Service Book of the Orthodox Church, Part 2

Service Book of the Orthodox Church, Part 2

continued

The Office at the Consecration of a Church

1 [When the Church is finished, there cometh a person, sent from the Bishop, one day or more beforehand, and prepareth those things which are necessary for the Consecration, not only within the Sanctuary, but also in all the Church. And especially he is careful that the Altar shall stand upon four columns, with a fifth column bearing a small coffer, in the middle; and the coffer must be in the centre, under the Altar, about fourteen inches high, and the Altar thirty-eight inches in height, and its width in proportion to the Sanctuary, and the top of the Altar in proportion to the Altar.] 2 [The Table of Oblation, also, shall be of the same height, width and length, in proportion to the Sanctuary. In the top of the Altar-columns cavities are hollowed out, a couple of inches in depth, where the wax-mastic is to be: in these same columns, six inches from the floor, notches shall be cut for holding the cord; and round about the table of the Altar, a couple of inches from the top, other such notches shall be cut, for holding the cord; and holes are to be bored in the corners of the tables for the Altar and the Table of Oblation where the nails are to be, and hollow spaces shall be prepared where the heads of the nails are to be, so that the heads of the nails may lie on a level with the table of the Altar; and the columns are to be pierced in such a manner that the nails shall enter them straight. The following things are required: For making fast the table of the Altar, four nails, and as many more are required for the Table of Oblation; four stones, wherewith to drive the nails; one altar-cloth for draping the Altar, and another for the Table of Oblation; upper altar-cloths, for covering the Altar and the Table of Oblation; veils; cloths wherewith to wipe the Altar; a curtain for the Holy Door; two pails, for the Altar and the Table of Oblation; one glass each of rose-water and of church wine; holy Chrism, and an anointing brush; a sponge for the corporal; a sponge for the sacred chalice; a small leaden box for the holy relics under the Altar; tapers for the Bishop, and for distribution among the other Ecclesiastics and the laity; incense, both of the finest sort, and also of the ordinary sort; two large tapers, for carrying in procession; the church banners, if there be any. And round about the Church it must be clean.]

3 [Then the table-board shall be taken from the Altar, and placed against the wall, on the right-hand side, and note must be taken beforehand of the position in which it lay upon the Altar columns.] [Then a table is placed in front of the Holy Door, and upon it is spread an altar-cloth: And the book of the Holy Gospels, and the precious cross, and the sacred vessels are set thereon; the spoon, the spear, the altar-cloths, together with the veils, the cord, the covering of the Altar and of the Table of Oblation, the nails, and the sponges; and they are covered with an altar-cloth; and four candlesticks are set there, one at each corner; and another small table is placed within the Sanctuary, near the Bishop's throne, and an altar-cloth is spread thereon; and upon this table are placed the holy Chrism, the church-wine and the rose-water in their glasses, an anointing-brush, an aspergillus, the stones wherewith the nails are to be driven, and the wax-mastic.]

4 [And the holy relics are placed upon the paten, covered with the star-cover and the veil, and on the eve of the Consecration are set upon a lectern before the holy picture of the Saviour, by the side of the Holy Door, in the Church itself; and] * See Appendix B, XIII. [outside the Sanctuary is celebrated the VIGIL OFFICE, by whomsoever the Bishop shall appoint. And before the blessing of the water, the relics shall be borne thence, with all reverence, to a neighbouring Church, after an early Liturgy, and there placed upon the holy Altar; and the book of the Gospels shall be placed from the east over the holy relics; and a candlestick shall be placed before the holy relics. But if there be no other church in the vicinity, then they shall stand in the same spot until they are used.]

The Beginning of the Consecration

5 [When the time for the Divine Liturgy is come, and the Bishop hath entered the Church which is to be consecrated, he vesteth himself in his episcopal robes, and addeth thereto a special white garment (sratchitza). And thus arrayed he entereth the holy Sanctuary; and the Priests who are to serve, wearing similar garments over their priestly vestments, bear before the Bishop the table with all things needful for the Consecration, and set it on the right-hand side. And the Bishop, giving his pastoral staff to a Sub-Deacon as he cometh to the Holy Doors, entereth the Sanctuary: and after he hath prayed, he maketh the sign of the cross in blessing over those who are serving, on both sides. At this time the Deacon bringeth holy water to the Bishop, and the Bishop, taking the aspergillus, sprinkleth the columns with the holy water. Then the Sacristan bringeth the hot wax-mastic to the Bishop, and the Bishop sprinkleth the wax-mastic with holy water, and taketh the vessel with the wax-mastic, and poureth it upon the columns, in the form of a cross, to the requisite amount, compassing them about; then he giveth the vessel to the Sacristan, and again sprinkleth the columns with holy water, that the wax-mastic may harden quickly; and the Priests breathe upon the columns where the wax-mastic is, until it is hard.]

6 [And when this is finished, the Archdeacon saith:] Let us pray to the Lord. The Priests. Lord, have mercy. [And the Bishop reciteth this Prayer, in the hearing of all:] O Lord God our Saviour, who createst all things and makest the race of man for salvation, accept the prayer of us, thine unworthy servants; and enable us at this present hour without condemnation to accomplish the consecration of this holy Temple, founded to thy praise in the name of Saint N.; and to consummate the erection therein of an Altar. Exclamation. For unto thee are due all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Priests. Amen. [Then the Priests bring the table of the Altar, and the Bishop sprinkleth it on all sides, and layeth it upon the columns of the Altar.]

