From Diocese of Sourozh
The following is the Diocese of Sourozh translation into English of the Divine Liturgy of St John Chrysostom—the regular Liturgy of the Orthodox Church. The translation was first published in 1999 by St Stephen's Press. Whilst the translation remains copyright to the Diocese of Sourozh, it is made available here for liturgical usage as an offering of the Diocese.
THE DIVINE LITURGY
OF OUR FATHER AMONG THE SAINTS
JOHN CHRYSOSTOM
Diocese of Sourozh, 1999
The Entrance prayers and the Vesting
Deacon: Master, give the blessing.
Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: Amen. O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of truth, who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of blessings and Giver of life; come, and abide in us; cleanse us from all impurity, and, of thy goodness, save our souls.
Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, cleanse us from our sins. O Master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for thy Name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Priest: For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: Amen. Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we sinners, lacking all excuse, offer to thee as to our Master, this supplication: have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O Lord, have mercy on us, for in thee have we put our trust. Do not be angry with us, nor remember our iniquities, but look down upon us even now, since thou art compassionate, and deliver us from our enemies; for thou art our God, and we are thy people; we are all the work of thy hands, and we call upon thy name.
Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Open to us the doors of compassion, O blessed Mother of God. Inasmuch as we have put our hope in thee, may we not go astray, but find deliverance from adversities through thee; for thou art the salvation of the Christian people.
They go in front of the icon of Christ and, kissing it, say:
We venerate thy most pure icon, gracious Lord, and ask forgiveness for our transgressions, O Christ our God. Of thy good will thou wast pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh, and deliver from slavery to the enemy those whom thou hadst fashioned. Therefore with thankfulness we cry aloud to thee: thou hast filled all things with joy, O our Saviour, for thou didst come to save the world.
They go in front of the icon of Mother of God and, kissing it, say:
As a fountain of tenderness, count us worthy of thy compassion, O Mother of God. Look upon a people who have sinned and reveal thy power as always, for putting our hope in thee, we cry aloud: Hail! as once did Gabriel, the commander of the bodiless hosts.
The priest bows his head and recites this prayer:
Priest: O Lord, stretch forth thy hand from thy holy dwelling place on high, and strengthen me for this, thy ministry which awaits me; that, standing without condemnation before thy dread throne, I may celebrate the bloodless sacrifice. For thine is the power and the glory to the ages of ages. Amen.
They turn and bow to the people, then enter the sanctuary, saying:
I will enter thy house; I will worship toward thy holy temple in the fear of thee. Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make my way straight before thee. For there is no truth in their mouth; their heart is vanity, their throat is an open sepulchre, they flatter with their tongue. Judge them, O God, let them fall by their own counsels; because of the multitude of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against thee, O Lord. But let all those who trust in thee be glad; they shall rejoice for ever; thou shalt dwell in them, and all who love thy name shall exult in thee. For thou shalt bless the righteous, O Lord, thou hast covered us with thy favour as with a shield.
They bow three times before the holy table and kiss the holy gospel and the holy table. Then each takes his robe [sticharion] and, bowing three times towards the east, says silently:
O God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me.
The Vesting Prayers
The deacon, with his robe [sticharion] and stole [orarion] in his hands, goes to the priest and bows his head, saying:
Deacon: Master, bless the robe and stole.
The priest blesses:
Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: Amen.
The deacon goes to the side of the sanctuary. As he vests himself with the robe he recites this prayer:
Deacon: My soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for he has clothed me with the garment of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of gladness; he has set a crown on me as on a bridegroom; and as a bride is adorned with jewels, so has he adorned me.
After kissing the stole, the deacon places it on his shoulder. As he puts on the cuffs, he recites the following:
Right: Thy right hand, O Lord, has been glorified in power. Thy right hand, Lord, has shattered the enemies. In the greatness of thy glory, hast thou crushed thine adversaries.
Left: Thy hands have made me and fashioned me. Give me understanding and I shall learn thy commandments.
