Morning Prayer
St. Michael and All Angels
September 29
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St. Michael and All Angels
September 29
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Lord open our lips
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One.
Have mercy on us (3x)
Have mercy on us (3x)
Opening: Gabriel instructed me with these words: 'Daniel, I have now come out to give you wisdom and understanding. At the beginning of your supplications a word went out, and I have come to declare it, for you are greatly beloved. So consider the word and understand the vision. - Daniel 9:22-23
Hymn
Tune:Austria
Praise the Lord! ye heavens adore him;
praise him angels in the height;
sun and moon, rejoice before him;
praise him, all ye stars of light.
Praise the Lord! for he hath spoken;
worlds his mighty voice obeyed;
laws which never shall be broken
for their guidance he hath made.
praise him angels in the height;
sun and moon, rejoice before him;
praise him, all ye stars of light.
Praise the Lord! for he hath spoken;
worlds his mighty voice obeyed;
laws which never shall be broken
for their guidance he hath made.
Praise the Lord! for he is glorious;
never shall his promise fail;
God hath made his saints victorious;
sin and death shall not prevail.
Praise the God of our salvation!
Hosts on high, his power proclaim;
heaven and earth, and all creation,
laud and magnify his Name.
Words: Foundling Hospital Collection, 1801 Music: Austria, Daniel's Tune, Praise, Rex Gloriae Meter: 87 87 D
never shall his promise fail;
God hath made his saints victorious;
sin and death shall not prevail.
Praise the God of our salvation!
Hosts on high, his power proclaim;
heaven and earth, and all creation,
laud and magnify his Name.
Words: Foundling Hospital Collection, 1801 Music: Austria, Daniel's Tune, Praise, Rex Gloriae Meter: 87 87 D
Invitatory
Antiphon: Come let us worship the Lord in the company of his angels.
Antiphon: Come let us worship the Lord in the company of his angels.
Venite (Psalm 95:1-7)
Come let us sing to the Lord; *
let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *
and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.
and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God, *
and a great King above all gods.
and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *
and the heights of the hills are his also.
and the heights of the hills are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it, *
and his hands have molded the dry land.
and his hands have molded the dry land.
Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *
Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!
and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *
Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!
Antiphon: Come let us worship the Lord in the company of his angels.
The Psalter
Psalm 8, 138, 148
Psalm 8
Domine, Dominus noster
Ant. 1:In the company of angels, I will sing Psalms to you, O God.
Psalm 8
Domine, Dominus noster
Ant. 1:In the company of angels, I will sing Psalms to you, O God.
1 O Lord our lord, *
how glorious is your name in all the world!
2 Your majesty above the heavens is praised *
out of the mouths of babes at the breast.
3 You have founded a stronghold against your foes, *
that you might still the enemy and the avenger.
4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, *
the moon and the stars that you have ordained,
5 What is man, that you should be mindful of him; *
the son of man, that you should seek him out?
6 You have made him little lower than the angels *
and crown him with glory and honour.
7 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands *
and put all things under his feet,
8 All sheep and oxen, *
even the wild beasts of the field,
9 The birds of the air, the fish of the sea *
and whatsoever moves in the paths of the sea.
10 O Lord our lord, *
how glorious is your name in all the world!
how glorious is your name in all the world!
2 Your majesty above the heavens is praised *
out of the mouths of babes at the breast.
3 You have founded a stronghold against your foes, *
that you might still the enemy and the avenger.
4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, *
the moon and the stars that you have ordained,
5 What is man, that you should be mindful of him; *
the son of man, that you should seek him out?
6 You have made him little lower than the angels *
and crown him with glory and honour.
7 You have given him dominion over the works of your hands *
and put all things under his feet,
8 All sheep and oxen, *
even the wild beasts of the field,
9 The birds of the air, the fish of the sea *
and whatsoever moves in the paths of the sea.
10 O Lord our lord, *
how glorious is your name in all the world!
Ant. 1:In the company of angels, I will sing Psalms to you, O God.
Ant. 2:Michael and his angels + waged war upon the dragon./ The dragon, whose name is Satan, was thrown down.
Psalm 138
Confitebor tibi
Confitebor tibi
1 I will give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart*
even before the gods will I sing your praises.
2 I will bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name*
because of your faithfulness and your loving-kindness,
for you have made your name and your word supreme over all things.
3 At a time when I called to you, you gave me answer*
and put new strength within my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord*
for they have heard the words of your mouth;
5 And they shall sing of the ways of the Lord*
that the glory of the Lord is great.
6 For though the Lord is exalted, he looks upon the lowly*
but he humbles the proud from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of danger,
yet will you preserve my life*
you will stretch out your hand against the fury of my enemies,
and your right hand shall save me.
8 The Lord will complete his purpose for me*
your loving-kindness, O Lord, endures for ever;
do not forsake the work of your own hands.
even before the gods will I sing your praises.
2 I will bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name*
because of your faithfulness and your loving-kindness,
for you have made your name and your word supreme over all things.
3 At a time when I called to you, you gave me answer*
and put new strength within my soul.
4 All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord*
for they have heard the words of your mouth;
5 And they shall sing of the ways of the Lord*
that the glory of the Lord is great.
6 For though the Lord is exalted, he looks upon the lowly*
but he humbles the proud from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of danger,
yet will you preserve my life*
you will stretch out your hand against the fury of my enemies,
and your right hand shall save me.
8 The Lord will complete his purpose for me*
your loving-kindness, O Lord, endures for ever;
do not forsake the work of your own hands.
Ant. 2:Michael and his angels + waged war upon the dragon./ The dragon, whose name is Satan, was thrown down.
Ant. 3: All the angels of heaven praise you, O Lord, and with one voice they say: To you we owe our hymn of praise O God.
Ant. 3: All the angels of heaven praise you, O Lord, and with one voice they say: To you we owe our hymn of praise O God.
Psalm 148
Laudate Domine
Laudate Domine
1 Alleluia.
Praise the Lord from the heavens; *
praise him in the heights.
2 Praise him, all you his angels; *
praise him, all his host.
3 Praise him, sun and moon; *
praise him, all you stars of light.
4 Praise him, heaven of heavens, *
and you waters above the heavens.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, *
for he commanded and they were created.
6 He made them stand fast for ever and ever; *
he gave them a law which shall not pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth, *
you sea monsters and all deeps;
8 Fire and hail, snow and mist, *
tempestuous wind, fulfilling his word;
9 Mountains and all hills, *
fruit trees and all cedars;
10 Wild beasts and all cattle, *
creeping things and birds on the wing;
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, *
princes and all rulers of the world;
12 Young men and women,
old and young together; *
let them praise the name of the Lord.
13 For his name only is exalted, *
his splendour above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up the horn of his people
and praise for all his faithful servants, *
the children of Israel, a people who are near him.
Alleluia.
Ant. 3:All the angels of heaven praise you, O Lord, and with one voice they say: To you we owe our hymn of praise O God.
Praise the Lord from the heavens; *
praise him in the heights.
2 Praise him, all you his angels; *
praise him, all his host.
3 Praise him, sun and moon; *
praise him, all you stars of light.
4 Praise him, heaven of heavens, *
and you waters above the heavens.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, *
for he commanded and they were created.
6 He made them stand fast for ever and ever; *
he gave them a law which shall not pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth, *
you sea monsters and all deeps;
8 Fire and hail, snow and mist, *
tempestuous wind, fulfilling his word;
9 Mountains and all hills, *
fruit trees and all cedars;
10 Wild beasts and all cattle, *
creeping things and birds on the wing;
11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, *
princes and all rulers of the world;
12 Young men and women,
old and young together; *
let them praise the name of the Lord.
13 For his name only is exalted, *
his splendour above earth and heaven.
14 He has raised up the horn of his people
and praise for all his faithful servants, *
the children of Israel, a people who are near him.
Alleluia.
Ant. 3:All the angels of heaven praise you, O Lord, and with one voice they say: To you we owe our hymn of praise O God.
First Reading
Job 38:1-7
Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind: "Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me.
"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements--surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?
Canticle
A Song of God's Assembled - Hebrews 12:22-24a,28-29
We have come before God's holy mountain,
to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God.
We have come before countless angels making festival,
before the assembly of the firstborn citizens of heaven.
We have come before God, who is judge of all,
before the spirits of the just made perfect.
We have come before Jesus,
the mediator of the new covenant.
We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken:
so let us give thanks and offer to God acceptable worship,
full of reverence and awe;
for our God is a consuming fire.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
A Song of God's Assembled - Hebrews 12:22-24a,28-29
We have come before God's holy mountain,
to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God.
We have come before countless angels making festival,
before the assembly of the firstborn citizens of heaven.
We have come before God, who is judge of all,
before the spirits of the just made perfect.
We have come before Jesus,
the mediator of the new covenant.
We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken:
so let us give thanks and offer to God acceptable worship,
full of reverence and awe;
for our God is a consuming fire.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Second Reading
Hebrews 1:1-14
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, 'You are my Son; today I have begotten you'? Or again, 'I will be his Father, and he will be my Son'? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, 'Let all God's angels worship him.' Of the angels he says, 'He makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire.' But of the Son he says, 'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.' And, 'In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like clothing; like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never end.' But to which of the angels has he ever said, 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet'? Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, 'You are my Son; today I have begotten you'? Or again, 'I will be his Father, and he will be my Son'? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, 'Let all God's angels worship him.' Of the angels he says, 'He makes his angels winds, and his servants flames of fire.' But of the Son he says, 'Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.' And, 'In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like clothing; like a cloak you will roll them up, and like clothing they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will never end.' But to which of the angels has he ever said, 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet'? Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
Second Canticle
Benedictus
Antiphon:You will see the heavens open, + and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *
born of the house of his servant David.
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old,
that he would save us from our enemies, *
from the hands of all who hate us.
that he would save us from our enemies, *
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers *
and to remember his holy covenant.
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
Free to worship him without fear, *
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
To give his people knowledge of salvation *
by the forgiveness of their sins.
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God *
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Antiphon:You will see the heavens open, +and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.
Responsory
An angel stood by the altar.
An angel stood by the altar.
And held a golden censer
by the altar.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
An angel stood by the altar.
An angel stood by the altar.
An angel stood by the altar.
And held a golden censer
by the altar.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
An angel stood by the altar.
Collect
Everlasting God, who have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Everlasting God, who have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Intercessions
With one voice the choirs of angels sing their unceasing praise of the Lord. Let us join in their worship as we proclaim:
(R.) Angels of the lord, bless the Lord.
(R.) Angels of the lord, bless the Lord.
You commanded your angels to guard us in all your ways,
- keep us from sin as you lead us in your path this day.(R.)
- keep us from sin as you lead us in your path this day.(R.)
Father, the angels stand forever before your face,
- nourish in us a never-failing hope of coming at last into your presence.(R.)
- nourish in us a never-failing hope of coming at last into your presence.(R.)
Your children will be like the angels in heaven,
- grant us chastity in both mind and body.(R.)
- grant us chastity in both mind and body.(R.)
Send Michael, the prince of the heavenly hosts, to the aid of your people,
- may he defend them against Satan and his angels on the day of battle.(R.)
- may he defend them against Satan and his angels on the day of battle.(R.)
Our Father…
COLLECT
O God, who dispose in marvelous order
ministries both angelic and human,
graciously grant
that our life on earth may be defended
by those who watch over us
as they minister perpetually to you in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
O God, who dispose in marvelous order
ministries both angelic and human,
graciously grant
that our life on earth may be defended
by those who watch over us
as they minister perpetually to you in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Novena to the Holy Angels
The First day
Ardent Seraphim, you who dwell in the eternal home of love, unceasingly absorbed in the rays of the Sun of Justice, we beg you in virtue of the Divine Blood, to enkindle in our hearts that holy fire with which you are consumed.
Ardent Seraphim, you who dwell in the eternal home of love, unceasingly absorbed in the rays of the Sun of Justice, we beg you in virtue of the Divine Blood, to enkindle in our hearts that holy fire with which you are consumed.
St. Michael, the Archangel, and all the Holy Angels, protect us in our combats, that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God.
Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Second day
Bright Cherubim, you who are allowed a deeper insight into God's secrets, dispel the darkness of our souls, and in virtue of the Divine Blood, give that supernatural light to our eyes that will enable us to understand the truths of salvation.
St. Michael, the Archangel, and all the Holy Angels, protect us in our combats, that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God.
Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Third day
Sublime Thrones, dazzling in your beauty, upon whom rests the Almighty and who convey His commands to the inferior Angels, obtain for us in virtue of the Divine Blood, peace with God, with our neighbor and with ourselves.
St. Michael, the Archangel, and all the Holy Angels, protect us in our combats, that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God.
Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Fourth day
Supreme Dominations, you who have the authority over all Angelic Choirs, and are charged with the execution of God's orders, rule over our minds and hearts, and in virtue of the Divine Blood, help us to know and faithfully to accomplish the will of God.
Supreme Dominations, you who have the authority over all Angelic Choirs, and are charged with the execution of God's orders, rule over our minds and hearts, and in virtue of the Divine Blood, help us to know and faithfully to accomplish the will of God.
St. Michael, the Archangel, and all the Holy Angels, protect us in our combats, that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God.
Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Fifth day
Invincible Powers, whose mission it is to remove the obstacles to the Divine will, and to overcome its enemies, defend us against the attacks of the world, the flesh and the devil, and in virtue of the Divine Blood, render us victorious in our combats against this triple power.
St. Michael, the Archangel, and all the Holy Angels, protect us in our combats, that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God.
Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Sixth day
Heavenly Virtues, who watch over the harmony of the material creation, you whose name signifies "Strength," have pity on our weakness, and obtain for us in virtue of the Divine Blood, the grace to bear with patience the trials of this life.
Heavenly Virtues, who watch over the harmony of the material creation, you whose name signifies "Strength," have pity on our weakness, and obtain for us in virtue of the Divine Blood, the grace to bear with patience the trials of this life.
St. Michael, the Archangel, and all the Holy Angels, protect us in our combats, that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God.
Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Seventh day
Sovereign Principalities, you who are the Princes of Nations, we beseech you to guard our Country effectively, that it may realize God's designs in its regard. Govern our souls and our bodies, and in virtue of the Divine Blod, obtain that we may attain eternal life.
Sovereign Principalities, you who are the Princes of Nations, we beseech you to guard our Country effectively, that it may realize God's designs in its regard. Govern our souls and our bodies, and in virtue of the Divine Blod, obtain that we may attain eternal life.
St. Michael, the Archangel, and all the Holy Angels, protect us in our combats, that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God.
Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Eighth day
Most noble Archangels, you who, under the command of St. Michael, guard and protect the Holy Church, deign to deliver her from internal and external enemies. Watch over the Holy Father, as well as over all the children of the Immaculate Spouse of Christ, and in virtue of the Divine Blood, obtain for us the grace to live and die in the Faith, Hope, and Charity of Holy Church, so that we may be eternally united with its august Head, Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
St. Michael, the Archangel, and all the Holy Angels, protect us in our combats, that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God.
Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Ninth day
Most holy Angels, you whose zeal for the interest of God, wherever they need to be defended, carries you through the universe more rapidly than lightning, protect His cause in our souls, and in virtue of the Divine Blood, obtain for us the signal grace of final perseverance.
Most holy Angels, you whose zeal for the interest of God, wherever they need to be defended, carries you through the universe more rapidly than lightning, protect His cause in our souls, and in virtue of the Divine Blood, obtain for us the signal grace of final perseverance.
St. Michael, the Archangel, and all the Holy Angels, protect us in our combats, that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God.
Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
THE CHAPLET OF ST. MICHAEL
Said in honor of the nine orders of angels
Said in honor of the nine orders of angels
This chaplet can be said on any set of four beads, or simply on your fingers.
V. O God, make speed to save us.
R. O Lord, make haste to help us.
R. O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory Be
I. Salutation ----- 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys: in honor of the SERAPHIM.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim, may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim, may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen.
II. Salutation ----- 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys: in honor of the CHERUBIM.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim, may the Lord grant us grace to leave the ways of wickedness and run in the paths of Christian perfection. Amen.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim, may the Lord grant us grace to leave the ways of wickedness and run in the paths of Christian perfection. Amen.
III. Salutation ----- 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys: in honor of the THRONES.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Thrones, may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Thrones, may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen.
IV. Salutation ----- 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys: in honor of the DOMINIONS.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominions, may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and subdue our unruly passions. Amen.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominions, may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and subdue our unruly passions. Amen.
V. Salutation -- 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys: in honor of the POWERS.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers, may the Lord protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers, may the Lord protect our souls against the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen.
VI. Salutation -- 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys: in honor of the VIRTUES.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues, may the Lord preserve us from evil, and not allow us to fall into temptation. Amen.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues, may the Lord preserve us from evil, and not allow us to fall into temptation. Amen.
VII. Salutation -- 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys: in honor of the PRINCIPALITIES.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Principalities, may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Principalities, may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen.
VIII. Salutation -- 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys: in honor of the ARCHANGELS.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels, may the Lord give us perseverance and Faith in all good works in order that we may gain the glory of Heaven. Amen.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels, may the Lord give us perseverance and Faith in all good works in order that we may gain the glory of Heaven. Amen.
IX. Salutation -- 1 Our Father, 3 Hail Marys: in honor of the ANGELS.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels, may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted hereafter to the eternal glory. Amen.
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels, may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted hereafter to the eternal glory. Amen.
1 Our Father in honor of St. Michael.
1 Our Father in honor of St. Gabriel.
1 Our Father in honor of St. Raphael.
1 Our Father in honor of your Guardian Angel.
1 Our Father in honor of St. Gabriel.
1 Our Father in honor of St. Raphael.
1 Our Father in honor of your Guardian Angel.
Invocation
O glorious Prince St. Michael, Leader and Commander of the Heavenly Host, Guardian of souls, Vanquisher of rebel spirits, Servant in the house of the Divine King, and our glorious Guide, thou art brilliant in holiness and power.
Deliver us from all evil, for we turn to thee with confidence and enable us by thy gracious protection to serve God more faithfully everyday.
O glorious Prince St. Michael, Leader and Commander of the Heavenly Host, Guardian of souls, Vanquisher of rebel spirits, Servant in the house of the Divine King, and our glorious Guide, thou art brilliant in holiness and power.
Deliver us from all evil, for we turn to thee with confidence and enable us by thy gracious protection to serve God more faithfully everyday.
V. Pray for us O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ.
R. That we may be made worthy of His promises.
R. That we may be made worthy of His promises.
Let Us Pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, since in Thy infinite goodness and mercy Thou desireth the salvation of all men, Thou hast appointed the most glorious Archangel, St. Michael Prince of Thy Church. Make us worthy, we beg of Thee to be delivered by his powerful protection from all our enemies, that we may not be overcome by them at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by St. Michael into the holy presence of Thy Divine Majesty. This, we beg through the merits of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and everlasting God, since in Thy infinite goodness and mercy Thou desireth the salvation of all men, Thou hast appointed the most glorious Archangel, St. Michael Prince of Thy Church. Make us worthy, we beg of Thee to be delivered by his powerful protection from all our enemies, that we may not be overcome by them at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by St. Michael into the holy presence of Thy Divine Majesty. This, we beg through the merits of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Litany of the Holy Angels
Lord have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
Christ hear us.
Christ graciously hear us.
Christ graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Queen of Angels,
pray for us.
Holy Mother of God,
pray for us.
Holy Virgins of virgins,
pray for us.
pray for us.
Holy Mother of God,
pray for us.
Holy Virgins of virgins,
pray for us.
Saint Michael, who was ever the defender of the people of God,
pray for us.
St. Michael, who did drive from Heaven Lucifer and his rebel crew,
pray for us.
St. Michael, who did cast down to Hell the accuser of our brethren,
pray for us.
Saint Gabriel, who did expound to Daniel the Heavenly vision,
pray for us.
St. Gabriel, who did foretell to Zechariah the birth and ministry of John the Baptist,
pray for us.
St. Gabriel, who did announce to the Blessed Mary the Incarnation of the Divine Word,
pray for us.
Saint Raphael, who did lead Tobias safely through his journey to his home again,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, who did deliver Sara from the devil,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, who did restore sight to Tobit the elder,
pray for us.
All ye holy Angels, who stand around the high and lofty throne of God,
pray for us.
Who cry to Him continually: Holy, Holy, Holy,
pray for us.
Who dispel the darkness of our minds and give us light,
pray for us.
Who are the messengers of Heavenly things,
pray for us.
Who have been appointed by God to be our Guardians,
pray for us.
Who always behold the Face of our Father Who Is in Heaven,
pray for us.
Who rejoice over one sinner doing penance,
pray for us.
Who struck the Sodomites with blindness,
pray for us.
Who led Lot out of the midst of the ungodly,
pray for us.
Who ascended and descended on the ladder of Jacob,
pray for us.
Who delivered the Divine Law to Moses on Mount Sinai,
pray for us.
Who brought good tidings when Christ was born,
pray for us.
Who ministered to Him in the desert,
pray for us.
Who comforted Him in His agony,
pray for us.
Who sat in white garments at His sepulcher,
pray for us.
Who appeared to the disciples as He went up into Heaven,
pray for us.
Who shall go before Him bearing the standard of the Cross
when He comes to judge,
pray for us.
Who shall gather together the elect at the End of the World,
pray for us.
Who shall separate the wicked from among the just,
pray for us.
Who offer to God the prayers of those who pray,
pray for us.
Who assist us at the hour of death,
pray for us.
Who carried Lazarus into Abraham's bosom,
pray for us.
Who conduct to Heaven the Souls of the just,
pray for us.
Who perform signs and wonders by the power of God,
pray for us.
Who are sent to minister for those who shall receive the inheritance
of salvation,
pray for us.
Who are set over kingdoms and provinces,
pray for us.
Who have often put to flight armies of enemies,
pray for us.
Who have often delivered God's servants from prison and other perils
of this life,
pray for us.
Who have often consoled the holy Martyrs in their torments,
pray for us.
Who cherish with particular care the Bishops of the Church,
pray for us.
All ye holy orders of blessed spirits,
pray for us.
pray for us.
St. Michael, who did drive from Heaven Lucifer and his rebel crew,
pray for us.
St. Michael, who did cast down to Hell the accuser of our brethren,
pray for us.
Saint Gabriel, who did expound to Daniel the Heavenly vision,
pray for us.
St. Gabriel, who did foretell to Zechariah the birth and ministry of John the Baptist,
pray for us.
St. Gabriel, who did announce to the Blessed Mary the Incarnation of the Divine Word,
pray for us.
Saint Raphael, who did lead Tobias safely through his journey to his home again,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, who did deliver Sara from the devil,
pray for us.
St. Raphael, who did restore sight to Tobit the elder,
pray for us.
All ye holy Angels, who stand around the high and lofty throne of God,
pray for us.
Who cry to Him continually: Holy, Holy, Holy,
pray for us.
Who dispel the darkness of our minds and give us light,
pray for us.
Who are the messengers of Heavenly things,
pray for us.
Who have been appointed by God to be our Guardians,
pray for us.
Who always behold the Face of our Father Who Is in Heaven,
pray for us.
Who rejoice over one sinner doing penance,
pray for us.
Who struck the Sodomites with blindness,
pray for us.
Who led Lot out of the midst of the ungodly,
pray for us.
Who ascended and descended on the ladder of Jacob,
pray for us.
Who delivered the Divine Law to Moses on Mount Sinai,
pray for us.
Who brought good tidings when Christ was born,
pray for us.
Who ministered to Him in the desert,
pray for us.
Who comforted Him in His agony,
pray for us.
Who sat in white garments at His sepulcher,
pray for us.
Who appeared to the disciples as He went up into Heaven,
pray for us.
Who shall go before Him bearing the standard of the Cross
when He comes to judge,
pray for us.
Who shall gather together the elect at the End of the World,
pray for us.
Who shall separate the wicked from among the just,
pray for us.
Who offer to God the prayers of those who pray,
pray for us.
Who assist us at the hour of death,
pray for us.
Who carried Lazarus into Abraham's bosom,
pray for us.
Who conduct to Heaven the Souls of the just,
pray for us.
Who perform signs and wonders by the power of God,
pray for us.
Who are sent to minister for those who shall receive the inheritance
of salvation,
pray for us.
Who are set over kingdoms and provinces,
pray for us.
Who have often put to flight armies of enemies,
pray for us.
Who have often delivered God's servants from prison and other perils
of this life,
pray for us.
Who have often consoled the holy Martyrs in their torments,
pray for us.
Who cherish with particular care the Bishops of the Church,
pray for us.
All ye holy orders of blessed spirits,
pray for us.
From all dangers,
deliver us, O Lord.
From the snares of the devil,
deliver us, O Lord.
From all heresy and schism,
deliver us, O Lord.
From plague, famine and war,
deliver us, O Lord.
From sudden and unexpected death,
deliver us, O Lord.
From everlasting death,
deliver us, O Lord.
deliver us, O Lord.
From the snares of the devil,
deliver us, O Lord.
From all heresy and schism,
deliver us, O Lord.
From plague, famine and war,
deliver us, O Lord.
From sudden and unexpected death,
deliver us, O Lord.
From everlasting death,
deliver us, O Lord.
We sinners beseech Thee to hear us.
Through the holy Angels,
we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst spare us,
we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst pardon us,
we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst govern and preserve Thine Holy Church,
we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst protect our bishop and all ministers of the Church,
we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant wisdom and a love of justice to all country rulers,
we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst give and preserve the fruits of the earth,
we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant eternal rest to all the Faithful departed,
we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst spare us,
we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst pardon us,
we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst govern and preserve Thine Holy Church,
we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst protect our bishop and all ministers of the Church,
we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant wisdom and a love of justice to all country rulers,
we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst give and preserve the fruits of the earth,
we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant eternal rest to all the Faithful departed,
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
Christ have mercy.
Lord have mercy.
Our Father Who Art in Heaven,
hallowed be Thy Name; Thy Kingdom come,
Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us; and
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.
hallowed be Thy Name; Thy Kingdom come,
Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us; and
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.
Bless the Lord, all ye Angels:
Thou who art mighty in strength, who fulfill His commandments,
listening to the voice of His words.
He has given His Angels charge over you,
To keep you in all His ways.
Thou who art mighty in strength, who fulfill His commandments,
listening to the voice of His words.
He has given His Angels charge over you,
To keep you in all His ways.
Let Us Pray
O God, Who doth arrange the services of Angels and men in a wonderful order, mercifully grant that our life may be protected on earth by those who always do Thy service in Heaven, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who with Thee and the Holy Spirit are one God, now and forever. Amen.
O God, Who doth arrange the services of Angels and men in a wonderful order, mercifully grant that our life may be protected on earth by those who always do Thy service in Heaven, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who with Thee and the Holy Spirit are one God, now and forever. Amen.
O God, Who in Thine unspeakable Providence sends Thy Angels to keep guard over us, grant us that we may be continually defended by their protection and may rejoice eternally in their company, through Jesus Christ Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Litanies in Honor of St. Michael
Litany in Honor of St. Michael 1
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Queen of the Angels, pray for us.
St. Michael, the Archangel, pray for us.
Most glorious attendant of the Triune Divinity, pray for us.
Standing at the right of the altar of Incense, pray for us.
Ambassador of Paradise, pray for us. pray for us.
Glorious Prince of the Heavenly armies, pray for us.
Leader of the Angelic hosts, pray for us.
The standard-bearer of God's armies,pray for us.
Defender of Divine glory, pray for us.
First defender of the Kingship of Christ, pray for us.
Strength of God, pray for us.
Invincible Prince and warrior, pray for us.
Angel of Peace, pray for us.
Guide of Christ, pray for us.
Guardian of the Catholic Faith, pray for us.
Champion of God's people, pray for us.
Guardian Angel of the Eucharist, pray for us.
Defender of the Church, pray for us.
Protector of the Sovereign Pontiff, pray for us.
Angel of Catholic action, pray for us.
Powerful intercessor of Christians, pray for us.
Bravest defender of those who hope in God, pray for us.
Guardian of our souls and bodies, pray for us.
Healer of the sick, pray for us.
Help of those in their agony, pray for us.
Consoler of the Souls in Purgatory, pray for us.
God's messenger for the souls of the just, pray for us.
Terror of the evil spirits, pray for us.
Victorious in battle against evil, pray for us.
Guardian and Patron of the universal Church, pray for us.
St. Michael, the Archangel, pray for us.
Most glorious attendant of the Triune Divinity, pray for us.
Standing at the right of the altar of Incense, pray for us.
Ambassador of Paradise, pray for us. pray for us.
Glorious Prince of the Heavenly armies, pray for us.
Leader of the Angelic hosts, pray for us.
The standard-bearer of God's armies,pray for us.
Defender of Divine glory, pray for us.
First defender of the Kingship of Christ, pray for us.
Strength of God, pray for us.
Invincible Prince and warrior, pray for us.
Angel of Peace, pray for us.
Guide of Christ, pray for us.
Guardian of the Catholic Faith, pray for us.
Champion of God's people, pray for us.
Guardian Angel of the Eucharist, pray for us.
Defender of the Church, pray for us.
Protector of the Sovereign Pontiff, pray for us.
Angel of Catholic action, pray for us.
Powerful intercessor of Christians, pray for us.
Bravest defender of those who hope in God, pray for us.
Guardian of our souls and bodies, pray for us.
Healer of the sick, pray for us.
Help of those in their agony, pray for us.
Consoler of the Souls in Purgatory, pray for us.
God's messenger for the souls of the just, pray for us.
Terror of the evil spirits, pray for us.
Victorious in battle against evil, pray for us.
Guardian and Patron of the universal Church, pray for us.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
Relying, O Lord, upon the intercession of Thy blessed Archangel Michael,
we humbly beg of Thee, that the Sacrament of the Eucharist which we have received
may make our souls holy and pleasing to Thee.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Relying, O Lord, upon the intercession of Thy blessed Archangel Michael,
we humbly beg of Thee, that the Sacrament of the Eucharist which we have received
may make our souls holy and pleasing to Thee.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Litany in Honor of St. Michael 2
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God,
Have mercy on us.
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Queen of Angels,
Pray for us.
St. Michael,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, filled with the wisdom of God,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, perfect adorer of the Incarnate Word,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, crowned with honor and glory,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, most powerful Prince of the armies of the Lord,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, standard-bearer of the most Holy Trinity,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, guardian of Paradise,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, guide and comforter of the people of Israel,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, splendor and fortress of the Church Militant,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, honor and joy of the Church Triumphant,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, light of Angels,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, bulwark of orthodox believers,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, strength of those who fight under the standard of the Cross,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, light and confidence of Souls at the hour of death,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, our most sure aid,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, our help in all adversities,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, herald of the everlasting sentence,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, consoler of Souls detained in the flames of Purgatory,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, whom the Lord has charged to receive Souls after death,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, our prince,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, our advocate,
Pray for us.
Pray for us.
St. Michael,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, filled with the wisdom of God,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, perfect adorer of the Incarnate Word,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, crowned with honor and glory,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, most powerful Prince of the armies of the Lord,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, standard-bearer of the most Holy Trinity,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, guardian of Paradise,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, guide and comforter of the people of Israel,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, splendor and fortress of the Church Militant,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, honor and joy of the Church Triumphant,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, light of Angels,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, bulwark of orthodox believers,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, strength of those who fight under the standard of the Cross,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, light and confidence of Souls at the hour of death,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, our most sure aid,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, our help in all adversities,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, herald of the everlasting sentence,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, consoler of Souls detained in the flames of Purgatory,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, whom the Lord has charged to receive Souls after death,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, our prince,
Pray for us.
St. Michael, our advocate,
Pray for us.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world,
spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world,
graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world,
graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
V. Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ.
R. That we may be made worthy of His promises.
R. That we may be made worthy of His promises.
Let us pray.
Sanctify us, we beseech Thee, O Lord Jesus, with Thy holy blessing,
and grant us, by the intercession of St. Michael,
that wisdom which teaches us to lay up treasures in Heaven
by exchanging the goods of this world for those of eternity,
Thou who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
Annunciation
Feast Day: March 25
Eucharistic Readings
Isaiah 7:10-14
Hebrews 10:5-10
Psalm 40:7-11 or The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)
Luke 1:26-38
Sanctify us, we beseech Thee, O Lord Jesus, with Thy holy blessing,
and grant us, by the intercession of St. Michael,
that wisdom which teaches us to lay up treasures in Heaven
by exchanging the goods of this world for those of eternity,
Thou who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
Annunciation
Feast Day: March 25
Eucharistic Readings
Isaiah 7:10-14
Hebrews 10:5-10
Psalm 40:7-11 or The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)
Luke 1:26-38
Entrance Song Hebrews 10:5-7
As Christ came into the world, he said, behold! I have come to do your will, O God.
As Christ came into the world, he said, behold! I have come to do your will, O God.
Opening Prayer
Let us pray
[that Christ, the Word made flesh,
will make us more like him]
God our Father,
your Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary.
May we become more like Jesus Christ,
whom we acknowledge as our redeeemer, God and man.
We ask this... [R.] Amen.
Let us pray
[that Christ, the Word made flesh,
will make us more like him]
God our Father,
your Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary.
May we become more like Jesus Christ,
whom we acknowledge as our redeeemer, God and man.
We ask this... [R.] Amen.
Alternative Opening Prayer
Let us pray
[that we may become more likeChrist
who chose to become one of us.]
Almighty Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
you have revealed the beauty of your power
by exalting the lowly virgin of Nazareth
and making her the mother of our Savior.
May the prayers of this woman
bring Jesus to a waiting world
and fill the void of incompletion
with the presence of her child,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
on God, for ever and ever. [R.] Amen
Let us pray
[that we may become more likeChrist
who chose to become one of us.]
Almighty Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
you have revealed the beauty of your power
by exalting the lowly virgin of Nazareth
and making her the mother of our Savior.
May the prayers of this woman
bring Jesus to a waiting world
and fill the void of incompletion
with the presence of her child,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit
on God, for ever and ever. [R.] Amen
The Readings
First Reading
Isaiah 7:10-14
Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test. Then Isaiah said: "Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.
Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test. Then Isaiah said: "Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.
The Psalm
Psalm 40:7-11
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Sacrifice or oblation you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, “Behold I come.”
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
“In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
To do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!”
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Your justice I kept not hid within my heart;
your faithfulness and your salvation I have spoken of;
I have made no secret of your kindness and your truth in the vast assembly. R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Sacrifice or oblation you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, “Behold I come.”
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
“In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
To do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!”
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
Your justice I kept not hid within my heart;
your faithfulness and your salvation I have spoken of;
I have made no secret of your kindness and your truth in the vast assembly. R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
or
The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)
The Song of Mary
Luke 1:46-55
My soul magnifies the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
The Song of Mary
Luke 1:46-55
My soul magnifies the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Magnificat in Latin
Magnificat anima mea Dominum
Et exultavit spiritus meus in Deo salutari meo
Quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes
Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est et sanctum nomen eius
Et misericordia eius in progenies et progenies timentibus eum
Fecit potentiam in brachio suo dispersit superbos mente cordis sui
Deposuit potentes de sede et exaltavit humiles
Esurientes implevit bonis et divites dimisit inanes
Suscepit Israhel puerum suum memorari misericordiae
Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros Abraham et semini eius in saecula
Magnificat anima mea Dominum
Et exultavit spiritus meus in Deo salutari meo
Quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes
Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est et sanctum nomen eius
Et misericordia eius in progenies et progenies timentibus eum
Fecit potentiam in brachio suo dispersit superbos mente cordis sui
Deposuit potentes de sede et exaltavit humiles
Esurientes implevit bonis et divites dimisit inanes
Suscepit Israhel puerum suum memorari misericordiae
Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros Abraham et semini eius in saecula
Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto; Sicut erat in principio et nunc et semper et in saecula saeculorum. Amen
Second Reading
Hebrews 10:5-10
Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, ‘Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure.
Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, ‘Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure.
Then I said, “See, God, I have come to do your will, O God” (in the scroll of the book it is written of me).’ When he said above, ‘You have neither desired nor taken pleasure in sacrifices and offerings and burnt offerings and sin offerings’ (these are offered according to the law), then he added, ‘See, I have come to do your will.’ He abolishes the first in order to establish the second. And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Gospel
Gospel Acclamation
R/. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory. R/.
R/. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory. R/.
Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.
PRAYER OVER THE OFFERINGS
Almighty Father,
as we recall the beginning of the Church
when you Son became man,
may we celebrate with joy today
this sacrament of your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. R. Amen
Almighty Father,
as we recall the beginning of the Church
when you Son became man,
may we celebrate with joy today
this sacrament of your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. R. Amen
Preface
Father, all powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
He came to save mankind by becoming a man himself.
The Virgin Mary, receiving the angle's message in faith,
conceived by the power of the Spirit
and bore your Son in purest love.
In Christ, the eternal truth,
Your promise to Israel came true. In Christ, the hope of all peoples,
our hope was realized beyond all expectation.
Through Christ the angels of heaven
offer their prayer of adoration
as they rejoice in your presence for ever.
May our voices be one with theirs
in their triumphant hymn of praise.
Father, all powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
He came to save mankind by becoming a man himself.
The Virgin Mary, receiving the angle's message in faith,
conceived by the power of the Spirit
and bore your Son in purest love.
In Christ, the eternal truth,
Your promise to Israel came true. In Christ, the hope of all peoples,
our hope was realized beyond all expectation.
Through Christ the angels of heaven
offer their prayer of adoration
as they rejoice in your presence for ever.
May our voices be one with theirs
in their triumphant hymn of praise.
Communion Song Isaiah 7:14
The Virgin is with child and shall bear a son, and shall call him Emmanuel.
The Virgin is with child and shall bear a son, and shall call him Emmanuel.
Prayer after Communion Lord,
may the sacrament we share
strengthen our faith and hope in Jesus, born of a virgin
and truly God and man.
By the power of his resurrection
may we come to eternal joy.
we ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
[R.] Amen
Evening Prayer I
Feast of the Annunciation
March 25
______
may the sacrament we share
strengthen our faith and hope in Jesus, born of a virgin
and truly God and man.
By the power of his resurrection
may we come to eternal joy.
we ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
[R.] Amen
Evening Prayer I
Feast of the Annunciation
March 25
______
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One.
Have mercy on us (3x)
Have mercy on us (3x)
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life. For the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was made manifest to us. (1 John 1:1-2)
The God whom earth and sea and sky
adore and laud and magnify,
whose might they own, whose praise they swell,
in Mary's womb vouchsafed to dwell.
adore and laud and magnify,
whose might they own, whose praise they swell,
in Mary's womb vouchsafed to dwell.
The Lord whom sun and moon obey,
whom all things serve from day to day,
was by the Holy Ghost conceived
of her who through his grace believed.
whom all things serve from day to day,
was by the Holy Ghost conceived
of her who through his grace believed.
How blessed that Mother, in whose shrine
the world's Creator, Lord divine,
whose hand contains the earth and sky,
once deigned, as in his ark, to lie.
the world's Creator, Lord divine,
whose hand contains the earth and sky,
once deigned, as in his ark, to lie.
Blessed in the message Gabriel brought,
blessed by the work the Spirit wrought;
from whom the great Desire of earth
took human flesh and human birth.
blessed by the work the Spirit wrought;
from whom the great Desire of earth
took human flesh and human birth.
O Lord, the Virgin-born, to thee
eternal praise and glory be,
whom with the Father we adore
and Holy Ghost for evermore.
eternal praise and glory be,
whom with the Father we adore
and Holy Ghost for evermore.
Words: Venantius Fortunatus; translation: John F. Neale
The Psalter
Ant. 1: A shoot shall spring forth from the stock of Jesse, and a flower will blossom from his root. The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him (alleuia]
8 Domine, Dominus noster
1
O LORD our Lord, *
how excellent is your Name in all the earth!
2
Out of the mouths of infants and children *
your majesty is praised above the heavens.
3
You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries, *
to quell the enemy and the avenger.
4
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, *
the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
5
What is man that you should be mindful of him? *
the son of man that you should seek him out?
6
You have made him but little lower than the angels; *
you adorn him with glory and honor;
7
You give him mastery over the works of your hands; *
you put all things under his feet:
8
All sheep and oxen, *
even the wild beasts of the field,
9
The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, *
and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea.
10
O LORD our Lord, *
how excellent is your Name in all the earth!
1
O LORD our Lord, *
how excellent is your Name in all the earth!
2
Out of the mouths of infants and children *
your majesty is praised above the heavens.
3
You have set up a stronghold against your adversaries, *
to quell the enemy and the avenger.
4
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, *
the moon and the stars you have set in their courses,
5
What is man that you should be mindful of him? *
the son of man that you should seek him out?
6
You have made him but little lower than the angels; *
you adorn him with glory and honor;
7
You give him mastery over the works of your hands; *
you put all things under his feet:
8
All sheep and oxen, *
even the wild beasts of the field,
9
The birds of the air, the fish of the sea, *
and whatsoever walks in the paths of the sea.
10
O LORD our Lord, *
how excellent is your Name in all the earth!
Ant. 1: A shoot shall spring forth from the stock of Jesse, and a flower will blossom from his root. The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him (alleuia]
Ant. 2: The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will reign for ever (alleuia].
113 Laudate, pueri
1
Hallelujah!
Give praise, you servants of the LORD; *
praise the Name of the LORD.
2
Let the Name of the LORD be blessed, *
from this time forth for evermore.
3
From the rising of the sun to its going down *
let the Name of the LORD be praised.
4
The LORD is high above all nations, *
and his glory above the heavens.
5
Who is like the LORD our God, who sits enthroned on high, *
but stoops to behold the heavens and the earth?
6
He takes up the weak out of the dust *
and lifts up the poor from the ashes.
7
He sets them with the princes, *
with the princes of his people.
8
He makes the woman of a childless house *
to be a joyful mother of children.
1
Hallelujah!
Give praise, you servants of the LORD; *
praise the Name of the LORD.
2
Let the Name of the LORD be blessed, *
from this time forth for evermore.
3
From the rising of the sun to its going down *
let the Name of the LORD be praised.
4
The LORD is high above all nations, *
and his glory above the heavens.
5
Who is like the LORD our God, who sits enthroned on high, *
but stoops to behold the heavens and the earth?
6
He takes up the weak out of the dust *
and lifts up the poor from the ashes.
7
He sets them with the princes, *
with the princes of his people.
8
He makes the woman of a childless house *
to be a joyful mother of children.
Ant. 2: The Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will reign for ever (alleuia].
Ant. 3:The eternal Word, born of the father before time began, today emptied himself for our sake and became man (alleuia].
147:12-20 Laudate Domine
12
But the LORD has pleasure in those who fear him, *
in those who await his gracious favor.
13
Worship the LORD, O Jerusalem; *
praise your God, O Zion;
14
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; *
he has blessed your children within you.
15
He has established peace on your borders; *
he satisfies you with the finest wheat.
16
He sends out his command to the earth, *
and his word runs very swiftly.
17
He gives snow like wool; *
he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.
18
He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; *
who can stand against his cold?
19
He sends forth his word and melts them; *
he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.
20
He declares his word to Jacob, *
his statutes and his judgments to Israel.
21
He has not done so to any other nation; *
to them he has not revealed his judgments.
Hallelujah!
12
But the LORD has pleasure in those who fear him, *
in those who await his gracious favor.
13
Worship the LORD, O Jerusalem; *
praise your God, O Zion;
14
For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; *
he has blessed your children within you.
15
He has established peace on your borders; *
he satisfies you with the finest wheat.
16
He sends out his command to the earth, *
and his word runs very swiftly.
17
He gives snow like wool; *
he scatters hoarfrost like ashes.
18
He scatters his hail like bread crumbs; *
who can stand against his cold?
19
He sends forth his word and melts them; *
he blows with his wind, and the waters flow.
20
He declares his word to Jacob, *
his statutes and his judgments to Israel.
21
He has not done so to any other nation; *
to them he has not revealed his judgments.
Hallelujah!
Ant. 3: The eternal Word, born of the father before time began, today emptied himself for our sake and became man (alleuia].
First Reading
Genesis 3:1-15
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God say, “You shall not eat from any tree in the garden”?’ The woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, “You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.”‘ But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
But the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ He said, ‘I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.’
He said, ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?’ The man said, ‘The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.’ Then the LORD God said to the woman, ‘What is this that you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent tricked me, and I ate.’
The LORD God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, cursed are you among all animals and among all wild creatures; upon your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.’
Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God say, “You shall not eat from any tree in the garden”?’ The woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, “You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it, or you shall die.”‘ But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not die; for God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden at the time of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
But the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, ‘Where are you?’ He said, ‘I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.’
He said, ‘Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?’ The man said, ‘The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, and I ate.’ Then the LORD God said to the woman, ‘What is this that you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent tricked me, and I ate.’
The LORD God said to the serpent, ‘Because you have done this, cursed are you among all animals and among all wild creatures; upon your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.’
Canticle
Benedictus es, Domine
Benedictus es, Domine
Glory to you, Lord God of our fathers; *
you are worthy of praise; glory to you.
you are worthy of praise; glory to you.
Glory to you for the radiance of your holy Name; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
Glory to you in the splendor of your temple; *
on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.
on the throne of your majesty, glory to you.
Glory to you, seated between the Cherubim; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
Glory to you, beholding the depths; *
in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.
in the high vault of heaven, glory to you.
Glory to you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
we will praise you and highly exalt you for ever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Second Reading
Romans 5:12-21
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned— sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of the one man’s trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. But law came in, with the result that the trespass multiplied; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, just as sin exercised dominion in death, so grace might also exercise dominion through justification leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned— sin was indeed in the world before the law, but sin is not reckoned when there is no law. Yet death exercised dominion from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who is a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man’s trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many. And the free gift is not like the effect of the one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If, because of the one man’s trespass, death exercised dominion through that one, much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness exercise dominion in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Therefore just as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. For just as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. But law came in, with the result that the trespass multiplied; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, just as sin exercised dominion in death, so grace might also exercise dominion through justification leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
or
Galatians 4:1-7
My point is this: heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than slaves, though they are the owners of all the property; but they remain under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; while we were minors, we were enslaved to the elemental spirits of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
My point is this: heirs, as long as they are minors, are no better than slaves, though they are the owners of all the property; but they remain under guardians and trustees until the date set by the father. So with us; while we were minors, we were enslaved to the elemental spirits of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
Second Canticle
Magnificat
Magnificat
Antiphon:The Holy Spirit will come upon you Mary, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
My soul magnifies the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Antiphon:The Holy Spirit will come upon you Mary, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Responsory
A flower has sprung from Jesse's stock and a star has risen from Jacob.
A flower has sprung from Jesse's stock and a star has risen from Jacob.
The Virgin has conceived a Saviour,
and a star has risen from Jacob.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to he Holy Spirit
A flower has sprung from Jesse's stock and a star has risen from Jacob.
A flower has sprung from Jesse's stock and a star has risen from Jacob.
A flower has sprung from Jesse's stock and a star has risen from Jacob.