7 [And while this is being done, the following Psalm is sung:]

Psalm Cxlv.

8 I will magnify thee, O God, my King; and I will praise thy Name forever and ever. Every day will I give thanks unto thee; and praise thy Name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and marvellous worthy to be praised; there is no end of his greatness. One generation shall praise thy works unto another, and declare thy power. As for me, I will be talking of thy worship, thy glory, thy praise, and wondrous works; so that men shall speak of the might of thy marvellous acts; and I will also tell of thy greatness. The memorial of thine abundant kindness shall be showed; and men shall sing of thy righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful; long-suffering, and of great goodness. The Lord is loving unto every man; and his mercy is over all his works. All thy works praise thee, O Lord; and thy saints give thanks unto thee. They show the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; that thy power, thy glory, and mightiness of thy kingdom, might be known unto men. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all ages. The Lord upholdeth all such as fall, and lifteth up all those that are down. The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and fillest all things living with plenteousness. The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him; yea, all such as call upon him faithfully. He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him; he also will hear their cry, and will help them. The Lord preserveth all them that love him; but scattereth abroad all the ungodly. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord; and let all flesh give thanks unto his holy Name forever and ever.

9 [And when the Psalm is finished, the Bishop saith:] Blessed is our God always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. [And when the wax-mastic hath become hard, and the places upon which it flowed have been cleaned, they say PSALM XXIII.] The Lord is my shepherd; therefore can I lack nothing. He shall feed me in a green pasture, and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. He shall convert my soul, and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness for his Name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me. Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me; thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full. But thy loving-kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

10 [Then the Bishop.] Blessed is our God always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. [The Sacristan bringeth four nails, and layeth them on the Altar; and the Bishop sprinkleth them with holy water and placeth them in the columns. Again, the Sacristan bringeth the four stones; and the Bishop having taken one stone and the officiating ecclesiastics the others, they make firm the Altar. And when the Altar hath been established, the carpet is immediately spread before the Holy Door, and (the Holy Door being now opened), the upper end is laid in place. And when the Bishop is come forth from the Sanctuary, the Deacon shall exclaim:] Again, yet again, on bended knees, let us pray to the Lord. [And the Priests within the Sanctuary chant: Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.) After which the Bishop, kneeling, saith the following Prayer:] 11 O God, without beginning and eternal, who callest all things into being from nothingness; who dwellest in light unapproachable, and hast the heavens for thy throne, and the earth for thy footstool; who didst give a law and pattern unto Moses, and didst inspire Bezaleel with the spirit of wisdom, and didst enable them to complete the perfect building of the Tabernacle of thy Covenant, wherein ordinances of divine worship were instituted, which were the images and types of the true; who didst bestow upon Solomon breadth and greatness of heart, and thereby didst rear of old the Temple; and upon thy holy and all-laudable Apostles didst renew the service in the Spirit, and the grace of the true Tabernacle, and through the same, O Lord of Hosts, didst plant thy churches and thine altars in all the earth, that there might be offered unto thee consecrated and unbloody sacrifices; who, also, hast graciously been pleased to found this Temple, in the name of Saint N., to thy glory, and to the glory of thine Only-begotten Son, and of thine all-holy Spirit: Do thou, the same immortal and munificent King, call to mind thy bounties and thy mercies, which are from everlasting, and abhor not us who are defiled with a multitude of sins, neither annul thou thy Covenant because of our uncleanness;

12 but disregard thou now our iniquities, and strengthen us with the grace and inspiration of thy life-giving and holy Spirit, that without condemnation we may accomplish the renewal of this Temple, and fulfil the consecration of the Altar(s) therein; that therein blessing thee in Psalms, and songs, and mystical rites we may always magnify thy loving-kindness. Yea, O Master, Lord our God, the hope of all the ends of the earth, hear us sinners who make our supplications unto thee, and send down thine all-holy, and adorable, and almighty Spirit, and sanctify this Temple and this Altar (these Altars): Fill it (them) with the light everlasting; elect it (them) for thy dwelling-place; make it (them) the abode of thy glory. Adorn it (them) with thy divine and supernal gifts. Appoint it (them) for a haven of the tempest-tossed, for a healing of passions, for a refuge of the weak, for an expelling of evil spirits. Let thine eyes be open upon it (them) day and night, and let thine ears be heedful of the prayer of those who shall enter therein in thy fear and in devoutness, and shall call upon thine all-honourable and adorable Name; that whatsoever they shall ask of thee, thou wilt hear it in heaven above, and wilt show mercy and be gracious unto them. Preserve it indestructible even unto the end of the ages, and show forth the holy Altar(s) therein, the Altar(s) of thy Holy Things through the power and effectual operation of thy Holy Spirit.

13 Glorify it (them) above the Mercy-Seat according to the Law; that the holy offices which shall be celebrated thereon may attain unto thy holy, and most heavenly, and supersensual Altar, and obtain for us the grace of thy most pure over-shadowing; for we trust not in the service of our unworthy hands, but in thine unspeakable goodness. 14 And when the Prayer is finished, the Bishop standeth, and goeth into the Sanctuary, to the holy Altar; and the Proto-Deacon, within the holy Sanctuary, saith (the Holy Door being closed): Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace. The Priests. Lord, have mercy. For the peace that is from above, and for the salvation of our souls: ℟ For the peace of the whole world; for the welfare of God's holy Churches, and for the union of them all: ℟ For the Most Holy Governing Synod (or Patriarch), and for the Right Reverend Bishop N., and for the works of his hands; and for the Priests and Deacons who are with him: ℟ That he will sanctify this holy Temple, and the Altar that is (the Altars that are) therein, through the descent and might of the Holy Spirit: ℟ Here follow petitions for the Ruler of the Land and for all the Authorities (Emperor, or King, and Reigning House, or President), according to the elements and nationalities of which the Parish is constituted.)

