The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

During the Holy and Great Fast, when the Priest is to celebrate the Liturgy of the Presanctified, at the Office of Oblation on the Sunday preceding, (i) after he hath cut the first altar-bread, and sacrificed and pierced it (as indicated in the Ritual of the preceding Liturgy), he cutteth the extra breads, saying over each one of them these words following:

In commemoration of our Lord, and God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a spotless lamb before its shearers is dumb, so opened he not his mouth.

Sacrificed is the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, for the life of the world, and for its salvation.

One of the soldiers did pierce his side with a spear, and straightway there came forth blood and water. And he that saw it bare witness, and his witness is true.

Then he poureth the wine and water into the holy chalice, saying the customary words; and covereth them with the holy veil, and censeth them, repeating the Prayer of Oblation. And then he beginneth the Divine Liturgy and celebrateth as usual.

And when he is to sign the breads, at the invocation of the Holy Spirit, he saith: Make this bread the precious Body of thy Christ, in the singular, and he doth not speak of the breads in the plural. And when he maketh the oblation, he offereth them all together. And he breaketh only the first bread, and layeth the portion in the holy chalice, and poureth in the warm water as usual.

Then, taking the holy spoon in his right hand, he dippeth it in the Holy Blood. With his left hand he taketh one of the breads, and toucheth it with the holy spoon, which hath been wetted with the Holy Blood, in the form of a cross, on the side whereon is depicted the cross, under the soft portion, and placeth it in the tabernacle.

Then he doth the same with the other breads, and placeth them all in the tabernacle. Thereafter the Priest prayeth as usual, and communicateth as usual, and per-formed the Divine Liturgy as usual.

When a Priest is to celebrate the Liturgy of the Presanctified, after he hath read the Entrance Prayer, as in the ordinary Liturgy (except: Stretch forth thy hand, O Lord: at the end of the Hours and the Typical Psalms, and what is generally read before the Liturgy) he entereth the Chapel of Oblation, and vesteth himself, signing with the cross and kissing each vestment, but saying nothing as he doth so, except: Lord, have

At a Pontifical Service the Bishop Bishop. is met in the usual manner, and the usual Entrance Prayers are read, with the exception of: Stretch forth thy hand, O Lord. He is vested, as usual, in the centre of the Temple, but without the Verses, and only with the exclamations: Let us pray to the Lord.

Before Vespers is begun, the Bishop standeth in his place, in the centre of the Temple, and bestoweth his blessing on the Rector and the Deacon

mercy: over each of them. And the Deacon, taking the time from him, goeth and taketh his stand at his appointed place, and (the Holy Door being closed, and the curtain drawn aside), exclaimeth:

to begin Vespers, he himself remain-ing on his dais until the Little Entrance. The Priest readeth the Prayers of Light in the Sanctuary. The Holy Door is opened at the Exclamations, and during the Litanies, but remaineth closed the rest of the time until the Entrance.

Deacon. Bless, Master.

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

Choir. Amen.

Reader. O come, let us worship God our King. O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God. O come, let us worship and fall down before the Very Christ, our King and our God.

Then the Preliminary Psalm, civ., is read. And in the mean while the Priest recitetk in front of the Holy Door the Prayers of Light (see Vespers); that is to say, the Vesper Prayers, beginning with the fourth Prayer; the first three being said later on, after the Litanies. (The Priest entereth the Sanctuary.) And when the Psalm is finished, the Deacon saith the

Great Litany.

Deacon. In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

For the peace that is from above, and for the salvation of our souls:

For the peace of the whole world; for the welfare of God's holy Churches, and for the union of all:

For this holy Temple, and for all those who with faith, devoutness, and in the fear of God have entered therein: ty

For our Most Holy Synod (or Patriarch); for our Bishop (or Archbishop, or Metropolitan), N., for the honourable Presbytery, the Diaconate in Christ; for all the clergy and the laity:

Here follow petitions for the Ruler of the Land and for all the Authorities, according to the elements and nationalities of which the Parish is constituted.

That he will aid them, and subdue under their feet every foe and adversary: For this city, for this holy Temple, and

And the Priest reciteth, secretly, the Prayer of the First Antiphon (The first of the Vesper Prayers).

O Lord, bountiful and compassionate, long-suffering and plenteous in mercy, give ear unto our prayer, and attend to the voice of our supplication. Work upon us a sign for good. Lead us in thy way, that we may walk in thy truth. Make glad our hearts, that we may fear thy holy Name. For thou art great, and doest wonders. Thou alone art

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God, and among all the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord, mighty in mercy, gracious in strength, to aid, and to comfort and save all those who put their trust in thy holy Name.

for every city and land, and for those who with faith dwell therein:

For healthful seasons; for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times:

For those who travel by sea or by land; for the sick and the suffering; for those who are in captivity, and for their salvation:

That he will deliver us from all tribulation, wrath, and necessity:

Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Calling to remembrance our most holy, all-undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Birth-giver of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir. To thee, O Lord.

