The Holy Quadasha

The Divine Liturgy of Saint Thomas

Prayer of Purity

Celebrant and deacon: Stretch forth your hand, O Lord, from your holy dwelling place on high, and strengthen us for this, your appointed service; that standing joyfully before your holy altar, we may fulfill the sacred rite. For yours are the kingdom and the power, now and forever unto ages and ages. Amen.

Psalm 122

All Clergy: I was glad when they said unto me; Let us go unto the house of God. Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem, Jerusalem that art built as a city that is compact together; whither the tribes go up, even the tribes of God, for an ordinance for Israel, to give thanks unto the name of God.  For there are set thrones for judgment, the thrones of the house of David.  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: They shall prosper that love you. Peace be within Your walls, and prosperity within Your palaces.  For my brethren and companions` sakes, I will now say, Peace be within you.  For the sake of the house of God our God I will seek your good. O God cleanses me, a sinner, have mercy on me.

Vesting Prayers

The clergy, holding their vestments folded in their arms, bow to the celebrant saying: Father, bless these sacred vestments. The Celebrant blesses their vestments with his hand. Each clergyman then kisses and puts on his Alb, which he may tie with a Cincture, and he says the proper vestment prayers. Each Deacon then kisses his Stole and puts it on, saying the prayer for the Orarium Diaconorum. The Celebrant puts on his own vestments. He blesses, kisses, and puts on each vestment, saying the proper vestment prayer for each.

While putting on the amice...

Blessed is God, who places on my head the helmet of salvation, to repel the assaults of the enemy.

While putting on the alb...

Blessed is God, who purifies me from all stain and cleanses my heart, that washed in the blood of the Lamb, I attain everlasting joy.

Celebrant, while putting on his stole...

Blessed is God, who pours out upon his priests his grace, like the precious ointment on the head which ran down upon the beard, even upon the beard of Aaron; which ran down to the skirts of his garment.

While girding themselves...

Blessed is God, who restrains me with strength, and has made my path blameless, and has given me feet like those of a hart, and has set me on high.

While putting on the cuffs: the right...

Your right hand, O Lord, is glorified in strength. Your right hand, O Lord, has shattered the enemy, and through the multitude of your glory you hast crushed the adversaries.

The left...

Your hands have made me and fashioned me. Enlighten my mind, and I shall learn your commandments.

Deacons, while putting on their dalmatics...

My soul shall exult in the Lord. For He has endued me with the robe of salvation, and with the garment of joy; he has clothed me. He has set a crown upon my head, like a bridegroom, and as a bride has he adorned me with beauty.

Deacons, while putting on their stoles...

Blessed is God who has called me to his service and placed his yoke upon me that I may learn form him and offer to him the sacrifice of my good works.

While putting on their crosses...

Blessed is God who has called me to take up my cross and follow him.

. While washing their hands...

Psalm 26:6-12

I will wash my hands in innocence: So will I compass your altar, O God; that I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, and tell of all your wondrous works; God, I love the habitation of your house, and the place where your glory dwells. Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with men of blood; in whose hands are wickedness, and their right hand is full of bribes.  But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity: Redeem me, and be merciful unto me.  My foot stands in an even place: In the congregations will I bless God.

While leaving the vestry...

O God, cleanses me, a sinner, and have mercy upon me.  By your precious Blood you hast redeemed us from the curse of the Law: in that you were nailed to the Cross, and were pierced with a spear. You have poured forth immortality upon mankind, as from a fountain, O our Savior. Glory to you, O Lord; Glory to you.

Introductory Doxology

Celebrant: In the name of the + Father, and of the + Son, and of the +Holy Spirit, and blessed be his kingdom, both now and forever unto ages and ages.

People: Amen

Celebrant/assistant: Holy, Blessed, worthy is the God of hosts, who has revealed Himself in Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Everyone: Amen

Celebrant: I was glad when they said "We shall go into the House of the Lord." behold, behold Him who has redeemed His people from the land of Egypt and called them into the community of Saints.

