The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
As served by a priest, from Hapgood’s Service Book (1906)
Printable booklet (PDF, 32 pages) ↓
Parishes differ in wording and customs; follow your parish’s books when they’re provided.
- Priest
- Deacon
- Reader
- Choir
- Everyone
Words with a dotted underline have a short explanation: hover, tap, or tab to them. For Thee, Thou and other older English, see Words of Prayer.
Varies The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is served only during the Great Fast: usually on the Wednesdays and Fridays, and on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week. It is Vespers joined to Holy Communion; many parishes serve it in the evening.
Before the Liturgy: the Gifts
There is no consecration at this Liturgy. At the Divine Liturgy on the Sunday before, the priest prepared extra Lambs, consecrated them with the others, and kept them reserved on the Altar. Tonight Communion is given from those Gifts, already sanctified: “presanctified.”
Vespers
The Opening Blessing
Bless, Master.
Blessed is the kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
O come, let us worship 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.
Then the Preliminary Psalm, civ., is read. And in the mean while the Priest reciteth in front of the Holy Door the Prayers of Light (see Vespers); that is to say, the Vesper Prayers, beginning with the fourth Prayer; the first three being said later on, after the Litanies. (The Priest entereth the Sanctuary.) And when the Psalm is finished, the Deacon saith the
(Psalm 104 in most English Bibles, “Bless the Lord, O my soul.” It is not printed here.)
The Great Litany
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace that is from above, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world; for the welfare of God’s holy Churches, and for the union of them all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy Temple, and for all those who with faith, devoutness, and in the fear of God have entered therein, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Varies Petitions for the civil authorities: these differ by country and parish.
Here follow petitions for the Ruler of the Land and for all the Authorities (Emperor, or King, and Reigning House, or President, according to the elements and nationalities of which the Parish is constituted).
That he will aid them, and subdue under their feet every foe and adversary, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this city, for this holy Temple, and for every city and land, and for those who with faith dwell therein, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For healthful seasons; for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For those who travel by sea or by land; for the sick and the suffering; for those who are in captivity, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
That he will deliver us from all tribulation, wrath, peril and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
Lord, have mercy.
Calling to remembrance our most holy, undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Birth-giver of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
To thee, O Lord.
And the Priest reciteth, secretly, the Prayer of the First Antiphon (The first of the Vesper Prayers).
(said during the Litany)
O Lord, bountiful and compassionate, long-suffering and plenteous in mercy, give ear unto 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, O Lord, mighty in mercy, gracious in strength, to aid, and to comfort and save all those who put their trust in thy holy Name.
Exclamation.
For unto thee are due all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
The Psalms of Ascent: the First Antiphon
The Reader then readeth the Eighteenth Selection of Psalms (Kafisma): First Antiphon (Psalms cxx., cxxiii.).
(Psalms 120 and 123 in most English Bibles)
Psalm cxx.
When I was in trouble, I called upon the Lord, and he heard me.
Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.
What reward shall be given or done unto thee, thou false tongue? even mighty and sharp arrows, with hot burning coals.
Woe is me, that I am constrained to dwell with Mesech, and to have my habitation among the tents of Kedar!
My soul hath long dwelt among them that are enemies unto peace.
I labour for peace; but when I speak unto them thereof, they make them ready to battle.
Psalm cxxiii.
Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens.
Behold, even as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress, even so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until he have mercy upon us.
Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us; for we are utterly despised.
Our soul is filled with the scornful reproof of the wealthy; and with the despitefulness of the proud.
The Priest unfoldeth the corporal (which lieth upon the Altar), and setteth the holy paten thereon. Then he openeth the tabernacle, and placeth the Presanctified Lamb upon the paten, making a lowly reverence.
And the Priest reciteth, secretly, the Prayer of the Second Antiphon (the second Vesper Prayer).
(said during the Psalms)
O Lord, rebuke us not in thy displeasure, neither chasten us in thy wrath: but deal with us according to thy mercy, O 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 residue of this day and our whole life may be peaceful and without sin; through the intercessions of the holy Birth-giver of God, and of all the Saints.
The Little Litany
Again, yet again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
Lord, have mercy.
Calling to remembrance our most holy, undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Birth-giver of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
To thee, O Lord.
Exclamation.
For thine is the majesty, and thine are 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.
The Psalms of Ascent: the Second Antiphon
The Reader continueth the Selection of Psalms: The Second Antiphon (Psalms cxxiv., cxxix.).
(Psalms 124 and 129 in most English Bibles)
Psalm cxxiv.
