December 6: St. Nicholas
St Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, famed throughout the entire world today, was the only son of his eminent and wealthy parents, Theophanes and Nona, citizens of Patara in Lycia. They dedicated to God the only son He gave them. St Nicholas was instructed in the spiritual life by his uncle, St
Nicholas, Bishop of Patara, and became a monk at "New Zion," a monastery founded by his uncle. On the death of his parents, Nicholas distributed all the property he inherited to the poor and kept nothing back for himself. As a priest in Patara, he was known for his charitable works, fulfilling the Lord's words: "Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth" (Matthew 6:3). When he embraced a life of solitude and silence, thinking to live in that way until his death, a voice from on high came to him: "Nicholas, set about your work among the people if you desire to receive a crown from Me." Immediately after that, by God's wondrous providence, he was chosen as archbishop of the City of Myra in Lycia. Merciful, wise and fearless, Nicholas was a true shepherd to his flock. He was cast into prison during the persecutions of Diocletian and Maximian, but even there he continued to instruct the people in the Law of God. He was present at the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea in 325, and, in his zeal, struck Arius with his hand. For this act, he was removed from the Council and from his episcopal duties, until some of the chief hierarchs had a vision of our Lord Christ and His most holy Mother showing their sympathy with Nicholas.
This wonderful Saint was a defender of the truth of God, and was ever a spirited champion of justice among the people. On two occasions, he saved three men from undeserved sentences of death. Merciful, trustworthy and loving right, he walked among the people like an angel of God. People considered him a Saint even during his lifetime, and invoked his aid when in torment or distress. He would appear both in dreams and in reality to those who called upon him for help, responding speedily to them, whether close at hand or far away. His face would shine with light as Moses' did aforetime, and his mere presence among people would bring solace, peace and goodwill. In old age, he sickened of a slight illness, and went to his rest in the Lord after a life full of labor and fruitful toil. He now enjoys eternal happiness in the Kingdom of heaven, continuing to help the faithful on earth by his miracles, and to spread the glory of God. He entered into rest on December 6th, 343. St Nicholas has become the great Patron Saint of children and the role model for the cheerful giver of gifts who expect no return. In Northern Europe he is called by the name Santa Claus.
The Evening Divine Liturgy
For St. Nicholas
December 6
(The Priest, fully vested, making three low bows before the Altar, prays quietly:)
(Church may be darkened but for reader’s lamp and votives over Icons on Iconostasis if the priest wishes to observe in this fashion. The lamps are then lit at “Gladsome light.”)
0 Heavenly King, 0 Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who art in all places and fillest all things; Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come and dwell in us and cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, 0 gracious Lord.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good will among men. (Twice)
0 Lord, open thou my lips, and my mouth shall declare thy praise.
(THE PEOPLE STAND)
(The Priest kisses the Holy Gospel, lifts it up with both hands, and lowers it, making the sign of the Cross over the Antimins, and says aloud:)
PRIEST: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen. 0 come, let us worship and fall down before God our King. 0 come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God. 0 come, let us worship and fall down before the Very Christ, our King and our God.
(THE PEOPLE SIT)
PSALM 104 (103)
CHOIR or READER: Bless the Lord, 0 my soul. 0 Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honor and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind: Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed forever. Thou coveredst it with the deep as with a garment: the waters stood above the mountains. At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away. They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys unto the place which thou hast founded for them. Thou hast set a bound that they may not pass over; that they turn not again to cover the earth. He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst. By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches. He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth: And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart. The trees of the Lord are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; Where the birds make their nests: as for the stork, the fir trees are her house. The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats; and the rocks for the conies. He appointed the moon for seasons: the sun knoweth his going down. Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep forth. The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God. The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens. Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labor until the evening. 0 Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping, innumerable, both small and great beasts. There go the ships: there is that leviathan, who thou hast made to play therein. These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season. That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good. Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust Thou sendest forth thy spirit, they are created: and thou renewest the face of the earth. The glory of the Lord shall endure forever: the Lord shall rejoice in his works. He looketh on the earth, and it trembleth: He toucheth the hills, and they smoke. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the Lord. Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless thou the Lord, 0 my soul. Praise ye the Lord.
The sun knoweth his going down. Thou makest darkness, and it is night. 0 Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to thee, 0 God.
(Thrice. )
0 our God and our Hope, Glory to Thee.
