The Western Orthodox Church in America Here you will find information specific to WOCA, its history, and Orthodox ideology.

 

An Order for the Proclamation

 Of the Word of God,

 Together With

 

 The Celebration

 Of the

Holy Eucharist

X

The First Setting

 

 

 

 

 

Published with Ecclesiastical Approbation by

 

The Archdiocese of Minnesota and the

Upper Midwest

2007

 

 

 

The Holy Eucharist: Rite One
The Liturgy of the Word

A hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung.
The people standing, the Celebrant says:

Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
R. And blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.

In place of the above, from Easter Day through the Day of Pentecost
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

In Lent and on other penitential occasions
Bless the Lord who forgiveth all our sins.
His mercy endureth for ever.

The Celebrant says
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Celebrant may read the following sentence:
Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith: 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. (Matthew 22:37-40)

THE INTROIT

 

If the Choir does not chant the Introit, it is to be prayed by Celebrant from the Proper at this time.

 

At the end of the Introit, the Kyrie may be sung by the Choir, or by the Choir and congregation, while prayed by the Celebrant and those at the Altar, or begun by the Celebrant with the Choir, or in any combinations.  It may be said or sung in 3-fold, 6-fold, or 9-fold variants, depending upon local custom.

The Kyrie
Lord, have mercy upon us.               Kyrie eleison.

Christ have mercy upon us.              Christe eleison.

Lord have mercy upon us.                Kyrie eleison.

When appointed, the following hymn or some other song of praise is sung or said, in addition to, or in place of, the preceding, all standing.
The Gloria

Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.
We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee,
we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory.
O Lord God, heavenly King,
God the Father almighty.
O Lord, the only begotten Son Jesus Christ;
O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer.
Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.
For thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord.
Thou only O Christ with the Holy Ghost
art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

---

The Collect
The celebrant says to the people:
The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.

The celebrant says the Collect.
People: Amen.

The Lessons
The people sit. One or two lessons, as appointed, are read, the reader first saying:
A Reading (Lesson) from ________.
A citation giving chapter and verse may be added.

After each reading, the Reader may say
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God.

Or the reader may say,
Here endeth the Reading (Epistle).

Silence may follow.

A psalm, hymn, or anthem may follow each reading.

 

 THE GRADUAL

 

The choir sings the Gradual (Pascha - Alleluia) and Tract while the Celebrant prays them (out loud if there is no choir, or he may sing them), then the Altar Book is moved to the Gospel side (or the Book of Epistles is returned to that place, or to its place.).

Then, all standing, the Deacon or a Priest reads the Gospel, first saying
The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to________ .
Glory be to thee, O Lord.

After the Gospel, the reader says
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise be to thee, O Christ.

The Homily

On Sundays, and major feast days, there follows, all standing,

The Nicene Creed

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth,and of all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds,
God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father;
by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven,
and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was became man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered, died and was buried; and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Ghost the Lord, and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church; I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; I look for the X Resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.


The Prayers of the People

The deacon, or other person appointed, says the following prayers, or the alternative prayers (see Appendix I)
With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the Lord, saying, "Lord, have mercy."

For the peace from above, for the loving-kindness of God, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For N., our Patriarch, N., our Metropolitan, N. our (Arch)Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For our president (the Queen), for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For this city, (town, village, _______,) for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For seasonable weather, and for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphaned, and for the sick and suffering, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For all who have died in the hope of the X resurrection, and for all the departed, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

For the absolution and remission of our sins and offenses, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.

In the communion of Blessed Mary ever virgin, [St and of all the saints,] let us commend ourselves and one another, and all our life to Christ our God.
To thee, O Lord our God.

Silence

The celebrant adds a concluding collect.

The Penitential Rite

The deacon or celebrant says
Ye who do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbors, and intend to lead a new life following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways: Draw near with faith, and make your humble confession to Almighty God, devoutly kneeling.

Or this
Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.

Silence may be kept.

