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Books - Sources

Hieratikon

Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom

Menaion - January 5

Forefeast of Epiphany.

__________

LITURGY OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

Unless otherwise indicated, the texts of the prayers and hymns of the Divine Liturgy are produced and approved for use by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

DEACON

Master, give the blessing.

PRIEST

Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

THE LITANY OF PEACE OR GREAT LITANY

DEACON

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

For pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

For our Archbishop (name), for the honorable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

For our country, the president, all those in public service, and for our armed forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

For the Holy and Great Church of Christ, for our Sacred Archdiocese, [for this Sacred Metropolis,] for this city and parish, for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( To You, O Lord. )

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE PRAYER OF THE FIRST ANTIPHON

Lord, our God, Whose dominion is incomparable and glory incomprehensible; Whose mercy is immeasurable, and love for mankind ineffable: Look upon us and upon this holy house in Your loving-kindness, and grant to us and to those who pray with us Your abundant mercy and compassion.

PRIEST

For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

CHOIR

First Antiphon. Mode 2.

Verse 1: It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing to Your name, O Most High. [SAAS]

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us. [GOA]

Verse 2: To proclaim Your mercy in the morning and Your truth at night. [SAAS]

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

Verse 3: The Lord my God is upright, and there is no wrongdoing in Him. [SAAS]

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

THE SMALL LITANY

DEACON

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( To You, O Lord. )

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE PRAYER OF THE SECOND ANTIPHON

Lord, our God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Protect the fullness of Your Church. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house. Glorify them in return by Your divine power, and forsake us not who have set our hope in You.

PRIEST

For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

CHOIR

Second Antiphon. Mode 2.

Verse 1: The Lord reigns; He clothed Himself with majesty; the Lord clothed and girded Himself with power. [SAAS]

or:

Verse 1: Come, let us greatly rejoice in the Lord; let us shout aloud to God our savior. [SAAS]

Save us, O Son of God, Who are wondrous in Your saints. We sing to You, Alleluia. [GOA]

Verse 2: And He established the world, which shall not be moved. [SAAS]

or:

Verse 2: Let us come before His face with thanksgiving, and let us shout aloud to Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, a great King over all the earth. [SAAS]

Save us, O Son of God, Who are wondrous in Your saints. We sing to You, Alleluia.

Verse 3: Holiness is proper to Your house, O Lord, unto length of days. [SAAS]

or:

Verse 3: For in His hand are the ends of the earth, and the heights of the mountains are His. For the sea is His, and He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. [SAAS]

Save us, O Son of God, Who are wondrous in Your saints. We sing to You, Alleluia.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Only-begotten Son and Logos of God, being immortal, You condescended for our salvation to take flesh from the holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary and, without change, became man. Christ, our God, You were crucified and conquered death by death. Being one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: Save us. [GOA]

THE SMALL LITANY

DEACON

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( To You, O Lord. )

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE PRAYER OF THE THIRD ANTIPHON

Lord, You have granted us to offer these common prayers in unison and have promised that when two or three agree in Your name, You will grant their requests. Fulfill now, O Lord, the petitions of Your servants as may be of benefit to them, granting us in the present age the knowledge of Your truth, and in the age to come eternal life.

PRIEST

For You, O God, are good and love mankind, and to You we offer glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

CHOIR

Third Antiphon.

Apolytikion. For the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Jordan River once turned back when Elisha struck its stream * with his mantle in the wake of Elias's ascent; * and the water was parted to the one side and to the other. * And thus the fluid stream became a dry way for him, * a symbol and truly a type of Baptism, * by which we now pass over the streaming passage of the present life. * And Christ appeared at the Jordan River * to sanctify the waters. [SD]

THE SMALL ENTRANCE

As the Third Antiphon is being sung (with its verses), the Priest and Deacon bow three times before the holy Table. Then the Priest gives the holy Gospel to the Deacon, who kisses the Priest's hand as he receives it, and then circles the holy Table with the Priest following him. Preceded by altar servers holding candles and fans, they exit through the north door for the so-called Small Entrance. When there is no Deacon, the Priest takes the holy Gospel and holds it up in front of his face. When they reach the center of the church, they stop and bow their heads, and the Deacon says in a low voice:

DEACON (in a low voice)

Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE ENTRANCE PRAYER

Master, Lord our God, Who has established the orders and hosts of angels and archangels in heaven to minister to Your glory, grant that holy angels may enter with us, that together we may celebrate and glorify Your goodness. For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

DEACON (in a low voice)

Master, bless the holy entrance.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Blessed be the entrance of Your holy ones always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise.

