The Priest and Deacon bow to the Hierarch. Then they proceed in andirion, exorason and kalymavkion to the closed Holy Doors. The Deacon stands to the right of the Priest. They make three metanies saying in a low voice:

O God, forgive me the sinner and have mercy on me. (Three times)

Deacon: Give the blessing, Master.

Priest: Blessed is our God at all times, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Heavenly King, Consoler, the Spirit of Truth, present in all places and filling all things, the Treasury of blessings and the Giver of life, come, O Good One, and dwell in us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls.

Deacon: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us. (Three times)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

All-Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, look upon us and heal our infirmities for your name's sake.

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

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

Priest: For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

Deacon: Amen.

Priest: Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us. At a loss for any defense, we sinners offer this prayer to You, the Master: have mercy on us.

Deacon: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Lord, have mercy on us, for we have put our trust in You. Rise not in anger against us, remember not our transgressions, but in the depth of Your mercy look upon us even now and save us from our enemies: for You are our God and we are Your people, we are all the work of Your hands and we constantly call upon Your name.

Priest: Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Holy Doors and curtains are opened.

Blessed Theotokos, open the portal of your deep mercy to us who put our trust in you, so that we may not be brought to confusion, but through you may be delivered from adversity, for you are the salvation of the Christian fold.

They stand before the icon of Christ, heads uncovered and bowed in worship:

Priest: Before Your most pure image we bow in worship, O Good One, begging forgiveness for our stumblings, Christ God, because You chose of Your own free will to ascend upon the cross in the flesh in order to deliver from the enemy's yoke those You had created. For this reason we cry out to You in thanksgiving: "You, our Savior, have filled all things with joy when You came to save the world."

They kiss the icon of Christ. Then they go before the icon of the Theotokos:

O Theotokos, since you became a fountain of mercy, count us worthy of your compassion; look upon a people that has sinned, show forth your power as you always do. Because we have put our trust in you, we hail you as once did Gabriel, the captain of the angels.

They kiss the icon, return before the Holy Doors, heads uncovered, and bow down. The Priest alone recites this prayer, raising his hands in supplication:

Priest: Lord, stretch forth Your hand from Your dwelling place on high, and strengthen me for Your ministry now forthcoming, so that I may stand without condemnation before Your awesome Judgment Seat and complete the unbloody sacrifice. For Yours is the power and the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

They enter the Holy Place, the Priest from the North Door and the Deacon from the South Door, saying:

I shall enter into Your dwelling place; before Your holy temple I will bow in fear of You.

They make three metanies before the Holy Table. The Priest kisses the Holy Gospel and the Holy Table, and the Deacon the Table only. Then they go to the Sacristy to vest.

The Priest stands before the Prothesis. The Deacon stands to his right. They bow three times, saying:

O God, forgive me the sinner and have mercy on me. (Three times)

Priest: You have redeemed us from the curse of the Law by Your precious Blood. By being nailed to the cross and wounded with the lance, You have become for us the fountain of immortality. Glory to you, our Savior.

Deacon: Bless, Master.

Priest: Blessed is our God at all times, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Five or seven prosphora are used for the Divine Liturgy. The Priest takes what is necessary for the day's liturgy and prepares the rest as antidoron. For simplification, only one prosphoron need be used. In the event of a large number of communicants, a second Diskos, or even more, may be prepared for the Communion of the faithful.

Taking the first prosphoron in his left hand and the holy lance in his right hand, the Priest makes the sign of the cross on it with the lance, saying each time:

Priest: In remembrance of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. (Three times)

The Deacon, standing with reverence at the right hand of the Priest and holding the orarion with the three fingers of his right hand, points to the prosphoron. At each cutting he says:

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

The Priest thrusts the holy lance into the right side of the seal and makes an incision, saying:

Like a sheep, He was led to the slaughter.

Into the left side of the seal, saying:

Like a spotless lamb silent before its shearer, He opens not His mouth.

Into the top side of the seal, saying:

In His humiliation, His judgment was taken away.

And into the bottom side, saying:

And who shall declare His generation?

Deacon: Lift up, Master.

The Priest, thrusting the lance obliquely under the seal, lifts it out, saying:

For His life was taken away from the earth.

And he puts it upside down on the Diskos.

Deacon: Immolate, Master.

The Priest immolates the Lamb by incising a cross in it without cutting it through and says:

Priest: The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world is immolated for the life and salvation of the world.

Then he turns the Lamb over with the seal facing up.

Deacon: Pierce, Master.

He pierces it on the right side, below the letters IC, saying:

Priest: One of the soldiers pierced His side with a lance, and at once there poured forth blood and water, and he who saw it bore witness, and his witness is true.

The Deacon pours wine and a little water into the Chalice, saying to the Priest:

Deacon: Bless, Master, this holy union.

Priest: Blessed is the union of Your holy things, at all times, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Particles

The Priest takes a second prosphoron or cuts the triangular portion from the same prosphoron, saying:

In honor and memory of our most highly blessed and glorious Lady the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, through whose prayers do You, Lord, receive this sacrifice upon Your Altar in Heaven.

He places the particle on the Diskos to the left of the Lamb, saying:

At Your right stood the Queen, clothed in an embroidered mantle of gold.

He takes a third prosphoron or cuts a particle from the first one, puts it on the Diskos to the right of the Lamb, starting the first row, and says:

In honor and memory of the great captains of the angelic armies, Michael and Gabriel, and of all the heavenly bodiless powers.

He cuts another particle and places it below the first, saying:

Of the honorable and glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist; of the holy glorious prophets Moses and Aaron, Elias and Elisha, and David son of Jesse; of the Three Holy Youths and the prophet Daniel; and of all the holy prophets.

He cuts another particle and places it below the previous, saying:

Of the holy, glorious and illustrious Apostles Peter and Paul and of all the holy Apostles.

He cuts another particle and starts a second row, saying:

Of our fathers among the saints the great hierarchs and universal teachers Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, Athanasios and Cyril, Nicholas of Myra, and all the holy hierarchs.

He cuts another particle and places it below the previous, saying:

Of the holy first martyr and archdeacon Stephen, of the holy great martyrs Demetrios, George and Theodore the Recruit, and of all the holy men and women martyrs.

He cuts another particle and places it below the previous, saying:

Of our saintly fathers the God-Bearers Anthony the Great, Euthymios, Sabbas, Onouphrios, Athanasios of Athos, and all our other venerable fathers and mothers.

He cuts another particle and starts a third row, saying:

Of the holy wonderworkers laboring without pay Cosmas and Damian, Cyrus and John, Panteleimon and Hermolaos, and of all the holy ones laboring without pay.

He cuts another particle and places it below the previous, saying:

Of the holy and just ancestors of Christ God, Joachim and Ann, of St. N. patron of this holy church (or this holy monastery), of St. N. whose memory we celebrate today, and of all the saints, through whose prayers visit us, O God.

