CONTENTS
The Divine Liturgy of Saint Hippolytus of Rome According to the Most Ancient
& Orthodox Old Roman Rite
Frontpages: Contents. Key. Statement of
Ecclesiastical Authority for the Rite. Introduction to the Old Roman Orthodox
Divine Liturgy of Saint Hippolytus of Rome.
Preparatory Rites: An Examination
of Conscience, In Preparation for the Mystery of Absolution. Vesting Prayers.
Rite of Asperges.
The Divine Liturgy is the center of all Christian worship; the most essential and important part of public Christian worship, the Great Sacrifice of the Holy Eucharist. The Holy Eucharist does not repeat the Sacrifice of Jesus upon the Holy Cross; rather, it is an offering again and again of the sacrificed Body and Blood which was offered once on the Cross by our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Our Lord's sacrifice on Golgotha and the Eucharistic sacrifice can be distinguished from each other, but they are one single and inseparable Sacrifice. That which distinguishes them is that the Eucharistic sacrifice of the Divine Liturgy is a bloodless sacrifice, done after the Resurrection of Christ, our immortal King. The Eucharist is a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving ("eucharist" means thanksgiving); it is a propitiary sacrifice for all members of the Body of Christ, the Holy Church, for the remembrance of both the living and the dead and for the remission of their sins. The members of the Holy Church are united in the great Mystery of the Holy Eucharist, united in one single Body. The Eucharist is also a sacrifice of entreaty and intercession, in which we ask for peace, for unity, for mercy, for forgiveness, for assistance, for protection, for healing, for the sweet repose of the faithful departed, and all good things.
By the power and grace of God in the Mystery of Holy Communion, when we receive during the Divine Liturgy, we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus, an unshakeable article of our Faith. The Holy Bible teaches us all these things (see, for example, I Corinthians ll:23-30). Anyone who does not believe in the presence of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion is forbidden to receive, for to receive Holy Communion without believing is a sacrilege, as is testified to by the Sacred Scriptures (see, for example, I Corinthians 11:27-29). Also, anyone in a state of grave sin who does not receive Absolution before the Divine Liturgy is forbidden to receive Communion, for to receive in such a state is sacrilegious. Anyone who has not been Baptized may not receive Holy Communion, for It is the communion of the members of the Holy Church, the Body of Christ. On the other hand, the unbaptized are no longer dismissed from the assembly after the Sermon, as was done in the early Church, rather, now they are allowed to stay and witness the Offering of the Sacrifice.
The Holy Mass has two essential parts. After the clergy vest, the liturgy begins with an entrance and reverences, the Sign of the Cross, and a Penitential Rite in which the clergy and the people silently confess their sins and receive Absolution, as called for by chapter 14 of The Didache, which dates from the first century. Hymns may be sung following that rite. The first essential part of the Mass then follows: "The Ministry of the Word"* is a scriptural teaching service. The Divine Liturgy is often called "the Academy of Salvation" and in many parts of the world Holy Mass has been the only way the true Faith could be taught. The second essential part of the Mass follows: "The Offering of the Sacrifice"* is the Eucharistic Sacrifice and the Mystery of Holy Communion; this is the uniquely Christian worship service, instituted at the Last Supper by our Lord Jesus Christ. (* These most ancient names for the two main parts of the Divine Liturgy are recorded in the writings of Tertullian.)
The sanctuary is arranged so that prayers may be said by all (including the Priest) while facing the East in accordance with the most ancient Christian tradition. We take seriously the belief that Liturgy is the work of all the people of God. When a choir sings certain hymns and prayers, the people are encouraged to sing also. The people have an essential part in the divine services and their participation is always needed and desired. It has never been our practice to have the clergy, altar servers, and choir perform the divine services while the people merely look on as spectators. When attending Mass, the people may give their special intentions, before the service begins, to the Deacon or the Priest for commemoration during the service and perhaps for mention during the Prayers of the Faithful. They may use a Diptych form (or any slip of paper) to write down their prayer intentions. When prayer is wanted for certain people, their first names are all that is required; Almighty God knows perfectly well who they are. When a prayer request is for someone who has died (we say they have reposed or fallen asleep in Christ), put a cross before that person's name (for example: +Alphonse). All the prayer requests collected in a parish are kept in the pastor's book of Diptychs (i.e., Prayer Lists); the people listed therein are commemorated always at all liturgies there.
This Mass Rite was originally celebrated in Greek; later, in Latin; now, in English. It is the most ancient recorded Liturgy, dating from the second century after Christ. St. Hippolytus considered it ancient when he published it circa 215, Anno Domini. It predates the founding of Byzantium. It predates the Latin Mass of Saint Gregory the Great of Rome. Incense was not used in the early centuries in the Old Roman Rite and, therefore, it is optional in all our celebrations. Likewise, bells were not used in the most ancient Old Roman Rite and so now need not be used, but may be used. Liturgical vestments of the most ancient types may be used by the clergy, being the clothes worn during the period when this Mass Rite was in current use in Rome.
SAINT AFTIMIOS OFIESH OF AMERICA, CONFESSOR
MEMORY ETERNAL !
His
Eminence, the Most Reverend +AFTIMIOS
Archbishop of Brooklyn
"There are two churches, one that is man-made with man-made laws. It is
corrupt, false and misleading. It denies the will of the Living God, that
reveals itself to the heart of man. It makes slaves and bond-servants of those
who choose to obey it. There is another church, the only one for me, for it is
the Church of Jesus Christ, imbued with His Spirit, attentive to the Word and
Will of God. That is the Church I recognize."
~ Saint Aftimios, in a letter
to the Editor of the Syrian World, June 12, 1933.
AN EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE, IN PREPARATION FOR THE MYSTERY OF ABSOLUTION
First, pray the four preparatory prayers below.
"O most merciful God, I humbly thank Thee for all Thy mercies unto me, and particularly at this time, for Thy forbearance and longsuffering with me, notwithstanding all my many and grievous sins. It is by Thy great mercy that I have not fallen into even more grievous sins than those which I have committed, and that I have not been cut off and cast into hell. O my God, although I have been so ungrateful to Thee in times past, yet now I beseech Thee to accept me, returning to Thee with an earnest desire to repent and to devote myself to Thee, my Lord & my God."
"Receive my confession, and spare me, O most gracious Lord. Rebuke me not in Thine anger, and cast me not away from Thy face, O good Jesus, Who hast said that Thou willest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live. Receive me, I beseech Thee, returning to Thee with a penitent and contrite heart. Spare me, O most kind Jesus, Who didst die upon the Cross that Thou mightest save sinners. Have mercy upon me, O most gracious Lord. Grant me, I beseech Thee, perfect contrition for my sins. Send forth Thy light into my soul, and bring before me all those sins which I ought to confess at this time. Assist me by Thy grace, that I may be able to declare them, fully, humbly, and with a contrite heart, and so obtain perfect remission of them all, through Thine infinite goodness. Amen."
"O most gracious Virgin Mary, Mother of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, intercede with my Redeemer for me. Obtain for me the full remission of my sins and perfect amendment of life, to the glory of His Name and the salvation of my soul. Amen."
"I implore the same grace through thee, O my Guardian Angel; through you, my holy Patrons, Saint(s) [N... and N...]; through all of you Holy Angels and Saints of God. I beseech you, intercede for me, a sinner, repenting of all my sins, and firmly resolved to confess them and to amend them. Amen."
The Two Commandments of Christ [Matthew 22:37-40] "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
The Ten Commandments [Exodus 20:1-17]
1. I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt
have no other gods before Me. Thou shalt not make unto thyself any graven
images; and thou shalt not bow to them, nor serve them.
2. Thou shalt not
take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
3. Remember the Sabbath day, to
keep it holy. [ The Lord's Day, Sunday, is kept holy by Christians. ]
4.
Honor thy father and thy mother.
5. Thou shalt not commit murder.
6. Thou
shalt not commit adultery.
7. Thou shalt not steal.
8. Thou shalt not bear
false witness against thy neighbor.
9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's
wife.
10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's goods.
