Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest
Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest
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About Bishop MARK
His Grace Bishop MARK was consecrated to the Holy Episcopacy on December 5, 2004. His consecrating bishops included His Beatitude IGNATIUS IV at the Patriarchal Cathedral in Damascus, Syria. He was enthroned at St. George Cathedral in Toledo, Ohio on August 25, 2005 and serves as Bishop of the Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest.
Bishop MARK served as priest of St. John the Evangelist church in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania from 1997 to 2000. In January of 2001, he was assigned as assistant to Father John Estephan at St. George in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Upon Father John’s retirement in December of 2002, Bishop MARK assumed all the responsibilities for the pastorate of St. George.
Bishop MARK was born on June 22, 1958 in New Albany, Indiana. He was baptized in Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church in 1958 and confirmed when he was nine. He attended elementary school at our Lady of Perpetual Help and graduated from New Albany High School in 1976. He began undergraduate studies at Indiana University South East and completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1985. In 1987, he was awarded a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Literature from Oral Roberts University and accepted the position of Adjunct Professor of Old Testament at Oral Roberts University.
Having been introduced to the Orthodox Church by the V. Rev. George Eber, pastor of St. Antony in Tulsa, Oklahoma and his professors of Church History, Dr Jerry Sandidge and his Old testament professor, Dr Howard Ervin at Oral Roberts University, Bishop MARK was received into the Church through Holy Chrismation on Great and Holy Wednesday 1989. Soon after, he requested Metropolitan PHILIP’s blessing to attend St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary. He received his Master of Divinity degree at St. Vladimir’s in 1991. He worked at the Antiochian Village from 1991 to 1993, when he moved to New Kensington, Pennsylvania to assist Father John Abdalah.
Bishop MARK was ordained a deacon at the hand of Bishop ANTOUN at St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania on August 17, 1997. On September 7, 1997, he was ordained to the Holy Priesthood at St. George in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Bishop MARK’s name’s day is April 25.
Diocesan Events
February 11, 2007 : Ordination of Fr. John Fenton to the Holy Priesthood
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February 3-4, 2007 : Ordination of Fr. Matthew Wade
Here are photos of the ordination of Fr. Matthew Wade
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January 7, 2007 : Ordination of Dn. Daniel Morton
His Grace Bishop MARK visits All Saints of North America in St. Louis, MO for the Ordination of Dn Daniel Morton on January 7, 2007.
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August 1, 2007 - Artoklasia on the eve of the Blessing of Waters for the Feast of the procession of the Holy Cross
Below are photos from Bishop MARK's visit to St. George Chapel in Louisville, KY. I
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Creative Arts photos from the 2007 Parish Life Conference
Below are photos from the Creative Arts of the 2007 Parish Life Conference.
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Pan-Orthodox Agape Vespers
Pan-Orthodox Agape Vespers with the faithful of St George Cathedral, St George Cathedral Bulgarian Orthodox Church, St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church and Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.
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His Grace Bishop MARK at St. George Cathedral
His Grace Bp MARK blesses the Paschal Baskets filled with flesh meats, cheese and eggs after the Paschal Liturgy at St. George Cathedral in Toledo, OH with the pastor Fr Basil Koory at his right hand.
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April 5, 2007 : His Grace Bishop MARK visits St. Mary's Basilica in Livonia, MI
His Grace Bp MARK reads the First of the Twelve Passions Gospels on Great and Holy Thursday April 5 at St Mary's Basilica in Livonia, MI.
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April 4, 2007 : His Grace Bishop MARK visits St. George in Troy
His Grace Bp MARK reads the first Gospel for the Unction Service at St George in Troy, on Wednesday April 4, with Dns. Elias Baz and Michael Corbin holding the Holy Gospel. The V. Rev. Joseph Antypas pastor of St. George of Troy is seen in the immediate background.
Photos...
April 1, 2007 : His Grace Bishop MARK visits St. George Cicero, IL
On April 1, 2007, Palm Sunday, His Grace Bishop MARK visits St. George Cicero, IL.
His Grace Bp MARK at the throne of St George in Cicero, IL on Palm Sunday, April 01, 2007.
His Grace Bp Mark with Dn Bassam, a subdeacon with Dikiri and Subdeacon Fouad Saba in the background on Palm Sunday at St George in Cicero, IL.
His Grace Bp MARK and the V Rev Fr Nicholas Dahdal during the Thrice Holy Hymn.
His Grace Bp MARK blessing with Trikiri and Dikiri. The V. Rev Nicholas Dahdal is seen in the Altar.
St George in Cicero, Il was filled to capacity as His Grace Bishop MARK, the V Rev Nicholas Dahdal and Dn Bassam distribute communion. Many faithful heard the service from the fellowship hall and the exterior speakers outside the church as there was no room inside.
Joseph Nelson Freve becomes subdeacon for All Saints in Chicago
His Grace Bp MARK sets apart Joseph Nelson Freve as a subdeacon for All Saints in Chicago. Also in the Photo are the V Rev Patrick Reardon, Dn Theophan Warren, Sbdn Joseph Olas.
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Presenting All Saints Church with new Chalice, Paten, Star, Spear, and Spoon
Fr. Wilbur (David) Ellsworth and the faithful of the former Christ's Church present the V Rev Patrick Reardon and the faithful of All Saints with a new Chalice, Paten, Star, Spear, and Spoon as they prepare to move to Holy Transfiguration in Warrenville, IL.
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March 28, 2007 : His Grace Bishop MARK visits Holy Transfiguration
His Grace Bp MARK visits Holy Transfiguration for the Presanctified Liturgy with the V Rev Bill Caldaroni and the faithful on March 28, 2007.
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March 27, 2007 : His Grace Bishop MARK visits St Elias Mission in Peoria, IL.
His Grace Bishop MARK visits St Elias Mission in Peoria, IL. Fr Habib Ghantous served Great Compline that night (March 27, 2007)
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March 26, 2007 : His Grace Bishop MARK of Toledo visits the faithful of St George in Spring valley, IL
His Grace Bishop MARK of Toledo visits the faithful of St George in Spring valley, IL for Great Compline on Monday March 26, 2007.
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March 25, 2007 : Bishop MARK inducts Todd Wiblin into the Order of St. Ignatius
Bishop MARK inducts Todd Wiblin into the Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch at St Raphael of Brooklyn on Sunday March 25, 2007, with John Bayouth as his sponsor.
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March 24, 2007 : His Grace Bishop MARK visits St. Raphael of Brooklyn in Iowa City
His Grace Bp MARK and Fr Ignatius Valentine prepare for a Baptism at St Raphael of Brooklyn in Iowa City, IA on March 24, 2007.
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Below: Fr Ignatius Valentine Chrismates the newly Baptized Ekaterine Nodia at St Raphael of Brooklyn in Iowa City, IA on March 24
March 18, 2007 : Ordination of Sbdn Clement to the Holy Diaconate
Below are photos of the Ordination of Sbdn Clement Nicoloff to the Holy Diaconate at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church in Grand Rapids, MI on March 18.
