SUNDAYS:

Be gracious to us, O God, and bless us; let your face shine upon us, and have mercy on us.

-Son of God, risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

That Your name may be known upon earth, among all nations Your salvation.

-Son of God, risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Let the peoples praise You, O God, let all the peoples praise You.

-Son of God, risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.

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WEEKDAYS:

The Lord reigns. He is clothed in majesty; robed is the Lord and girt with strength.

-Through the prayers of Your Saints, O Savior, save us.

For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.

-Through the prayers of Your Saints, O Savior, save us.

Your decrees are worthy of trust indeed; holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.

-Through the prayers of Your Saints, O Savior, save us.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.
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When Second Antiphon is sung, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON is recited here instead of after the First Antiphon.

Only-begotten Son and Word of God, You are immortal, and You willed for our salvation to be made flesh of the holy Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, and without change You became man. You were crucified, O Christ our God, and trampled death by death. You are one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit, save us.
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THE LITTLE LITANY

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

Choir: To You, O Lord.

Clerk holds Pontifical before the Bishop so he can read the Prayer, which all say quietly.

BISHOP: You who have granted us to pray together in harmony, and who promised that when two or threee are gathered to call upon Your name You will give what they ask: do You now fulfill what Your servants ask, so far as it good, granting us in this world the knowledge of Your truth, and in the world to come, eternal life.

The Bishop then makes the exclamation:

BISHOP: For You are a good and loving God, and we give glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
Choir: Amen.

THE THIRD ANTIPHON

Feasts - ordinary weekdays have special Antiphons.

Come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord, let us acclaim God, our Savior.

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ON SUNDAYS:

Son of God, risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia!

ON WEEKDAYS:

Son of God, wonderful in the saints, save us who sing to You: Alleluia!
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Let us come before Him, giving thanks, with songs, let us hail the Lord.

-Son of God . . .

For God is the great Lord and the great king over all the earth.

-Son of God . . .

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.

-Son of God . . .

The Bishop reads the Prayer of the Third Antiphon, which all say quietly.

BISHOP: You have given us the grace to pray together in harmony and have promised to grant the requests of two or threee who join their voices in Your name. Fulfill now for us, Your servants, these petitions for our benefit. Grant us in this present life the knowledge of Your truth, and in the age to come, bestow eternal life.
For You are a good and loving God, and we give glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

Choir: Amen.

THE SMALL ENTRANCE

During the Third Antiphon the lesser ministers prepare for the Procession and take their places.

Meanwhile, the Senior Priest makes a Metania before the Altar. He and the Archdeacon bow to the Bishop. He then takes the Gospel and gives it to the Archdeacon, who goes to the High Place and faces west towards the Bishop. The Priests all kiss the Altar, bow to the Bishop, and follow the Archdeacon single file through the North Door.

Order of Procession: Torches, Crozier bearer, Deacons with Censers, Subdeacons with Trikirion and Dikirion, first Fan, Archdeacon with Gospel, second Fan, Priests in order of seniority (youngest immediately behind the Protodeacon).

The Procession circles the Cathedra. Those Priests who were on the left of the Bishop go directly to their previous places. All stand facing the Altar.

The Protodeacon says in a subdued voice:

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

The Bishop and Priests quietly say the Prayer of Entrance:

BISHOP: O Master, Lord our God, who have appointed in heaven orders and hosts of angels and archangels for the service of Your glory: Grant that with our entrance there may be an entrance of holy angels, serving with us and glorifying Your goodness, for unto You are due all glory, honor, and worship, Father, Son, Holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.

The Torches and Crozier bearer go on to their places on the Solas near the Royal doors. The Protodeacon stands at the center at the foot of the Ambo., or between the last two Priests. The Fan bearers stand on either side of him facing each other, holding the fans above the Gospel. The Subdeacon and the deacons are between them and the Ambon.

The Clergy sign themselves, bow, and then bow to the Bishop.

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At this point, elevations and other honors are bestowed to Clergy and Faithful, if this is to be done.

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Standing before the Royal Doors and holding the Holy Gospel on his shoulder in his left hand, the Protodeacon points with his right hand towards the altar, and says clearly enough for the Bishop to hear:

Deacon: Bless, Master, the Holy Entrance.

The Bishop blesses, saying quietly:

BISHOP: Blessed be the entrance of Your saints always, now and for ever and ever.

Deacon: Amen.

The Archdeacon and Subdeacons approach the Bishop. The Bishop kisses the Gospel, and the Protodeacon kisses the Bishop’s right hand which he places on the Gospel. The Protodeacon returns to his place between the fans.

The Subdeacons stand at the Cathedra and give the candlesticks to the Bishop.

The Archdeacon elevates the Gospel, and, making the Sign of the Cross, exclaims:

Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright!

The Protodeacon then faces the Bishop as the Clergy slowly sing:

Clergy: Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ

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Sunday: ...who rose from the dead.

Weekdays: ...who is wonderful in His saints.

Feasts of the Theotokos: ...through the prayers of the Theotokos.

For the Departed: ...to whom we sing for the souls of the departed.

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And the Choir joins them in singing:

Clergy and Choir: O Son of God, save us who sing to You: Alleluia!

During this, the Bishop blesses the people to the West, South, and North with the Dikirion and Trikirion.
The Archdeacon and other Deacons enter the Sanctuary The Archdeacon places the Gospel on the Altar. The lesser ministers go in through the Deacon’s doors.

The Bishop enters the Sanctuary, the Priests following him. He blesses the People in two directions. The Archdeacon comes to the Royal Doors to take the Trikirion from the Bishop and replaces it on the Altar.