Then the deacon goes to the table of preparation, and sets the holy vessels in place for the priest.
The priest blesses his own robe:
Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
He vests himself with the robe, saying:
Priest: My soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for he has clothed me with the garment of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of gladness; he has set a crown on me as on a bridegroom; and as a bride is adorned with jewels, so has he adorned me.
He blesses the stole [epitrachelion] and, as he puts it on, says:
Priest: Blessed is God, who pours out his grace upon his priests, as precious ointment upon the head, that runs down the beard, the beard of Aaron, that runs down to the hem of his garment.
He blesses the girdle and, as he puts it on, says:
Priest: Blessed is God, who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless. he makes my feet like hind's feet, and sets me secure on the heights.
As he puts on the cuffs, he recites the following:
Right: Thy right hand, O Lord, has been glorified in power. Thy right hand, Lord, has shattered the enemies. In the greatness of thy glory, hast thou crushed thine adversaries.
Left: Thy hands have made me and fashioned me. Give me understanding and I shall learn thy commandments.
If he has been awarded the epigonation he puts it on, saying:
Priest: Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O Mighty One, in thy comeliness and in thy beauty. Go forth and prosper and reign, for the sake of truth and meekness and righteousness, and thy right hand shall guide thee wondrously, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
He blesses the chasuble [phelonion]and, as he vests with it, says:
Priest: Thy priests, O Lord, shall clothe themselves with righteousness, and thy saints shall rejoice with joyfulness, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
They then wash their hands, saying:
I shall wash my hands in innocence, and go about thine altar, O Lord, that I may hear the voice of thy praise, and tell of all thy miracles. I have loved the beauty of thy house, O Lord, and the place where thy glory dwells. Destroy not my soul with sinners, nor my life with blood-thirsty men, men in whose hands are iniquities and whose right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I walk in my integrity; deliver me, and have mercy on me. My foot stands on level ground; in the churches I will bless thee, O Lord.
The Liturgy of Preparation
Bowing three times before the table of preparation, the priest and deacon recite silently each time:
O God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me.
Priest: Thou hast redeemed us from the curse of the law by thy precious Blood. Nailed to the cross and pierced with a spear, thou hast poured immortality upon mankind, O our Saviour: Glory to thee.
Deacon: Master, give the blessing.
Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: Amen.
The priest takes the first prosphora in his left hand and the spear in his right hand, and makes the sign of the cross over the seal three times, saying each time:
Priest: In remembrance of our Lord and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The priest pierces the prosphora with the spear to the right of the seal and, cutting along the right side, in dialogue with the deacon, says:
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: He was led as a sheep to the slaughter,
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Cutting the left side, the priest says:
Priest: And as a lamb without blemish before its shearer is dumb, so he opens not his mouth.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Cutting the upper side:
Priest: In his humiliation justice was denied him.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
Cutting the lower side:
Priest: Who shall declare his generation?
The deacon then points to the Holy Bread with the stole in his hand, and says:
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Take up, Master.
The priest, piercing the prosphora on the bottom right side and cutting, then lifts out the Holy Bread, saying:
Priest: For his life is taken up from the earth.
The priest inverts the Holy Bread, placing the seal upon the paten, while the deacon says:
Deacon: Sacrifice, Master.
The priest cuts the Holy Bread cross-wise, taking care not to cut through the seal, and says:
Priest: Sacrificed is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, for the life and salvation of the world.
The priest inverts the Holy Bread again so that the seal is on top, while the deacon says:
Deacon: Pierce, Master.
The priest pierces the right side of the Holy Bread under the letters IC and says :
Priest: One of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once, there came out blood and water. He who saw it bore witness, and his witness is true.
The deacon takes the wine and the water and says to the priest:
Bless, Master, the holy union.
The priest blesses them, saying:
Priest: Blessed is the union of thy holy things, always, now and for ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The deacon, after the priest's blessing, pours the blessed wine and water into the chalice.
