The Proskomedia or the Liturgy of Preparation, which is performed before the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, captures the essence of the Liturgy.  At the preparation table on the side of the sanctuary, the priest cuts the prosphora (the bread) according to the strictly prescribed manner. 

The prosphora is cut into four parts: one for Christ himself (a cube), another for Mary the Mother of God (a pyramid), another for the Nine ranks (prophets and the forerunners such as St. John the Baptist, Moses, Aaron, Elijah, Elisha, King David, Jesse, prophet Daniel, and Daniel’s three holy youths), and the last part for the Church Fathers, government leaders, the church founders, and the congregation (the living and the dead).  See the diagram below. Thus, in the sacrifice of Christ, being offered to God as the Gift; the faithful (the living and the dead) are joined alongside with Him and with all the Saints and the Forerunners to be offered and consecrated as “the living sacrifice to God, holy and acceptable” (Rom. 12:1).

The square seal of Christ with the imprint ΙΣΧΣ, referring to Ιησούς Χριστός (Jesus Christ) and ΝΙΚΑ (νίκα) “victory” is baked into the center of the prosphora, which is cut into a cube along the edges of the seal, as described above, before it is place on the discos, as the priest prays:

Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter…Like a sheep that is silent before its shearers, he does not open his mouth...The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world is sacrificed for the life and the salvation of the world (The Divine and Holy Liturgy, (Grass Lake, Michigan: Romanian Orthodox Episcopate of America, 2005), 19-20). 

Having placed the square seal particle on the discos, the priest then pierces on the side of it that is marked ΙΣ (the right side of the seal, the first and the last letters of Ἰησοῦς Χριστός (IS) capitalized in Greek ("ΙΗΣΟΥΣ ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ"), and says:

One of the soldiers pierced his side with a lance (Id., 20).  

(Later during the Anaphora, prior to the Communion, the square seal representing Christ, ΙΣΧΣ and ΝΙΚΑ (the cube) is cut into four parts, each containing two letters—just as in ancient Jerusalem the animal is cut into parts to be offered as the sacrifice during the burnt offering.)

The priest then pours wine and warm water into the chalice, saying:

 And immediately there came out blood and water… (Id., 20).  

The priest then cuts the triangular portion of Mary from the prosphora (the right side of the seal of ‘Jesus Christ Conquers’) and places it on the discos, saying:

In honor and memory of our most blessed, glorious Lady, the Birthgiver of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, through whose intercessions, O Lord, accept this sacrifice on your heavenly altar (Id., 21).  

The priest then cuts the third group of nine particles from the prosphora—representing the heavenly hosts including Michael and Gabriel, the Prophets (Moses and Aaron, Elijah and Elisha, etc.), the Forerunners (David and Jesse, the three holy youths of prophet Daniel, etc.), John the Baptist, the 12 and the 70 apostles, the great teachers and fathers of the Church —and places it on the discos.  As he prepares the last group, the priest remembers (in prayer) the hierarchs, the local church founders, and most importantly the member of the congregation (both the living and the dead) by reading the names written on the diptychs (which he will read again during the Divine Liturgy after the consecration of the Gifts during the Anaphora segment).  

On the discos, the whole Church is represented along with the Body of Christ: the prophets, the forerunners, the apostles, the hierarchs, the church founders and the members (the living and the dead). They are all incorporated into one Body of Christ and are offered as the Gift of sacrifice to God. Thus the Ruthenian Recension text has the title of the Liturgy correct: “The Divine Liturgy of Our Father Among the Saints.” Reading the title literally, the Liturgy is a sacrificial rite performed by God the Father in the present of all the Saints offering his Son (as Abraham did) as the Lamb of God slaughtered for the redemption of the world. On the discos is represented the Kingdom of God, whose King wears the purple roke of mockery and the crown of thorns hanging from the Cross. Humility is at the heart of His throne.

Once the particles are placed on the discos, the priest puts the star (supported by four legs) above the particles and covers over both the chalice and the discos with cloth or aer, representing Christ’s swaddling cloth at his birth below the star of Bethlehem and at His burial in the tomb.  The whole liturgy is a concrete presentation of Christ’s life from birth to death, and the proclamation of his Incarnation, Resurrection, and Ascension.  Moreover, the particles cut from the prosphora and the wine represent the whole creation as they are offered to God as the sacrificial Gifts, like Christ Himself, to be lifted up during Anaphora (“offering up”):

For You are the Offerer [προσφέρων] and the Offered [προσφερόμενος]; the Accepted [προσδεχόμενος] and the Distributed [διαδιδόμενος, ‘the given’]”)

The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, (Copyrighted in 2004 by Rev. Jon Magoulias), 14.

