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WITH AN HISTOEICAL INTEODUOTION

BDITED BT
THE REV. NICHOLAS B JEERING

3S'etD Dork
PTJBLISHED POK THB EDITOB BT
ANSON D. P. EANDOLPH & CO.
No. 900 Beoad^way

COPTKIGHT, 1884,
Bt eev. NICHOLAS BJEEHING.

350

PREgg OF J. J. LITTLE ^ CO
NOS. 10 TO an astor placl, NEw'yoRK.

CONTENTS.

PAGE
Introduction  v
The Nocturnal Service on the Eye op a Festival, when the Great
Vespers are connected ¦with the Matins  1
The Liturgies op SS. John Chrysostom and Basil the Great   40
Holy Baptism  75
The ADMiNisTEBiNa op the Holy Chrism  96
The Administration op Conpession  104
The Communion op the Sick  109
Ordination  US
Matrimony  139
The Holy Unction  158

Note. — The editor desires to acknowledge his obligation to the Rev. John
Anketell, A. M., Pounder of the American Episcopal Church in Dresden, Saxony,
and sometime Professor of Hebrew and Greek Exegesis in the Seabury Divinity
School, for valuable assistance rendered in preparing this work for the press.

INTRODUCTION.

It is one of the cheering evidences of progress in the
nineteenth century that Christians of different tenets are be
ginning to inquire concerning their differences. In any such
study as this the Oriental Church may justly claim one of
the most prominent positions. Not only is she one of the
largest bodies of Christians, numerically, in the -world, but
she can also -with truth claim to be the most ancient. For
the gospel -was first preached in Jerusalem, an Eastern city,
and Rome, the capital of the world, like all the West, re
ceived her illumination from Eastern sources.
The 'New Testament and early Liturgies of the Church
¦were composed in the Greek language. Even S. Paul's
epistle to the Christians at Rome was written in the Greek,
not the Latin tongue ; and there is every reason to suppose
that for many years the services of the Church at Rome were
conducted in the Greek language. Four out of five of the
Patriarchates into which the Church was portioned were
Greek, and one was Latin. A great majority of bishops in
the early general councils were Oriental, both in name and
origin. A Church which can boast such a lineage as this is
surely entitled to great respect, and the study of her rites
should be neglected by no Christian scholar, whatever may
be his creed or persuasion.
For the sake of convenience we shall divide our iutroduc-
tion into three heads : 1. DOCTEINES.
The doctrines of the Oriental Church are laid down in the
so-caUed seven CEcumenical Councils :
1. The first Council of Mceea, held in the year 325 under
Constantine the Great, in which the doctrine of Arius, who
denied the divinity of Christ, was condemned;

vi Introduction.
2. The flrst Council of Constantinople, 381, in the reign of
Theodosius the Great, against Macedonius, who denied the
divinity of the Holy Ghost.
3. The Council of Ephesus, 431, in the reign of Theodo
sius Minor, against Nestorius, Patriarch of Constantinople,
who asserted that Jesus Christ was two persons, one begotten
by the Father, the other incarnate by the Virgin Mary, and
so divided the Godhead and manhood in one Christ into two
Persons, as well as two Natures, calling the Yirgin Mary
Christipara, not Deipara.
4. The Council of Chalcedon, 451, in the reign of Marcian,
against Dioscorus, and Eutyches, who denied the humanity
of Christ and asserted that He had only an imaginary or fan
tastic body, ascribing the passion of Christ to the Godhead.
5. The second Council of Constantinople, 553, in the reign
of Justinian, against Origen, Evagrius and Dydimus, who
denied the resurrection of the flesh, and held that the soul is
created before the body.
6. The third Council of Constantinoplfe, in TruUo, 680, in
the reign of Constantine Pogonatus, against the Monothe-
lites, who held that Christ had only one ¦will and one act,
and denied two natures and two wills in our Lord.
7. The second Council of Nicsea, 787, in the reign of Con
stantine and his mother Irene, against the Iconomachi, who
condemned the use of pictures and images.
The next topic to be considered vrill be
2. Rites.
And under this head -will come
(a) Form and Becor ation of the Church.
In the Eastern Church the Byzantine form of architecture,
which is older than the Gothic, is the prevailing mode.
Under its spacious dome the church is cruciform, with the
sanctuary usuaUy at the eastern end. The principal entrance
is at the western end, and after passing through two spacious
porches or vestibules, one for penitents and the other for cate
chumens, the worshipper reaches the majestic nave adorned
with lofty pillars, but unfurnished with seats, excepting a
solitary row of chairs along the sides for the use of the sick,
the aged and the infirm.

Introduction. vii

At the eastern end is the chancel, divided, as in the West,
into choir and sanctuary, but in a different way. The choir
is much smaller in proportion, and is raised with steps above
the nave, and sometimes furnished with rails. Behind it
towers the lofty Ikonostasis, or altar-screen, which, when
the doors are closed, completely shuts the sanctuary and
those within from the sight of those without. This Ikono
stasis is adorned vrith pictures of Christ, the Virgin Mary
and other saints. Access to the sanctuary is obtained by
means of three doors. Those in the middle are called the
Royal or Holy Doors, through which none but a bishop,
priest or deacon may pass. These doors are also furnished
with a veil or curtain, which is drawn across them at certain
portions of the service. The south door is called the
Deacon! s Door,, and the north door the Paranoviarion,
through which ordinary servants of the church may pass
when they have duty to perform in the sanctuary. The
laity are not usuaUy aUowed to enter, and women never.
The most prominent object in the sanctuary is the Hol-y
Table, on which the Divine Mysteries are celebrated in the
Eucharist. • The Holy Table is a cubical structure of wood placed in
the very middle of the sanctuary and covered with a linen
cloth called uaraaapna, over which is placed a rich and
beautiful altar cloth called ivd-imov. As in the temple of
the Old Testament the Holy of Holies contained the Ark of
the Covenant with its precious deposits, so the Oriental
sanctuary has on its Holy Table a Tabernacle, which contains
the consecrated elements of the Holy Eucharist, reserved for
the communion of the sick ; a cross, the sign of the eternal
Priesthood of Christ ; and the Book of the Gospels, which
contains His Holy Law. Over all these is sometimes placed
a Baldachin, or rich canopy supported by four pillars.
Directly behind the Holy Table, at the extreme east, is the
Bishop's Throne, and on either side a row of seats for the
attendant clergy, who minister with him.
In the northeast corner of the sanctuary is a table very
similar to that which serves as an Altar. This is called the
Prothesis or Table of Preparation. Here the elements of
bread and wine are placed for preparation before they are
removed by the Priest to the Holy Table at the time of the
great entrance. On the south side of the sanctuary there is

viii Introduction.
a place caUed Aia-Kovinov, where the holy vessels, clerical
robes, books, etc., are carefully preserved.
Directly in front of the Holy Doors, in the choir, there is
a Uttle platform, sUghtly raised, which is caUed the Ambon.
From this the gospel is read to the people and sermons are
preached, as occasion may require. In cathedral churches
there is a large pulpit in the middle of the church, where the
Bishop is robed, and prayers said before the Liturgy. The
choir of readers and singers are ranged on each side of the
Ambon in the chancel and sing antiph onally. The music is
entirely vocal, since the use of instruments is forbidden in
the Oriental Church. The congregation stand in the nave of
the church, except when their posture is kneeling. Only
the infirm are allowed to sit on the chairs ranged along the
sides of the church. In the inner porch the font, or vessel
for Holy Baptism, is sometimes placed ; because they con
sider that sacrament as the door of entrance into the Holy
Church of Christ.
(&) The Holy Vessels.
The holy vessels used in Divine Service are the foUovnng :
1. The Chalice (Uor-rjpiov), or Cup used in the adminis
tration of the Lord' s Supper. It is very simUar in form and
appearance to that used in other Christian bodies.
2. The Disk (AIgkoz), a Paten, or plate, on which the
Holy Lamb (Agnus) is laid.
3. The Asterisk ('AGrspiGKoi), a star made out of two
semicircles crossed and joined together. It serves as a cover
ing to the Disk and typifies the Star in the East, which
guided the Magi to the cradle of Jesus, in Bethlehem.
4. The Spoon (Aa/3ii), with a cross on the handle, used in
the administration of the Lord's Supper to the communi
cants. It is usuaUy made of gold.
5. The Spear (Aoyxrj), a lance-formed knife "with a cross
on the handle. It is used in cutting out from the "sacri
ficial loaf" the triangular portions which are to be conse
crated. It is typical of the spear which pierced the Re
deemer's side.
6. The vessel for the warm water which is poured into
the chalice after the prayer of "consecration." It also has
a cross on the handle.

Introduction. ix
7. The Sponge. This is used in the Liturgy for cleaning
the holy vessels and coUecting the fragments from the disk,
which are placed in the chaUce.
8. The little plates which are used for the Prosphor
loaves and for the Antidoron. The first is adorned with a
picture of the crucifixion, and the second with that of the
Vii'gin Mary.
9. The Fans{Pi7ridiov) used over the Holy Gifts in Epis
copal services.
10. The Ciborium or Tabernacle— already described.
11. The Uttle casket -within the Tabernacle, divided into
two compartments. In one is a little box containing the re
served elements ; in the other are a Uttle chaUce, a spoon and
a bottle of wine.
12. The Cross, which is placed on the Holy Table, always
constructed in the Greek form. It is richly ornamented with
the crucifixion and other designs.
13. The holy Book of the Oospels, the covers of which are
richly adorned. On the front side, in the middle, is portrayed
the Resurrection of the Lord, and in the four corners, the
four Evangelists. On the other side we find the outpouring
of the Holy Ghost, the Crucifixion of Christ, or some other
event in the gospel history.
14. The '' Avoiko-yiov is a high desk, on which the holy
pictures and the Book of the Gospels are placed. Tlae Dea
con uses it when reading the gospel from the Ambon.
15. The Cross, which is placed behind the Holy Table, and
carried in front of processions.
16. The holy water vase and sprinkler.
17. The Font for the administration of Baptism. This is
large enough for the immersion of an infant, and is orna
mented with three candles, lighted during the service, and
symbolical of the Holy Trinity, into whose sacred Name the
candidate is baptized.
18. The oil vessel, containing the oU with which the can
didate for Baptism is anointed before his immersion. The
Priest has also a vessel containing the consecrated oU and
myrrh for the Chrism.
19. The crowns, which are placed on the heads of bride
groom and bride in Matrimony. These signify that the bridal
pair are victorious over youthful lusts, and also that they are
the princes and rulers of their posterity.

X Introduction.
20. The banners, decorated with a cross, which arfe borne
in processions. At other times they are placed on each side
of the choir.
21. The vessel for the^«e loanes. This is used for the hal
lowing of bread. In the middle are placed the loaves ; on
the right, a vessel of wine ; on the left, a vessel of oil ; in
front, three lights ; behind, a vessel for the wheat.
22. The lanterns, which are borne before the cross and
pictures in processions.
23. The seven-branched candlestick, which is placed before
the cross, behind the Holy Table, and which denotes the
sevenfold Gifts of God, the Holy Ghost.
24. The great lights. These are placed before the holy pict
ures on the Ikonostasis, and hold four candles ; a large one in
the middle, denoting the Unity of the Trinity, and three smaU
ones about it, denoting the Three Persons of the Godhead.
25. The Primiker is a taper borne before the Bishop. It
is also carried before the Gospels and the Holy Gifts at the
great and Uttle entrances.
26. The Dyker, a two-armed candle, denoting the Two
Natures in One Person of Christ.
27. The Triker, a three-armed candle, representing the
Holy Trinity.
28. The Polykandelon, a many -branched candlestick, with
seven or twelve Ughts.
39. The Pankandelon, a candlestick containing more than
twelve Ughts.
30. The Chorus is a corona, or circlet of lights, suspended
from the dome in the Oriental Church. The Pankandelon is
generaUy used instead of it.
31. The lamps, which are hung before the holy pictures.
32. The censer, in which the incense is burnt. This signi
fies the prayers of the faithful, which ascend to Heaven ; and
also the gracious gifts of the Holy Ghost, which fill the
hearts of beUevers VTith joy.
(c) The Vestments of the Clergy.
In the Oriental Church there are three great orders of
clergy, caUed Bishops, Priests and Deacons. There are also
lesser ranks, which are of ecclesiastical origin. Each of these
has its appropriate costume.

Introduction. xi
1. Readers, Singers and Light-bearers are commonly ar
rayed in the short Phcelonion. This is a word derived from
the Greek cpaiXovrji (by metathesis for cpaivolrji, Lat., penu-
la, a thick cloak), and signifies a mantle ; and in this case a
short cape, with a cross on the back, at the neck.
2. The Deacon is robed in a Sticharion (from aroixoi, a
line), which is a white robe or tunic, emblematic of purity,
and adorned vnth several Stripes. He also wears over the
left shoulder the Orarion, or deacon' s stole, which he raises
in his hand at the beginning of a pubUc prayer. In common
with the other orders of the clergy he wears inijjiavixia, or
cuffs (maniples), decorated with crosses, which confine the
robes at the wrists.
3. The Priest, wears a Sticharion (alb) like the Deacon,
but vdth narrower sleeves. This is spanned by a girdle at
the waist, and over it is the Epitrachelion or priestly stole.
This goes about the neck like the Latin stole, but is much
broader and united into one piece like a yoke, adorned with
crosses and with heavy fringe at the bottom. The Priest can
perform no religious service without the Epitrachelion, nor
the Deacon -without the Orarion. Over this the Priest puts
on the Phcelonion, or chasuble. It is a wide mantle like the
Western cope, reaching nearly to the ground, open in front,
but joined at the neck and richly ornamented with crosses,
etc. There is also the Fpigonation, a square vestment -with
fringe, hung on the right thigh of Arch-priests, or other
Priests who are especially honored by the Church for their
services. 4. The Bishop wears a Sakkos, an alb Uke the Deacon's,
but covered all over -with crosses. "Over this he wears the
Omophorion, a stole, with one end thro-wn over the left
shoulder ; typical of the lost sheep borne on the shoulder of
the Good Shepherd. Sometimes he wears a little OmopM-
rion, or stole, reaching to the waist. The Bishop also wears
an Epigonation, square but suspended by one comer. On
Ms breast he bears a cross attached to a chain, and also the
Panagia. This latter is a circular brooch with a picture of
Christ and the Virgin Mary. On his head the Bishop wears
a mitre. This is not shaped at aU Uke the cloven mitre of
the Latins, but is more like a royal crown, or the mitre of
the Jewish High Priest. It denotes the glory of the Lord,
and is also a remembrance of His crovni of thorns.

xu Introduction.
The Bishop has also a dark mantle (Mantia), vdth light
horizontal stripes, and two plates v/ith crosses on the
shoulders in front, denoting the Old and New Testaments.
Before him is carried a Paterissa, or pastoral staff ; and
under his feet is spread a carpet, caUed th'e Eagle. On this
circular carpet there is worked the figure of an eagle hover
ing over a city, and it denotes the faU of the Roman eagle
under the Cross of Christ. When the Bishop consecrates a
church, he wears over his other vestments a fine white robe,
caUed Givdoov, which is bound with three girdles, at the
neck, breast and waist.
The vesture of the Holy Table should also be noticed.
We have spoken of the KaraGapua and svdvnov. When
the Liturgy is to be celebrated, there is placed over these an
enveloping cloth, which is called siXrjrov. Within this is
folded the Antiminsion (or corporal), a rich, sUken cloth,
adorned with a picture of the burial of Christ. This is con
secrated by the Bishop, and in unconsecrated buUdings sup
plies the place of consecration ; so that the Holy Eucharist
can never be celebrated without an Antiminsion. The
chaUce and disk are covered with a rich veil, called the Air,
drjp. This is so called, because at the singing of the Creed
the Priest waves it up and down, in token of the Resurrection
of the Lord and the Descent of the Holy Ghost.
On Good Friday there is borne into the church a bier,
denoting the death of the Lord Jesus. From Easter until
Ascension Day this bier or pall is placed upon the Holy
Table, and the Liturgy is celebrated upon it.
(d.) The Services of the Church.
The Eastern Church holds the Di-vine Liturgy as the
central point of aU Christian worship. AU who receive the
Communion fast strictly before its reception. Consequently,
the Liturgy is celebrated between midnight and noon. On
entering the church the people bow, cross themselves and
remain standing.
At the close of the Liturgy the Antidoron or uncon
secrated bread is distributed to some of the people, and the
congregation retire vdth the blessing of the priest.
In addition to the Liturgy, the Church has seven other
daUy services. These hours are called : 1. Midnight Service ;

Introduction. xUi
2. Morning Service with the First Hour ; 3. The Third HoTir ;
4. The Sixth Hour ; 5. The Ninth Hour ; 6. The Evening
Service ; and 7. The After -Vespers. Vespers and Matins are
commonly said together on the eve of Sundays and great
festivals. In the Oriental Church, as in the Jewish, the
ecclesiastical day begins -with the previous sunset, and not at
midnight. Consequently the Vespers of Sunday are said on
Saturday evening. These services, in the absence of a
Priest, can be said by the laity and in private houses ; but
the Divine Liturgy can be celebrated only by a Priest or
Bishop and in a church. A Priest can celebrate only one
Liturgy on a given day, and the Liturgy cannot be repeated
on the same Holy Table the same day. Hence, as there is
but one altar in each church, there can be but one celebration.
The Seven Hours are commonly said together in groups of
three at morning, noon and evening.
Baptism is celebrated sometimes in the church and some
times in private houses, as need may be. It is always
administered by dipping the infant, or adult, three times
into the water. The Prussian Church, however, admits the
vaUdity of baptism vdthout her pale, provided that it has
been properly administered by pouring water three times in
the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is called, in the Oriental
Church, the Holy Chrism. It is administered to infants and
young chUdren, as weU as to adult converts, soon after their
baptism, by a Priest. Oil mingled with myrrh and other
spices for the purpose, is solemnly consecrated by the Bishops
with " the laying on of hands," and then distributed to the
Priests. These anoint the person to be confirmed with the
Chrism. It is also to be noted that the Eastern Church
admits infants and young children, who have been baptized
and confirmed -within her pale, to receive the Holy Communion.
Confession is made by the communicant to the Priest in
the Church, often in the presence, but never in the hearing,
of others. Unction is administered to the sick for the healing both
of body and soul. When given in its fuUest form, the ser
vice is conducted by seven priests.
(e.) Ecclesiastical Rank and Office.
In the Hierarchy of the Eastern Church, as we have

xiv Introduction.
already said, there are three " ApostoUcal Orders," viz.,
Bishops, Priests, and Deacons. But other offices have been
instituted and are maintained. Thus we find in the Hie
rarchy, Patriarchs, Exarchs, MetropoUtans, Archbishops,
Archimandrites, Hegum^ns, Arch-priests, Proto-deacons,
etc., besides the minor orders for the lower services of the
Church. A Bishop has these exclusive rights and privileges, not
appertaining to other clergymen : 1. He can administer all
sacraments and all other priestly offices not only in his ca
thedral, but in all the churches of his eparchy. 2. He only can
ordain a Priest or Deacon, and consecrate the Holy Chrism,
or the Antiminsion. 3. He presides in aU di-dne services,
blesses the people with both hands, and gives the benediction
¦with burning tapers. Several Bishops unite to consecrate or
ordain a Bishop. An Oriental Bishop must be always a
single man or a widower.
In the ranks of the Priesthood, an Archimandrite (abbot)
is the head of a monastery ; an Hegumen (prior) presides
over monks ; a Proto-presbyter, or Archpriest, presides over
other parish Priests ; a Hieromonach is a Priest who is also
a monk. A Presbyter, or Priest, can administer all sacra
ments and rites, except those which are reserved for Bishops.
Thus, he can confer Baptism, Chrism, Penance, the Holy
Eucharist, Matrimony and Unction. He conducts the ser
vice, gives absolution and communion, imposes penances on
the guilty, seats himself in the chancel at certain times near
the Bishop's throne, and blesses the people, but with the
right hand only.
Deacons also have grades similar to those in the Priest
hood, of Archdeacon, Proto-deacon, and Hiero-deacon. The
Deacons assist the Priest and Bishop in conducting the ser
vice, lead the prayers of the congregation, say the eMene
(litany), and make ready the elements on the Prothesis for
the celebration.
In the minor orders, the Sub-deacons, or assistants, attend
upon the Bishop; the readers, singers, lamp-bearers and
lamp lighters perform the duties described in their titles ;
the Kanonarch is the leader of the choir ; the Paranomaros
is properly the doorkeeper ; the Sakellar is the sexton who
takes charge of the church buUding ; the Proto-syncellus
and Syncellus are the first and second stewards of the Patri-

Introduction.

XV

arch ; the omovojxo? is the Bishop's steward ; the Chartophy-
lax is the Secretary of the Patriarch.
3. RELIGIOUS LIFE.
A description of the reUgious manners and customs of
the Russian Empire can scarcely be without value to the
American people, who are so deeply interested in religious
questions. The science of comparative theology, although
the youngest branch on the tree of human knowledge, will,
soon become, for an accurate and fruitful study of antiquity,
as indispensable as comparative phUology. For how can
we truly understand and properly appreciate a people, its
Uterature, art, poUtics, morals, and philosophy, its entire
conception of life, unless we comprehend also its religion,
not only in its outward aspect, but in its innermost being —
in its deepest, far-reaching roots ? What a great poet once
said, almost propheticaUy of languages, may also be said
of religions : ' ' He who knows only one, knows none ! ' '
As the true knowledge of a language requires a knowledge
of languages, so a true knowledge of religion requires a
knowledge of reUgions. And, however bold the assertion
may sound, it is nevertheless true that all the languages of
mankind have an Oriental origin, and that all religions, like
the sun, have risen in the East.
When the classical scholar turns his thoughts back to
that ancient land of Greece, on which the studies of his boy
hood centred, he cannot but be interested in the present con
dition of its inhabitants. He must wish to know what is the
faith now held by the descendants of Codrus and MUtiades,
Themistocles and Leonidas, Pericles and Plato. When the
student of the New Testament reads the Epistles of S. Paul,
he must often ask himself the question, "What is the pres
ent condition of those churches to which these Epistles were
written ? " He must desire to know the state of the churches
planted in Asia by S. Paul and S. Barnabas ; and the con
dition of the Russian Church, which now occupies one of the
most prominent places of the Oriental Churches.
The Roman Church was originally but a colony of Greek
Christians, and aU the early Fathers wrote in Greek. AU
the CathoUc rites testify by their names that their origin was
Greek. Bishop, Priest, Deacon, Liturgy, Litany, Baptism,

XVI

Introduction.

Eucharist, Epiphany, Pentecost — these, and many other
words in use among us, prove beyond a doubt that the first
Christian society was Greek in its origin.
The Oriental Church includes within her pale: 1- The
ancient Patriarchates of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch,
and Jerusalem ; 2. The Church in the Kingdom of Greece,
under the Synod of Athens ; and 8. The Church in Russia,
under the Synod of St. Petersburg.
An overwhelming majority of the inhabitants of Russia
are members of the Oriental Church, commonly caUed the
Greek Church. The Russian Church, as a branch of the
Eastern Church, had its origin the foUowing way : Russia,
the ancient Scythia, being far from the centres of Greek and
Latin civiUzation, remained long after the birth of Christ in
the darkness of paganism. According to the tradition of the
Church, S. Andrew, one of the Apostles, preached there,
and suffered martyrdom, after having made many converts.
But the Church itself was not organized untU a much later
date. It is said that the first Russian Duke, Oskold, who
reigned at Kiew in the ninth century, was a Christian.
Though this cannot be proved, it is certain that the Duchess
Olga was baptized in Constantinople in the year of our Lord
955. Her name is held in great veneration in Russia, as one
of the first founders of the Church in that country. Her
son, Swjatoslaw, it is true, did not heed her -wise counsels,
for ho Uved and died a pagan. But her grandson, Wladi-
mir, was moved by her example to follow in her footsteps.
When it was rumored abroad that the duke was about to
change his reUgion, ambassadors came from all quarters
representing many religions. Even the Mohammedans and
the Jews sent their miiftis and rabbis, with arguments and
persuasions, to win so distinguished a proselyte. But the
cautious monarch was not so easUy won. He summoned
a councU of his wisest men, and asked their opinion.
They decided unanimously that it would be weU not to
accept any reUgion until they had sent messengers to see
how it appeared in the country where it prevaUed. Accord
ingly, messengers were sent to visit the churches in Bulgaria,
Germany, and Greece, and report. The first two returned
dissatisfied ; but the envoys who visited Constantinople were
enthusiastic in their praises of the Greek ritual. When they

Introduction. xvu
witnessed the magnificent serdce of the Liturgy in the grand
old Church of S. Sophia, they said that "they felt as if in the
presence of the angels in Heaven." To this sentiment the
chief ambassador added, "If the Greek faith were not the
best, the wise Duchess Olga would not have accepted it. " And
so the choice was made. Wladimir and aU his court received
baptism by trine immersion (a.d. 988) in the flowing waters
of the Dnieper and the people followed his example. Bishops
and priests were sent from Constantinople as missionaries of
the faith, and by the middle of the twelfth century the
country had been won to formal Christianity.
Then came a severe trial to the Church and the nation.
A horde of half a mUlion Tartars, from Asia, under the lead
of a ferocious chieftain called Bat'iy, invaded Russia in the
year 1236, burning and plundering churches and vUlages,
and putting many persons to death on account of their
Christian faith. But though Russia became, for a time,
tributary to the Tartars, she did not renounce her religion ;
on the contrary, many of the Tartars, whose descendants
stiU live in the Russian Empire, were converted to Chris
tianity. And at the same time (1240) the Grand Duke Alex
ander, of Novgorod, won a great victory on the banks of the
Neva over the Swedes, who had been incited by the Pope to
conquer Russia for the Latin Church.
Gradually the Tartar yoke was thrown off. The Grand
Duke Demetrius, called Donscoy, vanquished the Tartars on
the banks of the Don in the year 1380, and acquired a par
tial freedom for his country ; which was fully accomplished
by the Czar John IV. in the year 1550. But, meanwhUe, a
calamity had befallen the Church of Constantinople, under
whose spiritual control the Russian Church then lay. In
the year 1453 the Turkish Sultan captured the city of Con
stantine, overthrew the Greek Empire, and persecuted the
Greek Christians with the most cruel barbarity. The Church
was barely suffered to Uve, and was certainly in no condition
to administer the government of a sister Church. While the
Russians sympathized deeply with the afflictions of their
brethren, they had not sufficient mUitary strength to come to
their relief. That the Russian Church might not be deprived
of proper spiritual government, the Grand Duke Theodor, in
the year 1588, applied to the Patriarch of Constantinople for
permission to found a new Patriarchate for the Russian

xviu Introduction.
Church. The question was referred to the other Patriarchs of
Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem, and they all decided that,
although the General Councils had estabUshed flve Patriarch
ates, the exact number was not a matter of divine right, but of
ecclesiastical convenience ; and, consequently, the request
could be granted. Accordingly, the Russian Church became
independent, under the ecclesiastical authority of the new
Patriarch of Moscow. The most illustrious of the Russian
Patriarchs was Nikon, who governed the Church from 1652 to
1657. During the Tartar rule many mistakes had been made
in the service-books, through the ig-norance of scribes, whose
carelessness was lamentable. Nikon carefuUy corrected and
restored the rites, comparing them vdth the Greek offices,
and introduced many practical reforms. But his zeal made
him many enemies, so that at last this great and good man
died in exile.
The reforms also caused the separation from the Church
of those who ignorantly and blindly supposed that the cor
rupted service-books were di-dnely inspired. This sect of
"Old BeUevers" (Star owj ery) stiU exists in Russia. At
length Peter the Great arose, and under this ruler great
changes were introduced, both in Church and State. One of
the most important was the abolition of the Russian Patri
archate, after it had existed for a period of one hundred and
thirty years. It had now been vacant for some time, and
during its vacancy its powers were exercised by a Synod of
Prelates. The mind of Peter suggested the idea of making
this condition permanent, by transferring the power of the
Patriarch to a Governing Synod. The question was again re
ferred to the accommodating Patriarchs, and their permission
obtained. Accordingly, in the place of the Patriarch, and
assuming his title "Holy," the Holy Governing Synod was
constituted at St. Petersburg, consisting of twelve members ;
that is to say, four archbishops, six archimandrites, and two
arch-priests. This body, presided over by the MetropoUtan
of St. Petersburg, is the nominal ruler of the Russian Church,
but is subject to the Emperor, to whom it renders an annual
account of its affairs through a lay procurator, who in fact
governs the Russian Church.
There are at the present day about eighty millions of East-
em or Greek Christians; of which number flfty- eight milUons
are members of the Russian Church. To supply their spirit-

Introduction.

XIX

ual wants, the Church is divided into fifty-eight dioceses, with
a bishop at the head of each. These bishops are divided into
three classes. The first are caUed metropoUtans, of whom
there are but three, viz.: in Kiew, Moscow, and St. Petersburg.
The second class are called archbishops, and the third bishops.
Besides these, there are inthe large dioceses assistants, caUed
¦dears, or suffragan bishops. The bishops are aU unmarried
men. The priests are of two kinds : the parochial and the
monastic. The priests in charge of parishes are the most nu
merous, and are aU of them married men. No man who has
been twice married can be ordained as a clergyman ; and if a
priest should contract a second marriage he would be removed
from his office. The deacons act as assistants to the priests
in performing the services of the Church.
The monastic clergy or monks are vowed to a Ufe of ceUb
acy. They do not take charge of parishes, but live together
in monasteries. Paul the Hermit, who lived in the third
century, is said to have been the founder of the monastic
Orders. To avoid the persecution of the pagan emperor,
Decius, and at the same time to practice asceticism, Paul fled
to the desert of the Thebaid, where he is said to have Uved
ninety years, subjecting himself to the severest discipline.
Some say that Antony, others that Pachomius, was the first
who organized the monks into a body, with fixed and defi
nite rules. But to S. Basil the Great the Eastern Church
owes not only one of its Uturgies, but also the final perfection
of its monastic rules ; since all the monks and the nuns in the
Oriental Church are of the Order of S. BasU, and not of dif
ferent orders, as in the Latin Church. There have, indeed,
been hermits or anchorites in the Russian Church, but these
have been men who, for private devotion, have chosen to live
apart from their brethren, the cloistered monks, and not a
different Order.
The monasteries in Russia are called by some Coenobia,
and by others Laura ; but the discipline in aU is the same.
The convents are under the jurisdiction of the bishop of the
diocese in which they are situated. Although the monks are
aU of the same Order, they are divided into three different
degrees. The Novices, or Probationers, serve for a few years ;
and by the rules of the Church, men are not admitted as
monks, nor women as nuns, untU they are somewhat ad
vanced in years. The Novices make no vows, and can at any

XX

Introduction.

time leave the convent and marry ; but whUe they remain
they are obUged to conform to the rules of the society. If
they remain steadfast to their profession, they are allowed to
take the Lesser Habit, and become regular monks. There is
a third degree, which but few take, caUed the Great AngeUc
Habit, the wearers of which are pledged to extraordinary as
cetic discipline. The head of a monastery is called an Archi
mandrite, the word meaning "Chief of the Fold," an office
simUar to that of an Abbot in the West. There are also Heg-
umens (or Priors), who are chiefs of smaUer convents. The
Probationers wear a black cassock or vest, called RhcEsa, and
a black hood, called Kamelauch, because it is made of camel's
hair. The Proficients are clothed with an npper cloak, called
the Mandyos, or Lesser Habit, to distinguish it from the
Angelic Image, or Great Habit, which is Avornby the Prefect.
The dress of the nuns is very simUar to that of the monks.
The principal is called Hegumena. The most celebrated
cloisters in Russia are the Catacomb Convent in Kiew ; the
Laura of the Holy Trinity, near Moscow, where S. Sergius
was buried ; and the Convent of S. Alexander Newsky, in
St. Petersburg.
The church life of Russia is characterized by great outward
piety and devotion. Early in the morning the beU from the
church tower summons the worshippers to prayer ; a few hours
later, they gather to join in the celebration of the Mass. In
the afternoon, evening prayers are read ; and on the eves of
great festivals a special service is held, in honor of the day,
and as a preparation for the coming feast. The Eastern
Church continues to observe the old style in reckoning the
days of the year. All its holy days, if immovable, come
twelve days later than in the West ; thus, Christmas falls on
the sixth of January, N. S., and the Epiphany on the eigh
teenth of the same month. The movable feasts are often re
tarded by the same rule.
The principal feasts of the Russian Church are observed
in remembrance of great events in the Ufe of the Lord Jesus
Christ and of the Virgin Mary. The second class are in
honor of the Apostles and most celebrated saints ; whUe the
third commemorates lesser saints and martyrs. The Church
also observes with religious ceremonies the birth and name
days of the Imperial family, and the accession and coronation
of the Emperor. All the feasts are observed -with the honor

Introduction.

XXI

due to their respective importance ; but the queen of all fes
tivals is the feast of Easter.
For forty days previous the Church observes the fast of
Lent. This devotion culminates in the services of the Holy
Week, when the whole of the four Gospels is read aloud in
the church.
On Good Friday the services are solemn and iiiipressive,
reminding the worshipper of the atoning death of his Ee
deemer. The next day is called the Great Sabbath, because
it commemorates that last great Sabbath when the Lord Jesus
lay in the tomb. On that day the Uturgy of S. BasU is used
at noon, and the Gospel speaks of the coming Resurrection
of Christ. In the meantime, all the people, at home as weU
as in the church, are preparing to celebrate the Great Feast.
Every one, even to the poorest, decorates his house, and
dresses himself in his best clothing. The churches are
crowded -with worshippers, and the evening is spent in the
reading of the Acts of the Apostles. At the stroke of twelve
all the beUs in the empire ring forth a joyous peal, preceded
in St. Petersburg by the firing of a salute of artillery. Lights
flash forth from the houses in all the streets ; the stately
domes of the magniflcent churches are a blaze of light. .
MeanwhUe -within the churches the scene is even more ma
jestic and beautiful. The mourning over a dead and buried
Christ is suddenly changed into lively joy, which haUs the
risen Redeemer.
The holy doors before the sanctuary suddenly open, and
a procession of the clergy, dressed in their festive robes, en
ters the church to the glad music of Easter songs. They
carry in their hands the crucifix, and bear on their breasts
the holy Gospel and a picture of Christ's Resurrection. All
the worshippers in the body of the church have brought
¦with them wax candles. These are in a moment lighted, and,
amidst this Ulumination, the procession, with the Church
banners borne before, passes out of the church and around
it from west to east. Arrived at the main doors, it finds
them shut, and halts for a moment. Those who are within
hear the words of the Easter Anthem, "Now is Christ
risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them
that slept." At the sound of these words the church doors
are again opened, the procession enters the church, and
the Uturgy of S. Chrysostom begins.

xxu Introduction.
A marked feature of the Easter morning service is to be
found in the hymns which are sung, and which were written
by S. John of Damascus. Some of his beautiful hymns
have been translated into English.
They dweU largely on the lessons of the Jewish Passover,
as the type of the Christian Paschal Feast. In the last song
of the morning service the Church admonishes each Chris
tian, for the sake of Christ's Resurrection, to forgive the
offences of his brother, and thus to join the glad song, "Now
is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of
them that slept." Then all the clergy, leaving the sanctuary
and standing before the people, present to them the emblems
of the Resurrection, which they kiss.
To the words of the priest, "Christ is risen," each re
sponds, "Risen indeed," and is then greeted -with a fra
ternal kiss. This is a memorial of the custom in the early
Christian Church of the Kiss of Peace. All exchange these
salutations, "Christ is risen!" " Truly risen ! " and kisses
of joy are given and received. AU through the week, in the
houses and on the streets, these words are constantly heard,
but at the same time, we are sorry to say, drunken peo
ple fill the streets, showing that their reUgion is more an
outward form of ceremony than a real conversion of the
heart. A Russian Christian never passes a church -without un
covering his head and making the sign of the cross. When
he hears the first stroke of the bell which summons to Divine
service, he does the same, and when the bell announces the
consecration of the bread and -wine (for the Russian Church
teaches transubstantiation), he pauses for a moment, even
though he should be on the street, or engaged in work. The
pictures are the central point of household devotion, Uke the
famUy Bible in the United States. These pictures are often
transmitted as heirlooms in a famUy, from generation to
generation. Kneeling before them, the Russian says aU his
prayers, and often a Ught is kept burning before them, which
is caUed the Eternal Light.
These pictures, therefore, are carefuUy cherished and
preserved by every Russian. In case of accident, as of fire,
they are the flrst property rescued; and at burial, one of
them is carried to the grave, and afterward placed in the
room where the departed Christian died.

Introduction.

XXIU

In Easter week the clergy go in procession from house to
house, to bear the glad tidings of the Resurrection ; thus
symbolizing the appearance of the risen Redeemer to his
sorrowing disciples. At Christmas the clergyman goes with
the crucifix to the houses and teUs of the birth of Christ ;
and on the Epiphany, which, in the East especially, cele
brates the Baptism of Christ by immersion in the River Jor
dan, the clergy again -dsit the houses and sprinkle every
room with consecrated water.
There is also another procession and visit in each parish
on the feast of the saint after whom that parish is named.
If a Russian desires to buUd a house, or go on a journey, he
always resorts to the Church for her prayers and blessing on
the undertaking. If some happy event has made him re
joice, he asks the priest to visit his house, and there, in the
presence of his famUy, offer a solemn thanksgiving to God.
He never moves into a new abode untU it has been blessed
by the prayers of the clergy. The religious life, or rather the
ceremonies of the Church, are so interwoven with the daUy
existence of the nation, that to be a Russian subject and to
be an "orthodox" Christian are nearly identical terms.
This may, perhaps, be most clearly realized if we wiU
consider the rites and ceremonies closely connected with the
three most important events in the life of man, viz.. Birth,
Marriage, and Death. As soon as a child is born, the priest
is summoned to the house to say a prayer for the mother and
child, and to give the infant its name. This is almost always
in honor of some saint, and usuaUy the one who gives name
to the day of the child's birth or baptism. The name-day is
celebrated by attending service at the church on that day.
The Eastern Church, in common with the Roman Church,
maintains that there are seven Sacraments, -viz., Baptism,
Confirmation, the Eucharist, Penance, Ordination, Matri
mony, and the Unction of the Sick. The first, and one of
the most important of these, is Holy Baptism. This Sacra
ment in Russia is usually administered in the houses. The
number of sponsors is not limited, and they are strictly
regarded as the spiritual parents of the new-born child. On
this account the parents themselves are not present in th'e
room where their chUd is baptized, but the god-parents take
their place.
Moreover, marriage is not allowed between god-parents

xxiv • Introduction.
and god-children, or even between the sponsors themselves.
At the time of his baptism, the baptized receives his cross
from the god-father, and his robe from the god-mother.
Baptism in the Eastern Church is always administered to
infants, except in the case of adult converts who have never
previously received baptism.
At the time of baptism, the priest removes the clothing of
the child, and turns him toward the East, having only one
garment. Then he blows in his face, signs him on the fore
head and breast, and offers prayers. Then he turns him to
the West, and asks the questions: "Dost thou renounce
the devil, etc." which are answered by the sponsors. The
priest then conducts the candidate to the font, on which
three candles are Ughted, symbolical of the Holy Trinity.
Lighted tapers are given to the sponsors to hold in their
hands during the service, and a Utany is said. The priest
dips his fingers in the water and signs it ; takes some oU and
pours it on the top of the water ; and then the candidate is
presented at the font. The priest takes some of the oU with
two fingers, and therewith signs him vdth the cross on his
forehead, heart, shoulders, ears, hands, and feet. Then the
priest, holding him upright, with his face toward the East,
baptizes him, saying: "The servant of God (N.) is baptized
in the Name of the Father," (first immersion), "and of the
Son," (second immersion), and of the Holy Ghost, Amen,"
(third ivimersion)-, "now, and ever, and to ages of ages,
Amen." Then the priest puts on the baptized his white
baptismal robe, the cross is given to him, and the service is
concluded with prayers.
The Sacrament of Baptism is foUowed by Confirmation, or
the Holy Chrism, which is administered to infants, and
generally immediately after their baptism. In the Latin
Church the bishop lays his hands upon the person's head to
confirm him ; but in the Oriental Church the bishops lay
their hands upon the oU for Confirmation, and consecrate it.
Portions of this consecrated oil are then distributed to the
priests, who administer the Sacrament in the name and by
the authority of the Bishop.
The serdce is administered in the foUo-wing way. After
the anointing, as before, the priest takes the child in his
arms, or an adult by the hand, and, followed by the
sponsors, who bear tapers in their hands, he walks thrice

Introduction. xxv
around the font, saying: "As many of you as have been
baijtized into Christ, have put on Christ, AUeluia." Then
the Epistle and Gospel are read. Then the priest sprinkles
the person -with pure water, and washes the oU from him
¦with a sponge, saying: "Thou art baptized, Uluminated,
anointed, haUowed, and washed in the Name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; now, and ever, and
to ages of ages. Amen.'''' The service is concluded by the
priest cutting the hair on the head of the confirmed in the
form of a cross, and pronouncing the closing blessing.
Persons who have received a vaUd baptism elsewhere, and
who seek admission into the Eastern Church, are received
by the Holy Chrism in this way.
Forty days after the birth of a chUd, it is brought by the
mother to the church for a double purpose, viz. : the purifi
cation of the mother, and the presentation of the child in the
temple of God. It is not customary for mothers to leave the
house untu this time, and many -wUl not receive visitors untU
this service has been performed. The baptized, if boys, are
brought to the altar of God ; but, if girls, are placed before
the holy doors which lead to the Sanctuary.
The Liturgy is often celebrated, and the Holy Communion
is given in both kinds to all communicants, but both together
from a golden spoon. The Orthodox Church admits Uttle
children to the table of the Lord, accepting, as in Baptism,
the faith of the sponsors in behalf of the chUd, who is not
yet accountable for his own actions. But this privUege only
lasts untu the age of seven ; for after this the child must pre
pare itself in the accustomed way for the reception of the
Sacrament. This is by the Sacrament of Penance, or Con
fession, the penitent examining his conduct by the ride of
the Ten Commandments, and confessing to the priest the
things which he has done amiss ; at the same time promising
repentance. Marriage is very highly esteemed in the Eastern Church,
and none of the Sacraments, except the Liturgy, is cele
brated -with so much solemnity as Matrimony. Marriage is
regarded as an indissoluble tie, to be loosed only by the
death of one of the parties. The Eastern Church does not
encourage second marriages on the part of her laity, and ab
solutely refuses them to her priesthood. Third marriages
are aUowed to the laity only in the most extraordinary

xxvi Introduction.
cases ; and fourth marriages under aU circumstances are ab
solutely forbidden. The Church approves of divorce only
when one of the married couple is guUty of marital infidelity.
But, by the civU law of Russia, marriage can be severed
when one of the parties is sent into exUe for Ufe, or is absent
in parts unkno-wn for more than five years. In such a case
appUcation is made to the ecclesiastical authority, and, after
investigation of the facts of the case, a dispensation from
the first marriage is granted.
Great care is taken in Russia that the parties who con
tract matrimony should be of a suitable age. It is fixed by
law that the bridegroona shall be not younger than nineteen,
nor the bride less than sixteen years of age. They must
have the previous consent of the civil authority and of their
parents to their marriage. If the parents are deceased, the
sponsors supply their place. Those who are related to one
another so far as the sixth generation are not allowed to
intermarry. Testimonials on all these points have to be pre
sented to the priest, signed by two or three witnesses on both
sides. As a further safeguard, the banns of matrimony are
pubUcly proclaimed in the church three times, and mar
riage under no circumstances can take place without vdt-
nesses. The Church's benediction of the nuptial tie is pre
ceded by some interesting household ceremonies. The
blessing of the parents is always given before that of the
priest. After prayer to God, a picture, symbolical of the
parental blessing, is given, -with the sign of the cross, to the
youthful pair kneeling before their parents. This picture
goes with them to the church and to their new home, where
it is always guarded as a precious relic.
Another custom is, that the betrothed should attend
the Holy Communion before their nuptials as a devout
preparation for a Christian Ufe. Many esteem matrimony
-with such reverence that they -wUl only receive it fasting,
even though its administration should be late in the even
ing. Since marriage is usuaUy a joyful occasion, the
ancient Church prohibited it at aU seasons of fasting. In
the Russian Church the weekly fast-days, Wednesday and
Friday, are included ; and, since the day begins at sunset,
marriage cannot be celebrated on Tuesday and Thursday
evenings, but may be on the following evenings. On ordi-

Introduction.

xxvu

nary days the wedding cannot be between midnight and
the hour of divine service ; and on feast days not between
vespers and the morning service. For this reason marriages
do not take place on Saturday evening, which is a time of
preparation for the Lord's Day.
It wUl be interesting now to consider more particularly
the ceremonies connected vdth the service. The wedding
itseU is preceded by the public betrothal. Anciently this
was made some time, perhaps even years, before the mar
riage. But now, except in the case of members of the impe
rial famUy, who observe the ancient custom, the betrothal im
mediately precedes the nuptials. The bridegroom comes first
to the church, and then a lady friend of his is sent to conduct
the bride thither from her home. There she bids fareweU to
her friends, and, to render this more impressive, the parents
of the bride do not usually themselves attend the service at
the church. AVhen the bride enters the church, a chant is
sung, and the friend, or groomsman, arranges the position of
the couple. This is in the midst of the church, standing be
fore the Analogion, or matrimonial altar, on which lie the
gospel and the cross. The bridegroom stands on the right
side and the bride on the left, to indicate their proper posi
tion in Ufe.
Then the priest gives them the lighted tapers, symbolical
of the light of divine grace, and they hold them during the
ceremony. The priest begins by blessing them in the Name
of the Holy Trinity, followed by prayers that God would
send do-wn upon them His rich blessings, grant them perfect
love, peace and unity, save their souls, and make their lives
pure and holy. Then follows the chief act of the betrothal,
¦dz., the putting on of the rings. To make the act more
solemn, the rings, before the betrothal, are placed upon the
Holy Table in the sanctuary. During the betrothal they are
taken from the altar, and placed on the flngers of the wedded
pair, with these words: "The servant of God, N., is be
trothed to the maid of God, N.," and "The maid of God,
N., is betrothed to the servant of God, N., in the Name of
the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Amen." After
this a relative, or near friend, interchanges the rings three
times, to signify the full consent of the parents to the union,
and the perfect harmony of the wedded pair.
The priest then invokes God once more for His grace upon

xxviii Introduction.
the betrothed, and the customary Utany for the Emperor, the
Clergy, and aU Christians, concludes the betrothal.
Then foUows the wedding itself, which the Oriental Church
calls Coronation. The cause of 'this is the ancient custom,
still continued in the Eastern Church, of placing crowns upon
the heads of the married. Probably in ancient times these
crowns were simple garlands of flowers, which afterward took
the form of crovras. (Song of Solomon, iii. 11.)
The betrothed now advance to the Analogion, the priest
preceding, and the wedding guests foUowing. The choir
chant the words, "Glory be to Thee, our God ; glory be to
Thee ! " whUe the priest sings verses such as these : " Blessed
is every one that feareth the Lord," " Thy wife shall be as a
fruitful vine," etc. Then the priest demands of the bride
groom and the bride, separately, whether this is indeed an
act of their own free vdll and consent, and whether there be
any impediment to their union, such as a pre-contract. If
their answers prove satisfactory, the service proceeds, and
the couple stand upon a small rug, usually made of pink
silk. This is made very small, to signify that no third per
son shall intrude on their mutual life. The nuptial prayers
begin with the usual ascription of praise, " Blessed be the
kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost;" to which the choir respond. Amen. Then follow
prayers for the wedded pair and their posterity, that they
may be blessed with all good things.
Then follows the most important act of the whole service,
viz., the coronation of the bridegroom and the bride. The
crowns are taken from the holy table and brought to the
priest, who takes one of them and blesses the bridegroom.
The bridegroom kisses the picture of Christ on the crown,
and the priest then places the crown on his head, saying :
" The servant of God, N., is crowned for the maid of God, N.
in the Name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen."
Then he crowns the bride in the same way, with the
words, "The maid of God, N., is crowned for the servant of
God," etc. Then the priest stands before the couple and
blesses them three times, with upUfted hand and solemn
voice, saying, "O Lord, our God, crown them with honor
and glory ! " This completes the union, and they are man
and wife. After prayers by the priest, which are con-

Introduction.

