Byzantine Divine Liturgy in English

(c) 1997 St. Hilarion Press. The following translation includes portions of ROCOR versions, compared diligently with other translations. It does not violate any copyrights. It may be duplicated and shared provided that the following notice appears: "Courtesy of St. Hilarion Monastery, Austin, Texas." Our copyright extends only to those texts and arrangements which are unique to this edition.

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DIVINE LITURGY

(Deacon: Bless, master! )

The Priest raises the Gospel with both hands, then lowers it and makes a Cross with it over the antimens:

Priest: Blessed + is the kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen. (the Priest kisses the Gospels.)

Litany of Peace

Deacon:* In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the peace of the whole world, the good estate of the holy churches of God, and the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For this holy temple, and for them that with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter herein, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the Holy Orthodox Patriarchs; for our lord the Very Most Reverend N., our Metropolitan; for our lord the Most Reverend N., our (Arch)Bishop; for the venerable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For our government and for all its armed forces, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For this (city or town, or—in a monastery—holy abode),
for every city and country and the faithful that dwell therein, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For seasonable weather, abundance of the fruits of the earth, and peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For travellers by sea or by land [or by air], for the sick, the suffering, the imprisoned, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath, 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: Calling to remembrance our most holy, most pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord. (if there is no Deacon, this is sung very slowly)

Priest: (softly:) O Lord our God, Whose might is unutterable, Whose glory is inconceivable, Whose mercy is measureless, and Whose love for mankind is inexpressible: look down, O Master, in Thy tender compassion, upon us and upon this holy house, and bestow upon us, and them that pray with us, the riches of Thy mercies and compassions. (aloud:)

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

Choir: Amen.

First Antiphon

Psalm 102 is sung on Sundays, feasts of the Theotokos, in the forefeast or afterfeast of a great feast, in the time of the pentecostarion, and for Saints with special Beatitudes verses. Only the bolded parts are usually sung. Choir:

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 that He hath done for thee,

Who is gracious unto all thine iniquities, who healeth all thine infirmities,

Who redeemeth thy life from corruption, Who crowneth thee with mercy and compassion,

Who fulfilleth thy desire with good things; thy youth shall be renewed as the eagle’s.

(The Lord performeth deeds of mercy, and executeth judgment for all them that are wronged.

He hath made His ways known unto Moses, unto the sons of Israel the things that He hath willed.)

Compassionate and merciful is the Lord, long-suffering and plenteous in mercy.

Not unto the end will He be angered, neither unto eternity will He be wroth.

Not according to our iniquities hath He dealt with us, neither according to our sins hath He rewarded us.

(For according to the height of heaven from the earth, the Lord hath made His mercy to prevail over them that fear Him.

As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our iniquities from us.

Like as a father hath compassion upon His sons, so hath the Lord had compassion upon them that fear Him.

For He knoweth whereof we are made, He hath remembered that we are dust.

As for man, his days are as the grass; as a flower of the field, so shall he blossom forth.

For when the wind is passed over it, then it shall be gone, and no longer will it know the place thereof.

But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity, even unto eternity, upon them that fear Him.

And His righteousness is upon sons of sons, upon them that keep His testament and remember His commandments to do them.

The Lord in heaven hath prepared His throne, and His kingdom ruleth over all.

Bless the Lord, all ye His angels, mighty in strength, that perform His word, to hear the voice of His words.

Bless the Lord, all ye His hosts, His ministers that do His will.

Bless the Lord, all ye His works, in every place of His dominion.)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;

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

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy name; blessed art Thou, O Lord.

Special antiphons for weekdays and feasts are shown in the St. Hilarion Press Priest's Service Book, Appendices 2 & 3.

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.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord. (slowly if no Deacon)

Priest: (softly:) O Lord our God, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance. Preserve the fullness of Thy Church. Sanctify them that love the beauty of Thy house; glorify them by Thy Divine power in recompense, and forsake not us who put our trust in Thee.

(aloud:) For Thine is the dominion, 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 the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Second Antiphon

Psalm 145 is sung whenever Psalm 102 was sung, and when special antiphons are done, see the Appendices.

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

Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord in my life, I will chant unto my God for as long as I have my being.

Trust ye not in princes, in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation.

His spirit shall go forth, and he shall return unto his earth. In that day all his thoughts shall perish.

Blessed is he of whom the God of Jacob is his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God,

Who hath made heaven and the earth, the sea and all that is therein,

Who keepeth truth unto eternity, who executeth judgment for the wronged, who giveth food unto the hungry.

The Lord looseth the fettered; the Lord maketh wise the blind; the Lord setteth aright the fallen; the Lord loveth the righteous;

The Lord preserveth the proselytes. He shall adopt for His own the orphan and widow, and the way of sinners shall He destroy.

The Lord shall be king unto eternity; thy God, O Sion, unto generation and generation.

Always there is chanted:

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

Hymn: O Only-begotten Son and Word of God, Thou Who art immortal, / yet didst deign for our salvation / to be incarnate of the Holy Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, / and without change didst become man, / and wast crucified, O Christ God, trampling down death by death; / Thou Who art one of the Holy Trinity, / glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit, save us.

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.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord. (slowly if no Deacon)

Priest: (softly:) O Thou Who hast given us grace at this time to make our common supplications unto Thee, and hast 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 may be expedient for them,

granting us in this world the knowledge of Thy truth, and in the world to come, life eternal.

(aloud:) For a good God art Thou, and the Lover of mankind, and unto Thee do we send up glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Third Antiphon

The Beatitudes are sung when Psalms 102 & 145 were sung. When those change, so does the third antiphon.

