A Guide to the Divine Liturgy in the East, by Athelstan Riley (1922)

Being a Manual for the Use of English Churchmen Attending the Celebration of the Eucharist according to the Rites of the Holy Orthodox Eastern Church

PREFACE

SOME years ago I published A Guide to High Mass Abroad, which has gone through many editions and evidently met a real need. In the Preface to that little work it was stated that "should this attempt to make the Latin Liturgy intelligible be appreciated, the writer hopes to edit a similar volume containing the Liturgy of St. Chrysostom, for the use of travellers in Russia, Greece, Turkey, and other countries within the jurisdiction of the Holy Orthodox Eastern Church." That hope has been long unfulfilled, partly because a sufficient demand for such a Guide seemed doubtful, partly because the task of conducting an Anglican through the Latin Mass was easy compared with that of making plain the way through an Eastern Liturgy. But now the Eastern Church, as the result of the Great War, has been brought into contact with the Church of England at many points, the general interest in Eastern Christendom has been so greatly stimulated amongst us, that the publishers have thought that the venture might be made, and I have therefore determined to embark upon the task.

The form of the book is that proved to be useful in the Guide to High Mass Abroad, i.e. a complete version of the Liturgy on one page, and on the opposite only that part which is audible to the worshipper; there is no doubt that the overlapping of these parts, the priest saying one thing while the choir is singing another, is what renders "services abroad" so perplexing to those who are only accustomed to the use of the Book of Common Prayer. But there is one departure from the original model; the whole is given in English alone, except two or three common responses in the litanies which are printed phonetically in Greek and in Slavonic—the two chief liturgical languages of the Eastern Church—in order to assist the English reader in regaining his track when he has temporarily lost himself.

I have, in conclusion, to acknowledge my obligations to my friend Archdeacon Vladimir Theokritoff. This edition of the Liturgy is not a critical or merely literary edition, but a presentment of the service as it is actually celebrated at the present day; the assistance given me by one whose life’s vocation it is to take that prominent part in the splendid ceremonial of her Eucharistic Service which the Eastern Church assigns to her deacons has been of the greatest value and merits my most sincere gratitude.

A. R.

INTRODUCTORY NOTES

IN the Holy Orthodox Eastern Church three liturgies are in use, St. Chrysostom, St. Basil, and the Presanctified. The last, which is practically a Communion added to Vespers (those familiar with the Latin rite will remember that in the West the association of the Mass of the Presanctified with Vespers is very close), is said throughout Lent on Wednesdays and Fridays and also on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Holy Week. The Liturgy of St. Basil is celebrated on all Sundays in Lent except Palm Sunday, on Maundy Thursday, Easter Even, the vigils of Christmas and of the Epiphany, and on the feast of St. Basil (January 1st). The Liturgy of St. Chrysostom is therefore the normal liturgy. St. Basil, from which St. Chrysostom was probably derived, hardly differs from it except in the priest's prayers, which are longer, and the reader will have no difficulty in following it from the Guide. The Liturgy of the Presanctified is constructed

On Good Friday no liturgy is celebrated on somewhat different principles. But even here there are the two Entrances, many of the prayers and litanies are the same as in St. Chrysostom, and when the stranger has mastered the latter, and bears in mind that the Presanctified is a Communion without a consecration, he will not find himself wholly at a loss. [Thus the Great Entrance is the procession, not of the unconsecrated bread and wine, but of the Reserved Sacrament. In this case the priest hears it, the deacon walks backwards, ceasing, whilst the choir chant in the place of the Cherubic Hymn: Now the Heavenly Hosts minister invisibly with us, for, lo! the King of Glory is borne in. Behold the Mystic Sacrifice having been Perfected is attended by angels. With faith and love let us approach that we may be partakers of life eternal.]

The Liturgy of St. Chrysostom as it stands to-day is hardly the work of the great bishop whose name it bears. We have certain liturgical references in St. Chrysostom's writings to the rite used in Constantinople, and the portions he notes are still in use. The Liturgy of St. Basil is almost certainly earlier and the work of Basil himself. An old rite of some kind was in existence at Constantinople from the foundation of the see, St. Chrysostom may have assimilated it to St. Basil, so that the two liturgies to-day are very closely allied. From time to time developments and accretions have occurred, the chief of which we are able to trace, and some of these are discussed in the foot-notes to this Guide. Unlike the Roman Liturgy, which is evidently a composite rite, showing structurally what in geological language may be termed "faults," the great Eastern Liturgy has grown like a living organism; as a plant develops from a sapling into a majestic tree, so this rite has developed in language and ceremonial until it has become the splendid service we witness to-day. In the perfection and balance of its parts—language, ceremonial, and music—it is doubtful whether anything exists in the world so beautiful, so powerful in its appeal to the aesthetic sense of mankind, as the Eastern Liturgy as celebrated in the churches of Russia. [Russia in particular, because the Russian people are very highly endowed with musical gifts and with religious fervour.] And, if the old chroniclers are to be believed, it was the celebration of the Liturgy of St. Chrysostom in the Great Church of Constantinople which converted Russia. The envoys of the Grand Duke Vladimir, sent to the West to search for a new religion, were present at the celebration of the Eucharist by the Patriarch in the presence of the Emperor in St. Sophia. On their return to Kieff they reported: "We no longer knew whether we were on earth or in heaven, we saw such beauty and magnificence that we know not how to tell of it," and the result was the baptism of Vladimir and his people en masse in the river Dnieper a thousand years ago.

The Office of the Prothesis marks a definite step in the development of the liturgy. Anciently, it would seem, the Holy Gifts were prepared during the liturgy at the offertory. But at some period—about the sixth century—this preparation became a separate service before the liturgy began. It gradually became longer and more complicated and symbolic, until it assumed its present shape in the fifteenth century and the beginning of the sixteenth. It is not printed in this book as it does not take place in the sight of the congregation, being an office for the priest and deacon alone. It is sufficient for the reader to know that the chalice carried by the priest at the Great Entrance has been already mingled, and that the paten borne on the head of the deacon contains the Eucharistic Bread divided into the memorial of Christ, called the "Holy Lamb" (and alone subsequently consecrated), and the memorials of the Blessed Virgin, the Old and New Testament saints, the living and the departed; members of the congregation bringing little loaves to church from which morsels are cut for their special remembrances. What is left unused of these loaves is in many places distributed after the service to the congregation as the antidoron. The Eastern Church always uses leavened bread for the Holy Communion.

An Orthodox Eastern church is divided into two main portions—the sanctuary and the nave—by a high and solid screen, called the iconostasis. This is a development from the earlier screen, or curtains, with which the altar was shrouded from very early times, dating from the great iconoclastic controversy of the eighth century, and called the iconostasis because on it are the icons, or pictorial images, of Christ, the Blessed Mother, and the saints. In the centre of this screen the Royal, or Holy, Doors give direct access to the Holy Table, standing in the midst of the sanctuary. On the south side of these doors is the icon of Christ, and on the north that of the Blessed Virgin. A smaller door in the screen, toward the northern end, opens on to the Table of the Prothesis, at which the Holy Gifts are prepared before the service, and where they remain until the Great Entrance. No instrumental music is permitted in the Eastern Church, and seats are almost entirely absent. The language of the services varies with the nationalities into which the 120,000,000 of the Orthodox Church are divided. But as the old Slavonic language serves the numerous Slav nations, including the Russian, Slavonic and Greek largely cover the ground.