Minister and People
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, judge of all men:
We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness,
which we from time to time most grievously have committed,
by thought, word, and deed against thy divine Majesty, provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us.
We do earnestly repent, and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings;
the remembrance of them is grievous unto us, the burden of them is intolerable.
Have mercy upon us,
have mercy upon us, most merciful Father;
for thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake,
forgive us all that is past;
and grant that we may ever hereafter
serve and please thee in newness of life,
to the honor and glory of thy Name;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Or this:
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against thee
in thought, word, and deed,
by what we have done,
and by what we have left undone.
We have not loved thee with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.  We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.
For the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ,
have mercy on us and forgive us;
that we may delight in thy will,
and walk in thy ways,
to the glory of thy Name. Amen.

The celebrant says
May Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him, have mercy on us, + pardon and deliver us from all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Peace
All stand. The celebrant says to the people
The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
And with thy spirit.

Then the Ministers and people may greet one another in the Name of the Lord.

Liturgy of the Faithful
Preparation of the Altar and the Gifts

It is desirable that the participation of the faithful be expressed by members of the congregation bringing up the bread and wine for the celebration of the Eucharist or other gifts for the needs of the Church and the poor.
The priest, standing at the altar, takes the paten with the bread and, holding it slightly raised above the altar, says quietly
 

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer, which earth has given and human hands have made. It will become for us the bread of life.

Then he places the paten with the bread on the corporal.

If no offertory song is sung, the priest may say the preceding words in an audible voice; then the people may respond
Blessed be God for ever.


The deacon (or the priest) pours wine and a little water into the chalice, saying quietly
By the mystery of this water and wine may we come to share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.

The priest, holding the chalice slightly raised above the altar, says quietly
Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to offer, fruit of the vine and work of human hands. It will become for us our spiritual drink.

If no offertory song is sung, the priest may say the preceding words in an audible voice; then the people may respond
Blessed be God for ever.

The priest bows and says quietly:
Lord God, we ask you to receive us and be pleased with the sacrifice we offer you with humble and contrite hearts.

He may now cense the offerings and the altar. Afterwards the deacon or a minister incenses the priest and people.
Next, the priest stands at the side of the altar and washes his hands, saying:
Lord, wash away my iniquity; cleanse me from my sin.

Standing at the center of the altar, facing the people, he says:
Pray, brethren, that our sacrifice may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.

The people respond:
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his Church.

The Prayer over the Gifts

THE SECRET

The priest sings or says the prayer over the gifts, at the end of which the people respond:

Amen.

The people remain standing. The Celebrant, whether bishop or priest, faces them and sings or says

 

The Preface

The Lord be with you.
And with thy Spirit.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up unto the Lord.
Let us give thanks unto the Lord our God.
It is meet and right so to do.

Then, facing the Holy Table, the celebrant proceeds
It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, holy Father, almighty, everlasting God;

Here a proper preface is sung or said on all Sundays, and on other occasions as appointed.

Proper Prefaces

Preface of the Lord's Day

 To be used on Sundays as appointed, but not on the succeeding weekdays

 

1. Of God the Father

 

Creator of the light and source of life, who hast made us in

thine image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our

Lord.

 

or the following

 

2. Of God the Son

 

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who on the first day of the

week overcame death and the grave, and by his glorious

resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life.

 

or this

 

3. Of God the Holy Spirit

 

Who by water and the Holy Spirit hast made us a new people

in Jesus Christ our Lord, to show forth thy glory in all the

world.

 

 

Prefaces for Seasons

 

To be used on Sundays and weekdays alike, except as otherwise appointed for Holy Days and Various Occasions

 

Advent

 

Because thou didst send thy beloved Son to redeem us from

sin and death, and to make us heirs in him of everlasting life;

that when he shall come again in power and great triumph to

judge the world, we man without shame or fear rejoice to

behold his appearing.

 

Incarnation

 

Because thou didst give Jesus Christ, thine only Son, to be

born for us; who, by the mighty power of the Holy Ghost,

was made very Man of the substance of the Virgin Mary his

mother; that we might be delivered from the bondage of sin,

and receive power to become thy children.

 

 

 Epiphany

 

Because in the mystery of the Word made flesh, thou hast

caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the knowledge

of thy glory in the face of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Lent

 

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who was in every way

tempted as we are, yet did not sin; By whose grace we are

able to triumph over every evil, and to live no longer unto

ourselves, but unto him who died for us and rose again.

