DIVINE LITURGY OF ST

DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. THOMAS

FOR VARIOUS CELEBRATIONS

Presented by:

Western Orthodox Theological Institute (WOTI)

MAR Joseph Thaddeus, OSB, SSJt., Ph.D.

Protector of the Catholic Christian Church

Metropolitan Archbishop - Archabbot - Primate

American Orthodox Church

North American Orthodox Church

International Communications Headquarters

(575) 544-0906

Mailing Address Only:

407 S. Iron St.

Deming, New Mexico 88030

On the Internet at:

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© Copyright: 1982, 1999 - Seaside, Ca. © Copyright: 2003 - 2008 – Deming, New Mexico

American Orthodox Church

The Divine Liturgy

Our Holy Father St. Thomas,

Apostle of Jesus Christ's

and first Christian to India

Liturgy of St. Thomas for Today's People

CONTENTS

Introduction

Rubrics

About - Home Service

Legend

About Confession

About Communion Service

Introit

Opening of the Word

Invocation of the Angels

Kyrie

The Lesser Entrance

The Greater Entrance

The Offering of Holy Quorbana

The Mixing

Dedication by the People

The Epistle

The Preparation

The Holy Gospel

Reconciliation and Prayer of the Veil

Mystery/Consecration/Holy Elements

Commemoration

Lord's Prayer (Standard & Aramaic)

Epiclesis

Intercessions

Sign of Peace

Grand Elevation

Communion of the people

Distribution of Holy Communion

Great Invocation

Departure Blessing

In many churches of both the Eastern and Western Rite for which this liturgy was initially established; the "Lavabo" (Washing of hands in "innocence") is used with a prayer. Hopefully and prayerfully, this liturgy will be established in according to the rudiments of the Eastern Orthodox mind-set in time to come.

"Cleanse me, O'Lord, from all pollution of mind and body, that being cleansed I may be able to perform the holy work of the Lord…" or similar… In other churches and especially for this liturgy, there is no Lavabo after the pattern of the Roman Church.

Introduction to:

A LITURGY OF ST. THOMAS For Today's People

Originally, the liturgy was authored by Archbishop Michael Zaharakis as gained by him from reliable resources in India and elsewhere. We have made some changes for our use. The original form was presented to us by MAR Jacobus III [Archbishop James Abdul Mikleaovitch Dennis] as a part of EDTA HA THOMA (Profess House), with some assistance from Archbishop Pierre Testart when it became clear that "Jesus spoke in Aramaic," were initially begun as discussion papers with notations which were a part of these writings.

According to Archbishop Dennis, Zaharakis did not follow a written format per se, and his liturgies used written materials only for the Gospel. His belief was that a priest should allow for freedom of expression from the heart which is worship in action, and oft times an expression out of "…pain of heart struggles for the faith in Jesus Christ."

MAR Michael Zaharakis died in July 1984 at the San Francisco Veterans Hospital of a brain hemorrhage induced by medication used to treat him for leukemia. His case was worsened by the hepatitis which he became infected with while hospitalized.

We dedicate this Liturgy of St. Thomas (Apostle of Jesus Christ) (the Holy Twelve) and to MAR Michael Zaharakis and Archbishop James Abdul Miklaeovoitch Dennis (of reposed memory) and Archbishop Pierre Testart (+Petrus) who is still with us in this life..

We pray that each time it is used, it will be acceptable as an offering for not only his soul's advancement in the Kingdom of God, but for all who have passed the veil of the flesh into the next and for our own spiritual needs.

We use this Liturgy in the Western Rite branch of the AMERICAN ORTHODOX CHURCH - NORTH AMERICAN ORTHODOX CHURCH, Province of North America, and in the Catholic Christian Church, as well as primarily used by the Monastic Community of St. John Maximovitch of Shanghai & San Francisco of which the Thaddean Fathers (Holy Order and Society) operates under .