(Door Open & Curtains Open)

The servers line up on the south side of the altar; the Priest & Deacon bow thrice; the Priest delivers the Gospel to the Deacon; and the little entrance procession begins.

Choir: In Thy kingdom remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they that 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 sons of God.

Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.

Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in the heavens.

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

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

During the above antiphon the Priest & Deacon, preceded by servers with tapers, go counter-clockwise round the holy Table and pass from the altar through the north door.

Little Entrance

With the Deacon and (behind him) the Priest, standing before the royal doors, and the servers before the icons of Christ and the Theotokos, respectively, the Deacon says:

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

Priest: (softly:) O Master, Lord our God, Who hast appointed in heaven hierarchies and hosts of Angels and Archangels to minister unto Thy glory: grant that with our entrance there may be an entrance of holy Angels also, serving with us and glorifying Thy goodness. For to Thee are due all glory, honour, and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Before the doors the Deacon, with the Gospel in his left points to the holy Table with his right, saying softly:

Deacon: Bless, master, the holy entrance.

Priest: (softly, signing toward the holy Table:) Blessed + is the entrance of Thy saints, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

The Deacon holds the Gospel for the Priest to kiss, then faces the holy Table and raises aloft the Gospel, saying:

Deacon: Wisdom! Aright!

* On certain feasts the Deacon sings here an Entrance Verse (Appendix III), after which the following song is omitted and the troparion begun.

On some feasts the below is replaced by another chant.

Choir: O come let us worship and fall down before Christ; / O Son of God: (Sundays: Who didst rise from the dead) (Weekdays: Who art wondrous in the saints) (feasts of the Theotokos: through the prayers of the Theotokos) , save us who sing unto Thee: alleluia!

The Priest and Deacon enter the holy doors. The Deacon places the Gospels upon the holy Table.

Troparia & Kontakia

The Troparia & Kontakia hymns are chanted as appointed. Meanwhile the Priest reads the prayer of the thrice-holy:

Priest: (softly:) O Holy God, Who restest in the Saints; Who art hymned by the Seraphim with a thrice-holy cry, and art glorified by the Cherubim, and art worshipped by every heavenly Power; Thou Who out of nothingness hast brought all things into being; Who hast created man to Thine own image and likeness, and hast adorned him with Thine every gift; Who givest to them that ask of Thee wisdom and understanding; Who dost not despise the sinner, but hast appointed repentance unto salvation; and Who hast vouchsafed to us, Thy humble and unworthy servants, to stand at this hour and in this place before the glory of Thy holy altar, and to render Thee the worship and praise which are due unto Thee:

Do Thou Thyself, O Master, accept from the mouths of us sinners the thrice-holy hymn, and visit us in Thy goodness. Forgive us every transgression, voluntary and involuntary; sanctify both our souls and bodies; and grant that we may serve Thee in uprightness all the days of our life, through the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the Saints who have pleased Thee from the beginning of the world.

After the last hymn, Priest & Deacon bow their heads, & the Deacon, holding his orárion with 3 fingers, exclaims:

Deacon: Bless, master, the time of the thrice-holy.

Priest: For holy art Thou, O our God,
and unto Thee do we send up glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever.

Choir: Amen.

The Deacon, at the holy doors, pointing with his orárion to the Christ icon (or the Priest, at the holy Table) exclaims:

Deacon: O Lord, save the pious.

Choir: O Lord, save the pious.

Deacon: And hearken unto us.

Choir: And hearken unto us.

Deacon: (pointing in a sweep to the people:) And unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Trisagion*

Choir: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3x)

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

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (once)

* But for Nativity, Theophany, Lazarus Saturday, Pascha, Bright Week, & Pentecost, instead of Trisagion they sing:

As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ, alleluia. (3x) Then: Glory... Both now... then: Have put on Christ, alleluia. then: As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ, alleluia.

For the Elevation of the Cross (Sept. 14), and the third Sunday in Lent, instead of Trisagion they sing:

Before Thy Cross we bow down in worship, O Master, and Thy holy Resurrection do we glorify. (3x) Then: Glory... Both now... then: And Thy holy Resurrection do we glorify. then: Before Thy Cross we bow down in worship, O Master, and Thy holy Resurrection do we glorify.

The celebrants bow thrice before the holy Table, then:

Deacon: Command, master. (omitted if no Deacon)

Priest: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord ... (they go to the High Place ...)

Deacon: Bless, master, the High Place. (or omitted)

Priest: Blessed + art Thou on the throne of the glory of Thy kingdom, Who sittest on the Cherubim, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Then, after the Trisagion or its substitute has been sung:

Deacon: Let us attend.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: The Prokimen in the ___ Tone.

The Reader gives the words of the appointed prokimen.

The Choir sings the appointed prokimen.

The Reader gives the words of the stikhos (verse).

The Choir repeats the prokimen.

Reader: In the __ Tone: (And he gives the second prokimen if any.)

(Or, if there be only one prokimen, he will give a second stichos.)

(Otherwise he gives the first half of the prokimen, and the chanters chant the second half.)

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: The reading is from ...

(the Acts of the Holy Apostles, or:

the Catholic Epistle of N., or:

the Epistle of the holy Apostle Paul to the N.).

Deacon: Let us attend.

Epistle

Reader: (Acts:) In those days ...
(Epistles of St. John:) Beloved ...
(Epistles of St. Paul:) Brethren ... or:
Child (Timothy) ...

During the Epistle, the Priest sits, to the side of the High Place. The Deacon takes the censer, gets the blessing from the Priest, and begins to cense around the holy Table, cross-wise, and then the table of oblation.

