Deacon: Bless, Master.
The Senior Priest kisses the Holy Gospel, lifts it up with both hands and lowering it, blesses the Altar cross-wise, saying:
Priest: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Senior Priest then replaces the Gospel, kisses it, and he and all the concelebrating Clergy bow to the Bishop. The Senior Priest goes to the right side of the Altar.
Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Deacon: For this holy house and for those who enter with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our lord [the Most Reverend Blessed Metropolitan or Archbishop or Right Reverend Bishop or if a Patriarch Great Lord and Father] Name or Names for the honorable Priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the President of our country, for all civil authorities, and for the armed forces, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this city, for every city and country, and for the faithful dwelling in them, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For seasonable weather, for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For travelers by land, by sea, and by air; for the sick and the suffering; for captives and their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord -
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Additional petitions may be added here according to need or Ecclesiastical directive.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Commemorating our most holy, most pure most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
A Clerk holds the Pontifical before the Bishop so he can read the Prayer, which all say quietly.
Priest: O Lord our God, Thy power is incomparable, thy glory is incomprehensible, Thy mercy if immeasurable, thy flor for man in inexpressible. Look down on us and on this holy house with pity, O Master, and impart the riches of thy mercy and Thy compassion to us and to those who pray with us.
The Senior Priest says the Exclamation aloud and then bows to the Bishop:
Priest: For unto Thee are due all glory, honor, and worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
After he reads the Prayer, the Second Priest bows to the Bishop, enters the Sanctuary through the north door, kisses the Altar, bows to the Bishop from the Royal Doors, and stands opposite the Senior Priest.
The First Antiphon: Psalm 102
By custom only selected verses are sung.
Feasts and ordinary weekdays have special Antiphons.
Bless the Lord, O my soul! Blessed art Thou, O Lord!
Bless the Lord, O my soul! And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul! And forget not all His benefits!
Who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases!
The Lord is compassionate and merciful, long suffering and of great goodness!
Bless the Lord, O my soul! Blessed art Thou, O Lord!
The Little Litany
Deacon: Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
A Clerk holds the Pontifical before the Bishop so he can read the Prayer, which all say quietly.
Priest: O Lord our God, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Preserve the fullness of Thy Church. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Thy house; glorify them in return b Thy divine power, and forsake us not who put our hope in Thee.
The Second Priest says the Exclamation aloud and then bows to the Bishop:
Priest: For Thine is the majesty, and Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
After they read the Prayer, the next two Priesst bos to the Bishop, enters the Sanctuary through either door, kiss the Altar, bow to the Bishop from the Royal Doors, and take their places on either side of the Altar.
The Second Antiphon: Psalm 145
By custom only selected verses are sung.
Feasts and ordinary weekdays have special Antiphons.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have being.
Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men in whom there is no salvation.
When his breath departs he returns to his earth; on that very day his plans perish.
The Lord will reign forever; Thy God, O Zion, to all generations.
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and immortal Word of God, Who for our salvation didst will to be incarnate of the holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, Who without change didst become man and wast crucified, Who art one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: O Christ our God, trampling down death by death, save us!
The Little Litany
Deacon: Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
A Clerk holds the Pontifical before the Bishop so he can read the Prayer, which all say quietly.
Priest: O Thou who hast given us grace with one accord to make our common supplications unto Thee, and promisedst that when two or three are together in Thy name Thou wouldst grant their requests: Fuflfill now, O Lord, the petitions of Thy servants as may be expedient for them, granting us in this world the knowledge of Thy truth, and in the world to come, life everlasting.
The Third Priest says the Exclamation aloud and then bows to the Bishop:
Priest: For Thou art a good God and lovest mankind, and unto Thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and
to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
All the Clergy and Servers at the Cathedra bow to the Bishop and enter the Sanctuary. The Priests and Deacons kiss the Altar and bow to the Bishop again from their places.
The Third Antiphon: Beatitudes
Often the Beatitude verses are omitted.
Feasts and ordinary weekdays have special Antiphons.
In Thy Kingdom remember Lord, when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are. you when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.
[Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
[Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.]
The Little 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 Protodeacn bow to the Bishop. He then takes the Gospel and gives it to the Protodeacon, 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 Protodeacon single file through the North Door.
Order of Procession: Torches, Crozier bearer, Deacons with Censers, Subdeacons with Trikirion and Dikirion, first Fan, Protodeacon 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:
Priest: O Master, Lord our God, who hast appointed in heaven orders and hosts of angels and archangels for the service of Thy glory: Grant that with our entrance there may be an entrance of holy angels, serving with us and glorifying Thy goodness, For unto Thee are due all glory, honor, and worship. to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages, 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.
At this point, elevations and other honors are bestowed to Clergy and Faithful, is this is to be done.
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, Right/Most Reverend [or Most Blessed or Most Holy] Master, the Holy Entrance.