Exclamation.

Priest. For unto 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 ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

The Reader then readeth the Eighteenth Selection of Psalms (Kafisma): First Antiphon (Psalms

ЬЛЛ • j CXX b I/ 1/ * j •

Psalm cxx.

When I was in trouble, I called upon the Lord, and he heard me. Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. What reward shall be given or done unto thee, thou false tongue? even mighty and sharp arrows, with hot burning coals. Woe is me, that I am constrained to dwell with Mesech, and to have my habitation among the tents of Kedar! My soul hath long dwelt among them that are en-

The Priest unfoldeth the corporal (which lieth upon the Altar), and setteth the holy paten thereon. Then he openeth the tabernacle, and placeth the Presanctifted Lamb upon the paten, making a lowly reverence.

And the Priest reciteth, secretly, the Prayer of the Second Antiphon (the second Vesper Prayer).

O Lord, rebuke us not in thy displeasure, neither chasten us in thy wrath: but deal with us according to thy mercy, O Physician and Healer of our souls. Guide us unto the haven of thy will. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts to the knowledge of thy truth, and vouchsafe that the residue of this day and our whole life may be peaceful and without

sin; through the intercessions of the holy Birth-giver of God, and of all the Saints.

emies unto peace. I labour for peace; but when I speak unto them thereof, they make them ready to battle.

Psalm cxxiii.

Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, even as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress, even so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until he have mercy upon us. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us; for we are utterly despised. Our soul is filled with the scornful reproof of the wealthy; and with the despitefulness of the proud.

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

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Choir. To thee, O Lord.

Exclamation.

For thine is the majesty, and thine are the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

The Reader continueth the Selection of Psalms: The Second Antiphon (Psalms cxxiv., cxxix.).

Psalm cxxiv. If the Lord himself had not been on our side, now may Israel say; if the Lord himself had not been on our side, when men rose up against us; they had swallowed us up quick; when they were so wrathfully displeased at us. Yea, the waters had drowned us, and the stream had gone over our soul. The deep waters of the proud had gone even over our soul. But praised be the Lord, who hath not given us over for a prey un-to their teeth. Our soul is escaped even as a bird out of the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken, and we are delivered.

The Priest, accompanied by the Deacon holding a taper, or alone, censeth the Altar.

Then he saith, secretly, the Prayer of the Third Antiphon (the third Vesper Prayer).

O Lord our God, remember us sinners and thine unprofitable servants, when we call upon thy holy Name, and put us not to shame in our expectation of thy

Our help standeth in the Name of the Lord; who hath made heaven and earth.

Psalm cxxix. Many a time have they fought against me from my youth up, may Israel now say: yea, many a time have they vexed me from my youth up; but they have not prevailed against me. The plowers plowed upon my back, and made long furrows. But the righteous Lord hath hewn the snares of the ungodly in pieces. Let them be confounded and turned backward, as many as have evil will at Zion. Let them be even as the grass growing upon the house-tops, which withered! afore it be plucked up; whereof the mower filleth not his hand, neither he that bindeth up the sheaves his bosom. So that they who go by say not so much as, The Lord prosper you; we wish you good luck in the Name of the Lord.

The Little Litany.

Deacon. Again, yet again, in peace...

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Succour us, save us.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Calling to remembrance our most holy, all-undefiled (page 130).

Choir. To thee, O Lord.

Priest. For thou art our God, the God of mercy and salvation, 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. Amen.

The Third Antiphon (Psalms exit., cxlii., exxx.,

Choir. Lord, I have cried unto thee, hear me. Hear me, O Lord. Lord, I have cried unto thee, hear me. Receive the voice of my prayer, when I call upon thee. Hear me, O Lord. Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense, and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.

Reader. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and keep the door of my lips. O let

mercy: but grant us, O Lord, all our petitions which are unto salvation, and vouchsafe that we may love and fear thee with all our hearts, and do thy will in all things.

Priest. For thou art a good God, and lovest mankind, 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. Amen.

The Priest maketh three lowly reverences to the Holy Gifts, setteth the paten on his head, and beareth it to the Table of Oblation, preceded by the Deacon with the taper and censer. Then, on the Table of Oblation he poureth wine and water into the chalice, censeth the star-cover and the veil, and covereth therewith the paten and the chalice, saying the while:

Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us.

Then he goeth to the Altar, foldeth the corporal, and setteth the Gospels thereon.

The Priest saith, secretly, the Prayer of the Entrance.

