DOXOLOGY

Morning Prayers

Glory to thee O God, glory to thee.

O Heavenly King, O Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who art in all places and fillest all things, the Treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and abide in us. Cleanse us from every stain and save our souls, O Good One.

The Trisagion Prayers

(From Pascha until Ascension we sing
“Christ is Risen” 3X in place of Glory to thee… thru Holy God)

Holy God, Holy Mighty Holy Immortal, Have Mercy On us. (3x)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities.
Holy God, visit and heal our infirmities for thy Name's sake.

Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy. Lord have mercy.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Priest: For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit , now and ever and unto ages of ages.

All: Amen.
O God be merciful to me a sinner. (3x)

Prayer of St. Seraphim of Sarov

Lord, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me. There is no way to measure my sin; have mercy on me. Lord, forgive the many times I disobey thee. Master, I bow down before thy cross and glorify thy resurrection. Lord, when I sin in what I say and do, have mercy on me because of thy great compassion.

Morning Prayer to the Holy Trinity

Having arisen from sleep, we fall down before thee, O Blessed One, and sing to thee, O Mighty One, the Angelic Hymn: Holy, holy, holy art Thou, O God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Having raised me from my bed and from sleep, O Lord, enlighten my mind and my heart, and open my lips that I may praise thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, holy, holy art Thou, O God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us.

Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

The Judge shall come suddenly, and the deeds of each shall be revealed: but with fear we cry out in the middle of the night: Holy, holy, holy art Thou, O God. Through the Theotokos have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. (12x)

 

Morning Prayer of St. Basil the Great

Arising from sleep, I thank thee, O Holy Trinity, for thy lovingkindness and patience. Thou hast not been angry with me for my laziness and sinfulness. Nor hast Thou destroyed me for the wrongs I have done.

Instead, in thy usual love for mankind, Thou hast raised me up as I lay in despair, that I might rise early and glorify thy Lordship.

Enlighten now the eyes of my mind and open my mouth to receive thy words and understand thy commandments. Help me to obey thy will, sing to thee with all my heart, and praise Thine All-holy name: of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Psalm 51
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.

For I acknowledge my transgressions,
And my sin is always before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned,
And done this evil in your sight.

That you may be found just when you speak,
And blameless when you judge.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
And in sin my mother conceived me.

Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts,
And in the hidden part you will make me to know wisdom.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me hear joy and gladness,
That the bones you have broken may rejoice.

Hide your face from my sins
And blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence,
And do not take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
And uphold me by your generous Spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
And sinners shall be converted to you.

Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,
And my tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness,

O Lord, open my lips,
And my mouth shall show forth your praise.

For you do not desire sacrifice or else I would give it;
you do not delight in burnt offering.

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
A broken and contrite heart, these, O God, you will not despise.

Do good in your good pleasure to Zion,
Build the walls of Jerusalem.

Then you will be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings,
Then shall they offer bulls on your altar.

The Little Doxology

Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will among men.

We hymn thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks unto thee for thy great glory.
Lord King, heavenly God, Father Almighty; O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Spirit.

Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, Thou that takest away the sins of the world.

Receive our prayer, Thou that sittest at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy on us.

For Thou only art holy, Thou only art the Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Every day will I bless thee, and praise thy name forever; yea, forever and ever.

Lord, Thou hast been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, be merciful unto me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against thee.

Lord, I have fled unto thee; teach me to do thy will, for Thou art my God.

For with thee is the fountain of life; in thy light shall we see light.

O continue thy mercy unto them that know thee.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.

Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is thy name forever. Amen.

Let thy mercy be upon us, O Lord, even as we have set our hope on thee.

Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.
Blessed art Thou, O Master: make me to understand thy statutes.

Blessed art Thou, O Holy One: enlighten me with thy statutes.

They mercy, O Lord, endureth forever. O despise not the works of thy hands.

To thee belongeth worship, to thee belongeth praise, to thee belongeth glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

 

A reading from the Epistle and the Gospel of the day may be read here. See lectionary.

The Nicene Creed

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, Begotten of the Father before all worlds. Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made: Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke by the prophets.

And I believe in one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

 

Intercessions for the Living

Lord Jesus Christ, because of your everlasting mercy and lovingkindness you became man, enduring crucifixion and death for the salvation of all who truly believe in you. You rose from the dead and now sit on the right hand of the Father, yet you hear the humble prayers of those who call upon you with all their heart. Turn now your ear to your lowly servant who prays for all your people.

First of all remember your Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church which you redeemed with your precious blood. Keep it strong and growing; keep it in peace; protect it from the gates of hell forever; heal the divisions of the Churches; silence those who speak against her, and root out every heresy by the power of your Holy Spirit.

Lord, have mercy and save our rulers and all who protect us. Keep our nations at peace and subdue the enemies of good government. May our government be at peace with your Holy Church and all your people, that we may have a tranquil life, free to pursue right belief, virtue, and godly living.

Lord have mercy and save the holy patriarchs, bishops, and clergy of your Church. you have ordained them to feed the flock with your everlasting Word. Through their prayers have mercy on me, a sinner, and save me.

Lord have mercy and save all the monks and nuns, and all who in virginity, reverence, and fasting serve you piously. Lighten their burden and grant them strength in their struggles.

Lord have mercy and save my family and my friends (parents, brothers and sisters, spouse, children, others) Give them blessings now and salvation in the life to come.

Lord have mercy and save:
--the very old and the very young
--the needy
--orphans
--widows
--the sick and afflicted
--those in sorrow and distress
--the imprisoned
--Christians who suffer for your sake
--those in military service
--travelers
--unborn children, that they may be protected in their mother's womb
--(others who come to mind)

Remember them, and come to them with strength and comfort, and quickly deliver them.

Lord have mercy and save those who slander and work against me. Help me to love them, forgive them, and pray for their salvation. Bring those who fall from the true faith to the light of your holy wisdom, and unite them to your Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Amen.

Prayers For the Departed

Lord remember those who have fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection and eternal life (those who come to mind). Forgive all their sins committed in knowledge or ignorance. Let them enjoy thy eternal blessings in the Light of thy presence; grant them peace, refreshment, fellowship with thy saints, and life that never ends. Have mercy on us, for Thou art full of grace and lovest mankind. Amen.

Prayer to your Guardian Angel

Holy Guardian Angel, do not depart from me, a sinner, or allow me to be overcome by the enemy. Give strength to my weak hand, and set me on the path of salvation. Forgive me when I offend thee, and protect me in the coming day, that I may not anger God by sinning. Pray to God for me that I may come to Reverence Him and become a servant worthy of His great kindness. Amen.

A Prayer For Tranquillity

O Lord grant that I may meet all that this coming day brings to me with spiritual tranquillity. Grant that I may fully surrender myself to thy Holy will. At every hour of this day, reveal thy will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Whatsoever news may reach me in the course of the day, teach me to accept it with a calm soul and the firm conviction that all is subject to thy Holy will.

Direct my thoughts and feelings in all my words and actions. In all unexpected occurrences, do not let me forget that all is sent down from thee. Grant that I may deal straightforwardly and wisely, neither embarrassing nor saddening anyone.

O Lord, grant me the strength to endure the fatigue of the coming day and all the events that take place during it. Direct my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to be patient, to forgive and to love. Amen.

Prayer for the Acceptance of God's Will

O Lord, I do not know what to ask of thee. Thou alone know what are my true needs. Thou lovest me more than I myself know how to love. Help me to see my real needs which are concealed from me. I do not dare ask either for a cross or for consolation. I can only wait on thee. My heart is open to thee. Visit and help me, for the sake of thy great mercy. Strike me down and heal me; cast me down and raise me up. I worship in silence thy Holy will and thy unsearchable ways. I offer myself as a sacrifice to thee. I have no other desire than to fulfill thy will. Teach me to pray. Pray Thou thyself in me. Amen.
The Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim (used during Lent)

O Lord and Master of my life, do not give to me the spirit of laziness, faintheartedness, lust for power, and idle talk. (prostration)

But give to me, thy servant, the spirit of purity, humility, patience and love. (prostration)

O Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. (prostration)

O God, cleanse me, a sinner. (12x)

Repeat entire prayer with one prostration at the end.

Personal Prayers
The following prayers, as well as your personal prayers and praise may be offered up silently at this point.

Prayer to your Patron Saint

Pray to God for me, holy (name of patron saint) for with fervor I run to thee, swift helper and intercessor for my soul.

Prayer to Overcome Sin

O Lord, I also specifically pray that you will empower me to overcome the sin of (_____), that most seriously grieves me, and that I would gain the opposing virtue of (_____).

 

Hymn to the Theotokos

More honorable than the cherubim,
And More glorious beyond compare
than the seraphim,
Thou who without stain barest God the Word,
And art truly Theotokos, we magnify thee.

Dismissal

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

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.

People: Amen.

A special reading from the lives of the Saints may be read here.

How shall I praise thee, O Lord?
For naught that I might say,
Nor aught that I may do,
Compareth to thy worth.
Thou art the Father for whom every fatherhood in Heaven and on earth is named,
The Glory for whom all glory is named,
The Treasure for whom treasures are named,
The Light for whom all light is named,
The Love for whom all love is named,
The Eternal by whom all may glimpse eternity,
The Being by whom all beings exist,
יהוה
Ο ΩΝ.
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords,
Who art eternally praised,
Who art all that thou canst be,
Greater than aught else that may be thought,
Greater than can be thought.
In thee is light,
In thee is honour,
In thee is mercy,
In thee is wisdom, and praise, and every good thing.
For good itself is named after thee,
God immeasurable, immortal, eternal, ever glorious, and humble.
What mighteth compare to thee?
What praise equalleth thee?
If I be fearfully and wonderfully made,
Only can it be,
Wherewith thou art fearful and wonderful,
And ten thousand things besides,
Thou who art One,
Eternally beyond time,
So wholly One,
That thou mayest be called infinite,
Timeless beyond time thou art,
The One who is greater than infinity art thou.
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
The Three who are One,
No more bound by numbers than by word,
And yet the Son is called Ο ΛΟΓΟΣ,
The Word,
Divine ordering Reason,
Eternal Light and Cosmic Word,
Way pre-eminent of all things,
Beyond all, and infinitesimally close,
Thou transcendest transcendence itself,
The Creator entered into his Creation,
Sharing with us humble glory,
Lowered by love,
Raised to the highest,
The Suffering Servant known,
The King of Glory,
Ο ΩΝ.
What tongue mighteth sing of thee?
What noetic heart mighteth know thee,
With the knowledge that drinketh,
The drinking that knoweth,
Of the νους,
The loving, enlightened spiritual eye,
By which we may share the knowing,
Of divinised men joining rank on rank of angels.
Thou art,
The Hidden Transcendent God who transcendest transcendence itself,
The One God who transfigurest Creation,
The Son of God became a Man that men might become the sons of God,
The divine became man that man mighteth become divine.
Beyond measure is thy glory,
The weight of thy power transcendeth,
Thy power of thine all-surpassing authority bespeaketh,
And yet art thou,
Not in fire, not earthquake,
Not wind great as maelstrom,
But in soft gentle whisper,
Thy prophets wait upon thee,
For thy silence is more deafening than thunder,
Thine weakness stronger than the strength of men,
Thy humility surpassingly far exceedeth men's covetous thirst for glory,
Thou who hidst in a manger,
Treasure vaster than the Heavens,
And who offerest us glory,
In those things of our lives,
That seem humble to us,
As a manger rude in a cavern stable.
Thou Christ God, manifest among Creation,
Vine, lamb, and our daily bread,
Tabernacled among us who may taste thy glory,
Art come the priest on high to offer thy Creation up into Heaven,
Sanctified,
Transfigured,
Deified.
Wert thou a lesser god,
Numerically one as a creature is one,
Only one by an accident,
Naught more,
Then thou couldst not deify thine own creation,
Whilst remaining the only one god.
But thou art beyond all thought,
All word, all being,
We may say that thou existest,
But then we must say,
Thou art, I am not.
And if we say that we exist,
It is inadequate to say that thou existest,
For thou art the source of all being,
And beyond our being;
Thou art the source of all mind, wisdom, and reason,
Yet it is a fundamental error to imagine thee,
To think and reason in the mode of mankind.
Thou art not one god because there happeneth not more,
Thou art The One God because there mighteth not be another beside thee.
Thus thou spakest to Moses,
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Which is to say,
Thou shalt admit no other gods to my presence.
And there can be no other god beside thee,
So deep and full is this truth,
That thy Trinity mighteth take naught from thine Oneness,
Nor could it be another alongside thy divine Oneness,
If this God became man,
That man become god.
Great art thou,
Greater than aught that can be thought,
And thus dealest thou,
With thy Creation.
For thou camest into the world,
O Christ,
Thy glory veiled,
But a few could see thy glory,
In a seed.
But thou returnest soon,
In years, or centuries, or ages untold,
A day or a thousand years, soon,
Then a seed no more.
None shall escape seeing you,
Not an angel choir to shepherds alone,
But rank on rank of angel host.
Every eye shall see thee,
And they also which pierced thee,
Thou camest and a few knees bowed,
Thou wilt return,
And every knee shall bow,
And every tongue shall confess,
Jesus Christ is Lord,
To the glory of God the Father,
As the Father triumphs in the Son.
Who mighteth tell of thy glory, thy might?
We hope for Heaven yet,
Yet the Heavens cannot contain thee.
Great art Ο ΩΝ,
And greatly to be praised.
Thou art awesome beyond all gods,
Who sayest,
Wound not my christs.
For the Son of God became the Son of Man,
That the sons of man might become the sons of God,
And the divine image,
The ancient and glorious foundation,
And radix of mankind,
Be transfigured,
Into the likeness of Christ,
And shine with uncreated Light,
The glory of God shining through his sons.
Let our spiritual eye be ever transfixed upon thine eternal radiant glory,
Our hearts ever seeking thy luminous splendour,
Ever questing,
Ever sated,
Slaked by the greatest of draughts,
Which inflameth thirst.
Glorified art thou,
In all ages,
In every age,
Thy soft, gentle whisper,
Speaking life,
In every here and now,
And today.
Let us give our lives,
To thine all-surpassing greatness,
From this day,
From this hour,
Henceforth and forevermore.
Αμην,
So be it. Amen.

