Liturghia Takatifu Jumapili, Juni 8, 2025

Books - Sources

Hieratikon

Pentecostarion

Sunday of the Holy Pentecost

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The Divine Liturgy of Our Father Among the Saints John Chrysostom

The Liturgy of the Catechumens

The Deacon, having received a blessing from the Priest, comes out of the Sanctuary by the North Door and, standing in his usual place in front of the Holy Doors, makes three bows and begins: Master, give the blessing.

The Priest, lifting up the book of the Gospel, and making the sign of the Cross with it over the Antimension, says in a clear voice: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

DEACON

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

PEOPLE And so after each petition.

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

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.

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

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

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.

For our nation (name), the President (name), civil authorities and armed forces, let us pray to the Lord.

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

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

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.

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

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

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 (in a low voice)

Prayer of the First Antiphon

Lord, our God, whose might is beyond compare and whose glory is beyond understanding, whose mercy is without measure and whose love for mankind beyond all telling, look upon us and upon this holy house, Master, according to your loving kindness, and bestow on us and on those who pray with us your acts of rich mercy and compassion.

PRIEST Aloud:

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

PEOPLE

Amen.

First Antiphon Tone 2. Psalm 18.

Verse 1: The heavens declare the glory of God: the firmament proclaims the work of his hands.

At the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us. [EL]

Verse 2: Day to day utters the word: and night to night proclaims knowledge.

At the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us. [EL]

Verse 3: There is no speech or language: where their voices are not heard.

At the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us. [EL]

Verse 3: Their sound has gone out into all the earth: and their words to the ends of the world.

At the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us. [EL]

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.

At the prayers of the Mother of God, O Saviour, save us. [EL]

Short Litany

DEACON

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

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

To you, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Prayer of the Second Antiphon

Lord, our God, save your people and bless your inheritance; protect the fullness of your Church, sanctify those who love the beauty of your house, glorify them in return by your divine power, and do not forsake us who hope in you.

PRIEST Aloud:

For yours is the might, and 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.

Second Antiphon Tone 2. Psalm 19

Verse 1: May the Lord hear you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob shield you. [EL]

Good Paraclete, save us who sing to you: Alleluia! [EL]

Verse 1: May he send you his help from the holy place, and support you from Sion.

Good Paraclete, save us who sing to you: Alleluia! [EL]

Verse 1: May he remember your every sacrifice, and accept with favour your whole burnt offering.

Good Paraclete, save us who sing to you: Alleluia! [EL]

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.

Only-begotten Son and Word of God, * who, being immortal, * accepted for our salvation * to take flesh from the holy Mother of God * and Ever-Virgin Mary, and without change became man; * you were crucified, Christ God, * by death trampling on death, * though being one of the Holy Trinity, * glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: * save us! [EL]

Short Litany

DEACON

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

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

To you, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Prayer of the Third Antiphon

You have given us grace to make these common and united prayers, and have promised that when two or three agree in your name you will grant their requests; fulfil now the petitions of your servants as is expedient, granting us in this present age the knowledge of your truth and in the age to come everlasting life.

PRIEST Aloud:

For you, O God, are good 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.

Third Antiphon Tone 8. Psalm 20

Verse 1: The king will rejoice in your power, O Lord, he will exult exceedingly in your salvation. [EL]

Blessed are you, Christ our God, who revealed the fishermen to be most wise by sending down to them the Holy Spirit, and so through them catching the whole world in a net: Lover of mankind, glory to you!

Verse 2: You gave him his heart’s desire; you did not deny him the request of his lips.

Blessed are you, Christ our God.

Verse 2: For you came to meet him with blessings of goodness; you placed a crown of precious stones upon his head.

Blessed are you, Christ our God.

Verse 2: He asked you for life, and you gave him length of days for age on age.

Blessed are you, Christ our God.

Entrance with the Holy Gospel

While the Doxastikon of the Beatitudes, or the Third Antiphon, is being sung, the Priest and Deacon, standing in front of the Holy Table, make three bows; then the Priest takes the holy Gospel and gives it to the Deacon, who kisses the Priest’s hand. And so they come out through the north door, preceded by lights, and make the Little Entrance. Standing in the middle of the church they bow their heads.

DEACON (in a low voice)

Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Prayer of the Entrance

Master, Lord our God, you have set orders and armies of Angels and Archangels in heaven to minister to your glory; grant that, with our entrance, holy Angels may enter, concelebrating with us, and with us glorifying your goodness. 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.