CHOIR

Entrance Hymn. Mode 2.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ. Save us, O Son of God, Who are wondrous in Your saints. [GOA]

We sing to You, Alleluia.

Hymns After the Small Entrance.

CHOIR

Apolytikion. For the Forefeast.

From Menaion - - -

Mode 4. Joseph marveled.

Κατεπλάγη Ἰωσήφ.

Apolytikion of the Parish Church

(Apolytikion of the Parish Church.) [GOA]

From Menaion - - -

Kontakion.

Mode 4. You appeared today.

Ἐπεφάνης σήμερον.

To the flowing streams today * of River Jordan * comes the Lord and cries aloud * to John the Baptist, and He says, * "Be not afraid to baptize me now; * for I have come to save Adam, the first-formed man." [SD]

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE PRAYER OF THE TRISAGION HYMN

O Holy God, Who is resting among the holy ones, praised by the Seraphim with the thrice-holy voice, glorified by the Cherubim, and worshiped by every celestial power, You have brought all things into being out of nothing. You have created man according to Your image and likeness and adorned him with all the gifts of Your grace. You give wisdom and understanding to the one who asks, and You overlook not the sinner, but have set repentance as the way of salvation. You have granted us, Your humble and unworthy servants, to stand even at this hour before the glory of Your holy Altar of sacrifice and to offer to You due worship and praise. Master, accept the Trisagion Hymn also from the lips of us sinners, and visit us in Your goodness. Forgive all our voluntary and involuntary transgressions, sanctify our souls and bodies, and grant that we may worship You in holiness all the days of our lives, through the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the saints who have pleased You throughout the ages.

PRIEST

For You, our God, are holy, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,

DEACON

And to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

THE TRISAGION HYMN

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3) [GOA]

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

DEACON

Dynamis.

DEACON (in a low voice)

Command, Master.

PRIEST

Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord.

DEACON

Master, bless the throne on high.

PRIEST

Blessed are You upon the throne of the glory of Your kingdom, enthroned upon the Cherubim always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

CHOIR

Dynamis.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. [GOA]

The Readings

The Epistle

(Previously skipped.)

Saturday Before Epiphany

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

READER

Prokeimenon. Grave Mode. Psalm 98.

Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His holy mountain. [SAAS]

Verse: The Lord reigns; let the peoples be angry. [SAAS]

DEACON

Wisdom.

READER

The reading is from Paul's First Letter to Timothy.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

READER

1 Tim. 3:13-16; 4:1-5

Timothy, my son, those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of our religion: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, through the pretensions of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and enjoin abstinence from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving; for then it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace be with you the reader.

CHOIR

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

(Alleluia is sung thrice. Verses may be found in the Liturgy - Variable Parts of the day.)

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE PRAYER OF THE HOLY GOSPEL

Shine in our hearts, O Master Who loves mankind, the pure light of Your divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our mind that we may comprehend the proclamations of Your Gospels. Instill in us also reverence for Your blessed commandments so that, having trampled down all carnal desires, we may lead a spiritual life, both thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to You. For You, Christ our God, are the illumination of our souls and bodies, and to You we offer up glory, together with Your Father, Who is without beginning, and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

The Gospel

Saturday Before Epiphany

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

( And with your spirit. )

DEACON

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

PRIEST

Let us be attentive.

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

DEACON

Mt. 3:1-6

At that time, John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight." Now John wore a garment of camel's hair, and a leather girdle around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace be with you.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

THE SERMON

(According to ancient tradition, the sermon was delivered following the readings.)

__________

(The litanies of Supplication and for the Catechumens and the First Prayer of the Faithful have been omitted.)

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE SECOND PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

Again and countless times we fall down before You, and we implore You, O Good One, Who loves mankind: That You, having regarded our prayer, may cleanse our souls and bodies from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and grant to us to stand before Your holy Altar of sacrifice, free of guilt and condemnation. Grant also, O God, to those who pray with us, progress in life, faith, and spiritual understanding. Grant that they always worship You with awe and love, partake of Your Holy Mysteries without guilt or condemnation, and be deemed worthy of Your celestial Kingdom.

PRIEST

That, ever guarded by Your might, we may ascribe glory to You, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

THE GREAT ENTRANCE

CHOIR

The Cherubic Hymn.