Everyone: Holy, Holy, Holy, The Lord God of Sabbath, Heaven and Earth are full of your Glory, Glory be to you, O Lord Most High.

Celebrant: Amen

Beginning / Greeting

The celebrant may now greet the congregation, introduce the Service and make announcements

The Sacrifice of Aaron

Celebrant now incenses the altar saying: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, and Holy Immortal One

Everyone: You are merciful and just in your love for us

Celebrant may either now incense or give a blessing to the concelebrants, deacons, subdeacons and the people while saying: You are merciful O Lord Jesus Christ; you are the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End with The Almighty, Therefore with Angels, Archangels, Saints, Watchers and Holy Ones We come before you praying for the peace of the whole world.

Celebrant: In the name of the + Father, and of the + Son, and of the + Holy Spirit both now and forever unto ages and ages.

Celebrant facing the people: Hear O descendants of Israel the Lord Our God is one. Hear the Command of the Lord Our God.  Or this also may be said Hear what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Said

Celebrant/assistant: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with your entire mind, and with all your soul

Celebrant/assistant: This is the first and Great Command and the Second is the same as the first.

Celebrant: + you shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Celebrant/assistant: From these two commands hang all the law and the prophets.

Celebrant: Hear O descendants of Israel, the Lord your God is ONE!

Everyone: Amen

Invocation of Angels

Celebrant/assistant facing the altar prays the following: In the Strength of the Lord do we expel all evil from this altar and this Holy sanctuary.

During this phrase of preparation the incense is prepared either by the deacon or assistant for use around the altar and in the sanctuary. Then he  takes the censor takes the censer and begins to incense the Tabernacle, the right of the Altar, the left, then the middle; and then he faces the people and censes them also, before returning the censer to the Assistant to put it aside

Celebrant: And in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ do I invoke the Holy Archangels:

Michael (incense the Right of the Altar), Raphael (Cense the Left of the Altar) Uriel (Cense the Middle of the Altar) Gabriel (Cense the People) and all the Saints, Watchers, and Holy Ones to cleanse this house and bear upon the wings of their prayers the petitions of this congregation here assembled before the Great White Throne of God the Father Almighty On High.

Everyone: Amen

Celebrant/Assistant: You, O God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

Everyone: Hear our prayers

Celebrant/assistant: You, O God, Who are nameless but are named in the hearts of all creation, we Worship You with the whole intent of our lives and being that being made one by the Holy Spirit, may be in Your Kingdom.

Everyone: Amen

Celebrant/assistant: Come Lord Jesus Christ and Bless this Place Where we Worship You.

Everyone: Amen. Blessed is Our Savior Jesus Christ.

The Kyrie

Celebrant facing the altar:  Lord, have mercy.

Everyone:  Lord, have mercy.

Celebrant: Lord, have mercy.

Everyone:  Christ, have mercy.

Celebrant: Christ, have mercy.

Everyone:  Christ, have mercy.

Celebrant: Lord, have mercy.

Everyone:  Lord, have mercy.

Celebrant: Lord, have mercy.

Thrice Holy Hymn

Celebrant: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One,

Everyone: have mercy on us.

Celebrant:  Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One,

Everyone: have mercy on us.

Celebrant: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One,

Everyone: have mercy on us.

The Lesser Entrance

Celebrant facing the altar: O Lord, Jesus Christ, Bind us to you as though we were entering into the Kingdom of heaven. The Doors of the Mysteries, Behold  ... Behold them as opening through the Word of God the Father Almighty.

Celebrant/assistant facing the people: Peace to all who enter into the Place of God, the Father Almighty.

Everyone: Amen

Celebrant facing the altar: O Lord, I come to your Altar and worship before your throne.

Everyone: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Sabbath, ancient of days. Before anything was,

You were in perfection, Glory to you O Lord God of Sabbath, Our Father Almighty.