DEACON (in a low voice)

Master, bless the holy entrance.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Blessed is the entrance of your holy place, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

DEACON Aloud:

Wisdom. Stand upright.

PEOPLE

Entrance Hymn Tone 2.

Be exalted, Lord, in your power; we will sing and praise your mighty acts.

Good Paraclete, [EL]

save us who sing to you: Alleluia!

Hymns After the Small Entrance.

PEOPLE

Apolytikion of the Feast.

Tone 8.

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.

Kontakion of the Feast.

Tone 8.

When the Most High came down he confused the tongues, divided the nations; but when he parted the tongues of fire, he called all to unity, and with one voice we glorify the all-holy Spirit. [EL]

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

PEOPLE

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Prayer of the Trisagion

Holy God, at rest in the holy place, hymned by the Seraphim with the thrice-holy song, glorified by the Cherubim and worshipped by every heavenly Power, out of non-existence you brought the universe into being and created humankind according to your image and likeness, adorning it with every gift of your grace. You give wisdom and understanding to those who ask, and you do not reject the sinner, but for our salvation you have established repentance. You have counted us, your humble and unworthy servants, worthy to stand at this time before the glory of your holy altar, and to offer you due worship and praise. Accept, Master, the thrice-holy hymn even from the mouth of us sinners, and visit us in your goodness. Pardon us every offence, voluntary and involuntary; sanctify our souls and bodies, and grant that we may worship you in holiness all the days of our life; at the prayers of the holy Mother of God and of all the Saints who have been well-pleasing to you in every age.

PRIEST Aloud:

For you, our God, are holy, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever,

DEACON

and to the ages of ages.

PEOPLE

Amen.

Instead of the Trisagion:

Tone 1.

As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia. [EL] (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.

Have put on Christ. Alleluia.

DEACON

Dynamis.

DEACON (in a low voice)

Master, command.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

DEACON (in a low voice)

Master, bless the Throne on high.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Blessed are you on the throne of glory of your Kingdom, who are seated upon the Cherubim, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

PEOPLE

Dynamis.

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

The Readings from the New Testament

The Epistle

Eighth Sunday, of Holy Pentecost.

DEACON

Let us attend.

PRIEST

Peace to all.

PEOPLE

And to your spirit.

DEACON

Wisdom.

READER , coming into the middle of the church, says:

Prokeimenon of the Apostle. Mode 8. A Psalm of David.

Their sound has gone out into all the earth: and their words to the ends of the world. [EL]

Verse: The heavens declare the glory of God: the firmament proclaims the work of his hands. [EL]

DEACON

Let us attend.

READER

The reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.

DEACON

Let us attend.

READER

Acts 2:1 – 11

Now when the day of Pentecost came, they were all with one accord [gathered] in the same place. Suddenly, there came from heaven a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Divided tongues that seemed like fire appeared and one [tongue] rested on each of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak. At that time {of year}, devout Jews from every nation under heaven were staying in Jerusalem. When this sound was heard, a crowd formed and people were bewildered because everyone heard the disciples speaking in his own language. They were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Behold, are not all these who speak Galileans? How is it that we hear everyone [speak] in our own native language? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians: we hear them speaking in our languages [concerning] the deeds of power of God!” [EOB]

PRIEST

Peace to you.

Alleluia. Tone 1. Psalm 32.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Verse 1: By the Word of the Lord the heavens were made firm, and by the Spirit of his mouth all their power. [EL]

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Verse 2: From heaven the Lord has looked upon the earth: he saw all the children of humankind.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

While the Alleluia is being sung the Deacon, taking the censer with incense, approaches the Priest, and having received a blessing for the incense he censes the book of the Gospel, the Holy Table all round, the whole sanctuary, the Priest and, coming out a little from the Holy Doors, the principal icons and the People.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Prayer of the Gospel

Master, Lover of mankind, make the pure light of your divine knowledge shine in our hearts and open the eyes of our mind to understand the message of your Gospel. Implant in us the fear of your blessed commandments, so that, having trampled down all carnal desires, we may pursue a spiritual way of life, thinking and doing all things that are pleasing to you. For you are the illumination of our souls and bodies, Christ God, and to you we give glory, together with your Father who is without beginning, and your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

The Deacon bows his head and says to the priest in a low voice: Master, bless the herald of the Good Tidings of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John

PRIEST

May God, through the prayers of the holy, glorious Apostle and Evangelist John grant you to proclaim the word with much power, for the fulfilling of the Gospel of his Beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

And the Priest hands him the Gospel. The Deacon takes it, saying Amen. And having kissed the Priest’s hand, goes out and preceded by lights makes his way to the Ambo.