XXIX

eluded by the choir chanting the Lord's Prayer, a cup of
wine mingled with water is brought to the priest ; he blesses it,
and gives it flrst to the man and then to the woman, so that
each drink of it alternately three times. This signifies that
through life they are each to drink of the same cup, whether
it be of joy or of sorrow.
Then the service is closed by a procession. The priest
places the right hand of the bride in that of the bridegroom,
takes both in his own right hand, and conducts them three
times around the Analogion, foUowed by those holding the
cro-wns over their heads ; whUe the choir are chanting. This
signifies that their happiness in Ufe depends on their Avalking
in the way of religion, whUe the priest goes before to show
them that they should ever follow the guidance of the Church.
When the nuptials are concluded, the crowns are taken from
their heads, to remind them that joy must give place to the
more serious cares of life. As the crowns are remo-ved the
priest salutes them vdth the exclamation : "Be honored, O
bridegroom, like Abraham ; be blessed like Isaac ; and in
creased like Jacob ; walk in peace, and fulfil the command
ments of God in righteousness ! " Then he says to the wife ;
"Be honored, 0 bride, like Sarah ; be glad like Rebekah ;
and increased like Rachel ; take pleasure in thy husband,
and observe the limits of the law according to the pleasure of
God!" Then the newly married pair are bidden to bow
their heads before the Lord, and the benediction is pro
nounced over them in the Name of the Holy Trinity.
The wedded pair salute each -with the first nuptial kiss,
kneeUng before the holy pictures, offer their solemn prayers
and thanksgivings to God, and in some cases the Te Deum is
sung. On rising from their knees, the relatives and friends
offer their congratulations, and aU return from the church to
their home accompanied by the priest, bearing with them the
holy picture. On arriving at the house, their parents receive
them with the gift of bread and salt, which signifies their
wishes for the future prosperity of the young couple.
The Sacrament of the Unction of the sick is not admin
istered merely at the point of death ; but is given in any case
of severe sickness, -with prayers, not only for the salvation
of the soul, but also for the recovery of bodUy health. Its
use is not obligatory, but is almost always sought for. At
the administration a table is set -with a dish of wheat on it : .

xxx Introduction.
the Holy Gospel is laid upon the table also, and a taper is
given to the priest. The priests stand around the table in
their sacramental robes, and the service is said. The priest
anoints the sick person vdth the oU, saying prayers for the
restoration of his body to health, and -for the spiritual wel
fare of his soul.
Often does this unction precede the solemn moment of
death ; and when this approaches, a lighted candle is put
into the hand of the dying person, and the priest is sum
moned to say the prayers for the departing. Funeral-
prayers are said over every Christian corpse, as it is laid in
the coffin, which is sprinkled -with consecrated water, and
perfumed with myrrh. Then the coffin and body are placed
on a table covered with a white cloth ; burning wax-tapers
are arranged as a cross about it, and at the foot is a table
¦with a plate of rice and honey. The tapers signify the Ught
of Faith in the Resurrection, and the rice mixed with honey
recaUs the words of the Apostle, that the wheat must faU
into the ground that it may be quickened. The corpse is
never left alone a single moment, but is constantly sur
rounded by mourning friends. Three days elapse before
the burial, and the time is usuaUy spent in reading the
Psalms of David, interrupted occasionally by the prayers of
the clergy. The burial is usually from the church, so that
it takes place during the hours of the morning. When the
church-bell beguis to toll, the clergy repair to the house of
mourning, say a prayer there, and then the funeral proces
sion goes on to the church. The clergy in their mourning-
robes pass on in front chanting ; the body follows, borne on
a bier, or in a hearse. In the church, the open coffin is
placed in the middle aisle, and the liturgy for the departed
is said ; whUe the relatives stand around the coffin. After
the liturgy, the clergy surround the body, and say the burial
prayers, while all present bear lighted tapers in their hands.
At the closing hymn all press toward the corpse, and imprint
a farewell kiss upon its lips. Then the body is borne from
the church to the churchyard, where the priest says a short
prayer, and the coffin is lowered into the grave. While the
grave is fiUed, the service closes with the words : " May thy
memory endure forever ! "
In formal, perfunctory religion no country in the world so
abounds as Russia. As the reUgion of inmost righteousness

Introduction.

XXXI

and Christ-like Uving, perhaps no Christian country affords
a worse example. Surely a nation which is imperUled by
the most determined and deadly enemies that ever conspired
to compass its ruin, needs somethuig besides a despised, sub
servient priesthood and a formal religion. There are in
Russia 40,000 churches with 70,000 priests, but they are par
alyzed by the Czar's rule. And the Russian people greatly
need a strong moral influence. Of the ignorance of the
peasantry one may judge by the fact that hardly ten per
cent, of them can read or -write. In view also of modern
infldeUty that is spreading among the higher classes, it
can also be understood how unfortunate it is for Russia that
the ijaoral influence of the Church is undermined. The late
Emperor repeatedly appealed to the people to establish order
and peace in Russia, but his appeals were in vain. The
educated classes do not want to listen to the Emperor, and
the peasantry can hear him only through the police they
hate, or through the priests they mistrust. The Russian
Church must be independent of the Czar — that is to-day a
heartfelt desire of millions of law-abiding Russians. They
demand that Christ's words should be fulflUed : "Render
unto Csesar the things that are Csesar's, and unto God the
things that are God's."
We have now endeavored to give a brief sketch of the
Oriental Church, its rites and ceremonies, and, as we cast our
eyes toward the future, we see that the time is coming when
the nations of the East vdll accept the Word of God as the
only source of salvation. Then wUl be said to the mountains,
"Be removed," and the mountains of superstition wUl be
turned away, and the idols of the temples will faU down be
fore the only Mediator between God and man.
How grand is the position of the United States compared
with that of Russia ! The mission of the United States is one
of universal Uberty, universal toleration. If she be true to her
mission, the light of her star wiU never go out. Those bright
symbols on our flag vdU live on untU they are absorbed in
the glorious light which shaU reach this earth at last !
And to the God of aU grace, who has caUed us unto His
eternal glory by Christ Jesus, be glory and dominion for ever
and ever.

THE NOCTURNAL SERVICE

ON

THE EVE OF A FESTIVAL,
¦WHEN THB GREAT VESPERS ARE CONNECTED WITH THE MATINS.

THE GEEAT VESPEES.
At sunset the person who kindles the lights comes to the Superior, bows and
asks permission to begin ; then he goes up and strikes slowly the great bell, after
which he goes down into the church, kindles the lights and makes ready the censer.
Then he goes up again, rings aU the bells, returns again to the church, lights the
candles on the great candlesticks, places them in the midst of the church opposite
the holy doors, and bows before the Priest who is to officiate. The Priest bows
before the Superior, then three times before the holy doors and toward each side,
while the brotherhood are sitting. Then he goes into the sanctuary, puts on the
Epitrachelion, after which he kisses the cross on the upper part of it ; then he takes
the censer, puts incense into it, stands before the holy table, and says in a low
Toice the following prayer:
PEATEE or THE INCENSE.
To Thee, O Christ, our God, we offer the incense as a spirit
ual perfume ; receive it upon Thine heavenly altar, and
send down upon us the grace of Thy most Holy Spirit.
Then he censes before the holy table in the form of across, around and through
out the whole sanctuary, opens the holy doors and goes through them. The bearer
of the light takes the great candlestick from the midst of the church with its lighted
candle, holds it in his hand, and cries aloud:
Stand up.
AU stand up. The Priest, entering through the holy doors, makes the sign
of the cross with the elevated censer, goes and censes before each of the Ikons, flrst
on the right, then on the left side, then before the Superior, then before each of the
choirs according to their order. The bearer of the light goes before him with the
candlestick, and when the Priest makes the sign of the cross with the censer and
bows slightly, the bearer of the light also bows with him. The Priest goes then
into the body of the church, comes before the brotherhood and the people, returns
into the inner part of the church, stands between the two choirs, makes the sign of
the cross with the censer toward the east, and cries aloud:
Master, bless us.

2 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Hereupon he censes again before the Ikon of Christ the Redeemer, the Mother
of God, and before the Superior; goes into the sanctuary, stands before the holy
table, makes before it the sign of the cross with the censer, and says aloud :
Glory be to the Holy, Consubstantial, Life-giving and Un
divided Trinity always ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choie : Amen.
Now the Priest begins at flrst ¦with a low voice:
Come, let us worship before God, our King.
Then, with a loud voice:
Come, let us worship and faU down before Christ, our God
and King.
Again, with a louder voice :
Come, let us worship and faU down before Christ Himself,
our King and God.
Finally, very solemnly :
Come, let us worship and fall do^wn before Him.
Immediately the Superior, with a loud voice, begins to sing slowly, and in
unison with the choir. Psalm 103 :
Praise the Lord, O my soul.
Adding to each verse:
Blessed be the Lord.
Then the second choir:
O Lord, my God, Thou art very glorious. Blessed be the
Lord, etc.
The Priest closes the holy doors and goes with the bearer of the light out of the
sanctuary, both bow three times before the holy doors, tum toward the Superior
and bow, and then toward both the choirs : then they go and take their proper
place. When they come to the words of the psalm: In ¦wisdom hast Thou made
them all ;  and : Glory be to Thee, 0 Lord, who hast created all ; the Priest
comes in his Epitrachelion before the holy doors, and says in a low voice the fol
lowing Prayers of the Lights: FIEST PEATEE.
O Lord, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and of great
kindness, hear our cry and accept the voice of our prayer ;
show some token upon us for good ; lead us in the way that
we may walk in Thy truth ; make glad our hearts, that we
may fear Thy holy Name, for Thou art great and doest won
drous things ; Thou art God alone, and there is none like
unto Thee among the gods, rich in mercy and exceUent in
strength to help, comfort and deliver all who trust in Thy
holy Name. For to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the

The Nocturnal Service. 3
Holy Ghost, are due aU honor, glory and worship, now and
ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
SECOND PEATEE.
O Lord, rebuke us not in Thy wrath, neither chasten us in
Thy hot displeasure, but deal vdth us according to thy mer
cy ; for Thou art the physician who healest our souls. Oh !
lead us into the harbor of Thy wUl ; enUghten the eyes of our
hearts to the knowledge of Thy truth ; grant us the remain
der of this day and the residue of our life to live peacefully
and vdthout sin, through the intercession of the holy Mother
of God and of aU Thy saints. For Thine is the strength, and
Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and ever,
and to ages of ages. Amen. THIED PEATEE.
OLord, our God, remember us. Thy sinful and unprofltable
servants, when we caU upon Thy holy and adorable Name,
and let us not be put to shame while we trust in Thy grace ;
but grant us, O Lord, aU we ask for our salvation, that we
may love and fear Thee vdth all our heart, and do Thy will
in aU things. For Thou art a good and gracious God, and to
Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we offer
up praise and glory, now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Amen. FOUETH PEATEE.
O Thou, who art celebrated by the never-sUent hymns of
praise and ceaseless songs of glory of the holy powers, flU
our mouth with Thy praise, that we may magnify Thy holy
Name, and give us a portion and inheritance with aU who
fear Thee in truth and keep Thy commandments, through the
intercession of the holy Mother of God and of all Thy Saints.
For to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, are
due aU praise, honor and worship, now and ever, to ages of
ages. Amen. FIFTH PEATEE.
O Lord God, who holdest aU things in Thy holy hand,
and art long suffering to us aU, and art grieved at our evil

4 Offices of the Oriental Churcli.
deeds, remember Thy compassions and Thy mercy ; visit us
vdth thy goodness ; let us through Thy grace for the remain
der of this day escape the manifold crafts of the evil one, and
preserve our Ufe blameless through the grace of Thine AU-
holy Spirit, through the mercy and compassion of Thine
Only-begotten Son, with whom, together -with Thine AU-holy
and Good and Life-giving Spirit, Thou art blessed now and
ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
SIXTH PEATEE.
O God, great and wonderful. Thou who rulest aU things
vdth unspeakable goodness and bountiful providence ; who
hast also given us earthly goods, assured us of the promised
Kingdom, and through the good things already given us,
hast prepared for us the way ; and hast also preserved us
from aU evil since the beginning of this day ; grant that we
may pass the remainder of it without sin, and before Thy
holy glory praise Thee, our only good and gracious God. For
Thou art our God, and to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and
the Holy Ghost, we offer up praise and glory, now and ever,
and to ages of ages. Amen.
SEVENTH PEATEE.
O great and most high God, who only hast immortaUty,
and who dwellest in the light which no man can approach
unto ; who hast formed all creatures in wisdom, and hast
divided the light from the darkness, and hast appointed the
sun to rule the day and the moon and the stars to rule the
night; and hast made us sinners worthy, even on this day, to
come into Thy presence and to offer unto Thee our evening
sacrifice; O Thou, gracious God, let our prayer be set forth
before Thee as incense, and receive it as a sweet-smelling
savor. Grant us that the present evening and the coming
night may be peaceful ; put on us the armor of Ught; pre
serve us from nocturnal terrors and from every e-dl that
walketh in darkness. Grant that the sleep which Thou hast
given us for refreshment from our labor may be free from
every vision of the devil. Vouchsafe, "Thou Giver of all good
gifts, that we may feel repentance upon our beds, and also
by night remember Thy most holy Name ; and enlightened
by the contemplation of Thy commandments, may arise in

The Nocturnal Service. 5
the joy of our souls to praise Thy goodness, and to present
suppUcations and prayers to Thy mercy for our sins and for
aU Thy people, that Thou wouldst -dsit them -with Thy grace
through the intercession of the holy Mother of God. For
Thou art a good and gracious God, and to Thee, the Father,
and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we offer up praise and
glory, now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
When the Psalm is ended the Priest says the great Ektene :
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
So after every sentence of the Ektene.
Peiest : For the peace that is from above and the salva
tion of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, the stabUity of the
Holy Churches of God, and the union of aU, let us pray to
the Lord.
For this Holy Temple, and them that in faith, piety and
the fear of God enter into it, let us pray to the Lord.
For (the Most Holy Governing Synod, or Patriarch, or
MetropoUtan, or Archbishop), our Bishop N. N., the honor
able Presbytery, the Diaconate in Christ, and for all the
clergy and the laity, let us pray to the Lord.
For our most pious and divinely preserved Monarch (Em
peror, or King, or Prince of the respective country) N. N. , and
all his palace and army, let us pray to the Lord.
That He would fight on his side and subdue under his feet
every enemy and adversary, let us pray to the Lord.
For this city (or this habitation, if it he a cpnvenC), for
every city and country, and aU the faithful who inhabit
them, let us pray to the Lord.
For healthfulness of the air, for plentiful fruits of the
earth and peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
For them that travel by water and land, the sick, the suf
fering, prisoners and captives, and their salvation, let us pray
to the Lord.
For our deliverance from all affliction, vrrath, danger and
necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Help, save, have mercy and guard us, O God, by Thy
grace. Commemorating our aU-holy, spotless, most blessed and
glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever -Virgin Mary,

6 Offices of the Oriental Church.
with aU the Saints, let us commend ourselves and each other
and all our Ufe to Christ, our God.
Choie : To Thee, O Lord.
Peiest: For all glory, honor and worship are due to
Thee, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, now and ever,
and to ages and ages.
Choie : Amen.
Then the choir begins to sing the flrst Psalm of David, adding three times to
each verse the
HaUelujah.
The Fiest Choie : Blessed is the man that walketh not
in the counsel of the ungodly. HaUelujah, (Three times.)
The Second Choie : Nor standeth in the way of sinners,
nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. HaUelujah (Three
times), etc.
Then is sung the first Antiphon — that is, the flrst, second and third Psalms.
At the conclusion of these Psalms the Priest says before the holy doors the
following Ektene :
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest : Help, save, have mercy, and guard us, O God,
by Thy grace.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest : Commemorating our aU-holy, spotless, most-
blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever -Vir
gin Mary, with aU Saints, let us commend ourselves and each
other and all our life, to Christ our God.
Choie : To Thee, 0 Lord.
Peiest : For Thine is the strength, and thine is the king
dom, and the power and the glory of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to ages of
ages. Choie: Amen.
Then both choirs begin to sing alternately the second Antiphon — that is, the
fourth Psalm :
Hear me when I caU, 0 God of my righteousness, etc.
The fifth :
Give ear to my words, O Lord, etc.
And the sixth :
0, Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger, etc.
At the end of this Antiphon the Priest again says the little Ektene :

The Nocturnal Service. 7
Again and again, etc.
Choie : Lord have mercy, etc. (See above.)
At the close, the Priest :
For Thou art a good and gracious God, and to Thee, the
Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we offer up praise
and glory, now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Finally, is sung in the same manner the third Antiphon — that is the seventh
Psalm :
O Lord, my God, in Thee do I put my trust, etc.
And the eighth Psalm :
O Lord, our Lord, how exceUent is Thy Name, etc.
(All these three Antiphons are sung in the great Vespers only on the eve of a
Sunday ; on the eve of the great Festivals and the Saints' days only the flrst
Antiphon.) During the singing of the flrst Antiphon the Deacon approaches the Superior,
bows and goes into the Sanctuary with the officiating Priest, takes his Sticharion
and Orarion, and after he has asked of the Priest the blessing and kissed his right
hand, puts them oa in the customary manner, then goes out of the Sanctuary, re
mains standing before the holy doors, and says after the ending of the third Anti
phon, for the third time, the little Ektene :
Again and again, etc.
Choie : Lord have mercy, etc. (See above.)
At the close, the Priest :
For Thou art our God, and to Thee the Father, and the
Son, and the Holy Ghost, we Offer up praise and glory, now
and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Such is the beginning of the great Vespers in the convents; in the cathedrals
and parish churches the Priest and the Deacon vest themselves before the service ;
the first in the Epitrachehon and Phelonion, the second in the Sticharion and
Orarion. Then goes the Deacon, and not the one who kindled the lights, before
the Priest with the light at the censing before the beginning of the -Vespers, and
reads also himself all the Ektenes. The Antiphons and the I'salm at the begin
ning : Praise the Lord, 0 my soul, etc., are sung in full only in the convents ; in
the cathedrals and parish churches only selected verses from these Psalms, with
the additions which have been given .
After the ending of the Ektene the reader bows, and announces the tunes
appointed for the day. The choir on the right begin to sing the appointed tunes.
O Lord, I cry unto Thee, hear me ; hear me, 0 Lord. O
Lord, I cry unto Thee, give ear unto the voice of my prayer,
when T cry unto Thee ; hear me, 0 Lord.
The second choir :
Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense ; the

8 Offices of the Oriental Church.
lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice ; hear me, O
Lord. ,1^, ,^^
The rest of the Psalms 140 and 141 are read.
Then is begun the singing of the Sticheria, that is, hymns proper for the day,
one of the following verses being used before each Stieherion :
Bring my soul out of prison that I may praise Thy Name.
The righteous shaU compass me about ; for Thou shalt
deal bountifuUy -with me.
Out of the deep have I cried unto Thee, O Lord ; Lord,
hear my voice.
Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my suppUcation.
If Thou shouldst mark iniquities, O Lord, Lord, who shaU
stand ; but there is forgiveness with Thee.
For Thy Name's sake I have waited, O Lord, for Thee;
my soul hath waited on Thy Word ; my soul hath hoped in
the Lord.
From the morning watch until the night, from the morn
ing watch let Israel hope in the Lord. ^
For -with the Lord is mercy, and with Him plenteous re
demption ; and He shall redeem Israel from all his sins.
f Praise the Lord, all ye nations ; praise Him, all ye people.
For His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the
truth of the Lord endureth forever.
At the end : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and
to the Holy Ghost.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
During the singing of these verses and the Sticheria the Deacon takes the
censer, receiving the blessing from the Superior or Priest, and censes around the
Holy Table and before the Ikons in the church and before the congregation in the
usual manner.
-When is sung the verse above : For His merciful Icindness is great toward us,
both choirs come together into the midst of the church and remain there singing
the Sticheria as far as : Jesu Christ, Thou gentle Light. (See below.)
The Priest, who till now has been vested in the Epitrachelion, puts on now
(if he has not already done so, as is customary in the parish churches) the Phelo
nion, and makes the Little Entrance in the following manner :
The Deacon opens the holy doors ; then he goes, with the censer in his hand,
through the north door out of the Sanctuary into the church, the Priest follows
him in his Phelonion ; both are preceded by two light-bearers with lighted can
dles. The Priest stands before the holy doors ; at his right, but a little behind,
stands the Deacon. The latter, holding the Orarion with three flngers of the
right hand, bends slightly toward the Priest and says to him in a low voice, so that
he alone can hear :
Let us pray to the Lord.
The Priest says silently the following prayer :

The Nocturnal Service.

PEATEE AT THE ENTEANCE.

In the evening and morning, and at noonday, we praise
Thee ; we give thanks to Thee and worship Thee, O, Thou
Ruler of all things. Let our prayer come before Thee as in
cense, and guard our hearts that they incUne not to words
and thoughts of evU ; but deliver us from all that can ensnare
our souls : for unto Thee, O Lord God, our eyes are Ufted up,
andin Thee have we trusted, O our God ; let us never be con
founded. For aU glory, honor and worship are due to Thee,
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, now and ever,
and to ages of ages. Amen.
After the prayer the Deacon stands upright, and pointing with the Orarion
toward the east, says to the Priest :
Master, bless the holy Entrance.
The Priest, giving the Benediction says :
Blessed be the Entrance of Thy Saints, O Lord, always,
now and ever, .and to ages of ages. Amen.
Then the Deacon goes and censes bef ore the Ikons of the Redeemer and the
Mother of God, and before the Superior or Priest, returns to his former place,
and waits till the Singers have flnished the Sticheria.
When these are ended, he goes into the midst of the holy doors, makes the sign
of the cross with the censer, and says :
Wisdom, stand up.
The choir, still standing in the midst of the church, sings :
Jesus Christ, Thou gentle Light of the holy Glory of the
immortal, heavenly, holy, and blessed Father, now, at the
setting of the sun, as we behold the evening light, we praise
Thee, O God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. For
it is meet at aU times to praise Thee, O Son of God, Giver of
life, therefore also the whole world glorifieth Thee.
The light-bearers with the lights in their hands, precede the Priest and Dea
con as far as the holy doors ; the Deacon goes into the Sanctuary and censes before
the Holy Table, but the Priest bows before the holy doors, and after he has kissed
them, he goes through ; the holy doors are closed, and the light-bearers retire.
At the close of the Jesu Christ, Thou gentle Light, the smgers go to their
places.
Deacon : Let us attend.
Peiest : Peace to aU.
Deacon : Wisdom, let us attend.
The Eeader, standing in the midst of the church, says .
Prokimenon.

10 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Prokimenon of Saturday :
The Lord is King, and is clothed -with majesty.
Vees : The Lord is clothed and girded with strength.
Vees : For He hath estabUshed the world, and it cannot
be moved.
Vees : HoUness becometh Thine house, O Lord, forever.
Prokimenon of Sunday :
Behold, praise now the Lord, aU ye servants of the Lord.
Vees : Ye that stand in the house of the Lord, in the
courts of the house of our God.
Prokimenon of Monday :
The Lord heareth me, when I call upon him.
Vees : When I call upon him, the God of my righteous
ness heareth me.
Prokimenon of Tuesday :
Thy mercy, O Lord, wUl feed me all the days of my life,
Vees : The Lord feedeth me, I lack nothing ; He maketh
me to lie do-wn in green pastures.
Prokimenon of Wednesday :
Save me, O God, for Thy Name's sake, and judge me by
Thy strength.
Vees : Hear, O God, my prayer, give ear to the words of
my mouth.
Prokimenon of Thursday :
My help cometh from the Lord, who hath made heaven and
earth. Vees : I have lifted up mine eyes unto the hUls, from
whence cometh my help.
Prokimenon of Friday :
Thou art my Defender, O God, and Thy mercy goeth be
fore me.
Vees : Deliver me, O God, from mine enemies, and save
me from them that rise up against me.
The choir repeats thrice the Prokimenon.
At the close of the Prokimenon the reader on Sundays, after he has bowed,
goes to his place ; and on the great festivals and saints' days, he stands, after the
Prokimenon is ended, in the midst of the church, and reads the Parcemia, that is,
portions of the Old Testament Scriptures which are appointed for the Feast.
At the beginning of each Parcemion the Deacon says :
Wisdom.

The Nocturnal Service. 11
Readee : The reading from Genesis (or the Prophets, or
the Proverbs).
Deacon : Let us attend.
The Reader reads the Parcemion.
At the close of these Parcemia, it such there be, otherwise after the Prokim
enon, the Deacon goes before the holy doors, bows once, and reads the following
Ektene of earnest prayer.
Let us say with our whole soul, and with our whole mind
let us say,
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Lord Almighty, God of our fathers, we pray
Thee, hear and have mercy.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Deacon : Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy
great mercy ; we pray Thee, hear, and have mercy.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Thrice ; and so after every sentence of the Ektene.
Deacon : Again we pray for strength, victory, long and
peaceful rule, health, and salvation of the most pious and
Divinely-preserved Monarch (Emperor, King, Prince of the
respective country, viz.) N., that the Lord, our God, may
prosper him in aU things, and subdue under his feet aU his
enemies and adversaries.
Again we pray for all his Christian army.
Again we pray for (the Most Holy Governing Synod, the
Patriarch, the Archbishop) our Bishop N. N., and aU our
brethren in Christ.
Again we pray for our brethren the Priests, the Priest-
monks, and for all our brotherhood in Christ. ,
Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation,
protection, forgiveness, and remission of sins of the servants
of God, the brethren of His holy abode.
Again we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable (most
holy. Orthodox Patriarchs, for the pious Emperors and Ortho
dox Empresses), founders of this abode, and for all our Ortho
dox fathers and brethren who have faUen asleep before us,
and who Ue here or elsewhere.
Again we pray for them who bring forth fruit and do
good deeds in this holy and aU-venerable Temple, who labor
and sing in it, and for the people that stand around, and are
expecting from Thee great and rich mercy.

12 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Peiest : For thou art a gracious and merciful God, and to
Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we offer
up praise and glory ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Readee : Vouchsafe, 0 Lord, to keep us this evening with
out sin. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, God of our fathers, and
Thy Name is praised and glorified forever. Amen. O Lord,
let Thy mercy be upon us, as our trust is in Thee. Blessed
art Thou, O Lord, teach me Thy commandments. Blessed
art Thou, O Master, make me to understand Thy command
ments. Blessed art Thou, O Holy One, enUghten me -with
Thy commandments. Lord, Thy mercy endureth forever:
despise not the work of Thy hands. To Thee, the Father,
and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, honor is due ; to Thee is
due praise ; to Thee is due glory ; now and ever, and to ages
of ages. Amen.
Deacon, the Ektene of Prayer.
Let us complete our evening prayer to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Deacon : Help, save, have mercy and guard us, O God, by
Thy grace.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Deacon : That we may complete this evening in hoUness,
peace and without sin, let us ask from the Lord.
Choie : Grant, O Lord.
Deacon : For the Angel of Peace, the faithful guide,
guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask from the Lord.
Choie: Grant, O Lord.
Deacon : For pardon and remission of our sins and trans
gressions, let us ask from the Lord.
Choie : Grant, O Lord.
Deacon : For things that are good and profitable for our
souls and for the peace of the world, let us ask from the Lord.
Choir : Grant, O Lord.
Deacon : That we may conclude the remainder of our Uves
in peace and penitence, let us ask from the Lord,
Choie : Grant, O Lord.
Deacon : For a Christian end of our lives, -without pain
and shame, peaceful and for a good defence before the fear
ful tribunal of Christ, let us ask from the Lord.
Choie : Grant, 0 Lord.

The Nocturnal Service. 13
Deacon: Commemorating our all-holy, spotless, most
blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever -Virgin
Mary, -with aU saints, let us commend ourselves and each
other, and all our Uves to Christ, our God.
Choie : To Thee, O Lord.
Peiest (aloud) : For thou art a good and gracious God,
and to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we
offer up praise and glory, now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Priest : Peace to aU.
Choie : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Bow your heads before the Lord.
Choie : To Thee, O Lord.
The Priest now prays silently.
THE PEATEE AT THE BOWINa DOWN OF THE HEAD.
O Lord, our God, who hast bowed the heavens and come
down for the salvation of the human race, look down upon
Thy servants and upon Thine inheritance ; for before Thee,
the dreadful and merciful Judge, Thy servants have bowed
their heads and inclined their necks, expecting no human
help, but waiting for Thy mercy, and earnestly hoping for
Thy salvation. Preserve them at all times, and on this pres
ent evening, and during the approaching night, from every
enemy, and from every hostile influence of the devU, from
vain thoughts and an e-vU mind.
Aloud : Blessed and glorifled be the power of Thy King
dom, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,
now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Here begins the Litany.
The Priest and the Deacon, with the censer, go out of the Sanctuary into the
body of the church after the two light-bearers, who go before with the lights and
before the singers, who follow after and sing the Litany-Sticheria of the Feast. In
the body of the church the Deacon censes before the Ikon, the Superior or Priest,
the choirs in their order, and before the people. At the close of the Litany-Stich
eria, the Deacon remains in his plaoe, standing near the Priest, and says aloud
that all may hear:
THE LITANT.
O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance ;
-dsit thy world -with grace and mercy ; exalt the hom of Or
thodox Christians, and send down upon us the riches of Thy

14 Offices of the Oriental Church.
grace, through the intercession of our spotless Lady, the
Mother of God, and ever -Virgin Mary, through the power of
the precious life-giving Cross, through the aid of the venera
ble, heavenly, immaterial Powers ; of the venerable, glorious
Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John ; of the holy, glorious
and renowned Apostles; of our Holy Fathers, the high
priests and great oecumenical Doctors, Basil the Great, Greg
ory the Divine, and John Chrysostom ; of our holy Fathers,
Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonder-worker ;
(of our Holy Fathers the Wonder-workers of all Russia, Pe
ter, Alexis, Jonas and Philip) ; of the holy, glorious, and
victorious Martyrs ; of our God-pleasing Fathers : of the holy
and righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna ; of the
holy N. N. (to whom the church is dedicated), and of aU Thy
Saints : we beseech Thee, most merciful Lord, hear us sinners
who pray unto Thee, and have mercy upon us.
Choie : Lord have mercy. (Forty times.)
Deacon : Again we pray for strength, victory, long and
peaceful rule, health and salvation of the most pious and Di
vinely preserved Monarch (Emperor, King, or Prince N. N. of
the respective country), that the Lord, our God, may prosper
him in aU things, and subdue under his feet all his enemies
and adversaries.
(In Russia the Deacon mentions here the ¦whole Imperial family by name.)
Choir; Lord have mercy. (Thirty times.)
Deacon : Again we pray for (the Most Holy Governing
Synod or Patriarch, or Metropolitan, or Archbishop) our
Bishop N. N. and for all our brethren in Christ, and for
every Christian soul, which burdened with grief and pain,
seeks grace and help of God : for the protection of this holy
abode and of all who dweU therein ; for the peace and sta
bUity of the whole world ; for the prosperity of the holy
churches of God ; for aid and assistance to our fathers and
brethren, who with diligence and piety labor and serve ; for
the absent and for those who travel ; for the healing of those
who lie down in sickness ; for the peace, forgiveness, and re
mission of sins of aU our pious fathers and brethren, of bless
ed memory, who have gone before us ; the Orthodox who
Ue here and everywhere ; for the liberation of captives ; for
our brethren who stand in service, and for aU who serve and
have served in this abode, let us say :

The Nocturnal Service. 15
Choir : Lord, have mercy. {Fifty times)
Deacon : Again we pray for the preservation of this city,
of this holy abode, and of aU cities and regions, from famine,
pestilence, earthquakes, floods, flre, the sword, invasion by
foreign nations, and civil strife ; that our good and gracious
God would mercifully and kindly grant that we may be pre
served from aU passions which are excited against us ; that
He would save us from the punishment which would justly
fall on us, and have mercy upon us.
Choie: Lord, have mercy. (Three times.)
Deacon : Again we pray that God the Lord would hear
the prayer of us sinners, and save us.
Choie: Lord, have mercy. (Three times.)
(He also silently commemorates some of the living and the dead, as he may
see flt.)
Peiest : Hear us, O God our Saviour, Thou Hope of all
the ends of the earth, and of thena that are afar off upon the
sea, and be gracious, be gracious to us, O Master, because of
our sins, and have mercy upon us ; for thou art a good and
gracious God, and to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the
Holy Ghost, we offer up praise and glory ; now and ever, and
to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Peiest : Peace to all.
Choir : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Let us bow down our heads before the Lord.
Choie : To Thee, O Lord.
Then all bow down their heads to the earth and the Priest prays aloud.
PEATER OF THE LITANT.
Most gracious Lord and Master, Jesus Christ our God,
favorably accept our prayer, through the intercession of our
most spotless Lady, the Mother of God and ever -Virgin Mary,
through the power of the venerable, heavenly, immaterial
Powers ; of the venerable, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and
Baptist, John ; of the holy, glorious and renowned Apostles ;
of the holy, glorious and victorious Martyrs ; of our God-
pleasing Fathers ; of our holy Fathers the high-priests and
oecumenical Doctors, BasU the Great, Gregory the Divine,
and John Chrysostom ; of our holy Fathers Nicholas, Arch
bishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonder-worker ; (of our holy

16 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Fathers the Wonder-workers of all Russia, Peter and Alexis,
Jonas and Philip) ; (of the holy and glorious great Martyr
George, the bearer of the sign of victory) ; of the holy N. N.,
whose memory we celebrate ; of the holy and righteous An
cestors Joachim and Anna, and of all Thy Saints ; make our
prayer pleasing unto Thee, grant us remission of our trans
gressions ; cover us with the shadow of Thy wings ; drive
away from us aU our enemies and adversaries ; quiet our
souls ; O Lord, have mercy on us and on Thy world, and re
deem our souls, for Thou art good, and a lover of mankind.
Choie: Amen.
Then they stand up and begin to sing the Sticheria with the Stiehi appointed
for the day. The Deacon, the Priest, and the Singers follow the Light-bearers,
¦who go before with lights into the church. Here a table is placed in the midst of
the church, on which stands a plate with flve loaves of bread, and beside it three
vessels, one of wine, another of oil, and a third of wheat ; the wine stands on the
left, the oil on the right side, the wheat in front.
At the close of the hymn of the Sticheria the Reader says:
Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, ac
cording to Thy word : for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation,
which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people, a
Ught to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Thy people
Israel.
Trisagion : Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Im
mortal, have mercy upon us. (Thrice.) Glory be to the
Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost ; now and for
ever, and to ages and ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy upon us ; purify us, 0 Lord,
from our sins ; forgive us, O Master, our transgressions ; visit
our infirmities, O Holy One, and heal them for Thy Name' s sake.
Lord, have mercy. (Three times.)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father who art in Heaven, HaUowed be Thy Name,
Thy Kingdom come ; Thy wUl be done, as in Heaven, so on
earth ; Give us this day our daily bread ; And forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us ; And
lead us not into temptation ; But deliver us from evU.
Priest : For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and
the Glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.

The Nocturnal Service. 17
Then after the Trisagion the Troparion to the Mother of God :
Rejoice, O Virgin, Mother of God, Mary endowed with
grace, the Lord is with thee ; blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the
Saviour of our souls. (Three times.)
(On festival and saints' days instead of the Troparion is sung that of the
saint, or of the festival, as is pointed out in the Typikon.)
The Deacon, after he has received the blessing from the Priest, censes about
the table, then the Superior or Priest, then again the loaves, and says :
Let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
PRATER AT THE BENEDICTION OF THE LOAVES.
Priest (aloud) : O Lord Jesu Christ, our God, who didst
bless the five loaves (in the wilderness), and didst feed five
thousand (then the Priest takes one of the loaves, and points
with it io the other loaves), do Thou also bless these loaves
(the Priest points with his right hand to the loaves), this
wheat (he points to the wheat), this wine (he points to the
wine), this oU (he points to the oil), and multiply them in
this abode (or in this city), and in Thy whole world, and
sanctify the faithful who eat of them. For it is Thou, O Christ,
our God, who blessest and sanctiflest all things ; and to Thee,
together with Thy etemaL Father, and the all-holy, and good,
and life-giving Spirit, we offer up praise and glory ; now and
ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Blessed be the Name of the Lord, now and to all ages.
(Three times.)
Oftentimes it is customary in the whole Nocturnal Service that no Litany is
said, and there is no Blessing of the Loaves, and then immediately after the Prayer
at the Bowing down of the Head they begin to sing the Sticheria, with the Stichi
appointed for the day, then : Now lettest Thou, etc., the Trisagion, the Troparion
and then immediately : Blessed he the Name, etc. The Reader reads Psalm 33 :
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be -in my mouth,
etc., to verse 11 : Shall not want any good.
The Priest then goes and stands before the holy doors with his face turned
toward the west, and says at the close of the reading, blessing the people :
The blessing of the Lord be upon you through His grace
and mercy, always ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Here in the convents there is a reading from the Acts of the Apostles, or

18 Offices of the Oriental Church.
from the Epistles, or from the Revelation of S. John, as is appointed ih the
Typikon. The Priest and Deacon lay aside their ecclesiastical vestments, and they
all sit down to hear the reading of the Scriptures. Then in the convents one of
the brethren takes the blessed loaves, and after he has broken them upon a plate,
di^rides them among all, pours the wine into a cup, and gives to all from the Su
perior to the last. In the cathedrals and parish churches this is no longer custom
ary; but they begin after the Amen to read the six Psalms. (See below.)

THE GEEAT MATINS.
Apteb the reading of the appointed Scriptures in the convents, but m the
cathedrals and parish churches after the Amen, the bells are rung and the Eeader
begins :
Glory be to God on high, peace on earth, and good-will
towards men. (Three times.)
O Lord, open Thou my lips, and my mouth shaU show
forth Thy praise. (Twice.)
Then he reads with a low and soft voice the following six Psalms of David;
Psalm 3 : Lord, how are they increased that trouble me,
etc. Psalm 37: O Lord, rebuke me uot in Thy wrath,
etc. Psalm 62 : O God, Thou art my God, early -wiU I seek
Thee, etc.
At the end of the last Psalm is added :
I have thought upon Thee in the morning because Thou
hast been my helper ; therefore under the shadow of Thy
vdngs will I rejoice. My soul hangeth upon Thee ; Thy right
hand hath upholden me.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Now and ever, etc.
HaUelujah. (Thrice.) Glory be to Thee, O God. {Thrice)
Lord have mercy. (Thrice.)
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Now and ever, etc.
Psalm 87 : Lord God of my salvation, I cry unto Thee
day and night ; let my prayer come before Thee, incline Thine
ears unto my cry, etc.
These two verses are repeated at the end of the Psalm. Then Psalm 103 :
Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me
His holy Name, etc.
The last verse of this Psalm is repeated. Psalm 143 :
Lord, hear my prayer, etc.

The Nocturnal Service. ' 19
At the close these verses follow :
Hear me, O Lord, for Thy righteousness' sake, and enter
not into judgment with Thy servant. (Twice.) Let Thy good
Spirit lead me in the right way.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Now and ever, etc.
HaUelujah. (Thrice.) GlorybetoThee, OGod. (Thrice.)
When the Reader begins to read Psalm 87, the Priest goes in the Epitrache
lion or Phelonion before the holy doors, and says silently the foUowing morning
prayers : FIRST PRATER.
We thank Thee, O Lord, our God, that Thou hast raised
us from our beds and put into our mouth the words of Thy
praise, and that we may worship Thee, and caU upon Thy
holy Name ; and so we implore Thy compassion, which Thou
hast sho-wn us through the course of our Uves ; send down
also now Thine aid upon those who stand before the face of
Thy holy glory, waiting for the riches of Thy mercy ; let
them praise Thine unspeakable goodness, as they serve be
fore Thee continuaUy with fear and love. For to Thee, the
Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, are due aU honor
and praise, glory and worship ; now and ever, and to ages of
ages. Amen. SECOND PRATER.
In the night season our soul is awake unto Thee, O our
God, for Thy commandments are light upon the earth;
teach us to do righteousness and hoUness in Thy fear ; as
we magnify Thee, our true God. IncUne Thine ear and
hear us ; remember, O Lord, every one who is here present
and prays -with us, and save them by Thy power ; bless Thy
people and sanctify Thine inheritance ; grant peace to Thy
world, to Thy churches, to Thy Priests, to our Sovereign,
and to all Thy people. For blessed and praised is Thy aU
glorious and exalted Name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
THIRD PEATEE.
In the night season our soul is awake unto Thee, O God ;
for Thy commandments are Ught. Teach us, O God, Thy

20 Offices of the Oriental Church.
righteousness. Thy commandments, and Thy justice. En
lighten the eyes of our minds, that we sleep not in sin unto
death ; banish all darkness from our hearts ; grant us the
Sun of Righteousness ; preserve us in hoUness of Ufe by the
seal of thy Holy Spirit ; guide our steps in the way of peace ;
grant us to behold the morning dawn and the day vdth joy,
that we may offer up to Thee our morning prayers. For
Thine is the strength, and the kingdom, and the po-wer, and
the glory of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.

FOUETH PEATEE.
O holy and incomprehensible God, our Lord, who hast
commanded the light to shine out of the darkness, hast
refreshed us with sleep in the night, and hast raised us up to
praise and invoke Thy goodness : by Thy compassion receive
us, who now adore and give thanks unto Thee according to
our abilities, and grant us all things necessary to our salva
tion. Make us children of the light and of the day, and
heirs of Thine eternal goodness. Remember also, O Lord,
in the multitude of Thy mercies, all Thy people, and those
who are present -with us and pray -with us, and all our breth
ren who, on land, on the sea, and in all parts of Thy dominion,
desire Thy grace and help ; and grant unto all the riches of
Thy grace. That we, being saved, both soul and body, by
trust in Thee, may praise the wonderful and blessed Name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; now
and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
For Thou art a God of mercy, grace, and compassion, and
to Thee the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we
offer up praise and glory ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Amen. FIFTH PEATEE.
O Treasure of Goodness, ever-flowing Fountain, Holy
Father, Wonderful, Almighty, Ruler of aU things. Thee do
we worship, and we implore Thee, invoking Thy grace and
compassion, for help and protection for our humiUty : re
member Thy servants, O Lord ; receive from us all the morn
ing prayer as incense before Thee, and reject none of us, but
provide for us all in Thy compassion. Remember, O Lord,

The Nocturnal Service. 21
those who watch and sing to the glorification of Thee, and of
Thine Only-begotten Son, our God, and Thy Holy Spirit : be
to them a Helper and Defender ; receive their prayers on
Thy heavenly and spiritual Altar. For Thou art our God,
and to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
we offer up praise and glory ; now and ever, and to ages of
ages. Amen. SIXTH PEATEE.
We thank Thee, O Lord, God of our salvation, that Thou
makest all things work together for our good, that we may
always look up to Thee, the Saviour and Benefactor of our
souls ; for Thou hast refreshed us with rest in the past night,
and hast raised us from our beds, and hast caused us to adore
Thy holy Name. Therefore, we beseech Thee, O Lord, grant
us grace and strength, that we may worthily sing unto Thee,
and pray without ceasing, working out our salvation with
fear and trembUng, through the help of Thy Christ. Re
member also, O Lord, those who call upon Thee in the night
season ; hear them and have mercy upon them, and beat do-mi
under their feet their invisible and obstinate enemies. For
Thou art the Prince of Peace and the Saviour of our souls,
and to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
we offer up praise and glory ; now and ever, and to ages of
ages. Amen. SEVENTH PRATER.
O God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hast
raised us from our beds, and hast assembled us at the hour
of prayer, open by Thy grace our mouth, and accept the
thanksgiving which we are enabled to offer ; teach us Thy
righteousness ; for we know not how we should pray, unless
Thou, O Lord, shouldst guide us by Thy Holy Spirit. There
fore, we beseech Thee, pardon, forgive, and overlook the sins
we have committed, even unto the present hour, by thought,
word, or deed, wUlingly or unvdllingly ; for if Thou, Lord,
shouldst mark iniquities, O Lord, who shaU stand? But
with Thee is redemption ; Thou alone art the Holy One, tho
Helper, the mighty Defender of our Life ; and to Thee we
sing continual praise. Blessed and praised be the power of
Thy kingdom, of the Father, andof the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.

22 Offices of the Oriental Church.
EIGHTH PRATER.
O Lord, our God, who hast banished from us weariness
and slumber, and by a holy call hast summoned us even in
the night to lift up our hands, and to confess the judgments
of Thy righteousness, accept our prayers, suppUcations, con
fessions, and nocturnal service, and grant us, O God, faith
that cannot be shaken, constant hope, and sincere love ; bless
our going out and our coming in, our deeds and works, our
words and thoughts, and let us come to the dawn of day
praising, blessing, and glorifying the goodness of Thine un
speakable mercy. That blessed may be Thine aU-holy
Name, and praised be Thy kingdom, of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages
of ages. Amen. NINTH PRATER.
O merciful Lord, let the imperishable Ught of Thy Divine
knowledge shine within our hearts, and open the eyes of our
minds to understand the teachings of Thy gospel. Implant
in us also the fear of Thy blessed commandments, that we,
subduing aU fleshly lusts, may lead a spiritual life, thinking
and doing all things to Thy good pleasure. For Thou, 0
Christ, our God, art the Enlightener of our souls and bodies,
and to Thee, together with Thine eternal Father, and Thine
all-holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, we offer up praise
and glory ; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
TENTH PRATER.
O Lord, our God, who hast granted to men remission
through repentance, and hast set forth unto us, as an exam
ple of confession and acknowledgment of sins, the pardon
through repentance of the prophet David ; do Thou, O Mas
ter, have mercy upon us according to Thy great goodness,
and since we ha-sge fallen into many and great iniquities, blot
out our transgressions according to the multitude of Thy
mercies ; for against Thee have we sinned, O Lord, who
knowest the secret and hidden things of the human heart,
and who alone hast power to forgive sins. Create within us
a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within us ; show us the
joy of Thy salvation, and cast us not away from Thy pres
ence ; but grant, as the good and gracious God, that we,

The Nocturnal Service. 23
even to our latest breath, may present unto Thee the offering
of righteousness and sacrifices upon Thine holy Altars.
Through the grace, and mercy, and compassion of Thine
Only-begotten Son, with whom Thou art highly praised,
together with Thine aU-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit ;
now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
- ELEVENTH PEATEE.
O God, our God, who hast created the powers of mind
and soul by Thy wUl, we beseech and implore Thee ; accept
our praise, which we, together with aU Thy creatures, offer
unto Thee, according to our abilities, and reward us with
rich bounties of Thy goodness ; for before Thee doth bow
every knee in heaven, and on earth and under the earth ;
and everything that hath breath and every creature doth
praise Thine incomprehensible glory ; for Thou alone art the
true God, and full of grace. For Thee do aU the heavenly
powers glorify, and to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and
the Holy Ghost, we offer up praise and glory ; now and ever,
and to ages of ages. Amen.
TWELFTH PBATEB.,
We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we glorify Thee, we give
thanks unto Thee, O God of our Fathers, that Thou hast
removed the shadows of the night and sho-wn us again the
light of the day ; we implore Thy goodness to purify us from
sin, and to receive our prayers according to Thy great mercy ;
for we flee unto Thee the merciful and Almighty God. Let
the true Sun of Thy righteousness shine in our hearts, en
lighten our understanding, and preserve all our senses, that
we, walking honestly as in the day, in the way of Thy com
mandments, may attain unto everlasting life ; for with Thee
is the fountain of life, and that we may be made worthy of
the joy of Thine inaccessible light. For Thou art our God,
and to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
we offer up praise and glory ; now and ever, and to ages of
ages. Amen.
At the close of the six Psalms the Deacon goes out before the holy doors, bows
before the Priest, and, as the latter goes into the Sanctuary, takes his place and
says the great Ektene :
In peace let us pray to the Lord.

