and Thou, О Holy PSALM 54 (55) Spirit, One Godhead, One Power: Have mercy upon me a sinner, and by thy divine judgments Hearken to my prayer, О God, save me, Thine unworthy servant; for blessed art And hide not Thyself from my supplication. Thou unto ages of ages. Amen. Attend to me and hear me THE END OF THE THIRD HOUR For I am overcome by my sorrow. 87 88 I am troubled at the voice of the enemy and As for me, I have cried unto God, and the Lord At the oppression of the wicked — has heard me. For they bring iniquity upon me Evening and morning and at noon, I cry aloud And in their wrath, they hate me. and pray; And the Lord shall hear my voice. My heart is in anguish within me, He shall redeem my soul in peace from those who And the fear of death has fallen upon me. draw near. Fear and trembling are come upon me, And darkness overwhelms me. For many they are who crowd in against me. He Who is before the ages shall hear me, And I say: Oh, that I had wings like a dove! And they will be brought low; Then I would fly away and be at rest! For théy do not change, and do not fear God. Yea, I would wander afar and would dwell in the wilderness, God shall stretch out His hand in retribution I would wait for God to save me from the raging For they have defiled His covenant; wind and tempest! They shall be scattered by the wrath of His countenance Destroy their tongues, О Lord, and make them Even if their hearts draw near — useless;

For I have seen violence and strife in the city. Their words may be smoother than oil, Day and night they go about it, ‘round its walls; Yet in truth, they are drawn swords! And mischief and sorrow are within it. О cast your burdens on the Lord, and He will Wickedness is in its midst, sustain you. And oppression and fraud do not depart from He shall not permit the righteous to be moved. its streets. For if it were an enemy that reproached me, then Deceitful and blood-thirsty men — them, God shall I might endure it; destroy. Or if an adversary had boastfully threatened me, He shall bring them down into the lowest pit; then I might have hidden from him — They shall not live out half their days — But I will trust in Thee, О Lord! But it was you, my equal, My companion, my familiar friend; Who made sweet the food we ate together: PSALM 90 (91) Yea, we walked together in the House of God! He that dwelleth in the aid of the Most High Shall abide under the protection of the God Let death come upon such as he — of heaven. Let them go down into Hades alive! He shall say to the Lord: Thou art my protector For wickedness lives within their dwellings, And my refuge, my God. In Him will I trust. And evil abides within their midst. 89 90 For He shall deliver thee from the snare of the With long life will I satisfy him, and show him My hunter and from every trouble. salvation. ” He shall defend thee under His pinions, And thou shalt find refuge under His wings, Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy And His truth shall cover thee as with a shield. Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Thou shalt not be afraid for any terror by night, Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory to Thee, О God. Nor of the arrow that flieth by day; (THRICE) Nor the pestilence that walketh in darkness, Nor the demon that destroyeth at noonday. Lord, have mercy. (THRICE)

A thousand shall fall beside thee, Glory...: The Troparion. And ten thousand at thy right hand, But it shall not come near thee. Now and ever... Amen. Yea, with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the recompense of the wicked. THEOTOKION

As there is no boldness in us because of the multi- For Thou, О Lord, art my hope; tude of our sins, do thou, О Virgin Theotokos, Thou, my soul, hast made the Most High, thy intercede with the Son whom thou hast borne; for habitation. the entreaty of a mother has great power to win the Therefore, no evil shall befall thee, favor of the Master. Despise not, О Pure One, the And no scourge shall come near thy tent. prayers of us sinners, for He Who graciously deigned

to suffer for us is merciful and strong to save. For He shall give His angels charge over thee,

To keep thee in all thy ways. However, if this be a weekday during Lent, the They shall bear thee up in their hands, appointed Kathisma, if any, is read. Then, after Lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. “LORD, HAVE MERCY. (THRICE)” and instead of the

Troparion of the day, the following Troparion is Thou shalt tread upon the asp and basilisk, sung, Tone Two: (Resurrection Tone) The lion and the dragon shalt thou trample underfoot. ► О Thou, Who on the sixth day and hour / “Because he hath set his love upon Me, Didst nail Adam’s daring sin in Paradise Therefore will I deliver him; to the Cross / During Lent Tear asunder also the handwriting of our sins /// I will protect him, because he hath known О Christ God and save us! My Name. He shall call upon Me, and I will hear him: VERSE 1: Hearken to my prayer, О God, and I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, hide not Thyself from my supplication. and glorify him; 91 92 ► О Thou, Who on the sixth day and hour... However, if this be a weekday during Lent or a VERSE 2: As for me, I have cried unto God, and Kontakion is not appointed, we read the following the Lord has heard me. Kontakia.