The Bishop kisses both Icons as he enters. The Priests on his right kiss the Icon of the Savior; those on his left, the Icon of the Theotokos.

The Archdeacon gives the Bishop the Zhezl in his left hand and the censor in the Bishop’s right hand.

The Clergy repeat the Entrance hymn. The Bishop, preceded by the Deacon with the Trikirion, censes the Altar, the Protheses, the High Place, the Priests, the other clergy and people, and goes to the Soleas.

Meanwhile, after the Clergy have finished repeating the Entrance Hymn, the Choir sings:

Choir: Eis polla eti, Dhespota.

The choir sings the appointed Troparia and Kontakia. Properly, the Clergy sing the final Kontakion. The Bishop quietly reads the Trisagion Prayer:

BISHOP: Holy God, You dwell in the holies. With three-fold cries of holy the seraphim accliam You, the cherubim glorify You, and all the heavenly powers worship You. From nothingness You brought all things into being. You created man in Your own image and likeness and adorned him with all Your graces. You give wisdom and understanding to all who ask. You do not turn Your face from the sinner but offer reprentance as a way for salvation. You have made us, Your humble servants, worthy to stand before the flory of Your holy altar at this very time, and bring You due worship and praise. Accept from the lips of us sinners the Thrice-holy Hymn and visit us in Your kindness, O Master. Forgive us all our offenses, voluntary and involuntary. Sanctify our souls and bodies, and grant that we, in holiness, may serve You all the days of our lives, through the intercession of the holy Mother of God and of all the saints, who throughout the ages have found favor with You.

The Archdeacon says quietly:

Deacon: Bless, Master, the time of the Thrice-holy Hymn.

The Bishop says aloud:

BISHOP: For You, our God, are holy, and we give glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever.

Deacon: And ever.

THE TRISAGION

On some days, another hymn is sung.

Choir: Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.

Clergy: Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.

The Bishop blesses the Book of the Gospels with the dikirion.

Choir: Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.

As the clergy sings, the Bishop blesses the Book of the Gospels with the trikirion.

Clergy: Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.

The two deacons exit the sanctuary through the holy doors and stand on the solea, before the holy doors, facing east, as the choir chants:
Choir: Holy God.

Standing in the holy doors facing west and holding trikirion and dikirion, the bishop says:

BISHOP: O Lord, O Lord, look down from heaven, and behold and visit this vineyard which You have planted with Your right hand, and establish it.

As the Bishop blesses with trikirion and dikirion, the Choir sings:

Choir: Many years Master. Holy Mighty!

BISHOP: O Lord, O Lord, look down from heaven, and behold and visit this vineyard which You have planted with Your right hand, and establish it.

Choir: Many years, Master. Holy Immortal!

BISHOP: O Lord, O Lord, look down from heaven, and behold and visit this vineyard which You have planted with Your right hand, and establish it.

Choir: Many years, Master. Have mercy on us!

Bishop and deacons return to the Holy Table. The Bishop gives the trikirion and dikirion to the deacons, and the first deacon stands in the holy doors, facing west, and says:

Deacon: With strength.

The deacon returns to his place at the Holy Table as the choir concludes the thrice-holy hymn:

Choir: Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.

The first deacon, standing in the holy doors, facing west, says:

Deacon: O Lord, save the pious.

The first deacon returns to his place at the Holy Table while the clergy chant:

Clergy: O Lord, save the pious.

The second deacon, standing in the holy doors, facing west, says:

Deacon: O Lord, save the pious.

The second deacon returns to his place at the Holy Table while the choir chants:

Choir: O Lord, save the pious.

Again, standing in the holy doors facing west, the first deacon says:

Deacon: O Lord, save those of true worship.

The first deacon returns to his place at the Holy Table while the choir sings:

Choir: O Lord, save those of true worship.

Again, standing in the holy doors facing west, the second deacon says:

Deacon: And hear us.

The second deacon returns to his place at the holy table while the clergy chant:

Clergy: And hear us.

The Bishop goes to the High Place, the Priests attending him, and blesses it with the Dikirion, which he then gives up to the Subdeacon. The Bishop then takes the Trikiron and blesses from the High Place to the center, left, and right.

THE EPISTLE READING

Deacon: Let us be attentive!

BISHOP: Peace be to all!

Choir: And to your spirit!

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: The Prokeimenon in the ___ Tone:

And the Reader and Choir chant the Prokeimenon.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: A reading from -- Title of the Epistle.

Deacon: Let us be attentive!

The Reader chants the Epistle for the day.
And the Protodeacon performs the censing during the Epistle. Upon its completion, the Bishop blesses the reader.

BISHOP: Peace be to you, Reader.

Reader: And to your spirit. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
The Choir and Reader chant the Alleluiarion. Meanwhile the Bishop and Priests the following prayer quietly:

BISHOP: Make the pure light of Your Divine knowledge shine in our hearts, O loving Master. Open the eyes of our minds that we may understand the message of Your gospel. Instill in us the fear of Your blessed commandments that we may subdue all carnal desires and follow a spiritual way of life, thinking and doing all that pleases You. For You, O Christ our God, are the enlightenment of our souls and bodies, and we give glory to You, together with Your eternal Father and Your most holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever and ever. Amen.

PROCLAMATION OF THE HOLY GOSPEL

In the Gospel Procession, the second deacon carries Bishop’s OMOFOR in front of the first deacon (who has the Gospel). The second deacon carries the omophor out through the Holy Doors down and around the Kathedra and immediately back into the Altar via the Holy Doors, while the first deacon proceeds as usual with the Gospel (flanked by subdeacons with ripidia).