If the Lord himself had not been on our side, now may Israel say; if the Lord himself had not been on our side, when men rose up against us; they had swallowed us up quick; when they were so wrathfully displeased at us.
Yea, the waters had drowned us, and the stream had gone over our soul.
The deep waters of the proud had gone even over our soul.
But praised be the Lord, who hath not given us over for a prey unto their teeth.
Our soul is escaped even as a bird out of the snare of the fowler; the snare is broken, and we are delivered.
Our help standeth in the Name of the Lord, who hath made heaven and earth.
Psalm cxxix.
Many a time have they fought against me from my youth up, may Israel now say: yea, many a time have they vexed me from my youth up; but they have not prevailed against me.
The plowers plowed upon my back, and made long furrows.
But the righteous Lord hath hewn the snares of the ungodly in pieces.
Let them be confounded and turned backward, as many as have evil will at Sion.
Let them be even as the grass growing upon the house-tops, which withereth afore it be plucked up; whereof the mower filleth not his hand, neither he that bindeth up the sheaves his bosom.
So that they who go by say not so much as, The Lord prosper you; we wish you good luck in the Name of the Lord.
The Priest, accompanied by the Deacon holding a taper, or alone, censeth the Altar.
Then he saith, secretly, the Prayer of the Third Antiphon (the third Vesper Prayer).
(said during the Psalms)
O 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, O 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 do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
The Little Litany
Again, yet again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
Lord, have mercy.
Calling to remembrance our most holy, undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Birth-giver of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
To thee, O Lord.
For thou art our God, the God of mercy and salvation, and unto thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, I Have Cried
The Third Antiphon (Psalms cxli., cxlii., cxxx., cxvii.).
(Psalms 141, 142, 130 and 117 in most English Bibles. Hapgood prints the first two; the last two are sung with the hymns that follow.)
Lord, I have cried unto thee, hear me. Hear me, O Lord.
Lord, I have cried unto thee, hear me. Receive the voice of my prayer, when I call upon thee. Hear me, O Lord.
Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense, and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.
Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and keep the door of my lips.
O let not mine heart be inclined to any evil thing; let me not be occupied in ungodly works with the men that work wickedness, lest I eat of such things as please them.
Let the righteous rather smite me friendly, and reprove me.
But let not their precious balms break my head; yea, I will pray yet against their wickedness.
Let their judges be overthrown in stony places, that they may hear my words; for they are sweet.
Our bones lie scattered before the pit, like as when one breaketh and heweth wood upon the earth.
But mine eyes look unto thee, O Lord God; in thee is my trust; O cast not out my soul.
Keep me from the snare that they have laid for me, and from the traps of the wicked doers.
Let the ungodly fall into their own nets together, and let me ever escape them.
Psalm cxlii.
I cried unto the Lord with my voice; yea, even unto the Lord did I make my supplication.
I poured out my complaints before him, and showed him of my trouble.
When my spirit was in heaviness, thou knewest my path; in the way wherein I walked, have they privily laid a snare for me.
I looked also upon my right hand, and saw there was no man that would know me.
I had no place to flee unto, and no man cared for my soul.
I cried unto thee, O Lord, and said, Thou art my hope, and my portion in the land of the living.
Consider my complaint, for I am brought very low.
O deliver me from my persecutors; for they are too strong for me.
Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks unto thy Name; which thing if thou wilt grant me, then shall the righteous resort unto my company.
Then shall be sung Hymns to the Martyrs, and Hymns from the Triódion (the Hymns for the Great Fast), and from the Minéya.
Varies These hymns change with the day; they are not printed here.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Then the Hymn to the Birth-giver of God (Bogoróditchen or Dogmátik), in the proper Tone.
Varies This hymn changes with the Tone; it is not printed here. (Hapgood gives the hymns in the Eight Tones in his Appendix A.)
The Priest maketh three lowly reverences to the Holy Gifts, setteth the paten on his head, and beareth it to the Table of Oblation, preceded by the Deacon with the taper and censer. Then, on the Table of Oblation he poureth wine and water into the chalice, censeth the star-cover and the veil, and covereth therewith the paten and the chalice, saying the while:
(during the hymns)
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us.
Then he goeth to the Altar, foldeth the corporal, and setteth the Gospels thereon.
The Priest saith, secretly, the Prayer of the Entrance.
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, O 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, O Lord, lift we up our eyes, and in thee have we trusted. Put us not to shame, O our God.
For unto thee are due all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
The Entrance
The Holy Door is now opened, and the Entrance is made with the Censer. But when the Gospel is to be read (at the Feast Day of the Temple, or of a Saint), the Entrance is made with the Holy Gospels.