Christ reveals himself as the Gift that gives itself by abandoning itself without remainder in humility (kenosis).  All the visible Elements must be completely consumed (by the deacon or the priest) without leftover afer the Liturgy is completed.  The Gift is given, received, and offered (to us and to God) all at once completely (without leftover). The Eucharist makes happen (by the work of the Holy Spirit) Christ’s Incarnation that includes His birth, death, resurrection. He “condescends” (Chrysostom) and “became flesh” (John 1:14) by emptying himself to the point of death (Phil. 2:7) in order to assume humanity so as to lift it up back to God:

Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord.  God is the Lord and has revealed himself to us! [sings the choir as the Communion begins.] 

The Syro-Chaldean desert Saint, Narsai of Nisibi speaks of the glory of the coming of the Lord in the Great Entrance of the Liturgy that culminates in the Eucharist as follows:

The Holy One comes forth on the plate and in the cup, in glory and majesty, accompanied by the presbyters and deacons, in grand procession. Millions of angels and servants of the fire of the Spirit go before the Body of Our Lord, glorifying him. All the people and all the sons of the Church rejoice when they see the Body come from the alter.

(Explanation of the Mysteries of the Church, attributed to Narsai Of Nisibi, as quoted in Instruction For Applying the Liturgical Prescriptions of the code of Canon of the Eastern Churches, a reproduction of the official English translation, Congregation for the Eastern Churches, (The Vatican: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1996), 56).

Finally, the Gift is given in the form of nourishment, as the heavenly bread and the wine, like the heavenly manna that sustained the Israelites in the desert.  Likewise, the Gifts of the Eucharist sustain the faithful on daily basis: “Give us this day our daily bread…”  The heavenly bread sustains us, as it sustains the whole Creation.  The Eucharistic Gifts are then the Gifts of recapitulation: the whole Creation is nourished by the blood of Christ, the ultimate Gift of sacrifice. Sacrifice is the ultimate giving, giving to the end. It is the inexhaustible giving. What is blessing but a pure giving without end and without return? Sacrifice thus redeems being. The kenotic Gift or the Gift of sacrifice sanctifies being (represented by the bread and the wine), so that being in turn can be offered back to the Creator as the gift.  Here the logic of the sacrifice (i.e., the giving of the Gift to the end) supercedes the logic of exchange (in which being thrives); because it gives to the end, to the point of incurring irrecuperable deficit, which is precisely what the ancient Greek term “liturgy” means (λειτουργία - “a public service” (Liddell and Scott, Greek-English Lexicon) or, as Levinas puts it, “a putting out of funds at a loss” (1986: 350)). Liturgy is a service rendered in sacrifice. Christ’s life as a whole, his kenotic sacrifice (i.e., his descent, Incarnation, and death—all combined (Phil. 2:5-8)) was a liturgy, a work of sacrifice to the point of complete emptiness. Such was Christ’s Gift—a gift given without end, like blessing.

Your only Son… has redeemed me with his blood. Let not the proud disparage me, for I am mindful of [the price paid for me]. I eat it, I drink it, I dispense it to others, and as a poor man I long to be filled with it among those who are fed and feasted. And then do those who seek him praise the Lord.

(Augustine, Confessions, X, xliv, 70; Maria Boulding’s translation altered, per John C. Cavadini (2010: 96)).

The liturgical context of the Eucharist is clear in these lines written by the Bishop of Hippo.

See also Proskomedia in Orthodox Wiki.

The Text of the Proskomedia

Taken from Ages Initiatives

PRIEST

Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

 (Amen.)

THE LITANY OF PEACE OR GREAT LITANY

DEACON

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

For pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

For (episcopal rank) (name), for the honorable presbyterate, for the diaconate in Christ, and for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

For our country, for the president, and for all in public service, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

For this city, and for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

For those who travel by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

 (To You, O Lord.)

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE PRAYER OF THE FIRST ANTIPHON

Lord, our God, Whose dominion is incomparable and glory incomprehensible; Whose mercy is immeasurable, and love for mankind ineffable: Look upon us and upon this holy house in Your loving-kindness, and grant to us and to those who pray with us Your abundant mercy and compassion.