The Virgin has conceived a Saviour,
and a star has risen from Jacob.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to he Holy Spirit
A flower has sprung from Jesse's stock and a star has risen from Jacob.
Collect
Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Intercessions
On this day the eternal Father sent his angel to bring Mary the good news of our salvation. Let us turn to God and pray with confidence:
(R.)Lord, fill our hearts with your love.
(R.)Lord, fill our hearts with your love.
You chose the Virgin Mary as the mother of your Son,
- have mercy on all who look for your gift of salvation.(R.)
- have mercy on all who look for your gift of salvation.(R.)
You sent Gabriel to give Mary your message of peace and joy,
- give to the whole world the joy of salvation and your gift of true peace.(R.)
- give to the whole world the joy of salvation and your gift of true peace.(R.)
Mary gave her consent, the Holy Spirit overshadowed her, and your Word came to dwell among us,
- touch our hearts that we may welcome Christ as Mary did.(R.)
- touch our hearts that we may welcome Christ as Mary did.(R.)
You look with love on the humble, and fill the hungry with your gifts,
- raise up the downcast, help all in need, comfort and strengthen the dying.(R.)
- raise up the downcast, help all in need, comfort and strengthen the dying.(R.)
Lord our God, you alone work wonders and with you all things are possible,
- give us the fullness of salvation when you raise up the dead on the last day.(R.)
- give us the fullness of salvation when you raise up the dead on the last day.(R.)
Our Father…
Closing Prayer:
God our Father,
your Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary.
May we become more like Jesus Christ,
whom we acknowledge as our redeemer, God and man.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who live and reigns with you and Holy Spirit
One God, forever and ever, Amen.
Morning Prayer
Feast of the Annunciation
March 25
______
God our Father,
your Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary.
May we become more like Jesus Christ,
whom we acknowledge as our redeemer, God and man.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who live and reigns with you and Holy Spirit
One God, forever and ever, Amen.
Morning Prayer
Feast of the Annunciation
March 25
______
Lord open our lips
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
And our mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One
Have mercy on us (3x)
Have mercy on us (3x)
Though he was in the form of God,
Jesus not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness. - Phil 2:6-7
Jesus not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness. - Phil 2:6-7
The angel Gabriel from Heaven came,
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;
“All hail,” said he, “thou lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!
His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;
“All hail,” said he, “thou lowly maiden Mary,
Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!
“For know a blessטd mother thou shalt be,
All generations laud and honor thee,
Thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold,
Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!
All generations laud and honor thee,
Thy Son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold,
Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!
Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head,
“To me be as it pleaseth God,” she said,
“My soul shall laud and magnify His holy Name.”
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
“To me be as it pleaseth God,” she said,
“My soul shall laud and magnify His holy Name.”
Most highly favored lady, Gloria!
Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say—
“Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!
In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn,
And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say—
“Most highly favored lady,” Gloria!
Words: Basque carol; translated to English by Sabine Baring Gould 1834-1924).
Antiphon: The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us; Come let us adore him.
Venite (Psalm 95:1-7)
Come let us sing to the Lord; *
let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving *
and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.
and raise a loud shout to him with psalms.
For the Lord is a great God, *
and a great King above all gods.
and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the caverns of the earth, *
and the heights of the hills are his also.
and the heights of the hills are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it, *
and his hands have molded the dry land.
and his hands have molded the dry land.
Come, let us bow down, and bend the knee, *
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
and kneel before the Lord our Maker.
For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *
Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!
and we are the people of his pasture and the sheep of his hand. *
Oh, that today you would hearken to his voice!
Antiphon: The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us; Come let us adore him.
The Psalms
Ant. 1: The angel Gabriel was sent to the Virgin Mary, who was engaged to be married to Joseph.
87 Fundamenta ejus
1
On the holy mountain stands the city he has founded; *
the LORD loves the gates of Zion
more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
2
Glorious things are spoken of you, *
O city of our God.
3
I count Egypt and Babylon among those who know me; *
behold Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia:
in Zion were they born.
4
Of Zion it shall be said, "Everyone was born in her, *
and the Most High himself shall sustain her."
5
The LORD will record as he enrolls the peoples, *
"These also were born there."
6
The singers and the dancers will say, *
"All my fresh springs are in you."
Ant. 1: The angel Gabriel was sent to the Virgin Mary, who was engaged to be married to Joseph.
Ant. 2: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
132 Memento, Domine
1
LORD, remember David, *
and all the hardships he endured;
2
How he swore an oath to the LORD *
and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
3
"I will not come under the roof of my house, *
nor climb up into my bed;
4
I will not allow my eyes to sleep, *
nor let my eyelids slumber;
5
Until I find a place for the LORD, *
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."
6
"The ark! We heard it was in Ephratah; *
we found it in the fields of Jearim.
7
Let us go to God's dwelling place; *
let us fall upon our knees before his footstool."
8
Arise, O LORD, into your resting-place, *
you and the ark of your strength.
9
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; *
let your faithful people sing with joy.
10
For your servant David's sake, *
do not turn away the face of your Anointed.
11
The LORD has sworn an oath to David; *
in truth, he will not break it:
12
"A son, the fruit of your body *
will I set upon your throne.
13
If your children keep my covenant
and my testimonies that I shall teach them, *
their children will sit upon your throne for evermore."
14
For the LORD has chosen Zion; *
he has desired her for his habitation:
15
"This shall be my resting-place for ever; *
here will I dwell, for I delight in her.
16
I will surely bless her provisions, *
and satisfy her poor with bread.
17
I will clothe her priests with salvation, *
and her faithful people will rejoice and sing.
18
There will I make the horn of David flourish; *
I have prepared a lamp for my Anointed.
19
As for his enemies, I will clothe them with shame; *
but as for him, his crown will shine."
Ant. 2: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
1
LORD, remember David, *
and all the hardships he endured;
2
How he swore an oath to the LORD *
and vowed a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:
3
"I will not come under the roof of my house, *
nor climb up into my bed;
4
I will not allow my eyes to sleep, *
nor let my eyelids slumber;
5
Until I find a place for the LORD, *
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."
6
"The ark! We heard it was in Ephratah; *
we found it in the fields of Jearim.
7
Let us go to God's dwelling place; *
let us fall upon our knees before his footstool."
8
Arise, O LORD, into your resting-place, *
you and the ark of your strength.
9
Let your priests be clothed with righteousness; *
let your faithful people sing with joy.
10
For your servant David's sake, *
do not turn away the face of your Anointed.
11
The LORD has sworn an oath to David; *
in truth, he will not break it:
12
"A son, the fruit of your body *
will I set upon your throne.
13
If your children keep my covenant
and my testimonies that I shall teach them, *
their children will sit upon your throne for evermore."
14
For the LORD has chosen Zion; *
he has desired her for his habitation:
15
"This shall be my resting-place for ever; *
here will I dwell, for I delight in her.
16
I will surely bless her provisions, *
and satisfy her poor with bread.
17
I will clothe her priests with salvation, *
and her faithful people will rejoice and sing.
18
There will I make the horn of David flourish; *
I have prepared a lamp for my Anointed.
19
As for his enemies, I will clothe them with shame; *
but as for him, his crown will shine."
Ant. 2: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Ant. 3: Trusting in the Lord's promise, the Virgin Mary conceived a child, and remaining a virgin, she gave birth to the Saviour.
110:1-5,7 Dixit Dominus
1
The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at my right hand, *
until I make your enemies your footstool."
2
The LORD will send the scepter of your power out of Zion, *
saying, "Rule over your enemies round about you.
3
Princely state has been yours from the day of your birth; *
in the beauty of holiness have I begotten you,
like dew from the womb of the morning."
4
The LORD has sworn and he will not recant: *
"You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."
5
The Lord who is at your right hand
will smite kings in the day of his wrath; *
he will rule over the nations.
7
He will drink from the brook beside the road; *
therefore he will lift high his head.
Ant. 3: Trusting in the Lord's promise, the Virgin Mary conceived a child, and remaining a virgin, she gave birth to the Saviour.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
First Reading
Isaiah 52:7-12
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the LORD to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD. For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the LORD to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD. For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard.
Canticle
Te Deum Laudamus
Te Deum Laudamus
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Second Reading
Hebrews 2:5-10
Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. But someone has testified somewhere, ‘What are human beings that you are mindful of them, or mortals, that you care for them? You have made them for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned them with glory and honor, subjecting all things under their feet.’ Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
Second Canticle
Benedictus
Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. But someone has testified somewhere, ‘What are human beings that you are mindful of them, or mortals, that you care for them? You have made them for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned them with glory and honor, subjecting all things under their feet.’ Now in subjecting all things to them, God left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
Second Canticle
Benedictus
Antiphon: You will give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will bear the title Son of the Most High.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *
he has come to his people and set them free.
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *
born of the house of his servant David.
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old,
that he would save us from our enemies, *
from the hands of all who hate us.
that he would save us from our enemies, *
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers *
and to remember his holy covenant.
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
Free to worship him without fear, *
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
To give his people knowledge of salvation *
by the forgiveness of their sins.
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God *
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Antiphon: You will give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will bear the title Son of the Most High.
Responsory
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
The Lord is with you.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to he Holy Spirit
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Collect
Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Intercessions
Today we celebrate the beginning of our salvation when the coming of the Lord was announced by the angel. Let us pray with joy in our hearts, saying:
(R.) May God's holy Mother intercede for us.
(R.) May God's holy Mother intercede for us.
Mary received God's word with joy,
- may joy fill our hearts as we welcome our Saviour. (R.)
- may joy fill our hearts as we welcome our Saviour. (R.)
You looked with love on your lowly servant,
- in your mercy, Father, remember us and all your children. (R.)
- in your mercy, Father, remember us and all your children. (R.)
Mary, the new Eve, was obedient to your word,
- may we echo her loving obedience. (R.)
- may we echo her loving obedience. (R.)
May God's holy Mother help all in distress, encourage the fainthearted, console the sorrowful,
-may she pray for your holy people, for the clergy, and for all women dedicated to your service.(R.)
-may she pray for your holy people, for the clergy, and for all women dedicated to your service.(R.)
Our Father…
Closing Prayer:
God our Father,
your Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary.
May we become more like Jesus Christ,
whom we acknowledge as our redeemer, God and man.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who live and reigns with you and Holy Spirit
One God, forever and ever, Amen.
God our Father,
your Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary.
May we become more like Jesus Christ,
whom we acknowledge as our redeemer, God and man.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who live and reigns with you and Holy Spirit
One God, forever and ever, Amen.
Daytime Prayer
The Annunciation
March 25
______
Terce (Mid Morning)
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
The Annunciation
March 25
______
Terce (Mid Morning)
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Psalms
Antiphon:
The Virgin Mary came forth from the root of Jesse, / and the Spirit of the Most High came to dwell in her heart (alleluia).
The Virgin Mary came forth from the root of Jesse, / and the Spirit of the Most High came to dwell in her heart (alleluia).
120 Ad Domine
1
When I was in trouble, I called to the LORD; *
I called to the LORD, and he answered me.
2
Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips *
and from the deceitful tongue.
3
What shall be done to you, and what more besides, *
O you deceitful tongue?
4
The sharpened arrows of a warrior, *
along with hot glowing coals.
5
How hateful it is that I must lodge in Meshech *
and dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6
Too long have I had to live *
among the enemies of peace.
7
I am on the side of peace, *
but when I speak of it, they are for war.
1
When I was in trouble, I called to the LORD; *
I called to the LORD, and he answered me.
2
Deliver me, O LORD, from lying lips *
and from the deceitful tongue.
3
What shall be done to you, and what more besides, *
O you deceitful tongue?
4
The sharpened arrows of a warrior, *
along with hot glowing coals.
5
How hateful it is that I must lodge in Meshech *
and dwell among the tents of Kedar!
6
Too long have I had to live *
among the enemies of peace.
7
I am on the side of peace, *
but when I speak of it, they are for war.
121 Levavi oculos
1
I lift up my eyes to the hills; *
from where is my help to come?
2
My help comes from the LORD, *
the maker of heaven and earth.
3
He will not let your foot be moved *
and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.
4
Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel *
shall neither slumber nor sleep;
5
The LORD himself watches over you; *
the LORD is your shade at your right hand,
6
So that the sun shall not strike you by day, *
nor the moon by night.
7
The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; *
it is he who shall keep you safe.
8
The LORD shall watch over your going out and your coming in, *
from this time forth for evermore.
1
I lift up my eyes to the hills; *
from where is my help to come?
2
My help comes from the LORD, *
the maker of heaven and earth.
3
He will not let your foot be moved *
and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.
4
Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel *
shall neither slumber nor sleep;
5
The LORD himself watches over you; *
the LORD is your shade at your right hand,
6
So that the sun shall not strike you by day, *
nor the moon by night.
7
The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; *
it is he who shall keep you safe.
8
The LORD shall watch over your going out and your coming in, *
from this time forth for evermore.
122 Laetatus sum
1
I was glad when they said to me, *
"Let us go to the house of the LORD."
2
Now our feet are standing *
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3
Jerusalem is built as a city *
that is at unity with itself;
4
To which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD, *
the assembly of Israel,
to praise the Name of the LORD.
5
For there are the thrones of judgment, *
the thrones of the house of David.
6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: *
"May they prosper who love you.
7
Peace be within your walls *
and quietness within your towers.
8
For my brethren and companions' sake, *
I pray for your prosperity.
9
Because of the house of the LORD our God, *
I will seek to do you good."
Antiphon:
The Virgin Mary came forth from the root of Jesse, / and the Spirit of the Most High came to dwell in her heart (alleluia).
1
I was glad when they said to me, *
"Let us go to the house of the LORD."
2
Now our feet are standing *
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
3
Jerusalem is built as a city *
that is at unity with itself;
4
To which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD, *
the assembly of Israel,
to praise the Name of the LORD.
5
For there are the thrones of judgment, *
the thrones of the house of David.
6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: *
"May they prosper who love you.
7
Peace be within your walls *
and quietness within your towers.
8
For my brethren and companions' sake, *
I pray for your prosperity.
9
Because of the house of the LORD our God, *
I will seek to do you good."
Antiphon:
The Virgin Mary came forth from the root of Jesse, / and the Spirit of the Most High came to dwell in her heart (alleluia).
Reading
God has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.- Ephesians 1:9b-10
Responsory
The angel of the Lord brought tidings to Mary
- and she conceived by the Holy Spirit.
God has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.- Ephesians 1:9b-10
Responsory
The angel of the Lord brought tidings to Mary
- and she conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
God our Father,
your Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary.
May we become more like Jesus Christ,
whom we acknowledge as our redeemer, God and man.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who live and reigns with you and Holy Spirit
One God, forever and ever, Amen.
Sext (Noon)
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
God our Father,
your Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary.
May we become more like Jesus Christ,
whom we acknowledge as our redeemer, God and man.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who live and reigns with you and Holy Spirit
One God, forever and ever, Amen.
Sext (Noon)
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Psalms
Antiphon
Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, / and he shall be called Emmanuel (alleluia).
Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, / and he shall be called Emmanuel (alleluia).
123 Ad te levavi oculos meos
1
To you I lift up my eyes, *
to you enthroned in the heavens.
2
As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, *
and the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
3
So our eyes look to the LORD our God, *
until he show us his mercy.
4
Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy, *
for we have had more than enough of contempt,
5
Too much of the scorn of the indolent rich, *
and of the derision of the proud.
1
To you I lift up my eyes, *
to you enthroned in the heavens.
2
As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, *
and the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress,
3
So our eyes look to the LORD our God, *
until he show us his mercy.
4
Have mercy upon us, O LORD, have mercy, *
for we have had more than enough of contempt,
5
Too much of the scorn of the indolent rich, *
and of the derision of the proud.
124 Nisi quia Dominus
1
If the LORD had not been on our side, *
let Israel now say;
2
If the LORD had not been on our side, *
when enemies rose up against us;
3
Then would they have swallowed us up alive *
in their fierce anger toward us;
4
Then would the waters have overwhelmed us *
and the torrent gone over us;
5
Then would the raging waters *
have gone right over us.
6
Blessed be the LORD! *
he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.
7
We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; *
the snare is broken, and we have escaped.
8
Our help is in the Name of the LORD, *
the maker of heaven and earth.
1
If the LORD had not been on our side, *
let Israel now say;
2
If the LORD had not been on our side, *
when enemies rose up against us;
3
Then would they have swallowed us up alive *
in their fierce anger toward us;
4
Then would the waters have overwhelmed us *
and the torrent gone over us;
5
Then would the raging waters *
have gone right over us.
6
Blessed be the LORD! *
he has not given us over to be a prey for their teeth.
7
We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; *
the snare is broken, and we have escaped.
8
Our help is in the Name of the LORD, *
the maker of heaven and earth.
125 Qui confidunt
1
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, *
which cannot be moved, but stands fast for ever.
2
The hills stand about Jerusalem; *
so does the LORD stand round about his people,
from this time forth for evermore.
3
The scepter of the wicked shall not hold sway over the land allotted to
the just, *
so that the just shall not put their hands to evil.
4
Show your goodness, O LORD, to those who are good *
and to those who are true of heart.
5
As for those who turn aside to crooked ways,
the LORD will lead them away with the evildoers; *
but peace be upon Israel.
1
Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, *
which cannot be moved, but stands fast for ever.
2
The hills stand about Jerusalem; *
so does the LORD stand round about his people,
from this time forth for evermore.
3
The scepter of the wicked shall not hold sway over the land allotted to
the just, *
so that the just shall not put their hands to evil.
4
Show your goodness, O LORD, to those who are good *
and to those who are true of heart.
5
As for those who turn aside to crooked ways,
the LORD will lead them away with the evildoers; *
but peace be upon Israel.
Antiphon
Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, / and he shall be called Emmanuel (alleluia).
Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, / and he shall be called Emmanuel (alleluia).
Reading
In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. - 1 John 4:10
In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. - 1 John 4:10
Responsory
Behold the handmaid of the Lord
- Let it be to me according to your Word
Behold the handmaid of the Lord
- Let it be to me according to your Word
Prayer
God our Father,
your Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary.
May we become more like Jesus Christ,
whom we acknowledge as our redeemer, God and man.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who live and reigns with you and Holy Spirit
One God, forever and ever, Amen.
God our Father,
your Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary.
May we become more like Jesus Christ,
whom we acknowledge as our redeemer, God and man.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who live and reigns with you and Holy Spirit
One God, forever and ever, Amen.
Nones (Mid Afternoon)
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
O God, make speed to save us
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Psalms
Antiphon
They will sing his praises to the ends of the earth, / and he will be their peace (alleuia).
They will sing his praises to the ends of the earth, / and he will be their peace (alleuia).
126 In convertendo
1
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.
2
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3
Then they said among the nations, *
"The LORD has done great things for them."
4
The LORD has done great things for us, *
and we are glad indeed.
5
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, *
like the watercourses of the Negev.
6
Those who sowed with tears *
will reap with songs of joy.
7
Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.
127 Nisi Dominus
1
Unless the LORD builds the house, *
their labor is in vain who build it.
2
Unless the LORD watches over the city, *
in vain the watchman keeps his vigil.
3
It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; *
vain, too, to eat the bread of toil,
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
4
Children are a heritage from the LORD, *
and the fruit of the womb is a gift.
5
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior *
are the children of one's youth.
6
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! *
he shall not be put to shame
when he contends with his enemies in the gate.
128 Beati omnes
1
Happy are they all who fear the LORD, *
and who follow in his ways!
2
You shall eat the fruit of your labor; *
happiness and prosperity shall be yours.
3
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, *
your children like olive shoots round about your table.
4
The man who fears the LORD *
shall thus indeed be blessed.
5
The LORD bless you from Zion, *
and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of
your life.
6
May you live to see your children's children; *
may peace be upon Israel.
1
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream.
2
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, *
and our tongue with shouts of joy.
3
Then they said among the nations, *
"The LORD has done great things for them."
4
The LORD has done great things for us, *
and we are glad indeed.
5
Restore our fortunes, O LORD, *
like the watercourses of the Negev.
6
Those who sowed with tears *
will reap with songs of joy.
7
Those who go out weeping, carrying the seed, *
will come again with joy, shouldering their sheaves.
127 Nisi Dominus
1
Unless the LORD builds the house, *
their labor is in vain who build it.
2
Unless the LORD watches over the city, *
in vain the watchman keeps his vigil.
3
It is in vain that you rise so early and go to bed so late; *
vain, too, to eat the bread of toil,
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
4
Children are a heritage from the LORD, *
and the fruit of the womb is a gift.
5
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior *
are the children of one's youth.
6
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! *
he shall not be put to shame
when he contends with his enemies in the gate.
128 Beati omnes
1
Happy are they all who fear the LORD, *
and who follow in his ways!
2
You shall eat the fruit of your labor; *
happiness and prosperity shall be yours.
3
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, *
your children like olive shoots round about your table.
4
The man who fears the LORD *
shall thus indeed be blessed.
5
The LORD bless you from Zion, *
and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of
your life.
6
May you live to see your children's children; *
may peace be upon Israel.
Antiphon
They will sing his praises to the ends of the earth, / and he will be their peace (alleuia).
They will sing his praises to the ends of the earth, / and he will be their peace (alleuia).
Reading
There is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all - 1 Timothy 2:5-6a
There is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all - 1 Timothy 2:5-6a
Responsory
The Word was made flesh
- and dwelt among us.
The Word was made flesh
- and dwelt among us.
Prayer
God our Father,
your Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary.
May we become more like Jesus Christ,
whom we acknowledge as our redeemer, God and man.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who live and reigns with you and Holy Spirit
One God, forever and ever, Amen.
God our Father,
your Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary.
May we become more like Jesus Christ,
whom we acknowledge as our redeemer, God and man.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who live and reigns with you and Holy Spirit
One God, forever and ever, Amen.
Evening Prayer II
Feast of the Annunciation
March 25
______
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Feast of the Annunciation
March 25
______
O God, make speed to save us.
O Lord, make haste to help us.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One.
Have mercy on us (3x)
Have mercy on us (3x)
That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life. For the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was made manifest to us. (1 John 1:1-2)
Hymn
Tune: Annunciation
To a maid engaged to Joseph, the angel Gabriel came.
“Fear not,” the angel told her, “I come to bring good news,
Good news I come to tell you, good news, I say, good news.
“Fear not,” the angel told her, “I come to bring good news,
Good news I come to tell you, good news, I say, good news.
“For you are highly favored by the God the Lord of all,
Who even now is with you. You are on earth most blest,
You are most blest, most blessטd, God chose you, you are blest!”
Who even now is with you. You are on earth most blest,
You are most blest, most blessטd, God chose you, you are blest!”
But Mary was most troubled to hear the angel’s word.
What was the angel saying? It troubled her to hear,
To hear the angel’s message, it troubled her to hear.
What was the angel saying? It troubled her to hear,
To hear the angel’s message, it troubled her to hear.
“Fear not, for God is with you, and you shall bear a child.
His name shall be called Jesus, God’s offspring from on high.
And he shall reign forever, forever reign on high.”
His name shall be called Jesus, God’s offspring from on high.
And he shall reign forever, forever reign on high.”
“How shall this be?” said Mary, “I am not yet a wife.”
The angel answered quickly, “The power of the Most High
Will come upon you shortly, your child will be God’s child.”
The angel answered quickly, “The power of the Most High
Will come upon you shortly, your child will be God’s child.”
As Mary heard the angel, she wondered at his words.
“Behold, I am your handmaid,” she said unto her God.
“So be it; I am ready according to your word.”
Words: Gracia Grindal, 1983. Music: Annunciation, Rusty Edwards, 1983
© 1984 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188.
The Psalter
“Behold, I am your handmaid,” she said unto her God.
“So be it; I am ready according to your word.”
Words: Gracia Grindal, 1983. Music: Annunciation, Rusty Edwards, 1983
© 1984 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188.
The Psalter
Ant 1: The angel of the Lord brought tidings to Mary, and she conceived by the Holy Spirit.
138 Confitebor tibi
1
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with my whole heart; *
before the gods I will sing your praise.
2
I will bow down toward your holy temple
and praise your Name, *
because of your love and faithfulness;
3
For you have glorified your Name *
and your word above all things.
4
When I called, you answered me; *
you increased my strength within me.
5
All the kings of the earth will praise you, O LORD, *
when they have heard the words of your mouth.
6
They will sing of the ways of the LORD, *
that great is the glory of the LORD.
7
Though the LORD be high, he cares for the lowly; *
he perceives the haughty from afar.
8
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; *
you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies;
your right hand shall save me.
9
The LORD will make good his purpose for me; *
O LORD, your love endures for ever;
do not abandon the works of your hands.
1
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with my whole heart; *
before the gods I will sing your praise.
2
I will bow down toward your holy temple
and praise your Name, *
because of your love and faithfulness;
3
For you have glorified your Name *
and your word above all things.
4
When I called, you answered me; *
you increased my strength within me.
5
All the kings of the earth will praise you, O LORD, *
when they have heard the words of your mouth.
6
They will sing of the ways of the LORD, *
that great is the glory of the LORD.
7
Though the LORD be high, he cares for the lowly; *
he perceives the haughty from afar.
8
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you keep me safe; *
you stretch forth your hand against the fury of my enemies;
your right hand shall save me.
9
The LORD will make good his purpose for me; *
O LORD, your love endures for ever;
do not abandon the works of your hands.
Antiphon 1: The angel of the Lord brought tidings to Mary, and she conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Antiphon 2: Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. Behold, you shall conceive and bear a son, and he will be called the Son of the Most High.
85 Benedixisti, Domine
1
You have been gracious to your land, O LORD, *
you have restored the good fortune of Jacob.
2
You have forgiven the iniquity of your people *
and blotted out all their sins.
3
You have withdrawn all your fury *
and turned yourself from your wrathful indignation.
4
Restore us then, O God our Savior; *
let your anger depart from us.
5
Will you be displeased with us for ever? *
will you prolong your anger from age to age?
6
Will you not give us life again, *
that your people may rejoice in you?
7
Show us your mercy, O LORD, *
and grant us your salvation.
8
I will listen to what the LORD God is saying, *
for he is speaking peace to his faithful people
and to those who turn their hearts to him.
9
Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *
that his glory may dwell in our land.
10
Mercy and truth have met together; *
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11
Truth shall spring up from the earth, *
and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12
The LORD will indeed grant prosperity, *
and our land will yield its increase.
13
Righteousness shall go before him, *
and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.
1
You have been gracious to your land, O LORD, *
you have restored the good fortune of Jacob.
2
You have forgiven the iniquity of your people *
and blotted out all their sins.
3
You have withdrawn all your fury *
and turned yourself from your wrathful indignation.
4
Restore us then, O God our Savior; *
let your anger depart from us.
5
Will you be displeased with us for ever? *
will you prolong your anger from age to age?
6
Will you not give us life again, *
that your people may rejoice in you?
7
Show us your mercy, O LORD, *
and grant us your salvation.
8
I will listen to what the LORD God is saying, *
for he is speaking peace to his faithful people
and to those who turn their hearts to him.
9
Truly, his salvation is very near to those who fear him, *
that his glory may dwell in our land.
10
Mercy and truth have met together; *
righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
11
Truth shall spring up from the earth, *
and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
12
The LORD will indeed grant prosperity, *
and our land will yield its increase.
13
Righteousness shall go before him, *
and peace shall be a pathway for his feet.
Antiphon 2: Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. Behold, you shall conceive and bear a son, and he will be called the Son of the Most High.
Antiphon 3: Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.
130 De profundis
1
Out of the depths have I called to you, O LORD;
LORD, hear my voice; *
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
2
If you, LORD, were to note what is done amiss, *
O LORD, who could stand?
3
For there is forgiveness with you; *
therefore you shall be feared.
4
I wait for the LORD; my soul waits for him; *
in his word is my hope.
5
My soul waits for the LORD,
more than watchmen for the morning, *
more than watchmen for the morning.
6
O Israel, wait for the LORD, *
for with the LORD there is mercy;
7
With him there is plenteous redemption, *
and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.
1
Out of the depths have I called to you, O LORD;
LORD, hear my voice; *
let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.
2
If you, LORD, were to note what is done amiss, *
O LORD, who could stand?
3
For there is forgiveness with you; *
therefore you shall be feared.
4
I wait for the LORD; my soul waits for him; *
in his word is my hope.
5
My soul waits for the LORD,
more than watchmen for the morning, *
more than watchmen for the morning.
6
O Israel, wait for the LORD, *
for with the LORD there is mercy;
7
With him there is plenteous redemption, *
and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.
Antiphon 3: Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Let it be done to me according to your word.
First Reading
Wisdom 9:1-12
“O God of my ancestors and Lord of mercy,
who have made all things by your word,
and by your wisdom have formed humankind
to have dominion over the creatures you have made,
and rule the world in holiness and righteousness,
and pronounce judgement in uprightness of soul,
give me the wisdom that sits by your throne,
and do not reject me from among your servants.
For I am your servant, the son of your servant-girl,
a man who is weak and short-lived,
with little understanding of judgement and laws;
for even one who is perfect among human beings
will be regarded as nothing without the wisdom that comes from you.
You have chosen me to be king of your people
and to be judge over your sons and daughters.
You have given command to build a temple on your holy mountain,
and an altar in the city of your habitation,
a copy of the holy tent that you prepared from the beginning.
With you is wisdom, she who knows your works
and was present when you made the world;
she understands what is pleasing in your sight
and what is right according to your commandments.
Send her forth from the holy heavens,
and from the throne of your glory send her,
that she may labour at my side,
and that I may learn what is pleasing to you.
For she knows and understands all things,
and she will guide me wisely in my actions
and guard me with her glory.
Then my works will be acceptable,
and I shall judge your people justly,
and shall be worthy of the throne of my father.
“O God of my ancestors and Lord of mercy,
who have made all things by your word,
and by your wisdom have formed humankind
to have dominion over the creatures you have made,
and rule the world in holiness and righteousness,
and pronounce judgement in uprightness of soul,
give me the wisdom that sits by your throne,
and do not reject me from among your servants.
For I am your servant, the son of your servant-girl,
a man who is weak and short-lived,
with little understanding of judgement and laws;
for even one who is perfect among human beings
will be regarded as nothing without the wisdom that comes from you.
You have chosen me to be king of your people
and to be judge over your sons and daughters.
You have given command to build a temple on your holy mountain,
and an altar in the city of your habitation,
a copy of the holy tent that you prepared from the beginning.
With you is wisdom, she who knows your works
and was present when you made the world;
she understands what is pleasing in your sight
and what is right according to your commandments.
Send her forth from the holy heavens,
and from the throne of your glory send her,
that she may labour at my side,
and that I may learn what is pleasing to you.
For she knows and understands all things,
and she will guide me wisely in my actions
and guard me with her glory.
Then my works will be acceptable,
and I shall judge your people justly,
and shall be worthy of the throne of my father.
Canticle
Benedicite
Benedicite
Glorify the Lord, all you works of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, you angels and all powers of the Lord, *
O heavens and all waters above the heavens.
O heavens and all waters above the heavens.
Sun and moon and stars of the sky, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, every shower of rain and fall of dew, *
all winds and fire and heat.
all winds and fire and heat.
Winter and Summer, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O chill and cold, *
drops of dew and flakes of snow
drops of dew and flakes of snow
Frost and cold, ice and sleet, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O nights and days, *
O shining light and enfolding dark.
O shining light and enfolding dark.
Storm clouds and thunderbolts, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Let the earth glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O mountains and hills,
and all that grows upon the earth, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
and all that grows upon the earth, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O springs of water, seas, and streams, *
O whales and all that move in the waters.
O whales and all that move in the waters.
All birds of the air, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O beasts of the wild, *
and all you flocks and herds.
and all you flocks and herds.
O men and women everywhere, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Let the people of God glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O priests and servants of the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Glorify the Lord, O spirits and souls of the righteous, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
You that are holy and humble of heart, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Let us glorify the Lord: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
In the firmament of his power, glorify the Lord, *
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
praise him and highly exalt him for ever.
Second Reading
John 1:9-14
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him.
But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God,
who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him.
But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God,
who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
Second Canticle
Magnificat
Magnificat
Antiphon:The angel Gabriel said to Mary in greeting: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.
My soul magnifies the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Antiphon:The angel Gabriel said to Mary in greeting: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.
Responsory
The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.
The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.
He was in the beginning with God,
and dwelt among us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to he Holy Spirit
The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.
Responsory
The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.
The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.
He was in the beginning with God,
and dwelt among us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to he Holy Spirit
The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.
Collect
Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Pour your grace into our hearts, O Lord, that we who have known the incarnation of your Son Jesus Christ, announced by an angel to the Virgin Mary, may by his cross and passion be brought to the glory of his resurrection; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Intercessions
On this day the eternal Father sent his angel to bring Mary the good news of our salvation. Let us turn to God and pray with confidence:
(R.)Lord, fill our hearts with your love.
(R.)Lord, fill our hearts with your love.
You chose the Virgin Mary as the mother of your Son,
- have mercy on all who look for your gift of salvation.(R.)
- have mercy on all who look for your gift of salvation.(R.)
You sent Gabriel to give Mary your message of peace and joy,
- give to the whole world the joy of salvation and your gift of true peace.(R.)
- give to the whole world the joy of salvation and your gift of true peace.(R.)
Mary gave her consent, the Holy Spirit overshadowed her, and your Word came to dwell among us,
- touch our hearts that we may welcome Christ as Mary did.(R.)
- touch our hearts that we may welcome Christ as Mary did.(R.)
You look with love on the humble, and fill the hungry with your gifts,
- raise up the downcast, help all in need, comfort and strengthen the dying.(R.)
- raise up the downcast, help all in need, comfort and strengthen the dying.(R.)
Lord our God, you alone work wonders and with you all things are possible,
- give us the fullness of salvation when you raise up the dead on the last day.(R.)
- give us the fullness of salvation when you raise up the dead on the last day.(R.)
Our Father…
Closing Prayer:
God our Father,
your Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary.
May we become more like Jesus Christ,
whom we acknowledge as our redeemer, God and man.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who live and reigns with you and Holy Spirit
One God, forever and ever, Amen.
God our Father,
your Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary.
May we become more like Jesus Christ,
whom we acknowledge as our redeemer, God and man.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who live and reigns with you and Holy Spirit
One God, forever and ever, Amen.
Office of Readings
The Annunciation
March 25
______
O, God, make speed to save us.
O, Lord, make haste to help us.
The Annunciation
March 25
______
O, God, make speed to save us.
O, Lord, make haste to help us.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal One
Have mercy on us (3x)
Have mercy on us (3x)
The Psalms
Ant. 1:In the fullness of time, God sent his Son, born of a woman, / that we might become his adopted children (alleluia).
2 Quare fremuerunt gentes?
1
Why are the nations in an uproar? *
Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?
2
Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt,
and the princes plot together, *
against the LORD and against his Anointed?
3
"Let us break their yoke," they say; *
"let us cast off their bonds from us."
4
He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; *
the Lord has them in derision.
5
Then he speaks to them in his wrath, *
and his rage fills them with terror.
6
"I myself have set my king *
upon my holy hill of Zion."
7
Let me announce the decree of the LORD: *
he said to me, "You are my Son;
this day have I begotten you.
8
Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance *
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
9
You shall crush them with an iron rod *
and shatter them like a piece of pottery."
10
And now, you kings, be wise; *
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11
Submit to the LORD with fear, *
and with trembling bow before him;
12
Lest he be angry and you perish; *
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
13
Happy are they all *
who take refuge in him!
Ant. 1: In the fullness of time, God sent his Son, born of a woman, / that we might become his adopted children (alleluia).
1
Why are the nations in an uproar? *
Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?
2
Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt,
and the princes plot together, *
against the LORD and against his Anointed?
3
"Let us break their yoke," they say; *
"let us cast off their bonds from us."
4
He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; *
the Lord has them in derision.
5
Then he speaks to them in his wrath, *
and his rage fills them with terror.
6
"I myself have set my king *
upon my holy hill of Zion."
7
Let me announce the decree of the LORD: *
he said to me, "You are my Son;
this day have I begotten you.
8
Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance *
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
9
You shall crush them with an iron rod *
and shatter them like a piece of pottery."
10
And now, you kings, be wise; *
be warned, you rulers of the earth.
11
Submit to the LORD with fear, *
and with trembling bow before him;
12
Lest he be angry and you perish; *
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
13
Happy are they all *
who take refuge in him!
Ant. 1: In the fullness of time, God sent his Son, born of a woman, / that we might become his adopted children (alleluia).
Ant. 2: When he came into this world, he said: You have prepared a body for me; / behold I come to do your will, O God (alleluia).
19A Caeli enarrant
1
The heavens declare the glory of God, *
and the firmament shows his handiwork.
2
One day tells its tale to another, *
and one night imparts knowledge to another.
3
Although they have no words or language, *
and their voices are not heard,
4
Their sound has gone out into all lands, *
and their message to the ends of the world.
5
In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *
it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;
it rejoices like a champion to run its course.
6
It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens
and runs about to the end of it again; *
nothing is hidden from its burning heat.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
1
The heavens declare the glory of God, *
and the firmament shows his handiwork.
2
One day tells its tale to another, *
and one night imparts knowledge to another.
3
Although they have no words or language, *
and their voices are not heard,
4
Their sound has gone out into all lands, *
and their message to the ends of the world.
5
In the deep has he set a pavilion for the sun; *
it comes forth like a bridegroom out of his chamber;
it rejoices like a champion to run its course.
6
It goes forth from the uttermost edge of the heavens
and runs about to the end of it again; *
nothing is hidden from its burning heat.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Ant. 2:When he came into this world, he said: You have prepared a body for me; / behold I come to do your will, O God (alleluia). .
Ant. 3: In this we have come to know God's love for us: / God sent his only Son, that we might live through him.
45 Eructavit cor meum
1
My heart is stirring with a noble song;
let me recite what I have fashioned for the king; *
my tongue shall be the pen of a skilled writer.
2
You are the fairest of men; *
grace flows from your lips,
because God has blessed you for ever.
3
Strap your sword upon your thigh, O mighty warrior, *
in your pride and in your majesty.
4
Ride out and conquer in the cause of truth *
and for the sake of justice.
5
Your right hand will show you marvelous things; *
your arrows are very sharp, O mighty warrior.
6
The peoples are falling at your feet, *
and the king's enemies are losing heart.
7
Your throne, O God, endures for ever and ever, *
a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom;
you love righteousness and hate iniquity.
8
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you *
with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
9
All your garments are fragrant with myrrh, aloes, and cassia, *
and the music of strings from ivory palaces makes you glad.
10
Kings' daughters stand among the ladies of the court; *
on your right hand is the queen,
adorned with the gold of Ophir.
11
"Hear, O daughter; consider and listen closely; *
forget your people and your father's house.
12
The king will have pleasure in your beauty; *
he is your master; therefore do him honor.
13
The people of Tyre are here with a gift; *
the rich among the people seek your favor."
14
All glorious is the princess as she enters; *
her gown is cloth-of-gold.
15
In embroidered apparel she is brought to the king; *
after her the bridesmaids follow in procession.
16
With joy and gladness they are brought, *
and enter into the palace of the king.
17
"In place of fathers, O king, you shall have sons; *
you shall make them princes over all the earth.
18
I will make your name to be remembered
from one generation to another; *
therefore nations will praise you for ever and ever."
Ant. 3: In this we have come to know God's love for us: / God sent his only Son, that we might live through him.
1
My heart is stirring with a noble song;
let me recite what I have fashioned for the king; *
my tongue shall be the pen of a skilled writer.
2
You are the fairest of men; *
grace flows from your lips,
because God has blessed you for ever.
3
Strap your sword upon your thigh, O mighty warrior, *
in your pride and in your majesty.
4
Ride out and conquer in the cause of truth *
and for the sake of justice.
5
Your right hand will show you marvelous things; *
your arrows are very sharp, O mighty warrior.
6
The peoples are falling at your feet, *
and the king's enemies are losing heart.
7
Your throne, O God, endures for ever and ever, *
a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your kingdom;
you love righteousness and hate iniquity.
8
Therefore God, your God, has anointed you *
with the oil of gladness above your fellows.
9
All your garments are fragrant with myrrh, aloes, and cassia, *
and the music of strings from ivory palaces makes you glad.
10
Kings' daughters stand among the ladies of the court; *
on your right hand is the queen,
adorned with the gold of Ophir.
11
"Hear, O daughter; consider and listen closely; *
forget your people and your father's house.
12
The king will have pleasure in your beauty; *
he is your master; therefore do him honor.
13
The people of Tyre are here with a gift; *
the rich among the people seek your favor."
14
All glorious is the princess as she enters; *
her gown is cloth-of-gold.
15
In embroidered apparel she is brought to the king; *
after her the bridesmaids follow in procession.
16
With joy and gladness they are brought, *
and enter into the palace of the king.
17
"In place of fathers, O king, you shall have sons; *
you shall make them princes over all the earth.
18
I will make your name to be remembered
from one generation to another; *
therefore nations will praise you for ever and ever."
Ant. 3: In this we have come to know God's love for us: / God sent his only Son, that we might live through him.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Biblical Reading
1 Chronicles 17:1-15
Now when David settled in his house, David said to the prophet Nathan, ‘I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.’ Nathan said to David, ‘Do all that you have in mind, for God is with you.’
Now when David settled in his house, David said to the prophet Nathan, ‘I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord is under a tent.’ Nathan said to David, ‘Do all that you have in mind, for God is with you.’
But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: You shall not build me a house to live in. For I have not lived in a house since the day I brought out Israel to this very day, but I have lived in a tent and a tabernacle. Wherever I have moved about among all Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people, saying, Why have you not built me a house of cedar? Now therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the Lord of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people Israel; and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies before you; and I will make for you a name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall wear them down no more, as they did formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will subdue all your enemies.
Moreover, I declare to you that the Lord will build you a house. When your days are fulfilled to go to be with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, one of your own sons, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for me, and I will establish his throne for ever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. I will not take my steadfast love from him, as I took it from him who was before you, but I will confirm him in my house and in my kingdom for ever, and his throne shall be established for ever. In accordance with all these words and all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.
Responsory
The angel Gabriel was sent to the Virgin Mary who was betrothed to Joseph. The light filled her with fear, but the angel said to her: Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.
- Behold you shall conceive and bear a son, and he will be called the Son of the Most High, alleluia.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
- Behold you shall conceive and bear a son, and he will be called the Son of the Most High, alleluia.
The angel Gabriel was sent to the Virgin Mary who was betrothed to Joseph. The light filled her with fear, but the angel said to her: Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.
- Behold you shall conceive and bear a son, and he will be called the Son of the Most High, alleluia.
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
- Behold you shall conceive and bear a son, and he will be called the Son of the Most High, alleluia.
Reading from the Church Fathers
From a letter by Saint Leo the Great
Lowliness is assured by majesty, weakness by power, mortality by eternity. To pay the debt of our sinful state, a nature that was incapable of suffering was joined to one that could suffer. Thus, in keeping with the healing that we needed, one and the same mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ, was able to die in one nature, and unable to die in the other.
He who is true God was therefore born in the complete and perfect nature of a true man, whole in his own nature, whole in ours. By our nature we mean what the Creator had fashioned in us from the beginning, and took to himself in order to restore it.
For in the Saviour there was no trace of what the deceiver introduced and man, being misled, allowed to enter. It does not follow that because he submitted to sharing in our human weakness he therefore shared in our sins.
He took the nature of a servant without stain of sin, enlarging our humanity without diminishing his divinity. He emptied himself; though invisible he made himself visible, though Creator and Lord of all things he chose to be one of us mortal men. Yet this was the condescension of compassion, not the loss of omnipotence. So he who in the nature of God had created man, became in the nature of a servant, man himself.
Thus the Son of God enters this lowly world. He comes down from the throne of heaven, yet does not separate himself from the Father’s glory. He is born in a new condition, by a new birth.
He was born in a new condition, for, invisible in his own nature, he became visible in ours. Beyond our grasp, he chose to come within our grasp. Existing before time began, he began to exist at a moment in time. Lord of the universe, he hid his infinite glory and took the nature of a servant. Incapable of suffering as God, he did not refuse to be a man, capable of suffering. Immortal, he chose to be subject to the laws of death.
He who is true God is also true man. There is no falsehood in this unity as long as the lowliness of man and the pre-eminence of God coexist in mutual relationship.
As God does not change by his condescension, so man is not swallowed up by being exalted. Each nature exercises its own activity, in communion with the other. The Word does what is proper to the Word, the flesh fulfils what is proper to the flesh.
One nature is resplendent with miracles, the other falls victim to injuries. As the Word does not lose equality with the Father’s glory, so the flesh does not leave behind the nature of our race.
One and the same person – this must be said over and over again – is truly the Son of God and truly the son of man. He is God in virtue of the fact that "in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." He is man in virtue of the fact that "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us."
Responsory
Receive, O Virgin Mary, the word which the Lord has made known to you by the message of the angel: You will conceive and give birth to a son, both God and man,
- and you will be called blessed among women, alleluia.
A virgin, you will indeed bear a son; ever chaste and holy, you will be the mother of our Savior.
- And you will be called blessed among women, alleluia.
Receive, O Virgin Mary, the word which the Lord has made known to you by the message of the angel: You will conceive and give birth to a son, both God and man,
- and you will be called blessed among women, alleluia.
A virgin, you will indeed bear a son; ever chaste and holy, you will be the mother of our Savior.
- And you will be called blessed among women, alleluia.
Closing Prayer:
God our Father,
your Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary.
May we become more like Jesus Christ,
whom we acknowledge as our redeemer, God and man.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who live and reigns with you and Holy Spirit
One God, forever and ever, Amen.
God our Father,
your Word became flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary.
May we become more like Jesus Christ,
whom we acknowledge as our redeemer, God and man.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
Who live and reigns with you and Holy Spirit
One God, forever and ever, Amen.
Sermon by St Ambrose, Bishop of Milan
THE mysteries of God are unsearchable, as is especially declared in the prophetical words : What man is he that can know the counsel of God? or who can think what the will of the Lord is?
Nevertheless, some things have been revealed to us. And hence we may gather, from the words and works of our Lord and Saviour, that there was a special purpose of God in the fact that she who was chosen to bring forth the Lord was espoused to a man.
Why did not the power of the Highest overshadow her before she was so espoused? Perhaps it was lest any might blasphemously say that the Holy One was conceived in fornication.
AND the Angel came in unto her. Let us learn from this Virgin how to bear ourselves : let us learn by her devout utterance ; above all let us learn by the holy mystery to be timid, to avoid the advances of men, and to shrink from men's addresses. Would that our women would learn from the example of modesty here set before us. She upon whom the stare of men had never been fixed was alone in her chamber, and was found only by an Angel. There was neither companion nor witness there, that what passed might not be debased in gossip ; and the Angel saluted her.
THE message of God to the Virgin was a mystery so great that it must needs not be uttered by the mouth of man, but only by an Angel. For the first time on earth the words are spoken : The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee. The holy maiden heareth, and believeth.