According to the Byzantine tradition, the Bishop does not remove his MITRA during the Gospel reading but rather keeps it ON.

The Archdeacon, holding the Holy Gospel as he stands on the Ambo facing the Bishop, says aloud:

Deacon: Master, bless him who proclaims the good tidings of the holy Apostle and Evangelist N.

The Bishop blesses him, saying:

BISHOP: May God, through the prayers of the holy, glorious, and all-laudable Apostle and Evangelist N., enable you to proclaim the glad tidings with great power, to the fulfillment of the gospel of His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright! Let us listen to the holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be with all.

Choir: And with your spirit.

Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to N.

Choir: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

Deacon: Let us be attentive!

The appointed Gospel lesson is chanted by the Deacon. Upon its completion, the Bishop kisses the Book of the Gospels which is brought to him by the Deacon, and he then blesses the Deacon aloud.

BISHOP: Peace be unto you who have proclaimed the Holy Gospel.

Choir: Glory be to You, O Lord, glory be to You.

The Bishop blesses the congregation with trikeri/dikiri after the Gospel while the choir chants:

Choir: Many years, Master. (Eis polla....)

The homily is preached here.

THE LITANY OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION

Deacon: Let us say with all our whole soul and our whole mind, let us say.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Almighty Lord, God of our fathers, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in the greatness of Your compassion, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Three times.
The Prayer of Fervent Supplication:

BISHOP: Lord, our God, accept this fervent supplication from Your servants. Take pity on us in the greatness of Your compassion. Let Your loving kindness descend upon us and upon all Your people who await Your abundant mercy.

Deacon: We also pray for our most blessed [the Most Reverend Blessed Metropolitan or Archbishop or Most Reverend Bishop or if a Patriarch Great Lord and Father) for those who serve and have served in this holy church, for our spiritual fathers, and for all our brethren in Christ.

Clergy: Lord, have mercy. Three times.

Deacon: We also pray for our nation under God, for our government, and for all the military.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Three times.

Additional petitions may be added here according to need or Ecclesiastical directive.

Deacon: We also pray for the people here present who await Your great and bountiful mercies, for those who have been kind to us, and for all orthodox Christians.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Three times.

The Bishop says the Exclamation aloud:

BISHOP: For You are a merciful and loving God, and we give glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.
Choir: Amen.

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THE LITANY FOR THE DEPARTED

This is never, save for the most urgent reasons, said on Sundays or Feasts.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in the greatness of Your compassion, we pray You, hear us and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Three times.

Deacon: We also pray for the repose of the soul/s of the servant/s of God, N./NN., who has/have fallen asleep, and for the forgiveness of his/her/their offenses, voluntary and involuntary.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Three times.

Deacon: That the Lord God may place his/her/their soul/s where all the just repose.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Three times.

Deacon: Let us ask Christ our immortal King and our God, for the mercy of God, for the kingdom of heaven, and for the forgiveness of his sins.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

The Bishop and Priests say the following prayer quietly:

BISHOP: God of spirits, and of all flesh, You trampled death, You made the devil powerless, and You gave life to Your world. Now, O Lord, to the soul/s of your servant/s, N./NN., who has/have fallen asleep, grant rest in a place of light, a place of verdure, and a place of tranquility, from which pain, sorrow and mourning have fled. As the good and loving God, forgive every sin of thought, word or dee he/she/they has/have committed. There is no one who will live and will not sin, for You alone are sinless. Your justice is everlasting justice and Your word is truth.

The Bishop says the Exclamation aloud:

BISHOP: For You, O Christ our God, are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Your servant/s, N./NN., who has/have fallen asleep; and we give glory to You, together with Your eternal Father and Your most holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

Choir: Amen.
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THE LITANY FOR THE CATECHUMENS

Deacon: Catechumens, pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Let us faithful pray for the catechumens that the Lord may have mercy on them.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That He may teach them by the word of truth.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He may reveal to them the Gospel of justice.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He may unite them with His holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Save, and have mercy, help and protect them, O God by Your grace.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Catechumens, bow your heads to the Lord.
Choir: To You, O Lord.

The Bishop and Priests say the following prayer quietly:

BISHOP: Lord, our God, You dwell on high and look upon all things below; You sent Your only-begotten Son and God, our Lord, Jesus Christ, to save mankind; look now upon Your servants, the catechumens, who bend their necks to You. At the appointed time make them worthy of the bath of rebirth, of the forgiveness of sins, and of the robe of incorruptibility. Unite them with Your holy, catholic and apostolic Church, and number them among Your chosen flock.

The Bishop says the Exclamation aloud and blesses the Antimension with the sponge.

BISHOP: That together with us, they, too, may glorify Your most honorable and magnificent name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

Choir: Amen.

The priest unfolds the corporal.

Deacon: All who are catechumens, leave.

If there is a second deacon, he exclaims:

Second Deacon: Catechumens, leave.

First Deacon: All who are catechumens, leave. Let none of the catechumens remain. Again and again let all of us the faithful pray in peace to the Lord.

If there is only one deacon, or if the priest is celebrating without a deacon, then the priest says the following:

Priest: All who are catechumens, leave. Catechumens, leave. All who are catechumens, leave. Let none of the catechumens remain.

Choir: Amen.