The priest takes the second prosphora into his hand and says:
Priest: In honour and memory of our most blessed Lady, Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary. Through her prayers, O Lord, accept this sacrifice at thy heavenly altar.
The priest removes a triangular particle from the prosphora and places it on the right side of the Holy Bread.
Priest: At thy right hand stood the Queen, clothed in golden robes adorned with many colours.
The priest takes the third prosphora and says:
Priest: Of the honoured and glorious prophet, forerunner and baptist, John.
The priest removes a particle and places it on the left side of the Holy Bread, making it the first particle of the first column. Removing a second particle from the same prosphora and placing it below the first, he says:
Priest: Of the holy and glorious prophets: Moses and Aaron, Elijah and Elisha, David and Jesse, the three holy children, Daniel the prophet, and of all the holy prophets.
Removing a third particle from the same prosphora and placing it below the second, he says:
Priest: Of the holy, glorious and all-praised apostles Peter and Paul, of the Twelve and of the Seventy, and of all the holy apostles.
Removing a fourth particle from the same prosphora and placing it next to the first (thus making the top of a new column), he says:
Priest: Of our fathers among the saints and hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom; Athanasius and Cyril; Nicholas of Myra in Lycia; Peter, Alexis, Jonah and Philip of Moscow; Nicetas of Novgorod; Leontius of Rostov; Stephen of Sourozh; and of all the holy hierarchs.
Removing a fifth particle from the same prosphora and placing it below the fourth, he says:
Priest: Of the holy apostle, archdeacon and first martyr Stephen; of the holy great martyrs: Demetrius, George, Theodore the Recruit, Theodore Stratelates and Alban, first martyr of Britain. Of the women martyrs: Thecla, Barbara, Kyriake, Euphemia, Paraskeve and Katherine, and of all the holy martyrs.
Removing a sixth particle from the same prosphora and placing it below the fifth, he says:
Priest: Of our venerable and God-bearing fathers: Anthony, Euthymius, Sabbas, Onuphrius; Athanasius of Athos, Anthony and Theodosius of the Caves; Sergius of Radonezh, Seraphim of Sarov and Barlaam of Khutin. Of our venerable mothers: Pelagia, Theodosia, Anastasia, Eupraxia, Febronia, Theodulia, Euphrosyne and Mary of Egypt; and of all our holy and venerable fathers and mothers.
Removing a seventh particle from the same prosphora and placing it next to the fourth (thus making the top of a third column), he says:
Priest: Of the holy wonderworkers and selfless physicians: Cosmas and Damian, Cyrus and John, Panteleimon and Hermolaus; and of all the holy selfless physicians.
Removing an eighth particle from the same prosphora and placing it below the seventh particle, he says:
Priest: Of the holy and righteous forebears of God, Joachim and Anna; of Saint N, (to whom the church is dedicated); and of Saint(s) N [and N], whose memory we keep today; of the holy Methodius and Cyril, equal-to-the-apostles and evangelisers of the Slavs; of the holy Great Prince Vladimir, equal-to-the-apostles; and of all the saints; by their prayers visit us, O God.
Removing a ninth particle from the same prosphora and placing it below the eighth, he says:
Priest: Of our father among the saints John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople. [or: of our father among the saints Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia,]
The priest takes a particle from the fourth prosphora and, placing it at the foot of the Holy Bread, he says:
Priest: Remember, O Master who lovest mankind, his holiness Patriarch Alexis, our Metropolitan Anthony, [Bishop(s) NN,] and the whole episcopate of the Orthodox Church, the honourable order of presbyters, the diaconate in Christ, and all sacred orders; our brethren, the priests and deacons who are serving with us; and all our brothers and sisters whom thou hast called into thy communion through thy compassion, O gracious Master.
The priest then remembers any other living faithful, removing a particle from the fourth prosphora for each and placing it next to the first, saying with each name:
Priest: Remember, O Lord, N.