SINS COMMITTED AGAINST GOD. Have I omitted my prayers for a long time? Have I prayed negligently, and with willful distractions? Have I prayed outwardly, repeating the words, without any inward prayer? Have I been negligent in the discharge of any of my religious duties? Have I failed to take care that those under my charge have not been deprived of the instructions necessary for their condition in life, nor deprived of time for prayer, nor deprived of time to prepare for the Holy Mysteries? Have I spoken irreverently of God or of holy things? Have I taken His Holy Name in vain, or told untruths? Have I omitted my duty to God through human respect for those who can advance my interests or otherwise aid me? Have I failed to be zealous for God's honor, for justice, virtue and truth, or failed to reprove such as act otherwise? Have I failed to resign my will to God in troubles and anxieties, in necessities, and in afflictions and sicknesses? Have I failed to carefully avoid all kinds of impurity, and failed to faithfully resist thoughts of infidelity, distrust, and presumption?
SINS COMMITTED AGAINST MY NEIGHBOR. Have I disobeyed my superiors or benefactors, murmured against their commands, or spoken of them contemptuously? Have I been troubled, peevish, or impatient, when told of my faults? Have I failed to correct my faults? Have I scorned the good advice of others, or censured their activities? Have I offended someone by injurious words or actions, or given way to hatred, jealousy, or revenge? Have I lessened someone's reputation by any sort of detraction, or in any matter of importance? Have I formed rash judgments, or spread any report, true or false, that exposed my neighbor to contempt, or that made him or her undervalued? Have I, by carrying tales, or otherwise, created discord and misunderstanding between neighbors? Have I been stubborn, contrary or peevish towards someone, whether in my behaviour, speech, or conversation? Have I taken pleasure in vexing, mortifying, or provoking anyone? Have I mocked or reproached anyone for their bodily or spiritual imperfections? Have I been excessive in chastising those under my care, or have I been lacking in giving them just reproof? Have I failed to bear with others' oversights and imperfections, and failed to give them good counsel? Have I failed to be solicitous for such as are under my charge; and failed to provide for their souls and bodies?
SINS COMMITTED AGAINST MYSELF. Have I been obstinate in following my own will, or in defending my own opinion in things either indifferent, dangerous, or scandalous? Have I taken pleasure in hearing myself praised, or acted from motives of vanity or human respect? Have I indulged myself in too much ease and sloth and gluttony, or in any way yielded to sensuality or impurity? Has my conversation been edifying and moderate; or have I been stubborn, contrary, proud, or troublesome to others? Have I spent too much time in recreation or useless employments and thereby omitted or put off my devotions to unseasonable times? Have I yielded to intemperance, rage, impatience, or jealousy?
SOME CONSIDERATIONS TO LEAD YOU INTO TRUE CONTRITION. Place before yourself, as distinctly as you can, all the sins which you are going to confess. Consider Who God is, and how good and gracious He has been to you, although you have so often and so much offended Him by these sins. He made you; He made you for Himself, to know, love, and serve Him, and to be happy with Him for ever. He redeemed you by His Blood. He has borne with you and waited for you for so long. He has called you and moved you to repentance. Why have you sinned so much against Him? Why have you been so ungrateful? What more could He have done for you? Oh, be ashamed, and mourn, and hate your sins, because you have sinned against your Maker and your Redeemer, Whom you ought to have loved above all things.
Consider the full consequences of even one grave sin: By it you lose the grace of God; you destroy peace of conscience; you forfeit the felicity of heaven, for which you were created and redeemed; and you prepare for yourself eternal punishment. If we grieve for the loss of temporal and earthly things, how much more must we grieve for those which are eternal and heavenly? If we grieve at the departure of a soul from the body, how much more must we grieve at the death of a soul, which is the loss of the presence and of the grace of God! "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" and "who can dwell with everlasting burnings?" "Who can endure to be cast out from the presence of God for ever?" Consider how great has been, and is, the love of God for you, if only from this, that He has waited so long for you, and that He has spared you, when He might have so justly cast you into hell. Look upon Jesus fastened to the Cross for love of you! Behold Him, pouring forth His precious Blood to be a fountain to cleanse you from your sins! Hear Him saying: "I thirst," as it were, with an ardent desire for your salvation. Behold Him stretching out His arms to embrace you, and expecting you, until you should come to yourself and turn to Him, and say: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee, and am no more worthy to be called Thy son." Let the consideration of these things touch your heart with love for Him, Who has so loved you; and love will beget true contrition, most acceptable to God.
All the sacred clergy bow toward the Holy Altar making three metanys, praying:
O GOD, CLEANSE ME, A SINNER, AND HAVE MERCY ON ME. (thrice)
The Priest washes his hands and says:
GRANT TO MY HANDS, O LORD, THE
POWER TO REMOVE EVERY STAIN, SO THAT I MAY SERVE THEE WITHOUT DEFILEMENT OF MIND
AND BODY.
The clerics, Subdeacons, and Deacons, holding their vestments
folded in their arms, bow to the Priest, and say: FATHER, BLESS THE
VESTMENTS. The Priest blesses their vestments + with his hand. Each
clergyman then kisses and puts on his Alb or Surplice, which he may tie with a
Cincture. He says the proper vestment prayers. Each Deacon then kisses his
Orarium (Stole) and puts it on over his left shoulder, saying the proper
vestment prayer. The Priest puts on his own vestments. He blesses +, kisses, and
puts on each vestment, saying the proper vestment prayer.
Amice: PLACE, O LORD, THE HELMET OF SALVATION ON MY HEAD, TO RESIST THE ATTACKS OF THE DEVIL.
Alb or Surplice: MAKE ME WHITE, O LORD, AND PURIFY MY HEART, SO THAT, BEING MADE WHITE IN THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB, I MAY DESERVE AN ETERNAL REWARD.
Maniple: MAY I DESERVE, O LORD, TO CARRY THIS MANIPLE OF SORROW AND PENANCE, SO THAT I MAY ONE DAY ENJOY THE REWARD OF ALL MY LABORS.
Right Hand Cuff: THY RIGHT HAND, O LORD, IS GLORIFIED IN STRENGTH. THY RIGHT HAND, O LORD, HATH SHATTERED THE ENEMIES, AND THROUGH THE MULTITUDE OF THY GLORIES, THOU HAST CRUSHED THINE ADVERSARIES.
Left Hand Cuff: THY HANDS HAVE MADE ME AND FASHIONED ME. ENLIGHTEN MY MIND, AND I SHALL LEARN THY COMMANDMENTS.
Cincture: GIRD ME, O LORD, WITH THE CINCTURE OF PURITY AND EXTINGUISH IN MY HEART THE FIRE OF CONCUPISCENCE SO THAT, THE VIRTUE OF CONTINENCE AND CHASTITY ALWAYS ABIDING IN MY HEART, I MAY THE BETTER SERVE THEE.
Diaconal Stole: MY SOUL SHALL REJOICE IN THE LORD; HE HATH CLOTHED ME WITH THE GARMENT OF SALVATION AND VESTED ME WITH THE VESTURE OF GLADNESS.
Presbyteral Stole: RESTORE UNTO ME, O LORD, THE STOLE OF IMMORTALITY WHICH I LOST THROUGH THE SIN OF MY FIRST PARENTS AND, ALTHOUGH I AM UNWORTHY TO APPROACH THY SACRED MYSTERY, MAY I NEVERTHELESS ATTAIN TO JOY ETERNAL.
Chasuble: O LORD, WHO HAST SAID, "MY YOKE IS EASY AND MY BURDEN LIGHT," GRANT THAT I MAY SO CARRY IT AS TO MERIT THY GRACE.
Episcopal Stole: BLESSED IS GOD, WHO POURS OUT HIS GRACE UPON HIS PRIESTS LIKE THE PRECIOUS OINTMENT UPON THE HEAD, WHICH RAN DOWN ON AARON'S BEARD, AND WENT DOWN TO THE HEM OF HIS GARMENT.
Pectoral Cross: WHOSOEVER WILL COME AFTER ME , LET THEM DENY THEMSELVES AND TAKE UP THEIR CROSSES, AND FOLLOW ME, FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN.
Cope: THY PRIESTS, O LORD, SHALL CLOTHE THEMSELVES WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND THY SAINTS SHALL REJOICE WITH JOY, FOR EVER AND EVER. AMEN.