(During the preceding Psalm, the Priest stands before the Altar and quietly says the following seven Prayers:)
1. 0 Lord, bountiful and compassionate, longsuffering and plenteous in mercy, give ear to our prayer, and attend to the voice of our supplication. Work upon us a sign for good. Lead us in thy way, that we may walk in thy truth. Make glad our hearts, that we may fear thy holy Name. For thou art great and doest wonders. Thou alone art God, and among all the gods there is none like unto thee, 0 Lord, mighty in mercy, gracious in strength, to aid and to comfort and save all those who put their trust in thy holy Name. For unto thee are due all glory, honor and worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
2. 0 Lord, rebuke us not in thy displeasure, neither chasten us in thy wrath: but deal with us according to thy mercy, 0 Physician and Healer of our souls. Guide us unto the haven of thy will. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts to the knowledge of thy truth, and vouchsafe that the remainder of this day and our whole life may be peaceful and without sin; through the. intercessions of the Holy Theotokos, and of all the Saints. For thine is the majesty, and thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. .
3. 0 Lord our God, remember us sinners and thine unprofitable servants when we call upon thy holy Name, and put us not to shame in our expectation of thy mercy: but grant us, 0 Lord, all our petitions which are unto salvation, and vouchsafe that we may love and fear thee with all our hearts, and do thy will in all things. For thou art a good God and lovest mankind, and unto thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
4. 0 thou who, with never-silent hymns and never-ceasing songs of praise to thy glory, art hymned by the holy Powers: Fill our mouths with thy praise, that we may magnify thy holy Name. And grant unto us part and inheritance with all those who fear thee in truth and keep thy commandments; through the intercession of the Holy Theotokos, and of all thy Saints. For unto thee are due all glory, honor, and worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto . ages of ages. Amen.
5. 0 Lord, our God, who upholdest all things in the all-pure hollow of thy hand; who showest longsuffering upon us all, and repentest thee at our calamities: Remember thy bounties and thy mercy. Visit us with thy loving-kindness: and grant that, through the remainder of the day, by thy grace, we may avoid the divers subtle snares of the Evil One, and preserve our lives unassailed; through the grace of thine all-holy Spirit. Through the mercy and love toward mankind of thine Only-begotten Son, with whom thou art blessed, together with thine all-holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
6. 0 God, great and wonderful, who with wisdom inscrutable and great riches of providence orderest all things, and bestowest upon us earthly good things; who hast given us a pledge of the promised kingdom through the good things already bestowed upon us, and hast made us to shun all evil during that part of the day which is past: Grant that we may also fulfil the remainder of this day without reproach before thy holy glory, and hymn thee, the only Good One, our God, who lovest mankind. For thou art our God, and unto thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
7. 0 great and most high God, who alone hast immortality, and dwellest in light unapproachable; who has made all creation in wisdom; who hast divided the light from the darkness, and hast appointed the sun to rule the day, the moon and stars also to rule the night; who hast vouchsafed unto us sinners at this present hour also to come before thy presence with confession, and to offer unto thee our evening sacrifice of praise: Do thou thyself, who lovest mankind, direct our prayer as a censer before thee, and accept it for a savor of sweet incense; and grant that we may pass this present evening and the coming night in peace. Endue us with the armor of light. Deliver us from the terror of the night, and from everything that walketh in darkness; and grant that the sleep, which thou hast appointed for the repose of our weakness, may be free from every imagination of the Devil. Yea, 0 Master, Bestower of all good things, may we, being moved to compunction upon our beds, call to remembrance thy holy Name in the night season: that, enlightened by meditation on thy statutes, we may rise up in joyfulness of soul to glorify thy goodness, offering up prayers and supplications unto thy tender love for our own sins and for those of all thy people: whom do thou visit in mercy, through the intercessions of the Holy Theotokos. For thou art a good God and lovest mankind, and unto thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
(When the Priest has completed the preceding Prayers, and the Choir or Reader has finished the Psalm, the Priest says the Great Ektenia.)
THE GREAT EKTENIA
PRIEST: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST: For the peace from above, and for the salvation of our souls; For the peace of the whole world; for the good estate of the holy churches of God, and for the union of all men, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST: For this holy House, and for those who with faith, reverence, and fear of God enter therein; For our Metropolitan (or Bishop or Archbishop) N., for the venerable Priesthood, the Diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST: For the President of the United States and all civil authorities, and for our Armed Forces in defense of peace and freedom everywhere, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST: For this city, and for every city and land, and for the faithful who dwell therein; For healthful seasons, for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST: For travelers by sea, by land, and by air; for the sick and the suffering; for captives and their salvation; For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST: Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, 0 God, by thy grace.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST: Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and every-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
CHOIR: To thee, 0 Lord.
PRIEST: For unto thee are due all glory, honor, and worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
(The Choir or Chanter now sings the following, in the Second Tone:)
PSALM 141 (140) Prepare Cencer
Lord, I have cried unto thee, hear me. Hear me, 0 Lord. Lord, I have cried unto thee, hear me: give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. Hear me, 0 Lord.