The Holy Gospel

Holy Pentecost

DEACON

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

PRIEST

Peace to all.

PEOPLE

And to your spirit.

DEACON

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to John

PRIEST

Let us attend.

PEOPLE

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

Jn. 7:37 – 52; 8:12

Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and spoke loudly, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! From within whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will flow rivers of living water!” But he said this concerning the Spirit, which those believing in him were to receive. For the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. When they heard this saying , many of the people said, “This is truly the prophet!” Others said, “This is the Christ!” Still others said, “What? Does the Christ come out of Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?” And so, there arose a division in the crowd because of him. Some of them would have arrested him, but no one laid hands on him. And so, the officers returned to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not bring him?” The officers answered, “No one has ever spoken like this man!” At this, the Pharisees replied, “You are not also led astray, are you? Have any of the rulers believed in him, or the Pharisees? But this multitude that does not know the law is accursed.” Nicodemus (who had come to him by night, being one of the Pharisees ) said to them, “Does our law judge someone without first hearing from him personally to find out what this person is doing?” They answered him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search, and see that no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.” Then again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” [EOB]

PRIEST

Peace to you.

PEOPLE

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

The Priest takes the Gospel from the Deacon, kisses it and blesses the people with it. He then replaces it on the Holy Table.

The Homily

Then the Preacher instructs the people in the word of God.

Then the Deacon, standing in his usual place, says the following Litany of Fervent Supplication.

Litany of Fervent Supplication

DEACON

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

Lord Almighty, the God of our fathers, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. (three times). )

Also we pray for our Bishop (or Archbishop) N.

Also we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, pardon and forgiveness of sins for the servants of God, all devout and Orthodox Christians, those who dwell in or visit this city and parish, the wardens and members of this church and their families; [and for the servants of God N. & N. (Here the Deacon may name those for whom he has been asked to pray), and all who have asked for our prayers, unworthy though we are.]

Also we pray for the blessed and ever-remembered founders of this holy church, and for all our departed brothers and sisters, Orthodox believers, who have gone to their rest before us and who here and in all the world lie asleep in the Lord; [and for the servants of God N. & N. (Here the Deacon may name those for whom he has been asked to pray), and that they may be pardoned all their offences, both voluntary and involuntary.]

Also we pray for those who bring offerings, those who care for the beauty of this holy and venerable house, for those who labour in its service, for those who sing, and for the people here present, who await your great and rich mercy.

Prayer of Supplication

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Lord, our God, accept this fervent supplication from your servants, and have mercy on us according to the multitude of your mercy; and send down your pity on us and on all your people, who await your rich 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 the Litany for the Catechumens, those preparing for Baptism.

DEACON

Catechumens, pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

Believers, let us pray for the catechumens;

( Lord, have mercy. )

That the Lord will have mercy on them;

( Lord, have mercy. )

Instruct them in the word of truth;

( Lord, have mercy. )

Reveal to them the Gospel of righteousness;

( Lord, have mercy. )

Unite them to his Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

( Lord, have mercy. )

Save them, have mercy on them, help them and keep them, O God, by your grace.

( Lord, have mercy. )

Catechumens, bow your heads to the Lord.

( To you, O Lord. )

Prayer for the Catechumens

(Before the Unfolding of the Antimension)

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Lord, our God, dwelling on high and beholding things below, who for the salvation of mankind sent forth your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, look upon your servants the catechumens, who have bowed their necks to you; and count them worthy in due time of the washing of rebirth, the forgiveness of sins and the garment of incorruption; unite them to your holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, and number them with your chosen flock.

PRIEST

That they also with us may glorify your all-honoured and majestic name, of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

Then the Priest unfolds the Antimension on the Holy Table.

DEACON

As many as are catechumens, depart; catechumens, depart; as many as are catechumens, depart. None of the catechumens!

As many as are believers, again and again in peace, 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. )

Wisdom.