The Bishop blesses, saying quietly:
Bishop: Blessed is the entrance of Thy saints always, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Deacon: Amen.
The Protodeacon 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 Protodeacon elevates the Gospel, making the Sign of the Cross exclaims:
Deacon: Wisdom! Let us attend!
The Protodeacon then faces the Bishop as the Clergy slowly sing:
Clergy: Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ
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.
And the Choir joins them in singing:
Clergy
and Choir: O Son of God, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
During this, the bishop blesses the people to the West, South, and North with the Dikirion and Trikirion.
The Protodeacon and other Deacons enter the Sanctuary The Protodeacon 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 blessed the People in two directions. The Protodeacon 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 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: O holy God: who dost rest in the saints; who art hymned by the Seraphim with the thrice-holy cry, and glorified by the Cherubim, and worshipped by every heavenly power; who out of nothing bast brought all things into being; who hast created man after Thine own image and likeness, and hast adorned him with Thine every gift; who givest to him who asks wisdom and understanding; who dost not despise the sinner, but instead hast appointed repentance unto salvation; who bast vouchsafed to us, Thy humble and unworthy servants, even in this hour to stand before the glory of Thy holy altar, and to offer worship and praise which are due unto Thee. Thyse~( , O Master, accept evenfrom the mouths of us sinners the tbrice-boly hymn, and visit us in Thy goodness, Forgive us every transgression, both voluntary and involuntary. Sanctify our souls and bodies, and enable us to serve Thee in holiness all the days of our life. Through the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the saints who from the beginning of the world have been well-pleasing to Thee.
The Protodeacon says quietly:
Deacon: Bless, Master, the time of the thrice holy.
The Bishop says aloud:
Bishop: For holy art Thou, O our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever…
Deacon: And unto ages of ages.
The Trisagion
On some days, another hymn is sung.
Choir: Amen.
Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
Clergy: Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
Choir: Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
The Bishop takes the Hand Cross in his left and Dikirion in his right hand and chants:
Bishop: Look down from heaven, O god, and behold and visit this vineyard which Thou Hast planted with Thy right hand, and establish it.
He then blesses to the West as the Choir sings:
Choir: Holy God!
He then blesses to the South as the Choir sings:
Choir: Holy Mighty!
He then blesses to the North as the Choir sings:
Choir: Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
He returns to the Sanctuary and replaces the Hand Cross as the Choir sings the Trisagion once more.
Choir: Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
He also 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 as the Clergy sing once more:
Clergy: Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
Choir: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
During the conclusion of the Trisagion, the Protodeacon presents the Censer to the Bishop to bless. The Bishop quietly says the following prayer:
Bishop: We offer Thee incense, O christ our god, for an odor of spiritual fragrance. Receive it upon Thy heavenly altar, and send down upon us in return the grace of Thine all-holy Spirit.
The Epistle Reading
Deacon: Let us attend!
Bishop: Peace be unto all!
Reader: And to your spirit!
Deacon: Wisdom!
Reader: The Prokeimenon in the ___ Tone:
And the Reader and Choir chant the Prokeimenon.
Deacon: Wisdom!
Reader: The Reading from Title of the Epistle.
Deacon: Let us attend!
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 unto 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:
Priest: Illumine our hearts, O Master who lovest mankind, with the pure light of Thy divine knowledge. Open the eyes of our mind to the understanding of Thy gospel teachings. Implant also in us the fear of Thy blessed commandments, that trampling down all carnal desires, we may enter upon a spiritual manner of living, both thinking and doing such things as are well-pleasing unto Thee, For Thou art the illumination of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and lifecreating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages ofages. Amen.
The Gospel Reading
The Protodeacon, holding the Holy Gospel as he stands on the Ambo facing the Bishop, says aloud:
Deacon: Bless, Right/Most Reverend [or Most Blessed or Most Holy] Master, him who proclaims the good tidings of the holy Apostle and Evangelist Name.
The Bishop blesses him, saying:
Bishop: May God, through the prayers of the holy, glorious, and all-laudable Apostle and Evangelist Name , 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: Amen. Wisdom! Let us attend. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace be unto all.
Choir: And to your spirit.
Deacon: The reading from the Holy Gospel according to Name.
Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
Priest: Let us attend!
The appointed Gospel lesson is chanted by the Deacon. Upon its completion, the Priest blesses the Deacon aloud.
Priest: Peace be unto you who have proclaimed the Holy Gospel.
Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
The Bishop blesses the people with the Dikirion and Trikirion, as the Choir sings:
Choir; Eis polla eti, Dhespota.
The Sermon is preached here.
The Litany of Fervent Supplication
Deacon: Let us say with all our soul and with all our mind, let us say.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: O Lord almighty, the God of our fathers, we pray Thee, hearken and have mercy.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Thy great goodness, we pray Thee, hearken and have mercy.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. Three times.
The Antimension is partly unfolded by the two senior Priests; the upper portion is left folded.