24 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
(So after each sentence of the Ektene. See the Ektene at the beginnmg of
the. Vespers.) Then the Deacon goes into the Sanctuary to his place, and the reader ex-
. claims :
God is the Lord and is manifested unto us ; blessed be
He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.
Vers : O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, and^
His mercy endureth forever.
Choie : God is the Lord and is manifested unto us ;
blessed be He that cometh in the Name of the Lord.
Reader : They compassed me about on every side, but in
the name of the Lord I have withstood them.
Choie : God is the Lord, etc.
Reader : I shall not die, but Uve, and declare the works
of the Lord.
Choir : God is the Lord, etc.
Reader : The stone which the builders refused is become
the comer stone ; this is the Lord's doing, and is marveUous
in our eyes.
Choir : God is the Lord, etc.
Here the Troparia are sung according to the appointed tunes, either those of
the festival, or of the saints, and of the Mother of God. Then :
Choir : Lord, have mercy. (Three times.)
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Reader : Now and ever, etc.
Then they begin to read the Kathisms — that is, the prescribed Psalms of
David for the appointed day, each division of the Kathisms ending with the
¦words :
Glory be to the Father, etc.
And the Choir answers :
Now and ever, etc. Hallelujah. (Thrice.) Glory be to
Thee, O God. (Thrice.) Lord, have mercy. {Thrice.)
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Readee : Now and ever, etc.
Then he continues to read the next division. At the close of the flrst Kathism
the Deacon goes out of the Sanctuary, remains standing before the holy doors, and
says the little Ektene.
Again and again let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord have mercy, etc.

The Nocturnal Service. 25
The Peiest at the end : For Thine is the strength, and
Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; now and
ever, and to ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Then are sung the appointed Kathismal hymns, after which, in the convents,
follows the reading of the homilies on the Gospel. Then is read, in the same way,
the second Kathism, which ended with :
Glory be to the Father, and HaUelujah.
And the little Ektene also follows :
Deacon : Again and again, etc.
Choie : Lord, have mercy, etc.
The Peiest at the end : For Thou art a good and
gracious God, and to Thee, etc.
Choie : Amen.
Whereupon the Kathismal hymns are sung again, and in the convents the
reading of the homilies on the Gospel is continued.
Then commences the Polyelaion. The singers begin with solemn voice to sing
Psalms 134 and 135, adding to each verse : Hallelujah.
Fiest Choie : Praise the Name of the Lord ; O ye servants,
praise the Lord. Hallelujah.
Second Choie : Ye that stand in the house of the Lord,
in the courts of the house of our God. Hallelujah, etc.
On the three Sundays before the Great Fast is also added Psalm 136.
By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept. HaUe
lujah, etc.
Here the order of the service is sbmewhat varied, (a) -When it is a festival or
saint's day, while the Psalms are sung an Analogion is placed in the midst of the
church, and upon it is laid the Ikon of the festival of the saint ; the Superior and
the Priesthood robe themselves in the customary way, and going out of th^ Sanc
tuary through the holy doors, place themselves on each side of the Analogion, and
the Superior distributes candles among the clergy and all the people ; then he
takes the censer, and while a Deacon goes before with the candle, censes flrst
around the Ikon on the Analogion, then going into the Sanctuary around the holy
Table, and in the whole Sanctuary, then he goes out of the Sanctuary aud censes
before all the Ikons, then the Priesthood on both sides of the Analogion, both the
Choirs, and the assembled people ; then again before the holy doors, and the Ikons
of the Saviour, the Mother of God, and before that on the Analogion. At the same
time tho hymn in honor of the saint or of the festival is sung, as :
We exalt Thee, O Christ, Thou Giver of Life, who for our
sake in the Flesh hast been born, or hast been baptized, etc.
Or : It is very meet highly to exalt thee, 0 Mother of

26 The Nocturnal Service.
God, more honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond com
parison more glorious than the Seraphim.
Or: We exalt thee, O High-priest, Father N. N., and
honor thy holy memory, because thou dost intercede for us
with Christ, our God.
These hymns of honor are sung several times, and before each the appointed
verse from the Psalms. Then the whole ministering Priesthood go into the
Sanctuary ahd take off their vestments ; only he whose duty it is to serve remains
robed, in order to read the Gospel. Sometimes the Gospel is read in the midst of
the church before the Ikon, and after that the Priesthood return to the Sanctuary.
(J) If it is a Sunday, during the singing of Psalms 134 and 135 the holy doors are
opened, and while the Deacon goes before with the candle, the Priest censes about
the Sanctuary, before the Ikons in the church, and the people, as is customary.
After the Psalms above, instead of the hymns of honor, the following Troparia of
praise are sung :
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, teach me Thy judgments.
The multitude of angels is astonished, beholding Thee, 0
Saviour, because Thou hast been numbered with the dead,
but hast destroyed the stronghold of death, and hast raised
up Adam -with Thee, and delivered all from hell.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, etc.
Why, O women, mingle ye the ointment -with your tears
of pity \ The shining angel in the sepulchre said to the
women who brought the ointment : Behold the sepulchre,
and know that the Saviour is risen from the tomb.
Blessed art Thou, 0 Lord, etc.
Early in the morning hastened the women who bore the
ointment, weeping, to Thy tomb ; but the angel appeared to
them and said : The time for weeping is past ; weep not, but
announce to the Apostles the Resurrection.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, etc.
The women came with the ointment sorro-wing to Thy
tomb, but the angel spake unto them and said : Why seek
ye the Li-dng among the dead \ for He, as God, is risen from
the tomb.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost. Let us adore the Father, and the Son, and the Holy
Ghost, the Holy Trinity in Unity, and crying out vdth Sera
phim : Holy, Holy, Holy, art Thou, O Lord.
Now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
Because that thou, O Virgin, hast borne the Giver of Life,
hast freed Adam from sin, and hast turned the sorrow of Eve

The Nocturnal Service. 27
into joy ; since He, the God-Man, who became flesh of thee,
hath restored life again to those who had lost it.
Hallelujah. (Thrice.) Glory be to Thee, O God. (Thrice.)
At the close of the Troparia of Praise— but, on the festivals, immediately after
the hymns of honor — the Deacon says the little Ektene :
Again and again, etc.
Choie : Lord have mercy, etc. (See above.)
The Peiest, at the end : For highly praised is Thy
Name, and highly honored Thy Kingdom, of the Father, etc.
Choie: Amen.
After the Ektene the smgers sing the Antiphons of the appointed tunes, or the
Gradual, and then the bells are rung. After the Antiphon :
Deacon : Let us attend ; Wisdom.
Readee: Prokimenon.
And reads the appointed verses from the Psalm of Da^vid.
The Choir sings the same three times.
Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest : For Thou, our God, art holy, and dwellest -with
the holy, and to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy
Ghost, we offer up praise and glory, now and ever, and to
ages of ages.
Choie : Amen.
Deacon : Let everything that hath breath praise the
Lord.
The Choir sings the same.
Deacon : Praise the Lord in His sanctuary, praise Him
in the firmament of His power.
Choie : Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord.
Deacon : Let every thing that hath breath.
Choir : Praise the Lord,
Deacon : Let us pray God, the Lord, that we may be
made worthy to hear the Holy Gospel.
Choir : Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)
Deacon : Wisdom ; stand up ; let us hear the Gospel.
Priest : Peace to aU.
Choir : And to thy spirit.
Priest : The reading from, the Holy Gospel according to
N.N, Choir : Glory to Thee, 0 Lord ; glory to Thee.

38 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Deacon : Let us attend.
The Priest reads the Gospel.
After the reading of the Gospel, the Choir :
Glory to Thee, O Lord ; glory to Thee.
Here the order of the Service is again somewhat varied, (a) On Sundays,
after Olory to Thee, 0 Lord, etc., is read this verse :
Having seen the Resurrection of Christ, let us adore Jesus,
the Holy Lord, who is alone without sin. We adore Thy
Cross, O Christ, and praise and glorify Thy Holy Resurrec
tion, for Thou art our God ; besides Thee we know no other,
and on Thy Name do we call, O come, aU ye faithful, let us
adore the Holy Resurrection of Christ ; for, behold, through
the Cross came joy to all the world. Ever blessing the Lord,
let us praise His Resurrection ; for He hath suflered on the
Cross, and through Death hath destroyed Death.
Then is sung Psalm 50 :
Have mercy upon me, O God, etc.
Then the Choir sings :
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost, O Thou Merciful One, do away the multitude of our trans
gressions through the intercessions of the Apostles,
Now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
O Thou Merciful One, do away the multitude of our trans
gressions through the intercessions of the Mother of God.
Vers : Have mercy on me, O God, after Thy great good
ness ; according to the multitude of Thy mercies, blot out my
sins. Jesus is arisen from the grave, as He foretold ; and hath
given us eternal life and great grace.
[J] On the festivals of the Lord, after the Gospel, and : Glory to Thee, 0 Lord,
etc., is read Psalm 50 : Have mercy upon me, 0 Ood, etc. Whereupon the choir :
Olory be to the Father, etc. , and the verse for the festival, as :
To-day are aU things filled with joy, since Christ is born of
the Virgin : or, is baptized in Jordan, etc. Now and ever,
etc. And again :
To-day are all things, etc.
Vers : Have mercy upon me, 0 God, etc.

The Nocturnal Service. 29
At the close the Stieherion, or Hypakoe appointed for the festival.
[c] On the days of the Mother of God, or the Saints, follows after Psalm 50 :
Glory be to the Father, etc.
0 Thou Merciful One, do away the multitude of our trans
gressions through the intercessions of the Mother of God (the
Saint, the High Priest, the Martyr N.).
Now and ever, etc.
Again : O Thou Merciful One, etc.
Vers : Have mercy upon me, O God, etc.
At the close the Hypakoe, or Stieherion, appointed for the festival of the
Mother of God, the Saint, the High Priest, or the Martyr.
\d\ On Sundays of the Great Fast, after the Gospel and : Olory to Thee, 0
Lord, is sung :
Having seen the Resurrection of Christ, etc. (See above.)
Then is read Psalm 50, as is usual on the Sundays. Then the Choir sings the
following Troparia :
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Open unto me the gates of penitence, O Thou Giver of
Life ; for my spirit watches in Thy holy Temple, bearing a
bodily temple wholly polluted ; yet do Thou, the Merciful
One, purify it -with Thy merciful grace.
Now and ever, etc.
Lead me in the paths of salvation, O thou Mother of God ;
for I have defiled my soul with shameful sins, and wasted my
whole life in idleness ; but do thou set me free through thy
intercessions from all impurity.
Vers : Have mercy upon me, O God, etc.
At the end : Remembering the multitude of my past ini
quities, I tremble as condemned before the terrible Day of
Judgment : yet hoping in Thy merciful grace, Uke David, I
cry unto Thee : Have mercy upon me, O God, after Thy great
goodness.
After the reading of the Gospel and during the singing of the above men
tioned verses, the Priest, with two light-bearers going before him, passes out
through the holy doors with the Book of the Gospels, which he holds on his
breast, and places himself in the midst of the church, and the light-bearers place
the candles on each side of him. Then comes the Superior, bows twice before
the Book of the Gospels, kisses it, bows again once before it, and then before
both Choirs. Then afterward the whole brotherhood and the people do the
same. But on the holy festivals they kiss the Ikon of the Saint, which lies upon
the Analogion in the midst of the church, and not the Book of the Gospels, and the
Priest anoints all with the oil, which has heen blessed at the blessing of the loaves
during the Great Vespers, making with the oil the sign of the cross on the foreheads

30 Offices of the Oriental Church.
of those who come. After the kissing of the Gospel, or of the Ikon of the saint,
the Priest blesses with it the whole congregation, goes into the Sanctuary and closes
the holy doors ; but the Deacon says in his customary place the following prayer :
0 Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance ; to :
Hear us sinners, who pray unto Thee, and have mepcy upon
us. {See above, in the Or eat Vespers.)
Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times.)
Priest : Through the grace and mercy and compassion of
Thine Only-begotten Son, vdth whom, and with Thine AU-
holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, Thou art blessed; now
and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Now begins the Kanon of the Festival, or of the Saint, and the Mother of
God, which consists of nine hymns of several Troparia, and to each Troparion is
added a Preface ; as :
Glory be to Thy holy Resurrection, O Lord ; or, Holy
Father N., pray unto God for us ; or, O Most Holy Mother of
God, save us, etc.
After the third hymn, the Deacon goes out of the Sanctuary, and standing
before the holy doors, says the little Ektene :
Again and again, etc.
Choir : Lord, have mercy, etc.
Priest : For Thou art our God, and to Thee, the Father, etc.
Choie: Amen.
Then is sung the Kathismal hymn, or the Hypakoe of the day, and the Kanon
is continued. After the sixth hymn, the Deacon goes again out of the Sanctuary, and says the
little Ektene.
Again and again, etc.
Priest : For Thou art the Prince of Peace, and the Sav
iour of our souls, and to Thee, the Father, etc.
Choir: Amen.
Then is sung the Kantakion and Ikos of the festival. Otherwise is read the
Senaksarion — that is, the explanation of the festival, and sometimes also the Aka-
thistos. Then the Kanon is continued.
At the close of the eighth hymn, the Reader exclaims : Let us praise the Lord,
Father, Son and Holy Ghost, upon which all, bowing, cry out : We praise, we
bless and worship fhe Lord, singi-ng unto Him and -magnifying Him forever. And
they sing then the Katabasion— that is, the Irmos of the eighth hymn.
Then the Deacon censes about the holy Table, and all the Sanctuary, and says
aloud :
Let US magnify -with hymns of praise the Mother of God
and the Mother of Light.

The Nocturnal Service. 31
The Choir sings the following hymns of the Mother of God :
First Choir : My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my
spirit hath rejoiced in God, my Saviour.
O thou, who art more honorable than the Cherubim, and
beyond comparison more glorious than the Seraphim, who
hast borne without corruption God, the Word ; we magnify
thee, the true mother of God.
Second Choir : For He hath regarded the lowliness of His
handmaiden : for, behold, from henceforth aU generations
shall call me blessed. O thou, who art more honorable, etc.
First Choir : For He that is mighty hath done great
things unto me, and Holy is his Name, and His mercy is on
them that fear Him, from generation to generation. O thou,
who art more honorable, etc.
Second Choir : He hath showed strength -with His arm.
He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart.
O thou, who art, etc.
First Choir : He hath put down the mighty from their
seat, and exalted the humble. He hath filled the hungry
-with good things, and the rich He hath sent empty away. 0
thou, who art more honorable, etc.
Second Choir : He hath holpen His servant Israel, and
remembered His mercy (as He spake to our fathers) to
Abraham and his seed forever. O thou, who art more
honorable, etc.
During the singing of these Sticheria, and the ninth hymn of the Kanon
which follows them, the Deacon censes in the whole church, and before all the
people. At the end of the ninth hymn he gives back the censer, and says the little
Ektene ;
Again and again, etc.
Choie: Lord, have mercy, etc. (See above.)
Peiest : For Thou art praised by aU the heavenly hosts,
and to Thee, the Father and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we
offer up praise and glory ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Deacon exclaims : Holy is the Lord, our God.
Choir : The same.
Deacon : For Holy is the Lord, our God.
Choir : Holy is the Lord, our God.
Deacon : Above all nations is our God.
Choir : Holy is the Lord our God.

32 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Then is sung the Bxapostellarion of the festival ; and afterward the Choir begins
to sing the Psalms of praise 148 and 149, adding to each verse :
To Thee is due the hymn of praise, O God.
Fiest Choie : Let everything that hath breath praise the
Lord. Praise the Lord, O ye heavens ; praise Him in the
height. To Thee is due the hymn of praise, O God.
Second Choie : Praise Him, all His angels ; praise Him, all
His hosts. To Thee is due the hymn of praise, O God, etc.
The rest of the Psalm is usually read. Then the hymns of the festival are
sung, and before each of them one of the following verses of Psalm 150 :
To do unto them the judgment, of which it is written,
Such honor have aU His Saints.
Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in the firmament
of His power.
Praise Him for His mighty acts ; praise Him according to
His excellent greatness.
Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet ; praise him
-with psalter and harp. Praise Him with timbrels and dances ;
praise Him with strings and organs.
Praise Him with loud cymbals ; praise Him -with resound
ing cymbals. Let everything that hath breath praise the
Lord. Then both Choirs join together in the midst of the church and sing :
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
Highly praised art thou, O Virgin, Mother of God, for
through Him, who became incarnate in thee, is HeU made
captive, Adam restored, the Curse removed. Eve set free ;
Death slain, and we restored to life. Therefore we praising
thee, cry aloud : Blessed be Christ, our God, who hath so
wiUed : Glory be to Thee.
This verse is sung only on Sundays ; but on festivals, or on saints' days, is sung
the appointed verse :
Then the Peiest : Glory be to Thee, who hast showed us
the Light.
Choie, the Doxologt : Glory be to God on high, peace
on earth, and good- vdll towards men. We praise Thee, we
bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify Thee, we give thanks
to Thee for Thy great glory, O Lord, Thou heavenly King,
God the Father Almighty; O Lord, Thou, Only-begotten Son,

The Nocturnal Service. 33
Jesu Christ ; and Thou, Holy Ghost. O Lord God, Thou
Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that hast taken away the
sins of the world, have mercy upon us ; Thou, that hast
taken away the sins of the world, receive our prayer ; Thou,
that sittest at the right hand of the Father, have mercy upon
us. For Thou only art holy. Thou only art the Lord, Jesus
Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Every day wiU I bless Thee and praise Thy Name forever,
and to ages of ages. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day
without sin. Blessed art Thou, 0 Lord, God of our fathers,
and Thy Name is praised and glorified forever. Amen.
O Lord, let Thy mercy be upon us, as our trust is in Thee.
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, teach me Thy judgments. (Thrice.)
Lord, Thou hast been our refuge from generation to genera
tion ; I said : Lord, be merciful unto me, heal my soul : for I
have sinned against Thee. Lord, I flee unto Thee ; teach me
to do Thy wiU, for Thou art my God ; for -with Thee is the
fountain of Ufe, and in Thy Ught shall we see Ught ; continue
thy mercy unto them that know Thee.
O Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have
mercy upon us. (Thrice.) Glory be to the Father, and to
the Son, and to the Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages
of ages. Amen.
O Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us.
O Holy God, Holy and Mighty, etc.
Then on the Sundays one of the following Troparia:
To-day is salvation come unto the world ; let us sing to
Him who rose from the grave, the Prince of our Life ; He
hath destroyed Death by Death, and hath given us the vic
tory and great mercy.
Or : O Lord, who art arisen from the grave, hast broken
the bonds of heU, and destroyed the condemnation of death ;
when Thou hadst saved all from the net of the enemy, and
appeared unto Thine Apostles, Thou didst send them forth
to proclaim the Gospel, and give peace unto the whole world,
which is now become the kingdom of Thy grace.
On festivals, instead of these Troparia, the Troparion of the festival is sung.
Then the singers go to their places, and the Deacon says the Ektene of Earnest
Prayer.
Have mercy upon us, 0 God, according to thy great
mercy ; we pray Thee, hear and have mercy.

34 Offices of fhe Oriental Church.
Choie: Lord, have mercy. (Three times, etc., to Amen.)
Then the following Ektene:
Let us complete our morning prayers to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy, etc.
After the exclamation of the Priest, at the end of the Ektene: Peace to all.
Choie : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Let us bow down our heads*before the Lord.
Choie : To Thee, 0 Lord.
The Priest prays silently.
THE PRATER AT THE BOWING DOWN OF THE HEAD.
O Holy Lord, who dweUest on high, and hast respect
unto the lowly, and with Thine aU-seeing eye beholdest
every creature ; before Thee have we bowed the neck of
our heart and body, and we beseech Thee, O Thou Most
Holy One, stretch forth Thine invisible hand from Thy holy
habitation and bless us all ; and in whatsoever we have sinned,
wilUngly or unwUlingly, forgive us, as the good and gracious
God, and grant us Thy temporal and eternal gifts of grace.
Aloud : For to Thee it belongeth to have mercy and to
save us, and to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy
Ghost, we offer up praise and glory ; now and ever, and to
ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Here' follows the Benediction.
Deacon : Wisdom.
Choir : Give the Benediction.
Peiest: Blessed is Christ, our God, always; now and
ever, and to ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Strengthen, O God, our Orthodox Monarch (Emperor,
King, or Prince of the respective country) N. N., and the
Holy Orthodox Faith, and aU Orthodox Christians, for ever
and ever.
Priest : Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
Choir : Thou who art more honorable than the Cherubim,
and beyond comparison more glorious than the Seraphim,
who hast borne without corruption God, the Word, we mag
nify thee, the true mother of God.

The Nocturnal Service. 35
Priest : Glory be to Thee, Christ, O God, our Hope ;
glory be to Thee.
Choir : Glory be to the Father, etc.
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice^
Give the Benediction.
The Priest opens the holy doors, and gives the following Dismissal:
Christ, our true God (Who is risen from the dead ; or.
Who was baptized in the Jordan ; or, Who was transfigured
upon Mount Tabor ; according to the occasion of the festival),
through the intercessions of His aU-spotless Mother, of the
holy, glorious, and all-celebrated Apostles, of our holy
Father N. (of the ddy), and of all Saints, have mercy upon
us, and save us, as Thou art good and gracious.
Choir: Amen ; or, Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)
Then follows the First Hour.

THE FIRST HOUR.
Priest : Blessed be our God always, etc.
Reader: Amen.
Glory be to Thee, O God ; glory be to Thee.
O Heavenly King, Comforter, Thou Spirit of Truth, omni
present and filling all things. Treasure of Goodness and Giver
of Life, come and make Thine abode in us. Thou Gracious
One, purify us from every stain, and save our souls.
Trisagion : O Holy God, Holy and Mighty, etc.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us ; purify us, O
Lord, from our sins ; forgive us, O Master, our transgres
sions ; visit our infirmities, O Holy One, and save us for Thy
Name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, etc.
Priest : For Thine is the Kingdom, etc.
Reader : Amen.
After the Trisagion:
Lord, have mercy. {Twelve times)
Come, let us worship before God, our King, etc.

36 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Then Psalm 5:
O Lord, receive my words, consider my meditation, etc.
Psalm 89:
Lord, Thou hast been our refuge from generation to gen
eration, etc.
Psalm 100:
Of mercy and judgment wUl I sing unto Thee, O Lord,
etc. Glory be to the Father, etc.
HaUelujah. (Thrice.) Glory be to Thee, O God. (^/^Wce.)
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)
Glory be to the Father, etc.
And then the Troparion of the saint or of the festival, then:
Now and ever, etc.
What name shaU we give thee, O most blessed ; Heaven,
since from thee hath arisen the Sun of Righteousness ; Para
dise, since from thee hath bloomed forth the Flower of In
corruption ; Virgin, since thou, hast remained spotless ; pure
Mother, since thou hast held ih thy holy arms the Son, the
God of aU things ? beseech Him therefore to save our souls.
Order my steps according to Thy word, so that no wick
edness shgU have dominion over me. Deliver me from the
oppression of men, and I will keep Thy commandments.
Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant, and teach me
Thy statutes.
Let my mouth be fiUed with Thy praise, O Lord, that I
may sing of Thine honor and greatness all the day long.
In the season of Lent, or when instead of : God is the Lord, who hath showed
us Ught, there is sung at Matins Hallelujah, the following Troparia are read in
stead of the Troparion of the festival or of the saint, and thus : the Priest, standing
before the holy doors, sings:
In the morning hear my voice, my King and my God.
First Choir : The same.
Priest : Lord, receive my words, give ear unto my cry.
Second Choir : In the morning hear, etc.
Priest, the second verse : For unto Thee wUl I pray, 0
Lord. First Choir : In the morning hear, etc.
Priest : Glory be to the Father, etc.
Reader : Now and ever, etc.

The Nocturnal Service. 37
What name shaU we give thee, 0 most blessed % etc.
Then the following verses are sung, thus:
First Choir : Order my steps, etc.
Second Choir : The same.
Fiest Choie : DeUver me from the oppression, etc.
Second Choie : The same.
Fiest Choie : Make Thy face to shine, etc.
Second Choie : The same.
Fiest Choie : Let thy mouth be fiUed, etc.
Second Choie : The same.
Fiest Choie : Again the same.
Then the Teisagion : O Holy God, etc.
After the Lord's Prayer follows the Kontakion of the saint, or of the festival.
But in Lent, instead of this, the following Troparia, on Monday, Tuesday, and
Thursday. Let US vdth heart and mouth unceasingly praise the
most glorious Mother of God, who is hoUer than the angels,
acknowledging her as the Mother, who in truth hath, borne
God manifest in the Flesh, and who continuaUy prays for
our souls.
On Wednesday and Friday : Hasten to our assistance, O
Christ, our God, before we are enslaved by the enemy, who
blasphemeth Thee, and hindereth us ; destroy with Thy cross
our foes, that they may acknowledge, O Thou who alone art
gracious, how Faith gives strength to the Orthodox, through
the intercessions of the Mother of God.
On Saturday : O Lord, to Thee, the Creator of our race,
the world offers, as the first fruits of nature the divinely in
spired martyrs ; for the sake of their intercessions, through
the Mother of God, preserve in perfect peace Thy Church
and Thy communion, O Thou Gracious One.
Lord, have mercy. (Forty times.)
THE PEATEE.
O Christ, who art worshipped and glorified always and at
aU times, in heaven and on earth, God, long suffering, of
much grace and of much mercy, who lovest the righteous and
hast pity upon sinners, who caUest all men to salvation
through the tidings of good things to come ; do Thou, O
Lord, receive the prayers which we at this hour offer unto

38 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Thee, and order our life according to Thy commandments ;
sanctify our souls, purify our bodies, direct our thoughts,
make pure our minds, and deliver us from all pain and suf
fering. Surround us with Thy holy angels, that we, guarded
and guided by their watch, may come to the unity of the
faith and to the knowledge of Thine inaccessible glory ; for
Thou art praised from ages to ages. Amen.
Lord have mercy. (Thrice.)
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Thou who art more honorable than, etc.
Give the benediction. Father, in the Name of the Lord.
Priest : God have mercy upon us and bless us. Lift up
the light of Thy countenance upon us and be gracious
unto us.
Reader : Amen.
And the closing prayer of the first hour. (See below.)
But in Lent the Priest says after : Ood have mercy upon us, the following
prayer in three sections. Alter each section all bow down.
PRATER OF SAINT EPHREM*STRUS.
Lord and Master of my life, give me not the spirit of idle
ness, of despondency, of ambition and unprofitable words.
But give to me. Thy servant, the spirit of chastity, of
humiUty, of patience and of love.
Teach me, O Lord, my King, to see mine own faults, and
not to condemn my brother ; for Thou art praised from ages
to ages. Amen.
Then they all bow down twelve times, with the exclamation: 0 Ood, purify
me, a sinner, and then again follows the prayer : Lord and master of my life, etc.,
when they bow down only once.
THE CLOSING PRATER OF THE FIEST HOUR.
0 Christ, Thou true Light, which enlighteneth and sanc-
tifleth every one that cometh into the world, let the Ught of
Thy countenance dawn upon us, that in it we may see the
inaccessible Ught, and direct our steps to the fulfllment of
Thy commandments, through the intercession of Thy pure
Mother and of all Thy saints. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)

The Nocturnal Service. 39
Give the Benediction.
Peiest : Christ, our true God, etc.
Readee : Amen, or. Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)
On Sundays and festivals, after the Great Matins, the close of the flrst hour is
somewhat altered; and the above closing prayer: 0 Christ, Thou true Light, is
read by the Priest, and the Choir answers with the following hymn :
To thee, the victorious leader of hosts, we offer the tri
umphal song. To thee, as those delivered from e-vUs, O
Mother of God, we, thy servants, ascribe our thanks. And,
since thou possessest in-dncible power, set us free from every
calamity, that we may cry unto thee : Rejoice, thou unmar
ried bride.
Peiest : Glory be to Thee, Christ, 0 God, our hope, etc.
Choie : Glory be to the Father, etc. Lord, have mercy.
(Thrice.) Give the Benediction.
Peiest : Christ, our true God, etc.

THE LITURGIES

OF

SS. JOHN CHEYSOSTOM AND BASIL THE GEEAT.

Peiest : Blessed be the Kingdom of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to ages of ages,
Choie: Amen.
Peiest : In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : For the peace from above, and for the salvation
of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest : For the peace of the whole world, for the pros
perity of the Holy Churches of God, and for the unity of aU,
let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest : For this Holy House, and for those who enter it
-with faith, piety, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy,
Peiest : For the Most Holy Governing Synod, for the
Metropolitan, for the honorable Presbytery, for the Diacon
ate in Christ, and for aU the Clergy and Laity, let us pray to
the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : For the most pious and God-protected Sovereign
 and family, all their court and army, let us pray to
the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : That He would fight on their side, and put under
their feet all who hate and oppose them, let us pray to the
Lord. Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : For this city, for every city and country, and for
the faithful who dweU therein, let us pray to the Lord.

The Liturgies. 41
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : For seasonable weather, for abundance of the
fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the
Lord. Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : For all who travel by land or by water, for the
sick, for the suffering, for prisoners, and for their welfare, "
let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : That we may be delivered from all tribulation,
-wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : Help, save, have mercy, and preserve us, O God,
by Thy grace.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : Commemorating our all-holy, spotless, most-
blessed, and glorious Lady, the Mother of God, and ever-
Virgin Mary, with all the Saints : let us commend ourselves,
and each other, and aU our life, to Christ our God.
Choir : To Thee, O Lord.
Priest (silently) : O Lord our God, whose power is in
comparable, whose mercy is infinite, whose glory is incom
prehensible, and whose love towards mankind is unspeakable,
of Thine own tenderness, O Lord, look down upon us, and
upon this Holy House, and pour out upon us, and upon
them that pray together with us, the riches of Thy mercies
and compassions.
Aloud : For aU glory, honor, and worship are due to
Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to
ages of ag^.
Choir: Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost. Both now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
Bless the Lord, O my soul ; O Lord, Thou art blessed.
PSALM 102 (103).
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and aU that is -within me,
bless His Holy Name.
» * * % *
Peiest : Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

42 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest. : Help, save, have mercy, and preserve us, 0 God,
by Thy Grace.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest: Commemorating our all-holy, spotless, most-
blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever- Vir
gin Mary, with all the Saints ; let us commend ourselves, and
each other, and all our life, to Christ our God.
Choie : To Thee, O Lord.
Priest (silently) : O Lord our God, save Thy people, and
bless Thine inheritance ; maintain the fulness of Thy Church;
sanctify Them that love the beauty of Thy House ; glorify
them by Thy Divine power, and forsake not them who put
their trust in Thee.
Aloud : For Thine is the might, and Thine is the kingdom,
the power, and the glory. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now,
and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost. PSALM 145 (146).
Praise the Lord, O my soul ; while I live I -will praise the
Lord ; I wiU sing praise unto my God while I have being ; yea,
as long as I have any being, I will sing praise unto my God.
*****
The Lord shall reign for ever : thy God, O Sion, from gen
eration to generation.
Both now, and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
Only-begotten Son, and Word of God, who ar^ Immortal,
and didst vouchsafe for our salvation to take flesh of the
Holy Mother of God and ever -Virgin Mary ; and without
change didst become Man, and wast crucified, Christ our God ;
and by death didst overcome death, being one in the Holy
Trinity, and glorified with the Father and the Holy Ghost ;
O save us.
Priest : Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord have mercy.
Priest : Help, save, have mercy, and preserve us, O God,
by Thy Grace.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest : Commemorating our aU-holy, spotless, most-

The Liturgies. 43
blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever -Vir
gin Mary, vdth aU the Saints : let us commend ourselves, and
each other, and all our Ufe, to Christ our God.
Choir : To Thee, O Lord.
Priest (sUently) : O Thou, Who hast given us grace at this
time with one accord to make our common supplications unto
Thee, and didst promise that when two or three are gathered
together in Thy Name, Thou wUt grant their requests ; fulfil
now, O Lord, the petitions of Thy servants as may be most
expedient for them, grant us in this age the knowledge of
Thy truth, and in the ages to come life everlasting.
Aloud : For Thou art the good God, and the Lover of men,
and we ascribe glory to Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
now, and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir : Amen.
Remember us, 0 Lord, when Thou comest into Thy King
dom. S. MATTHEW, 5.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theUs is the kingdom of
Heaven. *****
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost. Both now, and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
While the Choir are singing the same, which, in order after the two foregoing
Psalms, constitute The Third Antiphon, the Priest proceeds to make the Little
Entrance.
Priest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest : O Master, Lord, and our God, Who hast ordained
in Heaven hosts and armies of Angels and Archangels for the
ministry of Thy Glory : grant that -with our entrance there
may be an entrance of Holy Angels ministering together with
us, and with us glorifying Thy Goodness. For aU glory,
honor, and worship are due to Thee, the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Ghost, now, and ever, and to ages of ages.
Peiest : Blessed be the entrance of Thy Saints, always,
now, and ever, and to ages of ages.
Then aloud, the third Antiphon being ended.
Wisdom ! Upright !

44 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Choie : O come, let us worship and bow down to Christ :
O Son of God ; Who didst rise from the dead, save us who
sing to Thee, AUeluia.
Then follow other Troparia proper for the day.
Peiest : O God, Who art Holy ; Who restest in the Ho
lies ; who art hymned with the Thrice-Holy voice by the Sera
phim, glorified by the Cherubim, and worshipped by aU the
Heavenly Powers ; Who didst from nothing call aU things
into being ; Who didst create man after Thine image and
likeness, and didst adorn him with aU Thy graces ; Who giv
est to him that asketh wisdom and understanding, and lookest
not with disdain upon the sinner, but affordest him repentance
unto salvation ; Who hast vouchsafed that we, Thy humble
and unworthy servants, should stand even at this time before
the Glory of Thy Holy Altar, and should offer to Thee the
worship and praise that is due ; also receive Thyself, O Mas
ter, out of the mouths of us sinners the Thrice-Holy Hymn,
and visit us in Thy Goodness. Forgive us every offence,
voluntary and involuntary ; sanctify our souls and bodies ;
and grant that we may serve Thee in holiness all the days of
our life ; through the intercession of the Holy Mother of
God, and all the Saints who have pleased Thee from aU ages.
Aloud : For Holy art Thou, our God, and we ascribe
Glory to Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, now, and ever,
and to ages of ages.
Choik : Amen. THE THRICE-HOLT HTMN,
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have
mercy upon us.
Holy God, Holf and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have
mercy upon us.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have
mercy upon us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost ;
Both now, and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have
mercy upon us.

The Liturgies. 45
The Priest also repeats the Thrice-Holy Hymn, silently.
Priest : Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the
Lord. Blessed art Thou upon the glorious Throne of Thy King
dom, Who sittest upon the Cherubim, always, now, and ever,
and to ages of ages.
Then aloud : Let us attend.
Priest : Peace to aU.
Choir : And to thy spirit.
Priest : Wisdom I
Reader : The reading from the Holy Apostle  .
Priest : Let us attend.
The Eeader then reads the Apostle.
¦When ended, the Priest saith,
Peace to thee.
Reader : And to thy spirit.
Peiest : Wisdom !
Choie : HaUelujah. HaUelujah. HaUelujah.
Peiest (silently) : O Master, Lover of men, cause the in
extinguishable Ught of Thy Divine knowledge to shine forth
in our hearts, and open the eyes of our understanding, that
we may comprehend the precepts of Thy Gospel. Plant in
us also the fear of Thy blessed commandments, that we, tram
pling upon all carnal lusts, may seek a spiritual citizenship,
both thinking and doing always such things as are weU-
pleasing in Thy sight. For Thou art the lUumination of our
souls and bodies, Christ, our God, and we ascribe Glory to
Thee, with Thy Father Unoriginate, and Thy All-Holy, Good
and Life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and to ages of ages.
Peiest : (aloud) : Wisdom ! Upright, let us hear the
Holy Gospel. Peace to all.
Choie : And to thy spirit.
Priest : The reading from the Holy EvangeUst  .
Choir : Glory be to Thee, O Lord, Glory be to Thee.
Priest : Let us attend.
The Priest then reads the Gospel.
Choir : Glory be to Thee, O Lord, Glory be to Thee.
Peiest : Let us aU say Avith our whole soul, and vdth our
whole mind let us say,
Choie : Lord, have mercy.

46 OffiA:es of the Oriental Church.
Peiest : Lord Almighty, God of our fathers, we pray Thee,
hear, and have mercy.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest : Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy
great mercy ; we pray Thee, hear, and have mercy.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest : Again we pray for the pious and orthodox Chris
tians. Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest: Again we pray for strength, victory, long and
sole rule, health, and salvation of the most pious and God-
protected Sovereign  ; and we most earnestly beseech
the Lord our God to prosper him in aU things, and put under
his feet all who hate and oppose him.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest : Again we pray for the Most Holy Governing
Synod, and for our Metropolitan  .
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : Again we pray for all Christian armies.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : Again we pray for our brethren, the Priests,
Monks, and the whole Brotherhood in Christ.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest : Again we pray for the Orthodox Patriarchs, for
their Majesties, Kings and Queens ; for the blessed and ever-
memorable Founders of this holy abode ; for our Fathers and
Brethren that have fallen asleep before us, and lie here ; and
for the Orthodox departed everywhere.
Choie ; Lord, have mercy.
Peiest : Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health,
salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of sins of
the Servants of God, the Brethren of this holy abode.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : Again we pray for them that bring forth fruit,
and do good deeds in this holy and all-venerable Temple, for
them that labor, for them that sing ; and for the people that
stand round about, and are looking unto Thee for the riches
of Thy mercy.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest (sUently) : O Lord, our God, we pray Thee to
receive this fervent supplication from Thy servants, and
have mercy upon us according to Thy great goodness ; and

The Liturgies. 47
look down with compassion upon us, and upon aU Thy people,
who are now looking unto Thee for the riches of Thy mercy.
Aloud : For Thou art a merciful God, and the Lover of
men, and we ascribe Glory to Thee, Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost, now, and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
If there be an offering for the dead, the Priest then saith :
Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great
mercy ; we pray Thee, hear, and have mercy.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : Furthermore we pray for the rest of the souls of
Thy servants   , that Thou wouldst forgive them all
their sins, voluntary and involuntary.
Choir : Lord, have mercy. ,
Priest : Where the righteous rest, there make their souls
to rest, O Lord our God.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : That Thou wouldst grant them the mercy of God,
the Kingdom of Heaven, and forgiveness of their sins, we
ask from Thee, O Christ, the immortal King and God.
Choir : Grant, O Lord.
Priest (sUently) : O God of aU spirits and of all flesh.
Who hast destroyed Death, trodden down Satan, and given
Life to Thy world ; grant, O Lord, that the souls of Thy
Servants  , departed this Ufe, may rest in pleasant,
happy, and peaceful places, whence pain, grief, and sighing
are driven away. Forgive, O blessed Lord, Thou Lover of
men, the sins they have committed in thought, word, and
deed ; for there is no man that Uveth and sinneth not. Thou
only art without sin. Thy righteousness is an everlasting
righteousness, and Thy word is the truth.
Aloud : For Thou art the Resurrection and the life,
Christ our God and the Rest of Thy departed Servants
  ; and we ascribe Glory to Thee, with Thy Father
Unoriginate, and Thy AU-holy, Good, and Idfe-giving Spirit,
now, and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir; Amen.
But if there be no departed person commemorated, the foregoing is omitted
and the Priest proceeds :
Catechumens, pray to the Lord.

48 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : Let us, the Faithful, pray for the Catechumens,
/ Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : That the Lord may have mercy upon them.
Choir : Lord have mercy.
Priest : That he may teach them the word of truth.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : That He may reveal to them the gospel of right
eousness. Choir : Lord have mercy.
Peiest : That He may unite them to His Holy, CathoUc,
and Apostolic Church.
Choir : Lord have mercy.
Priest : Save, have mercy, help, and guard them, O God,
by Thy Grace.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : Catechumens, bow your heads to the Lord.
Choir: To Thee, O Lord.
Priest, silently. (S. Chrysostom) Priest, sUently. (>Sf.-Ba«^7.)
O Lord our God, Who dweUest O Lord our God, Who
on high, and beholdest the hum- dwellest in Heaven, and
ble. Who didst send for the Sal- lookest upon all Thy
vation of the race of men Thine works : look down upon
Only-begotten Son, our God and Thy servants the Catechu-
Lord Jesus Christ : look down mens, who have bowed
upon Thy servants the Catechu- their necks before Thee,
mens, who have bowed their and give them the light
necks before Thee, and make yoke ; make them honor-
them worthy in due season of able members of Thy
the laver of regeneration, the for- Holy Church, and make
giveness of sins, and the robe them worthy of the laver
of immortality. Unite them to of regeneration, and for-
Thy Holy, Catholic, and Apos- giveness of sins, and the
tolic Church, and number them robe of immortality, to
together vdth Thine elect knowledge of Thee our
flock. true God.
Aloud : That they also, together with us, may glorify
Thy aU-honorable and Majestic Name, Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost, now, and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir : Amen.

The Liturgies.

49

Priest : Let aU the Catechumens depart ; Catechumens,
depart ; let none of the Catechumens remain. All who are
faithful, again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : Help, save, have mercy, and guard us, O God, by
Thy Grace.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : Wisdom !

Priest (silently).
(S. Chrysostom.)
We thank Thee, O Lord God
of the Powers, Who hast
thought us worthy to stand
even now at Thy Holy Altar,
and to prostrate ourselves before
Thy compassions for our sins,
and the ignorance of the people :
accept, O God, our prayer, and
count us worthy to offer to Thee
prayers, and suppUcations, and
unbloody sacriflces, for all Thy
people; and strengthen us
whom Thou hast placed in this
Thy service with the power of-
Thy Holy Spirit, that we may
blamelessly, and vdthout of
fense, in the pure whiteness of
our conscience, caU upon Thee
in every time and place, that,
hearing us. Thou mayest be
merciful to us in the multitude
of Thy goodness.

Priest (sUently.)
(S. Basil)
Thou, Lord, hast shewed
us this great mystery of sal
vation : Thou hast counted
us worthy Thy humble and
unworthy servants to be
ministers of Thy Holy Al
tar : strengthen us by the
power of the Holy Spirit for
this service, that standing
before Thy Holy Glory we
may offer Thee a sacrifice of
praise. For Thou art the
Worker of all in aU. Make,
O Lord, our sacrifice to be
acceptable for our sins, and
for the ignorances of the
people, and well-pleasing
before Thee.

Aloud : For all glory, honor and worship are due to
Thee, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, now, and ever, and to
ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest : Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : Help, save, have mercy and guard us, O God, by
Thy grace.

50

Offices of the Oriental Church.

Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : Wisdom !
Peiest (sUently).
(S. Chrysostom)
Again and often we faU do-wn
before Thee, and beseech Thee,
O good God and Lover of men,
that Thou wouldst look upon our
prayer. Purify our souls and
bodies from aU defllement of flesh
and spirit, and grant that our
standing before Thy Holy Altar
may be blameless and uncon-
demned ; and grant, O God, to
those who pray with us, advance
in Ufe, f aith^ and spiritual under
standing ; grant them always with
fear and love to serve Thee blame
lessly and -without condemnation,
to partake of Thy Holy Mysteries,
and to be counted worthy of Thy
Heavenly Kingdom.
Aloud : That being ever guarded by Thy Might, we may
ascribe glory to Thee, Father,' Son, and Holy Ghost, now, and
ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.

Priest (sUently).
(S. Basil.)
O God, Who hast visit
ed our humility with
mercy and compassion ;
Who hast placed us Thy
humble, sinful, and un
worthy servants before
Thy Holy Glory, to min
ister at Thy Holy Altar :
strengthen us with the
power of Thy Holy Spirit
for this service, and give
us a word in opeijing our
mouth to suppUcate the
grace of Thy Holy Spirit
upon the coming gifts to
be presented.

THE CHERUBIC HTMN.
Let us, who mysticaUy represent the Cherubim, and sing
the Thrice-Holy Hymn to the Life-giving Trinity, lay aside
aU cares of life to receive the King 
Priest (silently) : None is worthy of those bound vnth
fleshly desires and pleasures to approach, or to draw near, or
to minister unto Thee, King of Glory, for to serve Thee is
great and terrible, even for the Heavenly Powers themselves.
Yet, through Thine ineffable and measureless love. Thou be-
camest unchangeably and immutably Man, and wast caUed
our High Priest, and didst give to us the sacred administra
tion of this liturgic and unbloody sacriflce, as Master of all.
For Thou only, O Lord, our God, rulest over things heavenly

The Liturgies, 51
and earthly, Who art sitting on the Cherubic Throne, the
Lord of the Seraphim, and King of Israel, Only Holy, and
resting in the HoUes. On Thee, therefore, I call. Who alone
art good, and ready to hear; look upon me, a sinner, and
Thine unp:^ofitable servant, cleanse my soul and heart from
an evil conscience, and strengthen with the power of Thy
Holy Spirit, me, endued with the grace of Priesthood, to
stand by this. Thy Holy Table, and to minister Thy holy
and spotless Body and precious Blood. For, bo-wing my neck
I approach Thee, and pray Thee : turn not Thy Face away
from me, nor reject me from the number of Thy Sons, but
condescend that these Gifts may be offered to Thee by me a
sinner, and Thine unworthy servant. For Thou art He that
offerest and art offered, that receivest and art distributed,
Christ our God ; and we ascribe glory to Thee, with Thy
Father Unoriginate, and Thy AU-holy, Good, and Life-giving
Spirit, now, and ever, and to ages of ages.
The Priest then repeats the Cherubic Hymn ; he also says Psalm 50 (51), and
such penitential Troparia as he pleases or time permits.
He then proceeds to make the Great Entrance, saying :
O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. (Three times ^
Priest : lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless
the Lord.
Aloud : The Lord God remember   in His
Kingdom, always, now, and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest: The Lord God remember the Imperial (or the
Royal) famUy in His Kingdom, always, now, and ever, and
to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest : The Lord God remember the Most Holy Govern
ing Synod and our Metropolitan  , in His Kingdom,
always, now, and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Peiest : The Lord God remember us and aU orthodox
Christians in His Kingdom, always, now, and ever, and to
ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Then in conclusion of the Cherubic Hymn.
 To receive the King of all, invisibly attended by the
angeUc orders.

62 Oflces of the Oriental Church.
HaUelujah! HaUelujah! Hallelujah!
The Priest, placing the Gifts on the Holy Table, saith :
Honorable Joseph taking Thy precious Body from the
Cross, vsrapped it in clean Unen, with sweet-smelling spices,
and laid it in a new Tomb.
In the Tomb bodily, in Hades by Thy soul, in Paradise
with the thief, as on the Throne with the Father and the
Holy Ghost, Thou wast God, O Christ ! fiUing aU things. Thy
self unbounded.
How life-giving, how much more beautiful than Paradise,
and truly more splendid in appearance than any royal cham
ber, is, O Christ, Thy Tomb, the fountain of our resurrection.
Honorable Joseph, etc.
Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion ; buUd
Thou the waUs of Jerusalem.
Then shalt Thou be pleased -with the sacrifice of righteous
ness, with the burnt offerings and oblations,
Then shaU they offer young bullocks upon Thine altar.
Aloud : Let us complete our prayer to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : For the precious Gifts that have been presented,
let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : For this Holy House, and for those who enter it
vdth faith, piety, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy. ,
Priest : That we may be delivered from aU tribulation,
•wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : Help, save, have mercy, and guard us, O God, by
Thy Grace.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peace
ful, and without sin, let us ask from the Lord.
Choir : Grant, O Lord.
Priest: The Angel of peace, the faithful guide and
guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask from the Lord.
Choir : Grant, O Lord.
Priest : Pardon and remission of our sins and transgres
sions, let us ask from the Lord.
Choir : Grant, O Lord.

The Liturgies.

53

Priest : That which is good and profitable to our souls,
and peace to the world, let us ask from the Lord.
Choie : Grant, O Lord.
Peiest : That we may complete the time of our sojourning
here in peace and repentance, let us ask from the Lord.
Choie : Grant, O Lord.
Peiest : That the end of our lives may be according to our
Christian profession, peaceful without pain, and without
confusion of face, and that we may render a good account at
the fearful judgment seat of Christ, let us ask from the Lord.
Choie : Grant, O Lord.
Peiest : Commemorating our all-holy, spotless, most-
blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God, and ever -Vir
gin Mary, with all the Saints : let us commend ourselves, and
each other, and all our life, to Christ our God.
Choie : To Thee, O Lord.