He cuts another particle and places it below the previous, saying:

Of our father among the saints John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople.

He takes a fourth prosphoron or cuts a particle from the same one and places it below the holy Lamb saying:

Remember, Master who love mankind, all the Orthodox Bishops, our Father and Bishop N, his honorable presbyterate, the diaconate in Christ, and all the clergy, (in monasteries, our venerable Father Superior N.), our brothers and fellow ministers, priests, deacons, and all our brethren whom in the depth of Your compassion You have called to communion with You, all-good Master.

He cuts another particle, places it next to the previous and commemorates by name those of the living whom he will, first the bishop who ordained him, if he is still alive.

He takes a fifth prosphoron or cuts a particle from the same one and begins another row, saying:

In memory and for the remission of sins of the blessed founders of this holy church (or monastery).

He cuts another particle, places it beside the preceding one, commemorates the bishop who ordained him, if deceased, and mentions by name those of the deceased whom he wishes, saying:

Remember all our Orthodox fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection to eternal life and in communion with You, O Lord who love mankind.

Then the Priest cuts particles in remembrance of those whom the Deacon wishes among the living and the dead and places them in the appropriate rows on the Diskos. The Priest cuts a final particle and places it with the other particles saying:

Remember also, Lord, my own unworthiness and pardon my transgressions, the deliberate and the indeliberate.

Individual particles for the Communion of the Faithful can be cut and added to the Diskos at this point.

The Incensing

The Deacon presents the lighted censer to the Priest saying:

Deacon: Bless the incense, Master. Let us pray to the Lord.

Priest: We offer You incense, Christ our God, for an odor of spiritual fragrance. Receive it on Your altar in Heaven, and send down upon us in return the grace of Your All-Holy Spirit.

The Priest holds the asterisk for the Deacon to cense.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

The Priest opens the Asterisk and places it over the bread on the Diskos, saying:

Priest: And the star came to rest over the place where the Child was.

The Priest holds the veil of the Diskos for the Deacon to cense.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Adorn, Master.

The Priest covers the Diskos with the veil, saying:

Priest: The Lord is King, He has put on splendor; the Lord has put on might and has girded Himself with strength.

He takes the second veil and holds it for the Deacon to cense.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Veil, Master.

The Priest covers the Chalice with the veil, saying:

Priest: Your majesty, O Christ, has covered the heavens and the earth is filled with your praise.

Finally he takes the large veil and holds it for the Deacon to cense.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Cover, Master.

The Priest covers both the Diskos and the Chalice, saying:

Priest: Cover us over with the cover of Your wings; drive away from us every enemy and foe; make life peaceful for us. Lord, have mercy on us and on Your world, and save our souls, for You are good and love mankind.

Taking the censer from the Deacon, the Priest censes the oblations three times, saying each time:

Priest: Blessed are You, our God, who were pleased so to do, glory to You at all times.

The Deacon says each time:

Deacon: Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon takes the censer from the Priest. They both reverently bow three times. The Deacon says:

Deacon: For the offering of these precious gifts, let us pray to the Lord.

The Offering Prayer

Raising his hands, the Priest recites the Offering Prayer:

Priest: O God, our God, who sent forth the Heavenly Bread, food for the whole world, our Lord and God Jesus Christ, as a Savior, Redeemer and Benefactor to bless and sanctify us: be pleased to bless this offering and to accept it on Your Altar in Heaven. In Your goodness and love for mankind, remember both those who offer it and those for whom it is offered. Hold us uncondemned in the celebration of Your divine mysteries, for hallowed and glorified is Your most noble and magnificent name, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

Deacon: Amen.

The Priest concludes the Prothesis, saying:

Priest: Glory to You, Christ God, our hope, glory to You.

Deacon: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (Three times)

Give the blessing, Master, in the name of the Lord.

Priest: May Christ our true God, (who is risen from the dead, if it is a Sunday,) through the prayers of His all-pure Mother, of our father among the saints John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.

Deacon: Amen.

Glory to You, Who show forth the light! Glory to God in the highest. Peace on earth and good will among men.

We praise You, we bless You, we worship You, we glorify You, and we give thanks to You for the splendor of Your glory.

O Lord King, O Heavenly God, Father Almighty, O Lord, Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and You, All-Holy Spirit.

O Lord God, O Lamb of God, O Son of the Father, who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, O You who take away the sins of the world.

Accept our supplication, O You who are enthroned at the right hand of God the Father, and have mercy on us.

For You alone are Holy, You alone are the Lord Jesus Christ, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Every day will I bless You, and sing to Your name, always and forever and ever.

Deign, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.

Blessed are You O Lord, God of our Fathers; praised and glorified is Your name forever. Amen.

O Lord, let Your mercy rest upon us for we have placed our trust in You.

Blessed are You, O Lord, teach me Your statutes. (Three times)

O Lord, You have been for us a refuge from age to age. I said: Lord, have mercy on me and heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.

O Lord, to You I come for shelter, teach me to obey Your will, for You are my God.

For with You is the fountain of life, and in Your light we shall see light.

Extend Your mercy upon those who confess You.

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us. (Three times)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us.

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us.

The Resurrectional Troparia

To be followed by the Troparion of Sunday or the feast commemorated.

For ordinary Sundays: If it is the 1st, 3rd, 5th or 7th tone, the following Troparion is chanted in the 2nd tone or in the same tone as the Doxology:

Today salvation has come to the world; let us sing to Him who is risen from the tomb, the author of our life, for He has crushed death by His death and bestowed upon us victory and great mercy.

If it is the 2nd, 4th, 6th or 8th tone, the following Troparion is chanted in the 2nd tone or in the same tone as the Doxology:

When You rose from the tomb and broke the fetters of Hades, You abolished the sentence of death, O Lord, and thus delivered all men from the snares of the enemy. Appearing to the Apostles, You sent them out to preach, and through them, bestowed Your peace upon the world: O You who alone are full of mercy.

The Deacon censes the Holy Table saying:

Being God, You were present in the tomb by Your body, and yet in Hades by Your soul, in Paradise with the thief, and enthroned, O Christ, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, filling all things but encompassed by none.

The Deacon censes the Holy Place, the holy icons and the whole nave, reciting Psalm 50. Then he enters the Holy Place by the South Door, censes the Holy Table and the Prothesis again and the Priest. He returns the censer to the server and joins the Priest.

The Priest and Deacon stand before the Holy Table. They uncover their heads, and raise their hands saying the following prayer:

Priest and Deacon: Heavenly King, Consoler, the Spirit of Truth, present in all places and filling all things, the Treasury of blessings and the Giver of Life, come, O Good One, and dwell in us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls.

Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will to men. (Twice)

O Lord, You shall open my lips and my mouth will declare Your praise. (Once)

The Priest kisses the Gospel and the Holy Table, while the Deacon kisses the Holy Table only.