Deacon: Again we pray for our lord [the Most Reverend Blessed Metropolitan or Archbishop or Right Reverend Bishop or if a Patriarch Great Lord and Father] Name or Names for the honorable Priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and all other clergy; and for all our brethren in Christ.
Clergy: Lord, have mercy. Three times.
Deacon: Again we pray for the President of our country, for all civil authorities, and for the armed forces.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. Three times.
Deacon: Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable holy Orthodox patriarchs; and for the blessed and ever memorable founders of this holy house; and for all our fathers and brethren, the Orthodox departed this life before us, who here and in all the world lie asleep in the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. Three times.
Deacon: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, and visitation for the servants of God Name or names, and for the pardon and remission of their sins.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. Three times.
Additional petitions may be added here according to need or Ecclesiastical directive.
Deacon: Again we pray for those who bring offerings and do good works in this holy and all-venerable house; for those who labor and those who sing; and for all the people here present, who await Thy great and rich mercy.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. Three times.
The Bishop and Priests say the following prayer quietly:
Priest: O Lord our God, accept this fervent supplication of Thy servants, and have mercy on us according to the multitude of Thy mercy. Send down Thy bounties upon us and upon all Thy people, who await the rich mercy that comes from Thee.
The Bishop says the Exclamation aloud:
bishop: For Thou art a merciful God, and lovest mankind, and unto Thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
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, according to Thy great goodness, we pray Thee, hearken and have mercy.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. Three times.
Deacon: Again we pray for the repose of the souls of the servants of God Name or names, departed this life; and that he may be pardoned all his sins, both voluntary and involuntary.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. Three times.
Deacon: That the Lord God will establish his souls where the just repose.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. Three times.
Deacon: The mercies of God, the Kingdom of Heaven, and the remission of his sins, let us ask of Christ, the immortal King and God.
Choir: Grant it, O Lord.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
The Bishop and Priests say the following prayer quietly:
Priest: O God of spirits, and of all flesh, who hast trampled down death and overthrown the Devil, and given life to Thy world; Do Thou, the same Lord, give rest to the souls of Thy departed servants , in a place of brightness, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, where all sickness, sighing, and sorrow have fled away. Pardon every transgression which he has committed, whether by word or deed or thought. For Thou art a good God and lovest mankind; because there is no man who lives yet does not sin; for Thou only art without sin; Thy righteousness is to all eternity; and Thy word is truth.
The Bishop says the Exclamation aloud:
Bishop: For Thou art the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Thy servants who is fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, who is from everlasting, and Thine all holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Litany for the Catechumens
Deacon: Pray to the Lord, you catechumens.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Let us, the faithful pray for the catechumens, that the Lord may have mercy on them.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That He may teach them the word of truth.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That He may reveal to them the gospel of righteousness.
The third and fourth Priests finish unfolding the Antimenion, sign themselves, and bow to the Bishop.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
DFACON. That He may unite them to His Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help them, save them, have mercy on them, and keep them, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Bow your heads unto the Lord, you catechumens.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
The Bishop and Priests say the following prayer quietly:
Priest: O Lord our God, who dwellest on high and regardest the humble of heart; who hast sent forth as the salvation of the race of men Thine only-begotten Son and God, our Lord Jesus Christ.- Look down upon Thy servants the catechumens, who have bowed their necks before Thee; make them worthy in due time of the laver of regeneration, the remission of sins, and the robe of incorruption, Unite them to Thy Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, and number them with Thy chosenf lock.
The Bishop says the Exclamation aloud and blesses the Antimension with the sponge.
Priest: That with us they may glorify Thine allhonorable and majestic name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Litanies of the Faithful
Deacon: All catechumens, depart. Depart, catechumens. All that are catechumens, depart. Let no catechumen remain. Let us, the faithful, again and again in peace pray unto the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
The Bishop and Priests say the following prayer quietly:
Priest: We thank Thee, O Lord God of Hosts, who hast accounted us worthy to stand even now before Thy holy altar, and to fall down before Thy compassion for o u r sins and for the errors of all Thy people. And enable us also, whom Thou hast placed in this Thy service, by the power of Thy Holy Spirit, blamelessly and without offence, in the pure witness of our conscience, to call upon Thee at all times and in ever place; that hearing us Thou mayest be merciful to us according to the multitude of Thy great goodness.
Deacon: Wisdom!
The Bishop says the Exclamation aloud:
Bishop: For unto Thee are due all glory, honor, and worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Deacon:; Again and again in peace let us pray the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
The four following petitions are recited only if a Deacon is serving. If there is no Deacon, they are omitted:
Deacon: For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy house and for those who enter with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
The Bishop and Priests say the following prayer quietly:
Priest: Again and oftentimes we fall down before Thee, O God who lovest mankind, that looking down upon our petition Thou wouldst cleanse our souls and bodies from all defilement of flesh and spirit; and grant us to stand blameless and without condemnation before Thy holy altar, Grant also tothose who pray with us, O God, growth in life and faith and spiritual understanding. Grant them to worship Thee blameslessly with fear and love, and to partake without condemnation of Thy Holy Mysteries, and to be accounted worthy of Thy heavenly Kingdom.