RUBRICS

CHURCH SERVICE:

The general guidelines for the conducting of Divine Liturgy shall be as follows:

1. If the Archbishop, Bishop or Local Ordinary be present, it is to him that Celebration of the Divine Liturgy is offered by.

If the Archbishop, Bishop or Local Ordinary is not celebrating Divine Liturgy, then the Pastor shall celebrate Divine Liturgy, following the guidelines as indicated in [ ] if the celebration is for what is termed as "High Mass" for the Western Rite. For Eastern Rite, Divine Liturgy may be abbreviated in this instance by the guidelines as indicated in ().

3. High Mass outside of monasteries of the Thaddean Fathers shall be said or celebrated only on special Holy Days of obligation, such as Christmas [(Nativity of Our Lord)], Easter [Resurrection Day], etc. For a more complete showing of Special Days of obligation, refer to Liturgical Calendar.

4. The color of vestments shall be those normally worn in Divine Liturgy for the Celebration of High Mass, or for regular services, as the case may be.

5. [Low Mass] or (Divine Liturgy-abbreviated) may omit the following parts of the service:

a. All incensing.

b. Introit, Opening of the Word, Invocation of the Angels, Kyrie, Dedication by the People, The Great Invocation, (omitted at the option of the celebrating priest).

HOME SERVICE:

1. The above Rubric #5 shall apply.

2. Because of conditions and situations in a house setting, it shall be at the option of the celebrant as to the form and layout of Holy utensils for the exception of essential holy utensils or items:

a.      Must have minimum of two candles.

b.      Must have Holy bread and Wine.

c.      Must have the Holy Bible (preferably the George M. Lamsa edition which is the translation from Aramaic to English. Otherwise, use the common Holy Bible most available at the time.

c.       Must have an antimins.

d.      Must have an Orthodox Cross.

e.      Must have blessed water.

3. The same conditions shall apply for the Western Rite as for the Eastern Rite in celebrating Divine Liturgy [Holy Mass] in the houses and homes of the faithful.

LEGEND:

[ ] Brackets = Liturgical Rubrics for Western Rite

( ) Parenthesis = Liturgical Rubrics for Eastern Rite

< > = Special Instructions for Celebrant,

Assistant, and others.

CONFESSION: It has always been, and remains mandatory for all true faithful to go to confession before receiving the Holy Mysteries. Because of the multitude of diverse religious backgrounds of those new to us; we allow some leeway.

Orthodox Catholics must have gone to confession. Those who are not Orthodox Catholic, may receive (For "Home Services" ONLY) un-consecrated elements up and until one has been fully Baptized and Christmated in the Church. Confession is not a public affair, but a private one between penitent and priest even though, under some circumstances, done at inconostasis or altar railing area before the preparation of the elements. According to this Jurisdiction's Canons, all confessions shall be heard in the open, away from but open to the "eyes only" of others. This reduces the problem posed by those of Protestant Cults who have been known to sneak into services and later attempt to make false and perjurious claims against a clergyman.

COMMUNION Service: It is noted that contemporary times has produced new attitudes and understandings in both the Eastern and Western Church (Orthodox and Roman).

We are all CATHOLIC and all are invited. But, in our Jurisdiction of the One, Holy, Orthodox, Catholic and Apostolic Church, we ask that those who are not baptized in the Orthodox Catholic Jurisdiction(s) or the Roman, leave the sanctuary at the beginning of COMMUNION SERVICE (not applicable during 'home services') since they are not considered as true Christians in the One, Holy, Orthodox, Catholic and Apostolic Church established by Jesus Christ Himself and the Holy Apostles. They may return after the Communion Service for the Departure Blessing. It shall be appropriate for the pastor of the church to hold separate catechumen studies in another area away from the main Church from where Communion is celebrated. Communion is a Divine Mystery and is not given just to anyone and everyone, believers and non-believers in the Faith.