Let us, who mystically represent the Cherubim and who sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-creating Trinity, now lay aside every worldly care. So that we may receive the King of all. [GOA]

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE PRAYER OF THE CHERUBIC HYMN

No one bound by carnal desires and pleasures is worthy to approach, draw near, or minister to You, the King of Glory. For to serve You is great and awesome even for the heavenly powers. Yet, because of Your ineffable and immeasurable love for mankind, You impassibly and immutably became man. You, as the Master of all, became our high priest and delivered unto us the sacred service of this liturgical sacrifice without the shedding of blood. Indeed, Lord our God, You alone reign over the celestial and the terrestrial; borne aloft on the cherubic throne, Lord of the Seraphim and King of Israel, the only holy and resting among the holy ones. I now beseech You, Who alone are good and inclined to hear: Look down upon me, Your sinful and unprofitable servant, and cleanse my soul and heart of a wicked conscience; and enable me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, clothed with the grace of the priesthood, to stand before Your holy Table and celebrate the Mystery of Your holy and pure Body and Your precious Blood. I come before You with my head bowed, and I implore You: Turn not Your face away from me, nor reject me from among Your children, but make me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, worthy to offer these gifts to You. For You are the One Who both offers and is offered, the One Who is received and is distributed, O Christ our God, and to You we offer up glory, with Your Father, Who is without beginning, and Your all-holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Let us, who mystically represent the Cherubim and who sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-creating Trinity, now lay aside every worldly care. * So that we may receive the King of all. Who is invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

DEACON

May the Lord God remember all of you in His Kingdom always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

Who is invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. [GOA]

THE LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR

( Lord, have mercy. )

For the precious Gifts here presented, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

CHOIR

( Grant this, O Lord. )

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

( Grant this, O Lord. )

For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.

( Grant this, O Lord. )

For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

( Grant this, O Lord. )

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

( Grant this, O Lord. )

And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ.

( Grant this, O Lord. )

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

( To You, O Lord. )

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE OFFERTORY PRAYER

Lord God Almighty, You alone are holy. You accept the sacrifice of praise from those who call upon You with their whole heart, even so, accept from us sinners our supplication, and bring it to Your holy Altar of sacrifice. Enable us to offer You gifts and spiritual sacrifices for our own sins and the failings of Your people. Deem us worthy to find grace in Your sight, that our sacrifice may be well pleasing to You, and that the good Spirit of Your grace may rest upon us and upon these gifts presented and upon all Your people.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us love one another, that with oneness of mind we may confess:

CHOIR

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Trinity, one in essence and undivided. [GOA]

Or, for concelebrations:

I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my foundation, my refuge, my deliverer. [SAAS]

DEACON

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

PEOPLE

THE SYMBOL OF OUR FAITH

I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father, through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father; And He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead. His kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. [GOA]

CHOIR

Amen.

THE HOLY ANAPHORA

DEACON

Let us stand aright! Let us stand in awe! Let us be attentive, that we may present the Holy Offering in peace.

CHOIR

A mercy of peace, a sacrifice of praise.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

PRIEST

Let us lift up our hearts.

CHOIR

We lift them up to the Lord.

PRIEST

Let us give thanks to the Lord.

CHOIR

It is proper and right.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

It is proper and right to hymn You, to bless You, to praise You, to give thanks to You, and to worship You in every place of Your dominion. For You, O God, are ineffable, inconceivable, invisible, incomprehensible, existing forever, forever the same, You and Your only-begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. You brought us out of nothing into being, and when we had fallen away, You raised us up again. You left nothing undone until you had led us up to heaven and granted us Your Kingdom, which is to come. For all these things, we thank You and Your only-begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit: for all things we know and do not know, for blessings manifest and hidden that have been bestowed on us. We thank You also for this Liturgy, which You have deigned to receive from our hands, even though thousands of archangels and tens of thousands of angels stand around You, the Cherubim and Seraphim, six-winged, many eyed, soaring aloft upon their wings,

PRIEST

Singing the triumphal hymn, exclaiming, proclaiming, and saying…

CHOIR

Holy, holy, holy, Lord Sabaoth, heaven and earth are filled with Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. [GOA]

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Together with these blessed powers, Master, Who loves mankind, we also exclaim and say: Holy are You and most holy, You and Your onlybegotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. Holy are You and most holy, and sublime is Your glory. You so loved Your world that You gave Your only-begotten Son so that everyone who believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. When He had come and fulfilled for our sake the entire plan of salvation, on the night in which He was delivered up, or rather when He delivered Himself up for the life of the world, He took bread in His holy, pure, and blameless hands, and, giving thanks and blessing, He hallowed and broke it, and gave it to His holy disciples and apostles, saying:

PRIEST

Take, eat, this is My Body, which is broken for you for the remission of sins.