Priest: Peace be unto thee.
(blessing the reader)

Reader: And to thy spirit.

Deacon: Wisdom!

The Deacon continues censing: the High Place, all the altar icons, r. to l. He exits the holy doors, censes both sides of the iconostas, Priest, servers, reader, and faithful.

Reader: Alleluia in the __ Tone.

(If two prokimens, he also gives a stichos before the chanters chant for the first time.)

Choir: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Reader: In the __ Tone: (He gives the [2d] stichos.)

Choir: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Next the Deacon enters the altar and censes the holy Table and then gives up the censer. But the Priest reads softly:

Priest: Illuminate our hearts, O God Who lovest mankind, with the pure light of Thy Divine knowledge. Open Thou the eyes of our understanding to comprehend the declaration of Thy Gospel. Instil in us a fear of Thy blessed commandments, that trampling upon all desires of the flesh we may pursue a godly life, both thinking and doing such things as are well-pleasing unto Thee. For Thou art the light of our souls and bodies, O Christ God, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father Who is from everlasting and Thy most holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The Deacon, having retired the censer, comes to the Priest and bows his head, holding his orárion and the Gospel. The following which he sings is omitted if no Deacon.

Deacon: Bless, master, the bringer of the Good Tidings of the holy Apostle and Evangelist (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John the Theologian).

Priest: May God, through the intercessions of the holy, glorious, all-praised Apostle and Evangelist N., give speech with great power unto thee that bringest good tidings, unto the fulfillment of the Gospel of His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Deacon: Amen.

The Deacon bows to the Gospels, takes it up, and brings it through the holy doors to the ambo, the Priest facing west.

Deacon: Wisdom! Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Deacon: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to N.

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

Deacon: Let us attend.

Gospel

When the reading of the Gospel is concluded, if it be read by a Deacon, the Priest says: ‘Peace be unto thee that bringest good tidings.’

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

~ Sermon ~

(Door Closed and Curtains Open)

Litany of Fervent Supplication

Deacon: Let us all say with our whole soul and with our whole 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 mercy, we pray Thee, hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

Deacon: Again we pray for the Holy Orthodox Patriarchs; for our lord the Very Most Reverend N., our Metropolitan; for our lord the Most Reverend N., our (Arch)Bishop; and all our brethren in Christ.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

Meanwhile, the Prayer of the Fervent Supplication:

Priest: (softly:) O Lord our God, accept this, the fervent supplication of Thy servants, and according to the multitude of Thy compassion have mercy on us, and send down Thy generous gifts upon us and upon all Thy people who await the rich mercy that is fromThee. (He unfolds the antimens except the top edge.)

Deacon: Again we pray for this land, its authorities and armed forces.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

Deacon: Again we pray for our brethren, the Priests, Priest-monks, and all our brethren in Christ.

Choir: Lord have mercy. Thrice.

Deacon: Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable, Holy Orthodox Patriarchs; for pious Kings and right-believing Queens;

and for the founders of this holy (temple or monastery), and for all our fathers and brethren gone to their rest before us, and the Orthodox here and everywhere laid to sleep.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

Any additional petitions are inserted here—as shown in the Priest's Service Book, St. Hilarion Press, 1997.

Deacon: Again we pray for them that bring offerings and do good works in this holy and all-venerable temple; for them that minister and them that chant, and for all the people here present, that await of Thee great and abundant mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

Priest: For a merciful God art Thou, and the Lover of mankind, and unto Thee do we send up glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Litany for the Departed is done here, not ordinarily, but on the occasions for which it is specially appointed.

Litany of the Catechumens

Deacon: Pray, ye catechumens, to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Ye faithful, let us pray for the catechumens, that the Lord will have mercy on them.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will catechise them with the word of Truth.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will reveal unto them the Gospel of righteousness.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will unite them to His Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Save them, have mercy on them, help them, and keep them, O God, by Thy grace.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Ye catechumens, bow your heads to the Lord.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord. (if no Deacon, sung very slowly)

Priest: (softly:) O Lord our God, Who dwellest on high and lookest down on things that are lowly, Who hast sent forth for the salvation of the human race Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord and God Jesus Christ: look down upon Thy servants and handmaidens, the catechumens, who have bowed their necks before Thee, and account them worthy, in due time, of the water of regeneration, the remission of sins, and the robe of incorruptibility. Unite them to Thy Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, and number them among Thy chosen flock.

He unfolds the last edge of the antimens, and says aloud:

Priest: That with us they may also glorify Thy most honourable and majestic name ...

The Priest signs the antimens with the sponge as he says:

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

He kisses the sponge and places it on the right side.

Choir: Amen.

First Litany of the Faithful

Deacon: As many as are catechumens, depart; catechumens, depart; as many as are catechumens, depart; let none of the catechumens remain; as many as are of the faithful, again and again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (If no Deacon, sung very slowly.)

Priest, softly: We give Thee thanks, O Lord God of the Powers, Who hast vouchsafed us to stand even now before Thy holy altar, and to fall down before Thy compassion for our sins, and the ignorances of the people. Receive our supplication, O God; make us worthy to offer Thee supplications and entreaties and unbloody sacrifices for all Thy people. ...

And enable us whom Thou hast appointed to this Thy ministry, by the might of Thy Holy Spirit, without condemnation or faltering, with the pure witness of our conscience, to call upon Thee at all times and in all places, that, hearkening to us, Thou mayest be gracious unto us in the multitude of Thy goodness.

Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Priest: For unto Thee is due all glory, honour, and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Second Litany of the Faithful

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (If no Deacon, sung very slowly.)

