INTRODUCTION
The Divine Liturgy of St James, which was until recently only celebrated on the island of Zakynthos on his feast on 23 October and in Jerusalem on the Sunday after Christmas, is today celebrated in an increasing number of Orthodox churches. It was the ancient rite of Jerusalem, as the Mystagogic Catecheses of St Cyril of Jerusalem imply. It is still, in its Syrian form, the principal liturgy of the Syrian Oriental Church, both in Syriac and, in the ancient Syrian Orthodox Church of India, in Malayalam and English.
This version of the Greek Liturgy of St James is highly provisional and tentative, principally because none of the editions available agree among themselves. The only critical edition is the one published by Dom B.-Ch. Mercier in volume 26 of the Patrologia Orientalis in 1950. This is extremely detailed and learned, but totally unusable as a practical edition, which it was not intended to be. Other scholarly editions can be found in Swainson’s ‘Greek Liturgies’ [1884] and in Brightman’s ‘Liturgies Eastern and Western’ [1896]. Neale and Littledale published an English translation in their ‘Translations of the Primitive Liturgies’ [1859], which rather charmingly suggests in one or two footnotes that St Paul actually quotes from it in his Epistles. ‘Practical’ editions of the Greek have been issued by the Apostoliki Diakonia in Athens and by Holy Cross in the United States [1988]. The latter contains a parallel English translation. Both these editions are heavily abbreviated and seriously ‘byzantinised’. A Slavonic version of the Greek, made by Father Philip Gardner, was authorised by the Russian Church Abroad in 1938. This was translated into hyper-Cranmerian English, which even extends to the Introduction, by the Monastery of St Mark of Ephesus in New Jersey forty years later. This version is more than abundantly supplied with very detailed, but sometimes contradictory, rubrics, though where these come from is unclear. Like the two modern Greek editions, the Liturgy is abbreviated and byzantinised.
The present translation is based on Mercier’s edition and tries as far as possible to give a reliable version of the best text available. Since, however, it was also made for actual use, the extremely long commemoration of the Saints towards the end of the Anaphora has been drastically curtailed. On the other hand it preserves a number of what are probably ‘doublets’ of prayers in the manuscripts. It should be noted that the rite of the Fraction supposes that a ‘Syrian’ type of prosphora is being used. That is to say a small, flattish loaf about three inches in diameter, rather than the standard Byzantine prosphora. The fraction is also made easier if the seal used is of the Syrian type, divided into sections and covered with small crosses.
I hope to revise this version in the near future and to complete it by the addition of the long catalogue of Saints. What is here offered is so in the hope that the magnificent prayers of this ancient Liturgy may become more widely known both inside and outside the Church.
THE DIVINE LITURGY OF JAMES THE APOSTLE AND BROTHER OF GOD
ORDER, WITH GOD’S HELP, AND SERVICE OF THE SACRED RITE ACCORDING TO THE HOLY SYNAXIS
Prayer of the Prothesis
In the skevophylakion the Priest says:
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, the one, simple and undivided Trinity, that unites and sanctifies us through itself, and brings peace to our lives, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Then, imploring the Deity on his own behalf, the priest says:
Defiled as I am by many sins, do not utterly reject me, Master, Lord, our God. For see, I draw near to this divine and heavenly mystery, not as though I were worthy, but, looking to your goodness, I raise my voice to you, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner. For I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am not worthy to lift up my eyes to this your sacred and spiritual Table, on which your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, is mystically set forth as a sacrifice by me, a sinner stained by every defilement. Therefore I bring you this supplication, that your Spirit, the Advocate, may be sent down to me, strengthening and preparing me for this ministry. And grant that without condemnation the word that has been declared by you may be proclaimed by me to the people in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good, life-giving and consubstantial Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Before the Royal Doors, as the clergy are about to make the Entrance, the Priest says aloud:
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, the triple and single light of the one Godhead, that exists singly in Trinity and is divided without division. For the one God is Trinity, whose glory the heavens declare, while earth proclaims his dominion, the sea his might and every physical and immaterial creature his greatness. For to him belongs all glory, honour, might, greatness and magnificence, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Then the Priest begins the prayers of the Enarxis (aloud).
Benefactor and King of the ages, and Fashioner of all creation, accept your Church, which approaches you through your Christ. Fulfil what is profitable for each, bring all to perfection, and make us worthy of the grace of your sanctification, gathering us together in your Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, which you gained by the blood of your only-begotten Son, our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ, with whom you are blessed and glorified, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Prayer of the Incense at the Entrance
Priest, aloud:
O God, who accepted the gifts of Abel, the sacrifices of Noכ and Abraham, the incense of Aaron and Zachary, accept from the hands of us sinners this incense for a sweet fragrance and forgiveness of our sins and those of all your people. For you are blessed and to you belongs glory, to the Father with your only-begotten Son and your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
The Deacon censes and begins the Only-begotten Son, and the Singers chant the Troparion for the Entrance of the clergy with the holy Gospel.
The Singers: Only-begotten Son and Word of God, who, being immortal, accepted for our salvation to take flesh from the holy Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, and without change became man; you were crucified, Christ God, by death trampling on death, being one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: save us!
When those making the entrance reach the middle of the church, where a vima [platform] has been set up, they place the holy Gospel on it, and go towards the sanctuary. The Priest, standing in front of the holy Doors, says, aloud:
Almighty God, Lord, whose name is great, who give us entrance to the Holy of Holies through the coming of your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, we entreat and implore your goodness. Since we are full of fear and trembling as we are about to stand before your holy altar, send forth your good grace upon us, sanctify our souls, bodies and spirits and change our thoughts to true devotion, so that, with a pure conscience, we may offer you gifts, presents, fruits, for the removal of our sins, for the forgiveness of all your people, by the grace and love for humankind 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.
And the Priest enters the sanctuary.
Facing the People, the Deacon says:
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
People (after each petition): Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from on high, God’s love for humankind, and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world and the union of all the holy churches of God, let us pray to the Lord.
For the salvation and of our most holy Father and Archbishop N., all the clergy and Christ-loving people, let us pray to the Lord.
For the forgiveness of our sins and pardon of our offences, and for us to be delivered from all affliction, wrath, danger, constraint and assault of enemies, let us pray to the Lord.
Let us call to mind our most holy, pure, most glorious and blessed Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, of the holy, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, of the holy, godlike and all-praised Apostles, of the glorious Prophets and victorious Martyrs and all the holy and just, that by their prayers and intercessions we may all find mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy.
The Priest bows and says in a low voice
The Prayer of the Trisagion
Compassionate and merciful, long-suffering, most merciful and true Lord, look down from your holy dwelling-place, hearken to us, your, suppliants, and deliver us from every trial and temptation, both diabolic and human. Do not deprive us of your help, nor bring upon us heavier chastisement than we are able to bear. For we are not capable of conquering what opposes us, while you, Lord, have power to save us from all adversities. Save us, O God, from the difficulties of this world in accordance with your goodness, so that, having entered your holy altar with a pure conscience, we may, without condemnation, offer you with the heavenly Powers the blessed and thrice-holy hymn, and have accomplished the divine ministry that is well-pleasing to you, we may be found worthy of eternal life.
(aloud): For holy are you, Lord our God, and you dwell and take your rest in the holy place, and to you we offer glory and the thrice-holy hymn, to Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Holy God, holy Strong, holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Holy God, holy Strong, holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Holy God, holy Strong, holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
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.
Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Deacon: Dynamis.
People: Holy God, holy Strong, holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
After this the Priest give a blessing, saying:
Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Wisdom.
The Reader declaims the Prokeimenon.
Deacon: Wisdom.
The Reader reads the title of the Apostle.
Deacon: Let us attend.
The Reader reads the Apostle.
At the completion of the Apostle, the Priest says:
Peace to you.
Reader: And to your spirit. Alleluia (x3).
While the Alleluia is being sung, the Deacon takes the censer, receives the Priest’s blessing, and comes out and censes the holy Gospel. The Priest in a low voice says
The Prayer of the Incense
To you, Lord our God, who are filled with all fragrance and joy, we offer you this incense from the things that you have given us. Let it then, we beg you, be taken up from our poor hands to your holy altar above the heavens for an odour of sweetness and forgiveness of our sins and those of all your people, by the grace and compassion and love for humankind 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. Amen.
The Deacon says:
Let us all say, Lord, have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy. And after each petition.
Almighty, heavenly Lord , the God of our fathers, we pray you, hear us.
For the peace of the whole world and union of all the holy churches, we pray you, hear us.
For the salvation and assistance of our most holy father and Archbishop N., all the clergy and the Christ-loving people, we pray you, hear us.
[For our sovereign Lady, Queen Elisabeth, the Royal family, her government and all in authority, we pray you, hear us.]
For this city, for every city, town and village, we pray you, hear us.
For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, constraint, captivity, bitter death, and our iniquities, we pray you, hear us.
For the people here present and who await your great and rich mercy, we implore you, have compassion and mercy.
O God, save your people and bless your inheritance. Visit you world with mercy and pity. Exalt the horn of Christians by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, at the intercession of our all-pure and blessed Lady, Mother of God, of the Forerunner, your Apostles and all your Saints, we implore you, most merciful Lord, hear us as we pray, and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy. (x3).
Prayer before the holy Gospel
Priest (in a low voice): Master, Lover of humankind, make the pure light of your divine knowledge shine in our hearts and open the eyes of our mind to understand the message of your Gospel. Implant in us the fear of your blessed commandments, so that, having trampled down all carnal desires, we may change to a spiritual way of life, thinking and doing all things that are pleasing to you.
(Aloud): For you are the glad tidings, enlightenment, Saviour and guardian of our souls and bodies, O God, and to you we give glory, together with your only-begotten Son, and your all-holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Stand upright. Let us listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: The reading is from the holy Gospel according to N.
People: Glory to you, Lord. Glory to you.
Priest: Let us attend.
And the deacon reads the appointed section of the holy Gospel. When the Gospel is finished, the Priest says:
Peace to you.
People: Glory to you, Lord. Glory to you.
Then the Preacher expounds the word of God.
Then the Deacon, standing in front of the holy Door, facing the People, says:
Let us be devoutly attentive.
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy. And after each petition.
For the peace of the whole world and the union of all the holy churches, let us pray to the Lord.
For the salvation and assistance of our most holy Archbishop N., of all the clergy and the Christ-loving people, let us pray to the Lord.
For forgiveness of our sins and pardon of our offences, and for our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and constraint, assault of enemies, let us pray to the Lord.
That the day that we pass through may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us all ask of the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord. And after each petition.
An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.
Pardon and forgiveness of our sins and offences, let us ask of the Lord.
Things good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord.
That we may live out the rest of our days in peace and good health, let us ask of the Lord.
A Christian end to our life, painless, unashamed and peaceful, and a good defence before the fearsome and dread judgement seat of Christ, let us ask.
Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most glorious and blessed Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, of the holy, glorious, Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John, of the godlike and all-praised Apostles, glorious Prophets and triumphant Martyrs with all the Holy and Just, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Prayer after the holy Gospel
Priest (in a low voice):
You have made your divine and saving words resound for us, O God, enlighten the souls of us sinners to understand the things that have been read, so that we may be seen to be not only hearers of the spiritual songs, but also doers of good deeds, maintaining a faith without pretence, a life without blame, conduct without reproach,
(Aloud): In Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom you are blessed and glorified, together with 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, bowing, says
(in a low voice): Good Master, giver of life and bestower of good things, who give mortals the blessed hope of eternal life, our Lord Jesus Christ, count us worthy also to accomplish this ministry in holiness, for the enjoyment of the blessedness to come.
(Aloud): That being always guarded by your might, and guided to the light of truth, we may give glory and thanksgiving to you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Let us chant in the peace of Christ.
Deacon: Let none of the catechumens; none of the uninitiated; none of those who cannot pray with us. Recognize one another. The doors! Let all stand upright.
The Singers begin the hymn Let all mortal flesh keep silent, slowly and melodically.
Let all mortal flesh keep silent, and with fear and trembling stand. Ponder nothing earthly-minded, Let all mortal flesh keep silent, and with fear and trembling stand. Ponder nothing earthly-minded, for the King of kings and Lord of lords advances to be slain and given as food to the faithful. Before him go the choirs of Angels, with every rule and authority, the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim, veiling their sight and crying out the hymn: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
After the holy Gifts have been placed on the holy Altar and before they are covered with the Cloud, the Priest says
The Prayer of the Prothesis
God, our God, who sent forth the heavenly Bread, the food of the whole world, our Lord and God Jesus Christ, as our Saviour, Redeemer and Benefactor, to bless and sanctify us; bless this Offering, and receive it on your altar above the heavens. In your goodness and love for humankind be mindful of those who have offered it, and those for whom they have offered it, and grant all their requests that are for their salvation; and as we celebrate your divine mysteries keep us without condemnation. For sanctified 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. Amen.
He censes the holy Gifts, saying:
Master almighty, King of glory, the God who knows all things before they come to be, be present with us as we call upon you at this holy time, and redeem us from the shame of transgressions. Cleanse our mind and our thoughts from foul desires, worldly deception and every operation of the devil, and accept from the hand of us sinners this incense for an odour of sweet fragrance, as you accepted the offering of Abel and Noכ, Aaron and Samuel and all your holy ones, delivering us from every evil deed, and keeping us safe to be always well pleasing to you, and to worship and glorify you, our Father, and your only-begotten Son and your all-holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Deacon: In God’s wisdom, let us attend.
The Priest covers the holy Gifts with the Cloud and begins the Creed, saying the first words I believe in one God.
People: 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.
Prayer of the Kiss
Priest, in a low voice: God and Master of all, lover of humankind, make us, unworthy though we are, worthy of this hour, so that, cleansed of all deceit and hypocrisy, we may be united to one another by the bond of peace and love, confirmed by the sanctification of your divine knowledge through your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, 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. Amen.
Deacon: Let us stand with awe. In peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest (aloud): For you are a God of peace, mercy, love, compassion and love for humankind, with your only-begotten Son and your all-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 greet one another with a holy kiss.
After the Kiss has been given, the Deacon says:
Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To you, O Lord.
The Priest bows and says in a low voice:
O only Lord and merciful God, who dwell in the highest and look upon lowly things, send forth your good grace upon those who have bowed their necks before your holy altar, and seek the spiritual gifts that come from you, and bless us all with every spiritual that cannot be taken away.
(aloud): For your name, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, is to be praised, worshipped and supremely glorified, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon, to the Priest: Sir, give the blessing.
The Priest prays for those present, saying:
The Lord will bless us all, serve with us and make us worthy of taking our stand at his holy altar and of the coming of his holy Spirit, now and always, and to the ages of ages.
The Priest signs the holy Gifts and says in a low voice:
Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth, goodwill. (x3)
Lord, you will open my lips and my mouth will proclaim your praise. (x3)
Let my mouth be filled with your praise, that I may sing your glory, all day long your majesty. (x3)
Of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
And bowing to left and right, he says aloud and melodiously:
Magnify the Lord with me, and let us praise his name together.
And they chant in reply:
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Priest: May the Lord remember you in the kingdom of heaven, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy. And after every petition.
Save us, have mercy one us, have pity on us and keep us, O God, by your grace.
For the peace from on high, God’s love for humankind, and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world and the union of all the holy churches, let us pray to the Lord.
For this holy monastery (this holy house), and for the Catholic and Apostolic Church, from the ends of the earth and to its furthest bounds, let us pray to the Lord.
For the safety and salvation and assistance of our most holy Father and Archbishop N., all the clergy and Christ-loving 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.]
For this city, for every city, town and village, and for those who dwell in them with Orthodox faith and reverence for God, for their peace and security, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who bring offerings, those who care for the beauty of the holy churches of God, and who remember the poor, the widows and orphans, foreigners, strangers and those in need, and those who have asked us to remember them in our prayers, let us pray to the Lord.
For those in old age and incapacity, the sick, the suffering, those troubled by unclean spirits, and for their speedy healing from God and for their safety and salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who pass their lives in virginity, purity and asceticism, and in holy wedlock, and for our venerable fathers, mothers and brethren who struggle on mountains, in caves, and in the hollows of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who travel by land, air or water, for Christians who are far from home, for those our brethren in captivity and exile, in prisons and bitter slavery, and for the peaceful return of each one to their own home with joy, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who are present here and who pray with us at this holy time and at every moment, fathers, mothers and brethren, for their zeal, toil and readiness, let us pray to the Lord.
And for every Christian soul that is afflicted and distressed, and in need of God’s mercy and help; for the return of those who have been led astray, the health of the sick, the liberation of prisoners, and the repose of our fathers, mothers and brethren who have gone to their rest before us, let us pray to the Lord.
For the forgiveness of our sins and the pardon of our offences, for our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, anger and constraint, and from the assault of nations, let us pray to the Lord.
More intensely, for favourable weather, peaceful rains, good dews, abundant harvests, fair seasons, and for the crowning of the year, let us pray to the Lord.
For our prayer to be heard and to be acceptable before God, and that he send down to us his rich mercies and acts of compassion, and for us all to be found worthy of his kingdom, let us fervently pray.
Commemorating our all holy, pure, most glorious and blessed Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, of the holy and blessed John, the glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, of the holy Apostles, of Stephen the Archdeacon and Protomartyr, of Moses, Aaron , Elias, Elissaios, Samuel, David, Daniel, the Prophets and of the Holy and Just, that by their prayers and intercessions we may all find mercy.
And for the precious and heavenly, ineffable, immaculate, glorious, fearsome, divine gifts, here set forth, and for the salvation of our honoured father and Priest, who presides and offers them, let us entreat the Lord our God.
People: Lord, have mercy. (x3)
The Priest bows and, in a low voice, says
The Prayer of Offering of St James
Master and Lord, who visit us in mercy and compassion and have granted us, humble sinners and your unworthy servants the grace to stand at your holy Altar and to offer to you this dread sacrifice without shedding of blood for our own sins and those committed in ignorance by the people, look on me, your unprofitable servant and wipe away my transgressions through your compassion and purify my lips and my heart from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and banish from me every base and unseemly thought, and enable me for this ministry by the power of your all-holy Spirit, and accept me through your goodness as I approach your holy altar, and be well pleased, Lord, for these gifts to be acceptable that are offered through our hands, being gracious to my weaknesses, and do not cast me away from your presence. Do not despise my unworthiness, but have mercy on me, O God, in accordance with your great mercy and according to the abundance of your compassion disregard my offences, so that, coming into the presence of your glory with condemnation, I may be found worthy of the protection of your only-begotten Son and the illumination of your all-holy Spirit, but as your servant may I find grace, mercy and forgiveness of sins both in this present age and in the age to come. Yes, Master almighty and all-powerful, listen to my supplication and grant me reprieve from my evil deeds, for it is you who work all in all, and in all things we seek from you your help and assistance and that of your only-begotten Son and your good, life-giving and consubstantial Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
And he adds a second
Prayer of Saint Denys the Areopagite
O God, who through your great and ineffable love for humankind sent out your only-begotten Son into the world that he might turn back the sheep that had gone astray, do not turn us sinners away as we undertake for you this dread sacrifice without shedding of blood, for we do not trust in our own righteousness but in your loving mercy, through which you acquire our race. And now too we implore and beseech your goodness that this mystery, which is performed through us for salvation, may not become a cause of condemnation for your people, but be for the wiping away of sins, renewal of souls and bodies, and for your good pleasure, God and Father, for you are a God who loves humankind and to you belongs glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The Prayer of the Veil
We thank you, Lord our God, that you have given us the freedom of entry into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, inaugurating for us a new and living way through the veil of his flesh. Having therefore been counted worthy to enter the place where your glory dwells, and to be within the veil, and to look upon the Holy of Holies, we fall down before your goodness, Master. Have mercy on us, for we are filled with fear and trembling as we are about to stand at your holy altar and to offer to you this dread sacrifice without shedding of blood for our sins and those committed in ignorance by the people. Send forth your good grace upon us, O God, and sanctify our souls and bodies and spirits, and change our thoughts towards true religion, that with a pure conscience we may offer you mercy, peace, a sacrifice of praise. And having uncovered the veils of the mysteries that symbolically surround this sacred rite, show us clearly, and fill our spiritual vision with your boundless light; and having cleansed our poverty from all defilement of flesh and spirit, make it worthy of this dread and fearful presence.