15 For this city, and for every city and land, and for those who with faith dwell therein: ℟ That he will deliver us from all tribulation, wrath, peril and necessity: ℟ Calling to remembrance our most holy, undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Birth-giver of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God. The Priests. To thee, O God. Then a porringer is brought, filled with warm water, and red wine and rose-water. And the Proto-Deacon saith: Let us pray to the Lord. And the Bishop, bowing his head, saith this Prayer over the water and the wine: O Lord our God, who didst sanctify the streams of Jordan by thy redeeming manifestation: Do thou, the same Lord, send down now also the grace of thy Holy Spirit; and bless this water and this wine,

16 let us pray to the Lord. Response. Lord, have mercy. unto the sanctification and completion of this thine Altar (these thy Altars): For blessed art thou unto ages of ages. Amen. [And after the Prayer, he poureth the warm water, thrice, upon the Altar, saying:] In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. [And mingling the red wine and the rose-water, he poureth them into one vessel.] [Then the Sacristan bringeth four cloths. And the Bishop, taking one of them, blesseth his fellow-ministers to take the others; and they wipe the Altar therewith.] [And when these things are finished, PSALM LXXXIV. is said.] 17 O how amiable are thy dwellings, thou Lord of Hosts! My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found her an house, and the swallow a nest, where she may lay her young; even thy altars, O Lord of Hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house; they will be alway praising thee. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are thy ways. Who going through the vale of misery use it for a well; and the pools are filled with water. They will go from strength to strength, and unto the God of gods appeareth every one of them in Sion. O Lord God of Hosts, hear my prayer; hearken, O God of Jacob. Behold, O God our defender, and look upon the face of thine Anointed. For one day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of ungodliness. For the Lord God is a light and defence; the Lord will give grace and worship; and no good thing shall he withhold from them that live a godly life. O Lord God of Hosts, blessed is the man that putteth his trust in thee.

18 [And when the Altar hath been washed and wiped, the Bishop saith:] Glory to our God unto ages of ages. Priests. Amen. [The Bishop then taketh from the Sacristan the red wine mingled with rose-water, and poureth it upon the Altar, thrice, in cross-form, liberally, and they wet the Altar abundantly, stretching forth their hands: and with this same mixture the Bishop sprinkleth the other holy corporals. And as he doth this, he saith at each sprinkling:] Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: thou shalt wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. [And after the Altar and the corporals have been sprinkled, the following shall be added (PSALM LI. verses 8-19):] Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness, that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Turn thy face from my sins, and put out all my misdeeds. Make me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy holy Spirit from me. O give me the comfort of thy help again, and stablish me with thy free Spirit. Then shall I teach thy ways unto the wicked, and sinners shall be converted unto thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou that art the God of my health; and my tongue shall sing of thy righteousness. Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall show thy praise. For thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it thee; but thou delightest not in burnt-offerings. The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, shalt thou not despise. O be favourable and gracious unto Sion; build thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt-offerings and oblations; then shall they offer young bullocks upon thine altar.

19 [Then the Sacristan bringeth the sponges. The Bishop taketh one sponge, and his fellow-ministers take the others; and they wipe the Altar with the sponges. Then they spread the corporal (or the corporals) at the upper edge of the Altar. Then the Bishop saith:] Blessed is our God always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. [Then the Sacristan bringeth the holy Chrism. The Bishop, taking the brush, anointeth the Altar, in cross-form. The Proto-Deacon saith, at the Altar, and at each corporal: Let us attend. The Bishop maketh upon the Altar three crosses, one in the middle, and one on each side, a little lower down, saying: Alleluia, thrice, at each. And he anointeth also the pillars of the Altar, on two sides, and on the middle, and on the edges. Thereafter the Priests take the corporal (corporals) and lay it (them) on the Altar, one by one, below the crosses, which are traced with the holy Chrism, that these crosses be not erased. The Bishop maketh three crosses on each corporal (antimms) with the holy Chrism, which is on the Altar. And when this is accomplished, PSALM CXXXIII. is read:]

20 Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren, to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down unto the beard, even unto Aaron's beard, and went down to the skirts of his clothing. Like as the dew of Hermon, which fell upon the hill of Sion. For there the Lord promised his blessing, and life forevermore. [Then the Bishop saith:] Glory to thee, O Holy Trinity our God, unto ages of ages. [And they place the corporal (or the corporals) on the salver. Then the Priests bring the first covering of the Altar; the Bishop sprinkleth it without and within with holy water, and they put it on the Altar. Then the cord is brought. The Bishop sprinkleth the cord, and they bind the Altar about therewith; and this is the manner of the binding. The Bishop holdeth the cord upon the right side, at the first pillar, and they all go with the cord round to the second pillar towards the east, whence it is carried to the bottom of the third pillar, and goeth to the bottom of the fourth pillar, and is carried again]

21 [to the middle of the first pillar, and fastened to the end which the Bishop holdeth; and again it is carried to the bottom of the second pillar, and passeth, low down, to the third pillar, and is taken thence to the top of the fourth pillar, and from the fourth pillar is carried to the bottom of the first pillar, so that a cross is formed at the front. And from the first pillar it goeth to the bottom of the second pillar, and thence is carried to the top of the third pillar, so that a cross is formed towards the east. And from the third pillar it is carried to the bottom of the fourth pillar, so that there is a cross upon the north side; and from the fourth pillar it goeth to the bottom of the first pillar. And from the bottom of the first pillar it goeth to the top of the second pillar; and so there is formed a cross on the south side. And it passeth round in such manner that there are three cords at the top, and the second end of the rope is bound to the first end at the first pillar.]