A few hints are given below to aid the beginner in following a service which is of so unfamiliar a type that it cannot help presenting considerable difficulties to him.

1. The hour at which the liturgy is celebrated varies so much in different circumstances and different countries that no rule about this can be laid down; it is, however, rarely later than ten o'clock.

2. There is only one liturgy in any church or chapel on the same day (the Western custom of a High Mass, supplemented by Low Masses, is quite unknown). At this all the clergy attached to the church take part, the priests concelebrating, or assisting round the altar, in place of each celebrating his own liturgy according to Western use. [In the Eastern Church there is a permanent diaconate, and it is assumed that there will always be a deacon to assist the priest. In default of a deacon his office is performed as far as possible by the celebrant or another priest. But the Western custom of a priest wearing a deacon's vestment and acting as a deacon is quite unknown.]

3. Avoid, if possible, a pontifical liturgy. This is excessively complicated and the beginner will find a simple parochial liturgy with priest, deacon, and a reader quite complicated enough.

4. Try to be in time for the liturgy and to note its commencement, remembering that there is usually a service somewhat analogous to our Morning Prayer before it. The deacon coming out and standing before the Royal Doors and the commencement of the singing by the choir will give some sort of a clue. At the end the liturgy often melts away into some other service, but this is not of such importance.

5. Watch the deacon carefully. He is a very important minister, ceremonially and musically the most important. It is his business to lead the devotions of the congregation, let him. lead yours; if you compare his movements with the ritual notes in this Guide you will soon find out where you are in the service.

6. You can hardly mistake the deacon. He wears an ungirded albe of coloured brocade (not white linen), and his stole hangs down straight, back and front, from his left shoulder (except in the case of an archdeacon, who wears it a little differently). His normal place, when not inside the sanctuary with the priest, is in front of the Royal Doors. The priest remains, with few exceptions, in the sanctuary, and you do not see so much of him. His vestments are very similar to the Western Eucharistic vestments, but the chasuble has been lengthened behind and cut away in front (not, as with us, at the sides) until it bears a close resemblance to a cope.

7. Look out for the two Entrances; you cannot mistake them, and they mark definite points in the service. Also note carefully the opening and the shutting of the Royal Doors; they also serve as sign-posts. In the Guide this information is printed in Clarendon type to facilitate reference.

8. Standing is the usual attitude of devotion in the East; if obliged to sit through weakness you will probably find a seat along the walls. As to kneeling, custom varies very much. The Russians usually kneel at the Great Entrance for the first part of the Cherubic Hymn, at the Sanctus till after the Consecration, and for the Lord's Prayer. But all this is a matter of private devotion. The self-conscious Englishman must try to realize that nobody is looking at him and nobody cares about what he does. Let him only behave quietly and reverently and all will be well. He need not kiss icons, or cross himself, or bow and prostrate himself unless he so desires, and he will be wise not to do these things unless they really spring from a genuine devotion.

IT IS TIME TO SACRIFICE UNTO THE LORD.
Exclamation of the Deacon at the close of the Office of the Prothesis.

THE DIVINE LITURGY OF OUR FATHER AMONG THE SAINTS, JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

I. THE LITURGY OF THE CATECHUMENS

On this side is printed all that is said out loud or sung.	On this side is printed the entire Liturgy, whether audible or not.
The Deacon comes out from the altar through the north door, and standing before the Royal Doors, which are closed, makes three reverent inclinations.	The Deacon, standing before the Royal Doors, says secretly:

Priest. Blessed be the kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.

During this and the other litanies he stands holding his orarion, or stole, between the three fingers of his right hand, and he crosses himself at the end of every petition.

For the peace that is from above, and for the salvation of our souls, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.

For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy Churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.

For this holy house and for all that with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter therein, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.

For our Great Lord, the Most Holy Patriarch N., for our Archbishop N., for the venerable priesthood, for the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and for the laity, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.

For our Patriarch N. (or for the Most Holy Governing Synod), for our Archbishop N., for the venerable priesthood, for the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and for the laity, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.

For our country which has suffered much, for its faithful sons, and for its faithful and Christ-loving army, let us make our supplications unto the Lord. [Since the Revolution and the destruction of the Russian Empire this petition has been substituted for the prayer for the Emperor and the next petition omitted.]

For our most religious and God-preserved King, for all his court and for his army, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.

That he may fight upon their side, and subdue all their enemies and adversaries under their feet, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.

For all this town (in monasteries, For this holy monastery) and country, and for all that in faith dwell therein, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.

For favourable weather, for the fruits of the earth, and for peace in our time, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.

For all that travel by land or by water, for all sick persons, for the afflicted, for all prisoners and captives and for their salvation, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.

For our deliverance from all afflictions, from all wrath, perils, and necessities, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.

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

Priest. O Lord our God, of might invincible and glory incomprehensible, whose mercy is infinite and love of men unspeakable, do thou, O Lord, look down upon us and upon this holy house, and give to us, and to those that pray with us, the riches of thy grace and the abundance of thy mercy.

Priest. For to thee belong all glory, honour, and worship, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.

(Aloud.) For to thee belong all glory, honour, and worship, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.

The Choir sing the First Anthem, as below. [This psalm is the ordinary anthem; on Great Festivals others take its place.] Meanwhile the Deacon, having made an inclination, leaves his place and stands looking towards the image of Christ on the iconostasis, holding his orarion with three fingers of his right hand.

Who saveth thy life from destruction: and crowneth thee with mercy and loving-kindness.

(The whole of Psalm 103 is appointed to be said, but in practice the Choir usually sing only the first few verses.)

When the Anthem is finished the Deacon, standing before the Royal Doors, bows and says:

Deacon. Again and again in peace, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.

Priest. O Lord our God, save thy people and bless thine inheritance. Keep the fullness of thy Church, and sanctify those that love the beauty of thy house. Glorify them by thy divine power, and forsake not us who put our trust in thee.

Priest. For thine is the might and thine the kingdom, the power and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.

(Aloud.) For thine is the might and thine the kingdom, the power and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.

The Choir sing the Second Anthem, as below, whilst the Deacon goes and stands before the image of St. Mary. [On Great Festivals special anthems take the place of this Psalm.]

Praise the Lord, O my soul; while I live will I praise the Lord: yea, as long as I have any being, I will sing praises unto my God.

O put not your trust in princes, nor in any child of man: for there is no help in them.

For when the breath of man goeth forth he shall turn again to his earth: and then all his thoughts perish, etc.

Praise the Lord, O my soul; while I live will I praise the Lord: yea, as long as I have any being, I will sing praises unto my God.

O put not your trust in princes, nor in any child of man: for there is no help in them.

For when the breath of man goeth forth he shall turn again to his earth: and then all his thoughts perish, etc.

(The whole of Psalm 146 is appointed to be said, but, as in the case of the First Anthem, only part is usually sung.)

O Word immortal of eternal God,
Only-begotten of the only Source,
For our salvation stooping to the course
Of human life, and born of Mary's blood;
Sprung from the ever-virgin womanhood
Of her who bare thee, God immutable,
Incarnate, made as Man with man to dwell,
And condescending to the bitter Rood;
Save us, O Christ our God, for thou hast died
To save thy people to the uttermost,
And dying tramplest death in victory;
One of the ever-blessed Trinity,
In equal honour with the Holy Ghost,
And with the eternal Father glorified.