(Aloud):By the mercy and compassion and love for humankind of your only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with all holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: And unveiling the coverings of the mysteries which in symbol surround this sacred rite, show them to us clearly and fill the eyes of our minds with your incomprehensible light, and purifying our poverty from every defilement of flesh and spirit, make it worthy of this dread and fearful presence, because you are a God of surpassing compassion and mercy, and to you we give glory and thanksgiving, Father, Son and holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us stand with awe. Let us stand devoutly. Let us stand with fear of God and with compunction. Let us attend, that we may offer the holy oblation to God in peace.
People: Mercy, peace, a sacrifice of praise.
Priest: The love of God the Father, the grace of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, and the communion and gift of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Let our mind and hearts be on high.
People: We have them with the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord.
People: It is right and fitting.
Priest, bowing, says in a low voice:
Truly it is right and fitting, proper and necessary, to praise you, to hymn you, to bless you, to worship you, to glorify you, to give thanks to you, Fashioner of every creature, visible and invisible, the Treasury of the eternal good things, the Source of life and immortality, the God and Master of all, whose praise is sung by the heavens and the heavens of heavens and all their powers, the sun and the moon and the whole choir of stars, earth, sea and all that they contain; the heavenly Jerusalem, festival of the chosen, church of the first-born, who are inscribed in heaven; spirits of the Just and of Prophets, souls of Martyrs and Apostles; Angels, Archangels, Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Authorities and dread Powers, the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim, that with two wings cover their faces, with two their feet and with two they fly, as they cry out to one another with unceasing voices and with never silent hymns of glory,
(aloud): with radiant voices singing the triumphant hymn of your majestic glory, shouting, glorifying, crying aloud and saying.
People: Holy, holy, holy, Lord, Sabaoth. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who came and who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Priest (standing and signing the holy things) says in a low voice:
Holy are you, King of the ages, Lord and giver of all holiness. Holy too is your only-begotten Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, through whom you made all things. Holy too is your all-holy Spirit, who searches all things, and your depths, God and Father.
Bowing he continues:
Holy are you, all-powerful, fearsome, good, tender-hearted, compassionate to what you fashioned. You made humankind from earth, according to your image and likeness, granting it the enjoyment of Paradise. But when it transgressed your commandment and fell away, you do not forsake or abandon it, O Good One, but chastened it as a compassionate Father, called it through the Law, tutored it through the Prophets.
Finally you sent your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, forth into the world, to come and renew and raise up your image. He came down from heaven and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and Mary the holy Ever-Virgin and Mother of God, lived among mortals and disposed all things for the salvation of our race.
When he, the one without sin, was about to accept for us sinners his voluntary and life-giving death through a cross, on the night he was given up, or rather gave himself up, for the life and salvation of the world,
The Priest, taking the bread, signs it and says in a low voice:
taking bread in his holy, immaculate and unblemished and immortal hands, looking up heaven and showing it to you, his God and Father, giving thanks, blessing, sanctifying and breaking it, he shared it among his holy and blessed Disciples and Apostles, saying:
He replaces the bread, saying aloud:
Take, eat. This is my body which is broken and distributed for you for the forgiveness of sins.
People: Amen.
He takes the cup, signs it and says, in a low voice:
Likewise after supper, taking the cup and mixing wine and water, gazing up to heaven and showing it to you, his God and Father, giving thanks, blessing, sanctifying, filling it with the Holy Spirit, he shared it among his holy and blessed Disciples and Apostles, saying:
He puts down the cup and says aloud:
Drink from this all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out and distributed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
People: Amen.
Priest, in a low voice: Do this in memory of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Son of Man, and confess his resurrection, until he comes.
Deacon: We believe and confess.
People: Your death, Lord, we proclaim, and your resurrection we confess.
The Priest signs the Gifts, bows and says:
Therefore, we sinners too, remembering his life-giving sufferings and the saving Cross, his death and burial, and resurrection from the dead on the third day, his ascension into heaven and sitting at your right hand, his God and Father, and his second, glorious and fearsome coming, when he comes in glory to judge the living and the dead, when he will render to each according to their works — Spare us, O Lord! (x3) —, or rather according to his compassion, offer to you, Master, this dread sacrifice without shedding of blood, asking that you do not act towards us according to our sins, but that, according to your kindness and ineffable love for humankind, setting aside and wiping out the record of the debt against us your suppliants, you would grant us your heavenly and eternal gifts, which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered the human heart the things that you have prepared, O God, for those who love you. And do not reject your people because of me and because of my sins, O Lord who love humankind.
(aloud): Your people and your Church entreat you. (x3)
People: Have mercy on us, Lord God, the Father, the Almighty. (x3)
The Priest, in a low voice: Have mercy on us, Lord God, the Father, the Almighty. Have mercy on us, God our Saviour. Have mercy on us, O God, in accordance with your great mercy, and send forth upon these holy gifts, here set forth, your all-holy Spirit, (bowing) the Lord and giver of life, enthroned with you, God and Father, and your only-begotten Son, co-reigning, consubstantial and co-eternal, who spoke by the Law and the Prophets and by your New Covenant, who came down in the form of a dove upon our Lord Jesus Christ in the river Jordan, and rested upon him, who came down upon your holy Apostles in the form of fiery tongues in the upper room of holy and glorious Sion on the day of Pentecost. (Standing up) Your same all-holy Spirit, Lord, send down on us and on these gifts here set forth,
(aloud): that having come by his holy, good and glorious presence, he may sanctify this bread and make it the holy body of Christ,
People: Amen.
Priest: and this Cup the precious blood of Christ,
People: Amen.
The Priest signs the holy Gifts and says in a low voice: that they may become for all those who partake of them for forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. For sanctification of souls and bodies. For a fruitful harvest of good works. For the strengthening of your holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, which you founded on the rock of the faith, so that the gates of Hell might not prevail against it, delivering it from every heresy and from the scandals caused by those who work iniquity, and from the enemies who arise and attack it, until the consummation of the age.
The clergy alone answer: Amen.
Then the Priest signs the Gifts, bows and says:
We make this offering to you, Master, for your holy places also, which you glorified by the divine Epiphany of your Christ, and by the visitation of your all-holy Spirit, especially for the holy and glorious Sion, the mother of all the Churches; and for your holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church throughout the whole inhabited world. Richly bestow on it now too, Master, the gifts of your all-holy Spirit.
People (quietly, many times, as the Priest prays): Remember, Lord our God.
Remember, Lord, also our holy fathers and bishops in your Church, who throughout the inhabited world rightly proclaim the word of truth.
Especially our holy father, our most holy Archbishop N., all his clergy and priesthood, grant him an honoured old age, preserve him for many years, as he shepherds your people in all true religion and reverence.
Remember, Lord, the honourable order of presbyters here and everywhere, the diaconate in Christ, all the rest of the ministers, every order in the Church and our brotherhood in Christ and the whole Christ-loving people.
[Remember, Lord, the priests present with us at this holy time before your holy altar for the offering of the holy sacrifice without shedding of blood, and give to them and us a word by the opening of our mouth to the glory and praise of your all-holy name.]
Remember, Lord, also according to the multitude of your mercy and acts of compassion, me, your lowly, sinful and unworthy servant, and visit me with mercy and compassion. Deliver and free me from those who persecute me, Lord, Lord of Powers. And though sin has multiplied in me, your grace will abound even more.
Remember, Lord, the deacons who stand round your holy altar and them a life without reproach, preserve their diaconate unstained and grant them good standing.
Remember, Lord, the holy city of you our God, the queen of cities, every city, town and village, and those who with Orthodox faith and devotion dwell in them, and their peace and security.
[Remember, Lord, our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family, her government and all in authority, and all her household. Set in order her counsels, that we may live a quiet life in all piety and reverence.]
Remember, Lord, those who travel by land, sea and air, Christians who live far from home, those in bondage and prisons, those in captivity and exile, those in mines and in tortures and bitter slavery, our fathers, mothers and brethren, and a peaceful return for each of them to their own homes.
Remember, Lord, those in old age and incapacity, the sick, the suffering, those troubled by unclean spirits, and for their speedy healing from God and for their safety and salvation.
Remember, Lord, every Christian soul that is afflicted and distressed, and in need of God’s mercy and help, and the return of those who have been led astray.
Remember, Lord, those who pass their lives in virginity, purity and asceticism, and in holy wedlock, and for our venerable fathers, mothers and brethren who struggle on mountains, in caves, and in the hollows of the earth, and Orthodox communities in every place and for our community in Christ in this place.
Remember, Lord, our father, mothers and brethren who labour and serve for the sake of your holy Name.
Remember, Lord, all for their good. Have mercy on all, Master. Be reconciled with us all. Give peace to the multitudes of your people. Disperse scandals; put an end to wars; ends the schisms of the churches; speedily dissolve the uprisings of heresies; throw down the pride of the nations; exalt the horn of Christians; grant us your peace and your love, O God, our Saviour, the hope of all the ends of the earth.
Remember, Lord, seasonable weather, gentle showers, fair dews, abundant harvests, perfect seasons and the crowning of the year with your goodness. For the eyes of all hope on you, and you give them their food in due season; you open your hand and fill every living being with your good pleasure.
Remember, Lord, those who have brought and those who bring offerings in the holy Churches of God, those who remember the poor, and those who have asked us to remember them in our prayers.
Also be pleased to remember, Lord, those too who have brought offerings today for your holy altar, and those for whom each has brought them, or whom each one has in mind, and those whose names are now read to you.
And he commemorates those whom he wishes of the living.
Remember, Lord, our parents, friends, relatives and brethren NN.
All these Orthodox remember, Lord, those we have remembered and those we have not. Give them heavenly things in return for things earthly, incorruptible for corruptible, everlasting for temporary, in accordance with the promise of your Christ, for you have the authority of life and death.
Also be pleased to remember, Lord, those who have been well-pleasing to you from the beginning of time, generation by generation, holy Fathers, Mothers, Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, Teachers, Ascetics, and every righteous spirit, made perfect in faith.
Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you gave birth to the Saviour of our souls.
Especially our all-holy and blessed, immaculate Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary,
People: Remember, Lord, our God.
The holy, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, the holy Apostles and Evangelists, the holy Prophets, Patriarchs and Righteous ones, the holy Martyrs and Confessors and all the Saints, not because we are worthy to commemorate their blessedness, but that they too, as they stand before your dread and terrible judgement seat, may in return remember our wretchedness.
And he remembers those departed Christians whom he wishes and continues.
Remember all these, O Lord, the God of spirits and all flesh, those Orthodox, we have remembered and those we have not. Give them rest in the land of the living, in your kingdom, in the delight of Paradise, in the bosom of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, our holy Fathers, whence pain, grief and sighing have fled away, where the light of your face watches and shines out for ever. And make the ending of our lives Christian, well-pleasing, sinless and in peace, Lord, gathering us under the feet of your chosen ones, when you wish and as you wish, only with shame and transgressions, through your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, for he is only one without sin who has appeared upon earth.
Deacon: And for the peace and stability of the whole world and of the holy Churches of God, and those for whom each has made offerings or whom they have in mind and for the people here present, and for all people.
Priest (aloud): Through whom for us and for them, for you Master are a good God and a Master who loves humankind:
People: Remit, forgive, pardon, O God, our transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in knowledge and in ignorance.
Priest (aloud): By the grace, compassion and love for humankind of your Christ, with whom you are blessed and glorified with 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: Again and again and at all times, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the precious, heavenly, glorious, divine gifts here set forth and sanctified, to the Lord our God let us pray.
That the Lord our God, having accepted them on his holy and spiritual Altar above the heavens, as a savour of spiritual fragrance, may send down upon us in return his divine grace and the gift of the all-holy Holy Spirit, let us pray.
Having asked for the unity of the faith and the communion of the all-holy Spirit, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ, our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
The Priest, bowing, says in a low voice:
O God and Father of our Lord and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Lord whose name is exalted, the blessed nature, the unstinted goodness, the God and Master of all things, the One who Exists, blessed to the ages of ages, enthroned upon the Cherubim, glorified by the Seraphim, before whom stand thousands and thousands, and tens of thousands of armies Angels and Archangels, accept as sweet fragrance the gifts, offerings and fruits here presented to you, by the grace of your Christ and the visitation of your all-holy Spirit. Sanctify also, Master, our souls and bodies and spirits. Touch our minds and search out our consciences. Cast out from us every evil thought, every impure idea, every base desire and memory, every unseemly word, all envy, pride and hypocrisy, every lie, every deceit, every worldly temptation, all greed, all vainglory, all wickedness, all wrath, all anger, all malice, all blasphemy, and all sloth, every movement of flesh and spirit that is alien to the will of your holiness.
(aloud): And count us worthy, Master, Lord who love humankind, with boldness and without condemnation, with a pure heart, enlightened soul, face unashamed, lips that are sanctified to dare to call upon you, the holy God in heaven, as Father, and to say:
People:
Our Father in heaven, may your name be hallowed, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Priest, in a low voice: And do not lead us into temptation that we cannot endure, Lord, Lord of powers, who know our weakness, but deliver us from the evil one and from his works, and from all his influence and guile, for the sake of your holy Name, that has been invoked upon our lowliness.
(aloud): For yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, of 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 (bows, and in a low voice): We, your servants, Lord, have bowed our necks to you before your holy altar, awaiting rich mercies from you. Send forth to us now, Master, your rich grace and blessing, and sanctify our souls and bodies and spirits, that we may become worthy communicants and partakers of your holy mysteries for forgiveness and everlasting life.
(aloud): For you, our God, are to be worshipped and glorified, with your only-begotten Son and your all-holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest (aloud): And the grace and mercies of the holy, consubstantial, uncreated, indivisible and adored Trinity shall be with us all.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Let us attend.
The Priest signs and raises the Bread, saying in a low voice:
Holy Lord, who rest in the holy place, make us holy by the word of your grace and the coming of your all-holy Spirit. For you said, Master , ‘Be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy’.
God beyond understanding, Word, consubstantial with the Father and the Holy Spirit, co-eternal and inseparable, accept from me, a sinner, with the Cherubim and Seraphim, this pure hymn among your holy sacrifices without shedding of blood, as I cry out and say:
(aloud): The Holy Things for the holy.
People: One is holy, one is Lord: Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father, with the Holy Spirit, to whom be glory to the ages of ages.
Then the Priest breaks the bread and holds one half in his right hand and one in his left. He dips that in his right in the chalice, saying:
Union of the all-holy Body and precious Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
And he signs the part in his left hand and will change, holding the two parts. He signs the other part. Then joining the two parts and dipping the other two of the extremities in the chalice and signing the remaining breads, he says at each dipping the word of union and at once begins to divide and first of all he places one part in each single chalice, saying:
It has been united and sanctified and perfected, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Then he makes double parts for each of the clergy and dips them in the chalice. After the completion of the Glory, the Deacon says:
In the peace of the Lord let us sing.
Communion: Taste and see that the Lord is good. Alleluia.
Deacon: Sir, bless.
Priest: God is blessed, who blesses and sanctifies you that divide in the fear of God, and all who are about to communicate in faith.
And the clergy reply: Amen.
And when he is about to communicate:
Master, Christ our God, the heavenly Bread, the food of the whole world, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am not worthy to partake of your holy and immaculate mysteries. But through goodness and ineffable longsuffering, make me worthy, without condemnation and shame, to partake of your all-holy Body and your precious Blood for forgiveness of sins and everlasting life.
Then he communicates and distributes to the clergy, and when the Deacon raises the chalice he says:
Sir, bless.
Priest: Glory to God, who has sanctified and sanctifies us all.
Priest and Deacon: Be exalted to the heavens, O God, and your glory into all the earth, and your kingdom abides to the ages of ages.
Priest: Blessed is the name of the Lord our God to the ages of ages.
Deacon: With fear of God and faith, draw near.
And signing the faithful, the Priest says, as he gives communion:
The holy Body of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ is distributed to the faithful for forgiveness and everlasting life.
Communion is traditionally given under the two kinds separately. As he gives the consecrated Bread, the Priest says: The Body of Christ.
The communicant answers: Amen.
For the Cup the Priest says: The Blood of Christ. The Cup of salvation.
The communicant answers: Amen.
People: Fill my mouth with your praise, O Lord, fill my lips with joy, that I may raise a hymn to your glory.
The Priest in a low voice says
The Prayer of Incense
and censes the Holy Things:
We thank you, Saviour, God of all things, for all the good things you have granted us, and for the communion of your holy and immaculate mysteries, and we offer you this incense, as we ask: Guard us under the shelter of your wings, and count us worthy even until our last breath to partake of your holy things, for the sanctification of our souls and bodies, and for inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, for you, O God, are our sanctification, and to you we give glory and thanksgiving, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Deacon: We thank you, Christ our God, that you have counted us worthy to partake of your Body and Blood for forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Keep, we entreat, without condemnation, as you are good and love humankind.
Then the Priest says another
Prayer of the Incense
You have made us glad, O God, by union with you, and we offer you incense of gratitude, fruit of our lips, as we confess your grace. Let it ascend, O God, and not descend empty, but grant too the pure and lasting myron of the sweet fragrance of your all-holy Spirit. Fill our mouths with praise and our lips with gladness and our hearts with joy and delight in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom you are blessed with your all-holy Spirit, now and for ever and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: Again and again at all times, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
That the communion of his holy Gifts may become for us an averting of every evil thing, provision for the journey of eternal life, for the communion and gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.
Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most glorious and blessed Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints and Just, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest, in a low voice: O God, who through great and ineffable compassion, have condescended to the weakness of your servants, and counted us worthy to partake of this heavenly table, do not condemn us sinners for communicating of your immaculate mysteries, but preserve us, O Good One, in your sanctification, so that, becoming worthy of your all-holy Spirit, we may find a part and lot with all the Saints from the beginning, who have been well-pleasing to you, in the light of your face, through the compassion of your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, with whom you are blessed and glorified, with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
(aloud): For blessed and sanctified and glorified is your all-honoured and majestic holy Name, of 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, in a low voice:
O God great and wonderful, look upon your servants, for to you we have bent our necks, and stretch out your mighty hand, that is filled with blessings, and bless your people and preserve your inheritance, that we may always at every moment glorify you, our only living and true God, the holy and consubstantial Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
(aloud): For to you belong and are due from us all, all glory, honour, worship and thanksgiving, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: In the peace of Christ, let us go forth.
People: In the name of the Lord. Sir, give the blessing.
Priest:
You have given us sanctification, Master, by the communion of the all-holy Body and precious Blood of your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Give us too the grace of your good Spirit and keep us blameless in the faith and guide to perfect sonship and redemption and the everlasting enjoyment to come, for you and your only-begotten Son and your all-holy Spirit are our sanctification and enlightenment, O God, now and for ever and to the ages.
Advancing from power to power, and having completed in your church the whole divine ministry, we now ask you also, Lord our God, count us worthy of your perfect love for humankind. Make straight our way, root us in your fear, have mercy on us all, and declare us worthy of your heavenly kingdom in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom you are blessed and glorified, with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: May we be guarded in the peace of Christ.
Priest, aloud: Blessed is God, who blesses and sanctifies, protects and gives peace, and preserves the life of us all through the communion of his holy, immaculate and life-giving mysteries, which we have been counted worthy to receive, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The Divine Liturgy of St James, which was until recently only celebrated on the island of Zakynthos on his feast on 23 October and in Jerusalem on the Sunday after Christmas, is today celebrated in an increasing number of Orthodox churches. It was the ancient rite of Jerusalem, as the Mystagogic Catecheses of St Cyril of Jerusalem imply. It is still, in its Syrian form, the principal liturgy of the Syrian Oriental Church, both in Syriac and, in the ancient Syrian Orthodox Church of India, in Malayalam and English.