The Great Entrance

Celebrant/assistant facing the people: Blessed is the entrance of the Faithful into the Kingdom of Heaven. May your hearts be opened as though the Gates of heaven have been opened to you. Blessed is the One who opens the doors to us. Blessed is the near ruler ship of God, the Father as we enter into the ages.

Everyone: Open the doors to us Father, Blessings, Wisdom, Power and Might be to Our God, through Jesus Christ form, whom you were called out to serve us. Open the doors to us Father, and be the Shepherd, the Apostle of Christ's for our sake and that of the whole world. Open the doors to us Father

Prayer of the Veil  

Said by the Celebrating Bishop when present

Bishop:  Heavenly Father let us not be like the children of Israel who could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away on the face of Moses because their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains un-lifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil can only be taken away through your Son Christ Jesus.

        Lord remove this veil from our minds and souls through your Son, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, so we may truly worship and glorify your Holy and Blessed Name both now and forever unto ages and ages.

Everyone: Amen.

The Sacrifice of Melchizedek

At this time, the Deacons, or those chosen from the congregation, shall bring forth the Wine and Bread The celebrant or the assistant then place places the corporal, the purificator, the Chalice, and missal on altar stone or antimension that is on the Altar. Sufficient Host (Lamb) (and wine) for the communion of the faithful is to be prepared.  It is most important that the faithful should receive the body of the Lord in the Host consecrated at the same mass and should share the cup when it prepared. Communion is thus a clearer sign of sharing in the sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is actually taking place.  It is desirable that participation of the faithful be expressed by members of the congregation bringing up the bread and the wine for the celebration of the Eucharist or the gifts for the needs of the church and the poor.

Celebrant: Let us come and sacrifice everything to the One who raised Christ Jesus from the dead.

The celebrant now washes his hands, repeating the following verse.

Celebrant: O apostles of the Son and lovers of the Only Begotten Pray that there may be peace in creation.

Everyone: your peace, O Lord.

Either the deacon or chosen assistant shall bring forward the bread and wine

Everyone: We offer and bring unto You, O Lord Bread and Wine, as you have ordained of old .We keep the New Passover and praise you in our hearts with the new song of humanity.

The Mixing

The celebrant lifts up the chalice and paten as he says the following. At the places marked '*', he strikes them together.

Celebrant: Unto you, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Israel, O glorious King, * we offer these mysteries on your altar * until the second and glorious coming of our Lord from Heaven, to whom be glory * now and forever.

The Celebrant pours wine into the chalice and says...

This wine is poured into this cup, the chalice of salvation, recalling the blood that flowed from the side of the Son of God.

He then blesses the water and pours it into the chalice, saying...

This water is poured into this cup, the chalice of salvation, recalling the water that flowed from the side of the Son of God.

He holds the chalice up and offers this prayer.

May the mingling of this water and wine, which are now inseparable, remind us that Christ (who came by water and the blood) has now joined Himself to our humanity and our humanity is being joined to His deity, never to be separated.

The celebrant now raises the paten and blesses the bread.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth; that is about to become for us the bread of life.

Now the celebrate now raises the chalice and blesses the wine.

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe, creator of the fruit of the vine; that is about to become our spiritual drink.

At this point, the assistant shall prepare the Incense which shall be given to the celebrant. 

Everyone: O Most Holy One, Father Almighty, We pray you take this offering from us as a mercy offering to help all humanity.

Celebrant/assistant facing the people: Offer yourselves, your souls and your bodies with this offering which we make unto the Lord Our God, the Father Almighty.

The celebrant now sets the chalice down. Incense may be prepared and brought to the celebrant to cense the elements then the veil is place of the elements. And if the Bishop is celebrating, the assistant, deacon and sub-deacon shall turn facing the people after they have mitered the returned the Crosier to the Bishop

Dedication of the People

Can be sung or said as in prayer {Note: This is of later inclusion for the needs of the people who have come from either an Orthodox Anglican or other background}.  This is optional and may be omitted at the discretion of the celebrant.