After vesting, each cleric makes a metany toward the Altar, blessing himself [+] with the Sign of the Cross. The clergy exit the chancel from the north side, for the Entrance and the Divine Liturgy.
ASPERGES The Rite of Sprinkling with Holy Water
The Priest may use this rite when sprinkling the congregation with Holy Water at the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, after censing and before the Prayers at the Ambo. While the Priest walks down the aisles sprinkling the congregation, the Choir sings or says:
ANT. Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
PS. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy.
VRS. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
ANT. Thou shalt purge me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
The Priest returns to the foot of the Altar and says:
PRIEST: O Lord, show Thy mercy upon us.
RESPONSE: And grant us Thy salvation.
PRIEST: O Lord, hear my prayer.
RESPONSE: And let my cry come unto Thee.
PRIEST: The Lord be with you.
RESPONSE: And with thy spirit.
PRIEST: Let us pray. Graciously hear us, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God: and vouchsafe to send Thy holy Angels from heaven, who may keep, cherish, protect, visit, and defend all who are assembled in this place. Through Christ our Lord.
RESPONSE: Amen.
PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 2000
This Liturgy is and all its contents are protected by copyright.
Copyright
(c) Roman Orthodox Church 1999
The symbols used herein are as follows:
+ refers to a priestly
blessing.
[+] refers to crossing oneself.
### refers to chimes
***
refers to individual bells.
STANDING: All who are able must stand for the reading of the Holy Gospel and throughout the Anaphora (the Eucharistic Prayer); otherwise, it is permissible to be seated. Of course, it is permissible to stand throughout the entire Divine Liturgy. The Sanctuary bell may be rung to announce the Entrance of the clergy.
ENTRANCE: The Priest, carrying the Holy Bible or Book of Gospels and preceded by Altar servers and other ministers, goes to the Ambo. Each person makes a reverence (profound, if the Holy Eucharist is reserved) and then goes to the Altar. The Priest kisses the Book and then blesses the Altar (making the Sign of the Cross with the Book over it); he places the Book on the Altar and kisses the Altar table (altarstone or antimension), saying the following prayer.
PRIEST: Blessed [+] is the Kingdom of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
INCENSE -- The use of Incense at the Entrance, Gospel, and Offertory is optional in all Divine Liturgies.
ASPERGES -- The Rite of Asperges is optional in all Divine Liturgies.
PRAYERS AT THE AMBO The Priest faces the people for the Sign of the Cross, the Penitential Rite, the Hymns, the Ministry of the Word, the Sermon, the Creed, the Prayers of the Faithful, and the Kiss of Peace. He stands on the Ambo.
PRIEST: In the Name of the Father, and of + the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
PEOPLE: [+] Amen.
THE PENITENTIAL RITE All should examine their consciences, silently confess their sins to God, and make firm intentions to repent and sin no more. The confession and absolution of our sins is the proper preparation before we approach the Holy Mysteries of the Altar, and the absolution is completed when we receive our Lord Jesus Christ in the Mystery of Holy Communion.
PRIEST: Dearly beloved, let us call to mind our sins and transgressions, and ask Almighty God to forgive us, so that we may enter with pure hearts into the Holy of Holies.
After a brief time for examination of consciences and reflection, the Priest pronounces the Absolution.
PRIEST: May God have mercy on [+] me. May God have mercy + on you. May He grant us absolution and remission of our sins. Amen. Our Lord Jesus Christ has absolved you and, by His authority, I, His unworthy Priest, absolve you from all your sins, in the Name of the Father, and + of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
ALL: + Amen.
THE HYMNS -- Hymns are optional in every Mass; the following hymns or others may be sung, at the celebrant's discretion.
The Trisagion
ALL: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Glory be to the Father, and to + the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Holy God, + Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
The Kyrie
PRIEST: Lord, have mercy. Kyrie eleison.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
Kyrie eleison.
PRIEST: Lord, have mercy. Kyrie eleison.
PEOPLE: Christ, have
mercy. Christe eleison.
PRIEST: Christ, have mercy. Christe eleison.
PEOPLE: Christ, have
mercy. Christe eleison.
PRIEST: Lord, have mercy. Kyrie eleison.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
Kyrie eleison.
PRIEST: Lord, have mercy. Kyrie eleison.
Gloria in Excelsis (Omit in Advent, Lent, and in all Requiem Masses.)
PRIEST: Glory be to God on high
PEOPLE: and, on earth, peace to men of good will. We praise Thee; we bless Thee; we adore Thee; we glorify Thee. We give Thee thanks for Thy great glory. O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son. O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father. Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Who takes away the sins of the world, receive our prayers. Who sits at the right hand of the Father, have mercy on us. For Thou only art holy, Thou only art Lord, Thou only art most high, O Jesus Christ, together + with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
GREETING -- The Priest or Bishop, his hands extended, says:
PRIEST: The Lord be with you. {or the Bishop says} BISHOP: Peace be to you.
PEOPLE: And with thy spirit.
OLD TESTAMENT -- The Old Testament reading (which is optional in all Masses) may be selected at the Priest's discretion. Readings may be followed by a Psalm, antiphon, anthem, or other verse.
READER: << Reads from the Old Testament and ends: >> This is the Word of the Lord.
<< The people respond: >> PEOPLE: Thanks be to God!
PSALM / VERSE -- The Reader leads the people in a Psalm; or in a verse, antiphon, or anthem.
GREEN PROPERS -- Use these Readings where it is impossible to use the proper Readings for the day.
EPISTLE [Romans 11: 33-36] - "O, the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been His counsellor? Or who hath first given to Him and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to Whom be glory for ever. Amen." This is the Word of the Lord.
VERSE - Blessed art Thou, O Lord, Who beholdest the depths, and sittest on the Cherubim. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the firmament of the heavens, and worthy of praise for ever. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and worthy of praise for ever.
HOLY GOSPEL [Matthew 28: 18-20] - "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying: All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations; Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." This is the Gospel of the Lord.
THE APOSTLE (EPISTLE) -- The New Testament reading is followed by an Anthem and Alleluia.
READER: << Reads from the Epistles or Acts and ends: >> This is the Word of the Lord.
<< The people respond: >> PEOPLE: Thanks be to God!
ALLELUIA-ANTHEM -- The Anthem for the day of the month is read; also the proper Anthems on certain Feasts and in certain seasons are read. The people respond with the triple Alleluia after each Anthem. The dates for weekday Anthems of the Eight Tones are given in parentheses below with each Anthem; see the Lectio Continua for the Anthems of the Eight Tones for all the Sundays of the year.
READER: Tone I (Days 1, 9, 17, 25). Though the stone had been sealed and the soldiers were watching over Thy grave, Thou didst rise from the dead on the third day and give life to the world, O Saviour. Wherefore all the Angelic Powers cried to Thee: Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ; glory to Thy Kingdom; glory to Thy dispensation, O merciful Lord. Alleluia!
Tone II (Days 2, 10, 18, 26). When unto death Thou hadst come down, O Life Immortal, Thou didst strike down Hades with the flash of Thy divinity; and when Thou hadst raised up all the dead from the nethermost abyss, O Lord, the heavenly hosts in triumph shouted: O Life-giver, O Lord Christ our God, glory to Thee. Alleluia!
Tone III (Days 3, 11, 19, 27). Let the heavenly hosts rejoice, let all men be glad on earth, for the Lord revealed His glory, He raised up His powerful arm, He struck down death by His death, He rose as the first-born of all the dead, He delivered us from the bonds of Hades, and gave us salvation and mercy. Alleluia!
Tone IV (Days 4, 12, 20, 28). When the women disciples of the Lord had heard from the Angel the joyous message of the Resurrection, they cast away their ancestral sentence and proudly announced to the Apostles: Death has been despoiled, Christ our God is risen and has granted to the world His great mercy. Alleluia!
Tone V (Days 5, 13, 21, 29). Let all believers praise and worship the Word, co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit, born of a Virgin for our salvation, for He condescended to be nailed upon the Cross in the flesh, and to suffer death for us, and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection. Alleluia!
Tone VI (Days 6, 14, 22, 30). The Angelic Hosts appeared before Thy tomb and the watching soldiers dropped like dead men, while Mary was looking for Thy sacred remains. Thou hast entered Hades triumphantly; Thou hast greeted the Virgin joyously, and Thou hast granted life to the world. O Lord, Who art risen from the dead, glory to Thee. Alleluia!
