Ibaada ya Mafuta Matakatifu

Office of the Holy Oil in a Church or House

Sung by Seven Priests assembled in Church or in a house

The senior Priest having given the blessing:

PRIEST

Blessed is our God, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

we begin:

READER

Amen.

Trisagion

Holy God, Holy Strong, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (three times).

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

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name''s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Our Father, in heaven, may your name be sanctified, your kingdom come; your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

PRIEST

For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

READER

Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (twelve times).

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

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

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

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

Psalm 142

Lord, hear my prayer; in your truth give ear to my supplication, and in your righteousness hear me. Do not enter into judgement with your servant, for in your sight no one living can be justified. For the enemy pursued my soul; humbled my life to the ground; made me dwell in darkness, like those for ever dead. My spirit in me grew weary, and my heart was troubled within me. I remembered days of old; I meditated on all your works. I made the works of your hands my meditation. I stretched out my hands towards you; my soul thirsted for you like a waterless land. Hear me swiftly, O Lord; my spirit has failed. Do not turn your face from me, or I shall be like those who go down to the Pit. Make me hear of your mercy in the morning, for I have hoped in you. Make known to me the way in which I should walk, for to you I have lifted up my soul. Deliver me from my enemies, Lord; I have run to you for shelter. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your good Spirit will guide me in an upright land. For your name’s sake, O Lord, you will give me life. In your righteousness you will bring my soul out of trouble; in your mercy slay my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am your servant. [EL]

Then the Small Litany

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

Again we pray for the servants of God here present, and that the grace of the Holy Spirit may come upon them.

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

PEOPLE

Amen.

After this Alleluia is chanted in

Tone 6

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Verse 1: O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, nor chastise me in your wrath.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Verse 2: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

And the following Troparia. Tone 6

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us; for we sinners, lacking all defence, offer you, as our Master, this supplication: have mercy on us. [EL]

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

Lord, have mercy on us, for in you we have put our trust. Do not be very angry with us, nor remember our iniquities. But look on us now, as you are compassionate, and rescue us from our enemies. For you are our God, and we are your people; we are all the work of your hands, and we have called on your name. [EL]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Open the gate of compassion to us, blessed Mother of God; hoping in you, may we not fail. Through you may we be delivered from adversities, for you are the salvation of the Christian race. [EL]

READER

Psalm 50

Have mercy on me, O God, in accordance with your great mercy. According to the multitude of your compassion blot out my offence. Wash me thoroughly from my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my wickedness, and my sin is ever before me. Against you only I have sinned and done what is evil in your sight, that you may be justified in your words and win when you are judged. For see, in wickedness I was conceived and in sin my mother bore me. For see, you have loved truth; you have shown me the hidden and secret things of your wisdom. You will sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be cleansed. You will wash me and I shall be made whiter than snow. You will make me hear of joy and gladness; the bones which have been humbled will rejoice. Turn away your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create a clean heart in me, O God, and renew a right Spirit within me. Do not cast me out from your presence, and do not take your Holy Spirit from me. Give me back the joy of your salvation, and establish me with your sovereign Spirit. I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn to you again. O God, the God of my salvation, deliver me from bloodshed and my tongue will rejoice at your justice. Lord, you will open my lips, and my mouth will proclaim your praise. For if you had wanted a sacrifice, I would have given it. You will not take pleasure in burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit. A broken and a humbled heart God will not despise. Do good to Sion, Lord, in your good pleasure, and let the walls of Jerusalem be rebuilt. Then you will be well pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, oblation and whole burnt offerings. Then they will offer calves upon your altar. [EL]

And after the 50th Psalm,

The Canon,

of which the Acrostic is: Psalm of blessing of oil from Arsenios.

Tone 4. Ode 1. Through the Red Sea's deep.

Before each Troparion we sing: O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

PEOPLE

O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

With the oil of your compassion, Master, you always make glad the souls and bodies of mortals, and guard the faithful by oil; take pity now on your servants who approach you through Oil. [EL]

O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

The whole earth is full of your mercy, Master; and so we ask in faith that we who are today mystically anointed with divine oil, may be granted your mercy which passes understanding. [EL]

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

Lover of mankind, in your compassion you ordered your Apostles to perform the sacred anointing on your sick servants; at their intercessions have mercy on us all by your seal. [EL]

Theotokion.

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

O Pure one, alone enriched with the ocean of peace, by your prayers to God, ever deliver your servants from diseases and afflictions, that they may unceasingly magnify you. [EL]

Ode iii. Your Church, O Christ.