Deacon: Wisdom!
The Bishop says the Exclamation aloud:
Bishop: That guarded always by Thy might we may ascribe glory unto Thee: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
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 …
Bishop: No one who is bound with desires and pleasures of the flesh is worthy to approach or draw near or to serve Thee, O King of Glory; for to minister to Thee is great and awesome even to the heavenly powers. Nevertheless through Thine unspeakable and boundless love for mankind, Thou didst become man, yet without change or alteration, and as Ruler of All didst become our High Priest, and didst commit to us the ministry of this liturgical and bloodless sacrifice. For Thou alone, O Lord our God, rulest over those in heaven and on earth; who art borne on the throne of the Cherubim, who art Lord of the Seraphim and King of Israel; who alone art holy and dost rest in the saints. Therefore, I entreat Thee who alone art good and ready to listen.- Look down on me, a sinner, Thine 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, Thy holy table, and perform the sacred mystery of Thy holy and pure Body and precious Blood. For I draw near to Thee, and bowing my neck I implore Thee.- Do not turn Thy face away from me, nor cast me out from among Thy children; but make me, Thy sinful and unworthy servant, worthy to offer gifts to Thee. For Thou art the Offerer and the Offered, the Receiver and the Received, O Christ our God, and to Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen,
When the 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.
Deacon: That we may receive the King of All, who comes invisibly upborne by the angelic hosts. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
They go before the Table of Preparation. The Bishop completes the Prokomedia, remembering whom he will of the living and the departed. When he commemorates the living, the Clergy and Servers all approach him in order and kiss his right shoulder, saying to him quietly:
Clerk: Remember, Right/Most Reverend [or Most Blessed or Most Holy] Master, the Priest Name.
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: Thine episcopate may the Lord god remember in His Kingdom, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
The other Priests approach the Bishop saying the same thing. The Junior Priest receives the Spear and Spoon from the Bishop.
The Great Entrance
During the Great Entrance, the Priests and Bishop pras aloud for the hierarchy and the faithful, according to the accepted formula of the local tradition. At the conclusion, he says:
Bishop: May the Lord God remember all of you Orthodox Christians in His Kingdom always, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
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. The Priest places the Holy Gifts on the altar, saying quietly:
Priest: The noble Joseph, when he bad taken down Thy most pure Body from the tree, wrapped it in fine linen and anointed it with spices, and placed it in a new tomb.
In the tomb with the body and in bell with the soul, in paradise with the thief and on the throne with the Father and the Spirit, wast Thou, O boundless Christ, filling all things.
Bearing life and more fruitful than paradise, brighter than any royal chamber, Thy tomb, O Christ, is the fountain of our resurrection,
The Priest takes the veils from the Diskos and Chalice and places them on the altar, saying quietly:
Priest: The noble Joseph, when he had taken down Thy most pure Body from the tree, wrapped it in fine linen and anointed it with spices, and placed it in a new tomb.
The Priest takes the censer from the Deacon and censes the Gifts, saying:
Priest: Do good to Zion in Thy good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, Then wilt Thou delight in rigbt sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on Thy altar
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 now offered, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy house, and for those who enter with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask of the Lord.
Choir: Grant it, O Lord.
Deacon: An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.
Choir: Grant it, O Lord.
Deacon: Pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask of the Lord.
Choir: Grant it, O Lord.
Deacon: All things that are good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord.
Choir: Grant it, O Lord.
Deacon: That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord.
Choir: Grant it, O Lord.
Deacon: A Christian ending to our life: painless, blameless, and peaceful; and a good defense before the dread judgment seat of Christ, let us ask of the Lord.
Choir: Grant it, O Lord.
Deacon: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
The Bishop and priest say the prayer quietly:
Priest: O Lord God almighty, who alone art holy, who acceptest the sacrifice of praise from those who call upon Thee with their whole heart. Accept also the prayer of us sinners, and bear it to Thy holy altar, enabling us to offer unto Thee gifts and spiritual sacrifices for our sins and for the errors of the people, Make us worthy to find grace in Thy sight, that our sacrifice may be acceptable unto Thee, and that the good spirit of Thy grace may dwell upon us and upon these Gifts here offered, and upon all Thy people.
The Bishop says the Exclamation aloud:
Bishop: Through the compassions of Thine only begotten Son, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Peace
Bishop: Peace be unto all.
Choir: And to your spirit.
Bishop: Let us love one another, that with one mind we may confess.
Choir: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! The Trinity, one in essence, and undivided!
The Bishop bows three times before the altar, quietly saying each time:
Priest: I will love Thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my firm foundation, my refuge, and my deliverer.
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.