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Likewise, after partaking of the supper, He took the cup, saying,

PRIEST

Drink of this, all of you; this is My Blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins.

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Remembering, therefore, this saving commandment and all that has been done for our sake: the Cross, the tomb, the Resurrection on the third day, the Ascension into heaven, the enthronement at the right hand, and the second and glorious coming again.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

We praise You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we pray to You, Lord our God. [GOA]

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Once again we offer to You this spiritual worship without the shedding of blood, and we beseech and pray and entreat You: Send down Your Holy Spirit upon us and upon the gifts here presented,

And make this Bread the precious Body of Your Christ.

( Amen. )

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

( Amen. )

Changing them by Your Holy Spirit.

( Amen. Amen. Amen. )

So that they may be for those who partake of them for vigilance of soul, remission of sins, communion of Your Holy Spirit, fullness of the Kingdom of Heaven, boldness before You, not for judgment or condemnation. Again, we offer You this spiritual worship for those who have reposed in the faith: forefathers, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics, and for every righteous spirit made perfect in faith,

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Hymn to the Theotokos.

It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Logos. We magnify you, the true Theotokos. [GOA]

PRIEST (in a low voice)

For Saint John the prophet, forerunner, and Baptist; for the holy, glorious, and most praiseworthy apostles; for Saint(s) (Name), whose memory we celebrate; and for all Your saints, through whose supplications, visit us, O God. And remember all who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection to life eternal (here the Priest commemorates by name those departed whom he wishes). Grant them rest, O our God, where the light of Your countenance keeps watch. Again we beseech You, Lord, remember all Orthodox bishops who rightly teach the word of Your truth, the presbyterate, the diaconate in Christ, and every priestly and monastic order. Again we offer You this spiritual worship for the whole world, for the holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, and for those living pure and reverent lives. For civil authorities and our armed forces, grant that they may govern in peace, Lord, so that in their tranquility we, too, may live calm and serene lives, in all piety and virtue.

PRIEST

Among the first remember, Lord, our Archbishop (name): grant him to Your holy churches in peace, safety, honor, and health, unto length of days, rightly teaching the word of Your truth.

CHOIR

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

And remember those whom each one of us has in mind, and all the people.

CHOIR

(The preferred response is:)

Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Remember, Lord, Your Holy Great Church, our Sacred Archdiocese, this city in which we live, and every city and land, and the faithful who live in them. Remember, Lord, those who travel by land, sea, and air; the sick; the suffering; the captives; and their salvation. Remember those who bear fruit and do good works in Your holy churches and those who are mindful of the poor, and upon us all send forth Your mercies.

PRIEST

And grant that with one voice and one heart we may glorify and praise Your most honorable and majestic name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

DEACON

Having commemorated all the saints, again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR

( Lord, have mercy. )

For the precious Gifts here presented and consecrated, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

That our God Who loves mankind, having accepted them at His holy and celestial and mystical altar as an offering of spiritual fragrance, may in return send down upon us the divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.

( Lord, have mercy. )

Show Petitions

(These petitions were not originally included. They were most probably added owing to the influence of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.)

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Grant this, O Lord. )

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

( Grant this, O Lord. )

For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.

( Grant this, O Lord. )

For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

( Grant this, O Lord. )

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

( Grant this, O Lord. )

And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ.

( Grant this, O Lord. )

Hide Petitions

Having asked for the unity of the faith and for the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

( To You, O Lord. )

PRIEST (in a low voice)

We entrust to You, loving Master, our whole life and hope, and we beseech, pray, and implore You: Grant us to partake of Your heavenly and awesome Mysteries from this sacred and spiritual table with a clear conscience for the remission of sins, the forgiveness of transgressions, the communion of the Holy Spirit, the inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven, and boldness before You, not unto judgment or condemnation.

PRIEST

And grant us, Master, with boldness and without condemnation, to dare call You, the heavenly God, Father, and to say:

PEOPLE

THE LORD'S PRAYER

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

PRIEST

For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to ages of ages.

