The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Priest: O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth who are everywhere and fill all things. Treasury of Blessings, and Giver of Life: Come and abide in us, and Cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.

From Pascha to its leave-taking {the Wednesday before Ascension Day), the Paschal Troparion, “Christ is risen from the dead” replaces “O Heavenly King…” During the feast of the Ascension, its Troparion replaces the hymn.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth Peace, good Will towards men. {2x} Luke 2:14

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. Psalm 51:15

The Priest makes the sign of the cross over the antimens with the Holy Gospel saying:

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

People: Amen.

From Pascha until its leavetaking {the Wednesday before Ascension Day), the following is sung three times:

Priest: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and upon those in the tombs, bestowing life. {2x}

Priest: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death.

People: And upon those in the tombs, bestowing life.

 

The Great Litany

Priest: In peace let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

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

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For [His Beatitude] Metropolitan ____; for [His Grace, Eminence] our [Bishop, Archbishop] ________; for the honorable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For the President and all civil authorities of this country, and for those serving in its Armed Forces, let us pray to the Lord. I Timothy 2:1-2

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For this city, for every city and countryside, and for the faithful dwelling in them, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For travelers by land, by sea, and by air; the sick; the suffering; the captives; and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Your Grace.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

People: To You, O Lord.

Priest: O Lord, our God, Your power is incomparable, Your glory is incomprehensible, Your mercy is immeasurable, Ephesians 2:4 Your love for mankind is inexpressible. Look down on us Psalm 25:16 and on this holy house with pity, O Master, and impart the riches of Your mercy and Your compassion to us and to those who pray with us.

For to You are due all glory, honor 1 Tim 1:17 and worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen.

 

The First Antiphon

(Psalm 103)

At certain times, a Festal Antiphon is sung here:

People: Bless the Lord, O my soul! Blessed are You, O Lord!

Bless the Lord, O my soul! And all that is within me, bless His holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul! And forget not all His benefits!

Who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases!

At certain times, the entire psalm is chanted:

(Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.

Who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The Lord works vindication and justice for the oppressed.

He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the people of Israel.

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, long suffering and of great goodness!

He will not always chide, nor will He keep His anger forever.

The Lord has established His throne in the heavens and His kingdom rules over all.

Bless the Lord O you His angels, you mighty ones who do His word, hearkening to the voice of His word!

Bless the Lord, all His hosts, His ministers that do His will!

Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul! Blessed are You, O Lord!)

 

The Little Litany

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

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: O Lord, our God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Psalm 28:9 Preserve the fullness of Your Church. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house Psalm 26:8, glorify them in return by Your divine power and do not forsake us Psalm 27:9, who put our hope in You. Psalm 17:7

For Yours is the majesty, and Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory: 1 Corinthians 29:11 of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen.

 

The Second Antiphon

(Psalm 146)

At certain times, a Festal Antiphon is sung here.

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

Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have being.

Put not your trust in princes, in sons of men in whom there is no salvation.

When his breath departs he returns to his earth; on that very day his plans perish.

The Lord will reign forever; your God, O Zion, to all generations.

Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

 

The Hymn of Justinian

People: Only-begotten Son and immortal Word of God, Who for our salvation willed to be incarnate of the holy Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary, Who without change became man and was crucified, Who are one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: O Christ our God, trampling down death by death, save us.

 

The Little Litany

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

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: O You who have given us grace with one voice to make our common supplications to You, and promised that when two or three are gathered together in Your name Mathew 18:19-20 You would grant their requests: Fulfill now, O Lord, the petitions of Your servants as is best for them: granting us in this world the knowledge of Your truth,1 Timothy 2:4 and in the world to come, life everlasting.

For You are a good God and love mankind, and to You we ascribe glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen.

 

The Third Antiphon

(Matthew 53-12)

At certain times, a Festal Antiphon is sung.

People: In Your Kingdom remember us, O Lord, when You come in Your Kingdom. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.

 

The Little Entrance

As the people sing the Third Antiphon, the priest bows three times before the Holy Table, takes up the Holy Gospel, and preceded by the candlebearers, exits the altar through the north door in procession, and comes before the royal doors and recites the following prayer.

Priest: O Master, Lord our God, who has appointed in heaven orders and hosts of angels and archangels for the service of Your glory: Grant that with our entrance there may be an entrance of holy angels, serving with us and glorifying Your goodness. For to You are due all glory, honor and worship: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

The priest blesses saying:

Priest: + Blessed is the entrance of Your holy ones always, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Wisdom! Let us be attentive!