With what words
shall I hymn the Lord of Heaven and Earth,
the Creator of all things visible and invisible?
Shall I indeed meditate
on the beauty of his Creation?
As I pray to Thee, Lord,
what words shall I use,
and how shall I render Thee praise?
Shall I thank thee for the living tapestry,
oak and maple and ivy and grass,
that I see before me
as I go to return to Thee at Church?
Shall I thank Thee for Zappy,
and for her long life—
eighteen years old and still catching mice?
Shall I thank thee for her tiger stripes,
the color of pepper?
Shall I thank thee for her kindness,
and the warmth of her purr?
Shall I thank Thee for a starry sapphire orb
hung with a million million diamonds, where
"The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims the work of his hands.
Day to day utters speech,
and night to night proclaims knowledge.
There are no speeches or words,
in which their voices are not heard.
Their voice is gone out into all the earth,
and their words to the end of the earth.
In the sun he has set his tabernacle;
and he comes forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber:
he will exult as a giant to run his course."?
Shall I thank Thee for the river of time,
now flowing quickly,
now flowing slowly,
now narrow,
now deep,
now flowing straight and clear,
now swirling in eddies that dance?
Shall I thank Thee for the hymns and songs,
the chant at Church, when we praise Thee in the head of Creation, the vanguard of Creation that has come from Thee in Thy splendor and to Thee returns in reverence?
Shall I thank thee for the Chalice:
an image,
an icon,
a shadow of,
a participation in,
a re-embodiment of,
the Holy Grail?
Shall I forget how the Holy Grail itself
is but the shadow,
the impact,
the golden surface reflecting the light,
secondary reflection to the primeval Light,
the wrapping paper that disintegrates next to the Gift it holds:
that which is
mystically and really
the body and the blood of Christ:
the family of saints
for me to be united to,
and the divine Life?
Shall I meditate
on how I am fed
by the divine generosity
and the divine gift
of the divine energies?
Shall I thank Thee for a stew I am making,
or for a body nourished by food?
Shall I indeed muse that there is
nothing else I could be nourished by,
for spaghetti and bread and beer
are from a whole cosmos
illuminated by the divine Light,
a candle next to the sun,
a beeswax candle,
where the sun's energy filters through plants
and the work of bees
and the work of men
to deliver light and energy from the sun,
and as candle to sun,
so too is the bread of earth
to the Bread that came from Heaven,
the work of plants and men,
the firstfruits of Earth
returned to Heaven,
that they may become
the firstfruits of Heaven
returned to earth?
Shall I muse on the royal "we,"
where the kings and queens
said not of themselves"I", but "we"
while Christians are called to say "we"
and learn that the "I" is to be transformed,
made luminous,
scintillating,
when we move beyond "Me, me, me,"
to learn to say, "we"?
And the royal priesthood is one in which we are called to be
a royal priesthood,
a chosen people,
more than conquerors,
a Church of God's eclecticism,
made divine,
a family of little Christs,
sons to God and brothers to Christ,
the ornament of the visible Creation,
of rocks and trees and stars and seas,
and the spiritual Creation as well:
seraphim, cherubim, thrones
dominions, principalities, authorities,
powers, archangels, angels,
rank on rank of angels,
singing before the presence of God,
and without whom no one can plumb the depths
of the world that can be seen and touched.
For to which of the angels did God say,
"You make my Creation complete," or
"My whole Creation, visible and invisible,
is encapsulated in you,
summed up in your human race?"
To which of the angels
did the divine Word say,
"I am become what you are
that you may become what I am?"
To which of the angels did the Light say,
"Thou art my Son; today I have adopted Thee,"
and then turn to say,
"You are my sons; today I have adopted you;
because I AM WHO I AM,
you are who you are."?
So I am called to learn to say, "we",
and when we learn to say we,
that "we" means,
a royal priesthood,
a chosen people,
more than conquerors,
a Church of God's eclecticism,
a family of little Christs,
made divine,
the ornament of Creation, visible and invisible,
called to lead the whole Creation
loved into being by God,
to be in love
that to God they may return.
And when we worship thus,
it cannot be only us, for
apples and alligators,
boulders and bears,
creeks and crystals,
dolphins and dragonflies,
eggplants and emeralds,
fog and furballs,
galaxies and grapes,
horses and habaneros,
ice and icicles,
jacinth and jade,
kangaroos and knots,
lightning and light,
meadows and mist,
nebulas and neutrons,
oaks and octupi,
porcupines and petunias,
quails and quarks,
rocks and rivers,
skies and seas,
toads and trees,
ukeleles and umber umbrellas,
wine and weirs,
xylophones and X-rays,
yuccas and yaks,
zebras and zebrawood,
are all called to join us before Thy throne
in the Divine Liturgy:
Praise ye the Lord.
Praise ye the Lord from the heavens:
praise him in the heights.
Praise ye him, all his angels:
praise ye him, all his hosts.
Praise ye him, sun and moon:
praise him, all ye stars of light.
Praise him, ye heavens of heavens,
and ye waters that be above the heavens.
Let them praise the name of the Lord:
for he commanded, and they were created.
He hath also stablished them for ever and ever:
he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
Fire, and hail; snow, and vapours;
stormy wind fulfilling his word:
Mountains, and all hills;
fruitful trees, and all cedars:
Beasts, and all cattle;
creeping things, and flying fowl:
Kings of the earth, and all people;
princes, and all judges of the earth:
Both young men, and maidens;
old men, and children:
Let them praise the name of the Lord:
for his name alone is excellent;
his glory is above the earth and heaven.
He also exalteth the horn of his people,
the praise of all his saints;
even of the children of Israel,
a people near unto him.
Praise ye the Lord.
How can we know Christ
as the bridge between God and mankind
if we forget Christ
as the bridge between God
and his whole Creation?
Can a wedge come between the two?
Shall we understand the human mind
without needing to know of the body?
Shall we worship in liturgy at Church
without letting it create a life of worship?
Shall we say, "Let them eat cake?"
of those who lack bread?
No more can we understand Christ
as saving "Me, me, me!"
but not the whole cosmos,
of which we are head, yes,
but of which he is the greatest Head.
On what day do we proclaim:
As the prophets beheld,
as the Apostles have taught,
as the Church has received,
as the teachers have dogmatized,
as the Universe has agreed,
as Grace has shown forth,
as Truth has revealed,
as falsehood has been dissolved,
as Wisdom has presented,
as Christ awarded...
thus we declare,
thus we assert,
thus we preach
Christ our true God,
and honor as Saints
in words,
in writings,
in thoughts,
in sacrifices,
in churches,
in Holy Icons;
on the one hand
worshipping and reverencing
Christ as God and Lord,
and on the other hand
honoring as true servants
of the same Lord of all
and accordingly offering them
veneration... [Then louder!]
This is the Faith of the Apostles,
this is the Faith of the Fathers,
this is the Faith of the Orthodox,
this is the Faith which has established the Universe.
Is it not the day
when we celebrate the restored icons,
because Christ became not only a human spirit,
but became man,
entering the Creation,
the Word become matter,
taking on himself all that that entails.
And all that that entails
means that Christ became matter
and that matter is to be
glorified in his triumph,
the same Christ
whose physical body was transfigured
and shone with the Light of Heaven itself
and this was not an opposite
of what is to be normal
but rather transformed what is normal
so that our embodiment is to be our glory.
And this Christ,
who lived as a particular man,
in a particular place,
honored every time and place,
as the Nobel Prize for physics
honors not simply one chosen physicist per year,
but in its spirit
honors the whole enterprise of physics.
When Christ entered a here and now,
he honored every here and now,
and the Sunday of the restoration of icons
is not "The Sunday of Icons"
but
"The Sunday of Orthodoxy."
Christ was not a "generic" man
with no real time or place.
Christ entered a here and now
and his saints entered a here and now
and if he became what we are,
that we might become what he is,
the divine become human
that the human might become divine,
then if we are not to divide the Christ,
or truncate the Christ,
then his victory extends
to spirit shining through matter
in icons.
How can we praise Thee for this, O Lord?
Is not it all born up
in the scandal of the particular,
and we remember the woman in whom Heaven and Earth met,
who cannot be separated from the Church,
nor from the Cosmos,
to whom we sing
with the beauty of Creation?
Shall we recall his work in Creation
in the song to the woman
in whom Heaven and Earth met?
I shall open my mouth,
and the Spirit will inspire it,
and I shall utter the words of my song
to the Queen and Mother:
I shall be seen radiantly keeping
feast and joyfully praising her wonders.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Beholding thee,
the living book of Christ,
sealed by the Spirit,
the great archangel exclaimed to thee,
O pure one:
Rejoice, vessel of joy,
through which the curse
of the first mother is annulled.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, Virgin bride of God,
restoration of Adam and death of hell.
Rejoice, all-immaculate one,
palace of the King of all.
Rejoice, fiery throne of the Almighty.
Glory to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, O thou who alone
hast blossomed forth the unfading Rose.
Rejoice, for thou hast borne the fragrant Apple.
Rejoice, Maiden unwedded,
the pure fragrance of the only King,
and preservation of the world.
Both now and ever,
and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
Rejoice, treasure-house of purity,
by which we have risen from our fall.
Rejoice, sweet-smelling lily
which perfumeth the faithful,
fragrant incense and most precious myrrh.
O Mother of God,
thou living and plentiful fount,
give strength to those
united in spiritual fellowship,
who sing hymns of praise to thee:
and in thy divine glory
vouchsafe unto them crowns of glory.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
From thee, the untilled field,
hath grown the divine Ear of grain.
Rejoice, living table
that hath held the Bread of Life.
Rejoice, O Lady, never-failing
spring of the Living Water.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O Heifer that barest the unblemished Calf
for the faithful, rejoice,
Ewe that hast brought forth the lamb of God
Who taketh away the sins of all the world.
Rejoice, ardent mercy-seat.
Glory to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice brightest dawn,
who alone barest Christ the Sun.
Rejoice, dwelling-place of Light,
who hast dispersed darkness
and utterly driven away
the gloomy demons.
Both now, and ever,
and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice, only door through
which the Word alone hath passed.
By thy birthgiving, O Lady,
thou hast broken the bars and gates of hell.
Rejoice, Bride of God,
divine entry of the saved.
He who sitteth in glory
upon the throne of the Godhead,
Jesus the true God,
is come in a swift cloud
and with His sinless hands
he hath saved those who cry:
Glory to Thy power, O Christ.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
With voices of song in faith
we cry aloud to thee,
who art worthy of all praise:
Rejoice, butter mountain,
mountain curdled by the Spirit.
Rejoice, candlestick and vessel of manna,
which sweeteneth the senses of all the pious.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, mercy-seat of the world,
most pure Lady.
Rejoice, ladder raising all men
from the earth by grace.
Rejoice, bridge that in very truth
hast led from death to life
all those that hymn thee.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, most pure one,
higher than the heavens,
who didst painlessly carry within thy womb
the Fountain of the earth.
Rejoice, sea-shell that with thy
blood didst dye a divine purple robe
for the King of Hosts.
Glory to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
Rejoice, Lady who in truth
didst give birth to the lawgiver,
Who freely washed clean
the iniquities of all.
O Maiden who hast not known wedlock,
unfathomable depth, unutterable height,
by whom we have been deified.
Both now, and ever,
and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
Praising thee who hast woven
for the world a Crown
not made by hand of man,
we cry to thee:
Rejoice, O Virgin,
the guardian of all men,
fortress and stronghold and sacred refuge.
The whole world was amazed
at thy divine glory:
for thou, O Virgin
who hast not known wedlock,
hast held in thy womb
the God of all
and hast given birth
to an eternal Son,
who rewards with salvation
all who sing thy praises.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, most immaculate one,
who gavest birth to the Way of life,
and who savedst the world
from the flood of sin.
Rejoice, Bride of God, tidings
fearful to tell and hear.
Rejoice, dwelling-place of the Master
of all creation.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, most pure one,
the strength and fortress of men,
sanctuary of glory,
the death of hell,
all-radiant bridal chamber.
Rejoice, joy of angels.
Rejoice, helper of them
that pray to thee with faith.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, O Lady,
fiery chariot of the Word,
living paradise,
having in thy midst
the Tree of Life,
the Lord of Life,
Whose sweetness vivifieth
all who partake of Him
with faith, though they
have been subject to corruption.
Glory to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
Strengthened by thy might,
we raise our cry
to thee with faith:
Rejoice, city of the King of all,
of which things glorious and worthy to be heard
were clearly spoken.
Rejoice, unhewn mountain,
unfathomed depth.
Both now, and ever,
and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
Rejoice, most pure one,
spacious tabernacle of the Word,
shell which produced
the divine Pearl.
Rejoice, all-wondrous Theotokos,
who dost reconcile with God
all who ever call thee blessed.
As we celebrate this sacred
and solemn feast
of the Mother of God,
let us come, clapping our hands,
O people of the Lord,
and give glory to God who
was born of her.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
O undefiled bridal chamber of the Word,
cause of deification for all,
rejoice, all honorable preaching
of the prophet;
rejoice, adornment of the apostles.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
From thee hath come
the Dew that quenched
the flame of idolatry;
therefore, we cry to thee:
Rejoice, living fleece wet
with dew,
which Gideon saw of old,
O Virgin.
Glory to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
Behold, to thee, O Virgin,
we cry: Rejoice!
Be thou the port and a haven
for all that sail
upon the troubled waters of affliction,
amidst all the snares of the enemy.
Both now, and ever,
and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
Thou cause of joy,
endue our thoughts with grace,
that we may cry to thee:
Rejoice, unconsumed bush,
cloud of light
that unceasingly overshadowest the faithful.
The holy children
bravely trampled upon the threatening fire,
refusing to worship created things
in place of the Creator,
and they sang in joy:
'Blessed art Thou and
praised above all,
O Lord God of our Fathers.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
We sing of thee, saying aloud:
Rejoice, chariot of the noetic Sun;
true vine, that hast produced ripe grapes,
from which floweth a wine making glad
the souls of them that in faith glorify thee.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, Bride of God,
who gavest birth
to the Healer of all;
mystical staff,
that didst blossom with the unfading Flower.
Rejoice, O Lady,
through whom we are filled
with joy and inherit life.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
No tongue, however eloquent,
hath power to sing thy praises, O Lady;
for above the seraphim art thou exalted,
who gavest birth to Christ the King,
Whom do thou beseech
to deliver from all harm
those that venerate thee in faith.
Glory to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
The ends of the earth
praise thee and call thee blessed,
and they cry to thee
with love:
Rejoice, pure scroll,
upon which the Word was written
by the finger of the Father.
Do thou beseech Him
to inscribe thy servants
in the book of life, O Theotokos.
Both now, and ever,
and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
We thy servants pray to thee
and bend the knees of our hearts:
Incline thine ear, O pure one;
save thy servants who are always sinking,
and preserve thy city
from every enemy captivity, O Theotokos.
The Offspring of the Theotokos
saved the holy children in the furnace.
He who was then prefigured
hath since been born on earth,
and he gathers all the creation to sing:
O all ye works of the Lord,
praise ye the Lord and exalt Him
above all for ever.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Within thy womb
thou hast received the Word;
thou hast carried Him who carrieth all;
O pure one, thou hast fed with milk
Him Who by His beck feedeth the whole world.
To Him we sing:
Sing to the Lord,
all ye His works,
and supremely exalt
Him unto the ages.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Moses perceived in the burning bush
the great mystery of thy childbearing,
while the youths clearly prefigured it
as they stood in the midst of the fire
and were not burnt,
O Virgin pure and inviolate.
Therefore do we hymn thee
and supremely exalt thee unto the ages.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
We who once through falsehood
were stripped naked,
have by thy childbearing been clothed
in the robe of incorruption;
and we who once sat in the darkness of sin
have seen the light, O Maiden,
dwelling-place of Light.
Therefore do we hymn thee
and supremely exalt thee unto the ages.
Glory to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
Through thee the dead are brought to life,
for thou hast borne the Hypostatic Life.
They who once were mute
are now made to speak well;
lepers are cleansed,
diseases are driven out,
the hosts of the spirits of the air are conquered,
O Virgin, the salvation of men.
Both now, and ever,
and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
Thou didst bear the salvation of the world,
O pure one, and through thee we
were lifted from earth to heaven.
Rejoice, all-blessed, protection and strength,
rampart and fortress of those who sing:
O all ye works of the Lord,
praise ye the Lord
and supremely exalt Him unto the ages.
Let every mortal born on earth,
radiant with light,
in spirit leap for joy;
and let the host of the angelic powers
celebrate and honor the holy feast
of the Mother of God, and let them cry:
Rejoice! Pure and blessed Ever-Virgin,
who gavest birth to God.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Let us, the faithful, call to thee:
Rejoice! Through thee, O Maiden, we have
become partakers of everlasting joy.
Save us from temptations, from barbarian
captivity, and from every other injury
that befalleth sinful men
because of the multitude of their transgressions.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou hast appeared as our
enlightenment and confirmation;
wherefore, we cry to thee:
Rejoice, never-setting star
that bringest into the world
the great Sun. Rejoice, pure Virgin
that didst open the closed Eden.
Rejoice, pillar of fire,
leading mankind to a higher life.
Most holy Theotokos, save us.
Let us stand with reverence
in the house of our God,
and let us cry aloud:
Rejoice, Mistress of the world.
Rejoice, Mary, Lady of us all.
Rejoice, thou who alone art immaculate
and fair among women.
Rejoice, vessel that receivedst
the inexhaustible myrrh poured out on thee.
Glory to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou dove that hast borne the Merciful One,
rejoice, ever-virgin!
Rejoice, glory of all the saints.
Rejoice, crown of martyrs.
Rejoice, divine adornment
of all the righteous
and salvation of us the faithful.
Both now, and ever,
and unto the ages of ages.
Amen.
Spare Thine inheritance, O God,
and pass over all our sins now,
for as intercessor in Thy sight,
O Christ, Thou hast her that on earth
gave birth to Thee without seed,
when in Thy great mercy
Thou didst will to take the form of man.
To Thee, the Champion Leader,
we Thy servants dedicate
a feast of victory and of thanksgiving
as ones rescued out of sufferings,
O Theotokos:
but as Thou art one with might which is invincible,
from all dangers that can be
do Thou deliver us,
that we may cry to Thee:
Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded!
To her is sung:
More honorable than the cherubim,
and more glorious beyond compare than the seraphim,
thou baredst God the Word.
True Mother of God,
we magnify thee.
Shall we praise thee
for the beauty of a woman
with a child in her arms,
or a child nestled in her womb?
Mary is the one whose womb
contained the uncontainable God.
When that happened,
she gave him his humanity,
and there was an exchange of gifts.
Once you understand this exchange,
it changes everything.
She gave him
his humanity.
He gave her
grace,
the divine life,
as none before her
and none after.
The cherubim and seraphim are the highest ranks of angels.
'Seraph' means fiery one
and they stand most immediately in God's presence.
What is this fire?
Is it literal heat from a real fire?
Or is it something deeper,
something more fire-like than fire itself?
Would not someone who understood the seraphim
as the highest angels,
angels that burn,
would instead ask if our "real" fires
are truly real?
Is it emotion?
Or is it not "emotion"
as we understand the term,
as "deep love"
is not "hypocritical politeness"
as we understand the term?
Or yet still more alien?
Is there anything in our visible Creation
that can explain this?
If a man were to be exposed to this fire,
and he were not destroyed that instant,
he would throw himself into burning glass
to cool himself.
And yet an instant
of direct touch with God the Father,
were that even possible,
would incinerate the seraphim.
Then how can we approach God?
The bridge between Heaven and Earth:
the Word by which the Father is known,
the perfect visible image of the invisible God,
who has become part of his Creation.
When we look at the Christ, the Bridge,
and see the perfect image of God,
God looks at Christ, the Bridge,
and sees the perfect image
of mankind
and not merely mankind,
but inseparably the whole Creation.
How shall we worship the Father,
fire beyond fire beyond fire?
How shall we worship God,
holy, holy, holy?
It is a mystery.
It is impossible.
And yet it happens
in one who was
absolutely God and absolutely man,
and one who is
absolutely God and absolutely man,
bringing Heaven down to Earth,
sharing our humanity
that we might share in his divinity,
and bring Heaven down to Earth,
that Earth may be brought up to Heaven.
There is a mystic likeness
between
Mary, the Mother of God,
the Church,
and the world,
feminine beauty
created, headed, and served
by a masculine revealed God
whom no one can measure.
His Light is incomparably more glorious;
we can know the energies from God
but never know God's essence,
and yet to ask that question is
the wrong way of looking at it.
It is like asking,
"Which would you choose:
Compassion for your neighbor or common decency,
Being a good communicator or using language well,
Living simply or not wasting electricity?"
Christ and the Church are one,
a single organism,
and in that organism,
the rule is one unified organism,
not two enemies fighting for the upper hand.
I am one of the faithful,
and the clergy are not clergy at my expense.
We are one organism.
The Gift of the Eucharist does not happen,
except that it be celebrated by a priest,
and except that the people say, "Amen!"
The Church in its fullness is present
where at least one bishop or priest is found,
and at least one faithful—
and without the faithful,
the clergy are not fully the Church.
The "official" priest is priest,
not instead of a priestly call among the faithful,
but precisely as the crystallization of a priesthood in which
there is no male nor female,
red nor yellow nor black nor white,
rich nor poor, but Christ is all,
and is in all, with no first or second class faithful.
Every Orthodox,
every Christian,
every person
is called to be
part of a single united organism,
a royal priesthood,
a chosen people,
more than conquerors,
a Church of God's eclecticism,
made divine
a family of little Christs,
sons to God and brothers to Christ,
the ornament of Creation, visible and invisible,
called to lead the whole Creation
loved into being by God,
to be in love
that to God they may return.
So what can we do,
save to give thanks
for rocks and trees,
stars and seas,
pencils and pine trees,
man and beast,
faces and embraces,
solitude and community,
symphonies and sandcastles,
language and listening,
ivy vines and ivy league,
cultures and clues,
incense and inspiration,
song and chant,
the beauty of nature
and the nature of beauty,
the good, the true, and the beautiful,
healing of soul and body,
the spiritual struggle,
repentance from sin
and the freedom it brings,
and a path to walk, a Way,
one that we will never exhaust—
what can we do
but bow down in worship?
Glory be
to the Father,
and the Son,
and the Holy Spirit,
both now and ever,
and to the ages of ages.
Amen.

Glory,
Wonder,
World without end.
World without end:
Have I sought Thee,
When I fled afar off from Thee,
Thou alone whose Glory slaketh thirst,
World without end?
To Thee belongeth worship,
To Thee belongeth praise,
To Thee belongeth glory,
To the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
Why am I athirst,
I who seek water any place,
But from Thine own hand?
Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him,
Shall never thirst;
But the water that I shall give him,
Shall be in him a well of water,
Springing up into everlasting life.
I seek my glory,
In thinly gilt traps,
And turn my back,
On the unadorned portals,
Through which Thou hast glorified me,
Ever seeking my glory,
While forbidding me to quest,
For my glory along accursed routes.
For we have committed two evils:
We have forsaken Thee,
The fountain of living waters,
And hewed ourselves out cisterns,
Broken cisterns that can hold no water.
We have committed this evil;
I must repent of it.
Glory and wonder, majesty and power,
Thou forbiddest us to seek our own glory,
That Thou mightest rightly glorify us,
With the maximum glory that could ever be ours.
Glory, glory, glory:
Glory surroundeth thee—
And drencheth those who humbly seek,
Thine own glory to magnify.
No man who seeketh,
Thine own glory to magnify,
Can far pursue his quest,
Before an invisible trickle comes before thy Throne,
And drencheth him,
In the glory he seeketh not,
Not for himself.
After this I looked, and,
Behold, a door was opened in heaven:
And the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet,
Talking with me;
Which said,
Come up hither,
And I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
And immediately I was in the spirit:
And, behold, a throne was set in heaven,
And one sat on the throne.
And he that sat was to look upon,
Like a jasper and a sardine stone:
And there was a rainbow round about the throne,
In sight like unto an emerald.
And round about the throne were four and twenty seats:
And upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting,
Clothed in white raiment;
And they had on their heads crowns of gold.
And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices:
And there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne,
Which are the seven Spirits of God.
And before the throne,
There was a sea of glass like unto crystal:
And in the midst of the throne,
And round about the throne,
Were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.
And the first beast was like a lion,
And the second beast like a calf,
And the third beast had a face as a man,
And the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.
And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him;
And they were full of eyes within:
And they rest not day and night, saying,
"Holy, holy, holy,
LORD God Almighty,
Which was, and is, and is to come."
And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks
To him that sat on the throne,
Who liveth for ever and ever,
The four and twenty elders,
Fall down before him that sat on the throne,
And worship him that liveth for ever and ever,
And cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power:
for thou hast created all things,
and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
There is more glory in Heaven and earth,
Than I ever dream of in my grasping:
Honor,
Majesty,
Glory,
Praise.
Let me seek this Thy glory,
And leave to Thee the seeking of mine own glory.
Thou hast said,
The greater thou art,
The more humble thyself,
And thou shalt find favour before the Lord.
Wonder.
Glory.
Help me forsake the quest,
To slake my thirst for mine own glory,
That thou mightest slake my thirst,
With a draught that infinitely eclipseth,
Such things as I have grasped.
Eye hath not seen,
Nor ear heard,
Neither have entered into the heart of man,
The things which God hath prepared for them that love Him,
Things that begin in this here and now,
In ways beyond human reckoning.
Eye hath not seen,
Nor ear heard,
Neither have entered into the heart of man,
The things which God hath prepared for them that love Him,
The eternity that is here now,
That which was from the beginning,
Which we have heard and still rings in our ears,
Which we have seen with our eyes and can still see how it looks,
Which we have looked upon,
Which we have touched with our very own hands,
Of the Word of God:
The Lord is King!
He hath clothed Himself in glory!

Trinitarian doxolog
Among Christian traditions a doxology is typically an expression of praise sung to the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It is common in high hymns for the final stanza to take the form of a doxology. Doxologies occur in the Eucharistic prayers, the Liturgy of the Hours, hymns and various Catholic devotions such as novenas and the Rosary.
Gloria Patri
The Gloria Patri, so named for its Latin incipit, is commonly used as a doxology by Roman Catholics, Old Catholics, Independent Catholics, Orthodox, Anglicans, and many Protestants including Presbyterians, Lutherans, Methodists, Disciples of Christ and Reformed Baptists. It is called the "Lesser Doxology", thus distinguished from the "Great Doxology" (Gloria in Excelsis Deo), and is often called simply "the doxology". As well as praising God, it was regarded as a short declaration of faith in the equality of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity.
The Latin text,
Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen.
is literally translated
Glory [be] to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, and now, and always, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
"In saecula saeculorum", here rendered "ages of ages", is the translation of what was probably a Semitic idiom, via Koine Greek, meaning "forever." It is also rendered "world without end" in English, an expression also used in James I's Authorised Version of the Bible in Ephesians 3:21 and Isaiah 45:17. Similarly, "et semper" is often rendered "and ever shall be", thus giving the more metrical English version,
... As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
A common version of the Liturgy of the Hours, as approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, uses a newer, different translation for the Latin:
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.
The most commonly encountered Orthodox English version:
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now, and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen
The modern Anglican version found in Common Worship is slightly different, and is rooted in the aforementioned translations found in the Authorised Version:
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow"
Main article: Old 100th
Another doxology in widespread use in English, in some Protestant traditions commonly referred to simply as The Doxology or The Common Doxology,5%B%[5] begins "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow". The words are thus:
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
These words were written in 1674 by Thomas Ken[6] as the final verse of two hymns, "Awake, my soul, and with the sun"7%B%[7] and "Glory to thee, my God, this night,"8%B%[8] intended for morning and evening worship at Winchester College. This final verse, separated from its proper hymns and sung to the tune "Old 100th", "Duke Street", "Lasst uns erfreuen", "The Eighth Tune" by Thomas Tallis, among others, frequently marks the dedication of alms or offerings at Sunday worship. Many Mennonite congregations sing a longer and more embellished setting of this text known as "Dedication Anthem" by Samuel Stanley.9%B%[9] In Mennonite circles, this doxology is commonly known as "606" for its hymn number in The Mennonite Hymnal [1969], and colloquially known as the "Mennonite National Anthem." Students at Goshen College stand and sing the doxology when 6:06 remains in a soccer game—as long as Goshen is winning the game.[10][dead link]
Some Christian denominations have adopted altered versions of the Doxology in the interest of inclusive language or other considerations. Some Disciples of Christ congregations eliminate the masculine pronouns. Some denominations, such as the Anglican Church of Canada (Common Praise), the United Church of Canada (Voices United), and the United Church of Christ (New Century Hymnal), replace "heavenly host" with a reference to God's love. The United Church of Christ version reads:
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God for all that love has done;
Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One.
Eucharistic doxology
The Eucharistic Doxology in a stained glass window of St. James' in Glenbeigh
In the Catholic Mass a prose doxology concludes the eucharistic prayer, preceding the Our Father. It is typically sung by the presiding priest along with any concelebrating priests. The Latin text reads:
Per ipsum, et cum ipso, et in ipso, est tibi Deo Patri omnipotenti in unitate Spiritus Sancti, omnis honor et gloria per omnia saecula saeculorum. Amen. (Through him, and with him, and in him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, forever and ever. Amen.)
The equivalent passage in the Book of Common Prayer (1549) of the Church of England reads:
By whom and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father almighty, world without end. Amen.
Lord's Prayer doxology
Another familiar doxology is the one often added at the end of the Lord's Prayer: "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever, Amen." This is found in manuscripts representative of the Byzantine text of 6%:Matthew 6:13, but not in the manuscripts considered by Catholics to be the most reliable. According to Scrivener's "Supplement to the Authorized English version of New Testament", it is omitted by eight out of 500 or so manuscripts. Some scholars do not consider it part of the original text of Matthew, and modern translations do not include it, mentioning it only in footnotes. The same doxology, in the form "For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and for ever", is used in the Roman Rite of the Mass, after the Embolism. The Catholic Encyclopedia (1914) claims that this doxology "appears in the Greek textus receptus and has been adopted in the later editions of the Book of Common Prayer, [and] is undoubtedly an interpolation."
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this doxology takes up "the first three petitions to our Father: the glorification of his name, the coming of his reign, and the power of his saving will. But these prayers are now proclaimed as adoration and thanksgiving, as in the liturgy of heaven. The ruler of this world has mendaciously attributed to himself the three titles of kingship, power, and glory. Christ, the Lord, restores them to his Father and our Father, until he hands over the kingdom to him when the mystery of salvation will be brought to its completion and God will be all in all."[11]
Other doxologies
In the Epistle of Jude, the last two verses (24 and 25) are considered to be a doxology and used by many Protestant Christians, especially in public worship settings:
"Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." (KJV)
At Matins, Orthodox worship specifies a Great Doxology for feast days and a Small Doxology for ordinary days. (Both include the Gospel doxology Gloria in Excelsis of the angel's (Luke 2:14): "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill among men.") A substantial portion of this doxology comprises the prayer Gloria in excelsis of the Roman Catholic mass.
In Unitarian Universalism, "the Doxology" refers to Curtis W. Reese's adaptation of "From all that dwell below the skies", an 18th-century paraphrase of Psalm 117 by Isaac Watts:
"From all that dwell below the skies
let songs of hope and faith arise; (Or, alternatively, let faith and hope with love arise)
let peace, goodwill on earth be sung (Or let beauty, truth and good be sung)
through every land, by every tongue." (Or in every land, in every tongue.)
Sung to the tune of Old 100th, it occupies a place in a Unitarian service that would be filled by a Christian doxology in a Christian service.
A popular doxology in Pentecostal churches is "Praise Him, Praise Him", written in the 1980s:
"Praise Him, praise Him, praise Him, Praise Him;
Bless His name, for He's worthy to be praised.
Jesus is worthy, O, Jesus is worthy to be praised;
Praise Him, praise Him, praise Him, Praise Him;
Bless His name, for He's worthy to be praised."
In the Iglesia ni Cristo, the Doxology is sung before the Benediction and Concluding Rites during worship services. It reads:

Tagalog Approved English version   
"Purihin natin ang Amá; "Praise God, our Father up above;   
Mabuhay sa pag-ibig ng Anák; Proclaim the love of His beloved Son;   
Taglayín ang Espíritung Banál; Receive the Holy Spirit's gift;   
Ang Diós ay lagì nating Sambahín. Forever worship our Almighty God.   
Amen" Amen" 
Derivations
Because some Christian worship services include a doxology, and these hymns therefore were familiar and well-practiced among church choirs, the English word sockdolager arose, a deformation of doxology, which came to mean a "show-stopper", a production number.[citation needed] The Oxford English Dictionary considers it a "fanciful" coinage, but an 1893 speculation reported in the Chicago Tribune as to the origin of the word as one of its early attestations:
A writer in the March Atlantic gives this as the origin of the slang word "socdollager", which was current some time ago. "Socdollager" was the uneducated man's transposition of "doxologer", which was the familiar New England rendering of "doxology". This was the Puritan term for the verse ascription used at the conclusion of every hymn, like the "Gloria", at the end of a chanted psalm. On doctrinal grounds it was proper for the whole congregation to join in the singing, so that it became a triumphant winding up of the whole act of worship. Thus is happened that "socdollager" became the term for anything which left nothing else to follow; a decisive, overwhelming finish, to which no reply was possible.

LITURGICAL TEXTS 4 - PRAYERS AND OCCASIONAL SERVICES

An Akathist in Praise of God's Creation
Metropolitan Tryphon (Turkestanov),1934

Kontakion 1
Incorruptible Lord, your right hand controls the whole course of human life, according to the decrees of your Providence for our salvation.
We give you thanks for all your blessings, known and unknown: for our earthly life and for the heavenly joys of your kingdom which is to come. Henceforth extend your mercies towards us as we sing: Glory to you, O God, from age to age!

Ikos 1
I was born a weak, defenceless child, but your angel, spreading his radiant wings, guarded my cradle. From my birth, your love has illumined my paths, and has wondrously guided me towards the light ofeternity. From my first day until now, the generous gifts ofyour providence have been wonderfully showered upon me. I give you thanks, and with all those who have come to know you, I exclaim:
Glory to you for calling me into being,
Glory to you for spreading out before me the beauty of the universe,
Glory to you for revealing to me through heaven and earth the eternal book of wisdom,
Glory to your eternity within this fleeting world,
Glory to you for your mercies, seen and unseen,
Glory to you for every sigh of my sorrow,
Glory to you for every step in my life's journey, for every moment of joy,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 2
O Lord, how lovely it is to be your guest:
Breeze full of scent; mountains reaching to the skies; Waters like a boundless mirror,
Reflecting the sun's golden rays and the scudding clouds.
All nature murmurs mysteriously, breathing depths of tenderness, Birds and beasts bear the imprint of your love,
Blessed are you, mother earth, in your fleeting loveliness, Which wakens our yearning for happiness that will last for ever In the land where, amid beauty that grows not old,
Rings out the cry: Alleluia!

Ikos 2
You brought me into this life as into an enchanted paradise. We have seen the sky, like a deep blue cup ringing with birds in the azure heights. We have listened to the soothing murmur of the forest and the sweet-sounding music of the waters. We have tasted fragrant fruit of fine flavour and sweet-scented honey. How pleasant is our stay with you on earth: it is a joy to be your guest.
Glory to you for the feast-day of life,
Glory to you for the perfume of lilies and roses,
Glory to you for each different taste of berry and fruit,
Glory to you for the sparkling silver of early morning dew,
Glory to you for each smiling, peaceful awakening,
Glory to you for eternal life in us, a messenger of heaven,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 3
In the strength of the Holy Spirit each flower gives out its scent - sweet perfume, delicate colour, beauty of the whole universe revealed in the tiniest thing. Glory and honour to God the Giver of life, who covers the fields with their carpet of flowers, crowns the plains with harvest of gold and the blue of corn-flowers, and our souls with the joy of contemplating him. O be joyful and sing to him: Alleluia!

Ikos 3
How glorious you are in the triumph of spring, when every creature awakes to new life and joyfully sings your praises with a thousand tongues: you are the source of life, the conqueror of death. By the light ofthe moon nightingales sing: the plains and the woods put on their wedding garment, white as snow. All the earth is your promised bride awaiting her bridegroom who does not know decay. If the grass of the field is clothed like this, how gloriously shall we be transfigured in the coming age of the resurrection: how radiant our bodies, how resplendent our souls!
Glory to you, bringing from the darkness of the earth an endless variety of colours, tastes and scents,
Glory to you for the warmth and tenderness of the world of nature,
Glory to you for surrounding us with thousands of your works,
Glory to you for the depth of your wisdom: the whole world is a living sign of it,
Glory to you: on my knees, I kiss the traces of your unseen hand,
Glory to you for setting before us the dazzling light of eternal life,
Glory to you for the hope of the unutterable, imperishable beauty of immortality,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 4
How filled with sweetness are those whose thoughts dwell on you: how life-giving your holy Word; to speak with you is more soothing than anointing with oil, sweeter than the honeycomb. Praying to you refreshes us and gives us wings: our hearts overflow with warmth; a majesty filled with wisdom permeates nature and all of life! Where you are not, there is only emptiness. Where you are, the soul is filled with abundance, and its song resounds like a torrent of life: Alleluia!

Ikos 4
When over the earth the light of the setting sun fades away, when the peace of eternal sleep and the quiet of the declining day reign over all, I see your dwelling-place like tents filled with light, reflected in the shapes of the clouds at dusk: fiery and purple, gold and blue, they speak prophet-like of the ineffable beauty of your heavenly court, and solemnly call: let us go to the Father!
Glory to you in the quiet hour of evening,
Glory to you, covering the world with deep peace,
Glory to you for the last ray of the setting sun,
Glory to you for the rest of blissful sleep,
Glory to you for your mercy in the midst of darkness, when the whole world has parted company with us,
Glory to you for the tender emotion of a soul moved to prayer,
Glory to you for the pledge of our awakening on the day which has no evening,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 5
The storms of life do not frighten those whose hearts are ablaze with the light of your flame. Outside is the darkness of the whirlwind, the terror and howling of the storm. But in their souls reign quiet and light. Christ is there, and the heart sings: Alleluia!

Ikos 5
I see your heaven glowing with stars. How rich you are, how much light is yours! Eternity watches me by the rays of the distant stars: I am small, insignificant, but the Lord is with me, his loving hand protects me wherever I go.
Glory to you for the trouble you take for me at all times,
Glory for the people your Providence gave me to meet,
Glory to you for the love of my dear ones, the faithfulness of friends,
Glory to you for the gentleness of the animals which serve me,
Glory to you for the light-filled moments of life,
Glory to you for the radiant joy in my heart,
Glory to you for the joy of living, moving and seeing,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 6
How great and how close you are in the powerful track of the storm; how mighty your right arm in the blinding flash of the lightning; how awesome is your greatness! The voice of the Lord is over the fields and amid the rustling forests, the voice of the Lord is in the birth of thunder and of rain, the voice of the Lord is over the many waters. Praise to you in the roar of mountains ablaze. You shake the earth like a garment. You pile up to the sky the waves of the sea. Praise to you, bringing low the pride of man, bringing from his heart the cry of repentance: Alleluia!

Ikos 6
When the lightning flash has lit up the feasting-hall, how feeble seems the light of the lamps. Likewise, amidst the strongest joys of my existence, you suddenly flashed in my soul. After your blinding light, how drab, dull and unreal seemed all those joys! Passionately, my soul would run after you.
Glory to you, the Goal in whom mankind's highest dreams come true,
Glory to you, for our unquenchable thirst for communion with God,
Glory to you, making us dissatisfied with earthly things,
Glory to you, clothing us with the finest rays of your light,
Glory to you, destroying the power of the spirits of darkness, dooming all evil to destruction,
Glory to you for the joy of hearing your voice, for the happiness of your presence and of living in your love,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 7
In the wondrous blending of sounds it is your call we hear. In the harmony of many voices, stirred by the musical tones, dazzled by art's creativeness, we learn from you the splendour of melody and song, and receive a foretaste of the coming kingdom. All true beauty draws the soul towards you in powerful invocation, and makes it sing triumphantly: Alleluia!

Ikos 7
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit enlightens the thoughts of artists, poets, and scientists. Their great minds receive from you prophetic insights into your laws, and reveal to us the depth of your creative wisdom. Unwittingly, their works speak of you; how great you are in all you have created, how great you are in man!
Glory to you, showing your unfathomable might in the laws of the universe!
Glory to you, for all nature is permeated by your laws,
Glory to you for what you have revealed to us in your goodness,
Glory to you for all that remains hidden from us in your wisdom,
Glory to you for the inventiveness of the human mind,Glory to you for the invigorating effort of work,
Glory to you for the tongues of fire which bring inspiration,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 8
How near you are in the days of sickness; you yourself visit the sick; you bend over the sufferer's bed: his heart speaks to you. With your peace you enlighten the soul burdened with affliction and pain: you send unexpected help. You comfort, you are Love, bringing trial and salvation, and to you we sing the hymn: Alleluia!

Ikos 8
When in childhood I called upon you consciously for the first time, you heard my prayer and sacred peace came down into my soul. Then I understood that you are good; blessed are those who turn to you. Unceasingly, I started to call upon you, and now I call upon your Name:
Glory to you, satisfying my desires with good things,
Glory to you, watching over me day and night,
Glory to you, calming tribulations and bereavement with the healing flow of time,
Glory to you, no loss is irreparable when you are there, to all you give eternal life,
Glory to you, making immortal all that is lofty and good, promising to welcome the dead,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 9
Why is it that on a feastday the whole of nature mysteriously smiles? Why does a marvellous lightness then fill our hearts, to which nothing earthly can be compared? The very air in the altar and in God's house becomes luminous. It is the breath of grace, the reflection of the glory of Mount Tabor; heaven and earth then sing this praise: Alleluia!

Ikos 9
When you inspire me to serve my neighbour, and make humility shine in my soul, one of your deep-piercing rays of light falls into my heart: it then becomes glowing, like iron in the furnace. I have seen your Face, mysterious and elusive.
Glory to you, transfiguring our lives with deeds of love,
Glory to you, making wonderfully sweet each one of your commandments,
Glory to you, clearly present in fragrant compassion,
Glory to you, sending us failures and afflictions to make us sensitive to other people's sufferings,
Glory to you, promising high rewards for precious good deeds,
Glory to you, welcoming the impulse of our heart's love,
Glory to you, for raising love above everything on earth or in heaven,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 10
No one can put together what has crumbled into dust, but you can heal men whose conscience has become twisted; you give the soul its former beauty, which long ago it had lost without a hope of change. With you, nothing is hopeless. You are Love. You are the creator and the redeemer of all things. We praise you with this song: Alleluia!

Ikos 10
My God, you know the fall of proud Lucifer. Save me through the power of your grace; do not allow me to fall away from you, do not allow me to doubt you. Sharpen my ear, that at every minute of my life I may hear your mysterious voice; and I call upon you, who are everywhere present.
Glory to you for providential circumstances,
Glory to you for helpful forebodings,
Glory to you for the teaching of your secret voice,
Glory to you, for revelations you give us in dreams or awake,
Glory to you for scattering our vain imaginations,
Glory to you, freeing us from the fire of passions through suffering,
Glory to you, who for our salvation, brings down proudness of heart,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 11
Beyond the icy sequence of the ages, I feel the warmth of your divine Breath, I hear the throbbing of your blood. You are already near: part of time has already gone by. I see your Cross: it is there for my sake. My spirit is but dust before your Cross: here is the triumph of love and redemption, here throughout the ages unceasingly rises the praise: Alleluia!

Ikos 11
Blessed is he who will share your mystical supper in your kingdom; but even here on earth you have granted me this blessedness. How many times, with your divine hand, you offered me your Body and your Blood; while I, a great sinner, received these sacred Gifts and felt your ineffable and supernatural love.
Glory to you for the inconceivable and life-giving power of grace,
Glory to you who established your Church as a haven of peace for a tormented world,
Glory to you for giving us new birth in the life-giving waters of baptism,
Glory to you, restoring to those who repent purity white as the unstained lily,
Glory to you, unfathomable abyss of forgiveness,
Glory to you for the cup of life, for the bread of eternal joy,
Glory to you who raise us to heaven,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 12
More than once have I seen the reflection of your glory in the faces of the dead. What beauty, what heavenly joy shone in them! How light their features, now made spiritual! This was the triumph of happiness and peace found once again; in their silence they were calling on you. At the hour of my death, illumine also my soul which calls to you: Alleluia!

Ikos 12
How poor is my praise before you! I have not heard the song of the Cherubim, a joy reserved to the souls on high, but I know the praises nature sings to you. In winter, I see how in the moonlit silence the whole earth offers you prayer, wrapped in its white mantle of snow, sparkling like diamonds. I see the rising sun rejoice in you, and I hear the chorus of birds raise a hymn of glory. I hear the forest mysteriously rustling in your honour, the winds sing of your, the waters murmur and the processions of stars proclaim you as they move in harmony for ever in the depths of infinite space. What is my poor worship? All nature obeys you, I do not; yet while I live, I see your love. I long to thank you, pray to you and call upon your Name.
Glory to you, who has shown us the light,
Glory to you, who loved us with a deep unfathomable and divine love,
Glory to you, who blesses us with the light, with a host of angels and saints,
Glory to you, Father most holy, revealing us your kingdom in your commandments,
Glory to you, Holy Spirit, life-giving Sun of the world to come,
Glory to you for all things, divine and most merciful Trinity,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 13
Life-giving and most merciful Trinity, receive our thanksgiving for all your kindnesses; make us worthy of your blessings, so that, when we have brought a profit from the talents you have entrusted to us, we may enter into the eternal joy of our Lord, singing the triumphal hymn: Alleluia!