Priest, softly: Again and oftentimes we fall down before Thee, and we pray to Thee, O Good One and Lover of mankind, that looking down upon our supplication, Thou wilt cleanse our souls and bodies of all defilement of flesh and spirit, and vouchsafe us to stand blameless and uncondemned before Thy holy altar. Grant also, O God, to them that pray with us, advancement in life and faith and spiritual understanding. Grant them to serve Thee with fear and love always,

and to partake of Thy Holy Mysteries without reproach and condemnation, and to become worthy of Thy heavenly kingdom.

If no Deacon, the following petitions up to "Help us, save us," are not said:

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the peace of the whole world, the good estate of the holy churches of God, and the union of them all, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For this holy temple, and for them that with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter herein, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath, 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: Wisdom!

Priest: That always being guarded under Thy dominion, we may send up glory unto Thee, to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

(Holy Doors & Curtains Open)

The Deacon returns to the altar, takes the censer, gets a blessing from the Priest, and censes: (1) holy Table, cross-wise; (2) table of oblations, High Place, altar icons—r. to l.; (3) exiting through the holy doors, both sides of the iconostas, Priest, servers, faithful; (4) entering the altar, the holy Table. Meanwhile the choir sings:

Cherubic Hymn

Choir: (very slowly) Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim, and who sing the thrice-holy hymn unto the Life-creating Trinity, now lay aside all earthly care. (meanwhile:)

Priest (softly:) No one who is bound by carnal lusts or pleasures is worthy to approach or to draw nigh or to minister to Thee, O King of glory, for to serve Thee is a thing great and fearful even to the heavenly Powers. Yet because of Thine unutterable and immeasurable love for mankind, without change or alteration Thou didst become man, and didst become our High Priest, and didst deliver unto us the ministry of this liturgic and unbloody sacrifice. For Thou art the Master of all. Thou alone, O Lord our God, rulest over those in heaven and those upon the earth, art borne upon the throne of the Cherubim, art Lord of the Seraphim and King of Israel; Thou alone art holy and restest in the saints. I implore Thee, therefore, Who alone art good and inclined to listen: look upon me Thy sinful and unprofitable servant, and purify my soul and heart of a wicked conscience, and by the might of Thy Holy Spirit enable me, who am clothed with the grace of the priesthood,

to stand before this Thy holy Table, and to perform the sacred Mystery of Thy holy and immaculate Body and precious Blood. For unto Thee do I draw nigh, bowing my neck, and I pray Thee: Turn not Thy countenance away from me, neither cast me out from among Thy children, but vouchsafe that these gifts may be offered unto Thee by me, Thy sinful and unworthy servant. For Thou art He Who offereth and is offered, Who receiveth and is received, O Christ our God, and unto Thee do we send up glory, with Thy beginningless Father, and Thy most holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

When the prayer is ended, and the Deacon has done with the censing, both stand before the holy Table. The Priest lifts up his hands and they recite the cherubic hymn thus:

Priest: Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim, and who sing the thrice-holy hymn unto the Life-creating Trinity, now lay aside all earthly care.

Deacon: That we may receive the King of all, Who cometh invisibly upborne in triumph by the ranks of Angels, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

(They bow.)

Priest: Let us who mystically... (as above)

Deacon: That we may receive... (as above, with bow)

Priest: Let us who mystically... (as above)

Deacon: That we may receive... (as above, with bow)

They kiss the holy Table, bow to the people, then go to the table of oblations. The Priest censes the offering and says softly, thrice:

Priest: O God, cleanse me a sinner, and have mercy on me. (3x)

The Priest hands the censer to the Deacon, who then says:

Deacon: Lift up, master. (omitted if no Deacon)

The Priest takes the large veil (aer) and lays it upon the Deacon’s left shoulder (if no Deacon, his own), saying:

Priest: Lift up your hands unto the holies, and bless the Lord. (Ps. 133)

The Priest delivers the diskos (paten) to the Deacon, and himself takes the chalice, and preceded by servers with candles, they exit the north door for the Great Entrance.

Great Entrance

Deacon: The Holy Orthodox Patriarchs; our lord the Very Most Reverend N., our Metropolitan; and our lord the Most Reverend N., our (Arch)Bishop; may the Lord God remember in His kingdom, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Priest: This land, its authorities, and the faithful that dwell therein, may the Lord God remember in His kingdom always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

The Priests and Deacons and all the Clergy; the Monks and Nuns, all that are persecuted and suffer for the Orthodox Faith; the ever-memorable founders and benefactors of this holy (temple or monastery), and its (parishioners or brotherhood or sisterhood),

He turns to the people (but does not bless with the chalice):

... and all you Orthodox Christians, may the Lord God remember in His kingdom, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen. (animatedly:) That we may receive the King of all, who cometh invisibly upborne in triumph by the ranks of Angels, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

The clergy enter the altar. The Priest places the Gifts upon the holy Table, saying:

Priest: The noble Joseph, when he had taken Thy most pure Body down from the tree, wrapped it in fine linen and anointed it with sweet spices, and placed it in a new tomb.

(Holy Doors and Curtains Closed)

Within the tomb in body and within hades in soul, in Paradise with the thief and upon the throne with the Father and the Spirit wast Thou, O boundless Christ, filling all things.

Life-bearing and more fruitful than Paradise, more radiant than any royal chamber, Thy tomb, O Christ, is the fountain of our resurrection.

The Priest takes the diskos and chalice veils and places them upon the holy Table, to his left, saying:

Priest: The noble Joseph, when he had taken Thy most pure Body down from the tree, wrapped it in fine linen and anointed it with sweet spices, and placed it in a new tomb.