In the evening, and

not mine heart be inclined to any evil thing; let me not be occupied in ungodly works with the men that work wickedness, lest I eat of such things as please them. Let the righteous rather smite me friendly, and reprove me. But let not their precious balms break my head; yea, I will pray yet against their wickedness. Let their judges be over-thrown in stony places, that they may hear my words; for they are sweet. Our bones lie scattered before the pit, like as when one breaketh and heweth wood upon the earth. But mine eyes look unto thee, O Lord God; in thee is my trust; O cast not out my soul. Keep me from the snare that they have laid for me, and from the traps of the wicked doers. Let the ungodly fall into their own nets together, and let me ever escape them.

Psalm cxlii. I cried unto the Lord with my voice; yea, even unto the Lord did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaints before him, and showed him of my trouble. When my spirit was in heaviness, thou knewest my path; in the way wherein I walked, have they privily laid a snare for me. I looked also upon my right hand, and saw there was no man that would know me. I had no place to flee unto, and no man cared for my soul. "

I cried unto thee, O Lord, and said, Thou art my hope, and my portion in the land of the living. Consider my complaint, for I am brought very lew. O deliver me from my persecutors; for they are too strong for me. В ling my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks unto thy Name; which thing if thou wilt grant me, then shall the righteous resort unto my company.

Then shall be sung Hymns to the Martyrs, and Hymns from the Triodion (the Hymns for the Great Fast), and from the Miniya. (2)

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

Then the Hymn to the Birth-giver of God (Bogoroditchen or Dogmutik), in the prober Tone*

in the morning, and at noon-day we praise thee, we bless thee, we give thanks unto thee, and we pray unto thee, O Lord of all: Direct '.hou our prayer before thee as incense, and incline not our hearts unto words or thoughts of wickedness: but deliver us from all who seek after our souls. For unto thee, Lord, O Lord, lift we up our eyes, and in thee have we trusted. Put us not to shame, O our God.

For unto 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 ages of ages. Amen.

The Holy Door is now opened, and the Entrance is made with the Censer But when the Gospel is to be read (at the Feast Day of the Temple, or of a Saint), the Entrance is made with the Holy Gospels.

At a Pontifical Service the En-Bishop. trance is always made with the book of the Gospels, and in precisely the same manner as the Entrance at the Liturgy; except that the Evening Prayer of the Entrance is read, and that in place of: O come, let us worship: there is sung: O gladsome radiance:

When the Hymn to the Birth-giver of God is finished, the Deacon shall make with the censer the sign of the cross, as he standeth in the middle of the Holy Door, and shall enter the Sanctuary, and shall say, aloud:

Wisdom, O believers!

Choir. O gladsome radiance of the holy glory of the Father immortal, heavenly, holy, blessed, Jesus Christ! In that we now are come unto the setting of the sun, and behold the light of even, we hymn thee, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God. For meet is it that at all times thou shouldest be magnified by voices propitious, O Son of God, who bestowest life. For which cause all the world doth glorify thee.

The Priest and the Deacon now go to the High Place. Deacon. Wisdom! Priest. Peace be unto all. Reader. And to thy spirit. Deacon. Wisdom! Let us attend. The Gradual, in the Tone.

The Choir then singeth the Gradual (Prokimen) for the Day, thrice.

Deacon. Wisdom!

Reader. The Lesson from Genesis.

Deacon. Let us attend!

The Reader then readeth the Lesson, as appointed. (The Holy Door is closed.) When the Lesson from Genesis is finished, the Holy Door is opened. A nd the Reader saith, and the Choir repeateth, in the usual manner, the Second Gradual (Prokimen). The Deacon exclaimeth: Command!

And the Priest taketh the candlestick with its taper, and the censer, in his hands,

If it be a Pontifical Service, Bishop. the Bishop taketh the trikiri and the

censer, and standing before the Holy Altar, and making therewith the sign of the cross, he exclaimeth: Wisdom, O believers!

Then, turning to the People, he saith: The light of Christ illumineth all men. (3)

And the People kneel. Deacon. Wisdom! (The Holy Door is closed.) Reader. The Lesson from the Proverbs. Deacon. Let us attend!

Then the Reader readetk the appointed Lesson Priest saith:

Peace be unto thee.

Reader. And to thy spirit.

Deacon. Wisdom! (The Holy Door is opened.) The Reader then chanteth, and the Choir repeateth:

I: Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense, and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.

Choir. Let my prayer...

2: O Lord, I have cried unto thee, hear me; give ear unto the voice of my petition, when I cry unto thee.

3: Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and a door of enclosure about my lips.

4: Incline not my heart to the words of wickedness, to contrive excuses for sins,

5: Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense. And let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.

And when he hath finished, the

When the Choir chanteth: Let my prayer (1-5), all who are present in the Temple, and they who are in the Sanctuary, kneel and pray. And the Priest taketh the censer and censeth before the Holy Altar (verses 1-3); and before the Table of Oblation (verse 4). And during verse 5 he putteth aside the censer, and kneeleth and

Feast Days.

prayeth.