Before an Operation
Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.
O Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who did patiently endure the scourging and wounding of Your most holy Body, that You might save the souls and bodies of Your people, look graciously, we beseech You, upon the suffering body of this Your servant (Name) and give him (her) strength to endure patiently whatsoever You shall see fit to lay upon him (her). Bless the means employed for the working out of his (her) cure, granting that he (she) may so endure his (her) sufferings in the flesh that the wounding of his (her) body may be to avail for the correcting and salvation of his (her) soul, for Yours it is to show mercy and to save, O Christ our God; and to You do we send up Glory, as to Your Eternal Father and Your All‑Holy, Good and Life‑creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Office of Vespers for the Preservation of Creation
Orthodoxy and Ecology
ANNEX 1: ORTHODOX SERVICES FOR THE CREATION
The World Fellowship SYNDESMOS
of Orthodox Youth
The Orthodoxy and Ecology Resource Book is produced by SYNDESMOS, the World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth. The Orthodox Services for the Creation is included as an annex to the Orthodoxy and Ecology Resource Book. Printed by Orthdruk Orthodox Printing House, Bialystok, Poland, 1996. Edited by Alexander Belopopsky and Dimitri Oikonomou, Design, layout and production: Alexander Belopopsky. The contents of the Resouce Book and the annexes may be reproduced freely, with reference to the source: SYNDESMOS Orthodoxy and Ecology Resource book. SYNDESMOS would like to recognize the support and partnership of the following organizations, which made this publication possible:
World Council of Churches
Unit III: Justice, Peace and Creation
Council of Europe: European Youth Foundation
The Leventis Foundation: ICOREC (International Consultancy on Religion, Education and Culture)
WWf International The World Wide Fund for Nature
The Friends of Mount Athos, Great Britain
Office of Vespers for the Preservation of Creation
Composed on the Holy Mountain by Monk Gerasimos of the Skete of Saint Anne. Hymn writer of the Great Church of Christ(+1991). Translated into English by Archimandrite Ephrem (Lash).
D = Deacon P = Priest B = Bishop C = Choir R = Reader A =All
(P) Blessed is our God, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
(C) Amen.
(A) O Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, present in all places and filling all things; treasury of good things and giver of life, come and dwell in us and purify us from every stain, and of your goodness save our souls.
(All) Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3 times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for thy Name's sake. Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord have mercy (12 times).
(R) O come let us worship and bow down to our King and God.
O come let us worship and bow down to Christ, our King and God.
O come let us worship and bow down before Christ himself, our King and our God.
(Psalm of Preparation)
Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honour and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch out the heavens like a tent, you set the beams ofyour chambers on the waters, you make the clouds your chariot, you ride on the wings of the wind, you make the winds your messengers, fire and flame your ministers. You set the earth on its foundations, so that it shall never be shaken. You cover it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. At your rebuke they flee; at the sound ofyour thunder they take to flight. They rose up to the mountains, ran down to the valleys to the place that you appointed for them.
You set a boundary that they may not pass, so that they might not again cover the earth. You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills, giving drink to every wild animal; the wild asses quench their thirst. By the streams the birds of the air have their habitation; they sing among the branches. From your lofty abode you water themountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruitof your work. You cause the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for people to use, to bring forth food from the earth, and wine to gladden the human heart, oil to make the face shine, and bread to strengthen the human heart.
The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. In them the birds build their nests; the stork has its home in the fir trees. The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the coneys. You have made the moon to mark the seasons; thesun knows its time for setting. You make darkness, and it is night, when all the animals of the forest come creeping out. The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God. When the sun rises, they withdraw and lie down in their dens. People go out to their work and to their labor until the evening.
O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there, living things both small and great. There go the ships, and Leviathan that you formed to sport in it. These all look to you to give them their food in due season; when you give to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground. May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works -who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord! O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom have you made them all.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages Amen.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Glory to you, our God.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Glory to you, our God.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Glory to you, our hope, 0 Lord, glory to you.
(D) In peace let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For the peace that is from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. (A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For peace in the world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For our Metropolitan / Archbishop / Bishop (N.), the honourable presbyters, the deacons in the service of Christ, and all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For this city, for every city and country, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For favourable weather, an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and temperate seaons, let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For travellers by land, sea and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your Grace.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) Remembering our most holy, pure blessed, and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
(A) To you O Lord.
(P) Lord, our God, whose power is beyond compare, and glory is beyond understanding; whose mercy is boundless, and love for us is ineffable: look upon us and upon this holy house in Your compassion. Grant to us and to those who pray with us Your abundant mercy.
(D) For to You belong all glory, honour and worship to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
(C) Amen.
(Tone 1)
(C)O Lord, I have cried out to you, hear me, O Lord. Lord I have cried out to you, hear me, give heed to the voice of my prayer. When I cry out to you, hear me, O Lord.
Let my prayer rise like incense before you; and the lifting of my hands an evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord.
Verse: If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord who could stand? For with you there is forgiveness.
O Christ, who brought all things into existence from nothing, and with ineffable wisdom gave to each one to accomplish unerringly the goal which you laid down in the beginning, O Saviour, Lover of humankind, as you are powerful, bless the whole creation which you fashioned.
Verse: For your name's sake I have waited for you, O Lord; my soul has waited for your word, my soul has hoped in the Lord.
Give peace to all the nations, Lord, and understanding in all things, so that we may lead our life in tranquillity and always keep the laws which you laid down for all creation for the unalterable maintenance and government of the universe.
Verse: From the watch of dawn until the night, from the watch of dawn, let Israel hope in the Lord. Lover of humankind, keep unharmed the environment that clothes the earth, through which, by your will, we who inhabit the earth live and move and have our being, that we, your unworthy suppliants, may be delivered from destruction and ruin.
Verse: For with the Lord there is mercy, and with him abundant redemption, and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Fence round the whole creation, O Christ Saviour, with the mighty strength of your love for humankind, and deliver the earth we inhabit from the corruption which threatens it; for we, your servants, have set our hopes on you.
Verse: Praise the Lord all nations! extol him all peoples!
Put an end, O Saviour, to the evil designs which are being devised against us by senseless intent, and turn aside from the earth every destructive action of the works ofhuman hands which contrive corruption leading to perdition.
Verse: For great is his mercy to us, and the truth of the Lord endures for ever.
O Lord, who wraps creation in clouds, as godly David sang, watch over the environment of the earth, which you created from the beginning for the preservation of mortals, and give us the breath of the winds and the flow of waters.
(Tone 6)
Glory be to the Father, to theSon and to the Holy Spirit.
Almighty God, who created all things with wisdom and who watches over and guides them by your all-powerful hand, grant well-being that all creation may prosper and remain unharmed by hostile elements; for you, Master, commanded that the works ofyour hands should remain unshaken until the ends of the age; for you spoke and they came into being and they receive from you mercy for the turning away of all harm, and for the salvation of the human race which glorifies your name which is praised above all.
Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Who will not call you blessed, all-holy Virgin? Who will not hymn your child-birth without labour? For the only-begotten Son, who shone from the Father beyond time, came forth from you pure Maiden, ineffably incarnate. By nature he became man for our sakes, not divided in a duality of persons, but known without confusion in a duality of natures. O honoured and all-blessed, implore him to have mercy on our souls.
(D) Wisdom. Let us attend.
O Jesus Christ, the joyful Light of the holy glory, of the immortal, heavenly, holy, blessed Father! Now that we have come to the setting of thesun, and behold the evening light, we sing in praise to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For you are worthy to be praised at every hour with songs of worship, O Son of God, giver of life. Wherefore the world doth glorify you.
(P) Wisdom.
(R) The Reading is from Leviticus
The Lord spoke to the children of Israel saying: If you walk in my ordinances and keep my commandments and do them, I will give you rain in its season and the earth will give its produce and the trees of the plains their fruit. And your threshing time will overtake the vintage, and the vintage will overtake the sowing. And you will eat your bread to the full and dwell in safety on your land. And no one shall make you afraid; and I will destroy the evil before you.
And five of you will pursue a hundred and a hundred of you will pursue tens of thousands. And I will look upon you and bless you and make you increase and multiply and I will establish my covenant with you. And you will eat what is old and very old, and bring out the old to make way for the new. And I will set my tabernacle among you and my soul shall not abhor you; and I will walk among you; and I will be your God and you shall be my people. But if you will not listen to me, nor observe these ordinances of mine, but disobey them, and if your soul loathes my judgements, so that you do not keep all my commandments, I in turn will do thus to you: I will bring distress upon you, and you will sow your seed in vain and your enemies will devour your labours.
And I will set my face against you and you will fall before your foes and they will pursue you and you will flee though no one pursues you; and I will smash the arrogance of your pride. And I will make the heaven like iron for you and your earth like solid bronze. And your strength will be in vain and your land will not give its fruit, and the trees of the field will not give their fruit. And I will send the wild beasts of the earth against you, and they will consume your cattle, and the sword will come against you and make you few in number. And your land will be desert and your farms will be desert; because you have walked against me crookedly, and I will walk against you with crooked rage, says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel.
(P) Wisdom.
(R) The Reading is from the prophecy of Isaiah
Look down, Lord, from heaven and see, from your holy house and your glory. Where is the abundance of your mercy and of your acts of pity, that you have withheld yourself from us? For you are our Father, because Abraham has not known us, nor Israel acknowledged us. But do you Lord, our Father, deliver us; from the beginning your name is upon as. Why have you made us wander from your way, Lord? Why have you hardened our hearts not to fear you? Return for the sake of your servants, for the sake of the tribes that are your heritage, that for a little while we may inherit your holy mountain.
Our enemies have trampled down your sanctuary, we have become as at the beginning when you did not rule over us, nor had your name been invoked upon us. If you open the heaven, trembling from you will seize the mountains and they will melt as wax melts before the fire, and fire will burn up your adversaries, and your name will be manifest among your adversaries; nations will be troubled at your presence. When you do glorious deeds, trembling from you will seize the mountains. From eternity we have not heard, nor have our eyes seen any God but you. And your works are true, and you will perform mercy for those who wait for you. For mercy will meet with those who do right and remember your ways. And now, Lord, you are our Father; while we are clay and you are our Fashioner; we are all the work of your hands. Do not be exceedingly angry with us, Lord, and do not remember our sins for ever. And now, look upon us, Lord, because we are all your people.
(P) Wisdom.
(R) The Reading is from the Prophecy of Jeremiah.
Thus says the Lord: I have remembered the mercy of your youth and the love of your marriage, of your following the Holy One of Israel, says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. To the Lord was the beginning of his produce. All those who devoured him will offend and evils will come upon them, says the Lord. Hear the word of the Lord, house of Jacob, and every family of the house of Israel. Thus says the Lord: What offence did your fathers find in me, that they revolted far from me and went after vanities and became vain? And they did not say: Where is the Lord who brought us up out of the Land of Egypt, who guided us in the wilderness, in a boundless and trackless land, without water or fruit, and in the shadow of death, in a land through which no man had passed, nor had any son of man dwelt there?
And I led you to Carmel to eat its fruits and its good things; and you went in and you defiled my land and made my inheritance an abomination. The priests did not say: Where is the Lord? And those who ding to the law did not know me, and the shepherds acted impiously towards me; and the prophets prophesied Baal and went after that which does not profit. Therefore I will be brought to trial before you again, says the Lord; and I will be brought to trial before your children's children. Cross to the islands of Kittim and look; and to Kedar and send and observe carefully, and see if such things have been done; if the nations will change their gods, though they are no gods. But my people have changed their glory for something from which they will gain nothing. Heaven was amazed at this and trembled exceedingly, says the Lord.
(D) Let us say with all our soul and with all our mind, let us say.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) O Lord almighty, the God of our fathers, we pray you, hear and have mercy.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) Have mercy upon us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(D) Again we pray for our Metropolitan / Archbishop / Bishop (N), for the priests, deacons, and all other clergy; and for all our brethren in Christ.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(D) Again we pray for the civil authorities, and for our armed forces everywhere.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(D) Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable holy Orthodox patriarchs; and for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy house; and for all our fathers and brethren, the Orthodox departed this life before us, who here and in all the world lie asleep in the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(D) Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, and visitation for the servants of God that lie ill, and for the pardon and remission of their sins.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(D) Again we pray for those who bring offerings and do good works in this holy and all-venerable house; for those who labour and those who sing; and for all the people here present, who await your great and rich mercy.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(P) For you are a merciful God, and love humankind, and to you we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
(A) Amen.
(A) Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this evening without sin. Blessed are you O Lord, God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is your name for ever.: Amen. Let your mercy come upon us, O Lord, even as we have set our hope on you, Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your statutes. Blessed are you, O Master, make me to understand your statutes. Blessed are you, O Holy one, enlighten me with your statutes. Your mercy, O Lord, is for ever. Do not overlook the works of your hands. To you belong praise; to you is due song; to you is due glory; to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit now and ever, and to the ages of ages, Amen.
(D) Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless evening, let us ask the Lord.
(A) Grant this O Lord.
(D) For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.
(A) Grant this O Lord.
(D) For forgiveness and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.
(A) Grant this O Lord.
(D) For all that is good and beneficial to our souls, and for peace in the world, let us ask the Lord. (A) Grant this O Lord.
(D) For the completion of our lives in peace and repentence, let us ask the Lord.
(A) Grant this O Lord.
(D) For a Christian end to our lives, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good account before the awesome judgement seat of Christ, let us ask the Lord.
(A) Grant this O Lord.
(D) Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
(A) To You O Lord.
(P) For you are a good God who loves humankind, and to you we send up glory; to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
(A) Amen.
(B) Peace be with all.
(A) And with your spirit.
(D) Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
(A) To You O Lord.
(P) May the might of your kingdom be blessed and glorified; of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
(A) Amen.
(Tone 1)
O Lord, who created the universe at the beginning and gave to each thing his own rank, do not despise the works of your hands, but with an eye of mercy look from heaven upon this vine and restore it according to your will, turning aside from it every purpose that brings corruption and every destroyer; for you are our Shepherd and Deliverer and Saviour and from you we receive helpin mercy and acts of compassion, as we glorify you, O Master.
(Tone 2)
O Lord and Master who fenced about the domain of the earth and made it sure with an enveloping band, deliver its whole structure from harm and disaster; for you are a treasury of strength and the source of life, and all things minister and are subject to your will as your servants, Lord. And so grant us your mercies and turn away from us every disaster, and save our souls as you love humankind.
(Tone 3)
Threats and scourges and destruction hang over us, Lord, because of the multitude of our transgressions; for we have sinned and transgressed and gone far from you, and we are affected and afflicted by dire perils; but deliver us, Lord from dangers that beset us, and keep the whole structure of the earth unharmed, granting equable breaths of wind and ever-flowing springs ofwater for our safe-keeping and salvation, O Lover of humankind.
(Tone 4)
Glory to the Father to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
O Lord, who holds the circle of the earth and establishes its foundations, as the Prophet says, accept our suppliant entreaties, as our guardian and protector and Saviour; for we are your people and the sheep of your pasture and by your infinite mercy we shall be delivered from expected dangers. Do not then utterly destroy us, Master, but may your goodness conquer the mulitude of our offences, that we may glorify the ocean of your acts of pity.
Now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen
From dangers ofevery kind protect your servants, blessed Mother of God, that we may glorify you, the hope of our souls.
The Lity
(D)Have mercy upon us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you hear and have mercy.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(D) Again we pray for all those responsible for our churches and communities, and for all brothers and sisters in Christ, and for every Christian soul afflicted and weary, in need of God's mercies and help; for the protection of this city and those who dwell in it; for the peace of the whole world; for the well-being of the holy churches of God; for the servants of God here present; for the salvation and help of all who labour and serve; for those who travel; for the healing of the sick; for the repose, refreshment and blessed memory of and forgiveness of sins of all who have gone to rest before and lie here and everywhere; for the deliverance of captives and refugees, let us say:
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
Again we pray that God will keep this city and every city and country from famine, pestilence, earthquake, flood, fire, pollution, war and civil strife, and that our good God who loves humanity will be gracious and merciful and deliver us from his righteous chastisement which impends against us, and have mercy on its.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(D) Again we pray that the Lord God hear the prayer of us sinners and have mercy on us.' (A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(B) Hear us, O God our Saviour, the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of those who are far off upon the sea; and be gracious, be gracious, O Master, unto us sinners and have mercy on us. (A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(D) For you are a merciful God who loves humanity and all your creation, and unto you do we give glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
(A) Amen.
(B) Peace be to all.
(A) And with your spirit.
(D) Let us pray to the Lord.
(B) Lord, Jesus Christ our God, who blessed the five loaves in the wilderness, and from them five thousand were fed, bless also these loaves, this oil, this wine and all the fruits of the earth, and multiply them in this city and everywhere in your world; sanctify your faithful who will receive them.
For you are the One who blesses and feeds and sanctifies all creation, O Christ our God, and to you we give glory, together with your eternal Father, and your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Verse: The rich have become poor and hungry; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
(Tone 5)
Merciful God, who loves humankind, look with an eye of compassion upon the works of your hands and set free the expanse of the atmosphere from dread destruction and death-dealing emissions and every poisonous pollution, through which death and danger threaten. Take pity then on what you have fashioned and give to all prudence not to act senselessly, the result of which is corruption, granting to all pardon and salvation and divine mercy.
Verse: With my voice I cried to the Lord, and he heard me from his holy mountain.
Accept, O Saviour, the entreaties of your Mother, which she offers for all creation, and the supplications of all your Saints. Grant to all your mercies, and keep unharmed the firmament which you spread out from the beginning with wisdom, Lord, and brought into being for the benefit of mortals. Keep undamaged, O Word, the whole environment which girds the earth from harmful influences, granting to all pardon and salvation and great mercy.
Verse: When I called you hearkened to me, O God of my justice, in all affliction you set me at large.
With humility of our soul we entreat you, Lord, and we fall down before you: At your command deliver the earth on which we dwell from every harm and from harsh ruin, and speedily avert from it and abolish by your will destructive emanations and pour out the fresh dew of life-sustaining air. Fence about the whole enclosure of the environment, Master and Saviour, with your mighty power, granting to all pardon and salvation and divine mercy.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Through compassionate pity, O Word, you took another form, refashioned corrupted nature and brought it back to incorruption; and now we beseech you, yield to the supplications of your most pure Mother and grant stability to the inhabited world and well-being to all creation and deliverance from perils for the salvation for the salvation of our souls.
(C) Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.
(A) Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3 times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us.
O Lord, cleanse us from our sins.
O Master, pardon our iniquities.
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for thy Name's sake.
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from the evil one.
(P) For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
(C) Amen.
(Tone 4)
(C)Lord and Saviour, who as God brought all things into being by a word, establishing laws and governing them unerringly to your glory, keep secure and unharmed, at the prayers of the Mother of God, all the elements which hold the earth together, and save the universe.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The mystery hidden from all eternity and unknown to Angels has been revealed to those on earth through you, O Mother of God: God being made flesh in a union without confusion, and willingly accepting the Cross for us, though which he raised the first-formed man and saved our souls from death.
(D) Let us pray to the Lord
(A) Lord have mercy.
(B) The blessing of the Lord, through his grace and loving-kindness, be upon you always, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
(A) Amen.
(P) Wisdom.
(C) Master give the blessing.
(B) Blessed be He that Is, even Christ our God, always, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
(C) Amen. Confirm, O God, the Holy Orthodox faith of Orthodox Christians, unto the ages of ages.
(P) Most holy Mother of God, save us.
(C) More honourable than the Cherubim, incomparably more glorious than the Seraphim, who undefiled gave birth to God the Word, true Mother of God, we magnify you.
(P) Glory to you, O Christ our God, our sure hope, glory to you.
(C) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Master, give the blessing.
(P) May Christ our true God, as a good, loving, and merciful God, have mercy upon us and save us, through the intercessions of His most pure and holy Mother; the power of the precious and life-giving cross; the protection of the honourable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honourable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist; the holy, glorious and praiseworthy apostles; the holy, glorious and triumphant martyrs, the holy and righteous ancestors Joachim and Anna; Saint x whose memory we commemorate today, and all the saints, for he is good and loves humankind.
(A) Amen
(P) Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
(A) Amen.
AN AKATHIST IN PRAISE OF GODS CREATION
Metropolitan Tryphon (Turkestanov),1934
Kontakion 1
Incorruptible Lord, your right hand controls the whole course of human life, according to the decrees of your Providence for our salvation.
We give you thanks for all your blessings, known and unknown: for our earthly life and for the heavenly joys of your kingdom which is to come. Henceforth extend your mercies towards us as we sing: Glory to you, O God, from age to age!

Ikos 1
I was born a weak, defenceless child, but your angel, spreading his radiant wings, guarded my cradle. From my birth, your love has illumined my paths, and has wondrously guided me towards the light ofeternity. From my first day until now, the generous gifts ofyour providence have been wonderfully showered upon me. I give you thanks, and with all those who have come to know you, I exclaim:
Glory to you for calling me into being,
Glory to you for spreading out before me the beauty of the universe,
Glory to you for revealing to me through heaven and earth the eternal book of wisdom,
Glory to your eternity within this fleeting world,
Glory to you for your mercies, seen and unseen,
Glory to you for every sigh of my sorrow,
Glory to you for every step in my life's journey, for every moment of joy,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 2
O Lord, how lovely it is to be your guest:
Breeze full of scent; mountains reaching to the skies; Waters like a boundless mirror,
Reflecting the sun's golden rays and the scudding clouds.
All nature murmurs mysteriously, breathing depths of tenderness, Birds and beasts bear the imprint of your love,
Blessed are you, mother earth, in your fleeting loveliness, Which wakens our yearning for happiness that will last for ever In the land where, amid beauty that grows not old,
Rings out the cry: Alleluia!

Ikos 2
You brought me into this life as into an enchanted paradise. We have seen the sky, like a deep blue cup ringing with birds in the azure heights. We have listened to the soothing murmur of the forest and the sweet-sounding music of the waters. We have tasted fragrant fruit of fine flavour and sweet-scented honey. How pleasant is our stay with you on earth: it is a joy to be your guest.
Glory to you for the feast-day of life,
Glory to you for the perfume of lilies and roses,
Glory to you for each different taste of berry and fruit,
Glory to you for the sparkling silver of early morning dew,
Glory to you for each smiling, peaceful awakening,
Glory to you for eternal life in us, a messenger of heaven,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 3
In the strength of the Holy Spirit each flower gives out its scent - sweet perfume, delicate colour, beauty of the whole universe revealed in the tiniest thing. Glory and honour to God the Giver of life, who covers the fields with their carpet of flowers, crowns the plains with harvest of gold and the blue of corn-flowers, and our souls with the joy of contemplating him. O be joyful and sing to him: Alleluia!

Ikos 3
How glorious you are in the triumph of spring, when every creature awakes to new life and joyfully sings your praises with a thousand tongues: you are the source of life, the conqueror of death. By the light ofthe moon nightingales sing: the plains and the woods put on their wedding garment, white as snow. All the earth is your promised bride awaiting her bridegroom who does not know decay. If the grass of the field is clothed like this, how gloriously shall we be transfigured in the coming age of the resurrection: how radiant our bodies, how resplendent our souls!
Glory to you, bringing from the darkness of the earth an endless variety of colours, tastes and scents,
Glory to you for the warmth and tenderness of the world of nature,
Glory to you for surrounding us with thousands of your works,
Glory to you for the depth of your wisdom: the whole world is a living sign of it,
Glory to you: on my knees, I kiss the traces of your unseen hand,
Glory to you for setting before us the dazzling light of eternal life,
Glory to you for the hope of the unutterable, imperishable beauty of immortality,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 4
How filled with sweetness are those whose thoughts dwell on you: how life-giving your holy Word; to speak with you is more soothing than anointing with oil, sweeter than the honeycomb. Praying to you refreshes us and gives us wings: our hearts overflow with warmth; a majesty filled with wisdom permeates nature and all of life! Where you are not, there is only emptiness. Where you are, the soul is filled with abundance, and its song resounds like a torrent of life: Alleluia!

Ikos 4
When over the earth the light of the setting sun fades away, when the peace of eternal sleep and the quiet of the declining day reign over all, I see your dwelling-place like tents filled with light, reflected in the shapes of the clouds at dusk: fiery and purple, gold and blue, they speak prophet-like of the ineffable beauty of your heavenly court, and solemnly call: let us go to the Father!
Glory to you in the quiet hour of evening,
Glory to you, covering the world with deep peace,
Glory to you for the last ray of the setting sun,
Glory to you for the rest of blissful sleep,
Glory to you for your mercy in the midst of darkness, when the whole world has parted company with us,
Glory to you for the tender emotion of a soul moved to prayer,
Glory to you for the pledge of our awakening on the day which has no evening,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 5
The storms of life do not frighten those whose hearts are ablaze with the light of your flame. Outside is the darkness of the whirlwind, the terror and howling of the storm. But in their souls reign quiet and light. Christ is there, and the heart sings: Alleluia!

Ikos 5
I see your heaven glowing with stars. How rich you are, how much light is yours! Eternity watches me by the rays of the distant stars: I am small, insignificant, but the Lord is with me, his loving hand protects me wherever I go.
Glory to you for the trouble you take for me at all times,
Glory for the people your Providence gave me to meet,
Glory to you for the love of my dear ones, the faithfulness of friends,
Glory to you for the gentleness of the animals which serve me,
Glory to you for the light-filled moments of life,
Glory to you for the radiant joy in my heart,
Glory to you for the joy of living, moving and seeing,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 6
How great and how close you are in the powerful track of the storm; how mighty your right arm in the blinding flash of the lightning; how awesome is your greatness! The voice of the Lord is over the fields and amid the rustling forests, the voice of the Lord is in the birth of thunder and of rain, the voice of the Lord is over the many waters. Praise to you in the roar of mountains ablaze. You shake the earth like a garment. You pile up to the sky the waves of the sea. Praise to you, bringing low the pride of man, bringing from his heart the cry of repentance: Alleluia!

Ikos 6
When the lightning flash has lit up the feasting-hall, how feeble seems the light of the lamps. Likewise, amidst the strongest joys of my existence, you suddenly flashed in my soul. After your blinding light, how drab, dull and unreal seemed all those joys! Passionately, my soul would run after you.
Glory to you, the Goal in whom mankind's highest dreams come true,
Glory to you, for our unquenchable thirst for communion with God,
Glory to you, making us dissatisfied with earthly things,
Glory to you, clothing us with the finest rays of your light,
Glory to you, destroying the power of the spirits of darkness, dooming all evil to destruction,
Glory to you for the joy of hearing your voice, for the happiness of your presence and of living in your love,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 7
In the wondrous blending of sounds it is your call we hear. In the harmony of many voices, stirred by the musical tones, dazzled by art's creativeness, we learn from you the splendour of melody and song, and receive a foretaste of the coming kingdom. All true beauty draws the soul towards you in powerful invocation, and makes it sing triumphantly: Alleluia!

Ikos 7
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit enlightens the thoughts of artists, poets, and scientists. Their great minds receive from you prophetic insights into your laws, and reveal to us the depth of your creative wisdom. Unwittingly, their works speak of you; how great you are in all you have created, how great you are in man!
Glory to you, showing your unfathomable might in the laws of the universe!
Glory to you, for all nature is permeated by your laws,
Glory to you for what you have revealed to us in your goodness,
Glory to you for all that remains hidden from us in your wisdom,
Glory to you for the inventiveness of the human mind,Glory to you for the invigorating effort of work,
Glory to you for the tongues of fire which bring inspiration,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 8
How near you are in the days of sickness; you yourself visit the sick; you bend over the sufferer's bed: his heart speaks to you. With your peace you enlighten the soul burdened with affliction and pain: you send unexpected help. You comfort, you are Love, bringing trial and salvation, and to you we sing the hymn: Alleluia!

