St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church

Presanctified Divine Liturgy for Weekdays in Great Lent

After making three metanias in their respective places, the Deacon intones in a loud voice:

Deacon: Bless, Master!

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

People: Amen.

Come, let us worship and fall down before God our King.

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God.

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God.

THE PSALM OF INTRODUCTION—PSALM 104 (103)

Reader: Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, Thou art very great; Thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest Thyself with light as with a garment: Who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of His chambers in the waters: Who maketh the clouds His chariot: Who walketh upon the wings of the wind: Who maketh His angels spirits; His ministers a flaming fire. Thou hast laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains. At Thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of Thy thunder they hasted away. They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which Thou hast founded for them. Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth. He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst. By them shall the birds of the air have their habitation, which sing among the branches. He watereth the hills from His chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of Thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that He may bring forth food out of the earth; and wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart. The trees of the Lord are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which He hath planted; where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house. The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies. Thou hast appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth it’s going down. Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth. The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God. The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens. Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening. O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all. The earth is full of Thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts. There go the ships: there is that leviathan, which Thou hast made to play therein. These wait all upon Thee; that Thou mayest give them their meat in due season. That Thou givest them they gather: Thou openest Thine hand, they are filled with good. Thou hidest Thy face, they are troubled: Thou takest away their breath; they die, and return to their dust. Thou sendest forth Thy spirit, they are created: and Thou renewest the face of the earth.

The glory of the Lord shall endure for ever: the Lord shall rejoice in His works. He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: He toucheth the hills, and they smoke. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of Him shall be sweet: I will rejoice in the Lord. Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless Thou the Lord, O my soul. Praise ye the Lord. The sun knows its time for setting. Thou makest darkness, and it is night. O Lord, how manifold are Thy works, in wisdom hast Thou made them all.

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

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (THRICE)

O our God and our Hope, glory to Thee!

During the preceding Psalm, the Priest stands before the Altar and QUIETLY says the fifth, sixth and seventh lamplighting prayers. The first four lamp-lighting prayers are said quietly during the first four Ektenia.

Priest: (Quietly) O Lord, our God, Thou upholdest all things by Thy pure and perfect hand, Thou art patient with us all and mournest over our wickedness: remember Thy compassions and Thy mercy. Visit us with Thy goodness; and grant us to complete the present day, avoiding the diverse plots of the evil one; and preserve our lives free from attack, through the grace of Thine all-holy Spirit. Through the mercy and love toward 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. Amen.

Priest: (Quietly) O great and wonderful God, with Thine inexpressible wisdom, and Thine abundant providence Thou administerest all things. Thou hast bestowed on us good things on earth; Thou hast given us a pledge of the promised kingdom through the good things already bestowed on us; and Thou hast made us to flee from all evil during that part of this day which is past: Grant us also to complete this day without blame before Thy holy glory, and to glorify thee, our God, who art the only good One, and lover of mankind. For Thou art our God, and unto thee we give glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Priest: (Quietly) O great and most high God, Thou alone hast immortality and dwellest in unapproachable light. Thou hast made all creation in wisdom. Thou hast separated the light from the darkness. Thou hast made the sun to rule the day, the moon and the stars to rule the night. Thou hast made us sinners at this present hour worthy to come before Thy face with thanksgiving and to offer to thee our evening praises. Thou Thyself, O Lord, lover of mankind, direct our prayer as incense before thee, and accept it as a fragrant offering. Grant us to pass the present evening and the coming night in peace. Clothe us with the armor of light. Deliver us from the terror of the night and from the pestilence that stalks in the darkness. Grant us sleep, which Thou hast appointed for the alleviation of our weakness, free from every imagination of the devil. Yea, O Master of all, bestower of good things, may we, being moved toward repentance on our beds, remember Thy name in the night, that, illuminated by meditation on Thy commandments, we may rise up in joyfulness of soul to glorify Thy goodness, offering up prayers, and supplications to Thy tender love for our sins and for those of all Thy people, whom Thou visitest in mercy, through the intercessions of the holy Theotokos. For Thou art a good God and lovest mankind, and unto thee we give glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

THE GREAT EKTENIA

At the conclusion of the Psalm, the Deacon bows to the Priest and exits the Altar through the north door.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the peace of the whole world, for the good estate of the Holy Churches of God, and for the union of all men, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For this Holy House, and for those who with faith, reverence, and fear of God, enter therein, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For our father and Metropolitan PHILIP, and for our father and Bishop JOSEPH, for the venerable Priesthood, the Deaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the President of the United States, for all civil authorities, and for our Armed Forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will aid them and grant them victory over every enemy and adversary, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For this city, and for every city and land, and for the faithful, who dwell therein, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For healthful seasons, for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints let us commend ourselves and each another, and all our life unto Christ our God.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: (Quietly) O Lord, compassionate and merciful, long-suffering and rich in mercy, give ear to our prayer, and attend to the voice of our supplication. Show us a sign of Thy favor; lead us in Thy way, so that we may walk in Thy truth. Gladden our hearts, so that we may fear Thy holy name, for Thou art great, and Thou workest wonders. Thou alone art God, and there is none like thee among the gods, O Lord. Thou art mighty in mercy and benevolent in strength, to aid and to comfort and to save all those who put their trust in Thy holy name.