22 [And when these things are accomplished, that is to say, when the Altar hath been robed in the first covering and bound about with the cord, PSALM CXXXII. is said, once, twice, and thrice.] 23 Lord, remember David, and all his trouble: how he sware unto the Lord, and vowed a vow unto the Almighty God of Jacob; I will not come within the tabernacle of mine house, nor climb up into my bed; I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eyelids to slumber; neither the temples of my head to take any rest; until I find out a place for the temple of the Lord; an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. Lo, we heard of the same at Ephrata, and found it in the wood. We will go into his tabernacle, and fall low on our knees before his foot-stool. Arise, O Lord, into thy resting-place; thou, and the ark of thy strength. Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints sing with joyfulness. For thy servant David's sake, turn not away the presence of thine Anointed. The Lord hath made a faithful oath unto David, and he shall not shrink from it; of the fruit of thy body shall I set upon thy seat. If thy children will keep my covenant, and my testimonies that I shall learn them; their children also shall sit upon thy seat forevermore. For the Lord hath chosen Sion to be an habitation for himself; he hath longed for her. This shall be my rest forever: here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein. I will bless her victuals with increase, and will satisfy her poor with bread. I will deck her priests with health, and her saints shall rejoice and sing. There shall I make the horn of David to flourish: I have ordained a lantern for mine Anointed. As for his enemies, I shall clothe them with shame; but upon himself shall his crown flourish.

24 [And when this is finished, the Bishop saith:] Glory to our God unto ages of ages. [Then the Priests bring the upper covering (the inditia). The Bishop sprinkleth it with holy water within and without, and they put it on the holy Altar, and spread the pall (the ilitón), and upon it place the corporal (corporals), and the book of the Holy Gospels, and the precious cross upon the Altar, and cover them with the altar-cloth; and all these things are sprinkled with holy water. And all these things being accomplished, PSALM XCIII. is read:] The Lord is King, and hath put on glorious apparel; the Lord hath put on his apparel, and girded himself with strength. He hath made the round world so sure, that it cannot be moved. Ever since the world began hath thy seat been prepared: thou art from everlasting. The floods are risen, O Lord, the floods have lift up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The waves of the sea are mighty, and rage horribly; but yet the Lord, who dwelleth on high, is mightier. Thy testimonies, O Lord, are very sure: holiness becometh thine house forever.

25 [And after the Psalm the Bishop saith:] Blessed is our God always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. [Then the Bishop commandeth the chief of the officiating clergy to array the Table of Oblation, with sprinkling of holy water; and they place the vessels, and the veils thereon, and cover them with an altar-cloth, saying nothing, but only sprinkling them with holy water. Then the Bishop is divested of the special white garment; and the Proto-Deacon bringeth the censer to the Bishop. And the Bishop censeth the Altar and the Table of Oblation round about, and all the Sanctuary; and the Proto-Deacon goeth before him with a taper, reciting PSALM XXVI.:] Be thou my Judge, O Lord, for I have walked innocently: my trust hath been also in the Lord, therefore shall I not fall. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try out my reins and my heart. For thy loving-kindness is ever before mine eyes; and I will walk in thy truth. I have not dwelt with vain persons; neither will I have fellowship with the deceitful. I have hated the congregation of the wicked; and will not sit among the ungodly. I will wash my hands in innocency, O Lord; and so will I go to thine altar; that I may show the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. O shut not up my soul with the sinners, nor my life with the blood-thirsty; in whose hands is wickedness, and their right hand is full of gifts. But as for me, I will walk innocently: O deliver me, and be merciful unto me. My foot standeth right: I will praise the Lord in the congregations,

26 [many times, until the Sanctuary and the whole Church have been censed.] [And as the Bishop censeth, two Archimandrites, or Abbots, or Priests, follow him. One sprinkleth the walls with holy water; the second, holding the vessel of the holy Chrism, anointeth them with the brush, in cross-form, dipping it in the Chrism, first in the Sanctuary over the Bishop's seat, above the window; then over the western doors of the church; then on the south side and the north side over the doors; and if they be lofty, steps are used.] [And when the censing and the Psalm are finished, the Bishop entereth the Sanctuary and saith:] Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. [And the Proto-Deacon taketh the censer and censeth the Bishop thrice. Then he saith, in front of the Altar, on the left side, the Little Litany.]