The priest takes a particle from the fifth prosphora and, placing it below the particles commemorating the living, he says:
Priest: In blessed memory and for the remission of sins of the most holy patriarchs, of all Orthodox and God-fearing rulers; and of the blessed founders of this holy church [or: holy monastery].
The priest then remembers any other departed faithful, removing a particle from the fifth prosphora for each and placing it next to the previous particle, saying with each name:
Priest: Remember, O Lord, N.
When he finishes remembering the departed, the priest says this prayer:
Priest: Remember all of our Orthodox fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, who have fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection to eternal life in thy communion, O Lord who lovest mankind.
The priest then remembers the bishop who ordained him, and concludes the remembrance:
Priest: Remember also, O Lord, my unworthiness, and forgive me all my sins both voluntary and involuntary.
The deacon presents the censer to the priest, saying:
Deacon: Master, bless the incense. Let us pray to the Lord.
The priest recites the prayer of incense:
Priest: We offer thee incense, O Christ our God, for a savour of spiritual fragrance. Having accepted it at thy heavenly altar, send down upon us in return the grace of thine all-holy Spirit.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
The priest blesses the star and places it over the Holy Bread, saying:
Priest: And the star came and stood over where the young child was.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
The priest censes the first veil and places it over the paten, saying:
Priest: The Lord is King, and has put on glorious apparel; the Lord has put on his apparel and girded himself with strength. He has made the round world so sure that it cannot be moved. Thy throne has been prepared from of old; thou art from everlasting. The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves, at the voice of many waters. Wonderful is the surging of the sea; the Lord on high is wonderful. Thy testimonies are very sure. Holiness becomes thine house, O Lord, for ever.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Cover, Master.
The priest censes the second veil and places it over the chalice, saying:
Priest: Thy virtue, O Christ, has covered the heavens, and the earth is full of thy praise.
The priest censes the aer and places it over both the paten and the chalice, saying:
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Cover, Master.
Priest: Cover us with the shelter of thy wings and drive far from us every foe and adversary. Give peace to our lives, O Lord; have mercy on us and upon thy world, and save our souls; for thou art good and lovest mankind.
The priest then takes the censer and censes the Holy Gifts, saying three times:
Priest: Blessed is our God, who is thus well-pleased: Glory to thee.
After each of the above, the deacon concludes:
Deacon: Always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Both bow three times before the Holy Gifts; then the deacon says:
Deacon: For the precious gifts here set forth, let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: O God, our God, who didst send the Heavenly Bread, the food of the whole world, our Lord and God Jesus Christ, to be our Saviour, Redeemer and Benefactor, to bless and sanctify us: Do thou thyself bless this offering, and accept it at thy heavenly altar. Remember those who have offered it and those for whom it has been offered, for thou art good and lovest mankind. Preserve us blameless in the celebration of thy divine mysteries. For sanctified and glorified is thy most honourable and majestic name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The priest then concludes the liturgy of preparation with the dismissal:
Priest: Glory to thee, O Christ our God and our hope, glory to thee.
Deacon: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy (Thrice.)
Master, give the blessing.
Priest: May [on Sundays and at Eastertide: he who is risen from the dead,] Christ our true God, at the prayers of his most pure Mother, of our father among the saints John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, [or: of our father among the saints Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia,] and of all the saints; have mercy on us and save us, for he is good and loves mankind.
Deacon: Amen.
When the priest finishes censing, he hands the censer to the deacon.
Opening Dialogue
After the dismissal of the preparation service, the deacon censes the table of preparation; then he begins censing the holy table cross-wise from all sides, saying in a low voice:
In the tomb with the body, in hell with the soul as God, in paradise with the thief, and on the throne with the Father and the Spirit, thou fillest all things, O Christ, thyself uncircumscribed.
Then, saying the fiftieth psalm, he censes the sanctuary, the icon screen and all round the church. Going back into the sanctuary, he censes the holy table again and the priest, returns the censer to its place and stands beside the priest before the holy table. They bow three times, while saying:
Priest: O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of truth, who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of blessings and Giver of life; come, and abide in us; cleanse us from all impurity, and, of thy goodness, save our souls.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men. Twice
O Lord, thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.