This version of the Greek Liturgy of St James is highly provisional and tentative, principally because none of the editions available agree among themselves. The only critical edition is the one published by Dom B.-Ch. Mercier in volume 26 of the Patrologia Orientalis in 1950. This is extremely detailed and learned, but totally unusable as a practical edition, which it was not intended to be. Other scholarly editions can be found in Swainson’s ‘Greek Liturgies’ [1884] and in Brightman’s ‘Liturgies Eastern and Western’ [1896]. Neale and Littledale published an English translation in their ‘Translations of the Primitive Liturgies’ [1859], which rather charmingly suggests in one or two footnotes that St Paul actually quotes from it in his Epistles. ‘Practical’ editions of the Greek have been issued by the Apostoliki Diakonia in Athens and by Holy Cross in the United States [1988]. The latter contains a parallel English translation. Both these editions are heavily abbreviated and seriously ‘byzantinised’. A Slavonic version of the Greek, made by Father Philip Gardner, was authorised by the Russian Church Abroad in 1938. This was translated into hyper-Cranmerian English, which even extends to the Introduction, by the Monastery of St Mark of Ephesus in New Jersey forty years later. This version is more than abundantly supplied with very detailed, but sometimes contradictory, rubrics, though where these come from is unclear. Like the two modern Greek editions, the Liturgy is abbreviated and byzantinised.
The present translation is based on Mercier’s edition and tries as far as possible to give a reliable version of the best text available. Since, however, it was also made for actual use, the extremely long commemoration of the Saints towards the end of the Anaphora has been drastically curtailed. On the other hand it preserves a number of what are probably ‘doublets’ of prayers in the manuscripts. It should be noted that the rite of the Fraction supposes that a ‘Syrian’ type of prosphora is being used. That is to say a small, flattish loaf about three inches in diameter, rather than the standard Byzantine prosphora. The fraction is also made easier if the seal used is of the Syrian type, divided into sections and covered with small crosses.
I hope to revise this version in the near future and to complete it by the addition of the long catalogue of Saints. What is here offered is so in the hope that the magnificent prayers of this ancient Liturgy may become more widely known both inside and outside the Church.
THE DIVINE LITURGY OF JAMES THE APOSTLE AND BROTHER OF GOD
ORDER, WITH GOD’S HELP, AND SERVICE OF THE SACRED RITE ACCORDING TO THE HOLY SYNAXIS
Prayer of the Prothesis
In the skevophylakion the Priest says:
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, the one, simple and undivided Trinity, that unites and sanctifies us through itself, and brings peace to our lives, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Then, imploring the Deity on his own behalf, the priest says:
Defiled as I am by many sins, do not utterly reject me, Master, Lord, our God. For see, I draw near to this divine and heavenly mystery, not as though I were worthy, but, looking to your goodness, I raise my voice to you, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner. For I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am not worthy to lift up my eyes to this your sacred and spiritual Table, on which your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, is mystically set forth as a sacrifice by me, a sinner stained by every defilement. Therefore I bring you this supplication, that your Spirit, the Advocate, may be sent down to me, strengthening and preparing me for this ministry. And grant that without condemnation the word that has been declared by you may be proclaimed by me to the people in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good, life-giving and consubstantial Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Before the Royal Doors, as the clergy are about to make the Entrance, the Priest says aloud:
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, the triple and single light of the one Godhead, that exists singly in Trinity and is divided without division. For the one God is Trinity, whose glory the heavens declare, while earth proclaims his dominion, the sea his might and every physical and immaterial creature his greatness. For to him belongs all glory, honour, might, greatness and magnificence, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Then the Priest begins the prayers of the Enarxis (aloud).
Benefactor and King of the ages, and Fashioner of all creation, accept your Church, which approaches you through your Christ. Fulfil what is profitable for each, bring all to perfection, and make us worthy of the grace of your sanctification, gathering us together in your Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, which you gained by the blood of your only-begotten Son, our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ, with whom you are blessed and glorified, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Prayer of the Incense at the Entrance
Priest, aloud:
O God, who accepted the gifts of Abel, the sacrifices of Noכ and Abraham, the incense of Aaron and Zachary, accept from the hands of us sinners this incense for a sweet fragrance and forgiveness of our sins and those of all your people. For you are blessed and to you belongs glory, to the Father with your only-begotten Son and your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
The Deacon censes and begins the Only-begotten Son, and the Singers chant the Troparion for the Entrance of the clergy with the holy Gospel.
The Singers: Only-begotten Son and Word of God, who, being immortal, accepted for our salvation to take flesh from the holy Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, and without change became man; you were crucified, Christ God, by death trampling on death, being one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: save us!
When those making the entrance reach the middle of the church, where a vima [platform] has been set up, they place the holy Gospel on it, and go towards the sanctuary. The Priest, standing in front of the holy Doors, says, aloud:
Almighty God, Lord, whose name is great, who give us entrance to the Holy of Holies through the coming of your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, we entreat and implore your goodness. Since we are full of fear and trembling as we are about to stand before your holy altar, send forth your good grace upon us, sanctify our souls, bodies and spirits and change our thoughts to true devotion, so that, with a pure conscience, we may offer you gifts, presents, fruits, for the removal of our sins, for the forgiveness of all your people, by the grace and love for humankind 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.
And the Priest enters the sanctuary.
Facing the People, the Deacon says:
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
People (after each petition): Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from on high, God’s love for humankind, and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world and the union of all the holy churches of God, let us pray to the Lord.
For the salvation and of our most holy Father and Archbishop N., all the clergy and Christ-loving people, let us pray to the Lord.
For the forgiveness of our sins and pardon of our offences, and for us to be delivered from all affliction, wrath, danger, constraint and assault of enemies, let us pray to the Lord.
Let us call to mind our most holy, pure, most glorious and blessed Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, of the holy, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, of the holy, godlike and all-praised Apostles, of the glorious Prophets and victorious Martyrs and all the holy and just, that by their prayers and intercessions we may all find mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy.
The Priest bows and says in a low voice
The Prayer of the Trisagion
Compassionate and merciful, long-suffering, most merciful and true Lord, look down from your holy dwelling-place, hearken to us, your, suppliants, and deliver us from every trial and temptation, both diabolic and human. Do not deprive us of your help, nor bring upon us heavier chastisement than we are able to bear. For we are not capable of conquering what opposes us, while you, Lord, have power to save us from all adversities. Save us, O God, from the difficulties of this world in accordance with your goodness, so that, having entered your holy altar with a pure conscience, we may, without condemnation, offer you with the heavenly Powers the blessed and thrice-holy hymn, and have accomplished the divine ministry that is well-pleasing to you, we may be found worthy of eternal life.
(aloud): For holy are you, Lord our God, and you dwell and take your rest in the holy place, and to you we offer glory and the thrice-holy hymn, to Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Holy God, holy Strong, holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Holy God, holy Strong, holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Holy God, holy Strong, holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
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.
Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
Deacon: Dynamis.
People: Holy God, holy Strong, holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
After this the Priest give a blessing, saying:
Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Wisdom.
The Reader declaims the Prokeimenon.
Deacon: Wisdom.
The Reader reads the title of the Apostle.
Deacon: Let us attend.
The Reader reads the Apostle.
At the completion of the Apostle, the Priest says:
Peace to you.
Reader: And to your spirit. Alleluia (x3).
While the Alleluia is being sung, the Deacon takes the censer, receives the Priest’s blessing, and comes out and censes the holy Gospel. The Priest in a low voice says
The Prayer of the Incense
To you, Lord our God, who are filled with all fragrance and joy, we offer you this incense from the things that you have given us. Let it then, we beg you, be taken up from our poor hands to your holy altar above the heavens for an odour of sweetness and forgiveness of our sins and those of all your people, by the grace and compassion and love for humankind 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. Amen.
The Deacon says:
Let us all say, Lord, have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy. And after each petition.
Almighty, heavenly Lord , the God of our fathers, we pray you, hear us.
For the peace of the whole world and union of all the holy churches, we pray you, hear us.
For the salvation and assistance of our most holy father and Archbishop N., all the clergy and the Christ-loving people, we pray you, hear us.
[For our sovereign Lady, Queen Elisabeth, the Royal family, her government and all in authority, we pray you, hear us.]
For this city, for every city, town and village, we pray you, hear us.
For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, constraint, captivity, bitter death, and our iniquities, we pray you, hear us.
For the people here present and who await your great and rich mercy, we implore you, have compassion and mercy.
O God, save your people and bless your inheritance. Visit you world with mercy and pity. Exalt the horn of Christians by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, at the intercession of our all-pure and blessed Lady, Mother of God, of the Forerunner, your Apostles and all your Saints, we implore you, most merciful Lord, hear us as we pray, and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy. (x3).
Prayer before the holy Gospel
Priest (in a low voice): Master, Lover of humankind, make the pure light of your divine knowledge shine in our hearts and open the eyes of our mind to understand the message of your Gospel. Implant in us the fear of your blessed commandments, so that, having trampled down all carnal desires, we may change to a spiritual way of life, thinking and doing all things that are pleasing to you.
(Aloud): For you are the glad tidings, enlightenment, Saviour and guardian of our souls and bodies, O God, and to you we give glory, together with your only-begotten Son, and your all-holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Stand upright. Let us listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: The reading is from the holy Gospel according to N.
People: Glory to you, Lord. Glory to you.
Priest: Let us attend.
And the deacon reads the appointed section of the holy Gospel. When the Gospel is finished, the Priest says:
Peace to you.
People: Glory to you, Lord. Glory to you.
Then the Preacher expounds the word of God.
Then the Deacon, standing in front of the holy Door, facing the People, says:
Let us be devoutly attentive.
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy. And after each petition.
For the peace of the whole world and the union of all the holy churches, let us pray to the Lord.
For the salvation and assistance of our most holy Archbishop N., of all the clergy and the Christ-loving people, let us pray to the Lord.
For forgiveness of our sins and pardon of our offences, and for our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and constraint, assault of enemies, let us pray to the Lord.
That the day that we pass through may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us all ask of the Lord.
People: Grant this, O Lord. And after each petition.
An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.
Pardon and forgiveness of our sins and offences, let us ask of the Lord.
Things good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord.
That we may live out the rest of our days in peace and good health, let us ask of the Lord.
A Christian end to our life, painless, unashamed and peaceful, and a good defence before the fearsome and dread judgement seat of Christ, let us ask.
Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most glorious and blessed Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, of the holy, glorious, Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John, of the godlike and all-praised Apostles, glorious Prophets and triumphant Martyrs with all the Holy and Just, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Prayer after the holy Gospel
Priest (in a low voice):
You have made your divine and saving words resound for us, O God, enlighten the souls of us sinners to understand the things that have been read, so that we may be seen to be not only hearers of the spiritual songs, but also doers of good deeds, maintaining a faith without pretence, a life without blame, conduct without reproach,
(Aloud): In Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom you are blessed and glorified, together with 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, bowing, says
(in a low voice): Good Master, giver of life and bestower of good things, who give mortals the blessed hope of eternal life, our Lord Jesus Christ, count us worthy also to accomplish this ministry in holiness, for the enjoyment of the blessedness to come.
(Aloud): That being always guarded by your might, and guided to the light of truth, we may give glory and thanksgiving to you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Let us chant in the peace of Christ.
Deacon: Let none of the catechumens; none of the uninitiated; none of those who cannot pray with us. Recognize one another. The doors! Let all stand upright.
The Singers begin the hymn Let all mortal flesh keep silent, slowly and melodically.
Let all mortal flesh keep silent, and with fear and trembling stand. Ponder nothing earthly-minded, Let all mortal flesh keep silent, and with fear and trembling stand. Ponder nothing earthly-minded, for the King of kings and Lord of lords advances to be slain and given as food to the faithful. Before him go the choirs of Angels, with every rule and authority, the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim, veiling their sight and crying out the hymn: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
After the holy Gifts have been placed on the holy Altar and before they are covered with the Cloud, the Priest says
The Prayer of the Prothesis
God, our God, who sent forth the heavenly Bread, the food of the whole world, our Lord and God Jesus Christ, as our Saviour, Redeemer and Benefactor, to bless and sanctify us; bless this Offering, and receive it on your altar above the heavens. In your goodness and love for humankind be mindful of those who have offered it, and those for whom they have offered it, and grant all their requests that are for their salvation; and as we celebrate your divine mysteries keep us without condemnation. For sanctified 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. Amen.
He censes the holy Gifts, saying:
Master almighty, King of glory, the God who knows all things before they come to be, be present with us as we call upon you at this holy time, and redeem us from the shame of transgressions. Cleanse our mind and our thoughts from foul desires, worldly deception and every operation of the devil, and accept from the hand of us sinners this incense for an odour of sweet fragrance, as you accepted the offering of Abel and Noכ, Aaron and Samuel and all your holy ones, delivering us from every evil deed, and keeping us safe to be always well pleasing to you, and to worship and glorify you, our Father, and your only-begotten Son and your all-holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Deacon: In God’s wisdom, let us attend.
The Priest covers the holy Gifts with the Cloud and begins the Creed, saying the first words I believe in one God.
People: 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.
Prayer of the Kiss
Priest, in a low voice: God and Master of all, lover of humankind, make us, unworthy though we are, worthy of this hour, so that, cleansed of all deceit and hypocrisy, we may be united to one another by the bond of peace and love, confirmed by the sanctification of your divine knowledge through your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, 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. Amen.
Deacon: Let us stand with awe. In peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest (aloud): For you are a God of peace, mercy, love, compassion and love for humankind, with your only-begotten Son and your all-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 greet one another with a holy kiss.
After the Kiss has been given, the Deacon says:
Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
People: To you, O Lord.
The Priest bows and says in a low voice:
O only Lord and merciful God, who dwell in the highest and look upon lowly things, send forth your good grace upon those who have bowed their necks before your holy altar, and seek the spiritual gifts that come from you, and bless us all with every spiritual that cannot be taken away.
(aloud): For your name, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, is to be praised, worshipped and supremely glorified, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon, to the Priest: Sir, give the blessing.
The Priest prays for those present, saying:
The Lord will bless us all, serve with us and make us worthy of taking our stand at his holy altar and of the coming of his holy Spirit, now and always, and to the ages of ages.
The Priest signs the holy Gifts and says in a low voice:
Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth, goodwill. (x3)
Lord, you will open my lips and my mouth will proclaim your praise. (x3)
Let my mouth be filled with your praise, that I may sing your glory, all day long your majesty. (x3)
Of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
And bowing to left and right, he says aloud and melodiously:
Magnify the Lord with me, and let us praise his name together.
And they chant in reply:
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
Priest: May the Lord remember you in the kingdom of heaven, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy. And after every petition.
Save us, have mercy one us, have pity on us and keep us, O God, by your grace.
For the peace from on high, God’s love for humankind, and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world and the union of all the holy churches, let us pray to the Lord.
For this holy monastery (this holy house), and for the Catholic and Apostolic Church, from the ends of the earth and to its furthest bounds, let us pray to the Lord.
For the safety and salvation and assistance of our most holy Father and Archbishop N., all the clergy and Christ-loving 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.]
For this city, for every city, town and village, and for those who dwell in them with Orthodox faith and reverence for God, for their peace and security, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who bring offerings, those who care for the beauty of the holy churches of God, and who remember the poor, the widows and orphans, foreigners, strangers and those in need, and those who have asked us to remember them in our prayers, let us pray to the Lord.
For those in old age and incapacity, the sick, the suffering, those troubled by unclean spirits, and for their speedy healing from God and for their safety and salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who pass their lives in virginity, purity and asceticism, and in holy wedlock, and for our venerable fathers, mothers and brethren who struggle on mountains, in caves, and in the hollows of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who travel by land, air or water, for Christians who are far from home, for those our brethren in captivity and exile, in prisons and bitter slavery, and for the peaceful return of each one to their own home with joy, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who are present here and who pray with us at this holy time and at every moment, fathers, mothers and brethren, for their zeal, toil and readiness, let us pray to the Lord.
And for every Christian soul that is afflicted and distressed, and in need of God’s mercy and help; for the return of those who have been led astray, the health of the sick, the liberation of prisoners, and the repose of our fathers, mothers and brethren who have gone to their rest before us, let us pray to the Lord.
For the forgiveness of our sins and the pardon of our offences, for our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, anger and constraint, and from the assault of nations, let us pray to the Lord.
More intensely, for favourable weather, peaceful rains, good dews, abundant harvests, fair seasons, and for the crowning of the year, let us pray to the Lord.
For our prayer to be heard and to be acceptable before God, and that he send down to us his rich mercies and acts of compassion, and for us all to be found worthy of his kingdom, let us fervently pray.
Commemorating our all holy, pure, most glorious and blessed Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, of the holy and blessed John, the glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, of the holy Apostles, of Stephen the Archdeacon and Protomartyr, of Moses, Aaron , Elias, Elissaios, Samuel, David, Daniel, the Prophets and of the Holy and Just, that by their prayers and intercessions we may all find mercy.
And for the precious and heavenly, ineffable, immaculate, glorious, fearsome, divine gifts, here set forth, and for the salvation of our honoured father and Priest, who presides and offers them, let us entreat the Lord our God.
People: Lord, have mercy. (x3)
The Priest bows and, in a low voice, says
The Prayer of Offering of St James
Master and Lord, who visit us in mercy and compassion and have granted us, humble sinners and your unworthy servants the grace to stand at your holy Altar and to offer to you this dread sacrifice without shedding of blood for our own sins and those committed in ignorance by the people, look on me, your unprofitable servant and wipe away my transgressions through your compassion and purify my lips and my heart from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and banish from me every base and unseemly thought, and enable me for this ministry by the power of your all-holy Spirit, and accept me through your goodness as I approach your holy altar, and be well pleased, Lord, for these gifts to be acceptable that are offered through our hands, being gracious to my weaknesses, and do not cast me away from your presence. Do not despise my unworthiness, but have mercy on me, O God, in accordance with your great mercy and according to the abundance of your compassion disregard my offences, so that, coming into the presence of your glory with condemnation, I may be found worthy of the protection of your only-begotten Son and the illumination of your all-holy Spirit, but as your servant may I find grace, mercy and forgiveness of sins both in this present age and in the age to come. Yes, Master almighty and all-powerful, listen to my supplication and grant me reprieve from my evil deeds, for it is you who work all in all, and in all things we seek from you your help and assistance and that of your only-begotten Son and your good, life-giving and consubstantial Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
And he adds a second
Prayer of Saint Denys the Areopagite
O God, who through your great and ineffable love for humankind sent out your only-begotten Son into the world that he might turn back the sheep that had gone astray, do not turn us sinners away as we undertake for you this dread sacrifice without shedding of blood, for we do not trust in our own righteousness but in your loving mercy, through which you acquire our race. And now too we implore and beseech your goodness that this mystery, which is performed through us for salvation, may not become a cause of condemnation for your people, but be for the wiping away of sins, renewal of souls and bodies, and for your good pleasure, God and Father, for you are a God who loves humankind and to you belongs glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The Prayer of the Veil
We thank you, Lord our God, that you have given us the freedom of entry into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, inaugurating for us a new and living way through the veil of his flesh. Having therefore been counted worthy to enter the place where your glory dwells, and to be within the veil, and to look upon the Holy of Holies, we fall down before your goodness, Master. Have mercy on us, for we are filled with fear and trembling as we are about to stand at your holy altar and to offer to you this dread sacrifice without shedding of blood for our sins and those committed in ignorance by the people. Send forth your good grace upon us, O God, and sanctify our souls and bodies and spirits, and change our thoughts towards true religion, that with a pure conscience we may offer you mercy, peace, a sacrifice of praise. And having uncovered the veils of the mysteries that symbolically surround this sacred rite, show us clearly, and fill our spiritual vision with your boundless light; and having cleansed our poverty from all defilement of flesh and spirit, make it worthy of this dread and fearful presence.
(Aloud):By the mercy and compassion and love for humankind of your only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with all holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: And unveiling the coverings of the mysteries which in symbol surround this sacred rite, show them to us clearly and fill the eyes of our minds with your incomprehensible light, and purifying our poverty from every defilement of flesh and spirit, make it worthy of this dread and fearful presence, because you are a God of surpassing compassion and mercy, and to you we give glory and thanksgiving, Father, Son and holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Priest: Peace to all.
People: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Let us stand with awe. Let us stand devoutly. Let us stand with fear of God and with compunction. Let us attend, that we may offer the holy oblation to God in peace.
People: Mercy, peace, a sacrifice of praise.
Priest: The love of God the Father, the grace of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, and the communion and gift of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Let our mind and hearts be on high.
People: We have them with the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord.
People: It is right and fitting.