First Prayer of the Faithful

(After the Unfolding of the Antimension)

PRIEST (in a low voice)

We thank you, Lord God of the powers of heaven, for counting us worthy to stand even now before your holy altar and humbly to seek your compassion for our sins and for those committed in ignorance by the people. Receive our supplication, O God; make us worthy to offer you prayers and entreaties and unbloody sacrifices for all your people. And enable us, whom you have appointed to this your ministry by the power of your Holy Spirit, to invoke you at every time and place without blame and without condemnation, with the witness of a pure conscience, so that you may hear us and be merciful to us in the abundance of your goodness.

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. )

DEACON

Again and again in peace, 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. )

Wisdom.

And he enters the Sanctuary.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Second Prayer of the Faithful

Again and many times we fall down before you and pray you, who are good and the lover of mankind, that heeding our prayer you will cleanse our souls and bodies from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and will grant us to stand without guilt or condemnation before your holy altar. Give also to those who pray with us the grace of progress in right living, in faith and spiritual understanding. Grant that always worshipping you with fear and love, they may partake of your holy mysteries without guilt or condemnation, and be counted worthy of your heavenly kingdom.

PRIEST Aloud:

That being always guarded by your might, we may give glory to you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

PEOPLE

Amen.

Cherubic Hymn and Great Entrance

The Chanters begin the Cherubic Hymn to a slow and solemn melody, in the dominant Tone of the day:

PEOPLE

We, who in a mystery represent the Cherubim and sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-giving Trinity, let us now lay aside every care of this life. For we are about to receive the King of all.

While it is being sung, the Priest, in front of the Holy Table, reads, in a low voice, the Prayer of the Cherubic Hymn.

Prayer of the Cherubic Hymn

PRIEST (in a low voice)

None of those who are entangled in carnal desires and pleasures is worthy to approach or draw near or minister to you, King of glory; for to serve you is great and awesome even for the heavenly powers. Yet on account of your inexpressible and boundless love for mankind you became man without change or alteration and were named our High Priest; and as Master of all you have committed to us the sacred ministry of this liturgy without shedding of blood. For you alone, Lord our God, are Ruler over all things in heaven and on earth, mounted on the throne of the Cherubim, Lord of the Seraphim and King of Israel, the only Holy One, resting in the holy place. Therefore I entreat you, who alone are good and ready to hear: Look upon me, your sinful and unprofitable servant, and purify my soul and heart from an evil conscience. By the power of your Holy Spirit enable me, clothed with the grace of the priesthood, to stand at this your Holy Table and celebrate the mystery of your holy and most pure Body and your precious Blood. For to you I come, bending my neck and praying: Do not turn away your face from me, nor reject me from among your children, but count me, your sinful and unworthy servant, worthy to offer these gifts to you. For you are the one who offers and is offered, who receives and is distributed, Christ our God, and to you we give glory, together with your Father, who is without beginning, and your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

After the prayer the Priest and the Deacon say the Cherubic Hymn three times, as follows:

PRIEST

We, who in a mystery represent the Cherubim and sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-giving Trinity, let us now lay aside every care of this life.

DEACON

For we are about to receive the King of all. Invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Then the Priest, or Deacon, takes the censer and censes the Holy Table, the Sanctuary, the principal icons and the People, coming out a little from the holy Doors.

In a low voice he says, if it is Sunday, Having seen the Resurrection of Christ, let us worship the Holy Lord Jesus, the only sinless one. We worship your Cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify your holy Resurrection. For you are our God; we know no other but you; we name you by name. Come, all the faithful, let us worship the holy Resurrection of Christ; for behold through the Cross, joy has come in all the world. Ever blessing the Lord, we sing his Resurrection. For having endured the Cross for us, by death he has destroyed death.

If it is not a Sunday he says, 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.

He then says Psalm 50, excluding the last two verses which begin, Do good, Lord, ...to Sion.

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.

Then he enters the Sanctuary and puts away the censer. Then both of them, coming in front of the Holy Table make three bows, and say quietly troparia of compunction. They kiss the Antimension and the Holy Table, bow again and then turn to the people and bow to them, saying: Forgive me. or similar words.

They go to the table of the Prothesis, and having made three bows they kiss the covered Holy Gifts, saying: God, cleanse me a sinner.

Then the Deacon says to the Priest: Master, lift up.

The Priest lifts the Aer and places it on the shoulders of the Deacon, saying: Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord.

Then he gives the Deacon the Paten, while he himself takes the Chalice.

When the Chanters reach the end of the first part of the Cherubic Hymn, the Deacon and the Priest come out from the north door of the Sanctuary, preceded by exapteryga, lights and incense, as they make the Great Entrance. As they process they proclaim, one after the other:

May the Lord God remember you all in his Kingdom always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

PEOPLE

Amen.