Deacon: It is the time for us to work for the Lord. Give the blessing, Master.

Priest: Blessed is our God at all times, now and always and forever and ever.

Deacon: Amen. Pray for me, Master.

Priest: May the Lord direct your steps to every good deed.

Deacon: Holy Master, remember me.

Priest: May the Lord remember you in His Kingdom at all times, now and always and forever and ever.

Deacon: Amen.

He kisses the Priest's right hand, bows before the Holy Table, replaces his hat and exits the Holy Place from the North Door, and standing before the Holy Doors, he reverently bows three times saying:

O Lord, You shall open my lips and my mouth will declare Your praise. (Three times)

He uncovers his head and proclaims in a mighty voice:

Deacon: Give the blessing, Master.

The Priest lifts the Holy Gospel Book and makes the sign of the cross over the Antimension:

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

All: Amen.

The Deacon replaces his hat and intones the Litany of Peace in a strong voice while standing before the Holy Doors, holding the edge of the orarion with the three fingers of his right hand and slightly raising it forward.

The Litany of Peace

Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy. (After each petition)

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

For peace in the whole world, the well-being of the holy Churches of God and the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.

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

For (our Father and Patriarch N., if present,) our Father and (Arch)Bishop N., his honorable presbyterate, the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

For the government and for the armed forces, that they may be upheld in every good deed, let us pray to the Lord.

For this city, for every city and country place and the faithful dwelling in them, let us pray to the Lord.

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

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

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

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

Let us remember our all-holy, spotless, most highly blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, and commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ God.

All: To You, O Lord.

Priest: For all glory, honor and worship are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

It is permitted to chant the three traditional Antiphons in full or to use only one of them, according to the decision made by the Holy Synod in 1969. For Feasts of our Lord and of the Theotokos, their octaves, and their leave-takings, proper Antiphons are said. On ordinary Sundays and weekdays, other antiphon prayers may be said. Here the Antiphons, or the Typika psalms and Beatitudes are done.

If only one antiphon is being sung the Deacon enters the Holy Place by the South Door and stands on the right of the Priest, while the Priest recites one of the following Antiphon prayers. Otherwise, the Deacon moves from before the Holy Doors and stands before the Icon of the Theotokos pointing to the Icon of our Lord with the edge of the orarion in his right hand.

The First Antiphon Prayer

Priest: O Lord our God whose power is without compare, whose glory is incomprehensible, whose mercy is beyond measure and whose love for mankind is beyond words: be pleased, Master, in the depth of Your compassion, to look on us and on this holy place, and grant us and those praying with us the riches of Your compassion and Your tender mercy.

He ends it with the following Ekphonesis:

For all glory, honor and worship, are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

First Antiphon

Ordinary Sunday — Psalm 65 | Ordinary Weekday — Psalm 91

Sunday: Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth, sing praise to His name.

Weekday: It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High.

All: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.

Sunday: Say to God: "How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cringe before You."

Weekday: To proclaim Your mercy in the morning, and Your faithfulness throughout the night.

All: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.

Sunday: Let all the earth worship You and sing praises to You; let it sing praises to Your name, O Most High.

Weekday: For the Lord our God is upright and there is no wrong in Him.

All: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

All: Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us.

Little Synapte

The Deacon returns to his place before the Holy Doors and says the Little Synapte:

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

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Let us remember our all-holy, spotless, most highly blessed and glorious Lady the Theotokos and Ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, and commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ God.

All: To You, O Lord.

Priest: (The Second Antiphon Prayer, quietly) O Lord our God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance, safeguard the fullness of Your Church in peace, sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house; in return, raise them to glory by Your divine power and do not forsake us who put our hope in You.

He ends it with the following Ekphonesis:

For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

The Deacon moves and stands before the Icon of the Lord, pointing to the Icon of the Theotokos.

Second Antiphon

Ordinary Sunday — Psalm 66 | Ordinary Weekday — Psalm 92

Sunday: Be gracious to us, O God, and bless us; let Your face shine on us, and have mercy on us.

Weekday: The Lord reigns. He is clothed in majesty; robed is the Lord and girt about with strength.

All (Sunday): O Son of God who are risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia!

All (Weekday): Through the prayers of Your saints, O Lord, save us.

Sunday: That Your name may be known upon earth, among all nations Your salvation.

Weekday: For He has made the world firm, which shall not be moved.

Sunday: Let all the peoples praise You, O God, let all the peoples praise You.

Weekday: Holiness befits Your house, O Lord, for length of days.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Hymn of the Incarnate Word

By Emperor Justinian (6th century)

All: O Only-Begotten Son and Word of God, immortal as You are, You condescended for our salvation to be incarnate of the holy Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary, and without undergoing change, You became man; You were crucified, O Christ God, and You crushed death by Your death; You who are One of the Holy Trinity, equal in glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit, save us.

The Deacon returns to his place before the Holy Doors and says the Little Synapte:

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

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Let us remember our all-holy, spotless, most highly blessed and glorious lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the saints, and commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ God.

All: To You, O Lord.

Priest: (The Third Antiphon Prayer, quietly) O You who have granted us to pray together in harmony, and who promised that when two or three are gathered to call upon Your name, You will give what they ask, do You now fulfill what Your servants ask, so far as it is good, granting us in this world the knowledge of Your truth, and in the world to come, eternal life.

He ends it with the following Ekphonesis:

For You are good, O our God, and You love mankind and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

The Deacon enters the Holy Place from the South Door, stands on the right of the Priest and prepares for the Entrance.

Third Antiphon

Ordinary Sunday — Psalm 94 | Ordinary Weekday — Psalm 94

Come let us sing joyfully to the Lord; let us shout with joy to God our Savior.

All (Sunday): [The Resurrectional or Festal Troparion]

All (Weekday): O Son of God who are wonderful in Your saints, save us who sing to You: Alleluia!

Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving, and let us joyfully sing psalms to Him.

For God is a great Lord, and a great King over all the earth.

For pastoral reasons, if only one Antiphon is done, the three Antiphon prayers may be distributed over the weekdays as follows: the first prayer, on Monday and Thursday; the second, on Tuesday and Friday; and the third on Wednesday and Saturday.

Instead of the Antiphons: The Typika

The First Psalm of the Typika (Psalm 102). This Psalm may be chanted in full or only some of its verses, preceded and finished by the refrain. When finished with the Typika proceed immediately to "Only-Begotten Son."

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

1. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is in me bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His blessings.
Who pardons all your sins and heals all your diseases.
Who ransoms your life from corruption and crowns you with love and mercy.
Who fills your life with what is good and your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The Lord brings about justice and vindication for all the oppressed.
He has made known His ways to Moses and His will to Israel's children.