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Deacon: All the faithful, again and again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

The Bishop and Priests say the following prayer quietly:

BISHOP: Once again and many times we fall before You and ask You, O good and loving Lord, that, having looked upon our petition, You might cleanse our souls and bodies of every defilement of flesh and spirit, and might permit us to stand guiltless and uncondemned before Your holy altar. Grant also, O God, to those praying with us, growth in life, in faith, and in spiritual understanding. Grant that they who serve You with fear and love, may always partake of Your Holy Mysteries without blame and condemnation, and be made worthy of Your heavenly kingdom.

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Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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Deacon: Wisdom!

The deacon enters by the north door.

The Bishop says the Exclamation aloud:

BISHOP: So that always protected by Your might, we may give glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

Choir: Amen.
The holy doors are opened.

THE CHERUBIC HYMN

Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday have a special Cherubic Hymn.

The Deacon returns to the Sanctuary. He takes the censer, receives the Bishop’s blessing, and censes the sanctuary, the iconostasion, and the people. One of the Priests goes to the Prothesis and uncovers the Gifts for the Bishop to complete the Prokomedia.

Choir: Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim and who sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-creating Trinity, now lay aside all earthly cares that we may welcome the King of all, invisibly escorted by angelic hosts. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. (three times).

BISHOP: No one who is bound with desires and pleasures of the flesh is worthy to approach or draw near or to serve You, O King of Glory; for to minister to You is great and awesome even to the heavenly powers. Nevertheless through Your unspeakable and boundless love for mankind, You became man, yet without change or alteration, and as Ruler of All You became our High Priest, and did commit to us the ministry of this liturgical and bloodless sacrifice. For You alone, O Lord our God, rule over those in heaven and on earth; who are borne on the throne of the Cherubim, who are Lord of the Seraphim and King of Israel; who alone are holy and rest in the saints. Therefore, I entreat You who alone are good and ready to listen.- Look down on me, a sinner, Your unprofitable servant, and cleanse my soul and my heart from an evil conscience; and by the power of the Holy Spirit enable me, who am endowed with the grace of the Priesthood, to stand before this, Your holy table, and perform the sacred mystery of Your holy and pure Body and precious Blood. For I draw near to You, and bowing my neck I implore You.- Do not turn Your face away from me, nor cast me out from among Your children; but make me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, worthy to offer gifts to You. For You are the Offerer and the Offered, the Receiver and the Received, O Christ our God, and to You we ascribe glory, together with Your Father, who is from everlasting, and Your all-holy good, and life-creating Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.

When he finishes reciting the prayer and the Deacon his censing, both stand before the altar and quietly recite the Cherubic Hymn three times, bowing after each recitation:

BISHOP: Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim, and who sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-creating Trinity, now lay aside all earthly cares, that we may receive the King of All, who comes invisibly upborne by the angelic hosts. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! (3 times, bowing each time)

They go before the Table of Preparation. The Bishop completes the Proskomedia, remembering whom he will of the living and the departed.

Orlets is laid in the Holy Door entrance.
Before the Great Entrance the Bishop washes his hands at the Holy Doors.

Servers (3) come to the Kathedra to help the Bishop wash his hands. One with a long towel or "rushnyk" draped over his neck & down the front and holding ewer and basin. The first server pours water over Bishop hands into the basin. The other two help Bishop dry his hands by lifting the towel/rushnyk over the head of the first server and holding it for Bishop. After, they replace the towel/rushnyk on the first.

Servers vest Bishop in the small OMOFOR.

Bishop completes Proskomidia.

When he commemorates the living, the Clergy and Servers all approach him in order and kiss his right shoulder, saying to him quietly:

Priest: Remember, Master, [or Most Blessed or Most Holy Master}, the Priest N.

The Bishop concludes the Prothesis as usual. He then takes the Censer from the Protodeacon who says:

Deacon: Lift up, Master.

The Bishop puts the large veil on the Deacon's left shoulder and gives him the Diskos, saying:

BISHOP: Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord.
The Bishop gives the Chalice to the Senior Priest who quietly says to him:

Priest: May the Lord God remember your episcopate in His Kingdom, for ever and ever.

The other Priests approach the Bishop saying the same thing. The Junior Priest receives the Spear and Spoon from the Bishop.

THE GREAT ENTRANCE

After the Bishop completes the proskomedia, the Omofor is removed from the Bishop and is given to the second priest to carry at the head of the procession. The Bishop gives the other priests the hand-cross, speak, spoon, etc., to carry in Great Entrance. The Bishop returns to the Holy Table while the Great Entrance is made.

As he exists the sanctuary through the north door, the first deacon intones May the Lord God remember.... The Bishop prays May the Lord God remember.... The second priest approaches the Bishop and places the Omofor on the Bishop’s shoulders.

During the Great Entrance, the Priests and Bishop pray aloud for the hierarchy and the faithful, according to the accepted formula of the local tradition. At the conclusion, he says:

Deacon: May the Lord God remember in His kingdom all you orthodox Christians, always, now and for ever and ever.

And the Bishop says:

BISHOP: May the Lord God remember in His kingdom our most reverend Prime Bishop N. Primate of the Ukrainian Autonomous Ukrainian Orthodox Church in America, me His unworthy servant, all the priestly, diaconal and monastic orders; our nation under God, our government, and all the military; the noble and ever-to-be remembered founders and benefactors of this holy church (this holy monastery); and all you, orthodox Christians, always, now and for ever and ever.

Choir: Amen. That we may receive the King of All, who comes invisibly upborne by the angelic hosts. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The Clergy enter the sanctuary through the holy doors. The Bishop places the Holy Gifts on the altar. Taking the aer from the deacon’s arm, he incenses it and covers the holy gifts with it, saying quietly:

BISHOP: The noble Joseph took down Your most pure body from the tree. He wrapped it with a clean shroud and, with aromatic spices, placed it in a new tomb.