And they complete the Cherubic Hymn:

PEOPLE

For we are about to receive the King of all. Invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

The Priest and Deacon enter the Sanctuary.

The Deacon, stands to the right in front of the Holy Table and says to the Priest as he enters (in a low voice): May the Lord God remember your priesthood in his Kingdom, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

And the Priest, as he enters, says to him (in a low voice): May the Lord God remember your diaconate in his Kingdom, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

Then the Priest places the Chalice on the Holy Table, takes the Paten from the Deacon and places it to the left of the Chalice, saying (in a low voice): The noble Joseph taking down your spotless Body from the tree, wrapped it in a clean shroud with sweet spices and laid it for burial in a new grave.

Then he takes the covers from the sacred Paten and the Holy Chalice and lays them to one side on the Holy Table. He takes the Aer from the shoulders of the Deacon, holds it over the censer and lays it over the Chalice and Paten. Then he takes the censer and censes the Gifts three times, as the Deacon says:

DEACON

Do good, Master.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

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 justice, oblation and whole burnt offerings. Then they will offer calves upon your altar.

He puts away the censer and, bowing his head, says to the Deacon (in a low voice):

Remember me, brother and fellow celebrant.

DEACON (in a low voice)

The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

The Spirit himself will concelebrate with us all the days of our life.

And the Deacon, having answered Amen. kisses the Priest’s right hand and goes out and stands in his usual place and says the Litany of the Precious Gifts.

Litany of the Precious Gifts

DEACON

Let us complete our prayer to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

For the precious gifts here set forth, 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 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. )

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

( Grant this, O Lord. )

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

( Grant this, O Lord. )

Pardon and forgiveness of our sins and offences, let us ask of the Lord.

( Grant this, O Lord. )

Those things that are good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord.

( Grant this, O Lord. )

That we may live out the rest of our days in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord.

( Grant this, O Lord. )

A Christian end to our life, painless, unashamed and peaceful, and a good defence before the dread judgement seat of Christ, let us ask.

( Grant this, O Lord. )

( To you, O Lord. )

Prayer of Offering

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Lord, God, the Almighty, who alone are holy and who accept a sacrifice of praise from those who call on you with all their heart, accept also the supplication of us sinners, bring us to your holy altar, and enable us to offer you gifts and spiritual sacrifices for our sins and those committed in ignorance by the people. Count us worthy to find grace in your sight, that our sacrifice may be well pleasing to you and that the good Spirit of your grace may rest on us and on these gifts here set forth, and on all your people.

PRIEST

Through the compassion of your only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

PEOPLE

Amen.

PRIEST

Peace to all.

PEOPLE

And to your spirit.

DEACON

Let us love one another, that with one mind we may confess:

PEOPLE

Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Trinity consubstantial and undivided.

The Priest bows three times and kisses the Aer over the Gifts, saying in a low voice: I will love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my firm foundation, my refuge and my deliverer.

Likewise the Deacon, standing in his place, bows three times and kisses the Cross on his orarion. At a concelebrated Liturgy the Priests here exchange the Kiss of Peace, the senior saying: Christ is in our midst. , to which the junior answers: He is and will be.

If there is more than one Deacon they also exchange the Kiss with one another in the same way on the solea.

The Creed

DEACON

The doors, the doors. With wisdom let us attend.

PEOPLE

I believe in one God, * Father, Almighty,* Maker of heaven and earth,* and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord, Jesus Christ,* the only-begotten Son of God, * begotten from the Father * before all ages, * Light from Light, * true God from true God, * begotten * not made, * consubstantial with the Father,* through him all things were made. * For our sake and for our salvation * he came down from heaven, * and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit * and the Virgin Mary * and became man. * He was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate,* and suffered and was buried; * he rose again on the third day, * in accordance with the Scriptures, * and ascended into heaven * and is seated at the right hand of the Father. * He is coming again in glory * to judge the living and the dead, * and his kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, * the Lord, * the Giver of life, * who proceeds from the Father, * who together with Father and Son is worshipped * and together glorified; * who spoke through the Prophets. * In one, Holy, * Catholic and Apostolic Church. * I confess one Baptism * for the forgiveness of sins. * I await the resurrection of the dead * and the life of the age to come. [EL]

PEOPLE

Amen.