[This hymn is attributed to the Emperor Justinian (483-565) and was introduced into the Liturgy in his time. It is best known to us by the fine metrical version in the English Hymnal given above. A literal translation will be found opposite.]

O Only-begotten Son and Word of God,
In the beginning immortal,
Vouchsafing for our salvation
To take flesh of the Holy Mother of God,
And Ever-Virgin Mary.
Becoming Man, thyself unchangeable.
Thou who wast crucified,
O Christ our God,
And by death didst trample upon death,
Being One of the Holy Trinity,
Glorified with the Father,
And with the Holy Spirit,
Save us!

When this hymn is finished the Deacon goes again to the centre before the Royal Doors, and, having made an inclination, proceeds:

Deacon. Again and again in peace, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.

Priest. O thou who hast given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications unto thee; and dost promise, that when two or three are gathered together in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests: Fulfil now, O Lord, the desires and petitions of thy servants, as may be most expedient for them; granting us in this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come life everlasting.

Priest. For thou art a good God and lovest mankind, and unto thee we ascribe glory, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.

(Aloud.) For thou art a good God and lovest mankind, and unto thee we ascribe glory, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.

The Choir then sing the Third Anthem, which is usually the Beatitudes, during which there takes place the solemn Gospel procession, called

[A primitive feature of the liturgy, dating from the fifth century, or even earlier.]

During the singing of the Beatitudes the Priest and Deacon, standing before the Holy Table, make three inclinations. Then the Priest, taking the Book of the Gospels, gives it to the Deacon, and they come out through the door of the prothesis, i.e. the northern door in the iconostasis, into the body of the church, preceded by a Reader carrying a lighted candle.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you: and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.

Priest. O Lord and Master, one God, who hast established in the heavens the orders and armies of angels and archangels to serve thy majesty, grant that with us the holy angels may enter, who with us serve and glorify thy goodness. For to thee is due all glory, honour, and worship, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

Priest. Blessed be the Entrance of thy Saints, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

Choir. O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ. O Son of God, who didst rise from the dead, save us who sing to thee. Alleluya.

The Choir continues with the troparion or short anthem for the day. Meanwhile the Priest and Deacon go through the Royal Doors into the sanctuary, and the Deacon puts the Book of the Gospels on the Holy Table.

Priest. For thou, our God, art holy, and unto thee do we ascribe glory, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and ever.

Priest. O God, which art holy and restest in the holies, who art hymned with the voice of the Trisagion by the Seraphim, glorified by the Cherubim, and adored by all the powers of heaven; thou who didst from nothing will all things into being; who didst make man after thine image and likeness, and didst adorn him with all thy graces; who givest to him that seeketh wisdom and understanding, and passed not by the sinner, but dost give repentance unto salvation; who hast vouchsafed that we, thy humble and unworthy servants, should stand even at this time before the glory of thy holy altar, and should pay to thee the worship and praise that is meet: receive, O Lord, out of the mouth of sinners the hymn of the Trisagion, and visit us in thy goodness. Forgive us every offence, voluntary and involuntary. Sanctify our souls and bodies, and grant that we may serve thee in holiness all the days of our life; through the intercession of the Holy Mother of God and all the Saints who have pleased thee since the beginning of the world. For thou, our God, art holy, and to thee do we ascribe glory, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.

Priest. Blessed art thou upon the throne of thy glory who sittest above the Cherubim. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.

Here the Reader recites the prokeimenon of the day
(a verse from the Psalms).
The Choir sings the prokeimenon thrice.

(And taking the censer he tenses the sanctuary, the Holy Table, the holy images, and the congregation while the Epistle is being read.)

Then the Deacon, taking the Book of the Gospels from the Priest, goes through the Royal Doors and, placing the book on the lectern, says:

Priest. Lighten our hearts, O Lord and lover of men, by the pure light of thy divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our understanding that we may comprehend the precepts of thy Gospel. Implant in us the fear of thy blessed commandments, that we, trampling upon all carnal lusts, may seek the citizenship which is above, both saying and doing always such things as may please thee. For thou art the illumination of our souls and of our bodies, O Christ our God, and to thee we ascribe all glory together with thine eternal Father and thine all-holy and lifegiving Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.

Priest. May God, by the prayers of the holy and glorious Apostle and Evangelist N., give unto thee the word with much power, for the fulfilment of the gospel of his beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Then the Deacon chants the Gospel slowly and with great solemnity. At its conclusion:

The Deacon carries back the Book of the Gospels to the Priest, after which the Royal Doors are closed. Then, standing in his usual place, the Deacon begins the Litany as follows:

Have mercy upon us, O God, after thy great goodness; we pray thee hear and have mercy upon us.

Again, we pray for our Great Lord, the most holy Patriarch N., and for our Lord Archbishop N., and for all our brethren in Christ.

Again, we pray for our religious King N., for his dominion, victory, welfare, and health, and ask for his salvation, that our Lord God may succour him in all things and subdue every enemy under his feet.

[These petitions vary in different countries and circumstances, both in number and kind.]

Again, we pray for our country which has suffered much, for its faithful sons and for its faithful and Christ-loving army.

Again, we pray for the honourable work of the priesthood, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and people.

Again, we pray for our brethren the priests, the priest-monks, and for all our whole brotherhood in Christ.

Again, we pray for the blessed and ever-to-be-remembered holy orthodox patriarchs, for the pious kings and queens, and for the founders of this holy temple, for all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us and are resting here, and for all the orthodox in all places.

Again, we pray for those who bring forth fruit and do good deeds in this holy and venerable temple, for those who labour and those who sing, and for the people, who stand around looking for thy great and abundant mercy.

Priest. O Lord our God, accept this earnest prayer from thy servants, and have mercy on us according to the multitude of thy mercies. Send down thy bountiful goodness on us and on all thy people that expect the plenteous mercy that is from thee. (Aloud.) For thou art a merciful God, and lovest mankind, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, now and for ever and world without end.

Priest. For thou art a merciful God and lovest mankind, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.

If there be a special commemoration of the Departed the following petitions are added:—

Deacon. Have mercy upon us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we beseech thee, hear us, and have mercy.

Furthermore, we pray for the repose of the servant of God, N., who has departed this life, and that thou wilt pardon all his sins, voluntary and involuntary.

Let us ask for him from Christ, our immortal King and God, the mercy of God, the kingdom of heaven, and forgiveness of his sins.

Priest. O God of all spirits and of all flesh, who hast destroyed death, trodden down Satan and given life unto the world, give rest, O Lord, to the soul of thy servant N., who is fallen asleep, in a place of light, in a place of pasture, in a place of repose, whence pain and sorrow and sighing have fled away. Every sin which he hath committed in thought, in word, and in deed, do thou forgive, forasmuch as thou, O God, art good and lovest mankind; for there is no man that liveth and sinneth not; thou only art without sin, thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.

Priest. For thou art the resurrection and the life, and the rest of thy departed servant N., O Christ our God, and unto thee do we ascribe glory together with the Father who is from everlasting, and the Holy Ghost, the Giver of life, now and for ever, world without end.

(Aloud.) For thou art the resurrection and the life, and the rest of thy departed servant N., O Christ our God, and unto thee do we ascribe glory together with the Father who is from everlasting, and the Holy Ghost, the Giver of life, now and for ever, world without end.

[In most parish churches the Greeks do not say this Litany of the Catechumens out loud.]