(During the singing of the following verse, at the words "as the incense," the Priest censes the Altar and all the Sanctuary, and comes out through the North Door and censes the Holy Ikons, the People, and all the Temple. Meanwhile, the Choir or Chanter continues singing the Psalm. )
(THE PEOPLE STAND, BUT MAY SIT AFTER THE PRIEST FINISHES CENSING. ) Give Priest Censer
Let my prayer be set forth before thee, as the incense; And let the lifting up of my hands be as the evening sacrifice. Hear me, 0 Lord.
(Priest Begins Great Censing at “as the incense.)
Set a watch, 0 Lord, before my mouth and a protecting door about my lips.
Incline not my heart to evil words; to make excuses in sins.
With men that work iniquity; and I will not communicate with the choicest of them.
The just man shall correct me in mercy, and shall reprove me; but let not the oil of the sinner anoint my head.
For my prayer also shall still be against the things with which they are well pleased; their judges falling upon the rock have been swallowed up.
They shall hear my words, for they are sweet; as when the thickness of the earth is broken upon the ground. Their bones are scattered by the side of Hell.
But to Thee 0 Lord are my eyes: in Thee have I put my trust, take not away my soul.
Keep me from the snare, which they have laid for me, and the traps of the workers of iniquity.
Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I alone escape.
PSALM 142 (141)
I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make my supplication.
I poured out my supplication before Him; I showed before Him my trouble.
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then Thou knewest my path.
In the way wherein I walked have they secretly laid a snare for me.
I looked on my right hand and beheld, but there was no one that would know me:
Refuge failed me; no one cared for my soul.
I cried unto Thee, 0 Lord; I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low.
Deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Thy Name.
The righteous shall wait for me, until Thou recompense me.
Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, 0 Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
0 Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Christ, thou didst live after the senses in Myra, but didst truly appear as a sweet fragrance, having been anointed with supersensuaI ointment Wherefore, thou dost scent those who everlastingly celebrate with faith and eagerness thy famous memory, delivering them, 0 father, from calamities, tribulations, and sorrows, by thine intercessions with the Lord.
Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.
0 Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Christ, thou didst live after the senses in Myra, but didst truly appear as a sweet fragrance, having been anointed with supersensual ointment. Wherefore, thou dost scent those who everlastingly celebrate with faith and eagerness thy famous memory, delivering them, 0 father, from calamities, tribulations, and sorrows, by thine intercessions with the Lord.
If Thou, 0 Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, 0 Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee, there is forgiveness.
0 Saint Nicholas, true servant of Christ, thou didst appear in truth a precious triumph to the faithful people in trials, as thy name implies; for, being called in every quarter, thou didst hasten warmly to the assistance of those who seek the shadow of thy protection. Wherefore, appearing to them in faith by day and by night, thou dost deliver them from trials and tribulations.
Because of Thy Name have I waited for Thee, 0 Lord; my soul hath waited upon Thy word, my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
0 Saint Nicholas, true servant of Christ, thou didst appear in truth a precious triumph to the faithful people in trials, as thy name implies; for, being called in every quarter, thou didst hasten warmly to the assistance of those who seek the shadow of thy protection. Wherefore, appearing to them in faith by day and by night, thou dost deliver them from trials and tribulations.
From the morning watch until night, from the . morning watch let Israel trust in the Lord.
Thou didst verily appear in a dream to Constantine the king with Ablabius, and having put them to fright thou didst address them, saying, Release at once from prison those in chains whom ye have arrested unjustly; for they are innocent of the law-defying murder; and if thou dost contradict me, 0 king, I shall call upon the Lord against thee.
For with the Lord there is mercy and with Him is abundant redemption, and He will deliver Israel from all his iniquities.
Thou didst verily appear in a dream to Constantine the king with Ablabius, and having put them to fright thou didst address them, saying, Release at once from prison those in chains whom ye have arrested unjustly; for they are innocent of the law-defying murder; and if thou dost contradict me, 0 king, I shall call upon the Lord against thee.
Praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise Him all ye people.
0 glorious Saint Nicholas, the noble preacher of Christ, thou art a great and fervid helper of those in difficulties, of those who are on land, and of those who are at sea, all-compassionate, a precious intercessor for those who are far off and those who are near. Wherefore, in our gathering we shout to thee to intercede with the Lord, that we be delivered from every tribulation.
For His mercy is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endureth forever.
