HIERARCHICAL DIVINE LITURGY OF
ST. GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN
LITURGY OF THE CATECHUMENS
At the foot of the Altar after the Entrance Procession, and standing on his Eagle Rug (Orlets) the Bishop takes the Dikyrion and Trikyrion and blesses the four corners of the earth while chanting the following each of the four times of blessing:
BISHOP: Lord, look down from the heavens above and see, visit and
strengthen this vine which Your hands have planted.
People: God grant you many years; God grant you many years, God grant
you many happy years (recited/sung after each blessing of the Bishop).
BISHOP: Blessed is the kingdom of the [+] Father, and of the [+] Son and of the [+] Holy Spirit, now and always and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
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This part, Psalm 43, is omitted during Advent, Lent and Liturgies for the Deceased:
Deacon: I will come to the altar of God.
People: The God of my joy.
Deacon: Defend me, O God, and plead my cause against a godless nation.
People: Since you, O God, are my stronghold, why have you rejected me? Why do I go mourning, oppressed by the foe?
Deacon: Send forth your light and your truth; let these be my guide. Let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where You dwell.
People: And I will come to the altar of God, the God of my joy. My Redeemer, I will thank you on the harp, O God, my God.
Deacon: Why are you cast down, my soul, why groan within me?
People: Hope in God; I will praise him still, my Savior and my God.
Deacon: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Spirit.
People: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.
Deacon: Our help is in the Name of the Lord.
People: Who made heaven and earth.
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People: I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.
BISHOP: May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
People: Amen.
BISHOP: May our Lord Jesus Christ absolve you, and through His authority given to me, I, His unworthy servant absolve you from all your sins; in the name of the Father, [+] the Son [+] and the [+] Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
BISHOP: Will You not turn again and quicken us, O God?
People: That Your people may rejoice in You.
BISHOP: O Lord, show us Your mercy.
People: And grant us Your salvation.
BISHOP: O Lord, hear my prayer.
People: And let my cry come unto You.
BISHOP: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
The Bishop ascends to the altar, saying: Lord, we ask You to take away all our iniquities, so that we may enter the Holy of Holies with pure minds. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Kissing the antimension, he says: We beseech You, O Lord, by the prayers of Your Saints [whose relics lie here], that You would forgive us all our sins. Amen.
Incense is set with appropriate prayers, after which the DEACON (or Priest if there is no Deacon present) circumambulates the Altar three times and censes the Altar. Incense is not used during the Introit at Nuptial Masses or at Masses for the Deceased. During the incensation, the following are prayed/sung:
BISHOP: Save us, O Son of God,
People: Risen from the death (or: wondrous in Your saints), save us who sing to You, Alleluia!
Then is sung or said:
Deacon: Lord, have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Lord, have mercy.
People: Christ, have mercy.
Deacon: Christ, have mercy.
People: Christ, have mercy.
Deacon: Lord, have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Lord, have mercy.
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But during Lent, Advent and Liturgies for the Deceased, the Trisagion is sung three times:
BISHOP: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One (3X);
People: Have mercy on us.
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When appointed, the following hymn is sung or said, all standing, the Bishop intoning:
Glory to God in the highest,
And peace to His people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty God and Father, we worship You, we give You thanks, we praise You for Your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; You are seated at the right hand of the Father, receive our prayer. For You alone are the Holy One, You alone are the Lord, You alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
BISHOP: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
BISHOP: Let us pray.
The collects of the day are sung. (If the Byzantine usage is used, the Troparia and Kontakia of the Byzantine usage may be used in the tone of the week or of the Feast).
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
BISHOP: Peace be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Wisdom.
[In the Byzantine usage, the Prokimenon is sung at this time].
Reader: A reading from the Letter of _______________.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Reader: Reader reads the Epistle reading for the day.
People: Thanks be to God.
If the Prokimenon of the Byzantine usage was used, here follows the ALLELUIA verse of the Byzantine usage by Reader and Choir.
If the Byzantine usage Prokimenon was not used, here the Gradual and Alleluia sentences are sung by the Choir or read by the Reader. The Deacon or Priest who is to proclaim the Gospel then says:
Deacon: Cleanse my heart and my lips, almighty God, who cleansed the lips of the prophet Isaiah with a burning coal, and in Your gracious mercy purify me that I may worthily proclaim Your holy Gospel.