Celebrant: The Lord be with you

Everyone: and also with you, Father

Celebrant: Let us pray

Everyone:   Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me ... Let there be peace on Earth, The peace that was meant to be. With God as our Father, Brothers all are we; Let me walk with my brother, in perfect harmony. Let Peace begin with me, Let this be the moment now, With every step I take, Let this be my solemn vow; To take each moment and live each moment  In Peace, eternally, Let there be Peace on Earth,  And let it begin with me

Everyone: Amen

The Liturgy of the Word

The First Reading (Optional)

The assistant goes to the Lectern for the first reading. The congregation sits and listens.

Reader: A reading from the Old Testament from the Book of ______

Reader at the end of the reading: This is the Word of the Lord

People: Thanks be to God

The Responsorial Psalms

The assistant either sings or recites the psalms and the people respond

The Second Readings

Reader:   A reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the  ________

Reader: at the end of the reading: This is the Word of the Lord

People: Thanks be to God

                                                            The Gradual

CELEBRANT:   He that loves wisdom loves life: And they that seek her early shall be filled with joy. Teach me O Lord the way of your statutes, and I shall keep them unto the end. Give me understanding and I shall keep your law. Yea I shall keep it with my whole heart. The path of the just is as a shining light, shining more and more unto the perfect day.

A Psalm may also be said between the lessons. Then after the psalms are read, the Celebrant stands before the altar and says:

Munda Cor Meum

Stand

The celebrant stands before the altar and says:

CELEBRANT: I weave a silence into my mind. I weave a silence onto my lips. I weave a silence within my heart. I close my ears to confusion. I close my eyes to enticements. I close my heart to temptations. Calm me, my Savior, as you stilled the storm. Comfort me, my Redeemer keep me from destruction. Let all turmoil within me cease. Enfold me, Lord Christ, with your peace.

The celebrant then kneels before the altar and says the following prayer:

Celebrant: Cleanse my heart and my lips, O God, who by the hand of your angel cleansed the lips of the prophet Isaiah with a burning coal from your altar and in your loving-kindness so purify me that I may worthily proclaim your Holy Gospel; through Christ our Lord.

People:  Amen.

CELEBRANT:  May the Lord be in my heart + and on my lips +, that through my heart the love of God may shine forth and through my lips His power be made manifest. 

People:  Amen.

The Censing

Meanwhile, if incense is used, the celebrant puts some in the censer. Then the deacon who proclaims the gospel bows to the Celebrant: and in a low voice asks for a blessing

Celebrant/Deacon: Father, (if a bishop presides the deacon asks by saying: Your Grace) give your blessing.

The Celebrant: says in a low voice:

CELEBRANT:  The Lord be in your heart and on your lips that you may worthy proclaim his Gospel. In the name of the Father, and the Son + and the Holy Spirit now and forever.

Deacon: Amen

If there is no deacon, the celebrant bows before the altar and says quietly

CELEBRANT: Almighty God Cleanse my heart and my lips that I may worthily proclaim your gospel.

The Holy Gospel

Then the deacon (or the celebrant) goes to the lectern. Ministers with incense and candles may accompany him. The following may be sung or recited.

CELEBRANT:/DEACON:  The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

CELEBRANT:/DEACON:  A reading from the Holy Gospel according ________ (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John)

The celebrant or deacon makes the sign of the cross on the book, and then on his forehead, lips, and breast.

People: Glory to you, Lord

Then if incense is used, the deacon (or the celebrant) incenses the book, and proclaims the gospel. At the end of the gospel.

CELEBRANT:/DEACON:  This is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

People: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Then the deacon (or the celebrant) kisses the book, saying quietly:

CELEBRANT/DEACON:  May the words of the gospel wipe away our sins.