PRIEST

For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

 (Amen.)

CHOIR

Antiphon I. Mode 2.

Verse 1: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and everything within me, bless His holy name.

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

Verse 2: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His rewards.

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

Verse 3: The Lord prepared His throne in heaven, and His Kingdom rules over all.

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, Savior, save us.

THE SMALL LITANY

DEACON

Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

 (To You, O Lord.)

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE PRAYER OF THE SECOND ANTIPHON

Lord, our God, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Protect the fullness of Your Church. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house. Glorify them in return by Your divine power, and forsake us not who have set our hope in You.

PRIEST

For Yours is the dominion, and Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

 (Amen.)

CHOIR

Antiphon II. Mode 2.

Verse 1: Praise the Lord, O my soul! I shall praise the Lord while I live; I shall sing to my God as long as I exist.

Save us, O Son of God, risen from the dead. We sing to You, Alleluia.

Verse 2: Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob; his hope is in the Lord his God.

Save us, O Son of God, risen from the dead. We sing to You, Alleluia.

Verse 3: The Lord shall reign forever; your God, O Zion, to all generations.

Save us, O Son of God, risen from the dead. We sing to You, Alleluia.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Only begotten Son and Logos of God, being immortal, You condescended for our salvation to take flesh from the holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary and, without change, became man. Christ, our God, You were crucified and conquered death by death. Being one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: Save us.

THE SMALL LITANY

DEACON

Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

 (To You, O Lord.)

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE PRAYER OF THE THIRD ANTIPHON

Lord, You have granted us to offer these common prayers in unison and have promised that when two or three agree in Your name, You will grant their requests. Fulfill now, O Lord, the petitions of Your servants as may be of benefit to them, granting us in the present age the knowledge of Your truth, and in the age to come eternal life.

PRIEST

For You, O God, are good and love mankind, and to You we offer glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages of ages.

 (Amen.)

CHOIR

Antiphon III.

Mode pl. 4.

Verse 1: This is the day the Lord made; let us greatly rejoice and be glad therein.

Resurrectional Apolytikion.

Mode pl. 4.

You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and condescended to be buried for three days, so that from the passions You might set us free. Our life and resurrection, O Lord, glory be to You.

Verse 2: Let heaven and earth praise Him.

You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and condescended to be buried for three days, so that from the passions You might set us free. Our life and resurrection, O Lord, glory be to You.

THE SMALL ENTRANCE

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE ENTRANCE PRAYER

Master, Lord our God, Who has established the orders and hosts of angels and archangels in heaven to minister to Your glory, grant that holy angels may enter with us, that together we may celebrate and glorify Your goodness. For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

DEACON (in a low voice)

Master, bless the holy entrance.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Blessed be the entrance of Your holy ones always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise.

CHOIR

Entrance Hymn. Mode 2.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ. Save us, O Son of God, risen from the dead.

We sing to You, Alleluia.

Hymns After the Small Entrance.

CHOIR

From Octoechos - - -

Resurrectional Apolytikion.

Mode pl. 4.

You descended from on high, O compassionate One, and condescended to be buried for three days, so that from the passions You might set us free. Our life and resurrection, O Lord, glory be to You.

For the Fathers.

Mode pl. 4.

Supremely blessed are You, O Christ our God. You established the holy Fathers upon the earth as beacons, and through them You have guided us all to the true Faith, O greatly merciful One, glory be to You.

Apolytikion of the Parish Church

 (The text of the Apolytikion of the local church goes here.)

Kontakion. Mode 2.

O Protection of Christians that never falls, intercession with the Creator that never fails, we sinners beg you, do not ignore the voices of our prayers. O good Lady, we implore you, quickly come unto our aid, when we cry out to you with faith. Hurry to intercession, and hasten to supplication, O Theotokos who protect now and ever those who honor you.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE PRAYER OF THE TRISAGION HYMN

O Holy God, Who is resting among the holy ones, praised by the Seraphim with the thrice-holy voice, glorified by the Cherubim, and worshiped by every celestial power, You have brought all things into being out of nothing. You have created man according to Your image and likeness and adorned him with all the gifts of Your grace. You give wisdom and understanding to the one who asks, and You overlook not the sinner, but have set repentance as the way of salvation. You have granted us, Your humble and unworthy servants, to stand even at this hour before the glory of Your holy Altar of sacrifice and to offer to You due worship and praise. Master, accept the Trisagion Hymn also from the lips of us sinners, and visit us in Your goodness. Forgive all our voluntary and involuntary transgressions, sanctify our souls and bodies, and grant that we may worship You in holiness all the days of our lives, through the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the saints who have pleased You throughout the ages.