At length she saith : Behold the handmaiden of the Lord ; be it unto me according to thy word. Here is an example of lowliness, here is a pattern of true devotion. At the very moment she is chosen to be the Mother of the Lord she declareth herself to be his handmaid. The knowledge that she was chosen to this high vocation wrought in Mary only an act of humility.
Precious Jesus,
I acknowledge today that you are LORD and savior of all mankind,
and today I have recognized my shortfall,
I repent and turn away from all sin.
Please cover me with your precious blood,
and establish your word in my life,
that I may be found in righteousness and holiness
and write my name in your book of life
and baptize me with the power of the Holy Spirit
in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
AMEN.
Precious Jesus,
I acknowledge today that you are LORD and savior of all mankind,
and today I have recognized my shortfall,
I repent and turn away from all sin.
Please cover me with your precious blood,
and establish your word in my life,
that I may be found in righteousness and holiness
and write my name in your book of life
and baptize me with the power of the Holy Spirit
in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
AMEN.
ORDER THAT TAKES PLACE BEFORE
HOLY BAPTISM
HOLY BAPTISM
PRAYER FOR MAKING A CATECHUMEN
The Priest unties the girdle of the one who is about to be enlightened and divests them of outer clothing and shoes. He stands them facing East, wearing only a tunic, unbelted, bareheaded and unshod, with the hands down. He breathes on their face three times, signs the forehead and breast three times and places his hand on their head as he says the following Prayer:
In your name, Lord God of truth, and that of your Only-Begotten Son and your Holy Spirit, I place my hand on the head of your servant N., who has been counted worthy to take refuge in your holy Name and to be guarded under the shelter of your wings. Remove from him/her that ancient error and fill him/her with faith in you, and hope and love, so that he/she may know that you alone are God, true God, and your Only-Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and your Holy Spirit. Grant that he/she may walk in your commandments and preserve those things that are pleasing to you, for if someone does them, they will live by them. Inscribe him/her in your book of life and unite him/her to the flock of your inheritance. Let your holy Name and that of your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ and of your life-giving Spirit, be glorified in him/her. Let your eyes remain ever fixed in mercy on him/her, and your ears to hear the voice of his/her supplication. Make him/her glad in the works of his/her hands and in all his/her race, that he/she may confess you, worshipping and glorifying your great and most high Name, and may praise you throughout all the days of his/her life. For every power of heaven sings your praise, and yours is the glory, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
FIRST EXORCISM
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
The Lord rebukes you, O Devil, the Lord who came into the world and dwelt among mortals so that he might destroy your tyranny and deliver humanity; the Lord who on the Tree crushed the hostile powers, when the sun was darkened, the earth shaken, the graves opened and the bodies of Saints arose; the Lord who by death abolished death and destroyed the one who had the power of death, that is you, the Devil. I adjure you by God, who revealed the tree of life and set in place the Cherubim and the flaming sword which turned this way and that to guard it: Be rebuked and withdraw! I adjure you by the One who walked on the surface of the sea as on dry land and rebuked the tempest of the winds, the One whose gaze dries up the deeps and whose curse melts mountains. For it is he who now commands you, through us: Be afraid, come out, withdraw from this creature and return no more. Do not hide in him/her, nor encounter him/her, nor influence him/her either by night or day, early or at noon. But go back to your own Tartarus until the great day of the judgement that has been prepared. Be afraid of God, who is seated upon the Cherubim and looks upon the deeps; before whom Angels, Archangels, Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Authorities, Powers, the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim tremble; before whom heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them tremble. Come out, and withdraw from the sealed and newly-enlisted soldier of Christ our God. For it is by him that I adjure you, the One who walks on the wings of the winds, who makes his Angels spirits and his ministers a flaming fire. Come out, and withdraw from this creature with all your power and your angels. For the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit has been glorified, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
The Lord rebukes you, O Devil, the Lord who came into the world and dwelt among mortals so that he might destroy your tyranny and deliver humanity; the Lord who on the Tree crushed the hostile powers, when the sun was darkened, the earth shaken, the graves opened and the bodies of Saints arose; the Lord who by death abolished death and destroyed the one who had the power of death, that is you, the Devil. I adjure you by God, who revealed the tree of life and set in place the Cherubim and the flaming sword which turned this way and that to guard it: Be rebuked and withdraw! I adjure you by the One who walked on the surface of the sea as on dry land and rebuked the tempest of the winds, the One whose gaze dries up the deeps and whose curse melts mountains. For it is he who now commands you, through us: Be afraid, come out, withdraw from this creature and return no more. Do not hide in him/her, nor encounter him/her, nor influence him/her either by night or day, early or at noon. But go back to your own Tartarus until the great day of the judgement that has been prepared. Be afraid of God, who is seated upon the Cherubim and looks upon the deeps; before whom Angels, Archangels, Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Authorities, Powers, the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim tremble; before whom heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them tremble. Come out, and withdraw from the sealed and newly-enlisted soldier of Christ our God. For it is by him that I adjure you, the One who walks on the wings of the winds, who makes his Angels spirits and his ministers a flaming fire. Come out, and withdraw from this creature with all your power and your angels. For the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit has been glorified, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
SECOND EXORCISM
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
It is God, the Holy One, who is beyond understanding and unsearchable in all his works and in his strength, the One who foreordained for you, O Devil, the penalty of eternal damnation, that through us, his unprofitable servants, orders you, and every power that works with you, to depart from the one who has been newly sealed in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our true God. I adjure you, most evil, unclean, foul, abominable and alien spirit, by the power of Jesus Christ, who has all authority in heaven and on earth and who said to the deaf and dumb demon, ‘Come out of the man, and enter him no more!’ Depart! Acknowledge the futility of your power, which had no authority even over swine. Remember the One who ordered you, in accordance with your own request, to enter the herd of swine. Fear God, at whose command the earth was established upon the waters, who created the heavens and fixed the mountains with a king post and the valleys with a cross-beam, placed sand as a boundary for the sea and made a safe path through wild water; who touches the mountains and they smoke; who wraps himself in light as in a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent cloth; who roofs his upper chambers with waters; who established the earth on its foundations; it will not be moved for to age on age; who summoned the water of the sea and poured it out upon the face of the earth. Come and depart from one who is being made ready for holy Enlightenment. I adjure you by the saving Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, by his precious Body and Blood and his dread Coming; for he will come, and he will not delay, to judge the whole earth and he will condemn you and the power that works with you to the Gehenna of fire, handing you over to the exterior darkness, where the worm is unsleeping and the fire is not quenched. Because the might is Christ our God's, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
It is God, the Holy One, who is beyond understanding and unsearchable in all his works and in his strength, the One who foreordained for you, O Devil, the penalty of eternal damnation, that through us, his unprofitable servants, orders you, and every power that works with you, to depart from the one who has been newly sealed in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our true God. I adjure you, most evil, unclean, foul, abominable and alien spirit, by the power of Jesus Christ, who has all authority in heaven and on earth and who said to the deaf and dumb demon, ‘Come out of the man, and enter him no more!’ Depart! Acknowledge the futility of your power, which had no authority even over swine. Remember the One who ordered you, in accordance with your own request, to enter the herd of swine. Fear God, at whose command the earth was established upon the waters, who created the heavens and fixed the mountains with a king post and the valleys with a cross-beam, placed sand as a boundary for the sea and made a safe path through wild water; who touches the mountains and they smoke; who wraps himself in light as in a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent cloth; who roofs his upper chambers with waters; who established the earth on its foundations; it will not be moved for to age on age; who summoned the water of the sea and poured it out upon the face of the earth. Come and depart from one who is being made ready for holy Enlightenment. I adjure you by the saving Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, by his precious Body and Blood and his dread Coming; for he will come, and he will not delay, to judge the whole earth and he will condemn you and the power that works with you to the Gehenna of fire, handing you over to the exterior darkness, where the worm is unsleeping and the fire is not quenched. Because the might is Christ our God's, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THIRD EXORCISM
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Lord Sabaoth, God of Israel, who heal every disease and every sickness, look upon your servant, search out, seek and drive from him/her all the activities of the devil. Rebuke the unclean spirits and expel them, and cleanse the work of your hands; and using your swift force, crush Satan speedily under his/her feet and grant him/her victories against him and all his unclean spirits, so that, obtaining mercy from you, he/she may be found worthy of your immortal and heavenly Mysteries and may give glory to you, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
Lord Sabaoth, God of Israel, who heal every disease and every sickness, look upon your servant, search out, seek and drive from him/her all the activities of the devil. Rebuke the unclean spirits and expel them, and cleanse the work of your hands; and using your swift force, crush Satan speedily under his/her feet and grant him/her victories against him and all his unclean spirits, so that, obtaining mercy from you, he/she may be found worthy of your immortal and heavenly Mysteries and may give glory to you, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Master and Lord, the One who Is, who made man according to your image and likeness and gave him the power of eternal life; then, when he fell through sin, did not disdain him, but provided for the salvation of the world through the incarnation of your Christ, do you yourself receive also this creature of yours, whom you have redeemed from the slavery of the foe, into the heavenly Kingdom. Open the eyes of his/her mind so that the enlightenment of your Gospel may dawn on him/her. Yoke to his/her life an Angel of light, to deliver him/her from every attack of the adversary, from evil encounter, from the noon-day demon, from evil visions.
Master and Lord, the One who Is, who made man according to your image and likeness and gave him the power of eternal life; then, when he fell through sin, did not disdain him, but provided for the salvation of the world through the incarnation of your Christ, do you yourself receive also this creature of yours, whom you have redeemed from the slavery of the foe, into the heavenly Kingdom. Open the eyes of his/her mind so that the enlightenment of your Gospel may dawn on him/her. Yoke to his/her life an Angel of light, to deliver him/her from every attack of the adversary, from evil encounter, from the noon-day demon, from evil visions.
Then the Priest breathes on the mouth, forehead and breast of the Catechumen, saying:
Drive out of him/her every evil and unclean spirit hiding and lurking in his/her heart. (He says this three times) The spirit of error, the spirit of wickedness, the spirit of idolatry and diabolic oppression; the spirit of lying and every uncleanness which operates in accordance with the teaching of the devil. And make him/her a rational sheep of the flock of your Christ, an honoured member of your Church, a vessel made holy, a child of light and an heir of your Kingdom. So that, having lived in accordance with your commandments, preserving the seal undamaged and keeping his/her garment undefiled, he/she may attain to the blessedness of the Saints in your Kingdom.
Aloud:
By the grace and pity and love for mankind of your Only-Begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
By the grace and pity and love for mankind of your Only-Begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
When the Catechumen is undressed and unshod, the Priest turns him/her to the West with hands raised on high, and says:
Do you renounce Satan? And all his works? And all his angels? And all his worship? And all his solemn rites?
And to each question the Catechumen, or the Godparent, if the catechumen is a barbarian or a child, answers and says:
I renounce them.
And when he/she has said this three times, the Priest again asks the one to be baptized:
Have you renounced Satan?
And the Catechumen, or the Godparent, answers:
I have renounced him.
After he/she has said this three times the Priest says:
Then blow and spit on him.
After this the Priest turns the Catechumen to the East with lowered hands and says to him/her three times:
Do you unite yourself to Christ?
The Catechumen, or Godparent, answers three times:
I unite myself to him.
And again the Priest asks three times:
Have you united yourself to Christ?
And each time the Catechumen, or Godparent, answers:
I have united myself to him.
And the Priest asks:
And do you believe in him?
The Catechumen, or Godparent, answers:
I believe in him as King and God, and continues:
I believe in one God, Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages. Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made; for our sake and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man; he was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; he rose again on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father; he is coming again in glory to judge the living and the dead; and his kingdom will have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with Father and Son is worshipped and together glorified; who spoke through the Prophets. In one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church; I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins; I await the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.
When the holy Profession of faith has been completed [the Priest again asks three times: Have you united yourself to Christ? and the rest. The Catechumen, or the Godparent, answers each time as before. After the third question and the third recitation of the Creed] the Priest asks three times:
Have you united yourself to Christ?
And the Catechumen, or the Godparent, answers:
I have united myself to him.
And the Priest says:
Bow down also and worship him.
The candidate makes a prostration, saying:
I worship Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Trinity consubstantial and undivided.
The Priest says:
Blessed is God who wishes all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Blessed is God who wishes all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Then he says this Prayer:
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Master, Lord our God, call your servant N. to your holy Enlightenment and count him/her worthy of the great grace of your holy Baptism. Put off his/her old self and renew him/her for eternal life and fill him/her with the power of your Holy Spirit for union with your Christ, that he/she may no longer be a child of the body, but a child of your kingdom. Through the good pleasure and grace of your Only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
SERVICE OF HOLY BAPTISM
The Priest enters the Sanctuary and vests in white vestments and the cuffs. While all the candles are being lit he takes the censer, goes to the Font and censes it in a circle. He hands the censer away and makes a bow.
Then the Deacon says:
Master, give the blessing.
Master, give the blessing.
The Priest, out loud:
Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy. And so after each petition.
Deacon: For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy Churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
For this holy house, and for those who enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
For our Archbishop (N.), for the honoured order of presbyters, for the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
For our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family, her Government, and all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
That this water may be sanctified by the power, operation and descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
That there may be sent down upon it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan, let us pray to the Lord.
That there may come down upon these waters the cleansing operation of the Trinity beyond being, let us pray to the Lord.
That we may be enlightened with the enlightenment of knowledge and true religion through the descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
That this water may shown to be a protection against every assault of visible and invisible enemies, let us pray to the Lord.
That the one to be baptized in it may become worthy of the incorruptible Kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
For the one who now draws near for holy Enlightenment and for his/her safety and salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
That he/she may be shown to be a child of light and heir of eternal blessings, let us pray to the Lord.
That he/she may be rooted in, and be a partaker in the death and resurrection of Christ our God, let us pray to the Lord.
That he/she may preserve the garment of Baptism and the pledge of the Holy Spirit unsullied and undefiled on the dread Day of Christ our God, let us pray to the Lord.
That this water may become for him/her a washing of rebirth for forgiveness of sins and a garment of incorruption, let us pray to the Lord.
That the Lord God would hearken to the voice of our supplication, let us pray to the Lord.
For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and constraint, let us pray to the Lord.
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.
Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
While the Deacon is saying this the Priest says this prayer quietly:
Compassionate and merciful God, you test minds and hearts and alone know the secrets of mortals, for no deed is hidden in your sight, but everything is naked and exposed to your eyes. You know all about me; do not then despise me or turn your face from me, but overlook my offences at this hour, you who overlook the sins of mortals for their repentance. Wash away the filth of my body and the defilement of my soul by the power of your invisible and spiritual right hand, lest, as I proclaim freedom to others and grant it by the perfect faith of your ineffable love for mankind, I myself, as a slave of sin, become unworthy of it. May I not, Master, alone good and lover of mankind, may I not be turned away humiliated and put to shame, but from on high send power out to me and give me strength for your great and heavenly Mystery which lies before me, and through my miserable person form your Christ in the one who is about to be reborn. Build him/her up on the foundation of your Apostles and Prophets, and do not pull him/her down, but plant him/her as a plant of truth in your holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, and do not pull him/her out. So that by his/her progressing in true religion, your all-holy name, of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, may be glorified also through him/her, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
It is to be noted that the Priest says none of this out loud, but he even says the Amen to himself. Then he says the following prayer in a loud voice:
Great are you, O Lord, and wonderful are your works; and no word will be adequate to sing the praise of your wonders (x3). For as by your will you brought the universe from non-existence into being, by your might you uphold creation and by your providence you direct the world. From four elements you composed the world, with four seasons you crowned the circle of the year. All the spiritual Powers tremble before you. The sun sings your praise, the moon glorifies you, the stars entreat you, the light obeys you, the deeps tremble before you, the springs are your servants. You stretched out the heaven like a curtain; you established the earth on the waters; you walled in the sea with sand; you poured out the air for breathing. Angelic Powers minister to you, the choirs of Archangels worship you, the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim, as they stand and fly around you, veil themselves in fear of your unapproachable glory. For you, God uncircumscribed, without beginning and ineffable, came upon earth taking the form of a slave, being found in the likeness of mortals. For through the compassion of your mercy, Master, you could not endure to watch the human race being tyrannized by the devil, but you came and saved us. We confess your grace, we proclaim your mercy, we do not conceal your benevolence. You set at liberty the generations of our nature, you sanctified a virgin womb by your birth. All creation sang your praise when you appeared. For you, our God, were seen on earth and lived among mortals. You also sanctified the streams of Jordan by sending down to them from heaven your all-holy Spirit, and you crushed the heads of the dragons that lurked their. Therefore, O King, lover of mankind, be present now too, through the visitation of your Holy Spirit, and sanctify this water (x3). Give it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan. Make it a source of incorruption, a gift of sanctification, an deliverance from sins, a destruction of demons. Make it unapproachable by hostile powers and filled with angelic strength. Let those that conspire against your creature flee from it, because I, Lord, have called upon your Name, which is wondrous and glorious and fearful to adversaries.
And breathing on the water three times, with two fingers he makes the sign of the Cross in it three times and prays over it, saying:
Let all adverse powers be crushed beneath the sign of the image of your Cross (x3). We pray you, Lord, let all airy and invisible spectres withdraw from us, and do not let a demon of darkness hide itself in this water, and do not let an evil spirit, bringing darkening of thoughts and disturbance of mind, go down into it with the one who is being baptized. But do you, Master of all things, declare this water to be water of redemption, water of sanctification, cleansing of flesh and spirit, untying of bonds, forgiveness of offences, enlightenment of soul, washing of rebirth, renewal of spirit, gift of adoption, garment of incorruption, source of life. For it was you, Lord, who said, ‘Wash and be made clean, and put away evils from your souls’. It is you who have given us the grace of rebirth from on high through water and Spirit. Manifest yourself, Lord, in this water, and grant that the one being baptized in it may be transformed for the putting off of the old self that is corrupted after the desires of deception, and may put on the new that is renewed after the image of the One who created him/her. So that, planted in the likeness of your death through Baptism, he/she may also become a partaker in your Resurrection, and having guarded the gift of the Holy Spirit and increased the deposit of grace, may receive the prize of his/her high calling and be numbered with the firstborn, whose names are inscribed in heaven, in you our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. Because to you belong glory, might, honour and worship, together with your Father who is without beginning and your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To you, O Lord.
The Priest breathes on the container of oil three times and signs the oil three times as it held by the Deacon [Godparent].
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
The Priest says the following prayer quietly:
Master, Lord God of our fathers, who sent out a dove to those in Noл’s ark, with a branch of olive in its beak as sign of reconciliation and salvation from the flood, and through these things prefigured the Mystery of grace; who have given the fruit of the olive for the completion of your holy Mysteries; who through it both filled those under the Law with the Holy Spirit, and make perfect those under grace; do you yourself bless this olive oil also by the power, operation and descent of your Holy Spirit, so that it may become an anointing of incorruption, a weapon of righteousness, renewal of soul and body, a driving away of every operation of the devil, for the removal of all evils from those who are anointed with it in faith, or who partake of it to your glory and that of your Only-Begotten Son and your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Let us attend.
The Priest, chanting Alleluia three times with the People, makes three Crosses with the oil in the water. Then he proclaims:
Blessed is God, who enlightens and sanctifies everyone who comes into the world, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The one to be baptized is brought forward. The Priest takes some of the oil and makes the sign of the Cross on the forehead, breast and back of the candidate, saying:
The servant of God, N., is anointed with the oil of gladness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As he signs their breast and back he says:
For healing of soul and body.
On the ears:
For the hearing of faith.
On the feet:
For your feet to walk.
On the hands:
Your hands made me and fashioned me.
And when the whole body has been anointed the Priest baptizes the person, holding them upright and facing East, as he says:
The servant of God N. is baptized, in the name of the Father. Amen. And of the Son. Amen. And of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
At each invocation the Priest immerses them and raises them again. After the baptism the Priest washes, as he and the People chant (x3):
Psalm 31
Blessed are those whose iniquities have been forgiven and whose sins have been covered (x3). Blessed is the one to whom the Lord imputes no sin and in whose mouth there is no guile. Because I kept silent my bones grew old from my crying out all day long. Because night and day your hand was heavy upon me; I was turned to wretchedness by a thorn's being fastened in me. I acknowledged my sin and did not hide my iniquity. I said, ‘Against myself I will admit my iniquity to the Lord’, and you forgave the ungodliness of my heart. For this every holy one will pray to you at a fitting moment. Except in a flood of many waters they will not come near him. For you are my refuge from the affliction which surrounds me, my joy to deliver me from those who have surrounded me. ‘I will make you understand and guide you in the way in which you should go. I will fix my eyes upon you. Do not become like horse and mule, who have no understanding. With bit and bridle you must constrain their cheeks so that they do not come near you.’ Many are the scourges of the sinner, but mercy will surround the one who hopes in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad you righteous, and boast all you upright in heart.
Blessed are those whose iniquities have been forgiven and whose sins have been covered (x3). Blessed is the one to whom the Lord imputes no sin and in whose mouth there is no guile. Because I kept silent my bones grew old from my crying out all day long. Because night and day your hand was heavy upon me; I was turned to wretchedness by a thorn's being fastened in me. I acknowledged my sin and did not hide my iniquity. I said, ‘Against myself I will admit my iniquity to the Lord’, and you forgave the ungodliness of my heart. For this every holy one will pray to you at a fitting moment. Except in a flood of many waters they will not come near him. For you are my refuge from the affliction which surrounds me, my joy to deliver me from those who have surrounded me. ‘I will make you understand and guide you in the way in which you should go. I will fix my eyes upon you. Do not become like horse and mule, who have no understanding. With bit and bridle you must constrain their cheeks so that they do not come near you.’ Many are the scourges of the sinner, but mercy will surround the one who hopes in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad you righteous, and boast all you upright in heart.
And as he clothes the newly baptized, the Priest says:
The servant of God N. is clothed with a tunic of righteousness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then the following is chanted in Tone 8:
Grant me a tunic of light, O most merciful, Christ our God, who wrap yourself in light as in a garment.
Grant me a tunic of light, O most merciful, Christ our God, who wrap yourself in light as in a garment.
After the newly-baptized is clothed:
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
And the Priest says this prayer:
Blessed are you, Lord God Almighty, the source of blessings, the Sun of righteousness, who have made the light of salvation shine for those in darkness through the appearing of your Only-Begotten Son and our God, and have granted us, unworthy though are, the grace of blessed cleansing by holy Baptism, and divine sanctification by life-giving Anointing. And you have now been well-pleased to make your newly-enlightened servant to be born again through water and Spirit, and have granted him/her forgiveness of sins both voluntary and involuntary. Do you then, Master, compassionate, universal King, grant him/her also the Seal of the gift of your holy, all-powerful and adorable Spirit and the Communion of the holy Body and precious Blood of your Christ. Keep him/her in your sanctification; confirm him/her in the Orthodox Faith; deliver him/her from the evil one and all his devices, and by your saving fear guard his/her soul in purity and righteousness; so that being in every deed and word well-pleasing to you, he/she may become a child and heir of your heavenly Kingdom.
Aloud:
Because you are our God, a God who has mercy and who saves, and to you we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
Because you are our God, a God who has mercy and who saves, and to you we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
And after the Prayer he anoints the newly baptized with the holy Myron, making a sign of the Cross on the forehead, the eyes, the nostrils, the mouth, the two ears, the breast, the hands and the feet, and saying:
Seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
[In many places it is the custom for the Priest to place the baptismal Cross, after blessing it in the Baptismal Water, round the neck of the newly baptized and to give them a lighted candle. See Appendix.]
Then the Priest, having washed his hands, censes the Font, going round it in a circle, with the Godparent and the Newly-baptized following and standing opposite him, while we chant:
As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.
As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.
As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Have put on Christ. Alleluia.
As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.
[Deacon: Let us attend.
Priest: Peace to all.
Reader: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Wisdom.]
Reader: Prokeimenon in the 3rd Tone. [Psalm 26]
The Lord is my enlightenment and my Saviour; * whom shall I fear?
Verse: The Lord is the defender of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
Deacon: Wisdom.
The Apostle.
The Reading is from the Epistle of Paul to the Romans.
[6:3-11]
[6:3-11]
Deacon: Let us attend.
Reader:
Brethren, as many of us as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his death. We were buried then with him through baptism to death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin. For one who has died has been justified from sin. If then we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. For we know that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer lords it over him. As to dying, he died once and for all; as to living, he lives for God. Consequently, you also must consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Brethren, as many of us as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his death. We were buried then with him through baptism to death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin. For one who has died has been justified from sin. If then we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. For we know that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer lords it over him. As to dying, he died once and for all; as to living, he lives for God. Consequently, you also must consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Priest: Peace to you.
Reader: And to your spirit. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
The Gospel
Deacon: Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Priest:
The Reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
[28:16-19]
[28:16-19]
People: Glory to you, Lord, glory to you.
Deacon: Let us attend.
Priest:
At that time the eleven Disciples journeyed to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had commanded them. And when they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus drew near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all the things that I have commanded you. And see, I am with you all days until the end of the age. Amen’.
At that time the eleven Disciples journeyed to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had commanded them. And when they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus drew near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all the things that I have commanded you. And see, I am with you all days until the end of the age. Amen’.
People: Glory to you, Lord, glory to you.
Then the Litany and Dismissal. [Frequently the Ablution and Tonsure are done before the Litany.]
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy. (x3)
Deacon: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation and forgiveness of sins for the servant of God, the Sponsor N.
Again we pray for the newly enlightened servant of God N.
That he/she may be kept in the faith of a pure confession, in all godliness and in the fulfilling of the commandments of Christ all the days of his/her life.
Priest: For you, O God, are good and love mankind, and to you we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE ABLUTION
After seven days they again bring the newly baptized to Church for the Ablution. The Priest loosens the linen cloth and girdle saying the following Prayers:
Master and Lord, who have granted your servant forgiveness of sins through holy Baptism, and given him/her the grace of a life of rebirth, be well pleased for the illumination of your face to shine for ever in his/her heart; keep the shield of his/her faith safe from attack by foes; preserve on him/her the garment of incorruption, which he/she has put on, undefiled and unstained; by your grace keeping the spiritual seal unbroken in him/her, and being merciful to him/her and to us. For blessed and glorified is your all-honoured and majestic Name, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Master, Lord our God, who through the font grant heavenly radiance to those who are baptized, who have given your newly enlightened servant rebirth through water and Spirit, and granted him/her forgiveness of sins both voluntary and involuntary, lay your mighty hand on him/her and guard him/her by the power of your loving kindness; preserve the pledge inviolate; and count him/her worthy of eternal life and your good pleasure. Because you are our sanctification, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
Master, Lord our God, who through the font grant heavenly radiance to those who are baptized, who have given your newly enlightened servant rebirth through water and Spirit, and granted him/her forgiveness of sins both voluntary and involuntary, lay your mighty hand on him/her and guard him/her by the power of your loving kindness; preserve the pledge inviolate; and count him/her worthy of eternal life and your good pleasure. Because you are our sanctification, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest:
The one who has put you on, Christ our God, has bowed his/her head to you with us. Guard him/her always to remain an invincible warrior against those that in vain bear enmity against him/her and us, and with your incorruptible crown declare us all to be victors unto the end. Because yours it is to have mercy and to save us, and to you we give glory, with your Father who is without beginning and your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
The one who has put you on, Christ our God, has bowed his/her head to you with us. Guard him/her always to remain an invincible warrior against those that in vain bear enmity against him/her and us, and with your incorruptible crown declare us all to be victors unto the end. Because yours it is to have mercy and to save us, and to you we give glory, with your Father who is without beginning and your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
And he unties the girdle and linen cloth of the newly baptized, and having joined their ends he wets them with water and sprinkles the newly baptized, saying:
You have been justified. You have been enlightened. You have been sanctified. You have been washed in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God.
And taking a new sponge with water he sponges the face of the newly baptized, together with his/her head, breast and the rest, saying:
You have been baptized. You have been enlightened. You have been anointed with chrism. You have been sanctified. You have been washed clean. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
PRAYERS FOR THE TONSURE
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Master, Lord our God, who honoured mortals with your image, furnishing them with a rational soul and a comely body, so that the body might serve the rational soul, you placed the head at the very top and in it you planted the majority of the senses, which do not interfere with one another, while you covered the head with hair so as not to be harmed by the changes of the weather, and you fitted all the limbs most suitably to each one, so that through them all they might give thanks to you, the master craftsman. Do you yourself, Master, who through your vessel of election, the Apostle Paul, ordered us to do all things to your glory, bless your servant N. who has come to make a first offering by the cutting of the hair of his/her head. Bless his/her Sponsor also and grant that they may always meditate on your law and do what is well-pleasing to you. For you, O God, are merciful and love mankind, and to you we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
Master, Lord our God, who honoured mortals with your image, furnishing them with a rational soul and a comely body, so that the body might serve the rational soul, you placed the head at the very top and in it you planted the majority of the senses, which do not interfere with one another, while you covered the head with hair so as not to be harmed by the changes of the weather, and you fitted all the limbs most suitably to each one, so that through them all they might give thanks to you, the master craftsman. Do you yourself, Master, who through your vessel of election, the Apostle Paul, ordered us to do all things to your glory, bless your servant N. who has come to make a first offering by the cutting of the hair of his/her head. Bless his/her Sponsor also and grant that they may always meditate on your law and do what is well-pleasing to you. For you, O God, are merciful and love mankind, and to you we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest:
Lord our God, who through your loving kindness have sanctified from the fullness of the font those who believe in you, bless this child here present, and let your blessing come down upon his/her head. As you blessed King David through Samuel the Prophet, bless too the head of your servant N. through the hand of me, a sinner, visiting him/her with your Holy Spirit, so that as he/she advances to mature years and to the grey hairs of old age, he/she may give glory to you and see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of his/her life. For to you belong all glory, honour and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
Lord our God, who through your loving kindness have sanctified from the fullness of the font those who believe in you, bless this child here present, and let your blessing come down upon his/her head. As you blessed King David through Samuel the Prophet, bless too the head of your servant N. through the hand of me, a sinner, visiting him/her with your Holy Spirit, so that as he/she advances to mature years and to the grey hairs of old age, he/she may give glory to you and see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of his/her life. For to you belong all glory, honour and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
And the Priest tonsures him/her in the form of a cross, saying;
The servant of God N. is tonsured, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, for the servants of God the Sponsor N. and the newly enlightened N.
Priest:
For you, O God, are merciful and love mankind, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
For you, O God, are merciful and love mankind, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
And the Dismissal
Priest: Glory to you, Christ God, our hope, glory to you.
Reader: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Holy Master, give the blessing.
Priest: May he who accepted to be baptized by John in the Jordan, Christ our true God, through the prayers of his all-pure and holy Mother, through the intercessions of the honoured, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John, of the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles, of the holy and righteous forebears of God, Joachim and Anne, of Saint N. (the Saint of the Newly-baptized), of Saint N. (to whom the Church is dedicated), of Saint N., whose memory we keep today, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for he is good and loves mankind.
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
People: Amen.
APPENDIX
The Small Euchologion has an Instruction at the end of the service which runs as follows:
Be careful, Priest, to instruct both the nurse and the mother not to bath or wash the face of the newly baptized until the seventh day. On the eighth day they are to wash and bath the child and they are to dispose of the water in a place where no one walks, or in a river, or in the piscina of the Church.
It also says that after the service the newly baptized and the Godparent are to go in procession to the former’s house, with everyone carrying lamps and singing As many of you as were baptized into Christ.
At the giving of the Cross and the Candle many priests say, for the Cross, If anyone would be my disciple, let them deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me; for the Candle, So let your light shine before your fellows, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.
It is the custom in many places for the Godparent to return the newly baptized infant to its mother after the service. The mother should do a prostration before her newly enlightened child and then take it in her arms.
It is the custom in many places for the Godparent to return the newly baptized infant to its mother after the service. The mother should do a prostration before her newly enlightened child and then take it in her arms.
If it is not possible for the newly baptized to receive Holy Communion immediately after their Baptism, they should come, or be brought, to the Liturgy at the first opportunity in order to do so. Accompanied by their God-parent they should come with their baptismal candle and be the first of the congregation to receive Communion.
THE PEARL
Seven Hymns of the Faith
by
St. Ephraim of Syria
Translated by J.B. Morris
re-edited by John Gwynn
HYMN I.
** 1. **
On a certain day a pearl did I take up, my brethren;
I saw in it mysteries pertaining to the Kingdom;
Semblances and types of the Majesty;
It became a fountain, and I drank out of it mysteries of the Son.
I put it, my brethren, upon the palm of my hand,
That I might examine it:
I went to look at it on one side,
And it proved faces on all sides.
I found out that the Son was incomprehensible,
Since He is wholly Light.
In its brightness I beheld the Bright One Who cannot be clouded,
And in its pureness a great mystery,
Even the Body of Our Lord which is well-refined:
In its undivideness I saw the Truth
Which is undivided.
It was so that I saw there its pure conception,
The Church, and the Son within her.
The cloud was the likeness of her that bare Him,
And her type the heaven,
Since there shone forth from her His gracious Shining.
I saw therein his Trophies, and His victories, and His crowns.
I saw His helpful and overflowing graces,
And His hidden things with His revealed things.
THE PEARL
Seven Hymns of the Faith
by
St. Ephraim of Syria
Translated by J.B. Morris
re-edited by John Gwynn
HYMN I.
** 1. **
On a certain day a pearl did I take up, my brethren;
I saw in it mysteries pertaining to the Kingdom;
Semblances and types of the Majesty;
It became a fountain, and I drank out of it mysteries of the Son.
I put it, my brethren, upon the palm of my hand,
That I might examine it:
I went to look at it on one side,
And it proved faces on all sides.
I found out that the Son was incomprehensible,
Since He is wholly Light.
In its brightness I beheld the Bright One Who cannot be clouded,
And in its pureness a great mystery,
Even the Body of Our Lord which is well-refined:
In its undivideness I saw the Truth
Which is undivided.
It was so that I saw there its pure conception,
The Church, and the Son within her.
The cloud was the likeness of her that bare Him,
And her type the heaven,
Since there shone forth from her His gracious Shining.
I saw therein his Trophies, and His victories, and His crowns.
I saw His helpful and overflowing graces,
And His hidden things with His revealed things.
** 2. **
It was greater to me than the ark,
For I was astonied thereat:
I saw therein folds without shadow to them
Because it was a daughter of light,
Types vocal without tongues,
Utterances of mystery without lips,
A silent harp that without voice gave out melodies.
The trumpet falters and the thunder mutters;
Be not thou daring then;
Leave things hidden, take things revealed.
Thou hast seen in the clear sky a second shower;
The clefts of thine ears,
As from the clouds,
They are filled with interpretations.
And as that manna which alone filled the people,
In the place of pleasant meats,
With its pleasantnesses,
So does this pearl fill me in the place of books,
And the reading thereof,
And the explanations thereof.
And when I asked if there were yet other mysteries,
It had no mouth for me that I might hear from,
Neither any ears wherewith it might hear me.
O Thou thing without senses, whence I have gained new senses!
It was greater to me than the ark,
For I was astonied thereat:
I saw therein folds without shadow to them
Because it was a daughter of light,
Types vocal without tongues,
Utterances of mystery without lips,
A silent harp that without voice gave out melodies.
The trumpet falters and the thunder mutters;
Be not thou daring then;
Leave things hidden, take things revealed.
Thou hast seen in the clear sky a second shower;
The clefts of thine ears,
As from the clouds,
They are filled with interpretations.
And as that manna which alone filled the people,
In the place of pleasant meats,
With its pleasantnesses,
So does this pearl fill me in the place of books,
And the reading thereof,
And the explanations thereof.
And when I asked if there were yet other mysteries,
It had no mouth for me that I might hear from,
Neither any ears wherewith it might hear me.
O Thou thing without senses, whence I have gained new senses!
** 3. **
It answered me and said,
"The daughter of the sea am I, the illimitable sea!
And from that sea whence I came up it is
That there is a mighty treasury of mysteries in my bosom!
Search thou out the sea, but search not out the Lord of the sea!
"I have seen the divers who came down after me, when astonied,
So that from the midst of the sea they returned to the dry ground;
For a few moments they sustained it not.
Who would linger and be searching on into the depths of the Godhead?
"The waves of the Son are full of blessing,
And with mischiefs too.
Have ye not seen, then, the waves of the sea,
Which if a ship should struggle with them would break her to pieces,
And if she yield herself to them, and rebel not against them,
Then she is preserved?
In the sea all the Egyptians were choked, though they scrutinised it not,
And, without prying, the Hebrews too were overcome upon the dry land,
And how shall ye be kept alive?
And the men of Sodom were licked up by the fire,
And how shall ye prevail?
"At these uproars the fish in the sea were moved,
And Leviathan also.
Have ye then a heart of stone
That ye read these things and run into these errors?
O great fear that justice also should be so long silent!"
It answered me and said,
"The daughter of the sea am I, the illimitable sea!
And from that sea whence I came up it is
That there is a mighty treasury of mysteries in my bosom!
Search thou out the sea, but search not out the Lord of the sea!
"I have seen the divers who came down after me, when astonied,
So that from the midst of the sea they returned to the dry ground;
For a few moments they sustained it not.
Who would linger and be searching on into the depths of the Godhead?
"The waves of the Son are full of blessing,
And with mischiefs too.
Have ye not seen, then, the waves of the sea,
Which if a ship should struggle with them would break her to pieces,
And if she yield herself to them, and rebel not against them,
Then she is preserved?
In the sea all the Egyptians were choked, though they scrutinised it not,
And, without prying, the Hebrews too were overcome upon the dry land,
And how shall ye be kept alive?
And the men of Sodom were licked up by the fire,
And how shall ye prevail?
"At these uproars the fish in the sea were moved,
And Leviathan also.
Have ye then a heart of stone
That ye read these things and run into these errors?
O great fear that justice also should be so long silent!"
** 4. **
"Searching is mingled with thanksgiving,
And whether of the two will prevail?
From the tongue
The incense of praise riseth
Along with the fume of disputation
And unto which shall we hearken?
Prayer and prying from one mouth,
And which shall we listen to?
"For three days was Jonah a neighbour in the sea:
The living things that were in the sea were affrighted,
Saying, 'Who shall flee from God?
Jonah fled,
And ye are obstinate at your scrutiny of Him!'"
"Searching is mingled with thanksgiving,
And whether of the two will prevail?
From the tongue
The incense of praise riseth
Along with the fume of disputation
And unto which shall we hearken?
Prayer and prying from one mouth,
And which shall we listen to?
"For three days was Jonah a neighbour in the sea:
The living things that were in the sea were affrighted,
Saying, 'Who shall flee from God?
Jonah fled,
And ye are obstinate at your scrutiny of Him!'"
HYMN II.
** 1. **
Whereunto art thou like?
Let thy stillness speak to one that hears;
With silent mouth speak with us:
For whoso hears the stammerings of thy silence,
to him thy type utters its silent cry concerning our Redeemer.
Thy mother is a virgin of the sea, though he took her not:
She fell into his bosom, though he knew her not;
She conceived thee near him, though he did not know her.
Do thou, that art a type, reporach the Jewish women
That have thee hung upon them.
Thou art the only progeny of all forms
Which art like to the Word on High,
Whom singly the Most High begot.
The engraven forms seem to be the type of created things above.
This visible offspring of the invisible womb
Is a type of great things.
Thy goodly conception was without seed,
And without wedlock was thy pure generation,
And without brethren was thy single birth.
Our Lord had brethren and yet not brethren,
Since He was an Only-Begotten.
O solitary one, thou type exact of the Only-Begotten!
There is a type of thine in the crown of kings,
Wherein thou hast brothers and sisters.
Goodly gems are thy brethren,
With beryls and unions as thy companions:
May gold be as it were thy kinsman,
May there be unto the King of kings
A crown from thy well-beloved ones!
When thou camest up from the sea, that living tomb,
Thou didst cry out,
Let me have a goodly assmblage of brethren, relatives and kinsmen.
As the wheat is in the stalk,
So thou art in the crown with princes:
And it is a just restoration to thee, as if of a pledge,
That from the depth thou shouldest be exalted to a goodly eminence.
Wheat the stalk bears in the field;
Thee the head of the king upon his chariot carries about.
O daughter of the water,
Who hast left the sea, wherein thou wert born,
And art gone up to the dry land, wherein thou art beloved:
For men have loved and seized and adorned themselves with thee,
Like as they did that Offspring Whom the Gentiles loved
And crowned themselves withal.
It is by the mystery of truth that Leviathan is trodden down of mortals:
The divers put him off, and put on Christ.
In the sacrament of oil did the Apostles steal Thee away, and came up.
They snatched their souls from his mouth, bitter as it was.
Thy Nature is like a silent lamb in its sweetness,
Of which if a man is to lay hold,
He lifts it in a crucial form by its ears, as it was on Golgotha.
He cast out abundantly all His gleams upon them that looked upon Him.
** 1. **
Whereunto art thou like?
Let thy stillness speak to one that hears;
With silent mouth speak with us:
For whoso hears the stammerings of thy silence,
to him thy type utters its silent cry concerning our Redeemer.
Thy mother is a virgin of the sea, though he took her not:
She fell into his bosom, though he knew her not;
She conceived thee near him, though he did not know her.
Do thou, that art a type, reporach the Jewish women
That have thee hung upon them.
Thou art the only progeny of all forms
Which art like to the Word on High,
Whom singly the Most High begot.
The engraven forms seem to be the type of created things above.
This visible offspring of the invisible womb
Is a type of great things.
Thy goodly conception was without seed,
And without wedlock was thy pure generation,
And without brethren was thy single birth.
Our Lord had brethren and yet not brethren,
Since He was an Only-Begotten.
O solitary one, thou type exact of the Only-Begotten!
There is a type of thine in the crown of kings,
Wherein thou hast brothers and sisters.
Goodly gems are thy brethren,
With beryls and unions as thy companions:
May gold be as it were thy kinsman,
May there be unto the King of kings
A crown from thy well-beloved ones!
When thou camest up from the sea, that living tomb,
Thou didst cry out,
Let me have a goodly assmblage of brethren, relatives and kinsmen.
As the wheat is in the stalk,
So thou art in the crown with princes:
And it is a just restoration to thee, as if of a pledge,
That from the depth thou shouldest be exalted to a goodly eminence.
Wheat the stalk bears in the field;
Thee the head of the king upon his chariot carries about.
O daughter of the water,
Who hast left the sea, wherein thou wert born,
And art gone up to the dry land, wherein thou art beloved:
For men have loved and seized and adorned themselves with thee,
Like as they did that Offspring Whom the Gentiles loved
And crowned themselves withal.
It is by the mystery of truth that Leviathan is trodden down of mortals:
The divers put him off, and put on Christ.
In the sacrament of oil did the Apostles steal Thee away, and came up.
They snatched their souls from his mouth, bitter as it was.
Thy Nature is like a silent lamb in its sweetness,
Of which if a man is to lay hold,
He lifts it in a crucial form by its ears, as it was on Golgotha.
He cast out abundantly all His gleams upon them that looked upon Him.
** 2. **
Shadowed forth in thy beauty is the beauty of the Son,
Who clothed Himself with suffering when the nails passed through Him.
The awl passed in thee since they handled thee roughly,
As they did His hands;
And because He suffered He reigned,
As by they sufferings thy beauty increased.
And if they showed no pity upon thee,
Neither did they love thee:
Still suffer as thou mightest,
Thou has come to reign! Simon Peter showed pity on the Rock;
Whoso hath smitten it, is himself thereby overcome;
It is by reason of Its suffering
That Its beauty hath adorned the height and the depth.
Shadowed forth in thy beauty is the beauty of the Son,
Who clothed Himself with suffering when the nails passed through Him.
The awl passed in thee since they handled thee roughly,
As they did His hands;
And because He suffered He reigned,
As by they sufferings thy beauty increased.
And if they showed no pity upon thee,
Neither did they love thee:
Still suffer as thou mightest,
Thou has come to reign! Simon Peter showed pity on the Rock;
Whoso hath smitten it, is himself thereby overcome;
It is by reason of Its suffering
That Its beauty hath adorned the height and the depth.
HYMN III.
** 1. **
Thou dost not hide thyself in thy bareness, O pearl!
With the love of thee is the merchant ravished also,
For he strips off his garments;
Not to cover thee --
(thy clothing is thy light, thy garment is thy brightness,
O thou that art bared!)
Thou art like Eve who was clothed with nakedness.
Cursed be he that deceived her and stripped her and left her.
The serpent cannot strip off thy glory.
In the mysteries whose type thou art,
Women are clothed with Light in Eden.
** 1. **
Thou dost not hide thyself in thy bareness, O pearl!
With the love of thee is the merchant ravished also,
For he strips off his garments;
Not to cover thee --
(thy clothing is thy light, thy garment is thy brightness,
O thou that art bared!)
Thou art like Eve who was clothed with nakedness.
Cursed be he that deceived her and stripped her and left her.
The serpent cannot strip off thy glory.
In the mysteries whose type thou art,
Women are clothed with Light in Eden.
** 2. **
Very glistening are the pearls of Ethiopia, as it is written,
Who gave thee to Ethiopia of black men.
He that gave light to the Gentiles,
Both to the Ethiopians and unto the Indians did His bright beams reach.
The eunuch of Ethiopia upon his chariot saw Philip:
The Lamb of Light met the dark man from out of the water.
While he was reading, the Ethiopian was baptised
And shone with joy, and journeyed on!
He made disciples and taught,
And out of black men he made men white.
And the dark Ethiopic women became pearls for the Son;
He offered them up to the Father, as a glistening crown from the
Ethiopians.
Very glistening are the pearls of Ethiopia, as it is written,
Who gave thee to Ethiopia of black men.
He that gave light to the Gentiles,
Both to the Ethiopians and unto the Indians did His bright beams reach.
The eunuch of Ethiopia upon his chariot saw Philip:
The Lamb of Light met the dark man from out of the water.
While he was reading, the Ethiopian was baptised
And shone with joy, and journeyed on!
He made disciples and taught,
And out of black men he made men white.
And the dark Ethiopic women became pearls for the Son;
He offered them up to the Father, as a glistening crown from the
Ethiopians.
** 3. **
The Queen of Sheba
Was a sheep that had come into the place of wolves;
The lamp of truth did Solomon give her,
Who also married her when he fell away.
She was enlightened and went away,
But they were dark, as their manner was.
The bright spark which went down home with that blessed [Queen],
Held on its shining amid the darkness,
Till the new Day-spring came.
The bright spark met with this shining,
And illumined the place.
The Queen of Sheba
Was a sheep that had come into the place of wolves;
The lamp of truth did Solomon give her,
Who also married her when he fell away.
She was enlightened and went away,
But they were dark, as their manner was.
The bright spark which went down home with that blessed [Queen],
Held on its shining amid the darkness,
Till the new Day-spring came.
The bright spark met with this shining,
And illumined the place.
** 4. **
There are in the sea divers fishes of many cubits,
And with all their greatness they are very small;
But by thy littleness the crown is made great,
Like as the Son, by whose littleness Adam was made great.