Ikos 8
When in childhood I called upon you consciously for the first time, you heard my prayer and sacred peace came down into my soul. Then I understood that you are good; blessed are those who turn to you. Unceasingly, I started to call upon you, and now I call upon your Name:
Glory to you, satisfying my desires with good things,
Glory to you, watching over me day and night,
Glory to you, calming tribulations and bereavement with the healing flow of time,
Glory to you, no loss is irreparable when you are there, to all you give eternal life,
Glory to you, making immortal all that is lofty and good, promising to welcome the dead,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 9
Why is it that on a feastday the whole of nature mysteriously smiles? Why does a marvellous lightness then fill our hearts, to which nothing earthly can be compared? The very air in the altar and in God's house becomes luminous. It is the breath of grace, the reflection of the glory of Mount Tabor; heaven and earth then sing this praise: Alleluia!

Ikos 9
When you inspire me to serve my neighbour, and make humility shine in my soul, one of your deep-piercing rays of light falls into my heart: it then becomes glowing, like iron in the furnace. I have seen your Face, mysterious and elusive.
Glory to you, transfiguring our lives with deeds of love,
Glory to you, making wonderfully sweet each one of your commandments,
Glory to you, clearly present in fragrant compassion,
Glory to you, sending us failures and afflictions to make us sensitive to other people's sufferings,
Glory to you, promising high rewards for precious good deeds,
Glory to you, welcoming the impulse of our heart's love,
Glory to you, for raising love above everything on earth or in heaven,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 10
No one can put together what has crumbled into dust, but you can heal men whose conscience has become twisted; you give the soul its former beauty, which long ago it had lost without a hope of change. With you, nothing is hopeless. You are Love. You are the creator and the redeemer of all things. We praise you with this song: Alleluia!

Ikos 10
My God, you know the fall of proud Lucifer. Save me through the power of your grace; do not allow me to fall away from you, do not allow me to doubt you. Sharpen my ear, that at every minute of my life I may hear your mysterious voice; and I call upon you, who are everywhere present.
Glory to you for providential circumstances,
Glory to you for helpful forebodings,
Glory to you for the teaching of your secret voice,
Glory to you, for revelations you give us in dreams or awake,
Glory to you for scattering our vain imaginations,
Glory to you, freeing us from the fire of passions through suffering,
Glory to you, who for our salvation, brings down proudness of heart,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 11
Beyond the icy sequence of the ages, I feel the warmth of your divine Breath, I hear the throbbing of your blood. You are already near: part of time has already gone by. I see your Cross: it is there for my sake. My spirit is but dust before your Cross: here is the triumph of love and redemption, here throughout the ages unceasingly rises the praise: Alleluia!

Ikos 11
Blessed is he who will share your mystical supper in your kingdom; but even here on earth you have granted me this blessedness. How many times, with your divine hand, you offered me your Body and your Blood; while I, a great sinner, received these sacred Gifts and felt your ineffable and supernatural love.
Glory to you for the inconceivable and life-giving power of grace,
Glory to you who established your Church as a haven of peace for a tormented world,
Glory to you for giving us new birth in the life-giving waters of baptism,
Glory to you, restoring to those who repent purity white as the unstained lily,
Glory to you, unfathomable abyss of forgiveness,
Glory to you for the cup of life, for the bread of eternal joy,
Glory to you who raise us to heaven,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 12
More than once have I seen the reflection of your glory in the faces of the dead. What beauty, what heavenly joy shone in them! How light their features, now made spiritual! This was the triumph of happiness and peace found once again; in their silence they were calling on you. At the hour of my death, illumine also my soul which calls to you: Alleluia!

Ikos 12
How poor is my praise before you! I have not heard the song of the Cherubim, a joy reserved to the souls on high, but I know the praises nature sings to you. In winter, I see how in the moonlit silence the whole earth offers you prayer, wrapped in its white mantle of snow, sparkling like diamonds. I see the rising sun rejoice in you, and I hear the chorus of birds raise a hymn of glory. I hear the forest mysteriously rustling in your honour, the winds sing of your, the waters murmur and the processions of stars proclaim you as they move in harmony for ever in the depths of infinite space. What is my poor worship? All nature obeys you, I do not; yet while I live, I see your love. I long to thank you, pray to you and call upon your Name.
Glory to you, who has shown us the light,
Glory to you, who loved us with a deep unfathomable and divine love,
Glory to you, who blesses us with the light, with a host of angels and saints,
Glory to you, Father most holy, revealing us your kingdom in your commandments,
Glory to you, Holy Spirit, life-giving Sun of the world to come,
Glory to you for all things, divine and most merciful Trinity,
Glory to you, O God, from age to age.

Kontakion 13
Life-giving and most merciful Trinity, receive our thanksgiving for all your kindnesses; make us worthy of your blessings, so that, when we have brought a profit from the talents you have entrusted to us, we may enter into the eternal joy of our Lord, singing the triumphal hymn: Alleluia!

The Order for the Lesser Sanctification of the Water
Items needed for the celebration of the Lesser Sanctification of' Water are a small table, upon which the Priest places the Gospel; a wooden, silver‑bound Cross; a censer; a bowl of water; two candlesticks with their candles; a few branches of basil and a clean white towel. The Priest wears his cassock and stole.
Priest:
Blessed is our God always, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Psalm 142
O Lord, hear my prayer; give ear unto my supplication in Your truth; hear me in Your righteousness and enter not into judgment with Your servant, for before, You shall not any man be justified. For the enemy has persecuted my soul: he has humbled my life to the earth. He has made me dwell in darkness like dead men of old; and anguished within me is my spirit, and within me my heart is troubled. I remembered the days of old, and I meditated on all Your works, I mused on the creations of Your hands. I stretched forth my hands to You; my soul like a waterless land thirsts for You. Quickly hear me, O Lord; my spirit has fainted away; turn not Your face from me lest I be like them that go down into the pit. Cause me to know, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk, for to You have I lifted up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord; to You for refuge have I fled‑, teach me to do Your Will, for You are my God; Your good Spirit shall guide me in the land of uprightness. For Your Name's sake, O Lord, shall You quicken me? In Your righteousness shall You lead forth my soul out of tribulation, and in Your mercy shall you destroy my enemies; and You shall cut off all them that afflict my soul, for I am Your servant.
We then sing.
Tone 4
God is the Lord, and He has become manifest unto us; blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord and call upon His Name.
God is the Lord ...
All the nations encompassed me, and in the name of the Lord I crushed them.
God is the Lord ...
This was done by the Lord, and it is wonderful in our eyes.
God is the Lord ...
Troparia, Tone 4
To you, O Theotokos, we sinners now flee. In repentance we bow down before you, saying: "O Sovereign Lady, help us: have compassion on us, make haste to help, for we perish in the multitude of our sins Turn us not empty away, for we have you as our only hope.
Glory. . . both now and ever...
Never, O Theotokos, will we, unworthy, cease to proclaim your powers: for if you did not hasten to our aid, making intercession, who would have delivered us from our manifold adversities? Who would have preserved us free to this day? We will not forsake you, O Lady, for you save your servants from all malicious foes.
Psalm 50
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy: and according to the multitude of Your compassions blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly of my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against You only have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight, that You might be justified in Your words, and victor when You are Judge. For behold I was shaped in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. For behold You love truth; the unclear and secret lore of Your wisdom have You made clear to me. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; You shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. For You shall make me hear of joy and gladness: the bones, which were humbled, shall rejoice. Turn away Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me, O God, a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and with a guiding Spirit establish me. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from blood ‑guiltiness, O God, You that are the God of my salvation: O Lord, You shall open up my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For if You had desired sacrifice, I would have given it; with holocausts shall You not be pleased, a sacrifice for God is a broken spirit, a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your pleasure unto Zion: rebuild the walls of Jerusalem; then shall You be pleased with a Sacrifice of Righteousness, with Oblations and Holocausts; then shall they lay young bullocks upon Your altar.
Then is chanted the following verse: All-Holy Theotokos, guard, protect and keep your servants.
Troparia, Tone 6
O Virgin who from the Angel received, hail! And gave birth to the Life‑giver Himself, your Creator, save them that magnify you. (3)
We sing of your Son, O Theotokos, and cry aloud: from all adversities save your servants, O Immaculate.
The praise of Kings, Prophets, Apostles, and Martyrs are you, and Intercessor of the world, O All‑Immaculate One.
Every Orthodox tongue praises, blesses, and glorifies your immaculate Birth‑giving, O Mary, Bride of God.
I beseech You, O my Christ, give to me also, though unworthy, remission of offenses, I beseech You; through the intercessions of her that bore You, in that You are compassionate.
In you, O Theotokos, have I put my hope. Save me by your prayers; grant for me remission of sins.
Give me life, you that have borne the Life‑giver and Savior: save me through your prayers, O blessed Hope of our souls.
O Virgin immaculate, who did conceive in your Womb the Creator of all people: through your prayers save our souls.
All-praised Theotokos, who through the word of an Angel, in a manner beyond reason, gave birth to the Word, pray that He will save our souls.
Through your intercessions, O Lady, make your Son a merciful Judge unto me, who am a sinner above all people.
With binding duty we cry to you, Hail! O immaculate Theotokos Ever-Virgin; through your intercessions are saved those that pray to you.
Deliver me from the fire eternal, and the torments that await me, O all-praised Lady, that I may be delivered from all tribulation.
All-praised Sovereign Lady, we pray You: do not overlook the prayers of Your servants, so that we might be delivered from all tribulation.
From every sickness and infirmity. Deliver us, who have recourse unto you and your holy Protection.
Marvelous wonder shown to you, O Theotokos: for our sake the Creator of All and our God was in our likeness born to you.
Your Temple, O Theotokos, was shown forth as remedy without price of ills‑the consolation of our wounded souls.
O All-Holy Theotokos, who has borne the Savior, save your servants from adversity and from all other necessity.
From every ban under which they labor deliver your servants from every ailment of body and spirit, O you most Holy.
Through your intercessions, O Virgin Theotokos, save all that have recourse unto you; deliver all from sorrow and necessity.
Who, having recourse unto your Temple, O Theotokos, does not receive speedy healing both of soul and body, O All-immaculate?
Entreated by the Saints and heavenly Hosts, O Merciful
One, through her that bore You, do You cleanse me.
Spare, O Savior, the souls of our brethren, who died in the Hope of Life; loose, and remit their sins.
Hail! O Virgin, Mercy‑Seat of the world; Hail! O Receptacle of the Manna and Candelabrum all‑golden of the light divine, O Bride of God unwedded.
Triadikon
We sing unto You, O God in Three Persons, crying aloud the thrice‑Holy Hymn, entreating that we may receive salvation.
Theotokion
O Virgin, who has borne the Savior, the Sovereign of the world: pray unto Him that He will save our souls.
Hail! O Mount, Hail! O Bush that burned and yet was not consumed; Hail! O Gate, Hail! O Ladder and Altar Divine, Hail! Sovereign Lady, the Helper of all.
Through the prayers of Your Holy Mother, and of Your Holy Saints, O Merciful God, to Your people grant Your great mercies.
Through the prayers of the glorious Archangels, the Angels, and all the heavenly Hosts, mightily preserve Your servants, O Savior.
Through the prayers of the glorious Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist, and of all Your Saints, mightily preserve Your servants, O my Christ and Savior.
Through the prayers of the glorious Apostles, and the victorious Martyrs, and of all Your Saints, grant Your mercies to Your servants.
Through the prayers of the glorious Unmercenaries, O Theotokos, preserve your servants, in that you are Intercessor and Confirmer of the world.
Glory...
The Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit we glorify saying: O Holy Trinity, save our souls.
Both now and ever...
Theotokion
O Virgin who in mystery did conceive and bring forth in these latter days Your Creator: save us who magnify you:
Open for us the door of your tender compassion, O blessed Theotokos; and as we set our hope in you, let us never be confounded; through you may we be delivered from all adversity; you, who are the salvation of all good Christian folk.
Priest:
Let us pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord have mercy.
Priest:
For Holy are You, O God, and to You are due all glory, honor, and adoration: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
And the following
Troparia, Tone 8
Now draws nigh the time that sanctifies all men, and a just Judge awaits us; turn then, O my soul, to repentance, like the Adulteress tearfully crying: have mercy on me, O Lord.
O Christ, the Fountain, Who did sprinkle the waters of healing in the all‑holy Temple of the Virgin, You, today, through the sprinkling of blessing did expel the maladies of ailing, O You Physician of our souls and bodies.
As a Virgin you knew not man, but gave birth; and as a Mother unwedded, a Virgin did you remain; entreat then, O Mary Theotokos, Christ our God that He will save us.
O All‑Holy Theotokos Virgin, guide aright the works of our hands, and entreat pardon for our transgressions, when we chant the angelic Hymn:
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (3)
Glory... both now and ever...
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us.
Again
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us.
Priest:
Let us attend.
The Epistle
The Prokeimenon, in Tone 4
The Lord is my Light and my Savior; whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the defender of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid?
Priest:
Wisdom.
Reader:
The Lesson from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Hebrews. (Heb. 2:11-18)
Priest:
Let us attend.
Reader:
Brethren, he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: "I will proclaim your name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you. And again: "I will put my trust in him." And again: "Here am I, and the children God has given me." Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted.
Priest:
Peace be to you who read.
Choir:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Priest:
Wisdom! Let us attend! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.
Peace be to all.
People:
And to your spirit.
Priest
The Holy Gospel according to St. John. Let us attend.
People:
Glory to You, O God; Glory to You.
The Gospel
At that time, there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda, which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and troubled the water. And whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had.
Choir:
Glory to You, O God; Glory to You.
The Ektenia of Blessing
Following each petition, the Choir responds with "Lord have mercy” and, at the end, with "To You, O Lord."
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace from above; for the salvation of our souls; let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world; for the stability of the holy Churches of God; and for the union of all; let us pray to the Lord.
[For this holy House; and for them that with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter therein; let us pray to the Lord.)
For our Most Reverend Archbishop (Name), for all the Clergy, and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
[For the President of the United States and for all civil authorities; let us pray to the Lord.]
For this city, for every city and land, for the faithful that dwell in them, let us pray to the Lord.
For seasonable weather; for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful seasons; let us pray to the Lord.
For all them that travel by land or sea, or in the air; for the sick, and the afflicted; for captives, and for their salvation; let us pray to the Lord.
That this water might be hallowed by the might, and operation, and descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
That there may descend upon these waters the cleansing operation of the super substantial Trinity; let us pray to the Lord.
That this water may be to the healing of souls and bodies, and to the banishment of every hostile power, let us pray to the Lord.
That there may be sent down upon it the Grace of Redemption, the blessing of the Jordan; let us pray to the Lord.
For all of them who need God to help and give protection, let us pray to the Lord.
That He will illuminate us with the Light of understanding of the Consubstantial Trinity; let us pray to the Lord.
That the Lord our God will show us forth as sons and daughters and heirs of His Kingdom through the partaking and sprinkling of these waters; let us pray to the Lord.
That He will deliver us from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by Your Grace.
Calling to remembrance our all-Holy, pure, exceedingly blessed glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and all our life to Christ our God.
People:
To You, O Lord.
Priest:
For to You do we send up all glory, honor, and worship: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Let us pray to the Lord.
People:
Lord have mercy.
Priest:
O Lord our God, Who are mighty in counsel and wondrous in all Your deeds: the Creator of all things: Who keep Your Covenant and Your mercy upon all those who love You and keep Your commandments: Who receive the devout tears of all that are in distress: for this cause did You come in the similitude of a servant, scorning not our image but giving true health to the body and saying, "Lo! You are healed, sin no more." And with clay did make man's eyes whole, and having commanded him to wash, made him by Your word rejoice in the light, putting to confusion the floods of passions of enemies; and drying up the bitter sea of life of the same, subduing the waves of sensual desires heavy to be endured: do You, the same Lord and King Who loves mankind, Who has granted to us to clothe ourselves in the garment of snowy whiteness, by water and by Spirit: send down on us Your blessing, and through the partaking of this water, through sprinkling with it, wash away the defilement of passions.
Yea, we beseech You visit our weaknesses, O Good One, and heal our infirmities both of spirit and of body through Your mercy; through the prayers of the all‑pure, exceedingly blessed Lady Theotokos and Ever‑Virgin Mary; Through the intercessions of the precious and life-creating Cross; through the protection of the glorious bodiless Powers of the Heavens; through the intercessions of the glorious Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist; of the holy, glorious and all‑praiseworthy Apostles; of the holy and theophoric Fathers; of our Fathers among the Saints, the great Hierarchs and ecumenical Teachers, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom; of our Fathers the Saints, Athanasios, Kyrillos, and John the Merciful, Patriarchs of Alexandria; of Nicholas Bishop of Myra in Lycia; of Spyridon the Wonderworker Of Trymitheus; of the holy, glorious Martyrs, George the Victorious, Demetrios the Exhaler of Myrrh, Theodore of Tyron and Theodore Stratilatis; and of the holy and glorious Hieromartyrs Charalambos and Eleutherios, and of all the righteous Martyrs; of the holy and righteous forefathers Joachim and Anna; of the holy wonderworking Unmercenaries, Kosmas and Damian, Kyros and John, Panteleimon and Hermolaus; Samson and Diomedes, Mokios and Anekitas, Thallelaios and Tryphon; of Saint (Name of the Saint of the Day), whose memory we commemorate; and of all Your Saints.
Preserve, Lord, the president of the United States, and all the other Civil Authorities enabled by the American people; save, O God, all Orthodox Bishops who rightly divide the word of Your truth, granting unto them spiritual and bodily health; be merciful unto this Christian habitation which labors for You; have in remembrance, O God, every priestly and monastic order and their salvation; have in remembrance, O God, both those that hate us and those who love us, the brethren who serve with us; the people here present; and who for any cause are worthy of blessing and have gone forth having empowered us, unworthy though we are, to pray, for them; have in remembrance, O God, our brethren who are in captivity and affliction, and show mercy unto them according to Your great Mercy, delivering them from every tribulation.
For You are the Fountain of healing, O Christ our God, and to You do we send up all glory, together with Your Eternal Father and Your All-Holy, Good, and Life-creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Peace be to all. (+)
People:
And to your spirit.
Priest:
Let us bow our heads before the Lord.
People:
To You, O Lord.
Priest (inaudibly)
Bow down Your ear and listen to us, O Lord, Who deigned to be baptized in the river Jordan, and there sanctified the water. Bless us all who by the bowing of our heads do show forth our apprehension that we are Your servants. Grant that we may be filled with Your sanctification through the partaking of this water, and let it be for us, O Lord, for the health of soul and body.
(Aloud)
For You are the sanctification of our souls and bodies, and to You do we send up all glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Then the Priest, taking up the venerable Cross, dips it crosswise in the Water thrice, singing the Troparion:
Tone 1
Save, O Lord, Your people, and bless Your inheritance, giving us victory over all who assail us and protecting the Church of Your faithful by Your Cross. (3)
Then the Priest sprinkles the Holy Water in the form of the Cross and sings:
Tone 2
Make us worthy of your gifts, O Virgin Theotokos, overlooking our transgressions; give healing through faith to them that accept your blessing, O Immaculate One.
Then the Priest kisses the Precious Cross and blesses all the people, and he sprinkles all with the Holy Water, the Altar, and all the Temple. Meanwhile the Choir sings the following Troparia:
Tone 4
O holy Unmercenaries, who had a fountain of healing, give healing to all that ask; in that you have been given gifts most excellent from the everlasting Font of the Savior. For the Lord has said to you: Lo! To you and your fellows has been given power over all unclean spirits, to drive them off with healing and free from every ill and wound; wherefore, abiding in that command, freely have you received, freely give healing of all our passions.
Glory ... both now and ever...
Regard the prayer of your servants, O all‑immaculate One; allay the fierce risings against us, and assuage our every woe; for in you have we a certain hope secured; so by your intercessions, O Lady, put us not to shame when we cry to you: listen when we plead: Hail! O Lady, Helper of men, the Joy and Protection of our souls.
Accept, O Lady, the prayers of your servants, delivering us from every pain and sorrow.
Priest:
Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great Mercy, we beseech You: listen and have mercy.
People:
Lord have mercy. (And after each petition)
Priest:
Again we pray for our Most Reverend Archbishop (Name) and for all our brethren in Christ.
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, pardon and remission of the sins of the servants of God, all pious and Orthodox Christians who dwell in this city, and of the servants of God, the members, trustees, contributors, and benefactors of this Holy Church.
Again we pray for the servants of God (names of those for whom the service is being conducted).
Furthermore, we pray that He will save this our city and this Holy Temple, and every city and countryside from pestilence, famine, earthquake, flood, fire, and the sword; from invasion of enemies, and from civil war; and that our good God, Who loves mankind, will be graciously favorable and easy to be entreated with, and will turn away all wrath stirred up against us and deliver us from all His righteous chastisement which impends against us, and have mercy on us.
Again we pray that the Lord our God listens to the voice of the supplication of us sinners, and has mercy on us.
Priest:
Hear us, O God our Savior, the Hope of all the ends of the earth and of those far off at sea, or in the air: show mercy, show mercy O Master, upon our sins, and have mercy on us. For You are a merciful God and love mankind, and to You do we send up all Glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Apolysis
Glory to You, O Christ our God and our Hope, glory to You. Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all‑pure Mother; of the holy, glorious, and all-praiseworthy Apostles; of the holy, glorious, and right-victorious Martyrs; of the holy and theophoric Fathers; of Saint (Name of the Saint of the Temple); of the holy and righteous forefathers Joakim and Anna; of Saint (Saint of the Day) whose memory we commemorate, and of all Your Saints, have mercy on us and save us, as our good and loving Lord.
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
People:
Amen.
Prayer at the Blessing of a Medal
Let us pray to the Lord:
Kyrie eleison.
O Lord our King, Sovereign of the heavenly and earthly, Father of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, who did command Moses Your servant to place the images of the Cherubim in Your holy tabernacle upon either side of the Mercy Seat. Vouchsafe, we beseech You, O our King to send the grace of Your Holy Spirit and Your Angel upon this medal; and of Your Fatherly goodness to bless (+) and sanctify it, mindful of the mystery which it represents.
And that it may kindle devout affection and increase holiness of life; endow it with the aid of Your protection against all snares of the enemy, make it to be a protection of soul and body. Through the grace and compassion and love of Your Only‑Begotten Son, our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, and of Your All‑Holy, Good and Life‑creating Spirit, One God; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages: Amen.
The Priest, blessing the medal with Holy Water, says:
This image is hallowed through the Grace of the Holy Spirit, through the sprinkling of Holy Water: in the Name of the (+) Father, and of the (+) Son, and of the (+) Holy Spirit: Amen.
Then the Dismissal of the Day, including the Saint whose Ikon has been blessed.
Prayer at the Blessing of Vehicles of Travel
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Kyrie eleison.
Priest: O Master, Lord our God, hearken unto the prayer which we now send up to You, and bless this vehicle with Your holy right hand (+); send down upon it Thy guardian Angel, that all who desire to journey therein may be safely preserved and shielded from every evil end; and as the Ethiopian, riding in the chariot and reading of Your holy prophecy, was granted faith and Grace through Your Apostle Philip.
So do You now manifest the path of salvation to Your servants who shall travel in this conveyance, that with Your helping grace they may be clothed upon with good works and after the completion of this life may be vouchsafed' everlasting joy in Your heavenly Kingdom. For Yours is the might, and the Kingdom, and the power, and unto You do we send up glory to Father, and to Son, and to Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The priest sprinkles all over the vehicle with Holy Water, saying:
May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure Mother, through the protection of the bodiless powers, of the holy, glorious and all praise worthy Apostles, and of St. Nicholas, and all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good and loves mankind.
Prayer at the Foundation of a House
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord have mercy.
Priest:
O God Almighty, Who made the Heavens with wisdom and has established the earth upon its sure foundations, the Creator and Author of all men, look upon these Your servants (Names), to whom it has seemed good to set up a house for their dwelling in the dominion of Your Power, and to rear it by building; establish it upon a stable rock, and found it according to Your divine word in the Gospel, so that neither wind, nor flood, nor any other thing shall be able to harm it; graciously grant that they may bring it to completion, and deliver all them who shall wish to dwell therein from every attack of the enemy; for Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
For the Blessing of Any Object
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord have mercy.
Priest:
O Creator and Author of the human race; Giver of all spiritual Graces, Bestower of eternal Salvation: do You, the same Lord, send down Your Holy Spirit with a blessing from on high upon this (name of object being blessed), that, fortified by the might of Your heavenly protection, it may be potent unto bodily salvation and help and aid unto all who shall make use of it; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who together with You, the Eternal Father, and Your All Holy, Good and Life‑creating Spirit, we send up glory, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The Prayer for the Blessing of Homes at Theophany
Priest:
Blessed is our God always, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Reader:
Amen. Trisagion Prayer. All Holy Trinity ... Our Father. (see page 32).
Priest:
For Yours is the Kingdom. . . Amen.
Troparion, Tone I
When You in Jordan for Your baptism were come, O Lord, then was revealed unto us to worship the Trinity, for lo, the Father's voice spoke to bear witness of You, by Name, declaring You His well-beloved Son; and the Spirit in form like a dove appeared to confirm the sure truth of the spoken Word; O Lord made manifest and light of the world, we give glory to You, O Christ our God.
Priest:
Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.
O God our Savior, the True Light, Who was baptized *in the Jordan by the Prophet John, and Who did deign to enter under the roof-tree of Zacchaeus, bringing salvation unto him and unto his house: do You, the same Lord, keep safe also from harm those who dwell herein; grant to them Your blessing, purification and bodily health, and all their petitions that are unto salvation and Life everlasting; for blessed are You, as also Your Father Who is from everlasting, and Your All; Holy, Good and Life; creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
And the Priest shall bless the whole house with Holy Water, saying:
When You in Jordan ...
Apolysis
May He Who condescended to be baptized in the river Jordan by the Forerunner and Prophet John, for our salvation, through the intercessions of His immaculate Mother, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is our good and loving Lord.
The Priest proclaims:
Grant, O Lord, a prosperous and peaceful life, health and salvation, and the furtherance of all good things to all Your servants (Names) who dwell herein, and preserve them for many years.
Reader: Many years! (3)