 

or this

 

Who dost bid thy faithful people cleanse their hearts, and

prepare with joy for the Paschal feast; that, fervent in prayer

and in works of mercy, and renewed by thy Word and

Sacraments, they may come to the fullness of grace which

thou hast prepared for those who love thee.

 

 

Holy Week

 

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who for our sins was lifted

high upon the cross, that he might draw the whole world to

himself; who by his suffering and death became the author of

eternal salvation for all who put their trust in him.

 

Easter

 

But chiefly we are bound to praise thee for the glorious resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; for he is the very Paschal Lamb, who was sacrificed for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world; who by his death hath

destroyed death, and by his rising to life again hath won for

us everlasting life.

 

Ascension

 

Through thy dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who

after his glorious resurrection manifestly appeared to his

disciples; and in their sight ascended into heaven, to prepare

a place for us; that where he is, there we might also be, and

reign with him in glory.

 

Pentecost

 

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; according to whose true

promise the Holy Ghost came down [on this day] from

heaven, lighting upon the disciples, to teach them and to lead

them into all truth; uniting peoples of many tongues in the

confession of one faith, and giving to thy Church the power

to serve thee as a royal priesthood, and to preach the Gospel

to all nations.

 

 

Prefaces for Other Occasions

 

Trinity Sunday

 

For with thy co‑eternal Son and Holy Spirit, thou art one God,

one Lord, in Trinity of Persons and in Unity of Substance;

and we celebrate the one and equal glory of thee, O Father,

and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

 

 

All Saints

 

Who, 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.

 

 

A Saint

 

For the wonderful grace and virtue declared in all thy saints,

who have been chosen vessels of thy grace, and the lights

of the world in their generations.

 

or this

 

Who in the obedience of thy saints hast given us an example

of righteousness, and in their eternal joy a glorious pledge of

the hope of our calling.

 

or this

 

Because thou are greatly glorified in the assembly of thy saints.

All thy creatures praise thee, and thy faithful servants bless

thee, confessing before the rulers of this world the great Name

of thine only Son.

 

Apostles and Ordinations

 

Through the great shepherd of thy flock, Jesus Christ our

Lord; who after his resurrection sent forth his apostles to

preach the Gospel and to teach all nations; and promised to

be with them always, even unto the end of the ages.

 

Dedication of a Church

 

Through Jesus Christ our great High Priest; in whom we are

built up as living stones of a holy temple, that we might offer

before thee a sacrifice of praise and prayer which is holy and

pleasing in thy sight.

 

Baptism

 

Because in Jesus Christ our Lord thou hast received us as thy

sons and daughters, made us citizens of thy kingdom, and

given us the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.

 

 

Marriage

 

Because in the love of wife and husband, thou hast given us

an image of the heavenly Jerusalem, adorned as a bride for

her bridegroom, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who loveth

her and gave himself for her, that he might make the whole

creation new.

 

 

 

 

Commemoration of the Dead

 

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; who rose victorious from the

dead, and doth comfort us with the blessed hope of

everlasting life; for to thy faithful people, O Lord, life is

changed, not ended; and when our mortal body doth lie in

death, there is prepared for us a dwelling place eternal in the

heavens.

 

The Celebrant then continues with Acclamation.

 

Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name; evermore praising thee, and saying,

The Sanctus
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory.
Glory be to thee, O Lord most high.
X Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord
Hosanna in the highest.

In the Eucharistic Prayer  the words in brackets may be omitted.

NB> The celebrant may use another approved Eucharistic Canon Prayer.  
The priest, with hands extended, says:

MOST merciful Father, we humbly pray thee, through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, and we ask, that thou accept and bless these gifts, these presents, these holy and unspoiled sacrifices.

We offer them unto thee, first, for thy holy Catholic Church: that thou vouchsafe to keep it in peace, to guard, unite, and govern it throughout the whole world: together with thy servant N. our Patriarch, N. our Metropolitan, N., our (Arch)Bishop, and all the faithful guardians of the catholic and apostolic faith.