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2007 Sunday of Orthodoxy at St. George, Indianapolis
Below are a few photos from the 2007 Sunday of Orthodoxy. His Grace Bishop Mark presided and spoke at the Triumph of Orthodoxy Celebration at St. George, Indianapolis, as the guest of the fourteen Central Indiana Orthodox Christian Churches.
Photos...
March 1, 2007 : Ordination of Dn. David Ellsworth
Here are photos from the ordinations of David Ellsworth to the Diaconate and Holy Priesthood at All Saints Church. He was ordained to the Diaconate on March 1, 2007 during a Hierarchal Presactified Liturgy. On Saturday March 3, He was ordained to the Holy Priesthood. God grant him many years!
Photos...
A Preparation for Confession
A Preparation for Confession
by St. John of Kronstadt
I, a sinful soul, confess to our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, all of my evil acts which I have done, said or thought from baptism even unto this present day.
I have not kept the vows of my baptism, but have made myself unwanted before the face of God.
I have sinned before the Lord by lack of faith and by doubts concerning the Orthodox Faith and the Holy Church; by ungratefulness for all of God's great and unceasing gifts; His long-suffering and His providence for me, a sinner; by lack of love for the Lord, as well as fear, through not fulfilling the Holy Commandments of God and the canons and rules of the Church.
I have not preserved a love for God and for my neighbor nor have I made enough efforts, because of laziness and lack of care, to learn the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Holy Fathers.
I have sinned: by not praying in the morning and in the evening and in the course of the day; by not attending the services or by coming to Church only half-heartedly, lazily and carelessly; by conversing during the services, by not paying attention, letting my mind wander and by departure from the Church before the dismissal and blessing.
I have sinned by judging members of the clergy.
I have sinned by not respecting the Feasts, breaking the Fasts, and by immoderation in food and drink.
I have sinned by self-importance, disobedience, willfulness, self-righteousness, and the seeking of approval and praise.
I have sinned by unbelief, lack of faith, doubts, despair, despondency, abusive thoughts, blasphemy and swearing.
I have sinned by pride, a high opinion of my self, narcissism, vanity, conceit, envy, love of praise, love of honors, and by putting on airs.
I have sinned: by judging, malicious gossip, anger, remembering of offenses done to me, hatred and returning evil for evil; by slander, reproaches, lies, slyness, deception and hypocrisy; by prejudices, arguments, stubbornness, and an unwillingness to give way to my neighbor; by gloating, spitefulness, taunting, insults and mocking; by gossip, by speaking too much and by empty speech.
I have sinned by unnecessary and excessive laughter, by reviling and dwelling upon my previous sins, by arrogant behavior, insolence and lack of respect.
I have sinned by not keeping my physical and spiritual passions in check, by my enjoyment of impure thoughts, licentiousness and unchastity in thoughts, words and deeds.
I have sinned by lack of endurance towards my illnesses and sorrows, a devotion to the comforts of life and by being too attached to my parents, children, relatives and friends.
I have sinned by hardening my heart, having a weak will and by not forcing myself to do good.
I have sinned by miserliness, a love of money, the acquisition of unnecessary things and immoderate attachment to things.
I have sinned by self-justification, a disregard for the admonitions of my conscience and failing to confess my sins through negligence or false pride.
I have sinned many times by my Confession: belittling, justifying and keeping silent about sins.
I have sinned against the Most-holy and Life-creating Mysteries of the Body and Blood of our Lord by coming to Holy Communion without humility or the fear of God.
I have sinned in deed, word and thought, knowingly and unknowingly, willingly and unwillingly, thoughtfully and thoughtlessly, and it is impossible to enumerate all of my sins because of their multitude. But I truly repent of these and all others not mentioned by me because of my forgetfulness and I ask that they be forgiven through the abundance of the Mercy of God.
Guidelines for Parish Conflict Resolution in the Midwest Diocese
Revision 1: 2-Dec-2005
Supersedes Previous Versions
“Let brotherly love continue.” (Hebrews 13.1)
“But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile. As for a man who is factious, after admonishing him once or twice, have nothing more to do with him” (St. Paul’s Letter to Titus 3.9f)
Resolution of conflict in a parish is an urgent matter whose goal is to maintain the peace, harmony and unity of the Church, for so it is well-pleasing to God, recognizing that Christ died for the sake of us all—for both us and those with whom we may have differences of opinion. Dissension in the Church is a scandal that makes a mockery of Christ’s loving death. The sign that we are His disciples lies in our love for one another.
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the Church [i.e., pastor or bishop], and if he refuses to listen even to the Church, let him be to you as a gentile and a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15-17)
- Disputes should be confined to the absolute minimum number of people, completely avoiding slander and gossip.
- Recognize that we do not all have to agree on everything, that there are legitimate differences in perspective, but that mutual respect and love must always prevail. Respect includes abiding by the judgment calls and discretionary decisions of those in authority, even if you would have made a different decision had you been in charge. Give them your input, but then allow the parish priest, committee chairmen, etc., to do their work to the best of their ability, setting aside criticism and showing them gratitude for their efforts.
- If you have an issue with another parishioner,
- Speak to him privately.
- If you are not able to resolve the issue, take it to your pastor.
- Speak to him privately.
- If you have an issue with your priest,
- Speak to him privately.
- If you are not able to resolve the issue, then you may take it to your dean.
- If there is a charge of misconduct or moral impropriety against the priest, keep the matter confidential, informing only the dean, who will report the matter to the diocesan bishop. (If the charge is against the dean himself, then you may go directly to the bishop.)
- If the issue is one of general lack of effort or of incompatibility between a priest and the community he serves, having already worked with the pastor and solicited the help of the dean, the parish council may decide to request a change of pastor. The request must be kept in the strictest confidence and communicated to the bishop by a letter signed by every member of the parish council; those dissenting must also sign, but they may indicate their dissent. The bishop looks to the parish council, for the most part, as the voice of the parish. They are the ones who were deemed in good spiritual and financial standing and properly elected by the general assembly, but he alone will then decide whether or not to reassign the priest.
- Speak to him privately.
- Nothing should happen without the knowledge of the parish priest, and no meeting of the parish council may ever take place unless the pastor is present or has authorized the meeting to take place in his absence. In no case should people beyond those directly involved be troubled with a dispute. No letters, e-mail messages, petitions, etc., should be circulated.
- If the issue remains unresolved, then and only then, you may make an appointment with the diocesan bishop. Such an appointment must be set up through the pastor.
- Confidential correspondence to/from the diocesan bishop or metropolitan is strictly the property of the hierarchy and is not to be shared with anyone.
Let us be sure to heed the words of
Yours in
+ MARK
Bishop of Toledo and the Diocese of the Midwest
Download this policy for printing (PDF)
Liturgical Practices
Liturgical Colors
LITURGICAL COLORS
The SIMPLE designation is a prescription which assumes that one has three sets of vestments - a set of non-metallic gold or some other pale color for general usage, a bright set of white, and a dark set of wine red or purple.
The TRADITIONAL designation is that commonly practiced in this country and which assumes multiple sets of vestments of varied colors.