0 glorious Saint Nicholas, the noble preacher of Christ, thou art a great and fervid helper of those in difficulties, of those who are on land, and of those who are at sea, all-compassionate, a precious intercessor for those who are far off and those who are near. Wherefore, in our gathering we shout to thee to intercede with the Lord, that we be delivered from every tribulation.
(THE PEOPLE STAND)
(In the Sixth Tone:)Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: (Acolytes line up for procession)
Let us come together, 0 feast-lovers, and praise in song the comeliness of Bishops, the pride of the fathers, and the fountain of miracles, the great helper of believers, saying, Rejoice, 0 watchman of the people of Myra, their revered leader and unshakable pillar. Rejoice, 0 effulgent star, lighting the utmost corners of the world with miracles. Rejoice, 0 divine joy of the sorrowful, all-zealous champion of the oppressed. Wherefore, now, 0 all-blessed Nicholas, thou dost still intercede with Christ God on behalf of those who ever honor faithfully and eagerly thine all-festive and joyful memory.
(And in the Same Tone:) Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
0 Cavern, make ready; for the ewe lamb doth come bearing Christ in embryo; 0 manger receive Him who by His Word undid the bestial works of us earthly men. 0 shepherd watch and bear witness to the awesome wonder. And, 0 Magi, who come from Persia, bring forth to the King gold, frankincense, and myrrh; for the Lord hath appeared from a virgin Mother; Whose Mother did bow to Him as a servant, addressing Him in her bosom, saying, How wast Thou seeded in me, and how didst Thou grow in me, my God and my Deliverer?
(While the Choir or Chanter is singing the above Hymn, the Priest stands before the Altar, and quietly says:)
THE PRAYER OF THE ENTRANCE
PRIEST: (Quietly) In the evening, and in the morning, and at noon-day, we praise thee, we bless thee, we give thanks unto thee, and we pray unto thee, 0 Lord of all: Direct thou our prayer before thee as incense, and incline not our hearts unto words or thoughts of wickedness; but deliver us from all who seek after our souls. For unto thee, Lord, 0 Lord, lift we up our eyes, and in thee have we trusted. Put us not to shame, 0 our God. For unto thee are due all glory, honor, and worship: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
(Procession Now)
(Upon completing the Prayer, the Priest, carrying the Holy Gospel and preceded by two Altar boys with candles, leaves the Sanctuary by the North Door and stands before the Holy Doors. The Priest then makes the sign of the Cross with his right hand towards the Altar, and quietly says:)
PRIEST: (Quietly) Blessed is the Entrance of thy Holy Ones, always: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
(When the Choir or Chanter has finished the Hymn, the Priest lifts up the Holy Gospel with both hands, saying in a loud voice:)
PRIEST: Wisdom! Attend!
(The Priest enters the Sanctuary through the Holy Doors and places the Gospel Book on the Altar. Meanwhile, the Choir sings the following hymn:)
CHOIR: Gladsome light of the Holy Glory that shines from the immortal Father in Heaven, the Holy, the Blessed, 0 Jesus Christ: La, now that we come to sunset, now that we see the evening light, we sing the praise of Father, Son and Holy Spirit: One God. Worthy art Thou to be praised at all times with voices meet for holy song. Son of God, Thou Giver of Life. Wherefore the world glorifieth Thee.
(Light Lamps Now at “Gladsome Light” if performing the service in this manner)
(The Choir or Chanter now immediately sings the TROPARION OF SAINT NICHOLAS:)
(Tone Four:) Thy work of justice did show thee to thy congregation a canon of faith, the likeness of humility, a teacher of abstinence, 0 Father, Bishop NICHOlAS. Wherefore, by humility thou didst achieve exaltation, and by meekness, richness. Intercede, therefore, with Christ to save our souls.
(Then immediately the TROPARION OF THE PATRON SAINT OF THE CHURCH.)
(Then immediately the KONTAKION OF SAINT NICHOLAS:)
(Tone Three:) Thou didst appear a priest in Myra, 0 Saint, for having fulfilled the Gospel of Christ, 0 righteous one, thou didst lay down thy life for thy people, and rescued the innocent from death. Wherefore, thou was sanctified, being a great initiate of the grace of God.
Prepare the Censer
PRIEST: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST: For Holy art Thou, 0 our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
THE TRISAGION HYMN
Give Priest the Censer
CHOIR: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. (Thrice)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Holy Immortal: have mercy on us.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: . have mercy on us.