PRIEST

For You, our God, are holy, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,

DEACON

And to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

THE TRISAGION HYMN

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

DEACON

Dynamis.

DEACON (in a low voice)

Command, Master.

PRIEST

Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord.

DEACON

Master, bless the throne on high.

PRIEST

Blessed are You upon the throne of the glory of Your kingdom, enthroned upon the Cherubim always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

CHOIR

Dynamis.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.

The Readings

The Epistle

For the Fathers.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

READER

Prokeimenon. Mode 4. The Prayer of Azariah.

Blessed are You, O Lord God of our fathers.

Verse: For You are righteous in all You did for us.

DEACON

Wisdom.

READER

The reading is from Paul's Letter to ….

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

READER

[Reading of the Epistle.]

PRIEST

Peace be with you.

CHOIR

Alleluia. Mode 4. Psalm 43.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 1: O God, we heard with our ears; our fathers proclaimed it to us.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

Verse 2: You saved us from those who afflict us.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE PRAYER OF THE HOLY GOSPEL

Shine in our hearts, O Master Who loves mankind, the pure light of Your divine knowledge, and open the eyes of our mind that we may comprehend the proclamations of Your Gospels. Instill in us also reverence for Your blessed commandments so that, having trampled down all carnal desires, we may lead a spiritual life, both thinking and doing all those things that are pleasing to You. For You, Christ our God, are the illumination of our souls and bodies, and to You we offer up glory, together with Your Father, Who is without beginning, and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

The Gospel

For the Fathers.

DEACON

Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

 (And with your spirit.)

DEACON

The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to …..

PRIEST

Let us be attentive.

 (Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.)

DEACON

[Reading of the Gospels]

PRIEST

Peace be with you.

CHOIR

Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.

THE SERMON

 (According to ancient tradition, the sermon was delivered following the readings.)

[The following litanies are usually omitted.]

Show Litanies

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE SECOND PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

Again and countless times we fall down before You, and we implore You, O Good One, Who loves mankind: That You, having regarded our prayer, may cleanse our souls and bodies from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and grant to us to stand before Your holy Altar of sacrifice, free of guilt and condemnation. Grant also, O God, to those who pray with us, progress in life, faith, and spiritual understanding. Grant that they always worship You with awe and love, partake of Your Holy Mysteries without guilt or condemnation, and be deemed worthy of Your celestial Kingdom.

PRIEST

That, ever guarded by Your might, we may ascribe glory to You, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

 (Amen.)

Taken from Ages Initiatives

for October 7, 2019

THE GREAT ENTRANCE

CHOIR

The Cherubic Hymn.

Let us, who mystically represent the Cherubim and who sing the thrice-holy hymn to the life-creating Trinity, now lay aside every worldly care. So that we may receive the King of all.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE PRAYER OF THE CHERUBIC HYMN

No one bound by carnal desires and pleasures is worthy to approach, draw near, or minister to You, the King of Glory. For to serve You is great and awesome even for the heavenly powers. Yet, because of Your ineffable and immeasurable love for mankind, You impassibly and immutably became man. You, as the Master of all, became our high priest and delivered unto us the sacred service of this liturgical sacrifice without the shedding of blood. Indeed, Lord our God, You alone reign over the celestial and the terrestrial; borne aloft on the cherubic throne, Lord of the Seraphim and King of Israel, the only holy and resting among the holy ones. I now beseech You, Who alone are good and inclined to hear: Look down upon me, Your sinful and unprofitable servant, and cleanse my soul and heart of a wicked conscience; and enable me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, clothed with the grace of the priesthood, to stand before Your holy Table and celebrate the Mystery of Your holy and pure Body and Your precious Blood. I come before You with my head bowed, and I implore You: Turn not Your face away from me, nor reject me from among Your children, but make me, Your sinful and unworthy servant, worthy to offer these gifts to You. For You are the One Who both offers and is offered, the One Who is received and is distributed, O Christ our God, and to You we offer up glory, with Your Father, Who is without beginning, and Your all-holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

DEACON

May the Lord God remember all of us in His Kingdom always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

Who is invisibly escorted by the angelic hosts. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.[GOA]

THE LITANY OF COMPLETION

DEACON

Let us complete our prayer to the Lord.

