Presentation Liturgy
Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple
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.
People: Amen.
The Great Litany
We entreat the Lord with these petitions:
Priest: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: 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.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For this holy house and for those who enter with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the holy Orthodox Patriarchs, for our Metropolitan/(Arch)bishop _________, for the honorable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the President of our country, for all civil authorities, and for the armed forces, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: That He will protect them and grant them victory over their adversaries, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For
this base (ship/installation), for the surrounding communities, for every city and country, and for the faithful dwelling in them, let
us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For seasonable weather, for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: 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.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary;
People: Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Priest: With all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
People: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: O Lord our God, Thy might is incomparable. Thy glory is incomprehensible. Thy mercy is immeasurable. Thy love for man is 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.
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.
People: Amen.
The First Antiphon
The antiphons were once chanted in solemn procession to the church.
Today we sing these verses as we enter into the worship of Jesus Christ.
People: Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised;
In the city of our God and in His holy mountain.
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us!
Glorious things are spoken of Thee,
In the city of God.
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us!
God is known in her palaces,
for a refuge.
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us!
As we have heard, so we have seen,
In the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God.
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us!
The Little Litany
Priest: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary;
People: Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Priest: With all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
People: To Thee, O Lord.
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 by Thy divine power, and forsake us not who put our hope in Thee.
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.
People: Amen.
The Second Antiphon
People: The Most High hath sanctified
His tabernacle.
O Son of God, Who art wondrous in Thy saints,
save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
Holiness and majesty
are in His sanctuary.
O Son of God, Who art wondrous in Thy saints,
save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
This is the gate of the Lord,
by which the righteous shall enter.
O Son of God, Who art wondrous in Thy saints,
save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
Holy is Thy temple,
and wonderful in righteousness.
O Son of God, Who art wondrous in Thy saints,
save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Troparion
by Emperor Justinian I (527-565)
Only-begotten Son and Immortal Word of God.
Who for our salvation willed to be incarnate
of the holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary;
Who without change became man and was crucified.
Who is 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
Priest: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary;
People: Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Priest: With all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
People: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: O Thou who hast given us grace with one accord to make our common supplications unto Thee, and promised that when two or three are gathered together in Thy name, Thou wouldst grant their requests. Fulfill now, O Lord, the petitions of Thy servants as is expedient for them: granting us in this world the knowledge of Thy truth, and in the world to come, life everlasting.
For Thou art a good God who 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.
People: Amen.
The Third Antiphon
Reader: Even the rich among the people shall entreat thy favor.
Troparion Today is the prelude of the good will of God
Feast of the preaching of the salvation of mankind.
(Tone 4) The Virgin appears in the temple of God
in anticipation proclaiming Christ to all.
Let us rejoice and sing to her:
Rejoice, O Fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation!
Reader: The King's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.
People: Today is the prelude of the good will of God
of the preaching of the salvation of mankind.
The Virgin appears in the temple of God
in anticipation proclaiming Christ to all.
Let us rejoice and sing to her:
Rejoice, O Fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation!
Reader: Virgins shall be brought to the King after her: her companions shall be brought unto Thee.
People: Today is the prelude of the good will of God
of the preaching of the salvation of mankind.
The Virgin appears in the temple of God
in anticipation proclaiming Christ to all.
Let us rejoice and sing to her:
Rejoice, O Fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation!
The Little Entrance
The Priest takes up the Gospels from the holy table
and carries them into our midst.
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.
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.
Blessed is the entrance of Thy saints.
Always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
The Priest raises the Gospels: the Divine Word
which indicates the way to the Kingdom of God.
Wisdom! Let us attend!
The Priest venerates the icon of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word,
and that of the Theotokos, from whom He took flesh.
The Priest reenters the altar where the Gospels are again enthroned.
Troparion Today is the prelude of the good will of God
Feast of the preaching of the salvation of mankind.
(Tone 4) The Virgin appears in the temple of God
in anticipation proclaiming Christ to all.
Let us rejoice and sing to her:
Rejoice, O Fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation!
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion The most pure Temple of the Savior,
Feast the precious Bridal Chamber and Virgin,
(Tone 4) the sacred Treasure of the glory of God,
is presented today to the House of the Lord.
She brings with her the grace of the Spirit,
Which the angels of God do praise:
"Truly this woman is the Abode of Heaven!"
The Trisagion
Priest: O Holy God, who dost rest in Thy saints; who art hymned by the Seraphim with thrice-holy cry, and art glorified by the Cherubim, and worshipped by every heavenly power; who out of nothing hast 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 that asks wisdom and understanding; who dost not despise the sinner, but instead hast appointed repentance unto salvation; who hast vouchsafed 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. Thyself, O Master, accept even from the mouths of us sinners the thrice-holy 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 through all the ages have been well pleasing unto Thee.