Varies If a Bishop serves, the Entrance is always made with the book of the Gospels. That form is not included here.
When the Hymn to the Birth-giver of God is finished, the Deacon shall make with the censer the sign of the cross, as he standeth in the middle of the Holy Door, and shall enter the Sanctuary, and shall say, aloud:
Wisdom, O believers!
O gladsome radiance of the holy glory of the Father immortal, heavenly, holy, blessed, Jesus Christ!
In that we now are come unto the setting of the sun, and behold the light of even, we hymn thee, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, God.
For meet is it that at all times thou shouldest be magnified by voices propitious, O Son of God, who bestowest life. For which cause all the world doth glorify thee.
The Priest and the Deacon now go to the High Place.
Let us attend. Wisdom!
Peace be unto all.
And to thy spirit.
Wisdom! Let us attend. The Gradual, in the . . . Tone.
The Choir then singeth the Gradual (Prokímen) for the Day, thrice.
Varies The Gradual changes with the day; it is not printed here.
The Readings from the Old Testament
Wisdom!
The Lesson from Genesis.
Let us attend!
The Reader then readeth the Lesson, as appointed. (The Holy Door is closed.)
Varies The Lessons change with the day; they are not printed here.
When the Lesson from Genesis is finished, the Holy Door is opened. And the Reader saith, and the Choir repeateth, in the usual manner, the Second Gradual (Prokímen).
The Deacon exclaimeth:
Command!
And the Priest taketh the candlestick with its taper, and the censer, in his hands, and standing before the Holy Altar, and making therewith the sign of the cross, he exclaimeth:
Wisdom, O believers!
Then, turning to the People, he saith:
The light of Christ illumineth all men.
And the People kneel.
Varies If a Bishop serves, he takes the trikiri and the censer here. That form is not included here.
Wisdom! (The Holy Door is closed.)
The Lesson from the Proverbs.
Let us attend!
Then the Reader readeth the appointed Lesson. And when he hath finished, the Priest saith:
Peace be unto thee.
And to thy spirit.
Wisdom! (The Holy Door is opened.)
Let My Prayer Arise
The Choir then chanteth:
1: Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense, and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.
2: O Lord, I have cried unto thee, hear me; give ear unto the voice of my petition, when I cry unto thee.
3: Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, and a door of enclosure about my lips.
4: Incline not my heart to the words of wickedness, to contrive excuses for sins.
5: Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight as the incense. And let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice.
When the Choir chanteth: Let my prayer (1–5), all who are present in the Temple, and they who are in the Sanctuary, kneel and pray. And the Priest taketh the censer and censeth before the Holy Altar (verses 1–3); and before the Table of Oblation (verse 4). And during verse 5 he putteth aside the censer, and kneeleth and prayeth.
The Prayer of St. Ephraim
Priest: The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian.
O Lord and Master of my life, grant not unto me a spirit of slothfulness, of discouragement, of lust of power, of vain babbling. (Reverence.)
But vouchsafe unto thy servant the spirit of continence, of meekness, of patience, and of love. (Reverence.)
Yea, O Lord and King, grant that I may perceive my own transgressions, and judge not my brother. For blessed art thou unto ages of ages. Amen. (Reverence.)
On a Feast: the Epistle and Gospel
Varies Read only on the feast of a Saint, or of the Temple.
If it be the Feast of a Saint, or of the Temple, then the Priest or the Deacon saith:
Let us attend!
Peace be with you all.
And with thy spirit.
Wisdom!
The Gradual, in the . . . Tone.
Then the Reader readeth the appointed Gradual (Prokímen), and the Choir singeth it, in the usual manner.
Wisdom!
The Lesson from the holy Apostle, N. (to the Romans; or to the Corinthians; or otherwise, as appointed).
Let us attend!
And when it is finished, the Priest saith:
Peace be unto thee.
And to thy spirit.
Wisdom!
Alleluia.
And the Priest saith, secretly, the Prayer before the Gospel.
Illumine our hearts, O God who lovest mankind, with the pure light of thy divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our understanding to the comprehension of the proclamation of thy Gospel. Implant in us, likewise, the fear of thy blessed commandments; that, trampling down all carnal desires, we may pursue a godly life, both thinking and performing such things as are well pleasing unto thee. For thou art the light of our souls and of our bodies, O Christ our God, and unto thee do we ascribe glory, together with thy Father, who is from everlasting, and thy holy, and blessed, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Wisdom, O believers! Let us listen to the Holy Gospel. Peace be with you all.