CHOIR

 (Lord, have mercy.)

For the precious Gifts here presented, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and necessity, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us ask the Lord.

CHOIR

 (Grant this, O Lord.)

For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask the Lord.

 (Grant this, O Lord.)

For pardon and remission of our sins and transgressions, let us ask the Lord.

 (Grant this, O Lord.)

For that which is good and beneficial for our souls, and for peace for the world, let us ask the Lord.

 (Grant this, O Lord.)

That we may complete the remaining time of our life in peace and repentance, let us ask the Lord.

 (Grant this, O Lord.)

And let us ask for a Christian end to our life, peaceful, without shame and suffering, and for a good defense before the awesome judgment seat of Christ.

 (Grant this, O Lord.)

Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

 (To You, O Lord.)

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE OFFERTORY PRAYER

Lord God Almighty, You alone are holy. You accept the sacrifice of praise from those who call upon You with their whole heart, even so, accept from us sinners our supplication, and bring it to Your holy Altar of sacrifice. Enable us to offer You gifts and spiritual sacrifices for our own sins and the failings of Your people. Deem us worthy to find grace in Your sight, that our sacrifice may be well pleasing to You, and that the good Spirit of Your grace may rest upon us and upon these gifts presented and upon all Your people.

ΙΕΡΕΥΣ

PRIEST

Through the mercies of Your only begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

DEACON

Let us love one another, that with oneness of mind we may confess:

CHOIR

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: Trinity, one in essence and undivided.[GOA]

Or, for concelebrations:

I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my foundation, my refuge, my deliverer.[SAAS]

DEACON

The doors! The doors! In wisdom, let us be attentive!

PEOPLE

THE SYMBOL OF OUR FAITH

I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten, not created, of one essence with the Father through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; And He rose on the third day, according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father; And He will come again with glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Creator of life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the age to come. Amen.[GOA]

THE HOLY ANAPHORA

DEACON

Let us stand aright! Let us stand in awe! Let us be attentive, that we may present the Holy Offering in peace.

CHOIR

A mercy of peace, a sacrifice of praise.

PRIEST

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

PRIEST

Let us lift up our hearts.

CHOIR

We lift them up to the Lord.

PRIEST

Let us give thanks to the Lord.

CHOIR

It is proper and right.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

It is proper and right to hymn You, to bless You, to praise You, to give thanks to You, and to worship You in every place of Your dominion. For You, O God, are ineffable, inconceivable, invisible, incomprehensible, existing forever, forever the same, You and Your only begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. You brought us out of nothing into being, and when we had fallen away, You raised us up again. You left nothing undone until you had led us up to heaven and granted us Your Kingdom, which is to come. For all these things, we thank You and Your only begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit: for all things we know and do not know, for blessings manifest and hidden that have been bestowed on us. We thank You also for this Liturgy, which You have deigned to receive from our hands, even though thousands of archangels and tens of thousands of angels stand around You, the Cherubim and Seraphim, six-winged, many­ eyed, soaring aloft upon their wings,

PRIEST

Singing the triumphal hymn, exclaiming, proclaiming, and saying...

CHOIR

Holy, holy, holy, Lord Sabaoth, heaven and earth are filled with Your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.[GOA]

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Together with these blessed powers, Master, Who loves mankind, we also exclaim and say: Holy are You and most holy, You and Your only­begotten Son and Your Holy Spirit. Holy are You and most holy, and sublime is Your glory. You so loved Your world that You gave Your only begotten Son so that everyone who believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. When He had come and fulfilled for our sake the entire plan of salvation, on the night in which He was delivered up, or rather when He delivered Himself up for the life of the world, He took bread in His holy, pure, and blameless hands, and, giving thanks and blessing, He hallowed and broke it, and gave it to His holy disciples and apostles, saying:

PRIEST

Take, eat, this is My Body, which is broken for you for the remission of sins.

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Likewise, after partaking of the supper, He took the cup, saying,

PRIEST

Drink of this, all of you; this is My Blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins.

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Remembering, therefore, this saving commandment and all that has been done for our sake: the Cross, the tomb, the Resurrection on the third day, the Ascension into heaven, the enthronement at the right hand, and the second and glorious coming again.