For the head is thy crown intended:
For the eye thy beauty,
For the ear thy goodliness.
Come up from the sea, thou neighbour to the dry land,
And come and sojourn by the [seat of] hearing.
Let the ear love the word of life as it loveth thee!
In the ear is the word,
And without it is the pearl.
Let it as being warned by thee,
By thee get wisdom, and be warned by the word of truth.
Be thou its mirror:
The beauty of the Word in thine own beauty shall it see:
In thee it shall learn how precious is the Word on High!
The ear is the leaf:
The flesh is the tree,
And thou in the midst of it are a fruit of light,
And to the womb that brings forth Light,
Thou art a type that points.
Thee He used as a parable of that kingdom, O pearl!
As He did the virgins that entered into it, five in number,
Clothed with the light of their lamps!
To thee are those bright ones like, thou that art clad in light!
There are in the sea divers fishes of many cubits,
And with all their greatness they are very small;
But by thy littleness the crown is made great,
Like as the Son, by whose littleness Adam was made great.
For the head is thy crown intended:
For the eye thy beauty,
For the ear thy goodliness.
Come up from the sea, thou neighbour to the dry land,
And come and sojourn by the [seat of] hearing.
Let the ear love the word of life as it loveth thee!
In the ear is the word,
And without it is the pearl.
Let it as being warned by thee,
By thee get wisdom, and be warned by the word of truth.
Be thou its mirror:
The beauty of the Word in thine own beauty shall it see:
In thee it shall learn how precious is the Word on High!
The ear is the leaf:
The flesh is the tree,
And thou in the midst of it are a fruit of light,
And to the womb that brings forth Light,
Thou art a type that points.
Thee He used as a parable of that kingdom, O pearl!
As He did the virgins that entered into it, five in number,
Clothed with the light of their lamps!
To thee are those bright ones like, thou that art clad in light!
** 5. **
Who would give a pearl to the daughter of the poor?
For when it hangs on her, it becomes her not.
Gain without price that faith, all of which becomes all the limbs of men.
But for no gold would a lady exchange her pearl.
It were a great disgrace
If thou shouldst throw thy pearl away into the mire for nought!
In the pearl of time
Let us behold that of eternity;
For it is in the purse, or in the seal, or in the treasury.
Within the gate there are other gates with their locks and keys.
Thy pearl hath the High One sealed up as taking account of all.
Who would give a pearl to the daughter of the poor?
For when it hangs on her, it becomes her not.
Gain without price that faith, all of which becomes all the limbs of men.
But for no gold would a lady exchange her pearl.
It were a great disgrace
If thou shouldst throw thy pearl away into the mire for nought!
In the pearl of time
Let us behold that of eternity;
For it is in the purse, or in the seal, or in the treasury.
Within the gate there are other gates with their locks and keys.
Thy pearl hath the High One sealed up as taking account of all.
HYMN IV.
** 1. **
The thief gained the faith which gained him,
And brought him up and placed him in paradise.
He saw in the Cross a tree of life;
That was the fruit,
He was the eater in Adam's stead.
The fool, who goes astray,
Grazes the faith, as it were an eye,
By all manner of questions.
The probing of the finger blinds the eye,
And much more doth that prying blind the faith.
For even the diver pries not into his pearl.
In it do all merchants rejoice
Without prying into whence it came ;
Even the king who is crowned therewith
Does not explore it.
** 1. **
The thief gained the faith which gained him,
And brought him up and placed him in paradise.
He saw in the Cross a tree of life;
That was the fruit,
He was the eater in Adam's stead.
The fool, who goes astray,
Grazes the faith, as it were an eye,
By all manner of questions.
The probing of the finger blinds the eye,
And much more doth that prying blind the faith.
For even the diver pries not into his pearl.
In it do all merchants rejoice
Without prying into whence it came ;
Even the king who is crowned therewith
Does not explore it.
** 2. **
Because Balaam was foolish,
A foolish beast in the ass spoke with him,
Because he despised God Who spoke with him.
Thee too let the pearl reprove
In the ass's stead.
The people that had a heart of stone,
By a Stone He set at nought,
For lo, a stone hears words.
Witness its work that has reproved them ;
And you, ye deaf ones,
Let the pearl reprove to-day.
With the swallow and the crow did He put men to shame ;
With the ox, yea with the ass, did He put them to shame ;
Let the pearl reprove now,
O ye birds and things on earth and things below.
Because Balaam was foolish,
A foolish beast in the ass spoke with him,
Because he despised God Who spoke with him.
Thee too let the pearl reprove
In the ass's stead.
The people that had a heart of stone,
By a Stone He set at nought,
For lo, a stone hears words.
Witness its work that has reproved them ;
And you, ye deaf ones,
Let the pearl reprove to-day.
With the swallow and the crow did He put men to shame ;
With the ox, yea with the ass, did He put them to shame ;
Let the pearl reprove now,
O ye birds and things on earth and things below.
** 3. **
Not as the moon does thy light fill or wane ;
The Sun whose light is greater than all,
Lo! of Him it is that a type is shadowed out in thy little compass.
O type of the Son,
One spark of Whom is greater than the sun!
The pearl itself is full,
for its light is full ;
Neither is there any cunning worker who can steal from it ;
For its wall is its own beauty,
Yea, its guard also!
It lacks not,
since it is entirely perfect.
And if a man would break thee
To take a part from thee,
Thou art like the faith which with the heretics perishes,
Seeing they have broken it in pieces and spoiled it :
For is it any better than this
To have the faith scrutinized?
The faith is an entire nature
That may not be corrupted.
The spoiler gets himself mischief by it:
The heretic brings ruin on himself thereby.
He that chases the light from his pupils
Blinds himself.
Fire and air are divided when sundered.
Light alone, of all creatures,
As its Creator, is not divided;
It is not barren, for that it also begets
Without losing thereby.
Not as the moon does thy light fill or wane ;
The Sun whose light is greater than all,
Lo! of Him it is that a type is shadowed out in thy little compass.
O type of the Son,
One spark of Whom is greater than the sun!
The pearl itself is full,
for its light is full ;
Neither is there any cunning worker who can steal from it ;
For its wall is its own beauty,
Yea, its guard also!
It lacks not,
since it is entirely perfect.
And if a man would break thee
To take a part from thee,
Thou art like the faith which with the heretics perishes,
Seeing they have broken it in pieces and spoiled it :
For is it any better than this
To have the faith scrutinized?
The faith is an entire nature
That may not be corrupted.
The spoiler gets himself mischief by it:
The heretic brings ruin on himself thereby.
He that chases the light from his pupils
Blinds himself.
Fire and air are divided when sundered.
Light alone, of all creatures,
As its Creator, is not divided;
It is not barren, for that it also begets
Without losing thereby.
** 4. **
And if a man thinks that thou art framed [by art]
He errs greatly;
Thy nature proclaims that thou, as all stones,
Art not the framing of art;
and so thou art a type of the Generation
Which no making framed.
Thy stone flees
From a comparison with the Stone [which is] the Son.
For thy own generation is from the midst of the deep,
That of the Son of thy Creator is from the highest height;
He is not like thee,
In that He is like His Father.
And as they tell,
Two wombs bare thee also.
Thou camest down from on high a fluid nature;
Thou camest up from the sea a solid body.
By means of thy second birth
Thou didst show thy loveliness to the children of men.
Hands fixed thee, when thou wast embodied,
Into thy receptacles ;
For thou art in the crown as upon the cross,
And in a coronet as in a victory ;
Thou art upon the ears, as if to fill up what was lacking ;
Thou extendest over all.
And if a man thinks that thou art framed [by art]
He errs greatly;
Thy nature proclaims that thou, as all stones,
Art not the framing of art;
and so thou art a type of the Generation
Which no making framed.
Thy stone flees
From a comparison with the Stone [which is] the Son.
For thy own generation is from the midst of the deep,
That of the Son of thy Creator is from the highest height;
He is not like thee,
In that He is like His Father.
And as they tell,
Two wombs bare thee also.
Thou camest down from on high a fluid nature;
Thou camest up from the sea a solid body.
By means of thy second birth
Thou didst show thy loveliness to the children of men.
Hands fixed thee, when thou wast embodied,
Into thy receptacles ;
For thou art in the crown as upon the cross,
And in a coronet as in a victory ;
Thou art upon the ears, as if to fill up what was lacking ;
Thou extendest over all.
HYMN V.
** 1. **
O gift that camest up without price for the diver!
Thou laidest hold upon this visible light,
That without price rises for the children of men:
A parable of the hidden One
That without price gives the hidden Dayspring!
And the painter too paints a likeness of thee with colours.
Yet by thee is faith painted in types and emblems for colours,
And in the place of the image
By thee and thy colours is thy Creator painted.
O thou frankincense without smell,
Who breathest types from out of thee!
Though art not to be eaten,
Yet thou givest a sweet smell unto them that hear thee!
Though art not to be drunk,
Yet by thy story, a fountain of types art thou made unto the ears!
** 1. **
O gift that camest up without price for the diver!
Thou laidest hold upon this visible light,
That without price rises for the children of men:
A parable of the hidden One
That without price gives the hidden Dayspring!
And the painter too paints a likeness of thee with colours.
Yet by thee is faith painted in types and emblems for colours,
And in the place of the image
By thee and thy colours is thy Creator painted.
O thou frankincense without smell,
Who breathest types from out of thee!
Though art not to be eaten,
Yet thou givest a sweet smell unto them that hear thee!
Though art not to be drunk,
Yet by thy story, a fountain of types art thou made unto the ears!
** 2. **
It is thou which art great in thy littleness, O pearl!
Small is thy measure and little thy compass with thy weight;
But great is thy glory:
To that crown alone in which thou art placed, there is none like.
And Who hath not percieved of thy littleness, how great it is;
If one despises thee and throws thee away,
He would blame himself for his clownishness,
For when he saw thee in a king's crown he would be attracted to thee.
It is thou which art great in thy littleness, O pearl!
Small is thy measure and little thy compass with thy weight;
But great is thy glory:
To that crown alone in which thou art placed, there is none like.
And Who hath not percieved of thy littleness, how great it is;
If one despises thee and throws thee away,
He would blame himself for his clownishness,
For when he saw thee in a king's crown he would be attracted to thee.
** 3. **
Men stripped their clothes off and dived and drew thee out, O pearl!
It was not kings that put thee before men,
But those naked ones who were a type of the poor
And the fishers and the Galileans.
For clothed bodies were not able to come to thee;
They came that were stript as children;
They plunged their bodies and came down to thee;
And thou didst much desire them,
And thou didst aid them who thus loved thee.
Glad tidings did they give for thee:
Their tongues before their bosoms did the poor [fishers] open,
And produced and showed the new riches among the merchants:
Upon the wrists of men they put thee as a medicine for life.
Men stripped their clothes off and dived and drew thee out, O pearl!
It was not kings that put thee before men,
But those naked ones who were a type of the poor
And the fishers and the Galileans.
For clothed bodies were not able to come to thee;
They came that were stript as children;
They plunged their bodies and came down to thee;
And thou didst much desire them,
And thou didst aid them who thus loved thee.
Glad tidings did they give for thee:
Their tongues before their bosoms did the poor [fishers] open,
And produced and showed the new riches among the merchants:
Upon the wrists of men they put thee as a medicine for life.
** 4. **
The naked ones in a type saw thy rising again by the sea-shore;
And by the side of the lake they,
The Apostles of a truth,
Saw the rising again of the Son of thy Creator.
By thee and by thy Lord the sea and the lake were beautified.
The diver came up from the sea and put on his clothing;
And from the lake too Simon Peter came up swimming on his coat;
Clad as with coats, with the love of both of you, were these two.
The naked ones in a type saw thy rising again by the sea-shore;
And by the side of the lake they,
The Apostles of a truth,
Saw the rising again of the Son of thy Creator.
By thee and by thy Lord the sea and the lake were beautified.
The diver came up from the sea and put on his clothing;
And from the lake too Simon Peter came up swimming on his coat;
Clad as with coats, with the love of both of you, were these two.
** 5. **
And since I have wandered in thee, pearl,
I will gather up my mind
And by having contemplated thee,
Would become like thee,
In that thou art all gathered up into thyself;
And as thou in all times art one,
One let me become by thee!
Pearls have I gathered together that I might make a crown for the Son
In the place of stains which are in my members.
Receive my offering, not that Thou art shortcoming;
It is because of mine own shortcoming that I have offered it to Thee.
Whiten my stains!
This crown is all spiritual pearls,
Which instead of gold are set in love,
And instead of ouches in faith;
And instead of hands, let praise offer it up to the highest!
And since I have wandered in thee, pearl,
I will gather up my mind
And by having contemplated thee,
Would become like thee,
In that thou art all gathered up into thyself;
And as thou in all times art one,
One let me become by thee!
Pearls have I gathered together that I might make a crown for the Son
In the place of stains which are in my members.
Receive my offering, not that Thou art shortcoming;
It is because of mine own shortcoming that I have offered it to Thee.
Whiten my stains!
This crown is all spiritual pearls,
Which instead of gold are set in love,
And instead of ouches in faith;
And instead of hands, let praise offer it up to the highest!
HYMN VI.
** 1. **
Would that the memory of the fathers would exhale from the tombs;
Who were very simple as being wise;
And reverend as believing.
They without cavilling searched for, and came to the right path.
He gave the law;
The mountains melted away;
Fools broke through it.
By unclean ravens He fed Elijah at the desert stream;
And moreover gave from the skelton honey unto Samson.
They judged not, nor inquired why it was unclean,
Why clean.
** 1. **
Would that the memory of the fathers would exhale from the tombs;
Who were very simple as being wise;
And reverend as believing.
They without cavilling searched for, and came to the right path.
He gave the law;
The mountains melted away;
Fools broke through it.
By unclean ravens He fed Elijah at the desert stream;
And moreover gave from the skelton honey unto Samson.
They judged not, nor inquired why it was unclean,
Why clean.
** 2. **
And when He made void the sabbaths,
The feeble Gentiles were clothed with health.
Samson took the daughter of the aliens,
And there was no disputing among the righteous;
The prophet also took a harlot,
And the just held their peace.
He blamed the righteous,
And He held up and lifted up their delinquencies:
He pitied sinners,
And restored them without cost:
And made low the mountains of their sins:
He proved God is not to be arraigned by men,
And as Lord of Truth.
That His servants were His shadow;
And whatsoever way His will looked,
They directed also their own wills;
And because Light was in Him,
Their shadows were enlightened.
And when He made void the sabbaths,
The feeble Gentiles were clothed with health.
Samson took the daughter of the aliens,
And there was no disputing among the righteous;
The prophet also took a harlot,
And the just held their peace.
He blamed the righteous,
And He held up and lifted up their delinquencies:
He pitied sinners,
And restored them without cost:
And made low the mountains of their sins:
He proved God is not to be arraigned by men,
And as Lord of Truth.
That His servants were His shadow;
And whatsoever way His will looked,
They directed also their own wills;
And because Light was in Him,
Their shadows were enlightened.
** 3. **
How stangely perplexed are all the heretics by simple things!
For when He plainly foreshadowed this New Testment
By that of the Prophets,
Those pitiable men rose, as though from sleep,
And shouted out and made a disturbance.
And the Way, wherein the righteous held straight on,
And by their truths had gone forth therein,
That [Way] have these broken up, because they were besotted:
This they left and went out of;
Because they pried into it, it fell, and was lost.
Of the pearl they made a stone, that they might stumble upon it.
How stangely perplexed are all the heretics by simple things!
For when He plainly foreshadowed this New Testment
By that of the Prophets,
Those pitiable men rose, as though from sleep,
And shouted out and made a disturbance.
And the Way, wherein the righteous held straight on,
And by their truths had gone forth therein,
That [Way] have these broken up, because they were besotted:
This they left and went out of;
Because they pried into it, it fell, and was lost.
Of the pearl they made a stone, that they might stumble upon it.
** 4. **
O Gift, which fools have made a poison!
The People were for separating Thy beauteous root from Thy fountain,
Though they separated it not:
Teachings estranged Thy beauty also from the stock thereof.
By Thee did they get themselves estranged,
Who wished to estrange Thee.
By Thee the tribes were cut off,
And scattered abroad from out of Sion,
And also the teachings of the seceders.
Bring Thyself within the compass of our littleness,
O Thou Gift of ours.
For if love cannot find Thee out on all sides,
It cannot be still and at rest.
Make Thyself small,
Thou Who art too great for all,
Who comest unto all!
O Gift, which fools have made a poison!
The People were for separating Thy beauteous root from Thy fountain,
Though they separated it not:
Teachings estranged Thy beauty also from the stock thereof.
By Thee did they get themselves estranged,
Who wished to estrange Thee.
By Thee the tribes were cut off,
And scattered abroad from out of Sion,
And also the teachings of the seceders.
Bring Thyself within the compass of our littleness,
O Thou Gift of ours.
For if love cannot find Thee out on all sides,
It cannot be still and at rest.
Make Thyself small,
Thou Who art too great for all,
Who comest unto all!
** 5. **
By this would those who wrangle against our Pearl be reproved;
Because instead of love,
Strife has come in and dared to essay to unveil thy beauty.
It was not graven,
Since it is a progeny which cannot be interpreted.
Thou didst show thy beauty among the abjects
To show whereto thou are like,
Thou Pearl that art all faces.
The beholders were astonied and perplexed at thee.
The separatists separated thee in two,
And were separated in two by thee,
Thou are of one substance throughout.
They saw not thy beauty,
Because there was not in them the eye of truth.
For the veil of prophecy,
Full as it was of the mysteries,
To them was a covering of thy glistering faces:
They thought that thou wast other [than thou art],
O thou mirror of ours!
And therefore these blind schismatics defiled thy fair beauty.
By this would those who wrangle against our Pearl be reproved;
Because instead of love,
Strife has come in and dared to essay to unveil thy beauty.
It was not graven,
Since it is a progeny which cannot be interpreted.
Thou didst show thy beauty among the abjects
To show whereto thou are like,
Thou Pearl that art all faces.
The beholders were astonied and perplexed at thee.
The separatists separated thee in two,
And were separated in two by thee,
Thou are of one substance throughout.
They saw not thy beauty,
Because there was not in them the eye of truth.
For the veil of prophecy,
Full as it was of the mysteries,
To them was a covering of thy glistering faces:
They thought that thou wast other [than thou art],
O thou mirror of ours!
And therefore these blind schismatics defiled thy fair beauty.
** 6. **
Since they have extolled thee too much,
Or have lowered thee too much,
Bring them to an even level.
Come down,
Descend a little that height of infidelity and heathendom;
And come up from the depth of Judaism, though thou art in Heaven.
Let our Lord be set between God and men!
Let the Prophets be as it were His heralds!
Let the Just One, as being His Father, rejoice!
That Word it is which conquered both Jews and Heathen!
Since they have extolled thee too much,
Or have lowered thee too much,
Bring them to an even level.
Come down,
Descend a little that height of infidelity and heathendom;
And come up from the depth of Judaism, though thou art in Heaven.
Let our Lord be set between God and men!
Let the Prophets be as it were His heralds!
Let the Just One, as being His Father, rejoice!
That Word it is which conquered both Jews and Heathen!
** 7. **
Come, Thou Gift of Holy Church, stay, rest in the midst of Her!
The circumsized have troubled Thee,
In that they are vain babblers,
And so have the [false] doctrines in that they are contentious.
Blessed be He that gave Thee a good company which bears Thee about!
In the covenant of Moses is Thy brightness shadowed forth:
In the new covenant Thou dartest forth:
From those first Thy light shineth forth unto those last.
Blessed be He that gave us Thy gleam
As well as Thy bright rays.
Come, Thou Gift of Holy Church, stay, rest in the midst of Her!
The circumsized have troubled Thee,
In that they are vain babblers,
And so have the [false] doctrines in that they are contentious.
Blessed be He that gave Thee a good company which bears Thee about!
In the covenant of Moses is Thy brightness shadowed forth:
In the new covenant Thou dartest forth:
From those first Thy light shineth forth unto those last.
Blessed be He that gave us Thy gleam
As well as Thy bright rays.
HYMN VII.
** 1. **
As in a race saw I the disputers,
The children of strife,
[Trying]
To taste fire,
To see the air,
To handle the light:
They were troubled at the gleaming,
And struggled to make divisions.
The Son,
Who is too subtle for the mind,
Did they seek to feel:
And the Holy Ghost
Who cannot be explored,
They sought to explore with their questionings.
The Father,
Who never at any time was searched out,
Have they explained and disputed of.
The sound form of our faith is from Abraham,
And our repentance is from Nineveh and the house of Rahab,
And ours are the expectations of the Prophets,
Ours of the Apostles.
** 1. **
As in a race saw I the disputers,
The children of strife,
[Trying]
To taste fire,
To see the air,
To handle the light:
They were troubled at the gleaming,
And struggled to make divisions.
The Son,
Who is too subtle for the mind,
Did they seek to feel:
And the Holy Ghost
Who cannot be explored,
They sought to explore with their questionings.
The Father,
Who never at any time was searched out,
Have they explained and disputed of.
The sound form of our faith is from Abraham,
And our repentance is from Nineveh and the house of Rahab,
And ours are the expectations of the Prophets,
Ours of the Apostles.
** 2. **
And envy is from Satan:
The evil usage of the evil calf is from the Egyptians.
The hateful sight of the hateful image of four faces is from the Hittites.
Accursed disputation, that hidden moth, is from the Greeks.
The bitter one read and saw orthodox teachings,
And subverted them;
He saw hateful things,
And sowed them;
He saw hope,
And he turned it upside down and cut it off.
The disputation that he planted,
Lo! it has yielded a fruit bitter to the tooth.
And envy is from Satan:
The evil usage of the evil calf is from the Egyptians.
The hateful sight of the hateful image of four faces is from the Hittites.
Accursed disputation, that hidden moth, is from the Greeks.
The bitter one read and saw orthodox teachings,
And subverted them;
He saw hateful things,
And sowed them;
He saw hope,
And he turned it upside down and cut it off.
The disputation that he planted,
Lo! it has yielded a fruit bitter to the tooth.
** 3. **
Satan saw that the Truth strangled him,
And united himself to the tares,
And secreted his frauds,
And spread his snares for the faith,
And cast upon the priests the darts of the love of pre-eminence.
They made contests for the throne,
To see which should first obtain it.
There was that meditated in secret and kept it close:
There was that openly combated for it:
And there was that with a bribe crept up to it:
And there was that with fraud dealt wisely to obtain it.
The paths differed,
Ths scope was one,
And they were alike.
Him that was young, and could not even think of it,
Because it was not time for him;
And him that was hoary and shaped out dreams
For time beyond;
All of them by his craftiness did the wicked one persuade and subdue.
Old men, youths, and even striplings, aim at rank!
Satan saw that the Truth strangled him,
And united himself to the tares,
And secreted his frauds,
And spread his snares for the faith,
And cast upon the priests the darts of the love of pre-eminence.
They made contests for the throne,
To see which should first obtain it.
There was that meditated in secret and kept it close:
There was that openly combated for it:
And there was that with a bribe crept up to it:
And there was that with fraud dealt wisely to obtain it.
The paths differed,
Ths scope was one,
And they were alike.
Him that was young, and could not even think of it,
Because it was not time for him;
And him that was hoary and shaped out dreams
For time beyond;
All of them by his craftiness did the wicked one persuade and subdue.
Old men, youths, and even striplings, aim at rank!
** 4. **
His former books did Satan put aside,
And put on others:
The People who was grown old
Had the moth and the worm devoured and eaten and left and deserted:
The moth came into the new garment
Of the new peoples:
He saw the crucifiers who were rejected and cast forth as strangers:
He made of those of the household, pryers;
And of worshippers, they became disputants.
From that garment
The moth gendered
And wound it up and deposited it.
The worm gendered in the storehouse of wheat,
And sat and looked on:
And lo! the pure wheat was mildewed,
And devoured were the garments of glory!
He made a mockery of us,
And we of ourselves, since we were besotted!
He sowed tares,
And the bramble shot up in the pure vinyard!
He infected the flock,
And the leprosy broke out,
And the sheep became hired servants of his!
He began in the People,
And came unto the Gentiles, that he might finish.
His former books did Satan put aside,
And put on others:
The People who was grown old
Had the moth and the worm devoured and eaten and left and deserted:
The moth came into the new garment
Of the new peoples:
He saw the crucifiers who were rejected and cast forth as strangers:
He made of those of the household, pryers;
And of worshippers, they became disputants.
From that garment
The moth gendered
And wound it up and deposited it.
The worm gendered in the storehouse of wheat,
And sat and looked on:
And lo! the pure wheat was mildewed,
And devoured were the garments of glory!
He made a mockery of us,
And we of ourselves, since we were besotted!
He sowed tares,
And the bramble shot up in the pure vinyard!
He infected the flock,
And the leprosy broke out,
And the sheep became hired servants of his!
He began in the People,
And came unto the Gentiles, that he might finish.
** 5. **
Instead of the reed which the former people made the Son hold,
Others have dared with their reed to write in their tracts
That He is only a Son of man.
Reed for reed does the wicked one exchange against our Redeemer,
And instead of the coat of many colours, wherewith they clothed Him,
Titles has he dyed craftily.
With diversity of names he clothed Him;
Either that of creature or of a thing made, when He was the Maker.
And as he plaited for Him by silent men speechless thorns that cry out,
Thorns from the mind has he plaited [now] by the voice, as hymns;
And concealed the spikes amid melodies
That they might not be perceived.
Instead of the reed which the former people made the Son hold,
Others have dared with their reed to write in their tracts
That He is only a Son of man.
Reed for reed does the wicked one exchange against our Redeemer,
And instead of the coat of many colours, wherewith they clothed Him,
Titles has he dyed craftily.
With diversity of names he clothed Him;
Either that of creature or of a thing made, when He was the Maker.
And as he plaited for Him by silent men speechless thorns that cry out,
Thorns from the mind has he plaited [now] by the voice, as hymns;
And concealed the spikes amid melodies
That they might not be perceived.
** 6. **
When Satan saw that he was detected in his former [frauds];
That the spitting was discovered, and vinegar,
And thorns, nails and wood,
Garments and reed and spear,
Which smote him, and were hated and openly known;
He changed his frauds.
Instead of the blow with the hand, by which our Lord was overcome,
He brought in distractions;
And instead of the spitting,
Cavilling entered in;
And instead of garments,
Secret divisions;
And instead of the reed,
Came in strife to smite us on the face.
Haughtiness called for rage its sister,
And there answered and came envy,
And wrath, and pride, and fraud.
They have taken counsel against our Redeemer
As on that day when they took counsels at His Passion.
And instead of the cross,
A hidden wood hath strife become;
And instead of the nails,
Questionings have come in;
And instead of hell, apostasy:
The pattern of both Satan would renew again.
Instead of the sponge which was cankered with vinegar and wormwood,
He gave prying, the whole of which is cankered with death.
The gall which they gave Him did our Lord put away from Him;
The subtle questionings, which the rebellious one hath given,
To fools is sweet.
When Satan saw that he was detected in his former [frauds];
That the spitting was discovered, and vinegar,
And thorns, nails and wood,
Garments and reed and spear,
Which smote him, and were hated and openly known;
He changed his frauds.
Instead of the blow with the hand, by which our Lord was overcome,
He brought in distractions;
And instead of the spitting,
Cavilling entered in;
And instead of garments,
Secret divisions;
And instead of the reed,
Came in strife to smite us on the face.
Haughtiness called for rage its sister,
And there answered and came envy,
And wrath, and pride, and fraud.
They have taken counsel against our Redeemer
As on that day when they took counsels at His Passion.
And instead of the cross,
A hidden wood hath strife become;
And instead of the nails,
Questionings have come in;
And instead of hell, apostasy:
The pattern of both Satan would renew again.
Instead of the sponge which was cankered with vinegar and wormwood,
He gave prying, the whole of which is cankered with death.
The gall which they gave Him did our Lord put away from Him;
The subtle questionings, which the rebellious one hath given,
To fools is sweet.
** 7. **
And at that time there were judges against them,
Lo, the judges are, as it were, against us,
And instead of a handwriting are their commands.
Priests that consecrate crowns,
Set snares for kings.
Instead of the priesthood praying for royalty
That wars may cease from among men,
They teach wars of overthrow,
Which set kings to combat with those round about.
O Lord, make the priests and kings peaceful;
That in one Church priests may pray for their kings,
And kings spare those round about them;
And may the peace which is within Thee become ours, Lord,
Thou that art within and without all things!
And at that time there were judges against them,
Lo, the judges are, as it were, against us,
And instead of a handwriting are their commands.
Priests that consecrate crowns,
Set snares for kings.
Instead of the priesthood praying for royalty
That wars may cease from among men,
They teach wars of overthrow,
Which set kings to combat with those round about.
O Lord, make the priests and kings peaceful;
That in one Church priests may pray for their kings,
And kings spare those round about them;
And may the peace which is within Thee become ours, Lord,
Thou that art within and without all things!
Ancient Syriac Documents.
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Homily on Habib the Martyr, Composed by Mar Jacob.
————————————
Homily on Habib the Martyr, Composed by Mar Jacob.
Habib the martyr, clad in flame, hath called to me out of the fire,
That for him likewise I should fashion an image of beauty among the glorious.
Comrade of conquerors, lo! he beckoneth to me out of the burning,
That, as for the glory of his Lord, I should sing concerning him.
In the midst of live coals stands the heroic man, and lo! he calleth to me,
That I should fashion his image: but the blazing fire permits me not.
His love is fervid, glowing is his faith;
His fire also burneth, and who is adequate to recount his love?
Nay, by reason of that love which led the martyr into the fire,
No man is able to recount his beauties divine.
For who shall dare enter and see in the blazing fire
To whom he is like, and after what pattern he is to be fashioned among the glorious?
Shall I fashion his image by the side of the youths, the children of the furnace?
With Hananiah shall I reckon Habib? I know not.
Lo! these were not burned there: how, then, is he like?
He, I say, like them, when he was burned and the youths not?
Which, I ask, the more beautiful—Habib the martyr, or Azariah?
Difficult for me is the image: how I am to look upon it, I know not.
Lo! Michael was not burned by the flame;
But Habib was burned: which, then, the more beautiful to him that looketh upon him?
Who shall dare say that this is repulsive, or that;
Or not so comely this as that, to him that beholdeth him?
Three there are in the fire, and the flame cometh not near them;
But one was burned: and how shall I suffice to tell
That the Fourth form is that of Him who went down into the midst of the furnace,
That He might fashion an image for Habib there along with those of the three?
He giveth a place in the fire to him who was burned,
That he may be, instead of Him the Fourth, by the side of the conquerors.
And, if of the three the beauties be glorious, though they were not burned,
How shall not this one, who was burned, be mingled with the glorious?
If a man have the power either to be burned or not to be burned,
Of this man, who was burned, more exalted was the beauty than that of the three.
But, inasmuch as the Lord is the control of all things,
He is to be praised, both where He rescues and where He delivers up.
Moreover, too, the will of the three who were not burned,
And of him who was burned, is one and the same, in this case and in that;3304
And, had its Lord commanded the fire to burn them,
Even those three on their part, burned they would have been;
709And, if He had signified to it that it should not burn that one man also,
He would not have been burned; nor had it been of himself that he was rescued.
To go into the fire was of their own will, when they went in;
But that they were not burned—because the Lord of the fire willed and commanded it.
Therefore one equal beauty is that of him who was burned,
And that of him who was not burned, because the will also was equal.
Beloved martyr! exalted is thy beauty; exalted is thy rank:
Graceful too thy crown, and mingled thy story with that of the glorious.
Choice gold art thou, and the fire hath tried thee, and resplendent is thy beauty.
And lo! into the King’s crown art thou wrought, along with the victorious.
Good workman! who, in the doctrine of the Son of God,
Pursueth his course like a valiant3305 man, because of the beauty of his faith.
Habib the martyr was a teacher of that which is true;
A preacher also, whose mouth was full of faith.
Watchful was he, and prompt for service; and he encouraged with his teaching
The household of the house of God, through his faith.
Of light was he full, and he wrestled with the darkness
Which overspread the country from the paganism which had darkened it.
With the Gospel of the Son was his mouth filled in the congregations;
And as it were a leader of the way did he become to the villages when he arrived in them.
Zealous he was, because he was concerned for the doctrine
Divine, that he might establish the adherents3306 of the faith.
At the time when the winds of the pagans blew, a lamp was he,
And flamed forth whilst they blew upon him, and went not out.
All on fire was he, and filled with the love of his Lord, and was concerned
For this—that he might speak of Him without hindrance.3307
The thorns of errour sprang up in the land from paganism;
And, as much as in him lay, he rooted them out by his diligence.
He taught, admonished, and confirmed in the faith,
The friends of Christ,3308 who were harassed by persecutors.
Against sword and against fire did he wrestle,
With love hot as the flame, and was not afraid.
Like a two-edged brand,3309 keen was
His faith, and against error did he contend.
Leaven did he prove to be in this land which had become exhausted3310
Through fondness for the idols of vanity which error had brought in.
He was like salt by reason of his savoury doctrine
To this region, which had become insipid through unbelief.
A deacon was he, and filled the place of a high-priest
By the preaching and teaching of that which is true.
He was to the flock a good shepherd whilst he was its overseer;
And his life laid he down for the flock while he tended it.
He chased away the wolf, and drove off from it the beast of prey.
And he repaired the breaches, and gathered the lambs into their folds.
He went out secretly and encouraged the congregations:
He strengthened them, and exhorted them, and held them up.
And he forged armour of faith, and put it on them,
That they might not be ignominiously overthrown3311 by the paganism which abounded.
The flocks of the fold of the Son of God were being laid waste
By persecutors: and he encouraged the lambs and the ewes.
710And he was an advocate to the household of faith;
And he taught them not to be daunted by persecutors.
He taught them to run to meet death,
Without being afraid either of sword or of fire.
In the teaching of the Son of God he prospered,
So that his faith pursued its course without dread.
Then errour grew envious, became furious, and was maddened, because of him;
And she pursued after him, that she might shed upon the earth innocent blood.
The Defamer, who hates the race of men,
Laid snares for him, that he might rid the place of his presence.3312
He who hateth the truth pursued after him to put him to death,
That he might make his voice to cease3313 from the teaching of the house of God.
And errour raised an outcry demanding that Habib should die, because she hated him;
Vexation goaded her on, and she sought to take away his life.
His story was talked about3314 before the pagan judge of the country,
And the dear fame of him reached the king: who in great rage,
And because the diadem was interwoven with paganism, decreed3315 death
Against Habib, because he was full of faith.
And, when the command reached the judge, he armed himself
With rage and fury; and, with a mind thirsting for blood,
And like hunters who lay nets for the young stag,
After Habib did they go out to catch him.
But this man was a preacher of the faith,
Who in the highway of the crucifixion was prospering;
And, that he might benefit by his teaching the children of his people,
His work embraced the countries round about him.
So, when error went out after him, she found him not:
Not that he was fled, but that he had gone out to preach the Gospel.
Then, because of the fury of the pagans, which was great beyond all that was meet,
His kindred and his mother did they seize for his sake.
Blessed art thou, O woman! mother since thou art of the martyr.
For wherefore was it that they seized thee and bound thee, iniquitously?
What do they require of thee, O thou full of beauty? What, I ask, have they required of thee?
Lo! they require of thee that thou bring the martyr, that he may be a sacrifice.
Bring, oh bring thy sweet fruit to the place of the oblation—
The fruit whose smell is fragrant, that it may be incense to the Godhead.
Fair shoot, thy cluster bring from where it is,
That its wine may be for a libation whose taste is sweet.
The lamb heard that they were seeking him, that he might be a sacrifice;
And he set out and came to the sacrificers rejoicing.
He heard that others also were being afflicted for his sake,
And he came that he might bear the suffering which was his, in the stead of many.
The lot fell on him, to be himself alone a sacrifice;
And the fire that was to offer him up was looking out for him until he came.
Of the many who were bound for his sake
Not one single person was seized to die, but only he.
He it was that was worthy, and for him was martyrdom reserved;
And to snatch the martyr’s place no man was able.
And therefore of his own will did he present himself
To the judge, that he might be seized, and die for Jesus’ sake.
He heard that they sought him, and he came that he might be seized, even as they sought him:
And he went in of himself before the judge, and dauntless was his look.
He hid not himself, nor did he wish to flee from the judge:
For with light was he imbued, and from the darkness he would not flee.
No robber was he, no murderer, no thief,
No child of night: but all his course was run in open day.
Wherefore from his flock should the good shepherd flee,
And leave his fold to be devoured by robbers?
Wherefore should the physician flee, who goeth forth to heal diseases,
And to cure souls by the blood of the Son of God?
711A fearless countenance3316 did the brave man carry with him, and a great heart;
And to meet death he ran, rejoicing, for Jesus’ sake.
He went in, he stood before the judge, saying to him:
I am Habib, whom ye sought: lo! here I stand.
And the pagan trembled, and amazement seized him, and he marvelled at him—
At the man who was not afraid, either of sword or of fire.
While he thought that he was fleeing apace, he entered in and mocked him;
And the judge shook, for he saw him courageous in the very face of death.
A disciple he of that Son of God who said:
“Rise, come, let us go: for he that betrayeth me lo! is here.”
And to the crucifiers, again, He said: “Whom seek ye?”
They say: “Jesus.” And He said to them: “I am He.”
The Son of God of His own will came to the cross;
And on Him the martyr looked, and presented himself uncompelled before the judge.
And the pagan beheld him, and was smitten with fear, and was exasperated against him.
His rage was excited, and he began in his fury to put to him questions.3317
And, as if he had been one who had shed on the ground the blood of the slain,
He proceeded to question the saintly man, but he was not ashamed:
Menacing him, and trying to terrify him, and to frighten him,
And recounting the sufferings which were being prepared by him on his account.
But Habib, when questioned, was not afraid,
Was not ashamed, and was not frightened by the menaces he heard.
Lifting up his voice, he confessed Jesus, the Son of God—
That he was His servant, and was His priest, and His minister.3318
At the fury of the pagans, roaring at him like lions,
He trembled not, nor ceased3319 from the confession of the Son of God.
He was scourged, and the scourgings were very dear to him,
Seeing that he bore a little of the stripes of the Son of God.
He was put into bonds,3320 and he looked on his Lord, whom also they had bound;
And his heart rejoiced that in the path of His sufferings he had begun to walk.
He ascended the block,3321 and they tore him with combs, but his soul was radiant with light,
Because he was deemed worthy that on him should come the agony of the sufferings of crucifixion.
In the pathway of death had he set his face to walk,
And what could he desire to find in it but sufferings?
The fire of sacrifice3322 was betrothed to him, and for her did he look;
And she on her part sent him combs, and stripes, and pains, to taste.
All the while that she was coming, she sent him sufferings, that by means of them
He might be prepared, so that when she met him she might not dismay him.
Sufferings purged him, so that, when the blazing fire should put him to the proof,
There might not be any dross found in his choice gold.
And he endured the whole of the pains that came upon him,
That he might have experience of suffering, and in the burning stand like a brave man.
And he accepted rejoicing the sufferings which he had to bear:
For he knew that at their termination he should find death.
And he was not afraid, either of death or of sufferings:
For with that wine of the crucifixion his heart was drunk.
He despised his body, while it was being dragged along by the persecutors;
And his limbs, while they were being torn asunder in bitter agony.3323
Scourges on his back, combs on his sides, stocks on his feet,
And fire in front of him: still was he brave and full of faith.
They taunted him: Lo! thou worshippest a man;
But he said: A man I worship not,
But God, who took a body and became man:
712Him do I worship, because He is God with Him that begat Him.
The faith of Habib, the martyr, was full of light
And by it was enlightened Edessa, the faithful city.
The daughter of Abgar, whom Addæus betrothed to the crucifixion—
Through it is her light, through it her truth and her faith.
Her king is from it, her martyrs from it, her truth from it;
The teachers also of her faith are from it.
Abgar believed that Thou art God, the Son of God;
And he received a blessing because of the beauty of his faith.
Sharbil the martyr, son of the Edessæans, more-ever said:
My heart is led captive by God, who became man.
And Habib the martyr, who also was crowned at Edessa,
Confessed these things: that He took a body and became man;
That He is the Son of God, and also is God, and became man.
Edessa learned from teachers the things that are true:
Her king taught her, her martyrs taught her, the faith;
But to others, who were fraudulent teachers, she would not hearken.
Habib the martyr, in the ear of Edessa, thus cried aloud
Out of the midst of the fire: A man I worship not,
But God, who took a body and became man
Him do I worship. Thus confessed the martyr with uplifted voice.
From confessors torn with combs, burnt, raised up on the block, slain
And from a righteous king, did Edessa learn the faith,
And she knows our Lord—that He is even God, the Son of God;
She also learned and firmly believed that He took a body and became man.
Not from common scribes did she learn the faith:
Her king taught her, her martyrs taught her; and she firmly believed them:
And, if she be calumniated as having ever worshipped a man,
She points to her martyrs, who died for Him as being God.
A man I worship not, said Habib,
Because it is written: “Cursed is he that putteth his trust in a man.”3324
Forasmuch as He is God, I worship Him, yea submit to be burned
For His sake, nor will I renounce His faith.
This truth has Edessa held fast from her youth,
And in her old age she will not barter it away as a daughter of the poor.
Her righteous king became to her a scribe, and from him she learned
Concerning our Lord—that He is the Son of God, yea God.
Addæus, who brought the bridegroom’s ring and put it on her hand,
Betrothed her thus to the Son of God, who is the Only-begotten.
Sharbil the priest, who made trial and proof of all gods,
Died, even as he said, “for God who became man.”
Shamuna and Guria, for the sake of the Only-begotten,
Stretched out their necks to receive the stroke, and for Him died, forasmuch as He is God.
And Habib the martyr, who was teacher of congregations,
Preached of Him, that He took a body and became man.
For a man the martyr would not have submitted to be burned in the fire;
But he was burned “for the sake of God who became man.”
And Edessa is witness that thus he confessed while he was being burned:
And from the confession of a martyr that has been burned who is he that can escape?
All minds does faith reduce to silence and despise—
She that is full of light and stoopeth not to shadows.
She despiseth him that maligns the Son by denying that He is God;
Him too that saith “He took not a body and became man.”
In faith which was full of truth he stood upon the fire;
And he became incense, and propitiated with his fragrance the Son of God.
In all his afflictions, and in all his tortures, and in all his sufferings,
Thus did he confess, and thus did he teach the blessed city.
And this truth did Edessa hold fast touching our Lord—
Even that He is God, and of Mary became a man.
And the bride hates him that denies His God-head,
And despises and contemns him that maligns His corporeal nature.
And she recognises Him as One in Godhead and in manhood—
713The Only-begotten, whose body is inseparable from Him.
And thus did the daughter of the Parthians learn to believe,
And thus did she firmly hold, and thus does she teach him that listens to her.
The judge, therefore, full of zeal for paganism, commanded
That the martyr should be led forth and burned in the fire which was reserved for him.
And forthwith a strap was thrust into his mouth, as though he had been a murderer,
His confession being kept within his heart towards God.
And they hurried him away, and he went out from the judgment-hall, rejoicing
That the hour was come when the crown should be given to his faith.
And there went out with him crowds of people, that they might bear him company,
Looking upon him, not as a dead man accompanied to his burial,
But as a man who was going away that by means of fire he might become a bridegroom,
And that there might be bestowed the crown which was by righteousness reserved for him.
They looked upon him as upon a man entering into battle,
And around him were spears, and lances, and swords, but he vanquished them.
They beheld him going up like a champion from the contest,
And in his triumph chaplets were brought to him by those who beheld.
They looked upon him as he vanquished principalities and powers,
Which all made war with him, and he put them to shame.
The whole congregation of the followers of Christ exulted over him,
Because he raised up the friends3325 of the faith by the sufferings which he bore.
There went forth with him the Church, a bride full of light;
And her face was beaming on the beloved martyr who was united to her.
Then did his mother, because it was the marriage-feast for her son,
Deck herself in garments nobler than her wont.
Since sordid raiment suited not the banquet-hall,
In magnificent attire all white she clad herself right tastefully.
Hither to the battle came down love to fight
In the mother’s soul—the love of nature, and the love of God.
She looked upon her son as he went forth to be put into the flame;
And, forasmuch as there was in her the love of the Lord, she suffered not.
The yearnings of her mother’s womb cried out on behalf of its fruit;
But faith silenced them, so that their tumult ceased.
Nature shrieked over the limb which was severed from her;
But the love of the Lord intoxicated the soul, that she should not perceive it.
Nature loved, but the love of the Lord did conquer in the strife
Within the soul of the mother, that she should not grieve for her beloved.
And instead of suffering, her heart was filled with all emotions of joy;
And, instead of mourning, she went forth in splendid apparel.
And she accompanied him as he went out to be burned, and was elate,
Because the love of the Lord vanquished that of nature.
And clad in white, as for a bridegroom, she made a marriage-feast—
She the mother of the martyr, and was blithe because of him.
“Shamuna the Second” may we call this blessed one:
Since, had seven been burned instead of one, she had been well content.
One she had, and she gave him to be food for the fire;
And, even as that one, if she had had seven, she had given them all.
He was cast into the fire, and the blaze kindled around him;
And his mother looked on, and grieved not at his burning.
Another eye, which gazeth upon the things unseen,
Was in her soul, and by reason of this she exulted when he was being burned.
On the gems of light which are in martyrs’ crowns she looked,
And on the glory which is laid up for them after their sufferings;
And on the promised blessings which they inherit yonder through their afflictions,
And on the Son of God who clothes their limbs with light;
And on the manifold beauties of that kingdom which shall not be dissolved,
And on the ample door which is opened for them to enter in to God.
On these did the martyr’s mother look when he was being burned,
And she rejoiced, she exalted, and in white did she go forth with him.
714She looked upon him while the fire consumed his frame,
And, forasmuch as his crown was very noble, she grieved not.
The sweet root was thrown into the fire, upon the coals;
And it turned to incense, and cleansed the air from pollution.
With the fumes of sacrifice had the air been polluted,
And by the burning of this martyr was it cleansed.
The firmament was fetid with the exhalations from3326 the altars;
And there rose up the sweet perfume of the martyr, and it grew sweet thereby.
And the sacrifices ceased, and there was peace in the assemblies;
And the sword was blunted, that it should no more lay waste the friends of Christ.
With Sharbil it began, with Habib it ended, in our land;
And from that time3327 even until now not one has it slain, since he was burned.
Constantine, chief of conquerors, took the empire,
And the cross has trampled on the diadem of the emperor, and is set upon his head.
Broken is the lofty horn of idolatry,
And from the burning of the martyr even until now not one has it pierced.
His smoke arose, and it became incense to the Godhead;
And by it was the air purged which was tainted by paganism,
And by his burning was the whole land cleansed:
Blessed be he that gave him a crown, and glory, and a good name!
Here endeth the Homily on Habib the martyr, composed by Mar Jacob.