Tone VII (Days 7, 15, 23, 31). Thou hast abolished Death by death on the Cross; Thou hast opened Paradise to the repentant sinner; Thou hast turned the grief of the Myrrh-bearers into joy; and Thou hast commanded Thy Apostles to proclaim that Thou, O Christ our God, art risen and hast granted to the world Thy great mercy. Alleluia!
Tone VIII (Days 8, 16, 24). Thou hast descended from Heaven, O merciful Lord; Thou hast endured a three day burial; Thou hast delivered us from sinful passions. O Lord, our life and resurrection, glory to Thee. Alleluia!
REQUIEM Anthem. Thou hast raised Lazarus from the dead as a pledge for the universal resurrection, O Christ our God. Wherefore, like Jerusalem's crowds we carry the symbols of victory, and we cry to Thee: O Conqueror of death: Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord. Alleluia!
Marian Anthem: Feasts of the Holy Theotokos. Thou hast preserved virginity after birth and life after death, O Mother of God; thou hast passed into life eternal and, through thy prayers, thou dost redeem our souls from death. Alleluia!
Anthem for Feasts of the Holy Apostles and Evangelists. Forever blest art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast illumined Thy fisherman disciples with the inspiring wisdom of the Holy Spirit, and hast drawn all mankind into Thy fold through them. Gracious and merciful Saviour, glory to Thee. Alleluia!
Anthem for Feasts of the Saints. Most glorified art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast appointed the Holy Saints as torch-bearers upon earth, and through them led all mankind to Thy true Faith. O merciful Saviour, glory to Thee. Alleluia!
Anthem for Nuptial Masses. O most holy Theotokos, the day of your Annunciation is the crown of our salvation and the manifestation of the eternal mystery. The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announces the good tidings of grace. Wherefore let us also, with Gabriel, greet the most holy, pure, blessed, and glorified Mother of God: Hail, Mary full of grace, the Lord is with you. Alleluia!
Advent Anthem. Thou hast justified the Forefathers in their faith, when through them Thou wast betrothed unto the Church of the Gentiles. These Saints are proud of the glory that a noble offspring of theirs, the Blessed Virgin Mary, gave birth to Thee. Through their prayers, O Christ our God, have mercy upon us. Alleluia!
Christmas Anthem. Thy birth, O Christ our God, has given rise to the light of knowledge in the world, for they that worshipped the stars have been taught by a star to worship Thee, O Sun of Righteousness, and to acknowledge Thee as the sunrise of heaven; O Lord, glory to Thee. Alleluia!
Anthem for the Feast of the Circumcision. O merciful Lord, Who art by nature God, Thou hast taken upon Thyself man's form unalterably, and to fulfil the law, Thou hast willingly submitted to circumcision in the flesh, in order to enlighten our minds and heal our passions. Glory to Thy righteousness; glory to Thy compassion; glory to Thine ineffable condescension, O Word of God. Alleluia!
Anthem for Epiphany and for Masses of the Holy Trinity. When in the Jordan Thou wast baptized, O Lord, the worship of the Holy Trinity was made manifest, for the voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, and called Thee His beloved Son, and the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the truthfulness of the proclamation. O Christ our God, Who hast revealed Thyself, and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee. Alleluia!
Anthem for Candlemas - Feast of the Purification. Hail, Virgin, full of grace and Mother of God, for from you arose the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, Who enlightened those in darkness. Do you rejoice also, O righteous Simeon, for you have received in your arms the Redeemer of our souls, Who conferred resurrection upon us. Alleluia!
Lenten Anthem, and for all Ember Days. Thy Church has flourished throughout the world through the blood of Thy Martyrs, who ever cry unto Thee, O Christ our God: Send down mercy upon Thy people, give peace to Thy community, and grant salvation to our souls. Alleluia!
Anthem for Passiontide; Masses of the Passion of Our Lord. As by baptism we are buried with Thee, O Christ our God, so by Thy resurrection we rise unto eternal life, and praising Thee we cry: Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord. Alleluia!
Easter Anthem. Now Christ is risen in glory, trampling down death by death, and unto all the dead He gave life again. Alleluia!
Anthem for Whitsuntide and for Masses of the Holy Spirit. Forever blest art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast illumined Thy fisherman disciples with the inspiring wisdom of the Holy Spirit, and hast drawn all mankind into Thy fold through them. Gracious and merciful Saviour, glory to Thee. Alleluia!
Anthem for the Feast of the Transfiguration. Thou wast transfigured on the mountain, O Christ our God, and Thou hast shown Thy glory to Thy Apostles as they were able to receive it. Reveal to us also Thy everlasting light through the intercession of Thy blessed Mother; O Giver of Light, glory to Thee. Alleluia!
Anthem for Saint Mary's Assumption. You have preserved virginity after birth and life after death, O Mother of God; you have passed into life eternal; and through your prayers you redeem our souls from death. Alleluia!
Anthem for Saint Mary's Nativity. Your birth has brought joy to all mankind, O Mother of God, for from you arose the Sun of Righteousness, even Christ our Lord. He took away our curse and gave us His blessing; He abolished death and granted us eternal life. Alleluia!
Anthem for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross; and all Masses of the Holy Cross. Save Thy people, O Lord our God, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victory to the faithful over the enemy, and protect our State and our country through the might of Thy Cross. Alleluia!
Anthem for the Presentation of Saint Mary in the Temple. Today is the prelude to the grace of God, and the proclamation of the salvation of humanity. The Virgin appears triumphantly in the temple of God, and Christ is foretold to all mankind. Wherefore let us shout to her loudly: Hail, O you who are the fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation. Alleluia!
Anthem for all Ordination Masses. Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast revealed the fishers most wise, sending down upon them Thy Holy Spirit, and thereby catching the universe as in a net. Glory to Thee, O Thou Who lovest mankind. Alleluia!
PEOPLE: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
ORDINATIONS AND PROMOTIONS -- All ordinations and promotions are done at the Bishop's chair immediately before the reading of the Holy Gospel.
THE HOLY GOSPEL < ALL STAND for the Gospel. >
DEACON: The Lord be with you.
PEOPLE: And with thy spirit.
DEACON: <<< Announces the Gospel. >>>
PEOPLE: + + + Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
DEACON: <<< Reads the Gospel, and ends: >>> This is the Gospel of the Lord.
PEOPLE: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
The Celebrant kisses the Gospel Book, saying:
PRIEST: By the words of the Holy Gospel, may our sins be blotted out.
< All may be seated. >
SERMON -- The Priest may give a sermon.
CREED -- The Symbol of Faith, usually, the Apostles' Creed (Symbolum Apostolorum), but the Nicene Creed [Unamended Nicaean-Constantinopolitan Symbol of Faith] may be prayed on Great Feasts and other major occasions. The Creed may be omitted in any Mass. Omit the Creed in all Requiem Masses.
The Apostles' Creed
PRIEST: I believe in God,
PEOPLE: the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary. Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit. The holy catholic Church, the communion of saints. The forgiveness of sins. The resurrection of the body and life + everlasting. Amen.
{ or }
The Nicene Creed
PRIEST: I believe in one God,
PEOPLE: the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of Light, very God, of very God begotten, not made, of one essence with the Father, and through Whom all things are made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and became incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became a man. And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father. And shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, and Whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father, and together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, and Who spoke through the Prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism, for the remission of sins. I look for the Resurrection of the dead. And life in the + world to come. Amen.
These litanies are prayed with hands extended.