Let us, the faithful, pray for the Catechumens, that the Lord may have mercy upon them.

Priest. O Lord our God, that dwelleth on high yet hast respect unto the lowly, who didst send forth the salvation of mankind, even thine Only-begotten Son Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, look down upon thy servants the Catechumens, who have bowed their necks unto thee. Make them worthy in due season of the laver of regeneration, of the forgiveness of sins, of the robe of immortality; unite them to thy Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, and number them with thine whole flock.

Priest. That they also with us may glorify thy all-honourable and glorious Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.

(Aloud.) That they also with us may glorify thy all-honourable and glorious Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end. (Here the Priest unfolds the corporal.)

Deacon. Let all the Catechumens depart! Catechumens, depart!
Let all the Catechumens depart!
Let not any of the Catechumens—;

[This cry of the Deacon has survived from the early ages of the Church, when the Catechumens, under instruction for Holy Baptism, were not allowed to be present at the Holy Mysteries now about to be celebrated.]

Here the Deacon opens the Royal Doors.	Whilst the Cherubic Hymn is being sung the Deacon tenses the altar, the icons, the Priest and the people saying secretly Psalm 51. The Priest meanwhile says the following prayer:
The Choir sing the first part of the Cherubic Hymn, very solemnly, to a long-drawn-out and elaborate chant. [This hymn was introduced into the Liturgy in the time of the Emperor Justinian. The ceremony connected with it is derived from the splendid pageantry of the Court at Constantinople when the Roman Emperor in his progresses was borne aloft by the Imperial Guard. Secular ritual has been taken and sublimated in honour of the King of kings.]
Let us, who in a mystery represent the Cherubim, and sing to the life-giving Trinity the thrice-holy hymn, at this time lay aside all worldly cares.	None is worthy among them that are bound with fleshly desires and pleasures to approach thee, nor to draw near, nor to sacrifice unto thee, O King of glory; for to minister to thee is great and terrible even to the very heavenly powers. Yet, through thine ineffable and measureless love, thou didst unchangeably and immutably become Man, and didst take the title of our High Priest, and didst give to us the ministry of this liturgical and unbloody Sacrifice, being thyself the Lord of all things. For thou alone, O Lord our God, dost reign over things in heaven and things on earth; borne on the throne of the Cherubim, Lord of the Seraphim, and King of Israel, thou only art holy and amongst the holy restest. On thee, then, I call with importunity; thou that art good and ready to hear, look upon me, a sinner, and thy unworthy servant; cleanse my soul and heart from an evil conscience; strengthen with the might of thy Holy Ghost me who have been endued with the grace of the priesthood that I may stand at this thy Holy Table to offer thy sacred and spotless Body and thy precious Blood. For to thee I come, bowing my neck and supplicate of thee; turn not thy face away from me, nor reject me from among thy children, but graciously allow that these gifts may be offered to thee by me, a sinner and thine unworthy servant. For thou thyself dost offer and art offered, dost receive and art received, Christ our God. And we give praise to thee together with thine eternal Father, and thine all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.
During the Cherubic Hymn the Procession of the Offertory is marshalled behind the iconostasis. It issues from the north door of the screen, the Deacon walking first with the veiled paten on his head, and his censer hanging behind his right shoulder; the Priest follows carrying the chalice, and other ecclesiastics, if there be any, each carrying some instrument connected with the Liturgy. This Procession is made with all possible solemnity, and before it are borne lighted candles. It crosses in front of the iconostasis until the Priest and Deacon have arrived in front of the Royal Doors.
	This prayer being finished the Priest and Deacon, standing before the Holy Table, repeat thrice the Cherubic Hymn, and then go to the Table of the Prothesis. And the Priest, having tensed the holy things, says:
	God be merciful to me a sinner.
	Deacon. Sir, lift up.
	And the Priest puts the large veil over the Deacon's shoulder, saying:
	Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the Lord.
	And the Deacon, kneeling down, receives the paten on his head. He holds the paten with both hands, and his censer with one of his fingers behind his back. Then the Deacon and the Priest carrying the chalice, preceded by tapers, and followed by any clergy who may be assisting in the sanctuary, go out of the Chapel of the Prothesis by the northern door of the iconostasis.
The Priest and Deacon now turn to the people and make solemn intercessions for Rulers. These vary with the country. At present the Russian form is as follows:
Deacon. May the Lord God remember in his kingdom our Great Lord, the Most Holy N., Patriarch of Moscow and of All the Russias, and our Lord Archbishop N. always, now and for ever, world without end.
Priest. May the Lord God remember in his kingdom our great country which has suffered much, and its faithful and Christ-loving army and all orthodox Christians, always, now and for ever, world without end.
The Deacon, followed by the Priest, enters the sanctuary. The Royal Doors are shut and the veil behind them drawn. Meanwhile the Choir finish the Cherubic Hymn:	On entering the sanctuary.
To receive the King of all, invisibly escorted by the angelic orders.	Deacon. May the Lord God remember thy priesthood in his kingdom.
Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya.	Priest. May the Lord God remember thy diaconate in his kingdom, now and for ever, world without end.
	The Priest, placing the chalice and paten on the Holy Table, says:
	The honourable Joseph took, thy spotless Body from the Cross, wrapped it in clean linen with spices, and placed it in a new tomb. In the grave bodily, in Hades; spiritually, in Paradise with the thief, divinely as on a throne, wast thou, O Christ, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, filling all things, thyself uncircumscribed. How life-giving, how more beautiful than Paradise and verily more beautiful than any royal chamber is thy tomb, O Christ, the fountain of our resurrection!
	He covers the oblation with the large veil, repeating the first sentence:
	The honourable Joseph, etc.
	He censes the oblation, saying:
	O be favourable and gracious unto Sion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt-offerings and oblations: then shall they offer young bullocks upon thine altar.
	Then he says:
	Remember me, brother and fellow-minister.
	Deacon. The Lord God remember thy priesthood in his kingdom. Holy Sir, pray for me.
	Priest. The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee.
	Deacon. The same Spirit shall be fellow-minister with us, all the days of our life. Holy Sir, remember me.
	Priest. The Lord God remember thee in his kingdom, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
	Deacon. Amen.
	And he goes out of the sanctuary through the north door.
The Deacon, standing in his usual place before the Royal Doors, begins the Litany:	And he goes out of the sanctuary through the north door.
Let us complete our supplications unto the Lord.	Deacon. Let us complete our supplications unto the Lord.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
For the precious gifts which have been offered, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	For the precious gifts which have been offered, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
For this holy temple, and for those that enter it in faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	For this holy temple, and for those that enter it in faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
That we may be delivered from all afflictions, from all wrath, perils, and necessities, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	That we may be delivered from all afflictions, from all wrath, perils, and necessities, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
Assist, save, pity, and defend us, O God, by thy grace.	Assist, save, pity, and defend us, O God, by thy grace.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Podäy Góspody.	Paráskou Kyrie.
An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask from the Lord.	An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask from the Lord.
Podäy Góspody.	Paráskou Kyrie.
Pardon and remission of our sins and our transgressions, let us ask from the Lord.	Pardon and remission of our sins and our transgressions, let us ask from the Lord.
Podäy Góspody.	Paráskou Kyrie.
Things that are good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask from the Lord.	Things that are good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask from the Lord.
Podäy Góspody.	Paráskou Kyrie.
That we may accomplish the remainder of our lives in peace and penitence, let us ask from the Lord.	That we may accomplish the remainder of our lives in peace and penitence, let us ask from the Lord.
Podäy Góspody.	Paráskou Kyrie.
Christian ends to our lives, without distress, without shame, peaceful; and a good defence before the fearful judgement-seat of Christ, let us ask from the Lord.	Christian ends to our lives, without distress, without shame, peaceful; and a good defence before the fearful judgement-seat of Christ, let us ask from the Lord.
Podäy Góspody.	Paráskou Kyrie.
Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.	Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.
Tebéy Göspody.	Soi Kyrie.
Tebéy Göspody.	Priest. O Lord God Almighty, who alone art holy, who receivest the sacrifice of praise from those that call upon thee with their whole heart; receive also the supplication of us sinners, bring it to thy holy altar and enable us to present gifts unto thee and spiritual sacrifices for our sins and for the errors of the people. Cause us to find grace in thy sight, that this our sacrifice may be acceptable unto thee, and that the good Spirit of thy grace may rest on us and on these gifts lying before thee and on all thy people.
Priest. Through the mercies of thine Only-begotten Son, with whom thou art to be blessed, and with the all-holy, good, and quickening Spirit, now and for ever, world without end.	(Aloud.) Through the mercies of thine Only-begotten Son, with whom thou art to be blessed, and with the all-holy, good, and quickening Spirit, now and for ever, world without end.
Choir. Amen.	Choir. Amen.
Priest. Peace be unto you.	Priest. Peace be unto you.
Choir. And with thy spirit.	Choir. And with thy spirit.
Deacon. Let us love one another, that we may with one mind confess	Deacon. Let us love one another, that we may with one mind confess
Choir. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the Consubstantial and Undivided Trinity.	Choir. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the Consubstantial and Undivided Trinity.
	Priest. I will love thee, O Lord, my strength: the Lord is my strong rock (thrice).
	And if there be two or more Priests round the Holy Table they give each other the kiss of peace, saying:
	Christ is among us. He is and will be.
Deacon. The doors! The doors! In wisdom let us attend.	Deacon. The doors! The doors! In wisdom let us attend.
Here the veil behind the Royal Doors is drawn back. [In ancient times the doors were guarded lest unbelievers should enter and hear the Christian Creed. The cry of the Deacon is a relic of this practice. The Greeks open the doors as well.]