Priest, bowing, says in a low voice:
Truly it is right and fitting, proper and necessary, to praise you, to hymn you, to bless you, to worship you, to glorify you, to give thanks to you, Fashioner of every creature, visible and invisible, the Treasury of the eternal good things, the Source of life and immortality, the God and Master of all, whose praise is sung by the heavens and the heavens of heavens and all their powers, the sun and the moon and the whole choir of stars, earth, sea and all that they contain; the heavenly Jerusalem, festival of the chosen, church of the first-born, who are inscribed in heaven; spirits of the Just and of Prophets, souls of Martyrs and Apostles; Angels, Archangels, Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Authorities and dread Powers, the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim, that with two wings cover their faces, with two their feet and with two they fly, as they cry out to one another with unceasing voices and with never silent hymns of glory,
(aloud): with radiant voices singing the triumphant hymn of your majestic glory, shouting, glorifying, crying aloud and saying.
People: Holy, holy, holy, Lord, Sabaoth. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who came and who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Priest (standing and signing the holy things) says in a low voice:
Holy are you, King of the ages, Lord and giver of all holiness. Holy too is your only-begotten Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, through whom you made all things. Holy too is your all-holy Spirit, who searches all things, and your depths, God and Father.
Bowing he continues:
Holy are you, all-powerful, fearsome, good, tender-hearted, compassionate to what you fashioned. You made humankind from earth, according to your image and likeness, granting it the enjoyment of Paradise. But when it transgressed your commandment and fell away, you do not forsake or abandon it, O Good One, but chastened it as a compassionate Father, called it through the Law, tutored it through the Prophets.
Finally you sent your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, forth into the world, to come and renew and raise up your image. He came down from heaven and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and Mary the holy Ever-Virgin and Mother of God, lived among mortals and disposed all things for the salvation of our race.
When he, the one without sin, was about to accept for us sinners his voluntary and life-giving death through a cross, on the night he was given up, or rather gave himself up, for the life and salvation of the world,
The Priest, taking the bread, signs it and says in a low voice:
taking bread in his holy, immaculate and unblemished and immortal hands, looking up heaven and showing it to you, his God and Father, giving thanks, blessing, sanctifying and breaking it, he shared it among his holy and blessed Disciples and Apostles, saying:
He replaces the bread, saying aloud:
Take, eat. This is my body which is broken and distributed for you for the forgiveness of sins.
People: Amen.
He takes the cup, signs it and says, in a low voice:
Likewise after supper, taking the cup and mixing wine and water, gazing up to heaven and showing it to you, his God and Father, giving thanks, blessing, sanctifying, filling it with the Holy Spirit, he shared it among his holy and blessed Disciples and Apostles, saying:
He puts down the cup and says aloud:
Drink from this all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out and distributed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
People: Amen.
Priest, in a low voice: Do this in memory of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Son of Man, and confess his resurrection, until he comes.
Deacon: We believe and confess.
People: Your death, Lord, we proclaim, and your resurrection we confess.
The Priest signs the Gifts, bows and says:
Therefore, we sinners too, remembering his life-giving sufferings and the saving Cross, his death and burial, and resurrection from the dead on the third day, his ascension into heaven and sitting at your right hand, his God and Father, and his second, glorious and fearsome coming, when he comes in glory to judge the living and the dead, when he will render to each according to their works — Spare us, O Lord! (x3) —, or rather according to his compassion, offer to you, Master, this dread sacrifice without shedding of blood, asking that you do not act towards us according to our sins, but that, according to your kindness and ineffable love for humankind, setting aside and wiping out the record of the debt against us your suppliants, you would grant us your heavenly and eternal gifts, which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered the human heart the things that you have prepared, O God, for those who love you. And do not reject your people because of me and because of my sins, O Lord who love humankind.
(aloud): Your people and your Church entreat you. (x3)
People: Have mercy on us, Lord God, the Father, the Almighty. (x3)
The Priest, in a low voice: Have mercy on us, Lord God, the Father, the Almighty. Have mercy on us, God our Saviour. Have mercy on us, O God, in accordance with your great mercy, and send forth upon these holy gifts, here set forth, your all-holy Spirit, (bowing) the Lord and giver of life, enthroned with you, God and Father, and your only-begotten Son, co-reigning, consubstantial and co-eternal, who spoke by the Law and the Prophets and by your New Covenant, who came down in the form of a dove upon our Lord Jesus Christ in the river Jordan, and rested upon him, who came down upon your holy Apostles in the form of fiery tongues in the upper room of holy and glorious Sion on the day of Pentecost. (Standing up) Your same all-holy Spirit, Lord, send down on us and on these gifts here set forth,
(aloud): that having come by his holy, good and glorious presence, he may sanctify this bread and make it the holy body of Christ,
People: Amen.
Priest: and this Cup the precious blood of Christ,
People: Amen.
The Priest signs the holy Gifts and says in a low voice: that they may become for all those who partake of them for forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. For sanctification of souls and bodies. For a fruitful harvest of good works. For the strengthening of your holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, which you founded on the rock of the faith, so that the gates of Hell might not prevail against it, delivering it from every heresy and from the scandals caused by those who work iniquity, and from the enemies who arise and attack it, until the consummation of the age.
The clergy alone answer: Amen.
Then the Priest signs the Gifts, bows and says:
We make this offering to you, Master, for your holy places also, which you glorified by the divine Epiphany of your Christ, and by the visitation of your all-holy Spirit, especially for the holy and glorious Sion, the mother of all the Churches; and for your holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church throughout the whole inhabited world. Richly bestow on it now too, Master, the gifts of your all-holy Spirit.
People (quietly, many times, as the Priest prays): Remember, Lord our God.
Remember, Lord, also our holy fathers and bishops in your Church, who throughout the inhabited world rightly proclaim the word of truth.
Especially our holy father, our most holy Archbishop N., all his clergy and priesthood, grant him an honoured old age, preserve him for many years, as he shepherds your people in all true religion and reverence.
Remember, Lord, the honourable order of presbyters here and everywhere, the diaconate in Christ, all the rest of the ministers, every order in the Church and our brotherhood in Christ and the whole Christ-loving people.
[Remember, Lord, the priests present with us at this holy time before your holy altar for the offering of the holy sacrifice without shedding of blood, and give to them and us a word by the opening of our mouth to the glory and praise of your all-holy name.]
Remember, Lord, also according to the multitude of your mercy and acts of compassion, me, your lowly, sinful and unworthy servant, and visit me with mercy and compassion. Deliver and free me from those who persecute me, Lord, Lord of Powers. And though sin has multiplied in me, your grace will abound even more.
Remember, Lord, the deacons who stand round your holy altar and them a life without reproach, preserve their diaconate unstained and grant them good standing.
Remember, Lord, the holy city of you our God, the queen of cities, every city, town and village, and those who with Orthodox faith and devotion dwell in them, and their peace and security.
[Remember, Lord, our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family, her government and all in authority, and all her household. Set in order her counsels, that we may live a quiet life in all piety and reverence.]
Remember, Lord, those who travel by land, sea and air, Christians who live far from home, those in bondage and prisons, those in captivity and exile, those in mines and in tortures and bitter slavery, our fathers, mothers and brethren, and a peaceful return for each of them to their own homes.
Remember, Lord, those in old age and incapacity, the sick, the suffering, those troubled by unclean spirits, and for their speedy healing from God and for their safety and salvation.
Remember, Lord, every Christian soul that is afflicted and distressed, and in need of God’s mercy and help, and the return of those who have been led astray.
Remember, Lord, those who pass their lives in virginity, purity and asceticism, and in holy wedlock, and for our venerable fathers, mothers and brethren who struggle on mountains, in caves, and in the hollows of the earth, and Orthodox communities in every place and for our community in Christ in this place.
Remember, Lord, our father, mothers and brethren who labour and serve for the sake of your holy Name.
Remember, Lord, all for their good. Have mercy on all, Master. Be reconciled with us all. Give peace to the multitudes of your people. Disperse scandals; put an end to wars; ends the schisms of the churches; speedily dissolve the uprisings of heresies; throw down the pride of the nations; exalt the horn of Christians; grant us your peace and your love, O God, our Saviour, the hope of all the ends of the earth.
Remember, Lord, seasonable weather, gentle showers, fair dews, abundant harvests, perfect seasons and the crowning of the year with your goodness. For the eyes of all hope on you, and you give them their food in due season; you open your hand and fill every living being with your good pleasure.
Remember, Lord, those who have brought and those who bring offerings in the holy Churches of God, those who remember the poor, and those who have asked us to remember them in our prayers.
Also be pleased to remember, Lord, those too who have brought offerings today for your holy altar, and those for whom each has brought them, or whom each one has in mind, and those whose names are now read to you.
And he commemorates those whom he wishes of the living.
Remember, Lord, our parents, friends, relatives and brethren NN.
All these Orthodox remember, Lord, those we have remembered and those we have not. Give them heavenly things in return for things earthly, incorruptible for corruptible, everlasting for temporary, in accordance with the promise of your Christ, for you have the authority of life and death.
Also be pleased to remember, Lord, those who have been well-pleasing to you from the beginning of time, generation by generation, holy Fathers, Mothers, Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, Teachers, Ascetics, and every righteous spirit, made perfect in faith.
Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you gave birth to the Saviour of our souls.
Especially our all-holy and blessed, immaculate Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary,
People: Remember, Lord, our God.
The holy, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, the holy Apostles and Evangelists, the holy Prophets, Patriarchs and Righteous ones, the holy Martyrs and Confessors and all the Saints, not because we are worthy to commemorate their blessedness, but that they too, as they stand before your dread and terrible judgement seat, may in return remember our wretchedness.
And he remembers those departed Christians whom he wishes and continues.
Remember all these, O Lord, the God of spirits and all flesh, those Orthodox, we have remembered and those we have not. Give them rest in the land of the living, in your kingdom, in the delight of Paradise, in the bosom of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, our holy Fathers, whence pain, grief and sighing have fled away, where the light of your face watches and shines out for ever. And make the ending of our lives Christian, well-pleasing, sinless and in peace, Lord, gathering us under the feet of your chosen ones, when you wish and as you wish, only with shame and transgressions, through your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, for he is only one without sin who has appeared upon earth.
Deacon: And for the peace and stability of the whole world and of the holy Churches of God, and those for whom each has made offerings or whom they have in mind and for the people here present, and for all people.
Priest (aloud): Through whom for us and for them, for you Master are a good God and a Master who loves humankind:
People: Remit, forgive, pardon, O God, our transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in knowledge and in ignorance.
Priest (aloud): By the grace, compassion and love for humankind of your Christ, with whom you are blessed and glorified with 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: Again and again and at all times, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the precious, heavenly, glorious, divine gifts here set forth and sanctified, to the Lord our God let us pray.
That the Lord our God, having accepted them on his holy and spiritual Altar above the heavens, as a savour of spiritual fragrance, may send down upon us in return his divine grace and the gift of the all-holy Holy Spirit, let us pray.
Having asked for the unity of the faith and the communion of the all-holy Spirit, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ, our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
The Priest, bowing, says in a low voice:
O God and Father of our Lord and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Lord whose name is exalted, the blessed nature, the unstinted goodness, the God and Master of all things, the One who Exists, blessed to the ages of ages, enthroned upon the Cherubim, glorified by the Seraphim, before whom stand thousands and thousands, and tens of thousands of armies Angels and Archangels, accept as sweet fragrance the gifts, offerings and fruits here presented to you, by the grace of your Christ and the visitation of your all-holy Spirit. Sanctify also, Master, our souls and bodies and spirits. Touch our minds and search out our consciences. Cast out from us every evil thought, every impure idea, every base desire and memory, every unseemly word, all envy, pride and hypocrisy, every lie, every deceit, every worldly temptation, all greed, all vainglory, all wickedness, all wrath, all anger, all malice, all blasphemy, and all sloth, every movement of flesh and spirit that is alien to the will of your holiness.
(aloud): And count us worthy, Master, Lord who love humankind, with boldness and without condemnation, with a pure heart, enlightened soul, face unashamed, lips that are sanctified to dare to call upon you, the holy God in heaven, as Father, and to say:
People:
Our Father in heaven, may your name be hallowed, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Priest, in a low voice: And do not lead us into temptation that we cannot endure, Lord, Lord of powers, who know our weakness, but deliver us from the evil one and from his works, and from all his influence and guile, for the sake of your holy Name, that has been invoked upon our lowliness.
(aloud): For yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, of 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 (bows, and in a low voice): We, your servants, Lord, have bowed our necks to you before your holy altar, awaiting rich mercies from you. Send forth to us now, Master, your rich grace and blessing, and sanctify our souls and bodies and spirits, that we may become worthy communicants and partakers of your holy mysteries for forgiveness and everlasting life.
(aloud): For you, our God, are to be worshipped and glorified, with your only-begotten Son and your all-holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest (aloud): And the grace and mercies of the holy, consubstantial, uncreated, indivisible and adored Trinity shall be with us all.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Let us attend.
The Priest signs and raises the Bread, saying in a low voice:
Holy Lord, who rest in the holy place, make us holy by the word of your grace and the coming of your all-holy Spirit. For you said, Master , ‘Be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy’.
God beyond understanding, Word, consubstantial with the Father and the Holy Spirit, co-eternal and inseparable, accept from me, a sinner, with the Cherubim and Seraphim, this pure hymn among your holy sacrifices without shedding of blood, as I cry out and say:
(aloud): The Holy Things for the holy.
People: One is holy, one is Lord: Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father, with the Holy Spirit, to whom be glory to the ages of ages.
Then the Priest breaks the bread and holds one half in his right hand and one in his left. He dips that in his right in the chalice, saying:
Union of the all-holy Body and precious Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
And he signs the part in his left hand and will change, holding the two parts. He signs the other part. Then joining the two parts and dipping the other two of the extremities in the chalice and signing the remaining breads, he says at each dipping the word of union and at once begins to divide and first of all he places one part in each single chalice, saying:
It has been united and sanctified and perfected, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Then he makes double parts for each of the clergy and dips them in the chalice. After the completion of the Glory, the Deacon says:
In the peace of the Lord let us sing.
Communion: Taste and see that the Lord is good. Alleluia.
Deacon: Sir, bless.
Priest: God is blessed, who blesses and sanctifies you that divide in the fear of God, and all who are about to communicate in faith.
And the clergy reply: Amen.
And when he is about to communicate:
Master, Christ our God, the heavenly Bread, the food of the whole world, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am not worthy to partake of your holy and immaculate mysteries. But through goodness and ineffable longsuffering, make me worthy, without condemnation and shame, to partake of your all-holy Body and your precious Blood for forgiveness of sins and everlasting life.
Then he communicates and distributes to the clergy, and when the Deacon raises the chalice he says:
Sir, bless.
Priest: Glory to God, who has sanctified and sanctifies us all.
Priest and Deacon: Be exalted to the heavens, O God, and your glory into all the earth, and your kingdom abides to the ages of ages.
Priest: Blessed is the name of the Lord our God to the ages of ages.
Deacon: With fear of God and faith, draw near.
And signing the faithful, the Priest says, as he gives communion:
The holy Body of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ is distributed to the faithful for forgiveness and everlasting life.
Communion is traditionally given under the two kinds separately. As he gives the consecrated Bread, the Priest says: The Body of Christ.
The communicant answers: Amen.
For the Cup the Priest says: The Blood of Christ. The Cup of salvation.
The communicant answers: Amen.
People: Fill my mouth with your praise, O Lord, fill my lips with joy, that I may raise a hymn to your glory.
The Priest in a low voice says
The Prayer of Incense
and censes the Holy Things:
We thank you, Saviour, God of all things, for all the good things you have granted us, and for the communion of your holy and immaculate mysteries, and we offer you this incense, as we ask: Guard us under the shelter of your wings, and count us worthy even until our last breath to partake of your holy things, for the sanctification of our souls and bodies, and for inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, for you, O God, are our sanctification, and to you we give glory and thanksgiving, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Deacon: We thank you, Christ our God, that you have counted us worthy to partake of your Body and Blood for forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Keep, we entreat, without condemnation, as you are good and love humankind.
Then the Priest says another
Prayer of the Incense
You have made us glad, O God, by union with you, and we offer you incense of gratitude, fruit of our lips, as we confess your grace. Let it ascend, O God, and not descend empty, but grant too the pure and lasting myron of the sweet fragrance of your all-holy Spirit. Fill our mouths with praise and our lips with gladness and our hearts with joy and delight in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom you are blessed with your all-holy Spirit, now and for ever and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: Again and again at all times, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
That the communion of his holy Gifts may become for us an averting of every evil thing, provision for the journey of eternal life, for the communion and gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.
Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most glorious and blessed Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints and Just, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To you, O Lord.
Priest, in a low voice: O God, who through great and ineffable compassion, have condescended to the weakness of your servants, and counted us worthy to partake of this heavenly table, do not condemn us sinners for communicating of your immaculate mysteries, but preserve us, O Good One, in your sanctification, so that, becoming worthy of your all-holy Spirit, we may find a part and lot with all the Saints from the beginning, who have been well-pleasing to you, in the light of your face, through the compassion of your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, with whom you are blessed and glorified, with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
(aloud): For blessed and sanctified and glorified is your all-honoured and majestic holy Name, of 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, in a low voice:
O God great and wonderful, look upon your servants, for to you we have bent our necks, and stretch out your mighty hand, that is filled with blessings, and bless your people and preserve your inheritance, that we may always at every moment glorify you, our only living and true God, the holy and consubstantial Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
(aloud): For to you belong and are due from us all, all glory, honour, worship and thanksgiving, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: In the peace of Christ, let us go forth.
People: In the name of the Lord. Sir, give the blessing.
Priest:
You have given us sanctification, Master, by the communion of the all-holy Body and precious Blood of your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Give us too the grace of your good Spirit and keep us blameless in the faith and guide to perfect sonship and redemption and the everlasting enjoyment to come, for you and your only-begotten Son and your all-holy Spirit are our sanctification and enlightenment, O God, now and for ever and to the ages.
Advancing from power to power, and having completed in your church the whole divine ministry, we now ask you also, Lord our God, count us worthy of your perfect love for humankind. Make straight our way, root us in your fear, have mercy on us all, and declare us worthy of your heavenly kingdom in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom you are blessed and glorified, with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: May we be guarded in the peace of Christ.
Priest, aloud: Blessed is God, who blesses and sanctifies, protects and gives peace, and preserves the life of us all through the communion of his holy, immaculate and life-giving mysteries, which we have been counted worthy to receive, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The Divine Liturgy of James
the Holy Apostle and Brother of the Lord.
I
I. The Priest:1 O sovereign Lord our God, condemn me not, defiled with a multitude of sins: for, behold, I have come to this Thy divine and heavenly mystery, not as being worthy; but looking only to Thy goodness, I direct my voice to Thee: God be merciful to me, a sinner; I have sinned against Heaven, and before Thee, and am unworthy to come into the presence of this Thy holy and spiritual table, upon which Thy only-begotten Son, and our Lord Jesus Christ, is mystically set forth as a sacrifice for me, a sinner, and stained with every spot. Wherefore I present to Thee this supplication and thanksgiving, that Thy Spirit the Comforter may be sent down upon me, strengthening and fitting me for this service; and count me worthy to make known without condemnation the word, delivered from Thee by me to the people, in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy all-holy, and good, and quickening, and consubstantial2 Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
II. Prayer of the standing beside the altar: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, the triune light of the Godhead, which is unity subsisting in trinity, divided, yet indivisible: for the Trinity is the one God Almighty, whose glory the heavens declare, and the earth His dominion, and the sea His might, and every sentient and intellectual creature at all times proclaims His majesty: for all glory becomes Him, and honour and might, greatness and magnificence, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
III. Prayer of the incense at the beginning:3 Sovereign Lord Jesus Christ, O Word of God, who didst freely offer Thyself a blameless sacrifice upon the cross to God even the Father, the coal of double nature, that didst touch the lips of the prophet with the tongs, and didst take away his sins, touch also the hearts of us sinners, and purify us from every stain, and present us holy beside Thy holy altar, that we may offer Thee a sacrifice of praise: and accept from us, Thy unprofitable servants, this incense as an odour of a sweet smell, and make fragrant the evil odour of our soul and body, and purify us with the sanctifying power of Thy all-holy Spirit: for Thou alone art holy, who sanctifiest, and art communicated to the faithful; and glory becomes Thee, with Thy eternal Father, and Thy all-holy, and good, and quickening Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
IV. Prayer of the commencement: O beneficent King eternal, and Creator of the universe, receive Thy Church, coming unto Thee through Thy Christ: fulfil to each what is profitable; lead all to perfection, and make us perfectly worthy of the grace of Thy sanctification, gathering us together within Thy holy Church, which Thou hast purchased by the precious blood of Thy only-begotten Son, and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, with whom Thou art blessed and glorified, together with Thy all-holy, and good, and quickening Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
V. The Deacon: Let us again pray to the Lord.
The Priest, prayer of the incense at the entrance of the congregation: God, who didst accept the gifts of Abel, the sacrifice of Noah and of Abram, the incense of Aaron and of Zacharias, accept also from the hand of us sinners this incense for an odour of a sweet smell, and for remission of our sins, and those of all Thy people; for blessed art Thou, and glory becomes Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever.