Commemoration of the Living

Remember, O Lord, thy servants and handmaids [N. and N.] and all who here around us stand, whose faith is known unto thee and their steadfastness manifest, on whose behalf we offer unto thee or who themselves offer unto thee this sacrifice of praise: for themselves, and for all who are theirs: for the redemption of their souls, for the hope of their salvation and safety: and who offer their prayers unto thee, the eternal God, the living and the true.

 

United in one communion we venerate the memory first, of the glorious ever-virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ; of Joseph her spouse; as also of thy blessed Apostles and Martyrs, Peter and Paul, Andrew, [James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thaddeus: Linus, Cletus, Clement, Xystus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian]

and of all thy saints; grant that by their merits and prayers we may in all things be defended with the help of thy protection.

[Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.]

 

Here on certain days is said a short prayer [Communicantes] proper to that day.

 

The celebrant then continues.

We beseech thee then, O Lord, graciously to accept this oblation from us thy servants, and from thy whole family: order thou our days in thy peace, and bid us to be delivered from eternal damnation and to be numbered in the fold of thine elect.

[Through Christ our Lord. Amen.]

Vouchsafe, O God, we beseech thee, in all things to make this oblation blessed, approved, and accepted, a perfect and worthy offering: that it may become for us the Body and Blood of thy dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who the day before he suffered,

            [Holy Thursday: the day before he suffered to save us and all men, that is, today,]

took bread into his holy and venerable hands, and with eyes lifted up to heaven unto thee, God, his Almighty Father, giving thanks to thee, he blessed, broke, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

 

Take this, all of you, and eat it:

This is my body which will be given up for you.

The priest shows the consecrated Host to the people, places it on the paten, and genuflects in adoration.

Then he continues.

Likewise, after supper, taking also this goodly chalice into his holy and venerable hands, again giving thanks to thee, he blessed, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

 

Take this, all of you, and drink from it:

This is the cup of my blood,

The blood of the new and everlasting covenant.

It will be shed for you and for all

So that sins may be forgiven.

Do this in memory of me.

 

The priest shows the Chalice to the people, places it on the corporal, and genuflects in adoration.

He then sings or says:

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

People:

 

1.      Lord, by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us free. You are the Saviour of the world.

2.      Dying you destroyed our death. Rising you restored our life. Lord Jesus, come in glory.

3.      When we eat this bread and drink this cup we proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, until you come in glory.

 

With hands extended, the priest continues

Wherefore, O Lord, we thy servants, and thy holy people also, remembering the blessed passion of the same Christ thy Son our Lord, as also his Resurrection from the dead, and his glorious ascension into heaven; do offer unto thine excellent majesty of thine own gifts and bounty, the pure victim, the holy victim, the immaculate victim, the holy Bread of eternal life, and the Chalice of everlasting salvation.

 

Vouchsafe to look upon them with a merciful and pleasant countenance: and to accept them even as thou didst vouchsafe to accept the gifts of thy servant Abel the Righteous, and the sacrifice of our patriarch Abraham: and the holy sacrifice, the immaculate victim, which thy high priest Melchizedech offered unto thee.

 

We humbly beseech thee, Almighty God: command these offerings to be brought by the hands of thy holy Angel to thine altar on high, in sight of thy divine majesty: that we who at this partaking of the altar shall receive the most sacred Body and Blood of thy Son, may be filled with all heavenly X benediction and grace.

[Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.]

 

Commemoration of the Dead

Remember also, O Lord, thy servants and handmaids [N. and N.] who have gone before us sealed with the seal of faith, and who sleep the sleep of peace. To them, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, we beseech thee to grant the abode of refreshing, of light, and of peace.

[Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.]

 

To us sinners also, thy servants, who hope in the multitude of thy mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and fellowship with thy holy Apostles and Martyrs: with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, [Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia,]

and with all thy saints: within whose fellowship, we beseech thee, admit us, not weighing our merit, but granting us forgiveness.

 

Through Jesus Christ our Lord; through whom, O Lord, thou dost ever create all these good things: dost sanctify, quicken, bless, bestow them upon us.