( Amen. )

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

( And with your spirit. )

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

( To You, O Lord. )

PRIEST (in a low voice)

We give thanks to You, invisible King, Who by Your boundless power fashioned the universe, and in the multitude of Your mercy brought all things from nothing into being. Look down from heaven, O Master, upon those who have bowed their heads before You, for they have not bowed before flesh and blood, but before You, the awesome God. Therefore, O Master, make smooth and beneficial for us all, whatever lies ahead, according to the need of each: Sail with those who sail, travel with those who travel, heal the sick, Physician of our souls and bodies.

PRIEST

Through the grace, compassion, and love for mankind of Your only-begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

THE HOLY COMMUNION

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Hearken, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, from Your holy dwelling place and from the throne of glory of Your Kingdom, and come to sanctify us, You Who are enthroned with the Father on high and are present among us invisibly here. And with Your mighty hand, grant Communion of Your most pure Body and precious Blood to us, and through us to all the people.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

PRIEST

The Holy Gifts for the holy people of God.

CHOIR

One is Holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. [GOA]

Show Pre-Communion Prayers

PEOPLE

PRAYERS OF HOLY COMMUNION

The selection and text of the following prayers may be different from what is used in your parish.

I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy, without condemnation, to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the remission of sins and for eternal life. Amen.

Behold, I approach for Divine Communion. * O Maker, burn me not as I partake, * for You are fire consuming the unworthy. * But cleanse me from every stain.

O Son of God, receive me today as a partaker of Your mystical supper. For I will not speak of the mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas. But like the thief, I confess to You: Remember me, Lord, in Your Kingdom.

Tremble, O man, as you behold the divine Blood. It is a burning coal that sears the unworthy. The Body of God both deifies and nourishes me: It deifies the spirit and wondrously nourishes the mind.

You have smitten me with yearning, O Christ, and by Your divine eros You have changed me. But burn up with spiritual fire my sins, and grant me to be filled with delight in You, so that, leaping for joy, I may magnify, O Good One, Your two comings.

How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I should dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my vesture will condemn me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. Cleanse, O Lord, the filth of my soul, and save me, as You are the one Who loves mankind.

Master Who loves mankind, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these Holy Gifts be to my judgment because I am unworthy, but rather for the purification and sanctification of both soul and body and the pledge of the life and Kingdom to come. It is good for me to cleave unto God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation.

Hide Pre-Communion Prayers

CHOIR

Communion Hymn. Psalm 73.

You worked salvation in the midst of the earth, O Christ our God. Alleluia. [SAAS]

DEACON

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

And the people receive Holy Communion. The Priest receives the holy Chalice from the hands of the Deacon and begins communing the people, saying to each one:

The servant of God (Name) partakes of the Body and Blood of Christ for the remission of sins and life eternal.

CHOIR

Hymns During Holy Communion

PRIEST

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

CHOIR

Hymn after Holy Communion.

Mode 2.

We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith, worshiping the undivided Trinity, for the Trinity has saved us. [GOA]

DEACON

Exalt, Master.

PRIEST

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let Your glory be over all the earth.

Blessed is our God.

PRIEST

Always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

DEACON

Arise! Having partaken of the divine, holy, pure, immortal, heavenly, life-creating, and awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

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

( Lord, have mercy. )

Having prayed for a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless day, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

( To You, O Lord. )

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE THANKSGIVING PRAYER

We give thanks to You, Master Who loves mankind, benefactor of our souls, that even on this very day You have made us worthy of Your heavenly and immortal Mysteries. Make straight our path, fortify us in Your fear, guard our life, make secure our steps, through the prayers and supplications of the glorious Theotokos and ever virgin Mary and of all Your saints.

PRIEST

For You are our sanctification, and to You we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

PRIEST

Let us go forth in peace.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

THE PRAYER BEHIND THE AMBON

O Lord, Who blesses those who bless You and sanctifies those who put their trust in You, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Protect the whole body of Your Church. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house. Glorify them in return by Your divine power, and forsake us not who have set our hope in You. Grant peace to Your world, to Your churches, to the clergy, to our civic leaders, to the armed forces, and to all Your people. For every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from You, the Father of lights. To You we give glory, thanksgiving, and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

CHOIR

Blessed be the name of the Lord, from this time forth and to the ages. (3) [GOA]

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Christ our God, You are the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. You have fulfilled the Father's entire plan of salvation. Fill our hearts with joy and gladness always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

GREAT BLESSING OF WATER

By Sophronios Patriarch of Jerusalem.

CHOIR

Mode pl. 4.