The celebrant enters the sanctuary and returns the Holy Gospel to the altar; the people sing the entrance hymn:

People: Come, let us worship and bow down Psalm 95:6 before Christ. Save us, O Son of God,

Sundays: who rose from the dead,

Weekdays: who are wonderful in His saints,

Feasts of the Theotokos: through the prayers of the Theotokos,

save us who sing to You: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The people now sing the proper hymns (Troparion and Kontakion) for the day during which time the priest recites the following:

Priest: O holy God: who rests in the saints; who are hymned by the Seraphim with the thrice-holy cry, Isaiah 6:3 and glorified by the Cherubim, and worshiped by every heavenly power; who out of nothing has brought all things into being; who has created man after Your own image and likeness Genesis 1:26 and has adorned him with Your every gift; who gives to him who asks wisdom and understanding; 2 Chorinthians 1:10 who does not despise the sinner, but instead has appointed repentance for salvation; who has granted to us, Your humble and unworthy servants, even in this hour to stand before the glory of Your holy altar Jude 24 and to offer worship and praise which are due to You. O Master, accept even from the mouths of us sinners the thrice-holy hymn, and visit us in Your goodness. Forgive us every transgression, both voluntary and involuntary. Sanctify our souls and bodies, and enable us to serve You in holiness all the days of our life Luke 1:75 Through the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the saints who from the beginning of the world have been well-pleasing to You.

For You are holy, O our God, and to You we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen.

 

The Trisagion

At certain times other hymns are sung here. See notes below.

People: Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us. {3x} Isaiah 6:3

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

Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.

Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.

On the feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross (Sept. 14), the following Sunday and the third Sunday of the Great Fast, instead of the Trisagion, we sing the following:

People: Before Your Cross, we bow down in worship, O Master, and Your holy Resurrection, we glorify. {3x}

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

And Your holy Resurrection, we glorify.

Before Your Cross, we bow down in worship, O Master, and Your holy Resurrection, we glorify.

On the feasts of the Nativity of Christ (Dec. 25), Theophany (Jan 6), Lazarus Saturday, Holy Saturday, Pascha, all the days of Bright Week, Pentecost, as well as at Baptismal Liturgies, instead of the Trisagion, we sing the following:

People: As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia! {3x} Galatians 3:27

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

Have put on Christ. Alleluia!

As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia!

The priest bows three times before the Holy Table and proceeds to the High Place saying:

+Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord.

The priest blesses the High Place saying:

+ Blessed are You on the throne of the glory of Your Kingdom, who sits upon the Cherubim; always now and ever and unto ages of ages.

He then stands on the right side of the High Place, the center being reserved for the bishop.

 

The Epistle Reading:

Priest: Let us be attentive!

Priest: + Peace be to all! Reader: And to your spirit!

Reader: And to your spirit!

Priest: Wisdom!

Reader: The Prokeimenon in the _______ tone: {{Chants the appointed Prokeimenon.}}

PeopleRepeat the Prokeimenon.

Reader: Chants the verse.

PeopleRepeat the Prokeimenon.

Reader: Chants first half of the Prokeimenon.

People: Complete the Prokeimenon.

Priest: Wisdom!

Reader: The reading is from _________________

Priest: Let us be attentive!

During the chanting of the Epistle, the Priest censes the Sanctuary. At the conclusion of the reading, he blesses the reader saying:

Priest: + Peace be to you who reads.

Reader: And to your spirit.  In the _________ tone: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

People: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

ReaderChants the appropriate verse.

People: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Reader: Chants the appropriate verse.

People: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

During the singing of the Alleluia, the Priest censes the icon screen and the people after which, he recites the following prayer:

Priest: Illumine our hearts, 2 Corinthians 4:6 O Master who loves mankind, with the pure light of Your divine knowledge. Open the eyes of our mind Ephesians 1:18 to the understanding of Your gospel teachings. Implant also in us the fear of Your blessed commandments, that trampling Psalm 91:13 down all carnal desires, 2 Peter 2:10 we may enter upon a spiritual manner of living, both thinking and doing such things as are well-pleasing to You 1 John 3:22

For You are the illumination of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and to You we ascribe glory, together with Your Father, who are from everlasting, and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

 

The Gospel Reading

Priest: Wisdom! Let us be attentive! Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.  + Peace be to all.

People:  And to your spirit.

Priest: The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Saint ____________.

People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

Priest: Let us be attentive!