The Creed was inserted into the Liturgy at Constantinople in 518. It is of course without the interpolated “Filioque.”

THE ANAPHORA
Deacon. Stand we well: stand we with fear: let us attend to offer in peace the holy oblation, and he goes to the Priest within the sanctuary.	Deacon. Stand we well: stand we with fear: let us attend to offer in peace the holy oblation.
Choir. The mercy of peace, the sacrifice of praise.	Choir. The mercy of peace, the sacrifice of praise.
Priest. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.	Priest. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with you all.
Choir. And with thy spirit.	Choir. And with thy spirit.
Priest. Lift up your hearts.	Priest. Lift up your hearts.
Choir. We lift them up unto the Lord.	Choir. We lift them up unto the Lord.
Priest. Let us give thanks unto the Lord.	Priest. Let us give thanks unto the Lord.
Choir. It is meet and right to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the Consubstantial and Undivided Trinity.	Choir. It is meet and right to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the Consubstantial and Undivided Trinity.
	Priest. It is meet and right to hymn thee, to bless thee, to praise thee, to give thanks to thee, to worship thee, in every part of thy dominion. For thou art God, ineffable, inconceivable, invisible, incomprehensible, the same from everlasting to everlasting; thou and thine Only-begotten Son and the Holy Ghost. For thou broughtest us forth from nothing, and when we were fallen didst raise us up again and leave nothing undone to bring us to heaven and to bestow on us thy kingdom which is to come. For all these things we give thanks to thee, and to thine Only-begotten Son and to thy Holy Ghost, for thy benefits which we know and which we know not, manifest and concealed. We give thee thanks also for the ministry which thou hast vouchsafed to receive at our bands, although there stand by thee thousands of Archangels and ten thousands of Angels, the Cherubim and the Seraphim that have six wings and are full of eyes and soar aloft:
Priest. Exulting, singing, proclaiming, chanting the triumphal hymn:	(aloud) exulting, singing, proclaiming, chanting the triumphal hymn:
Choir. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest.	Choir. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest.
	Priest. We also with these blessed powers, O Lord and Lover of men, cry and say, Holy art thou and All-Holy, thou and thine Only-begotten Son and thy Holy Ghost. Holy art thou and All-Holy, and great is the majesty of thy glory. Who didst so love the world as to give thine Only-begotten Son, that whoso believeth in him might not perish, but have everlasting life: who, having come and fulfilled for us all the dispensation, in the night that he was betrayed, or, rather, surrendered himself for the life of the world, took bread into his holy and pure and spotless hands, and gave thanks and brake, and gave to his holy disciples and apostles, saying:
Priest. TAKE, EAT: THIS IS MY BODY WHICH IS BROKEN FOR YOU FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.	(Aloud.) TAKE, EAT: THIS IS MY BODY WHICH IS BROKEN FOR YOU FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.
Choir. Amen.	Choir. Amen.
Choir. Amen.	Priest. Likewise after supper he took the cup, saying:
Priest. DRINK YE ALL OF THIS; THIS. IS MY BLOOD OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, WHICH IS SHED FOR YOU AND FOR MANY FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.	(Aloud.) DRINK YE ALL OF THIS; THIS, IS MY BLOOD OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, WHICH IS SHED FOR YOU AND FOR MANY FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.
Choir. Amen.	Choir. Amen.
Choir. Amen.	Priest. Therefore being mindful of this saving precept and all those things which he hath done for us, the cross, the grave, the resurrection after three days, the ascension into heaven, and the sitting down at thy right hand, and the second and glorious coming again,
Priest. Thine own, out of thine own, we offer to thee, entirely and for all things.	(Aloud.) Thine own, out of thine own, we offer to thee, entirely and for all things.
Choir. We hymn thee, we bless thee, we give thanks to thee, O Lord, and we pray to thee, our God.	Choir. We hymn thee, we bless thee, we give thanks to thee, O Lord, and we pray to thee, our God.
	Priest. Moreover we offer to thee this reasonable and unbloody service, and we entreat and pray and beseech, send down thy Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts set before thee. O Lord, who didst send down thy Holy Ghost the third hour on the Apostles, take him not from us, O good God, but renew him in us who pray to thee.
	Deacon. Make me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
	Priest. O Lord, who didst send down, etc.
	Deacon. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.
	Priest. O Lord, who didst send down, etc.
	Deacon. Bless, Sir, the holy Bread.
	Priest. And make this Bread the precious Body of thy Christ.
	Deacon. Amen. Bless, Sir, the holy Cup.
	Priest. And that which is in this Cup, the precious Blood of thy Christ.
	Deacon. Amen. Bless, Sir, both.
	Priest. CHANGING THEM BY THY HOLY SPIRIT. [According to Eastern teaching the Consecration is completed at these words.]
	Deacon. Amen, Amen, Amen. Holy Sir, remember me a sinner.
	Priest. The Lord God remember thee in his kingdom, now and for ever, world without end.
	Deacon. Amen.
	Priest. So that they may be to those that receive them for purification of the soul, for remission of sins, for fellowship of the Holy Ghost, for fulfilment of the kingdom of heaven, for boldness to approach thee, not unto judgement nor unto condemnation. We also offer thee this reasonable service on behalf of those who have departed in the faith, our ancestors, Fathers, Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Preachers, Evangelists, Martyrs, Confessors, Virgins, and every just spirit made perfect in the faith.
Priest. Especially for our all-holy, undefiled, blessed exceedingly and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary.	(Aloud.) Especially for our all-holy, undefiled, blessed exceedingly and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary.
Choir. It is very meet to call thee blessed, who didst bear God, the ever-blessed and most pure, and Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim, and infinitely more glorious than the Seraphim, who without taint of sin didst give birth to God the Word, thee, verily Mother of God, we magnify.	Choir. It is very meet to call thee blessed, who didst bear God, the ever-blessed and most pure, and Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim, and infinitely more glorious than the Seraphim, who without taint of sin didst give birth to God the Word, thee, verily Mother of God, we magnify.
[The commemoration of the Mother of God in this place is of high antiquity. The anthem, sung by the Choir, called the Megalunarion, is later. The last sentence "More honourable than the Cherubim," etc., is attributed to St. Cosmos the Melodist, who died in 760. The first part, "It is very meet," etc., is connected with the vision of a monk at Mount Athos in 980. The reigning Patriarch of Constantinople ordered the Megalunarion in this form to be inserted in the service-books. It is not quite certain when it reached the Liturgy.]	Whilst the Choir sings this hymn the Deacon incenses the Holy Table, and the sanctuary, reading the diptychs of the living and of the dead.
	Priest. For St. John the prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, for the holy, glorious, and famous Apostles, for St. N., whose memory we keep, and for all thy saints, by whose prayers do thou, O God, look down upon us. Remember also all those who have fallen asleep in the hope of rising again to eternal life.
	(Then the Priest remembers whom he will of the dead.)
	And give them rest where dwells the light of thy countenance. Again we pray thee: remember, O Lord, all orthodox bishops who rightly dispense thy word of truth, all the company of priests, the deacons in Christ, and all the ministry. Again we offer thee this reasonable sacrifice for all the world, for the holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, for all who live pure and holy lives, for our most faithful and Christ-loving sovereigns, for all their court and army. Give them, O Lord, a quiet reign, that we too, enjoying their peace, may lead a calm and quiet life in all piety and honesty.
Priest. But chiefly, O Lord, be mindful of our Great Lord, the most holy N., Patriarch of Moscow and of All the Russias, and of our Archbishop N., and spare them to thy holy Churches, that in peace, safety, honour, and good health they may prolong their days and rightly dispense the word of thy truth.	(Aloud.) But chiefly, O Lord, be mindful of our Archbishop N., and spare him to thy holy Churches, that in peace, safety, honour, and good health he may prolong his days and rightly dispense the word of thy truth.
Choir. And of all men and women.	Choir. And of all men and women.
Choir. And of all men and women.	Priest. Remember, O Lord, the city (or monastery) in which we live and all this city and country, and all the faithful who dwell therein. [At this point the Priest, amongst the Greeks, blesses the antidoron.] Remember, O Lord, all sailors, travellers, the sick and afflicted, all prisoners, and their salvation. Remember, O Lord, those who bring gifts to and work for thy holy churches and those who care for the poor. Send down thy mercies on us all. (And then remembers whom he will of the living.)
Priest. And grant that with one mouth and one heart we may glorify and praise in song thy most honourable and majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.	(Aloud.) And grant that with one mouth and one heart we may glorify and praise in song thy most honourable and majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.
Choir. Amen.	Choir. Amen.
Priest. And the mercies of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ shall be with you all.	Priest. And the mercies of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ shall be with you all.
Choir. And with thy spirit.	Choir. And with thy spirit.
The Deacon now comes out of the sanctuary through the north door, and, standing in his accustomed place, begins the Litany:	Choir. And with thy spirit.
Having commemorated all the Saints, again and again in peace let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	Deacon. Having commemorated all the Saints, again and again in peace let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