BISHOP: May the Lord be in your heart and on your lips, that you may worthily proclaim his Holy Gospel. Amen.
At High Masses, incense is set with appropriate prayers and the Gospel is censed three times by the Deacon after the salutation.
All standing, the Deacon or a Priest reads the Gospel, first saying:
Deacon: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to N.
The People sign themselves on the forehead, lips, and breast.
People: Glory be to you, O Lord.
After the Gospel, the People say:
People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bishop takes the Dikyrion and Trikyrion and blesses the people.
People: Is pola eti despota!
The Homily is proclaimed here.
On Sundays and other Major Feasts there follows, all standing:
THE NICENE CREED
During the Creed, the Deacon censes the Altar, the icons, the people.
We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father. God from God, Light from Light, true God of true God, begotten, not made, 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. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and gloried. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
BISHOP: Peace be with you.
People: And also with you.
BISHOP: Let us pray.
The Offertory verse is sung by the Choir or people or said by the Bishop. A hymn or anthem may be sung; a collection may be taken. As the Bishop prepares and offers bread and wine, he prays:
Accept, O holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, this unspotted host which I, Your unworthy servant, offer unto You, my living and true God, for my innumerable sins, offences and negligences, as also for those here present and for all faithful Christians, both living and dead, that it may avail me and them unto life everlasting. Amen.
O God, who in creating human nature have wonderfully dignified it and still more wonderfully reformed it, grant that by the mystery of this water and wine that we may become partakers of His divine nature who deigned to partake of our humanity, Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God; throughout all ages of ages. Amen.
We offer to You, O Lord, the cup of salvation, asking Your mercy, that it may ascend before Your divine majesty as a sweet odor for our salvation and for that of the whole world. Amen.
Accept us, O Lord God, in the spirit of humility and contrition of heart: and grant that the sacrifice we offer this day in Your sight may be pleasing to You.
Come, almighty and eternal God the Sanctifier, and bless this sacrifice prepared for the glory of Your holy Name.
At Solemn Liturgies, incense is set with the following prayers: Through the intercession of Blessed Michael the Archangel standing at the right hand of the altar of incense, and of all his elect, may the Lord bless this incense, and receive it as a sweet smelling savor.
The Oblations, altar, Bishop, Priests, servers, and people are censed by the DEACON while the Bishop prays: May this incense, which You have blessed, rise to You, O Lord: and may Your mercy descend upon us. Let my prayer, O Lord, be set forth in Your sight as incense: and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and keep the door of my lips: do not let my heart be inclined to any evil thing, let me not be occupied in ungodly works.
As the DEACON concludes the incensation, the Priest prays:
BISHOP: Lord, kindle in us the fire of Your love, and the flame of eternal love.
The Bishop now washes his hands, saying: Ps. 26:6. I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord, and I will go to Your altar, that I may show the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all Your wondrous works. Lord, I have loved Your house, the place where Your honor dwells.
Receive, O Holy Trinity, this oblation which we make to You in memory of the passion, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in honor of blessed Mary ever virgin, of blessed John the Baptizer, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all Saints; that it may be available to their honor and our salvation: and that they may vouchsafe to intercede for us in heaven, whose memory we celebrate on earth.
BISHOP: Pray, brethren, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.
People: May the Lord receive this sacrifice at your hands, to the praise and glory of His name, for our good and the good of all His Church.
Then the Bishop prays the PRAYER OVER THE GIFTS.
The Bishop sings or says:
BISHOP: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
BISHOP: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up to the Lord.
BISHOP: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
People: It is right to give Him thanks and praise.
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give You thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Here a Proper Preface is sung or said as appointed.
Through Christ our Lord, by whom the angels praise Your majesty, the Dominions adore You, the Powers tremble, the Heavens and the heavenly Host and the blessed Seraphim join with one glad voice in extolling You. To their voices we pray You, let ours be added, while we say with humble praise:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts. 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.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER I
We come to You, Father, with praise and thanksgiving, through Jesus Christ, Your Son. Through Him we ask you to accept and [+] bless these gifts we offer You in sacrifice. We offer them for your holy catholic Church, watch over it, Lord, and guide it; grant it peace and unity throughout the world.