The Deacon: Sir, pronounce the blessing.4
The Priest prays: Our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, who through exceeding goodness and love not to be restrained wast crucified, and didst not refuse to be pierced by the spear and nails; who didst provide this mysterious and awful service as an everlasting memorial for us perpetually: bless Thy ministry in Christ the God, and bless our entrance, and fully complete the presentation of this our service by Thy unutterable compassion, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
VI. The responsive prayer from the Deacon: The Lord bless us, and make us worthy seraphically to offer gifts, and to sing the oft-sung hymn of the divine Trisagion, by the fulness and exceeding abundance of all the perfection of holiness, now and ever.
Then the Deacon begins to sing in the entrance:5 Thou who art the only-begotten Son and Word of God, immortal; who didst submit for our salvation to become flesh of the holy God-mother,6 and ever-virgin Mary; who didst immutably become man and wast crucified, O Christ our God and didst by Thy death tread death underfoot; who art one of the Holy Trinity glorified together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, save us.
VII. The Priest says this prayer from the gates to the altar: God Almighty, Lord great in glory, who hast given to us an entrance into the Holy of Holies, through the sojourning among men of Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord, and God, and Saviour Jesus Christ, we supplicate and invoke Thy goodness, since we are fearful and trembling when about to stand at Thy holy altar; send forth upon us, O God, Thy good grace, and sanctify our souls, and bodies, and spirits, and turn our thoughts to piety, in order that with a pure conscience we may bring unto Thee gifts, offerings, and fruits for the remission of our transgressions, and for the propitiation of all Thy people, by the grace and mercies and loving-kindness of Thy only-begotten Son, with whom Thou art blessed to all eternity. Amen.
VIII. After the approach to the altar, the Priest says: Peace be to all.
The People: And to thy spirit.
The Priest: The Lord bless us all, and sanctify us for the entrance and celebration of the divine and pure mysteries, giving rest to the blessed souls among the good and just, by His grace and loving-kindness, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
IX. Then the Deacon says the bidding prayer:7
In peace let us beseech the Lord.
For the peace that is from above, and for God's love to man, and for the salvation of our souls, let us beseech the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, for the unity of all the holy churches of God, let us beseech the Lord.
For the remission of our sins, and forgiveness of our transgressions, and for our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and distress, and from the uprising of our enemies, let us beseech the Lord.
Then the Singers sing the Trisagion Hymn: Holy God, holy mighty, holy immortal, have mercy upon us.
X. Then the Priest prays, bowing: O compassionate and merciful, long-suffering, and very gracious and true God, look from Thy prepared dwelling-place, and hear us Thy suppliants, and deliver us from every temptation of the devil and of man; withhold not Thy aid from us, nor bring on us chastisements too heavy for our strength: for we are unable to overcome what is opposed to us; but Thou art able, Lord, to save us from everything that is against us. Save us, O God, from the difficulties of this world, according to Thy goodness, in order that, having drawn nigh with a pure conscience to Thy holy altar, we may send up to Thee without condemnation the blessed hymn Trisagion, together with the heavenly powers, and that, having performed the service, well pleasing to Thee and divine, we may be counted worthy of eternal life.
(Aloud.) Because Thou art holy, Lord our God, and dwellest and abidest in holy places, we send up the praise and the hymn Trisagion to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity.
The People: Amen.
XI. The Priest: Peace be to all.
The People: And to thy spirit.
The Singers: Alleluia.
Then there are read in order8 the holy oracles of the Old Testament, and of the prophets; and the incarnation of the Son of God is set forth, and His sufferings and resurrection from the dead, His ascension into heaven, and His second appearing with glory; and this takes place daily in the holy and divine service.9
XII. After the reading and instruction the Deacon says: Let us all say, Lord, be merciful.10
Lord Almighty, the God of our fathers;
We beseech Thee, hear us.
For the peace which is from above, and for the salvation of our souls;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, and the unity of all the holy churches of God;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For the salvation and help of all the Christ-loving people;
We beseech Thee, hear us.
For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger, distress, from captivity, bitter death, and from our iniquities;
We beseech Thee, hear us.
For the people standing round, and waiting for the rich and plenteous mercy that is from Thee;
We beseech Thee, be merciful and gracious.
Save Thy people, O Lord, and bless Thine inheritance.
Visit Thy world in mercy and compassion.
Exalt the horn of Christians by the power of the precious and quickening cross.
We beseech Thee, most merciful Lord, hear us praying to Thee, and have mercy upon us.
The People (thrice): Lord, have mercy upon us.
XIII. The Deacon: For the remission of our sins, and forgiveness of our transgressions, and for our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and distress, let us beseech the Lord.
Let us all entreat from the Lord, that we may pass the whole day, perfect, holy, peaceful, and without sin.
Let us entreat from the Lord a messenger of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies.
Let us entreat from the Lord forgiveness and remission of our sins and transgressions.
Let us entreat from the Lord the things which are good and proper for our souls, and peace for the world.
Let us entreat from the Lord, that we may spend the remaining period of our life in peace and health.
Let us entreat that the close of our lives may be Christian, without pain and without shame, and a good plea at the dread and awful judgment-seat of Christ.
XIV. The Priest: For Thou art the gospel and the light, Saviour and keeper of our souls and bodies, God, and Thy only-begotten Son, and Thy all-holy Spirit, now and ever.
The People: Amen.11
The Priest: God, who hast taught us Thy divine and saving oracles, enlighten the souls of us sinners for the comprehension of the things which have been before spoken, so that we may not only be seen to be hearers of spiritual things, but also doers of good deeds, striving after guileless faith, blameless life, and pure conversation.
(Aloud.) In Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy all-holy, good, and quickening Spirit, now and always, and for ever.
The People: Amen.
XV. The Priest: Peace be to all.
The People: And to Thy spirit.
The Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
The People: To Thee, Lord.
The Priest prays, saying: O Sovereign giver of life, and provider of good things, who didst give to mankind the blessed hope of eternal life, our Lord Jesus Christ, count us worthy in holiness, and perfect this Thy divine service to the enjoyment of future blessedness.
(Aloud.) So that, guarded by Thy power at all times, and led into the light of truth, we may send up the praise and the thanksgiving to Thee, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever.
The People: Amen.
XVI. The Deacon: Let none remain of the catechumens, none of the unbaptized, none of those who are unable to join with us in prayer. Look at one another.12 The door.All erect:13 let us again pray to the Lord.
II14
The Priest says the prayer of incense: Sovereign Almighty, King of Glory, who knowest all things before their creation, manifest Thyself to us calling upon Thee at this holy hour, and redeem us from the shame of our transgressions; cleanse our mind and our thoughts from impure desires, from worldly deceit, from all influence of the devil; and accept from the bands of us sinners this incense, as Thou didst accept the offering of Abel, and Noah, and Aaron, and Samuel, and of all Thy saints, guarding us from everything evil, and preserving us for continually pleasing, and worshipping, and glorifying Thee, the Father, and Thy only-begotten Son, and Thy all-holy Spirit, now and always, and for ever.
And the Readers begin the Cherubic Hymn:
Let all mortal flesh be silent, and stand with fear and trembling, and meditate nothing earthly within itself:-
For the King of kings and Lord of lords, Christ our God, comes forward to be sacrificed, and to be given for food to the faithful; and the bands of angels go before Him with every power and dominion, the many-eyed cherubim, and the six-winged seraphim, covering their faces, and crying aloud the hymn, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
XVII. The Priest, bringing in the holy gifts,15 says this prayer: O God, our God, who didst send forth the heavenly bread, the food of the whole world, our Lord Jesus Christ, to be a Saviour, and Redeemer, and Benefactor, blessing and sanctifying us, do Thou Thyself bless this offering, and graciously receive it to Thy altar above the skies:
Remember in Thy goodness and love those who have brought it, and those for whom they have brought it, and preserve us without condemnation in the service of Thy divine mysteries: for hollowed and glorified is Thy all-honoured and great name, Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity.
The Priest: Peace be to all.
The Deacon: Sir, pronounce the blessing.
The Priest: Blessed be God, who blesseth and sanctifieth us all at the presentation of the divine and pure mysteries, and giveth rest to the blessed souls among the holy and just, now and always, and to all eternity.
XVIII. The Deacon: Let us attend in wisdom.
The Priest begins: I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God: and the rest of the Creed.
XIX. Then he prays, bowing his neck: God and Sovereign of all, make us, who are unworthy, worthy of this hour, lover of mankind; that being pure from all deceit and all hypocrisy, we may be united with one another by the bond of peace and love, being confirmed by the sanctification of Thy divine knowledge through Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy all-holy, and good, and quickening Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
XX. The Deacon: Let us stand well, let us stand reverently, let us stand in the fear of God, and with compunction of heart. In peace let us pray to the Lord.
The Priest: For God of peace, mercy, love, compassion, and loving-kindness art Thou, and Thine only-begotten Son, and Thine all-holy Spirit, now and ever.
The People: Amen.
The Priest: Peace be to all.
The People: And to thy spirit.
The Deacon: Let us salute one another with an holy kiss.16 Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
XXI. The Priest bows, saying this prayer: Only Lord and merciful God, on those who are bowing their necks before Thy holy altar, and seeking the spiritual gifts that come from Thee, send forth Thy good grace; and bless us all with every spiritual blessing, that cannot be taken from us, Thou, who dwellest on high, and hast regard unto things that are lowly.
(Aloud.) For worthy of praise and worship and most glorious is Thy all-holy name, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, now and always, and to all eternity.
The Deacon: Sir, pronounce the blessing.
The Priest: The Lord will bless us, and minister with us all by His grace and loving-kindness.
And again: The Lord will bless us, and make us worthy to stand at His holy altar, at all times, now and always, and for ever.
And again: Blessed be God, who blesseth and sanctifieth us all in our attendance upon, and service of, His pure mysteries, now and always, and for ever.
XXII. The Deacon makes the Universal Litany: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
The People: O Lord, have mercy.
The Deacon: Save us, have mercy upon us, pity and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
For the peace that is from above, and the loving-kindness of God, and the salvation of our souls;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, and the unity of all the holy churches of God;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For those who bear fruit, and labour honourably in the holy churches of God; for those who remember the poor, the widows and the orphans, the strangers and needy ones; and for those who have requested us to mention them in our prayers;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For those who are in old age and infirmity, for the sick and suffering, and those who are troubled by unclean spirits, for their speedy cure from God and their salvation;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For those who are passing their days in virginity, and celibacy, and discipline, and for those in holy matrimony; and for the holy fathers and brethren agonizing in mountains,17 and dens, and caves of the earth;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For Christians sailing, travelling, living among strangers, and for our brethren in captivity, in exile, in prison, and in bitter slavery, their peaceful return;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For the remission of our sins, and forgiveness of our transgressions, and for our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and constraint, and uprising against us of enemies;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For favourable weather, peaceful showers, beneficent dews, abundance of fruits, the perfect close of a good season, and for the crown of the year;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For our fathers and brethren present, and praying with us in this holy hour, and at every season, their zeal, labour, and earnestness;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For every Christian soul in tribulation and distress, and needing the mercy and succour of God; for the return of the erring, the health of the sick, the deliverance of the captives, the rest of the fathers and brethren that have fallen asleep aforetime;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For the hearing and acceptance of our prayer before God, and the sending down on us His rich mercies and compassion.
Let us beseech the Lord.18
And for the offered, precious, heavenly, unutterable, pure, glorious, dread, awful, divine gifts, and the salvation of the priest who stands by and offers them;
Let us offer supplication to God the Lord.
The People (thrice): O Lord, have mercy.
XXIII. Then the Priest makes the sign of the cross on the gifts,19 and, standing, speaks separately thus: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will among men, etc. (Thrice.)
Lord, Thou wilt open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise. (Thrice.)
Let my mouth be filled with Thy praise, O Lord, that I may tell of Thy glory, of Thy majesty, all the day. (Thrice.)
Of the Father. Amen. And of the Son. Amen. And of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Now and always, and to all eternity. Amen.
XXIV. And bowing to this side and to that,20 he says: Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.
And they answer, bowing: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee.21
Then the Priest, at great length: O Sovereign Lord, who hast visited us in compassion and mercies, and bast freely given to us, Thy humble and sinful and unworthy servants, boldness to stand at Thy holy altar, and to offer to Thee this dread and bloodless sacrifice for our sins, and for the errors of the people, look upon me Thy unprofitable servant, and blot out my transgressions for Thy compassion's sake; and purify my lips and heart from all pollution of flesh and spirit; and remove from me every shameful and foolish thought, and fit me by the power of Thy all-holy Spirit for this service; and receive me graciously by Thy goodness as I draw nigh to Thy altar.
And be pleased, O Lord, that these gifts brought by our hands may be acceptable, stooping to my weakness; and cast me not away from Thy presence, and abhor not my unworthiness; but pity me according to Thy great mercy, and according to the multitude of Thy mercies pass by my transgressions, that, having come before Thy glory without condemnation, I may be counted worthy of the protection of Thy only-begotten Son, and of the illumination of Thy all-holy Spirit, that I may not be as a slave of sin cast out, but as Thy servant may find grace and mercy and forgiveness of sins before Thee, both in the world that now is and in that which is to come.
I beseech Thee, Almighty Sovereign, all-powerful Lord, hear my prayer; for Thou art He who workest all in all, and we all seek in all things the help and succour that come from Thee and Thy only-begotten Son, and the good and quickening and consubstantial Spirit, now and ever.
XXV. O God, who through Thy great and unspeakable love didst send forth Thy only-begot-ten Son into the world, in order that He might turn back the lost sheep, turn not away us sinners, laying hold of Thee by this dread and bloodless sacrifice; for we trust not in our own righteousness, but in Thy good mercy, by which Thou purchasest our race.
We entreat and beseech Thy goodness that it may not be for condemnation to Thy people that this mystery for salvation has been administered by us, but for remission of sins, for renewal of souls and bodies, for the well-pleasing of Thee, God and Father, in the mercy and love of Thy only-begotten Son, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy all-holy and good and quickening Spirit, now and always, and for ever.22
XXVI. O Lord God, who didst create us, and bring us into life, who hast shown to us ways to salvation, who hast granted to us a revelation of heavenly mysteries, and hast appointed us to this ministry in the power of Thy all-holy Spirit, grant, O Sovereign, that we may become servants of Thy new testament, ministers of Thy pure mysteries, and receive us as we draw near to Thy holy altar, according to the greatness of Thy mercy, that we may become worthy of offering to Thee girls and sacrifices for our transgressions and for those of the people; and grant to us, O Lord, with all fear and a pure conscience to offer to Thee this spiritual and bloodless sacrifice, and graciously receiving it unto Thy holy and spiritual altar above the skies for an odour of a sweet spiritual smell, send down in answer on us the grace of Thy all-holy Spirit.
And, O God, look upon us, and have regard to this our reasonable service, and accept it, as Thou didst accept the gifts of Abel, the sacrifices of Noah, the priestly offices of Moses and Aaron, the peace-offerings of Samuel, the repentance of David, the incense of Zacharias. As Thou didst accept from the hand of Thy apostles this true service, so accept also in Thy goodness from the hands of us sinners these offered gifts; and grant that our offering may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, as a propitiation23 for our transgressions and the errors of the people; and for the rest of the souls24 that have fallen asleep aforetime; that we also, Thy humble, sinful, and unworthy servants, being counted worthy without guile to serve Thy holy altar, may receive the reward of faithful and wise stewards, and may find grace and mercy in the terrible day of Thy just and good retribution.
XXVII. Prayer of the veil:25 We thank Thee, O Lord our God, that Thou hast given us boldness for the entrance of Thy holy places, which Thou hast renewed to us as a new and living way through the veil of the flesh26 of Thy Christ. We therefore, being counted worthy to enter into the place of the tabernacle of Thy glory, and to be within the veil, and to behold the Holy of Holies, cast ourselves down before Thy goodness:
Lord, have mercy on us: since we are full of fear and trembling, when about to stand at Thy holy altar, and to offer this dread and bloodless sacrifice for our own sins and for the errors of the people:27 send forth, O God, Thy good grace, and sanctify our souls, and bodies, and spirits; and turn our thoughts to holiness, that with a pure conscience we may bring to Thee a peace-offering, the sacrifice of praise:
(Aloud.) By the mercy and loving-kindness of Thy only-begotten Son, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy all-holy, and good, and quickening Spirit, now and always:
The People: Amen.
The Priest: Peace be to all.
The Deacon: Let us stand reverently, let us stand in the fear of God, and with contrition: let us attend to the holy communion service, to offer peace to God.
The People: The offering of peace, the sacrifice of praise.
[A veil is now withdrawn from the oblation of bread and wine.]
The Priest: And, uncovering the veils that darkly invest in symbol28 this sacred ceremonial, do Thou reveal it clearly to us: fill our intellectual vision with absolute light, and having purified our poverty from every pollution of flesh and spirit, make it worthy of this dread and awful approach: for Thou art an all-merciful and gracious God, and we send up the praise and the. thanksgiving to Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now, and always, and for ever.
III. The Anaphora.
XXVIII. Then he says aloud: The love of the Lord and Father, the grace of the Lord and Son, and the fellowship and the gift of the Holy Spirit, be with us all.
The People: And with thy spirit.
The Priest: Let us lift up our minds and our hearts.29
The People: It is becoming and right.
Then the Priest prays: Verily it is becoming and right, proper and due to praise Thee, to sing of Thee, to bless Thee, to worship Thee, to glorify Thee, to give Thee thanks, Maker of every creature visible and invisible, the treasure of eternal good things, the fountain of life and immortality, God and Lord of all:
Whom the heavens of heavens praise, and all the host of them; the sun, and the moon, and all the choir of the stars; earth, sea, and all that is in them; Jerusalem, the heavenly assembly, and church of the first-born that are written in heaven; spirits of just men and of prophets; souls of martyrs and of apostles; angels, archangels, thrones, dominions, principalities, and authorities, and dread powers; and the many-eyed cherubim, and the six-winged seraphim, which cover their faces with two wings, their feet with two, and with two they fly, crying one to another with unresting lips, with unceasing praises:
(Aloud.) With loud voice singing the victorious hymn of Thy majestic glory, crying aloud, praising, shouting, and saying:-
The People: Holy, holy, holy, O Lord of Sabaoth, the heaven and the earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.30
XXIX. The Priest, making the sign of the cross31 on the gifts, says: Holy art Thou, King of eternity, and Lord and giver of all holiness; holy also Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom Thou hast made all things; holy also Thy Holy Spirit, which searches all things, even Thy deep things, O God: holy art Thou, almighty, all-powerful, good, dread, merciful, most compassionate to Thy creatures; who didst make man from earth after Thine own image and likeness; who didst give him the joy of paradise; and when he transgressed Thy commandment, and fell away, didst not disregard nor desert him, O Good One, but didst chasten him as at merciful father, call him by the law, instruct him by the prophets; and afterwards didst send forth Thine only-begotten Son Himself, our Lord Jesus Christ, into the world, that He by His coming might renew and restore Thy image;
Who, having descended from heaven, and become flesh of the Holy Spirit and Virgin Godmother32 Mary, and having sojourned among men, fulfilled the dispensation for the salvation of our race; and being about to endure His voluntary and life-giving death by the cross, He the sinless for us the sinners, in the night in which He was betrayed, nay, rather delivered Himself up for the life and salvation of the world,
XXX. Then the Priest holds the bread in his hand, and says: Having taken the bread in His holy and pure and blameless and immortal hands, lifting up His eyes to heaven, and showing it to Thee, His God and Father, He gave thanks, and hallowed, and brake, and gave it to us,33 His disciples and apostles, saying:-
The Deacons say:34 For the remission of sins and life everlasting.