Priest: (Aloud) For unto Thee are due glory, honor, and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Deacon enters the Altar through the south door. While the following Psalms are being read, the Priest makes two prostrations before the Holy Table, kisses the Gospel Book, stands it before the tabernacle and then carefully, and with reverence, respect and fear, opens the Antimins. The Deacon brings the diskos from the Prothesis Table and places it on the Antimins. The Priest opens the Pyx (the box containing the Presanctified Lamb) and with great reverence places the Lamb on the diskos with the seal up. The Priest and Deacon each make one prostration before the Holy Table.

PSALM 120

Reader: In my distress I cry to the Lord, that he may answer me: “Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.” What shall be given to you? And what more shall be done to you, you deceitful tongue? A warrior’s sharp arrows, with glowing coals of the broom tree! Woe is me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar! Too long have I had my dwelling among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war!

PSALM 121

Reader: I lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved, he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.

PSALM 122

Reader: I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! Jerusalem, built as a city which is bound firmly together, to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they prosper who love you! Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers!” For my brethren and companions’ sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your good.

PSALM 123

Reader: To thee I lift up my eyes, O Thou who art enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he have mercy upon us. Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt. Too long our soul has been sated with the scorn of those who are at ease, the contempt of the proud.

PSALM 124

Reader: If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, let Israel now say -- if it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters. Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We have escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

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

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (THRICE)

Lord, have mercy. (THRICE)

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

At the conclusion of Psalm 124, the Deacon bows to the Priest and exits the Altar through the north door.

THE LITTLE EKTENIA

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: (Quietly) Lord, do not rebuke us in Thine anger, or discipline us in Thy wrath, but deal with us in all Thy kindness, O physician and healer of our souls. Bring us to Thy desired haven. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts to the knowledge of Thy truth. And grant us that the completion of this day, and our whole life may be peaceful and sinless, through the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the saints.

Priest: (Aloud) For Thine is the might and Thine is the kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Deacon enters the Altar through the south door. While the following Psalms are being read, the Priest and Deacon make two prostrations before the Holy Table. The Priest takes up the censer and the Deacon takes up a candle and goes to stand behind the Holy Altar. The Priest censes around the Holy Altar three times with the Deacon staying opposite to him. After the third circle around the Holy Table, the Priest gives up the censer and the Deacon gives up the candle. The Priest and Deacon make one prostration before the Holy Table.

PSALM 125

Reader: Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides for ever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people, from this time forth and for evermore. For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest upon the land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous put forth their hands to do wrong. Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts! But those who turn aside upon their crooked ways the Lord will lead away with evildoers! Peace be in Israel!

PSALM 126

Reader: When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad. Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the watercourses in the Negeb! May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy! He that goes forth weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

PSALM 127

Reader: Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Lo, sons are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

PSALM 128

Reader: Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Lo, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. The Lord bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life! May you see your children’s children! Peace be upon Israel!

PSALM 129

Reader: “Sorely have they afflicted me from my youth,” let Israel now say -- “Sorely have they afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me. The plowers plowed upon my back; they made long their furrows.” The Lord is righteous; he has cut the cords of the wicked. May all who hate Zion be put to shame and turned backward! Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up, with which the reaper does not fill his hand or the binder of sheaves his bosom, while those who pass by do not say, “The blessing of the Lord be upon you! We bless you in the name of the Lord!”

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

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (THRICE)

Lord, have mercy. (THRICE)

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

At the conclusion of Psalm 129, the Deacon bows to the Priest and exits the Altar through the north door.

THE LITTLE EKTENIA

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: (Quietly) O Lord, our God, remember us sinners, Thy worthless servants, when we call upon Thy holy name; and let us not be put to shame in our hope of Thy mercy; but grant us, Lord, all our petitions which are for our salvation. And make us worthy to love and fear thee with all our hearts, and to do Thy will in all things.

Priest: (Aloud) For Thou art a good God Who lovest mankind and unto Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Deacon enters the Altar through the south door and takes his place at the Holy Table. While the following Psalms are being read, the Priest and Deacon make two prostrations before the Holy Table. The Priest takes up the censer and the Deacon takes up a candle. The Priest continuously censes the gifts. When the reader says, “Let us go to his dwelling place … (132:7)” the Priest gives the censer to the Deacon.