Priest (sUently).
(S. Chrys.)
O Lord God Al
mighty, Only Holy,
who receivest the
Sacrifice of praise
from those who call
upon Thee with their
whole heart ; receive
also the prayer of us
sinners, and cause it
to approach Thy
Holy Altar, and
strengthen us to pre
sent gifts and spirit
ual Sacrifices unto
Thee, for our sins,
and the ignorance
of the people, and

Priest (sUently).
(S. Basil)
O Lord, our God, Who didst cre
ate and bring us into this life. Who
didst show to us the ways of salva
tion. Who didst give us revelations of
Heavenly Mysteries ; it is Thou Who
hast placed us in this ministry by the
power of Thy Holy Spirit. Be pleased,
O Lord, that we may become minis
ters of Thy New Testament, servants
of Thy Holy Mysteries ; accept us,
approaching Thy Holy Altar, accord
ing to the multitude of Thy mercy,
that we may become worthy to offer
unto Thee this reasonable and un
bloody Sacrifice, for our sins, and the
ignorances of the people : and having
received it into Thy Holy Spiritual
Altar for an odor of a sweet savor,
in return send down oji us the Grace
of Thy Holy Spirit. Look down on
ns, 0 God, and regard this our Ser
vice and receive it, as Thou didst re-

g4 Offices of the Oriental Church.
count us worthy to ceive the Gifts of Abel, the Sacrifice
flnd grace before of Noah, the Holocausts of Abraham,
^^ , 1 , c the Priesthood of Moses and Aaron,
Thee, that our Sac- ^, ^^ ™ . „ q  i
' the Peace-offermgs of Samuel: as
riflce may be ac- rj^^^^ ^^^^ receive from Thy Holy
ceptable unto Thee, Apostles this true Service, so also,
and that the Good from the hands of us sinners, re-
Spirit of Thy Grace ceive these Gifts in Thy Goodness,
^ O Lord ; that, being counted worthy
may rest upon us, ^^ ^.^. J^^^ blamelessly at Thy Holy
and upon these gifts ^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^g^ ^^^ reward of
presented, and upon the faithful and wise stewards, in
aU Thy people. the fearful day of Thy just reward.
Aloud : Through the compassions of Thine Only -begotten
Son, with Whom, and with Thy All-holy, good, and Life-
giving Spirit, Thou art blessed now, and ever, and to ages of
ages. (Dhoir : Amen.
Priest : Peace to all.
Choie : And to thy spirit.
Priest : Let us love one another, that we may -with one
accord confess :
Choir : Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the Consubstantial
and Undivided Trinity.
Priest (silently) : I wUl love Thee, O Lord, my Strength:
the Lord is my defense, and my Refuge, and my Deliverer.
(Three times.)
Peiest (aloud) : The doors ! the doors ! in wisdom let us
attend. Choie: I believe in One God the Father, Almighty,
Maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all things visible and in
visible. And in One Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-
begotten, Begotten of the Father before aU ages ; Light of
Light, True God of True God, Begotten, not made, Consub
stantial with the Father, by Whom all things were made ;
Who for us men and for our salvation came dovyn from the
Heavens, and was Incarnate of the Holy Ghost and the Virgin
Mary, and became Man ; and was crucified also for us under
Pontius Pilate, and suflered, and was buried, and rose again
the third day according to the Scriptures ; and ascended into

The Liturgies. 65
the Heavens, and sitteth on the Right Hand of the Father ;
and He shaU come again with Glory to judge both the quick
and the dead ; Whose Kingdom shall have no end.
And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord, the life-giver. Who
proceedeth from the Father, Who -with the Father and the
Son together is worshiped and glorifled. Who spake by the
Prophets. And 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 the Life
of the age to come. Amen.
Peiest : Let us stand upright,; let us stand with fear ; let
us devoutly offer the Holy Oblation in peace.
Choie : The mercy of peace, the sacriflce of praise.
Peiest : The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love
of God the Father, and the Communion of the Holy Ghost,
be -with you aU.
Choie : And -with thy spirit.
Peiest : Let us lift up our hearts.
Choie : We lift them up unto the Lord.
Peiest : Let us give thanks to the Lord.
Choie : It is meet and right to worship the Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost, the Consubstantial and Undivided
Trinity. Peiest (sUently). Peiest (sUently).
(S. Chrys) {S. Basil.)
It is meet and right I AM, Master, Lord, God, Father
to praise Thee, to bless Almighty, adorable, it is truly meet
Thee, to glorify Thee, and right, and befitting the Majesty of
to give thanks to Thee, Thy Holiness, to praise Thee, to
to worship Thee, in aU hymn Thee, to bless Thee, to worship
places of Thy domin- Thee, to give thanks to Thee, to
ion. For Thou art glorify Thee, the only trae God, and
God, ineffable, incon- to offer Thee -with broken heart, and
ceivable, invisible, in- -with spirit of humUity, this our
comprehensible, al- reasonable service, for Thou art He
ways existing, in the Who gavest us the knowledge of
same way existing. Thy Truth. And who is able to de-
Thou, and Thine Only- clare Thy mighty acts % or show forth
begotten Son, and Thy all Thy praises ? or make known Thy
Holy Ghost. Thou wonders at every time % Master of

56

Offices of the Oriental Church.

broughtest us out of
nothing, into being,
and didst raise up
again the faUen ones,
and didst not cease do
ing all things till Thou
broughtest us to Hea
ven, and didst bestow
Thy Kingdom to come.
For a^l these things
we give thanks to
Thee, and Thine Only-
begotten Son, and Thy
Holy Ghost ; for all
blessings which we
know, and which we
know not, manifest
and concealed, which
have been done unto
us. We give Thee
thanks also for this
ministry, which Thou
hast -TOuchsafed to re
ceive at our hands, al
though there stood by
Thee thousands of
Archangels, and myr
iads of Angels, the
.Cherubim, and the
Seraphim that have
six wings, full of
eyes, soaring aloft,
winged. Singing, crying aloud,
Hymn.

all things. Lord of Heaven and earth,
and of every creature visible and in
visible. Who sittest upon a Throne
of glory, and beholdest abysses with
out beginning, invisible, incompre
hensible, uncircumscribed, immuta
ble, the Father of our Lord Jesu
Christ, the Great God and Saviour of
our hope. Who is the image of Thy
Goodness, Isotypal Seal,, sho-wing in
Himself, Thee, the Father, Living
Word, the True God, forever. Wis
dom, Life, Holiness, Power, the True
light, by Whom the Holy Ghost
was made manifest, the Spirit of the
Truth, the Gift of the adoption, the
Earnest of the coming inheritance, the
First-fruits of the eternal bounties,
the Life-giving Po.wer, the Fount of
sanctification, by Whom every creat
ure, both rational and intelligent, is
enabled to do Thee service, and
ascribe to Thee everlasting Glory, for
all things are Thy servants. For
Angels, Archangels, Thrones, Prin-
cipaUties, Rulers, Dominions, Pow
ers, and Cherubim of many eyes
praise Thee ; round about Thee stand
the Seraphim, one with six -wings,
the other -with six -wings, covering
their feet -with twain, and with
twain their faces, and with twain
flying, each cries to the other with
ceaseless voices, perpetual praises.
Aloud :
shouting, and saying The Triumphal

Choie : Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth, Heaven and
earth are full of Thy Glory : Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord : Ho
sanna in the highest

The Liturgies.

57

Peiest (sUently).
(S. Chrys)
With these bless
ed Powers, O Mas
ter, Lover of Men,
we also cry and
say. Holy art Thou,
and AU Holy, Thou
and Thine Only-
begotten Son, and
Thy Holy Ghost,
Holy art Thou, and
All Holy, and
great is the Maj
esty of Thy Glory.
Who didst so love
Thy world, as to

Peiest (sUently). (S. Basil.)
With these blessed Powers, O Master,
Lover of Men, we sinners also cry and
say. Truly Holy art Thou, and All Holy,
and there is no measure to the majesty
of Thy HoUness, and Holy in aU Thy
deeds, for in righteousness and true
judgment hast Thou brought aU things
to pass for us : for, having taken clay
from jthe earth, and formed man and
honored him, O God, with Thine image.
Thou didst place him in the Paradise of
pleasure, having promised him an im
mortality of life, and the enjoyment of
eternal good, in the keeping of Thy
commandments : but, disobeying Thee,
the True God, his Creator, and, deceived
by the guUe of the serpent, subjected to
death by his own transgressions. Thou
didst cast him forth in Thy righteous
judgment, O God, from the Paradise
into this world, and didst turn him
again to the earth whence he was taken,
devising for him the salvation of regen
eration in Thy Christ. For Thou didst
not forever turn away from Thy work,
which Thou didst make, O God, neither
didst Thou forget the works of Thy
hands ; but didst visit him in divers
manners through the bowels of Thy
mercy : Thou didst send forth Prophets ;
Thou didst work miracles by Thy
Saints, who were well pleasing to Thee
in each generation ; Thou didst speak to
us by the mouth of Thy servants the
Prophets, promising us beforehand the
Salvation which should afterwards
come ; Thou gavest the law in aid ;
Thou didst appoint Angels as guardians.
And when the fuUness of time was
come, Thou spakest to us by Thy Son

68

Offices of the Oriental Church.

give Thine Only-

begotten Son,

that every one

who believeth in

Him might not

perish, but have

everlasting life

Who having come.

and having ful

fiUed for us aU the

dispensation, in

the night iu which

He was betrayed.

or rather surren

dered Himself for

the life of the

world, took bread

in His holy, and

Himself, by Whom also Thou didstraake
the worlds. Who, being the Effulgence
of Thy Glory, and the Impress of Thy
Substance, upholding all things by the
Word of His Power, thought it no rob
bery to be equal to Thee, the God and
Father ; but being God before all ages,
appeared upon the earth, and lived to
gether with men, and being Incarnate of
the Holy Virgin, emptied Himself, hav
ing taken the form of a servant, made
conformable in Ukeness to the body of
our humUiation, that he might make us
conformable to the Image of His Glory.
For since by man sin had entered into
the world, and death through sin. Thine
Only-begotten Son, Who was in the
Bosom of Thee, the God and Father,
was pleased to be born of a Woman,
the Holy Mother of God and ever -Vir
gin Mary, born under law, to condemn
sin in His Flesh, that they who die in
Adam may be quickened in Him, Thy
Christ. And having dwelt in this world,
and given precepts of salvation, and
turned us away from the error of idols.
He brought us to the knowledge of
Thee, the true God and Father, hav
ing purchased us to Himself a special
people, a royal priesthood, a holy na
tion ; and, having cleansed us in water,
and sanctified us by the Holy Spirit,
He gave Himself a ransom to death, m
which we were held, having been ¦ sold
under sin ; and descending through the
Cross into Hades, that He might fulfill
aU things in Himself, loosed the pangs
of death ; and, rising again the third
day, and making a way for flesh to the
resurrection from the dead, because it
was impossible that He, the Author of
Life, should be holden of corruption,

The Liturgies.

59

spotless, and He became First-fruits of them that
sleep. First-begotten from the dead, that
in aU things He might have the pre
eminence ; and, ascending up into the
Heavens, He sat down at the right hand
of Thy Majesty on high : Who also
shaU come to render to every one accord-
and blessed and ing to his works : and left us Memorials
of His sa-dng Passion, these which we
have brought forward according to His
commands : for, being about to go forth
to His voluntary, and ever-memorable,
brake, and gave to and life-giving death, in the night in
which He surrendered Himself for the
life of the world. He took bread in His
holy and spotless Hands, and showed
it unto Thee, the God and Father, and
gave thanks, and blessed, and hallowed,
and brake. Aloud: And gave to His
ing. Holy Disciples and Apostles, saying.
Take, eat. This is My Body, which is broken for you, for
the remission of sins.

blameless Hands,

and gave thanks,

hallowed, and

His Holy Disciples
and Apostles, say-

Choie: Amen.
Peiest (silently).
(S. Chrys)
Likewise also after
supper. He took the
cup, saying. Aloud :
Drink ye aU of It, This
is My Blood
of the New Testament,
for remission of sins.
Choie: Amen.

Priest (silently).
(S. Basil.)
Likewise also the Cup from the
fruit of the -vine, having taken, and
mingled, and given thanks, and
blessed, and hallowed. Aloud : He
gave to His Holy Disciples and Apos
tles, saying, Drink ye aU of It, for This
is My Blood
Which is shed for you, and for many.

Priest (silently).
(S Chrys)
Therefore, remember
ing this precept of Salva-

Priest (silently).
(S. Basil)
Do this in remembrance of Me,
for as often as ye eat this Bread,

¦m. 'n

60

Offi,ces of the Oriental Church.

tion, and aU that happened
for us, the Cross, the
Tomb, the Resurrection on
the third day, the Ascen
sion into the Heavens, the
Session at the Right Hand,
the second and glorious
Coming again. Aloud : In
behalf of all, and for

and drink this Cup, ye shew
forth My Death, and confess My
Resurrection. We therefore, 0
Master, remembering His saving
sufferings, the life-giving Cross,
the three days' Sepulture, the
Resurrection from the dead, the
Ascension into the Heavens, the
Session on the Right Hand of
Thee, the God and Father, and
His glorious and fearful second
Coming again. Aloud: In behalf

of all, and for
all, we offer Thee Thine Own of Thine Own.
Choir: Thee we hymn. Thee we bless, to Thee we give
thanks, 0 .Lord, and pray Thee, our God,

Priest (sUently).
(S. Chrys)
Moreover, we
offer unto Thee
This reasonable
and unbloody
Sacriflce, and be
seech and pray,
and supplicate :
Send down Thy
Holy Ghost upon
us, and on These
presented Gifts.

Priest (sUently).
(S. Basil)
Wherefore All-Holy Master, we also,
sinners, and Thine unworthy servants,
who are counted worthy by Thee to serve
at Thy Holy Altar, not through our
righteousness ; for we have done nothing
good upon the earth; but through Thy
mercies and Thy compassions, which Thou
hast richly poured out upon us, take cour
age and approach Thy Holy Altar, and
offering the Antitypes of the Holy Body
and Blood of Thy Christ, beseech Thee,
and implore Thee, Holy of Holies, in the
approval of Thy goodness, that Thy Holy
Ghost may come upon us, and upon These
presented Gifts, and bless Them, and hal
low Them, and manifest Them.

Priest : O God, be gracious to me, a sinner.
O Lord, Who didst send down Thine All-Holy Spirit the
third hour on Thy Apostles : take Him not from us, O good
God, but renew Him in us who pray to Thee.
Make me a clean heart, 0 God, and renew a right spirit
within me.

The Liturgies. 61
O Lord, Who didst send down Thine AU-Holy Spirit the
third hour on Thy Apostles : take Him not from us, 0 good
God, but renew Him in us who pray to Thee.
Cast me not away from Thy Presence, and take not Thy
Holy Spirit from me.
O Lord, Who didst send down Thine AU-Holy Spirit the
third hour on Thy Apostles : take Him not from us, O good
God, but renew Him in us who pray to Thee.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost. Blessed art Thou, O Christ, our God, Who didst make
the fishermen all-vdse, sending down upon them the Holy
Ghost, and by them didst bring the whole world into Thy
net, O Lover of men : Glory to Thee.
Both now, and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
When the Highest having come down confounded the
tongues. He divided the nations ; when He distributed the
tongues of fire. He called aU to unity : and vdth one voice we
glorify the Holy Ghost.
Priest. Priest.
(-S'. Chrys) (S. Basil)
And make This And make this Bread the Precious
Bread the Pre- ^. j^g^j^ ^^ ^^^ j^^^^ ^^^ ^3,^^ ^^^^
cious Body 01
Thy Christ. Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Amen. Amen.
Priest. ' Priest.
(S. Chrys) {S Basil.)
And that which And This Cup the Precious Blood Itself
of our Lord and God, and Sa-dour, Jesus
is in this Cup, the cjn-igt.
Amen.Priest : Poured out for the Ufe of the
of Thy Christ. world.
Amen.

Precious Blood

Priest : Changing Them by Thy Holy Spirit.
Amen. Amen. Amen.

62

Offices of the Oriental Church.

Priest.
(S, Chrys)
So as to be to those par
taking for purification of
soul, for forgiveness of sins,
for Communion of Thy
Holy Ghost, for fuUness of
the Kingdom of Heaven,
for boldness towards Thee,
not for judgment, or con
demnation. Further we
offer to Thee this reasona
ble service for those depart
ed in the faith, our Ances
tors, Fathers, Patriarchs,
Prophets, Apostles, Preach
ers, Evangelists, Martyrs,
Confessors, Virgins, and
every just spirit made per
fect in faith.

Priest.
(S. Basil)
And that we all who have par
taken of the One Bread, and of
the Cup, may be made one with
each other in the Communion of
One Holy Ghost, and that none
of us may receive the Holy Body
and Blood of Thy Christ to judg
ment, or to condemnation ; but
that we may find mercy and
grace together -with all the Saints
who have pleased Thee forever,
our Ancestors, Fathers, Patri
archs, Prophets, Apostles,
Preachers, Evangelists, Martyrs,
Confessors, Teachers, and every
just spirit made perfect in faith.

Aloud : Especially our all-holy, spotless, most-blessed
and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever -Virgin Mary.
Choir :

(S. Chrys)
It is very meet to bless
thee, the Holy Virgin, the
ever-blessed, the entirely
spotless, and Mother of our
God ; thee more honorable
than the Cherubim, and in
finitely more glorious than
the Seraphim, who didst
bear vdthout corruption
God the Word ; thee, verily
the Mother of God, -we
magnify.

(S. Basil.)
All creation, the system of An
gels and the race of men, rejoice
in thee, fuU of grace, sanctified
temple, reasonable paradise,
and glory of virgins, of whom
God took Flesh, and became a
littie Child, our God, Who was
before all ages. For He made
thy Womb His Throne, and
more extended than the Heav
ens. In thee, O full of grace, aU
creation rejoices ; Glory to thee.

Priest (silently) : The Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and
Baptist John ; the Holy, glorious and all-celebrated Apostle ;
Saint  , whose memory we celebrate ; and all Thy Saints,

The Liturgies.

63

through whose supplications look down upon us, O God.
And remember aU those who are faUen asleep in hope of
resurrection to eternal life.

(S. Chrys.)
He commemorates
whom he will of the
dead, by name, and then
proceeds :
And give them
rest where shines
the Light of Thy
Countenance. Again we beseech
Thee: Remember,
O Lord, every Or
thodox Episco
pate, rightly di
viding the word of
Thy Truth; the
whole Presby
tery, the Diaco-

{S. Basil)
He commemorates whom he will of the dead, saying :
For rest and forgiveness of the soul
of Thy servant  , in a place of Ught,
whence sorrow and mourning are driven
away, give him rest, 0 our God.
And then proceeds:
And give them rest where shines the
Ught of Thy Countenance. Again we
pray Thee, remember, O Lord, Thy Holy
CathoUc and ApostoUc Church, which is
from one end of the earth to the other,
and give it peace, for Thou didst purchase
it by the Precious Blood of Thy Christ ;
and stabUsh this Holy House untU the
end of the age. Remember, O Lord, us,
who have offered to Thee These Gifts,
and for whom, and through whom, and
on account of whom we offered Them.
Remember, O Lord, those bringing forth
fruit, and doing good deeds in Thy Holy
Churches, and remembering the poor ;
Reward them -with Thy rich and Heav
enly benefits ; Bestow on them things
Heavenly for things earthly, things eter
nal for things temporal, things incorrupt
ible for things corruptible. Remember,
O Lord, those in deserts, and mountains,
and dens and the caves of the earth. Re
member, O Lord, the most pious and
faithful Sovereign  and family,
whom Thou hast counted meet to reign
on the earth ; crown them with armor of
truth, with armor of approval; over
shadow their heads in day of battle ;
strengthen their arm ; exalt their right

64

Offices of the Oriental Church.

nate in Christ, and
every Holy order.
Furthermore we
offer to Thee this
reasonable service
for the whole
world, for the
Holy Catholic and
ApostolicChurch,
for those living in
purity and chas
tity of life in the
world; for the
most faithful and
Christ-loving Sov
ereign  and
family, all their
court and army.
Grant to them, O
Lord, a peaceful
reign, that we in

hand; stablish their kingdom; subdue
beneath them aU the barbarous nations
that deUght in wars ; grant them deep
peace that cannot be taken away ; speak
good things to their heart for Thy
Church and all Thy people ; that we in
their tranquilUty may lead a quiet and
peaceful life in aU GodUness and sobriety.
Remember, O Lord, every power and
dominion, and our brethren at court, and
aU the army. Preserve the good in Thy
goodness, make the evil good in Thy
kindness. Remember, O Lord, the people
standing around, and those absent from
commendable causes, and have mercy on
them and us, according to the multitude
of Thy mercy. FUl their storehouses
with every good thing; preserve their
marriages in peace and unanimity ; nour
ish the babes ; instruct the youth ; con
sole the aged ; comfort the feeble-minded ;
coUect the scattered ; bring back the
wandering, and unite them to Thy Holy
Catholic and ApostoUc Church ; free
those vexed by unclean spirits ; voyage
with those saiUng ; journey vdth those
traveling ; defend widows ; shield the
orphans ; deUver prisoners ; heal the
sick ; remember, O God, those before
tribunals, in mines, and every affliction,
distress and accident, and all praying for
Thy great compassion ; and those who love
us, and who hate us, and those who have
desired us, unworthy, to pray for them.
And remember aU Thy people, O Lord
our God, and upon all pour forth Thy
rich mercy, granting, to all, things neces
sary to salvation. And those whom we
have not remembered through ignorance,
or forgetfulness, or multitude of names.
Thyself remember, O God, Who knowest
the age and the name of each. Who

The Liturgies.

m

their tranquUUty hast known each from his mother's
womb. For Thou, Lord, art the Helper
of the helpless, the Hope of the despair
ing, the Preserver of the tempest-tost,
the Harbor of the voyagers, the Physician
of the sick ; Thou art all things to all.
Who knowest each one and his request,
each house and its need. Deliver, 0
Lord, this city, and every city and coun
try, from famine, plague, earthquake,
flood, fire, sword, invasion of aliens, and
civil war. Aloud :
But
chiefly, O Lord, remember the Most Holy Governing Synod,
the members whereof (or  whom) preserve to Thy Holy
Churches in peace, in safety, in honor, in health, in length
of days, and rightfuUy dividing the word of Thy Truth.
Choir : For aU mankind.

may lead a quiet
and peaceful life
in aU GodUness
and sobriety.
Aloud :
But

(S. Chrys.)
The Priest commem
orates silently whom
he will of the living,
by name, and then
proceeds :

(-S^. Basil.)
The Priest commemorates whom he will of the liv
ing, saying silently :
For the salvation, preservation, and
forgiveness of sins of the servants of God

Remember, O
Lord, the city in
which we dweU,
and every city
and country, and
those with Faith
dwelling in them.
Remember, 0
Lord, those saU-
ing, journeying,
sick, laboring,
prisoners and
their.deliverance.
Remember, O

And then proceeds :
Remember, O Lord, every Orthodox,
Episcopate, rightly dividing the Word of
Thy Truth. Remember, O Lord, accord
ing to the multitude of Thy compassion,
also my unworthiness ; forgive me every
transgression, voluntary and involuntary,
and shut not up on account of my sins
the Grace of Thy Holy Spirit from the
presented Gifts. Remember, 0 Lord, the
Presbytery, the Diaconate in Christ, and
every Holy order, and put to shame none
of us who surround Thy Holy Altar.
Visit us in Thy Goodness, O Lord ; mani
fest Thyself to us in Thy rich mercies ;

66 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Lord, those grant us healthful and advantageous airs,
bringino- forth gi'^o showers to the earth for abundance
fruit and doing *^^ -^^^^^ ' ^^^^^ ^J ^^J Goodness the cro-wn
good deeds in ^1*H ^^^^^ «*y the schisms of the
° TT i Churches ; restram the ragmgs oi the na-
^ ^ ^ tions ; cast down quickly the rising up of
Churches, mind- i^eresies by the power of Thy Holy Spirit ;
lul 01 the poor, receive us all into Thy Kingdom, as sons
And send forth of light and sons of day, and give us Thy
on all of us Thy peace and Thy love, O Lord our God, for
mercies. Thou hast given aU things to us.
Aloud : And grant us with one mouth and one heart to
glorify and celebrate Thy AU-honorable and Majestic Name,
of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ; now, and ever, and to
ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest : And the mercies of the great God and our Sav
iour, Jesus Christ, shall be with aU of us.
Choir : And with thy spirit.
Priest : Commemorating all the Saints, again and again
in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy;
Priest :, For the honorable Gifts presented and haUowed
let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : That our God, the Lover of men. Who hath re
ceived them into His Holy and Heavenly, and Spiritual
Altar, for the odor of a sweet spiritual savor, may in return
send down on us the Divine Grace, and the gift of the Holy
Ghost, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : That we may be deUvered from all tribulation,
-wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : Help, save, have mercy, and guard us, 0 God,
by Thy Grace.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peace
ful, and without sin, let us ask from the Lord.
Choir : Grant, O Lord.

The Liturgies. 67
Priest : The Angel of peace, faithful guide, guardian of
our souls and bodies, let us ask from the Lord.
Choir : Grant, O Lord.
Priest : Pardon and remission of our sins and transgres
sions, let us ask from the Lord.
Choir : Grant, 0 Lord.
Peiest : That which is good and profitable to our souls,
and peace to the world, let us ask from the Lord.
Choie : Grant, O Lord.
Peiest : That we may complete the time of our sojourn
ing here in peace and repentance, let us ask from the Lord.
Choie : Grant, O Lord.
Peiest : That the end of our Uves may be according to
our Christian profession, peaceful, vdthout pain, and without
confusion of face ; and that we may render a good account
at the fearful judgment-seat of Christ, let us ask from the
Lord. Choie : Grant, O Lord.
Peiest : Ha-dng prayed for the unity of the faith, and
the Communion of the Holy Ghost, let us commend our
selves, and each other, and all our life, to Christ our God.
Choir : To Thee, 0 Lord.
Priest (silently). Priest (sUently).
(S. Chrys) (S. Basil.)
To Thee, O Mas- O our God, the God of salvation,
ter Lover of men t^^^h us worthUy to thank Thee for
., . , ' Thy benefits which Thou hast done,
we commit m trast ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^
aU our life and hope, who hast received these Gifts, cleanse
and beseech, and us from every poUution of flesh and
prav and suppli- sP™t> ^n*i teach us to accomplish hoU-
, ' , ness in Thy fear, that we, with the
cate : make us wor- -^ n
pure witness of our conscience, receiv-
thy to partake of ing the portion of Thy Hallowed Gifts,
Thy Heavenly and may be united to the Holy Body and
awful Mysteries of ^l^^^ ^^ ^hy Christ; and receiving
I.- TT 1 .q a • Them worthily, may have Christ dweU-
this Holy and bpir- .^^ .^ ^^^ ^^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^ become a
itual Table with a temple of Thy Holy Spirit. Yea, O our
pure conscience, for God, and make none of us guUty of

68

Offices of the Oriental Church.

forgiveness of sins,
for pardon of trans
gressions, for Com
munion of the Holy
Ghost, for inherit
ance of the King
dom of Heaven, for
confldence in Thee,
not for judgment,
nor for condemna
tion.

These Thy awful and Heavenly Mys
teries, nor inflrm in soul and body from
unworthUy partaking of Them ; but
grant us tUl our last breath worthUy to
receive the portion of Thy HaUowed
Gifts for a provision for the journey to
eternal life, for an acceptable defense
at the fearful tribunal of Thy Christ,
that we, -with aU the Saints who have
pleased Thee forever, may become par
takers of Thy eternal Goods, which
Thou hast prepared for those who love
Thee, O Lord.

Aloud : And make us worthy, O Master, -with confidence
and without condemnation, to dare to call upon Thee, our
God and Heavenly Father, and say :
Choir : Our Father, Who art in the Heavens, Hallowed
be Thy Name ; Thy Kingdom come ; Thy WUl be done, as in
Heaven, so on earth ; Give us this day our daUy bread, and
forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass
against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deUver us
from evU.
Priest : For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and
the Glory of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, now, and
ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir : Amen.
Priest : Peace to aU.
Choir : And to thy spirit.
Priest : Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
Choir : To Thee, O Lord.

Priest (sUently).
(S. Chrysostom.)
We give thanks unto Thee, in
visible King, Who hast framed all
things by Thy measureless power,
and in the multitude of Thy mercy
has brought aU things into being
from non-existence. O Master,
look down from Heaven upon
those who have bowed down their

Priest (sUently).
(S. Basil.)
O Master, Lord, Father
of mercies, and God of aU
comfort ; bless them that
have bowed do-wn their
heads unto Thee, hallow,
confirm, strengthen them,
keep them from every

The Liturgies. 69
heads unto Thee, for they bowed evU work, knit them to
not to flesh and blood, but to every good work and
Thee, the terrible God. Bestow, make them worthy to
therefore, O Master, on aU of us, partake without condem-
an equal good from the presented nation of These Thy spot-
Gifts, accordmg to the proper need j^^^ ^^^ life-giving Mys-
of each ; sail with those saihng ; »
journey with those journeying; ^^'^^^^ ^^^ forgiveness of
heal the sick, O Physician of our sins, for Communion of
souls and bodies. the Holy Ghost.
Aloud : Through the grace, compassions and love to men
of thine Only-begotten Son, -with Whom, and with Thy AU-
Holy, Good, and Life-giving Spirit, Thou art Blessed ; now,
and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest (sUently) : Hear us, 0 Lord Jesus Christ, our God,
out of Thy holy dweUing place, and from the Throne of glory
of Thy Kingdom, and come to sanctify us Thou Who sittest
above vdth the Father, and yet are here invisibly present
with us ; and by Thy mighty Hand make us worthy to im
part to ourselves of Thy Spotless Body, and Precious Blood,
and by us to aU the people.
Priest : O God, be gracious to me a sinner. (Three
times.) Priest : Let us attend.
The Holy for the Holy.
Choir : One Holy, one Lord Jesus Christ, to the Glory of
God the Father. Amen. THE COMMUNION HTMN,
Praise the Lord from the Heavens : praise Him in the
Highest. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
Priest : The Lamb of God is broken and distributed;
broken and not divided asunder; ever eaten and never con
sumed, but sanctifying all who are partakers thereof.
Priest : The fuUness of the Cup, of faith, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.
Priest : Blessed is the fervor of Thy Saints, always, now,
and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen,

70 Offices of the Oriental Church.
The fervor of faith is full of the Holy Ghost, Amen.
Priest : I believe. Lord, and confess, that Thou art the'
true Christ, the Son of the Uving God, Who camest to save
sinners, of whom I am chief. I believe also, that this is Thy
Most Holy Body, and that This is Thy Most Holy Blood, and
pray therefore to Thee, Have mercy upon me, and pardon my
transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, which I have com
mitted in word and deed, knowingly and unknowingly, and
grant me without condemnation to be a partaker of Thy Holy
Mysteries, O Lord, for the forgiveness of my sins, and for
life everlasting.
0 Son of God, accept me to-day as a partaker of Thy
Mystical Supper, Jor I wiU not reveal the Mystery to Thine
enemies. I -wiU not give Thee a kiss as Judas, but as the
thief I wiU confess Thee : remember me, O Lord, in Thy
Kingdom. Let not, O Lord, the Communion of Thy Holy Mysteries
be to my judgment, or condemnation, but for the heaUng of
my soul and body.
The Priest then communicates of the Holy Bread, saying :
The Precious and All-Holy Body of our Lord, and God,
and Saviour, Jesus Christ, is communicated to me N.,
Priest, for the forgiveness of my sins, and for life everlasting.
He then communicates of the Holy Cup, saying :
I, N., Priest, the servant of God, partake of the Pure
and Holy Blood of our Lord, and God, and Saviour, Jesus
Christ, for the forgiveness of my sins, and for life everlasting.
Behold, This hath touched my lips, and shall take away
my transgressions, and cleanse me from my sins.
Having seen the Resurrection of Christ, we adore the Holy
Lord Jesus, Who alone is without sin. Thy Cross, 0 Lord,
we worship, and glorify Thy Holy Resurrection. For Thou
art our God, we know none other beside Thee, we caU upon
Thy Name.
O come, aU ye Faithful, let us adore the Resurrection of
Christ, for by His Cross great joy is come unto all the world.
Therefore, ever blessing the Lord, we celebrate His Resur
rection, Who suffered on the Cross, and hath overthrown
death by death.
Shine, O new Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord is risen

The Liturgies. 71
upon thee ; exult and rejoice, O Sion, for the pure Virgin
glorifleth thee by her exalted ChUdbirth. O Christ, the
Great Passover and High Priest, the Wisdom, the Word, and
Power of God, make us worthy to partake of Thee more
traly, and day -without night, in Thy Kingdom.
Through Thy Holy Blood, and the intercession of Thy
Saints, cleanse from their sins, O Lord, those whom we have
remembered. Aloud : With the fear of God, faith and love draw near.
Choie: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the
Lord : the Lord is God, and is manifest unto us.
The Priest communicates the people, saying to each :
The servant of God, N., is made partaker of the Pure
and Holy Body and Blood of our Lord, and God, and Saviour,
Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of his (or, her) sins, and for
Ufe everlasting.
Then, when all have communicated, he saith :
O God, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance.
Choie : We have seen the True Light, we have received
the Spirit from Heaven, we have found the True faith, by
worsluping the undivided Trinity, Who hath saved us.
Peiest : Be Thou, O God, exalted above the Heavens,
and Thy Glory above aU the earth.
Blessed is our God, {Aloud.) Always, now, and ever,
and to ages of ages.
Choie : Amen.
Let our mouth be flUed with Thy praise, O Lord, that we
may sing of Thy Glory, for that Thou hast vouchsafed to
make us partakers of Thy Holy, Divine, Immortal, and Life-
gi-dng Mysteries : preserve us by Thy Holiness all our days,
that we may leam Thy righteousness.
HaUelujah ! Hallelujah ! HaUelujah !
Peiest : Having duly participated of the Divine, Holy,
Spotless, Immortal, Heavenly, Life-giving and Terrible Mys
teries of Christ, let us worthUy give thanks to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : Help, save, have mercy, and guard us, O God,
by Thy Grace.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest : Praying that we may flnish this day in hoUness,

72

Offices of the Oriental Church.

peace, and without sin, let us commend ourselves, and each
other, and all our life, to Christ, our God.
Choie : To Thee, O Lord.

Peiest (silently).
(S. Chrysostom.)
We give Thee thanks,
O Master, Lover of men,
and Benefactor of our
souls, that Thou hast this
present day counted us
worthy of Thy Heavenly
and Immortal Mysteries.
Rightly direct our path,
conflrm us all in Thy fear,
guard our life, make safe
our goings, through the
prayers and supplications
of the glorious Mother
of God and ever -Virgin
Mary and aU Thy Saints.
Aloud: For

Peiest (sUently).
(S. Basil.)
We give Thee thanks, 0 Lord
our God, for the participation of
Thy Holy, Spotless, Immortal,
and Heavenly Mysteries, which
Thou hast given us for- benefit
and sanctiflcation, and healing of
our souls and bodies. Do Thou,
O Master, of aU, grant us to have
the Communion of the Holy Body
and Blood of Thy Christ, to
faith that maketh not ashamed,
to love unfeigned, to fullness of
-wisdom, to healing of soul and
body, to turning away of every
enemy, to keeping of Thy com
mandments, and to an acceptable
defense at the fearful tribunal of
Thy Christ. Aloud : For

Thou art our Sanctification, and we ascribe Glory to Thee,
the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, now, and ever, and
to ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Peiest : In peace let us depart.
Choie : In the Name of the Lord.
Peiest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest : O Lord, Who blessest them that bless Thee, and
sanctiflest them that put their trust in Thee, save Thy people,
and bless Thine inheritance. Guard the fuUness of Thy
Church ; sanctify those who love the beauty of Thy Temple ;
glorify them in return -with Thy Divine power, and forsake
not us, who hope in Thee. Give peace to Thy world, to Thy
Churches, to Thy Priests, to the most pious Sovereign  ,
and to all Thy people ; for every good gift and every perfect
gift is from above, and cometh down from Thee, the Father

The Liturgies. 73
of lights ; and we ascribe glory, thanks, and worship to
Thee, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, now, and ever,
and to ages of ages.
Choie : Amen.
Blessed be the Name of the Lord ; from henceforth, and
to all ages. (Three times.)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy
Ghost ;
Both now, and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
PSALM 33 (34).
I -wUl bless the Lord at all times : His praise shaU ever be
in my mouth.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to the Holy
Ghost ;
Both now, and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
Priest (sUently). Priest (sUently).
(S. Chrys.) (s. Basil.)
Thou, O Christ, tj^q mystery of Thy dispensation, O
our God, Who art Christ our God, hath been accomplished
Thyself the fullness and perfected as far as in our power;
of the Law and of for we have the memory of Thy Death,
the Prophets Who ^^ h.a,ve seen the type of Thy Resurrec-
didst fulfill aU the tion, we have been filled with Thy end-
disuensation of ^^^^ ^^' ^^ ^^""^ enpyed Thy delight
mi. -c\ I, 4iM which cannot be made empty, of which
Thy Father; hUour ^^ ^.^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^^ pleased to count
hearts with joy and ^g worthy. Through the Grace of Thy
gladness, always. Father Unoriginate, and Thy Holy,
now, and ever, and Good, and Life-giving Spirit, now, and
to ages of ages. ever, and to ages of ages.
Amen.Aloud : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : The blessing of the Lord be upon you through
His Grace, and Love to mankind, always, now, and ever, and
to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.

74 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Priest : Glory be to Thee, O Christ, our God and Hope,
Glory be to Thee.
Choir : Glory be to the Father, and to the Son : and to
the Holy Ghost ;
Both now, and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (Three times.)
Priest : Christ, our true God, Who arose from the dead ;
(or if it be not Sunday, Christ, our true God :) through the
intercession of His aU-spotless Mother ; the honorable and
glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John ; the holy
and aU-celebrated Apostle ; our holy Father, John Chrysos
tom, Archbishop of Constantinople ; (or, on the days his
Liturgy is appointed to be used, our holy Father BasU the
Great, of Caesarea, in Cappadocia ;) Saint  , Guardian of
this Holy Temple ; Saint  , whose memory we this day
celebrate ; and all Saints : have mercy, and save us, as Thou
art good, and the Lover of men.
Choie: Amen.
The Priest then distributes The Antidoron, and the people depart.

HOLY BAPTISM.

(a) Prayers with a Woman on the first Day after her
Delivery.
Peiest : Blessed be our God always ; now and ever, and
to ages of ages.
Readee : Amen.
Glory be to Thee, O our God, glory be to Thee.
Heavenly King, Comforter, Thou Spirit of Truth, omnipo
tent and filUng all things. Treasure of Goodness and Giver of
Life, come and make Thine abode in us. Thou gracious One,
purify us from every stain and save our souls.
Then the Trisagion: O Holy God, Holy (and) Mighty,
Holy (and) Immortal, have mercy upon us. (Thrice)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us ; purify us, O
Lord, from our sins ; forgive us, O Master, our transgres
sions ; visit our infirmities, O Holy One, and heal them for
Thy Name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, etc.
Peiest : For Thine is the Kingdom, etc.
Reader : Amen.
After the Trisagion the Dismissal— Troparion of the day ; and then :
Glory be to the Father, etc.
For the sake of the intercessions of aU Saints and of the
Mother of God, grant us, O Lord, Thy Peace, and have mercy
upon us, as the only gracious One.
Priest : L^t us pray to the Lord.
Reader : Lord, have mercy.
first prater. V
Priest : Master and Lord Almighty, Who healest every
disease and every infirmity, heal also this Thine handmaid

76 Offices of the Oriental Church.
N., delivered this day, and raise her up from the bed on
which she lies ; for, as the Prophet David saith, we are con
ceived in sin and are aU polluted before Thee. Preserve her
and the babe she hath borne ; cover them -with the shadow
of Thy wings from this day unto the end of their life, for
the sake of the intercessions of the aU-spotless Mother of
God and all Saints, because Thou art highly praised from
ages to ages.
Reader : Amen.
Priest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Reader : Lord, have mercy.
SECOND PRA-TEE,
Peiest : O Lord and Master, our God, Who wert born of
our all-spotless Lady, the Mother of God and ever-Virgia
Mary, wert laid as a Babe in a manger and carried about in
the arms as a Child, have mercy on this. Thine handmaid,
who to-day hath borne this child, and forgive her all her
errors, both intentional and undesigned, and guard her
against every vexation of the devU ; preserve the babe bom
of her from all poison, from all violence, from every assault
of the adversary, from the evU spirits of the day and the
night ; preserve her by Thy mighty hand, and grant that she
soon may arise ; cleanse her from impurity ; heal her pains ;
give her strength and health in body and soul ; surround
her with the shining angels of light, and preserve her from
every surprise of the spirits of darkness — yea. Lord, from
every disease and weakness, from envy and jealousy, from
the evil glance of the eye, and have mercy upon her and her
child according to Thy great mercy. Purify her from her
bodily uncleanness, and from every inner grief which may
come upon her, and lead her by Thy speedy grace, so that,
recovering from the weakness of her body, she may soon be
restored. Grant that the babe born of her may enter the
earthly house of God, which Thou hast prepared for the
praise of thy Holy Name ; for to Thee are due aU praise,
honor and worship, together with the Father and Thy Holy
Spirit, now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Readee: Amen.
Priest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Reader : Lord, have mercy.

Holy Baptism. 77
THIRD PEATEE.
Peiest : O Lord, our God, Who didst wUl to come down
from Heaven and for us sinners and for our salvation to be
born of the Holy Mother of God and ever -Virgin Mary, Who
knowest well the weakness of human nature, be favorable
according to the fullness of Thy mercy to this Thine hand
maid N. , who today hath borne a child ; for Thou, O Lord,
hast said : Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth
and subdue it. Therefore do we. Thy servants, pray Thee,
and, trusting in Thy long-suffering kindness towards man
kind, do we in reverence caU upon the Holy Name of Thy
Kingdom : look down from Heaven and behold the weakness
of us, condemned sinners, and be graciously inclined to this
Thine handmaid N., and to the whole house in which this
child is born, and to those who care for her, and grant re
mission to all who are here, as the good and gracious God;
for Thou alone hast the power to forgive sins : for the sake
of the intercessions of the Holy Mother of God and aU Thy
Saints. Readee: Amen.
Then the Benediction of Dismissal :
Peiest : Wisdom. Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
Reader : Thee, honored above the Cherubim, and beyond
comparison glorified above the Seraphim, who hast borne
vdthout corruption God the Word, true Mother of God, thee
do we praise.
Priest: Glory be to Thee, Christ, O God, our Hope,
glory be to Thee.
Reader : Glory be to the Father, etc.
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)
Give the Benediction.
Priest : Christ, our true God, through the intercessions
of His aU-spotless Mother, of the holy, glorious and aU-
celebrated Apostles, of the holy N. N. (of the day), and of
aU Saints, have mercy upon us, and save us, for Thou art
good and gracious.
Reader : Amen. Lord have mercy. (Thrice)
(5) Prayer at the Blessing of the Child, when on the
eighth day after its birth it receives its name.

78 Offices of the Oriental Church.
On the eighth day after its birth the child is brought by its nurse to the
church. She remains standing at the entrance into the church, and the Priest
begins :
Blessed be our God always, etc.
Reader: Amen.
Glory be to Thee, etc. — Heavenly King, etc.
Then the Trisagion : Holy Ood, etc. After : Our Father, etc. ; the Dis-
missal-Troparion of the day, or of the Saint of that church.-
Then the Pi-iest signs the forehead, mouth and breast of the babe, and says
the foUowing prayer ;

Let us pray to the Lord.
Reader: Lord, have mercy.

THE PRATER.
Priest : O Lord, our God, we pray Thee and caU upon
Thee. Show the light of Thy countenance on this Thy ser
vant (handmaid) N.N., and sign the Cross of Thine Only-
Begotten Son in his (her) breast and in his (her) heart, in his
(her) spirit, that he (she) may flee from the vanity of the
world and aU evil devices of the enemy, and may foUow
Thine ordinances. Grant, O Lord, that Thy holy Name may
remain forever upon him (her), when at the proper time he
(she) is incorporated into Thy Holy Church, and made per
fect through the terrible Mysteries of Thy Christ : so that
he (she), living according to Thy commandments and pre
serving the Seal unbroken, may attain unto the blessedness
of Thine elect in Thy Kingdom : through the grace and
mercy of Thine Only-Begotten Son, -with whom Thou art
highly praised, together -with Thine all-holy, and good,
and Ufe-giving Spirit ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Amen.
Then the Priest takes the infant in his hands, remains standing before the
entrance of the church, or before the picture of the Most Holy Mother of God,
makes with it the sign of the Cross, and says :
Exult, highly favored Virgin, Mother of God ; for from
thee arose the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, en
lightening those who sat in darkness. Rejoice, also, thou
just old man, thou who hast borne in thy arms the Redeemer
of our souls, who hath given unto us the Resurrection.
Then the Benediction, etc.

Holy Baptism. 79
(c) Prayers with a Mother on the Fortieth Day after her
Delivery.
On the fortieth day the child is brought again to the church, in order to be
received into the Church, i. e., to commence attendance at church. It is brought
by the mother immediately after her puriiication, in the presence of the future
sponsors. The Priest begins : Blessed be our God always, etc.
Reader : Amen. Glory be to Thee, etc., Heavenly King,
etc.
Then the Trisagion, Holy Qod, etc. After : Our Father follows the Dis
missal, Troparion of the day, or of the appointed Saint, and then :
Glory be to the Father, etc.
For the sake of the intercessions, etc.
The mother with the child in her arms then bows her head, and the Priest
makes the sign of the Cross over the child ; and then lays his hand upon the head
of the child and says the following prayer:
Let US pray to the Lord.
Reader : Lord, have mercy.

THE PRATER.
Peiest : O Lord God Almighty, Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who hast formed all creatures, rational and irrational,
by Thy Word, and hast -called all things out of nothingness
into being, we pray Thee and call upon Thee : purify this
Thy handmaid N.N., whom Thou hast restored again ac
cording to Thy wiU (and wha now comes to Thy church)
from aU her sins and from every spot, that she may be made
worthy, without judgment, tO' partake of Thy holy sacra
ments.
(If the child be already dead, then, follows immediately the conclusion : For
Thou art a good and gracious God, etc. But if it be alive the Priest continues:)
Bless also the infant born of her ; suffer it to grow up ;
sanctify it and make it wise, inteUigent, chaste, noble-minded,
well-disposed ; and because Thou hast brought it into exist
ence, and caused it to see the Ught of Nature, grant that in
Thine own good time spiritual Ught may also be given to it,
and it may be numbered with Thy holy flock through Thine
Only Begotten Son, with whom Thou art highly praised, to
gether with Thine aU-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now
and ever, and to ages of ages.

80 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Readee : Amen.
Peiest : Peace to all.
Readee : And to thy Spirit.
Peiest : Bow your heads before the Lord.
Readee : To Thee, O Lord.
The Priest reads the prayer for the mother of the child.
O Lord, our God, who didst come for the salvation of the
human race, come now also to this Thine handmaid N., and
make her worthy, through Thy venerable Priesthood, of an
entrance into the temple of Thy worship ; wash her clean
from her bodily stain, and from the defllement of the soul in
the period of the forty days ; make her worthy to partake
of Thy precious Body and Blood ; for most holy and highly
praised is Thy most honored and exalted Name -with the
Father and the Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of
ages.
Readee : Amen.
Peiest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Readee : Lord, have mercy.
The Priest blesses the child and says over it the following prayer for the child:
O Lord, our God, who as a chUd wast brought on the
fortieth day to Thine appointed temple by Mary, Thy Holy
Mother, who knew no man, and wert borne in the arms of
the just Simeon, bless, O Almighty Ruler, also this infant,
brought hither for presentation before Thee, the Creator of
all things, and may it grow up for all works, good and well-
pleasing unto Thee ; drive away from it every hostile power
by the sign of Thy Cross (for Thou, O Lord, art the protector
of chUdren), so that it, made worthy of Holy Baptism, may
receive its portion with the elect in Thy Kingdom, preserved
-with us by the grace of the holy, consubstantial and un-
di-dded Trinity. For to Thee, together with Thine Eternal
Father, and the all-holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, are
due all praise, and thanksgiving, and worship ; now and
ever, and to ages of ages.
Readee: Amen.
Peiest : Peace to all.
Readee : And to thy Spirit.
Priest : Bow your heads before the Lord.
Reader : To Thee, O Lord.