O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

You alone, O Christ, are wonderful and pity those who are faithful; give your grace from on high to those who are grievously sick. [EL]

O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

By your divine help, O Lord, you once used an olive branch to show the abatement of the Flood; in mercy save the ailing. [EL]

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

With a divine lamp of light, O Christ, in your mercy make bright those who with faith in your mercy now hasten for anointing. [EL]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Look favourably from on high, O Mother of the Maker of all, and do away with the bitter illness of the sick by your prayers. [EL]

Kathisma. Tone 8. The song of shepherd pipes.

As you, O Merciful, are a divine river of mercy, an abyss of great compassion, show us the divine streams of your mercy, and heal us all; pour out unstintingly the springs of your wonders, and cleanse us all; for ever hastening fervently to you, we implore your grace. [EL]

Another. Tone 4. Lifted up on the Cross.

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

Physician and helper of those in pains, deliverer and saviour of those in sickness, Master and Lord, give healing to your sick servants; have pity, have mercy on those who have often stumbled, and deliver them from their falls, O Christ, that they may glorify your divine power. [EL]

Ode iv. Seeing you, the Sun of justice.

O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

As you, O Saviour, are an incorruptible ointment, emptied out by grace and purifying the world, have pity, have mercy on those who anoint the bruises of the flesh with divine faith. [EL]

O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

Master, by now sealing with the gladness of the seal of your mercy your servants’ senses, make them impenetrable, unapproachable to the entry of every hostile power. [EL]

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

Lover of mankind, you bid the sick to summon your sacred ministers and to be saved by their entreaty and anointing with your Oil; in your mercy save your ailing servants. [EL]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

All-holy, ever-Virgin, Mother of God, my firm shelter and guard, harbour and wall, ladder and tower, have mercy, have pity; for to you alone have I fled for refuge. [EL]

Ode v. You, Lord, my light.

O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

O Good One, as you are an abyss of mercy, have mercy, O Merciful, on the ailing by your divine oil, as you are compassionate. [EL]

O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

Having ineffably hallowed our souls and bodies from on high, O Christ, with the divine imprint of your seal, heal us all by your power. [EL]

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

O Lord, supremely good, in your ineffable love you accepted the anointing with sweet ointment from a harlot; take pity on your servants. [EL]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Sovereign Lady, pure and all-praised, supremely good, have mercy on those who are anointed with the divine Oil, and save your servants. [EL]

Ode vi. I will sacrifice to you.

O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

By your words, Lover of mankind, you ordained anointing with oil for kings, and performed it through high priests; save the suffering also by your sealing as you are compassionate. [EL]

O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

May no influence of wicked demons touch the senses of those signed by divine anointing, O Saviour, but wall them about with the shelter of your glory. [EL]

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

Stretch out your hand from on high, Lover of mankind, and by hallowing your oil give health and deliverance from all diseases to your servants. [EL]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

You have been shown to be a fruitful olive tree in the house of your God, Mother of your Creator, though whom the world has appeared full of mercy; save the ailing with the touch of your intercessions. [EL]

Kontakion. Tone 2. Seeking the things on high.

You are a fountain of mercy, O Supremely Good, deliver from every ill those who with fervent faith fall down before your ineffable mercy, O Compassionate, and taking away their diseases, grant them the divine grace from on high. [EL]

Ode vii. The children of Abraham.

O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

O Saviour, only God, as in your mercy and pity you heal the passions of the soul, the afflictions of the bodies of all, treat and heal too those who are suffering from diseases. [EL]

O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

By anointing with the anointment of oil the heads of all, give the joy of gladness to those who seek the mercy of your redemption in your rich mercy, O Lord. [EL]

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

Your seal, O Saviour, is a sword against demons, and a fire consuming the passions of souls, through the entreaties of priests; and so, having received healing, we sing your praise with faith. [EL]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Mother of God, you carried within your womb, in a manner befitting God, and ineffably gave a body to the One who holds all things in the hollow of his hand; we beg you to have pity on the ailing. [EL]

Ode 8. Stretching out his hands.

O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

Have mercy on us all, O Saviour, in accordance with your great and divine mercy; for mystically symbolizing its figure, Master, we bring the anointing with sacred oil for the sick; heal them all by your power. [EL]

O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

With the streams of your mercy, O Christ, and with anointings by your priests, wash away, Lord, as you are compassionate, the pains, the wounds, the attacks of sufferings of those worn down by the constraints of passions, that through your cleansing they may find strength. [EL]

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

Do not withdraw your mercy, Master, from us who depict your divine oil as a symbol of help and joy from on high, nor despise those who cry out with faith: Bless the Lord all you works of the Lord. [EL]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Nature received as a glorious crown, O Pure One, your divine Offspring, who crushed the ranks of foes and mightily defeated them; and so, crowned with the bright rays of your graces, we hymn you, Sovereign Lady, all-praised. [EL]

Ode 9. A stone not cut by human hand.