Then he says aloud: Take, eat: this is my body, broken for you, and given for remission of sins.
The People: Amen.
Then he takes the cup, and says: In like manner, after supper, He took the cup, and having mixed wine and water, lifting up His eyes to heaven, and presenting it to Thee, His God and Father, He gave thanks, and hollowed and blessed it, and filled it with the Holy Spirit, and gave it to us His disciples, saying, Drink ye all of it; this is my blood of the new testament shed for you and many, and distributed for the remission of sins.
The People: Amen.
The Priest: This do in remembrance of me; for as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show forth the Lord's death, and confess His resurrection, till He come.
The Deacons say: We believe and confess:
The People: We show forth Thy death, O Lord, and confess Thy resurrection.
XXXI. The Priest (Oblation): Remembering, therefore, His life-giving sufferings, His saving cross, His death and His burial, and resurrection from the dead on the third day, and His ascension into heaven, and sitting at the right hand of Thee, our God and Father, and His second glorious and awful appearing, when He shall come with glory to judge the quick and the dead, and render to every one according to His works; even we, sinful men, offer unto Thee, O Lord, this dread and bloodless sacrifice, praying that Thou wilt not deal with us after our sins, nor reward us according to our iniquities;
But that Thou, according to Thy mercy and Thy unspeakable loving-kindness, passing by and blotting out the handwriting against us Thy suppliants, wilt grant to us Thy heavenly and eternal gifts (which eye hath not seen, and ear hath not heard, and which have not entered into the heart of man35 ) that thou hast prepared, O God, for those who love Thee; and reject not, O loving Lord, the people for my sake, or for my sin's sake:
Then he says, thrice: For Thy people and Thy Church supplicate Thee.
The People: Have mercy on us, O Lord our God, Father Almighty.
XXXII. Again the Priest says (Invocation): Have mercy upon us, O God Almighty. Have mercy upon us, O God our Saviour. Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, and send forth on us, and on these offered gifts, Thy all-holy Spirit.
Then, bowing his neck, he says: The sovereign and quickening Spirit, that sits upon the throne with Thee, our God and Father, and with Thy only-begotten Son, reigning with Thee; the consubstantial36 and co-eternal; that spoke in the law and in the prophets, and in Thy New Testament; that descended in the form of a dove on our Lord Jesus Christ at the river Jordan, and abode on Him; that descended on Thy apostles in the form of tongues of fire in the upper room of the holy and glorious Zion on the day of Pentecost: this Thine all-holy Spirit, send down, O Lord, upon us, and upon these offered holy gifts;
And rising up, he says aloud: That coming, by His holy and good and glorious appearing, He may sanctify this bread, and make it the holy body of Thy Christ.37
The People: Amen.
The Priest: And this cup the precious blood of Thy Christ.
The People: Amen.
XXXIII. The Priest by himself standing: That they may be to all that partake of them for remission of sins, and for life everlasting, for the sanctification of souls and of bodies, for bearing the fruit of good works, for the stablishing of Thy Holy Catholic Church, which Thou hast founded on the Rock of Faith,38 that the gates of hell may not prevail against it; delivering it from all heresy and scandals, and from those who work iniquity, keeping it till the fulness of the time.
XXXIV. And having bowed, he says: We present them to Thee also, O Lord, for the holy places, which Thou hast glorified by the divine appearing of Thy Christ, and by the visitation of Thy all-holy Spirit; especially for the glorious Zion, the mother of all the churches;39 and for Thy Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church throughout the world: even now, O Lord, bestow upon her the rich gifts of Thy all-holy Spirit.
Remember also, O Lord, our holy fathers and brethren in it, and the bishops in all the world, who rightly divide the word of Thy truth.
Remember also, O Lord, every city and country, and those of the true faith dwelling in them, their peace and security.
Remember, O Lord, Christians sailing, travelling, sojourning in strange lands; our fathers and brethren, who are in bonds, prison, captivity, and exile; who are in mines, and under torture, and in bitter slavery.Remember, O Lord, the sick and afflicted, and those troubled by unclean spirits, their speedy healing from Thee, O God, and their salvation.
Remember, O Lord, every Christian soul in affliction and distress, needing Thy mercy and succour, O God; and the return of the erring.
Remember, O Lord, our fathers and brethren, toiling hard, and ministering unto us, for Thy holy name's sake.
Remember all, O Lord, for good: have mercy on all, O Lord, be reconciled to us all: give peace to the multitudes of Thy people: put away scandals: bring wars to an end: make the uprising of heresies to cease: grant Thy peace and Thy love to us, O God our Saviour, the hope of all the ends of the earth.
Remember, O Lord, favourable weather, peaceful showers, beneficent dews, abundance of fruits, and to crown the year with Thy goodness; for the eyes of all wait on Thee, and Thou givest their food in due season: thou openest Thy hand, and fillest every living thing with gladness.
Remember, O Lord, those who bear fruit, and labour honourably in the holy40 of Thy Church; and those who forget not the poor, the widows, the orphans, the strangers, and the needy; and all who have desired us to remember them in our prayers.
Moreover, O Lord, be pleased to remember those who have brought these offerings this day to Thy holy altar, and for what each one has brought them or with what mind, and those persons who have just now been mentioned to Thee.
Remember, O Lord, according to the multitude of Thy mercy and compassion, me also, Thy humble and unprofitable servant; and the deacons who surround Thy holy altar, and graciously give them a blameless life, keep their ministry undefiled, and purchase for them a good degree, that we may find mercy and grace, with all the saints that have been well pleasing to Thee since the world began, to generation and generation-grandsires, sires, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, martyrs, confessors, teachers, saints, and every just spirit made perfect in the faith of Thy Christ.
XXXV.41 Hail, Mary, highly favoured: the Lord is with Thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed the fruit of thy womb, for thou didst bear the Saviour of our souls.42
XXXVI. The Deacons: Remember us, O Lord God.
The Priest, bowing, says: Remember, O Lord God, the spirits and all flesh, of whom we have made mention, and of whom we have not made mention, who are of the true faith, from righteous Abel unto this day: unto them do Thou give rest there in the land of the living, in Thy kingdom, in the joy of paradise, in the bosom of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, our holy fathers; whence pain, and grief, and lamentation have fled: there the light of Thy countenance looks upon them, and enlightens them for ever.43
Make the end of our lives Christian, acceptable, blameless, and peaceful, O Lord, gathering us together, O Lord, under the feet of Thine elect, when Thou wilt, and as Thou wilt; only without shame and transgressions, through Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ: for He is the only sinless one who hath appeared on the earth.
The Deacon: And let us pray:-
For the peace and establishing of the whole world, and of the holy churches of God, and for the purposes for which each one made his offering, or according to the desire he has: and for the people standing round, and for all men, and all women:
The People: And for all men and all women. (Amen.)
The Priest says aloud: Wherefore, both to them and to us, do Thou in Thy goodness and love:
The People: Forgive, remit, pardon, O God, our transgressions, voluntary and involuntary: in deed and in word: in knowledge and in ignorance: by night and by day: in thought and intent: in Thy goodness and love, forgive us them all.
The Priest: Through the grace and compassion and love of Thy only-begotten Son, with whom Thou art blessed and glorified, together with the all-holy, and good, and quickening Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity.
The People: Amen.
XXXVII. The Priest: Peace be to all:
The People: And to thy spirit.
The Deacon: Again, and continually, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
For the gifts to the Lord God presented and sanctified, precious, heavenly, unspeakable, pure, glorious, dread, awful, divine;
Let us pray.
That the Lord our God, having graciously received them to His altar that is holy and above the heavens, rational and spiritual, for the odour of a sweet spiritual savour, may send down in answer upon us the divine grace and the gift of the all-holy Spirit;
Let us pray.
Having prayed for the unity of the faith, and the communion of His all-holy and adorable Spirit;
Let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life, to Christ our God:
The People: Amen.
XXXVIII. The Priest prays: God and Father of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, the glorious Lord, the blessed essence, the bounteous goodness, the God and Sovereign of all, who art blessed to all eternity, who sittest upon the cherubim, and art glorified by the seraphim, before whom stand thousand thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand hosts of angels and archangels: Thou hast accepted the gifts, offerings, and fruits brought unto Thee as an odour of a sweet spiritual smell, and hast been pleased to sanctify them, and make them perfect, O good One, by the grace of Thy Christ, and by the presence of Thy all-holy Spirit.
Sanctify also, O Lord, our souls, and bodies, and spirits, and touch our understandings, and search our consciences, and cast out from us every evil imagination, every impure feeling, every base desire, every unbecoming thought, all envy, and vanity, and hypocrisy, all lying, all deceit, every worldly affection, all covetousness, all vainglory, all indifference, all vice, all passion, all anger, all malice, all blasphemy, every motion of the flesh and spirit that is not in accordance with Thy holy will:
(Aloud.) And count us worthy, O loving Lord, with boldness, without condemnation, in a pure heart, with a contrite spirit, with unshamed face, with sanctified lips, to dare to call upon Thee, the holy God, Father in heaven, and to say,
The People: Our Father, which art in heaven: hollowed be Thy name; and so on to the doxology.
The Priest, bowing, says (the Embolism44 ): And lead us not into temptation, Lord, Lord of Hosts, who knowest our frailty, but deliver us from the evil one and his works, and from all his malice and craftiness, for the sake of Thy holy name, which has been placed upon our humility:
(Aloud.) For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever.
The People: Amen.
XXXIX. The Priest: Peace be to all.
The People: And to thy spirit.
The Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
The People: To Thee, O Lord.
The Priest prays, speaking thus: To Thee, O Lord, we Thy servants have bowed our heads before Thy holy altar, waiting for the rich mercies that are from Thee.
Send forth upon us, O Lord, Thy plenteous grace and Thy blessing; and sanctify our souls, bodies, and spirits, that we may become worthy communicants and partakers of Thy holy mysteries, to the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting:
(Aloud.) For adorable and glorified art Thou, our God, and Thy only-begotten Son, and Thy all-holy Spirit, now and ever.
The People: Amen.
The Priest says aloud: And the grace and the mercies of the holy and consubstantial, and uncreated, and adorable Trinity, shall be with us all.45
The People: And with thy spirit.
The Deacon: In the fear of God, let us attend.
The Priest says secretly:46 O holy Lord, that abidest in holy places, sanctify us by the word of Thy grace, and by the visitation of Thy all-holy Spirit: for Thou, O Lord, hast said, Ye will be holy, for I am holy. O Lord our God, incomprehensible Word of God, one in substance with the Father and the Holy Spirit, co-eternal and indivisible, accept the pure hymn, in Thy holy and bloodless sacrifices; with the cherubim, and seraphim, and from me, a sinful man, crying and saying:-
XL. He takes up the gifts and saith aloud: The holy things unto holy.
The People: One only is holy, one Lord Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father, to whom be glory to all eternity.
XLI. The Deacon: For the remission of our sins, and the propitiation of our souls, and for every soul in tribulation and distress, needing the mercy and succour of God, and for the return of the erring, the healing of the sick, the deliverance of the captives, the rest of our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep aforetime;
Let us all say fervently, Lord, have mercy:
The People (twelve times): Lord, have mercy.47
Then the Priest breaks the bread, and holds the half in his right hand, and the half in his left, and dips that in his right hand in the chalice, saying: The union of the all-holy body and precious blood of our Lord and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Then he makes the sign of the cross on that in his left hand: then with that which has been signed the other half: then forthwith he begins to divide, and before all to give to each chalice a single piece, saying: It has been made one, and sanctified, and perfected, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever.
And when he makes the sign of the cross on the bread, he says: Behold the Lamb of God, the Son of the Father, that taketh away the sin of the world, sacrificed for the life and salvation of the world.
And when he gives a single piece to each chalice he says: A holy portion of Christ, full of grace and truth, of the Father, and of the Holy Spirit, to whom be the glory and the power to all eternity.
XLII. Then he begins to divide, and to say: The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. In green pastures, and so on.48
Then, I will bless the Lord at all times, and so on.49
Then, I will extol Thee, my God, O King, and so on.50
Then, O praise the Lord, all ye nations, and so on.51
The Deacon: Sir, pronounce the blessing.
The Priest: The Lord will bless us, and keep us without condemnation for the communion of His pure gifts, now and always, and for ever.
And when they have filled,52 the Deacon says: Sir, pronounce the blessing.
The Priest says: The Lord will bless us, and make us worthy with the pure touchings of our fingers to take the live coal, and place it upon the mouths of the faithful for the purification and renewal of their souls and bodies, now and always.
Then, O taste and see that the Lord is good; who is parted and not divided; distributed to the faithful and not expended; for the remission of sins, and the life everlasting; now and always, and for ever.
The Deacon: In the peace of Christ, let us sing:
The Singers: O taste and see that the Lord is good.
The Priest says the prayer before the communion: O Lord our God, the heavenly bread, the life of the universe, I have sinned against Heaven, and before Thee, and am not worthy to partake of Thy pure mysteries; but as a merciful God, make me worthy by Thy grace, without condemnation to partake of Thy holy body and precious blood, for the remission of sins, and life everlasting.53
XLIII. Then he distributes to the clergy; and when the deacons take the disks54 and the chalices for distribution to the people, the Deacon, who takes the first disk, says: Sir, pronounce the blessing.
The Priest replies: Glory to God who has sanctified and is sanctifying us all.
The Deacon says: Be Thou exalted, O God, over the heavens, and Thy glory over all the earth, and Thy kingdom endureth to all eternity.55
And when the Deacon is about to put it on the side-table56 the Priest says: Blessed be the name of the Lord our God for ever.
The Deacon: In the fear of God, and in faith and love, draw nigh.
The People: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.57
And again, when he sets down the disk upon the side-table, he says: Sir, pronounce the blessing.
The Priest: Save Thy people, O God, and bless Thine inheritance.
The Priest again.58 Glory to our God, who has sanctified us all.
And when he has put the chalice back an the holy table, the Priest says: Blessed be the name of the Lord to all eternity.
The Deacons and the People say: Fill our mouths with Thy praise, O Lord, and fill our lips with joy, that we may sing of Thy glory, of Thy greatness all the day.
And again: We render thanks to Thee, Christ our God, that Thou hast made us worthy to partake of Thy body and blood, for the remission of sins, and for life everlasting. Do Thou, in Thy goodness and love, keep us, we pray Thee, without condemnation.
XLIV. The prayer of incense at the last entrance: We render thanks to Thee, the Saviour and God of all, for all the good things Thou hast given us, and for the participation of Thy holy and pure mysteries, and we offer to Thee this incense, praying: Keep us under the shadow of Thy wings, and count us worthy till our last breath to partake of Thy holy rites for the sanctification of our souls and bodies, for the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven: for Thou, O God, art our sanctification, and we send up praise and thanksgiving to Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Deacon begins in the entrance: Glory to Thee, glory to Thee, glory to Thee, O Christ the King, only-begotten Word of the Father, that Thou hast counted us, Thy sinful and unworthy servants, worthy to enjoy thy pure mysteries for the remission of sins, and for life everlasting: glory to Thee.59
XLV. And when he has made the entrance, the Deacon begins to speak thus: Again and again, and at all times, in peace, let us beseech the Lord.
That the participation of His Holy rites may be to us for the turning away from every wicked thing, for our support on the journey to life everlasting, for the communion and gift of the Holy Spirit;
Let us pray.
The Priest prays: Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most glorious, blessed Lady, the God-Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary,60 and all the saints that have been well-pleasing to Thee since the world began, let us devote ourselves, and one another, and our whole life, to Christ our God:
The People: To Thee, O Lord.
XLVI. The Priest: O God, who through Thy great and unspeakable love didst condescend to the weakness of Thy servants, and hast counted us worthy to partake of this heavenly table, condemn not us sinners for the participation of Thy pure mysteries; but keep us, O good One, in the sanctification of Thy Holy Spirit, that being made holy, we may find part and inheritance with all Thy saints that have been well-pleasing to Thee since the world began, in the light of Thy countenance, through the mercy of Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy all-holy, and good, and quickening Spirit: for blessed and glorified is Thy all-precious and glorious name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity.
The People: Amen.
The Priest: Peace be to all.
The People: And to thy spirit.
XLVII. The Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
The Priest: O God, great and marvellous, look upon Thy servants, for we have bowed our heads to Thee. Stretch forth Thy hand, strong and full of blessings, and bless Thy people. Keep Thine inheritance, that always and at all times we may glorify Thee, our only living and true God, the holy and consubstantial61 Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to all eternity.
(Aloud.) For unto Thee is becoming and is due praise from us all, and honour, and adoration, and thanksgiving, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever.
XLVIII. The Deacon: In the peace of Christ let us sing:
And again he says: In the peace of Christ let us go on:
The People: In the name of the Lord. Sir, pronounce the blessing.62
Dismission prayer, spoken by the Deacon: Going on from glory to glory, we praise Thee, the Saviour of our souls. Glory to Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit now and ever, and to all eternity. We praise Thee, the Saviour of our souls.
XLIX. The Priest says a prayer from the altar to the sacristy: Going on from strength to strength, and having fulfilled all the divine service in Thy temple, even now we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, make us worthy of perfect loving-kindness; make straight our path: root us in Thy fear, and make us worthy of the heavenly kingdom, in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy all-holy, and good, and quickening Spirit, now and always, and for ever.
L. The Deacon: Again and again, and at all times, in peace let us beseech the Lord.
Prayer said in the sacristy after the dismissal: Thou hast given unto us, O Lord, sanctification in the communion of the all-holy body and precious blood of Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; give unto us also the grace of Thy good Spirit, and keep us blameless in the faith, lead us unto perfect adoption and redemption, and to the coming joys of eternity; for Thou art our sanctification and light, O God, and Thy only-begotten Son, and Thy all-holy Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
The Deacon: In the peace of Christ let us keep watch.
The Priest: Blessed is God, who blesseth and sanctifieth through the communion of the holy, and quickening, and pure mysteries, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
Then the prayer of propitiation: O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Lamb and Shepherd, who takest away the sin of the world, who didst freely forgive their debt to the two debtors, and gavest remission of her sins to the woman that was a sinner, who gavest healing to the paralytic, with the remission of his sins; forgive, remit, pardon, O God, our offences, voluntary and involuntary, in knowledge and in ignorance, by transgression and by disobedience, which Thy all-holy Spirit knows better than Thy servants do:
And if men, carnal and dwelling in this world, have in aught erred from Thy commandments, either moved by the devil, whether in word or in deed, or if they have come under a curse, or by reason of some special vow, I entreat and beseech Thy unspeakable loving-kindness, that they may be set free from their word, and released from the oath and the special vow, according to Thy goodness.
Verily, O Sovereign Lord, hear my supplication on behalf of Thy servants, and do Thou pass by all their errors, remembering them no more; forgive them every transgression, voluntary and involuntary; deliver them from everlasting punishment: for Thou art He that hast commanded us, saying, Whatsoever things ye bind upon earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever things ye loose upon earth, shall be loosed in heaven: for, thou art our God, a God able to pity, and to save and to forgive sins; and glory is due unto Thee, with the eternal Father, and the quickening Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
the Holy Apostle and Brother of the Lord.