Taking the censer from the deacon’s hand, he incenses the holy gifts three times and says:

BISHOP: Deal favorably, O Lord, with Sion in Your good pleasure and let the walls of Jerusalem be rebuilt. Then You shall be well pleased with a sacrifice of justice, oblations and holocausts; then they shall lay calves upon Your altar.

Having incensed, the Bishop returns the censer to the deacon.

At the end of the Cherubic Hymn, the Bishop blesses with the Dikirion and Trikirion and the Choir sings:

Choir: Eis polla eti, Dhespota.

The Deacon censes the Bishop. The Bishop bows his head; he and the Deacons say quietly:

BISHOP: Remember me, brother and fellow minister.

Deacon: May the Lord God remember your Priesthood in His Kingdom.

BISHOP: Pray for me, my fellow-minister,

Deacon: May the Holy Spirit descend on you, and the power of the Most High overshadow you.

BISHOP: May the Holy Spirit Himself minister together with us all the days of our life.

Deacon: Remember me, holy Master.

BISHOP: May the Lord God remember you in His Kingdom always, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Deacon: Amen.

The Deacon kisses the Bishop’s hand, and then goes to his place for the Litany.

THE LITANY OF SUPPLICATION

Deacon: Let us complete our prayer unto the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon:. For the precious gifts that have been presented, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For this holy church, and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath, and misfortune, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Prayer of Presentation, after placing the holy gifts on the holy table:

The Bishop and priest say the prayer quietly:

BISHOP: O Lord God almighty, who alone are holy, who accept the sacrifice of praise from those who call upon You with their whole heart. Accept also the prayer of us sinners, and bear it to Your holy altar, enabling us to offer unto You gifts and spiritual sacrifices for our sins and for the errors of the people, Make us worthy to find grace in Your sight, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to You, and that the good spirit of Your grace may dwell upon us and upon these Gifts here offered, and upon all Your people.

Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That this whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: For the forgiveness and remission of our sins and offenses, let us ask the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: For all that is good and beneficial for our souls and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: That we may spend the rest of our lives in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: For a Christian end to our lives, one that is painless, unashamed, and peaceful; and for a good defense at the awesome tribunal of Christ, let us ask the Lord.
Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: Remembering our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, together 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 says the Exclamation aloud:
BISHOP: Through the compassions of Your only begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

Choir: Amen.

THE PEACE

BISHOP: Peace be to all.

Choir: And to your spirit.

Deacon: Let us love one another so that we may be of one mind in confessing.

Choir: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! The Trinity, one in being, and undivided!

The Bishop bows three times before the altar, quietly saying each time:

BISHOP: I will love You, O Lord, my strength; the Lord is my stronghold and my refuge. (three times)

He then kisses the Diskos, the Chalice, and the Altar, saying the Trisagion.

The Priests approach the Bishop for his blessing and the Kiss of Peace. They also kiss each other.

BISHOP: Christ is among us.

Priest: He is and will be.

If two or more Deacons serve together, they also exchange the Kiss of Peace.

THE CREED

Before the Creed, lay out an ORLETS a metre south southwest off the southwest corner of the Holy Table for the Bishop to stand on during the Kiss of Peace.

When the Kiss of Peace is over, move the Orlets (from the front of the Holy Table) right up to the Holy Table for the Creed. Remove the one used for the Kiss of Peace.

Toward the end of the Creed, at "Who proceeds from the Father:” the servers carrying trikiri/dikiri exit the Altar & stand on solea and the servers with candle & Bishop’s zhezl go to the foot of the ambo facing east.

Deacon: The doors! The doors! In wisdom, let us be attentive!

The Priests lift the Aër and wave it over the Holy Gifts and the Bishop’s head.

People: I believe in one God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all that is seen and unseen. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, the only-begotten, eternally begotten of the Father. Light from Light; true God from true God; begotten, one in being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation He came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit He was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son He is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

THE ANAPHORA

At "Mercy of peace," the servers give the Bishop the trikiri/dikiri.

Deacon: Let us stand well, let us stand with fear; let us be attentive to offer in peace the holy oblation.

Choir: A mercy of peace, the sacrifice of praise!

The Deacon returns to the sanctuary. The Bishop blesses the faithful with the Trikyrion, saying:

BISHOP: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
Choir: And with your spirit.

Turning to the east, the Bishop says:

BISHOP: Let us lift up our hearts.

Choir: We have lifted them to the Lord.

BISHOP: Let us give thanks to the Lord.

Choir: It is right and just to worship the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity one in being and undivided.

The Bishop and Priests say quietly, but in modern practice the Bishop says it aloud.

BISHOP: It is right and just to sing of You, to bless You, to praise You, to thank You, to worship You everywhere in Your domain; for You are God - ineffable, inconceivable, invisible, incomprehensible, always existing and ever the same - You and Your only-begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. You brought us from nothingness into being and, after we fell, You raised us up again. You did not cease doing everything until You led us to heaven and granted us Your future kingdom. For all this we give thanks to You, to Your only-begotten Son, and to Your Holy Spirit; for all things which we know and do not know, the benefits bestowed upon us both manifest and hidden. We thank You also for this liturgy which You have deigned to accept from our hands, even though there stand before You thousands of archangels, and tens of thousands of angels, the cherubim and seraphim, six-winged and many-eyed, hovering aloft on their wings.