Holy Baptism. 81
THE PRATER.
Priest : O God and Father Almighty, who, through the
noblest of the prophets, Isaiah, hast announced to us the
Incarnation of Thine Only Begotten Son, and our God, of the
Virgin, who also, according to Thy good pleasure, and
through the co-operation of the Holy Ghost, in order to save
us men according to Thy infinite mercy in the latter days,
didst wUl to become a child by her, and, according to the
custom of Thy holy law, after the days of purification were
accomplished, didst permit Thyself, the true Law-Giver, to be
presented in the sanctuary, and to be borne in the arms of
the just Simeon, a type of which mystery we acknowledge in
the vision of the same prophet when he saAV a Uve coal taken
with the tongs from off the altar ; the imitation of which,
according to grace, we faithfuUy preserve. Do Thou now, O
Lord, who protectest infants, bless also this chUd, together
-with its parents and sponsors, and grant that at the proper
time it may be born again of water and the Spirit ; number
it in Thy holy flock of reasonable sheep, which is caUed after
the Name of Thy Christ, for Thou art He who dwellest on
high and beholdest the lowly, and to Thee, the Father, and
the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we offer up praise and glory,
now and forever, and to ages of ages.
Reader: Amen.
If the child be not yet baptized, the following order of the presentation is
postponed until after the baptism; but if already baptized, the presentation takes
place in the following manner:
The Priest takes the child, makes with it the sign of the Cross before the
church door, and says :
The servant (handmaid) of God, N., is received into the
Church in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Reader: Amen.
Then he brings it into the church and says.-
It -wUl enter into Thine house, and wUl worship toward
Thy holy temple.
Then he comes into the middle of the church and says:
The servant (handmaid), etc.
Reader: Amen.

82 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Priest : In the midst of the temple wiU he (she) praise
Thee. Then he carries the chUd to the door of the sanctuary and says:
The servant (handmaid), etc.
Reader : Amen.
If the child be of the male sex, the Priest carries it into the sanctuary; but if
female, only to the royal doors, and says:
Now lettest Thou, Lord, Thy servant depart in peace,
according to Thy Word ; for mine eyes have seen Thy salva
tion, which Thou hast prepared before the face of aU peoples,
a Light to lighten the GentUes, and a Glory of Thy 'people
Israel. Then. the;Priesi lays the child down before the royal doors, and the godfather
bows three times, takes the child up and departs after hearing the Benediction of
Dismissal.
(d) Prayer with a. Woman who has suffered a Miscar
riage. The Priest Begins : Blessed be our God, etc.
Readee : Amen. Glory be to Thee, etc.. Heavenly King,
etc.
Then the Trisagion : Hdy God, etc. After Our Father foUows the Dis
missal, Troparion of the day ; and then:
Peiest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Readee : Lord, have mercy.

THE PEATEE. '
Peiest : Lord and Master, our God, who wert born of the
Holy Mother of God and ever -Virgin Mary, and laid as a
Babe in the manger, have mercy according to Thy great mercy
upon this Thy handmaid N., who, taken in sins intentional
or undesigned, has fallen into condemnation, since she has
lost that which was conceived in her ; forgive her errors, in
tentional and unintentional, and preserve her from aU diabol
ical arts ; purify her from pollution ; heal her pains ; grant
her, O gracious One, strength and health of body and soul,
and defend her by the angel of light from every surprise of
the spirits of darkness ; yea. Lord, and from every disease
and weakness ; purify her from her bodily defllement and
the various inner griefs which have come uppn her ; lead her

Holy Baptism. 83
out of them by Thy great mercy, that she may recover from
the weakness of her body, and raise her from the bed on
which she lies. Because we are conceived in sins and in
transgressions, and are aU deflled before Thee, O Lord, we
cry out in fear and say : Look down from heaven and be
hold the weakness of us condemned sinners. Pardon this
Thine handmaid N., who, taken in sins intentional or unde
signed, has fallen into condemnation and has lost that which
was conceived in her ; have mercy also upon those who assist
and care for her, and pardon them according to Thy great
mercy, as the good God and rich in grace ; for Thou alone
hast the power to forgive sins and transgressions, through the
intercessions of Thine All Holy Mother and aU Saints. For
to Thee, with the Father and Thy Holy Spirit are due aU
praise, honor and worship ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Amen.
Then foUows the Benediction of Dismissal.
(e) Prayers at the Reception of the Catechumens.
The Priest looses the girdle of the one coming for illumination, disrobes him,
takes off his shoes and turns him towards the east in plain dress, without girdle,
without covering for the head, barefoot and with arms hanging down, breathes
thrice in his face, crosses him thrice on the forehead and the breast, lays his hand
upon his head, and says :
Let us pray to the Lord.
Readee : Lord,- have mercy.
THE PRATER.
Priest : In Thy Name, O Lord God of Truth, and in the
Name of Thine Only-Begotten Son and of Thy Holy Spirit, I
lay my hand upon Thy servant (handmaid) N., who is made
worthy to flee unto Thy holy Name, and to be protected
under the shadow of Thy wings. Remove far from him (her)
that ancient deceit, and fiU him (her) with Faith in Thee, with
Hope of Thee, and with Love to Thee, so that he (she) may
acknowledge that Thou only art the true God, and Thine
Only Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and Thy Holy
Spirit. May he (she) walk according to all Thy command
ments, and do what is well-pleasing unto Thee ; for whoso
ever doeth this shall find therein his life. Write him (her)
down in Thy Book of Life ; unite him (her) to the flock of
Thine inheritance, so that in him (her) may be glorified Thy

84 Offices of the Oriental Church.
holy Name, and that of Thy well-beloved Son, our Lord
Jesus Christ, and of Thy life-giving Spirit. May Thine eyes
ever be graciously turned toward him (her), and Thine ears
to hear the voice of his (her) prayers. Let him (her) find joy
in the works of his (her) hands and in all his (her) genera
tion : so that he (she) may worship Thee, praise Thy great
and glorious exalted Name, and magnify Thee always through
all the days of his (her) Ufe. For all heavenly powers sing
Thy praise, and Thine is the Glory of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of
ages. Reader: Amen.
Priest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Reader : Lord, have mercy.
the first EXORCISM.
Priest : Satan, the Lord conjures thee ; He, Who came
into the world and. dwelt among men, that He might destroy
thy tyranny and deliver mankind from it ; Who on the Cross
triumphed over the adverse powers, when the sun was dark
ened, and the earth trembled, and the graves were opened,
and the bodies of the saints arose ; Who by death destroyed
death and took away the strength of him who had the power
of death, that is of thee, Satan. I conjure thee by God, Who
kept the way of the Tree of Life, and set over it the Cherubim
and the flaming sword, turning hither and thither to guard
it. Thou art conjured ! for I conjure thee by Him, Who
walked over the waves of the sea as on dry land, and sub
dued the stormy wind ; at Whose look the depths of the sea
are dried up, and at Whose reproof the mountains melt. He
it is Who also now conjures thee by us : tremble, depart, get
thee away from this creature ; return not back again ; hide
not thyself in him, encounter him not, work not upon him,
neither by night nor by day, neither in the morning nor at
noontide ; but depart into thy heU untU the great Day of the
Judgment, which is already prepared. Fear before God,
Who sitteth upon Cherubim and looketh into the abysses,
before Whom tremble angels, archangels, thrones, lordships,
princes, powers, dominions, the many-eyed Cherabim and
the six--winged Seraphim ; before Whom tremble the heavens
and the earth, and the sea and all that therein is. Depart,

Holy Baptism, 85
and get thyself away from the sealed and newly-elected sol
dier of Christ, our God ; for I conjure thee by Him, Who
rideth upon the wings of the wind, and maketh His angels a
flame of fire. Depart and get thee out of this creature with
aU thy power and all thine angels. For glorious is the Name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; now
and ever, and to ages of ages.
Reader : Amen. ¦
Priest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Reader : Lord, have mercy.
second exorcism.
Priest : God the holy, the terrible and all gloriou,s,
incomprehensible and unsearchable in aU His works and His
power, hath ordained to thee, Satan, the punishment of
eternal torments, and He commandeth thee and every power
working with thee, by us, his unworthy servants, to depart
from this person, signed with the Name of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the true God. I conjure thee, thou depraved, unclean,
poUuted, abominable and hostUe spirit, by the might of Jesus
Christ, who hath all power in heaven, and on earth, who com
manded the deaf and dumb devil : Depart out of the man,
and enter not into him again. So get thee away, acknowl
edge that thy might is vain, since thou hast not power even
over the s-wine ; remember Him wio once granted thy
petition that thou mightest enter into the herd of swine.
Fear before God, at whose command the earth and the
waters stand fast ; who hath formed the heavens ; who hath
established the mountains by weight and the valleys by
measure ; who has set the sand as the bounds of the sea, and
hath made a sure way through the stormy waters ; who
toucheth the mountains and they smoke ; who clothed Him
self with Ught as vdth a garment ; who hath spread out the
heavens as a curtain ; who frameth in the waters His cham
bers, and hath established the earth on its sure foundation
that it shall not be moved forever and ever ; who calleth the
water of the sea and poureth it forth over the face of the
whole earth. Depart and get thee away from this person,
who is prepared for the holy illumination. I conjure thee
by the saving passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, by His
precious body and blood, and by his terrible second advent ;

86 Offices of the Oriental Church.
for He vdll come and not delay to judge the whole earth,
and wiU torment thee and the powers working with thee in
the fire of heU, giving thee over to the outer darkness, whose
worm dieth not, and whose fire is unquenchable, for the
power is of Christ, our God, and of the Father, and of the
Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Reader: Amen.
Priest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Reader : Lord, have mercy.
THIRD EXORCISM.
Priest : Lord of Sabaoth, God of Israel, Who healest aU
• diseases and all infirmities, look down upon Thy servant
(handmaid), search and prove him (her) and drive from him
(her) all operations of the devU ; conjure the unclean spirits"
and drive them out, and purify the works of Thy hands;
exert Thy powerful might and beat do-wn Satan speedUy
under the feet of Thy servant (handmaid) ; give him (her)
victory over him and his unclean spirits, so that he (she)
may receive Thy grace ; be worthy of Thy immortal and
heavenly sacraments, and offer up praise to Thee, the Father,
and the Son, and the Holy Ghost : now and ever, and to ages
of ages. Reader: Amen.
Priest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Reader : Lord, have mercy.
the prater.
Priest : Lord and Master, Who hast created man after
Thine image and Thy likeness, and hast given him fitness for
eternal life ; and Who, after that he had fallen into sin, hast
not despised him, but hath brought about, through the Incar
nation of Thy Christ, the salvation of the world ; redeem now
also this Thy creature from the bondage of the enemy, and
receive him (her) into Thy Kingdom of Heaven ; open the eyes
of his (her) understanding, so that the light of Thy gospel may
shine clearly upon him (her) ; join to him (her) through life
the Angel of Light to rescue him (her) from all snares of the
adversary, from diabolical encounters, from the evil spirit of
the noonday, and from diabolical apparitions.

Holy Baptism. 87
Then the priest breathes upon the mouth, the forehead and the breast of the
Catechumen, and says :
Drive out of him (her) aU e-dl and unclean spirits that have
hidden and concealed themselves in his (her) heart {thrice) :
the spirit of deceit, the spirit of wickedness, the spirit of idol
atry, and aU covetousness, avarice, the spirit of falsehood
and all uncleanness, which worketh after the teaching of the
devil. Make him (her) an acceptable sheep of the holy flock
of Thy Christ, a worthy member of Thy Church, a son
(daughter) and heir of Thy Kingdom, that he (she) may Uve
according to Thy commandments, preserve the seal unbroken,
keep the garment spotless and attain to the blessedness of the
saints in Thy Kingdom, through the grace and compassion
and mercy of Thine Only Begotten Son, with whom Thou art
highly praised, together with Thine all-holy, and good, and
life-gi-dng Spirit ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Reader : Amen.
Then the Priest turns the candidate towards the west, disrobed, barefoot and
holding up his hands, and says :
Dost thou renounce Satan and all his works, aU his angels,
aU his pride, and all his pomp ?
The Catechumen, or if the candidate be a pagan or a
child, instead of him the godfather: Yes, I renounce them.
The same question and answer are repeated the second and third time.
Then the Priest asks the candidate:
Hast thou renounced Satan ?
The Catechumen or his Sponsor : Yes, I have renounced
him.
And after this has been three times said, the Priest says to the candidate : •
Then blow and spit on him.
After this done, the candidate drops his arms, is turned towards the east and
the Priest says to him :
Dost thou adhere to Christ ?
The Catechumen or his Sponsoe : Yes, I adhere to
Christ ?
This is also three times said ; then the Priest :
Hast thou adhered to Christ %
The Catechumen oe his Sponsoe : Yes, I have adhered
to Him.

88 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Priest : And dost thou believe in him ?
Answer : Yes, I believe in Him, as the King and God-^
and then says the Confession of Faith (Creed) :
1 believe in One God, the Father Almighty, Maker of
heaven and earth, and of aU things visible and invisible. And
in One Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-Begot
ten, Begotten of the Father before all ages : Light of Light,
True God of True God ; Begotten, not made ; Consubstantial
with the Father, by Whom aU things were made ; Who for
us men and for our Salvation came down from the heavens,
and was Incarnate of the Holy Ghost and the Virgin Mary,
and became Man ; and was crucified for us under Pontius
Pilate, and suffered, and was buried ; and rose again the
third day according to the Scriptures ; and ascended into the
heavens, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father ; and He
shall come again with glory to judge both the Uving and the
dead ; of Whose Kingdom there shall be no end. And in the
Holy Ghost, the Lord, the Life-giver ; Who proceedeth from
the Father, Who with the Father and the Son together is
worshipped and glorified ; Who spake by the Prophets, and
in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge
One Baptism for the Remission of Sins ; I look for the Res
urrection of the dead, and the Life of the Age to come.
Amen.
After the declaration of this Creed the Priest says again to the Catechumen:
Hast thou adhered to Christ ?
Answer : Yes, I have adhered to Him.
Priest : And dost thou believe in Him ?
Answer : Yes, I believe in Him, as the King and God.
And then says again the Creed : 1 beUeve in one God, the
Father, etc.
After the Catechumen has said the Creed through a second time, the Priest
asks him the third time:
Hast thou adhered to Christ ?
Answer : Yes, I have adhered to Him.
Peiest : And dost thou believe in Him ?
Answee : Yes, I beUeve in Him, as the King and God,
And then says the third time the Creed : I beUeve in one God,
the Father, etc.
When the Catechumen has confessed the Creed fully for the third time, the
' Priest asks him :

Holy Baptism. 89
Hast thou adhered to Christ?
Answee : Yes, I have adhered to Him.
After this question and answer have been given three times, the Priest says :
Then faU down before Him.
The Catechumen faUs down before Him and says:
I faU down before the Father, and the Son, and the Holy
Ghost, the consubstantial and undivided Trinity.
Peiest : Blessed be God, Who wiUeth that aU men should
be saved, and come to the knowledge of the trath ; now and
ever, and to ages of ages.
Readee: Amen.
Peiest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Readee : Lord, have mercy.
THE PEATEE.
Peiest : O Lord and Master, our God, call this Thy servant
(handmaid) N. unto holy Ulumination in Thee, and make
him (her) worthy of the great grace of Thy Holy Baptism ;
put off from him (her) the old man, and renew him (her) unto
eternal Life ; fill him (her) with the power of Thy Holy Spirit
unto union -with Thy Christ ; so that he (she) may not be a
chUd of the flesh, but a child of Thy Kingdom : through the
good--wi]l and grace of Thine Only -Begotten Son, with whom
Thou art highly praised, together with Thine aU-holy, and
good and Ufe-giving Spirit ; now and ever, and to ages of
ages.
Readee: Amen.
(/) The Administration of Baptism.
The Priest puts on his vestments wMle all the lights are lit; takes the censer,
walks to the font, censes around it, then gives up the censer and bows.
Readee : Master, give the Blessing.
Priest : Blessed be the Kingdom of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to ages of
ages.
Choir: Amen.
Reader : In Peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
For the Peace from above and for the Salvation of our
souls, let us pray to the Lord.

90 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Choie : Lord, have mercy (and so after each sentence of
the Ektene).
For the Peace of the whole world, for the prosperity of the
holy Churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to
the Lord.
For this holy House, and for those who, with faith, piety
and fear of God enter into it, let us pray to the Lord.
For the most Holy Governing Synod, for the Bishop N. N.
for the honorable Presbytery, for the Diaconate in Christ,
and for all the clergy and laity, let us pray to the Lord.
For our most pious and God-protected Sovereign and
famUy, all their court and army, let us pray to the Lord.
That this water may be hallowed with power and -virtue,
and vdth the Presence of the Holy Ghost, let us pray to the
Lord. That there may be sent dovrai upon it. the gracious gift of
Redemption, the Blessing of Jordan, let us pray to the Lord.
That there may come upon this water the purifying virtue
of the supersubstantial Trinity, let us pray to the Lord.
That we may be enlightened -idth the light of knowledge
and piety by the Presence of the Holy Ghost, let us pray to
the Lord.
That this water may drive away all snares of visible and
invisible enemies, let us pray to the Lord.
That he (she) who is to be baptized therein, may be made
worthy of the Kingdom," which passeth not away, let us pray
to the Lord.
For him (her) now coming to the holy Ulumination, and
for his (her) salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
That he (she) may become a son (daughter) of the light,
and heir of the eternal blessings, let us pray to the Lord.
That he (she) may be planted together with, and partake
of, the death and the resurrection of Christ, our God, let us
pray to the Lord.
That he (she) may preserve the robe of Baptism and the
earnest of the Spirit undeflled and spotless unto the terrible
day of Christ, our God, let us pray to the Lord.
That to him (her) this water may become the laver of
regeneration, for the remission of sins and the vesture of
incorruption, let us pray to the Lord.
That God, the Lord, may hear the voice of our suppUca
tions, let us pray to the Lord.

Holy Baptism. 91
That he (she) and we may be delivered from all affliction,
¦wrath, danger and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Help, save, have mercy and guard us, O God, by Thy
grace. Commemorating our aU-holy, spotless, most blessed and
glorious Lady, the Mother of God, and ever -Virgin Mary,
vdth aU the Saints, let us commend ourselves and each other,
and all our life to Christ, our Gpd.
Choie : To Thee, O Lord.
While the Deacon is saying this, the Priest prays in a low voice the following
prayer: O merciful and gracious God, WTio triest the hearts and
the reins and alone knowest the secrets of men, because
nothing is invisible to Thee, but all is naked and open before
Thine eyes, Thou Who knowest what is within me : despise
me not and turn not Thy face from me, but forgive me in
this hour my transgressions, O Thou Who hast regard to men
in their sins, that they may be converted ; wash away the
uncleanness of my body and the defllement of my soul, and
sanctify me whoUy with Thine invisible, all-perfect power and
spiritual rectitude so that I, proclaiming freedom to others
and offering it to them in perfect trust on Thine unspeakable
grace, may not myself, as a servant of sin, be found repro
bate. Nay, O Master, alone good and gracious, let me not be put
to shame, but send me power from above, and strengthen me
for the administration of Thy great and heavenly Sacrament,
which is even now to be completed. Form Thy Christ in him
(her) who is to be bom again through my humiUty ; build
him (her) upon the foundation of Thine Apostles and
Prophets, and cast him (her) not down ; plant him (her) as a
plant of trath in Thy Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church,
and pluck him (her) not up ; so that he (she) increasing in
piety may glorify Thine all-holy Name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages
of ages. Amen.
At the close of the Ektene the Priest says aloud the following prayer :
Great art Thou, O Lord, and wonderful are Thy works ;
there is no word that can express Thy wonders, for by Thine
own will Thou hast brought all things out of nothingness
into being, by Thy power Thou upholdest the creation, and

92 Offices of the Oriental Church.
by Thy pro-ddence Thou rulest the world. From four ele
ments hast Thou made the creation, and crowned the circle
of the year -with four seasons. All spiritual powers tremble
before Thee ; the sun sings Thy praise ; the moon blesses
Thee ; the ministering stars surround Thee ; the Ught obeys
Thee ; before Thee tremble the abysses ; the fountains stand
at Thy command. Thou hast spread forth the heaven as a
curtain ; Thou hast estabUshed the earth above the waters ;
Thou hast bounded the sea vdth a wall of sand ; Thou hast
poured forth the air to breathe. The powers of the angels
serve Thee ; the choirs of the archangels bow down before
Thee ; the many-eyed Cherubim and six- winged Seraphim,
standing and flying about Thee, cover themselves through
fear of Thine inaccessible glory. For Thou art an ineffable,
eternal and unspeakable God, Who didst come to earth, take
the form of a servant, and become like other men ; for Thou,
O Master, on account of the goodness of Thy grace, wert not
able to look upon the race of men, tormented by the devil, but
didst come, and hast redeemed us. We acknowledge Thy
grace, proclaim Thy mercy and hide not Thy loving-kindness.
Thou hast deUvered the human race, and hallowed the
Virgin's womb by Thy birth. The whole creation praiseth
Thee, the manifested One ; for Thou, our God, hast appeared
upon earth and dwelt -with men ; Thou, too, hast haUowed
the streams of Jordan, in that Thou hast sent down from
Heaven Thy Holy Spirit and bruised the heads of the ser
pents which had hidden themselves there. Come, now,
also. Thyself, O King fuU of grace, in the -dsitation of Thy
Holy Spirit, and sanctify this water (thrice) ; and give it the
gracious gift of Redemption, and the blessing of Jordan;
make it a fount of incorruption and a gift of sanctification,
for the reUef of sins, the healing of diseases, the destruction
of evil spirits, unapproachable by hostile powers, filled with
angeUc strength : so that the plotters against Thy creation
may flee away from it, for I have caUed upon Thy Name, 0
Lord, wonderful, highly exalted, and so terrible to the adver-'
saries. After this the Priest crosses the water thrice, dipping his finger into it,
breathes upon it and says:
Under the sign of the form of Thy Cross let all hostile
powers be destroyed {thrice).

Holy Baptism. 93
Let aU invisible idols of the air be removed from us, and
no evU spirit of darkness hide itself in this water ; also let
there not descend -with the candidate, we pray Thee, O Lord,
any evil spirit, which may bring with it darkness of thoughts
and confusion of the mind ; but O Thou Ruler of aU, make
this water, the water of Redemption, the water of sanctifica
tion, the purification of the body and the spirit, the loosening
of bonds, the forgiveness of transgressions, the Ulumination
of souls, the laver of regeneration, the renewal of the spirit,
the gracious gift of adoption, the vesture of incorruption, the
fountain of life. For Thou, O Lord, hast said : Wash you
and be clean, put away the evil-doings from your souls ; and
thou hast given us the new birth by water and the Spmt
from above. Come then upon this water, O Lord, and grant
that he (she) to be baptized therein may be changed to the
putting off of the old man, which is corrupted by deceitful
liists, and to the putting on of the new man, which is renewed
after the image of its Maker ; so that he (she) being planted
through Baptism in the likeness of Thy death, may also be a
partaker of Thy resurrection, and, preserving the gift of the
Holy Ghost and increasing the pledge of grace, may receive
the honorable prize of the calUng on high, and be numbered
¦with the first-born who are -written in Heaven -with Thee, our
Lord and God, Jesus Christ. For to Thee, together -with
Thine eternal Father, and the aU-holy, good and Ufe-gi-ving
Spirit are due the glory, and the power, now and ever, and to
ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Peiest : Peace to all.
Choie : And to thy Spirit.
Readee : Bow your heads before the Lord.
Choie : To Thee, O Lord.
After this the Priest breathes thrice upon the oU- vessel, which is held by the
Deacon, and crosses thrice the oil.
Readee : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
The prayer for the consecration of the oil:
Peiest : Lord and Master, God of our fathers. Who didst
send to those in Noah's Ark the dove, which bore in its beak
the oUve-branch as a sign of reconciliation and deUverance
from the deluge, and Who didst thereby foreshadow the mys-

94 Offices of the Oriental Church.
tery of grace, and didst appoint the fruit of the olive tree for
the f ulfiUment of Thy mysteries ; Who hast by the same fiUed
those who were under the law with the Holy Ghost, but
makest perfect those who are in grace, bless also this oU with
power and efficacy, and with the visitation of Thy Holy
Spirit, so that it may be the anointing for incorruption, the
weapon of righteousness, the renewal of the soul and the
body, the defense against all diabolical influences, the heal
ing of all evil for those who are anointed in faith, or partake
of it, to the glory of Thee and Thine Only Begotten Son, and
Thine all-holy, good and Ufe-gi-dng Spirit ; now and ever,
and to ages of ages.
Choie : Amen.
Readee : Let us attend.
The Priest sings now the Hallelujah thrice with the people, pours the oil into
the water, so as to make with it three signs of the Cross, and then says aloud:
Blessed be God, Who enlighteneth and sanctifleth every
man coming into the world ; now and ever, and to ages of
ages.
Choie: Amen.
The' candidate is now brought forward, and the Priest takes some of the oil
with two flngers and makes the sign of the cross on the candidate's forehead, breast,
and between the shoulder-blades, and says :
The servant (handmaid) of God, N. N., is anointed -with
the oU of gladness in the Name of the Father, and of the Son,
and of the Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Amen.
Signing the breast, he says :
For the healing of the soul and the body.
Signing the ears : So that he (she) may hear the faith.
Signing the hands : Thy hands have made and fashioned
me. Signing the feet : So that he (she) may walk in the path
of Thy commandments.
And after he has anointed the whole body the Priest baptizes the candidate,
held erect and looking toward the east, and says :
The servant (handmaid) of God, N., is baptized in the
Name of the Father, Amen ; and of the Son, Amen ; and of
the Holy Ghost, Amen ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Amen.

Holy Baptism. 95
At each invocation he immerses the candidate and raises him again. After
that the Priest washes his hands and sings with the people the Psalm :
Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose
sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord im
puteth not sin, neither is there guile in his mouth ; for I was
sUent, my bones grew old through my crying aU the day ; for
day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me ; I was tumed
into misery, pierced by the thorn. I acknowledged my sin,
and hid not mine iniquity. I said I will confess mine iniquity
to the Lord, and Thou f orgavest the -wickedness of my heart.
For this shaU every one that is godly pray unto Thee in a fit
ting time ; but in a deluge of many waters they shall not
come nigh him. Thou art a refuge from affliction that sur-
roundeth me ; my joy, deUvering me from those compassing
me about. I will inform thee and teach thee in the way
wherein thou shalt go ; I -wiU cause Mine eyes to rest upon
thee. Be not as horse and mule, in whom is no under
standing ; -with bit and bridle thou must hold their cheeks
that they shaU not draw nigh thee. Many are the pains of
the sinner, but he who trusteth in the Lord, Inercy shaU sur
round him. Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous,
and exult all ye true of heart.
Then the Priest clothes the candidate, and says :
The servant (handmaid) of God, N., is clothed -with the
robe of righteousness, in the Name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of
ages. Amen.
After this is sung the foUowing Troparion :
Give me the robe of Ught, Thou who clothest Thyself with
Ught as -with a garment, O merciful Christ, our God.

THE ADMINISTERING OF THE HOLY CHRISM.^

(a) The anointing of the baptized.
Peiest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy. THE PEATEE.
Peiest : Blessed art Thou, Lord God Almighty, Fountain
of all goodness. Sun of righteousness. Who causest the Ught
of salvation to rise on those who wandered in darkness,
through the manifestation of Thine Only-begotten Son, and
our God ; Who hast granted us, unworthy as we are, in the
holy water a blessed purification, and in the life-giving
Chrism a divine sanctification; Who hast also now vouch
safed to Thy servant (handmaid), of late Uluminated, to be
newly born of water and the Spirit, and hast granted him
(her) the remission of voluntary and involuntary sins. Merci
ful Master and King over all, bestow on him (her) also the
seal of the gift of Thy holy and omnipotent and adorable
Spirit, and to partake of the holy body and precious blood
of Thy Christ ; keep him (her) in Thy sanctiflcation ; con
firm him (her) in the orthodox faith ; deliver him (her) from
the evil one, and aU his devices, and preserve his (her) soul
by the saving fear of Thee in innocence and righteousness,
so that he (she) may please Thee in every deed and word,
and become a son (daughter) and heir of Thy heavenly king
dom, for Thou art our God, a God of mercy and salvation,
and to Thee we offer up praise and glory, to the Father, and
to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to
ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
After this prayer the Priest anoints the candidate in the form of a cross with
the Chrism on the forehead, the eyes, the nostrils, the mouth, both ears, the breast,
the hands and the leet, and says each time :
* This sacrament follows, in the Oriental Church, immediately after the baptism.

Administering of the Holy Chrism. 97
The seal of the gift of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then the Priest walks with the sponsor and the candidate around the font
thrice, and sings with the choir:
As many of you as are baptized into Christ, haye put on
Christ ; HaUelujah.
Peiest: Wisdom.
Readee : (The Prokimenx)n Psalm, xxvii : 1.) The Lord
is my iUumination and my Savior ; whom shall I fear ?
Readee : The Lord is a defense of my Ufe ; of whom shaU
I be afraid %
Choie : The Lord is my Ught and my salvation ; before
whom shall I be afraid %
Reader : The Lord is my iUumination.
Choir : And my salvation ; before whom shaU I be afraid ?
Priest: Wisdom.
Reader : The reading from the Epistle of S. Paul to the
Romans (vi : 3-12).
Priest : Let us attend.
Reader : Brethren, so many of us as were baptized into
Christ Jesus were baptized into His death. Therefore we
were buried with Him by baptism into the death ; that, Uke
as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the
Father, so also we should walk in ne-wness of ^ life. For, if we
have been planted together in the Ukeness of His death, so
also shaU we be of -the resurrection ; knowing this that our
old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might
be destroyed, that we no longer should serve sin. For he,
who is dead, has been justified from sin. Now, if we died
¦with Christ, we believe that also we shall Uve -with Him,
knowing that Christ raised from the dead dieth no more ;
death ao longer raleth over Him ; for in that He died, He
died unto sin once ; but in that He Uveth, He Uveth unto God.
So also count yourselves dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto
God, in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Priest : Peace to thee.
Reader : And to thy spirit.
Priest : Wisdom, let us attend.
Reader: Hallelujah. (Thrice.)
Peiest : Wisdom ! Upright ; let us hear the holy gospel.
Pei-est : Peace to aU.
Choie : And to thy spirit.

1^ '"

98 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Peiest : The reading from the holy evangeUst, Matthew,
(Chap. xxviU : 16 to the end.)
Choie : Glory be to Thee, O Lord ; glory be to Thee.
Peiest : Let us attend.
Peiest : At that time the eleven disciples went away into
GaUlee, unto a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
And as they saw Him they worshipped Him; but some
doubted. And Jesus came and spake to them, saying : AU
power is given to Me in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go
and teach aU nations, baptizing them in the Name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching
them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded
you ; and lo, I am with you aU days, unto the end of the
world. Amen.
Choie : Glory be to Thee, O Lord ; glory be to Thee.
Peiest : Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy
great mercy ; we pray Thee hear, and have mercy.
Choie: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice; so also after each
sentence of the Ektene.)
Peiest : Again, we pray for strength, victory, long and
sole rule, health and salvation of the most pious and God-
protected sovereign,  , and we most earnestly beseech the
Lord, our God, to prosper him in all things, and put under
his feet aU who hate and oppose him.
Again, we pray for the most holy governing synod, for our
metropolitan, and for aU our brethren in Christ.
Again, we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation,
protection, forgiveness and remission of sins of the servants
of God, N. N. (the sponsors.)
Again, we pray for the newly baptized setvant (hand
maid) of God, N. N., that he (she) may be preserved in the
faith of the pure confession in aU piety and fulfilment of the
commands of Christ through aU the days of his (her) life.
Peiest : For Thou art a gracious and merciful God, and
to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we
offer up praise and glory, now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Then the benediction.
(b) Prayers at the ablution after the Chrism.
On the eighth day the candidate is brought again into the church, in order
that he may be washed off. The Priest looses bis (her) clothes and girdle, and says
the following prayer :

Administering of the Holy Chrism. 99
THE FIEST PEATEE.
Priest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest : O Thou, who, by holy baptism, hast given the
remission of sins to Thy servant (handmaid), and granted
him (her) the regeneration of life ; let now, O Lord and
Master, the light of Thy countenance shine forever in his
(her) heart ; preserve his (her) shield of faith unsurprised by
enemies ; guard his (her) robe of incorruption which he (she)
hath put on, pure and spotless upon him (her) ; keep by Thy
grace the spiritual seal on him (her) uninjured, and continue
graciously inclined toward him (her) and us, according to the
multitude of Thy great mercies ; for highly praised and
blessed is Thine adorable and exalted Name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to
ages of ages.
Choie: Amen. the second PEATEE.
Peiest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
Peiest : O Lord and Master, our God, who by the laver
of baptism bestowest heavenly iUumination on the baptized,
hast regenerated Thy newly-enUghtened servant (handmaid)
by water and the spirit, and hast given him (her) the for
giveness of voluntary and involuntary sins, lay upon him (her)
Thy powerful hands and preserve him (her) in the might of
Thy goodness ; keep his (her) pledge, so that it shall not be
taken away, and make him (her) worthy of eternal Ufe and
Thy good pleasure ; for Thou art our sanctification, and to
Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we offer
up praise and glory, now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Peiest : Peace to aU.
Choie : And to thy spirit.
Peiest : Bow your heads before the Lord.
Choie : To Thee, O Lord.
the thied PEATEE.
Peiest: Preserve him (her) who hath put on Thee, 0
Christ, our God, and who hath bowed -with us also his (her)

100 Offices of the Oriental Church.
head before Thee, that he (she) may be an invincible warrior
against those who, with vain enmity, assail him (her) and us ;
and grant that we may all be victorious to the end and receive
Thine incorruptible crown ; for to Thee belong mercy and
salvation, and to Thee, together vdth Thine eternal Father,
and Thine all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, we offer up
praise and glory, now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Then the Priest loosens the girdle of the candidate and his linen clothes,
washes him with clean water, and says :
Thou art justified, enlightened, sanctified, washed in the
Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and vdth the Spirit of our
Lord. After this he takes a sponge dipped in water, washes off the face, head, breast,
etc., of the candidate, and says :
Thou art baptized, enlightened, anointed, sanctified,
washed in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choie : Amen.

(c) Prayers at the cutting of the hair.
THE FIRST PRATER.
Priest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : O Lord and Master, our God, who haSt honored
man with Thine image, and endowed him with a reasonable
soul and a beautiful body, so that the body should be subject
to the rational soul, for Thou hast placed over aU his head,
and planted within the same a number of senses, not inter
fering -with one another, and covered the head with hair that
it should not be injured by the changes of the atmosphere ;
and hast fitly joined together aU his members, so that he
should show himself thankful through aU of them to Thee,
the most excellent artificer ; do Thou, 0 Master, who, by the
vessel of Thine election, Paulthe Apostle, hast bidden us
do all things whatsoever we do to Thine honor ; bless this
servant (handmaid), N. N., who has come to offer to Thee his
first fruits, the hair of his (her) head, together with his spon
sors, and may they learn Thy commandments and do what is
weU-pleasing unto Thee, for Thou art a merciful and gracious

Administering of the Holy Chrism. 101
God ; and to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy
Ghost, we offer up praise and glory, now and ever, and to
ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest : Peace to all.
Choir : And to thy spirit.
Priest : Bow your heads before the Lord, <
Choir : To Thee, O Lord.
the second prater.
Priest : O Lord, our God, Who, through the fuUness of
the laver of baptism, according to Thy grace, hast sanctifled
those who beUeve in Thee, bless the infant present, and let
Thy blessing come upon its head ; even as Thou didst bless
king Da-dd by Thy prophet Samuel, so bless also the head of
Thy servant (handmaid) N. by my hand, although I am a
sinner, since Thou wUt be present with him (her) by Thy
Holy Spirit, so that he (she), as he advances in age, even untU
gray hairs, may offer up praise and glory to Thee, and see the
prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of his (her) Ufe, for to
Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, are due
aU the glory, honor and worship, now and ever, and to ages
of ages.
Choir: Amen.
After this the Priest cuts the hair of the candidate in the form of a cross, and
says :
The hair of the servant (handmaid) of God, N., is cut in
the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Choir: Amen.
Then follows the Ektene.
Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great
mercy ; we pray Thee, hear and have mercy.
Choir : Lord, have mercy. (Thrice so after each sentence
of the Ektene.)
Priest : Again, we pray for grace, life, peace, health, and
salvation of the servant of God, N., sponsor, and the newly-
enUghtened N.
Priest : For Thou art a merciful and gracious God, and
to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we

102 Offices of the Oriental Church.
offer up praise and glory, now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Then the benediction.
(d) Order of private baptism in case of necessity.
The Priest begins : Blessed be the kingdom of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to
ages of ages.
Reader : Amen.
After this the Trisagion : O Holy God, etc.
After Our Father the Priest says the following prayer :
Priest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Reader : Lord, have mercy.
THE PRATER.
Priest . Lord, God Almighty, Creator of aU the visible
and invisible universe, Who hast formed the heavens and the
earth, the sea and aU that therein is, and hast gathered to
gether the waters into one, and shut up the abyss, and sealed
it with Thy glorious and terrible Name, and hast spread out
the waters above the flrmament ; Who hast founded the earth
upon the waters, hast made the sea fast by Thy power, and
hast crushed the heads of the serpents in the waters ; Thou
art terrible, and who can -withstand Thee? Look down, 0
Lord, upon this Thy creature, and upon this water, and give
it the gracious gift of the redemption, the blessing of Jordan ;
make it the fount of incorruption, for the gift of salvation,
the remission of sins, the heaUng of infirmities, the destruc
tion of evU spirits, unapproachable by hostUe forces, fiUed
-with angelic power, so that the plotters against Thy crea
tion may flee away from it ; for I have invoked Thy Name, 0
Lord, wonderful, highly exalted, and so terrible to the
adversaries.
Then the Priest pours oU into the -water and baptizes the child, while he says:
The servant (handmaid) of God, N. N., is baptized in the
Name of the Father, Amen ; and of the Son, Amen ; and of
the Hply Ghost, Amen ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Amen.
After this he clothes the candidate and anoints him with the holy Chrism, and

Ad/ministering of the Holy Chrism. 103
Sealing of the gift of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then he goes with him three times around the font, according to the custom,
and sings:
As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on
Christ; HaUelujah.
Finally, after this, the benediction.

THE ADMINISTRATION OF COiXFESSION.

The Priest leads each penitent alone, not two or more at once, with uncovered
head before the image of our Lord Jesus Christ, and begins:
Blessed be our God always, now and ever, and to ages of
ages. Amen.
Glory be to Thee, O our God, Glory be to Thee.
Heavenly King, Comforter, etc.
Then the Trisagion : O Holy God, etc.
After: Our Father, etc., Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Come, let us worship before the King, our God.
Come, let us worship and faU down before Christ, the
King, our God.
Come, let us worship and faU dovsm before Christ Himself,
our King and God.
(Psalm 50.) Have mercy upon me, O God, according to
Thy great mercy, and according to the fulness of Thy com
passions blot out mine iniquity. Wash me thoroughly from
my wickedness, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowl
edge my vdckedness, and my sin is before me continually.
Against Thee only have I sinned, and done e-vU before Thee.
That Thou might be justified in Thy words, and prevaU in
Thy judgment. For, behold, in iniquities I was conceived,
and in sins did my mother bear me. For, behold. Thou didst
love truth ; the uncertain and the hidden things of Thy wis
dom Thou didst make known to me. Sprinkle me with hys
sop and I shaU be cleansed ; wash me and I shaU be whiter
than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness so that the
broken bones shall rejoice. Tum Thy face from my sins, and
blot out aU my transgressions. Create a clean heart in me,
O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not
away from Thy Presence, and take not Thy Holy Spuit from
me. Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and strengthen
me- with Thy guiding Spirit. I wUl teach the wicked Thy
ways, and the ungodly shaU be converted unto Thee. De-
104

The Ad/ministration of Confession. 105
Uver me from blood (guUtiness), O God, the God of my salva
tion, and my tongue shaU rejoice in Thy righteousness. O
Lord, open Thou my Ups, and my mouth shaU show forth
Thy praise. For if Thou didst desire sacrifice I would give
it ; burnt offerings Thou dost not delight in. A sacrifice to
God is a broken spirit ; a heart broken and humbled, God
wUl not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure
unto Zion, and build the waUs of Jerusalem. Then shalt
Thou delight in a sacrifice of righteousness, an oblation and
burnt offerings ; then shaU they offer upon Thine altar young
buUocks. Troparion: Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy
upon us ; we sinners, who have no excuse, bring to Thee, as
our Master, this prayer : Have mercy upon us.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Lord, have mercy upon us ; in Thee resteth our hope ; be
not so angry -with us, and think not of our misdeeds ; but
look down as the Gracious One also now, and deliver us from
our enemies ; for Thou art our God, and we are Thy people ;
we aU are the work of Thy hands, and we call upon Thy
Name. Now and ever, etc.
Open to us the gates of mercy, thou blessed Mother of
God, so that we, who hope in thee, may not perish, but may
be freed by thee from every misery ; for thou art the salva
tion of the Christian race.
Lord, have mercy. FIEST PEATEE.
Let us pray to the Lord.
O God, our Saviour, who, by Thy prophet, Nathan, didst
grant forgiveness to David, when he repented of his sins,
and didst accept the prayer of penitence from Manasseh, re
ceive also this Thy servant (handmaid), N. N., repenting of
his (her) sins, according to Thy wonted kindness, and over
look aU that he (she) hath done, forgiving his (her) fault, and
passing over his (her) transgressions. For Thou hast said, O
Lord, I have no pleasure in the death of the sinner, but that
he should tum and Uve ; also Thou hast said that we should
forgive offences seventy times seven. For as Thy greatn&ss
is without equal, so also boundless is Thy grace. If Thou

106 Offices of the Oriental Church.
shouldst be extreme to mark iniquities, who shall stand?
Thou art a God of the penitents, and to Thee, the Father, and
the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we offer up praise and glory,
now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.

SECOND PRATER.
Let us pray to the Lord.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the li-dng God, Shepherd and
Lamb, Who hast borne the sins of the world, VVho didst re
mit the debt to the two debtors, and Who didst bestow the
forgiveness of her sins on the sinful woman : do Thou, 0 Mas
ter, remit, forgive, and pardon the sins, misdeeds, and errors,
both voluntary and involuntary, known and unkno-wn,
which have been done in commission and omission by these
Thy servants. And if they, as men who walk in the flesh
and dweU in the world, have been led astray by the devU,
whether they have sinned in knowledge or ignorance, or have
despised the priestly word, or have fallen under the priestly
ban, or a curse of their own, or have bound themselves
by an oath : vouchsafe Thyself, as the good Master, in Whom
is no e-vU, to loose these Thy servants by the Word, and to
forgive them their owa. curse and oath according to Thy
great mercy. Yea, gracious Lord and Master, hearken unto
us, who implore for these Thy servants Thy grace, and for
give them as the gracious One aU their errors, and remove
them from the eternal torments ; for Thou, O Master, hast
said: Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in
Heaven ; and whatsoever ye shaU loose on earth, shall be
loosed in Heaven. For Thou only art without sin, and to
Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we offer
up praise and glory ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Amen. THE EXHORTATIOJ!T TO THE PENITENT.
Behold, my child, here stands Christ invisible, and He re
ceives thy prayer of penitence : so be not ashamed and fear
not, conceal also nothing from me ; be hot afraid, but teU
me all that thou hast done, so that thou mayest obtain for-
gi-feness from our Lord Jesus Christ. Behold, before us is
also His holy image, and I am only a witness, so that I can

The Administration of Confession. 107
testify aU that thou vdlt say to me ; therefore, if thou con-
cealest anything thy sin shall be double. Consider where
fore thou hast entered this place of healing, so that thou
mayest not go hence unhealed.
After this the Priest proposes to the penitent the questions, one after another,
pausing a Uttle after each, untU the answer follows. After he has proposed the
questions, which concern faith and morals, according to the difference of rank
and sex and age of the penitent, and received the answers, he says :
From all these sins must thou henceforth abstain, since
thou hast received a second baptism according to this Chris
tian mystery. So make now, with God's help, a good begin
ning, and do not imprudently return to thy former sins, so as
to become a derision to men, for this is not becoming to a
Christian ; but he should Uve honorably, and righteously,
and godly, and to this God help thee with His grace.
-When the confessor has said all this, and again examined the penitent, and
the latter has disclosed all that is within him without concealment, he says to
him : Bow thyself.
The penitent bows his head, and the confessor prays.

THE FINAL PRATER.
Let US pray to the Lord.
O Lord and God of the salvation of Thy servants, gracious,
and merciful, and long-suffering. Who art grieved at our
misdeeds. Who desirest not the death of the sinner, but
rather that he should be converted and live, have mercy now
upon Thy servant (handmaid) N. ; grant him (her) true peni
tence, and the pardon and forgiveness of sins ; remit to him
(her) all transgressions, both voluntary and involuntary ;
reconcUe and unite him (her) with Thy Holy Church through
Jesus Christ Our Lord, with Whom be power and glory as
cribed unto Thee, now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
At the conclusion of the holy sacrament of confession, the Priest pronounces
over the kneeling penitent the absolution.
THE ABSOLUTION.
Our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, forgive thee, my chUd
N., by the grace and mercy of His kindness, aU thy trans
gressions ; and through the power granted unto me, I also,
unworthy priest, forgive thee and absolve thee from all thy

108 Offices of the Oriental Church.
sins, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost. Amen.
At the close the Priest signs with his right hand the penitent with the sign of
the cross. Then he says :
It is indeed right to caU thee blessed, etc.
After this the benediction, etc.

THE COMMUNION OF THE SICK.

The Priest takes a part of the Holy Sacrament, puts it into the chaUce, and
pours upon it a little wine. And then he says .-
Blessed be our God always, now and ever, and to ages of

Reader. Amen.
After this the Trisagion : 0 Holy God, etc.
After : Our Father, etc. Lord, have mercy.
Come, let us worship before the King, our God.
Come, let us worship and faU down before Christ, the
King, our God.
Come, let us worship and fall do-wn before Christ Himself,
our King and God.
After this the Creed : I beUeve in One God, the Father,
Almighty, etc.
Then : Accept me to-day, O Son of God, as a partaker of
Thy mystical supper ; for, I -wiU not reveal the Mystery to
Thine enemies, nor give Thee a kiss as Judas ; but I will
confess Thee, as the thief : Remember me, 0 Lord, in Thy
Kingdom. Glory be to the Father, etc.
O Heavenly King, Comforter, Thou Spirit of Truth,
omnipresent and fllling all things. Treasure of blessings and
Giver of Life, come and take Thine abode in us. Thou
gracious One, purify us from every spot, and save our souls.
Now and ever, etc.
We have acknowledged Him to be God, who was born of
thee in the flesh, O Virgin, Mother of God ; pray Him, that
He would save our souls.
Lord, have mercy. FIRST PRATER.
O Lord Jesus Christ, our Master and Saviour, who alone,
as the good and gracious God, hast power to forgive sins,
109

110 Offices of the Oriental Church.
pardon this Thy servant (handmaid) N. all his (her) past
offences, known and unknown, and make him (her) worthy
without condemnation to partake of Thy Holy Sacrament,
not to torment and not to the increase of sins, but to the
cleansing of the soul and body, and to the gift of Thy King
dom. For Thou art our strength and strong wall, a Defence
against the adversary and Cleanser of the sins of Thy servant
(handmaid) : for Thou art the merciful and gracious God,
and to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
we offer up praise and glory. Amen.
SECOND PRATER.
Lord, I know, that I am not wbrthy, that Thou shouldst
enter under my roof, into the house of my soul, which is aU
waste and in ruins, and Thou hast in me no worthy place to
lay Thy head. But since Thou wUt be vdth me, I come to
Thee, trusting in Thy kindness. Command me to open the
doors of my unworthy mouth, and I shall be satisfied -with
Thee, the only One ; enter into me, and cleanse me from
every bodily and spiritual defilement ; be- my helper and
advocate, and make me worthy to stand at Thy right hand.
For the sake of the prayers and intercessions of our aU-spot-
less Lady, the Mother of God and ever- Virgin Mary, and aU
Saints, who have always been weU-pleasing unto Thee: for
Thou art highly praised forever. Amen.
THIRD PRATER.
God, the Lord, the AU-merciful, be gracious unto thee.
The Lord Jesus Christ grant thee all good desires. The
Almighty God deUver thee from every temptation. The
Lord teach thee. The Lord give thee understanding. The
Lord help thee.. The Lord deliver thee. The Lord protect
thee. The Lord guard thee. The Lord purify thee. The
Lord fiU thee with spiritual joys. The Lord be the helper of
thy soul and thy body. The Lord give the remission of sms,
as the merciful, good and gracious One. The Lord and God,
Jesus Christ, have mercy upon thee in the day of judgment,
and bless thee all the days of thy life. For to Him are due
aU praise, honor and worship, together with His eternal
Father, and His all-holy, good, and life-giving Spuit ; now
and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.