[ ( INTROIT ) ]

[( Priest facing the altar )]

ASSISTANT:

Holy, Blessed, Worthy is the God Hosts, Who hath revealed Himself

in Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

ALL: 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.

ALL: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY,

The Lord God of Hosts,

Heaven and Earth are full of Thy Glory

Glory be to Thee, O'Lord Most High.

CELEBRANT: Amen!

[ ( OPENING OF THE WORD ) ]

CELEBRANT:

HOLY GOD.

HOLY MIGHTY ONE.

HOLY IMMORTAL ONE.

ALL: You are merciful.

CELEBRANT:

You are merciful O'Lord Jesus Christ

You are the Alpha and the Omega

The Beginning and the End

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, Jesus Christ.

+          and of the Holy Spirit.

ALL: Amen.

CELEBRANT: <Facing the people>

Hear O'descendants of Israel

The Lord Our God is one.

Hear the Command of the Lord Our God.

ASSISTANT: <Facing the people>

This is the first and great Command.

CELEBRANT: <Facing the people>

You shall love the Lord your God

with all your heart,

with all your mind,

with all your soul.

ASSISTANT: <Facing the people>

This is the first and Great Command

and the Second is the same as the first.

CELEBRANT: + You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

ASSISTANT:

From these two commands

hang all the law and the prophets.

CELEBRANT:

Hear O'descendants of Israel,

the Lord your God is ONE!

ALL: Amen.

[ ( INVOCATION OF THE ANGELS ) ]

ASSISTANT: <Facing the Altar>

In the Strength of the Lord do we expel all evil from this altar and this Holy sanctuary...

CELEBRANT:

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

Mikai-el <incense the Right of the Altar>

Raph-ae-el <Cense the Left of the Altar>

Ur-i-el <Cense the Middle of the Altar>

Gab-ri-el <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.

ALL: AMEN.

ASSISTANT: You, O God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ....

ALL: Hear Our Prayers.

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 we,

being made one by the Holy Spirit,

may be in Your Kingdom.

ALL: AMEN.

CELEBRANT:

Come Lord Jesus Christ

and Bless this Place

Where we Worship You.

ALL: AMEN. Blessed is Our Savior Jesus Christ.

[ ( KYRIE ) ]

CELEBRANT: <Facing the Altar>

Christ have mercy on us.

ALL: Christ have mercy on us.

CELEBRANT: Lord have mercy on us.

ALL: Lord have mercy on us.

CELEBRANT: Christ 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.

ASSISTANT: <Facing the People>

PEACE TO ALL who enter into the Place of God, the Father Almighty.

ALL: Amen.

CELEBRANT: <Facing the Altar>

O'Lord, I come to Your Altar and worship before your throne.

ALL: (slight bow)

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY,

Lord God, Ancient of days.

Before anything was,

You were in perfection,

Glory to Thee O'Lord God,

Our Father Almighty.

THE GREATER ENTRANCE

CELEBRANT: <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 rulership of Yahweh

as we enter into the Aeon.

ALL: 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

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.

ALL: Amen.

THE OFFERING OF HOLY QUORBANA

ALL: 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

ASSISTANT: We mix water with wine in honor of the mixing of the human and Divine in Jesus Christ.

ALL: O Most Holy One, Father Almighty,

We pray you take this offering from us

as a mercy offering to help all humanity.

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.

ALL: AMEN.

CELEBRANT: The Lord be with you.

ALL: And also with you, Father.

[ ( DEDICATION BY THE PEOPLE ) ]

< Can be sung or said as in prayer>

ALL: 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.

THE EPISTLE

ASSISTANT, DEACON OR SUB-DEACON: <Facing the people>

The Epistle reading is taken from

{ Selected reading from the Old Testament (optional) New Testament (always)}

THE PREPARATION

CELEBRANT: <Facing the People>

Come all you people of God.

Prepare your hearts by hearing the Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ.

READER: Cleanse my heart and my lips, O'God

Who by the hand of Your Seraph

did cleanse 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 Jesus Christ

Our Lord and Savior.