SENIOR: Christ is in our midst,
JUNIOR: He is and shall be,
If two or more Deacons serve together, they also exchange the Kiss of Peace.
The Creed
Deacon: The doors! The doors! In wisdom, let us attend!
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 things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
The Anaphora
Deacon: Let us stand aright! Let us stand with fear! Let us attend, that we may offer the Holy Oblation in peace.
Choir: A mercy of peace! A sacrifice of praise!
The Deacon returns to the sanctuary. The Bishop blesses the faithful:
Bishop: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
Choir: And with your spirit.
Bishop: Let us lift up our hearts.
Choir: We lift them up unto the Lord.
Bishop: Let us give thanks unto the Lord.
Choir: It is meet and right to worship the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit: the Trinity, one in essence, and undivided.
The Bishop and Priests say quietly, but in modern practice the Bishop says it aloud so the faithful may hear:
Bishop: It is meet and right to hymn Thee, to bless Thee, to praise Thee, to give thanks to Thee, and to worship Thee in every place of Thy dominion, for Thou art God ineffable, inconceivable, invisible, incomprehensible, ever-existing and eternally the same, Thou and Thine only-begotten Son and Thy Holy Spirit. Thou it was who brought us from nonexistence into being, and when we bad fallen away didst raise us up again, and didst not cease to do all things until Thou hadst brought us up to heaven, and hadst endowed us with Thy Kingdom which is to come. For all these things we give thanks to Thee, and to Thine only-begotten Son, and to Thy Holy Spirit; for all things of which we know and of which we know not, whether manifest or unseen; and we thank Thee for this Liturgy which Thou hast deigned to accept at our hands, though there stand by Thee thousands of archangels and hosts of angels, the Cherubim and the Seraphim, sixwinged, manyeyed, who soar aloft,
And the following is always chanted aloud:
Bishop: Singing the triumphant hymn, shouting, proclaiming, and saying:
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; he goes to the right side of the altar.
Choir: Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord of Sabaoth! Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that 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 so the faithful may hear:
Bishop: With these blessed powers, O Master who lovest mankind, we also cry aloud and say: Holy art Thou and all-holy, Thou and Thine only-begotten Son and Thy Holy Spirit! Holy art Thou and all holy, and magnificent is Thy glory, Who hast so loved Thy world as to give Thine only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life; who when He had come and had justified all the dispensation for as, in the night in which He was given up–or rather, gave Himself up for the life of the world–took bread in His holy, pure, and blameless hands; and when He had given thanks and blessed it, and hallowed it, and broken 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 remission of sins.
Choir: Amen.
As the Bishop says these words, the Deacon points to the Diskos with his stole.
The Bishop says quietly, but in modern practice aloud so the faithful may hear:
Bishop: And likewise, after supper, He took the cup, saying:
And the following is always chanted aloud:
Drink of it, all of you! This is My Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you and for many, for the remission of sins!
Choir: Amen.
As the Bishop says these words, the Deacon points to the Chalice with his stole.
Bishop: Remembering this saving commandment and all those things which have come to pass 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.
Priest: Thine own of Thine own we offer unto Thee, on behalf of all and for all.
Choir: We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, and we pray unto Thee, O our God.
The Bishop says quietly, but in modern practice aloud so the faithful may hear:
Bishop: Again we offer unto Thee this reasonable and bloodless worship, and ask Thee, and pray Thee, and supplicate Thee.- Send down Thy Holy Spirit upon us and upon these Gifts here offered.
The Bishop, Priests, and the Deacon bow three times before the Holy Altar as they say:
Bishop: O Lord, who didst send down Thy Most Holy Spirit upon Thine apostles at the third hour: Take Him not from us, O Good One, but renew Him in us who pray to Thee.
Deacon: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
Bishop: O Lord, who didst send down Thy Most Holy Spirit upon Thine apostles at the third hour: Take Him not from us, O Good One, but renew Him in us who pray to Thee.
Deacon: Cast me not away from Thy presence and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Bishop: O Lord, who didst send down Thy Most Holy Spirit upon Thine apostles at the third hour: Take Him not from us, O Good One, but renew Him in us who pray to Thee,
The Deacon points to the Diskos, saying:
Deacon: Bless, Right/Most Reverend [or Most Blessed or Most Holy] Master, the Holy Bread.
The Bishop blesses the Holy Bread with the sign of the Cross, saying:
Bishop: And make this Bread the precious Body off Thy Christ,
All: Amen.
The Deacon points to the chalice, saying:
Deacon: Bless, Right/Most Reverend [or Most Blessed or Most Holy] Master, the Holy Cup.
The Bishop blesses the Holy Cup with the sign of the Cross, saying:
Bishop: And that which is in this Cup, the precious Blood of Thy Christ,
All: Amen.
The Deacon points to both, saying:
Deacon: Bless both, Right/Most Reverend [or Most Blessed or Most Holy] Master.