O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

Look down from heaven, O Compassionate, and show to all your mercy; through the divine anointing of your priests now give your help and your strength to those who approach you. [EL]

O Master Christ, have mercy on your servant[s].

All-loving Saviour, rejoicing we have seen the divine oil, which by your divine decision beyond the power of the partakers you have accepted, and symbolically shared with those who partake of the divine washing. [EL]

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

Have pity, have mercy, Saviour, deliver from fears and sufferings, rescue from the arrows of the evil one the souls and bodies of your servants, for you, Lord, are merciful and heal by divine grace. [EL]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Accept, O Virgin, the hymns and supplications of your servants; deliver by your entreaties from harsh pains and sufferings, O all-pure, those who through us flees to your divine protection. [EL]

It is truly right to call you blessed, who gave birth to God, ever-blessed and most pure, and Mother of our God. Greater in honour than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word; truly the Mother of God, we magnify you. [EL]

Exapostilarion. Our Saviour, the Dayspring.

Look with your merciful eye on our entreaty, loving Lord, as we gather today in your holy Temple, to anoint with divine oil your sick servants. [EL]

Lauds. Prosomia. Tone 4. You have given as a sign.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Alleluia. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the highest. To you praise is due, O God.

Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his powers. To you praise is due, O God.

To execute upon them the judgment that is decreed; such glory will be for all his saints.

Lover of mankind, easily placated, through your Apostles you have given your grace by your holy oil to heal all wounds and diseases; and so, as you are compassionate, hallow, have mercy by your oil on those who draw near in faith, cleanse them of every kind of sickness and make them worthy, Lord, of your incorruptible delight.

Praise God in his saints; praise him in the firmament of his power.

Praise him for his mighty acts; praise him according to the greatness of his majesty.

O Incomprehensible, as you are compassionate and seal our senses with your invisible hand by your divine oil, look down from heaven, Lover of mankind, upon those who run to you with faith and ask forgiveness of offences; and grant them healing of soul and body, that with love they may glorify you as they magnify your might. [EL]

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

With the anointing of your mercy and the touch of your priests, Lover of mankind, hallow your servants from on high, deliver them from diseases, cleanse and wash away their defilement of soul, O Saviour, and deliver them from the manifold occasions of sin; comfort their toils, drive away disasters, and wipe out their afflictions, as you are full of pity and compassion. [EL]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

O highly praised, all-pure Palace of the King, I entreat you: purify my mind, sullied with every sin, and make it a fair dwelling for the divine Trinity; so that I, your unprofitable servant, may be saved and magnify your power and limitless mercy. [EL]

READER

Trisagion

Holy God, Holy Strong, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (three times).

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

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name''s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

PRIEST

For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

PEOPLE

Amen.

Troparion. Tone 4. Speedily anticipate.

As you alone, O Christ, are quick to help, quickly show your visitation from high to your servants who are suffering; free them from diseases and bitter pains; raise them up to praise you and glorify you unceasingly; at the prayers of the Mother of God, only Lover of mankind. [EL]

DEACON

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

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.

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

For all devout and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

For our Bishop (or Archbishop) (name) for the honoured order of presbyters, for the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

For our nation, [the President, our Armed Forces] and all in civil authorities, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

For this city, for every city, town and village, and for the faithful who dwell in them, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

For favourable weather, an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and temperate seasons, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

For those who travel by land, air or water, for the sick, the suffering, for those in captivity, and for their safety and salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.

( Lord, have mercy. )

Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

( To you, O Lord. )

PRIEST

For to you belong all glory, honour and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

Then the Priest says the Prayer of the Oil in front of the lamp.

Note, that in the Great Church instead of water they put wine into the lamp of the Efchelaion.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

Lord, who in your mercy and pity heal the afflictions of our souls and bodies, sanctify this oil, Master, that it may be for those who are anointed with it for healing and relief of every passion, bodily disease, stain of flesh and spirit and every evil; that through it your all-holy Name, of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, may be glorified now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. [EL]

( Amen. )

While this prayer is being said by the Priest the following Troparia are sung.

Tone 4. Speedily anticipate.

PEOPLE

Tone 4. Today you have appeared.