And with thy spirit.
The Lesson from the Holy Gospel according to N.
Glory to thee, O Lord; glory to thee.
The Deacon then readeth the Gospel. And when it is finished:
Peace be with thee, who hast announced the good tidings.
Glory to thee, O Lord; glory to thee.
The Litany of Fervent Petition
Let us all say, with all our soul and with all our mind, let us say,
Lord, have mercy.
O Lord Almighty, the God of our fathers, we beseech thee; hearken, and have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Have mercy upon us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we beseech thee, hearken and have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)
Varies Petitions for the civil authorities: these differ by country and parish.
Again we pray for our government authorities; for their might, victory, maintenance, peace, health, salvation; and that the Lord our God will abundantly aid and prosper them in all things, and subdue under their feet every foe and adversary.
(adapted: the 1906 text prays for the Ruler of the Land and his house; here and below, those prayers are adapted to our government authorities)
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)
Again we pray for our Holy Synod (or Patriarch); for our Bishop (or Archbishop, or Metropolitan), N., and for all our brethren in Christ.
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)
Furthermore we pray for all their Christ-loving Army and Navy.
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)
Furthermore we pray for our brethren the Priests; for ordained Monks; and for all our brotherhood in Christ.
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)
Furthermore we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable most holy Orthodox Patriarchs, and God-fearing Orthodox rulers; and for the founders of this holy Temple; and for all our devout fathers and brethren, Orthodox believers, departed this life before us, who here and in all the world lie asleep in the Lord.
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)
Furthermore we pray for those who bear fruit and do good works in this holy and all-honourable Temple; for those who labour in its service; for the singers; and for the people here present who await in firm hope thy great and rich mercies.
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)
Here the Priest unfoldeth the corporal, except the upper edge.
And the Priest saith, secretly, the Prayer of the Litany of Fervent Petition.
(said during the Litany)
O Lord our God, accept this, the fervent supplication of thy servants, and be gracious unto us, according to the multitude of thy mercy. And send down thy bounties upon us, and upon all thy people, who here await the rich mercy which is from thee.
Exclamation.
For thou art a merciful God, who lovest mankind, and unto thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
The Litany of the Catechumens
Pray ye unto the Lord, ye Catechumens.
Lord, have mercy.
Ye faithful, pray ye unto the Lord for the Catechumens, that the Lord will have mercy upon them.
Lord, have mercy.
That he will teach them the word of truth.
Lord, have mercy.
That he will reveal to them the Gospel of righteousness.
Lord, have mercy.
That he will unite them unto his Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Lord, have mercy.
Save them, have mercy upon them, succour them, and keep them, O God, by thy grace.
Lord, have mercy.
Bow your heads unto the Lord, ye Catechumens.
To thee, O Lord.
(Here the Priest unfoldeth the last edge of the corporal.)
The Priest saith, secretly, the Prayer for the Catechumens.
(said during the Litany)
O God, our God, the Creator and Maker of all things; who willest that all men should be saved, and should come unto the knowledge of the truth: Look upon thy servants the Catechumens, and deliver them from their ancient errors, and from the wiles of the adversary. And call them unto life eternal, illumining their souls and bodies, and numbering them with thy reason-endowed flock, which is called by thy holy Name. Amen.
Exclamation.
That with us they may magnify thine all-honourable and majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
(The Priest maketh the sign of the cross over the corporal with the sponge, which he then kisseth and layeth on one side.)
For Those Preparing for Illumination
Varies Said only from the Wednesday of the fourth week of the Great Fast until the end of the Fast, for those preparing for Baptism.
Then the following Exhortation to the Catechumens is said; but only from Wednesday of the Fourth Week of the Great Fast until the end of the Fast.
As many as are Catechumens, depart. Catechumens, depart. Ye who are ready for Illumination, depart. Pray, ye who are preparing for Illumination.
(Illumination: Baptism)
Lord, have mercy.
Ye faithful, for these who are preparing for holy Illumination, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
That the Lord our God will stablish and strengthen them.
Lord, have mercy.
That he will illumine them with the light of wisdom and of piety.
Lord, have mercy.
That he will vouchsafe unto them, in his own good time, the laver of regeneration, the remission of sins, and the garment of incorruption.
Lord, have mercy.
That he will beget them with water and the Spirit.
Lord, have mercy.
That he will grant unto them the perfection of the faith.
Lord, have mercy.
That he will number them with his holy and chosen flock.
Lord, have mercy.