 

By whom and with whom and in whom,

in the unity of the Holy Ghost,

all honor and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty,

world without end. Amen.

 
And now, as our Savior Christ hath taught us, we are bold to say

People and celebrant
The Pater Noster

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 that trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Deliver us Lord, we beseech Thee, from all evils past, present and yet to come, and at the intercession of the Holy, glorious and blessed ever virgin Mary, Theotokos; of Thy blessed Apostles Peter, Paul, Andrew, (here may be named the patron of the church and those saints whose feasts are of this day), and all Thy Saints, graciously give peace in our time, that aided by the help of Thy loving kindness, we may both be ever free from sin and se-cure from all disquietude. Through the same Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, throughout all ages of ages.

R. Amen.

 

For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.

 

The Breaking of the Host

The celebrant breaks the consecrated Bread.

A period of silence is kept.
Then may be said
[Alleluia.] Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;
Therefore let us keep the feast. [Alleluia.]

In Lent, Alleluia is omitted, and may be omitted at other times, except during Eastertide.

The following anthem is sung or said here.


The Agnus Dei
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, grant us thy peace.

The following prayer may be said. The people may join in this prayer.
We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.


Facing the people, the celebrant says the following invitation

The holy Gifts of God for the holy People of God. Behold the Lamb of God,
Behold the Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world.

The people respond thrice:

Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof, 
but speak the world only and my soul shall be healed.

The ministers receive the Sacrament in both kinds, and then immediately deliver it to the people.

The Bread and Cup are given to the communicants with these words:
The Body (Blood) of our Lord Jesus Christ keep you in everlasting life. Amen.

Or with these words:
The Body of Christ, the bread of heaven. Amen.
The Blood of Christ, the cup of salvation. Amen.

During the ministration of communion, hymns, songs, or anthems may be sung.

After communion, the celebrant says
Let us pray.

THE COMMUNION ANTIPHON

 

The Celebrant then prays the Communion Antiphon, facing the Altar, hands extended, the Book being on the Gospel side, at which the congregation stands.

The people may then join in saying this prayer:

Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee for that thou dost feed us in these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favor and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs, through hope, of thy everlasting kingdom.
And we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou has prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen.

The bishop, when present, or the priest, gives the blessing
The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.

Or this:
The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

The Deacon, or the celebrant, may dismiss the people with these words
Let us go forth in the name of Christ.
Thanks be to God.

Or the following:
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Or this:
Let us go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.
Thanks be to God.

From the Easter Vigil through the Day of Pentecost "Alleluia, Alleluia" may be added to any of the dismissals.
The people respond
Thanks be to God. Alleluia, Alleluia.

 

 

AN ALTERNATIVE EUCHARISTIC CANON

 

C. The Lord be with you.

R. And with your spirit.

 

C. Lift up your hearts.

R. We lift them up to the Lord.

 

C. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.

R. It is meet and right so to do.

 

The Celebrant then turns to face the Altar.

 

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

 

Celebrant with hands outstretched.

 

It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks, for you are the one God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and forever.  Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance.  Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day, and, beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise.  Joining now with them and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we praise and glorify your name as we sing: (say:)

 

 

THE SANCTUS

 

ALL: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, Lord God of Hosts. Heaven and earth are full of Thy Glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed [+] is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

 

The veils are now removed from the Chalice and Paten.

 

THE EUCHARISTIC CANON

 

The celebrant then extends his hands and prays:

 

We acclaim you, holy Lord, glorious in power.  Your mighty works reveal your wisdom and love.  You formed us in your own image, giving the whole world into our care, so that, in obedience to you, our Creator, we might rule and serve all your creatures.  When our disobedience took us far from you, you did not abandon us to the power of death.  Rather, in your mercy you came to our rescue, so that in seeking after you, we might find you.  Again and again you called us into covenant with you, and through the prophets you taught us to hope for salvation.

 

Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time you sent your only Son to be our Savior.  Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, he lived, and died, as one of us, yet without sin.  To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy.  To fulfill your purpose he gave himself up to death; and, rising from the grave, He destroyed death, and made the whole creation anew.