The Bishop blesses the Holy Gifts, saying:
Bishop: Making the change by Thy Holy Spirit.
All: Amen. Amen. Amen.
The Deacon bows his head to the Bishop and quietly says:
Deacon: Remember me, a sinner, Right/Most Reverend [or Most Blessed or Most Holy] Master.
Bishop: May the Lord God remember you in His Kingdom always, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Deacon: Amen.
The Bishop and Clergy make a low bow before the Holy Altar and continues praying:
Bishop: That they may be to those who partake for the purification of soul, for the remission of sins, for the communion of Thy Holy Spirit, for the fulfillment of the Kingdom of Heaven, for boldness towards Thee, and not for judgment or condemnation.
Again we offer unto Thee this reasonable worship for those who have fallen asleep in the faith: ancestors, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics, and every righteous spirit made perfect in faith.
As he receives the censer, the Bishop continues:
Bishop: Especially for our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever virgin Mary.
THE HYMN TO THE THEOTOKOS
Certain Feasts have a proper Hymn
Choir: It is truly meet to bless you, O Theotokos, ever-blessed and most pure, and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: without defilement you gave birth to God the Word: true Theotokos, we magnify you.
During the singing of the above hymn, the Bishop and Priests continue praying quietly:
Priest: For the holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John; the holy, glorious, and all laudable apostles; Saint Name or names whom we commemorate today; and all Thy saints, at whose supplication look down upon us, O God, Remember all those who have fallen asleep before us in the hope of resurrection to eternal life, especially Name or names ; grant them rest, O God, where the light of Thy countenance shines on them.
Again we entreat Thee: Remember, O Lord, all the Orthodox Episcopate, who rightly teach the word of Thy truth; all the Priests, the Deacons in Christ, and every order of the clergy.
Again we offer unto Thee this reasonable worship., for the whole world; for the Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church; for those who live in chastity and holiness of life; for all civil authorities; grant them, O Lord, peaceful times, that we, in their tranquility, may lead a calm and peaceful life in all godliness and sanctity.
The Bishop says aloud:
Bishop: Among the first, remember, O Lord, our lord [the Most Blessed Metropolitan or Most Reverend Archbishop or Right Reverend Bishop or if a Patriarch our great Lord and Father] Name or names. Grant him for Thy holy churches in peace, safety, honor, health, and length of days, rightly to define the word of Thy truth.
Choir: And all mankind.
The Priests chant aloud:
Priests: Among the first, remember, O Lord, our lord [the Most Blessed Metropolitan or Most Reverend Archbishop or Right Reverend Bishop or if a Patriarch our great Lord and Father] Name of the celebrating Bishop. Grant him for Thy holy churches in peace, safety, honor, health, and length of days, rightly to define the word of Thy truth.
Choir: And all mankind.
The Bishop and Priests continue quietly:
Priest: Remember, O Lord, the city in which we dwell, every city and country; those who in faith dwell in them. Remember O Lord, travelers by land, by sea, and by air; the sick and the suffering; captives, and their salvation, Remember, O Lord, those who bring offerings and do good in Thy holy churches; those who remember the poor; and upon us all send forth Thy mercies.
The Bishop remembers by name the living faithful and then says aloud:
Bishop: And grant that with one mouth and one heart we may praise Thine all-honorable and majestic name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Bishop blesses the people:
Priest: And the mercies of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ shall be with all of you.
Choir: And with your spirit.
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 offered and sanctified, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That our God, who loves mankind, receiving them upon His holy, heavenly, and ideal altar as a sweet spiritual fragrance, will 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: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask of the Lord.
Choir: Grant it, O Lord.
Deacon: An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.
Choir: Grant it, O Lord.
DFACON: Pardon and remission of our sins and, let us ask of the Lord.
Choir: Grant it, O Lord.
Deacon: All things that are good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord.
Choir: Grant it, O Lord.
Deacon: That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord.
Choir: Grant it, O Lord.
Deacon: A Christian ending to our life: painless, blameless, and peaceful; and a good defense before the dread judgment seat of Christ, let us ask of the Lord.
CHOW: Grant it, O Lord.
Deacon: Having asked for the unity of the Faith, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
The Bishop and Priests pray quietly:
Priest: Unto Thee we commend our whole life and our hope, O Master who lovest mankind. We ask Thee, and pray Thee, and supplicate Thee–Make us worthy to partake of the heavenly and awesome Mysteries of this sacred and spiritual table with a pure conscience.- for remission of sins, for forgiveness of transgressions, for the communion of the Holy Spirit, for the inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven, for boldness towards Thee, but not for judgment or condemnation,
The Bishop says aloud:
bishop: And make us worthy, O Master, that with boldness and without condemnation we may dare to call on Thee, the heavenly God, as Father, and to 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 Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Bishop: Peace be unto all.
Choir: And to your spirit.