Save them, have mercy upon them, succour them, and keep them, O God, by thy grace.
Lord, have mercy.
Ye who are ready for Illumination, bow your heads unto the Lord.
To thee, O Lord.
The Priest saith, secretly, the Prayer for those who are preparing for illumination.
Show the light of thy countenance, O God, upon those who are preparing for holy Illumination, and who desire to put away the defilement of sin. Enlighten their understanding. Establish them in the faith. Strengthen them in hope. Perfect them in love. Make them honourable members of Christ, who gave himself a ransom for our souls.
Exclamation.
For thou art our illumination, and unto thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
As many as are preparing for Illumination, depart. Depart, ye who are preparing for Illumination.
Catechumens, depart. Let none of the Catechumens remain; but let us who are in the faith again, yet again, in peace pray unto the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
The Liturgy of the Faithful
The Prayers of the Faithful
Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
Lord, have mercy.
The Priest saith, secretly, the First Prayer of the Faithful.
O God, great and worthy to be praised, who through the life-giving death of thy Christ hast translated us from corruption to incorruption: Deliver thou all our senses from death-dealing carnal desires, setting over them as a good ruler the understanding that is in us. Let our eye have no part in any evil sight; let our hearing be inaccessible to all idle words; and let our tongue be purged from unseemly speech. Purify our lips which praise thee, O Lord. Make our hands to abstain from evil deeds, and to work only such things as are acceptable unto thee, establishing all our members and our minds by thy grace.
Wisdom!
Exclamation.
For unto thee are due all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
Again, yet again, in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Varies Served only when a Deacon serves.
If there be no Deacon, the following Litany is omitted.
For the peace that is from above, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world; for the welfare of God’s holy Churches, and for the union of them all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy Temple, and for those who with faith, devoutness, and in the fear of God have entered therein, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
That he will deliver us from all tribulation, wrath, peril and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
Lord, have mercy.
Wisdom!
The Priest saith, secretly, the Second Prayer of the Faithful.
(said during the Litany)
O Master, holy and exceeding good, we beseech thee, who art rich in mercy, that thou wilt show compassion on us sinners, and render us worthy to receive thine Only-begotten Son and our God, the King of glory. For behold, his most pure Body and his life-giving Blood, entering at this present hour, are about to be spread forth upon this mystical Altar, invisibly escorted by a great multitude of the Heavenly Host. Enable us to partake of them in blamelessness; that, the eyes of our understanding being enlightened thereby, we may become children of the light and of the day.
Exclamation.
Through the gift of thy Christ, with whom thou art blessed, together with thy most holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
The Great Entrance
(Here the Holy Door is opened.) In place of the Cherubimic Hymn there shall now be sung:
Now the Powers of Heaven with us invisibly do minister. For lo! the King of Glory entereth now. Behold the Mystical Sacrifice, all accomplished, is ushered in.
(Here the Great Entrance is made.)
Let us with faith and love draw near, that we may become partakers of life everlasting. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
And while this is being sung the Deacon entereth the Sanctuary through the north door, and censeth the Holy Altar and the holy oblation and the Priest. And they stand there, saying: Now the Powers of Heaven. . . . And having made three lowly reverences, they go to the Chapel of Oblation; and the Priest bringeth the Holy Gifts, as usual, after he hath made three lowly reverences before the Table of Oblation, saying: O God, cleanse thou me, a sinner.
While the Divine Mysteries are being borne in solemn silence from the Chapel of Oblation to the Altar, all the People and the Singers, kneeling humbly, render divine reverence to Christ our God, who is in the Holy Mysteries; for they are presanctified. After the Holy Gifts have been brought to the Altar, all stand, and the Singers finish the Hymn, as indicated: Let us with faith and love draw near.
After the Holy Gifts have been placed on the Altar, the Priest taketh the veil from the Holy Gifts and the air from the shoulder of the Deacon, approacheth the air to the censer, and covereth therewith with fragrance the Holy Gifts.
Varies If a Bishop serves, the Gifts are brought in with a longer form, set out in a side column. That form is not included here.
Then the Priest saith, aloud, the Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian; maketh the prescribed reverences, the People kneeling with him.
O Lord and Master of my life, grant not unto me a spirit of slothfulness, of discouragement, of lust of power, of vain babbling. (Reverence.)
But vouchsafe unto thy servant the spirit of continence, of meekness, of patience, and of love. (Reverence.)
Yea, O Lord and King, grant that I may perceive my own transgressions, and judge not my brother. For blessed art thou unto ages of ages. Amen. (Reverence.)