27 Again, yet again, in peace let us pray to the Lord. Choir. Lord, have mercy. Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us and keep us, O God, by thy grace. Choir. Lord, have mercy. Calling to remembrance our most holy, undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Birth-giver of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God. Choir. To thee, O Lord. [And the Bishop doth not make the Exclamation, but the Proto-Deacon.] Let us pray to the Lord. [Then the Bishop's mitre is removed. And standing in front of the holy Altar, he saith, very loudly, the following Prayer:] 28 O Lord of heaven and earth, who with wisdom ineffable hast founded thy holy Church, and hast appointed the Order of the Priesthood upon the earth for an antitype of the Angels' service in heaven: Do thou, O munificent Lord, receive also us who now make our petitions unto thee, not as being worthy to ask such great things of thee, but that the exceeding excellence of thy goodness may be manifested; for thou hast not ceased in manifold wise to be gracious unto mankind. And, as the chiefest of thy benefits, thou hast bestowed upon us the coming in the flesh of thine Only-begotten Son, who was seen upon earth, and shedding forth the light of salvation upon them that sat in darkness, did offer himself a sacrifice for us, and became a propitiation for the whole world, making us to be partakers of his Resurrection; and after that he had ascended into heaven, he endued his Apostles and Disciples, as he had promised, with power from on high, which is the Holy Spirit, adored and almighty, who proceedeth from thee, our God and Father; through whom, also, they became mighty in deed and in word, administered Baptism unto the adoption of sonship, builded churches, established Altars, and instituted the laws and precepts of the Priesthood. And we sinners, having preserved the tradition thereof, do fall down before thee, the everlasting God, and implore thee, O Loving-kind One:

29 Fill with thy glory divine this Temple erected to thy praise, and show thou forth the holy Altar(s) therein set up as the Holy of Holies; that we who stand before it (them), as before the dread throne of thy kingdom, may serve thee uncondemned, sending up unto thee petitions for ourselves and for all the people, and offering the unbloody sacrifice of thy goodness, unto the remission of sins both voluntary and involuntary, unto the governing of our life, the attainment of a good conversation, and the fulfilling of all righteousness. 30 For blessed be thine all-holy Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Priests. Amen. And the Bishop saith: Peace be with you all. Priests. And with thy spirit. Proto-Deacon. Bow your heads unto the Lord. To thee, O Lord. And the Bishop saith, secretly, the following Prayer: We thank thee, O Lord God of Hosts, for that thou hast graciously vouchsafed to continue also even unto us sinners and thine unworthy servants, because of thy great love toward mankind, that grace which thou hast poured out upon thy holy Apostles, and upon our sainted fathers. Wherefore we pray thee, O all-merciful Lord: Fill with glory, and holiness, and grace this Altar (these Altars), that the unbloody sacrifices which shall thereon be offered unto thee may be transmuted into the most pure Body and precious Blood of thine Only-begotten Son, who is our Lord, and God, and Saviour Jesus Christ, unto the salvation of all thy people, and of our unworthiness.

31 Exclamation. For thou art our God, the God whose property it is to show mercy and to save; and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever; and unto ages of ages. Priests. Amen. And thereupon there is brought to the Bishop a candlestick, and therein a new, unlighted taper, which the Bishop lighteth with his own hands, and placeth on the High Place (the Bishop's seat) behind the Altar.* Then the Sacristan directeth how they are to go to another church, with the cross, for the holy relics: the Bishop giveth the book of the Holy Gospels and the cross to the Priests, and distributeth the tapers in the Sanctuary to those present, and issuing forth from the Sanctuary upon the tribune, to the laity. Then the Bishop entereth the Sanctuary: and preceded by the priests, the Bishop goeth forth from the Sanctuary through the church doors for the holy relics, taking his pastoral staff at the Holy Door from a Chanter, and saith:

32 Let us go forth in peace. Then they go for the holy relics, according to the ritual: in front are borne the church banners, and the holy pictures (ikóni), as is done in processions of the cross. The Bishop is supported by two Deacons. And the Priests walk before the Bishop, bearing the book of the Holy Gospels and the cross, and the Proto-Deacon and the Deacon cense. The Singers chant the Hymn, in Tone IV. Thy Church which, in all the world, thou hast adorned with the blood of thy martyrs, as it were purple and fine linen, crieth aloud through them unto thee, O Christ-God: Send down thy bounties upon thy people, giving grace unto thine Estate, and great mercy unto our souls. * Note that up to this point no tapers have been lighted in the Sanctuary. Secretly. Glory to the Father, . . . now, . . . (Tone VIII.)

33 The universe offereth unto thee, O Lord, the God-bearing martyrs, the first-fruits of nature, as to the Founder of Creation: Through the prayers of the same, and of the Birth-giver of God, O merciful One, preserve in peace profound thy Church, which is thine Estate. [And when the Bishop cometh to the Temple where the holy relics are placed, he entereth the Sanctuary through the Holy Door, with two of the Ecclesiastics there present. And at the Holy Door he giveth his pastoral staff to an acolyte. And the Bishop and Ecclesiastics do reverence to the holy relics; and the Bishop maketh the sign of the cross over those who stand there.] [Then the Proto-Deacon, standing in front of the Holy Door, reciteth the Little Litany. (See page 502.)] Again, yet again, in peace . . . [And the Priests outside the Sanctuary respond:] Lord, have mercy. [And after the Litany, the Bishop pronounceth the Exclamation in front of the Altar:]

34 For holy art thou, O our God, who restest on the honourable Martyrs, which have suffered for thee; and unto thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir. Amen. O Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us. (Thrice.) Proto-Deacon. Let us pray to the Lord. Choir. Lord, have mercy. [And the Bishop is divested of his mitre, which is laid upon the salver. And he saith the following Prayer:] O Lord our God, faithful in thy words, and steadfast in thy promises, who hast enabled thy holy Martyrs to fight the good fight and to fulfil the course of godliness, and to keep the faith of the true confession: Be thou, the same all-holy Lord, entreated of their prayers, and vouchsafe unto us thy servants to have a part and inheritance with them; that being followers of them, we also may obtain the good things which await them.