With the eyes of my soul mutilated I come to you, O Christ, as the man blind from birth, crying to you in repentance: You are the radiant light of those in darkness. [EL]

Tone 3. Today the Virgin.

By your divine presence, O Lord, raise my soul, grievously paralysed by sins of every kind and by unnatural deeds, as you also raised the Paralysed Man of old, that saved I may cry to you: O merciful Christ, glory to your might. [EL]

Tone 8.

As the Lord’s Disciple, O Just one, you received the Gospel; as a martyr you cannot be turned away; as God’s brother you have freedom to speak; as Hierarch you have the right to intercede. Implore Christ God that our souls may be saved. [EL]

Tone 4. Lifted up on the Cross.

The Only-begotten of the Father, God the Word, who dwelt among us in these last days, declared you, venerable James, first shepherd and teacher of Jerusalem, and faithful steward of the spiritual mysteries; therefore, O Apostle, we all honour you. [EL]

Tone 3. Today the Virgin.

In Myra, O Saint, you were revealed as priest, for having fulfilled Christ’s Gospel you laid down your life for your people; you saved the innocent from death; therefore you have been hallowed as a great initiate of God’s grace. [EL]

Tone 3. Your confession.

The whole world has found you as a mighty champion in dangers, O victor, who rout the nations. Therefore as you destroyed the pride of Lyaios in the stadium by giving Nestor courage, holy great Martyr Demetrios, implore Christ God to grant us his great mercy. [EL]

Tone 3.

O holy Champion and Healer, Panteleimon, intercede with the merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of sins. [EL]

Tone 8.

Holy Unmercenaries and Wonderworkers, visit our weaknesses; freely you have received, freely give to us. [EL]

Tone 2.

Who will recount your mighty works, O Virgin? For you pour out wonders, are a fount of healing, and you intercede on behalf of our souls, as Theologian and friend of Christ. [EL]

Tone 2.

Seeking the things on high.

Invincible rampart, fervent intercession, * the wellspring of mercy, refuge of the world, to you * we all cry insistently, * ''Sovereign Lady, Mother who bore our God, * hasten, from perils swiftly set us free, * alone you are ever swift in our defence''. [EL]

1st Epistle

The Apostle is read by the Deacon.

DEACON

Let us attend.

DEACON

Prokeimenon Tone 1.

Verse:

PRIEST

Wisdom.

DEACON

The reading is from the Universal Letter of James.

PRIEST

Let us attend.

DEACON

Jas. (5:10-16)

My brethren, consider as an example of suffering and patience the prophets who spoke in the Name of the Lord. Behold, we call those who endure blessed. You have heard of the patience of Job and you have seen the Lord in the outcome, how the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. But above all things, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or earth, or by any other oath. Instead, let your “yes” be “yes,” and your “no,” “no,” so that you may not fall into hypocrisy. Are any among you suffering? Let them pray. Are any cheerful? Let them sing praises! Are any among you sick? Let them call for the presbyters of the Church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the Name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will heal those who are sick and the Lord will raise them up. If they have committed sins, they will be forgiven. Confess your offenses to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective! [EOB]

Alleluia. Tone 8. Psalm 100.

I will sing to you of mercy and judgment, O Lord.

PEOPLE

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

1st Gospel.

DEACON

Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace to all.

( And to your spirit. )

PRIEST

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.

DEACON

Let us attend.

( Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you. )

PRIEST

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

And the Priest says this Prayer:

PRIEST

1st Prayer.

O God without beginning and without end, Holy of Holies, who sent forth your Only-begotten Son to heal every disease and every weakness of our souls and bodies, send down your Holy Spirit and hallow this oil; and cause it to be for your servants who are anointed for complete deliverance from their sins, for inheritance of the Kingdom of heaven. [EL]

Note that some say this Prayer only as far as here with the conclusion: For yours it is to have mercy… while others continue to the end.