PSALM 130

Reader: Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Out of the depths I cry to thee, O Lord! Lord, hear my voice! Let Thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications! If Thou, O Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that Thou mayest be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

PSALM 131

Reader: O Lord, my heart is not lifted up, my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a child quieted at its mother’s breast; like a child that is quieted is my soul. O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.

PSALM 132

Reader: Remember, O Lord, in David’s favor, all the hardships he endured; how he swore to the Lord and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob, “I will not enter my house or get into my bed; I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.” Lo, we heard of it in Eph’rathah, we found it in the fields of Ja’ar. “Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool!” Arise, O Lord, and go to Thy resting place, Thou and the ark of Thy might.

The reader stops and all kneel. The Priest takes up the diskos upon which rests the Lamb, elevating it above his head, and the Deacon, holding a candle in his left hand, censes the Lamb as it is carried by the Priest to the Prothesis, passing the High Place. After the diskos has been placed on the Prothesis, the Priest takes up the censer and censes the Presanctified Lamb three times, gives up the censer, all rise and the reader continues:

PSALM 132 - CONTINUES

Reader: Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness, and let Thy saints shout for joy. For Thy servant David’s sake do not turn away the face of Thy anointed one. The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: “One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne. If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies which I shall teach them, their sons also for ever shall sit upon your throne.” For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his habitation: “This is my resting place for ever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread. Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy. There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but upon himself his crown will shed its luster.”

PSALM 133

Reader: Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down upon the beard, upon the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life for evermore.

PSALM 134

Reader: Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands to the holy place, and bless the Lord! May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!

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

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (THRICE)

O our God and our Hope, glory to Thee!

After the reading of the Psalms has continued, the Priest pours water and wine into the chalice saying:

Priest: (Quietly) Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us.

The Priest then holds the star and diskos veil over the censer and places them over the diskos saying:

Priest: (Quietly) Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us.

The Priest then holds the chalice veil over the censer and places it over the chalice saying:

Priest: (Quietly) Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us.

The Priest then holds the Aer over the censer and places it over the chalice and diskos saying:

Priest: (Quietly) Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us.

The Priest places a candle at the front of the Prothesis Table and then censes the chalice and the diskos saying:

Priest: (Quietly) Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us.

The Priest and the Deacon make one prostration and return to the Holy Table where the Priest folds the Antimins and replaces the Gospel Book upon it. At the conclusion of Psalm 134, the Deacon bows to the Priest and exits the Altar through the north door.

THE LITTLE EKTENIA

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: (Quietly) O Lord, who art hymned by the holy angelic powers with never-silent hymns and incessant praises, fill our mouths with songs of praise, so that we may ascribe majesty to Thy holy name. Grant us a share and an inheritance with those who fear thee in truth, and who keep Thy commandments, through the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the saints.

Priest: (Aloud) For Thou art our God, the God of mercy and salvation, and unto Thee we ascribe glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Deacon enters the Altar through the south door.

THE SUNSET PSALM

Choir: O Lord, I have cried out unto Thee, hear Thou me; hear Thou me, O Lord. O Lord, I have cried out unto Thee, hear Thou me. Give ear to the voice of my supplication when I cry out unto Thee: hear Thou me, O Lord.

The Deacon takes up the censer, asks the Priest’s blessing on the incense, and does the great censing. The Deacon begins the great censing at the Prothesis Table. After censing the Prothesis Table, he moves in front of the Holy Table. After censing the four sides of the Altar and the High Place, he exits the Altar through the north door. He censes the Episcopal Throne three times. After censing the icons on the iconostasis and the west of the Church, he walks down the center aisle censing the people on the south side of the church and then walks up the center aisle censing the people on the north side of the church. When he reaches the solea, he censes the icon of Christ and the icon of the Theotokos and enters the Altar through the south door. He goes to the Prothesis and censes the Prothesis first. He then moves to the front of the Altar and censes the front of the Altar, the High Place, the Priests twice and everyone else in the altar once.

Choir: Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as the incense, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice; hear Thou me, O Lord.

+ Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and a protecting door round about my lips.

+ Incline not my heart to evil words, to make excuses in sins.

+ With men that work iniquity; and I will not communicate with the choicest of them.

+ The just man shall correct me in mercy and shall reprove me; but let not the oil of the sinner anoint my head.

+ For my prayer also shall still be against the things with which they are well pleased; their judges falling upon the rock have been swallowed up.

+ They shall hear my words, for they are sweet; as when the thickness of the earth is broken upon the ground, their bones are scattered by the side of hell.

+ But to Thee, O Lord, Lord, are mine eyes; in Thee have I put my trust, take not away my soul.

+ Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, and the traps of the workers of iniquity.

+ Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst I alone escape.