Season or Feast |
Simple |
Traditional |
September 1 Beginning of the Church Year |
Bright |
Gold |
September 2 through 7 |
General or by Category |
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September 8 through 12 Nativity of the Theotokos through its Leavetaking |
Bright |
Blue |
September 13 Dedication of the Church of the Resurrection |
Bright |
Gold |
September 14 through 21 Elevation of the Cross through its Leavetaking |
Dark |
Red |
September 22 through November 14 |
General or by Category |
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November 15 through November 20 Nativity Fast |
Dark |
Red |
November 21 through 25 Presentation of the Theotokos through its Leavetaking |
Bright |
Blue |
November 26 through December 24 Nativity Fast |
Dark |
Red |
December 25 through January 14 Nativity of the Lord & Theophany through its Leavetaking |
Bright |
Gold |
January 8 through February 1 |
General or by Category |
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February 2 through 9 Metting of the Lord in the Temple through its Leavetaking |
Bright |
Blue |
March 25 Annunciation |
Bright |
Blue |
February 10 through Cheesefare Sunday |
General or by Category |
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The Great Fast & Great And Holy Week |
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Simple |
Traditional |
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Forgiveness Vespers changed during the Prokeimenon to |
Bright Dark |
Gold Purple |
Weekdays of the Great Fast |
Dark |
Purple |
Little Compline with Akathist Hymn |
Bright |
Blue |
Saturdays and Sundays of the Great Fast or some retain |
Bright Dark |
Gold Purple |
Sunday of the Cross and the week following or some retain |
Dark Dark |
Red Purple |
Saturday of the Akathist Hymn |
Bright |
Blue |
Services of Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday |
Bright |
Gold |
Palm Sunday PM through Wednesday PM |
Dark |
Black/Purple |
Great Thursday Vesperal Divine Liturgy |
Dark |
Red |
Great Thursday PM through Friday PM |
Dark |
Black/Purple |
Great Saturday Vesperal Divine Liturgy changed during "Arise, O God" to |
Dark Bright |
Black/Purple White |
Season or Feast |
Simple |
Traditional |
Pascha through Saturday before Pentecost |
Bright |
White |
Pentecost through June 28 |
Bright |
Green |
June 29 and 30 |
Dark |
Red |
July 1 through 31 |
Bright |
Green |
August 1 through 5 Dormition Fast |
Dark |
Blue |
August 6 Transfiguration of the Lord |
Bright |
Gold |
August 7 through 12 Dormition Fast |
Dark |
Blue |
August 13 Leavetaking of the Transfiguration |
Bright |
Gold |
August 14 Dormition Fast |
Dark |
Blue |
August 15 through 23 Dormition through its Leavetaking |
Bright |
Blue |
August 24 through 28 |
General or by Category |
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August 29 Beheading of the Forerunner |
Dark |
Red |
August 30 |
General or by Category |
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GENERAL
General means a vestment of a pale color, or a mixture of light colors, being neither particularly bright nor dark. The most common general color is a non0metalic gold. Such a vestment is worn during those periods of the year which belong to no particular liturgical or festal season.
Color by Category of Feast |
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Simple |
Traditional |
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Of the Lord |
Bright |
Gold |
Of the Theotokos |
Bright |
Blue |
Of the Cross, the Forerunner, Apostles & Martyrs |
Dark |
Red |
Of other Saints, Commemorations, etc. |
Bright |
Gold |
Color by Season |
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The exceptions within these seasonal color designations are listed above. |
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Pascha through the Saturday before Pentecost |
White |
Pentecost through July 31st |
Green |
August 1st through the 23rd |
Blue |
August 24th through November 14th |
General |
November 15th through December 24th |
Red |
December 25th through January 14th |
Gold |
January 15th through Cheesefare Sunday |
General |
The Great Fast |
Purple |
Great & Holy Week |
Black |
Reception of the Bishop
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Reception of the Bishop
The reception of the Bishop in the back of the Church is only done at the first service of the Episcopal Visit, unless otherwise directed by the Bishop. Prior to the Bishop’s arrival to the church, the first Priest and the first Deacon shall vest according to the type of service. If it is a Eucharistic Service, they shall both be fully vested. If it is a non-Eucharistic Service, the Priest shall vest his exorasson, epitrachelion, and phelonion, and the Deacon shall vest in his sticharion and orarion. ALL OTHER CLERGY SHALL NOT VEST, JUST SIMPLY WEAR THE EXORASSON. When the Bishop arrives to the Church, the first Priest takes the Gospel Book and the first Deacon takes the hand cross. The first Priest proceeds through the Royal Doors followed by the remaining Clergy in order of seniority. When they get to the back of the Church, the first Priest stands in front of the Bishop facing west, while the remaining Clergy stand on either side of the Bishop facing north and south (facing each other), and forming a corridor toward the Altar. The first Deacon comes and stands next to the Bishop on his right side.
The first Priest begins with the following:
Priest: Have mercy on us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we pray thee, hearken and have mercy.
People: Lord, have mercy (Thrice)
Priest: Again, we pray for all pious and Orthodox Christians.
People: Lord, have mercy (Thrice)
Priest: Again, we pray for our father and Metropolitan PHILIP and for our father and Bishop MARK and all our brotherhood in Christ.
People: Lord, have mercy (Thrice)
Priest: For thou art a merciful God, who 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.
The people respond with “Amen” while the first Priest offers the Gospel Book to the Bishop for veneration, himself kissing the Bishop’s right hand. The first Deacon hands the Cross to the Bishop, himself kissing the Bishop’s right hand. The clergy process to the solea from Junior to Senior while the people slowly chant repeatedly until the Bishop ascends the Episcopal Throne, “Many years to thee, Master.” When the first Priest reaches the solea, he enters the Altar through the Royal Doors, places the Gospel Book on the Antimins, and then takes his place among the Priests. The Bishop blesses the people from the Solea and then hands the Blessing Cross to the Bishop’s Assistant.