PRIEST: Dearly beloved, for God's holy Church, that our Lord and God may be pleased to give it peace, unity, and protection throughout the world; and grant us to live in peace and to glorify God the Father Almighty, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
PRIEST: For all holy bishops, priests, deacons, subdeacons, acolytes, exorcists, readers, porters, monks, nuns, brothers, sisters, deaconesses, confessors, virgins, widows, and for all the holy people of God, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
PRIEST: For the conversion of every man, woman, and child now without Holy Church, that our Lord and God may open the ears of their hearts and the gate of His mercy; so that, having received pardon of all their sins, they too may live in Christ Jesus our Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
PRIEST: For the rulers of nations, and their ministers and officials, that our Lord and God may direct their minds and hearts to our everlasting peace, in accordance with His will, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
PRIEST: For those who persecute us for the Name of the Lord, that the Lord would soften their anger and scatter their wrath against us, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
PRIEST: For our enemies and for them that hate us, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
PRIEST: For those in exile, in prison, or in danger for the Name of the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
PRIEST: For the oppressed and for those in captivity, and for their salvation; for the poor, the persecuted, the abused, the sick and all who suffer; for the imprisoned and the accused; for refugees and all who are in danger; that our Lord and God may be pleased to comfort, heal, and protect them, assure them justice and deliver them from their distress; let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
PRIEST: That our Lord and God may be pleased to purge the world of all error, to cure diseases, to drive away famine, to open prisons, to release prisoners, to grant a safe return to travelers, health to the sick, and a port of safety to those at sea; let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
DEACON: Again and again in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
DEACON: For the peace from above, for the salvation of our souls, and of all mankind, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
DEACON: For this city and for every city and land, and for the faithful who dwell in them, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
DEACON: For the sick [especially for N... and N...], that, in His great mercy, our Lord and God may comfort them, heal them, lift them up, and deliver them from every evil sickness, injury, malady, and disease, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
DEACON: For a quick end to the barbaric holocaust of abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia; and for all those who have been slain in that holocaust, that our Lord and God may give rest to their souls in a place of repose, whence all pain and sorrow and grief have fled away, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
DEACON: For seasonable weather, for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
DEACON: For this Christian assembly and all who have entered with faith, reverence, humility, penitence, and love of God, that we may truly serve Him, and for all the living people whose names are written in our Diptychs, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
DEACON: For ourselves, our families, friends and neighbors; that we may be delivered from all anxiety, affliction, danger, and need; that we may pass the remainder of our lives in love, health, peace, and penitence, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
DEACON: For an Angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
DEACON: For forgiveness and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
DEACON: For a Christian ending to our life, painless, blameless, peaceful; and a good defense before the Judgement - Seat of Christ, that we may come to share in His heavenly Kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
DEACON: For a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless day; and for all things beneficial and salutary to our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
DEACON: For the faithful departed, [for N...,] and for those whose names are written in our Diptychs, that they may have eternal rest and joy in the presence of the Lord our God, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
[ Any further prayers of intercession may be made here. ]
Omit the Requiem Litany, unless this is a Requiem Mass.
THE REQUIEM LITANY This is included only in a Requiem Mass.
PRIEST: Have mercy on us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we pray unto Thee, hearken and have mercy.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST: Furthermore, we pray for the repose of the soul(s) of Thy departed servant(s), [N... and N...] and for the forgiveness of all (his // her // their) sins, both voluntary and involuntary, we pray unto Thee, hearken and have mercy.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST: That (his // her // their) soul(s) may be established where the just repose, we pray unto Thee, hearken and have mercy.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST: That the Lord may grant (him // her // them) His mercy, the kingdom of heaven, and the remission of (his // her // their) sins, let us beseech of Christ our immortal King and our God.
PEOPLE: Grant it, O Lord.
PRIEST: Let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST: O God of spirit and all flesh, Who hast trampled down Death, and overthrown the Devil, and given life unto Thy world; do Thou, O Lord, give rest to the soul(s) of Thy departed + servant(s), [N... and N...], in a place of repose, whence all pain and sorrow and grief have fled away. O Thou gracious and merciful God, pardon every sin which (he has // she has // they have) committed, whether by word, or deed, or thought, because there is no man who lives and sins not; for Thou alone art without sin; for Thy righteousness is to all eternity, and Thy word is truth. For Thou art the resurrection, and the life, and the repose of Thy departed + servant(s), [N... and N...], and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thine eternal Father, and Thy most Holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
PEOPLE: Amen.
PRIEST: Glory to Thee, O Christ, our God and our Hope, glory to Thee.
PEOPLE: Glory to the Father, and to the + Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
CONCLUSION OF THE PRAYERS OF THE FAITHFUL --
PRIEST: For each other, that the Lord would guard us and preserve us by His grace unto the end, and deliver us from evil, and from all the scandals of those that work iniquity, and that He would preserve us unto His heavenly Kingdom, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
PRIEST: For every Christian soul, let us pray to the Lord.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy!
PRIEST: Aid, comfort, save and protect us, O God, with Thy favor. Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorified Lady, Mother of God, and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and our whole life, to Christ, our God.
PEOPLE: To Thee, O Lord!
PRIEST: May the Lord, our God, remember us all in His Kingdom, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
PEOPLE: Amen.
THE KISS OF PEACE --
PRIEST: Lord Jesus Christ, Thou hast said to Thy Apostles: "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you. Not as the world giveth, give I unto you."
PEOPLE: Amen.
The Priest blesses the people thrice. The people bless themselves thrice with their thumbs on forehead, lips, and breast, consecrating to God their minds, words, and hearts.
PRIEST: The peace + of the Lord + be always + with you.
PEOPLE: + + + And with thy spirit.
The people may exchange signs of peace amongst themselves.
DIVINE SERVICE OF THE ALTAR -- The Priest returns to the Altar. The Holy Gifts, bread on a Paten and wine mingled with water in a Chalice, are prepared. While mingling the water with the wine, the Priest prays over the Chalice:
PRIEST: O Lord, grant that through the mystery + of this Water and Wine, we may become partakers in Thy divinity, as Thou didst humble Thyself + to share in our humanity. Amen.
LAVABO -- The Priest prays, while washing his hands:
PRIEST: Lord, wash away my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.
OFFERTORY PRAYERS -- The Priest spreads his hands over the Holy Gifts, praying:
PRIEST: May we be received by Thee, O Lord, in the spirit of humility, and in a contrite state of mind; and so may our sacrifice be made in Thy sight this day, that it may be pleasing to Thee, O Lord God. Come, Thou Sanctifier, Almighty and Eternal God, and bless + this sacrifice prepared for the glory of Thy holy Name.
ORATE FRATRES -- The Priest turns to the people, his hands extended, and says:
PRIEST: Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may become acceptable to God the Father Almighty.
PEOPLE: May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands unto the praise and glory of His Name, for our advantage, and that of all His Holy Church.
THE ANAPHORA
< All STAND for the Anaphora. >
SURSUM CORDA, PREFACE & SANCTUS-BENEDICTUS -- The Priest turns back to the Altar. The Priest and other celebrants mark the Sign of the Cross on their + foreheads. The Priest, his hands extended, prays.
PRIEST: The Lord be with you.
PEOPLE: And with thy spirit.
PRIEST: Lift up your hearts.
PEOPLE: We have lifted them up to the Lord.
PRIEST: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
PEOPLE: It is meet and just.
{ The following Hippolytan Preface, or a Preface proper to the day, is read. }
PRIEST: It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always, and in all places, render thanks unto Thee, O God, through Thy Beloved Child, Jesus Christ, Whom, in the last times, Thou didst send to us to be a Saviour and Redeemer and the Angel of Thy will; Who is Thy Word, inseparable from Thee; through Whom Thou madest all things and in Whom Thou wast well-pleased; Whom Thou didst send from heaven into the Virgin's womb and Who, conceived within her, was made flesh and demonstrated to be Thy Son, being born of the Holy Spirit and a Virgin; Who, fulfilling Thy will and preparing for Thee a holy people, stretched forth His hands for suffering that He might release from sufferings those who have believed in Thee. Glory be to Thee, O Lord Almighty. Countless hosts of angels, archangels, thrones, dominions, principalities, authorities, powers, and hosts worship Thee; the Cherubim and six-winged Seraphim, with two wings covering their feet, two covering their heads, and two flying, together with a thousand thousands of archangels, and ten thousand times ten thousand angels, saying incessantly with unsilenced shouts of praise:
ALL: Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God of Hosts! Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed + is He that comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!
THE CANON -- The Priest, his hands extended, prays the Canon.
PRIEST: O God, Who wills that we should not only offer to Thee the hymn, but also the deservings, of heavenly Spirits, and should have no less the holy offices than the songs of the Angels: grant that we who, in setting forth Thy praises, take to ourselves the united strains of the heavenly Powers, may also - by amending our evil ways - take to ourselves the love of the heavenly life, now that we are about to say those sacred words of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who, in the night in which He gave Himself up for the life of the world, left them to us for the eternal anamnesis of His Passion.