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

2. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, long-suffering and rich in mercy. His contention is not forever nor shall His anger always last.
He deals not with us as our sins demand, nor does He repay our evil deeds.
For as high as the heavens stand over the earth, so high has the Lord extended His love for those who fear Him.
As far as the East stands away from the West, so far has He put our sins from us.
As kind as a father is towards his children, so kind is the Lord for those who fear Him.
For He Himself knows well how we were formed; remember, we are only dust.
A man! His days resemble grass: as a flower of the field, so shall he bloom.
The wind sweeps over him and he is gone; his place knows him no more.
But the mercy of the Lord is from all eternity and to all eternity for those who fear Him.
And His justice is upon the children of children of those who keep His covenant and remember His laws to obey them.

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

3. The Lord has established His throne in Heaven: over all things His kingship is supreme.
Bless the Lord, all you His angels, you strong and mighty ones who obey His word on hearing the sound of His decrees.
Bless the Lord, all you His powers, His attendants who obey His will.
Bless the Lord, all you His works in every place of His dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Second Psalm of the Typika (Psalm 145)

Refrain: Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing to my God as long as I last.

1. Trust not in princes nor in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation.
His breath shall go forth, and he shall return to his earth; on that day all his plans shall perish.
Happy is the man whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.

Refrain: Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing to my God as long as I last.

2. He is the One who made Heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them.
Who keeps the truth forever, making judgment for the oppressed and giving food to the hungry.

Refrain: Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing to my God as long as I last.

3. The Lord releases the captives; the Lord gives sight to the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the upright.
The Lord protects strangers; He supports the orphans and the widows, but destroys the way of the wicked.
The Lord shall reign forever, your God, O Zion, from generation to generation.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Instead of the Third Antiphon: The Beatitudes

Refrain: In Your Kingdom, remember us, O Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom.

1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall possess the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be satisfied.

Refrain: In Your Kingdom, remember us, O Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom.

2. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.

Refrain: In Your Kingdom, remember us, O Lord, when You come into Your Kingdom.

3. Blessed are those who suffer persecution for justice's sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are you when men reproach you and persecute you, and speaking falsely, say all manner of evil against you for My sake.
Rejoice and exult, because your reward is great in Heaven.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

At the end of the Antiphon, when we start singing "Glory...now...," the Priest and the Deacon bow before the Holy Table three times and remove their hats. The Priest takes the Holy Gospel and hands it to the Deacon. The Deacon kisses the Priest's hand and the Gospel Book, which he raises to the height of his forehead, while placing the edge of his orarion over the top of the Gospel Book. They proceed behind the Holy Table, and exit through the North Door preceded by the candle-bearers (the Ripidia, the Cross and the Censer bearers). They all proceed through the church until they reach the Choir. They stop before the Holy Doors. Slightly inclining towards the Priest, the Deacon says in a low voice:

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

The Entrance Prayer

Priest: Master and Lord, our God, who have established in Heaven the ranks and armies of angels and archangels to minister to Your glory; at our entrance, make the holy angels enter also, to minister with us and with us to glorify Your goodness. For all glory, honor and worship are Your due, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Alternate prayer:

O Lord, Creator and Benefactor of the whole universe, receive the church assembling before You. Do what is good for each one. Bring all to perfection and make us worthy of Your Kingdom. Through the grace, mercy and love for mankind of Your Only-Begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, together with Your All-Holy, Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

The Deacon, pointing with the edge of the orarion to the East, says in a low voice:

Deacon: Bless the holy entering, Master.

Blessing, the Priest says in a low voice:

Priest: Blessed is the entering into Your Holy Places, at all times, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Deacon presents the Gospel Book to the Priest who kisses it, while the Deacon kisses the Priest's hand. Then the Deacon proceeds towards the Holy Doors. When the Choir has finished singing, the Deacon raises the Gospel Book with both hands and making with it the sign of the Cross, he proclaims with a mighty voice:

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us stand. (Sophia. Orthee.)

The Eisodikon (Entrance Hymn)

The Priest chants the Entrance Hymn and while "O Son of God..." is being chanted, he enters the Holy Place following the Deacon.

On Sundays:

Priest: Come let us worship and bow down before Christ. O Son of God, who are risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

On ordinary weekdays:

Priest: Come let us worship and bow down before Christ. O Son of God, who are wonderful in Your saints, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Fixed Feast Eisodika

From September 14 to 21 (Holy Cross): Extol the Lord our God and worship at His footstool for He is holy. O Son of God who were crucified in the flesh, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

From December 25 to 31 (Nativity): From the womb before the morning star I begot You. The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek." O Son of God, who were born from the Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

From January 6 to 14 (Theophany): Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. The Lord is God and He has appeared to us. O Son of God who were baptized by John in the Jordan river, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

From February 2 (Presentation): The Lord has made His salvation known; He has revealed His justice for all nations to see. O Son of God who were carried in the arms of Simeon the Just, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

On March 25 (Annunciation): Proclaim from day to day the salvation of our Lord. O Son of God who were incarnate from the Virgin, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

From August 6 to 13 (Transfiguration): Tabor and Hermon rejoice in Your name. O Son of God, who were transfigured on Mount Tabor, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Movable Feast Eisodika

Lazarus Saturday: Come let us worship and bow down before Christ. O Son of God who are risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

Palm Sunday: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; the Lord is God and He has appeared to us. O Son of God who entered Jerusalem in great glory, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

From Great and Holy Easter Sunday until its leave-taking: In your assemblies bless the Lord. From the springs of Israel. O Son of God who are risen from the dead, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

From Ascension Thursday until its leave-taking: God ascended amid shouts of joy; the Lord, amid trumpet blasts. O Son of God who ascended in glory to the heavens, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

From Pentecost Sunday until its leave-taking: Ascend O Lord in Your might; we sing and give praise to Your power. O Good Consoler, save us who sing to You: Alleluia.

The Troparia and Kontakion

The Hymns of the Day. The celebrant(s) alternate with the Choir the singing of the hymns as indicated for the feasts; then the Troparion of the saint of the day or the proper Troparion of the weekday may be chanted. The Troparion of the patron of the church is then sung. The Troparia are concluded with the chanting of the final Kontakion.

For ordinary Sundays and weekdays, the final Kontakion is:

O Never-Failing Protectress of Christians and their ever-present intercessor before the Creator, despise not the petitions of us sinners, but in your goodness extend your help to us who call upon you with confidence. Hasten, O Theotokos, to intercede for us, for you have always protected those who honor you.