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Great Vespers with a Non-Celebrating Hierarch
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Great Vespers with a Non-Celebrating Hierarch NOTE: In most cases only things that are done differently when the Bishop is present are noted here. If a particular item is not mentioned then that means to do it the same as in a regular Vespers Service. After the Bishop ascends the Episcopal Throne, the Clergy approach the Bishop and each makes one metania, asks the Bishop’s blessing and kisses his right hand. They proceed through the south door and take their places at the Altar. After making three metanias in their respective places, the Priest and the Deacon bow together to the Bishop and then the Deacon says in a loud voice, “Bless, Master!” After the Priest completes, “Blessed is our God…” the Deacon and the Priest turn and bow together to the Bishop. The bow to the Bishop is repeated after every exclamation by the Priest throughout the entire service. The Priest takes his place on the south side of the Holy Table facing north. (NOTE: The Priest stands to side and leaves the center of the Altar open at all times except when he is reciting lines that are for Priests; those are said from the center of the Altar.) The Bishop will then say: Come let us worship and fall down . . . .Then Psalm 103, or he may defer both to the chanters. The priest should ask before the service what is the Bishop’s preference. At the commemoration of the Hierarchs, in the Great Ektenia, the Deacon turns, points his orarion and bows to the Bishop as he says, “… and for our Bishop MARK…” while the Priest bows from the Royal Doors. At the conclusion of the Ektenia, the Deacon moves to stand before the icon of Christ and the Priest moves in front of the Holy Table to intone the exclamation. After the Priest intones the exclamation, the Deacon bows to the Bishop, enters the Altar through the south door and takes the censor as the Bishop or if he defers, the chanters begin, “O Lord, I have cried…” The Deacon, without asking the Priest’s blessing on the incense, does the great censing. After censing the Altar, the Prothesis, and the High Place, he exits the Altar through the north door. He asks the Bishop’s Blessing on the incense and censes him three times. After censing the icons and the west of the Church, he censes the Bishop nine times (three sets of three), the Clergy around the Episcopal Throne, the people, and the Bishop nine times, again. He completes the censing in the usual manner. The Little Entrance is made with the Deacon stopping in his usual place on the solea and the Priest proceeding to the Episcopal Throne and standing on the Bishop’s right side. The Deacon asks the Bishop’s blessing on the incense, censes him three times. He censes the icons, the West of the Church, the Bishop nine times (three sets of three), the people and the Bishop nine times, again. Then, moving the censor to his left hand, he takes his orarion in his right hand, points it toward the Royal Doors, and looking at the Bishop says quietly, “Bless, Master, the Holy Entrance.” The Bishop blesses the Entrance. The Deacon puts the end of his orarion back over his left arm and elevates the censor in his right hand. When the chanters finish the Doxasticon he intones, “Wisdom, Let us Attend!” The entrance is completed in the usual manner. If it is a daily Vespers, O Gladsome Light is said by the Bishop. If it is a Great Vespers, the Prokeimenon is done first by the priest, repeated by the choir or chanter, then the appropriate verse is chanted, followed by the prokeimenon, the verse, the prokeimenon, the verse, the prokeimenon, the verse, the prokeimenon, followed by the priest chanting the first half of the prokeimenon and the chanter or choir concluding the prokeimenon. In the next Ektenia (“Let us say …”), the Bishop is commemorated after the Metropolitan as in the Great Ektenia. The Bishop says the prayer, Vouchsafe, O Lord, . . . .gives the Peace after the Ektenia of Fervent Supplication. The Bishop also says St. Simeon’s Prayer or may defer to the chanters or choir. At the Dismissal, the Deacon intones, “Wisdom!” with the choir’s response being, “Master, Bless.” The Bishop says all of the remaining lines including the final Dismissal. After the commemoration of the Saints of the Day, the people chant, “Preserve, O Lord, our Master and Chief Priest…” The Bishop intones, “Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers…” and the Priest intones, “Through the prayers of our Holy Master…” |
Orthros with a Non-Celebrating Hierarch
After the Bishop ascends the Episcopal Throne, the Clergy approach the Bishop and each make one metania, ask the Bishop’s blessing and kiss his right hand. They proceed through the south door and take their places at the Altar.
After making three metanias in their respective places, the Priest and the Deacon bow together to the Bishop and then the Deacon says in a loud voice, “Bless, Master!” After the Priest completes, “Blessed is our God…” the Deacon and the Priest turn and bow together to the Bishop. The bow to the Bishop is repeated after every exclamation by the Priest throughout the entire service. The Great censing would include the appropriate censing of the hierarch as prescribed on page 21 of the Liturgikon. The Priest takes his place on the south side of the Holy Table facing north. (NOTE: The Priest stands to side and leaves the center of the Altar open at all times except when he is reciting lines that are for Priests; those are said from the center of the Altar.)
At the commemoration of the Hierarchs, in the Great Ektenia, the Deacon turns, points his orarion and bows to the Bishop as he says, “For our father and Metropolitan PHILIP and for our Bishop MARK…” while the Priest bows from the Royal Doors. At the conclusion of the Ektenia, the Deacon moves to stand before the icon of Christ and the Priest moves in front of the Holy Table to intone the exclamation. After the Priest intones the exclamation, the Deacon enters the Altar through the south door.
At the Orthros Gospel reading, the Priest does not ask the Bishop’s blessing on the Gospel. The Bishop gives the Peace. If the Gospel Reading is an Eothinon Reading, it is read from the south side of the Holy Table. If the reading is for a Feast, it is read from the Royal Doors. After the Priest reads the Gospel reading he takes the Gospel and, accompanied by the Deacon with a candle, exits the Altar through the Royal Doors and goes to the Episcopal Throne. He offers the Gospel Book to the Bishop for veneration, himself kissing the Bishop’s right hand. After all the people have venerated the Gospel Book, the Priest turns, bows to the Bishop and returns to the Altar. (NOTE: If the Gospel Reading was not an Eothinon Reading, the Priest still offers the Gospel Book for veneration by the Bishop and then immediately returns to the Altar and places the Book upon the Antimins.)
The Deacon, without asking the Priest’s blessing on the incense, takes the censor, and from the Royal Doors elevates it to the icon of the Theotokos and intones, “The Theotokos and Mother of Light…” He then does the great censing. After censing the Altar, the Prothesis, and the High Place, he exits the Altar through the north door. He asks the Bishop’s Blessing on the incense and censes him three times. After censing the icons and the West of the Church, he censes the Bishop nine times (three sets of three), any clergy around the Throne, the people, and the Bishop nine times, again. He completes the censing in the usual manner.
The following is done only if the Bishop will be celebrating the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy: As the Choir chants the Exaposteilaria, the fully vested Deacons, with trikirion and dikirion lit and in hand, exit the north (Second Deacon) and south (First Deacon) doors. They come together in the center of the solea, bow to the Altar and then bow to the Bishop. They proceed to the Episcopal Throne and stand next to the Bishop, with the First Deacon being on his right and the Second Deacon being on his left.
At the beginning of the Praises, the Bishop descends the Episcopal Throne, being led by the Deacons, and goes to the center of the solea. After the second Praise, the Praises stop and the Bishop and the two Deacons do the Kairon out loud. During the Kairon, a chanter sings “Preserve, O Lord, our Master and Chief Priest …” slowly and softly, repeating it until the end of Kairon. At the end of the Kairon, the Bishop takes the Trikirion and blesses the people as the people sing aloud, “Many years to thee, Master.” The Bishop enters the Altar, followed by the Deacons, through the Royal Doors. The chanting of the Praises continues. The Bishop goes to vest and the Royal Doors are closed.
At the “Both, now…” of the Praises, the Deacons open the Royal Doors and the Clergy proceed out through the Royal Doors. The Priests go first from Junior to Senior followed by the Deacons with Trikirion and Dikirion. They assemble in the center of the solea. At the conclusion of the Doxasticon, the Bishop blesses the people as the people sing, “Many years to thee, Master.” The Bishop then proceeds to his place on the solea. The Bishop faces east, the Priests face north and south (THE PRIESTS ABSOLUTLY DO NOT FACE EAST HERE) on each side of the Bishop, forming a corridor to the Altar and the Deacons stand behind the Bishop on each side.