I
I. The Priest:1 O sovereign Lord our God, condemn me not, defiled with a multitude of sins: for, behold, I have come to this Thy divine and heavenly mystery, not as being worthy; but looking only to Thy goodness, I direct my voice to Thee: God be merciful to me, a sinner; I have sinned against Heaven, and before Thee, and am unworthy to come into the presence of this Thy holy and spiritual table, upon which Thy only-begotten Son, and our Lord Jesus Christ, is mystically set forth as a sacrifice for me, a sinner, and stained with every spot. Wherefore I present to Thee this supplication and thanksgiving, that Thy Spirit the Comforter may be sent down upon me, strengthening and fitting me for this service; and count me worthy to make known without condemnation the word, delivered from Thee by me to the people, in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy all-holy, and good, and quickening, and consubstantial2 Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
II. Prayer of the standing beside the altar: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, the triune light of the Godhead, which is unity subsisting in trinity, divided, yet indivisible: for the Trinity is the one God Almighty, whose glory the heavens declare, and the earth His dominion, and the sea His might, and every sentient and intellectual creature at all times proclaims His majesty: for all glory becomes Him, and honour and might, greatness and magnificence, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
III. Prayer of the incense at the beginning:3 Sovereign Lord Jesus Christ, O Word of God, who didst freely offer Thyself a blameless sacrifice upon the cross to God even the Father, the coal of double nature, that didst touch the lips of the prophet with the tongs, and didst take away his sins, touch also the hearts of us sinners, and purify us from every stain, and present us holy beside Thy holy altar, that we may offer Thee a sacrifice of praise: and accept from us, Thy unprofitable servants, this incense as an odour of a sweet smell, and make fragrant the evil odour of our soul and body, and purify us with the sanctifying power of Thy all-holy Spirit: for Thou alone art holy, who sanctifiest, and art communicated to the faithful; and glory becomes Thee, with Thy eternal Father, and Thy all-holy, and good, and quickening Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
IV. Prayer of the commencement: O beneficent King eternal, and Creator of the universe, receive Thy Church, coming unto Thee through Thy Christ: fulfil to each what is profitable; lead all to perfection, and make us perfectly worthy of the grace of Thy sanctification, gathering us together within Thy holy Church, which Thou hast purchased by the precious blood of Thy only-begotten Son, and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, with whom Thou art blessed and glorified, together with Thy all-holy, and good, and quickening Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
V. The Deacon: Let us again pray to the Lord.
The Priest, prayer of the incense at the entrance of the congregation: God, who didst accept the gifts of Abel, the sacrifice of Noah and of Abram, the incense of Aaron and of Zacharias, accept also from the hand of us sinners this incense for an odour of a sweet smell, and for remission of our sins, and those of all Thy people; for blessed art Thou, and glory becomes Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever.
The Deacon: Sir, pronounce the blessing.4
The Priest prays: Our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, who through exceeding goodness and love not to be restrained wast crucified, and didst not refuse to be pierced by the spear and nails; who didst provide this mysterious and awful service as an everlasting memorial for us perpetually: bless Thy ministry in Christ the God, and bless our entrance, and fully complete the presentation of this our service by Thy unutterable compassion, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
VI. The responsive prayer from the Deacon: The Lord bless us, and make us worthy seraphically to offer gifts, and to sing the oft-sung hymn of the divine Trisagion, by the fulness and exceeding abundance of all the perfection of holiness, now and ever.
Then the Deacon begins to sing in the entrance:5 Thou who art the only-begotten Son and Word of God, immortal; who didst submit for our salvation to become flesh of the holy God-mother,6 and ever-virgin Mary; who didst immutably become man and wast crucified, O Christ our God and didst by Thy death tread death underfoot; who art one of the Holy Trinity glorified together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, save us.
VII. The Priest says this prayer from the gates to the altar: God Almighty, Lord great in glory, who hast given to us an entrance into the Holy of Holies, through the sojourning among men of Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord, and God, and Saviour Jesus Christ, we supplicate and invoke Thy goodness, since we are fearful and trembling when about to stand at Thy holy altar; send forth upon us, O God, Thy good grace, and sanctify our souls, and bodies, and spirits, and turn our thoughts to piety, in order that with a pure conscience we may bring unto Thee gifts, offerings, and fruits for the remission of our transgressions, and for the propitiation of all Thy people, by the grace and mercies and loving-kindness of Thy only-begotten Son, with whom Thou art blessed to all eternity. Amen.
VIII. After the approach to the altar, the Priest says: Peace be to all.
The People: And to thy spirit.
The Priest: The Lord bless us all, and sanctify us for the entrance and celebration of the divine and pure mysteries, giving rest to the blessed souls among the good and just, by His grace and loving-kindness, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
IX. Then the Deacon says the bidding prayer:7
In peace let us beseech the Lord.
For the peace that is from above, and for God's love to man, and for the salvation of our souls, let us beseech the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, for the unity of all the holy churches of God, let us beseech the Lord.
For the remission of our sins, and forgiveness of our transgressions, and for our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and distress, and from the uprising of our enemies, let us beseech the Lord.
Then the Singers sing the Trisagion Hymn: Holy God, holy mighty, holy immortal, have mercy upon us.
X. Then the Priest prays, bowing: O compassionate and merciful, long-suffering, and very gracious and true God, look from Thy prepared dwelling-place, and hear us Thy suppliants, and deliver us from every temptation of the devil and of man; withhold not Thy aid from us, nor bring on us chastisements too heavy for our strength: for we are unable to overcome what is opposed to us; but Thou art able, Lord, to save us from everything that is against us. Save us, O God, from the difficulties of this world, according to Thy goodness, in order that, having drawn nigh with a pure conscience to Thy holy altar, we may send up to Thee without condemnation the blessed hymn Trisagion, together with the heavenly powers, and that, having performed the service, well pleasing to Thee and divine, we may be counted worthy of eternal life.
(Aloud.) Because Thou art holy, Lord our God, and dwellest and abidest in holy places, we send up the praise and the hymn Trisagion to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity.
The People: Amen.
XI. The Priest: Peace be to all.
The People: And to thy spirit.
The Singers: Alleluia.
Then there are read in order8 the holy oracles of the Old Testament, and of the prophets; and the incarnation of the Son of God is set forth, and His sufferings and resurrection from the dead, His ascension into heaven, and His second appearing with glory; and this takes place daily in the holy and divine service.9
XII. After the reading and instruction the Deacon says: Let us all say, Lord, be merciful.10
Lord Almighty, the God of our fathers;
We beseech Thee, hear us.
For the peace which is from above, and for the salvation of our souls;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, and the unity of all the holy churches of God;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For the salvation and help of all the Christ-loving people;
We beseech Thee, hear us.
For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger, distress, from captivity, bitter death, and from our iniquities;
We beseech Thee, hear us.
For the people standing round, and waiting for the rich and plenteous mercy that is from Thee;
We beseech Thee, be merciful and gracious.
Save Thy people, O Lord, and bless Thine inheritance.
Visit Thy world in mercy and compassion.
Exalt the horn of Christians by the power of the precious and quickening cross.
We beseech Thee, most merciful Lord, hear us praying to Thee, and have mercy upon us.
The People (thrice): Lord, have mercy upon us.
XIII. The Deacon: For the remission of our sins, and forgiveness of our transgressions, and for our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and distress, let us beseech the Lord.
Let us all entreat from the Lord, that we may pass the whole day, perfect, holy, peaceful, and without sin.
Let us entreat from the Lord a messenger of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies.
Let us entreat from the Lord forgiveness and remission of our sins and transgressions.
Let us entreat from the Lord the things which are good and proper for our souls, and peace for the world.
Let us entreat from the Lord, that we may spend the remaining period of our life in peace and health.
Let us entreat that the close of our lives may be Christian, without pain and without shame, and a good plea at the dread and awful judgment-seat of Christ.
XIV. The Priest: For Thou art the gospel and the light, Saviour and keeper of our souls and bodies, God, and Thy only-begotten Son, and Thy all-holy Spirit, now and ever.
The People: Amen.11
The Priest: God, who hast taught us Thy divine and saving oracles, enlighten the souls of us sinners for the comprehension of the things which have been before spoken, so that we may not only be seen to be hearers of spiritual things, but also doers of good deeds, striving after guileless faith, blameless life, and pure conversation.
(Aloud.) In Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy all-holy, good, and quickening Spirit, now and always, and for ever.
The People: Amen.
XV. The Priest: Peace be to all.
The People: And to Thy spirit.
The Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
The People: To Thee, Lord.
The Priest prays, saying: O Sovereign giver of life, and provider of good things, who didst give to mankind the blessed hope of eternal life, our Lord Jesus Christ, count us worthy in holiness, and perfect this Thy divine service to the enjoyment of future blessedness.
(Aloud.) So that, guarded by Thy power at all times, and led into the light of truth, we may send up the praise and the thanksgiving to Thee, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever.
The People: Amen.
XVI. The Deacon: Let none remain of the catechumens, none of the unbaptized, none of those who are unable to join with us in prayer. Look at one another.12 The door.All erect:13 let us again pray to the Lord.
II14
The Priest says the prayer of incense: Sovereign Almighty, King of Glory, who knowest all things before their creation, manifest Thyself to us calling upon Thee at this holy hour, and redeem us from the shame of our transgressions; cleanse our mind and our thoughts from impure desires, from worldly deceit, from all influence of the devil; and accept from the bands of us sinners this incense, as Thou didst accept the offering of Abel, and Noah, and Aaron, and Samuel, and of all Thy saints, guarding us from everything evil, and preserving us for continually pleasing, and worshipping, and glorifying Thee, the Father, and Thy only-begotten Son, and Thy all-holy Spirit, now and always, and for ever.
And the Readers begin the Cherubic Hymn:
Let all mortal flesh be silent, and stand with fear and trembling, and meditate nothing earthly within itself:-
For the King of kings and Lord of lords, Christ our God, comes forward to be sacrificed, and to be given for food to the faithful; and the bands of angels go before Him with every power and dominion, the many-eyed cherubim, and the six-winged seraphim, covering their faces, and crying aloud the hymn, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
XVII. The Priest, bringing in the holy gifts,15 says this prayer: O God, our God, who didst send forth the heavenly bread, the food of the whole world, our Lord Jesus Christ, to be a Saviour, and Redeemer, and Benefactor, blessing and sanctifying us, do Thou Thyself bless this offering, and graciously receive it to Thy altar above the skies:
Remember in Thy goodness and love those who have brought it, and those for whom they have brought it, and preserve us without condemnation in the service of Thy divine mysteries: for hollowed and glorified is Thy all-honoured and great name, Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity.
The Priest: Peace be to all.
The Deacon: Sir, pronounce the blessing.
The Priest: Blessed be God, who blesseth and sanctifieth us all at the presentation of the divine and pure mysteries, and giveth rest to the blessed souls among the holy and just, now and always, and to all eternity.
XVIII. The Deacon: Let us attend in wisdom.
The Priest begins: I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God: and the rest of the Creed.
XIX. Then he prays, bowing his neck: God and Sovereign of all, make us, who are unworthy, worthy of this hour, lover of mankind; that being pure from all deceit and all hypocrisy, we may be united with one another by the bond of peace and love, being confirmed by the sanctification of Thy divine knowledge through Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy all-holy, and good, and quickening Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
XX. The Deacon: Let us stand well, let us stand reverently, let us stand in the fear of God, and with compunction of heart. In peace let us pray to the Lord.
The Priest: For God of peace, mercy, love, compassion, and loving-kindness art Thou, and Thine only-begotten Son, and Thine all-holy Spirit, now and ever.
The People: Amen.
The Priest: Peace be to all.
The People: And to thy spirit.
The Deacon: Let us salute one another with an holy kiss.16 Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
XXI. The Priest bows, saying this prayer: Only Lord and merciful God, on those who are bowing their necks before Thy holy altar, and seeking the spiritual gifts that come from Thee, send forth Thy good grace; and bless us all with every spiritual blessing, that cannot be taken from us, Thou, who dwellest on high, and hast regard unto things that are lowly.
(Aloud.) For worthy of praise and worship and most glorious is Thy all-holy name, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, now and always, and to all eternity.
The Deacon: Sir, pronounce the blessing.
The Priest: The Lord will bless us, and minister with us all by His grace and loving-kindness.
And again: The Lord will bless us, and make us worthy to stand at His holy altar, at all times, now and always, and for ever.
And again: Blessed be God, who blesseth and sanctifieth us all in our attendance upon, and service of, His pure mysteries, now and always, and for ever.
XXII. The Deacon makes the Universal Litany: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
The People: O Lord, have mercy.
The Deacon: Save us, have mercy upon us, pity and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
For the peace that is from above, and the loving-kindness of God, and the salvation of our souls;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, and the unity of all the holy churches of God;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For those who bear fruit, and labour honourably in the holy churches of God; for those who remember the poor, the widows and the orphans, the strangers and needy ones; and for those who have requested us to mention them in our prayers;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For those who are in old age and infirmity, for the sick and suffering, and those who are troubled by unclean spirits, for their speedy cure from God and their salvation;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For those who are passing their days in virginity, and celibacy, and discipline, and for those in holy matrimony; and for the holy fathers and brethren agonizing in mountains,17 and dens, and caves of the earth;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For Christians sailing, travelling, living among strangers, and for our brethren in captivity, in exile, in prison, and in bitter slavery, their peaceful return;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For the remission of our sins, and forgiveness of our transgressions, and for our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and constraint, and uprising against us of enemies;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For favourable weather, peaceful showers, beneficent dews, abundance of fruits, the perfect close of a good season, and for the crown of the year;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For our fathers and brethren present, and praying with us in this holy hour, and at every season, their zeal, labour, and earnestness;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For every Christian soul in tribulation and distress, and needing the mercy and succour of God; for the return of the erring, the health of the sick, the deliverance of the captives, the rest of the fathers and brethren that have fallen asleep aforetime;
Let us beseech the Lord.
For the hearing and acceptance of our prayer before God, and the sending down on us His rich mercies and compassion.
Let us beseech the Lord.18
And for the offered, precious, heavenly, unutterable, pure, glorious, dread, awful, divine gifts, and the salvation of the priest who stands by and offers them;
Let us offer supplication to God the Lord.
The People (thrice): O Lord, have mercy.
XXIII. Then the Priest makes the sign of the cross on the gifts,19 and, standing, speaks separately thus: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will among men, etc. (Thrice.)
Lord, Thou wilt open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise. (Thrice.)
Let my mouth be filled with Thy praise, O Lord, that I may tell of Thy glory, of Thy majesty, all the day. (Thrice.)
Of the Father. Amen. And of the Son. Amen. And of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Now and always, and to all eternity. Amen.
XXIV. And bowing to this side and to that,20 he says: Magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.
And they answer, bowing: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee.21
Then the Priest, at great length: O Sovereign Lord, who hast visited us in compassion and mercies, and bast freely given to us, Thy humble and sinful and unworthy servants, boldness to stand at Thy holy altar, and to offer to Thee this dread and bloodless sacrifice for our sins, and for the errors of the people, look upon me Thy unprofitable servant, and blot out my transgressions for Thy compassion's sake; and purify my lips and heart from all pollution of flesh and spirit; and remove from me every shameful and foolish thought, and fit me by the power of Thy all-holy Spirit for this service; and receive me graciously by Thy goodness as I draw nigh to Thy altar.
And be pleased, O Lord, that these gifts brought by our hands may be acceptable, stooping to my weakness; and cast me not away from Thy presence, and abhor not my unworthiness; but pity me according to Thy great mercy, and according to the multitude of Thy mercies pass by my transgressions, that, having come before Thy glory without condemnation, I may be counted worthy of the protection of Thy only-begotten Son, and of the illumination of Thy all-holy Spirit, that I may not be as a slave of sin cast out, but as Thy servant may find grace and mercy and forgiveness of sins before Thee, both in the world that now is and in that which is to come.
I beseech Thee, Almighty Sovereign, all-powerful Lord, hear my prayer; for Thou art He who workest all in all, and we all seek in all things the help and succour that come from Thee and Thy only-begotten Son, and the good and quickening and consubstantial Spirit, now and ever.
XXV. O God, who through Thy great and unspeakable love didst send forth Thy only-begot-ten Son into the world, in order that He might turn back the lost sheep, turn not away us sinners, laying hold of Thee by this dread and bloodless sacrifice; for we trust not in our own righteousness, but in Thy good mercy, by which Thou purchasest our race.
We entreat and beseech Thy goodness that it may not be for condemnation to Thy people that this mystery for salvation has been administered by us, but for remission of sins, for renewal of souls and bodies, for the well-pleasing of Thee, God and Father, in the mercy and love of Thy only-begotten Son, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy all-holy and good and quickening Spirit, now and always, and for ever.22
XXVI. O Lord God, who didst create us, and bring us into life, who hast shown to us ways to salvation, who hast granted to us a revelation of heavenly mysteries, and hast appointed us to this ministry in the power of Thy all-holy Spirit, grant, O Sovereign, that we may become servants of Thy new testament, ministers of Thy pure mysteries, and receive us as we draw near to Thy holy altar, according to the greatness of Thy mercy, that we may become worthy of offering to Thee girls and sacrifices for our transgressions and for those of the people; and grant to us, O Lord, with all fear and a pure conscience to offer to Thee this spiritual and bloodless sacrifice, and graciously receiving it unto Thy holy and spiritual altar above the skies for an odour of a sweet spiritual smell, send down in answer on us the grace of Thy all-holy Spirit.
And, O God, look upon us, and have regard to this our reasonable service, and accept it, as Thou didst accept the gifts of Abel, the sacrifices of Noah, the priestly offices of Moses and Aaron, the peace-offerings of Samuel, the repentance of David, the incense of Zacharias. As Thou didst accept from the hand of Thy apostles this true service, so accept also in Thy goodness from the hands of us sinners these offered gifts; and grant that our offering may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit, as a propitiation23 for our transgressions and the errors of the people; and for the rest of the souls24 that have fallen asleep aforetime; that we also, Thy humble, sinful, and unworthy servants, being counted worthy without guile to serve Thy holy altar, may receive the reward of faithful and wise stewards, and may find grace and mercy in the terrible day of Thy just and good retribution.
XXVII. Prayer of the veil:25 We thank Thee, O Lord our God, that Thou hast given us boldness for the entrance of Thy holy places, which Thou hast renewed to us as a new and living way through the veil of the flesh26 of Thy Christ. We therefore, being counted worthy to enter into the place of the tabernacle of Thy glory, and to be within the veil, and to behold the Holy of Holies, cast ourselves down before Thy goodness:
Lord, have mercy on us: since we are full of fear and trembling, when about to stand at Thy holy altar, and to offer this dread and bloodless sacrifice for our own sins and for the errors of the people:27 send forth, O God, Thy good grace, and sanctify our souls, and bodies, and spirits; and turn our thoughts to holiness, that with a pure conscience we may bring to Thee a peace-offering, the sacrifice of praise:
(Aloud.) By the mercy and loving-kindness of Thy only-begotten Son, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy all-holy, and good, and quickening Spirit, now and always:
The People: Amen.
The Priest: Peace be to all.
The Deacon: Let us stand reverently, let us stand in the fear of God, and with contrition: let us attend to the holy communion service, to offer peace to God.
The People: The offering of peace, the sacrifice of praise.
[A veil is now withdrawn from the oblation of bread and wine.]
The Priest: And, uncovering the veils that darkly invest in symbol28 this sacred ceremonial, do Thou reveal it clearly to us: fill our intellectual vision with absolute light, and having purified our poverty from every pollution of flesh and spirit, make it worthy of this dread and awful approach: for Thou art an all-merciful and gracious God, and we send up the praise and the. thanksgiving to Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now, and always, and for ever.
III. The Anaphora.
XXVIII. Then he says aloud: The love of the Lord and Father, the grace of the Lord and Son, and the fellowship and the gift of the Holy Spirit, be with us all.
The People: And with thy spirit.
The Priest: Let us lift up our minds and our hearts.29
The People: It is becoming and right.
Then the Priest prays: Verily it is becoming and right, proper and due to praise Thee, to sing of Thee, to bless Thee, to worship Thee, to glorify Thee, to give Thee thanks, Maker of every creature visible and invisible, the treasure of eternal good things, the fountain of life and immortality, God and Lord of all:
Whom the heavens of heavens praise, and all the host of them; the sun, and the moon, and all the choir of the stars; earth, sea, and all that is in them; Jerusalem, the heavenly assembly, and church of the first-born that are written in heaven; spirits of just men and of prophets; souls of martyrs and of apostles; angels, archangels, thrones, dominions, principalities, and authorities, and dread powers; and the many-eyed cherubim, and the six-winged seraphim, which cover their faces with two wings, their feet with two, and with two they fly, crying one to another with unresting lips, with unceasing praises:
(Aloud.) With loud voice singing the victorious hymn of Thy majestic glory, crying aloud, praising, shouting, and saying:-
The People: Holy, holy, holy, O Lord of Sabaoth, the heaven and the earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest; blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.30
XXIX. The Priest, making the sign of the cross31 on the gifts, says: Holy art Thou, King of eternity, and Lord and giver of all holiness; holy also Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom Thou hast made all things; holy also Thy Holy Spirit, which searches all things, even Thy deep things, O God: holy art Thou, almighty, all-powerful, good, dread, merciful, most compassionate to Thy creatures; who didst make man from earth after Thine own image and likeness; who didst give him the joy of paradise; and when he transgressed Thy commandment, and fell away, didst not disregard nor desert him, O Good One, but didst chasten him as at merciful father, call him by the law, instruct him by the prophets; and afterwards didst send forth Thine only-begotten Son Himself, our Lord Jesus Christ, into the world, that He by His coming might renew and restore Thy image;
Who, having descended from heaven, and become flesh of the Holy Spirit and Virgin Godmother32 Mary, and having sojourned among men, fulfilled the dispensation for the salvation of our race; and being about to endure His voluntary and life-giving death by the cross, He the sinless for us the sinners, in the night in which He was betrayed, nay, rather delivered Himself up for the life and salvation of the world,
XXX. Then the Priest holds the bread in his hand, and says: Having taken the bread in His holy and pure and blameless and immortal hands, lifting up His eyes to heaven, and showing it to Thee, His God and Father, He gave thanks, and hallowed, and brake, and gave it to us,33 His disciples and apostles, saying:-
The Deacons say:34 For the remission of sins and life everlasting.