A Homily on Guria and Shamuna, Composed by Mar Jacob.
Shamuna and Guria, martyrs who made themselves illustrious in their afflictions,
Have in love required of me to tell of their illustrious deeds.
To champions of the faith the doctrine calleth me,
That I should go and behold their contests and their crowns.
Children of the right hand, who have done battle against the left,
Have called me this day to recite the marvellous tale of their conflicts:—
Simple old men, who entered into the fight like heroes,
And nobly distinguished themselves in the strife of blood:
Those who were the salt of our land, and it was sweetened thereby,
And its savour was restored, which had become insipid through unbelief:
Candlesticks of gold, which were full of the oil of the crucifixion,
By which was lighted up all our region, which had turned to darkness:
Two lamps, of which, when all the winds were blowing
Of every kind of error, the lights were not put out;
Good labourers, who from the spring of day laboured
In the blessed vineyard of the house of God right duteously:
Bulwarks of our land, who became to us as it were a defence
Against all spoilers in all the wars that surrounded us:
Havens of peace, a place also of retreat for all that were distressed,
And a resting-place for the head of every one that was in need of succour:
Two precious pearls, which were
An ornament for the bride of my lord Abgar, the Aramæan’s son.
Teachers they were who practised their teaching in blood,
And whose faith was known by their sufferings.
On their bodies they wrote the story of the Son of God
With the marks of combs and scourges which thickly covered them.
They showed their love, not by words of the mouth alone,
But by tortures and by the rending of their limbs asunder.
For the love of the Son of God they gave up their bodies:
715Since it beseemeth the lover that for his love he should give up himself.
Fire and sword proved their love, how true it was;
And more beautiful than silver tried in a furnace of earth were their necks.
They looked on God, and, because they saw His exalted beauties,
Therefore did they look with contempt upon their sufferings for His sake.
The Sun of righteousness had arisen in their hearts;
And they were enlightened by it, and with His light chased they away the darkness.
At the idols of vanity, which error had brought in, they laughed,
Instinct with the faith of the Son of God which is full of light.
The love of the Lord was as a fire in their hearts;
Nor could all the brambles of idolatry stand before it.
Fixed was their love on God unchangeably:3328 Or “who changes not.”—Tr.
And therefore did they look with scorn upon the sword,3329 Σαμψηρά.—Tr. all athirst as it was for blood.
With guilelessness and yet with wisdom stood they in the judgment-hall,
As they had been commanded by the Teacher of that which is true.
Despising as they did kindred and family, guileless were they;
Forasmuch, also, as possessions and wealth were held in no account by them.
Nor guileless only: for in the judgment-hall with the wisdom of serpents too
They were heedful of the faith of the house of God.
When a serpent is seized and struck, he guards his head,
But gives up and leaves exposed all his body to his captors:
And, so long as his head is kept from harm, his life abideth in him;
But, if the head be struck, his life is left a prey to destruction.
The head of the soul is men’s faith;
And, if this be preserved unharmed, by it is also preserved their life:3330 Or “salvation:” a different word from that used in speaking of the serpent.—Tr.
Even though the whole body be lacerated with blows,
Yet, so long as faith is preserved, the soul is alive;
But, if faith is struck down by unbelief,
Lost is the soul, and life has perished from the man.
Shamuna and Guria of the faith as men3331 Lit. “as a man.”—Tr.
Were heedful, that it should not be struck down by persecutors:
For they knew that, if faith is preserved,
Both soul and body are preserved from destruction.
And, because of this, touching their faith were they solicitous,
That that should not be struck down in which their very life was hidden.
They gave up their bodies both to blows and to dislocation,3332 Or “rending asunder.”—Tr.
Yea to every kind of torture, that their faith should not be stricken down;
And, even as the serpent also hides his head from blows,
So hid they their faith within their hearts;
And the body was smitten, and endured stripes, and bore sufferings:
But overthrown was not their faith which was within their hearts.
The mouth betrayeth the soul to death when it speaks,
And with the tongue, as with a sword, worketh slaughter.
And from it spring up both life and death to men:
Denying a man dies, confessing he lives, and the mouth hath power over it.
Denial is death, and in confession is the soul’s life;
And power hath the mouth over them both, like a judge.
The word of the mouth openeth the door for death to enter in;
This, too, calleth for life, and it beameth forth upon the man.
Even the robber by one word of faith
Won him the kingdom, and became heir of paradise,3333 Lit. “the garden.”—Tr. all fraught with blessings.
The wicked judges too, from the martyrs, the sons of the right hand,
Demanded that by word of mouth only they should blaspheme;
But, like true men holding fast the faith,
They uttered not a word by which unbelief might be served.
Shamuna, beauty of our faith, who is adequate to tell of thee?
All too narrow is my mouth for thy praise, too mean for thee to be spoken of by it.
Thy truth is thy beauty, thy crown thy suffering, thy wealth thy stripes,
And by reason of thy blows magnificent is the beauty of thy championship.
716Proud of thee is our country, as of a treasury which is full of gold:
Since wealth art thou to us, and a coveted store which cannot be stolen from us.
Guria, martyr, staunch hero of our faith,
Who shall suffice thee, to recount thy beauties divine?
Lo! tortures on thy body are set like gems of beryl,
And the sword on thy neck like a chain of choice gold.
Thy blood upon thy form is a robe of glory full of beauty,
And the scourging of thy back a vesture with which the sun may not compare.
Radiant thou art and comely by virtue of these thy sufferings, so abounding;
And resplendent are thy beauties, because of the pains which are so severe upon thee.
Shamuna, our riches, richer art thou than the rich:
For lo! the rich stand at thy door, that thou mayest relieve them.
Small thy village, poor thy country: who, then, gave thee
That lords of villages and cities should court thy favour?
Lo! judges in their robes and vestments
Take dust from thy threshold, as though it were the medicine of life.
The cross is rich, and to its worshippers increaseth riches;
And its poverty despiseth all the riches of the world.
Shamuna and Guria, sons of the poor, lo! at your doors
Bow down the rich, that they may receive from you supplies for their wants.
The Son of God in poverty and want
Showed to the world that all its riches are as nothing,
His disciples, all fishermen, all poor, all weak,
All men of little note, became illustrious through His faith.
One fisherman, whose “village” too was a home of fishermen,3334 i.e., “Bethsaida.”—Tr.
He made chief over the twelve, yea head of the house.3335 Or “steward.”—Tr.
One a tentmaker, who aforetime was a persecutor,
He seized upon, and made him a chosen vessel for the faith.
Shamuna and Guria came from villages that were not wealthy,
And lo! in a great city became they lords;
And its chief men, its judges also, stand before their doors,
And they solicit their charity to satisfy their wants.
From their confession of the faith of the Son of God
These blessed men acquired riches beyond compute.
Poor did He Himself become, and the poor made He rich;
And lo! enriched is the whole creation through His poverty.
The chosen martyrs did battle against error,
And in the confession of the Son of God stood they firm like valiant men.
They went in and confessed Him before the judge with look undaunted,3336 Lit. “with openness of countenance.”—Tr.
That He too might confess them, even as they confessed Him, before His Father.
There arose against them the war of pagans like a tempest;
But the cross was their helmsman, and steered them on.
They were required to sacrifice to lifeless images,
But they departed not from their confession of the Son of God.
The wind of idolatry blew in their faces,
But they themselves were as rocks piled up against the hurricane.
Like a swift whirlwind, error snatched at them;
But, forasmuch as they were sheltered by the crucifixion, it hurt them not.
The Evil One set on all his dogs to bark, that they might bite them;
But, forasmuch as they had the cross for a staff, they put them all to flight.
But who is sufficient to tell of their contests,
Or their sufferings, or the rending asunder of their limbs?
Or who can paint the picture of their coronation,3337 Lit. “portray the image of their crowns.”—Tr.
How they went up from the contest covered with glory?
To judgment they went in, but of the judge they took no account;
Nor were they anxious what they should say when questioned.
The judge menaced them, and multiplied his words of threatening;
And recounted tortures and all kinds of inflictions, that he might terrify them.
He spake great words,3338 Lit. “magnified his words.”—Tr. that by fright and intimidation,
By menaces too, he might incline them to sacrifice.
717Yet the combatants despised the menaces, and the intimidations,
And the sentence of judgment, and all bodily deaths;
And they prepared themselves for insult and stripes, and for blows,
And for provocation, and to be dragged along, and to be burnt;
For imprisonment also, and for bonds, and for all evil things,
And for all tortures, and for all sufferings, rejoicing all the while.
They were not alarmed nor affrighted, nor dismayed,
Nor did the sharpness of the tortures bend them to sacrifice.
Their body they despised, and as dung upon the ground accounted they it:
For they knew that, the more it was beaten, the more would its beauty increase;
And, the more the judge increased his menaces to alarm them,
The more did they show their contempt of him, having no fear of his threats.
He kept telling them what tortures he had prepared for them;
And they continued telling him about Gehenna which was reserved for him.
By those things which he told them he tried to frighten them to sacrifice;
And they spoke to him about the fearful judgment yonder.
Truth is wiser than wise words,
And very hateful, however much it may be adorned, is falsehood.
Shamuna and Guria went on speaking truth,
While the judge continued to utter falsehood.
And therefore were they not afraid of his threatening,
Because all his menaces against the truth were accounted by them as empty sound.3339 Lit. “as breath.”—Tr.
The intercourse of the world they despised, they contemned and scorned, yea they abandoned;
And to return to it they had no wish, or to enter it again.
From the place of judgment they set their faces to depart
To that meeting-place for them all, the life of the new world.
They cared neither for possessions nor for houses,
Nor for the advantages of this world, so full of evil.
In the world of light was their heart bound captive with God,
And to “that” country did they set their face to depart;
And they looked to the sword, to come and be a bridge
To let them pass over to God, for whom they were longing.
This world they accounted as a little tent,
But that yonder as a city full of beauties;
And they were in haste by the sword to depart hence
To the land of light, which is full of blessing for those who are worthy of it.
The judge commanded to hang them up by their arms,
And without mercy did they stretch them out in bitter agony.
A demon’s fury breathed rage into the heart of the judge,
And embittered him against the stedfast ones, inciting him to crush them;
And between the height and the depth he stretched them out to afflict them:
And they were a marvel to both sides, when they saw how much they endured.
At the old men’s frame heaven and earth marvelled,
To see how much suffering it bore nor cried out for help under their affliction.
Hung up and dragged along are their feeble bodies by their arms,
Yet is there deep silence, nor is there one that cries out for help or that murmurs.
Amazed were all who beheld their contests,
To see how calmly the outstretched forms bore the inflictions laid upon them.3340 Lit. “how much the outstretched forms bore in consequence of the inflictions.”—Tr.
Amazed too was Satan at their spotless frames,
To see what weight of affliction they sustained without a groan.
Yea, and gladdened too were the angels by that fortitude of theirs,
To see how patiently it bore that contest so terrible that was.
But, as combatants who were awaiting their crowns,
There entered no sense of weariness into their minds.
Nay, it was the judge that grew weary; yea, he was astonished:
But the noble men before him felt no weariness in their afflictions.
He asked them whether they would consent to sacrifice;
But the mouth was unable to speak from pain.
Thus did the persecutors increase their inflictions,
Until they gave no place for the word to be spoken.
718Silent was the mouth from the inflictions laid on their limbs;
But the will, like that of a hero, was nerved with fortitude from itself.
Alas for the persecutors! how destitute were they of righteousness!
But the children of light—how were they clad in faith!
They demand speech, when there is no place for speaking,
Since the word of the mouth was forbidden them by pain.
Fast bound was the body, and silent the mouth, and it was unable
To utter the word when unrighteously questioned.
And what should the martyr do, who had no power to say,
When he was questioned, that he would not sacrifice?
All silent were the old men full of faith,
And from pain they were incapable of speaking.
Yet questioned they were: and in what way, if a man is silent
When he is questioned, shall he assent to that which is said?
But the old men, that they might not be thought to assent,
Expressed clearly by signs the word which it behoved them to speak.
Their heads they shook, and, instead of speech, by a dumb sign they showed
The resolve of the new man that was within.
Their heads hung down, signifying amidst their pains
That they were not going to sacrifice, and every one understood their meaning.
As long as there was in them place for speech, with speech did they confess;
But, when it was forbidden them by pain, they spake with a dumb sign.
Of faith they spoke both with the voice and without the voice:
So that, when speaking and also when silent, they were alike stedfast.
Who but must be amazed at the path of life, how narrow it is,
And how straight to him that desires to walk in it?
Who but must marvel to see that, when the will is watchful and ready,
It is very broad and full of light to him that goeth therein?
About the path are ditches; full also is it of pitfalls;
And, if one turn but a little aside from it, a ditch receives him.
That dumb sign only is there between the right and the left,
And on “Yea” and “Nay” stand3341 Or “depend.”—Tr. sin and righteousness.
By a dumb sign only did the blessed men plainly signify that they would not sacrifice,
And in virtue of a single dumb sign did the path lead them to Eden;
And, if this same dumb sign had inclined and turned down but a little
Toward the depth, the path of the old men would have been to Gehenna.
Upwards they made a sign, to signify that upwards were they prepared to ascend;
And in consequence of that sign they ascended and mingled with the heavenly ones.
Between sign and sign were Paradise and Gehenna:
They made a sign that they would not sacrifice, and they inherited the place of the kingdom.
Even while they were silent they were advocates for the Son of God:
For not in multitude of words doth faith consist.
That fortitude of theirs was a full-voiced confession,
And as though with open mouth declared they their faith by signs;
And every one knew what they were saying, though silent,
And enriched and increased was the faith of the house of God;
And error was put to shame by reason of two old men, who, though they spake not,
Vanquished it; and they kept silence, and their faith stood fast.
And, though tempestuous accents were heard from the judge,
And the commands of the emperor were dreadful, yea violent,
And paganism had a bold face and an open mouth,
And its voice was raised, and silent were the old men with pain,
Yet null and void became the command and drowned was the voice of the judge,
And without speech the mute sign of the martyrs bore off the palm.
Talking and clamour, and the sound of stripes, on the left;
And deep silence and suffering standing on the right;
And, by one mute sign with which the old men pointed above their heads,
The head of faith was lifted up, and error was put to shame.
719Worsted in the encounter were they who spoke, and the victory was to the silent:
For, voiceless they uttered by signs the discourse of faith.
They took them down, because they had vanquished while silent;
And they put them in bonds, threatening yet to vanquish them.
Bonds and a dungeon void of light were by the martyrs
Held of no account—yea rather as the light which has no end.
To be without bread, and without water, and without light,
Pleased them well, because of the love of the Son of God.
The judge commanded by their feet to hang them up
With their heads downwards, by a sentence all unrighteous:
Hanged up was Shamuna with his head downwards; and he prayed
In prayer pure and strained clear by pain.
Sweet fruit was hanging on the tree in that judgment-hall,
And its taste and smell made the very denizens of heaven to marvel.
Afflicted was his body, but sound was his faith;
Bound fast was his person, but unfettered was his prayer over his deed.
For, prayer nothing whatsoever turneth aside,
And nothing hindereth it—not even sword, not even fire.
His form was turned upside down, but his prayer was unrestrained,
And straight was its path on high to the abode of the angels.
The more the affliction of the chosen martyr was increased,
The more from his lips was all confession heard.
The martyrs longed for the whetted sword affectionately,
And sought it as a treasure full of riches.
A new work has the Son of God wrought in the world—
That dreadful death should be yearned for3342 Or “beloved.”—Tr. by many.
That men should run to meet the sword is a thing unheard of,
Except they were those whom Jesus has enlisted in His service by His crucifixion.
That death is bitter, every one knoweth lo! from earliest time:
To martyrs alone is it not bitter to be slain.
They laughed at the whetted sword when they saw it,
And greeted it with smiles: for it was that which was the occasion of their crowns.
As though it had been something hated, they left the body to be beaten:
Even though loving it, they held it not back from pains.
For the sword they waited, and the sword went forth and crowned them:
Because for it they looked; and it came to meet them, even as they desired.
The Son of God slew death by His crucifixion;
And, inasmuch as death is slain, it caused no suffering to the martyrs.
With a wounded serpent one playeth without fear;
A slain lion even a coward will drag along:
The great serpent our Lord crushed by His crucifixion;
The dread lion did the Son of God slay by His sufferings.
Death bound He fast, and laid him prostrate and trampled on him at the gate of Hades;
And now whosoever will draweth near and mocketh at him, because he is slain.
These old men, Shamuna and Guria, mocked at death,
As at that lion which by the Son of God was slain.
The great serpent, which slew Adam among the trees,
Who could seize, so long as he drank not of the blood of the cross?
The Son of God crushed the dragon by His crucifixion,
And lo! boys and old men mock at the wounded serpent.
Pierced is the lion with the spear which pierced the side of the Son of God;
And whosoever will trampleth on him, yea mocketh at him.
The Son of God—He is the cause of all good things,
And Him doth it behove every mouth to celebrate.
He did Himself espouse3343 Lit. “purchase.”—Tr. the bride with the blood which flowed from His wounds,
And of His wedding-friends He demanded as a nuptial gift3344 ***, though not in the lexicons, is the same word that appears in Castel as ***. the blood of their necks.
The Lord of the wedding-feast hung on the cross in nakedness,
And whosoever came to be a guest, He let fall His blood upon him.
720Shamuna and Guria gave up their bodies for His sake
To sufferings and tomes and to all the various forms of woe.3345 Lit. “to the forms (σχήματα) of all afflictions.”—Tr.
At Him they looked as He was mocked by wicked men,
And thus did they themselves endure mockery without a groan.
Edessa was enriched by your slaughter, O blessed ones:
For ye adorned her with your crowns and with your sufferings.
Her beauty are ye, her bulwark ye, her salt ye,
Her riches and her store, yea her boast and all her treasure.
Faithful stewards are ye:3346 This seems preferable to Cureton’s “Ye are the stewards of (her) faith.” The expression exactly corresponds in form to that in
Since by your sufferings ye did array the bride in beauty.
The daughter of the Parthians, who was espoused to the cross,3347 Lit. “crucifixion.”—Tr.
Of you maketh her boast: since by your teaching lo! she was enlightened.
Her advocates are ye; scribes who, though silent, vanquished
All error, whilst its voice was uplifted high in unbelief.
Those old men3348 Or “elders.”—Tr. of the daughter of the Hebrews were sons of Belial,3349 By this name the men referred to (not, however, the elders, but the two false witnesses suborned by them) are called in
False witnesses, who killed Naboth, feigning themselves to be true.
Her did Edessa outdo by her two old men full of beauty,
Who were witnesses to the Son of God, and died like Naboth.
Two were there, and two here, old men;
And these were called witnesses, and witnesses those.
Let us now see which of them were witnesses chosen of God,
And which city is beloved by reason of her old men and of her honourable ones.
Lo! the sons of Belial who slew Naboth are witnesses;
And here Shamuna and Guria, again, are witnesses.
Let us now see which witnesses, and which old men,
And which city can stand with confidence3350 Or “have an open countenance.”—Tr. before God.
Sons of Belial were those witnesses of that adulterous woman,
And lo! their shame is all portrayed in their names.
Edessa’s just and righteous old men, her witnesses,
Were like Naboth, who himself also was slain for righteousness’ sake.
They were not like the two lying sons of Belial,
Nor is Edessa like Zion, which also crucified the Lord.
Like herself her old men were false, yea dared
To shed on the ground innocent blood wickedly.
But by these witnesses here lo! the truth is spoken.—
Blessed be He who gave us the treasure-store of their crowns!
Here endeth the Homily on Guria and Shamuna.
Ancient Syriac Documents.
————————————
A Canticle of Mar Jacob the Teacher on Edessa.
That for him likewise I should fashion an image of beauty among the glorious.
Comrade of conquerors, lo! he beckoneth to me out of the burning,
That, as for the glory of his Lord, I should sing concerning him.
In the midst of live coals stands the heroic man, and lo! he calleth to me,
That I should fashion his image: but the blazing fire permits me not.
His love is fervid, glowing is his faith;
His fire also burneth, and who is adequate to recount his love?
Nay, by reason of that love which led the martyr into the fire,
No man is able to recount his beauties divine.
For who shall dare enter and see in the blazing fire
To whom he is like, and after what pattern he is to be fashioned among the glorious?
Shall I fashion his image by the side of the youths, the children of the furnace?
With Hananiah shall I reckon Habib? I know not.
Lo! these were not burned there: how, then, is he like?
He, I say, like them, when he was burned and the youths not?
Which, I ask, the more beautiful—Habib the martyr, or Azariah?
Difficult for me is the image: how I am to look upon it, I know not.
Lo! Michael was not burned by the flame;
But Habib was burned: which, then, the more beautiful to him that looketh upon him?
Who shall dare say that this is repulsive, or that;
Or not so comely this as that, to him that beholdeth him?
Three there are in the fire, and the flame cometh not near them;
But one was burned: and how shall I suffice to tell
That the Fourth form is that of Him who went down into the midst of the furnace,
That He might fashion an image for Habib there along with those of the three?
He giveth a place in the fire to him who was burned,
That he may be, instead of Him the Fourth, by the side of the conquerors.
And, if of the three the beauties be glorious, though they were not burned,
How shall not this one, who was burned, be mingled with the glorious?
If a man have the power either to be burned or not to be burned,
Of this man, who was burned, more exalted was the beauty than that of the three.
But, inasmuch as the Lord is the control of all things,
He is to be praised, both where He rescues and where He delivers up.
Moreover, too, the will of the three who were not burned,
And of him who was burned, is one and the same, in this case and in that;3304
And, had its Lord commanded the fire to burn them,
Even those three on their part, burned they would have been;
709And, if He had signified to it that it should not burn that one man also,
He would not have been burned; nor had it been of himself that he was rescued.
To go into the fire was of their own will, when they went in;
But that they were not burned—because the Lord of the fire willed and commanded it.
Therefore one equal beauty is that of him who was burned,
And that of him who was not burned, because the will also was equal.
Beloved martyr! exalted is thy beauty; exalted is thy rank:
Graceful too thy crown, and mingled thy story with that of the glorious.
Choice gold art thou, and the fire hath tried thee, and resplendent is thy beauty.
And lo! into the King’s crown art thou wrought, along with the victorious.
Good workman! who, in the doctrine of the Son of God,
Pursueth his course like a valiant3305 man, because of the beauty of his faith.
Habib the martyr was a teacher of that which is true;
A preacher also, whose mouth was full of faith.
Watchful was he, and prompt for service; and he encouraged with his teaching
The household of the house of God, through his faith.
Of light was he full, and he wrestled with the darkness
Which overspread the country from the paganism which had darkened it.
With the Gospel of the Son was his mouth filled in the congregations;
And as it were a leader of the way did he become to the villages when he arrived in them.
Zealous he was, because he was concerned for the doctrine
Divine, that he might establish the adherents3306 of the faith.
At the time when the winds of the pagans blew, a lamp was he,
And flamed forth whilst they blew upon him, and went not out.
All on fire was he, and filled with the love of his Lord, and was concerned
For this—that he might speak of Him without hindrance.3307
The thorns of errour sprang up in the land from paganism;
And, as much as in him lay, he rooted them out by his diligence.
He taught, admonished, and confirmed in the faith,
The friends of Christ,3308 who were harassed by persecutors.
Against sword and against fire did he wrestle,
With love hot as the flame, and was not afraid.
Like a two-edged brand,3309 keen was
His faith, and against error did he contend.
Leaven did he prove to be in this land which had become exhausted3310
Through fondness for the idols of vanity which error had brought in.
He was like salt by reason of his savoury doctrine
To this region, which had become insipid through unbelief.
A deacon was he, and filled the place of a high-priest
By the preaching and teaching of that which is true.
He was to the flock a good shepherd whilst he was its overseer;
And his life laid he down for the flock while he tended it.
He chased away the wolf, and drove off from it the beast of prey.
And he repaired the breaches, and gathered the lambs into their folds.
He went out secretly and encouraged the congregations:
He strengthened them, and exhorted them, and held them up.
And he forged armour of faith, and put it on them,
That they might not be ignominiously overthrown3311 by the paganism which abounded.
The flocks of the fold of the Son of God were being laid waste
By persecutors: and he encouraged the lambs and the ewes.
710And he was an advocate to the household of faith;
And he taught them not to be daunted by persecutors.
He taught them to run to meet death,
Without being afraid either of sword or of fire.
In the teaching of the Son of God he prospered,
So that his faith pursued its course without dread.
Then errour grew envious, became furious, and was maddened, because of him;
And she pursued after him, that she might shed upon the earth innocent blood.
The Defamer, who hates the race of men,
Laid snares for him, that he might rid the place of his presence.3312
He who hateth the truth pursued after him to put him to death,
That he might make his voice to cease3313 from the teaching of the house of God.
And errour raised an outcry demanding that Habib should die, because she hated him;
Vexation goaded her on, and she sought to take away his life.
His story was talked about3314 before the pagan judge of the country,
And the dear fame of him reached the king: who in great rage,
And because the diadem was interwoven with paganism, decreed3315 death
Against Habib, because he was full of faith.
And, when the command reached the judge, he armed himself
With rage and fury; and, with a mind thirsting for blood,
And like hunters who lay nets for the young stag,
After Habib did they go out to catch him.
But this man was a preacher of the faith,
Who in the highway of the crucifixion was prospering;
And, that he might benefit by his teaching the children of his people,
His work embraced the countries round about him.
So, when error went out after him, she found him not:
Not that he was fled, but that he had gone out to preach the Gospel.
Then, because of the fury of the pagans, which was great beyond all that was meet,
His kindred and his mother did they seize for his sake.
Blessed art thou, O woman! mother since thou art of the martyr.
For wherefore was it that they seized thee and bound thee, iniquitously?
What do they require of thee, O thou full of beauty? What, I ask, have they required of thee?
Lo! they require of thee that thou bring the martyr, that he may be a sacrifice.
Bring, oh bring thy sweet fruit to the place of the oblation—
The fruit whose smell is fragrant, that it may be incense to the Godhead.
Fair shoot, thy cluster bring from where it is,
That its wine may be for a libation whose taste is sweet.
The lamb heard that they were seeking him, that he might be a sacrifice;
And he set out and came to the sacrificers rejoicing.
He heard that others also were being afflicted for his sake,
And he came that he might bear the suffering which was his, in the stead of many.
The lot fell on him, to be himself alone a sacrifice;
And the fire that was to offer him up was looking out for him until he came.
Of the many who were bound for his sake
Not one single person was seized to die, but only he.
He it was that was worthy, and for him was martyrdom reserved;
And to snatch the martyr’s place no man was able.
And therefore of his own will did he present himself
To the judge, that he might be seized, and die for Jesus’ sake.
He heard that they sought him, and he came that he might be seized, even as they sought him:
And he went in of himself before the judge, and dauntless was his look.
He hid not himself, nor did he wish to flee from the judge:
For with light was he imbued, and from the darkness he would not flee.
No robber was he, no murderer, no thief,
No child of night: but all his course was run in open day.
Wherefore from his flock should the good shepherd flee,
And leave his fold to be devoured by robbers?
Wherefore should the physician flee, who goeth forth to heal diseases,
And to cure souls by the blood of the Son of God?
711A fearless countenance3316 did the brave man carry with him, and a great heart;
And to meet death he ran, rejoicing, for Jesus’ sake.
He went in, he stood before the judge, saying to him:
I am Habib, whom ye sought: lo! here I stand.
And the pagan trembled, and amazement seized him, and he marvelled at him—
At the man who was not afraid, either of sword or of fire.
While he thought that he was fleeing apace, he entered in and mocked him;
And the judge shook, for he saw him courageous in the very face of death.
A disciple he of that Son of God who said:
“Rise, come, let us go: for he that betrayeth me lo! is here.”
And to the crucifiers, again, He said: “Whom seek ye?”
They say: “Jesus.” And He said to them: “I am He.”
The Son of God of His own will came to the cross;
And on Him the martyr looked, and presented himself uncompelled before the judge.
And the pagan beheld him, and was smitten with fear, and was exasperated against him.
His rage was excited, and he began in his fury to put to him questions.3317
And, as if he had been one who had shed on the ground the blood of the slain,
He proceeded to question the saintly man, but he was not ashamed:
Menacing him, and trying to terrify him, and to frighten him,
And recounting the sufferings which were being prepared by him on his account.
But Habib, when questioned, was not afraid,
Was not ashamed, and was not frightened by the menaces he heard.
Lifting up his voice, he confessed Jesus, the Son of God—
That he was His servant, and was His priest, and His minister.3318
At the fury of the pagans, roaring at him like lions,
He trembled not, nor ceased3319 from the confession of the Son of God.
He was scourged, and the scourgings were very dear to him,
Seeing that he bore a little of the stripes of the Son of God.
He was put into bonds,3320 and he looked on his Lord, whom also they had bound;
And his heart rejoiced that in the path of His sufferings he had begun to walk.
He ascended the block,3321 and they tore him with combs, but his soul was radiant with light,
Because he was deemed worthy that on him should come the agony of the sufferings of crucifixion.
In the pathway of death had he set his face to walk,
And what could he desire to find in it but sufferings?
The fire of sacrifice3322 was betrothed to him, and for her did he look;
And she on her part sent him combs, and stripes, and pains, to taste.
All the while that she was coming, she sent him sufferings, that by means of them
He might be prepared, so that when she met him she might not dismay him.
Sufferings purged him, so that, when the blazing fire should put him to the proof,
There might not be any dross found in his choice gold.
And he endured the whole of the pains that came upon him,
That he might have experience of suffering, and in the burning stand like a brave man.
And he accepted rejoicing the sufferings which he had to bear:
For he knew that at their termination he should find death.
And he was not afraid, either of death or of sufferings:
For with that wine of the crucifixion his heart was drunk.
He despised his body, while it was being dragged along by the persecutors;
And his limbs, while they were being torn asunder in bitter agony.3323
Scourges on his back, combs on his sides, stocks on his feet,
And fire in front of him: still was he brave and full of faith.
They taunted him: Lo! thou worshippest a man;
But he said: A man I worship not,
But God, who took a body and became man:
712Him do I worship, because He is God with Him that begat Him.
The faith of Habib, the martyr, was full of light
And by it was enlightened Edessa, the faithful city.
The daughter of Abgar, whom Addæus betrothed to the crucifixion—
Through it is her light, through it her truth and her faith.
Her king is from it, her martyrs from it, her truth from it;
The teachers also of her faith are from it.
Abgar believed that Thou art God, the Son of God;
And he received a blessing because of the beauty of his faith.
Sharbil the martyr, son of the Edessæans, more-ever said:
My heart is led captive by God, who became man.
And Habib the martyr, who also was crowned at Edessa,
Confessed these things: that He took a body and became man;
That He is the Son of God, and also is God, and became man.
Edessa learned from teachers the things that are true:
Her king taught her, her martyrs taught her, the faith;
But to others, who were fraudulent teachers, she would not hearken.
Habib the martyr, in the ear of Edessa, thus cried aloud
Out of the midst of the fire: A man I worship not,
But God, who took a body and became man
Him do I worship. Thus confessed the martyr with uplifted voice.
From confessors torn with combs, burnt, raised up on the block, slain
And from a righteous king, did Edessa learn the faith,
And she knows our Lord—that He is even God, the Son of God;
She also learned and firmly believed that He took a body and became man.
Not from common scribes did she learn the faith:
Her king taught her, her martyrs taught her; and she firmly believed them:
And, if she be calumniated as having ever worshipped a man,
She points to her martyrs, who died for Him as being God.
A man I worship not, said Habib,
Because it is written: “Cursed is he that putteth his trust in a man.”3324
Forasmuch as He is God, I worship Him, yea submit to be burned
For His sake, nor will I renounce His faith.
This truth has Edessa held fast from her youth,
And in her old age she will not barter it away as a daughter of the poor.
Her righteous king became to her a scribe, and from him she learned
Concerning our Lord—that He is the Son of God, yea God.
Addæus, who brought the bridegroom’s ring and put it on her hand,
Betrothed her thus to the Son of God, who is the Only-begotten.
Sharbil the priest, who made trial and proof of all gods,
Died, even as he said, “for God who became man.”
Shamuna and Guria, for the sake of the Only-begotten,
Stretched out their necks to receive the stroke, and for Him died, forasmuch as He is God.
And Habib the martyr, who was teacher of congregations,
Preached of Him, that He took a body and became man.
For a man the martyr would not have submitted to be burned in the fire;
But he was burned “for the sake of God who became man.”
And Edessa is witness that thus he confessed while he was being burned:
And from the confession of a martyr that has been burned who is he that can escape?
All minds does faith reduce to silence and despise—
She that is full of light and stoopeth not to shadows.
She despiseth him that maligns the Son by denying that He is God;
Him too that saith “He took not a body and became man.”
In faith which was full of truth he stood upon the fire;
And he became incense, and propitiated with his fragrance the Son of God.
In all his afflictions, and in all his tortures, and in all his sufferings,
Thus did he confess, and thus did he teach the blessed city.
And this truth did Edessa hold fast touching our Lord—
Even that He is God, and of Mary became a man.
And the bride hates him that denies His God-head,
And despises and contemns him that maligns His corporeal nature.
And she recognises Him as One in Godhead and in manhood—
713The Only-begotten, whose body is inseparable from Him.
And thus did the daughter of the Parthians learn to believe,
And thus did she firmly hold, and thus does she teach him that listens to her.
The judge, therefore, full of zeal for paganism, commanded
That the martyr should be led forth and burned in the fire which was reserved for him.
And forthwith a strap was thrust into his mouth, as though he had been a murderer,
His confession being kept within his heart towards God.
And they hurried him away, and he went out from the judgment-hall, rejoicing
That the hour was come when the crown should be given to his faith.
And there went out with him crowds of people, that they might bear him company,
Looking upon him, not as a dead man accompanied to his burial,
But as a man who was going away that by means of fire he might become a bridegroom,
And that there might be bestowed the crown which was by righteousness reserved for him.
They looked upon him as upon a man entering into battle,
And around him were spears, and lances, and swords, but he vanquished them.
They beheld him going up like a champion from the contest,
And in his triumph chaplets were brought to him by those who beheld.
They looked upon him as he vanquished principalities and powers,
Which all made war with him, and he put them to shame.
The whole congregation of the followers of Christ exulted over him,
Because he raised up the friends3325 of the faith by the sufferings which he bore.
There went forth with him the Church, a bride full of light;
And her face was beaming on the beloved martyr who was united to her.
Then did his mother, because it was the marriage-feast for her son,
Deck herself in garments nobler than her wont.
Since sordid raiment suited not the banquet-hall,
In magnificent attire all white she clad herself right tastefully.
Hither to the battle came down love to fight
In the mother’s soul—the love of nature, and the love of God.
She looked upon her son as he went forth to be put into the flame;
And, forasmuch as there was in her the love of the Lord, she suffered not.
The yearnings of her mother’s womb cried out on behalf of its fruit;
But faith silenced them, so that their tumult ceased.
Nature shrieked over the limb which was severed from her;
But the love of the Lord intoxicated the soul, that she should not perceive it.
Nature loved, but the love of the Lord did conquer in the strife
Within the soul of the mother, that she should not grieve for her beloved.
And instead of suffering, her heart was filled with all emotions of joy;
And, instead of mourning, she went forth in splendid apparel.
And she accompanied him as he went out to be burned, and was elate,
Because the love of the Lord vanquished that of nature.
And clad in white, as for a bridegroom, she made a marriage-feast—
She the mother of the martyr, and was blithe because of him.
“Shamuna the Second” may we call this blessed one:
Since, had seven been burned instead of one, she had been well content.
One she had, and she gave him to be food for the fire;
And, even as that one, if she had had seven, she had given them all.
He was cast into the fire, and the blaze kindled around him;
And his mother looked on, and grieved not at his burning.
Another eye, which gazeth upon the things unseen,
Was in her soul, and by reason of this she exulted when he was being burned.
On the gems of light which are in martyrs’ crowns she looked,
And on the glory which is laid up for them after their sufferings;
And on the promised blessings which they inherit yonder through their afflictions,
And on the Son of God who clothes their limbs with light;
And on the manifold beauties of that kingdom which shall not be dissolved,
And on the ample door which is opened for them to enter in to God.
On these did the martyr’s mother look when he was being burned,
And she rejoiced, she exalted, and in white did she go forth with him.
714She looked upon him while the fire consumed his frame,
And, forasmuch as his crown was very noble, she grieved not.
The sweet root was thrown into the fire, upon the coals;
And it turned to incense, and cleansed the air from pollution.
With the fumes of sacrifice had the air been polluted,
And by the burning of this martyr was it cleansed.
The firmament was fetid with the exhalations from3326 the altars;
And there rose up the sweet perfume of the martyr, and it grew sweet thereby.
And the sacrifices ceased, and there was peace in the assemblies;
And the sword was blunted, that it should no more lay waste the friends of Christ.
With Sharbil it began, with Habib it ended, in our land;
And from that time3327 even until now not one has it slain, since he was burned.
Constantine, chief of conquerors, took the empire,
And the cross has trampled on the diadem of the emperor, and is set upon his head.
Broken is the lofty horn of idolatry,
And from the burning of the martyr even until now not one has it pierced.
His smoke arose, and it became incense to the Godhead;
And by it was the air purged which was tainted by paganism,
And by his burning was the whole land cleansed:
Blessed be he that gave him a crown, and glory, and a good name!
Here endeth the Homily on Habib the martyr, composed by Mar Jacob.
A Homily on Guria and Shamuna, Composed by Mar Jacob.
Shamuna and Guria, martyrs who made themselves illustrious in their afflictions,
Have in love required of me to tell of their illustrious deeds.
To champions of the faith the doctrine calleth me,
That I should go and behold their contests and their crowns.
Children of the right hand, who have done battle against the left,
Have called me this day to recite the marvellous tale of their conflicts:—
Simple old men, who entered into the fight like heroes,
And nobly distinguished themselves in the strife of blood:
Those who were the salt of our land, and it was sweetened thereby,
And its savour was restored, which had become insipid through unbelief:
Candlesticks of gold, which were full of the oil of the crucifixion,
By which was lighted up all our region, which had turned to darkness:
Two lamps, of which, when all the winds were blowing
Of every kind of error, the lights were not put out;
Good labourers, who from the spring of day laboured
In the blessed vineyard of the house of God right duteously:
Bulwarks of our land, who became to us as it were a defence
Against all spoilers in all the wars that surrounded us:
Havens of peace, a place also of retreat for all that were distressed,
And a resting-place for the head of every one that was in need of succour:
Two precious pearls, which were
An ornament for the bride of my lord Abgar, the Aramæan’s son.
Teachers they were who practised their teaching in blood,
And whose faith was known by their sufferings.
On their bodies they wrote the story of the Son of God
With the marks of combs and scourges which thickly covered them.
They showed their love, not by words of the mouth alone,
But by tortures and by the rending of their limbs asunder.
For the love of the Son of God they gave up their bodies:
715Since it beseemeth the lover that for his love he should give up himself.
Fire and sword proved their love, how true it was;
And more beautiful than silver tried in a furnace of earth were their necks.
They looked on God, and, because they saw His exalted beauties,
Therefore did they look with contempt upon their sufferings for His sake.
The Sun of righteousness had arisen in their hearts;
And they were enlightened by it, and with His light chased they away the darkness.
At the idols of vanity, which error had brought in, they laughed,
Instinct with the faith of the Son of God which is full of light.
The love of the Lord was as a fire in their hearts;
Nor could all the brambles of idolatry stand before it.
Fixed was their love on God unchangeably:3328 Or “who changes not.”—Tr.
And therefore did they look with scorn upon the sword,3329 Σαμψηρά.—Tr. all athirst as it was for blood.
With guilelessness and yet with wisdom stood they in the judgment-hall,
As they had been commanded by the Teacher of that which is true.
Despising as they did kindred and family, guileless were they;
Forasmuch, also, as possessions and wealth were held in no account by them.
Nor guileless only: for in the judgment-hall with the wisdom of serpents too
They were heedful of the faith of the house of God.
When a serpent is seized and struck, he guards his head,
But gives up and leaves exposed all his body to his captors:
And, so long as his head is kept from harm, his life abideth in him;
But, if the head be struck, his life is left a prey to destruction.
The head of the soul is men’s faith;
And, if this be preserved unharmed, by it is also preserved their life:3330 Or “salvation:” a different word from that used in speaking of the serpent.—Tr.
Even though the whole body be lacerated with blows,
Yet, so long as faith is preserved, the soul is alive;
But, if faith is struck down by unbelief,
Lost is the soul, and life has perished from the man.
Shamuna and Guria of the faith as men3331 Lit. “as a man.”—Tr.
Were heedful, that it should not be struck down by persecutors:
For they knew that, if faith is preserved,
Both soul and body are preserved from destruction.
And, because of this, touching their faith were they solicitous,
That that should not be struck down in which their very life was hidden.
They gave up their bodies both to blows and to dislocation,3332 Or “rending asunder.”—Tr.
Yea to every kind of torture, that their faith should not be stricken down;
And, even as the serpent also hides his head from blows,
So hid they their faith within their hearts;
And the body was smitten, and endured stripes, and bore sufferings:
But overthrown was not their faith which was within their hearts.
The mouth betrayeth the soul to death when it speaks,
And with the tongue, as with a sword, worketh slaughter.
And from it spring up both life and death to men:
Denying a man dies, confessing he lives, and the mouth hath power over it.
Denial is death, and in confession is the soul’s life;
And power hath the mouth over them both, like a judge.
The word of the mouth openeth the door for death to enter in;
This, too, calleth for life, and it beameth forth upon the man.
Even the robber by one word of faith
Won him the kingdom, and became heir of paradise,3333 Lit. “the garden.”—Tr. all fraught with blessings.
The wicked judges too, from the martyrs, the sons of the right hand,
Demanded that by word of mouth only they should blaspheme;
But, like true men holding fast the faith,
They uttered not a word by which unbelief might be served.
Shamuna, beauty of our faith, who is adequate to tell of thee?
All too narrow is my mouth for thy praise, too mean for thee to be spoken of by it.
Thy truth is thy beauty, thy crown thy suffering, thy wealth thy stripes,
And by reason of thy blows magnificent is the beauty of thy championship.
716Proud of thee is our country, as of a treasury which is full of gold:
Since wealth art thou to us, and a coveted store which cannot be stolen from us.
Guria, martyr, staunch hero of our faith,
Who shall suffice thee, to recount thy beauties divine?
Lo! tortures on thy body are set like gems of beryl,
And the sword on thy neck like a chain of choice gold.
Thy blood upon thy form is a robe of glory full of beauty,
And the scourging of thy back a vesture with which the sun may not compare.
Radiant thou art and comely by virtue of these thy sufferings, so abounding;
And resplendent are thy beauties, because of the pains which are so severe upon thee.
Shamuna, our riches, richer art thou than the rich:
For lo! the rich stand at thy door, that thou mayest relieve them.
Small thy village, poor thy country: who, then, gave thee
That lords of villages and cities should court thy favour?
Lo! judges in their robes and vestments
Take dust from thy threshold, as though it were the medicine of life.
The cross is rich, and to its worshippers increaseth riches;
And its poverty despiseth all the riches of the world.
Shamuna and Guria, sons of the poor, lo! at your doors
Bow down the rich, that they may receive from you supplies for their wants.
The Son of God in poverty and want
Showed to the world that all its riches are as nothing,
His disciples, all fishermen, all poor, all weak,
All men of little note, became illustrious through His faith.
One fisherman, whose “village” too was a home of fishermen,3334 i.e., “Bethsaida.”—Tr.
He made chief over the twelve, yea head of the house.3335 Or “steward.”—Tr.
One a tentmaker, who aforetime was a persecutor,
He seized upon, and made him a chosen vessel for the faith.
Shamuna and Guria came from villages that were not wealthy,
And lo! in a great city became they lords;
And its chief men, its judges also, stand before their doors,
And they solicit their charity to satisfy their wants.
From their confession of the faith of the Son of God
These blessed men acquired riches beyond compute.
Poor did He Himself become, and the poor made He rich;
And lo! enriched is the whole creation through His poverty.
The chosen martyrs did battle against error,
And in the confession of the Son of God stood they firm like valiant men.
They went in and confessed Him before the judge with look undaunted,3336 Lit. “with openness of countenance.”—Tr.
That He too might confess them, even as they confessed Him, before His Father.
There arose against them the war of pagans like a tempest;
But the cross was their helmsman, and steered them on.
They were required to sacrifice to lifeless images,
But they departed not from their confession of the Son of God.
The wind of idolatry blew in their faces,
But they themselves were as rocks piled up against the hurricane.
Like a swift whirlwind, error snatched at them;
But, forasmuch as they were sheltered by the crucifixion, it hurt them not.
The Evil One set on all his dogs to bark, that they might bite them;
But, forasmuch as they had the cross for a staff, they put them all to flight.
But who is sufficient to tell of their contests,
Or their sufferings, or the rending asunder of their limbs?
Or who can paint the picture of their coronation,3337 Lit. “portray the image of their crowns.”—Tr.
How they went up from the contest covered with glory?
To judgment they went in, but of the judge they took no account;
Nor were they anxious what they should say when questioned.
The judge menaced them, and multiplied his words of threatening;
And recounted tortures and all kinds of inflictions, that he might terrify them.
He spake great words,3338 Lit. “magnified his words.”—Tr. that by fright and intimidation,
By menaces too, he might incline them to sacrifice.
717Yet the combatants despised the menaces, and the intimidations,
And the sentence of judgment, and all bodily deaths;
And they prepared themselves for insult and stripes, and for blows,
And for provocation, and to be dragged along, and to be burnt;
For imprisonment also, and for bonds, and for all evil things,
And for all tortures, and for all sufferings, rejoicing all the while.
They were not alarmed nor affrighted, nor dismayed,
Nor did the sharpness of the tortures bend them to sacrifice.
Their body they despised, and as dung upon the ground accounted they it:
For they knew that, the more it was beaten, the more would its beauty increase;
And, the more the judge increased his menaces to alarm them,
The more did they show their contempt of him, having no fear of his threats.
He kept telling them what tortures he had prepared for them;
And they continued telling him about Gehenna which was reserved for him.
By those things which he told them he tried to frighten them to sacrifice;
And they spoke to him about the fearful judgment yonder.
Truth is wiser than wise words,
And very hateful, however much it may be adorned, is falsehood.
Shamuna and Guria went on speaking truth,
While the judge continued to utter falsehood.
And therefore were they not afraid of his threatening,
Because all his menaces against the truth were accounted by them as empty sound.3339 Lit. “as breath.”—Tr.
The intercourse of the world they despised, they contemned and scorned, yea they abandoned;
And to return to it they had no wish, or to enter it again.
From the place of judgment they set their faces to depart
To that meeting-place for them all, the life of the new world.
They cared neither for possessions nor for houses,
Nor for the advantages of this world, so full of evil.