For you are God, great and wonderful, who keep your covenant and your mercy to those who love you. Through your holy child Jesus Christ you give deliverance from sins; you have given us new birth from sin, you give light to the blind, set upright those are cast down; you love the righteous and are merciful to sinners; you have called us back from darkness and the shadow of death, saying to those in chains: Come forth, and to those in darkness reveal yourselves. For in our hearts has shone the light of the knowledge of your Only-begotten Son, since for us he appeared on earth and lived among men. And to as many as received him he gave power to become your children, O God, granting us the grace of sonship through the washing of rebirth, and causing us to have no part in the domination of the devil. Since he did not consider it good for there to be cleansing by blood but by holy Oil, he has given us the sign of his Cross for us to become Christ’s flock, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, having purified us by water and hallowed us by the holy Spirit. Do you, Master and Lord, give grace for this your service, as you gave Moses your servant, Samuel your beloved, John your chosen one and all those who in each generation have been well-pleasing to you. So make us too servants of the new Testament of your Son for this oil, which you have made your own by your precious Blood, that having put off worldly desires we may die to sin and live to righteousness, having put on our Lord Jesus Christ through the anointing of sanctification of the Oil which is about to be applied. May this oil, Lord, be an oil of gladness, an oil of sanctification, a royal garment, a breastplate of power, a protection against every operation of the devil, an inviolable seal, joy of heart, eternal delight, that all who are anointed with this oil of rebirth may become fearsome to their enemies and shine brightly with the brightness of your Saints, without spot or wrinkle, and that they may be received into your eternal rest and receive the prize of their high calling. [EL]

For yours it is to have mercy and to save us, O our God, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

And after the Prayer the Priest takes some of the holy Oil and anoints the person making the Efchelaion, saying the following Prayer:

For you are the fount of healings, O God, our God, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

2nd Epistle

PRIEST

Let us attend.

DEACON

Prokeimenon Tone 2.

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

Verse: The Lord has chastised me greatly, but he has not abandoned me to death.

PRIEST

Wisdom.

DEACON

The reading is from Paul’s Letter to the Romans.

PRIEST

Let us attend.

DEACON

Rom. 15:1 – 7

Brethren, we who are strong should bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not {just} please ourselves. Let each one of us please our neighbor for what is good, to be edifying to him. Even Christ did not please himself. But, as it is written, “The insults of those who insulted you fell on me.” For whatever things were written before were written for our instruction, so that through patience and the Scriptures’ encouragement we might have hope. Now may the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to be together of the same mind according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord, you may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God. [EOB]

Alleluia. Tone 5. Psalm 88.

PEOPLE

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Verse: I will sing of your mercies, O Lord, forever.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

2nd Gospel

DEACON

Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace to all.

( And to your spirit. )

PRIEST

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.

DEACON

Let us attend.

( Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you. )

PRIEST

At that time, Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaios; he was a chief collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaios, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaios stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.” [RSV]

PEOPLE

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

And the Priest says this Prayer:

PRIEST

3rd Prayer.

O God, great and most high, who are worshipped by all creation, the fount of wisdom, the truly unfathomable abyss of goodness and the boundless ocean of compassion, do you, Master who love mankind, God of things eternal and wonderful, whom no human by taking thought is able to grasp, look upon, hearken to us your unworthy servants, and where we bring this Oil in your great name send down the healings of your gift and forgiveness of sins and heal them in the multitude of your mercy. Yes, Lord who are easy to be entreated, alone merciful and lover of mankind, who repent over our evil deeds, who know that the mind of mortals is bent upon wickedness from their youth, who do not want the death of sinners, but that turn back and live, who, being God, for the salvation of sinners became man, for the sake of your creature being made a creature. It is you who said: I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; you who sought the lost sheep; you who diligently sought the lost coin, and found it; you who said: The one who comes to me I will in no way cast out; you who did not abhor the Harlot when she drenched your honoured feet with her tears; you who said: As often as you fall, arise and you will be saved; you who said: There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Look then, compassionate Master, from your holy height, overshadowing us sinners and your unworthy servants with the grace of the holy Spirit at this hour, and make your dwelling in your servants, who acknowledge their own offences and approach you in faith. And receiving them by your own love for mankind, and pardoning them whatever they have offended by word or deed or in thought, cleanse and purify them from every sin. And, being ever present to them, keep them during the remaining time of their life walking in your statutes so as to be no longer a laughing stock to the devil, that your all-holy name may be glorified in them. [EL]

For yours it is to have mercy and to save us, Christ our God, and to you we give glory, together with your Father, who has no beginning, and your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

3rd Epistle

DEACON

Let us attend.

READER

Prokeimenon Tone 3.

Verse:

PRIEST

Wisdom.

DEACON

The reading is from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians.

PRIEST

Let us attend.

DEACON

1 Cor. 12:27 – 13:8

Brethren, you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace to you.

Alleluia. Tone 2. Psalm 30.

PEOPLE

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Verse: In you, O Lord, have I hoped, let me not be put to shame forever.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

3rd Gospel.

DEACON

Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace to all.

( And to your spirit. )

PRIEST

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

DEACON

Let us attend.

( Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you. )

PRIEST

PEOPLE

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

And the Priest says this Prayer:

PRIEST

3rd Prayer.