The Litany before the Lord’s Prayer
Here the Holy Door is closed, and the curtain is drawn halfway. Then the Deacon goeth to his accustomed place, and saith:
Let us complete our evening prayer unto the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the Precious Gifts spread forth and sanctified, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
That our God, who loveth mankind, accepting them upon his holy and most heavenly and supersensual Altar, in the odour of a spiritual sweet savour, will send down upon us in return his divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
That he will deliver us from all tribulation, wrath, peril and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
Lord, have mercy.
An evening all perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us beseech of the Lord.
Grant it, O Lord.
An Angel of Peace, the faithful guide and guardian both of our souls and bodies, let us beseech of the Lord.
Grant it, O Lord.
The pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us beseech of the Lord.
Grant it, O Lord.
All things which are profitable to our souls and bodies, and peace to the world, let us beseech of the Lord.
Grant it, O Lord.
That we may pass the residue of our life in peace and penitence, let us beseech of the Lord.
Grant it, O Lord.
A Christian ending to our life, painless, blameless, peaceful; and a good defence before the dread Judgment Seat of Christ, let us beseech of the Lord.
Grant it, O Lord.
Calling to remembrance our most holy, undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Birth-giver of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
To thee, O Lord.
The Priest prayeth, secretly.
(said during the Litany)
O God of ineffable and invisible Mysteries, with whom are the hidden treasures of wisdom and knowledge, who hast revealed unto us the service of this Ministry, and hast appointed unto us sinners, through thy great love towards mankind, to offer unto thee gifts and sacrifices for our sins, and for the errors of thy people: Do thou, the same Invisible King, who doest things great and inscrutable, glorious and marvellous, which cannot be numbered, look upon us, thine unworthy servants who stand at this Holy Altar as at the Cherubimic throne, upon which lieth thine Only-begotten Son and our God, in the dread Mysteries spread forth thereon; and having delivered us and all thy faithful people from every impurity, hallow all our souls and bodies with the sanctification which cannot be taken away. That partaking with a pure conscience, with faces unashamed, with hearts illumined, of these divine, consecrated Gifts, and being quickened through them, we may be united unto thy Christ himself, our true God, who hath said: Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood abideth in me and I in him; that thy Word, O Lord, making its abode in us and accompanying our path, we may become the temple of thine all-holy and adorable Spirit, redeemed from every wile of the Devil, wrought either by deed or word or thought; and may obtain the good things promised unto us, with all thy Saints, who in all the ages have been acceptable in thy sight.
The Lord’s Prayer
Exclamation.
And vouchsafe, O Lord, that with boldness, and without condemnation, we may dare to call upon thee, the God of heaven and our Father, and say:
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from the Evil One:
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.
Amen.
Peace be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Bow your heads unto the Lord.
To thee, O Lord.
The Priest, bowing his head, prayeth secretly.
O God, who alone art good and of tender compassion; who dwellest on high and regardest the humble of heart: Look with the eye of thy tender loving-kindness upon all thy people, and preserve them. And graciously enable us all to partake without condemnation of these thy life-giving Mysteries: for unto thee have we bowed our heads, in the hope of thy rich mercies.
Exclamation.
Through the grace, and bounties, and 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 Priest, secretly.
Attend, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, from thy holy dwelling-place, and from the throne of glory of thy kingdom; and come and cleanse us, O thou who sittest on high with the Father, and art here invisibly present with us: and graciously vouchsafe, by thy mighty hand, to impart unto us thy most holy Body, and thy most precious Blood, and by us to all thy people.
And after the Prayer, the Priest and Deacon make three reverences, saying:
O God, cleanse thou me, a sinner.
The Presanctified Holy Things
Then the Priest, the Holy Gifts being still covered, laying on his hand doth touch the life-giving Bread with great reverence and fear. And the Deacon saith:
Let us attend.
The Priest exclaimeth:
The Presanctified Holy Things to the holy.
One only is holy, one only is the Lord, Jesus Christ, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
(The rest of the curtain is now drawn.)
The Communion of the Clergy
(Behind the closed doors, the clergy now receive Communion.)
What happens behind the doors
And when the Priest hath said: The Presanctified Holy Things to the holy: he layeth aside the holy veil, and the Deacon entereth the holy Sanctuary; and standing near the Priest, he saith:
Break, Master, the holy Bread.
And the Priest, with great heedfulness, breaketh it into four pieces, saying:
Broken and divided is the Lamb of God, which is broken, yet not disunited; ever eaten, yet never consumed, but sanctifieth those who partake thereof.