While the Creed is being said the Priest lifts the Aer and waves it above the Chalice and Paten. At the words and ascended into heaven..., he kisses the Cross in the middle of it, folds it and puts it to one side with the veils.

The Holy Oblation

DEACON

Let us stand with awe; let us stand with fear; let us attend to the holy oblation, that in peace we may offer,

PEOPLE

Mercy, peace: a sacrifice of praise.

The Deacon re-enters the Sanctuary.

PRIEST (blessing the People with his hand)

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

PEOPLE

And with your spirit.

PRIEST (raising his hands)

Let our hearts be on high.

PEOPLE

We have them with the Lord.

PRIEST

Let us give thanks to the Lord.

PEOPLE

It is right and fitting.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

It is right and fitting to hymn you, to bless you, to praise you, to give you thanks, to worship you in every place of your dominion; for you are God, ineffable, incomprehensible, invisible, inconceivable, ever existing, eternally the same; you and your only-begotten Son and your Holy Spirit. You brought us out of non-existence into being, and when we had fallen you raised us up again, and left nothing undone until you had brought us up to heaven and had granted us your Kingdom that is to come. For all these things we give thanks to you, and to your only-begotten Son and your Holy Spirit; for all the benefits that we have received, known and unknown, manifest and hidden. We thank you also for this liturgy which you have been pleased to accept from our hands, though there stand around you thousands of archangels and tens of thousands of angels, the Cherubim and the Seraphim, six-winged and many-eyed, soaring aloft upon their wings,

PRIEST

singing, crying, shouting the triumphal hymn, and saying:

PEOPLE

Holy, holy, holy, Lord Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

The Deacon takes the Star from the Paten, making the sign of the Cross with it over the Paten, kisses it and lays it aside on the Holy Table.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

With these blessed Powers, Master, Lover of mankind, we also cry aloud and say: Holy are you and all-holy, you and your only-begotten Son and your Holy Spirit. Holy are you and all-holy, and magnificent is your glory. This is how you loved your world: you gave your only-begotten Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish, but have eternal life. And, when he had come and had fulfilled the whole dispensation for us, in the night in which he was given up, or rather gave himself up, for the life of the world, he took bread in his holy, most pure and unblemished hands and, when he had given thanks and had blessed, sanctified and broken it, gave it to his holy Disciples and Apostles, saying:

PRIEST

Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken for you, for the forgiveness of sins.

PEOPLE

Amen.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Likewise after supper he also took the cup, saying:

PRIEST

Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for forgiveness of sins.

PEOPLE

Amen.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Remembering therefore this our Saviour’s command and all that has been done for us: the Cross, the Tomb, the Resurrection on the third day, the Ascension into heaven, the Sitting at the right hand, the second and glorious Coming again,

The Deacon crosses his hands and elevates the Chalice and Paten.

PRIEST

offering you your own from your own — in all things and for all things —

PEOPLE

we praise you, we bless you, we give thanks to you, O Lord, and we pray to you, our God.

The Priest, bowing his head, says: (in a low voice)

Also we offer you this spiritual worship without shedding of blood, and we ask, pray and implore you: send down your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts here set forth,

Then the Deacon, pointing to the holy Bread with his orarion, says (in a low voice):

Master, bless the holy Bread.

The Priest blesses the holy Bread, saying:

and make this bread the precious Body of your Christ,

( Amen. )

Then the Deacon, pointing to the Chalice with his orarion, he says (in a low voice):

Master, bless the holy Cup.

The Priest blesses the Chalice, saying:

and what is in this Cup the precious Blood of your Christ,

( Amen. )

Then he, pointing to them both, says (in a low voice):

Master, bless them both.

Priest, blessing both the Chalice and Paten, says:

changing them by your Holy Spirit,

( Amen, Amen, Amen. )

The Priest, bowing profoundly, continues (in a low voice):

so that those who partake of them may obtain vigilance of soul, forgiveness of sins, communion of the Holy Spirit, fulness of the Kingdom of heaven, freedom to speak in your presence, not judgement or condemnation. Also we offer you this spiritual worship for those who have gone to their rest in faith, Forefathers, Fathers, Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Preachers, Evangelists, Martyrs, Confessors, Ascetics and every righteous spirit made perfect in faith;

As he censes from in front of the holy Table, the Priest says, aloud:

PRIEST

Above all for our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin, Mary.

PEOPLE

Grave Mode.