Master almighty, holy King, who chastise and do not put to death, who support those who fall and set upright those who are cast down; who correct the bodily afflictions of mankind, we beseech you, our God, to send your mercy upon this Oil and upon those who are anointed from it in your name, that it may become for them for healing of soul and body, and for the cleansing and driving out of every suffering and every disease and every sickness and of every defilement of flesh and spirit. Yes, Lord, send forth from heaven your healing power; touch the body, quench the fever, calm the suffering and chase away every lurking infirmity. Be the physician of your servants; raise them up from their bed of pain and their couch of distress; give them to your Church safe and sound, well-pleasing to you and doing your will. [EL]

For yours it is to have mercy and to save us, O God, our God, and to you we give glory, to Father, Son and holy Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

4th Epistle.

PRIEST

Let us attend.

DEACON

Prokeimenon Tone 4.

Verse:

PRIEST

Wisdom.

DEACON

The reading is from Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians.

PRIEST

Let us attend.

DEACON

2 Cor. (6:16 – 7:1)

Brethren, what agreement can there be between God’s sanctuary and idols? For you are a sanctuary of the living God. Even as God said, “I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore: ‘Come out from among them and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you. I will be a Father to you. You will be to me sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.” Since we have these promises, beloved, let us purify ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, so that we may bring [our] holiness to completion in the fear of God. [EOB]

PRIEST

Peace to you.

Alleluia. Tone 2.

PEOPLE

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Verse: With patience I waited patiently for the Lord, and he attended to me.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

4th Gospel.

DEACON

Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace to all.

( And to your spirit. )

PRIEST

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

DEACON

Let us attend.

( Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you. )

PRIEST

8:14 – 23

At that time, when Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her. She got up and served him. When evening came, many who were possessed with demons were brought to him. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick. Thus, what had been spoken through Isaias the prophet was fulfilled: ‘He took our infirmities, and bore our diseases.’ Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave the order to depart to the other side. A scribe came and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go!” Jesus replied, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another of his disciples said to Jesus, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.” But Jesus replied, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their [own] dead.” When he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. [EOB]

PEOPLE

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

And the Priest says this Prayer:

PRIEST

4th Prayer.

O Lord, who are good and love mankind, compassionate and most merciful, who are great in mercy and rich in loving kindness, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who have empowered us through your holy Apostles to cure the infirmities of the people by oil with prayer, do you yourself prescribe this Oil for healing for those anointed with it, for the expelling of every disease and every sickness, for deliverance from evils of those who await from you salvation. Yes, Master, Lord our God, we beg you, O all powerful, to save us all. Only physician of souls and bodies hallow us all. You heal every disease, heal your servants also; raise them from their bed of pain through the mercy of your goodness; visit them with your mercy and acts of pity. Drive from them every ailment and infirmity, so that having risen by your mighty hand they may serve you with all thanksgiving, in order that we also, who share in your ineffable love for mankind, may now praise and glorify you whose actions are great and wondrous, glorious and transcendent. [EL]

For yours it is to have mercy and to save us, O God, our God, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

5th Epistle

DEACON

Let us attend.

READER

Prokeimenon Tone 5. Psalm 11

You will guard us and protect us, O Lord, from this generation forever.

Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the godly are no more.

PRIEST

Wisdom.

DEACON

The reading is from Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians.

PRIEST

Let us attend.

DEACON

2 Cor. 1:8 – 11

Brethren, we do not want you to be ignorant of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself. Why, we felt that we had received the sentence of death; but that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead; he delivered us from so deadly a peril, and he will deliver us; on him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us in answer to many prayers. [RSV]

Alleluia. Tone 5.

PEOPLE

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Verse: I will sing of your mercies, O Lord, forever.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

5th Gospel.

DEACON

Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace to all.

( And to your spirit. )

PRIEST

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

DEACON

Let us attend.

( Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you. )

PRIEST

25:1-13

The Lord said this parable, “The kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten maidens who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those maidens rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Afterward the other maidens came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of man will come.” [RSV]

PEOPLE

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

And the Priest says this Prayer:

PRIEST

5th Prayer.