+ I cried unto the Lord with my voice, with my voice unto the Lord, did I make my supplication.

+ I poured out my supplication before Him; I showed before Him my trouble.

+ When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then Thou knewest my path.

+ In the way wherein I walked have they secretly laid a snare for me.

+ I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me.

+ Refuge failed me; no one cared for my soul.

+ I cried unto Thee, O Lord; I said: Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.

+ Attend unto my cry, for I am brought very low.

+ Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I.

NOTE: Now consult this week’s special insert for the continuation of the Presanctified Divine Liturgy. After that portion is completed, continue the service as follows below.

LET MY PRAYER ARISE

At the end of the reading, the Priest takes up the censer as the Deacon, holding a lighted candle, says:

Deacon: Wisdom!

The Deacon goes to stand behind the Holy Table, opposite the Priest. On each of the following verses, the Priest moves to and continuously censes a side of the Holy Table; and the Deacon, holding the candle, moves to stand opposite him. The Priest censes the front of the Holy Table as he slowly chants the following:

Priest: Let my prayer arise in Thy sight as incense; and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.

Then the Priest moves to the south side of the Holy Table, censes and intones:

Priest: Lord, I have cried out unto Thee, hear me; attend to the voice of my supplication when I cry unto Thee.

Choir: Let my prayer arise in Thy sight as incense; and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.

Then the Priest moves behind the Holy Table, censes and intones:

Priest: Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and a protecting door round about my lips.

Choir: Let my prayer arise in Thy sight as incense; and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.

Then the Deacon exits the Altar through the Royal Doors and stands in the center of the Solea, facing the Holy Altar as the Priest moves to the north side of the Holy Table, censes and intones:

Priest: Incline not my heart to evil words, to make excuses in sins.

Choir: Let my prayer arise in Thy sight as incense; and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.

Then the Priest moves to the Prothesis, censes and intones:

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

Choir: Let my prayer arise in Thy sight as incense; and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.

The Priest moves in front of the Holy Table and censes as he slowly chants:

Priest: Let my prayer arise;

Then, turning to stand in the Royal Doors, the Priest censes the Icon of Christ on the Iconostasis as he continues:

Priest: In Thy sight as incense;

He then censes the other icons on the Iconostasis and the people as the choir concludes:

Choir: And let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.

The Priest then returns to the Holy Table and gives up the censer and the Deacon enters the Altar through the Royal Doors.

THE PRAYER OF ST. EPHRAIM THE SYRIAN

Priest: O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power, and idle talk. (The clergy and people prostrate.)

But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (The clergy and people prostrate.)

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother; for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (The clergy and people prostrate.)

NOTE: For the First Week in Great Lent, read the prescribed Gospel lesson as found in that day’s special insert. Resume with the Ektenia below.

THE EKTENIA OF FERVENT SUPPLICATION

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: O Lord Almighty, the God of our Fathers, we pray Thee, hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we pray Thee, hearken and have mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Again we pray for all pious and Orthodox Christians.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Again we pray for our father and Metropolitan PHILIP, and for our father and Bishop JOSEPH.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Again we pray for our brethren: the priests, hieromonks, Deacons, hierodeacons and monastics and all our brotherhood in Christ.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation and visitation and pardon and forgiveness of sins for (the servants of God, [Names], and) all Orthodox Christians of true worship, who live and dwell in this community.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy church and for the departed servants of God, ([Names], and) all our fathers and brethren, the Orthodox departed this life before us, who here and in all the world lie asleep in the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Deacon: Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all venerable temple, those who serve and those who sing, and for all the people here present, who await Thy great and rich mercy.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

The Deacon moves to stand before the icon of Christ.

Priest: (Quietly) O Lord our God, receive this fervent supplication of Thy servants, and have mercy on us according to the multitude of Thy mercy, and send down Thy compassions upon us and upon all Thy people, Who await Thy great and rich mercy.

Priest: (Aloud) For Thou art a merciful God and lovest mankind, and unto Thee we ascribe glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

People: Amen.

THE EKTENIA FOR THE CATECHUMENS

Deacon: Pray to the Lord, ye catechumens.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will teach them the word of truth.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will reveal to them the gospel of righteousness.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will unite them to His holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Bow your heads to the Lord, ye catechumens.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: (Quietly) O God, our God, the Creator and Maker of all things, Who willest that all men should be saved and should come unto the knowledge of the truth: Look down upon Thy servants the catechumens, and deliver them from the ancient delusion and from the wiles of the adversary. And call them unto life eternal, illuminating their souls and bodies and numbering them with Thy rational flock, which is called by Thy Holy Name.

Priest: (Aloud) That with us they may glorify Thine all-honorable and majestic Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Deacon: As many as are catechumens, depart. Depart, catechumens. Let none of the catechumens remain.