He censes the aer and veils the Gifts with it, then takes the censer from the Deacon and censes the Gifts, saying:

Priest: Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure, unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings; then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar. (Ps. 50)

Omitted if there is no Deacon:

Priest: (softly, bowing his head:) Remember me, brother and fellow-minister.

Deacon: May the Lord God remember Thy priesthood in His kingdom.

Priest: Pray for me, my fellow-minister.

Deacon: The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee.

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

Deacon: Remember me, holy master.

Priest: May the Lord God remember thee in His kingdom, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Deacon: Amen.

The Deacon kisses the Priest’s hand and goes to his usual place for the Litany.

Litany of Supplication

Deacon: Let us complete our prayer unto the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the precious Gifts set forth, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For this holy temple, and for them that with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter herein, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (If no Deacon, sung very slowly.)

Priest: O Lord God almighty, Who alone art holy, Who acceptest the sacrifice of praise from them that call upon Thee with their whole heart, accept also the prayers of us sinners, and bring it to Thy holy altar, and enable us to offer Thee both gifts and spiritual sacrifices, for our sins and for the ignorances of the people. And make us worthy of obtaining grace in Thy sight, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to Thee, and that the good Spirit of Thy grace may rest upon us and upon these Gifts set forth, and upon all Thy people.

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 this, 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 this, O Lord.

Deacon: Pardon and remission of our sins and offences, let us ask of the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: Things good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

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

Choir: Grant this. O Lord.

Deacon: A Christian ending to our life, painless, blameless, peaceful, and a good defence before the dread judgment seat of Christ, let us ask.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: Calling to remembrance our most holy, most pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary with all the Saints, let us commit ourselves and one another and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: Through the compassions of Thine Only-begotten Son, with Whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy most-holy, and good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Peace

Priest: (signing the people:) Peace + be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit. (he turns east again)

Deacon: 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.

During "Father, Son," the Priest bows thrice, saying softly each time, from Psalm 17:

I will love Thee, O Lord, my strength; the Lord is my foundation, and my refuge, and my deliverer. (3x)

He kisses the diskos, chalice, and holy Table. Con-celebrants likewise kiss the holy things, and one another upon the shoulder:

Senior Priest: Christ is in our midst!

Others: He is and He shall be!

If many Deacons, they kiss the cross on their orárions, and each other on the shoulder, as the Priests, saying the same.

(Some Open the Curtain Here)

The Deacon, in his place, makes reverences, kisses the cross on his orárion, and says aloud:

Deacon: The doors! The doors! In wisdom, let us attend.

Symbol of Faith

The Priest waves the aer over the Gifts; as the choir sings the Creed, the clergy say it softly.

Choir (and 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 the heavens, / and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; / And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, / and suffered, and was buried; and arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; / And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; / And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end. / And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life; Who proceedeth from the Father; / Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. / In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. / I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. / I look for the resurrection of the dead, / And the life of the age to come. Amen.

The Priest kisses the aer and puts it at the upper left side of the holy Table.

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 enters the altar; the Priest blesses the people:

Priest: The grace + of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Choir: And with thy spirit. (He extends his arms:)

Priest: Let us lift up our hearts.

Choir: We lift them up unto the Lord.

Priest: Let us give thanks unto the Lord.

Choir: It is meet and just to worship Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Trinity one in essence, and undivided. (meanwhile:)

Priest: It is meet and just to hymn Thee, to bless Thee, to praise Thee, to thank Thee, to worship Thee in every place of Thy dominion, for Thou art God inexpressible, incomprehensible, invisible, inconceivable, ever-existing and eternally changeless, Thou and Thine only-begotten Son and Thy Holy Spirit.

Thou didst call us from nothingness into being, and when we had fallen away Thou didst raise us up again, and didst not cease to do all things until Thou hadst brought us up into heaven, and hadst bestowed upon us Thy kingdom which is to come. For all these things we give thanks to Thee, to Thine only-begotten Son and Thy Holy Spirit, for all things we know of, and things we know nothing of, for the benefits which have come upon us, both those manifest and those hidden. We thank Thee also for this service which Thou hast been pleased to accept from our hands, although there stand before Thee thousands of Archangels and ten thousands of Angels, the Cherubim and Seraphim, six-winged, many-eyed, borne aloft upon their pinions, (aloud:)

Priest: Singing the triumphal hymn, shouting, crying aloud, and saying:

The Deacon touches the 4 points of the star to the diskos, kisses it, lays it aside, and goes to the r. of the holy Table.

Choir: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. Osanna in the highest. Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. Osanna in the highest. (but the Priest says softly:)

Priest: With these blessed Powers, O Master, Lover of mankind, we also cry aloud and say: Holy art Thou and most holy, Thou and Thine only-begotten Son and Thy Holy Spirit. Holy art Thou and most holy, and majestic is Thy glory, O Thou Who didst so love the world that Thou gavest Thine only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him may not perish, but may have everlasting life;

Who when He had come and fulfilled all the dispensation for us, on the night in which He was betrayed, or rather, delivered Himself up for the life of the world, took bread in His holy and most pure and immaculate hands, and when He had given thanks, and had blessed it, and sanctified and broken it, gave it to His holy disciples and apostles, saying:

The Deacon points with his orárion to the diskos:

Priest: Take, eat; this is My Body, which is broken for you for the remission of sins.

Choir: Amen.

Priest (softly:) In like manner, after supper, the chalice, saying:

The Deacon points to the chalice:

Priest: 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.