Priest: The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian. O Lord ana Master of my life, grant not unto me a spirit of slothfulness, of discouragement, of lust of power, of vain babbling. (Reverence.)

But vouchsafe unto me, thy servant, the spirit of continence, of meekness, of patience, and of love. (Reverence.)

Yea, O Lord and King, grant that I may perceive my own transgressions, and judge not my brother. For blessed art thou unto ages of ages. Amen. (Reverence.)

If it be the Feast of a Saint, or of the Temple, then the Priest or the Deacon

saith:

Let us attend!

Priest. Peace be with you all.

Choir. And with thy spirit.

Deacon. Wisdom!

Reader. The Gradual, in the... Tone.

Then the Reader readeth the appointed Gradual (Prokimen), and the Choir singeth it, in the usual manner.

Deacon. Wisdom!

Reader. The Lesson from the holy Apostle, N. (to the Romans;

or to the Corinthians; or otherwise, as appointed).

Deacon. Let us attend!

And when it is finished, the Priest saith:

Peace be unto thee.

Reader. And to thy spirit.

And the Priest saith, secretly, the Prayer before the Gospel.

Deacon. Wisdom! Choir. Alleluia.

Illumine our hearts, O God who lovest mankind, with the pure light of thy divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our understanding to the comprehension of the proclamation of thy Gospel. In Implant in us, likewise, the fear of thy blessed commandments; that, trampling down all carnal desires, we may pursue a godly life, both thinking and performing such things as are well pleasing unto thee. For thou art the light of our souls and of our bodies, O Christ-God, and unto thee do we ascribe glory, together with thy Father, who is from everlasting, and thy holy, and blessed, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Deacon. Wisdom, O believers! Let us listen to the Holy Gospel. Peace be with you all. g

People. And with thy spirit.

Deacon. The Lesson from the Holy Gospel according to N. »

Choir. Glory to thee, O Lord; glory to thee. _s*

The Deacon then readeth the Gospel. And when it is finished:

Priest. Peace be with thee, who hast announced the good tidings Choir. Glory to thee, O Lord; glory to thee.

And the Priest saith, secretly, the Prayer of the Litany of Fervent Petition.

O Lord our God, accept this, the fervent supplication of thy servants, and be gracious unto us, according S to the multitude of thy mercy. And S. send down thy bounties upon us, and upon all thy people, who here await the rich mercy which is from thee.

The Litany of Fervent Petition.

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

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

O Lord Almighty, the God of our fathers, we beseech thee; hearken, and have mercy.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Have mercy upon us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we beseech thee, hearken and have mercy. (Thrice.)

Again we-pray for (the Ruler of the Land, according to the elements and nationalities of which the Parish is constituted); for his might, victory, maintenance, peace, health, salvation; and that the Lord our God will abundantly aid and prosper him in all things, and subdue under his feet every foe and adversary. Here the Priest

Again we pray for our Most Holy Synod ( or Patriunfoldeth the arch); for our Bishop (or Archbishop, or Metrocorporal, except politan), N.. and for all our brethren in Christ. the upper edge'

Furthermore we pray for all their Christ-loving Army and Navy-

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Furthermore we pray for our brethren the Priests; for ordained Monks; and for all our brotherhood in Christ.

Furthermore we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable most holy Orthodox Patriarchs, and God-fearing Rulers; and for the founders of this holy Temple; and for all our devout fathers and brethren, Orthodox believers, departed this life before us, who here and in all the world lie asleep in the Lord.

Furthermore we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-honourable Temple; for those who labour in its service; for the singers; and for the people here present who await in firm hope thy great and rich mercies.

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Exclamation.

Priest. For thou art a merciful God, who lovest mankind, 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.

Choir. Amen.

The Litany of the Catechumens.

Deacon. Pray ye unto the Lord, ye Catechumens.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Ye faithful, pray ye unto the Lord for the Catechumens, that the Lord will have mercy upon them.

That he will teach them the word of truth.

That he will reveal to them the Gospel of righteousness.

(Here the Priest unfoldeth the last edge of the corporal.)

That he will unite them unto his Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

Save them, have mercy upon them, succour them, and keep them, O God, by thy grace.

Bow your heads unto the Lord, ye

Choir. To thee, O Lord.

The Priest saith, Prayer for chumens.

secretly, the the Cate-

O God, our God, the Creator and Maker of all things; who wiliest that all men should be saved, and should come unto the knowledge of the truth: Look upon thy servants the Catechumens, and deliver them from their ancient errors, and from the wiles of the adversary-And call them unto life eternal, illumining their souls and bodies, and numbering them with thy reason-endowed flock, which is called by thy holy Name. Amen.

Catechumens.