The appointed Gospel Lesson is chanted. Upon its completion the following is sung:

People: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

 

SERMON

 

The Litany of Fervent Supplication

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

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: O Lord almighty, the God of our fathers, we implore You, hear us and have mercy.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great goodness, we implore You, hear us and have mercy.

People: Lord, have mercy. {3x}

Priest: Again we pray for [His Beatitude] Metropolitan __________, for [His Grace, Eminence] our [Bishop, Archbishop] __________ ; for priests, deacons, and all other clergy, and for all our brethren in Christ.

People: Lord, have mercy. {3x}

Priest: Again, we pray for the President and all civil authorities of this country and for those serving in its Armed Forces.

People: Lord, have mercy. {3x}

Priest: Again we pray for the blessed and ever memorable founders of this holy house; for all our fathers and brethren, the Orthodox departed this life before us, [especially __________] (and all those we call to mind) who here and in all the world lie asleep in the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy. {3x}

Priest: Again, we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, and Visitation for the servants of God [especially __________], and for the pardon and remission of their sins.

Priest: Lord, have mercy. {3x}

Other petitions may be added as is appropriate at this point (such as prayers for missionary work, for persecuted Christians, for those preparing for baptism, etc.). The response on the part of the people is still “Lord have mercy. ”

Priest: Again we pray for those who bring offerings and do good works in this holy and all-venerable house; for those who labor and those who sing; and for all the people here present, who await Your great and rich mercy.

People: Lord, have mercy. {3x}

Priest: O Lord our God, accept this fervent supplication of Your servants, and have mercy on us according to the multitude of Your mercy. Psalm 51:1 Send down Your bounties upon us and upon all Your people, who await the rich mercy that comes from You.

For You are a merciful God, and love mankind, and to You we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen.

When appropriate, the following Litany is chanted, otherwise proceed to the Prayer of the Faithful on page 26.

 

The Litany of the Departed

Priest:Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great goodness, we implore You, hear us and have mercy.

People: Lord, have mercy. {3x}

Priest: Again we pray for the repose of the soul(s) of the servant(s) of God __________, who (has, have) fallen asleep, and that (he, she, they) may be pardoned of all (his, her, their) sins, both voluntary and involuntary.

People: Lord, have mercy. {3x}

Priest: Again, we pray that the Lord God will establish (his, her, their) soul(s) where the Just repose.

People: Lord, have mercy. {3x}

Priest: For the mercies of God, the Kingdom of Heaven, and the remission of (his, her, their) sins, let us ask of Christ, our immortal King and God.

People: Grant this, O Lord.

Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: O God of spirits, and of all flesh, Who has trampled down death and overthrown the Devil, and given life to Your world. Do the same now Lord, and give rest to the soul(s) of Your servant(s) who (has, have) fallen asleep, in a place of brightness, a place of refreshment, a place of repose; where all suffering, sorrow, and sighing have fled away.

Pardon every transgression which (he, she, they) (has, have) committed, whether by word, or deed, or thought. For You are a good God and love mankind; because there is no one who lives yet does not sin, for only You are without sin; Your righteousness is eternal, and Your word is the truth.

For You are the resurrection, the life, and the repose of your servant(s) __________who (has, have) fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and to You we ascribe glory, together with Your Father, Who is Without beginning, and Your most holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen.

When there are catechumens preparing for Holy Illumination, as well as during the Lenten Seasons, the following petitions are offered. Otherwise proceed to the Prayer of the Faithful on page 26.

 

The Litany for the Catechumens

Priest: Pray to the Lord, you catechumens.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Let us, the faithful, pray for the catechumens, that the Lord may have mercy on them.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: He may teach them the word of truth.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: That He may reveal to them the gospel of righteousness.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: That He may unite them to His Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Help them, save them, have mercy on them and keep them, O God, by Your grace.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Bow your heads to the Lord, you catechumens.

People: To You, O Lord.

Priest: O Lord our God, who dwells on high and regards the humble of heart Psalm 113:5 who has sent forth as the salvation of the human race Your only-begotten Son and God, our Lord Jesus Christ, look down upon Your servants the catechumens, who have bowed their necks before You; make them worthy in due time of the Font of Regeneration ,Titus 3:5 the remission of sins Mathew 26:28 and the robe of incorruption. 1 Corinthians 15:53 Unite them to Your Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and number them with Your chosen flock

That with us, they may glorify Your all-honorable and majestic name: of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Priest: Amen.