THE EKTENIA FOR THOSE PREPARING FOR ILLUMINATION

This is recited only during the fourth, fifth and sixth weeks of Great Lent.

Deacon: Pray unto the Lord, ye who are preparing for illumination.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Ye faithful, pray unto the Lord for these brethren who are preparing for Holy Illumination and for their salvation.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That the Lord God will establish them and strengthen them.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will illuminate them with the light of wisdom and of piety.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will grant unto them, in His own good time, the laver of regeneration, the remission of sins, and the garment of incorruption.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will beget them with water and the Spirit.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will grant unto them the perfection of faith. Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That He will number them with His holy and chosen flock.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Bow your heads to the Lord, ye catechumens.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: (Quietly) 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 honorable members of Thy Christ, Who gave Himself for our souls.

Priest: (Aloud) 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. Let none of them preparing for Illumination remain.

FIRST EKTENIA OF THE FAITHFUL

Deacon: As many as are of the faithful, again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Priest: (Quietly) 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 in accessible 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 into Thee, establishing all our members and our minds by Thy Grace.

Priest: (Aloud) For unto Thee are due all glory, honor and worship to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

SECOND LITANY OF THE FAITHFUL

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Priest: (Quietly) O holy Master, exceeding good, we beseech Thee, Who art rich in mercy, that Thou wilt be gracious to us sinners and make us worthy to receive Thing Only-Begotten Son and our God, the King of glory. For behold, His immaculate Body and His life-giving Blood, entering at this present hour, are about to be set forth upon this heavenly hosts., Grant us to partake of them without condemnation, that, the eyes of our understanding being enlightened thereby ay become sons of the light and of the day.

Priest: (Aloud) Through the gift of Thy Christ, 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 Deacon enters the Altar through the south door.

NOW THE POWERS OF HEAVEN

Choir: Now the powers of heaven invisibly worship with us; for behold, the King of glory doth enter. Behold, the completed mystical sacrifice is escorted in. (Repeated as necessary)

Priest: (Quietly) Now the powers of heaven invisibly worship with us; for behold, the King of glory doth enter. (Thrice)

Deacon: (Quietly) Behold, the completed mystical sacrifice is escorted in. Let us with faith and longing draw near and become partakers of life everlasting. Alleluia. (Thrice)

The Priest begins the great censing at the Prothesis Table. After censing the Prothesis Table, he moves in front of the Holy Table. After censing the four sides of the Altar and the High Place, he exits comes to stand in the Royal Doors. He censes the Episcopal Throne, the icons on the iconostasis, the west of the Church, the people, the icon of Christ and the icon of the Theotokos and returns to his place in front of the Holy Table. He censes the Prothesis first, the front of the Altar, the High Place, the Priests twice and everyone else in the altar once. As he does the, censing he says the following:

Priest: (Quietly)

O come, let us worship and fall down before 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 Christ himself, our King and our God.

PSALM 51(50)

Priest: (Quietly) Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy, according to the multitude of Thy compassions, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned, and done what is evil in Thy sight, so that Thou art justified in Thy sentences, and prevailest when Thou passest judgment. For indeed, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother conceive me. For behold: Thou lovest truth, Thou hast made known to me the secret and hidden things of Thy wisdom. Sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be clean, Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness, then the afflicted bones shall rejoice. Turn away Thy face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a right Spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thine Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and uphold me with a directing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and sinners will return to Thee. Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will joyfully sing aloud of Thy righteousness. O Lord, open my lips; and my mouth will declare Thy praise; for if Thou hadst delight in sacrifice, I would have given it; but Thou wouldst not be pleased by burnt offering. The sacrifice to God is a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.

Having completed the censing, the Priest gives up the censer, and he and the Deacon, standing at their places before the Holy Table, make three metanias in silence. The Priest kisses the Antimins (reverencing each of the wounds of Christ: hands, side and feet; and the Hierarch’s signature) and the Holy Table. The Deacon kisses only the southwest corner of the Holy Table. The Priest and Deacon then fold their arms across their breasts and bow to each other, saying nothing. The Deacon goes to the Prothesis, passing the High Place. The Priest bows to the people, saying nothing and then goes to the Prothesis. Now standing before the Prothesis, the Priest censes the gifts; and then he and the Deacon each make three metanias saying each time:

Clergy: (Quietly)

O God, be gracious unto me a sinner, and have mercy on me. (Thrice)

The Priest places the Aer over his bowed head and then takes up the diskos, which he holds up in his right hand, and the chalice, which he carries a little lower in his left hand. The choir stops as the Priest exits the Altar through the north door, preceded by the Deacon who censes the gifts and carries a lighted candle. All in the church prostrate themselves during the entrance. The Priest makes the entrance from the north door across the solea and directly into the Altar through the Royal Doors as he repeats softly:

Priest: (Softly)

Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us. (Repeated until reaching the Holy Table)

When the Priest enters the Altar, the choir concludes the hymn:

Choir: Let us with faith and longing draw near and become partakers of life everlasting.