In the world of light was their heart bound captive with God,
And to “that” country did they set their face to depart;
And they looked to the sword, to come and be a bridge
To let them pass over to God, for whom they were longing.
This world they accounted as a little tent,
But that yonder as a city full of beauties;
And they were in haste by the sword to depart hence
To the land of light, which is full of blessing for those who are worthy of it.
The judge commanded to hang them up by their arms,
And without mercy did they stretch them out in bitter agony.
A demon’s fury breathed rage into the heart of the judge,
And embittered him against the stedfast ones, inciting him to crush them;
And between the height and the depth he stretched them out to afflict them:
And they were a marvel to both sides, when they saw how much they endured.
At the old men’s frame heaven and earth marvelled,
To see how much suffering it bore nor cried out for help under their affliction.
Hung up and dragged along are their feeble bodies by their arms,
Yet is there deep silence, nor is there one that cries out for help or that murmurs.
Amazed were all who beheld their contests,
To see how calmly the outstretched forms bore the inflictions laid upon them.3340 Lit. “how much the outstretched forms bore in consequence of the inflictions.”—Tr.
Amazed too was Satan at their spotless frames,
To see what weight of affliction they sustained without a groan.
Yea, and gladdened too were the angels by that fortitude of theirs,
To see how patiently it bore that contest so terrible that was.
But, as combatants who were awaiting their crowns,
There entered no sense of weariness into their minds.
Nay, it was the judge that grew weary; yea, he was astonished:
But the noble men before him felt no weariness in their afflictions.
He asked them whether they would consent to sacrifice;
But the mouth was unable to speak from pain.
Thus did the persecutors increase their inflictions,
Until they gave no place for the word to be spoken.
718Silent was the mouth from the inflictions laid on their limbs;
But the will, like that of a hero, was nerved with fortitude from itself.
Alas for the persecutors! how destitute were they of righteousness!
But the children of light—how were they clad in faith!
They demand speech, when there is no place for speaking,
Since the word of the mouth was forbidden them by pain.
Fast bound was the body, and silent the mouth, and it was unable
To utter the word when unrighteously questioned.
And what should the martyr do, who had no power to say,
When he was questioned, that he would not sacrifice?
All silent were the old men full of faith,
And from pain they were incapable of speaking.
Yet questioned they were: and in what way, if a man is silent
When he is questioned, shall he assent to that which is said?
But the old men, that they might not be thought to assent,
Expressed clearly by signs the word which it behoved them to speak.
Their heads they shook, and, instead of speech, by a dumb sign they showed
The resolve of the new man that was within.
Their heads hung down, signifying amidst their pains
That they were not going to sacrifice, and every one understood their meaning.
As long as there was in them place for speech, with speech did they confess;
But, when it was forbidden them by pain, they spake with a dumb sign.
Of faith they spoke both with the voice and without the voice:
So that, when speaking and also when silent, they were alike stedfast.
Who but must be amazed at the path of life, how narrow it is,
And how straight to him that desires to walk in it?
Who but must marvel to see that, when the will is watchful and ready,
It is very broad and full of light to him that goeth therein?
About the path are ditches; full also is it of pitfalls;
And, if one turn but a little aside from it, a ditch receives him.
That dumb sign only is there between the right and the left,
And on “Yea” and “Nay” stand3341 Or “depend.”—Tr. sin and righteousness.
By a dumb sign only did the blessed men plainly signify that they would not sacrifice,
And in virtue of a single dumb sign did the path lead them to Eden;
And, if this same dumb sign had inclined and turned down but a little
Toward the depth, the path of the old men would have been to Gehenna.
Upwards they made a sign, to signify that upwards were they prepared to ascend;
And in consequence of that sign they ascended and mingled with the heavenly ones.
Between sign and sign were Paradise and Gehenna:
They made a sign that they would not sacrifice, and they inherited the place of the kingdom.
Even while they were silent they were advocates for the Son of God:
For not in multitude of words doth faith consist.
That fortitude of theirs was a full-voiced confession,
And as though with open mouth declared they their faith by signs;
And every one knew what they were saying, though silent,
And enriched and increased was the faith of the house of God;
And error was put to shame by reason of two old men, who, though they spake not,
Vanquished it; and they kept silence, and their faith stood fast.
And, though tempestuous accents were heard from the judge,
And the commands of the emperor were dreadful, yea violent,
And paganism had a bold face and an open mouth,
And its voice was raised, and silent were the old men with pain,
Yet null and void became the command and drowned was the voice of the judge,
And without speech the mute sign of the martyrs bore off the palm.
Talking and clamour, and the sound of stripes, on the left;
And deep silence and suffering standing on the right;
And, by one mute sign with which the old men pointed above their heads,
The head of faith was lifted up, and error was put to shame.
719Worsted in the encounter were they who spoke, and the victory was to the silent:
For, voiceless they uttered by signs the discourse of faith.
They took them down, because they had vanquished while silent;
And they put them in bonds, threatening yet to vanquish them.
Bonds and a dungeon void of light were by the martyrs
Held of no account—yea rather as the light which has no end.
To be without bread, and without water, and without light,
Pleased them well, because of the love of the Son of God.
The judge commanded by their feet to hang them up
With their heads downwards, by a sentence all unrighteous:
Hanged up was Shamuna with his head downwards; and he prayed
In prayer pure and strained clear by pain.
Sweet fruit was hanging on the tree in that judgment-hall,
And its taste and smell made the very denizens of heaven to marvel.
Afflicted was his body, but sound was his faith;
Bound fast was his person, but unfettered was his prayer over his deed.
For, prayer nothing whatsoever turneth aside,
And nothing hindereth it—not even sword, not even fire.
His form was turned upside down, but his prayer was unrestrained,
And straight was its path on high to the abode of the angels.
The more the affliction of the chosen martyr was increased,
The more from his lips was all confession heard.
The martyrs longed for the whetted sword affectionately,
And sought it as a treasure full of riches.
A new work has the Son of God wrought in the world—
That dreadful death should be yearned for3342 Or “beloved.”—Tr. by many.
That men should run to meet the sword is a thing unheard of,
Except they were those whom Jesus has enlisted in His service by His crucifixion.
That death is bitter, every one knoweth lo! from earliest time:
To martyrs alone is it not bitter to be slain.
They laughed at the whetted sword when they saw it,
And greeted it with smiles: for it was that which was the occasion of their crowns.
As though it had been something hated, they left the body to be beaten:
Even though loving it, they held it not back from pains.
For the sword they waited, and the sword went forth and crowned them:
Because for it they looked; and it came to meet them, even as they desired.
The Son of God slew death by His crucifixion;
And, inasmuch as death is slain, it caused no suffering to the martyrs.
With a wounded serpent one playeth without fear;
A slain lion even a coward will drag along:
The great serpent our Lord crushed by His crucifixion;
The dread lion did the Son of God slay by His sufferings.
Death bound He fast, and laid him prostrate and trampled on him at the gate of Hades;
And now whosoever will draweth near and mocketh at him, because he is slain.
These old men, Shamuna and Guria, mocked at death,
As at that lion which by the Son of God was slain.
The great serpent, which slew Adam among the trees,
Who could seize, so long as he drank not of the blood of the cross?
The Son of God crushed the dragon by His crucifixion,
And lo! boys and old men mock at the wounded serpent.
Pierced is the lion with the spear which pierced the side of the Son of God;
And whosoever will trampleth on him, yea mocketh at him.
The Son of God—He is the cause of all good things,
And Him doth it behove every mouth to celebrate.
He did Himself espouse3343 Lit. “purchase.”—Tr. the bride with the blood which flowed from His wounds,
And of His wedding-friends He demanded as a nuptial gift3344 ***, though not in the lexicons, is the same word that appears in Castel as ***. the blood of their necks.
The Lord of the wedding-feast hung on the cross in nakedness,
And whosoever came to be a guest, He let fall His blood upon him.
720Shamuna and Guria gave up their bodies for His sake
To sufferings and tomes and to all the various forms of woe.3345 Lit. “to the forms (σχήματα) of all afflictions.”—Tr.
At Him they looked as He was mocked by wicked men,
And thus did they themselves endure mockery without a groan.
Edessa was enriched by your slaughter, O blessed ones:
For ye adorned her with your crowns and with your sufferings.
Her beauty are ye, her bulwark ye, her salt ye,
Her riches and her store, yea her boast and all her treasure.
Faithful stewards are ye:3346 This seems preferable to Cureton’s “Ye are the stewards of (her) faith.” The expression exactly corresponds in form to that in
Since by your sufferings ye did array the bride in beauty.
The daughter of the Parthians, who was espoused to the cross,3347 Lit. “crucifixion.”—Tr.
Of you maketh her boast: since by your teaching lo! she was enlightened.
Her advocates are ye; scribes who, though silent, vanquished
All error, whilst its voice was uplifted high in unbelief.
Those old men3348 Or “elders.”—Tr. of the daughter of the Hebrews were sons of Belial,3349 By this name the men referred to (not, however, the elders, but the two false witnesses suborned by them) are called in
False witnesses, who killed Naboth, feigning themselves to be true.
Her did Edessa outdo by her two old men full of beauty,
Who were witnesses to the Son of God, and died like Naboth.
Two were there, and two here, old men;
And these were called witnesses, and witnesses those.
Let us now see which of them were witnesses chosen of God,
And which city is beloved by reason of her old men and of her honourable ones.
Lo! the sons of Belial who slew Naboth are witnesses;
And here Shamuna and Guria, again, are witnesses.
Let us now see which witnesses, and which old men,
And which city can stand with confidence3350 Or “have an open countenance.”—Tr. before God.
Sons of Belial were those witnesses of that adulterous woman,
And lo! their shame is all portrayed in their names.
Edessa’s just and righteous old men, her witnesses,
Were like Naboth, who himself also was slain for righteousness’ sake.
They were not like the two lying sons of Belial,
Nor is Edessa like Zion, which also crucified the Lord.
Like herself her old men were false, yea dared
To shed on the ground innocent blood wickedly.
But by these witnesses here lo! the truth is spoken.—
Blessed be He who gave us the treasure-store of their crowns!
Here endeth the Homily on Guria and Shamuna.
Ancient Syriac Documents.
————————————
A Canticle of Mar Jacob the Teacher on Edessa.
Edessa sent to Christ by an epistle to come to her and enlighten her. On behalf of all the peoples did she make intercession to Him that He would leave Zion, which hated Him, and come to the peoples, who loved Him.
She despatched a messenger to Him, and begged of Him to enter into friendship with her. By the righteous king she made intercession to Him, that He would depart from the Jewish people, and towards the other peoples direct His burden.
From among all kings one wise king did the daughter of the peoples find. Ambassador she made him. To her Lord she sent by him: Come Thou unto me; I will forget in Thee all idols and carved images.
The harlot heard the report of Him from afar, as she was standing in the street, going astray with idols, playing the wench with carved images. She loved, she much desired Him, when He was far away, and begged Him to admit her into His chamber.
Let the much-desired Bridegroom kiss me: with the kisses of His mouth let me be blessed. I have heard of Him from afar: may I see Him near; and may I place my lips upon His, and be delighted by seeing Him with mine eyes.
Thy breasts are better to me than wine: for the fragrance of Thy sweetness is life for evermore. With Thy milk shall I be nourished; with Thy fragrance shall I grow sweet from the smoke of idols, which with its rank odour did make me fetid.
Draw me after Thee into Thy fold: for I am a sheep gone astray in the world. After Thee do I run, and Thy converse do I seek: that in me may be completed that number of a hundred, by means of a lost one which is found.2941
Let Gabriel rejoice and be exceeding glad, with the company of all the angels, in Thee, the Good Shepherd, who on Thy shoulders didst carry the maimed sheep, that that number of a hundred might be preserved.
Thy love is better than wine; than the face of the upright Thy affection. By wine let us be reminded of Thee, how by the cup of Thy blood Thou didst grant us to obtain new life, and the upright did celebrate Thy love.
A church am I from among the peoples, and I have loved the Only-begotten who was sent by God: whereas His betrothed hated Him, I have loved Him; and by the hands of Abgar the Black2942 do I beseech Him to come to me and visit me.
Black am I, yet comely. Ye daughters of Zion, blameless is your envy, seeing that the Son of the Glorious One hath espoused me, to bring me into His chamber. Even when I was hateful, He loved me, for He is able to make me fairer than water.
Black was I in sins, but I am comely: for I have repented and turned me. I have put away in baptism that hateful hue, for He hath washed me in His innocent blood who is the Saviour of all creatures.
Here end the Extracts from the Canticle on Edessa.
She despatched a messenger to Him, and begged of Him to enter into friendship with her. By the righteous king she made intercession to Him, that He would depart from the Jewish people, and towards the other peoples direct His burden.
From among all kings one wise king did the daughter of the peoples find. Ambassador she made him. To her Lord she sent by him: Come Thou unto me; I will forget in Thee all idols and carved images.
The harlot heard the report of Him from afar, as she was standing in the street, going astray with idols, playing the wench with carved images. She loved, she much desired Him, when He was far away, and begged Him to admit her into His chamber.
Let the much-desired Bridegroom kiss me: with the kisses of His mouth let me be blessed. I have heard of Him from afar: may I see Him near; and may I place my lips upon His, and be delighted by seeing Him with mine eyes.
Thy breasts are better to me than wine: for the fragrance of Thy sweetness is life for evermore. With Thy milk shall I be nourished; with Thy fragrance shall I grow sweet from the smoke of idols, which with its rank odour did make me fetid.
Draw me after Thee into Thy fold: for I am a sheep gone astray in the world. After Thee do I run, and Thy converse do I seek: that in me may be completed that number of a hundred, by means of a lost one which is found.2941
Let Gabriel rejoice and be exceeding glad, with the company of all the angels, in Thee, the Good Shepherd, who on Thy shoulders didst carry the maimed sheep, that that number of a hundred might be preserved.
Thy love is better than wine; than the face of the upright Thy affection. By wine let us be reminded of Thee, how by the cup of Thy blood Thou didst grant us to obtain new life, and the upright did celebrate Thy love.
A church am I from among the peoples, and I have loved the Only-begotten who was sent by God: whereas His betrothed hated Him, I have loved Him; and by the hands of Abgar the Black2942 do I beseech Him to come to me and visit me.
Black am I, yet comely. Ye daughters of Zion, blameless is your envy, seeing that the Son of the Glorious One hath espoused me, to bring me into His chamber. Even when I was hateful, He loved me, for He is able to make me fairer than water.
Black was I in sins, but I am comely: for I have repented and turned me. I have put away in baptism that hateful hue, for He hath washed me in His innocent blood who is the Saviour of all creatures.
Here end the Extracts from the Canticle on Edessa.
A Poem on the Passion of the Lord
Author unknown; formerly ascribed to Lactantius
Whoever you are who approach, and are entering the precincts of the middle of the temple, stop a little and look upon me, who, though innocent, suffered for your crime; lay me up in your mind, keep me in your breast. I am He who, pitying the bitter misfortunes of men, came hither as a messenger of offered peace, and as a full atonement for the fault of men. Here the brightest light from above is restored to the earth; here is the merciful image of safety; here I am a rest to you, the right way, the true redemption, the banner of God, and a memorable sign of fate. It was on account of you and your life that I entered the Virgin's womb, was made man, and suffered a dreadful death; nor did I find rest anywhere in the regions of the earth, but everywhere threats, everywhere labours. First of all a wretched dwelling in the land of Judæa was a shelter for me at my birth, and for my mother with me: here first, amidst the outstretched sluggish cattle, dry grass gave me a bed in a narrow stall. I passed my earliest years in the Pharian regions, being an exile in the reign of Herod; and after my return to Judæa I spent the rest of my years, always engaged in fastings, and the extremity of poverty itself, and the lowest circumstances; always by healthful admonitions applying the minds of men to the pursuit of genial uprightness, uniting with wholesome teaching many evident miracles: on which account impious Jerusalem, harassed by the raging cares of envy and cruel hatred, and blinded by madness, dared to seek for me, though innocent, by deadly punishment, a cruel death on the dreadful cross. And if you yourself wish to discriminate these things more fully, and if it delights you to go through all my groans, and to experience griefs with me, put together the designs and plots, and the impious price of my innocent blood, and the pretended kisses of a disciple, and the insults and strivings of the cruel multitude; and, moreover, the blows, and tongues prepared for accusations. Picture to your mind both the witnesses, and the accursed judgment of the blinded Pilate, and the immense cross pressing my shoulders and wearied back, and my painful steps to a dreadful death. Now survey me from head to foot, deserted as I am, and lifted up afar from my beloved mother. Behold and see my locks clotted with blood, and my blood-stained neck under my very hair, and my head drained with cruel thorns, and pouring down like rain from all sides a stream of blood over my divine face. Survey my compressed and sightless eyes, and my afflicted cheeks; see my parched tongue poisoned with gall, and my countenance pale with death. Behold my hands pierced with nails, and my arms drawn out, and the great wound in my side; see the blood streaming from it, and my perforated feet, and blood-stained limbs. Bend your knee, and with lamentation adore the venerable wood of the cross, and with lowly countenance stooping to the earth, which is wet with innocent blood, sprinkle it with rising tears, and at times bear me and my admonitions in your devoted heart. Follow the footsteps of my life, and while you look upon my torments and cruel death, remembering my innumerable pangs of body and soul, learn to endure hardships, and to watch over your own safety. These memorials, if at any time you find pleasure in thinking over them, if in your mind there is any confidence to bear anything like my sufferings), if the piety due, and gratitude worthy of my labours shall arise, will be incitements to true virtue, and they will be shields against the snares of an enemy, aroused by which you will be safe, and as a conqueror bear off the palm in every contest. If these memorials shall turn away your senses, which are devoted to a perishable world, from the fleeting shadow of earthly beauty, the result will be, that you will not venture, enticed by empty hope, to trust the frail enjoyments of fickle fortune, and to place your hope in the fleeting years of life. But, truly, if you thus regard this perishable world, and through your love of a better country deprive yourself of earthly riches and the enjoyment of present things, the prayers of the pious will bring you up in sacred habits, and in the hope of a happy life, amidst severe punishments, will cherish you with heavenly dew, and feed you with the sweetness of the promised good. Until the great favour of God shall recall your happy soul to the heavenly regions, your body being left after the fates of death. Then freed from all labour, then joyfully beholding the angelic choirs, and the blessed companies of saints in perpetual bliss, it shall reign with me in the happy abode of perpetual peace.
Author unknown; formerly ascribed to Lactantius
Whoever you are who approach, and are entering the precincts of the middle of the temple, stop a little and look upon me, who, though innocent, suffered for your crime; lay me up in your mind, keep me in your breast. I am He who, pitying the bitter misfortunes of men, came hither as a messenger of offered peace, and as a full atonement for the fault of men. Here the brightest light from above is restored to the earth; here is the merciful image of safety; here I am a rest to you, the right way, the true redemption, the banner of God, and a memorable sign of fate. It was on account of you and your life that I entered the Virgin's womb, was made man, and suffered a dreadful death; nor did I find rest anywhere in the regions of the earth, but everywhere threats, everywhere labours. First of all a wretched dwelling in the land of Judæa was a shelter for me at my birth, and for my mother with me: here first, amidst the outstretched sluggish cattle, dry grass gave me a bed in a narrow stall. I passed my earliest years in the Pharian regions, being an exile in the reign of Herod; and after my return to Judæa I spent the rest of my years, always engaged in fastings, and the extremity of poverty itself, and the lowest circumstances; always by healthful admonitions applying the minds of men to the pursuit of genial uprightness, uniting with wholesome teaching many evident miracles: on which account impious Jerusalem, harassed by the raging cares of envy and cruel hatred, and blinded by madness, dared to seek for me, though innocent, by deadly punishment, a cruel death on the dreadful cross. And if you yourself wish to discriminate these things more fully, and if it delights you to go through all my groans, and to experience griefs with me, put together the designs and plots, and the impious price of my innocent blood, and the pretended kisses of a disciple, and the insults and strivings of the cruel multitude; and, moreover, the blows, and tongues prepared for accusations. Picture to your mind both the witnesses, and the accursed judgment of the blinded Pilate, and the immense cross pressing my shoulders and wearied back, and my painful steps to a dreadful death. Now survey me from head to foot, deserted as I am, and lifted up afar from my beloved mother. Behold and see my locks clotted with blood, and my blood-stained neck under my very hair, and my head drained with cruel thorns, and pouring down like rain from all sides a stream of blood over my divine face. Survey my compressed and sightless eyes, and my afflicted cheeks; see my parched tongue poisoned with gall, and my countenance pale with death. Behold my hands pierced with nails, and my arms drawn out, and the great wound in my side; see the blood streaming from it, and my perforated feet, and blood-stained limbs. Bend your knee, and with lamentation adore the venerable wood of the cross, and with lowly countenance stooping to the earth, which is wet with innocent blood, sprinkle it with rising tears, and at times bear me and my admonitions in your devoted heart. Follow the footsteps of my life, and while you look upon my torments and cruel death, remembering my innumerable pangs of body and soul, learn to endure hardships, and to watch over your own safety. These memorials, if at any time you find pleasure in thinking over them, if in your mind there is any confidence to bear anything like my sufferings), if the piety due, and gratitude worthy of my labours shall arise, will be incitements to true virtue, and they will be shields against the snares of an enemy, aroused by which you will be safe, and as a conqueror bear off the palm in every contest. If these memorials shall turn away your senses, which are devoted to a perishable world, from the fleeting shadow of earthly beauty, the result will be, that you will not venture, enticed by empty hope, to trust the frail enjoyments of fickle fortune, and to place your hope in the fleeting years of life. But, truly, if you thus regard this perishable world, and through your love of a better country deprive yourself of earthly riches and the enjoyment of present things, the prayers of the pious will bring you up in sacred habits, and in the hope of a happy life, amidst severe punishments, will cherish you with heavenly dew, and feed you with the sweetness of the promised good. Until the great favour of God shall recall your happy soul to the heavenly regions, your body being left after the fates of death. Then freed from all labour, then joyfully beholding the angelic choirs, and the blessed companies of saints in perpetual bliss, it shall reign with me in the happy abode of perpetual peace.
Hymn of Yeshua
Jesus Sang:
Glory to Thee, Father! (and they moving around in a circle anwered him) Amen! Glory to Thee, Charis! Glory to Thee,Spirit! Glory to Thee,Holy One! Glory to Thy Glory! Amen! We praise Thee, O Father; We give thanks to Thee, O Light; In Whom Darkness dwells not! Amen! For what we would give thanks, I say: I would be saved; and I would save. Amen! I would be loosed; and I would loose. Amen! I would be broken; and I would break. Amen! I would be born; and I wish to give birth. Amen! I would eat; and I would be eaten. Amen! I would hear; and I would be heard. Amen! I would understand; and I would be understood. Amen! I would be washed; and I would wash. Amen!
Now Charis is dancing.
I would play on the pipes; dance all of you, Amen! I would play a song of mourning; lament all of you, Amen! I would flee; and i would stay. Amen! I would be adorned; and i would adorn. Amen! I would be at-oned; and I would at-one. Amen! I have no house; and I would have houses. Amen! I have no temple; and I have temples. Amen! I am a lamp to thee who seest me. Amen! I am a mirror to thee who understandest me. Amen! I am a door to thee who knockest at me. Amen! I am a way for thee a wayfarer. Amen! Now answer to my dancing! See thyself in me who speak; And seeing what I do, keep silence on my mysteries.
Understand by dancing, What I do; For thine is the passion of man That I am to suffer. Thou couldst not all be aware of that thou does suffer. If i were not sent as the Logos by the Father. Seeing what I suffer; thou sawest me suffering; And seeing, thou didst not stand still, But wast moved greatly, thou wast moved to be wise. Thou hast me for a couch; rest thou upon me.
What I am thou shalt know when I depart. what now I am seen to be, I am not.
But what I am thou shalt see whan thou comest- If thou hadst known how to suffer, Thou wouldst have power not to suffer. Know then how to suffer, than thou wilt have power not to suffer. That which thou knowest not, I myself will instruct thee. I am thy God, not the betrayers´. I would be kept in time with holy sould. In me know thou the Logos of Sophia. Say thou to me again: Glory to Thee, Father! Glory to Thee, Logos! Glory to Thee, Holy Spirit! But as for me, if thou wouldst know who I was: In a word I am the Logos who did dance all things, and who was not ashamed at all. It was I who danced. But do thou understand all, and understanding, say: Glory to Thee, Father! Amen! Amen! Amen!
Jesus Sang:
Glory to Thee, Father! (and they moving around in a circle anwered him) Amen! Glory to Thee, Charis! Glory to Thee,Spirit! Glory to Thee,Holy One! Glory to Thy Glory! Amen! We praise Thee, O Father; We give thanks to Thee, O Light; In Whom Darkness dwells not! Amen! For what we would give thanks, I say: I would be saved; and I would save. Amen! I would be loosed; and I would loose. Amen! I would be broken; and I would break. Amen! I would be born; and I wish to give birth. Amen! I would eat; and I would be eaten. Amen! I would hear; and I would be heard. Amen! I would understand; and I would be understood. Amen! I would be washed; and I would wash. Amen!
Now Charis is dancing.
I would play on the pipes; dance all of you, Amen! I would play a song of mourning; lament all of you, Amen! I would flee; and i would stay. Amen! I would be adorned; and i would adorn. Amen! I would be at-oned; and I would at-one. Amen! I have no house; and I would have houses. Amen! I have no temple; and I have temples. Amen! I am a lamp to thee who seest me. Amen! I am a mirror to thee who understandest me. Amen! I am a door to thee who knockest at me. Amen! I am a way for thee a wayfarer. Amen! Now answer to my dancing! See thyself in me who speak; And seeing what I do, keep silence on my mysteries.
Understand by dancing, What I do; For thine is the passion of man That I am to suffer. Thou couldst not all be aware of that thou does suffer. If i were not sent as the Logos by the Father. Seeing what I suffer; thou sawest me suffering; And seeing, thou didst not stand still, But wast moved greatly, thou wast moved to be wise. Thou hast me for a couch; rest thou upon me.
What I am thou shalt know when I depart. what now I am seen to be, I am not.
But what I am thou shalt see whan thou comest- If thou hadst known how to suffer, Thou wouldst have power not to suffer. Know then how to suffer, than thou wilt have power not to suffer. That which thou knowest not, I myself will instruct thee. I am thy God, not the betrayers´. I would be kept in time with holy sould. In me know thou the Logos of Sophia. Say thou to me again: Glory to Thee, Father! Glory to Thee, Logos! Glory to Thee, Holy Spirit! But as for me, if thou wouldst know who I was: In a word I am the Logos who did dance all things, and who was not ashamed at all. It was I who danced. But do thou understand all, and understanding, say: Glory to Thee, Father! Amen! Amen! Amen!
The Nicene Creed
I believe in one God,
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate
of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all things visible and invisible.
I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ,
the Only Begotten Son of God,
born of the Father before all ages.
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father;
through him all things were made.
For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven,
and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate
of the Virgin Mary,
and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate,
he suffered death and was buried,
and rose again on the third day
in accordance with the Scriptures.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory
to judge the living and the dead
and his kingdom will have no end.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father and the Son,
who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified,
who has spoken through the prophets.
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come. Amen.
THE Apostles' Creed
[It is affirmed by Ambrose, "that the twelve Apostles, as skilful artificers assembled together, and made a key by their common advice, that is, the Creed; by which the darkness of the devil is disclosed, that the light of Christ may appear." Others fable that every Apostle inserted an article, by which the creed is divided into twelve articles; and a sermon, fathered upon St. Austin, and quoted by the Lord Chancellor King, fabricates that each particular article was thus inserted by each particular Apostle:-
Peter 1 I believe in God the Father Almighty
John 2 Maker of heaven and earth
James 3 And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord
Andrew 4 Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost; born of the Virgin Mary
Philip 5 Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried
Thomas 6 He descended into hell, the third day he rose again from the dead
Bartholomew 7 He ascended into heaven; sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty
Matthew 8 From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead
James, the son of Alpheus 9 I believe In the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church
Simon Zelotes 10 The communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins
Jude, the brother of James 11 The resurrection of the body
Matthias 12 Life everlasting. Amen
Archbishop Wake says: "With respect to the Apostles being the authors of this Creed, it is not my intention to enter on any particular examination of this matter, which has been so fully handled, not only by the late critics of the Church of Rome, Natalis Alexander, Du Pin, &c., but yet more especially by Archbishop Usher, Gerard Vossius,Suicer, Spanhemius, Tentzelius, and Sam.
Basnage, among the Protestants. It shall suffice to say, that as it is not likely, that had any such thing as this been done by the Apostles, St. Luke would have passed it by, without taking the least notice of it: so the diversity of Creeds in the ancient Church, and that not only in expression, but in some whole Articles too, sufficiently shows, that the Creed which we call by that name, was not composed by the twelve Apostles, much less in the same form in which it now is."
Mr. Justice Bailey says: "It is not to be understood that this Creed was framed by the Apostles, or indeed that it existed as a Creed in their time;" and after giving the Creed as it existed in the year 600, and which is here copied from his Common Prayer Book, he says, "how long this form had existed before the year 600 is not exactly known. The additions were probably made in opposition to particular heresies and errors.'
The most important "addition," since the year of Christ 600, is that which affirms, that Christ
descended into hell. This has been proved not only to have been an invention after the Apostles' time, but even after the time of Eusebius. Bishop Pearson says, that the descent into hell was not in the ancient creeds or rules of faith. "It is not to be found in the rules of faith delivered by Irenaeus," by Origen, or by Tertullian.
It is not expressed in those creeds which were made by the councils as larger explications of the Apostles' Creed; not in the Nicene, or Constantinopolitan; not in those of Ephesus, or Chalcedon; not in those confessions made at Sardica, Antioch, Selucia, Sirmium, &c. It is not mentioned in several confessions of faith delivered by particular persons; not in that of Eusebius Caesariensis, presented to the council of Nice; not in that of Marcellus, bishop of Ancyra, delivered to Pope Julius; not in that of Arius and Euzoius, presented to Constantine; not in that of Acacius, bishop of Caesarea, delivered into the synod of Selucia; not in that of Eustathius, Theophilus, and Sylvanus, sent to Liberius; there is no mention of it in the creed of St. Basil; in the creed of Epiphanus, Gelasius, Damascus, Macarius, &c.
It is not in the creed expounded by St. Cyril, though some have produced that creed to prove it.
It is not in the creed expounded by St. Augustine; not in that other, attributed to St. Augustine in another place; not in that expounded by Maximus Taurinensis; nor in that so often interpreted by Petrus Chrysologus; nor in that of the church of Antioch, delivered by Cassianus; neither is it to be seen in the MS. creeds set forth by the learned Archbishop of Armagh. It is affirmed by Ruffinus, that in his time it was neither in the Roman nor the Oriental Creeds."
As it stood An. Dom. 600. Copied from Mr. Justice Baileey's Edition of the book of Common Prayer. "Before the year 600, it was no more than this." -Mr. Justice Bailey.
1 I Believe in God the Father Almighty
2 And in Jesus Christ his only begotten Son, our Lord
3 Who was born of the Holy Ghost and Virgin Mary
4 And was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and was buried
5 And the third day rose again from the dead
6 Ascended into heaven, sitteth on the right hand of the Father
7 Whence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead
8 And in the Holy Ghost
9 The Holy Church
10 The remission of sins
11 And the resurrection of the flesh
As it stands in the book of Common Prayer of the United church of England and Ireland as by law established.
1 I Believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth
2 And in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord
3 Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary
4 Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried
5 He descended into hell
6 The third day he rose again from the dead
7 He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty
8 From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead
9 I believe in the Holy Ghost
10 The holy Catholic Church; the communion of saints
11 The forgiveness of sins
12 The resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting
Amen.
Apostles' Creed
1. I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:
3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:
4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:
5. The third day he rose again from the dead:
6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:
7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:
8. I believe in the Holy Ghost:
9. I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints:
10. The forgiveness of sins:
1l. The resurrection of the body:
12. And the life everlasting. Amen.
2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:
3. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:
4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:
5. The third day he rose again from the dead:
6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:
7. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:
8. I believe in the Holy Ghost:
9. I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints:
10. The forgiveness of sins:
1l. The resurrection of the body:
12. And the life everlasting. Amen.
The Apostles’ Creed
1. I believe in the Father Elohim El Elyon, progenitor of sky and earth:
2. And in Yahshua Moshiach, his only begotten son, our master:
3. Who was conceived by the Ruach ha Qodesh, born of Almah Marya,
4. suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. (He descended into sheol.)
5. The third day he arose from the dead.
6. He ascended into the sky to be seated at the right hand of the Father Elohim El Elyon.
7. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
8. I believe in the Ruach ha Qodesh.
9. I believe in the qadosh universal assembly - the communion of zaddikim.
10. I believe in the forgiveness of sins –
11. The resurrection of the body –
12. And the life l’olam va-ed.
Amein.
1. I believe in the Father Elohim El Elyon, progenitor of sky and earth:
2. And in Yahshua Moshiach, his only begotten son, our master:
3. Who was conceived by the Ruach ha Qodesh, born of Almah Marya,
4. suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. (He descended into sheol.)
5. The third day he arose from the dead.
6. He ascended into the sky to be seated at the right hand of the Father Elohim El Elyon.
7. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
8. I believe in the Ruach ha Qodesh.
9. I believe in the qadosh universal assembly - the communion of zaddikim.
10. I believe in the forgiveness of sins –
11. The resurrection of the body –
12. And the life l’olam va-ed.
Amein.
1. ANI MA'AMIN BE'EMUNAH SHLEMAH BA'AV ELOHIM EL QELIYON, BOREH SHAMAYIM VA'ARETZ;
2. U'VE'YESHUAQ HA'MASHIAKH, YEKHIDO BEKHORO, ADONEINU;
3. ASHER HITQABAR DEREKH RUAKH HA'KODESH, NOLAD MI'QALAMAH MIRYAM;
4. ASHER NASA YISURIM TAKHAT PONTIUS PILATUS, NITZLAV, MET VE'NIKBAR: YARAD LE'SHEOL PATAKH SHAQAREI QOLAM U'VISER DROR LA'ASURIM;
5. BE'YOM HA'SHLISHI HU KAM MIN HA'METIM.
6. QALA LA'SHAMAYIM VE'YASHAV L'YEMIN KISEH HA'KAVOD SHEL YESHUA-MARYA HA'AV ELOHIM EL-QELIYON;
7. MI'SHAM HU YAVO LADIN KHAYIM VE'HA'METIM, TOSHVEI TEVEL U'TZAVAH MAROM;
8. ANI MA'AMIN BE'RUAKH HAKODESH;
9. ANI MA'AMIN BE'KEHILA BEIN-LEUMIT HA'KDOSHA - QADAT TZADIKIM;
10. ANI MA'AMIN BE'MEKHILAT KHATAIM;
11. TEKHAYA MIN HA'METIM SHEL HA'GEVAYA;
12. U'VE'KHAYEI NETZAKH LE'QOLAM VA'ED;
2. U'VE'YESHUAQ HA'MASHIAKH, YEKHIDO BEKHORO, ADONEINU;
3. ASHER HITQABAR DEREKH RUAKH HA'KODESH, NOLAD MI'QALAMAH MIRYAM;
4. ASHER NASA YISURIM TAKHAT PONTIUS PILATUS, NITZLAV, MET VE'NIKBAR: YARAD LE'SHEOL PATAKH SHAQAREI QOLAM U'VISER DROR LA'ASURIM;
5. BE'YOM HA'SHLISHI HU KAM MIN HA'METIM.
6. QALA LA'SHAMAYIM VE'YASHAV L'YEMIN KISEH HA'KAVOD SHEL YESHUA-MARYA HA'AV ELOHIM EL-QELIYON;
7. MI'SHAM HU YAVO LADIN KHAYIM VE'HA'METIM, TOSHVEI TEVEL U'TZAVAH MAROM;
8. ANI MA'AMIN BE'RUAKH HAKODESH;
9. ANI MA'AMIN BE'KEHILA BEIN-LEUMIT HA'KDOSHA - QADAT TZADIKIM;
10. ANI MA'AMIN BE'MEKHILAT KHATAIM;
11. TEKHAYA MIN HA'METIM SHEL HA'GEVAYA;
12. U'VE'KHAYEI NETZAKH LE'QOLAM VA'ED;
The Creed of Faith
We believe in one God the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light true God from true God, begotten not made, one in being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit He was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the scriptures; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son He is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in One Holy catholic and Apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the Resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. AMEN.
We believe in one God the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light true God from true God, begotten not made, one in being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us and for our salvation He came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit He was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the scriptures; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son He is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets.
We believe in One Holy catholic and Apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the Resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. AMEN.
TheDidache
"The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles" (Late first century)
"The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles" (Late first century)
Chapter 1. The Two Ways and the First Commandment.
There are two ways, one of life and one of death, but a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, love your neighbor as yourself, and do not do to another what you would not want done to you. And of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what reward is there for loving those who love you? Do not the Gentiles do the same? But love those who hate you, and you shall not have an enemy. Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If someone strikes your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you shall be perfect. If someone impresses you for one mile, go with him two. If someone takes your cloak, give him also your coat. If someone takes from you what is yours, ask it not back, for indeed you are not able. Give to every one who asks you, and ask it not back; for the Father wills that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts). Happy is he who gives according to the commandment, for he is guiltless. Woe to him who receives; for if one receives who has need, he is guiltless; but he who receives not having need shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what. And coming into confinement, he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape from there until he pays back the last penny. And also concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.
There are two ways, one of life and one of death, but a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, love your neighbor as yourself, and do not do to another what you would not want done to you. And of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what reward is there for loving those who love you? Do not the Gentiles do the same? But love those who hate you, and you shall not have an enemy. Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If someone strikes your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you shall be perfect. If someone impresses you for one mile, go with him two. If someone takes your cloak, give him also your coat. If someone takes from you what is yours, ask it not back, for indeed you are not able. Give to every one who asks you, and ask it not back; for the Father wills that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts). Happy is he who gives according to the commandment, for he is guiltless. Woe to him who receives; for if one receives who has need, he is guiltless; but he who receives not having need shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what. And coming into confinement, he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape from there until he pays back the last penny. And also concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.
Chapter 2. The Second Commandment: Grave Sin Forbidden.
And the second commandment of the Teaching; You shall not commit murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not commit pederasty, you shall not commit fornication, you shall not steal, you shall not practice magic, you shall not practice witchcraft, you shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is born. You shall not covet the things of your neighbor, you shall not swear, you shall not bear false witness, you shall not speak evil, you shall bear no grudge. You shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued, for to be double-tongued is a snare of death. Your speech shall not be false, nor empty, but fulfilled by deed. You shall not be covetous, nor rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor evil disposed, nor haughty. You shall not take evil counsel against your neighbor. You shall not hate any man; but some you shall reprove, and concerning some you shall pray, and some you shall love more than your own life.
And the second commandment of the Teaching; You shall not commit murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not commit pederasty, you shall not commit fornication, you shall not steal, you shall not practice magic, you shall not practice witchcraft, you shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is born. You shall not covet the things of your neighbor, you shall not swear, you shall not bear false witness, you shall not speak evil, you shall bear no grudge. You shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued, for to be double-tongued is a snare of death. Your speech shall not be false, nor empty, but fulfilled by deed. You shall not be covetous, nor rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor evil disposed, nor haughty. You shall not take evil counsel against your neighbor. You shall not hate any man; but some you shall reprove, and concerning some you shall pray, and some you shall love more than your own life.
Chapter 3. Other Sins Forbidden.
My child, flee from every evil thing, and from every likeness of it. Be not prone to anger, for anger leads to murder. Be neither jealous, nor quarrelsome, nor of hot temper, for out of all these murders are engendered. My child, be not a lustful one. for lust leads to fornication. Be neither a filthy talker, nor of lofty eye, for out of all these adulteries are engendered. My child, be not an observer of omens, since it leads to idolatry. Be neither an enchanter, nor an astrologer, nor a purifier, nor be willing to took at these things, for out of all these idolatry is engendered. My child, be not a liar, since a lie leads to theft. Be neither money-loving, nor vainglorious, for out of all these thefts are engendered. My child, be not a murmurer, since it leads the way to blasphemy. Be neither self-willed nor evil-minded, for out of all these blasphemies are engendered.
My child, flee from every evil thing, and from every likeness of it. Be not prone to anger, for anger leads to murder. Be neither jealous, nor quarrelsome, nor of hot temper, for out of all these murders are engendered. My child, be not a lustful one. for lust leads to fornication. Be neither a filthy talker, nor of lofty eye, for out of all these adulteries are engendered. My child, be not an observer of omens, since it leads to idolatry. Be neither an enchanter, nor an astrologer, nor a purifier, nor be willing to took at these things, for out of all these idolatry is engendered. My child, be not a liar, since a lie leads to theft. Be neither money-loving, nor vainglorious, for out of all these thefts are engendered. My child, be not a murmurer, since it leads the way to blasphemy. Be neither self-willed nor evil-minded, for out of all these blasphemies are engendered.
Rather, be meek, since the meek shall inherit the earth. Be long-suffering and pitiful and guileless and gentle and good and always trembling at the words which you have heard. You shall not exalt yourself, nor give over-confidence to your soul. Your soul shall not be joined with lofty ones, but with just and lowly ones shall it have its intercourse. Accept whatever happens to you as good, knowing that apart from God nothing comes to pass.
Chapter 4. Various Precepts.
My child, remember night and day him who speaks the word of God to you, and honor him as you do the Lord. For wherever the lordly rule is uttered, there is the Lord. And seek out day by day the faces of the saints, in order that you may rest upon their words. Do not long for division, but rather bring those who contend to peace. Judge righteously, and do not respect persons in reproving for transgressions. You shall not be undecided whether or not it shall be. Be not a stretcher forth of the hands to receive and a drawer of them back to give. If you have anything, through your hands you shall give ransom for your sins. Do not hesitate to give, nor complain when you give; for you shall know who is the good repayer of the hire. Do not turn away from him who is in want; rather, share all things with your brother, and do not say that they are your own. For if you are partakers in that which is immortal, how much more in things which are mortal? Do not remove your hand from your son or daughter; rather, teach them the fear of God from their youth. Do not enjoin anything in your bitterness upon your bondman or maidservant, who hope in the same God, lest ever they shall fear not God who is over both; for he comes not to call according to the outward appearance, but to them whom the Spirit has prepared. And you bondmen shall be subject to your masters as to a type of God, in modesty and fear. You shall hate all hypocrisy and everything which is not pleasing to the Lord. Do not in any way forsake the commandments of the Lord; but keep what you have received, neither adding thereto nor taking away therefrom. In the church you shall acknowledge your transgressions, and you shall not come near for your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life.
My child, remember night and day him who speaks the word of God to you, and honor him as you do the Lord. For wherever the lordly rule is uttered, there is the Lord. And seek out day by day the faces of the saints, in order that you may rest upon their words. Do not long for division, but rather bring those who contend to peace. Judge righteously, and do not respect persons in reproving for transgressions. You shall not be undecided whether or not it shall be. Be not a stretcher forth of the hands to receive and a drawer of them back to give. If you have anything, through your hands you shall give ransom for your sins. Do not hesitate to give, nor complain when you give; for you shall know who is the good repayer of the hire. Do not turn away from him who is in want; rather, share all things with your brother, and do not say that they are your own. For if you are partakers in that which is immortal, how much more in things which are mortal? Do not remove your hand from your son or daughter; rather, teach them the fear of God from their youth. Do not enjoin anything in your bitterness upon your bondman or maidservant, who hope in the same God, lest ever they shall fear not God who is over both; for he comes not to call according to the outward appearance, but to them whom the Spirit has prepared. And you bondmen shall be subject to your masters as to a type of God, in modesty and fear. You shall hate all hypocrisy and everything which is not pleasing to the Lord. Do not in any way forsake the commandments of the Lord; but keep what you have received, neither adding thereto nor taking away therefrom. In the church you shall acknowledge your transgressions, and you shall not come near for your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life.
Chapter 5. The Way of Death.
And the way of death is this: First of all it is evil and accursed: murders, adultery, lust, fornication, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, witchcrafts, rape, false witness, hypocrisy, double-heartedness, deceit, haughtiness, depravity, self-will, greediness, filthy talking, jealousy, over-confidence, loftiness, boastfulness; persecutors of the good, hating truth, loving a lie, not knowing a reward for righteousness, not cleaving to good nor to righteous judgment, watching not for that which is good, but for that which is evil; from whom meekness and endurance are far, loving vanities, pursuing revenge, not pitying a poor man, not laboring for the afflicted, not knowing Him Who made them, murderers of children, destroyers of the handiwork of God, turning away from him who is in want, afflicting him who is distressed, advocates of the rich, lawless judges of the poor, utter sinners. Be delivered, children, from all these.
And the way of death is this: First of all it is evil and accursed: murders, adultery, lust, fornication, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, witchcrafts, rape, false witness, hypocrisy, double-heartedness, deceit, haughtiness, depravity, self-will, greediness, filthy talking, jealousy, over-confidence, loftiness, boastfulness; persecutors of the good, hating truth, loving a lie, not knowing a reward for righteousness, not cleaving to good nor to righteous judgment, watching not for that which is good, but for that which is evil; from whom meekness and endurance are far, loving vanities, pursuing revenge, not pitying a poor man, not laboring for the afflicted, not knowing Him Who made them, murderers of children, destroyers of the handiwork of God, turning away from him who is in want, afflicting him who is distressed, advocates of the rich, lawless judges of the poor, utter sinners. Be delivered, children, from all these.
Chapter 6. Against False Teachers, and Food Offered to Idols.
See that no one causes you to err from this way of the Teaching, since apart from God it teaches you. For if you are able to bear the entire yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able to do this, do what you are able. And concerning food, bear what you are able; but against that which is sacrificed to idols be exceedingly careful; for it is the service of dead gods.
See that no one causes you to err from this way of the Teaching, since apart from God it teaches you. For if you are able to bear the entire yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able to do this, do what you are able. And concerning food, bear what you are able; but against that which is sacrificed to idols be exceedingly careful; for it is the service of dead gods.
Chapter 7. Concerning Baptism.
And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water. But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whoever else can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.
And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water. But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whoever else can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.
Chapter 8. Fasting and Prayer (the Lord's Prayer).
But let not your fasts be with the hypocrites, for they fast on the second and fifth day of the week. Rather, fast on the fourth day and the Preparation (Friday). Do not pray like the hypocrites, but rather as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, like this:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily (needful) bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (or, evil); for Thine is the power and the glory for ever.
Pray this three times each day.
But let not your fasts be with the hypocrites, for they fast on the second and fifth day of the week. Rather, fast on the fourth day and the Preparation (Friday). Do not pray like the hypocrites, but rather as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, like this:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily (needful) bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (or, evil); for Thine is the power and the glory for ever.
Pray this three times each day.
Chapter 9. The Eucharist.