For these precious gifts, which have been offered and hallowed, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	For these precious gifts, which have been offered and hallowed, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
That our God, the lover of mankind, who has received them at his holy, heavenly, and spiritual altar for an odour of a sweet spiritual savour, may in answer send down upon us his divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	That our God, the lover of mankind, who has received them at his holy, heavenly, and spiritual altar for an odour of a sweet spiritual savour, may in answer send down upon us his divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
For our deliverance from all afflictions, from all wrath, perils, and necessities, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	For our deliverance from all afflictions, from all wrath, perils, and necessities, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
Assist, save, pity, and defend us, O God, by thy grace.	Assist, save, pity, and defend us, O God, by thy grace.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Podäy Góspody.	Paráskou Kyrie.
An angel of peace, a faithful guide, and guardian of our souls and bodies, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	An angel of peace, a faithful guide, and guardian of our souls and bodies, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Podäy Góspody.	Paráskou Kyrie.
Pardon and remission of our sins and our transgressions, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	Pardon and remission of our sins and our transgressions, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Podäy Góspody.	Paráskou Kyrie.
Things that are good and profitable for our souls and peace for the world, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	Things that are good and profitable for our souls and peace for the world, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Podäy Góspody.	Paráskou Kyrie.
That we may accomplish the remainder of our lives in peace and penitence, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	That we may accomplish the remainder of our lives in peace and penitence, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Podäy Góspody.	Paráskou Kyrie.
Christian ends to our lives, without distress, without shame, peaceful; and a good defence before the fearful judgement-seat of Christ, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	Christian ends to our lives, without distress, without shame, peaceful; and a good defence before the fearful judgement-seat of Christ, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Podäy Góspody.	Paráskou Kyrie.
Having prayed for the unity of the faith and for the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, let us commend ourselves and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.	Having prayed for the unity of the faith and for the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, let us commend ourselves and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.
Tebéy Góspody	Soi Kyrie.
Tebéy Góspody	Priest. Lord and lover of men, we commend to thee all our life and our hope; and we beg thee, we pray thee, we implore thee; Make us worthy to receive the heavenly and dread mysteries of this holy and spiritual table with a clean conscience, for the forgiveness of our sins, for the pardon of our offences, for the communion of the Holy Ghost, for an inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, for trust in thee and not for a judgement nor condemnation.
THE LORD’S PRAYER During the singing of the Lord's Prayer the Deacon, still standing before the Royal Doors, girds himself with his stole in such a manner that it forms a cross on his back and breast, with the ends tucked under in front.
And count us worthy, O Master, with boldness and without condemnation, to dare to call upon thee, our heavenly God and Father, and to say:	(Aloud.) And count us worthy, O Master, with boldness and without condemnation, to dare to call upon thee, our heavenly God and Father, and to say:
Choir. Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil.	Choir. Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil.
Priest. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.	Priest. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.
Choir. Amen.	Choir. Amen.
Priest. Peace be unto you.	Priest. Peace be unto you.
Choir. And with thy spirit.	Choir. And with thy spirit.
Deacon. Let us bow our heads unto the Lord.	Deacon. Let us bow our heads unto the Lord.
Choir. Tebéy Góspody.	Choir. Soi Kyrie.
Choir. Tebéy Góspody.	Priest. We give thee thanks, O King of heaven, who didst create all things by thine endless might and didst bring all things from nothing into being in the fullness of thy mercy. Look down from heaven, O Lord, on those who bow their heads to thee, for they do not bow to flesh and blood, but to thee, the dread God. Do thou, then, O Lord, give to all of us an equal benefit from these Oblations, according to the need of each. Do thou sail on the sea with sailors, travel on land with travellers, heal the sick, thou who art the physician of our souls and bodies.
Priest. Through the grace and compassion and lovingkindness of thine Only-begotten Son, with whom thou art blessed together with thine all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, world without end.	(Aloud.) Through the grace and compassion and lovingkindness of thine Only-begotten Son, with whom thou art blessed, together with thine all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, world without end.
Choir. Amen.	Choir. Amen.
	Priest. Look down, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, from thy holy dwelling-place, and from the throne of glory of thy kingdom come to sanctify us, thou who dost reign on high with the Father, and who art here present, although unseen. And grant that from thine almighty hand be given to us thy holy Body and precious Blood, and to all the people by our ministry.
	Then the Priest bows down, as also the Deacon in the place where he is, saying secretly three times: O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
	When the Deacon sees the Priest stretch out his hands to take the Holy Bread in order to make the elevation, he says aloud:
Deacon. Let us attend.	Let us attend.
He enters the sanctuary by the side door, and draws the veil.	The Priest, elevating the Holy Bread, says:
Priest. The Holy Things to those who are holy.	The Holy Things to those who are holy.
Choir. One is holy, One is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.	Choir. One is holy, One is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
The Choir now sing:	THE FRACTION AND COMMIXTURE
Praise the Lord of heaven: praise him in the height. Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya (followed by some other anthem).	Deacon. Sir, break the Holy Bread.
	Priest. The Lamb of God is broken and distributed, the broken and not severed, the ever eaten and never consumed, but sanctifying the partakers.
	Deacon. Sir, fill the holy Cup.
	The Priest, putting a portion of the Holy Bread into the Cup, says:
	The fullness of faith, of the Holy Ghost.
	Deacon. Amen.
	And taking the little cup of hot water, he says:
	Sir, bless the hot water.
	[The chalice has been already made, i.e. a little water added to the wine, in the Office of the Prothesis before the service. This is a second addition of water, is peculiar to the Byzantine rite, and appears to date from about the eighth century.]
	Priest. Blessed be the fervour of thy Saints, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
	The Deacon pours a little into the chalice, saying:
	The fervour of faith, the fullness of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
	Priest. Deacon, approach.
	Deacon. Sir, make me a partaker of the precious and holy Body of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
	And the Priest, giving the Deacon a portion of the Holy Species of Bread, says:
	N., the Reverend Deacon, is made partaker of the precious, holy, and spotless Body of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, for the remission of his sins and for everlasting life.
	The Priest then takes the Holy Species of Bread, saying:
	The precious and most holy Body of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ is communicated to me, N., for the remission of my sins and for everlasting life.
	The Priest and the Deacon now say together:
	THE PRAYER BEFORE THE COMMUNION
	I believe, O Lord, and confess that thou indeed art the Christ, the Son of the living God, who didst come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief. I likewise believe that this is thy most pure Body, and this is thy most precious Blood. I therefore pray thee have mercy upon me, and forgive me my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, committed in word and in deed, in knowledge and in ignorance, and make me worthy, without condemnation, to partake of thy most pure Mysteries, for the remission of sins and for life eternal.
	Of thy mystic Supper receive me to-day, O Son of God, as a partaker; for I will not betray the Mystery to thine enemies, nor give thee a kiss, as Judas; but as the thief I confess unto thee: remember me, O Lord, in thy kingdom.
	Let not the participation of thy Holy Mysteries be unto me for judgement or condemnation, O Lord, but for the healing of the soul and body.
	And they receive the Body of Christ. The Priest then receives the Holy Species of Wine, saying:
	The precious and holy Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ is communicated to me, N., priest, for the remission of my sins and for everlasting life. Behold, this hath touched my lips, and shall take away my transgressions and purge my sins.
	And he adds: Deacon, approach.
	Deacon. Behold, I approach the immortal King and God. Give me, Sir, the precious and holy Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ.
	And the Priest, giving the chalice to the Deacon, says:
	The servant of God, the Deacon N., is made partaker of the precious and holy Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ for the remission of his sins and for everlasting life.
	The Deacon having partaken the Priest adds: This hath touched thy lips, and shall take away thy transgressions and purge thy sins.
	And if there be any other clergy present in the sanctuary they communicate in like manner.
	Priest. We thank thee, Lord and lover of men, benefactor of our souls, that thou hest deigned to give us to-day thy heavenly and immortal Mystery. Make straight our path, strengthen us all in thy fear, and guide our steps, by the prayers and supplications of the glorious Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary and of all thy Saints.