 

The Prayer of the Faithful

Priest: Let us the faithful, again and again in peace pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Again and oftentimes we fall down before You, O God who loves mankind, that looking down upon our petition 1 Kings 8:28 You would cleanse our souls and bodies from all defilement of flesh and spirit; 2 Corinthians 7:1 and grant that we may stand blameless and without condemnation before Your holy altar. Grant also to those who pray with us, O God, growth in life and faith and spiritual understanding. Enable them to worship You blamelessly with fear and love, and to partake without condemnation of Your Holy Mysteries, and to be accounted worthy of Your heavenly Kingdom.

Wisdom!

That guarded always by Your might we may ascribe glory to You: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen.

 

The Cherubic Hymn

Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim, and who sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-creating Trinity, now lay aside all earthly cares. Luke 8:14

While the Cherubic Hymn is sung, the priest prays the following prayer, then censes the altar and people:

Priest: No one who is bound with the desires and pleasures of the flesh is worthy to approach or draw near or to serve you, O King of Glory; Psalms 24:7-10 for to minister to You is great and awesome even to the heavenly powers. Nevertheless through Your unspeakable and boundless love for mankind, You became man, yet without change or alteration, and as Ruler of All, became our high priest, and committed to us the ministry of this liturgical and bloodless sacrifice. For You alone, O Lord our God, rule over those in heaven and on earth; who are borne on the throne of the Cherubim; who are Lord of the Seraphim and King of Israel; John 1:49 who alone are holy and rests in the saints. 2 Thessalonians 1:10 Therefore, I entreat You who alone are good and ready to listen: Look down on me, a sinner, Your unprofitable servant, Luke 17:10 and cleanse my soul and my heart from an evil conscience; Hebrews 10:22 and by the power of the Holy Spirit enable me, who am endowed with the grace of the priesthood, to stand before this, Your holy table, and perform the sacred mystery of your holy and pure Body and precious Blood 2 Corinthians 29:11 For I draw near to you, and bowing my neck, I implore You: Do not turn Your face away from me, nor cast me out from among Your children; but make me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, worthy to offer gifts to You. For You are the Offerer and the Offered, the Receiver and the Received, O Christ our God, and to You we ascribe glory, together with Your Father, who is from ever— lasting and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

After the priest finishes the censing, he stands before the Holy Table and recites the entire Cherubic Hymn three times, bowing after each recitation. He then goes to the Preparation Table, and censes the offering.

 

The Great Entrance

During the Great Entrance, the priest prays aloud for the hierarchy and the faithful. At the conclusion, he says:

Priest: You and all Orthodox Christians may the Lord God remember in His Kingdom always, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

People: May the Lord God remember your priesthood in His Kingdom always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

That we may receive the King of all, who comes invisibly upborne by the angelic hosts. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The priest and other ministers enter the altar. As he places the Holy Gifts on the Holy Table, the priest says:

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

In the tomb with the body, in hell with the soul, in paradise with the thief and on the throne with the Father and the Spirit, were you, O boundless Christ, filling all things.

Bearing life and more fruitful than paradise, brighter than any royal chamber: Your tomb, O Christ, is the fountain of our resurrection.

The priest censes the holy gifts saying:

Priest:  Do good to Zion in Your good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on Your altar. Psalms 51:18-19

 

The Litany of Offering

Priest: Let us complete our prayer to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For the precious gifts now offered, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For this holy house, and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Your grace.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Commemorating our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

People: To You, O Lord.

Priest: O Lord God almighty, who alone are holy, who accepts the sacrifice of praise Psalm 50-14 from those who call upon You with their whole heart. Accept also the prayer of us sinners, and bear it to Your holy altar, enabling us to offer to You gifts and spiritual sacrifices for our sins Hebrew 5:1, 1 Peter 2:5 and for the errors of the people. Hebrews 9:7 Make us worthy to find grace in Your sightHebrews 4:16 that our sacrifice may be acceptable to You and that the good spirit of Your grace may dwell upon us and upon these gifts here offered and upon all Your people.

Through the compassions of Your only-begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, Psalms 119:12 together with Your all-holy, good and lifecreating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen .

 

The Peace

Priest: + Peace be to all. Romans 15:33, 2 Corinthians 13:12

People: And to your spirit.

Priest: Let us love one another, that with one mind we may confess. Romans 15:6

People: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! The Trinity, one in essence, and undivided!

The priest bows three times before the Holy Table saying:

Priest: I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my firm foundation, my refuge and my deliverer. Psalms 31: 2-3; 144:2

He then kisses the diskos, chalice and the Holy Table and turns to the people and says:

Priest: Christ is among us!

People: He is and shall be!

 

The Creed

Priest: The doors! The doors! In wisdom, let us be attentive!