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, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
We sinners, empowered through God's mercy,
join our prayers to the cries of the bodiless host.
Holy God, holy Mighty, holy Immortal,
have mercy on us! (3)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
holy Immortal, have mercy on us!
Holy God, holy Mighty, holy Immortal,
have mercy on us!
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The Priest goes to the High Place, completing our entrance
as a solemn assembly in the Temple of God's worship.
Priest: Blessed art Thou on the throne of the glory of Thy Kingdom, who sittest upon the Cherubim; always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
The Readings from Holy Scripture
Priest: Let us attend! Peace be unto all!
Reader: And to your spirit.
Priest: Wisdom!+
Reader: The Prokeimenon in the 3rd Tone: My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
People: My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
Reader: For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden: For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
People: My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
Reader: My soul magnifies the Lord!
People: And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
Priest: Wisdom!
Reader: The Reading is from the 1st Epistle of holy Apostle Paul to the Hebrews.
Priest: Let us attend!
(Hebrews 9:1-7)
Reader: Brethren, indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance.
Priest: Peace be unto you, Reader!
Reader: And to your spirit. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
People: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Reader: Hear, O daughter, and see, and incline your ear.
People: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Reader: Before your face, the richest of the people will pray.
People: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
The Priest then offers incense before the Gospels.
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 all things that 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 life-creating Spirit. Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Wisdom! Let us attend! Let us listen to the holy Gospel! Peace be to all!
People: And to your spirit!
Priest: The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke.
People: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee!
Priest: Let us attend!
(Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28)
At that time, Jesus entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her."
And it happened, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, "Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!" But He said, "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"
People: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee!
The Prayer of the Faithful
Priest: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Again and oftentimes we fall down before Thee, O God who lovest mankind, that
looking down upon our petition Thou would 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 to those who pray with us, O God, growth in life and faith and spiritual understanding. Grant them to worship Thee with fear and love, and to partake without condemnation of Thy Holy Mysteries, and to be accounted worthy of Thy heavenly Kingdom.
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.
People: Amen.
The Synaxis or "Gathering" of the faithful is concluded.
Having experienced initial communion with God through His Divine Word,
we prepare to be more fully united with Him by sharing the Mystical Supper.
The Great Entrance
Before the Gifts of bread and wine are offered, the Priest acknowledges that
Jesus Christ is the only High Priest and the only acceptable sacrifice.
Priest: No one who is bound with the 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 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 most 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 Recipient 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.
People: 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.
Priest: Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim, and who sing the thrice-holy
hymn to the life-creating Trinity, now lay aside all earthly cares, that we may
receive the King of all, who comes invisibly upborne by the angelic host.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! (3)
In place of any holocaust, we offer the common forms of bread and wine, which
become the very Body and Blood of our Lord, and God, and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Priest begs forgiveness before taking-up the Gifts.
Priest: O God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me.
Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord.
May the Lord God remember my priesthood in His Kingdom.
Always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
As the Gifts are brought to the altar table, the Priest prayers for his Bishop, the church,
civil authorities, the armed forces, those in special need and for our own intentions.
Priest: May the Lord God remember you, and all Orthodox Christians, in
His Kingdom, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
That we may receive the King of all,
who comes invisibly upborne by the angelic host.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
The Gifts are placed upon the Altar table.
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.
In the tomb with the body and in hell 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.
Do good to Zion in Thy good pleasure: rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then wilt Thou delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and
whole burnt offerings;
then bulls will be offered on Thy altar.
The Litany of Supplication
Priest: Let us complete our prayer unto the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the precious Gifts now offered, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For this holy house, and for those who enter with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask of the Lord.
People: Grant it, O Lord.
Priest: An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.
People: Grant it, O Lord.
Priest: Pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask of the Lord.
People: Grant it, O Lord.
Priest: All things that are good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the
world, let us ask of the Lord.
People: Grant it, O Lord.
Priest: That we complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord.
People: Grant it, O Lord.
Priest: 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.
People: Grant it, O Lord.
Priest: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary,
People: Most Holy Theotokos, save us!
Priest: with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
People: To Thee, O Lord.
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 bring it to Thy holy Altar, enabling us to offer 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.
Through the compassions of Thine only-begotten Son, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thine all-holy and good,
and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be to all!
People: And to your spirit!
Priest: Let us love one another, that with one mind we may confess -
People: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit -
the Trinity, One in essence, and undivided!
The Priest venerates the Holy Table and the Gifts set forth.