(Meanwhile the Priest reads quietly The Prayer of the Trisagion:)
THE PRAYER OF THE TRISAGION
PRIEST: 0 Holy God, who restest in thy Holy Place; who art hymned by the Seraphim with thrice-holy cry, and glorified by the Cherubim, and worshipped by every heavenly Power; Who out of nothing hast brought all things into being; who hast created man after thine own image and likeness and hast adorned him with thine every gift; who givest to him that askest wisdom and understanding; who despisest not the sinner, but hast appointed repentance unto salvation; who hast vouchsafed unto us, thy humble and unworthy servants, even in this hour to stand before the glory of thy Holy altar and to offer the worship and praise which are due unto Thee: Thyself, 0 Master, accept even from the mouth of us sinners the Hymn of the Trisagion, and visit us in thy goodness. Forgive us every transgression both voluntary and involuntary; sanctify our souls and bodies; and grant us to serve thee in holiness all the days of our life: through the intercessions of the Holy Theotokos and of all the Saints who from the beginning of the world have been well-pleasing unto Thee.
For Holy art Thou, 0 our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
(Then the Priest, taking the censer, censes the Altar and all of the Sanctuary while he also says the Trisagion. After the censing, he makes three low bows before the Altar; then he goes towards the High Place behind the Altar, quietly saying as he goes:)
PRIEST: (Quietly) Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord.
(Then standing before the High Place, he says:)
PRIEST: (Quietly) Blessed art Thou on the throne of the Glory of Thy Kingdom, Who sittest upon the Cherubim: always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
(After the Choir has finished singing the Trisagion Hymn, the Priest comes before the Altar and faces the people. )
THE EPISTLE
(Line up Acolytes for procession)
PRIEST: (Aloud) Let us attend!
READER: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saint. What shall we render to the Lord?
PRIEST: Wisdom!
READER: The Reading is from the Holy Apostle Paul to the Hebrews. (Hebrews 13;17-21)
PRIEST: Let us attend!
(THE PEOPLE SIT)
READER: Brethren: Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they are keeping watch over your souls, as men who will have to give account. Let them do this joyfully, and not sadly, for that would be of no advantage to you.
Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
PRIEST: Peace be to thee that readest.
READER: And to thy spirit.
CHOIR: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
(During the reading of the Epistle, the Priest reads quietly the Prayer before the Gospel.)
THE PRAYER BEFORE THE GOSPEL
PRIEST: (Quietly) Illumine our hearts, 0 Master Who lovest mankind, with the pure light of Thy divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our mind to the understanding of Thy Gospel teachings; implant in us also the fear of Thy Blessed Commandments, that trampling down all carnal desires, we may enter upon a spiritual manner of living, both thinking and doing such things as are well-pleasing unto Thee: for Thou art the
. illumination of our souls and bodies, 0 Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father Who is from everlasting, and Thine All-Holy, Good, and Life-Giving Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen
THE GOSPEL
Acolytes process out now: 2 with candles
(The Priest comes before the Altar, facing the people, with the Gospel Book on the lectern before him.)
(THE PEOPLE STAND)
PRIEST: Wisdom! Attend! Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be to all.
CHOIR: And to thy spirit
PRIEST: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke. (Luke 6;17-23)
CHOIR: Glory to Thee, 0 Lord, Glory to Thee.
PRIEST: And Jesus came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came forth from him and healed them all. And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:
"Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
"Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be
satisfied.
"Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall
laugh.
"Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man!
"Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets."
CHOIR: Glory to Thee, 0 Lord, Glory to Thee.
(THE PEOPLE SIT)
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THE SERMON
++++++++++++++
The Litany for the Catechumens
(May be omitted)
Deacon: Pray to the Lord, ye catechumens.
Choir/people: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Let us, the faithful, pray for the catechumens, that the Lord will have mercy on them.
Choir/people: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he will teach them the word of truth.
Choir/people: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he will reveal to them the gospel of righteousness.
Choir/people: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That he will unite them to his holy, catholic and apostolic Church.
Choir/people: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Save them; have mercy on them; help them; and keep them, O God, by thy grace.
Choir/people: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Bow your heads unto the Lord, ye catechumens.
Choir: To thee, O Lord.
Priest (quietly): O Lord our God, who dwellest on high and regardest the humble, who hast sent forth as the salvation of the race of men thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ: Look down upon thy servants the catechumens, who have bowed their necks before thee; make them worthy in due season of the laver of regeneration, the forgiveness of sins and the robe of incorruption. Unite them to thy holy, catholic and apostolic Church, and number them with thine elect flock.
(Aloud) That with us they may glorify thine all-honorable and majestic name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Liturgy of the Faithful
The Litany of the Faithful
(The Priest now unfolds the Antiminsion)
Deacon: As many as are of the faithful, again and again in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir/people: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
Wisdom!