The Choir or chanters then begin the Great Doxology, while the Bishop and Deacon say the remaining prayers of Orthros. At the end of the Great Doxology, if there is a tonsuring of a Reader or Subdeacon, it takes place here before the Troparion. Once the Troparion has begun, the first Deacon approaches the Bishop facing west with his back to the Altar and exchanges the “Opening Dialog” with the Bishop. When the Bishop says, “Thy Priesthood and thy Diaconate, the Lord God remember…” the Priest makes one metania, asks the Bishop’s blessing and kisses his right hand, followed by the Deacon who does the same. The Priest proceeds through the Royal Doors and the Deacon proceeds to stand before the icon of Christ.
Divine Liturgy with a Non-Celebrating Hierarch
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Divine Liturgy with a Non-Celebrating Hierarch NOTE: In most cases only things that are done differently when the Bishop is present are noted here. If a particular item is not mentioned then that means to do it the same as in a regular Liturgy. If Orthros will not be served, the Bishop is received in the back of the Church in the usual manner. After the Bishop ascends the Episcopal Throne, the Clergy approach the Bishop and the Deacon exchanges the “Opening Dialogue” with the Bishop. When the Bishop says, “Thy Priesthood and thy Diaconate, the Lord God remember…” the Priest makes one metania, asks the Bishop’s blessing and kisses his right hand, followed by the Deacon who does the same. The Priest proceeds through the south door and the Deacon takes his place on the center of the solea. If Orthros is served, the clergy, at the end of the Great Doxology, exit through the Royal Doors to the Episcopal Throne. Once the Troparion has begun, the Deacon exchanges the “Opening Dialogue” with the Bishop. When the Bishop says, “Thy Priesthood and thy Diaconate, the Lord God remember…” the Priest makes one metania, asks the Bishop’s blessing and kisses his right hand, followed by the Deacon who does the same. The Priest proceeds through the Royal Doors and the Deacon takes his place on the center of the solea. After making three metanias in their respective places, the Priest and the Deacon bow together to the Bishop and then the Deacon says in a loud voice, “Bless, Master!” After the Priest completes, “Blessed is the Kingdom…” the Deacon and the Priest turn and bow together to the Bishop. The bow to the Bishop is repeated after every exclamation by the Priest throughout the entire service. The Priest takes his place on the south side of the Holy Table facing north. (NOTE: The Priest stands to side and leaves the center of the Altar open at all times except when he is reciting lines that are for Priests; those are said from the center of the Altar.) The Deacon intones the Great Ektenia. At the commemoration of the Hierarchs, the Deacon turns, points his orarion and bows to the Bishop as he says, “For our father and Metropolitan PHILIP and for our Bishop MARK…” while the Priest bows from the Royal Doors. At the conclusion of the Ektenia, the Deacon moves to stand before the icon of Christ and the Priest moves in front of the Holy Table to intone the exclamation. This process is repeated after each Ektenia. Prior to intoning each of the Little Ekentias, the Deacon turns and bows to the Bishop. After the Priest intones the last exclamation, the Priest and Deacon bow together to the Bishop and the Deacon enter the Altar through the south door and takes his place at the southwest corner of the Holy Table. The Little Entrance is made in usual manner except that the Deacon, after exiting from the north door, proceeds directly to the Episcopal Throne. The Priest remains in his normal place in the center of the solea. The Deacon takes his orarion off of the Gospel, places the Gospel over his left shoulder, points his orarion at the Royal Doors and says to the Bishop, “Bless, Master, the holy Entrance.” The Deacon replaces the orarion over the Gospel while the Bishop blesses the Entrance. The Deacon offers the Gospel Book for veneration by the Bishop, himself kissing the Bishop’s right hand. The Deacon then proceeds to the normal place on the solea and the Little Entrance is completed in the usual manner. Following the Kontakion, the Deacon, from the Royal Doors, bows to the Bishop and then faces the people and intones, “Let us pray to the Lord.” During the Thrice-Holy Hymn and after the Priest proceeds to the High Place, the Deacon takes the censor, and, from the Royal Doors, asks the Bishop’s Blessing on the incense. The censing is completed in the usual manner. During the Epistle reading, the Priest takes the Gospel book and hands it to the Deacon who proceeds out the Royal Doors to the Episcopal Throne. There, he says to the Bishop, “Bless, Master, he who proclaims …” After receiving the blessing, the Deacon offers the Book to the Bishop for veneration, himself kissing the Bishop’s right hand. He then proceeds to the place where he will read the Gospel. The Bishop gives the Peace at the end of the Epistle and before the Gospel. Following the Gospel reading, the Deacon proceeds to the Episcopal Throne and offers the Book to the Bishop for veneration, himself kissing the Bishop’s right hand. The Bishop blesses the people and gives the Book back to the Deacon who takes it through the Royal Doors and gives it to the Priest to place on the Holy Table. (Note: The Priest does not bless the people here since it was done by the Bishop.) During the Cherubic Hymn, the Priest takes the censor (without blessing it) and does the Great censing. After censing the Altar, the Prothesis, and the High Place, he exits the Altar through the Royal Doors and goes all the way down onto the Solea (to the lowest possible position). He asks the Bishop’s Blessing on the incense and censes him three times. After censing the icons and the West of the Church, he censes the Bishop nine times (three sets of three), the people, and the Bishop nine times, again. He completes the censing in the usual manner, entering through the Royal Doors. The Great Entrance will need to be made at a faster pace than usual. The Deacon intones, “All of you, the Lord God …” followed by the Priest who intones, “All of you, and all Orthodox Christians, the Lord God …” These are the only two petitions said prior to reaching the solea. When the Deacon reaches the solea, he turns toward the Bishop and intones “Thine Episcopacy, the Lord God remember …” Then the Priest turns toward the Bishop and does the same. The Priest then finishes the remaining petitions of the Great Entrance (Commemoration of the Metropolitan, Prayers for the President, Living and Departed). The Bishop gives the Peace after the Ektenia of Fervent Supplication. At the Kiss of Peace, the Priest exits the Altar through the Royal Doors and followed by the Deacon, exchanges the Kiss of Peace with the Bishop at the Episcopal Throne. When the Creed begins, the Priest, standing on the south side, waves the Aer over the empty center part of the Altar. If there is only one Priest, the Deacon may enter the Altar and assist the Priest with the Aer. In any case, the center of the Altar must be open. The Priest says, “The Grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father…” turns and without Blessing the people, bows to the Bishop. At this point, the Priest may remain in the center of the Altar until after the gifts are consecrated. At “Among the first…” the Clergy, Subdeacons, and Servers commemorate the Metropolitan first, followed by the Bishop, “Among the first, be mindful, O Lord, of our father and Metropolitan PHILIP and our Bishop MARK…” The Priest says, “And the mercies of our Great God…” turns and without Blessing the people, bows to the Bishop. If the Bishop will Commune from the Altar he will descend the Throne, don the epitrachelion and omophorion and Commune first. If he will Commune from the Solea, he shall be the first one to Commune from the first Chalice. After all have Communed, the Bishop Blesses the people saying, “O God, save thy people …” The Bishop gives the Blessing, “The Blessing of our Lord and His Mercies…” and says the Dismissal. After the commemoration of the Saints of the Day, the people chant, “Preserve, O Lord, our Master and Chief Priest…” The Bishop intones, “Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers…” and the Priest intones, “Through the prayers of our Holy Master…”
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Bishop's Kairon