► О Thou, Who on the sixth day and hour... Thou hast wrought salvation in the midst of the earth, О Christ God; Thou didst stretch During Lent READER: Glory..., now and ever... Amen. out Thine immaculate hands upon the [THEOTOKION:] “AS THERE IS NO BOLDNESS... ” Cross, thereby gathering all the nations that (See above). cry to Thee: О Lord, glory to Thee!

Let Thy tender mercies, О Lord, speedily go before Glory..., us, for we are become exceedingly poor. Help us, О God our Savior, for the glory of Thy Name; О We venerate Thy most pure Image, О Good Lord, deliver us and purge away our sins for Thy One, and ask forgiveness of our transgres- Name’s sake. sions, О Christ our God. For of Thy good will Thou wast pleased to ascend the Cross Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy in the flesh and deliver Thy creatures from on us. (THRICE) the bondage of the enemy. Therefore with Glory..., now and ever... Amen. thankfulness we cry aloud to Thee: Thou hast filled all with joy, О our Savior, for Thou

During Lent Most Holy Trinity have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse didst come to save the world. our sins; Master, pardon our transgressions; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s Now and ever... Amen. sake. On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday the following Lord, have mercy. (THRICE) Theotokion is now read:

Glory..., now and ever... Amen. Vouchsafe unto us thy mercy, О Theotokos, as thou art a well-spring of tender compas- Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy sion. Look upon a sinful people, and manifest, Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on as always, thy power. For having placed our earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily trust in thee, we cry to thee, “Rejoice”, as once bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive did Gabriel, the leader of the bodiless hosts. those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. On Wednesday and Friday the Stavrotheotokion is now read: PRIEST: For Thine is the Kingdom...

READER: Amen. The Kontakion. 93 94 PRIEST: Through the prayers of the holy fathers, О Lord Most glorified art thou, О Virgin Theotokos, Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us! and we sing thy praise: for by the Cross of Thy Son hell was overthrown, and death was READER: Amen. slain; and we, who were dead have risen again, and have been deemed worthy of life. We have If this be during Lent, then the Prayer of St. received Paradise, which was our delight of Ephraim the Syrian follows, with 3 great prostra- During Lent old. Wherefore, in thanksgiving we glorify tions; followed by: “O GOD, CLEANSE ME A SINNER. Christ our God, since He is mighty and alone (12 TIMES)” with 12 small prostrations; followed abundant in mercy. again by the Prayer of St. Ephraim and 1 great During Lent prostration. Then, as usual: Lord, have mercy. (40 TIMES)

PRAYER OF THE HOURS THE PRAYER OF ST. BASIL THE GREAT

Thou Who at all times, and at every hour, both in О God, the Lord of hosts, and Author of all creation, heaven and on earth art worshipped and glorified, Who in Thine ineffable tender mercy hast sent О Christ God, long-suffering and plenteous in down Thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus mercy and compassion; Who lovest the just and Christ for the salvation of our kind, and through showest mercy to those who are hardened in sin; His Precious Gross didst destroy the handwriting Who callest all to salvation through the promise of of our sins, and didst thereby triumph over the good things to come: О Lord, in this hour receive princes and dominions of darkness. Do Thou, the our supplications and direct our lives according to same Lord, Who lovest mankind, accept also these Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our prayers of thanksgiving and supplication even from bodies; set aright our minds; cleanse our thoughts; us sinners, and deliver us from every deadly and and deliver us from all calamity, evil and distress. dark transgression, and from all the visible and Compass us ‘round about with Thy holy angels; invisible enemies who seek to do us harm. Nail that, guided and guarded by their host, we may down our flesh with the fear of Thee, and incline attain to the unity of the faith and the knowledge not our hearts to evil words or thoughts, but wound of Thine unapproachable glory. For blessed art our souls with longing for Thee, that ever gazing Thou unto ages of ages. Amen. upon Thee, and being guided by thy Light and beholding Thee, the Unapproachable and Ever- Lord, have mercy. (THRICE) lasting Light, we may send up unceasing praise and Glory..., now and ever... Amen. thanksgiving unto Thee, the Father without begin- ning, together with Thine Only-begotten Son, and More honorable than the Cherubim, and more Thine All-holy, Good and Life-creating Spirit, now glorious, beyond compare than the Seraphim, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. without corruption thou gavest birth to God the Word, true Theotokos, we magnify thee. THE END OF THE SIXTH HOUR In the Name of the Lord, Father (master) bless! 95 96