Priest (quietly): Again and at often times we fall down before thee and beseech thee, O Good One who lovest mankind, that looking down upon our petition thou wilt cleanse our souls and bodies from every defilement of flesh or spirit, and grant us to stand blamelessly and without condemnation before thy holy altar. Grant also, O God, to those who pray with us growth in life and faith and spiritual understanding. Grant them always blamelessly to serve thee with fear and love and to partake without condemnation of thy holy mysteries and to be accounted worthy of thy heavenly kingdom:
(Aloud) That guarded always by thy might we may ascribe glory unto thee to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir/people: Amen.
The Prayer of the Cherubic Hymn
Priest (quietly): No one who is bound with the desires and pleasures of the flesh is worthy to approach or to draw nigh or to serve thee, O King of glory, for to serve thee, is a great and fearful thing even to the heavenly powers. Nevertheless through thine unspeakable and boundless love toward mankind thou didst become man, yet without change or alteration, and as Master of all didst take the name of our High Priest and delivered unto us the ministry of this liturgic and bloodless sacrifice. For thou alone, O Lord our God, rulest over those in heaven and on earth, who are borne on the throne of the cherubim, who art Lord of the seraphim and King of Israel, who alone art holy and restest in the holy place. Wherefore I implore thee who alone art good and art ready to listen: Look down upon me, a sinner and thine unprofitable servant, and cleanse my soul and my heart from an evil conscience, and by the power of thy Holy Spirit enable me, who am endued with the grace of the priesthood, to stand before this thy holy table, and perform the sacred mystery of thy holy and immaculate Body and precious Blood. For I draw near unto thee, and bowing my neck I pray thee. Turn not thy face from me, neither cast me out from among thy servants, but vouchsafe that these gifts may be offered unto thee by me, thy sinful and unworthy servant; for thou thyself art he that offereth and is offered, that accepteth and is distributed, O Christ our God, and unto thee we ascribe glory, together with thine unoriginate Father, and thine all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
The Cherubic Hymn
Line up Acolytes for Procession of Great Entrance
Priest (Quietly): Let us, who mystically represent the cherubim and sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-giving Trinity, lay aside all worldly cares.
Deacon (Quietly): That we may receive the King of all invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts. Alleluia (3x)
Priest (quietly) : Blessed is our God, always, no and ever, and unto ages of ages, Amen. Incense we offer unto thee O Christ our God, as a savour of spiritual sweetness, which do thou receive upon thy most heavenly altar, and send down upon us in return the grace of thine all-holy Spirit.
Priest (quietly): O come, let us worship and fall down before God our King. O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and our God. O come, let us worship and fall down before the Very Christ, our King and our God.
Psalm 50: Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy, according to the multitude of thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against thee only have I sinned and done this evil before thee, that thou mightest be justified in thy words, and prevail when thou are judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of thy wisdom hast thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and with thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in thy righteousness. O Lord, thou shalt open my lips and my mouth shall declare thy praise. For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise.
Priest (quielty): Like the prodigal son, I have sinned against thee, O Saviour. Receive me as I repent, O Father, and have mercy on me, O God.
With the voice of the publican I cry unto thee, O Christ my Saviour. Take pity on me as thou hast on him, and have mercy on me, O God.
Forgive me, brother and concelebrant.
Forgive, O God, those who hate us and those who love us.
Priest (Bowing quietly says): O God, be gracious unto me a sinner, and have mercy on me.
Deacon (quietly): Lift up, master.
Priest (quietly): Lift up your hands unto the holies, and bless the Lord.
God hath gone up in jubilation; the Lord with the voice of the trumpet.
The Great Entrance
(The Priest and deacon carrying the holy gifts, led by the angelic altar servers now process from the sanctuary around the nave and through the Royal Doors)
Procession Now! Acolytes have, in order, 2 with candles, 2 with lamps, 2 with fans, 1 with Cross, 1 with Censer (who walks backwards before the Gifts)
Deacon: All of you, the Lord God remember in his kingdom, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir/People: Amen.
Priest: Our (metropolitan or archbishop or bishop), N., and all our brotherhood in Christ, the Lord God remember in his kingdom, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir/People: Amen.
Priest: Our president (or appropriate head of state), civil authorities and armed forces, the Lord God remember in his kingdom, always now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir/People: Amen.
Priest: The Orthodox servant(s) of God, NN., that he (she, they) may have mercy, life, peace, health, salvation and visitation, pardon and forgiveness of sins, the Lord God remember in his kingdom, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir/People: Amen.
Priest: The Orthodox servant(s) of God departed this life in the hope of the resurrection and life eternal, NN., the Lord God remember in his kingdom, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir/People: Amen.