We offer them for +IOAN, our Prime Bishop, for me, your unworthy servant, for the Bishops and Sobor of our Church, and for all believers who hold and teach the Orthodox Catholic faith that comes to us from the apostles.
Remember, Lord, Your people, especially those for whom we now pray, N. and N. Remember all of us gathered here before You. You know how firmly we believe in You and dedicate ourselves to You. We offer You this sacrifice of praise for ourselves and those who are dear to us. We pray to You, our living and true God, for our well-being and redemption.
In union with the whole Church we honor Mary, the ever-virgin mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God. We honor Joseph, her husband, the apostoles and martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, [James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Jude:we honor Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian] and all the saints. May their merits and prayers gain us Your constant help and protection.
Father, accept this offering from your whole family. Grant us Your peace in this life, save us from final damnation, and count us among those You have chosen.
Bless and approve our offering; make it acceptable to You, an offering in spirit and in truth. Let it become for us the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, Your only Son, our Lord.
The day before he suffered, took bread into his sacred hands, and looking up to heaven, to You, his almighty Father, he gave You thanks and praise. He broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said:
Take this, all of you, and eat it:
this is my body which will be given up for you.
When supper was ended, he took the cup.
Again he gave You thanks and praise, gave the cup to his disciples and said:
Take this, all of you, and drink from it:
this is the cup of my blood,
the blood of the new and everlasting covenant.
It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven.
Do this in memory of me.
Father, we celebrate the memory of Christ, Your Son. We, your people and Your ministers, recall his passion, his resurrection from death, and his ascension into glory; and from the many gifts you have given us we offer to You, God of glory and majesty, this holy and perfect sacrifice: the bread of life and the cup of eternal salvation.
Look with favor on these offerings and accept them as You once accepted the gifts of Your servant Abel, the sacrifice of Abraham, our father in faith, and the bread and wine offered by Your priest Melchisedech.
THE EPICLESIS
Further, we offer to You this rational and unbloody worship;
and we ask, we pray, and we entreat You:
Deacon: Master, bless the holy Bread.
SEND DOWN YOUR HOLY SPIRIT UPON US
AND UPON THESE GIFTS HERE PRESENT,
AND [+] MAKE THIS BREAD THE PRECIOUS BODY OF YOUR CHRIST,
Deacon: Amen.
Deacon: Master, bless the holy chalice.
AND [+] THAT WHICH IS IN THIS CUP
THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF YOUR CHRIST --
Deacon: Amen.
Deacon: Master, bless them both.
CHANGING THEM BY YOUR HOLY SPIRIT [+++].
Deacon: Amen. Amen. Amen.
Almighty God, we pray that Your angel may take this sacrifice to Your altar in heaven. Then, as we receive from this altar the sacred body and blood of Your Son, let us be filled with every grace and blessing.
Remember, Lord, those who have died and have gone before us marked with the sign of faith, especially those for whom we now pray, N. and N.
May these, and all who sleep in Christ find in Your presence light, happiness and peace.
For ourselves, too, we ask some share in the fellowship of Your apostles and martyrs, with John the Baptizer, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia and all the saints.
Though we are sinners, we trust in Your mercy and love. Do not consider what we truly deserve, but grant us Your forgiveness. Through Christ our Lord You give us all these gifts. You fill them with life and goodness, and You bless them and make them holy.
BISHOP: Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours, almighty Father, forever and ever.
People: Amen.
BISHOP: Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Savior gave us.
People and Priest together:
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: Deliver us, Lord, from every evil, past, present, and to come; and at the intercession of the blessed and glorious Mary, ever- virgin Mother of God, of Your blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, Andrew, and all Your Saints, graciously give peace in our time, that aided by the help of Your loving-kindness, we may be free from sin and secure from all anxiety.
The Bishop blesses the people with Dikyrion and Trikyrion, saying:
BISHOP: Peace be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
The following is then is said or sung by all:
Deacon: Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
People: Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
Deacon: Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.
In Masses for the Departed, in place of "have mercy upon us" is said "grant them rest", and in place of "grant us peace,” is said: "grant them eternal rest.”