PRIEST

Your own of Your own we offer to You, in all and for all.

CHOIR

We praise You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, and we pray to You, Lord our God.[GOA]

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Once again we offer to You this spiritual worship without the shedding of blood, and we beseech and pray and entreat You: Send down Your Holy Spirit upon us and upon the gifts here presented,

And make this Bread the precious Body of Your Christ.

 (Amen.)

And that which is in this Cup, the precious Blood of Your Christ.

 (Amen.)

Changing them by Your Holy Spirit.

 (Amen. Amen. Amen.)

So that they may be for those who partake of them for vigilance of soul, remission of sins, communion of Your Holy Spirit, fullness of the Kingdom of Heaven, boldness before You, not for judgment or condemnation. Again, we offer You this spiritual worship for those who have reposed in the faith: forefathers, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics, and for every righteous spirit made perfect in faith,

PRIEST

Especially for our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary.

CHOIR

Hymn to the Theotokos.

It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Logos. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.[GOA]

PRIEST (in a low voice)

For Saint John the prophet, forerunner, and Baptist; for the holy, glorious, and most praiseworthy apostles; for Saint(s) (Name), whose memory we celebrate; and for all Your saints, through whose supplications, visit us, O God. And remember all who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection to life eternal (here the Priest commemorates by name those departed whom he wishes). Grant them rest, O our God, where the light of Your countenance keeps watch. Again we beseech You, Lord, remember all Orthodox bishops who rightly teach the word of Your truth, the presbyterate, the diaconate in Christ, and every priestly and monastic order. Again we offer You this spiritual worship for the whole world, for the holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, and for those living pure and reverent lives. For civil authorities and our armed forces, grant that they may govern in peace, Lord, so that in their tranquility we, too, may live calm and serene lives, in all piety and virtue.

PRIEST

Among the first remember, Lord, (episcopal rank) (name). grant him to Your holy churches in peace, safety, honor, and health, unto length of days, rightly teaching the word of Your truth.

DEACON

And remember those whom each one of us has in mind, and all the people.

CHOIR

And all the people.

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Remember, Lord, this city in which we live, and every city and land, and the faithful who live in them. Remember, Lord, those who travel by land, sea, and air; the sick; the suffering; the captives; and their salvation. Remember those who bear fruit and do good works in Your holy churches and those who are mindful of the poor, and upon us all send forth Your mercies.

PRIEST

And grant that with one voice and one heart we may glorify and praise Your most honorable and majestic name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

PRIEST

And the mercies of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, be with you all.

CHOIR

And with your spirit.

DEACON

Having commemorated all the saints, again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR

 (Lord, have mercy.)

For the precious Gifts here presented and consecrated, let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

That our God Who loves mankind, having accepted them at His holy and celestial and mystical altar as an offering of spiritual fragrance, may in return send down upon us the divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

Having asked for the unity of the faith and for the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

 (To You, O Lord.)

PRIEST (in a low voice)

We entrust to You, loving Master, our whole life and hope, and we beseech, pray, and implore You: Grant us to partake of Your heavenly and awesome Mysteries from this sacred and spiritual table with a clear conscience for the remission of sins, the forgiveness of transgressions, the communion of the Holy Spirit, the inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven, and boldness before You, not unto judgment or condemnation.

PRIEST

And grant us, Master, with boldness and without condemnation, to dare call You, the heavenly God, Father, and to say:

PEOPLE

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.[GOA]

PRIEST

For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

 (Amen.)

PRIEST

Peace be with all.

 (And with your spirit.)

DEACON

Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

 (To You, O Lord.)

PRIEST (in a low voice)

We give thanks to You, invisible King, Who by Your boundless power fashioned the universe, and in the multitude of Your mercy brought all things from nothing into being. Look down from heaven, O Master, upon those who have bowed their heads before You, for they have not bowed before flesh and blood, but before You, the awesome God. Therefore, O Master, make smooth and beneficial for us all, whatever lies ahead, according to the need of each: Sail with those who sail, travel with those who travel, heal the sick, Physician of our souls and bodies.

PRIEST

Through the grace, compassion, and love for mankind of Your only begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

 (Amen.)

THE HOLY COMMUNION

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Hearken, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, from Your holy dwelling place and from the throne of glory of Your Kingdom, and come to sanctify us, You Who are enthroned with the Father on high and are present among us invisibly here. And with Your mighty hand, grant Communion of Your most pure Body and precious Blood to us, and through us to all the people.