Alleluia.

The Priest places the diskos and chalice on the Antimins (diskos on his left and chalice on his right, as usual) and removes the Aer from his head. The Priest removes the veils from the diskos and chalice and places them at the corners of the Antimins. He then holds the Aer around the censer and places in over the gifts as the Deacon says:

Deacon: (Quietly)

Do good, master.

The Priest censes the gifts thrice, saying the concluding verses of Psalm 50:

Priest: (Quietly)

Do good in Thy good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built;

then Thou wilt delight in a sacrifice of righteousness, in offerings and whole burnt offerings; then they will offer bulls upon Thine altar.

THE PRAYER OF ST. EPHRAIM THE SYRIAN

Priest: O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, meddling, lust of power, and idle talk. (The clergy and people prostrate.)

But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (The clergy and people prostrate.)

Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and not to judge my brother; for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen. (The clergy and people prostrate.)

THE EKTENIA BEFORE THE LORD’S PRAYER

Deacon: Let us complete our evening prayer unto the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For the precious Gifts which have been offered and Presanctified, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: That our Lord God, Who loveth mankind, receiving them upon His holy, heavenly, and ideal Altar for an odor of spiritual sweetness, will send down upon us in return His divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Deacon: Pardon and forgiveness of our sins and transgressions, let us ask of the Lord.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

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

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

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

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

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

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

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

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: (Quietly)

O God of ineffable and unseen mysteries, with Whim are hidden treasurers of wisdom and knowledge, Who hast revealed unto us the ministry of this serve and hast appointed unto us sinner through Thy great love toward mankind, to offer unto Thee gifts and sacrifices for our sins and for the ignorance of the people: Do Thou the same invisible King, who doeth things great and inscrutable, glorious and marvelous, which cannot be numbered, look upon us, Thine unworthy servants who stand at this holy altar as at Thy cherubic 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, sanctify all our souls and bodies with the sanctification which cannot be taken away. That partaking with a pure conscience with dace unashamed, with heart illumined of these divine, hallowed things and, being enlivened through them, we may be united unto Christ Himself, our true God, Who hath said: Whosoever eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me, and I in him; that, Thy Word, O Lord, making an abode in us and sojourning among us, we may become a 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 obtain the good things promised unto us with all Thy saints who in all ages have been well-pleasing unto Thee.

Priest: (Aloud)

And vouchsafe, O Lord, that with boldness and without condemnation we may dare to call upon Thee, the heavenly God, as Father, and to say:

After the exclamation of the Priest, the Deacon goes to stand before the icon of Christ.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

People: Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

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 to all.

Choir: And to Thy spirit.

Deacon: Let us bow our heads unto the Lord.

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

Priest: (Quietly)

O God, Who alone art good and compassionate, Who dwellest in the heights and regardest the humble: Look with the eyes of Thy tenderness upon all Thy people, and preserve them. And make us all worthy to partake without condemnation of these Thy life-giving mysteries; for unto Thee have we bowed our heads in the hope of Thy rice mercy.

Priest: (Aloud) Through the grace and compassion and love toward man of Thine Only begotten Son, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thine all-holy, and good, and lifegiving Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

THE ELEVATION

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

The Priest and Deacon make three low bows before the holy table, saying quietly:

Priest: O God, be gracious unto me, a sinner, and have mercy upon me.

Deacon: Let us attend!

The Deacon enters the Sanctuary through the holy doors and stands at his place at the holy table. The Priest takes up the holy Bread in both hands and elevates it above the discos, saying aloud:

Priest: The Presanctified Holy Things are for the holy.

As the Priest lowers the holy Bread, he makes with it the sign of the Cross thrice, above the discos. Meanwhile the Choir sings the following Hymn.

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

Deacon: Divide, master, the holy bread.

The Priest divides the Lamb into four parts with great reverence and care, saying:

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

The Priest arranges the pieces of the Lamb on the rim of the diskos in the form of a cross, thus:

NI KA

Deacon: Fill, master the holy cup.

The Priest then takes the Portion IC and makes with it the sign of the cross over the Chalice, and drops it in, saying quietly:

Priest: The fullness of the Cup, of the Faith, of the Holy Spirit.

Deacon: Amen.

Bringing for the Priest’s blessing the warm water in the zeon, the Deacon says:

Deacon: Bless, father, the zeon.

Blessing the warm water, the Priest says:

Priest: Blessed is the warmth of Thy holy things, O Lord, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Deacon: Amen.

The Priest pours a sufficient quantity of warm water into the chalice cross-wise, saying:

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

Deacon: Amen.