BISHOP: Lord Jesus Christ, You said to Your apostles: I leave you peace, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of Your Church, and grant us the peace and unity of Your kingdom [the Bishop joins his hands] where You live for ever and ever.
People: Amen.
The Bishop breaks the consecrated Bread and puts a particle in the cup, quietly saying:
May this mingling of the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ bring eternal life to us who receive it.
The Bishop continues: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, by the will of the Father and the work of the Holy Spirit Your death brought life to the world. By Your holy body and blood free me from all my sins, and from every evil. Keep me faithful to Your teaching, and never let me be parted from You.
Lord Jesus Christ, with faith in Your love and mercy, I eat Your body and drink Your blood. Let it not bring me condemnation, but health in mind and body.
The Bishop and people say this prayer of preparation before receiving the Sacrament:
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.
As the Bishop receives the Body, he says: May the Body of Christ bring me to everlasting life. After which, he says: What reward shall I give to the Lord for all the good that he has done for me? I will receive the cup of salvation and call upon the Name of the Lord. I will call upon the Lord, Who is worthy to be praised, so shall I be safe from my enemies.
He then receives the Precious Blood, saying:
May the Blood of Christ bring me to everlasting life.
Facing the people, the Bishop says the following Invitation:
This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to His supper.
The Faithful, duly prepared, make their Communions at this time. The Body and Blood of Christ are administered together with these words:
May the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve your soul unto everlasting life.
During the ministration of Communion, hymns, Psalms, or anthems may be sung.
At the ablutions, the Bishop prays: What we have partaken with our mouth, O Lord, may we receive with a pure heart, and of a temporal gift, may it become to us an eternal remedy. May Your Body and Blood which I have received, cling to my heart, O Lord; and grant that no stain of sin may remain in me, having been fed with this pure and holy Sacrament.
The proper Communion antiphon is said. Turning to the People, the Bishop says:
BISHOP: Let us pray.
The Bishop prays the POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER(s)., and then says:
BISHOP: The Lord be with you.
People: And also with you.
The Bishop gives the blessing. The blessing is not given at Liturgies for the Deceased.
BISHOP: Our help in in the name of the Lord.
People: Who made heaven and earth.
The Bishop blesses the people with Dikyrion and Trikyrion while saying:
BISHOP: May the blessing of Almighty God, [+] the Father, [+] the Son, and [+] the Holy Spirit come upon you, and remain with you forever.
People: Amen.
From Easter Vigil thru Low Saturday "ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA, ALLELUIA” is added to the dismissal and response.
If it is a day during which the Gloria has been said, the Deacon turns to the people and says:
Deacon: The Liturgy is ended. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
People: Thanks be to God.
During Advent and Lent: At a Mass for the Deaceased:
V. Let us bless the Lord. V. May they rest in peace.
R. Thanks be to God. R. Amen.
Facing the Faithful, the Bishop intones the polychronion:
BISHOP: To our most reverend Prime Bishop, N. grant, O Lord, many years.
Choir: God grant him many years; God grant him many years; God grant him many happy years.
BISHOP: To our civil authorities, grant, O Lord, many years.
Choir: God grant them many years; God grant them many years; God grant them many happy years.
BISHOP: To the clergy and religious present grant, O Lord, many years.
Choir: God grant them many years; God grant them many years; God grant them many happy years.
BISHOP: To all Christians of the true faith and to those who are present praying with us today grant, O Lord, many years.
Choir: God grant them many years; God grant them many years; God grant them many happy years.
The People come to venerate the Cross and receive the Antidoron. Those who received the Holy Mysteries read the Prayers of Thanksgiving, or listen to them being read.
.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER II
+
Blessed are You God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Father of mercy and God of all consolation. For You so loved the world that You gave Your only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
He then established a lasting memorial of Your salvation. On the evening on which He willingly surrendered Himself, He took bread, gave You thanks, blessed it and broke it saying,
TAKE, EAT: THIS IS MY BODY,
WHICH IS BROKEN FOR YOU FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.
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.
So, we recall before You, Father, the Incarnation of Your Son, His words and deeds, how He humbled Himself and obediently accepted death, even death on the cross.
Therefore, You have raised Him up and given Him a Name which is above every name, so that in heaven and under the earth every knee shall bow and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: Jesus Christ is Lord.