Homily

A homily or sermon shall be given on all Sundays and Holy Days of obligation. It is recommended for other days also. After the sermon an invitation to initiate or to advance in Christian Discipleship may be given. Also the Anointing of the Sick or other rites of the church may be celebrated at this time.

CELEBRANT: Let us love one another, and with one accord profess our faith in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: the Blessed and Holy Trinity, one in essence and undivided. Let us know proclaim it:

Instruction on Receiving Communion

For those of the Western Rite, although you should have gone to the Priest on Friday ... some of you who come from another jurisdiction, may find it difficult to adjust yet to the truth of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, as mandated in the early and ancient Church.  As Jesus Christ did not reject those who believed in Him, so we do not reject you!

For those of you who are not Orthodox or Roman in our combined Catholicity; we ask that you depart from table, from this room...

All of you who have examined your hearts, minds and souls; reviewing your actions of the past; having truly found yourselves at peace with the Lord ... knowing that  you have truly forgiven those whom you had held indebted to you for their offenses against you for some transgression, having now personally forgiving them, setting aside your anger against them....

Asking of yourself that God forgive you for any form of VIOLENCE that you may have intentionally (or unintentionally) committed upon another by your thoughts, your words or your actions...

The Profession of Faith

After the Homily, the profession of faith is said on Sundays and solemnities, it may be said in solemn local celebration. It can be sung or recited.

CELEBRANT:  I believe in one God,

Everyone: The Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

I believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, of one essence with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation, He came down from heaven (kneel) and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man, (rise) for our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.

 I believe in one Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Penitential Rite

All should examine their consciences, silently confess their sins to God, and make firm intentions to repent and sin no more. The confession and absolution of our sins is the proper preparation before we approach the Holy Sacrament of the Altar and the absolution is completed when we receive our Lord Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Celebrant/assistant facing the people: Draw near to God's mercy. Forgive your debtors. Do well to your enemy. Hear the Word of God, always. Do His Word and Commands. If you have anything against your brother or sister, forgive him or her now, put it aside totally, forever. Before you approach the Altar of God, these things you must do as true believers and followers of Jesus Christ from whom you seek His forgiveness for your own trespasses.

A period of silence shall commence.  Examine your conscience.  Examine everything you have said and done against another, in your thoughts, in your words, in your actions.

Celebrant: As you put aside the debts and trespasses or offenses of others against you. As your forgive them. So God, the Father Almighty forgives you through your living and practicing Faith as Jesus Christ taught.

Celebrant facing the people: BE THEREFORE RECONCILED, One to the other.  And to God the Father Almighty! + In the Name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the + Holy Spirit both now and forever from ages to ages.

Everyone: Thanks be to God.   AMEN!   AMEN!   AMEN!

The Orate Fratres

Celebrant: Brothers and Sisters, pray that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God Almighty.

Everyone: May the Lord receive the sacrifice from your hands to the praise and glory of His Name, and our welfare and that of all his Holy Church.

Hymns are optional in every Mass; the following hymns or others may be sung, at the celebrant's discretion. At this time non-believers and catechumens must leave the sanctuary, and if the Bishop is Celebrant, the Assistant, Deacon or Sub-Deacon shall aide in the removal of the Bishop's Miter and Crosier.

The Great Thanksgiving

Celebrant:   The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Celebrant:   Lift up Your hearts.

People: We lift them up unto the Lord.

Celebrant:   Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.

People: It is right to give Him thanks and praise.

The Anaphora

Celebrant: Worthy are you Lord of praise from every mouth and of confession from every tongue; and worthy of adoration and exaltation is your adorable and glorious name, O Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  In great love, you did create the world; in compassion, its inhabitants. In your mercy, you gave unto mankind your salvation, and your abundant grace unto mortals. Thousands and thousands of those on high bow down and worship your majesty, O Lord. Ten thousand times ten thousand holy angels and hosts of spiritual beings of ministers of fire and spirit, glorifying your name, with holy cherubim and spiritual seraphim, offering worship to your sovereignty, calling out and praising without ceasing, and crying one to another saying:

The Sanctus, Sanctus

At the end of the preface and rites, the Celebrant joins his hands and, together with the congregation after the following prayers, all say or sing together: 

Everyone: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Sabbath, 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.