The priest kisses the holy gospel; the deacon the holy table. The deacon then bows his head, holding his stole with three fingers of his right hand, and says:
Deacon: It is time for the Lord to act. Master, give the blessing.
The priest blesses him, saying:
Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: Amen. Pray for me, Master.
Priest: May the Lord direct thy steps.
Deacon: Remember me, holy Master.
Priest: May the Lord God remember thee in his kingdom, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
Deacon: Amen.
The deacon kisses the priest's hand, bows, goes out via the north door and, standing in the usual place in front of the holy doors, bows three times and says in a low voice:
Deacon: O Lord, thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise.
The Liturgy of the Catechumens
Deacon: Master, give the blessing.
Priest: Blessed is the kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Great Litany
Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy. And so after each petition.
Deacon: For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy Churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
For this holy house, and for those who enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
For his holiness, Patriarch Alexis, for our Metropolitan Anthony, for the honourable order of presbyters, for the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
For our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family, her Government, and all in civil authority, let us pray to the Lord.
For this city [or town or village or holy monastery], for every city, town and village, and for the faithful who dwell in them, let us pray to the Lord.
For seasonable weather, an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
For those who travel by land, air or water, for the sick, the suffering, for those in captivity, and for their safety and salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and constraint, let us pray to the Lord.
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
Calling to remembrance our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life unto Christ our God.
People: To thee, O Lord.
Prayer of the First Antiphon
Priest: (in a low voice) O Lord our God, whose might is incomparable and whose glory is beyond all understanding, whose mercy is without measure and whose love for mankind is beyond all telling, look down on us and on this holy house, O Master, in thy loving kindness, and bestow on us and on those who pray with us the riches of thy mercy and compassion.
(aloud) For to thee belongs all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
First Antiphon
Then is sung the first psalm of the Typika or the appointed antiphon.
Short Litany
Deacon: Again and again in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Calling to remembrance our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life unto Christ our God.
People: To thee, O Lord.
Prayer of the Second Antiphon
Priest: (in a low voice) O Lord our God, save thy people and bless thine inheritance; preserve the fullness of thy Church; sanctify those who love the beauty of thy house; glorify them in return by thy divine power, and forsake us not who put our hope in thee.
(aloud) For thine is the dominion, and thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Second Antiphon
Then is sung the second psalm of the Typika or the appointed antiphon, including:
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Then, on all days:
Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son and Word of God, who, being immortal, didst accept for our salvation to be made flesh from the holy Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, and without change becamest man; and wast crucified, O Christ our God, trampling down death by death; O thou who art one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: Save us.
Short Litany
Deacon: Again and again in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Calling to remembrance our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life unto Christ our God.
People: To thee, O Lord.
Prayer of the Third Antiphon
Priest: (in a low voice) O thou who hast given us grace to make these prayers in concord and in common, and hast promised that where two or three agree in thy Name thou wilt grant their requests; fulfil now the petitions of thy servants as is good for them, and grant us in the present age the knowledge of thy truth, and in the age to come life everlasting.
(aloud) For thou, O God, art good and lovest mankind, and to thee we give glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Third Antiphon and Entrance with the Holy Gospel
Then are sung the Beatitudes or the appointed antiphon.
Deacon: (in a low voice) Let us pray to the Lord.
Prayer of the Entrance
Priest: (in a low voice) O Master, Lord our God, who hast established in heaven orders and hosts of angels and archangels for the service of thy glory, grant that, together with our entrance, there may be an entrance of holy angels, ministering with us, and with us glorifying thy goodness. For to thee belongs all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Deacon: (in a low voice) Master, bless the holy entrance.
Priest: (in a low voice) Blessed is the entrance of thy holy ones, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Deacon: Wisdom! Stand aright!