(The procession now enters the sanctuary through the Royal Doors while the choir and the people continue to sing)
Deacon (quietly): Thy priesthood, the Lord God remember in his kingdom always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Priest (quietly): Thy diaconate, the Lord God remember in his kingdom always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
The noble Joseph, when he had taken down thine immaculate body from the tree, wrapped it in pure linen and spices and, sorrowing, placed it in a new tomb.
Priest (quietly): In the grave with the body but in hades with the soul as God; in paradise with the thief, and on the throne with the Father and the Spirit wast thou, O Christ, filling all things, thyself uncircumscribed.
As life-bearing, as more splendid than paradise, and more radiant than any royal chamber, O Christ, is shown forth thy tomb, the fountain of our resurrection.
Deacon (quietly): Do good, master.
Priest (quietly): Do good, O Lord, in thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar.
* * * * * *
Deacon (quietly): Remember me (us), holy master.
Priest (quietly): The Lord God remember thee (you) in his kingdom always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Deacon: Amen.
The Litany of Supplication
Deacon: Let us complete our prayer unto the Lord.
Choir/People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the precious gifts now set forth, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir/People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy house and those who with faith, reverence and fear of God enter therein, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir/People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger and necessity, let us pray to the Lord,
Choir/People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
Choir/People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us ask of the Lord.
Choir/People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.
Choir/People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: Pardon and forgiveness of our sins and transgressions, let us ask of the Lord.
Choir/People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: All things good and profitable for our souls and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord.
Choir/People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask of the Lord.
Choir/People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: A Christian ending to our life, painless, blameless, peaceful and a good defense before the fearful judgment seat of Christ, let us ask.
Choir/People: Grant this, O Lord.
Deacon: Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other and all our life unto Christ our God.
Choir/People: To thee, O Lord.
The Prayer of the Proskomedia
Priest (quietly): O Lord God Almighty, who alone art holy, who dost accept a sacrifice of praise from those who call upon thee with their whole heart: Receive also the prayer of us sinners, and lead us to thy holy altar, and enable us to offer unto thee gifts and spiritual sacrifices for our sins and for the ignorance of the people, and make us worthy to find grace in thy sight, that our sacrifice may be acceptable unto thee and that the good Spirit of thy grace may rest upon us and upon these gifts here spread forth and upon all thy people:
(Aloud) Through the compassions of thine only-begotten Son, with whom thou art blessed, together with thine all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir/People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be to all.
Choir/People: And to thy spirit.
Deacon: Let us love one another, that with one accord we may confess:
Choir/People: Father, Son and Holy Spirit: the Trinity, one in essence and undivided.
Priest: Christ is in our midst!
Choir/People: He is and ever shall be!
Priest (quietly): I will love thee, O Lord, my Strength; the Lord is my firm Foundation, my Refuge, and my Deliverer.
Deacon: The doors. The doors. In wisdom let us attend.
Nicene Creed
Everyone: I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, Begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by 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 was made man;
And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried;
And the third day He arose again, according to the Scriptures;
And ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father;
And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, Whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets.
And I believe in One Holy Catholic and ApostolicChurch.
I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins.
I look for the Resurrection of the dead, and the Life of the world to come.
Amen.
Deacon: Let us stand aright. Let us stand with fear. Let us attend, that we may offer the holy oblation in peace.
Choir/People: A mercy of peace, a sacrifice of praise.
Priest: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God the Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Choir/People: And with thy spirit.
Priest: Let us lift up our hearts.
Choir/People: We lift them up unto the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks unto the Lord.
Choir/People: It is meet and right.
THE HOLY ANAPHORA
Priest: It is meet and right to hymn thee, to bless thee, to praise thee, to give thanks unto thee and to worship thee in every place of thy dominion; for thou art God ineffable, inconceivable, invisible, incomprehensible, ever-existing and eternally the same, thou and thine only-begotten Son and thy Holy Spirit. Thou it was who didst bring us from non-existence into being and when we had fallen away didst raise us up again, and didst not cease to do all things until thou hadst brought us up to heaven and hadst endowed us with thy kingdom which is to come. For all these things we give thanks unto thee, and to thine only-begotten Son and to thy Holy Spirit; for all things of which we know and of which we know not and for all the benefits bestowed upon us, both manifest and unseen. And we give thanks unto thee also for this ministry which thou dost vouchsafe to receive at our hands, even though there stand beside thee thousands of archangels and ten thousands of angels, the cherubim and the seraphim, six-winged, many-eyed, soaring aloft, borne on their wings:
Singing the triumphal hymn, shouting, proclaiming and saying:
Choir/People: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of thy glory: Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Priest: With these blessed powers we also, O Master who lovest mankind, cry aloud and say: Holy art thou and all-holy, thou and thine only-begotten Son and thy Holy Spirit; holy art thou and all-holy, and magnificent is thy glory, who hast so loved thy world as to give thine only-begotten Son, that all who believe in him should not perish but have everlasting life, who, when he had come and had fulfilled all the dispensation for us, in the night in which he was betrayed or, rather, gave himself up for the life of the world, took bread in his holy and immaculate and blameless hands; and when he had given thanks and blessed it and hallowed it and broken it, he gave it to his holy disciples and apostles, saying:
Priest: Take, eat. This is my Body which is broken for you, for the forgiveness of sins;
Choir/People: Amen.