The Communion of the Sick. Ill
If the sick person has already confessed, the Holy Sacrament is now given to
^m ; but if he has not yet confessed, the Priest bids those present to withdraw for a
season, and now questions the sick person concerning his various transgressions,
taking great care that he shall not conceal anything and be sUent from shame.
After the confession the Priest says :
FOURTH PRATER.
0 Lord, our God, who didst forgive the sins of Peter and
the sinful woman because of their tears, and didst justify the
pubUcan, who acknowledged his transgressions : accept the
confession of Thy servant (handmaid) N., and forgive him
(her) as the gracious One his (her) voluntary and involuntary
sins, with which he (she) hath sinned against Thee, whether
in word, or in deed, or in thought. For Thou only hast the
power to forgive sins, as a God of mercy and kindness, and
to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we
offer up praise and glory ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Amen.
After the Communion the Priest says :
Now, lettest Thou, Lord, Thy servant depart in peace,
according to Thy word ; for mine eyes have seen Thy salva
tion, which Thou hast prepared bef ore the face of aU peoples ;
a light to lighten the Gentiles, and a glory of Thy people
Israel. Then the Trisagion : 0 Holy God, etc.
After Owr Father, the Troparion of the day ; and then—
Glory be to the Father, etc.
For the sake of the intercessions, etc.
Lord, have mercy.
In conclusion foUows the benediction, etc.

ORDINATION.

(a) Office at the Ordering of an Acolyte, Reader and Singer.
He who is to be made an Acolyte, Reader, or Singer, is conducted by two Sub-
deacons into the church, where he bows thrice toward the Altar, then toward
the Bishop, and again toward it ; then goes to the Bishop and inclines his head he-
fore him. The latter crosses him thrice upon his head, lays his hand upon him,
and prays.
THE FIRST PRATER.
O Lord, who hast enlightened aU creatures -with the Ught
of Thy marvels, and knowest already the design of each be
fore it was made, and strengthenest those who are determined
to serve Thee, adorn with Thy pure and undefiled garment
also this Thy servant N., who at the Service of Thy Mysteries
is resolved to bear the tapers before them. So that he, en-
Ughtened, may go before also, in the coming world, receive
the incorruptible, honorable crovpn of Ufe, and rejoice in
eternal blessedness -with Thine Elect. So that hallowed may
be Thy Name, and haUowed Thy Kingdom, of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to
ages of ages. Amen.
If no Liturgy is said, the Bishop then begins this office, saying :
Blessed be our God always ; now and ever, and to ages
of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Deacon : Heavenly King, Comforter.
After this the Trisagion : 0 Holy Ood, etc.
After Our Father, etc., the Troparion of the day is said.
But if the Holy Liturgy is said, then : Heavenly King and the Trisagion are
not sung, but the following Troparia are read :
Holy Apostles, pray the merciful God that He may grant
our souls the forgiveness of sins.
Bursting forth in splendor like the fire's Ught, the grace
of thy mouth hath enlightened the earth, won for the world

Ordination. 113
better treasures than those of covetousness, and displayed to
us the grandeur of humility ; do Thou now, O Father John
.Chrysostom, who hast instructed us by thy words, pray
Christ, God, the Word, to deUver our souls.
Over every land, which hath received thy word, thy voice
went forth, by which thou hast taught, weU-pleasing unto
God, hast enUghtened the chUdren of men, and hast made
clear the morals of men. Royal priesthood, holy Father
Basil, pray God, Christ, for us, to deliver our souls.
The shepherd's flute of thy theology hath overpowered
the trumpets of the orators, for as thou hast searched the
depths of the spirit, so also hath perfection in eloquence
become thy portion ; now, therefore. Father Gregory, pray
God, Christ, to deUver our souls.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
For the sake of the intercessions, etc.
Then the Bishop cuts the hair of the candidate in the form of a cross and says:
In the name of the Father.
Peoto-deacon (or a Reader, or a Singer ) : Amen.
Bishop : And of the Son.
Peoto-deacon : Amen.
Bishop : And of the Holy Ghost.
Peoto-deacon : Amen.
After this the Bishop puts upon him the short Phelonion, crosses again thrice
his head, lays his hand upon him and prays.
THE SECOND PEATEE.
0 Lord, Almighty God, choose this Thy servant and sanc
tify him ; grant that he, with all wisdom and understanding,
may give instruction in Thy holy Word, . and the reading of
it ; keep him also in a blameless course of Ufe. By the grace
and mercy and compassion of Thine Only -begotten Son, -with
Whom Thou art highly praised, together -with Thine all-holy,
and good, and life-giving Spirit ; now, etc.
After this prayer the Bishop opens the Book of the Apostles over the head of
the Reader ; then the Sub-deacons lead him away from the Bishop, place him in
the middle of the church, with his face toward the east, and give him the Book of
the Apostles, and he reads :
The reading from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to
the Romans (or some other church) :

114 Offices of the Oriental Church.
He reads from the beginning to the end of a lection, turns toward the Bishop and
bows to him thrice. The Sub-deacons take ofl his short Phelonion and lead him to
the Bishop, who crosses his head again thrice. After this the Sticharion is handed
to the Bishop, who blesses it thrice on the Cross ; the candidate crosses himself,
kisses the Cross on the Sticharion, and also the hand of the Bishop, and after this
is vested with the Sticharion by the Sub-deacons ; when the Bishop makes to him
the following address :
THE ADDRESS.
My son, the first step to the priesthood is that of the
Reader ; so it is becommg to thee that thou shouldst daUy
read in the Divine Scriptures, so that the hearers, seeing thee,
may be edified, and thou thyself prepared for a higher sta
tion, and in no way disgrace thine election ; for by a sober,
and holy, and righteous Ufe thou vdlt obtain the grace of
the merciful God, and also make thyself worthy of a higher
ministry, through Jesus Christ, our Lord ; to whom be glory
for ever and ever. Amen.
Then the Bishop cries aloud :
Blessed be the Lord ! Behold the servant of God N. N.,
has become a Reader of the Holy Church, N.: in the Name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Then the Bishop gives him a taper, and the ordained places himself before the
Bishop in the place appointed for him. If several readers are to be ordained, they
are ordered together, and the prayer is couched in the plural form.
(b) Office at the Ordination of a Sub-deacon.
If he, who is ordered Eeader or Singer, is to be made a Sub-deacon the same
day, after he has been vested with the Sticharion, the Sub-deacons hand the Bishop
the Sticharion-girdle. The Bishop crosses the girdle, the candidate kisses the gir
dle and the hand of the Bishop, and the girdle is put upon him. The Bishop
crosses his head thrice, and the Proto-deacon says :
Let us pray to the Lord.
The Bishop lays his hand on the candidate and prays.
THE PRATER.
0 Lord, our God, Who by one and the same Holy Ghost
grantest gifts to those whom Thou hast chosen ; Who hast
granted to Thy Church divers orders, and hast ordained dif
ferent grades of the Ministry for the administration of Thy
holy and spotless Mysteries ; Who hast also, by Thine ineffa
ble foreknowledge, predestinated this Thy servant to be

Ordination. 115
worthy to serve Thy Holy Church : do Thou Thyself, 0 Mas
ter, preserve him blameless in aU things, and let him love the
beauty of Thy house, to stand at the doors of Thy Holy
Temple, and to kmdle the Ughts of the habitation of Thy
glory. , Plant him m Thy Holy Church as a f nutf ul oUve tree,
which beareth the fruits of righteousness, and show this. Thy
servant, perfect, at the time of Thy coming again, to receive
the reward of those who are weU-pleasing unto Thee. For
Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory of the
Father, etc.
After this prayer, the Sub-deacons give the candidate a basin of water, and lay
a towel on his shoulders. The Bishop washes his hands, while the candidate pours
water on them. After this the candidate and aU the Sub-deacons kiss the Bishop's
hand, and go to their place, where the candidate for Sub-deacon, remaining untU
the Cherubic Hymn of Praise, holds the ewer, the basm of water and the towel, and
says silently for himself the prayers :
Trisagion : O, Holy God, etc. : Most Holy Trinity, etc. ;
Our Fa;ther, etc.
The Creed: I beUeve in One God, etc.
Forgive, remit, pardon, O God, our voluntary and invol
untary transgressions, committed in knowledge and igno
rance, by night and by day, in deed and in thought ; forgive
us aU of them, as the good and gracious One.
And, at his pleasure, he reads also other prayers.
During the Cherubic Hymn he is conducted to the Bishop before the holy doors;
the Bishop washes his hands as usual and says the prayer; then he blesses the water
thrice in the form of the cross, and sprinkles with the water his eyes, ears, nostrils
and mouth. At the Great Entrance the candidate goes behind all, and when the
Bishop takes the Most Holy of aU, and all the priests enter the sanctuary, the Sub-
deacon to be ordered bows toward the Bishop, and bears water to the right and left
choir, and then before the people, and all sprinkle themselves with the water.
After this the candidate is led back into the sanctuary, where what remains of the
water is poured back into the receptacle. After this the candidate is led forth
before the holy doors, where he remains standing- in one place, until the Bishop in
the Mass says the words : And the grace of the great God, etc. After this exclama
tion he is led into the sanctuary, where he receives the blessing of the Bishop, and
places himself among the other Sub-deacons.
(c) Office at the Ordination of a Deacon.
After the Bishop has said the words in the Mass : And the grace of the great
God, etc., the Sub-deacons take the Bishop's throne, and place it before the holy
table a little to the left side, so that he shaU not sit with his baek to the holy place
As soon as the Bishop is seated, two Sub-deacons from both sides go to the candi
date standing in the middle of the church, so that each one lays one hand upon his
neck, but with the other holds his hand, and causes him to bow according to cus
tom. Then one of the Deacons in the sanctuary cries out : Command ! Then those

116 Offices of me Oriental Church.
with the candidate step forward a little, and make him bow as before. Then
another Deacon says: Command ! and they go to the holy doors, and make the can
didate bow before the Bishop a third time. Then the Proto-deacon says : Com
mand, Right Reverend Ruler.
Then the Sub-deacons leave the candidate in the holy doors, and there draw
near to him a Proto-deacon and a Deacon, and take him one by the right hand
and the other by the left, while he bows toward the Bishop. He blesses him in the
form of the cross with his hand, and those who are with him lead him around the
holy Table and sing with the rest :
Holy Martyrs, who have graciously striven and are
crowned, intercede with the Lord, that He may have mercy
on our souls.
Those outside of the sanctuary sing also the same. The candidate kisses the
four comers of the holy Table, the hand of the Bishop and the Epigonation resting
upon his knee. Then they go again around the holy Table, and sing :
Glory to Thee, Christ, God, Thou praise of the Apostles
and joy of the Martyrs, who preached the consubstantial
Trinity. Those outside the sanctuary repeat this also. The candidate kisses again the
four corners of the holy Table, the hand and the Epigonation of the Bishop. Then
they go for the third time around the holy Table and sing :
Rejoice, Isaiah, the Virgin hath conceived in the womb,
and hath borne the Son, Immanuel, God and Man, Day-
spring is His Name ; highly exalting Him, we call the Virgin
blessed.
Those outside the sanctuary sing the same. The candidate kisses for the tijird
time the holy Table, the hand and the Epigonation of the Bishop. Then the
Bishop stands up, his throne is removed, the candidate places himself on the right
side of the Bishop, bows thrice toward the holy Table, and says :
God be merciful to me, a sinner.
After this the candidate kneels upon the right knee, lays both hands crosswise
on the holy Table, and his forehead on the same. The Bishop lays the end of the
Omophorion on the candidate's head, and crosses him thrice upon the head. Then
the Proto-deacon or Deacon says :
Let US attend.
The Bishop lays his right hand upon the candidate's head, and says, loud
enough to be heard by all:
The Grace of God, which always healeth aU that is weak,
and suppUeth aU that is wanting, advances this most pious
Sub-deacon N. to be Deacon by the laying on of hands ; let
us therefore pray for him, so that the Grace of the aU-holy
Spirit may come upon him.

Ordination. 117
The Priests on the right side of the Altar sing thrice:
Lord, have mercy.
Then the Priests on the left side of the Altar sing the same thrice.
After this both choirs in the church sing alternately thrice:
Lord, have mercy. ,
All sing very slowly, until the Bishop has completed the foUowing prayers.
The Bishop crosses thrice the head of the candidate for ordination, lays his right
hand upon him, and the Proto-deacon says in a low voice:
Let US pray to the Lord.
The Bishop prays in a low voice.
THE FIRST PRATER.
0 Lord, our God, Who, according to Thy foreknowledge,
se'ndest down the Gift of Thy Holy Spirit upon those whom
Thou, according to Thy unsearchable might, hast appointed
to minister and to assist at the administration of Thy spotless
Mysteries, do Thou Thyself, O Master, keep in aU good con
duct also this man, whom Thou, by my laying on of hands,
hast vouchsafed to advance to the ministration of the Diac
onate, so that he may preserve the mystery of the Faith in
a pure conscience. Give him the grace which Thou didst
give Stephen, the first Martyr, whom Thou didst first caU to
the work of Thy Diaconate. Make him worthy, by Thy
goodness, to fulfil the office bestowed according to Thy good
pleasure : for they who minister vdU procure for themselves
a good degree ; show also Thy servant perfect. For Thine is
the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, now and ever, and
to ages of ages. Amen.
Then the Proto-deacon says in a low voice the foUowing Ektene, and after
each sentence response is made with the words:
Lord, have mercy.
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace from above, and the salvation of our souls,
let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, the stabiUty of the holy
churches of God, and the union of aU, let us pray to the
Lord. For our Bishop (or Patriarch, Metropolitan, Bishop or
Archbishop of the Eparchy) N. and his Priesthood, his de-

118 Offices of the Oriental Church.
fence, his prosperity, his peace, his health and his salvation,
and for the works of his hands, let us pray to the Lord.
Forthe servant of GodN., who is now advanced to be
Deacon by the laying on of hands, and for his salvation, let
us pray to the Lord.
That the gracious God may grant him a spotless and blame
less Diaconate, let us pray to the Lord.
For our most pious and Divinely-protected Monarch (Em
peror or King, Prince of the respective country) N. N., for
aU his court and army, let us pray to the Lord.
For this city (for this holy abode, if it is a cloister), for
every city and country, and the faithful dwelling- in them, let
us pray to the Lord.
That we may be delivered from aU affliction, wrath, dan
ger and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.
Help, save, have mercy, and guard us, O God, by Thy grace.
Commemorating our all-holy, spotless, most blessed and
glorious Lady, the mother of God and ever -Virgin Mary, vdth
all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and
aU our life, to Christ, our God.
Response : To Thee, O Lord.
The Bishop holds during this his hand upon the head of the candidate and
prays in a low voice.
THE SECOND PRATER.
O God, our Saviour, Who with Thine imperishable voice
by Thine Apostles hast ordained the law of the Diaconate,
and appointed Stephen, the first Martyr, as such, and caUed
him first to the fulfilment of the work of the Diaconate, as it
stands written in Thy Holy Gospel : Whosoever wUl be first
among you, let him be your servant. Fill, O Master, Ruler
of all, also this Thy servant, whom Thou hast made worthy
to undertake the ministry of a Deacon, with all Faith and
with all Love, power and hoUness, by the visitation of Thy
Holy and life-giving Spirit : for not by the laying on of my
hands, but by the descent of Thy rich mercies is grace given
to those, who are worthy of Thee ; so that also he, free from
all sin on the terrible day of Thy judgment, may stand blame
less before Thee and receive the sure reward of Thy promises.
For Thou art our God, and to Thee the Father, and the Son,
and the Holy Spirit we offer up praise and glory ; now and
ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.

Ordination. 119
Then they raise the person so ordained, and loose his girdle. The Bishop takes
the Orarion, lays it upon his left arm and exclaims aloud :
"Worthy."
And those in the sanctuary repeat singing thrice "Worthy;" even so both
choirs in the church.
After this the maniples are given to him; the Bishop exclaims aloud:

"Worthy."
And those in thi
Bishop exclaims
"Worthy."

And those in the sanctuary and choir repeat it. Also the fan is given to him;
the Bishop exclaims the third time :

And those in the sanctuary and the choir sing it again. Af^r this the newly
ordained kisses the Bishop on the arm, and he is placed at the right side of the
holy Table, where he fans the Most Holy Sacrament. At the time of the Commim-
ion the newly ordained receives the Holy Sacrament before aU other Deacons, and
says in the Holy Liturgy :
Let us worthily give thanks, etc.
If the Ordination precedes the Liturgy of the Presanetifled (here however can
only that of the Deacon be completed), it takes place after the bearing of the Holy
Gifts from the Prothesis to the holy Table (after the Great Entrance).
(d) Office at the Promotion of an Arch-deacon and Proto-
deacon :
He, who is advanced to be Arch-deacon or Proto-deacon, is conducted by a
Proto-deacon and a Deacon to the Right Reverend Bishop, standing during the
Little Entrance in the middle of the Church. Here the candidate bows thrice, and
inclines the head. The Bishop sits down and crowns him thrice on the head, then
rising lays his hand on his head.
Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
THE prater.
Bishop : O Lord and Master, our God, who by Thine in
effable foresight hast granted to our race the Archidiaconate
(offlce of Proto-deacon), whereby those endowed vdth the
same administer the order and the service with inferior help
ers at Thy holy Mysteries ; clothe vdth the same grace of the
-Aj-chidiaconate this Thy present servant N.; adorn him with
dignity to stand at the head of the Deacons of Thy people,
and to serve as a good example to those who foUow him. Let
him attain an old age full of blessing, and praise Thy most
glorious Name of the Father, etc.
After this the Bishop crosses him on the head and says:
Blessed be the Lord ! Behold, the servant of God N. has

120 Offices of the Oriental Church.
become an Arch-deacon (or Proto-deacon) in the Name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
The Bishop lays now his hand upon his head and says thrice : Axios. The
choir repeats the same thrice, and then they go according to Order into the
sanctuary. (e) Office at the Ordination of a Presbyter (i. e. Priest.)
The candidate for Ordination standing in the middle of the church after the
Cherubic Hymn is led by two Deacons on each side before the holy doors ; here two
Priests receive him and lead him before the holy Table to the right of the Bishop.
The Bishop blesses him crosswise, and then the Priests lead him thrice around the
holy Table in We same way as at the Ordination of a Deacon, and sing :
Holy Martyrs, etc.
Glory be to Thee, O Christ, etc.
Rejoice, Isaiah, etc. (as in the Ordination of a Deacon)
After this the candidate kneels on both knees before the holy Table, lays both
hands crosswise upon the same and his forehead on his hands. The Bishop lays
the end of the Omophorion on his head and crosses it thrice :
Then the Priest conducting him says :
Let us attend.
The Bishop lays his hand on the head of the candidate and says aloud :
The Grace of God, which always healeth all that is weak,
and suppUeth all that is lacking, advances this most pious
Deacon N. to be Presbyter by the laying on of hands ; let us
therefore pray for him, so that the Grace of the all-holy Spirit
may come upon him.
Within the sanctuary the Priests on the right side sing thrice : Lord, ham
mercy, and even so those on the left side; then also the singers in the right and the
left choir of the church: Lord, have mercy, antiphonaUy thrice, all very slowly,
until the Bishop has prayed the following prayer to the end. The Bishop crosses
thrice the head of the candidate, lays his right hand on it, and the Proto-deacon
says with a low voice :
Let us pray to the Lord.
The Bishop prays in a low voice.
THE FIRST PEATER.
O, God vdthout beginning and end, Who art elder than
all creatures, and hast honored with the name of priest
those who shaU be accounted worthy of this rank, so that
they may administer the word of Thy truth in a priestly
do Thou Thyself, O Ruler over aU, vouchsafe that

Ordination. 121
this man whom Thou hast been pleased to advance by my
laying on of hands, may receive the great grace of Thy Holy
Spirit in a blameless course of Ufe and firm faith; make Thy
servant perfect; so that he may please Thee weU inaU things,
and Uve worthy of the gracious gift of the great priestly
office granted him by Thy fore-kno-wing power ; for Thine is
the might of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost, and Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the
Glory; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
The Priest or Proto-presbyter reads now with low but audible voice, the foUow
ing Ektene, and to each suffrage they respond: Lord, have mercy.
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace from above and the salvation of our souls,
let us, etc.
For our Bishop (Patriarch, Metropolitan, Archbishop or.
Bishop of the Eparchy) N. and his priesthood, his protection,
his prosperity, his peace, his health and his salvation, and
for the works of his hands, let us, etc.
For the servant of God N., who is now advanced to be
Priest, by the laying on of hands, and for his salvation, let
us pray to the Lord.
That the gracious God may grant him a spotless and
blameless Priesthood, let us pray, etc.
For our most pious and Di-vinely protected Monarch, etc.,
and so the Ektene as far as : To Thee, O Lord.
The Bishop holds his hand on the head of the candidate and prays in a low
voice.
THE SECOND PRATER.
O God, great in power, unsearchable in wisdom, and won
derful in counsel above the sons of men, do Thou, O Lord,
fiU this man, whom Thou hast vouchsafed to enter into the
priestly rank, with the gift of the Holy Spirit, so that he
may be flt to stand blameless before Thine Altar, to proclaim
the Gospel of Thy Kingdom, to administer the word of Thy
trath in a priestly manner, to offer unto Thee spiritual gifts
and sacriflces and to renew Thy people through the laver
of regeneration ; so that also he, at the second coming,
meeting the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, Thine
Only Begotten Son, may receive the reward of a good ad
ministration of his office, according to the fulness of Thy

122 Offices of the Oriental Church.
bounty. So that highly blessed and glorifled may be Thy glo
rious and exalted Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
And then they raise up the newly ordained and bring the Epitrachelion. The
Bishop takes from him the Orarion, blesses the Epitrachelion and gives it to the
ordained to kiss; and after he has kissed it and the hand of the Bishop the Bishop
puts it about his neck and exclaims :
"Worthy."
Those in the sanctuary sing thrice :
"Worthy."
And both choirs sing antiphonaUy the same thrice.
And then the Bishop gives him the girdle ; the ordained kisses it and the hand
of the Bishop, girds himself, and the Bishop says again:
"Worthy."
And again the same is repeated in the sanctuary and both choirs sing thrice.
So also is done at the delivery of the Phelonion and the Mass-book. Finally
the ordained kisses the Omophorion and the hand of the Bishop, goes forth and
kisses the Archimandrites and all his fellow-servants on the upper part of the arm,
and places himself among the Priests.
(/) Office at the Promotion of a Proto-presbyter.
He, who is to be advanced as Proto-presbyter, is led by a Proto-deacon, or two
Deacons, to the Bishop, standing in the middle of the Church during the Little
Entrance, bows thrice toward the Bishop, and inclines his head. The Bishop sits
down, and crosses him in blessing thrice upon his head; then rising, lays his hand
upon his head. The Proto-deacon says :
Let US pray to the Lord.
The Prater.
Bishop: Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, our God, who
hast granted to our race the priestly offlce, and clothed us with
this gift and dignity, and graciously counted us worthy to
perform priestly rites, and to lead subordinate helpers in
Thy Mysteries : clothe -with Thy grace also this our brother
N. ; adorn him with honor to stand at the head of the Priests
of Thy people; make him worthy to become a good example
for those who are -with him; preserve his life unto old age,
that he may end it in piety and honor, and have mercy upon
us all, as a gracious God. For Thou art the giver of -wisdom,
and the whole creation praises Thee for ever and ever.
Then the Bishop blesses the candidate on his head, and says:
The Lord be praised ! Behold, the servant of God N., has

Ordination. 123
become Proto-presbyter in the most holy church of God N.,
in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost. Amen.
Then the Bishop lays his hand on the head of the ordained and exclaims
thrice: Aodos; the singers repeat, singing thrice the same word. Then they place
the Proto-presbyter with the other Priests, according to his rank, and he goes
through the holy doors into the Sanctuary.
(g) Office at the Promotion of an Abbot and Archimandrite.
He who is to be advanced as Abbot or Archimandrite is led by a Proto-
deacon, or two Deacons, to the Bishop, standing in the middle of the Church
during the Little Entrance, bows thrice toward the Bishop and inclines his head.
The Bishop sits down and crosses him in blessing thrice on his head; then, arising,
lays his hand on it, and the Proto-deacon says:
Let us pray to the Lord.
The Prater.
Bishop: O God, Who carest ever for the salvation of men,
and hast brought into unity this rational flock : do Thou, O
Ruler over all, preserve the same by Thine unbounded grace
blameless, to keep Thy commandments -without ceasing, so
that not a single sheep from it shaU be lost and driven away
by the wolf ; show this. Thy servant, whom Thou hast been
pleased to appoint over them as Abbot (or Archimandrite),
worthy of Thy grace, and adorn him with every virtue, so
that he by his good works may be a good example to those
who are under him : that they may be emulators of his blame
less course of life, and at length -with him stand uncondemned
before Thy terrible Judgment Seat. For Thine is the King
dom, and the Power, and the Glory of the Father, dc.
Choir: Amen.
Bishop : Peace to aU.
Choir : And to thy spirit.
Proto-deacon : Bow your heads before the Lord.
Choir : To Thee, O Lord.
Bishop, softlt : IncUne, O Lord, Thine ear ; hear our
prayer and show this Thy servant. Abbot (or Archimandrite)
of this holy cloister, as a faithful and wise ruler of that rea
sonable flock entrusted to him by Thy gTace, that he may do
Thy will in aU things, and be worthy of Thy heavenly King
dom. Aloud : Through the grace and compassions and mercy

124 Offices of the Oriental Church.
of Thine Only-begotten Son, with whom Thou art highly
praised, together with, etc.
Proto-deacon aloud : Command, O Master.
The Bishop exclaims : The grace of the all-Holy Spirit
advances thee through our lowUness to be Abbot (or Archi
mandrite) of the holy abode, which is dedicated to our Lord,
and God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ (or, to the all-holy
Mother of God, our Lady, or, the holy N.).
After this the Bishop lays his hand upon the candidate's head and exclaims
thrice : Axios ; and the singers sing thrice : Axios.
In Russia a mitre is also placed upon the Archimandrite.
Thereupon the promoted kisses the Bishop's Omophor, then the right and left
shoulder, and goes among the Abbots and Archimandrites according to his rank,
Then they all enter the sanctuary according to rank, and the Mass is continued.
After the close of the Liturgy the Bishop delivers to the Abbot or Archiman
drite the staff and says :
Receive the staff, supported on which thou must lead the
flock ; for thou hast an answer to give for them to our God
on the day of judgment.

If this solemnity takes place in a cloister where the candidate is to be installed,
and the Bishop does not perform the Liturgy, it proceeds in the following manner:
The Bishop standing in his place, vests himself with the Epitrachelion, wristlets
and the Omophorion, and begins as usual :
Blessed be our God always, now and ever, and to ages of
ages.
Choir : Amen.
Heavenly King, etc. Then the Trisagion : O, Holy God,
etc. After : Our Father, the Troparion of the saint to ¦whom
the cloister is dedicated, and to the holy Virgin.
Then the Elect is conducted by the monastic Priests to the Bishops with the
following words :
The Very Reverend, chosen and confirmed, monastic
Priest N. is presented to receive the holy prayers, and to be
installed as Abbot (or Archimandrite) and shepherd of the
holy abode N.
After the foregoing presentation the Bishop exclaims :
The Grace of the Holy Ghost be -with thee, enlightening,
strengthening, and informing thee through aU the days of
thy life.
One of the Priests : Let us attend.

Ordination. 126
THE PRATER.
The Bishop, holding his right hand on the head of the presented candidate,
says thus :
O God, our God, Who ever carest for the salvation of
men, and hast gathered together this reasonable flock in Thy
Name, do Thou, O Ruler over all, protect the same by Thine
unbounded grace under the shadow of Thy -wings, and keep
it unharmed by any assault of the adversary. Preserve
Thy servant, the monastic Priest N., whom Thou hast been
pleased to appoint Abbot (Archimandrite) over the same,
blameless ; that he may keep Thy commandments unceas
ingly and watch continually over the flock entrusted to him,
so that not one sheep may be lost from it by the pernicious
threatening of the spiritual wolf. Yea, Lord, show this Thy
servant worthy of Thy goodness, and adorn him -with every
-virtue, so that he by his works may be a good example to
those who are under him ; may he also lead them on to emu
lation of his blameless conduct, and vdth them at length
stand uncondemned before Thy terrible judgment seat. For
Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory of the
Father, etc.
After this follows the same Ektene which is read at the Ordination of a Priest,
only more closely connected with the Abbot, the cloister and the brotherhood. The
Bishop says the second prayer above : Incline, 0 Lord, etc. ; and the laying on of
hands ends as above.
Afterward the Bishop enthrones the person promoted, on his seat in the middle
of the church, and says:
The servant of God, monastic Priest N., is enthroned as
Abbot (or Archimandrite) and shepherd of the holy abode N.
All the monks exclaim thrice : Axios, Axios, Axios. The Bishop and all the
monks embrace him and the staff is given to him, as above.
(n) Bishop's Ordination.
1. The Ceremony of Nomination.
In Russia when the time is come to fill the vacant Bishop's throne, a consulta
tion takes place in the Holy Governing Synod, and each member writes with his
own hand the name of the person whom he thinks worthy of this high office.
When all has been maturely considered, they choose from the nominated two names
and lay them before the Emperor for his decision. After the Emperor has made
the chpice, the ceremony of nomination takes plaoe in the foUowing manner: On
the appointed day all the Bishops, present iu the capital, are invited to the Holy
Synod, and after these are assembled the Presiding Bishop puts on his Epitra-
cheUon, and begins;

126 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Blessed be our God, always ; now and ever, and to ages
of ages. All the others : Amen. Heavenly King, Comforter, etc.
After this the Trisagion : O, Holy God, Holy and Mighty,
etc. After: Our Father, etc., the following Troparia:
Blessed be Thou, O Christ, our God, Who hast made the
fishermen wise by the Holy Ghost sent to them, and through
them hast caught the whole world ; O, Thou gracious One ;
glory be to Thee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
When the Most High came down, and confounded the
languages. He divided the nations ; but when He distributed
the flery tongues. He summoned aU to unity : and now we
praise with one voice the Holy Ghost.
Then the flrst Bishop says the following Ektene :
O God, have mercy upon us according to Thy great mercy ;
we pray Thee, hear us, and have mercy upon us.
All respond : Lord have mercy (thrice, and so also after
each suffrage of the Ektene).
Thefirst Bishop : Again we pray for the most pious Mon
arch, our Emperor, etc.
Again we-'pray for the Holy Governing Synod.
Again we pray for the Right Reverend (Archimandrite or
monastic Priest) N., who is now chosen to the episcopal chair
of the God-protected cities N. N.
Again we pray for all brethren, and for aU Orthodox
Christians. For Thou art the merciful and gracious God, and to Thee,
the Father and the Son, 'and the Holy Ghost we offer up
praise and glory ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
All others : Amen.
Then the benediction of dismissal.
At the close of this the flrst Bishop says:
Christ, our true God, Who hath sent down the aU-holy
Spirit in form of flery tongues from Heaven on his holy dis
ciples and Apostles, through the intercession of His aU-spot-
less Mother, the venerable and renowned prophet and fore
runner John the Baptist, the holy N. (whose day it is), and
aU Saints, be gracious to us and deUver us, for He is good
and rich in mercy.

Ordination. 127
Now is announced to the newly nominated his choice, by the Synodal Secre
tary, in the following manner :
Venerable Father (Archimandrite or monastic Priest), N.,
the Most Hlustrious and Most Autocratic great Monarch
and Emperor N., Autocrat of aU Russians, commands in his
own decree, and the Most Holy Governing Synod for aU Rus
sia gives its blessing thereto, that your Holiness should be
come Bishop of the God-protected cities, N. N.
The Elect answers : Since the Most IUustrious and Most
Autocratic great Monarch and Emperor N., Autocrat of aU
Russians, has decreed to place me in this service, and the
Most Holy Governing Synod for aU Russia has judged me
worthy of the sam^, I offer thanks for it, accept it and in no
way oppose.
After this the Bishops present sit down and place the newly-chosen among
them. The singers sing " For Many Years " for the God-fearing Emperor, for the
Most Holy Governing Synod and for the newly-chosen. When the singing is com
pleted, the Presiding Bishop stands up, blesses the newly-chosen with the cross,
sprinkles him with hallowed water, and the office is concluded.
2. The Ordination.
On the evening before the Ordination of the Bishop a broad platform is raised
in the Ambon of the church opposite the holy doors, which is covered with carpets ;
upon which are set the chairs for the Bishops present according to their rank ; that
of the Metropolitan with 8, of the Archbishop with 6, of the Bishop with 4 steps,
In the middle of the church, near the Ambon, a carpet is spread out, having the
figure of an eagle with one head and its wings spread out, and a city so worked
with its walls and towers that the eagle appears to stand upon a tower.
Then the Bishops and aU others assemble in the cathedral church, and ascend,
clothed as before described, that broad platform. The Archimandrites, Arch-priests
and the assembled clergy place themselves on each side. ,
Then the Bishops order a Proto-presbyter and a Proto-deacon to bring in the per
son to be ordained. These bow, kiss the hands of the Bishops, lead the candidate
in full Priest's vestments from the Altar, and place him on the tail of the eagle,
where he bows thrice, while the Proto-deacon announces his first approach :
The well-beloved of God, Archimandrite (or monastic
Priest) N., elected and confirmed as the Bishop of the God-
protected cities N. N., is conducted hither, so that he may
receive consecration by the laying on of hands.
The Elect holds a confession of the Holy Orthodox Faith written by himself
in his hands, and the Presiding Bishop asks him:
Wherefore art thou come, and what desirest thou of our
humiUty %

128 Offices of the Oriental Church.
The Elect : The imposition of hands- for the holy gra«
cious gift of the Episcopal Offlce.
The Presiding Bishop : And what believest thou ?
The Elect says aloud the holy Confession of Faith:
I believe in One God, the Father, Almighty, etc. '
After this the Presiding Bishop blesses him, and says:
The grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the Holy Ghost be -with thee.
Then the Elect is led to the middle of the eagle, and the Proto-deacon an
nounces again :
The well-beloved of God, Archimandrite (or monastic
Priest), N., chosen and confirmed as Bishop of the God-pro
tected cities, N. N., is conducted hither, that he may receive
consecration thereto by the laying on of hands.
The Presiding Bishop says now to him, standing on the middle of the eagle:
Explain yet more fully : what is thy confession concern
ing the incarnation of the inhypostatic \i,. e., in one Hyposta
sis] Son and Word of God ?
The Elect reads now, in a voice loud and audible to all, the Second Confession:
I beUeve in One God, the Father Almighty, Maker of the
Heaven and the earth and all visible and invisible, vdthout
beginning, and unbegotten, and unoriginated, the Author of
nature and the Origin of the Son and the Spirit. I believe
also in His Only Begotten Son, Who, -without emanation and
without time is begotten of Him, and is of One Being -with
Him, by Whom all was made. I believe also in the Holy-
Ghost, Who proceedeth from the same Father, is glorified
equally with Him, eternal equaUy with Him, and equaUy
honored -with Him on the same Throne, and is the Founder
of Creation. I believe also in the tradition concerning God
and Divine things, and in the doctrine of the only CathoUc
and Apostolic Church. 1 acknowledge One Baptism for the
Remission of sins ; and look for the Resurrection of the dead
and the Life of the coming world. Amen. But those who
herein think otherwise I reject as heretics, anathematize
Arius and those who agree with him, and the partakers of his
insane evil doctrine ; even so I reject and anathematize Mace
donius, and those with him who are rightly named "Spirit-
fighters;" Nestorius ,and the other originators of heresies

Ordination. 129
and their adherents ; and distinctly and with loud voice I cry
out : Anathema to aU heretics. Anathema to heretics of aU
places. But our Lady, the Mother of God, Mary, I acknowl
edge really and in truth as she who hath borne the only
Christ of the Trinity, our God, according to the Flesh ; may
she be my helper, guard and defence through aU the days of
my life. Amen.
The Presiding Bishop blesses him with the sign of the Cross, and says :
The grace of the Holy Ghost be with thee to enlighten and
confirm thee, and to lead thee into aU truth through all the
days of thy Ufe.
After this the Elect is placed on the head of the eagle, whUe the Proto-deacon
for the third time exclaims:
The well-beloved of God, Archimandrite (or monastic
Priest) N., elected and confirmed as Bishop of the God-pro
tected cities N. N., is conducted hither, so that he may re
ceive consecration by the laying on of hands.
The Presiding Bishop says now to him, standing on the head of the eagle :
Explain stUl, how thou holdest the Canons of the Holy
Apostles and the Holy Fathers.
The Elect : Besides this, my Confession of the Holy
Faith, I promise to observe the Canons of the Holy Apostles,
of the Seven General and also of the venerable Provincial
Church CouncUs, which are lawfully instituted for preser-dng
the right commandments ; and whatsoever Canons and holy
Decrees have ever been estabUshed at divers times and in di
vers years by the trae defenders of the Holy, Oriental, Or
thodox Religion, all these I bind myself by this my promise
to maintain, firm and unimpaired, unto the end of my life ;
and all that they have received, I also receive, and what they
have rejected, I also reject. Again I also promise to main
tain the peace of the Church and strenuously to uphold it,
zealously to teach the people entrusted to me, and in no way
nor manner to indulge in sophistry against the Orthodox, Ori
ental Christian Religion, through all the days of my life ;
but always to follow and to obey the Most Holy Governing
Synod for all Russia in everything which was instituted by
His Majesty the Emperor, Peter the Great, of pious and ever
celebrated memory, and is graciously confirmed by His Ma
jesty, the prosperously reigning Emperor ; also with the

130 Offices of the Oriental Church.
highly venerable Metropolitan, Archbishops, Bishops, as my
brethren in everything to agree and work together according,
to the Divine laws and rules of the Holy Apostles and the
Holy Fathers, also to be bound to them in spiritual love
with my whole soul, and to esteem them as brethren. Also
I promise in the fear of God in a fitting manner to lead the
flock entrusted to me, teaching them with all zeal and dUi-
gence to beware of all suspicion of evU, of Latinism, and of all
other heresies. Also I acknowledge further by this my writ
ing, that I have not attained by promise of gold or sUver,
or present to this service, for I have not given anything to
any person to obtain this dignity, and also I have not prom
ised to give anything to any one, but have obtained it gra
tuitously according to the wUl of His Majesty, the most
serene and autocratic Monarch our Emperor N., Autocrat of
all the Russians, and by the election of the Most Holy Gov
erning Synod for aU Russia ; but I hold that they who obtain
it by riches are worthy of deposition, like Simon the Sorcerer,
who thought to obtain this gift of grace by worldly goods.
Moreover, I promise that I -will do nothing on compulsion,
though urged by powerful persons or by the multitude of the
people, even if they should command me with threat of death
to do something which is not permitted to do according to the
Divine and holy rules ; neither wiU I in the Eparchy of an
other MetropoUtan, Archbishop or Bishop, perform the Lit
urgy or any other spiritual function without consent of the
Bishop of that Eparchy, except in the Eparchy assigned to
me by the Most Holy Governing Synod for all Russia. And
wherever I may chance to be, that I will ordain ho one as
Priest or Deacon, or to any other clerical offlce of another's
Eparchy, or receive those ordained elsewhere, without the
Letters Dimissory of their own bishops.
I also promise further, that if the Most Holy Governing
Synod for all Russia shall please to summon me to any
Church assembly vdth the brethren, I wUl go to the Church
assembly, without any excuse or pretence, and if any
potentate, or the multitude of people, would hinder me
therefrom, stUI I bind myself not to be disobedient to the or
ders of the Most Holy Governing Synod for all Russia. Even
so I promise to adopt no strange customs in the ecclesiastical
tradition and Church ordinances, especially no novelties,
added by the Latins, but to preserve unaltered aU traditions

Ordination. 131
and Church ordinances in the Oriental, Orthodox Church,
agreeing and in harmony -with the Most Holy Governing
Synod for aU Russia, and with the four Most Holy Patriarchs,
the preservers and rulers of the Oriental worship of God. I
bind myself in the service of one Liturgy not to ordain two,
or three, or more Priests or Deacons to the same rank, but in
one Ijiturgy only one Priest and one Deacon; also in the Lit
urgy of the pre-sanctifled to ordain only one Deacon, as the
Church order of the Holy Oriental Church requires, and as
the rule of the Most Holy Patriarchs requires, and the Bish
ops of Greece, Great and Little Russia, holding -with them,
prescribe. .Also I beUeve and hold, that the transubstantia
tion of the body and the blood of Christ in the Divine lit
urgy, as the Oriental and our ancient Russian doctors teach,
comes to pass through the reception and the operation of the
Holy Ghost, by means of the episcopal or priestly invocation
in the words of prayer to God the Father : And make this
bread the precious body of thy Christ, etc.
Also I promise further and swear, that I vdU and must
serve faithfully and without hypocrisy His Imperial Majesty,
my true and natural, most gracious and great monarch, the
Emperor N., Autocrat of all Russians, and His Imperial
Majesty's successor to the throne, who shall be appointed
thereto, also faithfuUy and -without hypocrisy, and be
obedient in everything, -without sparing my life to the last
drop of blood ; all power and authority belonging to His
Imperial Majesty's most sublime authority. Autocracy, -with
its la-wf uUy determined and yet to be determined rights and
privUeges, according to my utmost understanding, power and
ability to maintain and to defend, and therein to be extremely
circumspect, to demand aU that concerns the faithful service
of His Imperial Majesty and the advantage of his most su
preme government, in every event ; but so soon as I perceive
anything which injures, hurts or lessens the interest bf His
Majesty, I vdll not only at the proper time declare it, but also
exert myself in every way to hinder and not to permit it; keep
strictly every secret entrusted to me ; the office entrusted
and given to me, appointed according to both general
and personal instructions, regulations and ordinances, and
to be appointed from time to time in the name of His
Imperial Majesty by the authorities placed over me, in a
proper way conscientiously to fulfll, and not to manage for

132 Offices of the Oriental Church.
private advantage according to relationship, friendship and
enmity, contrary to my duty and my oath ; and in this way
to behave myself, and set an example as is becoming to a
faithful subject of His Imperial Majesty and my duty, and as
I can always answer for it before God and His terrible judg
ment, so help me God spirituaUy and bodily. To the seaUng
of this mine oath, I kiss the word and the cross of my Saviour.
Amen. Moreover, I promise also to anathematize no one, whoso
ever he may be, according to my passion, or on account of
any quarrel -with me or with my dependent, whether in a
family, coUectively or for himself alone ; also not to refuse the
Sacraments of the Church, unless one appear an open trans
gressor and subverter of the Divine commands, or to be a her
etic against the Church ; if he has been thrice admonished ac
cording to the word of Christ, but stiU does not humble and
amend himself, to anathematize and exclude him for himself
alone, and not with his whole household. To deal -with the
adversaries of the Holy Church prudently, regularly and
gently, as the apostle Paul says, that the servant of the
Lord must not contend, but be gentle toward aU, apt to
teach, enduring evU, in meekness instructing those who are
adverse; if, peradventure, God may give them repentance
to acknowledgment of truth. To keep the monks by their
rules and laws of order ; not to aUow them to go about from
one monastery to another, or to enter citizens' houses -with
out my knowledge and my written permission, unless it hap
pen in most urgent cases on petition, and other-wise for a good
purpose. To buUd no superfluous churches merely for my
pleasure, nor to suffer others to buUd, lest such churches
hereafter for want of necessary funds should go to decay.
Also, for the sake of fllthy lucre, not to increase the priests
and deacons and other clergy beyond what is necessary, nor
to take any out of regard to inheritance, but only to feed the
flock and from the real need of the Church. Also, I promise
that I will personally visit and inspect aU the flock now en
trusted to me, if possible yearly, in any event every two or
three years, according to the example of the Apostles ; I wUl
not visit them for the sake of vain advantage or honor, but
apostolicaUy and in the Lord, in order to see if the faithful
Uve religiously and in the practice of good works, but espc'-
cially the priests, and diUgently inspect, teach and warn them,

Ordination. 133
so that no sectarianism, superstition, or worship displeasing
to God arise, and that no tombs unkno-wn and not warranted
by the Church be esteemed holy. Those who hypocritically
pretend to be inspired, vdth elf-locks, barefoot, and in shirts
only, I wUl not only punish with words, but also give them
over to the ci-vU authority, and endeavor to prevent, that
under the pretence of piety, anything fraudulent be done by
clergymen or laymen, so that the holy pictures shall not be
worshipped as divine, and no false miracles ascribed to them,
in order that thereby the true worship be not perverted, and
no occasion be given to adversaries to deride the orthodox ;
but that they shall be venerated according to the sense of
the Holy Orthodox CathoUc Church, as it is established in
the deflnition of the second, holy, general Council of the
Church at Nicsea. In worldly affairs and customs I will in
no way meddle, unless there be an open injustice ; such as
do this, I vdU flrst admonish, and then also announce in writ
ing to His Imperial Majesty in order according to the Apos
tle to help the weak. In short, I presume and acknowledge
myself to be bound to observe inviolably all that is pre
scribed to me by the regular law of the Most Holy Governing
Synod for all Russia and by the synodal diploma, which will
be given me concerning the exercise of the offlce entrusted to
me ; also what may hereafter by the same Most Holy Synod
according to permission obtained of His Imperial Majesty be
unanimously enjoined and lawfully commanded to hold my
self strictly thereto, according to which I -wiU strive zealously
to fulfll what is commanded and in aU obedience, and singly
and solely at all times to regard only the real truth and real
justice. But all this I wUl fulfll, conscientiously to serve
without respect of persons, nor to be led by enmity, envy, ob
stinacy or avarice, nor in a word to be taken by any passion,
but in the fear of God, bearing always in memory His incor
raptible judgment -with zealous love of God and my neigh
bor, setting before myself as the flnal aim of all my thoughts
and efforts and actions the glory of God, the salvation of man
kind and the ediflcation of the entire, whole Church, and not
seeking what is mine own, but what belongs to Jesus, the
Lord. And I swear by the Uving God that I wUl always remem
ber His dreadful word : ' ' Cursed be every one who doeth the
work of God negligently," and in aU matters of this vocation
as in the work of God, not negligentiy, but with aU diligence.

134 Offices of the Oriental Church.
wiU act according to my utmost abUity. Also I -wUl not aUege
my ignorance, but if I am not sure about anything, I vdll in
every way seek instruction, both in the teaching of the holy
scripture, and also in the Canons of the Councils and in the
agreement of the ancient great Doctors. But if I transgress
in any way against that, which I have hereby promised, or
show myself disobedient or hostUe to the holy Canons and
Rites of the Oriental, Orthodox Church, or the Most Holy
Governing Synod for all Russia ; or if I wish to seclude my
self from the Eparchy entrusted to me, or in any way to be
disobedient toward the Most Holy Governing Synod for aU
Russia ; then vdU I without any excuse and objection be de
prived of aU my dignity and power, and the heavenly gift of
grace which has been given to me in the imposition of hands
by the consecration of the Holy Ghost. Also I swear by the
all-seeing God, that aU this now promised by me I do not un
derstand in any other sense than as I pronounce it -with my
mouth, i. e. , the sense and meaning these words here written
import to those reading and hearing them. But that all
which I have to-day promised with a Uving word I bind my
self to fulfll in deed unto my latest breath for the sake of
future salvation ; this I confirm with my oath : God, who
searcheth the hearts, be witness to my vow, that it is not
false ; and if it be false and not according to my conscience
may He be my Judge and Avenger. But in my just and
zealous duty and activity the Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour,
be my Helper. To Him, together with the Father and the
Holy Ghost be glory and power, honor and adoration ; now
and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
These confessions and vows are taken from the person to be ordained, signed
with his own hand. And after this is done, the Bishop blesses him and .says :
The grace of the Holy Ghost promotes thee, the weU be
loved of God -Archimandrite (or monastic Priest) N., chosen
Bishop of the God-protected cities N. N-, through my
HumiUty.
The Elect bows himself thrice toward the Bishops, is led to them by the Proto-
deacon and kisses their right hands; then he descends from the Ambon and bows;
the Bishop crosses him with his hand and says :
The grace of the Holy Ghost be with thee.
Then he is again placed upon the eagle, and the singers sing the "Many
Years " to his Imperial Majesty, the Synod and the newly-elected Bishop.