Lord our God, who chasten and heal again, who raise the poor from the earth and exalt the pauper from the dung heap, Father of the orphans, haven of the storm tossed and physician of the sick, who carry our infirmities without pain and take our diseases, who are merciful with gentleness, who pass over transgressions and take away injustice, who are swift to help and slow to anger, who breathed on your own Disciples and said: Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; who accept the repentance of sinners and have authority to pardon many and grievous sins, and who grant healing to all live long in infirmity and protracted sickness; who have also called me, your humble, sinful and unworthy servant, who am entangled in many sins and wallow in the passions of pleasures, to the holy and most lofty degree of the Priesthood, and to enter within the veil, into the Holy of Holies, where Angels desire to stoop, and to hear the gospel voice of the Lord God and to see with my own eyes the presence of the holy Oblation, and to delight in the divine and sacred Liturgy; who have counted me worthy to celebrate your holy Mysteries and to offer you gifts and sacrifices for our sins and for those committed in ignorance by your people, and to mediate on behalf of your rational sheep, so that through your great and ineffable love for mankind you would wipe away their offences. Do you, O King supremely good, give ear to my prayer at this hour and on this holy day, and at every hour and in every place, and attend to the voice of my supplication; and give healing to your servants who are in infirmity of soul and body, granting them forgiveness of sins and pardon of offences both voluntary and involuntary, healing their incurable wounds and every disease and every sickness. Give them healing of soul, you who touched Peter’s mother in law and the fever left her and she arose and began to serve you. Do you yourself, Master, grant healing and alleviation of every pain, and remember your rich acts of pity and your mercy. Remember that the thought of man is constantly bent on wicked deeds from his youth and that none is found sinless on earth, for you alone are without sin, who came and save the human race and freed us from the slavery of the enemy; for if you enter into judgement with your servants, no one will be found pure of stain; but every mouth will be shut, having nothing with which to make defence, because all our righteousness is like a tattered rag before you. Therefore do not remember the sin of our youth, Lord. [EL]

For you are the hope of the hopeless and the rest of those who toil and are heavy laden with iniquities, and to you we give glory, together with your Father who has no beginning, and your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

6th Epistle

DEACON

Let us attend.

READER

Prokeimenon Tone 4.

Verse:

PRIEST

Wisdom.

DEACON

The reading is from Paul’s Letter to the Galatians.

PRIEST

Let us attend.

DEACON

Gal. 5:22 – 26, 6:1 – 2

Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace to you.

Alleluia. Tone 6

PEOPLE

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Verse: One who fears the Lord is blessed; he will greatly delight in his commandments.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

DEACON

Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace to all.

( And to your spirit. )

PRIEST

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

DEACON

Let us attend.

( Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you. )

PRIEST

At that time, Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. [RSV]

PEOPLE

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

6th Prayer.

We thank you, Lord our God, who are good and love mankind, and are the physician of our souls and bodies, who bear our diseases without pain, by whose bruises we have been healed; the good shepherd who came to seek for the sheep that had gone astray, who give comfort to the faint-hearted and life to the crushed, who healed the flow of the woman with an issue of blood for twelve years, who healed the daughter of the Canaanite woman of the cruel demon, who forgave the two debtors their debt and gave forgiveness to the sinful woman, who granted healing to the paralysed man with the forgiveness of his sins, who justified the Publican by a word and accepted the Thief by his final confession, who took away the sins of the world and nailed them to the Cross. We beg and implore you: In your loving-kindness loose, forgive, pardon, O God, the iniquities and sins of your servants, their offences both voluntary and involuntary, in knowledge and in ignorance, by transgression and disobedience, by night and by day; or if they are the curse of a Priest or of father or mother; if they have feasted their eyes, indulged their sense of smell, been seduced by touch or fornicated by taste, or by whatever movement of flesh and spirit have become estranged from your will and from your holiness. Pardon whatever sins they or we have committed, for you, O God, are good, you do not remember evil and you love mankind, and do not let them or us fall into a defiled life or run into ways of destruction. Yes, Master and Lord, hearken to me a sinner at this hour on behalf of your servants. Overlook, O God, as you do not remember evil, all their offences, free them from eternal punishment, fill their mouths with your praise, open their lips to glorify your name, stretch out their hands to the doing of your commandments, direct their feet to the course of your Gospel, making all their members and their thoughts safe by your grace. For you are our God, who commanded us by your holy Apostles, saying: Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. And again: If you forgive the sins of any they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any they are retained. And as you hearkened to Ezechias in the affliction of his soul at the hour of his death and did not disregard his petition, even so hearken to me also, your humble, sinful and unworthy servant at this hour as I entreat you. For you, Lord Jesus Christ, are the one who commanded in your goodness and love for mankind to forgive those who fall seventy times seven, and you repent over our evils deeds and rejoice at the turning back of those who have gone astray. [EL]

For as is your majesty so is your mercy. and to you we give glory, together with your Father who has no beginning, and your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

7th Epistle

DEACON

Let us attend.