The Trisagion Prayer of St. John Chrysostom

O Holy of Holies, our only holy God, You repose in the holy places; You are holy and possess ineffable glory in Yourself. Holy is God who transforms everything by His word. Holy is God whom the living glorify with ceaseless praise. Holy is God whom myriads of holy angels and archangels worship and glorify, trembling in fear of beholding Him. Holy is God who gazes with sleepless eye upon the Cherubim, lending His ear to their ceaseless song of praise. Holy is God whom the Seraphim carry on their six wings; who accepts the hymn of victory they sing to Him in endless flight, saying: "Holy, Holy, Holy the Lord of Sabaoth." You are Holy, O our God whom the Principalities, Powers and Dominations worship in Heaven and human beings serve and praise on earth. O Lover of Mankind, accept from the mouth of us sinners the thrice-holy hymn offered to You by us and all Your people. Grant us Your abundant mercy and compassion through the intercession of the holy Theotokos and all the saints who have pleased You since the world began.

The Trisagion Prayer of St. Basil the Great

Priest: God, the Holy, who rest among the saints, whom the Seraphim praise with the thrice-holy hymn, whom the Cherubim glorify, whom all the heavenly powers worship; who brought all things into being out of nothingness; who created man in Your own image and likeness and adorned him with all Your favors; who give wisdom and understanding to anyone asking for them; who do not turn away from the sinner but have set up repentance for salvation; who have rendered us, Your lowly and worthless servants, worthy to stand at this time before the glory of Your Holy Altar and to offer You due worship and praise.

Receive, Master, from the mouth of us sinners the thrice-holy hymn, and visit us in Your kindness. Forgive us every transgression, deliberate and indeliberate, sanctify our souls and bodies, and grant that we may serve You in holiness all the days of our life, through the prayers of the Holy Theotokos and of all the saints who have pleased You since the world began.

Deacon: Bless, Master, the time of the thrice-holy Hymn.

Priest: For You are Holy, O our God, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always…

The Deacon turns to face the people from the Holy Doors and completes the Ekphonesis:

Deacon: …and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

The Trisagion Hymn

The choir and the celebrants alternate in singing the Trisagion Hymn: the choir sings it twice, then the celebrants once. Each time, the celebrants and the people bow, making the sign of the cross:

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us. (Three times)

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us.

Deacon: Dy‑na‑mis.

All: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us.

On the Feasts of the Nativity and the Theophany, their octaves and leave-takings; on Lazarus Saturday; Great and Holy Saturday; Easter Sunday, its week and its leave-taking; on Pentecost Sunday, its octave, and its leave-taking, the Trisagion is replaced by:

All of you who have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia. (Three times)

On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, its octave and leave-taking; on August 1st; and on the Third Sunday of Great Lent:

We bow in worship before Your Cross, O Master, and we give praise to Your Holy Resurrection. (Three times)

During the singing of the last part of the hymn, the Deacon turns to the Priest saying quietly:

Deacon: Give the order, Master.

They both go to the High Throne (Cathedra) behind the Altar. While going there, the Priest says quietly:

Priest: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.

Deacon: Bless, Master, this High Throne.

Priest: Blessed are You on the throne of glory of Your Kingdom, seated upon the Cherubim, at all times, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

The Epistle

When the Choir has finished singing the Trisagion, the Deacon proceeds to the Holy Doors and says:

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

The Reader, standing in the middle of the central aisle of the church facing the Altar, chants the verses of the Prokimenon (preliminary Psalm): the Reader chants the refrain, the People repeat it; the Reader chants the verse, the People repeat the refrain.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Turning to the People, the Reader proclaims the title of the Epistle:

Reader: A reading from the Epistle of St. N. to… (or from the Acts of the Apostles).

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

The Reader chants the Epistle in a liturgical melody, with a calm and articulate voice. Before the end of the Epistle, the Priest comes and stands before the Holy Table. The Deacon, head uncovered, holding the edge of his orarion, approaches the Priest and says quietly:

Deacon: Bless, Master, the herald of the Gospel according to the holy and glorious Apostle and Evangelist N.

Priest: God grant through the prayers of the holy and glorious Apostle and Evangelist N. that you proclaim the Good News with great power for the fulfillment of the Gospel of His beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Deacon: Amen.

At the conclusion of the Epistle, the Reader turns to the Altar to be blessed by the Priest, who says aloud:

Priest: Peace be to you, Reader.

The Deacon takes the censer and censes the Holy Table, the Icons and the People from the Holy Doors; then returns the censer. The Priest hands the Deacon the Holy Gospel. The Deacon takes the Gospel from the Priest, kissing his hand. When the Alleluia verses are chanted, he raises it up and goes out from the Holy Doors to the Ambon or the appropriate place, preceded by the candle-holders, and stands there.

The Holy Gospel

The Epistle Reader chants the Alleluia verses:

All: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

The Reader chants the first verse; All respond: Alleluia. The Reader chants the second verse; All respond: Alleluia.

Prayer Before the Gospel (said quietly by the Priest):

Priest: Shine in our hearts, Master who love mankind, the pure light of Your divine knowledge and open the eyes of our mind that we may understand the announcing of Your Good News; set in us the fear of Your blessed commandments, so that, trampling all carnal desires, we may live according to the Spirit, both willing and doing everything that pleases You. For You are the light of our souls and bodies, O Christ God, and we render glory to You, and to Your Eternal Father and to Your All-Holy, Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Then, turning to the people, the Deacon proclaims from the Holy Doors:

Deacon: Wisdom. Let us stand and listen to the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be to all.

All: And to your spirit.

Deacon: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint N. the Evangelist.

All: Glory to You, O Lord. Glory to You.

Priest: Let us be attentive.

The Deacon chants the Gospel in a liturgical melody. At the end of the Gospel:

All: Glory to You, O Lord. Glory to You.

The Deacon walks to the Holy Doors and returns the Gospel Book to the Priest, kissing his hand. The Priest takes it, kisses it and says to the Deacon in a low voice:

Priest: Peace be to you, herald of the Gospel.

He blesses the people with the Gospel Book and places it on the Holy Table.

A homily may be given.

Following the homily, the Deacon stands before the Holy Doors and recites the Ektene. After each petition, we sing: "Lord, have mercy" (Three times). In order to preserve the structure of the Liturgy, the Ektene should not be omitted.

The Ektene (Ecumenic Petitions)

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

All: Lord, have mercy. (Three times — to be repeated after each petition)

Lord Almighty, God of our fathers, we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.

Have mercy on us, O God, in Your great mercy, we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.

After the third petition, some other appropriate ecumenic petitions may be said (see Appendix). If this optional practice is used, the four petitions below would be omitted. The final petition, however, must be retained.

Again, we pray for our Father and (Arch)Bishop N. and for his honorable presbyterate. *

* In case there are guest Patriarchs or Bishops, they will be mentioned by name. In monasteries: "Again we pray for our Father General N and for all our brothers in Christ."

Again, we pray for the priests, the deacons, the monks, the nuns, and for all our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Again, we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness and remission of sins for the servants of God who live in this city (or for the brethren of this holy monastery).

Again, we pray for the blessed and ever to be remembered founders of this holy church (or monastery), and for our Orthodox fathers and brethren who here or elsewhere lie asleep in the Lord.