 

And that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own first gift for those who believe, to complete his work in the world, and to bring to fulfillment the sanctification of all.

 

The Celebrant takes hold of the bread and elevated it to the level of his eyes, returns the bread to the Altar and makes a slight bow. The bell is rung once during the elevation, and once during the bow.  At the words, “…broke it…” the celebrant may partially tear the Host, to symbolize the actions of Christ.  At the words,”…When supper was ended…”, the Celebrant shall lay hands upon or take hold of the Chalice; if more than one, he will specifically lay hands upon each vessel. 

 

When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, his heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end; at supper with them he took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you.  Do this for the remembrance of me.”

 

When supper was ended he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks to you, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is the cup of my Blood, the Blood of the new and everlasting Covenant.   It will be shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.  Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

 

Father, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption.  Recalling Christ’s death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this wine, in faith and love, we praise you and we bless you.

 

 

Celebrant and People

We praise you, we bless you, we give thanks to you and we pray to you, Lord, our God.

 

The celebrant continues

 

Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may descend upon us + and upon these gifts, X sanctifying them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the Bread of life and the Cup of salvation, making this Bread the Body X of Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ and that which is in this Chalice, the Blood X of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, changing them by Your Holy Spirit. Grant that all who share this Holy Communion may become one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise and glory of your name.

 

Remember, Lord, your one holy catholic and apostolic Church, redeemed by the blood of your Christ.  Reveal its unity, guard its faith, and preserve it in peace.

 

The Deacon then says the following Remembrances:

 

Remember N., our Patriarch, N. our Metropolitan, and N. our (Arch)Bishop [and all who minister in your Church.]

[Remember all your people, and those who seek your truth.]

[Remember __________.]

[Remember all who have died in the peace of Christ, and those whose faith is known to you alone; bring them into the place of eternal joy and light.]

 

The Celebrant continues:

 

And grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed Ever Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles and martyrs, with ____________, and all the saints who have found favor with you in ages past.  We praise you in union with them and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord

 

For it is By Him, and with Him. and in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, that all glory and honor are yours Almighty God, and Father; now and unto the ages of ages. AMEN.

 

Appendix 1: Alternate Prayers of the People
Form I

Almighty and everliving God, who in thy holy Word hast taught us to make prayers and supplications, and to give thanks for all men: Receive these our prayers which we offer unto thy divine Majesty, beseeching thee to inspire continually the Universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; and grant that all those who do confess thy holy Name may agree in the truth of thy holy Word, and live in unity and godly love.

Give grace, O heavenly Father, to N. our Patriarch, to N. our Metropolitan, and N., our (Arch)Bishop, to all bishops and other ministers, [especially ,] that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy sacraments.

And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace, and especially to this congregation here present; that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear and receive thy holy Word, truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life.

We beseech thee also to rule the hearts of those who bear the authority of government in this and every land, [especially ,] that they may be led to wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world.

Open, O Lord, the eyes of all people to behold thy gracious hand in all thy works, that, rejoicing in thy whole creation, they may honor thee with their substance, and be faithful stewards of thy bounty.

And we most humbly beseech thee, of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succor
[ , and] all those who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity.

Additional petitions and thanksgivings may be included here.

And we also bless thy holy Name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear [especially ], beseeching thee to be merciful and grant them fulness of joy in thy love and service; and to grant us grace so to follow the good
examples of [ St. N, and of] all thy saints, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom.

Grant these prayers, O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

 

 

Litany of Intercession: Form II

Deacon, or other leader:
Let us pray for the whole state of Christ's Church and the world.

Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church;
That we all may be one.

Grant that every member of thy Church may truly and humbly serve thee;
That thy name may be glorified by all people.

We pray for all bishops, priests, and deacons;
That they may be faithful ministers of thy Word and Sacraments.

We pray for all who govern and hold authority in the nations of the world;
That there may be justice and peace on the earth.

Give us grace to do thy will in all that we undertake;
That our works may find favor in thy sight.

Have compassion on those who suffer from any grief or trouble;
That they may be delivered from their distress.