35 Exclamation. Through the mercy and love toward mankind of thine Only-begotten Son, with whom thou art blessed, together with thine all-holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir. Amen. Bishop. Peace be with you all. Choir. And with thy spirit. Proto-Deacon. Bow your heads unto the Lord. Choir. To thee, O Lord. [And the Bishop saith, secretly, the following Prayer:] O Lord our God, through the prayers of our most holy Lady, the Birth-giver of God, and of all thy Saints, direct thou the works of the hands of us, thine unworthy servants; and vouchsafe that we may, in all things, prove acceptable unto thy goodness. [Secretly] Exclamation. Blessed and all-glorified be the majesty of thy kingdom, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir. Amen. [The Bishop then taketh the censer from the Proto-Deacon, and censeth the holy relics thrice three times; and giving the censer to be held, and taking the holy paten with the holy relics, covered with a veil over the star-cover, he setteth it upon his head, and goeth out through the Holy Door, supported by the chief Ecclesiastics. But the Bishop himself holdeth the paten with both hands. And thus they go forth, according to their rank. In front are borne the church banners, and the holy image (ikóna) of the Temple. Before the holy image go the Singers; then the Priests, then the Taper-bearer with the pastoral staff; and the mitre is borne in the middle.]

36 [Then the Proto-Deacon and a Deacon go with censers and cense the holy relics and the Bishop; and over the paten Deacons bear two or four sacramental fans. Before the Bishop Sub-Deacons bear the double-branched and triple-branched candlesticks (dikíri and trikíri).] [Then the Singers chant the Hymn, in Tone III.:] O Good One, who didst found thy Church upon the rock of faith, direct thou aright our petitions therein; and accept thou the people who, in faith, do cry unto thee: Save us, O our God, save us. [If there be time, they sing also the following Theme-Songs (Irmost):] [Tone III., Song III.] O Lord, the Confirmation of those who set their hope on thee, confirm thou thy Church, which thou hast bought with thy precious blood. [Tone VIII., Song III.] O Master and Creator of the vault of heaven, and Founder of the Church, establish thou me in thy love, O thou who alone lovest mankind; the Summit of desire, the Confirmation of the faithful.

37 [Tone V., Song III.] Thou who upon nothing, by thy command, didst erect the earth, and didst suspend it, hanging unsupported: Upon the rock immovable of thy commandments, O Christ, establish thou thy Church, O thou who alone art good and lovest mankind. [When they come to the Church which is to be consecrated, they circle round about it from the western door to the southern side, and so on to the east; And a Priest goeth before, and sprinkleth the Church with holy water. And when they come in front of the great door of the Church, the Singers chant the Hymns, in Tone VII.:] O holy Martyrs, who fought the good fight and have received your crowns: Entreat ye the Lord that our souls may be saved. Glory to thee, O Christ our God, the Apostles' boast, the Martyrs' joy, whose preaching was the consubstantial Trinity. [Then the Bishop taketh from his head the paten with the holy relics, and setteth it on the table prepared in front of the church doors. And he doeth reverence to the holy relics thrice: and putteth on his mitre, and signeth the Priests on either side with the sign of the cross. And while the Singers chant the Hymns, they enter the Temple.]

38 [And the doors being shut or screened with a curtain, the Clergy stand with the holy images, the Gospels and the cross, behind the table which is in front of the door, turning toward the west; and on the table is spread an altar-cloth, and at the corners stand four candlesticks, or two; and the Deacons hold the sacramental fans over the holy relics.] [Then the Proto-Deacon bringeth the censer to the Bishop. And the Bishop, taking it, censeth the holy paten thrice three times, as also the book of the Holy Gospels, and the cross, and the holy images (ikōni), on the right and on the left; and also the Clergy.] [And after the censing, the Proto-Deacon taketh the censer from the Bishop, and censeth the Bishop thrice.] [And the Bishop, standing before the holy relics, saith:] Blessed art thou always, O Christ our God, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.

39 [And the Singers within the Temple respond: Amen.] [Then the Bishop saith:] Receive your princes, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in. [And the Singers within the Temple sing:] Who is this King of Glory? [And again, for the second time, the Bishop proclaimeth:] Receive your princes, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory shall come in. Singers. Who is this King of Glory? Proto-Deacon. Let us pray to the Lord. Singers. Lord, have mercy. [The Bishop's mitre is then removed, and he saith, in a loud voice, this Prayer:] 40 Blessed be thou forever, O God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who through the veil of his flesh hath consecrated for us an entrance into the Church of the first-born, who are written in heaven, where is the abode of those who rejoice, and the voice of gladness: Do thou, the same Lord who lovest mankind, look upon us, thy sinful and unworthy servants, who now celebrate the renewal of the honourable Temple of N., after the pattern of thy most holy Church, that is, of our own body, which thou hast vouchsafed unto us by thine all-laudable Apostle Paul to call thy Temple (and members of thy Christ); and establish thou it immovable unto the end of time, and glorified in thee. And vouchsafe that without condemnation we may offer therein praises and exaltations unto thy glory, and unto thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and thy Holy Spirit, with understanding, and with all emotion; and that those who worship thee in thy fear may show themselves worthy of thy divine bounties, and may be acceptable unto thy goodness, through these prayers offered up by us and by all thy people unto thine unspeakable loving-kindness: through the prayers of our most holy Lady, the Birth-giver of God, and ever-virgin Mary.