Priest (softly): Mindful, therefore, of this saving commandment and all those things which came to pass for us: the Cross, the grave, the Resurrection on the third day, the Ascension into the heavens, the sitting at the right hand, the second and glorious coming again,

The Deacon (or Priest) crosses his right hand over his left and elevates the Holy Gifts:

Priest: Thine own of Thine own we offer unto Thee, in 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.

Priest (with bowed head): Again, we offer Thee this rational and unbloody worship, and ask Thee, and pray Thee, and supplicate Thee: Send down Thy Holy Spirit upon us and upon these Gifts set forth.

Priest and Deacon bow thrice before the holy Table:

Priest: O Lord, Who didst send down Thy Most Holy Spirit upon Thine apostles at the third hour, take Him not away from us, O Good One, but renew Him in us who pray to Thee. (bow)

Deacon: Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me.

Priest: O Lord, Who didst send down Thy Most Holy Spirit upon Thine apostles at the third hour, take Him not away from us, O Good One, but renew Him in us who pray to Thee. (they bow)

Deacon: Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Priest: O Lord, Who didst send down Thy Most Holy Spirit upon Thine apostles at the third hour, take Him not away from us, O Good One, but renew Him in us who pray to Thee. (bow)

The Deacon—if any—points to the diskos with his orárion:

(Deacon: Bless, master, the Holy Bread. )

The Priest blesses It with the sign of the Cross:

Priest: And make this Bread the precious Body of Thy Christ.

Deacon: Amen.

The Deacon—if any—points to the cup with his orárion:

(Deacon: Bless, master, the Holy Cup.)

The Priest blesses It with the sign of the Cross:

Priest: And that which is in this Cup the precious Blood of Thy Christ.

Deacon: Amen.

The Deacon—if any—points to both:

(Deacon: Bless Them both, master.)

The Priest blesses the Gifts, saying:

Priest: Changing Them by Thy Holy Spirit.

Deacon: Amen, amen, amen!

On Sundays and feasts, all make a low bow at the waist. If it is a weekday, all make a full prostration.

Omitted if No Deacon:

The Deacon bows his head to the Priest and says:

Deacon: Remember me, a sinner, holy master.

Priest: May the Lord God remember thee in His kingdom, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Deacon: Amen.

Always, the Priest makes a low bow before the holy Table and says:

Priest: That They may be, to those that partake of Them, for sobriety of soul, for remission of sins, for the communion of Thy Holy Spirit, for the completion of the kingdom of heaven, for boldness towards Thee, not for judgment or condemnation.

Again, we offer Thee this rational service for them that have fallen asleep in faith: the forefathers, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics, and for every righteous spirit made perfect in faith.

The Priest censes thrice before the holy Table, exclaiming:

Priest: Especially for our most holy, most pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.

The Deacon censes the other sides of the holy Table, High Place, and altar icons. And the ‘tidings’ peal is rung for:

Choir: It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos, ever-blessed and most blameless, and the Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.

On certain feasts, the Megalynarion replaces "It is truly meet’ as shown in the Priest's Service Book. Meanwhile the Priest, softly:

For the holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John; the holy and all-laudable Apostles; of Saints N. & N., whose memory we also celebrate; and for all Thy Saints, through whose intercessions do Thou visit us, O God, and remember all who have departed in the hope of resurrection to eternal life, and grant them rest where the light of Thy countenance shall visit them.

Again, we pray Thee: Remember, O Lord, all the Orthodox Episcopate that rightly divide the word of Thy truth, all the priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and every priestly order.

Again, we offer Thee this rational service for the whole world, for the Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, for them that abide in purity and an honourable life, for this land, its government and armed forces. Grant them, O Lord, a peaceful rule, that in their calm we also may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and uprightness.

The hymn ended, he proclaims aloud:

Among the first, remember, O Lord, His Beatitude our Metropolitan N., His Eminence, our Archbishop N., and His Grace, our Bishop N., whom do Thou grant unto Thy holy churches in peace, safety, honour, health, and length of days, rightly dividing the word of Thy truth.

Choir: And each and every one. (meantime:)

Priest: (softly:) Remember, O Lord, this (city or town or monastery) in which we live, and every city and country, and all them that dwell therein in faith. Remember, O Lord, all them that travel by land, by sea (and by air), the sick and suffering, the imprisoned, and their salvation. Remember, O Lord, those that bring offerings and do good in Thy holy churches, those that are mindful of the poor; and send forth Thy mercies upon us all.

The Priest names all those living for whom he is praying, then proclaims aloud:

And grant unto us that with one mouth and one heart we may glorify and hymn Thy most honourable and majestic name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Priest turns and blesses the people:

Priest: And may the mercies + of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ be with you all.

Choir: And with thy spirit.

With the Priest’s leave the Deacon takes his usual place.

Litany before the Lord’s Prayer

Deacon: Having called to remembrance 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, the Lover of mankind, Who hath accepted them upon His holy and most heavenly and noëtic altar as an odor of spiritual fragrance, will send down upon us Divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (if no Deacon, sung very slowly)

Priest: (softly) To Thee, O Lord and Lover of mankind, we commit our whole life and hope, and we entreat of Thee: make us worthy to partake of Thy heavenly and fearsome Mysteries from this holy and spiritual Table, with a pure conscience, for remission of sins, for forgiveness of transgressions, for the communion of the Holy Spirit, for inheriting the kingdom of heaven, for boldness towards Thee, not for judgment nor unto condemnation.

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 this, 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 this, O Lord.