Ordination. 135
Then begins the Holy Liturgy. After the staging of the Trisagion : 0 Holy
Ood, Holy Mighty, etc., the person to be ordained is led by the Proto-presbyter
and Proto-deacon before the holy doors, and received by the Bishops in the sanc
tuary before the holy Table, where he kneels down among the Bishops. These
take the Holy Gospel, open it and lay with the letters inverted upon his head, whUe
they hold it on all sides. The leading Bishop says, audibly to aU :
By the choice and examination of the Bishops, well-
beloved of God and aU the holy congregation.
The grace of God, which ever healeth aU that is weak,
and suppUeth every defect, advanceth thee, the well-beloved
of God Archimandrite (monastic Priest) N., chosen, to be
Bishop of the God-protected cities, N. N., by the laying on
of hands. Let us therefore pray for him, that the Gift of the
AU-holy Spirit may come upon him.
The Priests : Lord, have mercy (thrice).
And while the Bishops hold the Gospel on the head of the one to be ordamed,
the leadmg Bishop crosses him thrice on the head and says :
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost, now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
Then all the Bishops lay their right hands on the head of the one to be or
dained, and the prmcipal prays thus:
THE FIEST PEATEE.
O Lord and Master, our God, Who by Thine Ulustrious
Apostle Paul hast appointed to us the succession of degrees
and offices, to serve at Thy holy Altar in Thy sacred and
spotless Sacraments, and to wait upon them, first the Apos
tles, then the Prophets, thirdly the Teachers : do Thou, O
Ruler over aU, strengthen by the laying on of hands of us
present, fellow Bishops and ministers, with the reception,
and with the power, and -with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit
also this elect one, who has become worthy to take upon him
the yoke of the gospel and the Episcopal dignity, as Thou
hast strengthened the Holy Apostles and Prophets, as Thou
hast anointed Kings, as Thou hast consecrated Bishops.
Prove his Episcopal worthiness vdthout faU, present him
holy, and adorned with every honor, that he may be worthy
to pray for the Salvation of the people, and to be heard of
Thee : for Thy Name is haUowed and Thy Kingdom glorified
of the Father, and of the Son, etc.
After this prayer one of the ordainers says aloud, so that the bystanders only
can hear him, and can respond to the following suffrages:

136 Offices of the Oriental Church.
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace from above, and the salvation of our souls,
let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, stability of the holy
churches of God, and the union of aU, let us pray to the Lord.
For the Most Holy Governing Synod, the Priesthood, their
defence, good conduct, peace, health, their welfare and that
of the works of their hands, let us pray to the Lord.
For the servant of God, N., who is now advanced to be
Bishop (or Archbishop) by laying on of hands, and for his
salvation, let us, etc.
That the gracious God would make his Episcopal admin
istration without spot and blemish, let us pray to the Lord.
For the most pious Monarch, etc.
WMle this is said, the leading Bishop lays his hand on the head of the candi
date and prays in the foUowing laanner.
THE SECOND PEATEE.
O Lord, our God, because it is impossible that human
nature should endure the Divine Substance, therefore hast
Thou by Thy governance appointed for us subordinate teach
ers, weak like us, who occupy Thy seat in order to offer unto
Thee sacrifices and gifts for aU Thy people : do Thou, 0
Lord, make also this man, who has now become a steward of
Episcopal grace, an imitator of Thee, the trae Shepherd, Who
gavest Thy life for Thy sheep. Make him a guide of the
bUnd, a light of those who are in darkness, a corrector of the
unwise, a teacher of the young, a Ught in the world, so that
he, after that he has made perfect the souls committed to
him in this life, may appear vdthout shame before Thy
throne, and receive the great reward which Thou hast pre
pared for those who have endured for the preaching of Thy
Gospel — for it is Thine, O otir God, to have mercy and to save
us, and to Thee, the Father, etc.
After this they place the Gospel onthe holy Table and vest the newly-ordained
with the Sakkos and the Omophorion.
The leading Bishop exclaims : "Worthy."
The clergy repeat the same thrice.
Then all Bishops present kiss the newly-ordained, and after a customary greet
ing they ascend the elevation to the throne, which is erected m the sanctuary above

Ordination. 137
the holy Table. The Bishop says : Peace to aU, as is customary before the reading
of the Apostle, and thus the Holy Liturgy is contmued.
At the close of theHoly Liturgy the Bishops take off their vestments in the sanc
tuary. Then they conduct the newly-ordained to the leading Bishop, and vest him
with the Episcopal upper garment, which the leading Bishop blesses also with the
Panagion and Mandyon, then the head-covering Kamelaykon and the veil of the
same, and gives him the rosary. Then they go out of the sanctuary and ascend the
Ambon erected in the middle of the chuich ; and the Proto-presbyter and Proto-
deacon lead the newly-ordained likewise upon the Ambon, where the pastoral staff
is deUvered to him with the foUowing instruction :
Eight Reverend Bishop (or Archbishop) N. N.
Since God, our all-gracious Maker, has seen fit to arrange
the common Ufe of men -with every order, holiness and hon
esty, so that we may unceasingly praise and bless Him for
His unspeakable mercy and grace toward us in His Three
Persons but one Godhead, for in Him are aU things, and in
Fim we live and move according to the teaching of the holy
Apostle Paul : therefore there is also appointed the official
authority and power for the conduct of our Ufe, and the ec
clesiastical welfare is estabUshed according to the heavenly
ordinance for the salvation and great good of men. So art
thou now also, Episcopal grace, by the mercy of the aU-holy
and Ufe-gi-dng Spirit, on that account chosen to be Bishop,
and advanced to be Bishop (or Archbishop) of the God-pro
tected cities, N. N., by means of our humiUty through the
laying on of hands, so that thou shouldst wait on the minis
try and care, to feed the Church of Christ, which He, Christ,
our blessed Saviour, hath preserved -with His Blood ; so that
thou shouldst keep dUigent oversight over the reasonable
flock of Christ in thy whole Eparchy, and at the same time
manifest thyself as a pattern of aU -virtues. Thou art now
bound, thus to care for the Episcopal dignity, and in every
thing, as is becoming, to be obedient to the Church of God
and the Most Holy Governing Synod for aU Russia, without
any opposition. Be, then, harmonious in working, and in
concord with thy brethren, the Bishops, as thou hast taken
thy vow here in the sanctuary of the Lord before the whole
Church, and hast subscribed the same -with thy hand ; for
thou -wUt be called to account for aU according to thy vow,
by Christ, our God ; so art thou in like maimer also here al
ready for each error and each negUgence in the trust com
mitted to thee, and for each dis9bedience against the Church
of God subjected to the legal prohibitions. Therefore guard

138 Offices of the Oriental Church.
thyself from aU evU and every iniquity ; but against him,
who lurketh in the way of temptation, arm thee with prayer
and fasting, as a valiant warrior of Jesus Christ and a right
eous administrator of the Divine Mysteries. Be temperate
in aU things according to the teaching of the holy Apostle
Paul, who thus saith: "Everyone contending for a prize
controls himself in all things." Since now our humUity fer
vently wishes for thee such a prudent conduct in thy Episco
pal dignity, we deUver to thee the Episcopal pastoral staff,
vdth which, whUe pasturing the flock of Christ, thou shalt
obtain the incorraptible crown of honor, and, together with
thy flock, attain to the heavenly, ever-joyful Kingdom, for
never-ending ages. Live, then, long and happUy, N.,
Bishop of the God-protected cities N. N., take part in the
gracious gifts of God, the Lord, and in the intercession of the
aU-holy Virgin, Mother of God, Mary and aU Saints weU-
pleasing to God, invoking them in prayer also for the most
pious, autocratic and great Monarch, our Emperor N., and
for aU the famUy of His Imperial Majesty, for their orthodox
magistrates, army offlcers, city authorities, and for aU their
Christ-loving army ; so that we may live a peaceful and quiet
Ufe in aU godliness and honesty, and aU inherit the heavenly
blessedness, highly praising the Father, and the Son, and the
Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
The Bishop, who delivers the pastoral staff, often says, tastead of that, this
shorter admonition :
Receive the staff to pasture the flock of Christ entrusted
to thee : to the obedient be thou thyself a staff and stay ; but
to the disobedient and gainsayers use also this staff, so that
this staff of obedience may keep them in their duty of sub
jection. And after this they all depart, and the Proto-presbyter and Proto-deacon
accompany the newly-ordamed to his house.

MATRIMONY.

{a). The Betrothal.
After the conclusion of the Holy Liturgy, the bridal pair place themselves near
the entrance to the nave of the church, the man on the right and the woman on
the left. On the right side of the Holy Table lie their two rings, one of gold and
one of silver, near each other. Then the Priest .signs the heads of the bridal pair
thrice with the Cross, and gives them lighted wax tapers, leads them into the nave
of the church, and censes ta the form of a cross.
Deacon : Sir, give the Blessing.
Peiest : Blessed be our God always ; now and ever, and
to ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Deacon : In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choie: Lord, have mercy {so also after each suffrage
of the Ektene).
Deacon : For the peace from above, and for the salvation
of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, for the stabUity of the
holy churches of God and for the union of aU, let us pray to
the Lord.
For this holy house of God and for those who in faith,
devotion and the fear of God enter into it, let us, etc.
For (the Holy Governing Synod, the Patriarch, the Me
tropolitan, -Aj-chbishop), the Bishop N. N., for the reverend
Priesthood, for the Diaconate in Christ, for the entire clergy
and for all the people, let us, etc.
For our God-fearing, God-protected Monarch (Emperor
or King or Prince) N. N., for all his court and his army, let
us, etc.
For the servant of God N., and the handmaid of God N.,
who are now to be betrothed, and for their salvation, let us, etc.
That chUdren may be given them for a continuation of
the race, and aU their desires for salvation may be fulflUed,
let us, etc.
That perfect peaceful Love and support may be sent down
upon them, let us, etc.

140 Offices of the Oriental Church.
That they may be preserved in concord and true fideUty,
let us, etc.
That they may be blessed with a blameless Ufe and con
versation, let us, etc.
That the Lord our God may grant them an honorable
marriage and a bed undefiled, let us, etc.
That we may be delivered from aU tribulation, vyrath and
necessity, let us, etc.
Help, deliver, have mercy and preserve us, O God, by
Thy grace.
Remembering our aU-holy, pure, most blessed and glori
ous Lady, the Parent of God and Ever -Virgin Mary, with all
the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and aU
our life to Christ, our God.
Choie : To Thee, O Lord.
Peiest : For to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the
Holy Ghost, are due all glory, honor and adoration ; now and
ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Then the Priest prays with a loud voice.
THE FIRST PRATER.
Priest : Eternal God, Who hast brought the separated to
union, and hast made the tie of love indissoluble ; Who
hast blessed Isaac and Rebecca, and made them heirs of Thy
promise ; bless also these Thy servants N. and N., and con
duct them in every good work. For Thou art a merciful and
gracious God, and to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the
Holy Ghost we offer up praise and glory ; now and ever, and
to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest : Peace to aU.
Choie : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Bow your heads before the Lord.
Choie : To Thee, O Lord.
the second PEATEE.
Peiest : O Lord our God, Who from out of the nations
hast espoused the Church as a pure virgin, bless also this

Matrimony. 141
aUiance, and unite and preserve these Thy servants in peace
and concord : for to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the
Holy Ghost are due aU glory, honor and adoration ; now and
ever, and to ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Then the Priest takes the rings, gives first to the man the golden, and
to the woman the sUver, and says to the man :
The servant of God N. is betrothed to the handmaid of
God N. in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
And then to the woman :
The handmaid of God N. is betrothed to the servant of
God N. , in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
After he has said this to each thrice, he makes the sign of the Cross over the
heads of the bridal pair with their rings, which he then places on their right
fingers. Then the conductor of the bride changes the rings, and the Deacon says:
Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
THE THIED PEATEE.
Peiest : O Lord, our God, Who hast accompanied the
servant of the Patriarch Abraham to Mesopotamia, when he
was sent forth to vdn a vdf e for his master Isaac, and re
vealed to him at the dra-wing of water to espouse Rebecca :
bless also the betrothal of Thy servants N. and N., and
strengthen the word spoken by them, confirm them by the
haUowed union, which is of Thee ; for Thou hast in the be
ginning created the sexes male and female, and hast joined
to the man the woman for a help and for the continuation of
the human race. Do Thou now, O Lord, our God, Who hast
sent down Thy blessing on Thine heritage and Thy promises
to Thy servants, our fathers. Thine elect, from generation to
generation, look upon Thy servant N. and Thy handmaid
N., and confirm their betrothal in fidelity and in unanimity,
in 'rectitude and in love ; for Thou, O Lord, hast ordained
that the betrothal shaU be completed and in aU things made
sure. With a ring was authority given to Joseph in Egypt ;
-with a ring was great honor conferred on Daniel in the land
of Babylon ; with a ring was the trae relation of Thamar dis-

142 Offices of the Oriental Church.
closed ; vdth a ring hath our Heavenly Father showed Him
self benevolent to His son : Put a ring, said He, on his hand,
and kill the fatted calf, and let us eat and be merry. Thine
own right arm, O Lord, hath encircled Moses in the Red Sea;
through Thy word of truth are the heavens made flrm, and
the earth estabUshed ; through Thy mighty word and through
Thine uplifted Arm is the arm of Thy servants made strong.
Bless then, O Master, with Thy heavenly blessing this ex
change of rings, and let Thine Angel go before them all the
days of their Ufe. For Thou dost bless and haUow aU things,
and to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
we offer up praise and glory ; now and ever, and to ages of
ages. Amen.
The Deacon says now the following Ektene :
Lord, have mercy upon us, according to Thy great mercy ;
we pray Thee, hear us and have mercy upon us.
Choie: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.) So after each
suffrage of the Ektene.
Again we pray for our God-fearing, God-protected Mon
arch, etc.
Again we pray for (the Holy Governing Synod, the Patri
arch, the Metropolitan, the Archbishop) the Bishop N. N.,
and for all our brethren in Christ.
Again we pray for all the Christ-loving army.
Again we pray for the Servants of God N. and N., who
are now betrothed to each other.
Again we pray for aU our brethren and for all Christians.
Peiest : For Thou art a merciful and gracious God, and
to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we
offer up praise and glory ; now and ever, and to ages of
ages.
Choie: Amen.
Then the flnal Blessing.
(&) The Celebration of a First Marriage. ¦
If the bridal pair desire to be married immediately after the betrothal, they go
with Ughted tapers in their hands behind the Priest, carrying the censer to the
Analogion placed in the middle of the church, while the Priest sings the 137th
Psalni, in the following manner :
Peiest : Blessed are all they that fear the Lord.
People : Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
Priest : Who walk in His ways.

Matrimony. 143
People : Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
Priest : The labor of thine hands thou shalt eat.
People : Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
Priest : Well is it to thee, and happy shalt thou be.
People : Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
Priest : Thy wife shaU be as a fraitful vine about thine
house. People : Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
Priest : Thy sons Uke fresh olive-branches round about
thy table.
People : Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
Priest : Thus shaU be blessed the man that feareth the
Lord. People : Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
Priest : The Lord bless thee out of Sion, that thou shalt
see the prosperity of Jerusalem all thy life long.
People : Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
Priest : And that thou shalt see thy chUdren' s chUdren.
Peace be upon Israel.
People : Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
Then the Priest gives the bridal pair an tastructive address on the Sacrament
of Matrimony, and' how fitting it is to Uve piously and honorably in Matrimony.
At the end of this the Priest asks the bridegroom :
Hast thou, N., a good and unbiassed vdll and a firm re
solution to take this N., whom thou seest here vdth thee, as
thy wife %
Bridegroom : Yes, I have, reverend Father.
Priest : Hast thou engaged thyself to no other bride ?
Bridegroom : No, I have not engaged myself, reverend
Father.
Then the Priest turns to the bride, and asks her :
Hast thou, N., a good and unbiassed wUl and a firm resolu
tion to take this N., whom thou seest here with thee, as
thy husband ?
Bride : Yes, I have, reverend Father.
Priest : Hast thou engaged thyself to no other man \
Bride : No, I have not engaged myself,' reverend Father.
Deacon : Sir, give the Blessing.
Priest : Blessed be the Kingdom of the Father, and the
Son, and the Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choie : Amen.

144 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Deacon : In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy (so after each suffrage of the
EJctene). For the peace from above, and for the salvation of our
souls, let us pray to the Lord.
For the peace of the whole world, for the stabiUty of the
holy churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to
the Lord.
For this holy house, etc. (See above.)
For (the Holy Governing Synod), etc.
For our God-protected, etc.
For the Servants of God N. and N., who are to be joined
to one another in matrimonial fellowship, and for their sal
vation, let us pray, etc.
That this marriage may be blest, like that at Kana in
Galilee, let us pray to the Lord.
That chastity and offspring may be given them for their
prosperity, let us pray, etc.
That they may rejoice in beholding their sons and daugh
ters, let us pray to the Lord.
That the bearing of healthful chUdren and a blameless
course of life may be given them, let us pray to the Lord.
That aU their and our desires for salvation may be ful
filled, let us pray to the Lord.
Help, deUver, etc.
Remembering our aU-holy, etc.
Choie : To Thee, O Lord.
Peiest : For to Thee, the Father, etc.
Choie: Amen.
Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
The Priest prays with a loud voice.
THE FIEST PEATEE.
O holy God, and Maker of all things. Who, according to
Thy goodness, didst fashion the rib of our first father Adam
to be a woman, and didst bless both, and say : "Be fruitful
and multiply, and subdue the earth,", and hast made both
through their matrimonial union to become one body ; there
fore now shaU a man leave his father and his mother, and
cleave unto his wife, and both shaU become one flesh, and
what God hath joined together, let not man put asunder;

Matrimony. 145
Who hast blest Thy servant Abraham, and, opening Sarah's
womb, made him the father of many nations ; Who hast
given Jacob unto Rebecca, and blest that which was bom of
her ; Who hast united Jacob unto Rachel, and caused to
proceed from him the twelve Patriarchs ; Who hast united
Joseph with Asenath, and given them as the fruit of their
body Ephraim and Manasseh ; Who hast favored Zacharias
and Elisabeth, aud made their chUd the Forerunner of
Christ ; Who hast caused to spring forth from the root of
Jesse according to the flesh the ever -Virgin, from whom
Thou art become flesh and bom for the salvation of man
kind ; Who according to Thine ineffable grace and great
mercy didst come to Kana in GaUlee, and bless there the
marriage, in order to show that lawful Matrimony and the
bearing of chUdren are according to Thy wiU. Do Thou
now, all-holy Ruler, receive adoration from us Thy servants,
and come here as there with Thine invisible support ; bless
also this marriage, and grant to these Thy servants N. and
N., a quiet and long life, chastity, mutual love in the bond
of peace, enduring posterity, the blessing of chUdren and the
crown of honor that fadeth not away. Grant them to see
their chUdren' s chUdren ; preserve their bed free from poUu
tion; give them of the dew of heaven, and of the fat of the
earth ; flU their houses with com, -wine, oU, and aU good
things, so that they can communicate unto the needy ; grant
unto those present aU that they ask for their salvation. For
Thou art a God of grace, and mercy, and pity, and to Thee,
together -with Thine eternal Father, and Thy holy, good and
Ufe-giving Spirit, we offer up praise and glory ; now and ever,
and to ages of ages.
Choie : Amen.
I^EACON : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
The Priest reads aloud :
THE SECOND PEATEE.
Praised be Thou, O Lord, our God, priestly Celebrant of
the mysterious and holy Matrimony, and Law-giver also of
the bodUy, Guardian of immortaUty, and good Steward of
the necessities of life. Do Thou, O Master, Who in the be
ginning didst create mankind, and make him lord over aU

146 Offices of the Oriental Church.
creatures and saidst : It is not good for man to be alone
upon the earth ; I wiU make him a help, who shaU be meet
for him: and didst take one of his ribs, and hast made thereof
a woman. But Adam, after that he had seen her, said : This
is bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh. She shaU be caUed
woman, because she was taken out of man. Therefore shaU
a man leave his father and his mother and shaU cleave unto
his -wife, and they twain shaU be one flesh, and what God hath
joined together, let not man put asunder. Send now, O Lord
and Master, our God, Thy heavenly blessing upon these Thy
Servants N. and N., and let this Thine handmaid be in all
things subject unto her husband, and this thy servant be the
head of this woman, so that they may Uve according unto
Thy wUl. Bless them, O Lord, our God, as Thou hast blest
Abraham and Sarah; bless them, O Lord, our God, as Thou
hast blest Isaac and Rebecca ; bless them, O Lord, our God,
as Thou hast blest Jacob and aU the patriarchs ; bless them,
O Lord, our God, as Thou hast blest Joseph and Asenath ;
bless them, O Lord, our God, as Thou hast blest Moses and
Zipporah ; bless them, O Lord, our God, as Thou hast blest
Joachim and Anna : bless them, O Lord, our God, as Thou
hast blest Zacharias and EUsabeth ; preserve them, 0 Lord,
our God, as Thou hast preserved Noah in the ark ; preserve
them, O Lord, our God, as Thou hast preserved Jonah in the
beUy of the whale ; preserve them, O Lord, our God, as Thou
hast preserved the three holy chUdren in the flre, sending
dovyn upon them the dew of heaven; that joy may come upon
them, such as the fortunate Helena had, when she found the
precious Cross. Remember them, O Lord, our God, as Thou
hast remembered Enoch, Shem, Elias ; remember them, 0
Lord, our God, as Thou hast remembered Thy holy forty
martyrs, to whom thou hast sent do-wn crowns from heaven.
Remember also, O God, their parents, who have nurtured
them, for through the prayers of parents are the foundations
of houses made sure ; remember, 0 Lord, ouf God, Thy ser
vants, the bridal party, who have come together to these
festivities. Remember, 0 Lord, our God, Thy servant N.,
and Thy handmaid N.; bless them; give them fruit of then-
body, weU-nurtured children, concord of souj and body; lift
them up like the cedars on Lebanon, Uke the luxuriant vine ;
grant them corn rich in ears, that they in possession of such
abundance may be rich in works good and well-pleasing

. Matrimony. 147
unto Thee; that they may see their chUdren' s chUdren like
fresh oUve branches around their table ; that they may be
weU-pleasing unto Thee, and shine in Thee, O Lord, our God,
Uke the Ughts in Heaven. For to Thee, together with Thine
'eternal Father, and Thy Ufe-gi-dng Spirit are due aU praise
and power, and honor and adoration; now and ever, and to
ages of ages.
Choie: Amen.
Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
The Priest reads with a very loud voice :
THE thied PEATER.
Holy God, Who out of the earth hast created man, and
out of his rib fashioned woman, and hast united her vdth him
for his help, as was meet for him; for so hath it pleased Thy
Majesty, that man should not be alone on earth; stretch forth,
O Ruler, Thy hand from Thy holy habitation, and unite this
Thy servant N., with this Thy handmaid N., for by Thee the
woman is united to the man. Unite them in harmony and
marry them to be one flesh ; grant them fruit of their body
and the nurture of well-formed children. For Thine is the
might, and Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the
Glory of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost ; now
and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Then the Priest takes the crowns, crowns flrst the bridegroom, and says:
The servant of God N. is cro-wned for the handmaid of
God N., in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the
Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then he crowns the bride and says :
The handmaid of God N. is crowned for the servant of
God N., in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the
Holy Ghost. Amen.
Then he blesses them thrice and says thrice:
O Lord, our God, cro-wn them -with glory and honor.
Then the Reader says the Prokimenon:
Crovms of precious stone hast Thou set upon their heads;
they asked Ufe of Thee, and Thou hast given it unto them.

148 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Choir : The same.
Reader : Even as Thou vdlt give them the blessing eter-
naUy, and make them glad -with the joy of Thy countenance.
Choir : Crowns of precious stone, etc.
Reader : Crowns of precious stone hast Thou set upon
their heads.
Choir : They asked life of Thee, and Thou hast given it
unto them.
Deacon : Wisdom.
Reader : The Reading from the Epistle of the holy Apos
tle Paul to the Ephesians.
Deacon : Let us attend.
The Reader reads (Eph. v. 20-33.;
Brethren, give thanks always for all things in the Name
of our Lord Jesus Christ to God and the Father, and be sub
ject one to another in the fear of God. Wives be subject
unto your husbands, as unto the Lord ; for the husband is
the head of the vdfe, even as also Christ is the Head of the
Church, and He is the Saviour of the body. But as the Church
is subject unto Christ, so also the wives to their husbands in
aU things. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also
loved the Church, and gave Himself for it, that He might sanc
tify it and cleanse it by the laver of water with the Word,
that He might present it to Himself a glorious Church, not
having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing ; but that it
should be holy and without blemish. So ought also hus
bands to love their wives as their own bodies. He that lov
eth his wife loveth himself ; for no man ever hated his own
flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as also the Lord
the Church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh,
and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his
father and mother, and cleave unto his wife, and the twain
shaU become one flesh. The Mystery is great ; but I speak
in regard to Christ and the Church. Nevertheless, ye also,
each one love his wife as himself, but let the wife fear the
husband. Priest : Peace be to thee.
Deacon: Wisdom, let us attend.
Reader : AUeluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Vers : Lord, Thou wilt guard us, and protect us from this
generation even for ever.

Matrimony. 149
Deacon : Wisdom. Stand upright, and let us receive the
Holy Gospel.
Priest : Peace be to aU.
Choir : .And to thy spirit.
Priest : The reading from the Holy Gospel of John.
Choie : Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.
Deacon : Let us attend.
The Priest reads the Gospel of John, ii. 1-11.
At that time there was a marriage at Kana in GalUee, and
the mother of Jesus was there. And Jesus and ,His disciples
were also bidden to the marriage. And when the wine f aUed,
the mother of Jesus saith unto Him : They have no -wine.
And Jesus saith unto her : Woman, what have I to do -with
thee ? Mine hour is not yet come. His mother saith unto the
servants : Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it. Now, there
were six stone water pots set there for use in the Jevdsh puri
fication, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith
unto them : FiU the water pots with water. And they fiUed
them up to the brim. And He saith unto them : Draw out
now and bear unto the ruler of the feast. And they bare it.
But when the ruler of the feast tasted the water that had be
come -wine (and knew not whence it was, but the servants
knew, who had drawn the water), the ruler of the feast caUeth
the bridegroom, and saith unto him : Every man giveth first
good wine, and when they have drunk, then the worse;
thou hast kept the good vdne untU now. This is the first
sign that Jesus did at Kana, in GaUlee, and manifested His
glory ; and His disciples beUeved on Him.
Choir : Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.
Deacon : Let us say -with our whole soul, and -with our
whole spirit, let us say.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Deacon : O Lord, Ahnighty, God of our Fathers, we pray
Thee, hear us, and have mercy upon us.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Deacon : Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy
great mercy ; we pray Thee, hear us, and have mercy upon us.
Choir : Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)
Deacon : Again we pray for the grace, life, peace, health,
salvation and for the -dsitation of the servants of God N. and
N., the newly married.

160 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Choir: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)
Priest : For Thou art a merciful and gracious God, and
to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost, we
offer up praise and glory ; now and ever, and to ages of
ages. Choir : Amen.
Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy. the prater.
Priest : O Lord, our God, Who according to Thy gra
cious Providence hast ordained to be present at the marriage
¦ of Kana in GaUlee, in order thereby to show that marriage is
honorable, wUt Thou also preserve these Thy servants N. and
N., whom it hath pleased Thee to unite to one another, in
peace and concord ; make honorable their marriage ; keep
their bed undefiled ; grant that their life together may be
blameless, that they may keep Thy commandments -with a
pure heart and attain unto old age. For Thou art our
God, a God of mercy and salvation, and to Thee, together
with Thine eternal Father, and Thine aU-holy, and good, and
Ufe-giving Spirit, we offer up praise and glory ; now and ever,
and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Deacon : Help, deUver, have mercy and preserve us, 0
God, by Thy Grace.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Deacon : That we may pass this whole day in holiness,
peace and innocence, let us ask the Lord.
Choir : Grant, O Lord.
Deacon: For the Angel of peace, the faithful guide,
guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask, etc.
Choir : Grant, O Lord.
Deacon : For pardon and forgiveness of our sins and
transgressions, let us, etc.
Choir : Grant, O Lord.
Deacon: For all good and profitable things, for our
souls, and for the peace of the whole world, let us, etc.
Choir : Grant, O Lord.
Deacon : That we may pass the remainder of our life in
peace and penitence, let us, etc.

Matrimony. 151
Choir : Grant, 0 Lord.
Deacon : For a Christian end of life in peace, -without
pain and shame, and for a good answer before the terrible
judgment seat of Christ, let us, etc.
Choir : Grant, O Lord.
Deacon : Praying for the unity of Faith and feUowship
of the Holy Ghost for each and aU together, let us com
mend our whole Ufe to Christ, our God.
Choir : To Thee, O Lord.
The Priest (aloud) : And grant us, O Master, that we
with confidence and uncondemned may invoke Thee, the
heavenly Father, and say.
^he People : Our Father, Who art in Heaven, etc.
The Priest (aloud) : For Thine is the Kingdom, and the
Power and the Glory of the Father, and the Son, and the
Holy Ghost; now add ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest : Peace to aU.
Choir : And to thy Spirit.
Deacon : Bow your heads before the Lord.
Choir : To Thee, O Lord.
Then the cup of feUowship with red wtae is brought; the Priest blesses it,
and the Deacon says :

Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.

THE PRATER.
Priest : O God, Who hast brought forth aU things by
Thy power, and hast made sure the firmament, and adorned
the crown of all things created by Thee : Who offerest this
cup of feUowship to those who are bound by the ties of
Matrimony, bless them with Spiritual Blessing. That Thy
Name may be blest, and highly praised be Thy Kingdom, of
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost ; now and ever,
and to ages of ages.
Choir : Amen.
Then the Priest takes the cup of feUowship, oflers it thrice, flrst to the husband,
then to the -wife, and then takes the bridal pair by the hands together, and leads
them as in a circle thrice around the Analogion, while those who conduct the pair

152 Offices of the Oriental Cliurch.
hold the cro-wns over their heads ; but the Priest and the people sing the follow
ing Troparia :
Rejoice Isaiah ; the Virgin hath conceived in her womb,
and hath borne the Son, Immanuel, God and Man, Day-
spring is His Name ; highly exalting Him we praise as
blessed the Virgin.
Holy Martyrs, who have gloriously contended, and are
crowned, pray for us -with the Lord, that He may have mercy
ou our souls.
Glory be to Thee, Christ, God, Thou Praise of the Apostles,
and Joy of the Martyrs, who proclaim the Consubstantial
Trinity.
Then the Priest takes the crown of the bridegroom and says to him:
Thou bridegroom, be great as Abraham, and blest as Isaac,
be multiplied as Jacob, walking in peace and Uving in obedi
ence to the commandments of God.
Then he takes the crown of the bride and says:
And thou bride, be great as Sarah, and fnU of joy as Re
becca, and multiplied as Rachel ; rejoicing in thy husband,
observing the Umits of the law, for so is well pleasing unto
God. Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy. THE prater.
Priest : O God, our God, Who didst come to Kana in
GaUlee, and hast blest the marriage there celebrated, bless
also these Thy servants, who by Thy Providence are bound
in marriage fellowship ; bless aU their going out and com
ing in; make their life full of good things; exalt their"
crowns in Thy Kingdom, preserving them spotless and '
without reproach, and safe from every poUution unto ages of
ages. Choir: Amen.
Priest : Peace to all.
Choir : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Bow your heads before the Lord.
Choir : To Thee, 0 Lord.
Priest : The Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost,

Matrimony. 153
the all-holy, and consubstantial, and Ufe-giving Trinity,
One God and Lord, bless you and grant you a long life,
well-fashioned chUdren, acceptance in lUe and faith, fill you
¦with all earthly good, and make you worthy to receive aU
good things promised, through the intercessions of the holy
Parent of God and all the Saints. Amen.
Then the people advance and congratulate the newly married, and after that
they have kissed one another, they are dismissed by the Priest in the usual manner.
For the blessing of Dismissal the Priest says :
He, Who by His presence at Kana in GalUee showed
marriage to be honorable, Christ our true God have mercy
upon us, for the sake of the intercessions of His immaculate
Mother, the holy, highly honored and glorious Apostles, the
holy, God-crowned, and equal to the Apostles, Emperor
Constantin and Helena, the holy, great Martyr Procopius
and all the Saints, and preserve us, as the good and gracious
One. (c) Prayer on the Eighth Day at the Removal of the Crowns.
Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : O Lord, our God, who hast blest the crown of
the year in its seasons, and hast commanded those who were
bound by the law of Matrimony to lay upon them their
present crowns, granting them this as the reward of chastity,
because they have entered pure into lawful matrimony
ordained by Thee ; bless also these who are united to each
other at the removal of their' crowns, and preserve theu
union indissoluble, that they may always give thanks to Thy
Most Holy Name, of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy
Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages and ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest : Peace to aU.
Choir : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Bow your heads before the Lord.
Choir : To Thee, O Lord.
Priest : We, Thy servants, O Lord, who have obtained
our united wishes, and have performed the service of Matri
mony as at Kana in GalUee, and have removed the tokens of
it, offer up praise and glory to Thee, the Father, and the

154 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Son, and the Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of
ages. Choir : Amen.
Here foUows the customary Dismissal.
(d) Closing Celebration of a Second Marriage.
Priest : Praised be our God always ; now and ever, and
to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
The Reader says the Trisagion : 0, Holy Ood, etc. After this: Our Father,
etc., the Troparion of the day, and then the Ektene.
Deacon : In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy. (So also after each suffrage
of the Ektene.)
Deacon : For the peace from above and for the salvation
of our souls, let us, etc.
For this holy house, etc.
For the servants of God, N. and N., for the Divine pro
tection of them and for their mutual life, let us, etc.
That they may live in virtue and concord with one
another, let us, etc.
Help, deliver, etc.
Reihembering our all-holy, etc.
Choir : To Thee, O Lord.
Priest : For to Thee, the Father, etc.
Choir: Amen.
Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.

THE

PRATiR.

Priest : Eternal God, Who hast brought the separated
to union, and hast made the tie of love indissoluble ; Who
hast blest Isaac and Rebecca, and made them heirs of Thy
promise : bless also these Thy servants, N. and N., and guide
them in every good work. For Thou art a merciful and
gracious God, and to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the
Holy Ghost, we offer up praise and glory ; now and ever, and
to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Priest : Peace to aU.

Matrimony. 155

Choir : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Bow your heads before the Lord,
Choir : To Thee, 0 Lord.

THE PRATER.
Priest : O Lord, our God, Who from among the nations
hast espoused unto Thyself the Church, as a pure virgin,
bless also this betrothal, and unite and preserve these Thy
servants in peace and concord : for to Thee, the Father, and
the Son, and the Holy Ghost, are due all glory, honor and
adoration ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Here the Priest takes the rings, give? first to the husband the gold, then to the
wife the silver one, and says to the husband :
The servant of God, N., is betrothed to the handmaid of
God, N., in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the
Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages and ages. Amen.
In the same manner to the wife :
The handmaid of God, N., is betrothed to the servant of
God, N., inthe nameof the Father, and the Son, and the
Holy Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages and ages. Amen.
Then he makes with the rings the sign of the cross over their heads, places
the rings on the right finger, and the conductor of the bride changes the rings.
Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy. THE PRATER.
Priest : Lord and Master, our God, compassionate unto
aU and caring for all. Who art acquainted with the secrets of
men and knowest aU things ; blot out our sins, and forgive
Thy servants their misdeeds ; recaU them to conversion and
grant them the knowledge of transgressions, cleansing from
sins, pardon of their offences voluntary and involuntary:
for unto Thee is the weakness of human nature well kno-wn,
since Thou art its Maker and Fashioner. Thou, Who didst
pardon the unchaste Rahab, and accept the repentance of
the pubUcan, remember not the sins of our ignorance from
youth up : for if Thou so markest transgressions, 0 Lord,

156 Offices of the Oriental Church.
who shall stand, and what flesh shaU be righteous before
Thee? For Thou alone art righteous, sinless, holy, fuU
of mercy, pitiful in heart, repenting the misdeeds of men.
Do Thou now, O Ruler, Who hast made Thy servants N. and
N. Thine ovm, unite them together in love ; grant them the
publican's conversion, the tears of the unchaste, the male
factor's confession; that they in penitence with their whole
heart, obeying Thy commandments in concord and peace,
may at length be found worthy of Thy heavenly Kingdom.
For Thou art the Govemor of aU, and to Thee, the Father,
and the Son, and the Holy Ghost we offer up praise and
glory ; now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir : Amen.
Priest : Peace to aU.
Choir : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Bow your heads before the Lord.
Choir : To Thee, O Lord. THE PRATER.
Priest ; O Lord Jesus Christ, Word of God, Who, exalted
on the venerable and life-giving Cross, hast tom the hand-
-writing, which was against us, and hast redeemed us from
the power of the devil : blot out the transgressions of Thy
servants, who, not being able to bear the burden and heat
of the day and the fire of the flesh, are entering into a sec
ond marriage, as Thou hast ordained by the vessel of Thine
election, the Apostle Paul, on account of our weakness, and
hast said : It is better to enter into marriage in the Lord than
to bum. Do Thou now, as the good and gracious One, have
mercy and pardon, blot out, remit, forgive us our sins ; for
Thou art He Who hath borne our weakness on Thy
shoulders, and no one is vdthout sin, or -without fault, who
hath Uved but one day, save Thou alone ; Thou hast alone
walked sinless in the flesh, and hast endowed us with eternal
freedom from passion. For Thou art God, the God of the
penitent, and to Thee, together -with Thy Father, and Thy
Holy Spirit, we offer up praise and glory, now and ever, and
to ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.

Matrimony. 157
the prater.
Priest : Holy God, Who out of the earth hast created man,
and out of his rib fashioned woman, and hast united her -with
him for his help, as was meet for him : for so hath it pleased
Thy Majesty, that man should not be alone on earth. Stretch
forth now, O Ruler, Thy hand from Thy holy habitation, and
unite this Thy servant N. with this Thy handmaid N., for by
Thee the woman is united to the man. Unite them in har
mony, and marry them to be one flesh ; grant them fruit of
their body and the nurture of weU-formed chUdren. For
Thine is the might, and the Kingdom, and the Power, and
the Glory, of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost ;
now and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choir : Amen.
Then the Priest takes the crowns, crowns first the bridegroom, then the bride,
and continues the holy function to the end, ta the same manner as at the first
marriage.

THE HOLT UNCTION.
OFFICE OP THE HOLY UNCTION, AS IT IS ADMINISTERED BY
SEVEN PRIESTS IN THE CHURCH, OR IN A HOUSE.

There is a table, on which are placed the Holy Gospel and a vessel with wheat.
In the wheat is an empty oil cruet, and about it are placed seven twigs wound
with cotton for anointing, and to all the Priests tapers are given. -Vested
ta the Phelonion, the seven Priests stand around the table ; the flrst of them takes
a censer with incense and censes around the oil placed on the table, the whole
church or chamber, and all present ; then stands before the table with his face
tumed toward the east, and says :
Blessed be our God always : now and ever, and to ages
of ages.
Choir : Amen.
Reader: The Trisagion: O Holy God, Holy Mighty,
etc. After that: Our Father, etc., Lord, have mercy {twelve
times). Come, let us worship before the King, our God.
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, the
King, our God.
Come, let us worship and faU down before Christ Himself,
our King and God.
Psalm 142. — Lord, hear my prayer, receive my supplication
for Thy truth's sake, hear me for Thy righteousness' sake.
Enter not into judgment with Thy servant, for no Uving man
is righteous before Thee. For the enemy pursued my soul,
smote my life down to the ground, laid me in the darkness,
as the dead in the world. My spirit is vexed within me, my
heart despairs in my bosom. Yet have I remembered the
former days, and have mused on all Thy works, and consid
ered the work of Thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto
Thee ; my soul longeth after Thee, as a thirsty land. Lord,
hear me soon, my spirit faUeth ; hide not Thy face from me,
that I be not like unto them that go down into the pit. Let
me hear Thy loving-kindness in the morning ; for in Thee do
I trust. Cause me, O Lord, to know the way that I should

The Holy Unction. 159
walk in ; for unto Thee lift I up my soul. Deliver me from
mine enemies, O Lord ; for unto Thee do I flee. Teach me to
do Thy -wiU, for Thou art my God. Let Thy good Spirit lead
me on a level path. For Thy Name's sake, O Lord, revive
me with Thy righteousness ; bring forth my soul out of dis
tress. Blot out mine enemies in Thy grace, and destroy aU
that vex my soul ; for I am Thy servant.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost ; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, AUeluia, Alleluia. Glory be to Thee, O God
{fhrice).
Deacon : Again and again in peace let us pray to the
Lord. Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Deacon : Help, deUver, have mercy and preserve us, O
God, by Thy grace.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Deacon : Remembering our aU-holy, immaculate, most
blessed and glorious Lady, the Parent of God and ever -Vir
gin Mary, together -with aU the Saints, let us commend our
selves, and each other, and aU our life, to Christ our God.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
Priest : For to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the
Holy Ghost, are due aU praise, glory, and adoration ; now
and ever, and to ages of ages.
Choie : Amen.
AUeluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Vers. 1. — Lord, correct me not in Thy -wrath, and chasten
me not in Thy sore displeasure.
Vers. 2. — Lord, have mercy upon me, for I am weak.
Then the Troparia : Have mercy upon us, O Lord, etc.
Lord have mercy upon us, etc. ; open unto us the gates of
mercy, etc.
Then the SOth Psalm : Be gracious unto me, O God, ac
cording to Thy kindness, etc.
Then the Kanon : I. HTMN.
Irmos. Over the paths of the Red Sea did Israel once
pass dry-shod, and Moses with hands uplifted in the form
of the Cross smote do-wn in the desert the strength of Amaiek.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.

160 " Offices of the Oriental Church.
Thou, Who with the oil of mercy dost ever refresh the souls
and bodies of men, and with oU preservest the faithful, 0
Ruler ; have compassion on those who approach Thee by
oU. Have mercy upon me, 0 God, have mercy upon me.
The whole earth, O Ruler, is fuU of Thy grace ; therefore
do we who to-day shall be anointed vdth Thy Divine,
highly venerated oil, confldently beseech Thee : grant us
Thy grace, that passeth aU understanding.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Ghost. Thou, Who didst command Thine Apostles graciously to
administer Thy holy Unction to Thy sick servants, show
ThyseK, O gracious One, through their intercessions, merciful
to all in this sealing.
Now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen. ;
Alone pure, who hast brought forth the uncreated (Prince)
of Peace, deliver by thine eternal intercessions -with God
thy servant (handmaid) from all diseases and pain, so that he
(she) may unceasingly praise thee.
II. HTMN.
Irmos. In Thee is Thy Church joyful, O Christ, and cries
out : Thou, O Lord, art my Strength, my Refuge, and my
Fortress. Have mercy upon me, etc.
Thou alone the wonderful, and gracious to faithful men,
O Christ, send down upon this sufferer Thy grace from on
high. Have mercy, etc.
Thou, Who once showed an olive branch as the Divine
token that the flood had ceased, O Lord, deUver this sufferer
by Thy grace.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
With the illumination of the Di-dne Light, O Christ, en
Ughten according to Thy mercy by the Unction him (her)
who now turns in Faith to Thy grace.
Now and ever, etc.
Look down benevolently from on high, thou Mother of
the Creator of aU things, and remove the bitter pains of the
sufferer through thy intercessions.

The Holy Unction. 161
1. kathismal HTMN.
Divine Stream of grace, ocean Abyss of great mercy, O
gracious One, show the Divine bUlows of Thy grace, and heal
aU ; let the fountains of Thy wonders flow freely, and wash
aU ; for to Thee we fly f uU of fervor, and pray for Thy grace.
2. kathismal HTMN.
Physician and Helper of the sick. Redeemer and Deliverer
of aU the infirm. Thou Lord and Ruler over aU, grant recovery
to this Thy servant (handmaid) now lying ill ; have pity and
have mercy on his (her) many transgressions, and redeem
him (her) from iniquities, O Christ, that he (she) may praise
Thy Divine Power. IV. HTMN.
Irmos. As Thy Church saw Thee, O Sun of Righteous
ness, exalted on the Cross, she arose, fuU of veneration, cry
ing aloud : Praised be Thy strength, O Lord.
Have mercy, etc.
Thou imperishable Oil of Unction, pouring forth Thyself
in grace, and cleansing the world, O Saviour, have pity and
have mercy upon him (her), who in Divine Faith anoints the
infirmities of the flesh.
Have mercy, etc.
Sign -with the encouraging seal of Thy mercy, O Ruler,
the mind of Thy servants, and make for them the entrance
of aU hostUe powers impenetrable and insurmountable.
Glory be, etc.
Thou, Who hast bidden us caU the Priests, who adminis
ter Thy Di-dne ordinances, to the sick, that by their prayer
and their Unction recovery may be given : deUver, 0 Thou
gracious One, by Thy grace the sufferer.
Now and ever, etc.
AU-holy and ever -Virgin, Parent of God, my firm pro
tection and guardian, harbor and waU, leader and bulwark,
have mercy and have pity on the sick : for to thee alone he
(she) fleeth. V. HTMN.
Irmos. O Lord, my Light, Thou holy Light art come into

162 Offices of the Oriental Church.
the world, that Thou mayest convert from the darkness of
ignorance those who, fuU of faith, praise Thee.
Have mercy, etc.
O Thou good One, Abyss of mercy, have mercy, Thou
gracious One, according to Thy Di-dne grace, on this sick
person, as the compassionate One.
Have mercy, etc.
HaUow, O Christ, in an ineffable manner our souls and
bodies -with the Divine impress of Thy seal from on high,
and heal aU with Thy hand.
Glory be, etc.
0 Lord, Thou most gracious One, Who according to Thine
ineffable Love didst receive the anointing of myrrh from the
sinful woman, have pity upon Thy servant (handmaid).
Now and ever, etc.
AU-glorious, pure and gracious Lady, have mercy upon
those who anoint themselves vdth the Di-dne oU, and save
thy servant (handmaid). VI. HTMN.
Irmos. The Church, purified from the blood of e-dl spirits
by the Blood flowing out of Thy side according to Thy grace,
singeth unto Thee ; Lord, I offer Thee sacriflce with the voice
of thanksgiving. Have mercy, etc.
Thou, O gracious One, Who by Thy word hast ordained
the anointing of kings, and performed it by the Bishops,
save by Thy seal also this sufferer, as the compassionate
One. Have mercy, etc.
Oh ! that the congregation of raging, evil spirits may not
disturb him (her), whose mind Thou hast sealed with the
Divine Unction, O Saviour ; but give him (her) peace -with the
shield of Thine honor.
Glory be, etc.
Stretch forth Thy hand from on high, O Thou gracious
One, and, hallowing Thine oil, grant it, O Saviour, to Thy
servant (handmaid) for health and for redemption from aU
offences. . Now and ever, etc.
In the house of God hast thou, 0 Mother of the Creator,

The Holy Unction. 163
shown thyself as a fraitful olive-tree, through which the
world appears to be fiUed-with grace ; so now assist -with thy
intercessions and save this sufferer.