The voice of the Lord is upon the waters, crying out and saying, "Come all, and receive the Spirit of wisdom, the Spirit of understanding, the Spirit of the fear of God, yes, of Christ, who has come in His epiphany." (3) [SD]

Today the substance of water is made holy, for the Master is washed in the Jordan. When the River sees Him, it stops its flow and bursts forth. (2) [SD]

You have come to the River as a man, O Christ our King; and You urgently request to receive a Baptism befitting a servant, at the hands of the Forerunner, all because of our sins, O good and benevolent Lord. (2) [SD]

Glory. Both now. Mode pl. 4.

When You had taken the form of a servant, O Lord, You approached John, the voice of the one crying in the wilderness, "Prepare the way of the Lord!" and You requested Baptism, although You were without sin. The waters saw You and were afraid. The Forerunner trembled in reaction, and he cried out and said, "How can I, who am the lamp, illumine You, who are the Light? How can I, the servant, lay my hand on You, my Master? I pray You sanctify me and the waters, O Savior, who takes away the sin of the world!" [SD]

The Readings

READER

The reading is from the Prophecy of Isaiah.

DEACON

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

Is 35:1-10

Thus says the Lord: Be glad, you thirsty desert, and rejoice exceedingly, and let the desert blossom as a lily. The desert places of the Jordan shall blossom abundantly and rejoice exceedingly. The glory of Lebanon and the honor of Carmel shall be given to it, and My people shall see the glory of the Lord and the majesty of our God. Be strong, you relaxed hands and feeble knees. Be comforted, you fainthearted. Be strong, do not fear. Behold, our God renders judgment and will render it. He will come and save us. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall hear. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb will speak clearly. For water shall burst forth in the desert, and a valley in the thirsty land. The waterless desert shall become meadows, and the thirsty land springs of water. There will be the gladness of birds, a habitation of reeds and marshes. A pure way shall be there, and it shall be called a holy way. No unclean man shall pass through there, neither shall there be an unclean way there. But those dispersed shall walk in it, and they shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous animals go up on it, nor at all be found there. But the redeemed shall walk in it, and those gathered by the Lord shall return and come to Zion with gladness, and with everlasting gladness over their head. For praise and exceeding joy will be on their head, and gladness shall possess them. Pain, sorrow, and sighing fled away. [SAAS]

READER

The reading is from the Prophecy of Isaiah.

DEACON

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

Is 55:1-13

Thus says the Lord: “You who are thirsty, go to the water, and all who have no money, go and buy wine and fat, and eat and drink without money and price. Why do you value at the price of money, and give your toil for what does not satisfy? Listen to Me and eat good things, and your soul will delight in good things. Incline your ears and follow my ways. Listen to Me, and your soul shall live in good things; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, the holy and faithful things of David. Behold, I made him a witness among the Gentiles, a ruler and commander to the Gentiles. The Gentiles, which did not know you, shall call upon you, and the peoples who did not understand you shall take refuge in you, because of your God, the Holy One of Israel; for He glorified you.” Seek God, and when you find Him, call upon Him when He draws near to you. Let the ungodly man abandon his ways, and the lawless man his counsels; and let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; for He shall forgive your sins abundantly. “For My counsels are not as your counsels, neither are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “But as heaven is distant from earth, so is My way distant from your ways, and your thoughts from My mind. For as rain comes down, or snow from heaven, and does not return until it saturates the earth, and it brings forth and produces, and gives seed to the sower and bread for food, so shall My word be, whatever proceeds from My mouth. It shall not return until it accomplishes whatever I willed, and I shall prosper your ways and My commandments. For you shall go forth with gladness and shall be taught with joy, for the mountains and hills shall exult to receive you with joy; and all the trees of the field shall applaud with their branches. Instead of the broom-tree shall come up the cypress, and instead of the nettle shall come up the myrtle; and the Lord shall be for a name and for an everlasting sign, and He shall not fail.” [SAAS]

READER

The reading is from the Prophecy of Isaiah.

DEACON

Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

READER

Is 12:3-6

Thus says the Lord: You will draw water with gladness from the wells of salvation. In that day, you will say, “Praise the Lord; call upon His name. Declare His glorious things among the Gentiles and make mention that His name is exalted. Sing to the name of the Lord, for He has done great things. Declare this in all the earth. Exult and be glad, O inhabitants of Zion, for the Holy One of Israel is exalted in her midst.” [SAAS]

The Epistle

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

READER

Prokeimenon. Mode 3. Psalm 26.

The Lord is my light and my savior.

Verse: The Lord is the defender of my life. [SAAS]

DEACON

Wisdom.