Deacon: Pardon and remission of our sins and offences, let us ask of the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: Things good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

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

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: A Christian ending to our life, painless, blameless, peaceful, and a good defence before the dread judgment seat of Christ, let us ask.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: Having asked for the unity of the faith and the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commit ourselves and one another and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: And vouchsafe us, O Master, with boldness and without condemnation to dare to call upon Thee the heavenly God as Father, and to say:

People: 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. 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 the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Priest: (turning to the people and blessing them:) Peace + be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: Bow your heads unto the Lord.

Choir (slowly:): To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: We give Thee thanks, O King invisible, Who by Thine immeasurable might hast created all things, and in the multitude of Thy mercies hast brought all things from nothingness into being: do Thou Thyself, O Master, look from heaven upon them that have bowed their heads to Thee, for they have bowed down not to flesh and blood but to Thee, the awesome God. Do Thou Thyself, O Master, distribute unto all of us, unto good, these Gifts here set forth, according to the need of each;

sail with them that sail; travel with them that travel; heal the sick, O Thou Who art the physician of our souls and bodies. (aloud:)

Priest: Through the grace and compassions and love for mankind of Thine Only-begotten Son, with Whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy Most-holy, and good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir, slowly: Amen.

Priest, softly: Attend, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, from Thy holy dwelling-place, from the throne of the glory of Thy kingdom, and come and sanctify us, O Thou that sittest with the Father on high, and art here invisibly present with us; and vouchsafe with Thy mighty right hand to impart unto us Thy most pure Body and precious Blood, and through us to all the people.

(If Curtain Open, It Is Closed)

The Deacon crosses his orár over his shoulders. Priest and Deacon, in their places, make 3 low bows, saying thrice:

O God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me.

The Priest takes the holy Bread in both hands and elevates It above the diskos:

Deacon: Let us attend!

Priest: Holy Things for the holy!

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

Communion Hymn

And the koinonikon (communion verse) of the day, or of the feast, or of the saint. The communion verse for most Sundays is:

Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Communion of the Clergy

During the communion of the clergy, selected hymns may be chanted, or the Prayers before Holy Communion read.

The Deacon enters the altar and stands on the Priest’s right.

(Deacon: Break, master, the Holy Bread.)

With reverence the Priest divides the Lamb in four:

Priest: Broken and distributed is the Lamb of God: broken, yet not divided; ever eaten, yet never consumed, but sanctifying those who partake.

The Priest places the portion IC in the chalice; the portion XC he divides for himself and those in the altar. Portions NI & KA he divides according to the number of communicants.

(Deacon, pointing with his orárion to the chalice: Fill, master, the Holy Cup.)

Priest, signing the chalice with the IC portion: The fullness of the Holy Spirit.

He places it in the chalice; the Deacon says: Amen.

(Deacon, bringing boiling water (zeon) to the Priest: Bless, master, the warm water.)

Priest, blessing it: Blessed + is the fervour of Thy saints, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The Deacon pours in sufficient boiling water, crosswise, saying: The fervour of faith, full of the Holy Spirit.

The Deacon removes the zeon with water; the Priest divides the portion XC.

Priest: Deacon, draw nigh.

The Deacon approaches and bows, saying the below; the Priest delivers a portion into his hands. The Deacon kisses the Priest’s hand as he receives It:

Deacon: Behold, I draw near unto the immortal King and our God. Impart to me, master, the precious and holy Body of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Priest: To the Deacon N. is imparted the precious, holy, and most pure Body of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins and for life everlasting.

The Deacon goes behind the holy Table and bows his head, saying the prayers, "I believe, O Lord, and I confess." The Priest takes up a portion of the Holy Bread for himself:

Priest: Behold, I draw near unto the immortal King and our God. The precious and most holy Body of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ is imparted to me, the unworthy Presbyter N., for the remission of sins and for life everlasting.

I believe, O Lord, and I confess, that Thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who camedst into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. And I believe that this is Thy pure Body and Thine own precious Blood. Therefore, I pray Thee: have mercy on me and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, known and unknown. And grant that I may partake of Thy Holy Mysteries without condemnation, for the remission of my sins and for life everlasting. Amen.

Of Thy mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant. For I will not speak of the Mystery to Thine enemies; I will not give Thee a kiss like Judas; but like the thief do I confess Thee. Remember me, O Lord, in Thy kingdom. (some add: Remember me, O Master, in Thy kingdom. Remember me, O Holy One, in Thy kingdom.)

May the communion of Thy Holy Mysteries be to me not for judgment or condemnation, O Lord, but for the healing of soul and body.

They partake of the Portions in their hands with fear and heed, then the Priest takes the chalice in the veil, tucking the end of the veil into his collar, saying:

Priest: The precious and holy Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ is imparted to me, the unworthy Presbyter N., for the remission of my sins and for life everlasting.

Then he partakes of It in three sips. At this, some say: In the name of the Father (1), and of the Son (2), and of the Holy Spirit (3), amen.

Wiping his lips and the rim with the veil, he says:

Behold, This hath touched my lips, and taketh away mine iniquities, and cleanseth my sins. (then:) Deacon, draw nigh!

Deacon, approaching and bowing: Behold, I draw near to the immortal King and our God. Impart to me, master, the precious and holy Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Priest, holding the chalice: The servant of God, Deacon N., partaketh of the precious and holy Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and for life everlasting. (He partakes.)

Behold, This hath touched thy lips, and taketh away thine iniquities, and cleanseth thy sins.

Priest: We give Thee thanks, 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; establish us all in Thy fear; preserve our life; make steadfast our footsteps; through the intercessions and entreaties of the glorious Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary and of all Thy Saints.

The Priest divides the Portions NI and KA for the number of communicants, placing Them in the chalice; he covers the chalice with the veil and places the spoon on top. The holy doors are opened. The Deacon takes the chalice and passes through them, and says:

Deacon: With fear of God and faith draw nigh!