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Download Word Document For Print Bishop's Kairon As the Choir chants the Exaposteilaria, the fully vested Deacons, with trikirion and dikirion lit and in hand, exit the north (Second Deacon) and south (First Deacon) doors. They come together in the center of the solea, bow to the Altar and then bow to the Bishop. They proceed to the Episcopal Throne and stand next to the Bishop, with the First Deacon being on his right and the Second Deacon being on his left. BISHOP: O God, be gracious unto me a sinner, and have mercy upon me. (Thrice) DEACON: Bless, Master. BISHOP: Blessed is our God, always now and ever, and unto ages of ages. DEACON: Amen. BISHOP: Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee. O heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, the Treasury of good things and Giver of life; come, abide in us, and cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, O gracious Lord. DEACON: Holy God, Holy Mighty… Glory and Now… All-Holy Trinity… Lord, have mercy (Thrice)… Glory and Now… Our Father…. BISHOP: For 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. DEACON: Amen. BISHOP: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us; for laying aside all defense we sinners offer unto Thee, as Master, this supplication: have mercy on us. DEACON: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. O Lord, have mercy on us, for in Thee have we put our trust; be not exceedingly wroth with us, nor remember our iniquities, but look down upon us even now, as Thou art compassionate, and deliver us from our enemies; for Thou art our God, and we are Thy people; we are all the work of Thy hands, and we call upon Thy Name. BISHOP: Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Open unto us the door of Thy compassion, O blessed Theotokos. As we set our hope in Thee, may we not be confounded; through thee may we be delivered from all adversities, for thou art the salvations of the race of Christians. The Bishop and the Deacons move to the icon of Christ, as the Deacon says: DEACON: Lord, have mercy. (12 times) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages, Amen. We reverence Thine immaculate icon, O good One, and ask forgiveness of our transgressions, O Christ our God; for of Thine own good will Thou wast pleased to ascend from the cross in the flesh, that Thou mightest deliver from bondage to the enemy those whom Thou hast fashioned. Wherefore, we cry aloud unto Thee with thanksgiving; Thou hast filled all things with joy, O our Savior, for Thou didst come to save the world. The Bishop and the Deacons move to the icon of the Theotokos, as the Deacon says: DEACON: Forasmuch as thou art a fountain of tenderness, O Theotokos, make us worthy of compassion; look upon a sinful people; manifest thy power as ever, for hoping on thee we cry aloud unto thee: Rejoice! As once did Gabriel, chief captain of the bodiless powers. The Bishop and the Deacons move to the icon of the Forerunner, as the Deacon says: DEACON: The memory of the righteous is celebrated with songs of praise, but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner. Thou wast shown indeed to be the most honorable of the prophets, for in the waters thou didst baptize Him who had been proclaimed. After suffering with joy in behalf of the truth, thou didst proclaim even to those in Hades the God who appeared in the flesh, who takest away the sin of the world and granteth us the Great Mercy. The Bishop and the Deacons move to the icon of the Patron Saint of the Church, as the Deacon says: DEACON: (Says the Troparion of the Patron Saint of the Church) The Bishop and the Deacons come back to the center of the solea. Once there, the Deacon says: DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy. BISHOP: Stretch forth Thy hand, O Lord, from Thy holy dwelling place, and strengthen me for Thine appointed service, that standing without condemnation before Thy fearful judgment seat, I may fulfill the bloodless service, for Thine is the power and the glory, unto ages of ages. DEACON: Amen. BISHOP: Glory to Thee, O Christ our God and our Hope, glory to Thee. DEACON: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages, Amen. Lord, have mercy. (Thrice) Master, bless. BISHOP: May Christ our true God, (appointed characteristic phrase), through the intercessions of His all-immaculate and all-blameless holy Mother; of our father among the saints (John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople OR Basil the Great, archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia) whose Divine Liturgy we now celebrate; of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; of (patron saint of the church) the patron and protector of this holy community; of (saints of the day) whose memory we celebrate, and of all the saints: have mercy on us and save us, forasmuch as He is good and lovest mankind. DEACON: Amen. BISHOP: I will come into Thy house in the multitude of Thy mercy, and in Thy fear I will worship toward Thy holy temple. How shall I, the unworthy, dare to enter the brilliance of Thy holy place? If I venture to enter into the bridal chamber, my garment will denounce me, for it is not a wedding garment, and I shall be cast out bound by the angels. Cleanse, O Lord, the defilement of my soul, and save me, for Thou art the Lover of mankind. BISHOP: I will worship the one Godhead in three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, unto all ages. Amen. The Bishop takes the Trikirion and blesses the people as the people sing aloud, “Many years to thee, Master.” The Bishop enters the Altar, followed by the Deacons, through the Royal Doors. The chanting of the Praises continues. The Bishop goes to vest and the Royal Doors are closed. |
The Order of the Divine Hierarchical Liturgy
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The Order of the Divine Hierarchical Liturgy
Choir Notes for an Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
Preserve, 0 Lord, our master and chief priest = Ton dhespotin kai archierea imon
Many years, master = Eis polla eti, dhespota 1. If following the first verse of the Praises Let everything that hath breath ...during Orthros the bishop descends from the throne for Kairon, the choir sings very slowly Preserve, 0 Lord, our master and chief priest; it should be timed so that the singing of Many years, master at the end of the hymn coincides with the moment at the end of Kairon when the bishop turns and blesses the congregation with the trikirion. Then the Praises continue with Praise ye him all his angels . . . .
2. When, prior to the singing of the Great Doxology at the end of Orthros, the bishop exits the sanctuary through the holy doors and blesses the congregation, the choir sings Many years, master (once).
3. When, during the Litany of Peace at the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, the bishop is commemorated by name, the choir quickly and softly sings Many years, master (once). At the end of that petition the choir sings Lord, have mercy as usual.
4. When, during the singing of the eisodikon Entrance Hymn) by the choir, the choir sings Many years, master (once) as the bishop blesses with the dikirion and trikirion. The choir may then repeat the refrain Save us, 0 Son of God before singing the first apolytikion after the Little Entrance. Then all the other apolytikia are sung by the choir. It is usual for the bishop and clergy to sing the kontakion, but the Bishop will usually defer this to the choir.
5. The Holy God sequence is sung as outlined in The Liturgikon(pp.486-488). Note that no phimi is sung for a Diocesan bishop in our Archdiocese.
6. When the bishop gives the peace before the reading of the Gospel, the choir responds Many years, master (once) rather than And to thy spirit.
7. At the conclusion of the reading of the Gospel, the choir sings Many years, master (once) immediately followed by the usual Glory to thee, 0 Lord, glory to thee.
8. At the conclusion of the Cherubic Hymn, the choir sings Many years, master (once) as the bishop blesses the congregation; then the Litany of Supplication is done. Note that if there is to be an ordination to the holy priesthood it takes place before the Litany of Supplication; in that event this singing of Many years, master is delayed and the following order is observed:
a. As the candidate is led three times around the holy table, the choir sings the three troparia Ye holy martyrs; Glory to thee, O Christ God; and O Isaiah. After the bishop says The grace divine … all-holy Spirit may come upon him the choir sings softly and repeatedly Lord, have mercy while a priest or deacon inaudibly says an expanded Litany of Peace.
b. To the bishop's exclamation For blessed and glorified...ages of ages the choir responds Amen.
c. After each proclamation of Axios. He is worthy. Moustahiq by the bishop and congregation, the choir sings the same as the newly-ordained priest is vested.
d. After the newly-ordained priest is fully vested, the choir sings Many years, master (once) and the bishop blesses the people.
e. Then the Litany of Supplication is done.