The priest lifts the large veil and fans it over the Holy Gifts.

People: I believe in one God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

 

The Anaphora

Priest: Let us stand aright! Let us stand with fear! Let us be attentive that we may offer the Holy Oblation in peace.

People: A mercy of peace! A sacrifice of praise!

Priest: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:13

People: And with your spirit.

Priest: Let us lift up our hearts. Lamentations 3:41

People: We lift them up unto the Lord.

Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord. Psalms 107:1

People:  It is fitting and right to worship the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit: The Trinity, one in essence, and undivided.

Priest: It is fitting and right to hymn You, to bless You, to praise You, to give thanks to You, and to worship You in every place of Your dominion; Psalm 103:22 for You are God ineffable, inconceivable, invisible, incomprehensible, ever-existing and eternally the same, You and Your only-begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. It was You who brought us from nonexistence into being, Wisdom 1:14 and when we had fallen away raised us up again, and did not cease to do all things until You had brought us up to heaven, and endowed us with Your Kingdom which is to come. For all these things we give thanks to You, and to Your only-begotten Son, and to Your Holy Spirit; for all things of which we know and of which we know not, whether seen or unseen; and we thank You for this Liturgy which You have willed to accept at our hands, though there stand by You thousands of archangels and hosts of angels Daniel 7:10 the Cherubim and the Seraphim, six- winged Isiah 6:2 many-eyed Revelations 4:8 who soar aloft, borne on their wings:

Singing the triumphant hymn, shouting, proclaiming, and saying:

People:  Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord of Sabaoth! Heaven and earth are full of Your glory’. Isaiah 6:3 Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest. Mathew 21:9, Mark 11:9-10, Psalms 118:26

Priest:  With these blessed powers, O Master who loves mankind, we also cry aloud and say: Holy are You and all-holy, You and Your only-begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit! Holy are You and all-holy and magnificent is Your glory. Peter 1:17 Who so loved Your world as to give Your only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life; John 3:16 who when He had come and had fulfilled all the plan of salvation for us, on the night in which He was given up—or rather, gave Himself up for the life of the world—took bread in His holy, pure, and blameless hands; and when He had given thanks and blessed it, and hallowed it, and broken it, He gave it to His holy disciples and apostles, saying:

Take! Eat! This is my body which is broken for you, for the remission of sins. Corinthians 11:23-24, Mathew 26:26

People:  Amen.

Priest: And likewise after supper, He took the cup saying:  Drink of it, all of you! This is my blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many , for the remission of sins! Mathew 26:27-28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:20

People:  Amen.

Priest:  Do this in remembrance of me! Luke 22:19 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim my death, you confess my resurrection!

Remembering this saving commandment and all those things which have come to pass for us: the Cross, the Tomb, the Resurrection on the third day, the Ascension into heaven, the Sitting at the right hand, and the second and glorious Coming.  Yours of Your own we offer to You, on behalf of all and for all.1 Chronicles 29:14

People:  We praise You. We bless You. We give thanks to You, O Lord. And we pray to You, O our God.

 

The Prayer of the Third Hour

The priest bows three times before the holy altar saying:

Priest:  O Lord, who sent down Your most Holy Spirit upon Your apostles at the third hour: Do not take Him from us, O Good One, but renew Him in us who pray to You.

Priest:  Create in me a Clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Psalms 51:10

O Lord, who sent down Your Most Holy Spirit upon Your apostles at the third hour: Acts 2:15 Do not take Him from us, O Good One, but renew Him in us who pray to You.

Priest:  Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.

O Lord, who sent down Your Most Holy Spirit upon Your apostles at the third hour: Do not take Him from us, O Good One, but renew Him in us who pray to You.

Priest:  Again we offer to You this reasonable and bloodless worship Romans 12:1 and ask You and pray to You, and call upon You: Send down Your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these Gifts here offered.

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

People:  Amen.

Priest:  + And that which is in the Cup, the precious Blood of Your Christ.

People:  Amen.

Priest:  Making the change by Your Holy Spirit.

All:  Amen. Amen. Amen.

The priest makes a low bow before the Holy Table and continues saying:

Priest:  That they may be for those who partake for the purification of soul, for the remission of sins, for the communion of Your Holy Spirit 2 Corinthians 13:14 for the fulfillment of the Kingdom of Heaven, for boldness towards You, and not for judgment or condemnation.1 Corinthians 11:34

Again we offer to You this reasonable worship Romans 12:1 for those who have fallen asleep in the faith: ancestors, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics, and every righteous spirit made perfect in the faith. Hebrews12:23

As he receives the censer, the priest continues:

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

On certain feast days and on the Sundays of the Great Fast, the following is replaced by another hymn:

The Hymn to the Theotokos

People: It is truly right to bless you, O Theotokos, ever-blessed and most pure, and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: Without defilement you gave birth to God the Word: true Theotokos, we magnify you.