Conceiving without knowing corruption, lending your flesh to the Word, the deviser of all, Mother knowing no man, Virgin Mother of God, vessel of the uncontainable, space for your infinite Maker, we magnify you. [EL]

The Priest gives the censer to the Deacon, who censes around the Holy Table and, in a low voice, re- members to himself those whom he wishes of the dead, while the Priest continues:

PRIEST (in a low voice)

For the holy Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles, for Saint N, whose memory we keep today, and for all your Saints, at whose prayers visit us, O God. Remember too all those who have fallen asleep in hope of resurrection to eternal life (N and N), and give them rest where the light of your countenance watches. Also we beseech you: Remember, Lord, all Orthodox bishops, who rightly discern the word of your truth, the whole order of presbyters, the diaconate in Christ, all the clergy and the whole monastic order. Also we offer you this spiritual worship for the whole world, for the holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, for those who live in chastity and holiness of life; for our faithful Christian rulers, and all their household. Grant them, Lord, a peaceful reign, so that in their tranquillity we too may live calm and peaceful lives in godliness and holiness.

CLERGY

First of all, remember, Lord, our Bishop (or Archbishop) N. and grant that he may serve your holy churches in peace, safety, honour, health, and length of days, rightly discerning the word of your truth.

The Deacon, standing at the Holy Door, recites the Diptychs of the living and then exclaims: And those whom each one has in mind, and each and all.

PEOPLE

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

And those whom each one has in mind, and each and all.

PEOPLE

And each and all.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Remember, Lord, this city in which we dwell, and every city, town and village, and the faithful who dwell in them. Remember, Lord, those who travel by land, air, or water, the sick, the suffering, those in captivity, and their safety and salvation. Remember, Lord, those who bring offerings, those who care for the beauty of your holy churches, and those who remember the poor, and send down upon us all your rich mercies.

PRIEST

And grant that with one voice and one heart we may glorify and praise your all-honoured and majestic name, of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

PEOPLE

Amen.

The Priest blesses the People with his hand, saying:

PRIEST

And the mercies of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, shall be with all of you.

PEOPLE

And with your spirit.

The Deacon comes out and stands in his usual place.

Litany Before the Lord's Prayer

DEACON

Having commemorated all the saints, again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

For the precious gifts here set forth and sanctified, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

That our God, who loves mankind, having accepted them on his holy and immaterial Altar above the heavens, as a savour of spiritual fragrance, may send down upon us in return his divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.

( Lord, have mercy. )

Having asked for the unity of the faith and the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ, our God.

( To you, O Lord. )

PRIEST (in a low voice)

To you, Master, Lover of mankind, we entrust our whole life and our hope, and we entreat, pray and implore you: count us worthy to partake of your heavenly and awesome Mysteries at this sacred and spiritual Table with a pure conscience, for the forgiveness of sins and pardon of offences, for communion of the Holy Spirit, for inheritance of the Kingdom of heaven and for confidence before you; not for judgement or condemnation.

PRIEST

And count us worthy, Master, with confidence and without condemnation to dare to call upon you, the God of heaven, as Father, and to say:

PEOPLE

The Lord's Prayer

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.

( Amen. )

PRIEST

Peace to all.

( And to your spirit. )

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

( To you, O Lord. )

PRIEST (in a low voice)

We thank you, King invisible, who by your boundless power created all things, in the abundance of your mercy bringing them into being out of nothing. Look down from heaven, Master, on those who have bowed their heads to you; for they have bowed not to flesh and blood, but to you, the God before whom we stand in awe. Make smooth, then, our path for our good, Master, through what lies before us, according to the need of each: sail with those sail, journey with those who journey, heal the sick, for you are the physician of our souls and bodies.

PRIEST

Through the grace and compassion and love towards mankind of your only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

Holy Communion of the Clergy and People

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Give heed, Lord Jesus Christ our God, from your holy dwelling-place and from the glorious throne of your kingdom; and come to sanctify us, you who are enthroned on high with the Father and invisibly present here with us. And with your mighty hand grant communion in your most pure Body and precious Blood to us, and through us to all the people.

Then the Priest, and the Deacon, in his usual place, bow three times, saying (in a low voice): God, cleanse me a sinner.

DEACON

Let us attend.

The Priest elevates the Holy Bread and says aloud:

PRIEST

The Holy Things for the Holy.