Again, we pray for those who bear offerings, those who do good works in this holy and most venerable church, those who toil, those who sing and all the people here present who await from You great and abundant mercy.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Prayer of the Ektene (said quietly by the Priest):

Priest: Lord our God, receive from Your servants this insistent supplication, have mercy on us in the fullness of Your mercy, and incline Your compassion towards us and all Your people who await from You abundant mercy.

He ends it with the Ekphonesis:

For You are merciful, O God, and You love mankind and to You we render glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

Catechumen Prayers

If there are Catechumens, the following prayers and litanies are done at this point. The Priest recites just one of the following prayers (for brevity): the prayer of the Ektene, or the First Prayer of the Faithful, or the Second Prayer of the Faithful, or any other prayer of the faithful, and ends it with the following Ekphonesis: "That being ever protected by Your might, to You we render glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever."

For You are merciful, O God, and You love mankind and to You we render glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

The Catechumens' Litany

Deacon: Catechumens, pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

You faithful, let us pray for the catechumens.

All: Lord, have mercy.

That the Lord may have mercy on them.

All: Lord, have mercy.

That He instruct them in the word of truth.

All: Lord, have mercy.

That He open to them the Gospel of righteousness.

All: Lord, have mercy.

That He join them to His holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Deacon: Catechumens, bow your heads to the Lord.

All: To You, O Lord.

The Priest recites the Prayer over the Catechumens:

Priest: Lord our God, who dwell on high and look down on things below, You have spread Your salvation over all flesh; look upon Your servants the catechumens who have bowed their heads before You; make them worthy in due time of the baptismal laver, the remission of sins, and the garment of incorruption. Unite them to Your holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, and number them among Your chosen flock. For to You belong dominion, power and glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

Deacon: All catechumens, depart. Catechumens, depart. Let no catechumen remain. You faithful, again and again in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

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

All: Lord, have mercy.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Wisdom!

First Prayer of the Faithful

Priest: (quietly) We give thanks to You, Lord God of powers, who have counted us worthy to stand before Your holy altar at this hour. We fall down before Your goodness: cleanse our souls and bodies from all defilement of flesh and spirit, and grant that we may stand before You without guilt or condemnation, and offer to You this rational, unbloody sacrifice.

He ends it with the Ekphonesis:

For to You belong all glory, honor and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

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

All: Lord, have mercy.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Wisdom!

Second Prayer of the Faithful

Priest: (quietly) Again, many times, we fall before You and beseech You, O Good One who loves mankind: look down upon our petition and cleanse our souls and bodies from all defilement of flesh and spirit; and grant that, blameless and without condemnation, we may stand before Your holy glory, and offering to You the holy and awesome sacrifice, may receive Your Holy Spirit as a gift. Grant that those who now take part in this rational sacrifice may approach Your holy Mysteries with reverence and faith.

He ends it with the Ekphonesis:

For hallowed and glorified is Your all-honorable and magnificent name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

The Cherubic Hymn

The Deacon takes the censer and censes the Holy Table. The Priest recites the following prayer privately while the Deacon censes:

Priest: (quietly) No one who is bound by carnal desires and pleasures is worthy to approach or draw near or minister to You, the King of Glory, for to serve You is great and awesome even for the heavenly powers. Yet, because of Your ineffable and immeasurable love for mankind, You impassibly and immutably became man. You, as the Master of all, became our high priest and delivered unto us the sacred service of this liturgical sacrifice without the shedding of blood. Indeed, Lord our God, You alone reign over the celestial and the terrestrial; borne aloft on the cherubic throne, Lord of the Seraphim and King of Israel, the only holy and resting among the holy ones. I now beseech You, Who alone are good and inclined to hear: Look down upon me, Your sinful and unprofitable servant, and cleanse my soul and heart of a wicked conscience; and enable me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, clothed with the grace of the priesthood, to stand before Your holy Table and celebrate the Mystery of Your holy and pure Body and Your precious Blood. For I come bowing my neck before You and I beseech You: do not turn Your face from me, nor exclude me from the company of Your children, but deign that these gifts be offered to You by me, Your sinful and unworthy servant. For You are the offerer and the offered, the receiver and the received, O Christ our God, and we render glory to You, together with Your eternal Father and Your All-Holy, Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Meanwhile the Priest and Deacon cense the Holy Table, the Icons and the People. The Deacon returns to his place beside the Priest.

All: We who mystically represent the Cherubim, and chant the thrice-holy hymn to the life-giving Trinity, let us now lay aside all earthly cares, that we may receive the King of all, who comes escorted by unseen hosts of angels. [Pause — the second half is sung after the Great Entrance]

The Deacon, bowing his head before the Priest, says:

Deacon: Let us stand aright. Master, give the blessing.

Priest: Blessed is our God at all times, now and always and forever and ever.

Deacon: Amen. Pray for me, Master.

Priest: May the Holy Spirit come upon you and the power of the Most High overshadow you.

Deacon: May the same Spirit minister with us all the days of our life. Remember me, holy Master.

Priest: May the Lord God remember your priesthood in His Kingdom.

The Deacon goes to the Prothesis and prepares for the Great Entrance. The Priest washes his hands, saying:

I will wash my hands in innocence, and go around Your altar, O Lord: I shall listen to the sound of Your praise, and declare all Your wonderful works. O Lord, I have loved the beauty of Your house, and the place of the tabernacle of Your glory. Destroy not my soul together with the ungodly, nor my life with bloodthirsty men: in whose hands are iniquities, and their right hand is filled with bribes. But I have walked in my innocence: redeem me, and have mercy upon me. My foot is upon the rightful road; in the assemblies I will bless You, O Lord.

The Priest makes three metanies before the Holy Table saying each time:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner, and have mercy on me. (Three times)

The Deacon goes to the Prothesis, takes the Diskos and places it on his head. The Priest takes the Chalice in his hands. Preceded by the candle-bearers and other servers, they exit through the North Door and process through the nave. The faithful bow their heads in reverence as the Holy Gifts pass.

The Commemorations

The Priest and Deacon commemorate the following during the procession:

Priest: May the Lord God remember in His Kingdom our Father and (Arch)Bishop N., his honorable presbyterate, the diaconate in Christ, and all the clergy, at all times, now and always and forever and ever.

May the Lord God remember in His Kingdom the sacred order of presbyters, the order of deacons in Christ, and all the sacred clergy.

May the Lord God remember in His Kingdom those who offer these holy and precious gifts, and those for whom they are offered, at all times, now and always and forever and ever.

May the Lord God remember in His Kingdom all of you Orthodox Christians, at all times, now and always and forever and ever.