Exclamation. Priest. That with us they may magnify thine all-honourable and majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. — Choir. Amen.

(The Priest maketk the sign of the cross over the corporal with the sponge, which he then kisseth and layeth on one side.)

Then the following Exhortation to the Catechumens is said; but only from Wednesday of the Fourth Week of the Great Fast until the end of the Fast. (4)

Deacon. As many as are Catechumens, depart. Catechumens, depart. Ye who are ready for Illumination, depart. Pray, ye who are preparing for Illumination.*

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Ye faithful, for these brethren who are preparing for holy Illumination, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir. Lord, have mercy

That the Lord our God will stablish and strengthen them.

That he will illumine them with the light of wisdom and of piety.

That he will vouchsafe unto them, in his own good time, the laver of regeneration, the remission of sins, and the garment of incorruption.

That he will beget them with water and the Spirit.

That he will grant unto them the perfection of the faith.

That he will number them with his holy and chosen flock, ty

Save them, have mercy upon them, succour them, and keep them, O God, by thy grace.

Ye who are ready for Illumination, bow your heads unto the Lord.

Choir. To thee, O Lord.

Exclamation.

For thou art our illumination, 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.

Choir. Amen.

Deacon. As many as are preparing for Illumination, depart. Depart, ye who are preparing for Illumination.

The Priest saith, secretly, the Prayer for those who are preparing for Illumination.

Show the light of thy countenance, O God, upon those who are preparing for holy Illumination, and who desire to put away the defilement of sin. Enlighten their understanding. Establish them in the faith. Strengthen them in hope. Perfect them in love. Make them honourable members of thy Christ, who gave himself a ransom for our souls.

: Baptism.

Catechumens, depart. Let none of the Catechumens remain; but let us who are in the faith again, yet again, in peace pray unto the Lord. Choir. Lord, have mercy.

The Priest saith, secretly, the First Prayer of the Faithful.

Deacon. Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

O God, great and worthy to be praised, who through the life-giving death of thy Christ hast translated us from corruption to incorruption: Deliver thou all our senses from death-dealing carnal desires, setting over them as a good ruler the understanding that is in us. Let our eye have no part in any evil sight; let our hearing be inaccessible to all idle words; and let our tongue be purged from unseemly speech. Purify our lips which praise thee, O Lord. Make our hands to abstain from evil deeds, and to work only such things as are acceptable unto thee, establishing all our members and our minds by thy grace. Deacon. Wisdom!

Priest. For unto thee are Father, and to the Son. and ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

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

If there be no Deacon, the following Litany is omitted.

For the peace that is from above, and for the salvation of our souls: ty

For the peace of the whole world; for the welfare of God's holy Churches, and for the union of all:

For this holy Temple, and for those who with faith, devoutness, and in the fear of God have entered therein:

That he will deliver us from all tribulation, wrath, and necessity:

Exclamation.

due all glory, honour and worship, to the to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto

The Priest saith, secretly, the Second Prayer of the Faithful.

O Master, holy and exceeding good, we beseech thee, who art rich in mercy, that thou wilt show compassion on us sinners, and render us worthy to receive thine Only-begotten Son and our God, the King of glory. For behold, his most pure Body and his life-giving Blood, entering at this present hour, are about to be spread forth upon this mystical Altar, invisibly escorted by a great multitude of the Heavenly Host. Enable us to partake of them in blamelessness; that, the eyes of our understanding being enlightened thereby, we may become children of the light and of the day.

Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Deacon. Wisdom! Exclamation.

Priest. Through the gift of thy Christ, with whom thou art blessed, together with thy most holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

(Here the Holy Voor is opened.)

In place of the Cherubimic Hymn there shall now be sung:

Now the Powers of Heaven with us invisibly do minister. For lo! the King of Glory entereth now. Behold the Mystical Sacrifice, all accomplished, is ushered in.

(Here the Great Entrance is made.)

Let us with faith and love draw near, that we may become partakers of life everlasting. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

At a Pontifical Service the Bishop washeth his hands in front of the Holy Door. (See p. 79.) Then his pall (omofor) is put on him, and he maketh three lowly reverences before the Holy Altar, saying: Now the Powers of Heaven. Then

he goeth to the Table of Oblation, and maketh three reverences, saying: O God, cleanse thou me, a sinner; removeth his mitre, giveth his pall to the Deacon, and censeth the Table of Oblation thrice, after which he giveth the censer to the ProtoDeacon; and taking the air in both hands, he layeth it on the shoulder of the Proto-Deacon.

The Bishop then taketh the holy paten with both hands, and having kissed it, he setteth it on the head of the senior Priest, but saith nothing. The Priest kisseth the Bishop's hand. Another Priest, after making a reverence to the Bishop, taketh from him the holy chalice, and kisseth his hand. The other Priests who take part in the celebration carry the cross, the spoon, the spear, and ihe rest of the holy utensils, and kiss the Bishop's hand. And all come forth in the same order as at the Great Entrance in the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom or St. Basil the Great.