READER

The reading is from Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

READER

1 Cor. 10:1-4

Brethren, I want you to know that our Fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea, and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all ate the same spiritual food and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank from the spiritual Rock which followed them, and the Rock was Christ. [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace be with you the reader.

CHOIR

Alleluia. Grave Mode. Psalm 44.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

(Alleluia is sung thrice. Verses may be found in the Liturgy - Variable Parts of the day.)

Verse 1: My heart overflowed with a good word. [SAAS]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

(Alleluia is sung thrice. Verses may be found in the Liturgy - Variable Parts of the day.)

Verse 2: You are more beautiful than the sons of men. [SAAS]

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

(Alleluia is sung thrice. Verses may be found in the Liturgy - Variable Parts of the day.)

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

( And with your spirit. )

DEACON

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Mark.

PRIEST

Let us be attentive.

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

DEACON

Mk. 1:9-11

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when He came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace be with you.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

DEACON

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

For the peace from above 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 unity 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 pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.

For our Archbishop (Name), for the honorable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

For our country, the president, all those in public service, and for our armed forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord.

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

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

That this water might be hallowed by the might, and operation, and descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

That there may descend upon these waters the cleansing operation of the super substantial Trinity; let us pray to the Lord.

That there may be sent down upon it the Grace of Redemption, the blessing of the Jordan; let us pray to the Lord.

That we may be illumined with the Light of Knowledge and Piety through the descent of the Holy Spirit; let us pray to the Lord.

That this water may become the gift of sanctification, redemption from sins, for the healing of soul and body, and for every suitable purpose, let us pray to the Lord.

That it may become water welling up to eternal life; let us pray to the Lord.

That this water may prove effectual for the averting of every plot of visible and invisible enemies; let us pray to the Lord.

For those who are sprinkled with it and take it for the blessing of homes; let us pray to the Lord.

That it may be for the purification of soul and body to all who with faith take and drink of it; let us pray to the Lord.

That we may be granted to be filled with sanctification through drinking this water, by the invisible manifestation of the Holy Spirit; let us pray to the Lord.

That the Lord God may listen to the voice of the prayer of us sinners and have mercy on us; let us pray to the Lord.

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

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

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

( To You, O Lord. )

The priest prays inaudibly.

Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son in the bosom of the Father, true God, Source of life and immortality, Light of Light: as You came into the world to enlighten it, illumine our minds with Your Holy Spirit, and accept us as we offer You glory and thanksgiving for Your wonderful, mighty works from all ages, and for Your saving dispensation in these latter times, when You clothed Yourself in our weak and poor substance and condescended to the place of a servant. You are the King of all, yet You condescended to be baptized in Jordan at the hands of a servant, that having sanctified the nature of water, sinless One, You might lead us to a new birth through water and the Spirit and restore us again to our first freedom. We celebrate the memory of this divine mystery and pray You, Lord and Lover of mankind: According to Your divine promise, sprinkle cleansing water upon us, Your unworthy servants, as a gift of Your compassion. May the supplications of us sinners over this water be well pleasing to Your goodness and may Your blessing through it be bestowed upon us and all Your faithful people, to the glory of Your holy and adorable name. For to You, together with Your Father Who is without beginning and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, belong all glory, honor and worship, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. [OCA]

Having said the Amen to himself, when the Deacon has finished the Litany, the Priest begins the following Prayer in a loud voice:

By Sophronios Patriarch of Jerusalem.

PRIEST

You are great, Lord, and wonderful are Your works, and no word suffices to hymn your wonders! (3) [OCA]

( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )

For by Your own will, You have brought all things into being from nothing; by Your might You sustain all creation and by Your providence You direct the world. You have fittingly framed creation out of four elements; You crowned the circle of the year with four seasons. All the reason-endowed powers tremble before You. The sun sings Your praises and the moon glorifies You. The stars intercede with You. The light obeys You. The deeps shudder before You. The water springs serve You. You have spread out the heavens like a curtain. You have established the earth upon the waters. With sand you have walled in the sea. You have poured forth air for breathing. The angelic powers minister to You. The choirs of archangels worship You. The many-eyed cherubim and the six-winged seraphim as they stand round about and fly, cover themselves in fear before Your unapproachable glory. For You are the unoriginate, uncircumscribed and ineffable God, Who came down upon earth, taking the form of a servant and being made in the likeness of men. For You could not endure, Master, in Your tender mercy, to see the human race under the tyranny of the devil, but You came and saved us. We confess Your grace; we proclaim Your mercy; we do not conceal Your bountiful compassion. You have set free the offspring of our human nature; by Your birth You sanctified a virgin’s womb. All creation sings praises to You, for You have revealed Yourself. You appeared on earth, our God, and dwelt among men. You sanctified the streams of Jordan, sending down from heaven Your all-holy Spirit, and crushing the heads of the serpents that lurked there. [OCA]