KONTAKION.
Thou, Who art the Fountain of grace, O most gracious
One, redeem from aU disease those who, in the fervor of
faith, sink down, O compassionate One, before Thine in
effable grace, and, removing their offences, grant them Thy
Divine grace from on high. VII. HTMN.
Irmos. The chUdren of Abraham in the Persian fiery
furnace, inflamed more by love of virtue than the fiery fiames,
cried out : Blessed art Thou, O God, in the temple of Thy
glory. Have mercy, etc.
Thou, Who in mercy and pity healest aU sorrows of soul
and wounds of the body, O Sa-dour, Thou only God, heal
and make whole also him (her) who Ues prostrate in sickness.
Have mercy, etc.
Because with the oU of Unction aU heads are anointed,
give, O Lord Christ, through the gift of Thy rich mercy to
this person, seeking the grace of deUverance, the joy of con
solation. Glory be, etc.
A sword against the evU spirits is Thy seal, O Saviour ; and
a fire which consumes the sorrows of the soul are the |)rayers
of the Priests : therefore, we, who obtain this heaUng, praise
Thee faithfuUy.
Now and ever, etc.
Thou, who didst receive Him Who holdeth aU things in
His hand, O Mother of God, into the womb of thy body after
a manner worthy of God, and hast given Him a Body in an
ineffable way : we pray thee, move Him to have mercy on
this sufferer. VIII. HTMN.
Irmos. Daniel stretching forth his hands shut the jaws of
the Uons in the den, and the youths given to piety and

164 Offices of the Oriental Church.
clothed vdth -drtue quenched the violence of the fire, whUe
they cried : O aU ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.
Have mercy, etc.
Have mercy upon aU, O Saviour, according to Thy great
and Di-dne mercy ; for therefore are we aU here assembled,
and represent in a mysterious manner the inclination of
Thy benevolence, offering the Unction of oil to this Thy ser
vant (handmaid) full of faith ; oh ! visit him (her).
Have mercy, etc.
With the streams of Thy grace, 0 Christ, and vdth the
Unctions of Thy Priests, wash away, O Lord, as the gracious
One, the pains, the disease, and the sorrows coming upon this
person tormented in the pangs of affliction, so that he (she)
being delivered, may praise Thee thankfuUy.
Glory be, etc.
Because we represent the sign of incUnation and benevo
lence from on high, the Divine mercy : take not away from
us Thy grace, O Ruler, and despise not him (her) who faith
fuUy and continuaUy cries out : O all ye works of the Lord,
bless ye the Lord.
Now and ever, etc.
Glorious as a crown doth nature receive thy Divine Off
spring, O thou pure One, Who beats down the hostile armies,
and overcometh them with might: therefore we, crowned
-with the joyful ornaments of thy benefits, sing unto thee, 0
Lady highly praised. IX. HTMN.
Irmos : The Stone, unhewed by hand of man is cut out
from thee, the unbroken rock, O Virgin, as the Corner-Stone ;
Christ, who hath united the elements of nature fallen asun
der : therefore are we joyful, and praise thee, O Parent of
God. Have mercy, etc.
Look down from Heaven, O compassionate One, show Thy
mildness to all, grant now Thy help and Thy power to him
(her) who cometh to Thee by means of the Divine Unction
through Thy Priest, O Thou gracious One.
Have mercy, etc.
Most gracious Saviour, rejoicing we have seen the Divine
oU from Thy Divine incUnation already received by the par-

The Holy Unction. 165
takers through Thee, and by anticipation already offered to
those who share the Divine Laver.
Glory be, etc.
Have pity, have mercy, O Savior ; redeem and deUver the
souls and bodies of Thy servants from evUs and sorrow and
from the darts of the evU one, as the gracious Lord, who pre-
parest heaUng by the Divine Unction.
Now and ever, etc.
Receive, O Immaculate Virgin, the praises and prayers of
thy servants, and redeem by thine intercessions from heavy
pains and sorrows, him (her) who takes refuge through us
under the Divine protection.
After the Kanon: It is truly sweet to praise thee as
blessed, ever blessed and immaculate Parent of God, and
Mother of our God. Honored above the Cherubim, and be
yond comparison glorified above the Seraphim, who without
a stain hast borne God, the Word, true Parent of God, we
praise thee.
Exapostallarion : O Thou, Who art rich in grace, look
down with Thine eye on the prayer of us, who this day are
assembled in Thy holy temple, to anoint with the Divine oU
Thy sick servant (handmaid).
Then the foUowtag Sticharia :
Thou, 0 gracious One, inclined to reconciUation, hast
through Thine Apostles given unto us the gifts of grace,
through Thy holy oU to heal the wounds and sickness of aU
mankind : heal, and be gracious now according to Thy be
nevolence to this person, who now in faith approaches to
Thine oU ; make him (her) free from aU disease, and make
him (her) worthy of Thine imperishable joy.
Look down from Heaven, O Thou inconceivably merciful
One, blot out our sins, O Thou gracious One, with Thy Divine
oU by Thine invisible hand, grant him (her) in faith, fieeing
unto Thee and praying Thee, the forgiveness of his (her) sins
and health of soul and body, so that he (she) with fervor may
praise Thee and magnify Thy glorious might.
Heal, O gracious One, from on high Thy servant (hand
maid) by the Unction with Thine oU and by the service of
Thy Priests ; liberate him (her), O Savior, from sicknesses,
wash and cleanse him (her) from the poUution of sin, redeem
him (her) from manifold temptations, soothe the pains, drive

166 Offices of the Oriental Church.
away the doubts, remove the trials, as the compassionate and
benevolent One.
Glory be to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
now and ever, etc.
Thee I invoke, most immaculate palace of the King, 0
Thou, who art highly praised : purify my spirit stained -with
every sin, and make it a pleasing abode of the Divine Trinity,
that I, Thy redeemed unprofitable servant, may magnify thy
might and immeasurable grace.
Readee : Trisagion : O Holy God, etc.
After the Our Father, etc., the Troparion :
Thou, Who alone art swift to help, O Christ, show a
speedy visitation from on high to Thy suffering servant
(handmaid); Uberate him (her) from sickness and bitter pains;
raise him (her) up, to praise and bless Thee unceasingly,
through the intercessions of the Parent of God.
Then the Deacon, if one be there, or if not, the first Priest, says immediately
the Ektene :
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy (so after each suffrage of the
Ektene). For the peace from above, and for the salvation of our
souls, let us, etc.
For the peace of the whole world, for the good estate of
the holy Churches of God, and for the Union of aU, let us,
etc. For this holy house of God, and for those who in faith,
piety and the fear of God enter into it, let us, etc.
That this oU may be blest with power and abUity and -with
the overshadowing of the Holy Ghost, let us, etc.
For the servant (handmaid) of God N., and for his (her)
-dsitation in God, that the grace of the Holy Ghost may come
upon him (her), let us, etc.
That we may be delivered from aU tribulation, wrath, and
necessity, let us, etc.
Help, deliver, etc.
Remembering our aU-holy, etc.
Choie : To Thee, 0 Lord.
Hereupon the first of the Priests present pours water and then oil over it into
the empty oil-vessel, and says over it the following prayer. (In some churches of
the Orient, wine instead of water is poured into the empty oil-flask.)

The Holy Unction. 167
Priest : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
THE PEATEE AT THE BLESSING OF THE OIL.
Peiest : O Lord, Who by Thy grace and mercy healest
the infirmities of our souls and bodies, hallow, O Ruler, this
oU, that it may afford to those who are anointed vdth it
health and the banishing of all pains, poUution of the body
and soul and every evil ; so that thereby may be glorified Thy
most holy Name, of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy
Ghost; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
The remaining Priests read silently together the prayer above. WhUe this is
done, the following Troparia are sung :
Thou, Who alone art svdf t to help, etc. (as above).
BUnd in spiritual eyesight, come I to Thee, O Christ, and
as blind from birth cry I penitently to Thee ; have mercy upon
us. Thou, Who art only inclined to reconcUiation.
Lift up, O Lord, by Thy Divine assistance my soul lamed
by many sins and disgraceful deeds, as of old Thou didst Uf t
up the cripple, so that delivered I may cry unto Thee:
Benevolent Christ, grant me health.
To S. James. As a disciple of the Lord thou didst re
ceive the Gospel, O righteous one ; as a martyr thou hast the
imperishable (crown) ; as the brother of the Lord, courage ;
as High Priest, the power to make intercession ; so pray to
Christ as God for the salvation of our souls.
The Only-begotten of the Father, God, the Word, Who
came unto us in the latter days, made thee, O divine James,
the first shepherd and teacher of those at Jerusalem, and a
faithful steward of the spiritual Mysteries; therefore do we
aU honor thee, O Apostle.
To S. Nikolaos. At Myra hast thou, O Saint, shown
thyself a Priest ; for thou, O pious one, hast fulfilled the
Gospel of Christ, hast given thy soul for thy people, and de
Uvered the innocent from death; therefore art thou become
holy, as a great steward of the grace of God.
The world hath found in thee a great defender in dangers,
thou warrior, who hast overcome the nations. As thou hast
humbled the pride of Lyaev, and hast made Nestor valiant
for the conflict ; so pray now, holy Demetrius, to Christ our
God, that He wUl grant us His great grace.

168 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Panteleimon, thou holy warrior and physician, ask now of
the gracious God, that he may grant to our souls the forgive
ness of sins. ?
To Kosmos and Damian. Holy, unmercenary ones and
wonder-workers, visit our weaknesses ; what ye have freely
received give unto us freely.
To the Holy Apostle John. Who can recount thy great
ness, virgin soul % Thou streamest forth wonders and gushest
forth healings, and prayest for our souls as taught of God and
the friend of Christ.
Thou fervent prayer and impregnable waU, fountain of
grace, refuge of the world, fervently we cry unto thee : Parent
of God, O Lady, come forward and deUver us from perils, as
the only one speedUy representing (us).
Deacon : Let us attend.
Fiest Peiest : Peace to aU.
Choir : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Wisdom; let us attend.
The Reader reads the Prokimenon : Lord, let Thy grace
be with us, like as we do hope in Thee.
The Choir repeats the same.
Vers.: Rejoice, ye righteous in the Lord. The pious
shall praise Him gloriously.
Choir : Lord, let Thy grace, etc.
Reader : Lord, let Thy grace be with us.
Choie : As we do hope in Thee.
Deacon : Wisdom.
Readee : The reading from the general Epistle of the
holy Apostle James.
Deacon : Let us attend.
Readee, or Deacon, if one be there: (James v., 10-17).
Brethren, take for an example of suffering and of patience
the prophets, who have spoken to you in the Name of the
Lord. Behold, we call them blessed, who have endured.
Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end
of the Lord, for the Lord is merciful and compassionate.
But above all, my brethren, swear not, neither by the heaven,
nor by the earth, nor by any other oath. But let your
yea be yea, and nay, nay ; that ye fall not into condem
nation ; is any among you suffering, let him pray ; is
any cheerful, let him sing praise. Is any sick among you,
let him caU for the Priests of the Church, and let them pray

The Holy Unction. 169
over him, anointing hun with oU in the Name of the Lord.
And the prayer of faith shaU save the sick, and the Lord shaU
raise him up, and if he have committed sins they shaU be for
given him. Confess your sins one to another, and pray one
for another, that ye may be healed ; the powerful prayer of
the righteous avaUeth much.
Fiest Peiest : Peace to thee. ^
Readee : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us attend.
Readee: AMelms, (thrice). Theo. Vers.: Grace and jus
tice wUl I sing to Thee, O Lord.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us stand upright and receive the
Holy Gospel.
Fiest Peiest : Peace to all.
Choie : And to thy spirit.
Fiest Peiest : The reading from the Holy Gospel of
Luke. Choir : Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.
Deacon : Let us attend.
First Priest : (Luke x., 25-38.) At that time came a
lavryer to Jesus, tempted Him and said : Master, what shaU
I do, that I may inherit eternal life ? But He said unto him.
How standeth it written in the law, how readest thou ? And
he answered and said : Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with aU thy heart, and with aU thy soul, and -with aU thy
strength, and -with all thy mifid ; and thy neighbor as thy
self. And He said unto him: Thou hast answered right ;
this do, and thou shalt Uve. But he, wishing to justify him
self, said unto Jesus : And who is my neighbor ? Then
Jesus answering, said : A man went down from Jerusalem
towards Jericho and feU among robbers, who stripped him
and covered him -with blows, and departed, and left him half
dead. But by chance a certain priest went down that way,
and seeing him passed by on the other side. And in like
manner also a Levite, when he came to the place, seeing him
passed by on the other side.
But a certain Samaritan journeyed and came to him,
bound up his wounds, pouring in oU and wine, and set him
on his awn. beast, and brought him to an inn and took care
of him. And on the morrow he departed, and took two
denaria, gave them to the host, and said unto him : Take
care of him, and whatsoever more thou spendest, I -wUl repay

170 Offices of the Oriental Church.
thee when I return. Which of these three, thinkest thou,
was neighbor unto him who fell among the robbers % And
he said : He that showed mercy on him. And Jesus said
unto him : Go and do thou Ukewise.
Choir : Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.
Deacon : Have mercy upon us, 0 God, according to Thy
great mercy ; we pray Thee, hear us and have mercy upon us.
Choie : Lord, have mercy (thrice; so after each suffrage
of the Ektene).
Deacon: Again let us pray for the grace, life, peace,
health, salvation, visitation, and for the forgiveness of the
sins of the servant (handmaid) of God, N.
That he (she) may be forgiven every sin, intentional and
unintentional, let us, etc.
Fiest Priest : For Thou art a gracious and merciful God,
and to Thee, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost,
we offer up praise and glory ; now and ever, and to ages of
ages. Choir: Amen.
Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
THE PRATER OF THE FIRST PRIEST.
Without beguming or end. Holy of HoUes, Thou, Who
hast sent down Thine Only -begotten Son to heal all sicknesses
and inflrmities of our souls and bodies, send down Thy Holy
Ghost, and haUow this oU, and make it an Unction to this
Thy servant (handmaid) for the perfect forgiveness of sins '
and inheritance of Thy kingdom.
Some close here at once the prayer with the conclusion following below, to be
said aloud ; For thine it is to have mercy, etc. Others 'continue to pray in the fol
lowing manner :
For Thou art a God, great and wonderful. Who keepest
Thy covenant and Thy grace with them that love Thee, for-
givest sins through Thy Holy ChUd Jesus Christ, Who hath
washed us clean from sins by Holy Baptism, anc' sanctified
us by the Holy Ghost, enUghtened the blind, raised up the
fallen. Who loveth the righteous and is gracious to sinners ;
Who hath called us out of darkness and the shadow 6i
death, saying unto them that are in bonds : Go forth ; and

The Holy Unction. Ill
to those in darkness : Be enUghtened ; Who hath enkindled
in our hearts the Ught of His knowledge since the time when
for our sakes He appeared on earth, and walked among
men ; Who hath given to them that acknowledge Thee the
power to become children of God ; Who through the laver
of Regeneration hath given unto us the adoption, and hath
made the dominion of the devil to have no part in us ; be
cause it is not weU-pleasing unto Thee that we should purify
ourselves by the blood of beasts, but by the holy oil Thou
hast given unto us the likeness of his Cross, so that we
might become His flock, the royal priesthood, the holy na
tion. Do Thou, O Lord and Master, grant us Thy grace to
this Thy service, as Thou hast granted to Moses, Thy servant
weU-pleasing unto Thee, and Samuel, Thy beloved, and
John, Thine elect, and aU who from generation unto genera
tion have been well-pleasing unto Thee. Make us also by
this oU servants of Thy new Covenant, which Thou hast pre
pared by the precious Blood of Thy Christ ; so that we,
unclothing ourselves from worldly pleasures, may die unto
sin and live unto truth, may put on our Lord Jesus Christ
by the Unction of Sanctification, the complete anointing.
0 Lord, may this oil be an oU of joy, an oU of sanctification,.
a royal robe, an armor of strength, a shield against every
deviUsh influence, a seal, which cannot be counterfeited, of
the heart' s pleasure, eternal deUght : so that those who are
anointed -with this oil of the Regeneration may be terrible to
the adversaries, and shine clear in the light of Thy saints,
not having spot nor wrinkle, and be taken into Thine eternal
rest, and receive the reward of the calUng from on high. For
Thine it is, our God, to have mercy and to deliver us, and to
Thee, together vdth Thine Only-begotten Son, and the aU-
holy, good and life-giving Spirit, we offer up praise and
glory ; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
After this prayer the Priest takes one of the branches, dips it mto the holy oU,
and anotats the sick person in the form of a Cross on the forehead, on the nostrUs,
on the cheeks, on the mouth, on the breast, on both sides of the hands, and says
the following pra,yer:
THE PEATEE AT THE UNCTION.
O Holy Father, Physician of souls and bodies, Who hast
sent dovm Thine Only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord,

172 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Who healeth from every sickness, and rpdeemeth from death,
heal also this Thy servant (handmaid) N. from the inflrmity
which possesses his (her) soul and body, and quicken him
(her) by the grace of Thy Christ, for the sake of the inter
cessions of our all-holy Lady, the Parent of God and ever-
Virgin Mary, through the protection of the highly honored,
heavenly, incorporeal powers, through the strength of the
precious and Ufe-gidng Cross, of the highly honored, glorious
Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John, the holy, highly hon
ored and glorious Apostles, the holy, blessed and victorious
Martyrs, our reverend and God-flUed fathers, the Saints and
Physicians, and unmercenary Kosmos and Damian, Cyrus
and John, Pantelsemon and Hermolaos, Sampson and
Diomed, Photius and Anicetas, the holy and righteous
grandparents of the Sa-dour, Joachim and Anna, and aU
Saints. For Thou, our God, art the Fountain of health,
and to Thee, together -with Thine Only-begotten Son, and
Thy consubstantial Spirit, we offer up praise and glory ; now
and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
Deacon : Let us attend.
Second Peiest : Peace to all.
Choie : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us attend.
The Readee reads the Prokimenon: The Lord is my
Strength and my Song, and is become my Salvation.
Choie : The same.
Readee: Vers. The Lord hath indeed chastened me
heavily ; but hath not given me over unto death.
Choie : The Lord is my Strength, etc.
Reader : The Lord is my Strength and my Song of
praise. Choir : And is become my Salvation.
Deacon: Wisdom.
Reader: The reading from the Epistle of the holy
Apostle Paul to the Romans.
Deacon : Let us attend.
Reader : (Rom. xv. 1-8). Brethren, we that are strong,
ought to bear the inflrmities of the weak, and not to please
ourselves. Let each one of us please his neighbor for good,
unto ediflcation. For Christ also pleased not Himself, but
as it standeth written: The reproaches of them that re
proached thee feU upon me. But what was written before

The Holy Unction. 173
was -written for our learning, that we through patience and
comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. But the God of
patience and of comfort grant you to be likeminded one toward
another according to Christ Jesus : that ye, with one accord
and with one mouth, may glorify God and the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore receive one another, Uke as
Christ also received you to the glory of God.
Second Priest : Peace to thee.
Reader : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us attend.
Reader: Alleluia (thrice). Then Vers. I -wUl sing, O
Lord, of Thy grace, at aU times.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us stand upright and receive the
Holy Gospel.
Second Priest : Peace to aU.
Choir : And to thy spirit.
Second Priest : The reading from the Gospel of Luke.
Choie : Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.
Deacon : Let us attend.
The Second Priest reads the Gospel of Luke (xix., 1-11):
At that time Jesus went through Jericho, and behold,
there was a man, named Zacchaeus, and he was a chief pubU
can, and was rich ; and he sought to see Jesus, who He was,
and could not for the crowd, because he was little of stature.
And he ran before, and cUmbed up into a sycamore tree, that
he might see Him ; for He was to pass that way. And as
Jesus came to the place. He looked up, and saw him, and
said unto him : Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for
to-day in thy house must I abide. And he made haste and
came do-wn, and received Him joyfully. And when they saw
it, aU murmured, saying that He went in to lodge -with a man
that is a sinner. But Zacchaeus stood and said unto the
Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the
poor, and if I have wronged any one in anything, I restore
fourfold. And Jesus said unto him: To-day is salvation
come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham ; for
the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was
lost. Choie : Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.
Deacon : The Ektene ; Have mercy upon us, etc.

174 Offices of the Oriental Church.
After the Ektene, the Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.

the PEATEE OF THE SECOND PEIEST.
Great and most High God, Who art adored by every
creature. Fountain of wisdom, truly unsoundable Depth of
goodness, and boundless Sea of mercy ; Thou benevolent
Ruler, God of the ages and of wonders, whom no man by
thought can comprehend : look down and hear us. Thine un
worthy creatures, and where we, in Thy great name, offer
this oil, send down the gift of Thy healing and the forgive
ness of sins, and grant recovery to this N. according to the
abundance of Thy mercy. Yea, O Lord, Thou art incUned
to reconcUiation, alone benevolent and gracious, for it repent-
eth Thee of our wickedness, and Thou knowest how the
mind of man is inclined to evU from his youth up ; Thou
-wiUest not the death of the sinner, but that he should turn
again and Uve ; remaining God, Thou art become man for
the salvation of the sinner, and for the restoration of Thy
creature. Thou art He who hath said : I am not come to
call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance ; Thou art He
who sought the lost sheep ; Thou art He who diligently
sought and found again the lost piece of money ; Thou hast
said : Him who cometh to Me, I vdU not cast out ; Thou
art He Who did not repel the sinful woman, when
she washed Thy precious feet -with tears ; Thou art He
who hath said : As oft as thou fallest, arise, and thou
shalt be delivered ; Thou art He who hath said : There is
joy in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth. Do Thou, 0
gracious Ruler, look down from Thy holy height, overshadow
us sinners and Thine unworthy servants vdth the gifts of Thy
Holy Ghost at this hour, and rest upon this. Thy servant
(handmaid) N. , who confesses his (her) sins, and draws nigh
unto Thee in faith ; receive him (her) according to Thy favor,
and if he (she) hath sinned before, in word or in deed, or in
thought, pardon, forgive him (her), and purify him (her)
from aU sins ; abide -with him (her) forever, and keep
him (her) for the remaining period of his (her) Ufe, that
he (she) may walk in Thy commandments, and not be
come a scorn to the devU : and also that in him (her) Thine
aU-holy Name may be glorifled. For Thine it is, 0 Christ,

The Holy Unction. 175
our God, to have mercy, and to deliver us ; and to Thee, to
gether vdth Thine eternal Father, and the aU-holy, good and
life-gi-dng Spirit, we offer up praise and glory ; now and
ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
Then the second Priest takes the second branch, dips it into the holy oU, and
anoints the sick, while he prays:
¦ O Holy Father, Physician of souls and bodies (etc., to the
end). Deacon: Let us attend.
Thied Peiest : Peace to aU.
Choie : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Wisdom : let us attend.
Reader : Prokimenon. The Lord is my Light and De
Uverer ; of whom shaU I be afraid %
Choir : (The same.)
Reader : Vers. It is the Lord, Who shieldeth my life,
of whom shaU I have dread?
Choie : The Lord is my Light, etc.
Reader : The Lord is my Light.
Choir : And my DeUverer, of whom shaU I be afraid ?
Deacon : Wisdom.
Reader : The reading from the Epistle of the holy Apos
tle Paul to the Corinthians.
Deacon : Let us attend.
Reader : (1 Cor. xii. 27-31; xiu. 1-8.) Brethren, ye are the
body of Christ and members according to the part. And
these indeed hath God set in the church, flrst Apostles, sec
ondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then powers, then gifts of
healings, helps, govemments, diversities of tongues. Are aU
Apostles? Are aU prophets? Are aU teachers? Are aU
powers? Have aU gifts of heaUng? Do aU speak with
tongues ? Do all interpret ? Desire eamestly the better gifts,
and I, gomg before you, wUl show the way. If I speak with
the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am
become as sounding brass, or a ringing cymbal. And if I have
prophecy and know all mysteries and aU knowledge ; and
if I have aU faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not
love, I am nothing. And if I bestow aU my goods to feed the
poor and give my body to be bumed, but have not love, it
profltethme nothing. Love suffereth long, is kind ; love envy-
eth not ; love vaunteth not, is not puffed up ; doth not behave
unseemly, seeketh not her own ; is not provoked, reckoneth

176 Offices of the Oriental Church.
not the evil ; rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but re-
joiceth in the truth ; covereth all things, believeth all things,
hopeth all things, endureth all things ; love never faileth.
Third Peiest : Peace to thee.
Readee : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us attend.
Readee : Alleluia (thrice). Vers. In Thee, Lord, have I
trasted ; let me never be put to confusion.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us stand upright and receive the
Holy Gospel.
Thied Peiest : Peace to all.
Choie : And to thy spirit.
Thied Peiest : The reading from the Gospel of Matthew.
Choie : Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.
Deacon : Let us attend.
Thied Peiest : (Matt. x. 1, 5-9.) At that time Jesus
called His twelve disciples unto Him, and gave them power
over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal aU maimer
of sickness and aU manner of disease. These twelve Jesus
sent, and charged them, saying : Go not into the way of the
GentUes, and into the cities of the Samaritans enter not ; but
go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as
ye go, preach, saying. The Kingdom of Heaven is come nigh.
Heal the sick and cleanse the lepers ; raise the dead, cast
out the evil spirits. Freely ye have received, freely give.
Choie : Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.
Deacon : The Ektene ; Have mercy upon us, O God, etc.
After the Ektene, the Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choie : Lord, have mercy.
THE PEATER OF THE THIRD PRIEST.
Omnipotent Ruler, Holy King, Who dost chasten, but
not slay, who supportest the falUng, and raisest again those
who are cast down. Who turnest to good the bodUy afflic
tions of men, we pray Thee, O our God, that Thou wilt over
shadow with Thy grace this oU, and those who are to be
anointed vdth it in Thy Name ; so that it may be to them for
health of soul and body, for purification and removal of aU
pains, aU sickness, aU infirmity, and aU poUution of body
and soul. Yea, Lord, send down from Heaven Thy heaUng
power, touch his body, allay his fever, ease the pain and aU

The Holy Unction. Yll
concealed weakness ; be Thou the Physician of Thy servant
(handmaid) N., raise up him (her) from the bed of sickness
and the couch of pain, restore him (her) in health and
strength to Thy congregation, that he (she) may be weU-
pleasing unto Thee and do Thy wUl. For thine is it, O our
God, to have mercy and to deUver us, and to Thee, the
Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost we offer up praise
and glory ; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
After this prayer, the third Priest takes the third branch, dips it into the holy
oU and anotats the sick, while he prays:
O, Holy Father, Physician of souls and bodies (etc., to the
end). Deacon : Let us attend.
Fourth Peiest : Peace to all.
Choie : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us attend.
Reader: Prokimenon. On the day I caU upon Thee,
quickly hear me.
Choie: (The same).
Readee : Vers. Lord, hear my prayer and my suppUcation.
Choie : On the day I call upon Thee, quickly hear me.
Readee : On the day I caU upon Thee.
Choie : Quickly hear me.
Deacon: Wisdom.
Readee : The reading from the Epistle of the holy Apos
tle Paul to the Corinthians.
Reader : (2 Cor. vi. 16-18 ; -d. 1). Brethren, ye are a
temple of the Uving God, as God hath said : I vdU dweU and
walk in them, and I wUl be their God, and they shaU be My
people. Therefore, come out from among them, and be ye
separate, saith the Lord, and touch no unclean thing, and I
wUl receive you. And I -will be to you a Father, and ye
shall be My sons and My daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Having, therefore, these promises, beloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from aU defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting
holiness in the fear of God.
Foueth Priest : Peace to Thee.
Reader : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us attend.
Reader : Alleluia (thrice). Then Vers. I waited patiently
for the Lord, and He inclined Himself unto me.
13

178^ Offices of the Oriental Church.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us stand upright and receive the
Holy Gospel.
Fourth Priest : Peace to aU.
Choir : And to thy spirit.
Fourth Priest: The reading from the Holy Gospel of
Ma/thew. ,
Choie : Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.
Deacon : Let us attend.
Fourth Priest : (Matt. viU. 14-23.) At that time came
Jesus into Peter's house, and saw his wife's mother lying
sick of a fever. And He touched her hand, and the fever left
her, and she stood up, and ministered unto Him. When the
even was come, they_ brought to Him many possessed, and
He cast out the spirits -with a word, and healed aU that were
sick. That it might be fulflUed, which was spoken by the
prophet Isaiah, saying : He hath taken our infirmities upon
Himself, and borne our sicknesses. And when Jesus saw
great multitudes about Him, He commanded to depart unto
the other side. And there came a scribe and said unto Him :
Master, I -wiU foUow Thee, whithersoever Thou goest. And
Jesus saith unto him : The foxes have holes, and the birds of
the heaven have nests ; but the Son of Man hath not where to
lay His head. And another of His disciples said unto Him :
Lord, suffer me first to go away, and bury my father. But
Jesus said unto him : Follow Me, and leave the dead to bury
their dead. And when he entered into the ship. His disci
ples foUowed Him.
Choir : Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.
Deacon : TJie Ektene : Have mercy upon us, O God {etc.,
as above). After the Ektene, the Deacon : Let us pray to the
Lord. Choir : Lord, have mercy.
THE PRATER OF THE FOURTH PRIEST.
O gracious and compassionate, benevolent and merciful
Lord, of great grace and rich in goodness. Father of mercies,
and God of all comfort. Who through Thy holy Apostles
hast given us power to heal with oil and prayer the diseases
of the people : make also this oU efflcacious to the recovery
of those who shall be anointed with it, for the removal of aU

The Holy Unction. Ytoi
sickness and aU disease, for the liberation from edi of those
whose deliverance we await of Thee. Yea, Ruler, Lord, our
God, we pray Thee, Almighty, to deliver aU of us ; only
Physician of souls and bodies, hallow aU ; Thou Who heal
est aU diseases, heal also this Thy servant (handmaid) N.,
and raise him (her) up from his (her) bed of pain by the grace
of Thy goodness ; visit him (her) in grace, and by Thy mercy
drive away from him (her) aU languor and weakness ; so that
he (she) raised up again by Thy mighty hand may serve Thee
with aU thankfulness ; so that we also, partaking in Thy
unspeakable blessings, may sing praise unto Thee, and mag
nify Thee, Who dost things great and wonderful, glorious
and beyond all bound. For Thine it is, O our God, to have
mercy and to deUver us, and to Thee, the Father, and the
Son, and the Holy Ghost, we offer up praise and glory ; now
and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
After this prayer, the fourth Priest takes the fourth branch, dips it into the
holy oil and anoints the sick, while he prays :
O Holy Father, Physician of souls (etc., to the end).
Deacon : Let us attend.
Fifth Peiest : Peace to aU.
Choir : And to thy Spirit.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us attend.
Reader : Prokimenon. Thou, Lord, wilt guard and keep
us from this generation and for ever.
Choir : (Tlie sam,e.)
Readee : Vers. Help me, O Lord ; for the holy are taken
away. Choie: Thou, Lord, wUt guard and keep us from this
generation and for ever.
Readee : Thou, Lord, -wUt guard us.
Choie : And keep us from this generation and for ever.
Deacon : Wisdom.
Readee : The reading from the Epistle of the holy Apostle
Paul to the Corinthians.
Deacon : Let us attend.
Reader : (II. Cor. i. 8-12.) Brethren, we would not, that
ye should be ignorant of the trouble, which befell us in Asia,
tha^we were weighed do-wn above measure beyond our power,
so that we despaired even of life. But we had in ourselves

180 Offices of the Oriental Church.
the sentence of death : that we should not trust in ourselves,
but in God, Who raiseth the dead. Who delivered us from so
great a death, and -wUl deliver ; and in Whom we have
hoped, that He will also stiU deliver. Ye also helping
together on our behalf in prayer : that for the gift given us by
many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
Fifth Peiest : Peace to thee.
Readee : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us attend.
Readee: Alleluia {thrice). Then Vers. Lord, of Thy
grace wiU I sing for ever.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us stand upright and receive the
Holy Gospel.
Fifth Priest : Peace to aU.
Choir : And to thy Spirit.
Fifth Priest : The reading from the Holy Gospel of
Matthew. Choir : Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.
Deacon : Let us attend.
Fifth Priest : (Matt. xxv. 1-13.) The Lord spake
this parable : The kingdom of heaven is like unto ten vir
gins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the
Bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five fooUsh.
They that were foolish took their lamps, but took no oU
with them. But the wise took oil in their vessels with their
lamps. But whUe the Bridegroom tarried, they all slum
bered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry : Behold,
the Bridegroom cometh ; go forth to meet him. Then all the
virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish
said unto the wise : Give us of your oU, for our lamps are
going out. But the wise answered and said : Perchance, it
may not sufflce for us and you ; go rather to them that sell
and buy for yourselves. But whUe they went away to buy,
the Bridegroom came ; and they that were ready went in
with Hin^ to the marriage, and the door was shut. Afterward
came also the other virgins, saying : Lord, Lord, open to us.
But He answered and said : Amen, I say unto you, I know
you not. Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the
hour, wherein the Son of Man cometh.
Choir : Glory be to Thee, 0 Lord, glory be to Thee.
Deacon: The Ektene: Have mercy upon us, God (efc.,
as above)

The Holy Unction. 181
After the Ektene, the Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choie: Lord, have mercy.

the PEATER OF THE FIFTH PRIEST.
O Lord, our God, Who chastenest and healest again,
raisest the poor from the earth and Uftest the beggar from
the dunghUl ; Father of the orphan. Harbor of the storm-
tossed. Physician of the sick ; Who bearest our weakness
-without fatigue, and takest on Thyself our diseases ; hast
mercy in mildness, passest over transgressions, and removest
trespasses ; art swift to help and slow to wrath ; Thou, Who
didst breathe upon Thy disciples, saying : Eeceive the Holy
Ghost, whosesoever sins ye remit, they shall be remitted unto
them ; Thou, Who acceptest the repentance of sinners, and
hast power to remit many and grievous sins ; Thou, Who
offerest recovery to aU sick and aU sufferers ; Thou, Who
hast caUed me. Thine humble, and sinful, and unworthy ser
vant, though I am compassed -with many sins and involved
in evU desires, to the holy and exalted rank of the Priest
hood, and dost suffer me to enter within the veU unto the
Holy of Holies, whither the holy angels desire to pass in, and
to hear the voice of the joyful tidings of God the Lord, and
-with my own eyes to see face to face the holy offering, and
so to rejoice in the Divine and priestly administration ; Thou,
Who hast made me worthy as a Priest to administer Thy
heavenly Sacraments, and to offer unto Thee gifts and sacri
flces for our sins and for the ignorances of the people, and
thus to intercede for Thy reasonable sheep, so that Thou
according to Thy great and ineffable compassion mayest for
give their transgressions : Do Thou, most gracious King,
receive my prayer at this time, and on this holy day, as at
every time and in every place ; Usten to the voice of my sup
pUcation, and grant to Thy servant (handmaid) N., oppressed
by bodUy and spiritual sickness, recovery; forgive him (her)
his (her) sins ; pardon his (her) intentional and unintentional
transgressions ; heal his (her) unhealed wounds, aU sickness
and infirmity ; grant him (her) health of soul. Thou, Who
didst touch Peter's wife's mother, and the fever left her, and
she arose and ministered unto Thee : extend, O Ruler, also
to this Thy servant (handmaid) the means of health and the
removing of aU deadly pain, and think upon Thy mercy and

182 Offices of the Oriental Church.
grace. Remember that the inner thought of man is evU
from his youth up, and no one upon earth is found without
sin : because Thou alone art sinless. Who art come and hast
deUvered the race of man, and hast freed us from the bond
age of the Enemy. But if Thou wilt enter into judgment
with Thy servant, then no one shaU be found blameless ;
every mouth must' be stopped, for it has no excuse, because
all our righteousness is in Thy sight but as a filthy rag. There
fore, remember not, O Lord, our sins from our youth up.
For Thou art the Hope of the hopeless, and the Rest of the
weary and heavy-laden with transgressions, and to Thee, to
gether with Thine eternal Father, and Thy holy, and good,
and Ufe-giving Spirit, we offer up praise and glory ; now and
ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
The fifth Priest takes the fifth branch, dips it into the holy oil, anotats the
sick, and says : 0 Holy Father, Physician of souls, etc., to the end.
Deacon : Let us attend.
Sixth Priest : Peace to all.
Choir : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us attend.
Reader: Prokimenon. Lord, have mercy, according to
Thy great mercy.
Choie : (The same).
Reader : Vers. Create in me, O God, a clean heart, and
renew a right spirit within me.
Choir : Lord, have mercy, according to Thy great mercy.
Reader : Lord, have mercy.
Choir : According to Thy great mercy.
Deacon : Wisdom.
Reader : The reading from the Epistle of the holy Apos
tle Paul to the Galatians.
Deacon : Let us attend.
Reader : (Gal. v. 22-26 ; vi. 1-3.) Brethren, the fruit of
the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, good
ness, faith, meekness, temperance : against such there is no
law. But they that are Christ's have crucified their flesh,
together with the lusts and the desires. If we live by the
Spirit, then let us also -walk in the Spirit. Let us not seek
after vain-glory, to provoke and envy one another. Brethren,
if a man among you faUeth into a trespass, restore him
again, ye who are spiritual, in a spirit of meekness : looking

The Holy Unction. 183
to thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's
burdens, and so fulfll the law of Christ.
Sixth Priest : Peace to thee.
Reader : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Wisdom : let us attend.
Readee : AUeluia (thrice). Then Vers. Blessed is the
man who feareth the Lord and hath pleasure in His com
mandments. Deacon : Wisdom ; let us stand upright and receive the
Holy Gospel.
Sixth Priest : Peace to aU.
Choir : And to thy spirit.
. Sixth Priest : The reading from the Holy Gospel of
Matthew. Choir : Glory be to Thee, 0 Lord, glory be to Thee.
Deacon : Let us attend.
Sixth Priest: (Matt, xv., 21-29.) At that time came
Jesus to the country of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a
Canaanitish woman came out of the same country, and cried
unto Him, saying : O Lord, Thou Son of David, have mercy
upon me ; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devU.
But he answered her not a word. And His disciples came
to Him, and besought Him, saying : Send her away, for she
crieth after us. But He answered and said : I am not sent,
but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. But she
came and feU down before Him, saying : Lord, help me.
But he answered and said : It is not good to take the bread
from the children, and to cast it before the dogs. But she
said : Yea, Lord, even the dogs eat from the crumbs, which
fall from their master's table. Then Jesus answered and
said : O woman, great is thy faith : be it done unto thee as
thou vdlt. And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Choir : Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.
Deacon: the Ektene. Have mercy upon us, O God (efc.,
as above.) After the Ektene, the Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
the PEATEE OF THE SIXTH PEIEST.
We thank Thee, O Lord our God, who art good and gra
cious, and a Physician of our souls and bodies ; who bearest

184 Offices of the Oriental Church.
our sickness without fatigue ; through Whose stripes we are
all healed. Thou Good Shepherd, Who art come to find again
the lost sheep, and Consoler of the faint-hearted, who hast
given life to the downtrodden ; Thou Who hast healed her
who had an issue of blood for twelve years, and hast freed
the daughter of the Canaanitish woman from the raging edi
spirit ; Thou Who hast remitted the debt to the two debt
ors, and bestowed forgiveness on the sinful woman ; granted
health to one smitten with the palsy, together with the for
giveness of his sins ; Who hast justified the publican with a
word, 'and hast received the malefactor in his last confession ;
Who hast taken the sins of the world, and nailed them to the
Cross : we pray Thee and we beseech Thee ; Forgive, remit;
pardon, O God, according to Thy goodness the trespasses
and the sins of Thy servant (handmaid) N., intentional and
unintentional, known and unknown offences, which he (she)
by commission or by omission, by night or by day, hath
done ; whether he (she) hath fallen under priestly curse, or
that of a father or a mother ; whether he (she) by a glance
of the eyes, or by a motion of the eyeUds, or by intemper
ance in desires of the flesh, or by wantonness, or by any
movement of body and soul, hath departed from Thy wUl and
from Thy holiness ; or wherein he (she) and we have ever
sinned, forgive all as a God of goodness, not remembering of
fences, and gracious ; let, not him (her) and us fall into a pol
luted life, nor run in the way of perdition. Yea, Lord and
Master, listen to me a sinner, at this hour, for this Thy ser
vant (handmaid) N., and, as a God not remembering offences
regard not all his (her) transgressions ; deliver him (her) from
eternal torment : flU his (her) mouth vdth Thy praise ; open
his (her) lips to glorify Thy Name ; stretch forth his (her)
hands to do Thy commandments ; order his (her) feet in the
way of Thy Gospel ; strengthen aU his (her) members and all
his (her) spirit with Thy grace. For Thou art our God, who
hast promised us by Thy holy Apostles, saying : What ye
shall bind on earth shaU also be bound in Heaven, and what
ye shall loose on earth shall also be loosed in Heaven ; and
again : To whom ye shaU forgive sins, to them they shall be
forgiven ; and to whom ye retain them, to them shall they be
retained. And as Thou hast heard Hezekiah in the need of
his soul at his hour of death, and hast not despised his
prayer, so hear also me. Thine humble, and sinful, and un-

The Holy Unction. 18o
worthy servant at this hour. For Thou, Lord Jesus Christ,
art He Who, according to Thy goodness and mercy, hath bid
den to forgive seventy times seven times, those who faU into
sm, and who repentest Thyself of our wickedness, and hast
joy in the conversion of the erring ; for as is Thy greatness
so IS also Thy mercy ; and to Thee, together with Thine
eternal Father, and the all-holy, and good, and Ufe-givmg
Spirit, we offer up praise and glory ; now and ever, and to
ages of ages. Amen.
Then the sixth Priest takes the sixth branch, dips it into the holy oil and
anoints the sick, while he prays :
O Holy Father, Physician of souls (etc., to the end).
Deacon : Let us attend.
Seventh Peiest : Peace to all.
Readee : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us attend.
Reader: Prokimenon. Lord, correct me not in Thy
-wrath, and chasten me not in Thine anger.
Choir : (The same.)
Reader : Vers. Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am
weak. Choie : Lord, correct me not, etc.
Readee : Lord, correct me not in Thy wrath.
Choir : And chasten me not in Thine anger.
Deacon : Wisdom.
Reader : The reading from the Epistle of the holy Apos
tle Paul to the Thessalonians.
Deacon : Let us attend.
Reader : (1 Thess. v. 14-24.) Brethren, we exhort you,
admonish the unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, help the
weak, be long-suffering toward all. See that no one render
evU for evil, but ever pursue the good toward one another
and toward all. Rejoice evermore, pray -without ceasing,
in everything give thanks ; for this is the wiU of God
in Christ Jesus toward you. Quench not the Spirit ; despise
not prophesyings ; prove aU things ; hold fast the good ; ab
stain from every form of evU. But He, the God of peace,
sanctify you whoUy, and your whole spirit, and soul, and
body be preserved blameless in the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ.

186 Offices of the Oriental Church.
Seventh Priest : Peace to thee.
Reader : And to thy spirit.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us attend.
Reader: Alleluia (^Arzce). Then Vers. The Lord hear
thee in the day of trouble ; the Name of the God of Jacob
defend thee.
Deacon : Wisdom ; let us stand upright, and receive the
Holy Gospel.
Seventh Priest : Peace to aU.
Choir : And to thy spirit.
Seventh Priest : The reading from the Holy Gospel of
Matthew. Choir : Glory be to Thee, 0 Lord, glory be to Thee.
Seventh Priest: (Matt. ix. 9-14.) At that time, as
Jesus went by, He saw a man sitting at the toll, who was
caUed Matthew, and said unto him: Follow Me. And he
arose, and foUowed Him. And it came to pass, as He re
clined at table in the house, behold, there came many publi
cans and sinners and reclined with Jesus and His disciples.
And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto His disciples :
Why eateth your Teacher with pubUcans and sinners ? But
Jesus, when He heard it, said unto them : The whole need
not a physician, but the sick. But go and learn what this
meaneth : I desire mercy, and not sacriflce. For I am not
come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.
Choir : Glory be to Thee, O Lord, glory be to Thee.
Deacon : The Ektene : Have mercy upon us, 0 God
(etc., as above)
After the Ektene : the Deacon : Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir : Lord, have mercy.
THE PRATER OF THE SEVENTH PRIEST.
O Lord and Master, our God, Physician of soul and
body. Who removest temporary pains, and healest aU sick
nesses and all diseases of the people ; Thou desirest not the
death of the sinner, but that he should turn again and live.
For Thou, O Lord, hast in the old covenant accepted the
penitence of sinners, David and the Ninevites, and those who
were before and after them ; yea, at the time of Thine abode
in the Flesh, Thou hast not called the righteous, but sinners,
to repentance, as the publican, the sinful woman, the mal-

The Holy Unction. 187
efactor ; Thou hast received the great Paul, though blasphe
mously persecuting, on account of his repentance ; Thou hast
received Peter the chief and Thine Apostle, who denied Thee
thrice, on account of his repentance, and hast promised him
and said : Thou art Peter, and on this rock will I build My
Church, and the gates of Hades shaU not prevail, and I wUl
give thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore,
trusting in Thy faithful promises, O good and gracious One,
we pray and beseech Thee at this hour : Hear our prayer,
and accept it as an incense offered unto Thee ; visit Thy
servant (handmaid) N., and whatsoever he (she) hath sinned
in words, or in deeds, or in thought, by night or by day ;
whether he (she) hath faUen under the curse of the Priest,
or a private curse, or whether he (she) hath taken an oath,
and become forsworn : we pray Thee, and beseech Thee :
pardon, remit, and forgive him (her), O God, overlooking all
his (her) misdeeds and sins, and whatsoever he (she) con
sciously and unconsciously hath done ; and wherein he (she)
hath ever overstepped Thy commandments or sinned, as one
who walked in the body and lived in the world, or was
seduced by the influence of the de-dl, forgive him (her), as
the good and gracious God : for there is no man who Uveth
and sinneth not ; for Thou alone art without sin. Thy right
eousness is an eternal righteousness, and Thy Word is the
truth. Thou hast created man not that he should perish,
but that he should keep Thy commandments, and inherit
everlasting Life, and to- Thee, together -with the Father, and
the Holy Ghost, we offer up praise and glory ; now and ever,
and to ages of ages. Amen.
After this prayer this seventh Priest takes the last branch, dips it tato the holy
oU, and anoints in the above manner the sick and says the prayer:
O Holy Father, Physician of souls (etc., to the end.)
Then the sick person, if it be possible, is placed by friends amidst the Priests,
Stands there or sits; if this be impossible, the Priests plaoe themselves around the
bed ; the Gospel-book is opened by the first Priest and laid with the open side on the
head of the sick ; the sis Priests hold it ; the flrst Priest does not lay on his hand,
but says the foUowtag prayer:
CONCLUDING PEATEE.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou Holy King, benevolent and of
great grace, Thou Son and Word of the living God, Thou
Who wUlest not the death of the sinner, but that he should

188 Offices of the Oriental Church.
turn and Uve ; I lay not my sinful hand on the head of this
person bound in sins, who cometh unto Thee, and prayeth
Thee through us for remission of sins; but lay Thy mighty
and powerful Hajid as it is in this Gospel, which my assist
ants hold upon the head of this Thy servant (handmaid), and
pray with them, and implore Thy gracious mercy, remember
ing not the evU. 0 Thou, our God and Sa-dour, Who by Thy
prophet Nathan hast granted to the penitent David the for
giveness of sins, and hast received Manasseh' s prayer of
rfepentance, accept also, according to Thy wonted mercy, this
Thy servant (handmaid) N., repenting of his (her) sins, and
forgive him (her) all transgressions ; for Thou art He, 0 our
God, Who hast commanded to forgive unto seventy times
seven times those who fall into sin ; for as Thy greatness, so is
also Thy compassion, and to Thee are due aU praise, glory
and adoration; now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
Then the Gospel-book is taken from the head of the sick and given him to kiss;
while the Deacon says the Ektene :
Have mercy upon us, O God (etc., as above).
Then the Choir sings : Glory be to the Father, etc.
Holy unmercenary ones, who possess the fountain of
health, ye grant recovery to aU, who pray for it, since ye have
been made worthy of this great gift by the ever-flowing
Fountain, our Saviour ; for the Lord spake unto you, as the
fellow-laborers of the Apostles : Behold, I have given you
power over the unclean spirits, to cast them out and to heal
aU sicknesses and aU diseases. So as ye have lived accord
ing to their commandments, ye have received freely, freely
also give, and heal the pains of our souls and our bodies.
Now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen.
IncUne to the petitions of thy servants, O thou aU^pure
one, quieting our terrible excitements, and averting from us
all troubles; for we have in thee alone a sure and safe support,
and have won thy intercession. Oh ! let us not come to shame
whUe we invoke thee, 0 Lady. Hasten to intercede for
those who faithfully cry unto -thee : Hail to thee, O Lady,
thou help of aU, the joy and shield and deUverer of our
souls.
Then the flnal Blessing, at the end of which the Priest says :

The Holy Unction. 189
Christ our true God, through the intercession of His im
maculate Mother, through the power of the precious and Ufe-
giving Cross, through the intercessions of His holy, renowned,
and glorious Apostle, the flrst Bishop of Jerusalem and Di
vine Brother James and of all the Saints, have mercy upon us,
and deliver us, for He is good and gracious.
Then the person who has received the Unction approaches and says :
Bless me. Holy Father, and forgive me, a sinner. (Thrice.)
Then he receives the Blesstag from the Priests.

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