READER

Prokeimenon Tone 4.

Verse:

PRIEST

Wisdom.

DEACON

The reading is from Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians.

PRIEST

Let us attend.

DEACON

1 Th. 5:14 – 23

We exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all. See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good, both for one another and for all. Rejoice always! Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in everything because this is God’s will in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test all things, and hold firmly to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [EOB]

PRIEST

Peace to you.

Alleluia. Tone 2.

PEOPLE

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Verse: May the Lord hear you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob shield you.

DEACON

Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace to all.

( And to your spirit. )

PRIEST

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to

DEACON

Let us attend.

( Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you. )

PRIEST

9:9-13

At that time, as Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [RSV]

PEOPLE

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

7th Prayer.

Master, Lord our God, physician of souls and bodies, who cure chronic sufferings and heal every disease and sickness among the people, who wish that all should be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth, who do not desire the death of sinners, but rather that they be converted and live. For it was you, Lord, who in the old Testament established repentance for the sinners, David and the Ninevites, and for those before and for those after them. But also during the course of your incarnate dispensation you did not call the righteous, but sinners to repentance, like the Publican, the Harlot, the Thief and the blasphemer and great persecutor Paul, whom you received through repentance. Peter, the leader and your Apostle, who had denied you three times, you received through repentance and accepted and made him this promise: You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven. And therefore, good Master, who love mankind, we too confident in accordance with your faithful promises, beg and implore you at this hour: Hearken to our supplication and accept it like incense offered to you, and visit your servants. And if they have offended in word or deed or by thought, by night or by day, or if they have come under the curse of a Priest, or fallen under their own anathema, or been embittered by a curse and have forsworn themselves, we beg and beseech you: Loose, forgive, pardon them, O God, overlooking their iniquities, their sins and what ever has been committed by them in knowledge and in ignorance. And if they have in anything transgressed your commandments, because they bear flesh and dwell in the world or through the activity of the Devil, as you, O God, are good and love mankind, pardon them. Because there is none who will live and not sin, for you alone are without sin, your righteousness is righteousness for ever and your word is truth. Because you did not fashion humanity for destruction, but for the keeping of your commandments and inheritance of incorruptible life, and to you we give glory, together with your Father who has no beginning, and your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

Then those who make the Efchelaion come among the Priests, and the principal Priest takes the holy Gospel and places it one of their heads. The Priests place their hands on the Gospel. The principal Priest says this Prayer out loud:

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

Prayer of Forgiveness.

Holy King, compassionate and most merciful Lord Jesus Christ, Son and Word of the living God, who do not desire the death of sinners, but hat they turn back and live, I do not place my sinful hand on the heads of these who have approached you in sins and who ask from you through us forgiveness of sins, but do you stretch out your mighty and powerful hand in this holy Gospel, which my fellow celebrants hold upon the heads of your servants. And with them I beg and implore your compassionate love for mankind which does not remember evil. O God our Saviour, who through your Prophet Nathan granted forgiveness to David of his sins when he repented, and received Manasse’s prayer of repentance, do you yourself in your customary love for mankind accept these your servants who repent over their own offences, overlooking all their transgressions. For you are our God who commanded us to forgive those who fall into sins seventy times seven. For as is your majesty so is your mercy.

And to you belong all glory, honour and worship, together with your Father, who has no beginning, and your all-holy Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

And those who make the Efchelaion kiss the holy Gospel. The Priest commemorates them.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

( Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

Then is chanted the following Idiomel in Tone 4.

PEOPLE

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

Holy Unmercenaries, you possess a source of remedies and grant healings to all who ask, for you have been found worthy of the greatest gifts from the unfailing source of the Saviour Christ. For to you, as rivals of the Apostles in zeal, the Lord says: See, I have given you authority against unclean spirits, so as to cast them out and so as to cure every disease and every weakness. And so, having lived your lives well in accordance with his commands, freely you have received, freely you give, as you heal the sufferings of our souls and bodies. [EL]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion.

Tone 4.

Look upon the supplication of your servants, O All-unblemished, bringing to an end the dread assaults that beset us and calming all our distress; for we have only you as safe and sure anchor, and we have obtained your protection. Sovereign Lady, may we who entreat you not be put to shame; make haste to hear the supplication of us who cry to you with faith: Hail, Sovereign Lady, help, joy and protection of all, and salvation of our souls. [EL]

And the Dismissal.

Those who have made the Efchelaion make a prostration and say:

Bless, holy Fathers, and pardon me, a sinner. (three times).

When they have received their blessing and pardon they depart giving thanks to God.