Prayer for the Church School
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord have mercy.
Priest: O Lord our God, Who has honored us with Your own image, Who has taught Your elect, so that most wise are they who give heed to Your teaching, Who reveals wisdom to babes, Who has imparted wisdom: open the hearts, the minds, and the lips of these Your servants, that they might receive the power of Your Law, and successfully apprehend the useful precepts which shall be taught to them, to the glory of Your Holy Name, to the profit and upbuilding of Your Holy Church; and that they understand Your good and perfect Will. Deliver them from every hostile oppression: preserve them in Orthodoxy and Your Holy, Catholic Faith, and in all uprightness and purity all the days of their life, that they might advance in wisdom, and in the fulfillment of Your commandments; that being thus prepared they may glorify Your most Holy Name and become heirs of Your Kingdom; for You are the God of Mercy, and gracious in strength; and to You do we send up Glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Blessing (Sprinkling with Holy Water)
Priest: The blessing (+) of the Lord through His divine Grace and manbefriending love come upon you always, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Prayers for the Sick
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord have mercy.
O Lord Almighty, the Healer of our souls and bodies, You Who put down and raise up, Who chastise and heal also; do You now, in Your great mercy, visit our brother (sister) (Name), who is sick. Stretch forth Your hand that is full of healing and health, and get him (her) up from his (her) bed, and cure him (her) of his (her) illness. Put away from him (her) the spirit of disease and of every malady, pain and fever to which he (she) is bound; and if he (she) has sins and transgressions, grant to him (her) remission and forgiveness, in that You love mankind; yea, Lord my God, pity Your creation, through the compassions of Your Only-Begotten Son, together with Your All-Holy, Good and Life-creating Spirit, with Whom You are blessed, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord have mercy.
O Lord our God, Who by word alone did heal all diseases, Who did cure the kinswoman of Peter, You Who chastise with pity and heal according to Your goodness; Who are able to put aside every malady and infirmity, do You Yourself, the same Lord, grant aid to this Your servant (Name) and cure him (her) of every sickness of which he (she) is grieved; lift him (her) up from his (her) bed of pain, and send down upon him (her) Your great mercy, and if it be Your Will, give to him (her) health and a complete recovery; for You are the Physician of our souls and bodies, and to You do we send up Glory: to Father, and to Son, and to Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayers on the Birth of a Child
Priest: Blessed is our God always, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Choir: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All; Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious unto our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities; for Your Name's sake, and have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who are in Heaven, Hallowed be Your Name; Your Kingdom come.
Your Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.
Priest: For Yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord have mercy.
Priest: O Sovereign Master and Lord Almighty, Who heals every sickness and every weakness: do You Yourself heal this Your servant (Name) who this day has borne a child, and raise her up from the bed on which she lies. For according to the words of Your Prophet David, in sin were we conceived and all are defiled before You; protect her, and this child which she has borne; shelter her under the covering of Your wings from this day to her last; through the intercessions of the all; pure Theotokos and of all the Saints, for blessed are You to ages of ages. Amen.
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord have mercy.
Sovereign Master and Lord our God, Who was born of our all; pure Lady Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, Who as a Babe was laid in a manger, and as a Child was held up to be seen, do You Yourself have mercy on this Your servant (Name) who this day has borne this child, and be gracious unto her voluntary and involuntary offenses, protecting her from every diabolical cruelty; preserve the child she has borne from every bane, from every harm, from every hostile rage, from evil spirits of the day and night; keep this woman safe under Your mighty hand.
Grant to her a speedy recovery. Cleanse her of every sin; bring healing from suffering, and vouchsafe unto her health, and strength of both soul and body; and with bright, shining Angels enfold and cherish her, guarding her round about against every attack of invisible spirits; yea, Lord, from sickness and infirmity, from jealousy and envy, and from the evil eye. Have mercy on her and the newborn child according to the greatness of Your mercy. Forgive her all voluntary and involuntary sin; remove from her any travail befalling her, and through Your speedy mercy lead her to recovery in her bodily affliction; and of the infant which has been born of her do You account worthy to worship in the earthly Temple which You have prepared for the glorification of Your Holy Name. For to You are due all glory, honor, and adoration, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord have mercy.
Priest: O Lord our God, Who was well pleased to come down from the Heavens, and to be born of the holy Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary for the salvation of us sinners, Who knows the frailty of human nature: according to the multitude of Your compassions forgive the sins of Your servant (Name), who this day has borne a child, for You have said, O Lord, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and have dominion over it." Therefore, we, Your servants, beseech You, and trusting in Your ever patient and manbefriending love, with fear invoke the holy Name of Your Kingdom; look down from Heaven and behold the feebleness of us who are condemned, and be gracious to Your Servant (Name) and to all the house in which the child has been born, and to them that have touched her and to all here present, granting forgiveness as our Good and Loving God; for You alone have the power to forgive sins, through the intercessions of the holy Theotokos, and of all Your Saints. Amen.
The Apolysis
Priest: Glory to You, O Christ our God and our Hope, glory to You.
Christ our true God, Who was born in a cave and laid in a manger for our salvation, through the intercessions of His pure and spotless Mother, through the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, through the protection of the venerable and bodiless heavenly powers, through the prayers of the venerable and glorious prophet Forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, all-praiseworthy Apostles, of the holy, glorious and; victorious Martyrs, of our venerable Godbearing Fathers, of the holy, righteous ancestors of the Lord, Joachim and Anna, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us as our Good and Loving God.
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy and save us. Amen.
Service of the Consecration of a Church
What is salvation for an Orthodox Christian? For an Orthodox Christian salvation is union with Christ. This union with Christ is called the "Life in Christ". The center of this "Life in Christ" is the Holy Altar, as well as the services which are related to it, i.e. the Seven Sacraments. Because the Holy Altar is so important in the life of an Orthodox Christian, the service of Consecration centers around the Holy Altar Table. In simple terms the Consecration Service is the Baptism and Chrismation of the Church.

Before the Consecration Service begins, all Articles on the Altar Table are removed, and the Altar is left uncovered with nothing on it. When the Bishop enters the Church he will bring with him the relics of three Saints. These relics will be placed on a Paten (Diskarion), which will remain on the Altar Table overnight, together with a Vigil Light.
INTRODUCTORY SERVICES AND VESPERS
The Consecration of the Church begins on the Eve of the celebration with a short Prayer Service honoring the memory of Martyrs. The Vespers, a very joyous celebration follows, and many Priests participate in it to share in the joy of the coming event.

On Sunday Morning the order of services is: Matins (Morning Prayer), the Consecration Service and the first Divine Liturgy in the newly consecrated Church.
MATINS (Orthros)
The Matins is a morning service held prior to the Divine Liturgy. It begins with the reading of the six Psalms (3, 37, 62, 87,102,142) and ends with the Great Doxology. During Matins resurrection and consecration hymns are sung. The Priest will also celebrate part of the Proskomidi Service (preparing the Gifts which will be used during the Divine Liturgy). At the appointed time the Bishop will enter the Church and will put on his vestments (Ceremonial Robes). At the end of Matins the Bishop will begin the Service of Consecration.
THE CONSECRATION SERVICE
What exactly takes place during the Consecration? The Consecration is a special service which "changes" an ordinary building into the House of God. This change takes place through the Grace of God and the Holy Spirit. Many symbolic actions take place such as:
1. The Three Processions around the Church Building.
2. The Placing of, and Sealing of, the Holy Relics in the Altar Table.
3. The Washing and Anointing of the Altar Table.
4. The Placing of the new Altar Coverings and other Holy Articles on the Holy Table.
5. The Lighting of the Vigil Light.
THE SERVICE OF CONSECRATION
THE BISHOP: Blessed is our God always, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen

READER:
Psalm 143
Hear, O Lord, my prayer give ear to my supplication;in Thy faithfulness answer me and in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy works; I muse on the work of Thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto Thee; my soul thirsteth after Thee as a thirsty land. Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth; hide not Thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Thy loving-kindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto Thee to hide me. Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God; Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O Lord, for Thy name's sake; for Thy righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of Thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul; for I am Thy servant.

*DEACON: Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

*When the Deacon is not present, the Priest recites his petitions.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us and protect us, O God, by Thy Grace.

Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorified Lady, Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To You O Lord.

THE BISHOP: For holy art Thou our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

Bishop standing before the Holy Relics reads the prayer:

THE BISHOP: O Lord our God, faithful in Thy words and truthful in Thy promises Who hast granted Thy holy Martyrs to fight the good fight and to fulfill the course of godliness and to keep the faith of true confession: Be Thou, the same all-holy Lord, entreated of their prayers and grant unto us Thine unworthy servants, to have a part and inheritance with them, that being followers of them, we also may obtain the good things which await them. Through Thy mercy and love toward mankind of Thine Only; begotten Son with Whom Thou art blessed, together with Thine all; holy, good and life-giving spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

THE BISHOP: Peace be with you all.

CHOIR: And with thy spirit.

DEACON: Let us bow our heads unto the Lord.

CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.

THE BISHOP: O Lord our God, through the intercessions of our Holy Lady and Mother of God and of all Thy saints direct the works of our hands, Thine unworthy servants, and make us worthy that we may in all things prove to be acceptable unto Thy goodness.

Blessed and glorified be the majesty of Thy Kingdom, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.
PROCESSIONS AROUND THE CHURCH
Following this prayer, the Bishop and Clergy together with all the Faithful prepare for the Three Processions around the Church. The Three Processions represent the setting aside of an area which will be separate and sacred from all other areas. The Bishop raises the covered Paten on which the Holy Relics were placed, and prepares to leave the Church. The procession is led by the Altar Boys, followed by the Choir and Cantors, the Priests, the Bishop carrying the Relics, and the Faithful, leaving the Church empty. As the procession leaves the Church the Choir or Cantor sings:
HYMNS
O Holy Martyrs, who fought the good fight and have received your crowns, entreat the Lord to save our souls.

Glory to Thee, O Christ God, the Apostles' pride, the Martyrs, joy, who have preached the consubstantial Trinity.

During the processions around the Church special consecration hymns are sung, or the Hymn "Holy God, Holy and Mighty..."
Tone 1

Be renewed, be renewed, O New Jerusalem, because your light has shown, and the glory of the Lord has come upon you. This house has been founded by the Father, this house has been made firm by the Son, this house has been renewed by, the Holy Spirit, which illumines and supports, and hallows our souls.

In early times, while the temple was consecrated, Solomon offered to the Lord sacrifices of animals and holocausts. When you were pleased in us O Saviour, to forgo the formalities and let the truth be known, the whole world offers to You the bloodless sacrifices to Your glory, because You are the Lord of all things and make everything holy through Your Holy Spirit.
Tone Pl. 2

The Consecration is an old honored custom, and a good one. It is however proper to honor new churches through the consecration as an island dedicated to God. As Isaiah says: we have acquired these sites from the congregation of the gentiles, and established them as churches on the solid foundation of God's Name. This is why we are celebrating this Consecration in a spiritual manner.

When the procession reaches the front of the Church, the Bishop places the Holy Relics on table, which has been previously placed there, and readings from the Bible follow. A section of St. Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews 2:11-18, and St. Matthew 16:13-20 is read.
SCRIPTURAL READINGS
DEACON: Let us attend.

READER: The Lord is my light and my salvation. The Lord is the protection of my life.

DEACON: Wisdom.

READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews (2:11-18).

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER:
For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will proclaim Thy name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise Thee. And again, I will put my trust in Him. And again. Here am I, and the children God has given me. Since, therefore, the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the power of death, that is, the devil and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that He is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore He had to be made like His brethren in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because He Himself has suffered and been tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted.

THE BISHOP: Peace be with you, Reader.

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

DEACON: Wisdom. Attend, Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

THE BISHOP: Peace be with you all.

CHOIR: And with your spirit.

THE BISHOP: The reading is from the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew (16:13-20).

DEACON: Let us attend.

CHOIR: Glory to Thee, o Lord, glory to Thee.

THE BISHOP: Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples. "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" And they said. "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them. "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on the rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
CHOIR: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Once again, the Bishop picks up the Paten, and the second procession around the Church takes place, while the Choir sings Special Hymns, or "Holy God, Holy mighty..."

When the procession reaches the front doors of the Church, the Relics are again placed on the table, and readings from the Bible follow.
SCRIPTURAL READINGS
DEACON: Let us attend.
READER: She shall be brought unto the King; the virgins that follow her shall be brought unto Thee.

DEACON: Wisdom.

READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews (9:1-7).

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER: Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary For a tent was prepared, the outer one, in which were the lamp stand and the table and the bread of the Presence; it is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of Holies, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's rod that budded and the tables of the covenant above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer tent, performing their ritual duties; but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people.

THE BISHOP: Peace be with you, Reader.

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

DEACON: Wisdom. Attend. Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

THE BISHOP: Peace be with you all.

CHOIR: And with thy spirit.

THE BISHOP: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke (10:38-42).

DEACON: Let us attend.

THE BISHOP: Now as they went on their way Jesus entered a village; and a woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving and she went to him and said, €œLord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me. But the Lord answered her. œMartha, Martha you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.€

CHOIR: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

The Bishop picks up the Paten with the Holy Relics, and the final procession takes place. The Choir continues to sing Special Hymns or "Holy God, Holy mighty..."

At the end of the third procession the Bishop places the Paten on the table and recites a prayer.

THE BISHOP: Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR: O Christ our God, Who didst build Thy Church upon the rock of faith, direct our petitions and receive Thy people who in faith cry unto Thee, save us, O our God.

DEACON: Let us pray to Lord.

The Bishop then offers a shorter prayer in which he asks God to protect His new House of Worship.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

THE BISHOP: Blessed be Thou forever, O God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who through the veil of His flesh hath consecrated for us an entrance into the Church of the first-born, who are written in heaven, where is the abode of those who rejoice, and the voice of gladness; Do Thou the same Lord, Who lovest mankind, look upon us Thy sinful and unworthy servants who now celebrate the consecration of the honorable Church of the Holy Apostles after the pattern of Thy most holy Church, that is, of our own body, which Thou hast made worthy unto us by Thine all-laudable Apostle Paul to call Thy Church; and establish it immovable unto the end of time and glorified in Thee. And vouchsafe that without condemnation we may offer therein praises and exaltations unto Thy glory, and unto Thine Only; begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and Thy Holy Spirit with understanding, and with all emotion and that those who worship Thee in Thy fear may show themselves worthy of Thy divine bounties; and that these prayers offered up by us and by all Thy people unto thine ineffable loving kindness may be acceptable unto Thy goodness: Through the prayers of our most holy Lady, Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary.

For holy art Thou, O our God, Who resteth on the Saints. And unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

THE BISHOP: O Master, Lord our God, Who hast appointed in heaven orders and armies of angels and archangels for the ministry of Thy Glory: Grant that there may be with our entrance, the entrance of Thy holy angels, ministering with us and glorifying with us Thy goodness.

For unto Thee are due all glory, honor and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.
THE DIALOGUE FROM PSALM 24 - ENTRY INTO CHURCH
The Bishop standing in front of the Doors of the Church, begins a short dialogue. The words of this conversation are taken from Psalm 24. This act represents Christ the King entering and taking over the Church building by defeating the power of the devil.The Bishop taps on the door with his staff and says: THE BISHOP: Open, Open the gates and let them remain open forever and let the King of glory enter. The priest, who is the only one inside the Church and represents an Angel, is surprised to hear this command, and asks: Who is this King of Glory? THE BISHOP: The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle, the Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.(This dialogue is repeated 3 times.)
Having said this, the Bishop raises the Paten and makes the sign of the Cross before the Church doors. The doors are then unlocked by the Godparent, and the Bishop enters the Church carrying the Holy Relics followed by all the clergy and the congregation. The faithful light candles, venerate the Holy Icons in the Narthex, and return to their seats. The psalti (chanter) in the meantime sings:

Forasmuch as Thou hast shown forth the splendor of the firmament on high and the beauty of the holy habitation of Thy glory here below, O Lord: Establish Thou the same forever, and accept our petitions continually offered unto Thee therein; Through the Theotokos, O Thou Who art the life and the Resurrection of all men.
THE DEPOSITION OF THE HOLY RELICS
The Bishop enters the Sanctuary, carrying the Paten with the Holy relics. Uncovering the Paten, he places the Holy Relics in a small gold box. He then pours Holy Chrism over the Relics; this act symbolizes the union between our Lord, and His Martyrs. Having done this the Bishop prays for the founders of the Church who have fallen asleep (died). THE BISHOP: Eternal be the memory of the builders of this Holy Church.

CONGREGATION: Eternal be their memory.

In the early years of Christianity the Church was not allowed to exist; for many years the early Christians were persecuted and killed for their faith in Christ. In those days, the Christians met in underground burial places and celebrated the Eucharist on the graves of the martyred Saints. When the persecutions ended, and the Church was allowed to exist, the custom of celebrating the Eucharist over the graves of Martyrs continued by placing Holy Relics in the Altar at the time of the Consecration. In this manner, we are always reminded that the Church was built on the Blood of the Martyrs and their faith in the Lord.

Since the Consecration centers around the Holy Altar Table (for it represents the center of all Sacraments and services of the Church), the Bishop prays and asks for God's help to accomplish the service:

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

THE BISHOP: O Lord our God, Who hast bestowed upon the holy Martyrs which suffered for Thy sake this glory also, that their relics should be sown in all the earth, in Thy holy churches, and should bring forth fruits of healing: Do Thou, the Same Master, Who art the giver of all good things, through the intercession of the Saints whose relics Thou hast graciously permitted to be placed in this Thy venerable Altar, enable us without condemnation to offer unto Thee thereon the bloodless sacrifice: And grant us all those petitions which are unto salvation, vouchsafing also to the relics therein of those who have suffered for thy holy Name, that they may work miracles unto our salvation.