People: O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ. O Son of God, [on Sundays and at Eastertide: risen from the dead,] [on Feasts of the Mother of God: at the prayers of the Mother of God,] [on weekdays: wonderful in thy saints,] save us who sing unto thee: alleluia.
Then are sung troparia and kontakia as appointed.
Prayer of the Trisagion
Priest: (in a low voice) Holy God, who art at rest amidst the holy ones, hymned by the seraphim with the thrice-holy song, glorified by the cherubim and worshipped by every heavenly power, who hast brought all things from nothing into being and hast created man after thine image and likeness, adorning him with thine every gift, thou givest wisdom and understanding to those who ask, and dost not despise the sinner, but hast appointed repentance for our salvation. Thou hast counted us worthy, thy humble and unworthy servants, to stand even at this hour before the glory of thy holy altar, and offer the worship and praise which are due to thee. Do thou, O Master, accept even from the mouth of us sinners the thrice-holy hymn, and visit us in thy goodness. Forgive us every transgression, both voluntary and involuntary; sanctify our souls and bodies and grant that we may worship thee in holiness all the days of our life; at the prayers of the holy Mother of God and of all the saints, who from the beginning have been well-pleasing unto thee.
Deacon: (in a low voice) Master, bless the time of the thrice-holy.
Priest: For thou, our God, art holy, and to thee we give glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever,
Deacon: And to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Holy and immortal, have mercy on us.
Holy God, holy and strong, holy and immortal, have mercy on us.
Deacon: Command, Master.
And, as they go towards the throne, the priest says:
Priest: Blessed is he that comes in the Name of the Lord.
Deacon: Master, bless the throne on high.
Priest: Blessed art thou on the throne of glory of thy kingdom, who art seated upon the cherubim, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Readings from the New Testament
Deacon: Let us attend.
Priest: Peace be with you all.
Reader: And with thy spirit.
Deacon: Wisdom.
Reader: Prokeimenon in the Nth tone:
and the reader proclaims the prokeimenon.
The people sing the words of the prokeimenon.
The reader proclaims the verse on the prokeimenon.
The people repeat the singing of the prokeimenon.
The reader proclaims the first half of the prokeimenon, or a second prokeimenon introduced with the words:
Another prokeimenon in the Nth tone:
The people sing the second half of the prokeimenon, or the words of a second prokeimenon once only.
Deacon: Wisdom.
Reader: The reading is from.
Deacon: Let us attend.
Reader: Brethren... or other beginning as appointed, and continues with the apostle.
At the conclusion of the reading:
Priest: Peace be with thee.
Reader: And with thy spirit.
Deacon: Wisdom.
Reader: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Or: Alleluia in the Nth tone:
While the alleluia and verses are being sung, the deacon censes and the priest says the Prayer of the Gospel
Priest: (in a low voice) O Master, who lovest mankind, make the pure light of thy divine knowledge shine in our hearts, and open the eyes of our mind to perceive the message of thy gospel. Implant in us, also, the fear of thy blessed commandments, that, trampling down all desires of the flesh, we may follow a way of life that is spiritual, both thinking and doing all those things that are well-pleasing to thee. For thou art the illumination of our souls and bodies, O Christ our God, and to thee we give glory, together with thy Father who is without beginning, and thine all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Deacon: Bless, Master, him who proclaims the gospel of the holy Apostle and Evangelist N.
Priest: May God, through the prayers of the holy and glorious Apostle and Evangelist N, grant thee to proclaim the word with much power, for the fulfilment of the gospel of his beloved Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Deacon: Amen.
Wisdom. Stand aright. Let us listen to the holy gospel.
Priest: Peace be with you all.
People: And with thy spirit.
Deacon: The reading is from the holy gospel according to N.
People: Glory to thee, O Lord, glory to thee.
Priest: Let us attend.
Deacon: At that time... or other beginning, and the deacon reads the gospel for the day.
Priest: Peace be with thee, who hast proclaimed the gospel.