Celebrant removes the veil from the chalice and paten and says the following pray:  And at the end of these days, tearing up the sentence of condemnation for all our debts, you gave us your only-begotten Son, both debtor and debt, immolation and anointed, lamb and heavenly bread, high priest and sacrifice; for he is distributor and he himself is distributed always in our midst without ever being consumed.

The Celebrant with his hands extended, prays: For having become man truly and without illusion, and having become incarnate through union without confusion, through the Theotokos , the Holy Virgin Mary, he journeyed through all the passions of our human life without sin and came willingly to the world-saving cross, which was the occasion of our redemption.

Words of Institution

The words of the Lord in the following formula should be spoken clearly and distinctly, as their meaning demands.

Celebrant: WHO, the day before he suffered,

The Celebrant takes the bread and, raising it a little above the altar, continues

Celebrant: took bread into his holy and venerable hands

The Celebrant looks upwards towards heaven

Celebrant: O God, His Almighty Father, giving thanks to you, he blessed it, broke it, and gave it to His disciple saying:

The Celebrant bows slightly

Celebrant: Take and eat you all of this, for this is my body+++

The Celebrant shows the consecrated host to the people, places it on the paten, and genuflects or bows in adoration. Then he continues

Celebrant: In like manner, when the supper was done, taking the cup into his holy and venerable hands, again giving thanks to you,

The Celebrant takes the chalice, and, raising it a little over the altar, continues

Celebrant: He blessed it and gave it to His disciples, saying,

The Celebrant bows or genuflects slightly saying

Celebrant: For this is the cup of my blood of the new and eternal covenant, the mystery of faith: which shall be for you and for many unto the forgiveness of sins+++

Bowing or genuflecting, with hands joined, the Celebrant continues

Celebrant: For as often as you eat of this bread and drink of this cup do these things in memory of me that you shall do them.

Proclamation  

Then, with the celebrant with hands extended, the celebrant says: Remembering this Testament, therefore, with all that are gathered here today, and for our sake and others’ sake, all that was brought to pass, the Cross, the Tomb, The Resurrection, the Third Day, and the Ascension into Heaven, the sitting on the Right hand of the Father, and ever ready to meet Him when he comes again in his glory

The Elevation

Bowing or genuflecting, with hands joined, the Celebrant continues:  We offer to you from what is your own, in all for the sake of all

Everyone: We Praise You, We bless you, and we give thanks to you, our Father Almighty, Our God, through the merits of your Son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior.

The Lord’s Prayer (traditional English text)

(All stand)

Then, the Celebrant’s hands extended: Let us pray as our Lord as taught us

Then the Celebrant joins hands has the congregation says the our father

People: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil one both now and forevermore. Amen.

Epiclesis

Celebrant with hands extended says:  Heavenly Father, we now ask of you to send your Holy Spirit on all gathered here and on these simple gifts of bread and wine, that they may become for us;  the + true body of Christ  and the true + blood of Christ your son. Through this meal enlighten the darkness of our hearts,  and give us, God, a correct faith, a certain hope,  a perfect charity, sense, and knowledge,  so that we may carry out your holy and true will,  And give you all praise, all glory, all thanks,  all honor, all blessing, and all good things. +++

Everyone: Blessed is the Holy Spirit, The Sustainer of Creation, for she blesses the people of God with Her transforming power. Amen ! Amen ! Amen !

Intercessory Prayer

Celebrant raises the chalice and paten presenting them to the people: May these gifts here offered here today, strengthen us, sustain us, as the Bread of Life, and the Cup of Truth to life eternal.