Deacon: Bow your heads unto the Lord.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
The Bishop and Priests pray quietly:
Priest: We give thanks unto Thee, O King invisible, who by Thy measureless power didst make all things, and in the greatness of Thy mercy didst bring all things from non-existence into being. Look down from heaven, O Master, upon those who have bowed their heads unto Thee, the awesome God. Do Thou Thyself, O Master, distribute these Gifts here offered, unto all of us for good, according to the individual need of each; sail with those who sail, travel with those who travel by land, soar with those who soar through the air or in the vastness of the heavens; heal the sick, O Thou who art the physician of our souls and bodies.
The Priest says aloud:
Priest: Through the grace and compassion and love toward mankind of Thine only-begotten Son, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Bishop and Priests pray quietly:
Priest: Attend, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, out of Thy holy dwelling-place, from the throne of glory of Thy Kingdom; and come to sanctify us, O Thou who sittest on high with the Father, and art here invisibly present with us; and by Thy mighty hand impart unto us Thy most pure Body and precious Blood, and through us to all the people.
The Deacon crosses his stole over his shoulders. The Bishop and Priests makes three low bows before the holy Altar, saying each time:
Priest: O God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me.
The Bishop takes up the Holy Bread in both hands and elevates it above the altar.
Deacon: Let us attend!
Bishop: The Holy things for the holy!
Choir: One is Holy. One is the 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 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.
Communion of the Clergy
The Deacon returns to the Sanctuary, closes the Royal Doors, and stands on the right side of the Priest. All the following prayers are said quietly until the Chalice is brought forward at the Communion of the Faithful
Deacon: Divide, Right/Most Reverend [or Most Blessed or Most Holy] Master, the Holy Bread.
The Bishop divides the Holy Bread into four parts, with proper reverence.
Bishop: Divided and distributed is the Lamb of God: who is divided, yet not disunited; who is ever eaten, yet never consumed; but sanctifying those who partake thereof.
The Bishop arranges the pieces on the rim of the paten in the form of a cross.
The portion IC is placed in the chalice. The portion XC is for the communion of the celebrants. The other two portions, NI and KA, are broken for the communion of the faithful people.
Deacon: Fill, Right/Most Reverend [or Most Blessed or Most Holy] Master, the Holy Cup.
As the Bishop places the portion IC into the chalice, the bishop makes the sign of the Cross with it over the chalice, saying:
Bishop: The fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Deacon: Amen. Bless, Right/Most Reverend [or Most Blessed or Most Holy] Master, Master, the warm water.
The Bishop blesses the warm water, saying:
Bishop: Blessed is the warmth of Thy holy things always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
The Deacon pours a sufficient quantity of water into the chalice cross-wise, saying:
Deacon: The warmth of faith, full of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
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 or
Deacon: Give me, Right/Most Reverend [or Most Blessed or Most Holy Master, 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:
Priest: To the Archimandrite Name 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 Priest'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 most holy Body of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ is given unto me, the unworthy Hierarch Name 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 I confess that Thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who camest into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first. 'I believe also that this is truly Thine own most pure Body, and that this is truly Thine own precious Blood. Therefore, I pray Thee: have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, committed in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy to partake without condemnation of Thy most pure Mysteries, for the remission of my sins, and unto life everlasting. Amen.
Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies, neither like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but like the thief will I confess Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.
May the communion of Thy holy Mysteries be neither to my judgment, nor to my condemnation, O Lord, but to the healing of soul and body.
After partaking of the Holy Bread and before drinking of the Holy Cup, the Bishop says:
Bishop: The precious and holy Blood of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ is given unto me, the unworthy Priest Name for the remission of my sins, and unto life everlasting. Amen.
He drinks of the Cup three times, saying:
Priest: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Priest cleans the chalice and his lips with the veil, and says:
Priest: Lo, this has touched my lips, and shall take away my iniquities, and cleanse my sins.
The Priest then summons the Deacon:
Bishop: Archimandrites, Igumens, Archpriests, Priests, and Deacons, approach once more.
Each approaches and bows once, saying:
Deacon or
Priest: Lo, I draw near unto the immortal King and our God. Give unto me, Master, the and holy Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Bishop holds the chalice and says:
Priest: The servant of God, Archimandrite Name partakes of the precious and holy blood of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, for the remission of his sins, and unto life everlasting.
When the Deacon has partaken, the Priest says:
Priest: Lo, this has touched your lips, and shall take away your iniquities, and cleanse 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: In the fear of God, and with faith [and love], draw near!
Choir: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us!
If they did not do so with the Clergy, the communicants say the prayers I believe, O Lord … and the rest.
The Bishop and Priests communicates those who are prepared to receive the Mystery, saying to each person:
Priest: The servant/handmaid/child of God, Name, partakes of the precious and holy Body and Blood of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, [for the remission of sins and] unto life everlasting.
The bracketed words are omitted if a child receives Communion.
Priest: The child of God, Name, partakes of the precious and holy Body and Blood of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, unto life everlasting.