For Thine art the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

There follows a shorter prayer in which the Bishop once again asks for God's Blessings and help:

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

THE BISHOP: O Lord, God our Saviour, Who createst all things and makest the race of man for salvation, accept the prayer of us, Thine unworthy servants; and enable us at this present hour without condemnation to accomplish the consecration of this Church, founded to Thy praise in the name of (Church's Name) and to consummate the building therein of an Altar.

For unto Thee are due all glory, honor and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Following these two prayers the Bishop places the gold box containing the Holy relics into a special cavity in the altar. In order to seal them permanently the Bishop pours wax/mastic over them. The wax/mastic contains many sweet smelling and fragrant spices, which were used by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus to anoint the Body of Christ in preparation for burial. The Holy Altar represents the Tomb in which our Lord's body was placed. All of this takes place during the reading of Psalm 145.

READER:
Psalm 145
I will magnify Thee, O God, my King; and I will praise Thy Name forever and ever. Every day will I give thanks unto Thee: and praise Thy Name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and marvelous worthy to be praised; there is no end of his greatness. One generation shall praise Thy works unto another and declare Thy power. As for me I will be talking of Thy worship, Thy glory, Thy praise, and wondrous works; so that men shall speak of the might of Thy marvelous acts; and I will also tell of Thy greatness. The memorial of Thine abundant kindness shall be showed and men shall sing of Thy righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful; longsuffering, and of great goodness. The Lord is loving unto every man; and His mercy is over all His works. All thy works praise Thee, O Lord; and Thy saints give thanks unto Thee. They show the glory of Thy Kingdom, and talk of Thy power, that Thy power, Thy glory, and mightiness of Thy Kingdom, might be known unto men. Thy kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and Thy dominion endureth throughout all ages. The Lord upholdeth all such as fall, and lifteth up all those that are down. The eyes of all wait upon Thee, O Lord; and Thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest Thine hand, and fillest all things living with plenteousness. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him; yea, all such as call upon Him faithfully. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will help them. The Lord preserveth all them that love Him; but scattereth abroad all the ungodly. My mouth shall speak the Praise of the Lord; and let all flesh give thanks unto Him holy Name forever and ever.

As the Bishop removes the excess wax/mastic, Psalm 23 is read. The Deposition (placing of the Holy Relics in the Altar Table) is now completed, and the Bishop prepares to wash and anoint the Altar Table.

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, therefore can I lack nothing. He shall feed me in a green pasture, and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. He shall convert my soul, and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness of His Name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me. Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me; Thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full. But Thy loving kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
THE WASHING OF THE ALTAR TABLE
Since the Altar Table represents the Tomb of Christ and His body lies therein. The Altar must undergo its own "Baptism" (washing) and "Chrismation" (anointing). Before washing and anointing the Altar Table the Bishop puts on a white linen garment called the Savanon. While the faithful kneel, the Bishop reads the prayer of Consecration.
THE BISHOP: Blessed is our God always, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
DEACON: Again and again, bending on our knees, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
THE BISHOP: O God, without beginning and eternal, Who callest all things into being from nothingness; Who dwellest in light unapproachable, and hast the heavens for Thy throne, and the earth for Thy footstool; Who didst give a law and pattern unto Moses and didst inspire Bezaleel with the spirit of wisdom, and dist enable them to complete the perfect building of the Tabernacle of Thy Covenant, wherein ordinances of divine worship were instituted which were the images and types of the truth; Who didst bestow upon Solomon breadth and greatness of heart, and thereby didst rear of old the Church; and upon Thy holy and all; laudable Apostles didst renew the service in the Spirit, and the grace of the true Tabernacle, and through the same, O Lord of Hosts, didst plant thy Churches and Thine Altars in all the earth, that there might be offered unto Thee consecrated and bloodless sacrifices; Who, also, hast graciously been pleased to found this Church, in the Name of (Church's Name) to Thy glory, and to the glory of Thine Only‑begotten Son, and of Thine all-€‘holy Spirit:
Do Thou, the same immortal and generous King, call to mind Thy bounties and Thy mercies, which are from everlasting, and abhor not us who are defiled with a multitude of sins, neither annual Thou Thy Covenant because of our uncleanliness; but disregard Thou now our iniquities, and strengthen us with the Grace and inspiration of Thy life-€‘giving and Holy Spirit, that without condemnation we may accomplish the renewal of this Church, and fulfill the consecration of the Altar therein; that therein blessing Thee in Psalms, and songs, and mystical rites we may always magnify Thy loving-kindness. Yea, O Master, Lord our God, the hope of all the ends of the earth, hear us sinners who make our supplications unto Thee, and send down Thine all-holy and worshipful, and almighty Spirit, and sanctify this Church and this Altar; Fill it with the light everlasting; elect it for Thy dwelling place; make it the abode of Thy glory. Adorn it with Thy divine and supernatural gifts.
Appoint it for a haven of the tempest tossed, for a healing of passions, for a refuge of the weak, for an expelling of evil spirits. Let Thine eyes be open upon it day and night and let Thine ears be heedful of the prayer of those who shall enter therein in Thy fear, and in devoutness, and shall call upon Thine all honorable and worshipful Name; that whatsoever they shall ask of Thee, Thou wilt hear it in heaven above and wilt show mercy and be gracious unto them. Preserve it indestructible even unto the end of the ages, and show forth the holy Altar therein, an Altar of Thy Holy Things through the power and indwelling of Thy Holy Spirit, Glorify it above the Mercy Seat according to the Law; that the holy offices which shall be celebrated thereon may attain unto Thy holy, and most heavenly and super-sensual Altar and obtain for us the grace of Thy most pure overshadowing; for we trust not in the service of our unworthy hands, but in Thine unspeakable goodness.

The Deacon then offers petitions for the peace of the world, for the Church and city in which it is located, for the Consecrating Bishop, and for the Holy Altar Table.

DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, raise and protect us, O God by Thy Grace.

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON: For the peace from above, and the salvation of our souls let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON: For this Holy House and for those that enter it with faith, reverence and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON: For our (Consecrating Bishop) the honorable Priesthood, the Diaconate in Christ and for all clergy and laity, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON: For the work of our hands and our assembled brethren, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON: For the sanctification of this Holy House and the Altar therein through the descent, might and works of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON: For this City and every city and land and for the faithful who dwell in them, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON: For those who travel by land, sea and air, for the sick, the suffering and captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON: Help us, save, have mercy on us, O God, by Thy Grace.

Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed and glorified Lady, Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.

THE BISHOP: For holy art Thou, O our God, Who restest among the Saints and the Martyrs who suffered for Thee, and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

A basin of water is brought to the Bishop who blesses and prays for its sanctification.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

THE BISHOP: O Lord our God, Who sanctified the streams of Jordan by Thy saving manifestation. Do Thou, the same Lord, Send down also now the Grace of the all; Holy Spirit on this Thy present Altar and bless us and this water unto sanctification and completion of Thy Holy Altar.

For blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

THE BISHOP: In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

The Bishop then pours water on the Altar three times saying: "In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit", and washes the Altar Table while Psalm 84 is read. This act symbolizes Baptism: The Altar is cleaned by washing, and sanctified (made Holy) by the Grace of the Holy Spirit. After washing, the Altar is then dried.

READER:
Psalm 84
O how amiable are Thy dwellings, Thou Lord of Hosts! My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found her a house, and the swallow a nest, where she may lay her young; even Thy altars, O Lord of Hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house they will be always praising Thee. Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee; in whose heart are Thy ways. Who going through the valley of misery use it for a well; and the pools are filled with water. They will go from strength to strength, and unto the God of gods appeareth every one of them in Zion. O Lord God of Hosts, hear my prayer; hearken, O God of Jacob. Behold, O God our defender, and look upon the face of Thine Anointed. For one day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of ungodliness. For the Lord God is a light and defense; the Lord will give grace and worship; and no good thing shall He withhold from them that live a godly life. O Lord God of Hosts blessed is the man that putteth his trust in Thee.

THE BISHOP: Glory to our God unto the ages.

CHOIR: Amen.
ANOINTING OF THE ALTAR TABLE
The Bishop sprinkles Rosewater on the Altar Table as he recites:
THE BISHOP: Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be clean: Thou shalt wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness, that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.

Rosewater is a sweet smelling fragrance which was used to anoint the Body of Christ for burial. The Bishop continues the rest of Psalm 51 while the Altar Table is wiped dry by the he assisting Priests. The Priests use Antimens to do this.

Turn thy face from my sins, and put out all my misdeeds. Make me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not Thy holy Spirit from me. O give me the comfort of Thy help again and establish me with Thy free Spirit. Then shall I teach Thy ways unto the wicked, and sinners shall be converted unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou that art the God of my health; and my tongue shall sing of Thy righteousness. Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall show Thy praise. For Thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it Thee; but Thou delightest not in burnt offerings. The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, shalt Thou not despise. O be favourable and gracious unto Zion, build Thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt offerings and oblations; then shall they offer young bullocks upon Thine altar.

Blessed is our God always, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON: Let us attend.

THE BISHOP: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

The Bishop anoints the Holy Altar with Holy Chrism (once in the center and then on either side) while he sings: "Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia". He spreads the Holy Chrism over the entire Altar Table as he recites a section from Psalm 133:

THE BISHOP:
Psalm 133
Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren, to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down unto the beard, even unto Aaron's beard and went down to the skirts of his clothing. Like as the dew of Hermon, which fell upon the hill of Zion. For there the Lord promised his blessing, and life forever; more.

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

CHOIR: Amen.

THE BISHOP: Glory to Thee, O Holy Trinity our God, glory to Thee, unto the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

The Priests then wipe the excess Chrism with the Antimens.

St. Symeon, in writing about the anointing of the Altar Table, says the following: "Since the Altar is anointed with the Holy Chrism, which represents the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Altar Table then becomes a source of Grace to all people through the Sacraments which are celebrated thereon. The Holy Gospel is placed on the Altar, the Holy Relics are within, so we see that the Altar becomes the Altar of Christ, a throne of Glory, the dwelling place of God, and the Tomb of Christ."

Next, icons of the four Evangelists are fastened to the Altar (one in each corner). The completed Altar represents the entire Church, which from the four corners of the world is held together by the Lord, and is built on Him through the preaching of the Gospel. Following the Anointing, the Bishop begins the vesting (putting on the new coverings) of the Altar Table.
THE VESTING OF THE ALTAR TABLE
The Altar Table is now covered with the "Katasarkion". This white linen cloth represents the Lord's burial shroud. The Katasarkion is tied with a cord which represents the cord with which our Lord's hands were tied as He stood before the High Priests. The Katasarkion will never be removed and will remain on the Altar for as long as the Church remains standing. As the Katasarkion is being placed on the Altar, Psalm 132 is read by the psalti:
READER:
Psalm 132
Lord, remember David, and all his trouble: how he swore unto the Lord, and vowed a vow unto the Almighty God of Jacob; I will not come within the tabernacle of mine house, nor climb up into my bed; I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eyelids to slumber; neither the temples of my head to take any rest; until I find out a place for the temple of the Lord; an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. Lo, we heard of the same at Ephrata, and found it in the wood. We will go into His tabernacle, and fall low on our knees before His footstool. Arise, O Lord, into Thy resting; place; Thou and the ark of Thy strength. Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let Thy saints sing with joyfulness. For Thy servant David's sake turn not away the presence of Thine Anointed. The Lord hath made a faithful oath unto David, and He shall not shrink from it; of the fruit of thy body shall I set upon thy seat. If thy children will keep My covenant, and My testimonies that I shall teach them; their children also shall sit upon thy seat forever€‘more. For the Lord hath chosen Zion to be an habitation for Himself; He hath longed for her. This shall be my rest forever; here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein. I will bless her provisions with abundance, and satisfy her poor with bread. I will deck her priests with health, and her saints shall rejoice and sing. There shall I make the horn of David to flourish: I have ordained a lantern for mine Anointed. As for his enemies, I shall clothe them with shame; but upon himself shall his crown flourish.

THE BISHOP: Glory to our God unto the ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Having placed the Katasarkion over the Altar, the Bishop says: "Glory to You our God unto Ages of ages. He washes his hands, and covers the Altar Table with a brighter and more elaborate cover which symbolizes the Glory of God. While he covers the Altar Table, the reader reads Psalm 93:

READER:
Psalm 93
The Lord is King, and hath put on glorious apparel; the Lord hath put on His apparel, and girded Himself with strength. He hath made the round world so sure, that it cannot be moved. Ever since the world began hath Thy seat been prepared; Thou art from everlasting. The floods are risen, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The waves of the sea are mighty, and rage horribly; but yet the Lord, who dwelleth on high, is mightier. Thy testimonies, O Lord, are very sure; holiness becometh Thine house forever.

THE BISHOP: Glory to Thee, Holy Trinity, our God, glory to Thee unto the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

The Bishop proceeds to place the other Holy Articles on the Altar Table. First he places the Antimens; on top of this is placed the Gospel Book (representing the teachings of Christ.) The Artoforion, in which the Body and Blood of our Lord is placed, and is reserved for Communion of the sick. The Artoforion is symbolic of the presence of our Lord. The candlesticks which are placed last represent the Light of Christ that shines forth during the Sacred Services.

Since the Altar has been Consecrated, sanctified and adorned with all its furnishings, the Altar and the entire Church is now censed with incense while Psalm 26 is read:

READER:
Psalm 26
Be thou my Judge, O Lord, for I have walked innocently; my trust hath been also in the Lord, therefore shall I not fall. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try out my reins and my heart. For Thy loving-€‘kindness is ever before mine eyes; and I will walk in Thy truth. I have not sat with vain persons; neither will I have fellowship with the deceitful. I have hated the congregation of the wicked; and will not sit among the ungodly. I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord: and so will I go to Thine altar; that I may show the voice of thanksgiving; and tell of all Thy wondrous works. Lord I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honour dwelleth. O Shut not up my soul with the sinners nor my life with the bloodthirsty; in whose hands is wickedness, and their right hand is full of gifts. But, as for me, I will walk innocently: O deliver me, and be merciful unto me. My foot standeth right: I will praise the Lord in the churches.
ANOINTING OF THE CHURCH
The Bishop then anoints the four walls of the Church and the Holy Icons making the sign of the Cross on them with Holy Chrism. This act symbolizes the sanctification of all creation with the Grace of Christ.
THE BISHOP: Glory to the Holy and Almighty and life-giving Trinity, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON: Again and again in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

DEACON: Help us, save, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by Thy Grace.

Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed and glorified Lady, Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.

THE BISHOP: For to Thee belong all glory, honor and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.
PRAYERS FOR THE CHURCH AND THE ALTAR TABLE
Upon completion of the Anointing, the Bishop offers prayers for the Altar and the Church:
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
THE BISHOP: O Lord of heaven and earth, Who with wisdom ineffable hast founded Thy holy Church and hast appointed the Order of the Priesthood upon the earth for an antitype of the Angels' service in heaven. Do Thou. O munificent Lord, receive also us who now make our petitions unto Thee; not as being worthy to ask such great things of Thee, but that the exceeding excellence of Thy goodness may be manifested; for Thou hast not ceased in manifold benefits to be gracious unto mankind. And, as the chiefest of Thy benefits, Thou hast bestowed upon us the coming in the flesh of Thine Only €‘begotten Son, Who was seen upon earth, and shedding forth the light of salvation upon them that sat in darkness, did offer Himself a sacrifice for us, and became a propitiation for the whole world, making us to be partakers of His Resurrection; and after that He had ascended into heaven.
He endured His Apostles and Disciples, as fie had promised, with from on high, which is the Holy Spirit, adored power and almighty, who proceedeth from Thee, our God and Father; through Whom, also, they became mighty in deed and in word, administered Baptism unto the adop­tion of sonship, built Churches, established Altars, and instituted the laws and precepts of the Priesthood. And we sinners, having preserved the tradition thereof, do fall down before Thee, the everlasting and compassionate God, and implore Thee: Fill with Thy glory divine this Church erected to Thy praise, and show Thou forth the holy Altar therein set up as the Holy of Holies: that we who stand before it, as before the dread Throne of Thy kingdom, may serve Thee uncondemned, sending up unto Thee petitions for ourselves and for all the people, and offering the bloodless sacrifice to Thy goodness, unto the remission of sins both voluntary and involuntary, unto the governing of our life, the attainment of a good life and the fulfilling of all righteousness.

For blessed be Thine all-€‘holy Name of the Father, and Of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

THE BISHOP: Peace be with you all.

CHOIR: And with thy spirit.

DEACON: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.

The Bishop blesses the faithful and offers another prayer for the Altar Table. He asks God to fill this Altar with His Grace so that the Bloodless Sacrifice may be offered upon it:

BISHOP: We thank Thee, O Lord our God, for that Thou hast graciously vouchsafed to continue also even unto us sinners and Thine unworthy servants, because of Thy great love toward mankind, that grace which Thou hast poured out upon Thy holy Apostles and upon our holy Fathers. Wherefore we pray Thee, O All merciful Lord: Fill with glory, and holiness, and Grace this Altar, that the bloodless sacrifices which shall thereon be offered unto Thee may be transformed into the most pure Body and precious Blood of Thine Only begotten Son, Who is our Lord, and God, and Saviour Jesus Christ, unto the salvation of all Thy people, and of our unworthiness.

For Thou art our God and to Thee we ascribe glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.
SCRIPTURAL READINGS
The Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews (Chapter 3:1‑4) is read, as well as a selection from the Gospel of St. John (Chapter 10:22‑30).

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER: Holiness befits Thy house, O Lord. The Lord reigneth, He is clothed with majesty.

DEACON: Wisdom.

READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews (3: 1‑4).

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER: Therefore holy brethren, who share in a heavenly call, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession. He was faithful to him who ap­pointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in God's house. Yet Jesus has been counted worthy of as much more glory than Moses as the builder of a house has more honor than the house. For every house is built by some one but the builder of all things is God.

THE BISHOP: Peace be with you Reader.

CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

PRIEST: Wisdom. Attend. Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

THE BISHOP: Peace be with you all.

CHOIR: And with Thy Spirit.

PRIEST: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. John (10:22-30). Let us attend.

CHOIR: Glory to Thee O Lord glory to Thee.

THE BISHOP: It was the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around Him and said to Him: "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness to me: but you do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give them eternal life and they shall never perish and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me is greater than all and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."

CHOIR: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
LIGHTING OF THE VIGIL LIGHT
During the service the Bishop invites the faithful to come forward and to offer a few drops of oil in a Vigil Light. This they do as an offering to the Church. The Bishop will later light the Vigil Light and will place it on the Altar Table near the Artoforion. This light will be kept burning at all times and is symbolic of the never failing light of Christ which came into darkness of the world to be a light to enlighten all people. The Bishop then removes the Savanon. The Savanon will be cut up into small pieces and each person in Church will receive a piece of it to keep as a "Phylacton" (a blessed object worn to help ward off evil).
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.The Saint of the Church being consecrated.
Now, and, ever...

Lord, benevolent and all powerful, as we celebrate this memorable occasion of the Consecration, we glorify You, the Giver of this Blessing, praying that You bless the spiritual understanding of our souls through the intercession of the glorious Champions of the Faith.
CONCLUDING PRAYERS
READER: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy on us (thrice). Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
All Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name's sake. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
CONGREGATION:

Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those Who trespass against us; And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil.

THE BISHOP: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

Glory ... Dismissal Hymn of the Church

Now, and ever, ... Repeat:

O Lord, establish this church forever as you have shown by the harmony of the heavens above and the beauty of the Holy Tabernacle of your Glory below. Accept our prayers which are continuously addressed to You in this church. Through the mediation of the Virgin Mary (Theotokos) who is the life and resurrection of all.

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we pray Thee, hear us and have mercy.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy (thrice).

DEACON: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of sins of the servants of God, the Builders of this Holy House (Holy Apostles) and for the forgiveness of all their transgressions, both voluntary and involuntary.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy (thrice).

THE BISHOP: For Thou art a merciful God and lovest mankind and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.
DISMISSAL
THE BISHOP: Glory to Thee, O God our hope, glory to Thee.

May Christ our true God, Who rose from the dead, through the intercessions of His all‑pure and Holy Mother, through the power of the precious and life giving Cross, through the protection of the honorable spiritual Powers of heaven, through the prayers of the honorable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, the holy, glorious and victorious Martyrs, of our saintly and God‑inspired Fathers, of the holy and righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for our merciful God is good and lovest mankind.

Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.

PRIEST: Through the prayers of our Holy Bishop, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.

CHOIR: Amen.

The Church has now been Baptized, Chrismated, Sanctified, Consecrated, and dedicated to God for eternal use as an Orthodox Christian House of Worship. The first Divine Liturgy is then celebrated in the newly consecrated "House of the Lord."
GLOSSARY
ANGEL: Pure spirits created by God, to serve and praise Him.

ALTAR: A term used to designate the Sanctuary, the area be­hind the Iconscreen.

ALTAR TABLE: The table on which the Holy Liturgy is celebrated. On it are found the Gospel Book, Cross, Antimens (Antimension), and the Artoforion. The Altar Table contains relics of the Saints which are placed within it at the time of the Church's Consecration.

ALTAR CLOTHS: A bright and usually elaborate cloth placed over the Altar Table. It is symbolic of the Glory of God since the Altar represents the Throne of God.

ANOINTING: The act of tracing a mark in the form of cross, with Holy Oil on a person or a thing in a Church ceremony.

ANTIMENS: (Antimension) The word means "in place of a table". The Antimens is a piece of cloth on which Christ's Burial is depicted and into which Relics are sewn. The Divine Liturgy is always celebrated on the Antimens.

ARTOFORION: A receptacle on the Altar Table, in which the Holy Sacraments are placed before conveyance to the sick.

BENEDICTION: The blessing offered by the Bishop or Priest at certain times in the services of the Church.

PEOPLE: A layman who sings the responses at services.