Therefore, O King, the Lover of mankind, be present even now through the descent of Your Holy Spirit, and sanctify this water. (3) [OCA]

( Amen. )

And give it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan. Make it a fountain of incorruption, a gift of sanctification for the remission of sins, a protection against disease, the destruction of demons, inaccessible to hostile powers, filled with angelic might. May it be to all those who draw from it and partake of it for the cleansing of their souls and bodies, for the healing of their passions, for the sanctification of their homes and for every good purpose. For You are our God, Who through water and the Spirit, has renewed our nature, grown corrupt in sin. You are our God, Who with water drowned sin in the days of Noah. You are our God, Who by the sea through Moses, set free from slavery to Pharaoh the Hebrew race. You are our God, Who cleaved the rock in the wilderness so that water gushed forth and streams overflowed and satisfied Your thirsty people. You are our God, Who by water and fire through Elijah, brought Israel back from the error of Baal. [OCA]

Master, even now, sanctify this water by Your Holy Spirit. (3) [OCA]

( Amen. )

Grant to all who touch it, anoint themselves with it and partake of it, sanctification, blessing, cleansing and health. [OCA]

And save, Lord, our faithful rulers. (3) [OCA]

and keep them in peace beneath Your protection. Subdue under them every enemy and adversary; grant all their petitions which are unto salvation and life eternal. Remember, Lord, our Archbishop (name), all the priests, deacons and clergy, all in the monastic order and all Your people here present, together with our brethren who are absent for a just cause, and have mercy on them and on us, according to Your great mercy. That by the elements, by the angels and by men, by things visible and invisible, Your all-holy name may be glorified, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. [OCA]

( Amen. )

Peace be with all.

( And with your spirit. )

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

( To You, O Lord. )

Lord, as You condescended to be baptized in the Jordan, sanctifying the waters, incline Your ear and listen to us, Lord. Bless us all who by the bowing of our necks signify our servitude and make us worthy to be filled with Your sanctification through partaking of this water and by being sprinkled with it. And may be for us, Lord, health of our souls and bodies. [OCA]

Exclamation.

For You are the sanctification of our souls and bodies, and to You we send up glory, thanksgiving and worship, with Your Father Who is without beginning and Your all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. [OCA]

( Amen. )

And then blessing the water, making the sign of the cross, the priest plunges the Cross into the water and lifts it again, holding it with both hands. He begins the troparion, which is either taken up, or repeated by the choir the three times the Cross is dipped.

PRIEST

Apolytikion. Mode 1.

As You were baptized in the Jordan, O Lord, then the worship of the Trinity became manifest, for the voice of the Father bore witness to You, naming You the Beloved Son; and the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the certainty of the word. O Christ God, who appeared and illumined the world, glory to You. [SD]

CHOIR

And he sprinkles all the People with the water.

On January 5.

Kontakion. For the Forefeast.

Mode 4. You appeared today.

On January 6.

Kontakion. For the Feast.

Mode 4. Automelon.

You appeared today to us * on earth, O Master, * and Your light was signed on us * who cry aloud to You and say * with understanding, O Christ our God: You came and shone forth, O Light unapproachable. [SD]

Entering the nave, we sing the following:

CHOIR

Mode pl. 2.

Let us the faithful extol the greatness of God's benevolent deeds concerning us. For He became man in our transgression; and now in the Jordan, He who alone is clean and undefiled is cleansed in the cleansing that is meant for us; and He sanctifies me and the waters, and on the water He crushes the heads of the dragons. Therefore, brethren, let us draw water with gladness. For to those who draw with faith, the grace of the Spirit is invisibly given by Christ, our God and the Savior of our souls. [SD]

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

( Lord, have mercy. )

PRIEST

May the blessing and the mercy of the Lord come upon you by His divine grace and love for mankind, always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

( Amen. )

PRIEST

Glory to You, O Christ our God. Glory to You.

May He who condescended to be baptized by John in the Jordan, for our salvation, Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, (local patron saint); of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and merciful and loves mankind.

CHOIR

Lord, protect for many years the one who blesses and sanctifies us. [GOA]

PRIEST

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.

( Amen. )