Then the Clergy and People say the following prayers of preparation for the Holy Communion:

THE PRAYER BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION

People: I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly 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 truly Thine own immaculate Body, and that this is truly Thine own precious Blood. Wherefore I pray Thee, have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, of knowledge and of ignorance; and make me worthy to partake without condemnation of Thine immaculate Mysteries, unto forgiveness of my sins and unto life everlasting. Amen.

Of Thy Mystic Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant: for I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies, neither will I give Thee a kiss as did Judas; but like the thief will I confess Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.

Not unto judgment nor unto condemnation be my partaking of Thy Holy Mysteries, O Lord, but unto the healing of soul and body.

Choir: O taste and see how good the Lord is. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

(The choir repeats this as often as necessary.)

The Priest bows to the Deacon, saying:

Priest: Forgive me my sins, brother and concelebrant.

The Deacon responds to the Priest saying:

Deacon: Thy priesthood, the Lord God remember in His kingdom, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

The Deacon passing the high place, stands at the north side of the holy table and arranges his orarion in crosswise fashion. The Priest makes a low bow before the holy table and says quietly:

Priest: Lo, I draw near unto Christ, our immortal King and our God.

Taking a portion of the section of the Lamb sealed XC the Priest says:

Priest: The precious and all-holy Body of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ is imparted unto me, the unworthy Priest (Name), unto the remission of my sins and unto life everlasting.

The Priest consumes that portion of the Lamb and says Amen. With great care, he wipes his fingers over the diskos with the sponge. He then says to the Deacon:

Priest: Deacon, draw near.

The Deacon makes one metania, saying:

Deacon: Lo, I draw near unto Christ, our immortal King and our God.

The Deacon, his hands crossed right over left with palms up, approaches the Priest, saying:

Deacon: Master, impart unto me, the unworthy Deacon (Name), the precious and all-holy Body of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, unto the remission of my sins and unto life everlasting.

The Priest places a portion of the Lamb sealed XC in the hands of the Deacon, saying:

Priest: The precious and all-holy Body of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, is imparted unto Thee, the Deacon (Name), unto the remission of Thy sins and unto life everlasting.

The Deacon kisses the hand of the Priest, says Amen and goes to the east side of the holy table where, with great reverence, he consumes the portion given him. The Priest, taking up the kalima and the chalice, says:

Priest: The precious and all-holy Blood of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, is imparted unto me, the unworthy Priest (Name), unto the remission of my sins and unto life everlasting.

The Priest takes three sips from the chalice, wipes his lips and the rim of the chalice with the kalima and says:

Priest: Lo, this hath touched my lips and shall take away mine iniquities and purge away my sins.

Priest: Deacon, draw near.

The Deacon comes to the south side of the holy table and, after wiping his fingers with the sponge over the diskos, makes one metania, saying:

Deacon: Again I draw near unto Christ, our immortal King and our God. Master, impart unto me, the unworthy Deacon (Name), the precious and all-holy Blood of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, unto the remission of my sins and unto life everlasting.

Priest: The precious and all-holy Blood of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, is imparted unto Thee, the Deacon (Name), unto the remission of Thy sins and unto life everlasting.

The Priest gives the Deacon three sips from the chalice, wipes the Deacon’s lips and the rim of the chalice with the kalima and says:

Priest: Lo, this hath touched Thy lips and shall take away Thine iniquities and purge away Thy sins.

The Deacon kisses the chalice, and the Priest replaces it upon the Antimins. The Priest, with great reverence and care, breaks into small pieces the portions of the Lamb sealed NI and KA, placing them in the chalice saying:

Priest: Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us and save us.

The Priest covers the chalice with the kalima and hands the chalice and spoon to the Deacon. Standing in the holy doors facing west, the Deacon elevates the chalice to the people, saying:

Deacon: With fear of God and faith and love, draw near.

The Priest and Deacon exit the sanctuary through the holy doors as the choir chants:

Choir: Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. God is the Lord Who hath revealed Himself unto us.

Choir: O taste and see how good the Lord is. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

(The choir repeats this as often as necessary.)

The Deacon gives the chalice and spoon to the Priest, himself holding the kalima. The Priest then communicates those who are prepared to receive the holy mysteries, while the choir chants what is appointed. The Priest says to each communicant:

Priest: The servant of God, (Name), partakes of the precious and all-holy Body and Blood of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, unto the forgiveness of sins and unto life everlasting.

When all have been communed, the Priest covers the chalice with the kalima and hands the chalice to the Deacon. The Priest then blesses the people with his hand, saying:

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

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.