And he layeth a portion on the paten, saying nothing: and the Deacon poureth the warm water into the chalice, saying nothing. And he standeth a little apart. Then the Priest saith:
Deacon, draw near.
And the Deacon, approaching, maketh a devout reverence, asking forgiveness, and saith:
Lo, I draw near unto the King immortal, and to God. Impart unto me, Master, the precious and holy Body of our Lord, and God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
And the Priest, taking a portion of the Holy Mysteries, giveth it to the Deacon, saying:
To N., Deacon, is imparted the precious, and holy, and all-pure Body and Blood of our Lord, and God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ, unto the remission of his sins, and unto life everlasting.
And the Deacon, having kissed the Priest’s hand, shall withdraw, and stand behind the Holy Altar; and bowing his head, he shall pray, like the Priest, I believe, O Lord, and I confess. . . . And the Priest also, taking in the same manner a portion of the Holy Mysteries, saith:
The precious and all-holy Body and Blood of our Lord, and God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ, is imparted to me, N., Priest, unto the remission of my sins, and unto life everlasting.
And bowing his head, he prayeth, saying:
I believe, O Lord, and I confess, that thou art, in very truth, the Christ the Son of the living God, who didst come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. And I believe that this is, of a truth, thine all-pure Body, and that this is thine own precious Blood. Wherefore I beseech thee, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, whether voluntary or involuntary; whether of word or of deed; whether committed with knowledge or in ignorance. And vouchsafe that I may partake without condemnation of thine all-pure Mysteries, unto the remission of my sins, and unto life eternal.
Of thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me to-day as a communicant: for I will not speak of thy Mystery to thine enemies, neither like Judas will I give thee a kiss; but like the thief will I confess thee: Remember me, O Lord, in thy kingdom. And let not this participation in thy Holy Mysteries be unto judgment upon me, or unto condemnation, O Lord, but unto the healing of soul and body.
And in this manner they partake of the Holy Mysteries, with awe and all godly fear.
Then he taketh the holy chalice with the veil in both hands, and drinketh from it, saying nothing; and wipeth his mouth and the holy chalice with the veil which is in his hands, setteth it on the Holy Altar, and saith, secretly, the Prayer of Thanksgiving:
We give thanks unto thee, O God, the Saviour of all men, for all the good things which thou hast vouchsafed unto us, and for the Communion of the holy Body and Blood of thy Christ. And we beseech thee, O Lord, who lovest mankind, to keep us under the shelter of thy wings. And grant that, even to our last breath, we may worthily partake of thy Holy Things, unto the illumination of soul and body, and unto the inheritance of the kingdom of heaven.
The Deacon doth not drink from the chalice at this time, but after the Prayer before the Tribune, and after the remaining particles of the Holy Mysteries have been consumed. (But if the Priest celebrate alone, without a Deacon, he, also, doth not drink from the chalice after his Communion, but after the Liturgy is finished, and after the Holy Mysteries have been consumed. For if the wine be sanctified by placing in it the particles, yet hath it not been transmuted into the Divine Blood, seeing that the words of consecration are not recited over it in this service, as they are in the Liturgies of Basil the Great and John Chrysostom.) And the Deacon, taking the holy paten, approacheth it to the holy chalice, and putteth in the Holy Gifts, saying nothing. And having made three reverences, he draweth aside the curtain, and openeth the Holy Door.
Choir. The Short Canon.
(sung while the clergy receive Communion)
O taste, and see how good the Lord is. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
The Communion of the Faithful
Varies If there are communicants. Holy Communion is given to Orthodox Christians who have prepared for it; customs (confession, fasting) differ by parish. If you are visiting, please ask the priest before you come forward.
But if there be Communicants from the People, the Deacon, having covered the Holy Things as usual, and drawn aside the curtain, and opened the Holy Door, taketh the sacred chalice from the hands of the Priest or the Bishop, and saith:
In the fear of God, and with faith, draw near.
And the Communion is administered as usual. (As a rule, infants are not admitted to this Communion.)
I will bless the Lord at all times.
Exclamation.
O God, save thy people, and bless thine heritage.
His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Taste ye the heavenly Bread and the Cup of Life, and see how good the Lord is. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
And when he hath censed the Holy Things, he giveth the censer to the Deacon. And taking the holy paten, he setteth it on the head of the Deacon. And the Deacon, taking it with all reverence, gazeth out through the Holy Door, but doth not say anything; and he goeth to the Chapel of Oblation, and there setteth it down. Then the Priest taketh the holy chalice, and turning towards the Holy Door, he looketh forth upon the People, saying, secretly:
Blessed is our God.