And the following is always chanted aloud:

BISHOP: Singing, crying, exclaiming, and saying the triumphal hymn.

At "Holy, Holy, Holy," the servers vest the Bishop in the small OMOFOR.

As the Bishop chants the above, the Deacon touches the Diskos with each of the points of the Star, making the sign of the Cross, then kisses it and lays it aside.

Choir: Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord of Sabaoth, heaven and earth are full of Your glory! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!

+

The Bishop and Priests say quietly, but in modern practice the Bishop says it aloud.

BISHOP: With these blessed powers, O Master who love mankind, we too cry out and say: Holy are You - truly, all holy - You and Your only-begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit! Holy - truly, all holy - and magnificent is Your glory. You so loved Your world as to give Your only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life. After He had come and fulfilled the whole divine plan for our sake, on the night He was given over–or rather, gave Himself for the life of the world – He took bread into His holy, most pure, and immaculate hands, gave thanks, blessed (+), sanctified and broke it; He gave it to His holy disciples and apostles, saying:

And the following is always chanted aloud:

BISHOP:

Take, eat:
This is my Body, which is broken for you,
for the forgiveness of sins.

Choir: Amen.

As the Bishop says these words, the Deacon points to the Diskos with his stole.

The Bishop says aloud so the faithful may hear:

BISHOP:

In like manner
the cup (+) after the supper, saying:
Drink of it, all of you.
This is my Blood of the New Covenant,
which is poured out for you and for many
for the forgiveness of sins.

Choir: Amen.

As the Bishop says these words, the Deacon points to the Chalice with his stole.

The Bishop and the deacon make a deep bow.

BISHOP: Remembering, therefore, this salutary commandment, and all that was done for us: the cross, the tomb, the resurrection on the third day, the ascension into heaven, the sitting at the right hand, and the second and glorious coming.

The Deacon crosses his right hand over his left, and elevates the Holy Gifts.

BISHOP: We offer to You, Yours of Your own, in behalf of all and for all.

Choir: We sing of You, we bless You, we thank You, O Lord, and we pray to You, our God.

THE EPICLESIS

The Bishop says quietly, but in modern practice aloud so the faithful may hear:

BISHOP:

Further, we offer to You
this rational and unbloody worship;
and we ask, we pray, and we entreat You:
Send down Your Holy Spirit upon us
and upon these Gifts here present.

The Deacon lays aside the ripidion and stands besid the Bishop. Both make three bows before the holy table. Then, having bowed his head, the deacon with his orarion points to the holy Bread and says in a low voice:

Deacon: Master, bless the holy Bread.

The Bishop, having bowed, makes a sign of the cross over the holy Bread, saying:

BISHOP:

And make this [+] Bread
the precious Body of Your Christ.

Deacon: Amen.

Deacon: Master, bless the holy chalice.

BISHOP:

And that which is in this chalice
the precious [+] Blood of Your Christ.

Deacon: Amen.

The Bishop, blessing both holy Gifts, says:

BISHOP:

Changing them [+++] by Your Holy Spirit.

Deacon: Amen, amen, amen.

The deacon bows to the Bishop and goes back to the place where he first stood.

BISHOP: So that they may be for the communicants sobriety of soul, forgiveness of sins, fellowship of Your Holy Spirit, fulfillment of the kingdom of heaven, confidence before You and not for judgment or condemnation.
Further, we offer You this rational worship for those who have gone to their rest in faith: forefathers, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics, and for every righteous soul that finished this life in faith.

After the Epiklesis, the servers unvest Bishop of the small OMOFOR.

As he receives the censer, the Bishop continues:

BISHOP: Especially, for our most holy and immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever- virgin Mary.

THE HYMN TO THE THEOTOKOS

Certain feasts have a proper Hymn

Choir: It is truly right to bless you, O God-bearing One, as the ever- blessed and immaculate Mother of our God. More honorable than the cherubim and by far more glorious than the seraphim; ever a virgin, you gave birth to God the Word, O true Mother of God, we magnify you.

During the singing of the above hymn, the Bishop and Priests continue praying quietly:

BISHOP: For Saint John, the prophet, forerunner and baptist; for the holy, glorious, and all-praiseworthy apostles, for Saint/s N,/NN. whose memory we celebrate; and for all Your saints. Through their supplications, visit us, O God.

And remember all who have fallen asleep in the hope of rising to eternal life.

He remembers by name the deceased whom he wishes to commemorate.

And grant them rest in a place enlightened by the light of Your countenance.
Further, we pray to You: Remember, O Lord, the entire orthodox episcopate, rightly imparting the word of Your truth, the entire priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and every sacred order.

Further, we offer You this rational worship for the whole world, for the holy, catholic and apostolic Church, for those who live chaste and holy lives, for our nation under God, for our government, and for all in the military. Grant them, O Lord, a peaceful governance so that in their tranquility we may be able to lead calm and quiet lives in all piety and dignity!

After the singing of the hymn, the Bishop exclaims:

BISHOP: Among the first, remember, O Lord, our lord [the Most Blessed Metropolitan or Most Reverend Archbishop or Most Reverend Bishop or if a Prime Bishop our great Lord and Father] N. or NN. For the sake of Your holy churches grant that they may live in peace, safety, honor and health for many years, and rightly impart the word of Your truth.

The deacon commemorates the living.

Choir: And remember all men and all women.