During the singing of the Hymn to the Theotokos, the priest continues praying:

Priest: For the holy Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John; the holy, glorious and all-laudable apostles; Saint _______, whom we commemorate today; and all Your saints, at whose su plication look down upon us, O God. Remember all those who have fallen asleep before us in the hope of resurrection to eternal life, especially _______; grant them rest, O God, where the light of Your countenance shines on them.

Again we entreat You: Remember, O Lord, all the Orthodox Episcopate, who rightly teach the word of Your truth; 2 Timothy 2:15 all the priests, the deacons in Christ, and every order of the clergy.

Again we offer to You this reasonable worship: Romans 12:1 for the whole world; for the Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church; for those who live in chastity and holiness of life; 1 Peter 2:12 for all civil authorities; grant them, O Lord, peaceful times, that we, in their tranquility, may lead a calm and peaceful life in all godliness and sanctity.1 Timothy 2:2

Priest:  Among the first, remember, O Lord, His Beatitude, Metropolitan _______, His Grace, our Bishop _______. Preserve them for Your holy churches in peace, safety, honor, health, and length of days, to rightly divide the word of Your truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

People:  And all mankind.

Priest:  Remember, O Lord, the city in which we dwell, every city and countryside; those who dwell in faith dwell in them. Remember, O Lord, travelers by land, by sea, and by air; the sick and the suffering; the captives and their salvation. Remember, O Lord, those who bring offerings and do good in Your holy churches; those who remember the poor; and upon us all send forth Your mercies.

And grant that with one voice Romans 15:6 and one heart we may praise Your all-honorable and majestic name: Psalm 145:1 of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

People:  Amen.

The priest blesses the people:

Priest: + And may the mercies of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ Titus 2:13 be with you all.

People:  And with your spirit.

 

The Litany Before The Lord’s Prayer

Priest: Having remembered all the saints, again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest:  For the precious Gifts offered and sanctified, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest:  That our God, Who loves mankind, receiving them upon His holy, heavenly, and mystical altar as a sweet spiritual fragrance Ephesians 5:2 will send down upon us in return His divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest:  For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and distress, let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest:  Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Your grace.

People:  Lord, have mercy.

Priest:  That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask of the Lord.

People:  Grant this, O Lord.

Priest:  For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.

People:  Grant this, O Lord.

Priest:  For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask of the Lord.

People:  Grant this, O Lord.

Priest:  For all things that are good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord.

People:  Grant this, O Lord.

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

People:  Grant this, O Lord.

Priest:  For a Christian ending to our life: painless, blameless and peaceful, and a good defense before the dread judgment seat of Christ, let us ask of the Lord.

People:  Grant this, O Lord.

Priest:  Having asked for the unity of the Faith, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

People: To You, O Lord.

Priest:  To You we commend our whole life and our hope, O Master who loves mankind. We ask You and pray to You and call upon You: Make us worthy to partake of the heavenly and awesome mysteries of this sacred and spiritual table with a pure conscience; for the remission of sins, for the forgiveness of transgressions, for the communion of the Holy Spirit, 2 Corinthians 13:14 for the inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven Colossians 1:12 for trust in You, but not for judgment or condemnation.1 Corinthians 11:27-34

And make us worthy, O Master, that with boldness Hebrews 4:16 and without condemnation we may dare to call on You the heavenly God, as Father Peter 1-17 and to say:

People:  Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Mathew 6:9-13

Priest:  For Yours is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen.

Priest: + Peace be to all.

People: And to your spirit.

Priest: Bow your heads to the Lord.

People: To You, O Lord.

Priest: We give thanks to You, O invisible King 1 Timothy 1:17 who by Your measureless power made all things, and in the greatness of Your mercy Psalm 51:1 brought all things from non-existence into being Wisdom 1:14 Look down from heaven, O Master, upon those who have bowed their heads to You, the awesome God. Distribute Yourself, O Master, these gifts here offered, to all of us for good, Romans 8:28 according to the individual need of each; sail with those who sail, travel with those who travel by land and air; heal the sick, O You who are the physician of our souls and bodies.

Through the grace and compassion and love toward mankind of Your only-begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Priest: Amen.