Now concerning the Eucharist, give thanks this way. First, concerning the cup:
We thank thee, our Father, for the holy vine of David Thy servant, which You madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever.
And concerning the broken bread:
We thank Thee, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let Thy Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Thy kingdom; for Thine is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever.
But let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist, unless they have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, "Give not that which is holy to the dogs."
Now concerning the Eucharist, give thanks this way. First, concerning the cup:
We thank thee, our Father, for the holy vine of David Thy servant, which You madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever.
And concerning the broken bread:
We thank Thee, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let Thy Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Thy kingdom; for Thine is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever.
But let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist, unless they have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, "Give not that which is holy to the dogs."
Chapter 10. Prayer after Communion.
But after you are filled, give thanks this way:
We thank Thee, holy Father, for Thy holy name which You didst cause to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You modest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Thou, Master almighty, didst create all things for Thy name's sake; Thou gavest food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to Thee; but to us You didst freely give spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Thy Servant. Before all things we thank Thee that You are mighty; to Thee be the glory for ever. Remember, Lord, Thy Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Thy love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Thy kingdom which Thou have prepared for it; for Thine is the power and the glory for ever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God of David! If any one is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.
But permit the prophets to make thanksgiving as much as they desire.
But after you are filled, give thanks this way:
We thank Thee, holy Father, for Thy holy name which You didst cause to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You modest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Thou, Master almighty, didst create all things for Thy name's sake; Thou gavest food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to Thee; but to us You didst freely give spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Thy Servant. Before all things we thank Thee that You are mighty; to Thee be the glory for ever. Remember, Lord, Thy Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Thy love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Thy kingdom which Thou have prepared for it; for Thine is the power and the glory for ever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God of David! If any one is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.
But permit the prophets to make thanksgiving as much as they desire.
Chapter 11. Concerning Teachers, Apostles, and Prophets.
Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turns and teaches another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not. But if he teaches so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, act according to the decree of the Gospel. Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain more than one day; or two days, if there's a need. But if he remains three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet who speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he holds the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit does not eat it, unless he is indeed a false prophet. And every prophet who teaches the truth, but does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him. But if he tells you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him.
Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turns and teaches another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not. But if he teaches so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, act according to the decree of the Gospel. Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain more than one day; or two days, if there's a need. But if he remains three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet who speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he holds the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit does not eat it, unless he is indeed a false prophet. And every prophet who teaches the truth, but does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him. But if he tells you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him.
Chapter 12. Reception of Christians.
But receive everyone who comes in the name of the Lord, and prove and know him afterward; for you shall have understanding right and left. If he who comes is a wayfarer, assist him as far as you are able; but he shall not remain with you more than two or three days, if need be. But if he wants to stay with you, and is an artisan, let him work and eat. But if he has no trade, according to your understanding, see to it that, as a Christian, he shall not live with you idle. But if he wills not to do, he is a Christ-monger. Watch that you keep away from such.
But receive everyone who comes in the name of the Lord, and prove and know him afterward; for you shall have understanding right and left. If he who comes is a wayfarer, assist him as far as you are able; but he shall not remain with you more than two or three days, if need be. But if he wants to stay with you, and is an artisan, let him work and eat. But if he has no trade, according to your understanding, see to it that, as a Christian, he shall not live with you idle. But if he wills not to do, he is a Christ-monger. Watch that you keep away from such.
Chapter 13. Support of Prophets.
But every true prophet who wants to live among you is worthy of his support. So also a true teacher is himself worthy, as the workman, of his support. Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, you shall take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you have no prophet, give it to the poor. If you make a batch of dough, take the first-fruit and give according to the commandment. So also when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the first-fruit and give it to the prophets; and of money (silver) and clothing and every possession, take the first-fruit, as it may seem good to you, and give according to the commandment.
But every true prophet who wants to live among you is worthy of his support. So also a true teacher is himself worthy, as the workman, of his support. Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, you shall take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you have no prophet, give it to the poor. If you make a batch of dough, take the first-fruit and give according to the commandment. So also when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the first-fruit and give it to the prophets; and of money (silver) and clothing and every possession, take the first-fruit, as it may seem good to you, and give according to the commandment.
Chapter 14. Christian Assembly on the Lord's Day.
But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one who is at odds with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: "In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations."
But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one who is at odds with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: "In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations."
Chapter 15. Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof.
Appoint, therefore, for yourselves, bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money, and truthful and proved; for they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers. Therefore do not despise them, for they are your honored ones, together with the prophets and teachers. And reprove one another, not in anger, but in peace, as you have it in the Gospel. But to anyone that acts amiss against another, let no one speak, nor let him hear anything from you until he repents. But your prayers and alms and all your deeds so do, as you have it in the Gospel of our Lord.
Appoint, therefore, for yourselves, bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money, and truthful and proved; for they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers. Therefore do not despise them, for they are your honored ones, together with the prophets and teachers. And reprove one another, not in anger, but in peace, as you have it in the Gospel. But to anyone that acts amiss against another, let no one speak, nor let him hear anything from you until he repents. But your prayers and alms and all your deeds so do, as you have it in the Gospel of our Lord.
Chapter 16. Watchfulness; the Coming of the Lord.
Watch for your life's sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ready, for you know not the hour in which our Lord will come. But come together often, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if you are not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; for when lawlessness increases, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, and then shall appear the world-deceiver as Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which have never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but those who endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself. And then shall appear the signs of the truth: first, the sign of an outspreading in heaven, then the sign of the sound of the trumpet. And third, the resurrection of the dead -- yet not of all, but as it is said: "The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him." Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.
Watch for your life's sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ready, for you know not the hour in which our Lord will come. But come together often, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if you are not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; for when lawlessness increases, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, and then shall appear the world-deceiver as Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which have never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but those who endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself. And then shall appear the signs of the truth: first, the sign of an outspreading in heaven, then the sign of the sound of the trumpet. And third, the resurrection of the dead -- yet not of all, but as it is said: "The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him." Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.
The Beatitudes - Matthew 5:3-10
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst after righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who suffer persecution
for righteousness' sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Rejoice and be glad
for great is your reward in heaven.
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst after righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are those who suffer persecution
for righteousness' sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Rejoice and be glad
for great is your reward in heaven.
Magnificat - Luke 1:46-55
English:
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.
Latin:
Magnificat anima mea Dominum
et exultavit spiritus meus in Deo salutari meo
quia respexit humilitatem ancillae
suae ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes
quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est
et sanctum nomen eius
et misericordia eius in progenies
et progenies timentibus eum
fecit potentiam in brachio
suo dispersit superbos mente cordis sui
deposuit potentes de sede
et exaltavit humiles
esurientes implevit bonis
et divites dimisit inanes
suscepit Israhel
puerum suum memorari misericordiae
sicut locutus est ad patres nostros
Abraham et semini eius in saecula
Gloria Patri et Filio at Spiritui Sancto
Sicut erat in principio et nunc et semper et in saecula saeculorum.
Amen.
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
From this day all generations will call me blessed: *
the Almighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his Name.
He has mercy on those who fear him *
in every generation.
He has shown the strength of his arm, *
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, *
and has lifted up the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things, *
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has come to the help of his servant Israel, *
for he has remembered his promise of mercy,
The promise he made to our fathers, *
to Abraham and his children for ever.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever.
Amen.
Latin:
Magnificat anima mea Dominum
et exultavit spiritus meus in Deo salutari meo
quia respexit humilitatem ancillae
suae ecce enim ex hoc beatam me dicent omnes generationes
quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est
et sanctum nomen eius
et misericordia eius in progenies
et progenies timentibus eum
fecit potentiam in brachio
suo dispersit superbos mente cordis sui
deposuit potentes de sede
et exaltavit humiles
esurientes implevit bonis
et divites dimisit inanes
suscepit Israhel
puerum suum memorari misericordiae
sicut locutus est ad patres nostros
Abraham et semini eius in saecula
Gloria Patri et Filio at Spiritui Sancto
Sicut erat in principio et nunc et semper et in saecula saeculorum.
Amen.
Benedictus - Luke 1: 68-79
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; *
he has come to his people and set them free.
he has come to his people and set them free.
He has raised up for us a mighty savior, *
born of the house of his servant David.
born of the house of his servant David.
Through his holy prophets he promised of old,
that he would save us from our enemies, *
from the hands of all who hate us.
that he would save us from our enemies, *
from the hands of all who hate us.
He promised to show mercy to our fathers *
and to remember his holy covenant.
and to remember his holy covenant.
This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham, *
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
to set us free from the hands of our enemies,
Free to worship him without fear, *
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
holy and righteous in his sight
all the days of our life.
You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, *
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
To give his people knowledge of salvation *
by the forgiveness of their sins.
by the forgiveness of their sins.
In the tender compassion of our God *
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
the dawn from on high shall break upon us,
To shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, *
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
and to guide our feet into the way of peace.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Nunc Dimittis - Luke 2:29-32
Lord, you now have set your servant free *
to go in peace as you have promised;
to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
and the glory of your people Israel.
and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
God Our Saviour - Ephesians 1:3-10
Praised be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him before the world began
to be holy and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure,
that all might praise the glorious favor
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood,
we have been redeemed,
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous is God’s favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out in Christ,
in the fulness of time,
to bring all things into one in him,
in the heavens and on earth.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Praised be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has bestowed on us in Christ
every spiritual blessing in the heavens.
God chose us in him before the world began
to be holy and blameless in his sight.
He predestined us to be his adopted sons through Jesus Christ,
such was his will and pleasure,
that all might praise the glorious favor
he has bestowed on us in his beloved.
In him and through his blood,
we have been redeemed,
and our sins forgiven,
so immeasurably generous is God’s favor to us.
God has given us the wisdom to understand fully the mystery,
the plan he was pleased to decree in Christ.
A plan to be carried out in Christ,
in the fulness of time,
to bring all things into one in him,
in the heavens and on earth.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
The Firstborn of all Creation - Colossians 1:12-20
Let us give thanks to the Father,
who has made us worthy to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
He rescued us from the power of darkness
and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son.
Through him we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins.
He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation,
for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
thrones and dominations, principalities and powers.
All things were created through him and for him:
he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
And he is the head of the body, the Church.
He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead,
and so he is pre-eminent above all.
For it was the Father’s will that the fullness of God should dwell in him,
and that through him all things should be reconciled to himself.
Through the blood of the Cross he brought peace to all things,
both on Earth and in the heavens.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
Let us give thanks to the Father,
who has made us worthy to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
He rescued us from the power of darkness
and brought us into the kingdom of his beloved Son.
Through him we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins.
He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation,
for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible,
thrones and dominations, principalities and powers.
All things were created through him and for him:
he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
And he is the head of the body, the Church.
He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead,
and so he is pre-eminent above all.
For it was the Father’s will that the fullness of God should dwell in him,
and that through him all things should be reconciled to himself.
Through the blood of the Cross he brought peace to all things,
both on Earth and in the heavens.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
A Song of Faith
1 Peter 1:3-4,18-21
Blessed be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading,
kept in heaven for you.
Who are being protected by the power of God
through faith for a salvation,
ready to be revealed in the last time.
You were ransomed from the futile ways of your ancestors
not with perishable things like silver or gold
But with the precious blood of Christ
like that of a lamb without spot or stain.
Through him you have confidence in God,
who raised him from the dead and gave him glory,
so that your faith and hope are set on God.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
1 Peter 1:3-4,18-21
Blessed be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading,
kept in heaven for you.
Who are being protected by the power of God
through faith for a salvation,
ready to be revealed in the last time.
You were ransomed from the futile ways of your ancestors
not with perishable things like silver or gold
But with the precious blood of Christ
like that of a lamb without spot or stain.
Through him you have confidence in God,
who raised him from the dead and gave him glory,
so that your faith and hope are set on God.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end.
Amen.
A Song of Christ the Servant
1 Peter 2:21b-25
Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, *
that you should follow in his steps.
He committed no sin, no guile was found on his lips, *
when he was reviled, he did not revile in turn.
When he suffered, he did not threaten, *
but he trusted himself to God who judges justly.
Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, *
that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.
1 Peter 2:21b-25
Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, *
that you should follow in his steps.
He committed no sin, no guile was found on his lips, *
when he was reviled, he did not revile in turn.
When he suffered, he did not threaten, *
but he trusted himself to God who judges justly.
Christ himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, *
that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.
By his wounds, you have been healed,
for you were straying like sheep, *
but have now returned
to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
A Song of Repentance - 1 John 1:5-9
for you were straying like sheep, *
but have now returned
to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
A Song of Repentance - 1 John 1:5-9
This is the message we have heard from Christ
and proclaim to you: *
that God is light,
in whom there is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with God
while we walk in darkness, *
we lie and do not do what is true.
But if we walk in the light
as He is in the light, *
we have fellowship with one another.
And the blood of Jesus, the Son of God, *
cleanses us from all our sins.
If we say that we have no sin, *
we deceive ourselves
and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, *
the One who is faithful and just will forgive us
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
and proclaim to you: *
that God is light,
in whom there is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with God
while we walk in darkness, *
we lie and do not do what is true.
But if we walk in the light
as He is in the light, *
we have fellowship with one another.
And the blood of Jesus, the Son of God, *
cleanses us from all our sins.
If we say that we have no sin, *
we deceive ourselves
and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, *
the One who is faithful and just will forgive us
and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
as it was in the beginning is now and shall be for ever. Amen.
A Song to the Lamb Dignus es
Revelation 4:11, 5:9-10, 13
Splendor and honor and kingly power *
are yours by right, O Lord our God,
are yours by right, O Lord our God,
For you created everything that is, *
and by your will they were created and have their being;
and by your will they were created and have their being;
And yours by right, O Lamb that was slain, *
for with your blood you have redeemed for God,
for with your blood you have redeemed for God,
From every family, language, people, and nation, *
a kingdom of priests to serve our God.
a kingdom of priests to serve our God.
And so, to him who sits upon the throne, *
and to Christ the Lamb,
Be worship and praise, dominion and splendor, *
for ever and for evermore.
for ever and for evermore.
The Judgment of God - Revelation 11:17-18; 12:10b-12a
We praise you, the Lord God Almighty,
Who is and who was.
You have assumed your great power,
You have begun your reign.
The nations have raged in anger,
But then came your day of wrath
And the moment to judge the dead:
The time to reward your servants the prophets
And the holy ones who revere you,
The great and the small alike.
Now have salvation and power come,
The reign of our God and the authority
Of his Anointed One,
For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,
Who night and day accused them before God.
They defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
And by the word of their testimony;
Love for life did not deter them from death.
So rejoice, you heavens,
And you that dwell therein!
We praise you, the Lord God Almighty,
Who is and who was.
You have assumed your great power,
You have begun your reign.
The nations have raged in anger,
But then came your day of wrath
And the moment to judge the dead:
The time to reward your servants the prophets
And the holy ones who revere you,
The great and the small alike.
Now have salvation and power come,
The reign of our God and the authority
Of his Anointed One,
For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,
Who night and day accused them before God.
They defeated him by the blood of the Lamb
And by the word of their testimony;
Love for life did not deter them from death.
So rejoice, you heavens,
And you that dwell therein!
Magna et mirabilia - Revelation 15:3-4
O ruler of the universe, Lord God,
great deeds are they that you have done, *
surpassing human understanding.
Your ways are ways of righteousness and truth, *
O King of all the ages.
Who can fail to do you homage, Lord,
and sing the praises of your Name? *
for you only are the Holy One.
All nations will draw near and fall down before you, *
because your just and holy works have been revealed.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
O ruler of the universe, Lord God,
great deeds are they that you have done, *
surpassing human understanding.
Your ways are ways of righteousness and truth, *
O King of all the ages.
Who can fail to do you homage, Lord,
and sing the praises of your Name? *
for you only are the Holy One.
All nations will draw near and fall down before you, *
because your just and holy works have been revealed.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
Gloria in excelsis
English:
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you,
we bless you,
we adore you,
we glorify you,
we give you thanks for your great glory,
Lord God, heavenly King,
O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world,
receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father,
have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen. Latin:
and on earth peace to people of good will.
We praise you,
we bless you,
we adore you,
we glorify you,
we give you thanks for your great glory,
Lord God, heavenly King,
O God, almighty Father.
Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world,
receive our prayer;
you are seated at the right hand of the Father,
have mercy on us.
For you alone are the Holy One,
you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ,
with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God the Father. Amen. Latin:
Glória in excélsis Deo,
et in terra pax homínibus bonæ voluntátis.
Laudámus te.
Benedícimus te.
Adorámus te.
Glorificámus te.
Grátias ágimus tibi propter magnam glóriam tuam.
Dómine Deus, Rex cæléstis,
Deus Pater omnípotens.
Dómine Fili unigénite, Jesu Christe.
Dómine Deus, Agnus Dei, Fílius Patris.
Qui tollis peccáta mundi,
miserére nobis.
Qui tollis peccáta mundi,
súscipe deprecatiónem nostram.
Qui sedes ad déxteram Patris,
miserére nobis.
Quóniam tu solus Sanctus.
Tu solus Dóminus.
Tu solus Altíssimus, Jesu Christe.
Cum Sancto Spíritu,
+ in glória Dei Patris. Amen.
Te Deum Laudamus
English:
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting. Latin:
Te deum laudamus
Te dominum confitemur.
Te æternum Patrem
omnis terra veneratur.
Tibi omnes angeli, tibi cæli: et universæ Potestates.
Tibi Cherubim incessabili voce proclamant:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus: Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt cæli et terra majestates gloriæ tuæ.
Te gloriosus Apostolorum chorus.
Te Prophetarum laudabilis numerus.
Te Martyrum candidatus laudat exercitus.
Te per orbum terrarum sancta confitetur Ecclesia.
Patrem immensæ majestatis:
Venerandum tuum, verum, et unicum Filium.
Sanctum quoque Paraclitum Spiritum.
et in terra pax homínibus bonæ voluntátis.
Laudámus te.
Benedícimus te.
Adorámus te.
Glorificámus te.
Grátias ágimus tibi propter magnam glóriam tuam.
Dómine Deus, Rex cæléstis,
Deus Pater omnípotens.
Dómine Fili unigénite, Jesu Christe.
Dómine Deus, Agnus Dei, Fílius Patris.
Qui tollis peccáta mundi,
miserére nobis.
Qui tollis peccáta mundi,
súscipe deprecatiónem nostram.
Qui sedes ad déxteram Patris,
miserére nobis.
Quóniam tu solus Sanctus.
Tu solus Dóminus.
Tu solus Altíssimus, Jesu Christe.
Cum Sancto Spíritu,
+ in glória Dei Patris. Amen.
Te Deum Laudamus
English:
You are God: we praise you;
You are the Lord; we acclaim you;
You are the eternal Father:
All creation worships you.
To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,
Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:
Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,
heaven and earth are full of your glory.
The glorious company of apostles praise you.
The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.
The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.
Throughout the world the holy Church acclaims you;
Father, of majesty unbounded,
your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,
and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.
You, Christ, are the king of glory,
the eternal Son of the Father.
When you became man to set us free
you did not shun the Virgin's womb.
You overcame the sting of death
and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come then, Lord, and help your people,
bought with the price of your own blood,
and bring us with your saints
to glory everlasting. Latin:
Te deum laudamus
Te dominum confitemur.
Te æternum Patrem
omnis terra veneratur.
Tibi omnes angeli, tibi cæli: et universæ Potestates.
Tibi Cherubim incessabili voce proclamant:
Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus: Sanctus Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
Pleni sunt cæli et terra majestates gloriæ tuæ.
Te gloriosus Apostolorum chorus.
Te Prophetarum laudabilis numerus.
Te Martyrum candidatus laudat exercitus.
Te per orbum terrarum sancta confitetur Ecclesia.
Patrem immensæ majestatis:
Venerandum tuum, verum, et unicum Filium.
Sanctum quoque Paraclitum Spiritum.
Tu Rex gloriæ, Christe, tu Patris
sempiternus es Filius.
Tu ad liberandum suscepturus hominem,
non horruisti Virginis uterum.
Tu devicto mortis aculeo,
aperuisti credentibus regna cælorum.
Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, in gloria Patris.
Judex crederis, esse venturus.
Te ergo quæsumus, tuis famulis subveni,
quos pretioso sanguine redemisti.
Aeterna fac cum Sanctis
tuis in Gloria numerari.
sempiternus es Filius.
Tu ad liberandum suscepturus hominem,
non horruisti Virginis uterum.
Tu devicto mortis aculeo,
aperuisti credentibus regna cælorum.
Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, in gloria Patris.
Judex crederis, esse venturus.
Te ergo quæsumus, tuis famulis subveni,
quos pretioso sanguine redemisti.
Aeterna fac cum Sanctis
tuis in Gloria numerari.
The Angelus
The angel of the Lord brought tidings to Mary.
And She conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
Be it unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
And the Word was made flesh.
And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Lord, Pour your grace into our hearts, that as we have known the incarnation of Your Son, Jesus Christ, by the message of an angel, so by His + Cross, and Passion, we may be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Amen.
The angel of the Lord brought tidings to Mary.
And She conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
Be it unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
And the Word was made flesh.
And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Lord, Pour your grace into our hearts, that as we have known the incarnation of Your Son, Jesus Christ, by the message of an angel, so by His + Cross, and Passion, we may be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Amen.
Phos hilaron
O gracious light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of Life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.
O Son of God, O Giver of Life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.
Pascha nostrum
1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Romans 6:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
Alleluia.
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; *
therfore let us keep the feast,
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; *
therfore let us keep the feast,
Not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, *
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.
Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; *
death no longer has dominion over him.
The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all; *
but the life he lives, he lives to God.
but the life he lives, he lives to God.
So also consider yourselves dead to sin, *
and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.
and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.
Christ has been raised from the dead, *
the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
For since by a man came death, *
by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.
by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, *
so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.
so also in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.
ORDER THAT TAKES PLACE BEFORE HOLY BAPTISM
PRAYER FOR MAKING A CATECHUMEN
The Priest unties the girdle of the one who is about to be enlightened and divests them of outer clothing and shoes. He stands them facing East, wearing only a tunic, unbelted, bareheaded and unshod, with the hands down. He breathes on their face three times, signs the forehead and breast three times and places his hand on their head as he says the following Prayer:
In your name, Lord God of truth, and that of your Only-Begotten Son and your Holy Spirit, I place my hand on the head of your servant N., who has been counted worthy to take refuge in your holy Name and to be guarded under the shelter of your wings. Remove from him/her that ancient error and fill him/her with faith in you, and hope and love, so that he/she may know that you alone are God, true God, and your Only-Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and your Holy Spirit. Grant that he/she may walk in your commandments and preserve those things that are pleasing to you, for if someone does them, they will live by them. Inscribe him/her in your book of life and unite him/her to the flock of your inheritance. Let your holy Name and that of your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ and of your life-giving Spirit, be glorified in him/her. Let your eyes remain ever fixed in mercy on him/her, and your ears to hear the voice of his/her supplication. Make him/her glad in the works of his/her hands and in all his/her race, that he/she may confess you, worshipping and glorifying your great and most high Name, and may praise you throughout all the days of his/her life. For every power of heaven sings your praise, and yours is the glory, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
FIRST EXORCISM
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
The Lord rebukes you, O Devil, the Lord who came into the world and dwelt among mortals so that he might destroy your tyranny and deliver humanity; the Lord who on the Tree crushed the hostile powers, when the sun was darkened, the earth shaken, the graves opened and the bodies of Saints arose; the Lord who by death abolished death and destroyed the one who had the power of death, that is you, the Devil. I adjure you by God, who revealed the tree of life and set in place the Cherubim and the flaming sword which turned this way and that to guard it: Be rebuked and withdraw! I adjure you by the One who walked on the surface of the sea as on dry land and rebuked the tempest of the winds, the One whose gaze dries up the deeps and whose curse melts mountains. For it is he who now commands you, through us: Be afraid, come out, withdraw from this creature and return no more. Do not hide in him/her, nor encounter him/her, nor influence him/her either by night or day, early or at noon. But go back to your own Tartarus until the great day of the judgement that has been prepared. Be afraid of God, who is seated upon the Cherubim and looks upon the deeps; before whom Angels, Archangels, Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Authorities, Powers, the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim tremble; before whom heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them tremble. Come out, and withdraw from the sealed and newly-enlisted soldier of Christ our God. For it is by him that I adjure you, the One who walks on the wings of the winds, who makes his Angels spirits and his ministers a flaming fire. Come out, and withdraw from this creature with all your power and your angels. For the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit has been glorified, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
SECOND EXORCISM
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
It is God, the Holy One, who is beyond understanding and unsearchable in all his works and in his strength, the One who foreordained for you, O Devil, the penalty of eternal damnation, that through us, his unprofitable servants, orders you, and every power that works with you, to depart from the one who has been newly sealed in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our true God. I adjure you, most evil, unclean, foul, abominable and alien spirit, by the power of Jesus Christ, who has all authority in heaven and on earth and who said to the deaf and dumb demon, ‘Come out of the man, and enter him no more!’ Depart! Acknowledge the futility of your power, which had no authority even over swine. Remember the One who ordered you, in accordance with your own request, to enter the herd of swine. Fear God, at whose command the earth was established upon the waters, who created the heavens and fixed the mountains with a king post and the valleys with a cross-beam, placed sand as a boundary for the sea and made a safe path through wild water; who touches the mountains and they smoke; who wraps himself in light as in a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent cloth; who roofs his upper chambers with waters; who established the earth on its foundations; it will not be moved for to age on age; who summoned the water of the sea and poured it out upon the face of the earth. Come and depart from one who is being made ready for holy Enlightenment. I adjure you by the saving Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, by his precious Body and Blood and his dread Coming; for he will come, and he will not delay, to judge the whole earth and he will condemn you and the power that works with you to the Gehenna of fire, handing you over to the exterior darkness, where the worm is unsleeping and the fire is not quenched. Because the might is Christ our God's, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THIRD EXORCISM
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Lord Sabaoth, God of Israel, who heal every disease and every sickness, look upon your servant, search out, seek and drive from him/her all the activities of the devil. Rebuke the unclean spirits and expel them, and cleanse the work of your hands; and using your swift force, crush Satan speedily under his/her feet and grant him/her victories against him and all his unclean spirits, so that, obtaining mercy from you, he/she may be found worthy of your immortal and heavenly Mysteries and may give glory to you, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Master and Lord, the One who Is, who made man according to your image and likeness and gave him the power of eternal life; then, when he fell through sin, did not disdain him, but provided for the salvation of the world through the incarnation of your Christ, do you yourself receive also this creature of yours, whom you have redeemed from the slavery of the foe, into the heavenly Kingdom. Open the eyes of his/her mind so that the enlightenment of your Gospel may dawn on him/her. Yoke to his/her life an Angel of light, to deliver him/her from every attack of the adversary, from evil encounter, from the noon-day demon, from evil visions.
Then the Priest breathes on the mouth, forehead and breast of the Catechumen, saying:
Drive out of him/her every evil and unclean spirit hiding and lurking in his/her heart. (He says this three times) The spirit of error, the spirit of wickedness, the spirit of idolatry and diabolic oppression; the spirit of lying and every uncleanness which operates in accordance with the teaching of the devil. And make him/her a rational sheep of the flock of your Christ, an honoured member of your Church, a vessel made holy, a child of light and an heir of your Kingdom. So that, having lived in accordance with your commandments, preserving the seal undamaged and keeping his/her garment undefiled, he/she may attain to the blessedness of the Saints in your Kingdom.
Aloud:
By the grace and pity and love for mankind of your Only-Begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
When the Catechumen is undressed and unshod, the Priest turns him/her to the West with hands raised on high, and says:
Do you renounce Satan? And all his works? And all his angels? And all his worship? And all his solemn rites?
And to each question the Catechumen, or the Godparent, if the catechumen is a barbarian or a child, answers and says:
I renounce them.
And when he/she has said this three times, the Priest again asks the one to be baptized:
Have you renounced Satan?
And the Catechumen, or the Godparent, answers:
I have renounced him.
After he/she has said this three times the Priest says:
Then blow and spit on him.
After this the Priest turns the Catechumen to the East with lowered hands and says to him/her three times:
Do you unite yourself to Christ?
The Catechumen, or Godparent, answers three times:
I unite myself to him.
And again the Priest asks three times:
Have you united yourself to Christ?
And each time the Catechumen, or Godparent, answers:
I have united myself to him.
And the Priest asks:
And do you believe in him?
The Catechumen, or Godparent, answers:
I believe in him as King and God, and continues:
I believe in one God, Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages. Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made; for our sake and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man; he was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; he rose again on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father; he is coming again in glory to judge the living and the dead; and his kingdom will have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with Father and Son is worshipped and together glorified; who spoke through the Prophets. In one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church; I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins; I await the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.
When the holy Profession of faith has been completed [the Priest again asks three times: Have you united yourself to Christ? and the rest. The Catechumen, or the Godparent, answers each time as before. After the third question and the third recitation of the Creed] the Priest asks three times:
Have you united yourself to Christ?
And the Catechumen, or the Godparent, answers:
I have united myself to him.
And the Priest says:
Bow down also and worship him.
The candidate makes a prostration, saying:
I worship Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Trinity consubstantial and undivided.
The Priest says:
Blessed is God who wishes all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Then he says this Prayer:
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Master, Lord our God, call your servant N. to your holy Enlightenment and count him/her worthy of the great grace of your holy Baptism. Put off his/her old self and renew him/her for eternal life and fill him/her with the power of your Holy Spirit for union with your Christ, that he/she may no longer be a child of the body, but a child of your kingdom. Through the good pleasure and grace of your Only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
SERVICE OF HOLY BAPTISM
The Priest enters the Sanctuary and vests in white vestments and the cuffs. While all the candles are being lit he takes the censer, goes to the Font and censes it in a circle. He hands the censer away and makes a bow.
Then the Deacon says:
Master, give the blessing.
The Priest, out loud:
Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy. And so after each petition.
Deacon: For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy Churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
For this holy house, and for those who enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
For our Archbishop (N.), for the honoured order of presbyters, for the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
For our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family, her Government, and all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
That this water may be sanctified by the power, operation and descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
That there may be sent down upon it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan, let us pray to the Lord.
That there may come down upon these waters the cleansing operation of the Trinity beyond being, let us pray to the Lord.
That we may be enlightened with the enlightenment of knowledge and true religion through the descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
That this water may shown to be a protection against every assault of visible and invisible enemies, let us pray to the Lord.
That the one to be baptized in it may become worthy of the incorruptible Kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
For the one who now draws near for holy Enlightenment and for his/her safety and salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
That he/she may be shown to be a child of light and heir of eternal blessings, let us pray to the Lord.
That he/she may be rooted in, and be a partaker in the death and resurrection of Christ our God, let us pray to the Lord.
That he/she may preserve the garment of Baptism and the pledge of the Holy Spirit unsullied and undefiled on the dread Day of Christ our God, let us pray to the Lord.
That this water may become for him/her a washing of rebirth for forgiveness of sins and a garment of incorruption, let us pray to the Lord.
That the Lord God would hearken to the voice of our supplication, let us pray to the Lord.
For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and constraint, let us pray to the Lord.
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.
Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
While the Deacon is saying this the Priest says this prayer quietly:
Compassionate and merciful God, you test minds and hearts and alone know the secrets of mortals, for no deed is hidden in your sight, but everything is naked and exposed to your eyes. You know all about me; do not then despise me or turn your face from me, but overlook my offences at this hour, you who overlook the sins of mortals for their repentance. Wash away the filth of my body and the defilement of my soul by the power of your invisible and spiritual right hand, lest, as I proclaim freedom to others and grant it by the perfect faith of your ineffable love for mankind, I myself, as a slave of sin, become unworthy of it. May I not, Master, alone good and lover of mankind, may I not be turned away humiliated and put to shame, but from on high send power out to me and give me strength for your great and heavenly Mystery which lies before me, and through my miserable person form your Christ in the one who is about to be reborn. Build him/her up on the foundation of your Apostles and Prophets, and do not pull him/her down, but plant him/her as a plant of truth in your holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, and do not pull him/her out. So that by his/her progressing in true religion, your all-holy name, of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, may be glorified also through him/her, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
It is to be noted that the Priest says none of this out loud, but he even says the Amen to himself. Then he says the following prayer in a loud voice:
Great are you, O Lord, and wonderful are your works; and no word will be adequate to sing the praise of your wonders (x3). For as by your will you brought the universe from non-existence into being, by your might you uphold creation and by your providence you direct the world. From four elements you composed the world, with four seasons you crowned the circle of the year. All the spiritual Powers tremble before you. The sun sings your praise, the moon glorifies you, the stars entreat you, the light obeys you, the deeps tremble before you, the springs are your servants. You stretched out the heaven like a curtain; you established the earth on the waters; you walled in the sea with sand; you poured out the air for breathing. Angelic Powers minister to you, the choirs of Archangels worship you, the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim, as they stand and fly around you, veil themselves in fear of your unapproachable glory. For you, God uncircumscribed, without beginning and ineffable, came upon earth taking the form of a slave, being found in the likeness of mortals. For through the compassion of your mercy, Master, you could not endure to watch the human race being tyrannized by the devil, but you came and saved us. We confess your grace, we proclaim your mercy, we do not conceal your benevolence. You set at liberty the generations of our nature, you sanctified a virgin womb by your birth. All creation sang your praise when you appeared. For you, our God, were seen on earth and lived among mortals. You also sanctified the streams of Jordan by sending down to them from heaven your all-holy Spirit, and you crushed the heads of the dragons that lurked their. Therefore, O King, lover of mankind, be present now too, through the visitation of your Holy Spirit, and sanctify this water (x3). Give it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan. Make it a source of incorruption, a gift of sanctification, an deliverance from sins, a destruction of demons. Make it unapproachable by hostile powers and filled with angelic strength. Let those that conspire against your creature flee from it, because I, Lord, have called upon your Name, which is wondrous and glorious and fearful to adversaries.
And breathing on the water three times, with two fingers he makes the sign of the Cross in it three times and prays over it, saying:
Let all adverse powers be crushed beneath the sign of the image of your Cross (x3). We pray you, Lord, let all airy and invisible spectres withdraw from us, and do not let a demon of darkness hide itself in this water, and do not let an evil spirit, bringing darkening of thoughts and disturbance of mind, go down into it with the one who is being baptized. But do you, Master of all things, declare this water to be water of redemption, water of sanctification, cleansing of flesh and spirit, untying of bonds, forgiveness of offences, enlightenment of soul, washing of rebirth, renewal of spirit, gift of adoption, garment of incorruption, source of life. For it was you, Lord, who said, ‘Wash and be made clean, and put away evils from your souls’. It is you who have given us the grace of rebirth from on high through water and Spirit. Manifest yourself, Lord, in this water, and grant that the one being baptized in it may be transformed for the putting off of the old self that is corrupted after the desires of deception, and may put on the new that is renewed after the image of the One who created him/her. So that, planted in the likeness of your death through Baptism, he/she may also become a partaker in your Resurrection, and having guarded the gift of the Holy Spirit and increased the deposit of grace, may receive the prize of his/her high calling and be numbered with the firstborn, whose names are inscribed in heaven, in you our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. Because to you belong glory, might, honour and worship, together with your Father who is without beginning and your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To you, O Lord.
The Priest breathes on the container of oil three times and signs the oil three times as it held by the Deacon [Godparent].
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
The Priest says the following prayer quietly:
Master, Lord God of our fathers, who sent out a dove to those in Noכ’s ark, with a branch of olive in its beak as sign of reconciliation and salvation from the flood, and through these things prefigured the Mystery of grace; who have given the fruit of the olive for the completion of your holy Mysteries; who through it both filled those under the Law with the Holy Spirit, and make perfect those under grace; do you yourself bless this olive oil also by the power, operation and descent of your Holy Spirit, so that it may become an anointing of incorruption, a weapon of righteousness, renewal of soul and body, a driving away of every operation of the devil, for the removal of all evils from those who are anointed with it in faith, or who partake of it to your glory and that of your Only-Begotten Son and your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Let us attend.
The Priest, chanting Alleluia three times with the People, makes three Crosses with the oil in the water. Then he proclaims:
Blessed is God, who enlightens and sanctifies everyone who comes into the world, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The one to be baptized is brought forward. The Priest takes some of the oil and makes the sign of the Cross on the forehead, breast and back of the candidate, saying:
The servant of God, N., is anointed with the oil of gladness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As he signs their breast and back he says:
For healing of soul and body.
On the ears:
For the hearing of faith.
On the feet:
For your feet to walk.
On the hands:
Your hands made me and fashioned me.
And when the whole body has been anointed the Priest baptizes the person, holding them upright and facing East, as he says:
The servant of God N. is baptized, in the name of the Father. Amen. And of the Son. Amen. And of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
At each invocation the Priest immerses them and raises them again. After the baptism the Priest washes, as he and the People chant (x3):
Psalm 31
Blessed are those whose iniquities have been forgiven and whose sins have been covered (x3). Blessed is the one to whom the Lord imputes no sin and in whose mouth there is no guile. Because I kept silent my bones grew old from my crying out all day long. Because night and day your hand was heavy upon me; I was turned to wretchedness by a thorn's being fastened in me. I acknowledged my sin and did not hide my iniquity. I said, ‘Against myself I will admit my iniquity to the Lord’, and you forgave the ungodliness of my heart. For this every holy one will pray to you at a fitting moment. Except in a flood of many waters they will not come near him. For you are my refuge from the affliction which surrounds me, my joy to deliver me from those who have surrounded me. ‘I will make you understand and guide you in the way in which you should go. I will fix my eyes upon you. Do not become like horse and mule, who have no understanding. With bit and bridle you must constrain their cheeks so that they do not come near you.’ Many are the scourges of the sinner, but mercy will surround the one who hopes in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad you righteous, and boast all you upright in heart.
And as he clothes the newly baptized, the Priest says:
The servant of God N. is clothed with a tunic of righteousness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then the following is chanted in Tone 8:
Grant me a tunic of light, O most merciful, Christ our God, who wrap yourself in light as in a garment.
After the newly-baptized is clothed:
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
And the Priest says this prayer:
Blessed are you, Lord God Almighty, the source of blessings, the Sun of righteousness, who have made the light of salvation shine for those in darkness through the appearing of your Only-Begotten Son and our God, and have granted us, unworthy though are, the grace of blessed cleansing by holy Baptism, and divine sanctification by life-giving Anointing. And you have now been well-pleased to make your newly-enlightened servant to be born again through water and Spirit, and have granted him/her forgiveness of sins both voluntary and involuntary. Do you then, Master, compassionate, universal King, grant him/her also the Seal of the gift of your holy, all-powerful and adorable Spirit and the Communion of the holy Body and precious Blood of your Christ. Keep him/her in your sanctification; confirm him/her in the Orthodox Faith; deliver him/her from the evil one and all his devices, and by your saving fear guard his/her soul in purity and righteousness; so that being in every deed and word well-pleasing to you, he/she may become a child and heir of your heavenly Kingdom.
Aloud:
Because you are our God, a God who has mercy and who saves, and to you we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
And after the Prayer he anoints the newly baptized with the holy Myron, making a sign of the Cross on the forehead, the eyes, the nostrils, the mouth, the two ears, the breast, the hands and the feet, and saying:
Seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
[In many places it is the custom for the Priest to place the baptismal Cross, after blessing it in the Baptismal Water, round the neck of the newly baptized and to give them a lighted candle. See Appendix.]
Then the Priest, having washed his hands, censes the Font, going round it in a circle, with the Godparent and the Newly-baptized following and standing opposite him, while we chant:
As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.
As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.
As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Have put on Christ. Alleluia.
As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.
[Deacon: Let us attend.
Priest: Peace to all.
Reader: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Wisdom.]
Reader: Prokeimenon in the 3rd Tone. [Psalm 26]
The Lord is my enlightenment and my Saviour; * whom shall I fear?
Verse: The Lord is the defender of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
Deacon: Wisdom.
The Apostle.
The Reading is from the Epistle of Paul to the Romans.
[6:3-11]
Deacon: Let us attend.
Reader:
Brethren, as many of us as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his death. We were buried then with him through baptism to death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin. For one who has died has been justified from sin. If then we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. For we know that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer lords it over him. As to dying, he died once and for all; as to living, he lives for God. Consequently, you also must consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Priest: Peace to you.
Reader: And to your spirit. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
The Gospel
Deacon: Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Priest:
The Reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
[<STYLE="MSO-BIDI-FONT-STYLE:NORMAL"28:16-19]
People: Glory to you, Lord, glory to you.
Deacon: Let us attend.
Priest:
At that time the eleven Disciples journeyed to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had commanded them. And when they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus drew near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all the things that I have commanded you. And see, I am with you all days until the end of the age. Amen’.
People: Glory to you, Lord, glory to you.
Then the Litany and Dismissal. [Frequently the Ablution and Tonsure are done before the Litany.]
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy. (x3)
Deacon: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation and forgiveness of sins for the servant of God, the Sponsor N.
Again we pray for the newly enlightened servant of God N.
That he/she may be kept in the faith of a pure confession, in all godliness and in the fulfilling of the commandments of Christ all the days of his/her life.
Priest: For you, O God, are good and love mankind, and to you we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE ABLUTION
After seven days they again bring the newly baptized to Church for the Ablution. The Priest loosens the linen cloth and girdle saying the following Prayers:
Master and Lord, who have granted your servant forgiveness of sins through holy Baptism, and given him/her the grace of a life of rebirth, be well pleased for the illumination of your face to shine for ever in his/her heart; keep the shield of his/her faith safe from attack by foes; preserve on him/her the garment of incorruption, which he/she has put on, undefiled and unstained; by your grace keeping the spiritual seal unbroken in him/her, and being merciful to him/her and to us. For blessed and glorified is your all-honoured and majestic Name, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Master, Lord our God, who through the font grant heavenly radiance to those who are baptized, who have given your newly enlightened servant rebirth through water and Spirit, and granted him/her forgiveness of sins both voluntary and involuntary, lay your mighty hand on him/her and guard him/her by the power of your loving kindness; preserve the pledge inviolate; and count him/her worthy of eternal life and your good pleasure. Because you are our sanctification, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest:
The one who has put you on, Christ our God, has bowed his/her head to you with us. Guard him/her always to remain an invincible warrior against those that in vain bear enmity against him/her and us, and with your incorruptible crown declare us all to be victors unto the end. Because yours it is to have mercy and to save us, and to you we give glory, with your Father who is without beginning and your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
And he unties the girdle and linen cloth of the newly baptized, and having joined their ends he wets them with water and sprinkles the newly baptized, saying:
You have been justified. You have been enlightened. You have been sanctified. You have been washed in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God.
And taking a new sponge with water he sponges the face of the newly baptized, together with his/her head, breast and the rest, saying:
You have been baptized. You have been enlightened. You have been anointed with chrism. You have been sanctified. You have been washed clean. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
PRAYERS FOR THE TONSURE
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Master, Lord our God, who honoured mortals with your image, furnishing them with a rational soul and a comely body, so that the body might serve the rational soul, you placed the head at the very top and in it you planted the majority of the senses, which do not interfere with one another, while you covered the head with hair so as not to be harmed by the changes of the weather, and you fitted all the limbs most suitably to each one, so that through them all they might give thanks to you, the master craftsman. Do you yourself, Master, who through your vessel of election, the Apostle Paul, ordered us to do all things to your glory, bless your servant N. who has come to make a first offering by the cutting of the hair of his/her head. Bless his/her Sponsor also and grant that they may always meditate on your law and do what is well-pleasing to you. For you, O God, are merciful and love mankind, and to you we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest:
Lord our God, who through your loving kindness have sanctified from the fullness of the font those who believe in you, bless this child here present, and let your blessing come down upon his/her head. As you blessed King David through Samuel the Prophet, bless too the head of your servant N. through the hand of me, a sinner, visiting him/her with your Holy Spirit, so that as he/she advances to mature years and to the grey hairs of old age, he/she may give glory to you and see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of his/her life. For to you belong all glory, honour and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
And the Priest tonsures him/her in the form of a cross, saying;
The servant of God N. is tonsured, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, for the servants of God the Sponsor N. and the newly enlightened N.
Priest:
For you, O God, are merciful and love mankind, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
And the Dismissal
Priest: Glory to you, Christ God, our hope, glory to you.
Reader: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Holy Master, give the blessing.
Priest: May he who accepted to be baptized by John in the Jordan, Christ our true God, through the prayers of his all-pure and holy Mother, through the intercessions of the honoured, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John, of the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles, of the holy and righteous forebears of God, Joachim and Anne, of Saint N. (the Saint of the Newly-baptized), of Saint N. (to whom the Church is dedicated), of Saint N., whose memory we keep today, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for he is good and loves mankind.
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
People: Amen.
APPENDIX
The Small Euchologion has an Instruction at the end of the service which runs as follows:
Be careful, Priest, to instruct both the nurse and the mother not to bath or wash the face of the newly baptized until the seventh day. On the eighth day they are to wash and bath the child and they are to dispose of the water in a place where no one walks, or in a river, or in the piscina of the Church.
It also says that after the service the newly baptized and the Godparent are to go in procession to the former’s house, with everyone carrying lamps and singing As many of you as were baptized into Christ.
At the giving of the Cross and the Candle many priests say, for the Cross, If anyone would be my disciple, let them deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me; for the Candle, So let your light shine before your fellows, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.
It is the custom in many places for the Godparent to return the newly baptized infant to its mother after the service. The mother should do a prostration before her newly enlightened child and then take it in her arms.
If it is not possible for the newly baptized to receive Holy Communion immediately after their Baptism, they should come, or be brought, to the Liturgy at the first opportunity in order to do so. Accompanied by their God-parent they should come with their baptismal candle and be the first of the congregation to receive Communion
PRAYERS IN PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION
A Prayer of St. Basil the Great
O Lord and Master Jesus Christ our God, the fountain of life and immortality, the Creator of everything visible and invisible, the eternal and everlasting Son of the eternal Father, Thou hast come in these latter days because of the abundance of Thy goodness, Thou hast put on our human flesh and wast crucified and buried for us thankless and graceless men, and through Thine own blood Thou hast renewed our human nature which is corrupted by sin. And now, O Immortal King, accept the repentance of me a sinner and incline Thine ear to me and listen to my words:
I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned before heaven and before Thy Face, and I am not worthy to look upon the height of Thy Glory.
I have provoked Thy goodness, I have transgressed Thy commandments, I have not obeyed Thy statutes.
But, O Lord, since Thou dost not remember evil, but art long-suffering and of great mercy, Thou hast not given me over to destruction for my lawlessness, but hast ever awaited my conversion.
O Lover of men, Thou hast said by Thy prophets: "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live."
For Thou dost not wish, O Master, that the work of Thy hands should perish, neither dost Thou take pleasure in the destruction of men, but Thou desirest that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
Therefore, although I am unworthy both of heaven and of earth and of this passing life, having wholly yielded myself to sin and defiled Thine image, yet being Thy creature and of Thy making, I do not despair of my salvation in my wretchedness. But made bold by Thine infinite compassion, I draw near.