As the choir chants the above post-communion hymn, the Priest and Deacon enter the sanctuary through the holy doors, and the Priest places the chalice on the Antimins. The Priest removes the kalima from the chalice, lifts the diskos over the chalice and with the sponge carefully wipes the remaining particles into the chalice, saying:

Priest: By Thy precious Blood, O Lord, wash away the sins of Thy servants here commemorated, through the intercessions of all Thy saints.

After making certain that no crumb remains on the diskos or on the Antimins, the Priest covers the chalice with its veil and places the folded Aer, the veil of the diskos, the kalima and the star upon the diskos.

Deacon: Exalt, master.

The Priest censes the chalice thrice, saying:

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

The Priest gives up the censer and then gives the diskos to the Deacon, who lifts it above his head and, passing the front of the holy table, carries it to and places it upon the Prothesis. The Priest lifts the chalice, saying:

Priest: Blessed is our God;

And turning to face the people, the Priest continues:

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

Choir: Amen. Let our mouths be filled with Thy praise, O Lord that we may sing of Thy glory: for Thou hast permitted us to partake 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.

Meanwhile the Priest places the Chalice upon the Prothesis Table, and returns to the holy table. He folds up the Antimins and makes the sign of the Cross above it with the Gospel Book. The Deacon bows to the Priest and exits the north door for the Ektenia.

THE EKTENIA OF THANKSGIVING

Deacon: Let us attend! Having partaken of the divine, holy, immaculate, immortal, heavenly, life-giving and awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks unto the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: To Thee, O Lord.

THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

Priest: We give thanks unto Thee, O God, the Savior of all, for all the good things which Thou hast granted unto us and for the communion of the Holy Body and Blood of Thy Christ. And we beseech Thee, O Master, Who lovest mankind, to keep us under the shelter of Thy wings. And grant that, even unto out last breath, we may worthily partake of Thy Holy Things unto the illumination of the Kingdom of heaven.

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.

After the exclamation of the Priest, the Deacon goes to stand before the icon of Christ.

Priest: Let us go forth in peace.

Choir: In the name of the Lord.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

The Priest comes out through the holy doors and stands before the Icon of Christ, and says aloud the following Prayer:

THE PRAYER BEHIND THE AMVON

Priest: O almighty Master, Who hast made all creation and by Thing inexpressible providence and great goodness hast brought us to these all-revered days, for the purification of soul and body, for the controlling of passions and for hope of resurrection, Who, during the forty days didst give into the hands of Thy servant Moses the tablets of the Law in characters divinely traced by Thee: Enable us also, O good One, to fight the good fight, to complete 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 worship the Holy Resurrection.

For blessed and glorified is Thine all-honorable and majestic Name of 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, hence forth and forever more. (Read thrice)

The Priest goes into the sanctuary through the holy doors followed by the Deacon, and they go to the Prothesis Table. The Priest quietly says the following prayer, after which the Deacon may consume the remaining Gifts.

Priest: (Quietly) O Christ our God, Who hast brought us to these all-revered days and hast made us communicants of Thy dread mysteries: Unite us to Thy rational flock, and make us heirs of Thy kingdom, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

The Priest returns to the holy table. The Deacon from the Sanctuary says:

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

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

Choir: Amen.

THE DISMISSAL

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

Choir: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy. Father, bless.

NOTE: The Priest now offers the Dismissal as found in the special insert text for the week. He concludes by saying:

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

Choir: Amen.

As the people come forward to reverence the Holy Cross, the Reader proclaims the following Psalms.

PSALM 34 (33)

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His Name together! I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to Him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! O fear the Lord, ye his saints, for those who fear Him have no want! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. Come, O sons, listen to me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is there who desires life, and covets many days, that he may enjoy good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears toward their cry. The face of the Lord is against evildoers, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked; and those who hate the righteous will be condemned. The Lord redeems the life of His servants; none of those who take refuge in Him will be condemned.

PSALM 145 (144)

I will extol Thee, my God and King, and bless Thy Name for ever and ever. Every day I will bless Thee, and praise Thy Name for ever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall laud Thy works to another, and shall declare Thy mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of Thy majesty, and on Thy wondrous works, I will meditate. Men shall proclaim the might of Thy terrible acts, and I will declare Thy greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of Thy abundant goodness, and shall sing aloud of Thy righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and His compassion is over all that He has made. All Thy works shall give thanks to Thee, O Lord, and all Thy saints shall bless Thee! They shall speak of the glory of Thy kingdom, and tell of Thy power, to make known to the sons of men Thy mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of Thy kingdom. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Thy dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds. The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to Thee, and Thou givest them their food in due season. Thou openest Thy hand, Thou satisfiest the desire of every living thing. The Lord is just in all His ways, and kind in all his doings. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He fulfils the desire of all who fear Him, He also hears their cry, and saves them. The Lord preserves all who love Him; but all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless His holy Name for ever and ever.