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!
The Deacon cleans the lips of each communicant as he receives. After all have been communicated, the celebrants return to the sanctuary and replace the chalice on the altar. The Deacon holds the paten over the chalice as he says these Hymns of the Resurrection quietly:
Deacon: Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship The holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We venerate Thy Cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Thy holy Resurrection; for Thou art our God, and we know no other than Thee; we call on Thy name. Come all you faithful, let us venerate Christ's holy Resurrection! For, behold, through the Cross joy has come into all the world. Let us ever bless the Lord, praising His Resurrection, for by enduring the Cross for us, He has destroyed death by death.
Shine! Shine! O New Jerusalem! The glory of the Lord has shone on you! Exult now and be glad, O Zion! Be radiant, O Pure Theotokos, in the Resurrection ofyourSon!
O Christ! Great and most holy Pascha. O Wisdom, Word, and Power of God, grant that we may more perfectly partake of Thee in the never-ending Day of Thy Kingdom.
As the Deacon wipes the remaining particles from the paten into the chalice. he says quietly:
Deacon: Wash away, O Lord, the sins of all those remembered here, by Thy precious Blood; through the prayers of Thy saints
The Bishop blesses the People, saying aloud:
Priest: O God, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance.
Choir: Eis polla eti, Dhespota. We have seen the true Light. We have received the heavenly Spirit! We have found the true Faith! Worshipping the undivided Trinity, who has saved us.
The Deacon covers the chalice with one veil. He puts all others on the Discos, and covers this also. He censes the Chalice three times, saying quietly:
Bishop: Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens, and Thy glory over all the earth.
The Bishop places the Diskos on the Deacon's head. the Deacon carries it with reverence to the Table of Preparation. The Priest takes the Chalice in his right hand, and says, as he faces the people:
Bishop: Quietly: Blessed is our God and gives it to the Senior Priest.
Priest: Always, now and ever and unto ages of ages,
The Priest carries theC
chalice to the Table and then censes it three times.
Choir: Amen. Let our mouths be filled with Thy praise, O Lord, that we may sing of Thy glory; for Thou hast made us worthy to partake of Thy holy, divine, immortal, and lifecreating Mysteries. Keep us in Thy holiness, that all the day we may meditate upon Thy righteousness. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluial
The Priests stand in their places on either side of the Altar. The Deacon goes to his place for the Litany. The bishop returns to the altar and folds up the Antimension.
The Litany of Thanksgiving
Deacon: Let us attend! Having partaken of the divine, holy, most pure, immortal, heavenly, lifecreating, and awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks unto the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Asking that the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
The Bishop and Priests say quietly:
Priest: We thank Thee, O Master who lovest mankind, Benefactor of our souls, that Thou hast made us worthy this day of Thy heavenly and immortal mysteries. Make straight our path; strengthen us all in Thy fear; guard our life; make firm our steps; through the prayers and intercessions of the glorious Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, and of all Thy 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 Thou art our Sanctification, and unto Thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Bishop: Let us depart in peace.
Choir: In the name of the Lord.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy.
The Prayer Before the Ambo
This prayer is read by the Junior Priest.
Priest: O Lord, who blessest those who bless Thee, and sanctifiest those who trust in Thee: Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Preserve the fullness of Thy Church. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Thy house; glorify them in return by Thy divine power, and forsake us not who put our hope in Thee. Give peace to Thy world, to Thy churches, to Thy Priests, to all those in civil authority, and to all Thy people. For every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from Thee, the Father of Lights, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, thanksgiving, and worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Blessed be the name of the Lord, henceforth and forevermore. Three times
Having completed the prayer, the Deacon, holding the stole, stands with bowed head before the holy Icon of our Lord Christ until the conclusion of the Prayer before the Ambo. The Priest enters the sanctuary through the Holy Doors. The Bishop says this prayer at the Altar.
Bishop: O Christ our God, who art Thyself the fulfilment of the law and the prophets, who didst fulfill all the dispensation of the Father, fill our hearts with joy and gladness always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
The Deacon, entering through the north door, consumes the Holy Gifts with all reverence and awe. The Bishop blesses the people from the Royal Doors with his hands, saying aloud:
Priest: The blessing of the Lord be upon you through His grace and love for mankind always, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Dismissal
Bishop: Glory to Thee, O Christ our God and our hope, glory to Thee!
Choir: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. Three times
Master, bless.
Holding the Dikirion and Trikirion, the Bishop blesses the People from the Ambo, saying:
Bishop: May [He who rose from the dead,] Christ our true God, through the prayers of His most pure Mother; of the holy, glorious, and all-laudable apostles; of our father among the saints, John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople; of the Patron of the church, of Saints Name or names whom we commemorate today; of the holy and righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; and of all the saints: have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.
Choir: Eis polla eti, Dhespota.
And they chant the Polychronion.
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.