DEACON

Let us be attentive.

PRIEST

The Holy Gifts for the holy people of God.

CHOIR

One is Holy, one is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.[GOA]

PEOPLE

Prayers of Holy Communion

I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy, without condemnation, to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the remission of sins and for eternal life. Amen.

How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I should dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my vesture will condemn me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. Cleanse, O Lord, the filth of my soul, and save me, as You are the one Who loves mankind. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul, and save me.

Master Who loves mankind, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these Holy Gifts be to my judgment because I am unworthy, but rather for the purification and sanctification of both soul and body and the pledge of the life and Kingdom to come. It is good for me to cleave unto God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation.

O Son of God, receive me today as a partaker of Your mystical supper. For I will not speak of the mystery to Your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss, as did Judas. But like the thief, I confess to You: Remember me, Lord, in Your Kingdom.

CHOIR

Communion Hymn. Psalm 148.

Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. Alleluia.[SAAS]

DEACON

With the fear of God, faith, and love, draw near.

And the people receive Holy Communion. The Priest receives the holy Chalice from the hands of the Deacon and begins communing the people, saying to each one:

The servant of God (Name) partakes of the Body and Blood of Christ for the remission of sins and life eternal.

CHOIR

Hymns During Holy Communion

PRIEST

Save, O God, Your people, and bless Your inheritance.

CHOIR

Hymn after Holy Communion.

Mode 2.

We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith, worshiping the undivided Trinity, for the Trinity has saved us.[GOA]

PRIEST

 (in a low voice)

Wash away, Lord, by Your Holy Blood, the sins of Your servants here remembered through the intercessions of the Theotokos and all Your saints. Amen.

DEACON

Exalt, Master.

PRIEST

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let Your glory be over all the earth.

Blessed is our God.

PRIEST

Always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

Let our mouths be filled with Your praise, O Lord, that we may sing of Your glory, because You have made us worthy to partake of Your Holy Mysteries. Keep us in Your sanctification, that all day long we may meditate upon Your righteousness. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.[GOA]

ΔΙΑΚΟΝΟΣ

DEACON

Arise! Having partaken of the divine, holy, pure, immortal, heavenly, life-creating, and awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us worthily give thanks to the Lord.

CHOIR

 (Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.)

or:

 (Lord, have mercy.)

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

Having prayed for a perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless day, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

 (To You, O Lord.)

PRIEST (in a low voice)

THE THANKSGIVING PRAYER

We give thanks to You, Master Who loves mankind, benefactor of our souls, that even on this very day You have made us worthy of Your heavenly and immortal Mysteries. Make straight our path, fortify us in Your fear, guard our life, make secure our steps, through the prayers and supplications of the glorious Theotokos and ever­ virgin Mary and of all Your saints.

PRIEST

For You are our sanctification, and to You we give glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

 (Amen.)

PRIEST

Let us go forth in peace.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

PRIEST

THE PRAYER BEHIND THE AMBON

O Lord, Who blesses those who bless You and sanctifies those who put their trust in You, save Your people and bless Your inheritance. Protect the whole body of Your Church. Sanctify those who love the beauty of Your house. Glorify them in return by Your divine power, and forsake us not who have set our hope in You. Grant peace to Your world, to Your churches, to the clergy, to our civic leaders, to the armed forces, and to all Your people. For every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from You, the Father of lights. To You we give glory, thanksgiving, and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

 (Amen.)

CHOIR

Blessed be the name of the Lord, from this time forth and to the ages. (3)[GOA]

PRIEST (in a low voice)

Christ our God, You are the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. You have fulfilled the Father's entire plan of salvation. Fill our hearts with joy and gladness always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

 (Lord, have mercy.)

PRIEST

May the blessing and the mercy of the Lord come upon you by His divine grace and love for mankind, always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

 (Amen.)

Glory to You, our God. Glory to You.

PRIEST

May He Who rose from the dead, Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, the supplications of the honorable, glorious prophet and forerunner John the Baptist, of the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy apostles, of the holy, glorious, and triumphant martyrs, of our righteous and God-bearing fathers, (local patron saint); of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, and the holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, whose memory we celebrate today; and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for He is good and loves mankind.

CHOIR

Lord, protect for many years the one who blesses and sanctifies us.[GOA]

PRIEST

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us [and save us].

 (Amen.)