And aloud:
Always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
And he beareth the Holy Things to the Chapel of Oblation.
Amen.
Let our mouths be filled with thy praise, O Lord, that we may extol thy glory: for that thou hast deigned to make us partakers of thy holy, divine, immortal and life-giving Mysteries. Establish us in thy Sanctification, that all the day long we may meditate upon thy righteousness. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
The Thanksgiving and Dismissal
Having received the divine, holy, pure, immortal, heavenly, life-giving and terrible Mysteries of Christ, O believers, let us worthily give thanks unto the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace.
Lord, have mercy.
Having besought an evening all-perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
To thee, O Lord.
(Here the corporal is folded, and the book of the Holy Gospels is set upon it.)
Exclamation.
For thou art our sanctification, 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.
Let us depart in peace.
In the Name of the Lord.
Let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
The Prayer before the Tribune is then said, aloud:
O Almighty Lord, who hast made all created things in wisdom, and by thine inexpressible Providence and great goodness hast brought us to these all-holy days, for the purification of body and soul, for the controlling of carnal passions, and for the hope of the Resurrection; who, during the forty days didst give into the hand of thy servant Moses the Tables of the Law, in characters divinely traced by thee: Enable us also, O Good One, to fight the good fight; to accomplish the course of the Fast; to preserve inviolate the faith; to crush under foot the heads of invisible serpents; to be accounted victors over sin; and uncondemned to attain unto and adore the holy Resurrection. For blessed and glorified is thine all-honourable and majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amen. Blessed be the Name of the Lord henceforth and for ever. (Thrice.)
And Psalm xxxiv.: I will alway give thanks. . . . (See page 121.)
(Psalm 34. Hapgood points back to it in St. John Chrysostom’s Liturgy; it is given here from there.)
I will alway give thanks unto the Lord: Come, ye children, and hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that lusteth to live, and would fain see good days? Keep thy tongue from evil, and do good: seek peace, and ensue it. The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers. The countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil, to root out the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth them, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart, and will save such as be of an humble spirit. Great are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of all. He keepeth all his bones, so that not one of them is broken. But misfortune shall slay the ungodly, and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The Lord delivereth the souls of his servants, and all they that put their trust in him shall not be destitute.
The Priest, secretly:
O Lord our God, who hast brought us to these all-holy days, and hast made us partakers of thy terrible Mysteries: Unite us to thy rational flock, and make us heirs of thy kingdom, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Then the Priest cometh forth, and standing in his accustomed place, he saith:
The blessing of the Lord, through his grace and love towards mankind, be upon you always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
Varies The dismissal names the saint of the day; it changes with the day.
Then he bestoweth the Benediction.
May Christ our true God, through the prayers of his all-holy Mother; of the holy, glorious and all-laudable Apostles; and of Saint N. (the Saint of the day); and of our father in the Saints, Gregory Homiliastes, and of all the Saints, have mercy upon us and save us, for he is good and loveth mankind.
After this Final Benediction, the rest of the ceremony followeth as at the ordinary Liturgy; except that instead of the Hymns there used, the Hymn here following is read:
Hymn in Tone IV.
That which constituteth the verity of things revealeth thee as a Rule of the faith, a Pattern of meekness and a Preceptor of continence to thy flock: wherefore thou, through humility, didst win exaltation, and by poverty didst win wealth. O Father Gregory, sainted Leader, pray thou unto Christ our God, that he will save our souls.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Hymn to the Holy Birth-giver of God.
O Protection of Christians that maketh not ashamed, O Mediatrix never-failing with the Creator: Despise not the sinners’ voice of supplication; but in that thou art good, come speedily to the aid of us who faithfully call upon thee; make haste to our petition and further our prayer, O Birth-giver of God, who ever protectest them that do thee honour.
Varies At the end of the Liturgy, the faithful come forward to venerate the cross and receive a piece of the blessed bread (antidoron). If you’re visiting, a parishioner may well notice and bring you a piece; it’s a sign of welcome.
Here the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts ends. The prayers of thanksgiving after Holy Communion are on our Thanksgiving after Communion page.
Download the printable booklet (PDF, half-letter, 32 pages)
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Text: Isabel F. Hapgood, Service Book of the Holy Orthodox-Catholic Apostolic (Greco-Russian) Church (Boston and New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1906), pages 127–146. Public domain. Scan: archive.org/details/cu31924029363128
A reading aid, not an official service book. It carries no bishop’s blessing. Follow your parish’s books and your priest.