Give to the departed eternal rest;
Let light perpetual shine upon them.

We praise thee for thy saints who have entered into joy;
May we also come to share in thy heavenly kingdom.

Let us pray for our own needs and those of others.

Silence.

The celebrant says
Thine is the majesty, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, now and for ever. Amen.

 

 

Form III

 

Deacon or other leader

 

With all our heart and with all our mind, let us pray to the

Lord, saying, "Lord, have mercy." OR “Kyrie Eleison”

 

[[For the peace from above, for the loving-kindness of God, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.]]

 

For the peace of the world, for the welfare of the Holy Church of God, and for the unity of all peoples, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

 

For N., our Patriarch, N. our Metropolitan, and N, our (Arch)Bishop, and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

 

For our (President / Queen / King), for the leaders of the nations, and for all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

 

For this city (town, village, N.-.), for every city and community, and for those who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

 

[[For seasonable weather, and for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.]]

 

For the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

 

[[For those who travel on land, on water, or in the air [or through  outer space], let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.]]

 

For the aged and infirm, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

 

[[For N.-., let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.]]

 

For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

 

For all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, and for

all the departed, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

 

For deliverance from all danger, violence, oppression, and degradation, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

 

That we may end our lives in faith and hope, without suffering and without reproach, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

 

[[Defend us, deliver us, and in thy compassion protect us, O Lord, by thy grace.

Lord, have mercy.]]

 

In the communion of [St. N.-. and of all the] saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and all our life, to

Christ our God.

To thee, O Lord our God.

 

*Silence.*

 

*The Celebrant adds a concluding Collect.*

 

 

 

Appendix 2: Prayers for before and after Communion

Prayers Before Communion
A Prayer of St John Chrysostom
I believe, O Lord, and I confess that thou art truly 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 truly thine own immaculate Body, and that this is truly thine own precious Blood. Wherefore I pray thee, have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, of knowledge and of ignorance; and make me worthy to partake without condemnation of thine immaculate Mysteries, unto remission of my sins and unto life everlasting. Amen. Of thy Mystic Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of thy Mystery to thine enemies, neither will I give thee a kiss as did Judas; but like the thief will I confess thee: Remember me, O Lord, in thy Kingdom. Not unto Judgment nor unto condemnation be my partaking of thy Holy Mysteries, O Lord, but unto the healing of soul and body.

A Prayer of St Ambrose
Lord Jesus Christ, I approach thy banquet table in fear and trembling, for I am a sinner, and dare not rely on my own worth but only on thy goodness and mercy. I am defiled by many sins in body and soul, and by my unguarded thoughts and words. Gracious God of majesty and awe, I seek thy protection. I look for thy healing. Poor troubled sinner that I am, I appeal to thee, the fountain of all mercy. I cannot bear thy judgment, but I trust in thy salvation. Lord, I show my wounds to thee, and uncover my shame before thee. I know my sins are many and great, and they fill me with fear, but I hope in thy mercies, for they cannot be numbered. Lord Jesus Christ, eternal king, God and man, crucified for man, look upon me with mercy and hear my prayer, for I trust in thee. Have mercy on me, full of sorrow and sin, for the depth of thy compassion never ends.
Praise to thee, saving sacrifice, offered on the wood of the cross for me and for all mankind. Praise to the noble and precious blood flowing from the wounds of my crucified Lord Jesus Christ, and washing away the sins of the whole world.
Remember, Lord, thy creature, whom thou hast redeemed with thine own blood. I repent my sins, and I long to put right what I have done.


Merciful Father, take away all my offenses and sins; purify me in body and soul,
and make me worthy to taste the holy of holies.
Lord, may thy Body and Blood, which I intend to receive, although I am unworthy, be for me the remission of sins, the washing away of my guilt, the end of my evil thoughts, and the rebirth of my better instincts. May it incite me to do the works pleasing to thee and be profitable to my health of body and soul, and be a firm defense against the wiles of all my enemies. Amen.