Priest: I will love Thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my firm foundation, my
refuge, and my deliverer.
In the early Church, the doors of the assembly were closed to prevent
the uninitiated from hearing, without understanding, its sacred doctrine.
Priest: The doors! The doors! In wisdom, let us attend!
As the Creed is pronounced, the Priest takes up the aer,
symbolizing the condescension of the Son of God
and the indwelling and action of the Holy Spirit.
The Symbol of Faith
The decrees of the Ecumenical Councils at Nicaea (325) and Constantinople (381)
All: 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 nbsp;p/em /em p align=nbsp;nbsp;pnbsp;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 Eucharistic Canon
The Gifts are raised-up from the physical altar on which they rest,
to the celestial throne of the King of Glory, where they are accepted.
As faithful Christians we are exalted together with our Lord in the Kingdom of God.
Priest: Let us stand aright! Let us stand with fear! Let us attend! That we may offer the holy oblation in peace.
People: A mercy of peace! A sacrifice of praise!
Priest: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the
communion of the Holy Spirit shall be with all of you.
People: And with your spirit.
Priest: Let us lift up our hearts.
People: We lift them up unto to the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks unto the Lord.
People: It is meet and right
to worship the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit:
the Trinity one in essence and undivided.
Priest: It is meet and right to hymn Thee, to bless Thee, to praise Thee, to give thanks unto 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 non-existence into being, and when we had 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 from our hands, though there stand by Thee thousands of archangels and hosts of angels, the Cherubim and the Seraphim, six-winged, many-eyed, who soar aloft borne on their pinions -
Singing the triumphant hymn, shouting, proclaiming and saying:
Once again, we dare to utter the angelic praise
People: 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!
Priest: 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 most holy, and magnificent is Thy glory! Who hast so loved the 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 fulfilled all the dispensation for us, 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:
Take! Eat! This is My Body, which is broken for you, for the remission of sins!
People: Amen.
Priest: And likewise, after supper, He took the cup, saying:
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!
People: Amen.
Priest: 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.
Thine own of Thine own we offer unto Thee, on behalf of all and for all.
The Priest elevates the Gifts and then prays for the Holy Spirit to descend upon the
bread and wine, making them the very Body and Blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
People: We praise Thee! We bless Thee!
We give thanks unto Thee, O Lord.
And we pray unto Thee, O our God.
Priest: O God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me. (3)
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 unto Thee.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
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 unto Thee.
Cast me not away from the presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
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 unto Thee.
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.
And make this Bread the precious Body of Thy Christ. Amen.
And that which is in this Cup, the precious Blood of Thy Christ. Amen.
Making the change by Thy Holy Spirit. Amen. Amen. Amen.
May the Lord God remember my priesthood in His kingdom always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
That they may be for those who partake for the purification of soul, for the
remission of sins, the communion of Thy Holy Spirit, for fulfillment of the
Kingdom of Heaven, for boldness toward Thee, and not for judgment or
condemnation.
As the Priest remembers the Church triumphant,
the saints with God, he offers incense before the consecrated Gifts,
that our worship on earth may be joined with theirs in heaven.
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.
Especially for our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary!
The Hymn to the Theotokos
People: The Angels beheld the entrance of the Pure One
and were amazed!
How has the Virgin entered into the Holy of Holies?
As you are a living Temple of God,
Let no impure hand touch you, O Theotokos.
But let the lips of all believers sing,
constantly magnifying you in joy with the angelic salutation:
Truly you are above all creatures,
O Pure One!
Priest: For the holy Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, the holy glorious and all-laudable Apostles; the saints __________ whose memory we celebrate 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 __________; grant them rest, O God, where the light of Thy countenance shines on them.
The Priest now calls to mind the Church militant, those still sojourning on earth.
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 tranquillity, may lead a calm and peaceful life in all godliness and sanctity.
Among the first, remember, O Lord, the holy Orthodox Patriarchs and our Metropolitan/(Arch)bishop ________; grant them for Thy holy churches in peace, safety, honor, health, and length of days, rightly to define the word of Thy truth.
People: And all mankind.
Priest: Remember, O Lord, this base (ship/installation) in which we dwell, the surrounding communities, every city and country; and those who in faith dwell therein. Remember, O Lord, those who travel by land, by sea, and by air, the sick, the suffering, captives, and their salvation. Remember, O Lord, those who bear fruit and do good works in Thy holy churches; those who remember the poor; and upon us all send forth Thy mercies.
And grant that with one mouth and one heart, we may glorify Thine all-honored and majestic name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: And the mercies of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, shall be with all of you.
People: And with your spirit.