9. When the bishop gives the peace before the saying of the Creed, the choir responds Many years, master (once) rather than And to thy spirit.
10. At Let us love one another it is proper for the choir to respond by slowly singing I will love thee, O Lord, my strength rather than Father, Son and Holy Spirit as at any concelebrated Divine Liturgy.
11. When, during the Anaphora, the bishop says Among the first the choir responds Amen. Then, when the priests say Among the first the choir responds And of all mankind; but if a deacon is serving, the choir responds Amen to both the bishop and the priests, and then, when the deacon says And for those who offer these precious and holy gifts ... and of all mankind the choir responds And of all mankind.
12. Note that if there is to be an ordination to the holy diaconate it takes place immediately after the bishop blesses the congregation saying And the mercies of our great God and Savior... and the choir responds And with thy spirit. Then the following order is observed:
a. As the candidate is led three times around the holy table, the choir sings the three troparia Ye holy martyrs; Glory to thee, O Christ God; and O Isaiah. After the bishop says The grace divine … all-holy Spirit may come upon him the choir sings softly and repeatedly Lord, have mercy while a priest or deacon inaudibly says an expanded Litany of Peace.
b. To the bishop's exclamation For thou art our God ... ages of ages the choir responds Amen.
c. After each proclamation of Axios. He is worthy. Moustahiq by the bishop and congregation, the choir sings the same as the newly-ordained deacon is vested.
d. After the newly-ordained deacon is fully vested, the choir sings Many years, master (once) and the bishop blesses the people.
e. Then the litany before the Our Father is done.
13. While the bishop says the dismissal at the end of the Divine Liturgy, the choir slowly and softly sings Preserve, O Lord, our master and chief priest … or the polykhronion.
14. When, after the dismissal, the priest says Through the prayers of our holy master... the choir responds Amen.
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The Thrice Holy Hymn for the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
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CHOIR: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
CLERGY: God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
CHOIR: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
CLERGY: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
CHOIR: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
CHOIR: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
CHOIR: Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
CHOIR: Holy God
BISHOP: O LORD, O LORD, LOOK DOWN FROM HEAVEN AND BEHOLD
AND VISIST THIS VINE AND PERFECT THAT WHICH
THY RIGHT HAND HAS PLANTED!
CHOIR: MANY YEARS MASTER!
Holy Mighty.
BISHOP: O LORD, O LORD, LOOK DOWN FROM HEAVEN AND BEHOLD
AND VISIST THIS VINE AND PERFECT THAT WHICH
THY RIGHT HAND HAS PLANTED!
CHOIR: MANY YEARS MASTER!
Holy Immortal
BISHOP: O LORD, O LORD, LOOK DOWN FROM HEAVEN AND BEHOLD
AND VISIST THIS VINE AND PERFECT THAT WHICH
THY RIGHT HAND HAS PLANTED!
CHOIR: MANY YEARS MASTER!
Have mercy on us.
PRIEST: With Strength! (or Dynamis!)
CHOIR: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
DEACON: O Lord, Save the Pious
CHOIR: O Lord, Save the Pious
DEACON: O Lord, Save the Pious
CHOIR: O Lord, Save the Pious
DEACON: O Lord, Save those of true worship
CHOIR: O Lord, Save those of true worship
DEACON: And hear us.
CHOIR: And hear us
Priest: Let us attend
Reader: Prokeimenon
Priest: Wisdom
Reader: The reading is from __________________________
Priest: Let us attend.
Reader: Reads the appointed Epistles
Meanwhile the Deacon censes the Altar
"As Many as Have Been Baptized into Christ” for the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy
CHOIR: AS MANY OF YOU AS HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST
HAVE PUT ON CHRIST, ALLELEUIA
CLERGY: AS MANY OF YOU AS HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST
HAVE PUT ON CHRIST, ALLELEUIA
CHOIR: AS MANY OF YOU AS HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST
HAVE PUT ON CHRIST, ALLELEUIA
CLERGY: AS MANY OF YOU AS HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST
HAVE PUT ON CHRIST, ALLELEUIA
CHOIR: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
CHOIR: HAVE PUT ON CHRIST, ALLELEUIA
CHOIR: AS MANY OF YOU
BISHOP: O LORD, O LORD, LOOK DOWN FROM HEAVEN AND BEHOLD
AND VISIST THIS VINE AND PERFECT THAT WHICH
THY RIGHT HAND HAS PLANTED!
CHOIR: MANY YEARS MASTER!
AS HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST
BISHOP: O LORD, O LORD, LOOK DOWN FROM HEAVEN AND BEHOLD
AND VISIST THIS VINE AND PERFECT THAT WHICH
THY RIGHT HAND HAS PLANTED!
CHOIR: MANY YEARS MASTER!
HAVE PUT ON CHRIST
BISHOP: O LORD, O LORD, LOOK DOWN FROM HEAVEN AND BEHOLD
AND VISIST THIS VINE AND PERFECT THAT WHICH
THY RIGHT HAND HAS PLANTED!
CHOIR: MANY YEARS MASTER!
ALLELEUIA
DEACON: With Strength! (or Dynamis!)
CHOIR: AS MANY OF YOU AS HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST
HAVE PUT ON CHRIST, ALLELEUIA
DEACON: O Lord, Save the Pious
CHOIR: O Lord, Save the Pious
DEACON: O Lord, Save the Pious
CHOIR: O Lord, Save the Pious
DEACON: O Lord, Save those of true worship
CHOIR: O Lord, Save those of true worship
DEACON: And hear us.
CHOIR: And hear us
DEACON: Let us attend
Reader: Prokeimenon
DEACON: Wisdom
Reader: The reading is from __________________________
DEACON: Let us attend.
Reader: Reads the appointed Epistles
Meanwhile the Deacon censes the Altar
Before Thy Cross For The Hierarchical Liturgy
BEFORE THY CROSS
(FOR THE HIERARCHICAL LITURGY)
CHOIR: Before Thy Cross, we bow down in worship Master
and Thy Holy Resurrection we glorify
CLERGY: Before Thy Cross, we bow down in worship Master
and Thy Holy Resurrection we glorify
CHOIR: Before Thy Cross, we bow down in worship Master
and Thy Holy Resurrection we glorify
CLERGY: Before Thy Cross, we bow down in worship Master
and Thy Holy Resurrection we glorify
CHOIR: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
CHOIR: And Thy holy resurrection we glorify.
CHOIR: Before Thy Cross
BISHOP: O LORD, O LORD, LOOK DOWN FROM HEAVEN AND BEHOLD
AND VISIST THIS VINE AND PERFECT THAT WHICH
THY RIGHT HAND HAS PLANTED!