They arrive at the Holy Doors. The Priest and Deacon enter the Holy Place. The Deacon places the Diskos on the Holy Table and the Priest places the Chalice beside it. They remove the veils from the holy gifts, and the Deacon fans the Diskos with the ripidon. The Holy Doors are closed. The Deacon censes the Holy Table and the Priest.

All: [Second half of the Cherubic Hymn:] Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

The Litany of Oblation

Deacon: Let us complete our prayer to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

For the precious gifts now offered, let us pray to the Lord. That our God, the lover of mankind, having received them at His holy, heavenly and rational altar as an odor of spiritual fragrance, may in return send down on us His divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

All: Lord, have mercy.

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

All: Grant this, O Lord.

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

All: Grant this, O Lord.

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

All: Grant this, O Lord.

Things good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

All: Grant this, O Lord.

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

All: Grant this, O Lord.

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

All: Grant this, O Lord.

Calling to mind our all-holy, spotless, most highly blessed and glorious Lady the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ God.

All: To You, O Lord.

Priest: (quietly) O Lord our God, who created us and brought us into this life, who have shown us paths of salvation and granted us heavenly mysteries, do not abandon us, O Master, but keep us in Your love always. Grant that we may be protected at all times and live in peace; not by our own power, but by Your might and goodness; and in the evening and the morning and at midday, praise and worship and bless and thank You, the Master of all, and render glory to You, the only-living and true God.

He ends it with the Ekphonesis:

Through the mercies of Your only-begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

Priest: Peace be to all.

All: And to your spirit.

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

All: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Trinity one in essence and undivided.

The Priest and Deacon exchange the kiss of peace. On Sundays and Feasts, the kiss of peace may be extended to the whole clergy and to the faithful. The Deacon proclaims:

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

The Creed

All: I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not made, of one essence with the Father; through Whom all things were made.

Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from Heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man.

And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried.

And He rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures.

And He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

And He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead; His Kingdom shall have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets.

In one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

I confess one baptism for the remission of sins.

I await the resurrection of the dead.

And the life of the age to come. Amen.

When the Creed is finished, the Deacon says:

Deacon: Let us stand aright. Let us stand with fear. Let us be attentive, that we may offer the holy oblation in peace.

All: A mercy of peace, a sacrifice of praise.

The Priest incenses the Holy Table and says the following prayer quietly:

Priest: O You Who received gifts and offerings from those who fear You and love You, receive also from me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, this incense as an odor of spiritual fragrance, and count me worthy to celebrate this awesome and unbloody sacrifice for the remission of my own sins and for those of all Your people: for You are holy and to You belongs all glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

Priest: Let us stand in awe! Let us stand with fear! Let us be attentive, that we may offer the holy oblation in peace.

All: A mercy of peace, a sacrifice of praise.

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

All: And with your spirit.

Priest: Let us lift up our hearts.

All: We lift them up to the Lord.

Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord.

All: It is meet and right to worship Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Trinity one in essence and undivided.

Priest: (quietly) It is meet and right 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 inexpressible, inconceivable, invisible, incomprehensible, existing forever and always the same, You and Your only-begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit.

You brought us from nothingness into being; and when we had fallen, You raised us up again; and You did not cease to do everything until You had brought us back to heaven, and had endowed us with Your kingdom which is to come.

For all these things we give thanks to You, and to Your only-begotten Son and to Your Holy Spirit, for all the benefits that You have bestowed upon us, known and unknown, manifest and hidden.

We give You thanks also for this liturgy, which You have been pleased to accept at our hands, though there stand before You thousands of archangels and tens of thousands of angels, the cherubim and the seraphim, six-winged and many-eyed, who soar aloft, borne on their pinions, singing the triumphant hymn, shouting, proclaiming and saying:

All: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of 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.

Priest: (quietly) With these blessed powers, we too, O Master who love mankind, 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; You so loved Your world as to give Your only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

Who, having come and having fulfilled all the dispensation for our sakes, in the night in which He was given up, or rather gave Himself up for the life of the world, took bread in His holy and pure and blameless hands, and when He had given thanks and blessed and hallowed and broken it,

The Priest raises his voice:

Priest: He gave it to His holy disciples and Apostles, saying: Take, eat, this is My Body which is broken for you for the remission of sins.

All: Amen.

Priest: (quietly) Likewise also the cup after supper, saying:

The Priest raises his voice:

Priest: Drink of it all of you; this is My Blood of the New Testament which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins.

All: Amen.

Priest: (quietly) Remembering this saving commandment and all those things which have come to pass for us: the Cross, the Tomb, the Resurrection on the third day, the Ascension into Heaven, the Sitting at the right hand, and the Second and glorious Coming.

Raising his voice:

Priest: Your own of Your own, we offer to You, in behalf of all and for all.

All: We hymn You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, O Lord, and we pray to You, our God.

The Epiclesis — Invocation of the Holy Spirit

Priest: (quietly) Furthermore, we offer You this spiritual worship without the shedding of blood, and we ask and pray and entreat You: send down Your Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts here offered.

The Deacon points to the holy Bread on the Diskos:

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

Deacon: Amen.

The Deacon points to the Chalice:

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

Deacon: Amen.

The Deacon points to both:

Priest: Changing them by Your Holy Spirit.

Deacon: Amen. Amen. Amen.

Priest: (quietly) So that they may be to those who receive them for the purification of soul, for the remission of sins, for the communion of Your Holy Spirit, for the fullness of the Kingdom of Heaven, for confidence before You, and not for judgment or condemnation.

Priest: (quietly) Furthermore, we offer You this spiritual worship for those who have fallen asleep in faith, our forebears, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics, and every righteous spirit made perfect in faith.

Raising his voice:

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

All: It is truly meet to call you blessed, O Theotokos, ever-blessed and most pure and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gave birth to God the Word, true Theotokos, we magnify you.

Priest: (quietly) For the holy Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist, for the holy apostles and glorious evangelists and all the saints, through whose prayers, O God, grant us your protection.

Furthermore, we offer You this spiritual worship for the whole world, for the holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, for our Father and (Arch)Bishop N., for his honorable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for every priestly order.

Raising his voice:

Priest: Grant to them, Lord, a peaceful reign, so that in their tranquility we too may lead a calm and peaceful life, in all piety and virtue.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Remember, Lord, the city in which we dwell, and every city and land, and the faithful who live in them. Remember, Lord, those who travel by sea, air, or land; the sick and the suffering; and those who are in prison. Remember, Lord, those who bear fruit and do good works in Your holy churches, and those who remember the poor; and send down upon us all Your rich mercies.

Remember, Lord, those who are in the deserts, and in the mountains, and in the dens and the caves of the earth.

Remember, Lord, those who for piety's sake keep holy virginity and a life of piety, those in monasteries and in the hermitages, and in every place in Your dominion.

Raising his voice:

Priest: And grant that with one voice and one heart we may glorify and praise Your most honorable and magnificent name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

Priest: And the mercies of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ shall be with all of you.