Choir: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. God is the Lord, and hath appeared unto us. The Priest takes the cup.

Priest: I believe, O Lord, and I confess, that Thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who camedst into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. And I believe that this is Thy pure Body and Thine own precious Blood. Therefore, I pray Thee: have mercy on me and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, known and unknown. And grant that I may partake of Thy Holy Mysteries without condemnation, for the remission of my sins and for life everlasting. Amen.

May the communion of Thy Holy Mysteries be to me not for judgment or condemnation, O Lord, but for the healing of soul and body.

Communion of the People

As each person receives Holy Communion, the Priest says: The servant (handmaid) of God, N., partaketh of the precious and holy Body and Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, for remission of sins and for life everlasting.

The Deacon wipes the lips of each.

Choir, slowly: Receive ye the Body of Christ; taste ye of the fountain of immortality. (repeated as needed; the last time is sung:) Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

After all are communed, Priest and Deacon return to the holy Table and the chalice is placed upon it. The Deacon holds the diskos over the chalice, saying:

Deacon: Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. Before Thy Cross we bow down in worship, O Master, and Thy holy Resurrection do we hymn and glorify, for Thou art our God, and we know none other beside Thee; we call upon Thy name. O come, all ye faithful, let us worship Christ’s holy Resurrection, for behold, through the Cross joy is come into all the world. Ever blessing the Lord, we hymn His Resurrection, for having endured crucifixion, by death hath He destroyed death. Shine, shine, O new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord is arisen upon thee. Dance, now, and be glad, O Sion, and do Thou exult, O pure Theotokos, in the arising of Him Whom thou didst bear. O Christ, Thou great and most holy Pascha! O Wisdom, Word, and Power of God! Grant us to partake of Thee more fully in the unwaning day of Thy kingdom.

The Deacon wipes the remaining particles from the diskos into the chalice with the sponge, saying:

By Thy precious Blood, O Lord, wash away the sins of those remembered here, through the prayers of all Thy Saints.

Priest, aloud: Save O God, Thy people and bless Thine inheritance.

Choir: We have seen the True Light, We have received the Heavenly Spirit. We have found the True Faith, worshipping the undivided Trinity, for He hath saved us.*

The Priest veils the chalice, putting the other veils on the diskos, covering it, and censes the chalice thrice, saying:

Be Thou exalted above the heavens, O God, and Thy glory above all the earth.

The Priest delivers the diskos to the Deacon, who carries it to the table of oblations; the Priest takes up the chalice in his right hand, faces the people, and says softly:

Priest: Blessed is our God. (aloud:) Always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen. Let our mouth be filled with Thy praise, O Lord, that we may hymn Thy glory, for Thou hast vouchsafed us to partake of Thy holy, Divine, immortal, and life-creating Mysteries. Keep us in Thy holiness, that we may meditate on Thy righteousness all the day long. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.* (Meanwhile:)

If there is a Deacon: The Priest places the chalice on the table of oblations and censes it thrice. The Deacon goes to his place for the Litany; the Priest folds up the antimens.

Litany of Thanksgiving

Deacon: Aright! Having partaken of the Divine, holy, most pure, immortal, heavenly, and life-creating, fearful 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: Having asked that the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us commit ourselves and one another and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

The Priest takes the Gospel and makes a cross with it (horizontally) over the folded antimens, saying:

Priest: For Thou art our sanctification, and unto Thee do we send up glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Priest: In peace, let us depart.

Choir: In the name of the Lord.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Prayer Before the Ambo

The Deacon stands before the icon of Christ with bowed head.

Priest: O Lord, Who dost bless them that bless Thee and sanctify them that put their trust in Thee: Save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance; preserve the fullness of Thy Church; sanctify them that love the beauty of Thy house; do Thou glorify them by Thy Divine power, and forsake not us that hope in Thee. Grant peace to Thy world, to Thy churches, to the Priests, and to all Thy people. For every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from Thee, the Father of lights, and unto Thee do we send up glory and thanksgiving and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen. and, thrice: Blessed be the name of the Lord from henceforth and for evermore.*

Meanwhile the Priest goes through the holy doors to the table of oblations, saying softly towards the Gifts:

Priest: O Thou Who art Thyself the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, Christ our God,

Who didst fulfill all the dispensation of the Father: fill our hearts with joy and gladness, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The Deacon, coming in the north door, consumes the Gifts.

(Sermon)

The Priest exits the holy doors.

Priest: (blessing the people on the solea:) The blessing + of the Lord be upon you, through His grace and love for mankind, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Priest: Glory to Thee, O Christ God, our sure hope, glory to Thee.*

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

Lord, have mercy. (3x) Father, bless.

Dismissal

Priest: May Christ our true God, (Sundays: Who rose from the dead), through the intercessions of His most pure Mother; of the holy, glorious, and all-praised Apostles; of our father among the saints, John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople; and Saint(s) N. (N.) (to whom the church is dedicated); and Saints N. & N. (Saints of the day); 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 loveth mankind.

Choir: Amen.

Many Years

Choir: The Holy Orthodox Patriarchs; our lord the Very Most Reverend N., Metropolitan of N.; and our lord the Most Reverend N., Archbishop of N.; [and our God-loving Bishop N.;] the brotherhood of this holy (temple or monastery), and all Orthodox Christians, preserve, O Lord, for many years!

The people come to kiss the cross held by the Priest, and his hand, and receive a portion of antidoron from the basket held by a Server. The thanksgiving prayers are read, beginning, "Glory to Thee, O God," etc.