THE EPICLESIS
Further, we offer to You this rational and unbloody worship;
and we ask, we pray, and we entreat You:
Deacon: Master, bless the holy Bread.
SEND DOWN YOUR HOLY SPIRIT UPON US
AND UPON THESE GIFTS HERE PRESENT,
AND [+] MAKE THIS BREAD THE PRECIOUS BODY OF YOUR CHRIST,
Deacon: Amen.
Deacon: Master, bless the holy chalice.
AND [+] THAT WHICH IS IN THIS CUP
THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF YOUR CHRIST --
Deacon: Amen.
Deacon: Master, bless them both.
CHANGING THEM BY YOUR HOLY SPIRIT [+++].
Deacon: Amen. Amen. Amen.
In the company of Mary, the Mother of God, with Your apostles and martyrs, with holy N. and all the saints, together with +IOAN. our Prime Bishop and me, Your unworthy servant, with [N. my Auxiliary Bishop and] all bishops, priests and deacons as well as Your whole Church we praise and glorify You and look forward to the coming of Your beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
BISHOP: Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours, almighty Father, forever and ever.
People: Amen.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER III
+
FATHER, from the beginning of time You have always done what is good for man so that we may be holy as You are holy.
When we were lost and could not find the way to You, You loved us more than ever; Jesus, Your Son, innocent and without sin, gave Himself into our hands and was nailed to a cross. Yet before He stretched out His arms between heaven and earth in the everlasting sign of Your covenant, He desired to celebrate the Paschal feast in the company of His disciples.
While they were at supper, He took bread and gave You thanks and praise. He broke the bread, gave it to His disciples, and said:
TAKE, EAT: THIS IS MY BODY,
WHICH IS BROKEN FOR YOU FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.
At the end of the meal, knowing that He was to reconcile all things in Himself by the blood of His cross, He took the cup filled with wine. Again He gave You thanks, handed the cup to His friends, and said:
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.
We do this in memory of Jesus Christ, our Passover and our lasting peace. We celebrate His death and resurrection and look for the coming of that day when He will return to give us the fullness of joy. Therefore we offer You, God ever faithful and true, the sacrifice which restores man to Your friendship.
THE EPICLESIS
Further, we offer to You this rational and unbloody worship;
and we ask, we pray, and we entreat You:
Deacon: Master, bless the holy Bread.
SEND DOWN YOUR HOLY SPIRIT UPON US
AND UPON THESE GIFTS HERE PRESENT,
AND [+] MAKE THIS BREAD THE PRECIOUS BODY OF YOUR CHRIST
Deacon: Amen.
Deacon: Master, bless the holy chalice.
AND [+] THAT WHICH IS IN THIS CUP
THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF YOUR CHRIST --
Deacon: Amen.
Deacon: Master, bless them both.
CHANGING THEM BY YOUR HOLY SPIRIT [+++].
Deacon: Amen. Amen. Amen.
In the company of Mary, the Mother of God, with Your apostles and martyrs, with N. and all the saints, together with +IOAN our Prime Bishop and me, Your unworthy servant, with N. my Auxiliary Bishop, the Bishops of our Synod and all bishops, priests and deacons as well as Your whole Church we praise and glorify You and look forward to the coming of Your beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Father, look with love on those You have called to share in the one sacrifice of Christ. By the power of Your Holy Spirit make them one body, healed of all division.
Keep us all in communion of mind and heart. Help us to work together for the coming of Your kingdom, until at last we stand in Your presence to share the life of the saints, in the company of the Virgin Mary and the Apostles, and of our departed brothers and sisters whom we commend to Your mercy. Then, freed from every shadow of death, we shall take our place in the new creation and give You thanks through Christ, our risen Lord.
BISHOP: Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is Yours, almighty Father, forever and ever.
People: Amen.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER IV - CHRISTMAS
+
Truly, you are holy, God, our Father. We praise you through your beloved Son, our Lord and brother Jesus, the Christ. For in this night / on this day we may perceive that the fullness of time has come. Behold, he comes to do your will. Therefore we celebrate the meal which he commanded us as a memorial to him, so that, by giving thanks for your love, we may experience your presence.