Then he says aloud: Take, eat: this is my body, broken for you, and given for remission of sins.
The People: Amen.
Then he takes the cup, and says: In like manner, after supper, He took the cup, and having mixed wine and water, lifting up His eyes to heaven, and presenting it to Thee, His God and Father, He gave thanks, and hollowed and blessed it, and filled it with the Holy Spirit, and gave it to us His disciples, saying, Drink ye all of it; this is my blood of the new testament shed for you and many, and distributed for the remission of sins.
The People: Amen.
The Priest: This do in remembrance of me; for as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show forth the Lord's death, and confess His resurrection, till He come.
The Deacons say: We believe and confess:
The People: We show forth Thy death, O Lord, and confess Thy resurrection.
XXXI. The Priest (Oblation): Remembering, therefore, His life-giving sufferings, His saving cross, His death and His burial, and resurrection from the dead on the third day, and His ascension into heaven, and sitting at the right hand of Thee, our God and Father, and His second glorious and awful appearing, when He shall come with glory to judge the quick and the dead, and render to every one according to His works; even we, sinful men, offer unto Thee, O Lord, this dread and bloodless sacrifice, praying that Thou wilt not deal with us after our sins, nor reward us according to our iniquities;
But that Thou, according to Thy mercy and Thy unspeakable loving-kindness, passing by and blotting out the handwriting against us Thy suppliants, wilt grant to us Thy heavenly and eternal gifts (which eye hath not seen, and ear hath not heard, and which have not entered into the heart of man35 ) that thou hast prepared, O God, for those who love Thee; and reject not, O loving Lord, the people for my sake, or for my sin's sake:
Then he says, thrice: For Thy people and Thy Church supplicate Thee.
The People: Have mercy on us, O Lord our God, Father Almighty.
XXXII. Again the Priest says (Invocation): Have mercy upon us, O God Almighty. Have mercy upon us, O God our Saviour. Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, and send forth on us, and on these offered gifts, Thy all-holy Spirit.
Then, bowing his neck, he says: The sovereign and quickening Spirit, that sits upon the throne with Thee, our God and Father, and with Thy only-begotten Son, reigning with Thee; the consubstantial36 and co-eternal; that spoke in the law and in the prophets, and in Thy New Testament; that descended in the form of a dove on our Lord Jesus Christ at the river Jordan, and abode on Him; that descended on Thy apostles in the form of tongues of fire in the upper room of the holy and glorious Zion on the day of Pentecost: this Thine all-holy Spirit, send down, O Lord, upon us, and upon these offered holy gifts;
And rising up, he says aloud: That coming, by His holy and good and glorious appearing, He may sanctify this bread, and make it the holy body of Thy Christ.37
The People: Amen.
The Priest: And this cup the precious blood of Thy Christ.
The People: Amen.
XXXIII. The Priest by himself standing: That they may be to all that partake of them for remission of sins, and for life everlasting, for the sanctification of souls and of bodies, for bearing the fruit of good works, for the stablishing of Thy Holy Catholic Church, which Thou hast founded on the Rock of Faith,38 that the gates of hell may not prevail against it; delivering it from all heresy and scandals, and from those who work iniquity, keeping it till the fulness of the time.
XXXIV. And having bowed, he says: We present them to Thee also, O Lord, for the holy places, which Thou hast glorified by the divine appearing of Thy Christ, and by the visitation of Thy all-holy Spirit; especially for the glorious Zion, the mother of all the churches;39 and for Thy Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church throughout the world: even now, O Lord, bestow upon her the rich gifts of Thy all-holy Spirit.
Remember also, O Lord, our holy fathers and brethren in it, and the bishops in all the world, who rightly divide the word of Thy truth.
Remember also, O Lord, every city and country, and those of the true faith dwelling in them, their peace and security.
Remember, O Lord, Christians sailing, travelling, sojourning in strange lands; our fathers and brethren, who are in bonds, prison, captivity, and exile; who are in mines, and under torture, and in bitter slavery.Remember, O Lord, the sick and afflicted, and those troubled by unclean spirits, their speedy healing from Thee, O God, and their salvation.
Remember, O Lord, every Christian soul in affliction and distress, needing Thy mercy and succour, O God; and the return of the erring.
Remember, O Lord, our fathers and brethren, toiling hard, and ministering unto us, for Thy holy name's sake.
Remember all, O Lord, for good: have mercy on all, O Lord, be reconciled to us all: give peace to the multitudes of Thy people: put away scandals: bring wars to an end: make the uprising of heresies to cease: grant Thy peace and Thy love to us, O God our Saviour, the hope of all the ends of the earth.
Remember, O Lord, favourable weather, peaceful showers, beneficent dews, abundance of fruits, and to crown the year with Thy goodness; for the eyes of all wait on Thee, and Thou givest their food in due season: thou openest Thy hand, and fillest every living thing with gladness.
Remember, O Lord, those who bear fruit, and labour honourably in the holy40 of Thy Church; and those who forget not the poor, the widows, the orphans, the strangers, and the needy; and all who have desired us to remember them in our prayers.
Moreover, O Lord, be pleased to remember those who have brought these offerings this day to Thy holy altar, and for what each one has brought them or with what mind, and those persons who have just now been mentioned to Thee.
Remember, O Lord, according to the multitude of Thy mercy and compassion, me also, Thy humble and unprofitable servant; and the deacons who surround Thy holy altar, and graciously give them a blameless life, keep their ministry undefiled, and purchase for them a good degree, that we may find mercy and grace, with all the saints that have been well pleasing to Thee since the world began, to generation and generation-grandsires, sires, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, martyrs, confessors, teachers, saints, and every just spirit made perfect in the faith of Thy Christ.
XXXV.41 Hail, Mary, highly favoured: the Lord is with Thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed the fruit of thy womb, for thou didst bear the Saviour of our souls.42
XXXVI. The Deacons: Remember us, O Lord God.
The Priest, bowing, says: Remember, O Lord God, the spirits and all flesh, of whom we have made mention, and of whom we have not made mention, who are of the true faith, from righteous Abel unto this day: unto them do Thou give rest there in the land of the living, in Thy kingdom, in the joy of paradise, in the bosom of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, our holy fathers; whence pain, and grief, and lamentation have fled: there the light of Thy countenance looks upon them, and enlightens them for ever.43
Make the end of our lives Christian, acceptable, blameless, and peaceful, O Lord, gathering us together, O Lord, under the feet of Thine elect, when Thou wilt, and as Thou wilt; only without shame and transgressions, through Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ: for He is the only sinless one who hath appeared on the earth.
The Deacon: And let us pray:-
For the peace and establishing of the whole world, and of the holy churches of God, and for the purposes for which each one made his offering, or according to the desire he has: and for the people standing round, and for all men, and all women:
The People: And for all men and all women. (Amen.)
The Priest says aloud: Wherefore, both to them and to us, do Thou in Thy goodness and love:
The People: Forgive, remit, pardon, O God, our transgressions, voluntary and involuntary: in deed and in word: in knowledge and in ignorance: by night and by day: in thought and intent: in Thy goodness and love, forgive us them all.
The Priest: Through the grace and compassion and love of Thy only-begotten Son, with whom Thou art blessed and glorified, together with the all-holy, and good, and quickening Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity.
The People: Amen.
XXXVII. The Priest: Peace be to all:
The People: And to thy spirit.
The Deacon: Again, and continually, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
For the gifts to the Lord God presented and sanctified, precious, heavenly, unspeakable, pure, glorious, dread, awful, divine;
Let us pray.
That the Lord our God, having graciously received them to His altar that is holy and above the heavens, rational and spiritual, for the odour of a sweet spiritual savour, may send down in answer upon us the divine grace and the gift of the all-holy Spirit;
Let us pray.
Having prayed for the unity of the faith, and the communion of His all-holy and adorable Spirit;
Let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life, to Christ our God:
The People: Amen.
XXXVIII. The Priest prays: God and Father of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, the glorious Lord, the blessed essence, the bounteous goodness, the God and Sovereign of all, who art blessed to all eternity, who sittest upon the cherubim, and art glorified by the seraphim, before whom stand thousand thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand hosts of angels and archangels: Thou hast accepted the gifts, offerings, and fruits brought unto Thee as an odour of a sweet spiritual smell, and hast been pleased to sanctify them, and make them perfect, O good One, by the grace of Thy Christ, and by the presence of Thy all-holy Spirit.
Sanctify also, O Lord, our souls, and bodies, and spirits, and touch our understandings, and search our consciences, and cast out from us every evil imagination, every impure feeling, every base desire, every unbecoming thought, all envy, and vanity, and hypocrisy, all lying, all deceit, every worldly affection, all covetousness, all vainglory, all indifference, all vice, all passion, all anger, all malice, all blasphemy, every motion of the flesh and spirit that is not in accordance with Thy holy will:
(Aloud.) And count us worthy, O loving Lord, with boldness, without condemnation, in a pure heart, with a contrite spirit, with unshamed face, with sanctified lips, to dare to call upon Thee, the holy God, Father in heaven, and to say,
The People: Our Father, which art in heaven: hollowed be Thy name; and so on to the doxology.
The Priest, bowing, says (the Embolism44 ): And lead us not into temptation, Lord, Lord of Hosts, who knowest our frailty, but deliver us from the evil one and his works, and from all his malice and craftiness, for the sake of Thy holy name, which has been placed upon our humility:
(Aloud.) For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever.
The People: Amen.
XXXIX. The Priest: Peace be to all.
The People: And to thy spirit.
The Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
The People: To Thee, O Lord.
The Priest prays, speaking thus: To Thee, O Lord, we Thy servants have bowed our heads before Thy holy altar, waiting for the rich mercies that are from Thee.
Send forth upon us, O Lord, Thy plenteous grace and Thy blessing; and sanctify our souls, bodies, and spirits, that we may become worthy communicants and partakers of Thy holy mysteries, to the forgiveness of sins and life everlasting:
(Aloud.) For adorable and glorified art Thou, our God, and Thy only-begotten Son, and Thy all-holy Spirit, now and ever.
The People: Amen.
The Priest says aloud: And the grace and the mercies of the holy and consubstantial, and uncreated, and adorable Trinity, shall be with us all.45
The People: And with thy spirit.
The Deacon: In the fear of God, let us attend.
The Priest says secretly:46 O holy Lord, that abidest in holy places, sanctify us by the word of Thy grace, and by the visitation of Thy all-holy Spirit: for Thou, O Lord, hast said, Ye will be holy, for I am holy. O Lord our God, incomprehensible Word of God, one in substance with the Father and the Holy Spirit, co-eternal and indivisible, accept the pure hymn, in Thy holy and bloodless sacrifices; with the cherubim, and seraphim, and from me, a sinful man, crying and saying:-
XL. He takes up the gifts and saith aloud: The holy things unto holy.
The People: One only is holy, one Lord Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father, to whom be glory to all eternity.
XLI. The Deacon: For the remission of our sins, and the propitiation of our souls, and for every soul in tribulation and distress, needing the mercy and succour of God, and for the return of the erring, the healing of the sick, the deliverance of the captives, the rest of our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep aforetime;
Let us all say fervently, Lord, have mercy:
The People (twelve times): Lord, have mercy.47
Then the Priest breaks the bread, and holds the half in his right hand, and the half in his left, and dips that in his right hand in the chalice, saying: The union of the all-holy body and precious blood of our Lord and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Then he makes the sign of the cross on that in his left hand: then with that which has been signed the other half: then forthwith he begins to divide, and before all to give to each chalice a single piece, saying: It has been made one, and sanctified, and perfected, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever.
And when he makes the sign of the cross on the bread, he says: Behold the Lamb of God, the Son of the Father, that taketh away the sin of the world, sacrificed for the life and salvation of the world.
And when he gives a single piece to each chalice he says: A holy portion of Christ, full of grace and truth, of the Father, and of the Holy Spirit, to whom be the glory and the power to all eternity.
XLII. Then he begins to divide, and to say: The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. In green pastures, and so on.48
Then, I will bless the Lord at all times, and so on.49
Then, I will extol Thee, my God, O King, and so on.50
Then, O praise the Lord, all ye nations, and so on.51
The Deacon: Sir, pronounce the blessing.
The Priest: The Lord will bless us, and keep us without condemnation for the communion of His pure gifts, now and always, and for ever.
And when they have filled,52 the Deacon says: Sir, pronounce the blessing.
The Priest says: The Lord will bless us, and make us worthy with the pure touchings of our fingers to take the live coal, and place it upon the mouths of the faithful for the purification and renewal of their souls and bodies, now and always.
Then, O taste and see that the Lord is good; who is parted and not divided; distributed to the faithful and not expended; for the remission of sins, and the life everlasting; now and always, and for ever.
The Deacon: In the peace of Christ, let us sing:
The Singers: O taste and see that the Lord is good.
The Priest says the prayer before the communion: O Lord our God, the heavenly bread, the life of the universe, I have sinned against Heaven, and before Thee, and am not worthy to partake of Thy pure mysteries; but as a merciful God, make me worthy by Thy grace, without condemnation to partake of Thy holy body and precious blood, for the remission of sins, and life everlasting.53
XLIII. Then he distributes to the clergy; and when the deacons take the disks54 and the chalices for distribution to the people, the Deacon, who takes the first disk, says: Sir, pronounce the blessing.
The Priest replies: Glory to God who has sanctified and is sanctifying us all.
The Deacon says: Be Thou exalted, O God, over the heavens, and Thy glory over all the earth, and Thy kingdom endureth to all eternity.55
And when the Deacon is about to put it on the side-table56 the Priest says: Blessed be the name of the Lord our God for ever.
The Deacon: In the fear of God, and in faith and love, draw nigh.
The People: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.57
And again, when he sets down the disk upon the side-table, he says: Sir, pronounce the blessing.
The Priest: Save Thy people, O God, and bless Thine inheritance.
The Priest again.58 Glory to our God, who has sanctified us all.
And when he has put the chalice back an the holy table, the Priest says: Blessed be the name of the Lord to all eternity.
The Deacons and the People say: Fill our mouths with Thy praise, O Lord, and fill our lips with joy, that we may sing of Thy glory, of Thy greatness all the day.
And again: We render thanks to Thee, Christ our God, that Thou hast made us worthy to partake of Thy body and blood, for the remission of sins, and for life everlasting. Do Thou, in Thy goodness and love, keep us, we pray Thee, without condemnation.
XLIV. The prayer of incense at the last entrance: We render thanks to Thee, the Saviour and God of all, for all the good things Thou hast given us, and for the participation of Thy holy and pure mysteries, and we offer to Thee this incense, praying: Keep us under the shadow of Thy wings, and count us worthy till our last breath to partake of Thy holy rites for the sanctification of our souls and bodies, for the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven: for Thou, O God, art our sanctification, and we send up praise and thanksgiving to Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Deacon begins in the entrance: Glory to Thee, glory to Thee, glory to Thee, O Christ the King, only-begotten Word of the Father, that Thou hast counted us, Thy sinful and unworthy servants, worthy to enjoy thy pure mysteries for the remission of sins, and for life everlasting: glory to Thee.59
XLV. And when he has made the entrance, the Deacon begins to speak thus: Again and again, and at all times, in peace, let us beseech the Lord.
That the participation of His Holy rites may be to us for the turning away from every wicked thing, for our support on the journey to life everlasting, for the communion and gift of the Holy Spirit;
Let us pray.
The Priest prays: Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most glorious, blessed Lady, the God-Mother and Ever-Virgin Mary,60 and all the saints that have been well-pleasing to Thee since the world began, let us devote ourselves, and one another, and our whole life, to Christ our God:
The People: To Thee, O Lord.
XLVI. The Priest: O God, who through Thy great and unspeakable love didst condescend to the weakness of Thy servants, and hast counted us worthy to partake of this heavenly table, condemn not us sinners for the participation of Thy pure mysteries; but keep us, O good One, in the sanctification of Thy Holy Spirit, that being made holy, we may find part and inheritance with all Thy saints that have been well-pleasing to Thee since the world began, in the light of Thy countenance, through the mercy of Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy all-holy, and good, and quickening Spirit: for blessed and glorified is Thy all-precious and glorious name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity.
The People: Amen.
The Priest: Peace be to all.
The People: And to thy spirit.
XLVII. The Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
The Priest: O God, great and marvellous, look upon Thy servants, for we have bowed our heads to Thee. Stretch forth Thy hand, strong and full of blessings, and bless Thy people. Keep Thine inheritance, that always and at all times we may glorify Thee, our only living and true God, the holy and consubstantial61 Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to all eternity.
(Aloud.) For unto Thee is becoming and is due praise from us all, and honour, and adoration, and thanksgiving, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever.
XLVIII. The Deacon: In the peace of Christ let us sing:
And again he says: In the peace of Christ let us go on:
The People: In the name of the Lord. Sir, pronounce the blessing.62
Dismission prayer, spoken by the Deacon: Going on from glory to glory, we praise Thee, the Saviour of our souls. Glory to Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit now and ever, and to all eternity. We praise Thee, the Saviour of our souls.
XLIX. The Priest says a prayer from the altar to the sacristy: Going on from strength to strength, and having fulfilled all the divine service in Thy temple, even now we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, make us worthy of perfect loving-kindness; make straight our path: root us in Thy fear, and make us worthy of the heavenly kingdom, in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy all-holy, and good, and quickening Spirit, now and always, and for ever.
L. The Deacon: Again and again, and at all times, in peace let us beseech the Lord.
Prayer said in the sacristy after the dismissal: Thou hast given unto us, O Lord, sanctification in the communion of the all-holy body and precious blood of Thy only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; give unto us also the grace of Thy good Spirit, and keep us blameless in the faith, lead us unto perfect adoption and redemption, and to the coming joys of eternity; for Thou art our sanctification and light, O God, and Thy only-begotten Son, and Thy all-holy Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
The Deacon: In the peace of Christ let us keep watch.
The Priest: Blessed is God, who blesseth and sanctifieth through the communion of the holy, and quickening, and pure mysteries, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
Then the prayer of propitiation: O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Lamb and Shepherd, who takest away the sin of the world, who didst freely forgive their debt to the two debtors, and gavest remission of her sins to the woman that was a sinner, who gavest healing to the paralytic, with the remission of his sins; forgive, remit, pardon, O God, our offences, voluntary and involuntary, in knowledge and in ignorance, by transgression and by disobedience, which Thy all-holy Spirit knows better than Thy servants do:
And if men, carnal and dwelling in this world, have in aught erred from Thy commandments, either moved by the devil, whether in word or in deed, or if they have come under a curse, or by reason of some special vow, I entreat and beseech Thy unspeakable loving-kindness, that they may be set free from their word, and released from the oath and the special vow, according to Thy goodness.
Verily, O Sovereign Lord, hear my supplication on behalf of Thy servants, and do Thou pass by all their errors, remembering them no more; forgive them every transgression, voluntary and involuntary; deliver them from everlasting punishment: for Thou art He that hast commanded us, saying, Whatsoever things ye bind upon earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever things ye loose upon earth, shall be loosed in heaven: for, thou art our God, a God able to pity, and to save and to forgive sins; and glory is due unto Thee, with the eternal Father, and the quickening Spirit, now and ever, and to all eternity. Amen.
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