People: Glory to thee, O Lord, glory to thee.
A sermon may be preached at this point.
Litany of Fervent Supplication
Deacon: Let us all say, with all our soul and with all our mind, let us say.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: O Lord Almighty, the God of our fathers, we pray thee, hear and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we pray thee, hear and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Three times, and so after the remaining petitions.
Here the priest unfolds the front part of the antimension on the holy table.
Deacon: Again we pray for his holiness, Patriarch Alexis, for our Metropolitan Anthony, and for all our brethren in Christ.
Again we pray for our sovereign lady, Queen Elizabeth, the royal family, her government, and all in civil authority.
Again we pray for this country, [for the country of Russia] and for all our countries and their peoples, whether dwelling therein or now scattered abroad.
Special petitions may be inserted here.
Deacon: Again we pray for our brethren, the priests and deacons, for monks and nuns, and for all our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable holy Orthodox patriarchs; for all devout Orthodox rulers; for the founders of this holy church; and for all our fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, Orthodox believers, who have gone to their rest before us, and who here, and in all the world, lie asleep in the Lord.
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, pardon and remission of sins for the servants of God, NN; and for the brothers and sisters of this holy church.
Again we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and venerable house, for those who labour in its service, for those who sing; and for the people here present who await thy great and rich mercy.
Prayer of Supplication
Priest: (in a low voice) O Lord, our God, accept this fervent supplication from thy servants, and have mercy on us according to the multitude of thy mercy; and send down thy compassion upon us and upon all thy people, who await thy rich mercy.
(aloud) For thou, O God, art merciful and lovest mankind, and to thee we give glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Litany for the Departed
If there is to be a commemoration of the departed, the deacon or priest says this litany:
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we pray thee, hear and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Three times, and so after each petition.
Deacon: Again we pray for the repose of the soul[s] of the servant[s] of God, NN, who have [has] fallen asleep, and that they [he, she] may be pardoned all their [his, her] sins, both voluntary and involuntary.
That the Lord God will establish their [his, her] soul[s] where the righteous rest.
For the mercies of God, the kingdom of heaven, and the remission of their [his, her] sins, let us ask of Christ, our immortal King and God.
People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O God of spirits and all flesh, who hast trampled down death and crushed the devil, giving life to thy world; do thou, O Lord, give rest to the soul[s] of thy servant[s], who have [has] fallen asleep, in a place of light, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, whence pain, sorrow and sighing have fled away. Pardon, O God, as thou art good and lovest mankind, every sin committed by them [him, her] in word or deed or thought, because there is no one who lives and does not sin, for thou alone art without sin; thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy word is truth.
For thou art the resurrection, and the life, and the repose of thy servant[s], NN., who have [has] fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and to thee we give glory, together with thy Father who is without beginning, and thine all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Litany for the Catechumens
that is, those preparing for baptism
Deacon: Catechumens, pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy. And so after each petition.
Deacon: Let us, the faithful, pray for the catechumens, that the Lord will have mercy on them.
Deacon: That he will instruct them in the word of truth.
That he will reveal to them the gospel of righteousness;
Here the priest completes the unfolding of the antimension on the holy table.
That he will unite them to his holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
Save them, have mercy on them, help them and keep them, O God, by thy grace.
Catechumens, bow your heads to the Lord.
People: To thee, O Lord.
Prayer for the Catechumens
Priest: (in a low voice) O Lord our God, who dwellest on high and watchest over things below, who, for the salvation of mankind, hast sent forth thine only-begotten Son, our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, look upon thy servants the catechumens, who have bowed their necks to thee; and, in due time, count them worthy of the washing that brings rebirth, the remission of sins and the garment of incorruption; unite them to thy holy, catholic and apostolic Church, and number them with thy chosen flock.
(aloud) That with us they also may glorify thine all-honourable and majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: As many as are catechumens, depart; catechumens, depart; as many as are catechumens, depart. Let none of the catechumens remain.