O holy Lord, Father Almighty, Thy Beloved Child, Jesus Christ, when He was betrayed to voluntary suffering that He might abolish death, and rend the bonds of the devil, and tread down hell, and enlighten the righteous, and fix the boundary, and manifest His Resurrection; took bread and, giving thanks to Thee, He blessed + it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said: TAKE, EAT: THIS IS MY BODY WHICH IS GIVEN FOR YOU: DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME.
Likewise, He also took the cup, and gave + thanks, and gave it to them, saying: DRINK YE ALL OF IT; FOR THIS IS MY BLOOD OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, WHICH IS SHED FOR MANY FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.
O God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, do Thou mercifully smiling down from heaven receive this our sacrifice with most indulgent love. May there descend, O Lord, the fulness of Thy majesty, godhead, piety, power, blessing and glory upon this Bread and upon this Cup: and may it be unto us the Eucharist which Christ ordained by the transformation into the Body and Blood of the Lord: that whosoever among us, and howsoever often, shall partake of this Bread and this Cup, we may take unto ourselves a memorial of faith, sincerity of love, and untroubled hope of resurrection and unending immortality in the Name of the Holy Spirit, Who proceeds from Thee, in the communion of all Saints, in the remission of all our sins. We believe, O Lord, that Thou wilt grant these things which we ask with unwavering faith. Through Thy Child Jesus Christ, through Whom glory and honor be unto Thee, Father and Son with the Holy Spirit [+] in Thy Holy Church, now and for ever and world without end.
ELEVATION -- The Priest elevates the Holy Gifts, singing as he does so:
PRIEST: Thine own of Thine own, we offer unto Thee, on behalf of all, and for all.
PEOPLE: Amen !
The Priest replaces the Holy Gifts on the Altar.
PRIEST: Now, therefore, making the anamnesis of His death and Resurrection, we offer to Thee the Bread and the Cup, giving Thee thanks because Thou hast made us worthy to stand before Thee and minister as priests to Thee. Humbly we pray Thee and implore Thee, O Holy of Holies, by the favor of Thy goodness, that the fulness of Thy Holy Spirit may descend upon us and upon these Gifts and bless them and sanctify them.
WE PRAY THEE THAT THOU WOULDST SEND THY HOLY SPIRIT UPON THE OBLATION OF THY HOLY CHURCH, AND MAKE THIS + BREAD THE PRECIOUS BODY OF THY CHRIST, AND MAKE WHAT IS IN THIS + CUP THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF THY CHRIST, BY CHANGING + THEM THROUGH THY HOLY SPIRIT.
That, uniting them into one, Thou wouldst grant to all Thy Saints who partake that they may be fulfilled with the Holy Spirit for the confirmation of their faith in truth, that we may praise and glorify Thee through Thy Child Jesus Christ, through Whom glory and honor be unto Thee, Father and Son with the Holy Spirit [+] in Thy Holy Church, now and for ever and world without end.
The people loudly acclaim: PEOPLE: [+] AMEN !!!
< The end of the ANAPHORA. All may be seated. >
FRACTION -- The Priest bows, then breaks the Amnos (the Host).
PRIEST: The Lamb of God is broken and distributed; always broken and never divided; always eaten and never exhausted; It consecrates Its communicants.
COMMIXTURE -- The Celebrant, at the Altar, makes the Sign of the Cross over the Chalice with a Particle of the Host. Then he places the Particle in the Chalice, says the following prayer, and bows profoundly:
PRIEST: May this mixture + and consecration of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be to us that receive It, effectual to eternal life. Amen.
THE LORD'S PRAYER -- Then, with his hands extended:
PRIEST: Let us dare to pray.
ALL: Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from Evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
The Priest, his hands joined, prays:
PRIEST: Deliver us, O Lord, from all evils, past, present and to come. Amen.
PRAYER OF HUMBLE ACCESS --
DEACON: Bow down your heads to the lord.
PRIEST: Eternal God, Who knowest of that which is secret and that which is open, to Thee Thy people have bowed down their heads, and to Thee they have bent the hardness of heart and flesh; look down from Thy worthy dwelling place, bless them, both men and women, incline Thine ear to them and hear their prayer, and strengthen them with the might of Thy right hand, and protect them from evil sickness, be their guardian for both body and soul, increase to them and to us also Thy faith and Thy fear, through Thine only Son, through Whom to Thee, with Him and with the Holy Spirit, be the power and the glory, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
SANCTA SANCTIS -- The Priest takes the Holy Gifts and turns to face the people; he elevates the Holy Gifts and blesses the people, crosswise, with them, saying:
PRIEST: Holy Things + to the holy ones.
PEOPLE: [+] One is holy. One is the Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
PRIEST: The Lord be with you.
PEOPLE: And with thy spirit.
The Priest turns to the Altar. The Chimes ring thrice. Humbly strike* your breast three times, saying:
English: Lamb of God --
PRIEST: Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, < Three times >
PEOPLE: ... Have mercy on us. ... Have mercy on us. ... Grant us peace.
Requiem - PEOPLE: ... Grant them rest. ... Grant them rest. ... Grant them eternal rest.
PRAYERS BEFORE COMMUNION
The following private prayers may be said silently by all before they receive Holy Communion.
I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first. I believe also that this is truly Thine own pure Body, and that this is truly Thine own precious Blood. Therefore, I pray Thee: have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions, both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, committed knowingly or unknowingly, of knowledge and of ignorance. And make me worthy to partake without condemnation of Thy most pure Mysteries, for the remission of my sins, and unto life everlasting. Amen.
Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today 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. May the communion of Thy Holy Mysteries be neither to my judgement, nor to my condemnation, O Lord, but to the healing of soul and body.
Lord, I know that I am unworthy to receive Thy holy Body and Thy precious Blood; I know that I am guilty, and that I eat and drink condemnation to myself, not discerning the Body and Blood of Christ my God. But trusting in Thy loving-kindness, I come to Thee Who said: He who eats My Body and drinks My Blood shall dwell in Me and I in him. Therefore, Lord, have compassion on me and do not make an example of me, Thy sinful servant. But do to me according to Thy great mercy, and grant that these Holy Gifts may be to me for healing, purification, enlightenment, protection, salvation and sanctification of my soul and body, and to the expulsion of every evil imagination, sinful deed or work of the Devil. May they move me to reliance on Thee and to love Thee always, to amend and keep firm my life; and be ever in me to the increase of virtue, to the keeping of Thy commandments, to the communion of the Holy Spirit, and as a good defense before Thy dread judgment seat, and for life eternal. Amen.
COMMUNION OF THE CLERGY -- The celebrant communicates first. Next, any concelebrating Priests communicate in the same manner. Then, Deacons, Clerics, and Altar servers are communicated by a Priest.
PRIEST(S): May the Body [+] of Christ, the Bread of Heaven, preserve my soul to life eternal. Amen. May the Blood [+] of Christ, the Cup of Salvation, preserve my soul to life eternal. Amen.
COMMUNION OF THE FAITHFUL -- The Priest distributes Holy Communion to the people at the Ambo. The people, standing, receive the Host on their tongues. The Chalice may be ministered by a Deacon, or the people may be permitted to communicate directly from the Chalice.
PRIEST: The Body of Christ, the Bread of Heaven.
PEOPLE: Amen.
PRIEST: The Blood of Christ, the Cup of Salvation.
PEOPLE: Amen.
THANKSGIVING PRAYERS These Prayers may be said silently by those who have received Holy Communion.
May Thy holy Body, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, be to me for life everlasting, and Thy precious Blood for remission of sins. May this Eucharist be to me for joy, health, and gladness. Amen.
Lord, Christ our God, King of the Ages, and Creator of all, I thank Thee for all the good things which Thou hast bestowed on me, and for this Communion of Thine Immaculate and Life-giving Mysteries. Therefore, Gracious One, I entreat Thee Who love mankind; keep me in Thy tabernacle and under the shadow of Thy wings; and grant that, with a pure conscience, even at my last breath, I may worthily partake of Thy holy things, for the remission of my sins and for life eternal. For Thou art the Bread of Life, the Fountain of All Holiness, the Giver of Good Things, and to Thee we offer glory, to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever. Amen.