The Deacon opens the Royal Doors, and receiving the chalice with reverence, goes to the gate, and lifting it up, shows it to the people, saying:
With fear of God, with faith draw near.	Deacon. With fear of God, with faith draw near.
Choir. Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord. God is the Lord and hath appeared unto us.	Choir. Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord. God is the Lord and hath appeared unto us.
If there be any communicants, and there are nearly always at least some infant communicants, they now approach the Royal Doors. The little children are communicated first, in one kind, the Priest placing a drop of the Precious Blood in their mouths. Then follow the adult communicants, and before their communion they say after the Priest the Prayer before Communion, "I believe, O Lord, etc." They communicate in both kinds together, administered by the Priest with a spoon, and afterwards drink wine and water, at a side table, as an ablution, with the antidoron.	["Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not.” Following the ancient custom of the Christian Church, the Easterns confirm directly after Baptism (the separation of the two rites took place very gradually in the Western Church, and only became stereotyped in the later Middle Ages) and are at once admitted to Communion. As the innocent lambs of Christ they constantly receive the Holy Sacrament. When they are about seven years' old they make their First Confession and become adult communicants.]
The words of administration are:
The servant of God, N., is made partaker of the precious and holy Body and Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, for the remission of his sins and for everlasting life.
Meanwhile the Choir sing:
Receive ye the Body of Christ, drink ye from the fountain of immortality.	Choir. Receive ye the Body of Christ, drink ye from the fountain of immortality.
And at the conclusion of the Communion:
Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya.	Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya.
Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya.	After the Communion of the laity the Priest replaces the chalice on the Holy Table, and the Deacon holding the paten over the chalice sweeps the commemorative portions (i.e. the memorials of the saints, living and departed) with the sponge into the chalice, saying: "By the Precious Blood, O Lord, wash off the sins of those who were remembered here, through the prayers of thy Saints."
The Priest blesses the people, saying:
O God, save thy people and bless thine inheritance.	Priest. O God, save thy people and bless thine inheritance.
Choir. We have seen the true light, we have received the heavenly Spirit, we have found the true faith, worshipping the undivided Trinity, for this hath saved us.	Choir. We have seen the true light, we have received the heavenly Spirit, we have found the true faith, worshipping the undivided Trinity, for this hath saved us.
Turning towards the people and making the sign of the Cross over them with the chalice containing the Holy Sacrament, the Priest says:	Priest. Be thou exalted, Lord, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth. Blessed be our God.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.	(Aloud.) As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Choir. Amen.	Choir. Amen.
THE THANKSGIVING AND DISMISSAL
Choir. Let our mouth be filled with thy praise, O Lord, that we may sing of thy glory, because thou hast vouchsafed to make us partakers of thy holy, divine, immortal, and life-giving mysteries: preserve us by thy holiness all our days, that we may learn thy righteousness. Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya.	Choir. Let our mouth be filled with thy praise, O Lord, that we may sing of thy glory, because thou hast vouchsafed to make us partakers of thy holy, divine, immortal, and life-giving mysteries: preserve us by thy holiness all our days, that we may learn thy righteousness. Alleluya, Alleluya, Alleluya.
The Deacon, having returned by the north door, standing in his usual place, with stole uncrossed, says:
Stand upright. Having partaken of the divine, holy, spotless, immortal, heavenly, life-giving, and awful mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks unto the Lord.	Deacon. Stand upright. Having partaken of the divine, holy, spotless, immortal, heavenly, life-giving, and awful mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks unto the Lord.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
Assist, save, pity, and defend us, O God, by thy grace.	Assist, save, pity, and defend us, O God, by thy grace.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
Having prayed that the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us commend ourselves and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.	Having prayed that the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us commend ourselves and one another, and all our life, to Christ our God.
Tebéy Góspody.	Soi Kyrie.
Priest. For thou art our sanctification, and to thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.	Priest. For thou art our sanctification, and to thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.
Choir. Amen.	Choir. Amen.
Here the Deacon goes and stands before the image of the Redeemer.	Choir. Amen.
Priest. Let us depart in peace.	Priest. Let us depart in peace.
Choir. In the Name of the Lord.	Choir. In the Name of the Lord.
Deacon. Let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	Deacon. Let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Choir. Góspody pomíluy.	Choir. Kyrie eléison.
The Priest, coming out of the sanctuary and standing in the midst of the church, says:	Choir. Kyrie eléison.
O Lord, who blessest those that bless thee and hallowest those that put their trust in thee, save thy people and bless thine inheritance. Protect the fullness of thy Church and hallow those who love the beauty of thy house. Do thou in return glorify them by thy divine power, and forsake not us who put our trust in thee. Grant peace to thy world, to thy Churches, to the priests, to our most holy Patriarch N., and to our Lord Archbishop N., our great country which has suffered much, and its faithful and Christ-loving army, and to all thy people. For every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from thee, the Father of Lights. And to thee we ascribe glory and thanksgiving and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.	Priest. O Lord, who blessest those that bless thee and hallowest those that put their trust in thee, save thy people and bless thine inheritance. Protect the fullness of thy Church and hallow those who love the beauty of thy house. Do thou in return glorify them by thy divine power, and forsake not us who put our trust in thee. Grant peace to thy world, to thy Churches, to the priests, to our sovereigns, to the army, and to all thy people. For every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from thee, the Father of Lights. And to thee we ascribe glory and thanksgiving and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.
The Priest and Deacon re-enter the sanctuary.	The Deacon goes to the Table of the Prothesis and begins to consume the contents of the chalice.
Choir. Amen. The Choir continue:	Choir. Amen. The Choir continue:
Blessed be the Name of the Lord, from this time forth for evermore (thrice).	Blessed be the Name of the Lord, from this time forth for evermore (thrice).
Priest. The blessing of God be with you, by his mercy and love of men; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.	Priest. The blessing of God be with you, by his mercy and love of men; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Choir. Amen.	Choir. Amen.
Priest. Glory be to thee, O Christ, our God, our Hope, glory to thee.	Priest. Glory be to thee, O Christ, our God, our Hope, glory to thee.
Choir. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.	Choir. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end. Amen.
The Choir continue: Góspody pomíluy (thrice). Sir, give the blessing.	The Choir continue: Kyrie eléison (thrice). Sir, give the blessing.
The Priest, standing in the Royal Doors, facing the people, and holding the Cross in his hands, says:
Priest. Christ, our true God, who rose from the dead, through the intercession of his spotless, blameless, and holy Mother, by virtue of the precious and life-giving Cross; through the protection of the revered incorporeal heavenly Powers; through the supplications of the revered glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John; of the holy, glorious, and illustrious Apostles; of the holy, glorious, and triumphant Martyrs; of our sacred Fathers whom God inspired; of the holy and righteous progenitors of God, Joachim and Anna; of our Father among the Saints, John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople; of Saint N., whose memory also we are celebrating; and of all the Saints, have mercy upon us and save us: for he is good and loveth mankind and is a merciful God.	Priest. Christ, our true God, who rose from the dead, through the intercession of his spotless, blameless, and holy Mother, by virtue of the precious and life-giving Cross; through the protection of the revered incorporeal heavenly Powers; through the supplications of the revered glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John; of the holy, glorious, and illustrious Apostles; of the holy, glorious, and triumphant Martyrs; of our sacred Fathers whom God inspired; of the holy and righteous progenitors of God, Joachim and Anna; of our Father among the Saints, John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople; of Saint N., whose memory also we are celebrating; and of all the Saints, have mercy upon us and save us: for he is good and loveth mankind and is a merciful God.