Priest: Look down, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, out of Your holy dwelling-place, 2 Chronicles 30:27, 1 Kings 8:39 from the throne of the glory of Your Kingdom; and come to sanctify us, 1 Thessalonians 5:23 O You who sit on high with the Father, and are here invisibly present with us; and by Your mighty hand Deuteronomy 9:26 give to us Your most pure Body and precious Blood, and through us to all the people.

O God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me. Psalm 51:2

The priest takes up the Holy Bread in both hands and elevates it above the Holy Table saying:

Priest:  Let us be attentive! The Holy things for the holy!

People: One is Holy Revelations 15:4 One is the Lord Ephesians 4:5 Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father Philippians 2:11  Amen.

The Communion Hymn

People: Praise the Lord from the heavens! Praise Him in the highest! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Psalms 148:1

The above Communion Hymn is for Sundays. On other days, it is replaced by another. While the people sing the Communion Hymn, the priest divides the Holy Bread into four parts saying:

Priest: Divided and distributed is the Lamb of God: who is divided, yet not disunited; who is eaten, yet never consumed; but sanctifying those who partake thereof.

Placing the portion of the Holy Bread marked “IC” into the chalice, the priest says:

Priest:The fullness of the Holy Spirit.

The priest blesses the warm water saying:

Priest: Blessed is the warmth of Your holy ones, always now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Pouring the warm water into the chalice, he says:

Priest: The warmth of faith, full of the Holy Spirit.

The priest turns to the people and says:

Priest: Forgive me, my brothers and sisters.

People:  God forgives.

 

Prayers Before Communion

Priest: The precious and most holy Body of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ is given to me, the unworthy priest _________ , for the remission of my sins, and unto life everlasting.

All: I believe, O Lord, and I confess that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, Mathew 16:16 who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first. 1 Timothy 1:15 I believe also that this is truly Your own most pure Body, and that this is truly Your own precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You: have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, committed in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy to partake without condemnation of Your most pure Mysteries, for remission of my sins, and unto life everlasting. Amen.

Of Your Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of Your Mystery to Your enemies, neither like Judas will I give You a kiss; but like the thief will I confess You: Remember me, O Lord, in Your Kingdom. Luke 23:42

May the communion of Your holy Mysteries be neither to my judgment, nor to my condemnation ,1 Corinthians 11:34 O Lord, but to the healing of soul and body.

As the priest communes, appropriate hymns are sung.

 

The Communion of the Faithful

Priest: In the fear of God, and with faith and love, draw near. Hebrews 10:22

Priest: Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord! God is the Lord and has revealed himself to us. Psalms 118:26-27, Mathew 21:9, Mark 11:9, Luke 13:35

During the communion of the faithful, the people sing:

People: Receive the Body of Christ; taste the fountain of immortality. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

After all have partaken of the holy gifts, the priest says:

Priest: Behold, this has touched your lips, and shall take away your iniquities, and cleanse you of all your sins.  Isaiah 6:7

People: Alleluia {3x}

The reader now chants the Thanksgiving Prayer:

Reader: I thank You, O Lord my God, for You have not rejected me, a sinner, but have made me worthy to be a partaker of Your holy things. I thank You, for You have permitted me, the unworthy, to commune of Your most pure and heavenly gifts. But, O Master, who loves mankind, who for our sakes died and rose again and gave us these awesome and life-creating Mysteries for the good and sanctification of our souls and bodies; let them be for the healing of soul and body, the repelling of every y adversary, the illumining of the eyes of my heart, the peace of my spiritual powers, a faith unashamed, a love that is sincere, the fulfilling of wisdom, the observing of Your commandments, the receiving of Your divine grace and the attaining of Your Kingdom. Preserved by them in Your holiness, may I always remember Your grace and live not for myself alone but for You, our Master and Benefactor. May I pass from this life in the hope of eternal life and so attain to the everlasting rest, where the voice of those who feast is unceasing and the gladness of those who behold the goodness of Your countenance is unending. For You are the true desire and the ineffable joy of those who love You, O Christ our God and all creation sings Your praise forever. Amen.

Having returned the Holy Gifts to the Holy Table, the priest says:

Priest: Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We venerate Your Cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Your holy Resurrection; for You are our God, and we know no other than You; we call on Your name. Come all you faithful, let us venerate Christ’s holy Resurrection! For, behold, through the Cross joy has come into all the world. Let us ever bless the Lord, praising His Resurrection, for by enduring the Cross for us, He has destroyed death by death.