All: And with your spirit.

Deacon: And grant us, Master, with confidence and without condemnation, to dare to call upon You, the heavenly God, as Father, and to say:

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

Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

Priest: Peace be to all.

All: And to your spirit.

Deacon: Bow your heads to the Lord.

All: To You, O Lord.

Priest: (quietly, the Prayer of Inclination) We give thanks to You, O King invisible, who by Your boundless power created everything and in the abundance of Your mercy brought all things from nothingness into being. Master, look down from Heaven upon those who have bowed their heads before You; for they have not bowed before flesh and blood, but before You, the awesome God. So, Master, give out Your gifts to us uniformly according to the need of each individual: sail with those who sail, travel with those who travel, heal the sick; You who are the physician of our souls and bodies.

Raising his voice:

Priest: By the grace and compassion and love for mankind of Your only-begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

The Breaking of the Lamb

The Priest breaks the holy Lamb into four parts in the form of a cross, saying:

The Lamb of God is broken and distributed, broken yet not divided, ever eaten yet never consumed, but sanctifying those who partake.

He takes the first portion (IC) and puts it into the Chalice saying:

The fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Deacon: Amen.

Then he puts a little warm water (zeon) into the Chalice saying:

The warmth of faith, full of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Elevation

Deacon: Let us be attentive.

Priest: (lifting the holy Bread) The holy things to the holy.

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

The Communion Hymn (Koinonikon) is chanted while the clergy receive Holy Communion at the Holy Table.

Communion of the Clergy

The Priest bows three times before the Holy Table, saying each time:

O God, be merciful to me a sinner, and have mercy on me. (Three times)

Then he says these prayers quietly:

I believe, O Lord, and I confess that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the Living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. I also believe that this is truly Your most pure Body, and that this is truly Your most precious Blood. Therefore I pray to You: have mercy on me and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, in knowledge and in ignorance; and grant me to partake without condemnation of Your most pure Mysteries, for the remission of sins and for eternal life. Amen.

Your mystical supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of Your mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas, but like the thief I confess You: Remember me, O Lord, in Your Kingdom.

Not unto judgment or condemnation be my partaking of Your holy Mysteries, O Lord, but unto healing of soul and body.

The Priest receives the holy Body, then takes up the Chalice and receives the precious Blood. The Deacon then receives communion from the Priest.

The Communion Hymn (Koinonikon) is chanted while the clergy receive Holy Communion at the Holy Table.

Communion of the Faithful

The Holy Doors are opened. The Deacon holds the chalice and proclaims:

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

All: Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. God is the Lord and has appeared to us.

Those receiving Holy Communion approach with hands crossed over their chests. The Priest administers Holy Communion with the spoon, saying to each communicant:

Priest: The servant of God [Name] receives the precious and holy Body and Blood of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins and for life eternal.

After the communion of the faithful, the Holy Doors are closed. The Deacon takes the holy Chalice into the Holy Place. The Priest wipes the holy Table clean. The Deacon consumes the remaining Precious Blood and particles, purifying the Chalice with wine and water.

The Priest blesses the people:

Priest: Save Your people, O God, and bless Your inheritance.

All: We have seen the True Light; we have received the Heavenly Spirit; we have found the True Faith, worshipping the undivided Trinity who has saved us.

The Priest transfers the holy Diskos and Chalice to the Prothesis, saying quietly:

Priest: (elevating the Diskos) Be exalted above the heavens, O God; and Your glory above all the earth.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Blessed is our God, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

All: Let our mouths be filled with Your praise, O Lord, that we may hymn Your glory; for You have granted us to partake of Your holy, divine, immortal and life-giving Mysteries. Keep us in Your holiness that we may meditate on Your righteousness all day long. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Deacon: Stand aright! Having received the divine, holy, immaculate, immortal, heavenly and life-giving, awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks to the Lord.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Calling to mind our all-holy, spotless, most highly blessed and glorious Lady the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ God.

All: To You, O Lord.

The Priest recites the Prayer of Thanksgiving quietly:

Priest: We give thanks to You, O Master, lover of mankind, benefactor of our souls, because You have counted us worthy this day of Your heavenly and immortal Mysteries. Straighten our path; confirm us all in Your fear; guard our life; make our steps firm; through the prayers and intercessions of the glorious Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, and of all Your saints.

Raising his voice:

For You are our sanctification and to You we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

The Dismissal

Priest: Let us depart in peace.

All: In the name of the Lord.

The Priest goes to the ambo and recites the Prayer behind the Ambo:

Priest: O Lord who bless those who bless You and sanctify those who trust in You: save Your people and bless Your inheritance; guard the fullness of Your Church; sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house; You in return glorify them by Your divine power, and do not forsake us who hope in You. Grant peace to Your world, to Your churches, to the priests, to our civil authorities, to the armed forces 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, thanks and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

Blessed is the name of the Lord, from now and for ever. (Three times)

The Priest faces the people and gives the final blessing:

Priest: May Christ our true God, who is risen from the dead, through the intercessions of His most pure Mother; of our father among the saints John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople; and of all the saints; have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.

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

Prayers for Removal of Vestments

The Priest removes his vestments saying the following prayers:

For the phelonion: Now let Your servant depart in peace, O Master, according to Your word, for my eyes have seen Your salvation.

For the epigonation: My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

For the zone: Blessed is God who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless.

For the epitrachelion: Blessed is God who pours out grace upon His priests.

For the sticharion: I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation.

Thanksgiving After Holy Communion

The following prayers may be read by the faithful after receiving Holy Communion.

We give thanks to You, O Lord our God, for the partaking of Your holy, immaculate, immortal and heavenly Mysteries which You have given us for the good and sanctification and healing of our souls and bodies. Make this Communion, O Master, a light for us, a righteousness, a forgiveness of sins, an illumination of our souls and bodies, a repelling of every fantasy and villainous work of the devil, a boldness and love toward You, an amendment of life and security, an increase of virtue and perfection, a fulfillment of the commandments, a communion with the Holy Spirit, a provision for eternal life, and an acceptable defense before Your dread judgment seat; not for judgment or condemnation.

For You are our sanctification, and we send up glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Another Prayer of Thanksgiving (of St. Basil the Great):

Master Christ our God, King of the ages and Creator of all things, I thank You for all the good things You have given me, and for the communion of Your most pure and life-giving Mysteries. I pray You therefore, O Good One who loves mankind: keep me under Your protection and in the shadow of Your wings, and grant me, to my last breath, with a pure conscience to partake of Your holy Mysteries, for the remission of sins and for eternal life. For You are the Bread of Life, the Source of holiness, the Giver of good things, and to You we give glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Psalm 23:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Glory to You, O God, our hope, glory to You.

May the name of the Lord be blessed, from now and forever. (Three times)