Deacon (continuing). Let all of us who are faithful, Again and again in peace, make our supplications unto the Lord. Góspody pomíluy.	Deacon (continuing). Let all of us who are faithful, Again and again in peace, make our supplications unto the Lord. Kyrie eléison.
Deacon. Assist, save, pity, and defend us, O God, by thy grace. Choir. Góspody pomíluy.	Assist, save, pity, and defend us, O God, by thy grace. Kyrie eléison.
Deacon. Wisdom!	Wisdom!
Deacon. Wisdom!	Priest. We thank thee, Lord God Almighty, who dost allow us now to stand before thy holy altar, to ask thy mercy for our sins, and for those of the people. Receive, O God, our demand, and make us worthy to offer thee prayers, supplications, and an unbloody sacrifice for all thy people. Give grace to us whom thou hast placed in this thy ministry, that we may call upon thee by the power of thy Holy Spirit, always and everywhere without blame and without offence, but rather with the pure witness of our conscience, so that thou, hearing us, mayest have mercy on us according to the riches of thy mercy.
Priest. For thine is all glory, honour, and worship, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.	(Aloud.) For thine is all glory, honour, and worship, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.
Choir. Amen.	Choir. Amen.
Deacon. Again and again in peace, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	Deacon. Again and again in peace, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
For the peace that is from above and the salvation of our souls, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	For the peace that is from above and the salvation of our souls, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy Churches of God, and for the union of all, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy Churches of God, and for the union of all, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
For this holy house, and for all that with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter therein, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	For this holy house, and for all that with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter therein, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
For our deliverance from all afflictions, from all wrath, perils, and necessities, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.	For our deliverance from all afflictions, from all wrath, perils, and necessities, let us make our supplications unto the Lord.
Góspody pomíluy.	Kyrie eléison.
Assist, save, pity, and defend us, O God, by thy grace.	Assist, save, pity, and defend us, O God, by thy grace.
Góspody pomíluy. Deacon. Wisdom!	Kyrie eléison. Wisdom!
Góspody pomíluy. Deacon. Wisdom!	Priest. Again and again we bow down before thee, gracious Lover of men, that thou mayest listen to our prayer. Cleanse our souls and bodies from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and grant us to stand before thy holy altar without blame or offence. Grant, O God, to all who join in our prayer a growth of life, of faith, and of ghostly understanding. Grant that they may always worship thee with fear and love, share in thy holy mysteries without guilt or blame, and become worthy of thy heavenly kingdom.
Priest. That being ever guarded by thy might, we may ascribe glory to thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.	(Aloud.) That being ever guarded by thy might, we may ascribe glory to thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and for ever, world without end.
Choir. Amen.	Choir. Amen.