ALL: Amen!

CELEBRANT: OR BISHOP (IF PRESENT)

May the Lord be in your

+ Heart, and on your

+ Lips, that through your heart the Love of God

may shine forth,

and through your lips His Power

be made manifest by the Word.

READER: Amen!

THE HOLY GOSPEL

READER: <Facing the people>

The Holy Gospel according to St. ........

READER: Here ends the Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ.

ALL: AMEN! Glory is God's alone!

RECONCILIATION

ASSISTANT: <Facing the people>

Draw near to God's mercy.

Forgive your debtors.

Do good 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.

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.

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

- THE MYSTERY -

They may return after the Communion Service for the Departure Blessing. It shall be appropriate for the pastor of the church to hold separate catechumen studies in another area away from the main Church from where Communion is celebrated. Communion is a Divine Mystery and is not given just to anyone and everyone, believers and non-believers in the Faith.

CONSECRATION OF THE HOLY ELEMENTS

ASSISTANT: <Facing the People>

My brothers and sisters,

I give you a great mystery;

Our God, the Father Almighty

and Lover of mankind,

Loved us so much that He sent into this world His Only-begotten Son,

so that anyone who believes in Him may not perish,

but have everlasting life;

Who, having come and having wholly fulfilled His plans for us,

in the night wherein He was delivered,

or rather delivered Himself for the life of the world,

Took bread into His Holy and Venerable Hands,

Gave thanks to the Father,

He blessed it,

and gave it to His disciples saying:

CELEBRANT:

TAKE,

EAT,

FOR THIS IS MY BODY

WHICH IS BROKEN FOR YOU

FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS

ASSISTANT: Likewise, after supper

He took the wine into His Holy hands

and gave thanks to the Father Almighty.

He blessed it,

and gave it to His disciples, saying:

CELEBRANT: DRINK OF THIS

ALL OF YOU

FOR THIS IS MY BLOOD OF THE NEW

AND EVERLASTING COVENANT

WHICH IS SHED FOR YOU

AND FOR MANY FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.

ASSISTANT: AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!

COMMEMORATION

CELEBRANT:

THEREFORE, Remembering this precept

and all that was done for our sake;

The Cross,

The Tomb,

The BREAKING OF THE BOND OF THE GATES OF HELL,

The RESURRECTION on the third day,

The ASCENSION into Heaven,

The ENTHRONEMENT

AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD,

THE FATHER ALMIGHTY,

The SECOND AND GLORIOUS COMING AGAIN ..

ELEVATION

CELEBRANT:

WE OFFER TO YOU FROM WHAT IS YOUR OWN,

IN ALL FOR THE SAKE OF ALL.

ALL: 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.

CELEBRANT: <Facing the people>

Now, as Jesus Christ taught us,

Let us be bold enough to proclaim the covenential prayer:

[Standard payer]

[Aramaic Prayer]

Our Father,

You Who are in Heaven

Let Your Name be hallowed,

Let Your Kingdom come,

Let Your Will be done,

On Earth as it is in Heaven,

We Thank you for this day,

and our spiritual and material daily bread,

We pray you forgive us our transgressions

as we forgive those who have transgressed against us

be they of the past or present, those living or reposed, whether for right or wrong...

Have mercy on them O'Lord, on us and my unworthy self. (Celebrant bows to the east... )

Bind those who would do evil against us whether we know them or not...

and help us to not be led into temptations by the Evil One,

Deliver us O'Lord from evil for your's is truly the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory

of thee +O'Father, and thy +Son, and the +Holy Spirit.

Amen! Amen! Amen!

EPICLESIS

CELEBRANT:

Descend O'Holy Spirit,

Upon Us,

and upon these gifts presented here;

Changing them for us,

into the + Body

and the + Blood

of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

ALL: Amen.