Priest: And likewise after 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 forgiveness of sins.
Choir/People: Amen.
Priest: Having in remembrance, therefore, this saving commandment and all those things which have come to pass for us: the cross, the grave, the third-day resurrection, the ascension into heaven, the sitting at the right hand, and the second and glorious coming:
Priest: Thine own of thine own, we offer unto thee in behalf of all and for all.
Choir/People: We hymn thee, we bless thee, we give thanks unto thee, O Lord. And we pray unto thee, O our God.
Prepare the Censer
Priest: Again we offer unto thee this rational and bloodless worship and beseech thee and pray thee and supplicate thee: Send down thy Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts here spread forth:
Deacon: Bless, master, the holy bread.
Priest: And make this bread the precious Body of thy Christ;
Deacon: Amen.
Deacon: Bless master, the holy cup.
Priest: And that which is in this cup, the precious Blood of thy Christ;
Deacon: Amen.
Deacon: Bless both, master.
Priest: Changing them by thy Holy Spirit;
Deacon: Amen. Amen. Amen. Remember me a sinner, holy master.
Priest: That to those who shall partake thereof they may be unto cleansing of soul, unto forgiveness of sins, unto the communion of thy Holy Spirit, unto the fulfillment of the kingdom of heaven and unto boldness toward thee, not unto judgment or unto condemnation. And again we offer unto thee this rational worship for all those who in faith have gone before us to their rest: forefathers, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics and every righteous spirit which has completed this life in faith:
Give Priest the Censer
Priest: Especially our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary.
(The Priest now censes the Gifts and the Sanctuary)
Priest (quietly): For the holy Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John; the holy glorious and all-laudable apostles; (N., saint of the day), whose memory we celebrate, and all thy saints, at whose supplications visit us, O God.
Priest (quietly): And be mindful of all those who have fallen asleep before us in the hope of resurrection unto life eternal, NN., and grant them rest, O our God, where the light of thy countenance watcheth over them.
Priest (quietly): And again we beseech thee: Be mindful, O Lord of every bishop of the Orthodox, who rightly divideth the word of thy truth, of all the presbytery, the diaconate in Christ and every priestly and monastic order.
Give Priest Bread to bless
Priest (quietly): And again we offer unto thee this rational worship for the whole world, for the holy, catholic and apostolic Church, for those who live in chastity and lead a godly way of life and for all civil authorities, and our armed forces; grant them, O Lord, peaceful times, that we in their tranquility may lead a calm and peaceful life in all reverence and godliness.
Priest: Among the first be mindful, O Lord, of our (metropolitan or archbishop or bishop), N, whom do thou grant unto thy holy churches in peace, safety, honor, health and length of days, and rightly dividing the word of thy truth.
Choir/People: Amen.
Deacon: And for those who offer these precious and holy gifts to the Lord our God, the honorable presbytery, the diaconate in Christ and every priestly order and for their salvation, for the peace and stability of the whole world, the good estate of the holy churches of God, the salvation and help of the people here present, those whom they are remembering and of all mankind.
Choir/People: And of all mankind.
Priest (quietly): Be mindful, O Lord, of this city in which we dwell, and of every city and countryside, and of those who in faith dwell therein. Be mindful, O Lord, of those who travel by sea, by land and by air, the sick, the suffering, captives and their salvation. Be mindful, O Lord of those who bear fruit and do good works in thy holy churches and who remember the poor; and upon us all send forth thy mercies:
(Aloud) And grant us with one mouth and one heart to glorify and praise thine all-honorable and majestic name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir/People: Amen.
Priest: And the mercies of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ be with you all.
Choir: And with thy spirit.
(The following petitions are usually omitted in part or in whole. We do the first three and the last one)
Deacon: Having commemorated all the saints, again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir/People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the precious gifts which have been spread forth and sanctified, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir/People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That our God, who loveth mankind, receiving them upon his holy, most heavenly and ideal altar as a savour of spiritual sweetness, will send down upon us in return his divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.
Choir/People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir/People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
Choir/People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us ask of the Lord.