On the night before he suffered, he took bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying,
TAKE, EAT: THIS IS MY BODY,
WHICH IS BROKEN FOR YOU FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.
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.
Therefore, Father, we remember before you his incarnation and birth, his life among us, his humility to the death on the cross, his resurrection and exaltation to your glory, and, filled with hope, we await the day when he will come again and make all things new.
THE EPICLESIS
Further, we offer to You this rational and unbloody worship;
and we ask, we pray, and we entreat You:
Deacon: Master, bless the holy Bread.
SEND DOWN YOUR HOLY SPIRIT UPON US
AND UPON THESE GIFTS HERE PRESENT,
AND [+] MAKE THIS BREAD THE PRECIOUS BODY OF YOUR CHRIST,
Deacon: Amen.
Deacon: Master, bless the holy chalice.
AND [+] THAT WHICH IS IN THIS CUP
THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF YOUR CHRIST --
Deacon: Amen.
Deacon: Master, bless them both.
CHANGING THEM BY YOUR HOLY SPIRIT [+++].
Deacon: Amen. Amen. Amen.
Father, we bring before you bread and wine, the tokens of the offering of your Son, and we ask you to sanctify these gifts by your life-giving Spirit. Make this Bread the precious Body of Your Christ and that which is in this chalice the precious Blood of Your Christ, changing them by Your Holy Spirit.
Unite us with your Son and with each other when we eat this bread and drink from this cup, proclaiming his death until he comes.
Strengthen IOAN our Prime Bishop, me, Your unworthy servant, N. my Auxiliary Bishop and the fellowship of the bishops and all women and men in the apostolic ministry.
Give to our departed the joy of your eternal light. At the end of our pilgrimage receive us into your glory, together with them, where, with Mary and Joseph, with the shepherds and wise men, with Simeon and Hanna, with the angels and with all who have found your salvation we will behold, praise and magnify you through your word become flesh, Jesus, our saviour, brother and Lord.
BISHOP: Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever.
People: Amen.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER V - THE DEPARTED
+
Holy, immortal God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father, we praise and thank you because your mercy is infinite. For love you created us mortals and breathed in us life from your immortal life. You will not suffer that grow cold forever the hands that were raised to you, the eyes that looked for your beauty, the hearts that longed for your rest. You will not suffer those to perish in death whom you have called to eternal fellowship and communion with you, you give a share in the mystery of the death and resurrection of your Son.
On the night before he suffered, he took bread, gave you thanks, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, saying,
TAKE, EAT: THIS IS MY BODY,
WHICH IS BROKEN FOR YOU FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.
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.
Until your Son comes again, we do what he has commanded us to do. We proclaim his death, his resurrection and his imperishable life with you.
THE EPICLESIS
Further, we offer to You this rational and unbloody worship;
and we ask, we pray, and we entreat You:
Deacon: Master, bless the holy Bread.
SEND DOWN YOUR HOLY SPIRIT UPON US
AND UPON THESE GIFTS HERE PRESENT,
AND [+] MAKE THIS BREAD THE PRECIOUS BODY OF YOUR CHRIST,
Deacon: Amen.
Deacon: Master, bless the holy chalice.
AND [+] THAT WHICH IS IN THIS CUP
THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF YOUR CHRIST --
Deacon: Amen.
Deacon: Master, bless them both.
CHANGING THEM BY YOUR HOLY SPIRIT [+++].
Deacon: Amen. Amen. Amen.
May we, by sharing in this meal, become one with your Son and with each other. Raise us at the end of time when he comes and makes all new; grant us then, together with N. and with all who have gone before us, the never-ending life in your glory. With +IOAN our Prime Bishop, me, your unworthy servant, N. my Auxiliary Bishop and with all women and men in the apostolic ministry and with all your Church we praise you, God of life. You are worthy to receive the blessing and the honour and the power, for your created all things and people. Through your will they are, and in your love they remain in Jesus, our living Lord.
BISHOP: Through him and with him and in him, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory is yours, God, almighty Father, now and for ever.
People: AMEN.
BYZANTINE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
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 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 great Lord and Father, +IOAN our Prime Bishop, me, Your unworthy servant and N. my Auxiliary Bishop. For the sake of Your holy churches grant that we 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.