And while this is being sung the Deacon entereth the Sanctuary through the north door, and censeth the Holy Altar and the holy oblation and the Priest. And they stand there, saying thrice: Now the Powers of Heaven.,. And having made three lowly reverences, they go to the Chapel of Oblation; and the Priest bringeth the Holy Gifts, as usual, after he hath made three lowly reverences before the Table of Oblation, saying: O God, cleanse thou me, a sinner. While the Divine Mysteries are being borne in solemn silence from the Chapel of Oblation to the Altar, all the People and the Singers, kneeling humbly, render divine reverence to Christ our God, who is in the Holy Mysteries; for they are presanctified. After the Holy Gifts have been brought to the Altar, all stand, and the Singers finish the Hymn, as indicated: Let us with faith and love draw near:

After the Holy Gifts have been placed on the Altar, the Priest taketh the veil from the Holy Gifts and the air from the shoulder of the Deacon, approacheth the air to the censer, and covereth therewith with fragrance the Holy Gifts.

When the Bishop comcth to the Holy Door, the Proto-Deacon taketh his stand opposite him and censeth 'him. The Bishop, taking the censer, censeth the Holy Gifts thrice, and having made a reverence, he receiveth the holy paten from the head of the Senior Priest, kisseth it, and showeth it to the People, without saying anything. And the Priest bearing the chalice entereth the Sanctuary, saying nothing. But the Bishop setteth the holy chalice upon the Altar. The other Priests enter the Sanctuary without saying anything.

The Bishop removeth the air from the shoulder of the Proto-Deacon, holdeth it over the censer, and cover eth the paten and the chalice with fragrance, saying nothing. Then he putteth on his mitre, and censeth the Holy Gifts only, and maketh three reverences, and giveth the censer to the Deacon, ivithout censing, any one.

And he bestoweth his blessing on the People, as usual, with the dikiri and the

trikiri while the Choir singeth: Eis polla eti, Despota. Then the Priest saith, aloud, the Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian; and maketh the prescribed reverences, the People kneeling with him.

O Lord and Master of my life, grant not unto me a spirit of slothfulness, of discouragement, of lust of power, of vain babbling. (Reverence.)

But vouchsafe unto me, thy servant, the spirit of continence, of meekness, of patience, and of love. (Reverence.)

Yea, O Lord and King, grant that I may perceive my own transgressions, and judge not my brother. For blessed art thou unto ages of ages. Amen. (Reverence.)

Here the Holy Door is closed, and the curtain is drawn halfway. (5) Then the Deacon goeth to his accustomed place, and saith:

Let us complete our evening prayer unto the Lord.

Choir. Lord, have mercy -

For the Precious Gifts spread forth and presanctified:

That our God, who loveth mankind, accepting them upon his holy and most heavenly and supersensual Altar, in the odour of a spiritual sweet savour, will send down upon us in return his divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit:

That he will deliver us from all tribulation, wrath and necessity:

Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

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The Priest prayeth, secretly. O God of ineffable and invisible Mysteries, with whom are the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge, who hast revealed unto us the service of this Ministry, and hast appointed unto us sinners, through thy great love towards mankind, to offer unto thee gifts and sacrifices for our sins, and for the errors of thy people: Do thou, the same Invisible King, who doest things great and inscrutable, glorious and marvellous, which cannot be numbered, look upon us, thine unworthy servants who stand at this Holy

An evening all perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless:

An Angel of Peace, the faithful guide and guardian both of our souls and bodies:

The pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions:

All things which are good and profitable to our souls, and peace to the world:

That we may pass the residue of our life in peace and penitence:.

A Christian ending to our life, painless, blameless, peaceful; and a good defence before the dread Judgment Seat of Christ:

Choir. To thee, O Lord.

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tain the good things promised unto us,

Altar as at thy Cherubimic throne, upon which lieth thine Only-begotten Son and our God, in the dread Mysteries spread forth thereon; and having delivered us and all thy faithful people from every impurity, hallow all our souls and bodies with the sanctification which cannot be taken away. That partaking with a pure conscience, with faces unashamed, with hearts illumined, of these divine, consecrated Gifts, and being quickened through them, we may be united unto thy Christ himself, our true God, who hath said: Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me and I in him; that thy Word, O Lord, making its abode in us and accompany-ing our path, we may become the temple of thine all-holy and adorable Spirit, redeemed from every wile of the Devil, wrought either by deed or word or thought; and may obwith all thy Saints, who in all

the ages have been acceptable in thy sight.

Exclamation.

Arid vouchsafe, O Lord, that with boldness, and without condemnation, we may dare to call upon thee, the God of heaven and our Father, and to say:

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.