Shine! Shine! O New Jerusalem! The glory of the Lord has shone on you! Exult now and be glad, O Zion! Be radiant, O Pure Theotokos, in the Resurrection of your Son!

O Christ! Great and most holy Pascha! O Wisdom, Word, and Power of God! Grant that we may more perfectly partake of You in the never-ending Day of Your Kingdom.

Wash away, O Lord, the sins of all those remembered here, by Your precious Blood; through the prayers of all Your saints. 1 John 1:7

The priest blesses the people saying:

Priest: + O God, save Your people, and bless Your inheritance Psalms 28:9

From Pascha until Ascension Day, the Paschal Troparion: “Christ is risen from the dead . . .” is sung in place of “We have seen the true Light. . .”  During the feast of the Ascension, its Troparion is used in place of this hymn.

People: We have seen the true Light! We have received the heavenly Spirit! We have found the true Faith! Worshiping the undivided Trinity, who has saved us.

Censing the Holy gifts, the priest says:

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and Your glory over all the earth. Psalm 57:11

The Priest blesses the people with the Holy Gifts saying:

Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen.

The priest takes the Holy gifts to the Preparation Table and censes them.

People: Let our mouths be filled with Your praise Psalm 71:8 O Lord, that we may sing of Your glory; for You have made us worthy to partake of Your holy, divine, immortal and life-creating Mysteries. Keep us in Your holiness 1 Corinthians 1:30 that all the day we may meditate upon Your righteousness. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

The Litany of Thanksgiving

Priest:  Let us be attentive! Having partaken of the divine, holy, most pure, immortal, heavenly, life-creating, and awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Your grace.

People: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Asking that the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

People: To You, O Lord.

Priest: We thank You O Master who loves mankind, Benefactor of our souls, that You have made us worthy this day of Your heavenly and immortal mysteries. Make straight our path; Proverb 3:6 strengthen us all in Your fear; guard our life; make firm our steps; Psalm 17:5  through the prayers and intercessions of the glorious Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary, and of all Your saints.

The Priest, having folded up the Antimens, makes the sign of the cross over it with the Holy Gospel as be exclaims:

Priest: For You are our Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30 and to You we ascribe glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen.

Priest: Let us depart in peace 1 Samuel 1:17

People: In the name of the Lord.

Priest: Let us pray to the Lord.

People: Lord, have mercy.

 

The Prayer Before the Ambo

On certain days, the priest may read an alternate Ambo Prayer.

Priest: O Lord, who blesses those who bless You, Genesis 12:3, Numbers 24:9 and sanctifies those who trust in You: save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Psalm 28:9 Preserve the fullness of Your Church. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house; Psalm 26:8 glorify them in return by Your divine power, and do not forsake us Psalm 27:9 who put our hope in You. Psalm 17:7 Give peace to Your world, to Your Churches, to Your priests, to all those in Civil authority, and to all Your people. For every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from You, the Father of Lights, Jas 1:17 and to You we ascribe glory, thanksgiving, and worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen.  Blessed be the name of the Lord, henceforth and forevermore. {3x}  Psalm 113:2

The priest, having entered the altar through the royal doors, goes to the Preparation Table and says the following prayer before consuming the gifts.

 

Prayer at the Consuming of the Gifts

Priest: O Christ our God, You who are the fulfillment of the law Romans 13:10 and the prophets, who fulfilled all the plan of salvation of the Father: fill our hearts with joy and gladness, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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

People: Amen.

 

The Dismissal

Priest:  Glory to You, O Christ, our God and our hope, glory to You. 1 Timothy 1:1

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

Lord, have mercy. {3x} Father, bless!

From Pascha until its leavetaking the Paschal Troparion, “Christ is risen from the dead. . .” is sung instead of the “Glory . . ., ” ‘Lord have mercy”, and “Father Bless.”

Priest: May (Sundays: He who rose from the dead) Christ our true God, through the prayers of His most pure Mother; of the holy, glorious and all-laudable apostles; of our father among the saints, John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, whose Liturgy this is; of Saint Nicholas the wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, to whom this temple is dedicated, of Saint(s) _______, whom we commemorate today; of our blessed father, Herman of Alaska, the holy hierarch Innocent and the new martyrs Peter and Juvenaly, of Saints Alexis, John, Jacob, Alexander and Raphael, who labored in America, of Saint Tikhon, Patriarch of all Russia and Enlightener of America, of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; and of all the saints: have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.

Priest:  Amen. Amen.

The people come to venerate the Cross and receive the Antidoron Bread.

                                                       

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