The Litany Before the Lord's Prayer
Priest: Having remembered all the saints, again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the precious Gifts offered and sanctified, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: 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.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: 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.
People: To Thee, O Lord.
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.
And make us worthy, O Master, that with boldness and without condemnation we may dare to call upon Thee, the heavenly God, as Father, and to say:
The Lord's Prayer
We pray with the words and in the manner taught by our Savior.
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 the evil one.
Priest: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be unto all.
People: And to your spirit.
Priest: Bow your heads unto the Lord.
People: To Thee, O Lord.
With heads inclined before the Lord, we pray that God will count us worthy to partake
of the Holy Mysteries, despite our many sins, because of our dire need.
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 land and by air. Heal the sick, O Thou who art the physician of our souls and bodies.
Through the grace and compassion and love for 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.
People: Amen.
The Communion
Priest: Attend, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, from 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.
O God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me. (3)
Let us attend! The Holy Things for the holy!
The Lamb (the Holy Bread) is exalted in the manner of our Lord's resurrection.
People: One is Holy. One is the Lord Jesus Christ,
to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
I will receive the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Priest: 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 Lamb is divided and its portions set forth.
One portion is united with the precious Blood in the Holy Cup.
Warm water is added to signify the warmth of life in faith.
Priest: The fullness of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Blessed is the warmth of Thy holy things.
Always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
The warmth of faith, full of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Before partaking of the Holy Mysteries
the Priest again begs forgiveness of the people.
We beg the forgiveness of those we have offended and say together:
All: I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art trulynbsp;nbsp;nbsp; 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 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, of knowledge and of 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. Amen.
Priest: Lo, I draw near to partake of my immortal King and God.
After communing, the Priest fractions the remaining portions
of the Lamb and mingles them together with precious Blood
in the Holy Cup, which is then brought forth.
Priest: In the fear of God, and with faith and love, draw near!
People: Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!
God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us!
Only Orthodox Christians may partake of the Holy Mysteries,
and only Orthodox Christians having prepared through prayer and fasting,
and having the blessing of their Father-Confessor.
Priest: The servant (handmaid) of God __________, partakes of the most holy and
precious Body and Blood of our Lord, and God, and Savior Jesus Christ, for
the remission of sins and unto life everlasting. Amen.
People: Receive the Body of Christ;
aste the fountain of immortality!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
After all the faithful have communed the Gifts are retired to the Holy Table.
Priest: Behold, this has touched your lips, and shall take away your iniquities, and
cleanse your sins!
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 ye 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 to the Lord has shone on you! Exult now and be glad, O Zion! Be radiant, O Pure Theotokos, in the Resurrection of your Son!
The Priest gathers the particles which commemorate the saints,
as well as remembrances of the living and the departed, and places them in the Holy Cup.
Wash away, O Lord, the sins of those remembered here, by Thy precious Blood; through the prayers of Thy most-pure Mother and of all Thy saints.
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.
O God save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance!
People: 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 Gifts are censed and then retired to the Table of Oblations.
Priest: Be Thou exalted, O God, above the heavens, and Thy glory over all the earth.
Blessed is our God.
Always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: 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 life-creating
Mysteries!
Keep us in Thy holiness,
that all the day we may meditate upon Thy righteousness! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
The Litany of Thanksgiving
The antimension is purified and closed; the Gospels are
restored to their place at the beginning of the Divine Liturgy.
We thank God for having blessed us with His Eucharist, literally His "thanksgiving."
Priest: Let us attend! Having partaken of the divine, holy, most pure, immortal, heavenly, life-creating and awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks unto the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save, us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Asking that the whole day be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us
commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
People: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest: We give thanks to 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.
For Thou art our sanctification and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Priest: Let us depart in peace.
People: In the name of the Lord.
Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
We prepare to go forth in peace to the world to bear witness to the
Kingdom of God of which we are partakers in the Liturgy of the Church.
Having been hearers of the Word, we become doers of the Word.
The Prayer Before the Ambo
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, and coming down from Thee, the Father of Lights, and unto Thee do 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.
People: Amen.
People: Blessed be the name of the Lord, henceforth and forevermore! (3)
The Dismissal
Priest: Glory to Thee, O Christ our God and our Hope, glory to Thee.
People: 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. (3)
Father, bless.
Priest: May Christ our true God, through the prayers of His most pure Mother, whose entry in the temple we commemorate today; of the holy, glorious, and all-laudable apostles; of our father among the saints, John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople; of the holy and righteous forebears of God, Joachim and Anna, together with all the saints, have mercy upon us and save us, for He is good and lovest mankind.
People: Amen!
This content has been provided by Fr. Jerome Cwiklinski, CAPT, CHC, USN