The Bishop and Priests continue quietly:

BISHOP: Remember, O Lord, this city in which we live and every city and country and the faithful who live in them. Remember, O Lord, the seafarers and travelers, the sick and the suffering, those held captive, and their salvation. Remember, O Lord, those who bear fruit doing good works in Your holy churches and remembering the poor. Send down Your mercy upon all of us.

The Bishop remembers by name the living faithful and then says aloud:

BISHOP: And grant that with one voice and one heart we may glorify and sing the praises of Your most honoured and magnificent name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

Choir: Amen.

The Bishop, turning to the doors, blesses the people:

BISHOP: And may the mercies of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, be with all of you.

Choir: And with your spirit.

The deacon receives permission from the Bishop, goes to his usual place, and intones:

THE LITANY BEFORE THE LORD’S PRAYER

Deacon: Having remembered all the saints, again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the precious Gifts which have been presented and consecrated, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That our loving God, Who has received them as a spiritual fragrance upon His holy, heavenly, and mystical altar, may send down upon us in return His divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath, and misfortune, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That this whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: For the forgiveness and remission of our sins and offenses, let us ask the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: For all that is good and beneficial for our souls and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: For a Christian end to our lives, one that is painless, unashamed, and peaceful; and for a good defense at the awesome tribunal of Christ, let us ask the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: Having asked for unity of the faith and for the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

Choir: To You, O Lord.

The Bishop exclaims:

BISHOP: Make us worthy, O Master, with confidence and without condemnation to dare to call You, the heavenly God, Father, and say:

Choir: 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.

BISHOP: For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

Choir: Amen.

BISHOP: Peace be with all.

Choir: And with your spirit.

Deacon: Bow your heads to the Lord.

Choir: To You, O Lord.

The Bishop and Priests pray quietly:

BISHOP: We give You thanks, O invisible King, for by Your infinite power You created all things and, in Your great mercy, brought all things from nothingness into being. Look down from heaven, O Master, upon those who have bowed their heads to You: for they have not bowed them down to flesh and blood, but to You, the awesome God. Therefore, O Master, make smooth the ways that lie before us all for our good and in accord with each one’s personal need: sail with seafarers; travel with travelers; heal the sick, O Physician of our souls and bodies.

Exclamation:

BISHOP: Through the grace, mercies and loving-kindness of Your only-begotten Son with Whom You are blessed together with Your most holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

Choir: Amen.

At "Attend O Lord," the servers vest the Bishop in the small OMOFOR.
The Bishop and Priests pray quietly:

BISHOP: Attend, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, from Your holy dwelling and from the throne of glory in Your kingdom, and come to sanctify us, You Who are seated on high with the Father and are invisibly present here with us. Deign to give to us with Your mighty hand Your most pure Body and precious Blood, and through us, to all the people.

As this prayer is being said, the Deacon, standing before the holy doors, crosses his stole over his shoulders. The Bishop and Priests makes three low bows before the holy Altar, saying each time:

BISHOP: God, be merciful to me, a sinner.

When the deacon sees the Bishop extending his hands and touching the holy Bread to perform the elevation, he exclaims:

Deacon: Let us be attentive!

The Bishop, elevating the holy Bread, exclaims:

BISHOP: The holy Things for the holy!

Choir: One is Holy. One is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

THE COMMUNION HYMN

On Sundays. Other days have a proper Communion Hymn.

Choir: Praise the Lord from the heavens! Praise Him in the highest! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The deacon enters the holy sanctuary, stands to the right of the Bishop and says:

Deacon: Master, break the holy Bread.

The Choir may sing appropriate Hymns and Psalms during the communion of the Clergy if the People do not say the pre-communion Prayers with them at this time.

The Bishop carefully and reverently breaks It into four parts, saying:

BISHOP: Broken and distributed is the Lamb of God - broken and not divided, always eaten and never consumed - but sanctifying those who partake.

COMMUNION OF THE CLERGY

Bishop, when you break the Holy Lamb, arrange the particles on the holy diskos with the cross face down, the sacrificed side face up, as when It was cut. Put IC on the upper side of the holy diskos, on the east; XC on the lower side, the west; NI on the north; KA on the south.

Having taken the IC particle, complete the holy chalice, and break the XC particle for the priests and deacons. Take apart the two particles NI and KA into as many small particles as you deem necessary for the communicants.

With his orarion, the deacon points to the holy chalice and says:

Deacon: Master, complete the holy chalice.

The Bishop, taking the particle IC which lies above, makes a cross over the holy chalice with It, saying:

BISHOP: Fullness of the Holy Spirit.

And the Bishop puts It into the holy chalice.

Deacon. Amen.

And taking some warm water, he says to the Bishop:

Deacon: Master, bless the warm water.

The Bishop blesses and says:

BISHOP: Blessed be the warming of Your Holy Gifts always now and for ever and ever. Amen.

The deacon pours a little in the form of a cross into the holy chalice, saying:

Deacon: Warmth of faith full of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

He puts away the warm water and stands a little apart.

BISHOP: Deacon, approach.

The deacon approaches, makes a reverent bow and asks forgiveness. The Bishop, holding the holy Bread, gives It to the deacon. The deacon kisses the bestowing hand and receiving the holy Bread, says:

Deacon: Master, give me the precious and holy Body of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

BISHOP: The precious and holy and most pure Body of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ, is given to the reverend deacon N., for the forgiveness of his sins and for life everlasting.

The deacon walks to the back of the holy take and stands there with bowed head, praying together with the Bishop, I believe, O Lord...
In like manner, the Bishop, taking one particle of the holy Bread, says:

The Bishop breaks the portion XC into a number of pieces corresponding to the number of Clergy who take part in the Liturgy.