Choir. Amen.

Priest. Peace be with you.

Choir. And with thy spirit.

Priest. Bow your heads unto the Lord.

Choir. To thee, O Lord.

The Priest, bowing his head, prayeth secretly. O God, who alone art good and of tender compassion; who dwellest on high and regardest the humble of heart: Look with the eye of thy tender loving-kindness upon all thy people, and preserve them. And graciously enable us all to partake without condemnation of these thy life-giving Mysteries: for unto thee have we bowed our heads, in the hope of thy rich mercies.

Exclamation. Priest. Through the grace, and bounties, and love towards mankind of thine Only-begotten Son, with whom thou art blessed, together with thine all-holy, and. good, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

The Priest, secretly.

Hear us, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, from thy holy dwelling-place, and from the throne of glory of thy kingdom; and come and cleanse us, O thou who sittest on high with the Father, and art here invisibly present with us: and graciously vouchsafe, by thy mighty hand, to impart unto us thy most holy Body, and thy most precious Blood, and by us to all thy people.

And after the Prayer, the Priest and Deacon make three reverences, saying:

O God, cleanse thou me, a sinner.

Then the Priest, the Holy Gifts being still covered, laying on his hand doth (6) touch the life-giving Bread with great reverence and fear. And the Deacon saith:

Let us attend.

The Priest exclaimeth: The Presanctified Holy Things to the hofy.

Choir. One only is holy, one only is the Lord, Jesus Christ, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

(The rest of the curtain is now drawn.)

And when the Priest hath said: The Presanctified Holy Things to the holy: he layeth aside the holy veil, and the Deacon entereth the holy Sanctuary; and standing near the Priest, he saith:

Break, Master, the holy Bread.

And the Priest, with great heedfulness, breaketh it into four pieces, saying:

Broken and divided is the Lamb of God, which is broken, yet not

disunited; ever eaten, yet never consumed, but sanctifieth those who

partake thereof.

Choir. The Short Canon. O taste, and see how good the Lord is. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

participation in thy Holy Mysteries be unto judgment upon me, or unto condemnation, O Lord, but unto the healing of soul and body.

And in this manner they partake of the Holy Mysteries, with awe and all godly fear.

And he layeth a portion on the paten, saying nothing: and the Deacon poureth the warm water into the chalice, saying nothing. And he standeth a little apart. Then the Priest saith:

Deacon, draw near.

And the Deacon, approaching, maketh a devout reverence, asking forgiveness, and saith:

Lo, I draw near unto the King immortal, and to God. Impart unto me, Master, the precious and holy Body and Blood of our Lord, and God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

And the Priest, taking a portion of the Holy Mysteries, giveth it to the Deacon, saying:

To N., Deacon, is imparted the precious, and holy, and all-pure Body and Blood of our Lord, and God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ, unto the remission of his sins, and unto life everlasting.

And the Deacon, having kissed the Priest's hand, shall withdraw, and stand behind the Holy A Itar; and bowing his head, he shall pray, like the Priest, I believe, O Lord, and I confess... And the Priest also, taking in the same manner a portion of the Holy Mysteries, saith:

The precious and all-holy Body and Blood of our Lord, and God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ, is imparted to me, N., Priest, unto the remission of my sins, and unto life everlasting.

And bowing his head, he prayeih, saying:

I believe, O Lord, and I confess, that thou art, in very truth, the Christ the Son of the living God, who didst come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. And I believe that this is, of a truth, thine all-pure Body, and that this is thine own precious Blood. Wherefore I beseech thee, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, whether voluntary or involuntary; whether of word or of deed; whether committed with knowledge or in ignorance. And vouchsafe that I may partake without condemnation of thine all-pure Mysteries, unto the remission of my sins, and unto life eternal.

Of thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me to-day 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. And let not this

Then he taketh the holy chalice with the veil in both hands, and drinketh from it, saving nothing; and wipeth his mouth and the holy chalice with the veil which is in his hands, setteth it on the Holy Altar, and saith, secretly, the Prayer of Thanksgiving: We give thanks unto thee, O God, the Saviour of all men, for all the good things which thou hast vouchsafed unto us, and for the Communion of the holy Body and Blood of thy Christ. And we beseech thee, O Lord, who lovest mankind, to keep us under the shelter of thy wings. And grant that, even to our last breath, we may worthily partake of thy Holy Things, unto the illumination of soul and body, and unto the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven.

The Deacon doth not drink from the chalice at this time, but after the Prayer before the Tribune, and after the remaining particles of the Holy Mysteries have been consumed. (But 'if the Priest celebrate alone, without a Deacon, he, also, doth not drink from the chalice after his Communion, but after the Liturgy is finished, and after the Holy Mysteries have been consumed. For if the wine be sanctified by placing in it the particles, yet hath it not been transmuted into the Divine Blood, seeing that the words of consecration are not recited over it in this service, as they are in the Liturgies of Basil the Great and John Chrysostom.) And the Deacon, taking the holy paten, approacheth it to the holy chalice, and putteth in the Holy Gifts, saying nothing. And having made three reverences, he draweth aside the curtain, and openeth the Holy Door.