ASSISTANT:

Blessed is the Holy Spirit

The Paraclete of Truth,

Who was sent as promised

By Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

ALL: Blessed is the Holy Spirit

The Sustainer of Creation,

For She blesses the people of God

with Her transforming power.

Amen! Amen! Amen!

INTERCESSIONS

CELEBRANT:

May these gifts here offered strengthen us,

Sustain us,

As the Bread of Life,

And the Cup of Trut

ASSISTANT: <As the Celebrant raises each of the consecrated and Holy elements>

The Bread of Life, GOD'S HOLY WORD!

The Cup of Truth, JESUS CHRIST'S HOLY 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 THE FATHER ALMIGHTY,

To Whom we give thanks, praise and blessings. Also, We offer these gifts for all whom it has pleased the Lord to call to His bosom recently:

CELEBRANT: And for all those who are sick and infirm ...

< Here again, anyone in the congregation who has in mind someone near and dear who is sick or infirm, speak out loudly their name and a very short mention of their connection or special place in your life... > [Example: "Name," beloved father, or "Name" beloved husband, wife or friend in life, etc.]

Equally so, we offer these gifts

For the Jesus Christ's Clergy of the World,

For our Archbishops in the Church,

For the Church herself,

For this Parish,

For our various projects in devotion,

For our government leaders in this nation and through out the world.

Lord, most of all, lest we forget.....

< 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. >

SIGN OF PEACE

CELEBRANT:

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, said to His Apostles;

"I leave you peace, My peace I give unto you..."

Therefore, I ask you to silently pray within, asking the Lord to look not on our sins but upon the Faith of His Church gathered this (day/night), and grant us the peace and unity of His Kingdom where He lives forever.

<ALL: Bow your heads for silent prayer as requested>

CELEBRANT:

Now, Let us look to the person on each side of us, and in front and behind us, giving each of them the true sign of Christian Peace which was a sign among all true believing Christians everywhere.

<ALL: An exchange of friendly greeting... a hug or kiss on each cheek, a hand shake, are all proper. NOTE: All Orthodox-Catholics normally gives a person a kiss on each cheek, the left and then the right.>

GRAND ELEVATION

CELEBRANT:

THIS IS THE LAMB OF GOD,

HE WHO TAKES AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD.

HAPPY ARE THEY WHO ARE CALLED TO HIS SUPPER.

ALL: <Eastern Rite: low profound bow>

Lamb of God,

You take away the sins of the world,

Have mercy on us

and grant us Your Peace!

<ALL: Rise>

COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE

ASSISTANT:

For those of the Western Rite, although you should have gone to the Priest on Friday ... some of you who come from another denomination, Protestant, 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!

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 ...

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.

DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNION

< Communion is not given in hand but on the tongue, always>

Communion is the Holy Food that must not be desecrated by unconsecrated hands. The Apostles and disciples were consecrated by Jesus Christ Himself, and thus, through lines of Succession from the Apostles, also are the hands of His Apostles and disciples in this day and time; the Bishops and priests.

(Note: At this time those who removed themselves from Communion Service because they are not baptized as either Orthodox or Roman Catholics, may return)

THE GREAT INVOCATION

ALL:

From the point of light

from within the mind of God,

Let His Light stream forth

into the minds of men.

Let His Light descend on Earth.

From the point of Love

from within the Heart of God

Let His Love stream forth

into the hearts of men,

May Christ return to Earth.

From the Center

Where the Will of God is known only to Him,

Let His purpose guide

the little wills of men,

The purpose which the Christ knows and served.

From the center which we call the race of men....

Let God's Plan of Love and Light work out...

And may it seal + the door

where the evil one dwells.

Let God's Light, Love and Power

restore His plan on Earth.

Amen! Amen! Amen!

DEPARTURE BLESSINGS

CELEBRANT:

Blessings, Wisdom, Power, and Might,

To Our God forever.

ALL: AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!

CELEBRANT:

The blessing of God

+ the Father

+ the Son

+ the Holy Spirit

Be with you now and forever

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.

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

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