CHOIR: MANY YEARS MASTER!
We bow down in worship master
BISHOP: O LORD, O LORD, LOOK DOWN FROM HEAVEN AND BEHOLD
AND VISIST THIS VINE AND PERFECT THAT WHICH
THY RIGHT HAND HAS PLANTED!
CHOIR: MANY YEARS MASTER!
And Thy holy resurrection,
BISHOP: O LORD, O LORD, LOOK DOWN FROM HEAVEN AND BEHOLD
AND VISIST THIS VINE AND PERFECT THAT WHICH
THY RIGHT HAND HAS PLANTED!
CHOIR: MANY YEARS MASTER!
We glorify!
DEACON: With Strength! (or Dynamis!)
CHOIR: Before Thy Cross, we bow down in worship Master
And Thy Holy Resurrection we glorify
DEACON: O Lord, Save the Pious
CHOIR: O Lord, Save the Pious
DEACON: O Lord, Save the Pious
CHOIR: O Lord, Save the Pious
DEACON: O Lord, Save those of true worship
CHOIR: O Lord, Save those of true worship
DEACON: And hear us.
CHOIR: And hear us
Priest: Let us attend
Reader: Prokeimenon
Priest: Wisdom
Reader: The reading is from __________________________
Priest: Let us attend.
Reader: Reads the appointed Epistles
Meanwhile the Priest censes the Altar
The Setting Apart of Acolytes
The Blessing of an Acolyte
Near the end of Vespers, during the Hymn of Righteous Symeon the God-receiver, the candidate is led to stand before the Holy Doors, makes three metanias and then comes to stand before the Bishop. After kissing the Bishop’s hand, the candidate kneels before him.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
The Bishop blesses the candidate once on the head, and says:
Bishop: O Lord who enlightenest all created beings with the light of thy wonders, and knowest the intent of every man before it is formed, and strengthenest those who are desirous of serving thee: Do thou, the same Lord, array in thy fair and spotless vesture this thy servant (NAME), who desireth to become a Taper-bearer before thy holy mysteries, that he may be illuminated, and that attaining unto the age to come he may receive the incorruptible crown of life, and rejoice with Thine elect in bliss everlasting. For blessed is Thy Name and glorified is thy Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages, Amen.
The Bishop tonsures the candidate cross-wise, saying:
Bishop: In the name of the Father;
Bishop: And of the Holy Spirit.
The new Reader kisses the Bishop’s right hand and stands. The Bishop takes the sticharion, blesses it and, with the help of the Bishop’s Assistant, puts the sticharion on the new taper-bearer.
The Tonsuring of a Reader
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The Tonsuring of a Reader
In preparation for the tonsuring, the candidate shall have a cassock by the day of the tonsuring. On the eve of his tonsuring, the candidate shall attend Vespers, and, after having a light supper, begin his Eucharistic Fast. During that time, he shall interact as little as possible with anyone and spend that time praying and preparing himself for the tonsuring. Married candidates shall refrain from marital relations during this time. He shall have his confession heard either after Vespers or during Matins on the day of the tonsuring.
On the day of the tonsuring, following the Great Doxology, but before the Troparion before the Divine Liturgy before the Divine Liturgy, the candidate is led by the Bishop’s Assistant to the center of the solea in front of the Bishop. He makes three (3) prostrations toward the Holy Altar. Then, he turns and makes one (1) prostration toward the Bishop and stops on his knees. The Bishop lays his hand on the candidate head.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Bishop: O Lord who enlightenest all created beings with the light of thy wonders, and knowest the intent of every man before it is formed, and strengthenest those who are desirous of serving thee: Do thou, the same Lord, array in thy fair and spotless vesture this thy servant (NAME), who desireth to become a Reader before thy holy mysteries, that he may be illuminated, and that attaining unto the age to come he may receive the incorruptible crown of life, and rejoice with Thine elect in bliss everlasting. For blessed is thy name and glorified is thy Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages, Amen.
The Bishop tonsures the candidate, saying:
Bishop: In the name of the Father;
People: Amen.
Bishop: And of the Son;
People: Amen.
Bishop: And of the Holy Spirit.
People: Amen.
The new Reader kisses the Bishop’s right hand and stands. The Bishop takes the cassock, blesses it and, with the help of the Bishop’s Assistant, puts the cassock on the new Reader. The new Reader kneels, again, before the Bishop.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Bishop: O Lord God Almighty, elect this thy servant (NAME), and sanctify him and enable him with all wisdom and understanding to exercise the study and reading of thy divine words, preserving him in blamelessness of life. Through the mercies and bounties of love towards 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.
The new Reader stands and kisses the Bishop’s right hand. The Bishop presents the new Reader the Epistle Book. The new Reader faces the people and reads the randomly-selected passage. At the conclusion of the reading, the Bishop blesses him, saying:
Bishop: Peace be to thee that readest.
The Bishop addresses the new Reader, saying:
Bishop: My son (NAME), the first degree of the Priesthood is that of Reader. It behooveth thee, therefore, to peruse the divine Scriptures daily, to the end that the hearers, regarding thee, may receive edification, that thou, in nowise shaming Thine election, mayest prepare thyself for a higher degree. For by a chaste, holy and upright life thou shalt gain the favor of the God of loving kindness and shalt render thyself worthy of a greater ministry, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be glory unto ages of ages, Amen.
The Bishop blesses the new Reader, saying:
Bishop: Blessed is the Lord! Lo, the servant of God, (NAME) has become a Reader of the most holy Church of (NAME), in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Following any words of wisdom or instruction from the Bishop, the new Reader takes his place among the Readers. The Troparion before the Divine Liturgy begins and the first Deacon begins the Dialogue with the Bishop in the usual manner.
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The Ordination of a Deacon
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The Ordination of a Deacon
In preparation for the ordination, the candidate shall attend Vespers on the eve of his ordination, and, after having a light supper, begin his Eucharistic Fast. During that time, he shall interact as little as possible with anyone and spend that time praying and preparing himself for the ordination. Married candidates shall refrain from marital relations during this time. He shall have his confession heard either after Vespers or during Matins on the day of the ordination.
On the day of the ordination, the candidate shall be in his cassock. After receiving any instructions from the Bishop’s Assistant and/or his Priest, he shall go to a corner and not interact with anyone. During this time he shall pray silently. During the Great Doxology, the Bishop’s Assistant will lead the candidate to the Altar. The candidate will take the pitcher, bowl, and towel. Following the Great Doxology, but before the Troparion before the Divine Liturgy, the candidate is led by the Bishop’s Assistant to the center of the solea in front of the Bishop. He washes the Bishop’s hands.
After drying his hands with the towel, the Bishop will drape the towel over the candidate’s head and shoulders. The candidate, with the pitcher and bowl in hand, will then go to stand before the icon of Christ. The Troparion before the Divine Liturgy begins and the first Deacon begins the Dialogue with the Bishop in the usual manner.
At the time when the Bishop is to wash his hands during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, the candidate is led by the Bishop’s Assistant to the center of the solea in front of the Bishop. He washes the Bishop’s hands. After drying his hands with the towel, the Bishop will drape the towel back over the candidate&rsquo |