A Prayer of St Thomas Aquinas
Almighty and ever-living God, I approach the sacrament of thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I come sick to the doctor of life, unclean to the fountain of mercy, blind to the radiance of eternal light, and poor and needy to the Lord of heaven and earth. Lord, in thy great abundance, heal my sickness, wash away my defilement, enlighten my blindness, enrich my poverty, and clothe my nakedness. May I receive the bread of angels, the King of kings and Lord of lords, with humble reverence, with the purity and faith, the repentance and love, and the determined purpose that will further the salvation of my soul. May I receive the sacrament of the Lord's Body and Blood, and its reality and power. Kind God, may I receive the Body of thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, born from the womb of the Virgin Mary, and so be received into his mystical body and numbered among his members. Loving Father, as on my earthly pilgrimage I now receive thy beloved Son under the veil of a sacrament, may I one day see him face to face in glory, who liveth and reigneth, world without end. Amen.

---

Prayers After Communion
Prayer of St Thomas Aquinas
Lord, Father all-powerful and ever-living God, I thank thee, for even though I am a sinner, thine unprofitable servant, not because of my worth, but in the kindness of thy mercy, thou hast fed me with the precious Body and Blood of thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that this Holy Communion may not bring me condemnation and punishment, but forgiveness and salvation. May it be a helmet of faith and a shield of good will. May it purify me from evil ways and put an end to my evil passions. May it bring me charity and patience, humility and obedience, and growth in the power to do good. May it be my strong defense against all my enemies visible and invisible, and the perfect calming of all my evil impulses bodily and spiritual. May it unite me more closely to thee, the one true God, and lead me safely through death to everlasting happiness with thee. And I pray that thou wilt lead me, a sinner, to the banquet where thou, with thy Son and the Holy Ghost, art true and perfect light, total fulfilment, everlasting joy, gladness without end, and perfect happiness with thy saints. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.


 

Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, heal me.
Blood of Christ, drench me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
Good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, shelter me.
From turning away, keep me.
From the evil one, protect me.
At the hour of my death, call me.
Into Thy presence, lead me,
With all Thy saints to praise Thee,
forever and ever. Amen.

 

Doxology to the Mother of God
It is truly right to call you blessed, O Mother of God,
Ever Virgin and most pure and Mother of our God.
More honorable than the Cherubim,
and more glorious beyond compare than all the Seraphim:
Without loss of virginity you gave birth to God the Word;
True Mother of God, we praise you.

 

Appendix 3: Various Prayers

The Regina Caeli
Regina Caeli, laetare, Alleluia. Mary Queen of Heaven, be joyful. Alleluia.
Quia quem meruisti portare, Alleluia. For He Whom thou hast merited to bear.
Alleluia.
Resurrexit sicut dixit, Alleluia. He has risen, as He foretold. Alleluia.
Ora pro nobis Deum, Alleluia. Pray with God our sins to spare. Alleluia.

V. Gaudare et laetare, O virgo Maria. Alleluia. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia.
R. Quia surrexit Dominus vere. Alleluia. For the Lord is truly arisen. Alleluia.

Oremus. Let us pray.
Deus, qui per resurrectionem Filii tui, God, who gave joy to the world through
Domini nostri Jesu Christi, mundum the Resurrection of thy Son our Lord
laetificare dignatus es: Praesta, quaesumus, Jesus Christ; grant, we beseech thee, that
ut per eius genitricem virginem Mariam, through the intercession of the Virgin 
perpetuae capiamus gaudia vitae. Per Mary, His mother, we may obtain the
eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. joys of everlasting life. Through the
Amen. same Christ our Lord. Amen.


Prayer to St Michael
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who roam the world, seeking the ruin of souls.

The Angelus
V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Ghost.
Hail Mary...

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to thy word.
Hail Mary...

V. And the word was made flesh.

R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary...

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O God, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

---

Litany of Our Lady of Walsingham

 

Mary, Pray to the Lord for us.
Mary without sin, Pray to the Lord for us.
Mary God's Mother, Pray to the Lord for us.
Mary the Virgin, Pray to the Lord for us.
Mary taken to Heaven, Pray to the Lord for us.
Mary at Bethlehem, Pray for all Mothers.
Mary at Nazareth, Pray for all Mothers.
Mary at Cana, Pray fo