Celebrant/assistant: The Bread of Life, God’s Holy Word! The Cup of Truth, Jesus Christ the Holy Blood of Life

Celebrant: We offer these gifts On behalf of our Forefathers; the Prophets, The Apostles, The Saints, And all those who have been true, according to their nature and degree, To God our Almighty Father in Heaven, To Whom we given thanks, praise and blessings.

Celebrant:    Now let us pray for the peace from God and the salvation of our souls; Let us pray to the Lord:

Everyone:    Lord, have mercy.

Celebrant/assistant:     For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, and for the unity of all , let us pray to the Lord:

Everyone:     Lord, have mercy.

Celebrant/assistant:      For this parish, for those who enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord:

Everyone:     Lord, have mercy.

Celebrant/assistant:    For the Holy Catholic and Apostolic church, Archbishop N, our Bishop N, and our priest N and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord:

Everyone:     Lord, have mercy. 

Celebrant/assistant:      For our President, for the leaders of the nations, and for all in

Authority and in the service of the defense of our country, let us pray to the Lord:

Everyone:     Lord, have mercy.

Celebrant/assistant:     For this parish and city, for every city and community and those who live therein, let us pray to the Lord:

Everyone:     Lord, have mercy.

Celebrant/assistant:     For seasonable weather, and for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray to the Lord:
Everyone:    Lord, have mercy.

Celebrant/assistant:     For those who travel on land, water and air, for the sick [especially for N... and N...], the suffering, the captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord:

Everyone:     Lord, have mercy.

Deacon/Priest:     For the faithful departed, [for N...,] and for those whose names are written in our Diptychs, that they may have eternal rest and joy in the presence of the Lord our God, let us pray to the Lord.
Everyone:     Lord, have mercy!
Celebrant/assistant:     Help us, save us, have mercy and keep us, O Lord.

Everyone:    We long for your love and your grace.

Deacon/Priest:   By your abundant love and grace, O Lord, help us be mindful and remember of the heroic life of the Blessed Theotokos, Mary The Virgin, the lives of all the Saints of  both East and West both living and dead [Especially St.]; May we follow their example and commit ourselves and every facet of our lives to your Son Jesus, our Lord.

Everyone:    Amen

Here, after the Celebrant has said of some special purpose or event, the members of the congregation should speak out loudly of some special or important even that they feel would benefit from the prayers of all of us.  Speak out your intention to the Lord Our God so that we may all draw our minds, our hearts and souls to your intentions

                                                                                COMMIXTURE

The celebrant, at the Altar, makes the sign of the cross over the chalice with a particle of the host:  We believe, O Lord, we believe that in this breaking of the Body and by the shedding of the Blood, we have been redeemed, and we trust by partaking of this Holy Mystery,  we have been strengthened, that what we have through hope for the time being here [on earth] we may enjoy in the true fruits when we shall abide in heaven, through our Lord.

Then the celebrant places the particle from the host in the Chalice, says the following prayer quietly, and bows profoundly: Lord we also ask that this mixture and consecration of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be to us that receive it, effectual to eternal life. Amen.

PRAYERS BEFORE COMMUNION

The Celebrant prepares himself to receive the body and blood of Christ by praying quietly along with the faithful:   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 first.   I believe also that this is truly your own pure Body, and that this is truly your own precious Blood. Therefore, I pray you: have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions, both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, committed knowingly or unknowingly, of knowledge and of ignorance. And make me worthy to partake without condemnation of your most pure Mysteries, for the remission of my sins, and unto life everlasting. Amen.

The Grand Elevation

Celebrant taking the host raises it slightly above the paten and, facing the people says aloud:: THIS IS THE LAMB OF GOD, HE WHO TAKES AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD. HAPPY ARE THEY WHO ARE CALLED TO HIS SUPPER.

Everyone: While the celebrant presents the people who follow the eastern rite would do low bow and those who follow the western rite would genuflect

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us and grant us Your Peace! 3x’s

At this point everyone in the congregation would rise

CELEBRANT:  Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper.