BISHOP: Archimandrites, Igumens, Archpriests, Priests, and Deacons, approach.

Each approaches and bows, saying:

Priest(s): Master, give me the precious and holy Body of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ.

The Bishop gives each a portion of the Holy Bread, saying:

BISHOP: To the Archimandrite N. is given the precious, holy, and most pure Body of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, for the remission of his sins, and unto life everlasting.

This is done for each Clergyman if there be more than one.

Each kisses the Bishop's hand as he receives the Holy Bread, and goes behind the holy Altar and bows his head. The Bishop says for himself:

BISHOP: The precious and holy and most pure Body of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ is given unto me, N., an unworthy Bishop for the remission of my sins, and unto life everlasting.

All the Clergy say these prayers together. In some places, they are said where the People can hear and recite with them:

I believe, O Lord, and confess that You are truly Christ, the Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. Accept me this day, O Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not tell the mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas, but like the thief, I confess to You:
Remember me, O Lord, when You come into Your kingdom.
Remember me, O Master, when You come into Your kingdom.
Remember me, O Holy One, when You come into Your kingdom.
May the partaking of Your Holy Mysteries, O Lord, be unto me not for judgment or condemnation but for the healing of soul and body.
God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me.
I have sinned without number, forgive me, O Lord.

And they partake with reverence and every care of the Particle which they hold in their hands.

Then the Bishop bows, takes the holy chalice together with a purificator in both hands and partakes of it, saying:

BISHOP: I, the servant of God, N., a Bishop, partake of the precious and holy Blood of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ; for the forgiveness of my sins, and for life everlasting. Amen.

He wipes his lips and the rim of the holy chalice with the purificator he is holding in his hand, and says:

BISHOP: This has touched my lips and shall remove my wickedness and purge my sins.

He then invites the deacon, saying:

BISHOP: Deacon, approach.

The deacon approaches, and bows once, saying:

Deacon: Behold, I approach our immortal King and God. Master, give me the precious and holy Blood of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

BISHOP: The servant of God, deacon N., partakes of the precious and holy Blood of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of his sins and for life everlasting.

After the deacon has received, the Bishop says:

BISHOP: This has touched your lips and shall remove your wickedness, and purge your sins.

BISHOP: Archimandrites, Igumens, Archpriests, and Priests, approach once more.

Each approaches and bows once, saying:

Priest: Behold, I approach our immortal King and God. Master, give me the precious and holy Blood of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Bishop holds the chalice and says:

Priest: The servant of God, Archimandrite N., partakes of the precious and holy blood of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of his sins, and for life everlasting.

When the Priest has partaken, the Bishop says:

BISHOP: This has touched your lips and shall remove your wickedness, and purge your sins.

The Deacon divides the portions NI and KA of the Holy Lamb and puts them into the chalice for the communion of the Faithful; the chalice is covered with a veil. The Royal Doors are opened. The Deacon takes the chalice and goes through them and says:

Deacon: Approach with the fear of God and with faith!

Choir: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! God the Lord has appeared to us!

The Bishop and Priests communicates those who are prepared to receive the Mystery, saying to each person:

BISHOP: The servant of God, N., partakes of the precious, most holy and most pure Body and Blood of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of his/her sins and life everlasting. Amen.

During the communion of the people, the Choir sing this and other hymns:

Choir: Receive the Body of Christ; taste the fountain of immortality. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Everyone receives communion in this way.

After communion the Bishop enters the holy sanctuary and places the holy Gifts on the holy altar.

The Bishop blesses the people with the holy chalice with the sign of the cross, exlaiming:

BISHOP: Save Your people, O God, and bless Your inheritance.

Turning to the holy table, the Bishop incenses three times and says in a low voice:

BISHOP: Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; above all the earth be Your glory.

Choir: Eis polla eti, Dhespota. We have seen the true light. We have received the heavenly Spirit. We have found the true faith. We worship the undivided Trinity for having saved us.

The Bishop takes the holy diskos and places it at the deacon’s head. The deacon, receiving it with reverence, faces the doors. Without saying anything, he goes to the prothesis and sets it down. The Bishop makes a bow, takes the holy chalice, turns to the doors looking at the people, and says in a low voice:

BISHOP: Blessed be our God.

And aloud:

BISHOP: Always, now and for ever and ever.

He goes to the holy prothesis and places the holy Gifts there.

Choir: Amen. May our mouths be filled with your praise, O Lord, that we may sing of Your glory. For You made us worthy to partake of Your holy, divine, immortal and life-giving Mysteries. Preserve us in Your holiness that we may meditate all the day upon Your justice. Alleluia. alleluia, alleluia.

The deacon loosens his orarion, leaves by the north door, stands in his customary place, and says:

Deacon: Stand aright! Having received the divine,holy, immaculate, immortal, heavenly, and life-giving, awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us rightly give thanks to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Help and save, have mercy and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Having asked that this whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life to Christ our God.

Choir: To You, O Lord.

LITANY OF THANKSGIVING

BISHOP: We thank You, O Master, lover of mankind and benefactor of our souls, that even today You have made us worthy of Your heavenly and immortal Mysteries. Make straight our path. Make us all firm in fear of You. Protect our lives and secure our steps, through the prayers and supplications of the glorious Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary and of all Your saints.
The Bishop, having folded up the Antimension, makes the sign of the Cross over it with the Holy Gospel as he exclaims:

BISHOP: For You are our Sanctification, and we give glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever and ever.

Choir: Amen.

BISHOP: Let us go forth in peace.

Choir: In the name of the Lord.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.