Receive me, O Christ Who lovest all men, as Thou didst receive the prostitute, the thief, the tax collector and the prodigal. Take away the heavy burden of my sins, for Thou takest away the sins of the world, Thou healest the infirmities of men, Thou callest to Thyself and givest rest to those who labor and are heavy laden.
Thou hast not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Cleanse me from every stain of flesh and spirit. Teach me to fulfil holiness in fear of Thee. That having the testimony of my own conscience clean, and having communion of Thy holy things, I may be united with Thy Body and Blood and may have Thee to dwell and abide in me, with the Father and Thy Holy Spirit.
O Lord Jesus Christ my God, may the communion of Thy most pure and life-creating mysteries not bring me into judgment, nor may I become weak in soul and body by partaking in an unworthy manner, but grant me to receive communion of Thy holy things without condemnation even to my very last breath, and by them to receive communion of the Holy Spirit, provision for the journey of eternal life, and an acceptable answer at Thy dread judgment seat; that I, together with all Thy chosen ones, may also be a partaker of the incorruptible blessings which Thou hast prepared for those who love Thee, O Lord, in whom Thou art glorified forever. Amen.
A Prayer of St. John Chrysostom
I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ the Son of the living God who camest into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first. I believe also that this is truly Thine own most pure Body, and that this is truly Thine own precious Blood. Therefore, I pray Thee: have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, committed in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy to partake without condemnation of Thy most pure Mysteries, for the remission of my sins, and unto life everlasting. Amen.
Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies, neither like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but like the thief will I confess Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy kingdom.
May the communion of Thy holy Mysteries be neither to my judgment, nor to my condemnation, O Lord, but to the healing of soul and body. Amen.
A Prayer of St. Simeon Metaphrastes
O only pure and incorruptible Lord, because of the unspeakable mercy of Thy love for mankind, Thou didst take to Thyself our entire human composition from the pure blood of the Virgin who gave birth to Thee beyond nature, by the descent of the Holy Spirit and the good-will of the ever-existing Father.
O Christ Jesus, Wisdom of God and Peace and Power, through the human nature which Thou didst take to Thyself, Thou didst suffer the life-creating and saving passion: the cross, the nails, the spear, death itself. Put to death in me the soul-destroying passions of the body.
Through Thy burial Thou didst capture the kingdom of death. Bury in me the evil devices of the devil with good thoughts, and destroy the spirits of evil.
Through Thy life-bringing resurrection Thou didst raise up the first father who had fallen. Raise me up who am sunk down in sin and give me the image of repentance.
Through Thy glorious ascension Thou didst make the flesh which Thou didst assume to be divine, and placed it on the throne at the Father's right hand. Grant me to receive a place at the right hand with the saved through communion of Thy holy mysteries.
Through the coming of Thy Spirit, the Comforter, Thou didst make Thy consecrated disciples to be honorable vessels. Show me also to be the receptacle of His coming.
Thou hast promised to come again to judge the world in righteousness. Grant that I may go to meet Thee in the clouds, my judge and creator, with all Thy saints; that I may glorify and praise Thee without end, together with Thy Father who is without beginning, and Thy most holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
A Prayer of St. John of Damascus
O Lord and Master Jesus Christ our God, who alone hast power to absolve men from their sins, for Thou art good and lovest all men, forgive all my transgressions done in knowledge or in ignorance, and make me worthy without condemnation to have communion of Thy divine and glorious and pure and life-creating mysteries. Let them not be for my punishment, or for the increase of my sins. But let them be for my purification and sanctification, as a promise of the life and kingdom to come, a defense and a help and a repulsion of every evil attacker and the removal of my many transgressions. For Thou art a God of mercy and generosity and love for mankind, and to Thee we send up glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
A Prayer of St. Basil the Great
I know O Lord, that I have communion unworthily of Thy most pure Body and Thy most precious Blood, that I am guilty and drink condemnation to myself not discerning Thy Body and Blood, O my Christ and God. But daring upon Thy generous loving-kindness I come to Thee who hast said: "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him." Be merciful, therefore, O Lord, and do not rebuke me a sinner, but deal with me according to Thy mercy, and let Thy holy things be for my purification and healing, for enlightenment and protection, for the repulsion of every tempting thought and action of the devil which works spiritually in my fleshly members. Let them be for boldness and love for Thee, for the correction and grounding of my life, for the increase of virtue and perfection, for the fulfillment of Thy commandments, for the communion of the Holy Spirit, for the journey of eternal life, for a good and acceptable answer at Thy dread judgment, but not for judgment or condemnation. Amen.
Another Prayer of St. John Chrysostom
O God, absolve, remit and pardon me my transgressions; as many sins as I have committed by word or action or thought, willingly or unwillingly, consciously or unconsciously; forgive me everything since Thou art good and the lover of men. And by the prayers of Thy most pure Mother, of Thy spiritual servants, the holy angelic powers and all the saints, who from all ages have been well-pleasing to Thee, be pleased to allow me to receive Thy most pure Body and Thy most precious Blood for the healing of my soul and body, and the purification of my evil thoughts. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Another Prayer of St. John Chrysostom
I am not worthy, Master and Lord, that Thou shouldst enter under the roof of my soul; yet inasmuch as Thou desirest to live in me as the lover of men, I approach with boldness. Thou hast commanded: Let the doors be opened which Thou Thyself alone hast made and Thou shalt enter with Thy love for men just as Thou art. Thou shalt enter and enlighten my darkened reasoning. I believe that Thou wilt do this. For Thou didst not cast away the prostitute who came to Thee with tears, neither didst Thou turn away the tax collector who repented, nor didst Thou reject the thief who acknowledged Thy kingdom, nor didst Thou forsake the repentent persecutor, the Apostle Pau], even as he was. But all who came to Thee in repentance Thou didst unite to the ranks of Thy friends, who alone art blessed forever, now and unto the endless ages. Amen.
Another Prayer of St. John Chrysostom
O Lord Jesus Christ my God, absolve, loose, cleanse and forgive me Thy sinful and useless and unworthy servant my errors, transgressions and sinful failings as many as I have committed from my youth up to this present day and hour consciously and unconsciously, in words or actions or reasonings, thoughts, pursuits and in all my senses. By the prayers of Thy mother the most pure and ever-virgin Mary who gave birth to Thee without human seed, my only hope which will not put me to shame, my intercessor and salvation, grant me to have communion without condemnation of Thy most pure, immortal, life-creating and awesome mysteries; for the remission of sins and unto life everlasting; for sanctification, enlightenment, strength, healing and health of soul and body; for the most perfect removal and destruction of my evil thoughts and reasonings and intentions, fantasies by night, brought by dark and evil spirits; for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory and the honor and the worship with the Father and Thy Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
A Prayer of St. John of Damascus
I stand before the doors of Thy temple and I do not forsake my wicked thoughts. But, O Christ my God, as Thou hast justified the tax-collector, and hast had mercy on the woman of Canaan and hast opened the gates of paradise to the thief, open to me the interior depths of Thy love for men and receive me as I come and repent before Thee. Receive me as Thou didst receive the sinful woman and the woman with the flow of blood. For the first embraced Thy most pure feet and received the forgiveness of her sins, and the second just touched the hem of Thy garment and received healing. But I who am lost, daring to receive Thy whole body, may I not be burned; but receive me as Thou hast received them, and enlighten my spiritual senses, burning up my sinful faults by the prayers of her who gave birth to Thee without human seed, and of the heavenly angelic powers, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.
Another Prayer of St. John Chrysostom
O Lord my God, I know that I am not worthy nor sufficiently pleasing that Thou shouldst come under the roof of the house of my soul for it is entirely desolate and fallen in ruin and Thou wilt not find in me a place worthy to lay Thy head. But as Thou didst humble Thyself from on high for our sake, so now humble Thyself to my lowliness.
As Thou didst deign to lie in a cavern, in a manger of dumb beasts, so now deign to enter into the manger of my beastly soul, and into my soiled body.
And as Thou didst not disdain to enter and to eat with sinners in the house of Simon the leper, so now be pleased to enter into the house of my soul, humble and leprous and sinful.
And as Thou didst not cast out the prostitute, the sinful woman who came to touch Thee, so have compassion on me a sinner who comes to touch Thee.
And As Thou didst not abhor the kiss of her sin-stained and unclean mouth, do not abhor my mouth, worse stained and more unclean than hers, nor my stained and shamed and unclean lips, nor my still more impure tongue.
But let the fiery coal of Thy most pure Body and Thy most precious Blood bring me sanctification, enlightenment and strengthening of my lowly soul and body, relief from the burden of my many transgressions, protection against every action of the devil, repulsion and victory over my wicked and evil habits, mortification of my passions, accomplishment of Thy commandments, increase of Thy divine grace, and inheritance of Thy kingdom.
For I do not come to Thee in presumption, O Christ my God, but made bold by Thine unspeakable goodness, lest I stray far away from Thy flock, O Master, and become caught by the wolf of souls.
Therefore I pray Thee, O Master, for Thou alone art holy, sanctify my soul and body, my mind and heart, my muscles and bones. Renew me entirely. Implant Thy fear in my fleshly members and let Thy sanctification never be removed from me.
Be my helper and defender, guide my life in peace and make me worthy to stand at Thy right hand with all Thy saints.
By the prayers and supplications of Thy most pure Mother, of Thy spiritual servants, the most pure angelic powers, and of all the saints who from all ages have been well-pleasing to Thee. Amen.
PRAYER FOR MAKING A CATECHUMEN
The Priest unties the girdle of the one who is about to be enlightened and divests them of outer clothing and shoes. He stands them facing East, wearing only a tunic, unbelted, bareheaded and unshod, with the hands down. He breathes on their face three times, signs the forehead and breast three times and places his hand on their head as he says the following Prayer:
In your name, Lord God of truth, and that of your Only-Begotten Son and your Holy Spirit, I place my hand on the head of your servant N., who has been counted worthy to take refuge in your holy Name and to be guarded under the shelter of your wings. Remove from him/her that ancient error and fill him/her with faith in you, and hope and love, so that he/she may know that you alone are God, true God, and your Only-Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and your Holy Spirit. Grant that he/she may walk in your commandments and preserve those things that are pleasing to you, for if someone does them, they will live by them. Inscribe him/her in your book of life and unite him/her to the flock of your inheritance. Let your holy Name and that of your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ and of your life-giving Spirit, be glorified in him/her. Let your eyes remain ever fixed in mercy on him/her, and your ears to hear the voice of his/her supplication. Make him/her glad in the works of his/her hands and in all his/her race, that he/she may confess you, worshipping and glorifying your great and most high Name, and may praise you throughout all the days of his/her life. For every power of heaven sings your praise, and yours is the glory, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
FIRST EXORCISM
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
The Lord rebukes you, O Devil, the Lord who came into the world and dwelt among mortals so that he might destroy your tyranny and deliver humanity; the Lord who on the Tree crushed the hostile powers, when the sun was darkened, the earth shaken, the graves opened and the bodies of Saints arose; the Lord who by death abolished death and destroyed the one who had the power of death, that is you, the Devil. I adjure you by God, who revealed the tree of life and set in place the Cherubim and the flaming sword which turned this way and that to guard it: Be rebuked and withdraw! I adjure you by the One who walked on the surface of the sea as on dry land and rebuked the tempest of the winds, the One whose gaze dries up the deeps and whose curse melts mountains. For it is he who now commands you, through us: Be afraid, come out, withdraw from this creature and return no more. Do not hide in him/her, nor encounter him/her, nor influence him/her either by night or day, early or at noon. But go back to your own Tartarus until the great day of the judgement that has been prepared. Be afraid of God, who is seated upon the Cherubim and looks upon the deeps; before whom Angels, Archangels, Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Authorities, Powers, the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim tremble; before whom heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them tremble. Come out, and withdraw from the sealed and newly-enlisted soldier of Christ our God. For it is by him that I adjure you, the One who walks on the wings of the winds, who makes his Angels spirits and his ministers a flaming fire. Come out, and withdraw from this creature with all your power and your angels. For the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit has been glorified, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
SECOND EXORCISM
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
It is God, the Holy One, who is beyond understanding and unsearchable in all his works and in his strength, the One who foreordained for you, O Devil, the penalty of eternal damnation, that through us, his unprofitable servants, orders you, and every power that works with you, to depart from the one who has been newly sealed in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our true God. I adjure you, most evil, unclean, foul, abominable and alien spirit, by the power of Jesus Christ, who has all authority in heaven and on earth and who said to the deaf and dumb demon, ‘Come out of the man, and enter him no more!’ Depart! Acknowledge the futility of your power, which had no authority even over swine. Remember the One who ordered you, in accordance with your own request, to enter the herd of swine. Fear God, at whose command the earth was established upon the waters, who created the heavens and fixed the mountains with a king post and the valleys with a cross-beam, placed sand as a boundary for the sea and made a safe path through wild water; who touches the mountains and they smoke; who wraps himself in light as in a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent cloth; who roofs his upper chambers with waters; who established the earth on its foundations; it will not be moved for to age on age; who summoned the water of the sea and poured it out upon the face of the earth. Come and depart from one who is being made ready for holy Enlightenment. I adjure you by the saving Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, by his precious Body and Blood and his dread Coming; for he will come, and he will not delay, to judge the whole earth and he will condemn you and the power that works with you to the Gehenna of fire, handing you over to the exterior darkness, where the worm is unsleeping and the fire is not quenched. Because the might is Christ our God's, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
THIRD EXORCISM
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Lord Sabaoth, God of Israel, who heal every disease and every sickness, look upon your servant, search out, seek and drive from him/her all the activities of the devil. Rebuke the unclean spirits and expel them, and cleanse the work of your hands; and using your swift force, crush Satan speedily under his/her feet and grant him/her victories against him and all his unclean spirits, so that, obtaining mercy from you, he/she may be found worthy of your immortal and heavenly Mysteries and may give glory to you, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Master and Lord, the One who Is, who made man according to your image and likeness and gave him the power of eternal life; then, when he fell through sin, did not disdain him, but provided for the salvation of the world through the incarnation of your Christ, do you yourself receive also this creature of yours, whom you have redeemed from the slavery of the foe, into the heavenly Kingdom. Open the eyes of his/her mind so that the enlightenment of your Gospel may dawn on him/her. Yoke to his/her life an Angel of light, to deliver him/her from every attack of the adversary, from evil encounter, from the noon-day demon, from evil visions.
Then the Priest breathes on the mouth, forehead and breast of the Catechumen, saying:
Drive out of him/her every evil and unclean spirit hiding and lurking in his/her heart. (He says this three times) The spirit of error, the spirit of wickedness, the spirit of idolatry and diabolic oppression; the spirit of lying and every uncleanness which operates in accordance with the teaching of the devil. And make him/her a rational sheep of the flock of your Christ, an honoured member of your Church, a vessel made holy, a child of light and an heir of your Kingdom. So that, having lived in accordance with your commandments, preserving the seal undamaged and keeping his/her garment undefiled, he/she may attain to the blessedness of the Saints in your Kingdom.
Aloud:
By the grace and pity and love for mankind of your Only-Begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
When the Catechumen is undressed and unshod, the Priest turns him/her to the West with hands raised on high, and says:
Do you renounce Satan? And all his works? And all his angels? And all his worship? And all his solemn rites?
And to each question the Catechumen, or the Godparent, if the catechumen is a barbarian or a child, answers and says:
I renounce them.
And when he/she has said this three times, the Priest again asks the one to be baptized:
Have you renounced Satan?
And the Catechumen, or the Godparent, answers:
I have renounced him.
After he/she has said this three times the Priest says:
Then blow and spit on him.
After this the Priest turns the Catechumen to the East with lowered hands and says to him/her three times:
Do you unite yourself to Christ?
The Catechumen, or Godparent, answers three times:
I unite myself to him.
And again the Priest asks three times:
Have you united yourself to Christ?
And each time the Catechumen, or Godparent, answers:
I have united myself to him.
And the Priest asks:
And do you believe in him?
The Catechumen, or Godparent, answers:
I believe in him as King and God, and continues:
I believe in one God, Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages. Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made; for our sake and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man; he was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; he rose again on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father; he is coming again in glory to judge the living and the dead; and his kingdom will have no end.
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with Father and Son is worshipped and together glorified; who spoke through the Prophets. In one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church; I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins; I await the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.
When the holy Profession of faith has been completed [the Priest again asks three times: Have you united yourself to Christ? and the rest. The Catechumen, or the Godparent, answers each time as before. After the third question and the third recitation of the Creed] the Priest asks three times:
Have you united yourself to Christ?
And the Catechumen, or the Godparent, answers:
I have united myself to him.
And the Priest says:
Bow down also and worship him.
The candidate makes a prostration, saying:
I worship Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Trinity consubstantial and undivided.
The Priest says:
Blessed is God who wishes all to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Then he says this Prayer:
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Master, Lord our God, call your servant N. to your holy Enlightenment and count him/her worthy of the great grace of your holy Baptism. Put off his/her old self and renew him/her for eternal life and fill him/her with the power of your Holy Spirit for union with your Christ, that he/she may no longer be a child of the body, but a child of your kingdom. Through the good pleasure and grace of your Only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
SERVICE OF HOLY BAPTISM
The Priest enters the Sanctuary and vests in white vestments and the cuffs. While all the candles are being lit he takes the censer, goes to the Font and censes it in a circle. He hands the censer away and makes a bow.
Then the Deacon says:
Master, give the blessing.
The Priest, out loud:
Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy. And so after each petition.
Deacon: For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy Churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
For this holy house, and for those who enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
For our Archbishop (N.), for the honoured order of presbyters, for the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
For our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family, her Government, and all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
That this water may be sanctified by the power, operation and descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
That there may be sent down upon it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan, let us pray to the Lord.
That there may come down upon these waters the cleansing operation of the Trinity beyond being, let us pray to the Lord.
That we may be enlightened with the enlightenment of knowledge and true religion through the descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
That this water may shown to be a protection against every assault of visible and invisible enemies, let us pray to the Lord.
That the one to be baptized in it may become worthy of the incorruptible Kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
For the one who now draws near for holy Enlightenment and for his/her safety and salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
That he/she may be shown to be a child of light and heir of eternal blessings, let us pray to the Lord.
That he/she may be rooted in, and be a partaker in the death and resurrection of Christ our God, let us pray to the Lord.
That he/she may preserve the garment of Baptism and the pledge of the Holy Spirit unsullied and undefiled on the dread Day of Christ our God, let us pray to the Lord.
That this water may become for him/her a washing of rebirth for forgiveness of sins and a garment of incorruption, let us pray to the Lord.
That the Lord God would hearken to the voice of our supplication, let us pray to the Lord.
For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and constraint, let us pray to the Lord.
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.
Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
While the Deacon is saying this the Priest says this prayer quietly:
Compassionate and merciful God, you test minds and hearts and alone know the secrets of mortals, for no deed is hidden in your sight, but everything is naked and exposed to your eyes. You know all about me; do not then despise me or turn your face from me, but overlook my offences at this hour, you who overlook the sins of mortals for their repentance. Wash away the filth of my body and the defilement of my soul by the power of your invisible and spiritual right hand, lest, as I proclaim freedom to others and grant it by the perfect faith of your ineffable love for mankind, I myself, as a slave of sin, become unworthy of it. May I not, Master, alone good and lover of mankind, may I not be turned away humiliated and put to shame, but from on high send power out to me and give me strength for your great and heavenly Mystery which lies before me, and through my miserable person form your Christ in the one who is about to be reborn. Build him/her up on the foundation of your Apostles and Prophets, and do not pull him/her down, but plant him/her as a plant of truth in your holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, and do not pull him/her out. So that by his/her progressing in true religion, your all-holy name, of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, may be glorified also through him/her, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
It is to be noted that the Priest says none of this out loud, but he even says the Amen to himself. Then he says the following prayer in a loud voice:
Great are you, O Lord, and wonderful are your works; and no word will be adequate to sing the praise of your wonders (x3). For as by your will you brought the universe from non-existence into being, by your might you uphold creation and by your providence you direct the world. From four elements you composed the world, with four seasons you crowned the circle of the year. All the spiritual Powers tremble before you. The sun sings your praise, the moon glorifies you, the stars entreat you, the light obeys you, the deeps tremble before you, the springs are your servants. You stretched out the heaven like a curtain; you established the earth on the waters; you walled in the sea with sand; you poured out the air for breathing. Angelic Powers minister to you, the choirs of Archangels worship you, the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim, as they stand and fly around you, veil themselves in fear of your unapproachable glory. For you, God uncircumscribed, without beginning and ineffable, came upon earth taking the form of a slave, being found in the likeness of mortals. For through the compassion of your mercy, Master, you could not endure to watch the human race being tyrannized by the devil, but you came and saved us. We confess your grace, we proclaim your mercy, we do not conceal your benevolence. You set at liberty the generations of our nature, you sanctified a virgin womb by your birth. All creation sang your praise when you appeared. For you, our God, were seen on earth and lived among mortals. You also sanctified the streams of Jordan by sending down to them from heaven your all-holy Spirit, and you crushed the heads of the dragons that lurked their. Therefore, O King, lover of mankind, be present now too, through the visitation of your Holy Spirit, and sanctify this water (x3). Give it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan. Make it a source of incorruption, a gift of sanctification, an deliverance from sins, a destruction of demons. Make it unapproachable by hostile powers and filled with angelic strength. Let those that conspire against your creature flee from it, because I, Lord, have called upon your Name, which is wondrous and glorious and fearful to adversaries.
And breathing on the water three times, with two fingers he makes the sign of the Cross in it three times and prays over it, saying:
Let all adverse powers be crushed beneath the sign of the image of your Cross (x3). We pray you, Lord, let all airy and invisible spectres withdraw from us, and do not let a demon of darkness hide itself in this water, and do not let an evil spirit, bringing darkening of thoughts and disturbance of mind, go down into it with the one who is being baptized. But do you, Master of all things, declare this water to be water of redemption, water of sanctification, cleansing of flesh and spirit, untying of bonds, forgiveness of offences, enlightenment of soul, washing of rebirth, renewal of spirit, gift of adoption, garment of incorruption, source of life. For it was you, Lord, who said, ‘Wash and be made clean, and put away evils from your souls’. It is you who have given us the grace of rebirth from on high through water and Spirit. Manifest yourself, Lord, in this water, and grant that the one being baptized in it may be transformed for the putting off of the old self that is corrupted after the desires of deception, and may put on the new that is renewed after the image of the One who created him/her. So that, planted in the likeness of your death through Baptism, he/she may also become a partaker in your Resurrection, and having guarded the gift of the Holy Spirit and increased the deposit of grace, may receive the prize of his/her high calling and be numbered with the firstborn, whose names are inscribed in heaven, in you our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. Because to you belong glory, might, honour and worship, together with your Father who is without beginning and your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To you, O Lord.
The Priest breathes on the container of oil three times and signs the oil three times as it held by the Deacon [Godparent].
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
The Priest says the following prayer quietly:
Master, Lord God of our fathers, who sent out a dove to those in Noכ’s ark, with a branch of olive in its beak as sign of reconciliation and salvation from the flood, and through these things prefigured the Mystery of grace; who have given the fruit of the olive for the completion of your holy Mysteries; who through it both filled those under the Law with the Holy Spirit, and make perfect those under grace; do you yourself bless this olive oil also by the power, operation and descent of your Holy Spirit, so that it may become an anointing of incorruption, a weapon of righteousness, renewal of soul and body, a driving away of every operation of the devil, for the removal of all evils from those who are anointed with it in faith, or who partake of it to your glory and that of your Only-Begotten Son and your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Let us attend.
The Priest, chanting Alleluia three times with the People, makes three Crosses with the oil in the water. Then he proclaims:
Blessed is God, who enlightens and sanctifies everyone who comes into the world, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
The one to be baptized is brought forward. The Priest takes some of the oil and makes the sign of the Cross on the forehead, breast and back of the candidate, saying:
The servant of God, N., is anointed with the oil of gladness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
As he signs their breast and back he says:
For healing of soul and body.
On the ears:
For the hearing of faith.
On the feet:
For your feet to walk.
On the hands:
Your hands made me and fashioned me.
And when the whole body has been anointed the Priest baptizes the person, holding them upright and facing East, as he says:
The servant of God N. is baptized, in the name of the Father. Amen. And of the Son. Amen. And of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
At each invocation the Priest immerses them and raises them again. After the baptism the Priest washes, as he and the People chant (x3):
Psalm 31
Blessed are those whose iniquities have been forgiven and whose sins have been covered (x3). Blessed is the one to whom the Lord imputes no sin and in whose mouth there is no guile. Because I kept silent my bones grew old from my crying out all day long. Because night and day your hand was heavy upon me; I was turned to wretchedness by a thorn's being fastened in me. I acknowledged my sin and did not hide my iniquity. I said, ‘Against myself I will admit my iniquity to the Lord’, and you forgave the ungodliness of my heart. For this every holy one will pray to you at a fitting moment. Except in a flood of many waters they will not come near him. For you are my refuge from the affliction which surrounds me, my joy to deliver me from those who have surrounded me. ‘I will make you understand and guide you in the way in which you should go. I will fix my eyes upon you. Do not become like horse and mule, who have no understanding. With bit and bridle you must constrain their cheeks so that they do not come near you.’ Many are the scourges of the sinner, but mercy will surround the one who hopes in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad you righteous, and boast all you upright in heart.
And as he clothes the newly baptized, the Priest says:
The servant of God N. is clothed with a tunic of righteousness, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then the following is chanted in Tone 8:
Grant me a tunic of light, O most merciful, Christ our God, who wrap yourself in light as in a garment.
After the newly-baptized is clothed:
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
And the Priest says this prayer:
Blessed are you, Lord God Almighty, the source of blessings, the Sun of righteousness, who have made the light of salvation shine for those in darkness through the appearing of your Only-Begotten Son and our God, and have granted us, unworthy though are, the grace of blessed cleansing by holy Baptism, and divine sanctification by life-giving Anointing. And you have now been well-pleased to make your newly-enlightened servant to be born again through water and Spirit, and have granted him/her forgiveness of sins both voluntary and involuntary. Do you then, Master, compassionate, universal King, grant him/her also the Seal of the gift of your holy, all-powerful and adorable Spirit and the Communion of the holy Body and precious Blood of your Christ. Keep him/her in your sanctification; confirm him/her in the Orthodox Faith; deliver him/her from the evil one and all his devices, and by your saving fear guard his/her soul in purity and righteousness; so that being in every deed and word well-pleasing to you, he/she may become a child and heir of your heavenly Kingdom.
Aloud:
Because you are our God, a God who has mercy and who saves, and to you we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
And after the Prayer he anoints the newly baptized with the holy Myron, making a sign of the Cross on the forehead, the eyes, the nostrils, the mouth, the two ears, the breast, the hands and the feet, and saying:
Seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
[In many places it is the custom for the Priest to place the baptismal Cross, after blessing it in the Baptismal Water, round the neck of the newly baptized and to give them a lighted candle. See Appendix.]
Then the Priest, having washed his hands, censes the Font, going round it in a circle, with the Godparent and the Newly-baptized following and standing opposite him, while we chant:
As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.
As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.
As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Have put on Christ. Alleluia.
As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.
[Deacon: Let us attend.
Priest: Peace to all.
Reader: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Wisdom.]
Reader: Prokeimenon in the 3rd Tone. [Psalm 26]
The Lord is my enlightenment and my Saviour; * whom shall I fear?
Verse: The Lord is the defender of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
Deacon: Wisdom.
The Apostle.
The Reading is from the Epistle of Paul to the Romans.
[6:3-11]
Deacon: Let us attend.
Reader:
Brethren, as many of us as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his death. We were buried then with him through baptism to death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin. For one who has died has been justified from sin. If then we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. For we know that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer lords it over him. As to dying, he died once and for all; as to living, he lives for God. Consequently, you also must consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Priest: Peace to you.
Reader: And to your spirit. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
The Gospel
Deacon: Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Priest:
The Reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
[<STYLE="MSO-BIDI-FONT-STYLE:NORMAL"28:16-19]
People: Glory to you, Lord, glory to you.
Deacon: Let us attend.
Priest:
At that time the eleven Disciples journeyed to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had commanded them. And when they saw him they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus drew near and said to them, ‘All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all the things that I have commanded you. And see, I am with you all days until the end of the age. Amen’.
People: Glory to you, Lord, glory to you.
Then the Litany and Dismissal. [Frequently the Ablution and Tonsure are done before the Litany.]
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy. (x3)
Deacon: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation and forgiveness of sins for the servant of God, the Sponsor N.
Again we pray for the newly enlightened servant of God N.
That he/she may be kept in the faith of a pure confession, in all godliness and in the fulfilling of the commandments of Christ all the days of his/her life.
Priest: For you, O God, are good and love mankind, and to you we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
PRAYERS OF THE ABLUTION
After seven days they again bring the newly baptized to Church for the Ablution. The Priest loosens the linen cloth and girdle saying the following Prayers:
Master and Lord, who have granted your servant forgiveness of sins through holy Baptism, and given him/her the grace of a life of rebirth, be well pleased for the illumination of your face to shine for ever in his/her heart; keep the shield of his/her faith safe from attack by foes; preserve on him/her the garment of incorruption, which he/she has put on, undefiled and unstained; by your grace keeping the spiritual seal unbroken in him/her, and being merciful to him/her and to us. For blessed and glorified is your all-honoured and majestic Name, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Master, Lord our God, who through the font grant heavenly radiance to those who are baptized, who have given your newly enlightened servant rebirth through water and Spirit, and granted him/her forgiveness of sins both voluntary and involuntary, lay your mighty hand on him/her and guard him/her by the power of your loving kindness; preserve the pledge inviolate; and count him/her worthy of eternal life and your good pleasure. Because you are our sanctification, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest:
The one who has put you on, Christ our God, has bowed his/her head to you with us. Guard him/her always to remain an invincible warrior against those that in vain bear enmity against him/her and us, and with your incorruptible crown declare us all to be victors unto the end. Because yours it is to have mercy and to save us, and to you we give glory, with your Father who is without beginning and your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
And he unties the girdle and linen cloth of the newly baptized, and having joined their ends he wets them with water and sprinkles the newly baptized, saying:
You have been justified. You have been enlightened. You have been sanctified. You have been washed in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God.
And taking a new sponge with water he sponges the face of the newly baptized, together with his/her head, breast and the rest, saying:
You have been baptized. You have been enlightened. You have been anointed with chrism. You have been sanctified. You have been washed clean. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
PRAYERS FOR THE TONSURE
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest:
Master, Lord our God, who honoured mortals with your image, furnishing them with a rational soul and a comely body, so that the body might serve the rational soul, you placed the head at the very top and in it you planted the majority of the senses, which do not interfere with one another, while you covered the head with hair so as not to be harmed by the changes of the weather, and you fitted all the limbs most suitably to each one, so that through them all they might give thanks to you, the master craftsman. Do you yourself, Master, who through your vessel of election, the Apostle Paul, ordered us to do all things to your glory, bless your servant N. who has come to make a first offering by the cutting of the hair of his/her head. Bless his/her Sponsor also and grant that they may always meditate on your law and do what is well-pleasing to you. For you, O God, are merciful and love mankind, and to you we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest:
Lord our God, who through your loving kindness have sanctified from the fullness of the font those who believe in you, bless this child here present, and let your blessing come down upon his/her head. As you blessed King David through Samuel the Prophet, bless too the head of your servant N. through the hand of me, a sinner, visiting him/her with your Holy Spirit, so that as he/she advances to mature years and to the grey hairs of old age, he/she may give glory to you and see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of his/her life. For to you belong all glory, honour and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
And the Priest tonsures him/her in the form of a cross, saying;
The servant of God N. is tonsured, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, for the servants of God the Sponsor N. and the newly enlightened N.
Priest:
For you, O God, are merciful and love mankind, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
And the Dismissal
Priest: Glory to you, Christ God, our hope, glory to you.
Reader: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Holy Master, give the blessing.
Priest: May he who accepted to be baptized by John in the Jordan, Christ our true God, through the prayers of his all-pure and holy Mother, through the intercessions of the honoured, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John, of the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles, of the holy and righteous forebears of God, Joachim and Anne, of Saint N. (the Saint of the Newly-baptized), of Saint N. (to whom the Church is dedicated), of Saint N., whose memory we keep today, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for he is good and loves mankind.
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
People: Amen.
APPENDIX
The Small Euchologion has an Instruction at the end of the service which runs as follows:
Be careful, Priest, to instruct both the nurse and the mother not to bath or wash the face of the newly baptized until the seventh day. On the eighth day they are to wash and bath the child and they are to dispose of the water in a place where no one walks, or in a river, or in the piscina of the Church.
It also says that after the service the newly baptized and the Godparent are to go in procession to the former’s house, with everyone carrying lamps and singing As many of you as were baptized into Christ.
At the giving of the Cross and the Candle many priests say, for the Cross, If anyone would be my disciple, let them deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me; for the Candle, So let your light shine before your fellows, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.
It is the custom in many places for the Godparent to return the newly baptized infant to its mother after the service. The mother should do a prostration before her newly enlightened child and then take it in her arms.
If it is not possible for the newly baptized to receive Holy Communion immediately after their Baptism, they should come, or be brought, to the Liturgy at the first opportunity in order to do so. Accompanied by their God-parent they should come with their baptismal candle and be the first of the congregation to receive Communion
PRAYERS IN PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION
A Prayer of St. Basil the Great
O Lord and Master Jesus Christ our God, the fountain of life and immortality, the Creator of everything visible and invisible, the eternal and everlasting Son of the eternal Father, Thou hast come in these latter days because of the abundance of Thy goodness, Thou hast put on our human flesh and wast crucified and buried for us thankless and graceless men, and through Thine own blood Thou hast renewed our human nature which is corrupted by sin. And now, O Immortal King, accept the repentance of me a sinner and incline Thine ear to me and listen to my words:
I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned before heaven and before Thy Face, and I am not worthy to look upon the height of Thy Glory.
I have provoked Thy goodness, I have transgressed Thy commandments, I have not obeyed Thy statutes.
But, O Lord, since Thou dost not remember evil, but art long-suffering and of great mercy, Thou hast not given me over to destruction for my lawlessness, but hast ever awaited my conversion.
O Lover of men, Thou hast said by Thy prophets: "I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live."
For Thou dost not wish, O Master, that the work of Thy hands should perish, neither dost Thou take pleasure in the destruction of men, but Thou desirest that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
Therefore, although I am unworthy both of heaven and of earth and of this passing life, having wholly yielded myself to sin and defiled Thine image, yet being Thy creature and of Thy making, I do not despair of my salvation in my wretchedness. But made bold by Thine infinite compassion, I draw near.
Receive me, O Christ Who lovest all men, as Thou didst receive the prostitute, the thief, the tax collector and the prodigal. Take away the heavy burden of my sins, for Thou takest away the sins of the world, Thou healest the infirmities of men, Thou callest to Thyself and givest rest to those who labor and are heavy laden.
Thou hast not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Cleanse me from every stain of flesh and spirit. Teach me to fulfil holiness in fear of Thee. That having the testimony of my own conscience clean, and having communion of Thy holy things, I may be united with Thy Body and Blood and may have Thee to dwell and abide in me, with the Father and Thy Holy Spirit.
O Lord Jesus Christ my God, may the communion of Thy most pure and life-creating mysteries not bring me into judgment, nor may I become weak in soul and body by partaking in an unworthy manner, but grant me to receive communion of Thy holy things without condemnation even to my very last breath, and by them to receive communion of the Holy Spirit, provision for the journey of eternal life, and an acceptable answer at Thy dread judgment seat; that I, together with all Thy chosen ones, may also be a partaker of the incorruptible blessings which Thou hast prepared for those who love Thee, O Lord, in whom Thou art glorified forever. Amen.
A Prayer of St. John Chrysostom
I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ the Son of the living God who camest into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first. I believe also that this is truly Thine own most pure Body, and that this is truly Thine own precious Blood. Therefore, I pray Thee: have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, committed in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy to partake without condemnation of Thy most pure Mysteries, for the remission of my sins, and unto life everlasting. Amen.
Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies, neither like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but like the thief will I confess Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy kingdom.
May the communion of Thy holy Mysteries be neither to my judgment, nor to my condemnation, O Lord, but to the healing of soul and body. Amen.
A Prayer of St. Simeon Metaphrastes
O only pure and incorruptible Lord, because of the unspeakable mercy of Thy love for mankind, Thou didst take to Thyself our entire human composition from the pure blood of the Virgin who gave birth to Thee beyond nature, by the descent of the Holy Spirit and the good-will of the ever-existing Father.
O Christ Jesus, Wisdom of God and Peace and Power, through the human nature which Thou didst take to Thyself, Thou didst suffer the life-creating and saving passion: the cross, the nails, the spear, death itself. Put to death in me the soul-destroying passions of the body.
Through Thy burial Thou didst capture the kingdom of death. Bury in me the evil devices of the devil with good thoughts, and destroy the spirits of evil.
Through Thy life-bringing resurrection Thou didst raise up the first father who had fallen. Raise me up who am sunk down in sin and give me the image of repentance.
Through Thy glorious ascension Thou didst make the flesh which Thou didst assume to be divine, and placed it on the throne at the Father's right hand. Grant me to receive a place at the right hand with the saved through communion of Thy holy mysteries.
Through the coming of Thy Spirit, the Comforter, Thou didst make Thy consecrated disciples to be honorable vessels. Show me also to be the receptacle of His coming.
Thou hast promised to come again to judge the world in righteousness. Grant that I may go to meet Thee in the clouds, my judge and creator, with all Thy saints; that I may glorify and praise Thee without end, together with Thy Father who is without beginning, and Thy most holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
A Prayer of St. John of Damascus
O Lord and Master Jesus Christ our God, who alone hast power to absolve men from their sins, for Thou art good and lovest all men, forgive all my transgressions done in knowledge or in ignorance, and make me worthy without condemnation to have communion of Thy divine and glorious and pure and life-creating mysteries. Let them not be for my punishment, or for the increase of my sins. But let them be for my purification and sanctification, as a promise of the life and kingdom to come, a defense and a help and a repulsion of every evil attacker and the removal of my many transgressions. For Thou art a God of mercy and generosity and love for mankind, and to Thee we send up glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
A Prayer of St. Basil the Great
I know O Lord, that I have communion unworthily of Thy most pure Body and Thy most precious Blood, that I am guilty and drink condemnation to myself not discerning Thy Body and Blood, O my Christ and God. But daring upon Thy generous loving-kindness I come to Thee who hast said: "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him." Be merciful, therefore, O Lord, and do not rebuke me a sinner, but deal with me according to Thy mercy, and let Thy holy things be for my purification and healing, for enlightenment and protection, for the repulsion of every tempting thought and action of the devil which works spiritually in my fleshly members. Let them be for boldness and love for Thee, for the correction and grounding of my life, for the increase of virtue and perfection, for the fulfillment of Thy commandments, for the communion of the Holy Spirit, for the journey of eternal life, for a good and acceptable answer at Thy dread judgment, but not for judgment or condemnation. Amen.
Another Prayer of St. John Chrysostom
O God, absolve, remit and pardon me my transgressions; as many sins as I have committed by word or action or thought, willingly or unwillingly, consciously or unconsciously; forgive me everything since Thou art good and the lover of men. And by the prayers of Thy most pure Mother, of Thy spiritual servants, the holy angelic powers and all the saints, who from all ages have been well-pleasing to Thee, be pleased to allow me to receive Thy most pure Body and Thy most precious Blood for the healing of my soul and body, and the purification of my evil thoughts. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Another Prayer of St. John Chrysostom
I am not worthy, Master and Lord, that Thou shouldst enter under the roof of my soul; yet inasmuch as Thou desirest to live in me as the lover of men, I approach with boldness. Thou hast commanded: Let the doors be opened which Thou Thyself alone hast made and Thou shalt enter with Thy love for men just as Thou art. Thou shalt enter and enlighten my darkened reasoning. I believe that Thou wilt do this. For Thou didst not cast away the prostitute who came to Thee with tears, neither didst Thou turn away the tax collector who repented, nor didst Thou reject the thief who acknowledged Thy kingdom, nor didst Thou forsake the repentent persecutor, the Apostle Pau], even as he was. But all who came to Thee in repentance Thou didst unite to the ranks of Thy friends, who alone art blessed forever, now and unto the endless ages. Amen.
Another Prayer of St. John Chrysostom
O Lord Jesus Christ my God, absolve, loose, cleanse and forgive me Thy sinful and useless and unworthy servant my errors, transgressions and sinful failings as many as I have committed from my youth up to this present day and hour consciously and unconsciously, in words or actions or reasonings, thoughts, pursuits and in all my senses. By the prayers of Thy mother the most pure and ever-virgin Mary who gave birth to Thee without human seed, my only hope which will not put me to shame, my intercessor and salvation, grant me to have communion without condemnation of Thy most pure, immortal, life-creating and awesome mysteries; for the remission of sins and unto life everlasting; for sanctification, enlightenment, strength, healing and health of soul and body; for the most perfect removal and destruction of my evil thoughts and reasonings and intentions, fantasies by night, brought by dark and evil spirits; for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory and the honor and the worship with the Father and Thy Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
A Prayer of St. John of Damascus
I stand before the doors of Thy temple and I do not forsake my wicked thoughts. But, O Christ my God, as Thou hast justified the tax-collector, and hast had mercy on the woman of Canaan and hast opened the gates of paradise to the thief, open to me the interior depths of Thy love for men and receive me as I come and repent before Thee. Receive me as Thou didst receive the sinful woman and the woman with the flow of blood. For the first embraced Thy most pure feet and received the forgiveness of her sins, and the second just touched the hem of Thy garment and received healing. But I who am lost, daring to receive Thy whole body, may I not be burned; but receive me as Thou hast received them, and enlighten my spiritual senses, burning up my sinful faults by the prayers of her who gave birth to Thee without human seed, and of the heavenly angelic powers, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.
Another Prayer of St. John Chrysostom
O Lord my God, I know that I am not worthy nor sufficiently pleasing that Thou shouldst come under the roof of the house of my soul for it is entirely desolate and fallen in ruin and Thou wilt not find in me a place worthy to lay Thy head. But as Thou didst humble Thyself from on high for our sake, so now humble Thyself to my lowliness.
As Thou didst deign to lie in a cavern, in a manger of dumb beasts, so now deign to enter into the manger of my beastly soul, and into my soiled body.
And as Thou didst not disdain to enter and to eat with sinners in the house of Simon the leper, so now be pleased to enter into the house of my soul, humble and leprous and sinful.
And as Thou didst not cast out the prostitute, the sinful woman who came to touch Thee, so have compassion on me a sinner who comes to touch Thee.
And As Thou didst not abhor the kiss of her sin-stained and unclean mouth, do not abhor my mouth, worse stained and more unclean than hers, nor my stained and shamed and unclean lips, nor my still more impure tongue.
But let the fiery coal of Thy most pure Body and Thy most precious Blood bring me sanctification, enlightenment and strengthening of my lowly soul and body, relief from the burden of my many transgressions, protection against every action of the devil, repulsion and victory over my wicked and evil habits, mortification of my passions, accomplishment of Thy commandments, increase of Thy divine grace, and inheritance of Thy kingdom.
For I do not come to Thee in presumption, O Christ my God, but made bold by Thine unspeakable goodness, lest I stray far away from Thy flock, O Master, and become caught by the wolf of souls.
Therefore I pray Thee, O Master, for Thou alone art holy, sanctify my soul and body, my mind and heart, my muscles and bones. Renew me entirely. Implant Thy fear in my fleshly members and let Thy sanctification never be removed from me.
Be my helper and defender, guide my life in peace and make me worthy to stand at Thy right hand with all Thy saints.
By the prayers and supplications of Thy most pure Mother, of Thy spiritual servants, the most pure angelic powers, and of all the saints who from all ages have been well-pleasing to Thee. Amen.
The following is the Turgame to the Gospel still used in the Aramaic Church, the Church of the East, and at least one present English language Church which has Aramaic understanding of the faith, the Evangelical Apostolic Church of North America (Syro-Chaldean):
O ye who believe in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, come and listen to the words that cure the body and give life to the soul.
The Son of God became a man among men, and with His command loosened the sin that had taken hold of man.
The treasure of the Spirit opens before you this discourse, and this book is full of life and blessings.
The devils run away and the demons proceed forth with dread and fear when they hear these lif-giving tidings.
This is the gate through which a man may enter into the kingdom and this is the way which is all clear of stumbling bocks.
This is the speech that if the living treat with contempt wil die, this is the voice that if the dead hear, they come to life.
This is the light, this is the truth, this is the life of Him concerning whom it speaks, it is He the Judge of the dead and the living.
It is necessary that you should know that all people through Him shall be saved, believe and be assured that all sins throuh Him shall be remitted.
The sower went out that, instead of seed, he may sow the Word, instead of the ground, he may offer to Him the hearts.
Life, blessedness, compassion and mercy is His Word; hope and life unto the dead is His voice.
Blessed is he who believes in Him and confirms His word, for if he is dead, he shall live, and if he is living, he shall not die in his sins.
The only begotten of God came into the world, and above nature and contrary to custom, He shone forth from the Virgin.
The sick He cured, the lepers He made clean, the devils He drove out, and death He vanquished. He died, He came to life, He rose and into Heaven He ascended.
The Spirit He sent upon the Apostles and made them wise, and unto the four corners to preach the Gospel He sent them.
And now, St. [Mathew or Mark or Luke or John] is interpreting the things he saw and heard, Therefore, whoever has ears to hear, let him hear
The Son of God became a man among men, and with His command loosened the sin that had taken hold of man.
The treasure of the Spirit opens before you this discourse, and this book is full of life and blessings.
The devils run away and the demons proceed forth with dread and fear when they hear these lif-giving tidings.
This is the gate through which a man may enter into the kingdom and this is the way which is all clear of stumbling bocks.
This is the speech that if the living treat with contempt wil die, this is the voice that if the dead hear, they come to life.
This is the light, this is the truth, this is the life of Him concerning whom it speaks, it is He the Judge of the dead and the living.
It is necessary that you should know that all people through Him shall be saved, believe and be assured that all sins throuh Him shall be remitted.
The sower went out that, instead of seed, he may sow the Word, instead of the ground, he may offer to Him the hearts.
Life, blessedness, compassion and mercy is His Word; hope and life unto the dead is His voice.
Blessed is he who believes in Him and confirms His word, for if he is dead, he shall live, and if he is living, he shall not die in his sins.
The only begotten of God came into the world, and above nature and contrary to custom, He shone forth from the Virgin.
The sick He cured, the lepers He made clean, the devils He drove out, and death He vanquished. He died, He came to life, He rose and into Heaven He ascended.
The Spirit He sent upon the Apostles and made them wise, and unto the four corners to preach the Gospel He sent them.
And now, St. [Mathew or Mark or Luke or John] is interpreting the things he saw and heard, Therefore, whoever has ears to hear, let him hear
אין תגובות:
הוסף רשומת תגובה