Exclamation.

41 For holy art thou, O our God, who restest on the Saints. And unto thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir. Amen. Bishop. Peace be with you all. Choir. And with thy spirit. Proto-Deacon. Bow your heads unto the Lord. Choir. To thee, O Lord. [And the Bishop reciteth, secretly, this Prayer:] O Master, Lord our God, who hast appointed in heaven, ranks and hosts of Angels and Archangels for the ministry of thy glory: Cause that with our entrance may enter also the holy Angels, with us serving thee and with us glorifying thy goodness. [Secretly.]

Exclamation.

42 For unto thee are due all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir. Amen. [Then the Bishop taketh the paten with the holy relics, and signeth the doors of the Church in cross-form, saying:] The Lord of Hosts, he is the King of Glory. [And the Choir singeth:] The Lord of Hosts, he is the King of Glory. [And while the Choir singeth this for the last time, the table is removed, and the Bishop setteth the paten with the holy relics on his head; and they enter the Temple. At that moment the Choir singeth the Hymn in Tone IV.] Forasmuch as thou hast shown forth the splendour of the firmament on high, and the beauty of the holy habitation of thy glory here below, O Lord: Establish thou the same forever, and accept our petitions continually offered unto thee therein; through the Birth-giver of God, O thou who art the life and the Resurrection of all men.

43 [And the Bishop goeth into the holy Sanctuary, through the Holy Door, and setteth the paten with the holy relics on the holy Altar, and doeth reverence to the holy relics. And the Bishop's mitre is put upon him. Then the Proto-Deacon bringeth the censer to the Bishop, and the Bishop taketh it, and censeth the holy relics thrice three times, and his fellow-clergy, on both sides. And the Proto-Deacon, taking the censer from the Bishop, censeth the Bishop thrice.] [The Bishop prayeth, and blesseth his fellow-ministers, and taketh the veil and star-cover from the paten; and the Sacristan bringeth the holy Chrism, and the coffer for the holy relics, which is beneath the Altar. After him the Sub-Deacon bringeth the wax-mastic, somewhat cooled. And the Bishop taketh the holy relics, unfolding them from the paper in which they have been wrapped, in three portions, encased in wax, and placeth them in the coffer, having first anointed them with the holy Chrism; and poureth of the wax-mastic, and giveth the coffer to the Sacristan.]

44 [And the Sacristan, taking it, and kissing the holy hand of the Bishop, closeth the coffer, and layeth it under the Altar, in the central pillar.] [Then the Bishop layeth the prepared particles in the corporal (or corporals), having first anointed inside a little bag in the centre of each corporal with the holy Chrism, and maketh them fast with wax-mastic with a special small paddle.] [[When there is no other church in the vicinity of the Temple to be consecrated, the holy relics are set, in the same manner, on the preceding evening, upon a lectern in front of the holy picture (ikōna) of the Saviour, in the Temple which is to be consecrated. And when the time is come to go for the holy relics, the Bishop issueth forth from the doors of the Church, and standeth over against the relics, on his eagle rug, and praying, he blesseth his fellow-clergy; and the Bishop taketh the censer, and censeth the holy relics thrice: and the Choir singeth the Hymn already set forth (page 503): Thy Church which, in all the world, . . . Glory . . . now, . . . ; and the Collect-Hymn: The universe offereth unto thee, O Lord, . . . (See page 504.)]]

45 [And when the Choir hath finished singing, the Proto-Deacon saith the Little Litany: Again, yet again, . . . (page 502) before the holy relics, and all things are done according to the ritual, as hereinbefore set forth. And the Bishop taketh the holy relics on his head, and goeth with the cross round about the Church, according to the ritual. And when it is in no wise possible to make the circuit of the Church with the holy relics, then they go forth before the great door of the Temple, and the Bishop setteth the holy relics on the table there made ready, and doeth reverence to the holy relics, and taketh the censer from the Proto-Deacon, and censeth the holy relics three times; and everything is done according to the order already prescribed. And after all hath been accomplished, the Bishop setteth the holy relics on his head, and having blessed therewith the great door of the church, he setteth them again upon his head; and entering the Sanctuary, he maketh the circuit of the Sanctuary once with the holy relics, instead of going round about the Temple, as should have been done; and he setteth the holy relics upon the holy Altar, and layeth them in the coffer and in the corporals, and doth the rest, according to the order set forth above.]]

46 [And when this hath been accomplished, the Proto-Deacon saith:] [Let us pray to the Lord.] [Priests. Lord, have mercy.] O Lord our God, who hast bestowed upon the holy Martyrs which suffered for thy sake this glory also, that their relics should be sown abroad in all the earth, in thy holy churches, and should bring forth fruits of healing: Do thou, the same Master, who art the giver of all good things, through the intercessions of the saints whose relics thou hast graciously permitted to be placed in this thy most honourable Altar (these thy most honourable Altars), enable us uncondemned to offer unto thee thereon the unbloody sacrifice: And grant us all those petitions which are unto salvation, vouchsafing also to the relics therein of those who have suffered for thy holy Name, that they may work miracles unto our salvation.