Lord, now let Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word. For my eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people: a light to enlighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of Thy people, Israel. + Amen.
ABLUTIONS -- The sacred vessels are taken to the Credence and cleansed.
POST-COMMUNION -- After the Ablutions, the Priest goes to the Altar and prays:
PRIEST: God Almighty, the Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we give Thee thanks, because Thou hast imparted to us the reception of Thy holy Mystery: let it not be for guilt nor condemnation but for the renewal of soul and body and spirit, through Thine only Son, through Whom to Thee, with Him and with the Holy Spirit, be the power and the glory, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
PEOPLE: Amen.
PRIEST: What has passed our lips as food, O Lord, may we possess in purity of heart, that what is given us in time be our healing for eternity.
PRIEST: The Lord be with you.
PEOPLE: And with thy spirit.
PRAYERS AT THE AMBO
BENEDICTION -- The Priest faces the people, praying one of the two following Benediction prayers, with his right hand outstretched, with which hand he also blesses the people.
PRIEST: Eternal God Almighty, the Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, bless + Thy servants and Thy handmaids; protect, help, and prosper them by the power of Thine Archangel. Keep and confirm in them Thy fear by Thy greatness; provide that they shall both think what is Thine, and believe what is Thine, and will what is Thine; grant to them peace without sin and anger, through Thine only Son, through Whom to Thee, with Him and with the Holy Spirit, be the power and the glory, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
PEOPLE: [+] Amen.
{ or }
PRIEST: O God almighty Who art everywhere, and art present in all things, be favorable and hear me for Thy Name's sake, and bless + those who have bowed their heads unto Thee, and grant them their hearts' desires so far as may be expedient for them, and suffer none of them to be cast away out of Thy Kingdom, but sanctify them, guard them, shelter them, assist them, rescue them from the Adversary and from every enemy, protect their houses; keep them in their coming in and in their going out. To Thee be glory, to the Father and to the Son with the Holy Spirit in the Holy Church, now and for ever, and world without end.
PEOPLE: [+] Amen.
DISMISSAL -- The Priest, with his hands extended, says:
PRIEST: The Lord be with you.
PEOPLE: And with thy spirit.
<< Any rites celebrated afterwards begin at this point. >>
In All Masses Except Requiems:
DEACON/PRIEST: You are dismissed. Go forth in peace.
PEOPLE: Thanks be to God! Amen.
But in a Requiem Mass, he says: DEACON/PRIEST: May they rest in peace. PEOPLE: Amen.
SALUTE -- The Priest kisses the Altar, quietly saying:
PRIEST: Abide in peace, Holy Altar, until I return to you.
The Sanctuary bell may be rung to announce the exit of the clergy.
RECESSION & COLLECTION - If Eulogia is NOT distributed, the Mass ends here. The Priest and ministers recess from the Sanctuary. The collection is taken up.
BLESSING OF EULOGIA Distribution of Eulogia (Antidoron) is always optional, except that it should be omitted in Requiem Masses and in Ordination Masses. Eulogia represents our unity in Christ; like many grains of wheat in a single loaf of bread, all people are one in Christ. A single loaf of any kind of bread is divided into enough for ALL those present. The Priest uses the blessing prayer of the Council of Nantes - 658 A.D.
PRIEST: Holy Lord, Almighty Father, eternal God, deign to bless this bread + with Thy holy and spiritual benediction, that it may be unto us for healing of mind and body, and for protection against all sicknesses and against the snares of the enemy which are everywhere around us. Amen.
The Priest, at the Ambo, may distribute the bread at this time to anyone in attendance, including those who cannot receive Holy Communion. The people may come forward and take a piece of the blessed bread, which they may consume immediately. Water to drink with the bread may also be made available.
The Sanctuary bell may be rung to announce the exit of the clergy.
RECESSION & COLLECTION -- The Priest and other ministers recess from the Sanctuary. The collection is taken up.
Funeral Preface: Requiem Masses.
It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always, and in all places, render thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God; through Christ our Lord. In Whom the hope of a blessed resurrection hath shone upon us, that those who are afflicted by the certainty of dying may be consoled by the promise of future immortality. For unto Thy faithful, O Lord, life is changed, not taken away: and the abode of the earthly sojourn being dissolved, an eternal dwelling is prepared in heaven. And therefore, with the Angels and the Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominions, and with all the heavenly host, we sing an everlasting hymn to Thy glory, saying:
Marian Preface: Feasts of the Most Holy Theotokos (but, for the Feast of the Purification (February 2/15), use the Christmastide Preface).
It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always, and in all places, render thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God. And that we should praise, bless, and glorify Thee on the [Feast] of the blessed Mary, ever a Virgin, the Holy Theotokos. Who by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit conceived Thine only-begotten Son, and the glory of her virginity still remaining, brought forth the eternal light of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord. By Whom the Angels praise Thy majesty, the Dominions adore it; the Powers tremble before it; the heavens, the heavenly Virtues, and blessed Seraphim, with common jubilee glorify it. Together with whom we beseech Thee that we may be admitted to join our humble voices, saying:
Holy Apostles Preface: Feasts of the Holy Apostles and Evangelists.
It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, humbly to beseech Thee that Thou, O Lord our eternal Shepherd, wouldst not forsake Thy flock, but keep it under Thy continual protection by Thy blessed apostles. That it may be governed by those whom Thou hast appointed its vicars and pastors. And therefore, with the Angels and the Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominions, and with all the heavenly host, we sing an everlasting hymn to Thy glory, saying:
Benedictine Preface: Feasts of Saint Benedict of Nursia and the Benedictines.
It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always, and in all places, render thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God, for the teaching and holy life of blessed Benedict. Always preferring the love of Christ, he consecrated himself and his disciples in the service of Christ our King. He was chosen by Thee, O Lord, as a master in the way of holy perfection so that, inspired by his example and by his works, Thy people might seek Thee in truth and strive always for the rewards Thou hast promised. And therefore, with the Angels and the Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominions, and with all the heavenly host, we sing an everlasting hymn to Thy glory, saying:
North American Preface: Feasts of North American Saints and Martyrs.
It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, humbly to beseech Thee that Thou, O Lord, our God, wouldst not forsake Thy flock in North America, but keep it under Thy continual protection, through the intercession before Thy holy throne of the blessed Saints and Martyrs of this land who have been well-pleasing unto Thee, having walked according to the Way of Thy most beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in their sojourn here amongst us, and who now repose in Thee. Thou, O Lord, in the multitude of Thy Saints, hast compassed us about with so great a cloud of witnesses that, we, rejoicing in their fellowship, may run with patience the race that is set before us, and, together with them, may receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away. And therefore, with the Angels and the Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominions, and with all the heavenly host, we sing an everlasting hymn to Thy glory, saying:
Marriage Preface: For Nuptial Masses.
It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always, and in all places, give thanks to Thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God; through Christ our Lord. By Whom the Angels praise Thy majesty, the Dominions adore it; the Powers tremble before it; the heavens, the heavenly Virtues, and blessed Seraphim, with common jubilee glorify it. Together with whom we beseech Thee that we may be admitted to join our humble voices, saying:
Holy Trinity Preface: For Masses of the Holy Trinity.
It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always, and in all places, give thanks to Thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God. Who together with Thine only-begotten Son and the Holy Spirit art one God and one Lord: not in a singularity of one Person, but in a Trinity of one substance. For what we believe of Thy glory, as Thou hast revealed, the same we believe of Thy Son, and of the Holy Spirit, without any difference or distinction. So that in the confession of the true and eternal Deity, we adore a distinction in the Persons, a unity in the Essence, and an equality in the Majesty. Whom the Angels and the Archangels, the Cherubim also and Seraphim praise, and cease not daily to cry out with one voice, saying:
Christmastide Preface: Christmastide; Feast of the Purification; Feast of the Transfiguration.
It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always, and in all places, render thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God. Since, by the mystery of the Word made flesh, a new ray of Thy glory has appeared to the eyes of our souls; that while we behold God visibly, we may be carried by Him to the love of things invisible. And therefore, with the Angels and the Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominions, and with all the heavenly host, we sing an everlasting hymn to Thy glory, saying:
Epiphany Preface: The Great Feast of the Epiphany (Theophany) of the Lord.