Communion of the Celebrant

The celebrant adds, once only, with the people

People: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.

Facing the Altar, the Celebrant says quietly

CELEBRANT:  He gives heavenly bread to the hungry, may the body of Christ bring me to everlasting life.

The celebrant reverently consumes the body. Then he takes the chalice and says quietly:

CELEBRANT:  And to the thirsty water from the living spring, may the blood of Christ bring me to everlasting life. Christ the Lord himself comes, who is the Alpha and Omega, and he shall come again to judge us all.

The reverently drinks the blood of Christ

The Prayer of Elevation

Then the celebrant says the prayer of elevation while holding the paten and chalice facing the people:

Come forward now and receive the binding food of Jesus Christ, having already heard the Word of God as the balm of the wound and as taught by Jesus ... feeding your spirit on that Word, Now ...  feed your body with His food which binds the body and soul to the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ.

After this he takes the paten or other vessel, the priest communicates first. Next, any concelebrating Priests communicate in the same manner. A Priest communicates then, Deacons, Clerics, and Altar servers.  Then he goes to communicate each person in the congregation. The priest then takes the host for each one, raises it a little and shows it saying, the priest is the only person who can instinct the host, no layman may ever handle the Sacred Body and Blood of Christ:

CELEBRANT:  The Body of Christ

The communicate answers saying:

Person: Amen

And receives communion on the tonue

When the deacon is allowed to give communion he does the same.

The sign of communion is core complete when given under both kinds, since the sign of the Eucharistic meal appears more clearly. The intention of Christ that the new and eternal covenant be ratified in his blood is better expressed, as is the relation of the Eucharistic banquet to the heavenly banquet.

If any are receiving both kinds the rite described elsewhere is followed, when he presents the chalice, the Celebrant or deacon says:

CELEBRANT:  The Blood of Christ

The Communicant answers:

Person: Amen

And drinks it. The deacon and other ministers may receive communion from the chalice at a Mass with singing.

Communion Song

While the Celebrant receives the body of Christ, the communion song is begun.

The celebrant or deacon cleanses the vessels after the communion or after Mass

If possible at the side table (credence table).

Mean while the Celebrant says, quietly:  Lord, may I receive these gifts in purity of heart. May they bring me both healing and strength both now and forever amen.

Period of Silence or Song of Praise

Then the Celebrant may return to the chair. A period of silence for private prayer in personal thanksgiving may now be observed, or a psalm or praise may be sung.

Prayer after Communion

Then, standing at the chair or at the altar, celebrant sings or says: Let us pray.

The priest and people pray in silence for while, unless a period of silence has already been observe. The priest extends his hands and sins or says the prayer after the communion.

Everyone: We believe, O Lord, that in this breaking of your body and pouring out of your blood we become redeemed people. We confess that by our sharing of this sacrament we are strengthened to endure in hope until we lay hold and enjoy its true fruits in the heavenly places. Amen

THE GREAT INVOCATION

CELEBRANT (if it is the Bishop, the Assistant, Deacons and sub-deacons miter and hand the Bishop his Crosier): Blessings, Wisdom, Power, and Might, To Our God forever.

Everyone: Amen! Amen! Amen!

Celebrant: The blessing of God + the Father + the Son + the Holy Spirit Be with you now and forever and unto ages and ages, In your going out, and your coming in, upon your waking and sleeping, your rising up and your laying down, until you come to that moment where you reach the Throne of Judgment, where Love, Light, Wisdom and Power shall be your inheritance for Faithful devotion to God.

The Dismissal

Celebrant: Depart now, in peace with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in your hearts and minds.

 Back To Various Liturgies Home Page

•Ancient Canons/Seven Ecumenical Councils  

•An Understanding of the Ancient Canons

• Ancient Canons/Seven Ecumenical Councils

• A bit of understanding about the Fundamentalist Cults....

• Modern Day Ecumenism and its horrors

•  How Many Times

• 08-07-2008 True Christian or Not?