PEOPLE

One is holy, one is Lord: Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

PEOPLE

I believe, O Lord, and I confess that you are truly Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. And I believe that this is truly your most pure Body, and that this is truly your own precious Blood. Therefore, I pray: Have mercy on me and forgive me my transgressions, voluntary or involuntary, in word and in deed, in knowledge or in ignorance; and grant me to partake of your most pure Mysteries without condemnation, to the remission of sins and life everlasting. Amen.

Behold I approach the divine Communion! O Maker, do not consume me as I partake; For you are Fire, consuming the unworthy; But purify me of every stain.

Of your mystical Supper, Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; for I will not tell of the Mystery to your enemies; I will not give you a kiss, like Judas; but like the Thief I confess you: Remember me, Lord, in your Kingdom.

You see the deifying Blood: have fear. * It is a coal consuming the unworthy. * God''s Body deifies and nourishes * Me strangely; both my spirit and my mind.

You have smitten me with longing, O Christ, and changed me by your divine love; but with your immaterial fire burn up my sins and count me worthy to be filled with delight in you, that as I leap for joy, O Good One, I may magnify your first and second Comings.

How shall I, the unworthy, enter among the splendours of your Saints? For if I dare to enter with them into the bridal chamber, my dress convicts me, for it is not a wedding garment, and I shall be bound and cast out by the Angels. Cleanse the stain of my soul, Lord, and save me, as you love humankind.

Master, lover of humankind, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, do not let these holy Mysteries be for my condemnation because I am unworthy, but rather for the cleansing and sanctification of both soul and body and as a pledge of the life and kingdom to come. It is good for me to cleave to God, to place in the Lord the hope of my salvation.

The Singers continue with the Communion Chant.

PEOPLE

Communion Hymn.

Your good Spirit will guide me in an upright land. [EL] Alleluia.

Show Selected Verses

Selected Psalm Verses for Pentecost

1. The heavens declare the glory of God: the firmament proclaims the work of his hands. [EL] (18:2)

2. By the Word of the Lord the heavens were made firm, and by the Spirit of his mouth all their power. [EL] (32:6)

3. From heaven the Lord has looked upon the earth: he saw all the children of humankind. [EL] (32:13)

4. (49:3)

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

22.

23.

24.

Hide Selected Verses

DEACON

With fear of God, with faith and love, draw near.

The Body and Blood of Christ, for the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life.

PEOPLE

PRIEST

O God, save your people, and bless your inheritance.

PEOPLE

Tone 8.

DEACON (in a low voice)

Master, exalt.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; and your glory over all the earth. (three times).

Blessed is our God.

PRIEST Aloud:

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

Amen.

Thanksgiving and Dismissal

DEACON

Stand upright. Having received the divine, holy, pure, immortal, heavenly, life-giving and dread Mysteries of Christ, let us give worthy thanks to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

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

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

Having asked that the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

To you, O Lord.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Prayer of Thanksgiving

We thank you, Lord, lover of mankind, benefactor of our souls, that you have counted us worthy today of your heavenly and immortal Mysteries. Make straight our way, establish us all in the fear of you, watch over our life, and make firm our steps, through the prayers and intercessions of the glorious Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, and of all your Saints.

PRIEST Aloud:

For you are our sanctification, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

Amen.

Dismissal

Let us go forth in peace.

Let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Prayer Behind the Ambo

O Lord, you bless those who bless you, and sanctify those who have put their trust in you: save your people and bless your inheritance; protect the fullness of your Church; sanctify those who love the beauty of your house; glorify them in return by your divine power, and do not forsake us who hope in you. Give peace to your world, to your churches, to the priests, to our rulers, and to all your people. For every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from you, the Father of lights; and to you we give glory, thanksgiving and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

Amen.

(three times).

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Christ, our God, the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets, you have fulfilled all the Father’s dispensation. Fill our hearts with joy and gladness, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

The blessing of the Lord and his mercy be upon you, by his grace and love for mankind, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

Amen.

PRIEST

May Christ, our true God, through the prayers of his most pure and holy Mother, by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, through the protection of the honoured, Bodiless Powers of heaven, through the intercessions of the honoured, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John, of the holy, glorious and all-praised Apostles, of the holy, glorious and triumphant Martyrs, of our venerable and God-bearing Fathers and Mothers, N. [the patron of the church] of the holy and righteous forebears of God, Joachim and Anna, and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for he is good and loves mankind.

PEOPLE

O Lord, protect the one who blesses us and sanctifies us, for many years.

PRIEST

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

Amen.