CELEBRANT: Person who celebrates the Holy Eucharist (bishop or priest).
CENSER: The vessel in which incense is burned. People: Persons who sing the responses at the Divine Liturgy and other services.
HOLY CHRISM: Holy Oil which contains many fragrant ingredients. It is mixed and blessed by our Patriarch, together with a group of bishops, on Holy Thursday and distributed to all churches in his care.

CORPORAL: (Eliton) A cloth similar to the Antimens, but without relics sewn inside. The Corporal may not be used as an Altar Table.

EPISTLE: A portion of the New Testament Scriptures read before the Gospel reading.

DEPOSITION: The Act of placing the Holy Relics into the Holy Altar Table during the Consecration of the Church.

EVANGELISTS: "The bringers of good tidings". The four writers of the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

EUCHARIST: Is another name for the Divine Liturgy. The Sacrament at which bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. The word Eucharist means "thanksgiving".

GOSPEL: The "Good News", a record of the life and teachings of Jesus. The Book of the Gospels is placed on the Holy Altar Table and is usually ornate, with a gold or silver cover.

ICON: Holy pictures representing holy persons and or an event in the life of Christ. Icons are found not only in the Church, but believers place them in their homes. An Orthodox has an attitude of reverence and respect for all icons.

ICONSTASION: Icon screen, the wall which separates the Sanctuary from the Nave of the Church building. On it are found the Icons of the Saviour, the Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptist, and the Patron Saint of the Church.

KATASARKION: A white linen cloth which covers the Altar Table. It is symbolic of the shroud in which our Lord's body was wrapped for burial.

MARTYR: Is a person who suffered and died for the Christian faith.

MASTIC: A yellowish resin used in making incense. The mastic is mixed with wax, myrrh, aloe, incense and labdanum. This mixture is used to seal the Holy Relics in the Altar Table.

MATINS: The morning service which is held prior to the Divine Liturgy. It begins with the reading of the Six Psalms and ends with the Great Doxology.

MYRRH: Is another name for the Holy Chrism.

ORTHROS: The morning service usually called Matins.

PATEN: A round, flat plate of gold or silver on which parts of the Prosforo (bread) which are to be consecrated are placed for the celebration of Liturgy.

PATRON SAINT: A Saint chosen by a Church, a nation, or any religious organization as a special guardian and protector.

RELICS: The bodies of Saints, or particles of their bodies, which the Church venerates because of their holiness. Relics of three Saints are placed in the Altar at the time of the Consecration.

SAVANON: A white linen garment worn by the celebrant Bishop at a Consecration. The Savanon is put on prior to the washing of the Altar Table. Following the Consecration, the Savanon is cut into small pieces and given to the people as a "Phylacton" (a blessed object worn as a protection against evil).

VENERATION: The honor and reverence that Orthodox pay to the Saints, the Virgin Mary and to icons.

VESPERS: The evening service begins with the reading of Psalm 104. On special feastdays, the Artoklasia is held during the Vespers Service.

VIGIL LIGHT: A light or lights burning in a glass holder. Usually found before Icons or in front of or on either side of the Artoforion.
Thanksgiving for Recovery
Let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.
O Lord God Jesus Christ, the Life and strength of all that put their hope in You, Whose mercies are numberless, and the treasury of goodness that is infinite, we give thanks to You for the blessings which You have bestowed upon Your servant (Name); and we humbly beseech You to continue Your goodness toward us; and as You have been well pleased to restore Your servant to his (her) bodily health, so do You imbue his (her) soul with all the heavenly graces, perseverance in good works, and prepare us by Your blessings in this life for the enjoyment of eternal happiness in the Life to come; for to You are due all glory, honor, and worship, as also to Your Eternal Father and Your All Holy, Good and Life creating Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Office of Vespers for the Preservation of Creation
Composed on the Holy Mountain by Monk Gerasimos of the Skete of Saint Anne. Hymn writer of the Great Church of Christ (+1991).
Translated into English by Archimandrite Ephrem (Lash).
D = Deacon
P = Priest
B = Bishop
C = Choir
R = Reader
A = All

(P) Blessed is our God, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
(C) Amen.
(A) O Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, present in all places and filling all things; treasury of good things and giver of life, come and dwell in us and purify us from every stain, and of your goodness save our souls.(All) Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3 times)Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins.O Master, pardon our iniquities.O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for thy Name's sake. Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.Lord have mercy (12 times).
(R) O come let us worship and bow down to our King and God.
O come let us worship and bow down to Christ, our King and God.O come let us worship and bow down before Christ himself, our King and our God.(Psalm of Preparation)Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honour and majesty, wrapped in light as with a garment. You stretch out the heavens like a tent, you set the beams ofyour chambers on the waters, you make the clouds your chariot, you ride on the wings of the wind, you make the winds your messengers, fire and flame your ministers. You set the earth on its foundations, so that it shall never be shaken. You cover it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. At your rebuke they flee; at the sound ofyour thunder they take to flight. They rose up to the mountains, ran down to the valleys to the place that you appointed for them. You set a boundary that they may not pass, so that they might not again cover the earth. You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills, giving drink to every wild animal; the wild asses quench their thirst. By the streams the birds of the air have their habitation; they sing among the branches. From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. You cause the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for people to use, to bring forth food from the earth, and wine to gladden the human heart, oil to make the face shine, and bread to strengthen the human heart. The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. In them the birds build their nests; the stork has its home in the fir trees. The high mountains are for the wild goats; the rocks are a refuge for the coneys. You have made the moon to mark the seasons; the sun knows its time for setting. You make darkness, and it is night, when all the animals of the forest come creeping out. The young lions roar for their prey, seeking their food from God. When the sun rises, they withdraw and lie down in their dens. People go out to their work and to their labor until the evening.O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there, living things both small and great. There go the ships, and Leviathan that you formed to sport in it. These all look to you to give them their food in due season; when you give to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things. When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground. May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works -who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord! O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom have you made them all.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages Amen.Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Glory to you, our God.Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Glory to you, our God.Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Glory to you, our hope, 0 Lord, glory to you.
(D) In peace let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For the peace that is from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For peace in the world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For our Metropolitan / Archbishop / Bishop (N.), the honourable presbyters, the deacons in the service of Christ, and all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For this city, for every city and country, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For favourable weather, an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and temperate seaons, let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For travellers by land, sea and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your Grace.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) Remembering our most holy, pure blessed, and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
(A) To you O Lord.
(P) Lord, our God, whose power is beyond compare, and glory is beyond understanding; whose mercy is boundless, and love for us is ineffable: look upon us and upon this holy house in Your compassion. Grant to us and to those who pray with us Your abundant mercy.
(D) For to You belong all glory, honour and worship to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
(C) Amen.

Tone 1
(C) O Lord, I have cried out to you, hear me, O Lord. Lord I have cried out to you, hear me, give heed to the voice of my prayer. When I cry out to you, hear me, O Lord.
Let my prayer rise like incense before you; and the lifting of my hands an evening sacrifice. Hear me, O Lord.
Verse: If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord who could stand? For with you there is forgiveness.
O Christ, who brought all things into existence from nothing, and with ineffable wisdom gave to each one to accomplish unerringly the goal which you laid down in the beginning, O Saviour, Lover of humankind, as you are powerful, bless the whole creation which you fashioned.Verse: For your name's sake I have waited for you, O Lord; my soul has waited for your word, my soul has hoped in the Lord.Give peace to all the nations, Lord, and understanding in all things, so that we may lead our life in tranquillity and always keep the laws which you laid down for all creation for the unalterable maintenance and government of the universe.Verse: From the watch of dawn until the night, from the watch of dawn, let Israel hope in the Lord. Lover of humankind, keep unharmed the environment that clothes the earth, through which, by your will, we who inhabit the earth live and move and have our being, that we, your unworthy suppliants, may be delivered from destruction and ruin.Verse: For with the Lord there is mercy, and with him abundant redemption, and he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.Fence round the whole creation, O Christ Saviour, with the mighty strength of your love for humankind, and deliver the earth we inhabit from the corruption which threatens it; for we, your servants, have set our hopes on you.Verse: Praise the Lord all nations! extol him all peoples!
Put an end, O Saviour, to the evil designs which are being devised against us by senseless intent, and turn aside from the earth every destructive action of the works ofhuman hands which contrive corruption leading to perdition.
Verse: For great is his mercy to us, and the truth of the Lord endures for ever.
O Lord, who wraps creation in clouds, as godly David sang, watch over the environment of the earth, which you created from the beginning for the preservation of mortals, and give us the breath of the winds and the flow of waters.

Tone 6
Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Almighty God, who created all things with wisdom and who watches over and guides them by your all-powerful hand, grant well-being that all creation may prosper and remain unharmed by hostile elements; for you, Master, commanded that the works ofyour hands should remain unshaken until the ends of the age; for you spoke and they came into being and they receive from you mercy for the turning away of all harm, and for the salvation of the human race which glorifies your name which is praised above all.
Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Who will not call you blessed, all-holy Virgin? Who will not hymn your child-birth without labour? For the only-begotten Son, who shone from the Father beyond time, came forth from you pure Maiden, ineffably incarnate. By nature he became man for our sakes, not divided in a duality of persons, but known without confusion in a duality of natures. O honoured and all-blessed, implore him to have mercy on our souls.
(D) Wisdom. Let us attend.
O Jesus Christ, the joyful Light of the holy glory, of the immortal, heavenly, holy, blessed Father! Now that we have come to the setting of the sun, and behold the evening light, we sing in praise to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For you are worthy to be praised at every hour with songs of worship, O Son of God, giver of life. Wherefore the world doth glorify you.
(P) Wisdom.
(R) The Reading is from Leviticus
The Lord spoke to the children of Israel saying: If you walk in my ordinances and keep my commandments and do them, I will give you rain in its season and the earth will give its produce and the trees of the plains their fruit. And your threshing time will overtake the vintage, and the vintage will overtake the sowing. And you will eat your bread to the full and dwell in safety on your land. And no one shall make you afraid; and I will destroy the evil before you. And five of you will pursue a hundred and a hundred of you will pursue tens of thousands. And I will look upon you and bless you and make you increase and multiply and I will establish my covenant with you. And you will eat what is old and very old, and bring out the old to make way for the new. And I will set my tabernacle among you and my soul shall not abhor you; and I will walk among you; and I will be your God and you shall be my people. But if you will not listen to me, nor observe these ordinances of mine, but disobey them, and if your soul loathes my judgements, so that you do not keep all my commandments, I in turn will do thus to you: I will bring distress upon you, and you will sow your seed in vain and your enemies will devour your labours. And I will set my face against you and you will fall before your foes and they will pursue you and you will flee though no one pursues you; and I will smash the arrogance of your pride. And I will make the heaven like iron for you and your earth like solid bronze. And your strength will be in vain and your land will not give its fruit, and the trees of the field will not give their fruit. And I will send the wild beasts of the earth against you, and they will consume your cattle, and the sword will come against you and make you few in number. And your land will be desert and your farms will be desert; because you have walked against me crookedly, and I will walk against you with crooked rage, says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel.
(P) Wisdom.
(R) The Reading is from the prophecy of Isaiah
Look down, Lord, from heaven and see, from your holy house and your glory. Where is the abundance of your mercy and of your acts of pity, that you have withheld yourself from us? For you are our Father, because Abraham has not known us, nor Israel acknowledged us. But do you Lord, our Father, deliver us; from the beginning your name is upon as. Why have you made us wander from your way, Lord? Why have you hardened our hearts not to fear you? Return for the sake of your servants, for the sake of the tribes that are your heritage, that for a little while we may inherit your holy mountain. Our enemies have trampled down your sanctuary, we have become as at the beginning when you did not rule over us, nor had your name been invoked upon us. If you open the heaven, trembling from you will seize the mountains and they will melt as wax melts before the fire, and fire will burn up your adversaries, and your name will be manifest among your adversaries; nations will be troubled at your presence. When you do glorious deeds, trembling from you will seize the mountains. From eternity we have not heard, nor have our eyes seen any God but you. And your works are true, and you will perform mercy for those who wait for you. For mercy will meet with those who do right and remember your ways. And now, Lord, you are our Father; while we are clay and you are our Fashioner; we are all the work of your hands. Do not be exceedingly angry with us, Lord, and do not remember our sins for ever. And now, look upon us, Lord, because we are all your people.
(P) Wisdom.
(R) The Reading is from the Prophecy of Jeremiah.
Thus says the Lord: I have remembered the mercy of your youth and the love of your marriage, of your following the Holy One of Israel, says the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. To the Lord was the beginning of his produce. All those who devoured him will offend and evils will come upon them, says the Lord. Hear the word of the Lord, house of Jacob, and every family of the house of Israel. Thus says the Lord: What offence did your fathers find in me, that they revolted far from me and went after vanities and became vain? And they did not say: Where is the Lord who brought us up out of the Land of Egypt, who guided us in the wilderness, in a boundless and trackless land, without water or fruit, and in the shadow of death, in a land through which no man had passed, nor had any son of man dwelt there? And I led you to Carmel to eat its fruits and its good things; and you went in and you defiled my land and made my inheritance an abomination. The priests did not say: Where is the Lord? And those who ding to the law did not know me, and the shepherds acted impiously towards me; and the prophets prophesied Baal and went after that which does not profit. Therefore I will be brought to trial before you again, says the Lord; and I will be brought to trial before your children's children. Cross to the islands of Kittim and look; and to Kedar and send and observe carefully, and see if such things have been done; if the nations will change their gods, though they are no gods. But my people have changed their glory for something from which they will gain nothing. Heaven was amazed at this and trembled exceedingly, says the Lord.(D) Let us say with all our soul and with all our mind, let us say.(A) Lord have mercy.(D) O Lord almighty, the God of our fathers, we pray you, hear and have mercy.(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) Have mercy upon us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(D) Again we pray for our Metropolitan / Archbishop / Bishop (N), for the priests, deacons, and all other clergy; and for all our brethren in Christ.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(D) Again we pray for the civil authorities, and for our armed forces everywhere.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(D) Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable holy Orthodox patriarchs; and for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy house; and for all our fathers and brethren, the Orthodox departed this life before us, who here and in all the world lie asleep in the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(D) Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, and visitation for the servants of God that lie ill, and for the pardon and remission of their sins.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(D) Again we pray for those who bring offerings and do good works in this holy and all-venerable house; for those who labour and those who sing; and for all the people here present, who await your great and rich mercy.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(P) For you are a merciful God, and love humankind, and to you we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
(A) Amen.(A) Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this evening without sin. Blessed are you O Lord, God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is your name for ever. Amen. Let your mercy come upon us, O Lord, even as we have set our hope on you, Blessed are you, O Lord, teach me your statutes. Blessed are you, O Master, make me to understand your statutes. Blessed are you, O Holy one, enlighten me with your statutes. Your mercy, O Lord, is for ever. Do not overlook the works of your hands. To you belong praise; to you is due song; to you is due glory; to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit now and ever, and to the ages of ages, Amen.
(D) Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
(A) Lord have mercy.
(D) For a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless evening, let us ask the Lord.
(A) Grant this O Lord.
(D) For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.
(A) Grant this O Lord.
(D) For forgiveness and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.
(A) Grant this O Lord.
(D) For all that is good and beneficial to our souls, and for peace in the world, let us ask the Lord.
(A) Grant this O Lord.
(D) For the completion of our lives in peace and repentence, let us ask the Lord.
(A) Grant this O Lord.
(D) For a Christian end to our lives, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good account before the awesome judgement seat of Christ, let us ask the Lord.
(A) Grant this O Lord.
(D) Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
(A) To You O Lord.
(P) For you are a good God who loves humankind, and to you we send up glory; to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
(A) Amen.
(B) Peace be with all.
(A) And with your spirit.
(D) Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
(A) To You O Lord.
(P) May the might of your kingdom be blessed and glorified; of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.(A) Amen.(Tone 1)O Lord, who created the universe at the beginning and gave to each thing his own rank, do not despise the works of your hands, but with an eye of mercy look from heaven upon this vine and restore it according to your will, turning aside from it every purpose that brings corruption and every destroyer; for you are our Shepherd and Deliverer and Saviour and from you we receive help in mercy and acts of compassion, as we glorify you, O Master.

Tone 2
O Lord and Master who fenced about the domain of the earth and made it sure with an enveloping band, deliver its whole structure from harm and disaster; for you are a treasury of strength and the source of life, and all things minister and are subject to your will as your servants, Lord. And so grant us your mercies and turn away from us every disaster, and save our souls as you love humankind.

Tone 3
Threats and scourges and destruction hang over us, Lord, because of the multitude of our transgressions; for we have sinned and transgressed and gone far from you, and we are affected and afflicted by dire perils; but deliver us, Lord from dangers that beset us, and keep the whole structure of the earth unharmed, granting equable breaths of wind and ever-flowing springs ofwater for our safe-keeping and salvation, O Lover of humankind.

Tone 4
Glory to the Father to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
O Lord, who holds the circle of the earth and establishes its foundations, as the Prophet says, accept our suppliant entreaties, as our guardian and protector and Saviour; for we are your people and the sheep of your pasture and by your infinite mercy we shall be delivered from expected dangers. Do not then utterly destroy us, Master, but may your goodness conquer the mulitude of our offences, that we may glorify the ocean of your acts of pity.
Now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen
From dangers ofevery kind protect your servants, blessed Mother of God, that we may glorify you, the hope of our souls.

The Lity
(D) Have mercy upon us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you hear and have mercy.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(D) Again we pray for all those responsible for our churches and communities, and for all brothers and sisters in Christ, and for every Christian soul afflicted and weary, in need of God's mercies and help; for the protection of this city and those who dwell in it; for the peace of the whole world; for the well-being of the holy churches of God; for the servants of God here present; for the salvation and help of all who labour and serve; for those who travel; for the healing of the sick; for the repose, refreshment and blessed memory of and forgiveness of sins of all who have gone to rest before and lie here and everywhere; for the deliverance of captives and refugees, let us say:
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.Again we pray that God will keep this city and every city and country from famine, pestilence, earthquake, flood, fire, pollution, war and civil strife, and that our good God who loves humanity will be gracious and merciful and deliver us from his righteous chastisement which impends against us, and have mercy on its.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(D) Again we pray that the Lord God hear the prayer of us sinners and have mercy on us.'
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(B) Hear us, O God our Saviour, the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of those who are far off upon the sea; and be gracious, be gracious, O Master, unto us sinners and have mercy on us.
(A) Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
(D) For you are a merciful God who loves humanity and all your creation, and unto you do we give glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
(A) Amen.
(B) Peace be to all.
(A) And with your spirit.
(D) Let us pray to the Lord.
(B) Lord, Jesus Christ our God, who blessed the five loaves in the wilderness, and from them five thousand were fed, bless also these loaves, this oil, this wine and all the fruits of the earth, and multiply them in this city and everywhere in your world; sanctify your faithful who will receive them.For you are the One who blesses and feeds and sanctifies all creation, O Christ our God, and to you we give glory, together with your eternal Father, and your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Verse: The rich have become poor and hungry; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Tone 5
Merciful God, who loves humankind, look with an eye of compassion upon the works of your hands and set free the expanse of the atmosphere from dread destruction and death-dealing emissions and every poisonous pollution, through which death and danger threaten. Take pity then on what you have fashioned and give to all prudence not to act senselessly, the result of which is corruption, granting to all pardon and salvation and divine mercy.Verse: With my voice I cried to the Lord, and he heard me from his holy mountain.Accept, O Saviour, the entreaties of your Mother, which she offers for all creation, and the supplications of all your Saints. Grant to all your mercies, and keep unharmed the firmament which you spread out from the beginning with wisdom, Lord, and brought into being for the benefit of mortals. Keep undamaged, O Word, the whole environment which girds the earth from harmful influences, granting to all pardon and salvation and great mercy.Verse: When I called you hearkened to me, O God of my justice, in all affliction you set me at large.With humility of our soul we entreat you, Lord, and we fall down before you: At your command deliver the earth on which we dwell from every harm and from harsh ruin, and speedily avert from it and abolish by your will destructive emanations and pour out the fresh dew of life-sustaining air. Fence about the whole enclosure of the environment, Master and Saviour, with your mighty power, granting to all pardon and salvation and divine mercy.Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.Through compassionate pity, O Word, you took another form, refashioned corrupted nature and brought it back to incorruption; and now we beseech you, yield to the supplications of your most pure Mother and grant stability to the inhabited world and well-being to all creation and deliverance from perils for the salvation for the salvation of our souls.
(C) Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.
(A) Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3 times) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our iniquities. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for thy Name's sake.Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from the evil one.
(P) For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
(C) Amen.

Tone 4
(C) Lord and Saviour, who as God brought all things into being by a word, establishing laws and governing them unerringly to your glory, keep secure and unharmed, at the prayers of the Mother of God, all the elements which hold the earth together, and save the universe.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.The mystery hidden from all eternity and unknown to Angels has been revealed to those on earth through you, O Mother of God: God being made flesh in a union without confusion, and willingly accepting the Cross for us, though which he raised the first-formed man and saved our souls from death.
(D) Let us pray to the Lord
(A) Lord have mercy.
(B) The blessing of the Lord, through his grace and loving-kindness, be upon you always, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
(A) Amen.
(P) Wisdom.
(C) Master give the blessing.
(B) Blessed be He that Is, even Christ our God, always, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
(C) Amen. Confirm, O God, the Holy Orthodox faith of Orthodox Christians, unto the ages of ages.
(P) Most holy Mother of God, save us.
(C) More honourable than the Cherubim, incomparably more glorious than the Seraphim, who undefiled gave birth to God the Word, true Mother of God, we magnify you.
(P) Glory to you, O Christ our God, our sure hope, glory to you.
(C) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy. Master, give the blessing.
(P) May Christ our true God, as a good, loving, and merciful God, have mercy upon us and save us, through the intercessions of His most pure and holy Mother; the power of the precious and life-giving cross; the protection of the honourable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honourable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist; the holy, glorious and praiseworthy apostles; the holy, glorious and triumphant martyrs, the holy and righteous ancestors Joachim and Anna; Saint (N.) whose memory we commemorate today, and all the saints, for he is good and loves humankind.
(A) Amen
(P) Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.
(A) Amen.