It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always, and in all places, render thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God. Because, when Thine only-begotten Son appeared in the substance of our mortal flesh, He repaired us by the new light of His immortality. And therefore, with the Angels and the Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominions, and with all the heavenly host, we sing an everlasting hymn to Thy glory, saying:
Lenten Preface: Great Lent and all Ember Days.
It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always, and in all places, render thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God. Who by this bodily fast extinguishes our vices, elevates our understanding, bestows on us virtue and its rewards. Through Christ our Lord; by Whom the Angels praise Thy majesty, the Dominions adore it; the Powers tremble before it; the heavens, the heavenly Virtues, and blessed Seraphim, with common jubilee glorify it. Together with whom we beseech Thee that we may be admitted to join our humble voices, saying:
Passion Preface: From Palm Sunday through Great and Holy Wednesday; in Masses of the Passion of Our Lord; and in Masses of the Holy Cross.
It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always, and in all places, render thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God. Who hast appointed the salvation of mankind to be wrought on the wood of the Cross: that from whence death came, thence life might arise, and that he who overcame by the tree might also by the tree be overcome. Through Christ our Lord; by Whom the Angels praise Thy majesty, the Dominions adore it; the Powers tremble before it; the heavens, the heavenly Virtues, and blessed Seraphim, with common jubilee glorify it. Together with whom we beseech Thee that we may be admitted to join our humble voices, saying:
On Ash Wednesday (the first Wednesday of the Great Lent), and on Great and Holy (Good) Friday: Celebrate the Pro-Liturgy, the Divine Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts.
Paschal Preface (Eastertide: beginning on Easter - Pascha and through Eve of the Feast of the Ascension).
It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, to praise Thee, O Lord, at all times, but chiefly [on this night < or > on this day < or > at this time] when Christ our Passover was sacrificed for us. For He is the true Lamb, Who hath taken away the sins of the world, Who by dying hath destroyed our death, and by rising again hath restored us to life. And therefore, with the Angels and the Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominions, and with all the heavenly host, we sing an everlasting hymn to Thy glory, saying:
Ascensiontide Preface: from the Feast of the Ascension through the Friday before Pentecost.
It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always, and in all places, render thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God; through Christ our Lord. Who after His Resurrection appeared openly to all His disciples, and in their presence ascended into heaven, to make us partakers of His divine nature. And therefore, with the Angels and the Archangels, with the Thrones and Dominions, and with all the heavenly host, we sing an everlasting hymn to Thy glory, saying:
Pentecost Preface: Saturday before, through Saturday after, Pentecost; & Masses of the Holy Spirit.
It is truly meet and just, right and available to salvation, that we should always, and in all places, render thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God; through Christ our Lord. Who, ascending above all the heavens, and sitting at Thy right hand, sent down the promised Holy Spirit [this day] upon the children of adoption. Wherefore the whole world displays its excess of joy. The heavenly Virtues also, and all the angelic Powers, sing in concert an everlasting hymn to Thy glory, saying:
Saint Blaise Day Blessing of Throats
Do this on the Feast of St. Blaise - February 3rd/16th. Use candles blessed on Candlemas, that is, on the day before. Do not light the candles, as that could cause serious injuries. Continue to wear your eucharistic vestments. To the Ambo, after Mass but before the Recession, take two blessed candles tied together in the form of a Cross. Hold the candles against the throat of each person to be blessed. Say the following prayer, then bless the person with your hand.
PRIEST: Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, may Almighty God deliver you from all disease of the throat, and from every other evil. In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
ASH WEDNESDAY Blessing and Imposition of Ashes
The ashes are prepared by burning the palms (and pussywillows, in accordance with the Slavonic tradition) from last year's Palm Sunday. Using a mortar and pestle, the ashes are ground to a very fine texture. Ashes remaining from a previous year may be mixed with the new ashes. Before the Penitential Rite of the Mass begins, the ashes are blessed and distributed to the clergy and the people.
CHOIR. The choir may sing the Anthem (Psalm 69 (KJV) [Ps. 68 D-R]):
* Hear us, O Lord, for Thy mercy is kind; look upon us, O Lord, according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies.
Ps. Save me, O God: for the waters are come in even unto my soul.
Gl.: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
* Hear us, O Lord, for Thy mercy is kind; look upon us, O Lord, according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies.
The ashes are blessed at the Ambo, by the celebrant using the following prayers. The + indicates where he blesses with his hand.
[P] The Lord be with you.
[R] And with thy spirit.
[P] Let us pray. O Almighty and eternal God, spare those that repent, and show mercy unto those that humbly entreat Thee; and vouchsafe to send from heaven Thy holy Angel to bless + and sanctify + these ashes; that they may be a wholesome remedy to all who humbly call upon Thy Holy Name, and, conscious of their sins, accuse themselves, and deplore their crimes in sight of Thy Divine majesty, or humbly and earnestly have recourse to Thy sovereign bounty; and grant, by our calling on Thy most Holy Name, that whoever shall be sprinkled with these ashes for the remission of their sins, may receive health of body and defence of soul. Through Christ our Lord.
[R] Amen.
[P] Let us pray. O God, Who desirest the conversion, and not the death of sinners, graciously consider the weakness of human nature, and mercifully vouchsafe to bless + these ashes, which we design to receive on our heads, in token of our humiliation, and to obtain forgiveness; that we, who know that we are but ashes, and must return to dust because of our wickedness, may obtain, through Thy mercy, pardon of all our sins, and the recompense promised to penitents. Through Christ our Lord.
[R] Amen.
[P] Let us pray. O God, Who art appeased by humiliation, and pacified by satisfaction, incline to our prayers the ears of Thy mercy; and pour upon the heads of Thy servants, covered with these + ashes, the grace of Thy blessing, so as both to fill them with the spirit of compunction, and to grant them the effects of their just desires; and, when granted, to remain stable and untouched forever. Through Christ our Lord.
[R] Amen.
[P] Let us pray. O Almighty and eternal God, Who forgavest the Ninivites, when they did penance in sackcloth and ashes; mercifully grant us so to imitate their penance, that we may obtain pardon of our sins. Through Christ our Lord.
[R] Amen.
ASPERGES. Sprinkling the ashes thrice with holy water, the Priest prays:
[P] Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, O Lord, and I shall be cleansed; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.
CENSE The Priest then censes the ashes thrice. After censing the ashes, the Priest kneels before the Altar and applies the ashes on his own forehead, with his right thumb, in the form of a Cross, saying:
[P] Remember + man that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.
The Priest goes to the Ambo & distributes the blessed ashes to all who come forward, marking with his thumb on the forehead of each person the Sign of the Cross with the ashes and saying to each person, as he does so:
[P] Remember + man that thou art dust, and unto dust thou shalt return.
CHOIR. The choir, meanwhile, may sing these Anthems:
Let us change our dress for ashes and sackcloth: let us fast and weep before the Lord: for our God is very merciful to forgive us our sins. The priests, the ministers of the Lord, shall weep between the porch and the altar, and shall say: Spare, O Lord, spare Thy people; and shut not the mouths of them that sing to Thee, O Lord. Let us make amends for the sins we have committed through ignorance: lest, suddenly overtaken by the day of our death, we seek for time to do penance, and not be able to find it.
* Look down upon us, O Lord, and have mercy; for we have sinned against Thee.
V. Help us, O God, our Saviour, and for the glory of Thy Name, O Lord, deliver us.
* Look down upon us, O Lord, and have mercy; for we have sinned against Thee.
Gl.: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
* Look down upon us, O Lord, and have mercy; for we have sinned against Thee.
The Priest returns to the Altar for the concluding prayer:
[P] The Lord be with you.
[R] And with thy spirit.
[P] Let us pray. Grant us, O Lord, to begin with holy fasting our Christian warfare; that, being about to fight against the spirits of wickedness, we may be aided therein by temperance. Through Christ our Lord.
[R] Amen.
The people leave the Sign of the Cross in ashes on their forehead all day, not washing until retiring at the end of the day.
The Readings for the Mass on Ash Wednesday:
Psalm 57 (KJV) [Ps. 56 D-R]. Apostle: Joel 2:12-19. Gospel: Matthew 6:16-21.