But if there be Communicants from the People, the Deacon, having covered the Holy Things as usual, and drawn aside the curtain, and opened the Holy Door, taketh the sacred chalice from the hands of the Priest or the Bishop, and saith:

In the fear of God, and with faith, draw near.

And the Communion is administered as usual. (As a rule, infants are not admitted to this Communion.)

Exclamation.

Priest. O God, save thy people, and bless thine heritage.

Choir. I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Taste ye the heavenly Bread and the Cup of Life, and see how good the Lord is. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

And when he hath censed the Holy Things, he giveth the censer to the Deacon. And taking the holy paten, he setteth it on the head of the Deacon. And the Deacon, taking it with all reverence, gazeth out through the Holy Door, but doth not say anything; and he goeth to the Chapel of Oblation, and there setteth it down. Then the Priest taketh the holy chalice, and turning towards the Holy Door, he looketh forth upon the People, saying, secretly:

Blessed is our God.

And aloud:

Always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

And he beareth the Holy Things to the Chapel of Oblation.

Choir. Amen.

Let our mouths be filled with thy praise, O Lord, that we may extol thy glory: for that thou hast deigned to make us partakers of thy holy, divine, immortal and life-giving Mysteries. Establish us in thy Sanctification,

that all the day long we may meditate upon thy righteousness. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Deacon. Having received the divine, holy, pure, immortal, heavenly, life-giving and terrible Mysteries of Christ, O believers, let us worthily give thanks unto the Lord.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.

Choir. Lord, have mercy

Having besought an evening all-perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir. To thee, O Lord.

(Here the corporal is folded, and the book of the Holy Gospel is set upon it.)

Exclamation.

Priest. For thou art our sanctification, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

Priest. Let us depart in peace.

Choir. In the Name of the Lord.

Deacon. Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir. Lord, have mercy.

The Prayer before the Tribune is then said, aloud: O Almighty Lord, who hast made all created things in wisdom, and by thine inexpressible Providence and great goodness hast brought us to these all-holy days, for the purification of body and soul, for the controlling of carnal passions, and for the hope of the Resurrection; who, during the forty days didst give into the hand of thy servant Moses the Tables of the Law, in characters divinely traced by thee: Enable us also, O Good One, to fight the good fight; to accomplish the course of the Fast; to preserve inviolate the faith; to crush under foot the heads of invisible serpents; to be accounted victors over sin; and uncondemned to attain unto and adore the holy Resurrection. For blessed and glorified is thine all-honourable and majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

The Priest, secretly: O Lord our God, who hast brought us to these all-holy days, and hast made us partakers of thy terrible Mysteries: Unite us to thy rational flock, and make us heirs of thy kingdom, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Choir. Amen.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord henceforth and for ever. (Thrice.)

And Psalm xxxiv.: I will alway give thanks. (See page 121.)

Then the Priest cometh forth, and standing in his accustomed place, he saith:

The blessing of the Lord, through his grace and love towards mankind, be upon you always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir. Amen.

Priest. Glory to thee, Christ-God, our sure hope; glory to thee.

Choir. Glory now and ever.. Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)

Master, bless.

Then he bestoweth the Benediction.

May Christ our true God, through the prayers of his all-holy Mother; of the holy, glorious and all-laudable Apostles; and of Saint N. (the Saint of the day); and of our father in the Saints, Gregory Homiliastes, and of all the Saints, have mercy upon us and save us, forasmuch as he is good and loveth mankind.

After this Final Benediction, the rest of the ceremony followeth as at the ordinary Liturgy; except that instead of the Hymns there used, the Hymn here following is read:

Hymn in Tone IV That which constituteth the verity of things revealed thee as a Rule of the faith, a Pattern of meekness and a Preceptor of continence to thy flock: wherefore thou, through humility, didst win exaltation, and by poverty didst win wealth. O Father Gregory, pray thou unto Christ our God, that he will save our souls.

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

Hymn to the Holy Birth-giver of God. O Protection of Christians that maketh not ashamed, O Mediatrix never-failing with the Creator: Despise not the sinners' voice of supplication; but in that thou art good, come speedily to the aid of us who faithfully call upon thee; make haste to our petition and further our prayer, O Birth-giver of God, who ever protectest them that do thee honour.

end.

(General Note. — If a Bishop be the celebrant, he communicateth himself and the Clergy as indicated in the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil; and the Choir chanteth at the usual places: Eis polla eti, Despota.)