Exclamation.

47 For thine are the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. The Priests. Amen.

Then the Proto-Deacon saith:

48 Again, yet again, on bended knees, let us pray to the Lord. [And the Bishop, kneeling (and the people there present in the Temple kneel also), reciteth, in the hearing of all, this Prayer:] 49 O Lord our God, who by thy word alone didst bring into existence creation, and who in wise unutterable didst adorn it diversely, and didst send down thy Holy Spirit, gathering it together, and hast poured forth this light of the sun unto its renewal; who didst inspire Moses, well-pleasing in thy sight, to add unto thine exceedingly good creation a certain special praise, and to say: Thou didst behold the light, that it was good, and didst call it Day: which, also, we have beheld, even this most radiant sun that every day reneweth creation, and do glorify thee, the Sun of the true day, and thy light which hath no setting; Who, through thy Son, hast commanded us to renew our nature by thy Holy Spirit, that through the gift thereof thy Saints may shine like the sun: We pray thee, and beseech thee, the Father of the Word, our Lord and our God (forasmuch as, through thine unutterable love toward mankind and thy boundless mercy, creation and the ancient covenant, — which was the image of the new covenant, — in thy divine revelation of thyself on Mount Sinai, and that wondrous Bush that burned, and the tabernacle of assembly, and the exceeding beautiful Temple of Solomon, received renewal): with merciful eyes look thou upon us, thy sinful and unworthy servants, who are here present in this house like unto heaven, which is the praise of the universe, a true altar of thine ineffable glory.

50 And send down upon us, and upon thine inheritance thy most Holy Spirit, and after the manner of the divine David renew within our hearts a right spirit, and establish us with thy sovereign Spirit. And grant unto our most God-fearing Sovereign victories and conquests over enemies both visible and invisible; and unto us peace and concord. And give remission of sins to those who have diligently completed this building and consecration of a temple out of love to thee, O God: Grant them those petitions which are unto salvation; stir them up to do thy commandments; vouchsafe unto them the renewal of the gift of thy Holy Spirit, that uncondemned they may worship thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent: Through the prayers of the Birth-giver of God (and of N., the Saint to whom the Church is dedicated), and of all thy Saints. Amen.

51 [And after the Prayer the Bishop riseth, as do likewise the others, and the Proto-Deacon saith:] Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, raise us up, and keep us, O God, by thy grace. [(And the rest of the Little Litany. See page 502.)] [The Ascription: The Bishop.] For holy art thou, O our God, and restest on the holy, honourable Martyrs, who have suffered for thy sake; and unto thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. — Choir. Amen. [Then the Bishop goeth to the place where he is vested, if such a place there be, with his pastoral staff. But if there be no vesting-place, he standeth on the tribune in front of the Sanctuary. And the Priests take their stand on either side, according to the ritual. And when the Bishop hath stood there and prayed, he blesseth those present.]

52 [The Proto-Deacon reciteth the Litany.] Have mercy upon us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we beseech thee: hearken, and have mercy. ℟ [Here follow petitions for the Ruler of the Land and for all the Authorities (Emperor, or King, and Reigning House, or President, according to the elements and nationalities of which the Parish is constituted).] Furthermore we pray for our Holy Synod (or Patriarch); for our Bishop (or Archbishop, or Metropolitan), N.; for the honourable Presbytery, the Diaconate in Christ; for all the clergy and the laity. ℟ Furthermore we pray for all their Christ-loving Army and Navy. ℟ Furthermore we pray for the blessed and ever-memorable founders of this holy Temple. ℟ Furthermore we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, forgiveness and remission of sins for the servants of God, our brethren of this holy Temple. ℟ Furthermore we pray for those who bear fruit and do good work in this holy and all-honourable Temple: for those who labour in its service; for the singers, and for the people here present, who await in firm hope the great and rich mercies which are from thee. ℟

53 Choir. Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.) [And the Bishop maketh the Exclamation.] For thou art a merciful God, who lovest mankind, and unto thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir. Amen. [Then the Sacristan bringeth to the Bishop a cross upon a salver. And the Bishop taketh the cross, and standing on that same vesting-place (or on the tribune before the Sanctuary) blesseth thrice with the cross, on all four sides: to the east, and the west, and the south, and the north. And the Proto-Deacon censeth over against the cross thrice on each side, and passing over, saith: Let us all say, Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.)] Choir. Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.) [After the blessing, the Proto-Deacon saith: Wisdom!] [And the Bishop, laying the cross upon the Sacristan's salver, goeth (if he hath been standing upon the vesting-place) to the tribune before the Sanctuary, bearing his pastoral staff, saying:]

54 O most holy Birth-giver of God, save us. Choir. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thou who without defilement barest God the Word, true Birth-giver of God, we magnify thee. Bishop. Glory to thee, O Christ-God our hope; glory to thee. Choir. Glory . . . now, and ever, . . . Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.) Master, bless. [And the Bishop, ascending the tribune, and giving his pastoral staff, again taketh the cross, and giveth the Benediction with the cross. And after the Benediction the Proto-Deacon proclaimeth Many years. And after the Many years, the Deacon bringeth the Bishop holy water. And the Bishop sprinkleth with the holy water the wall, west, north and south. After the sprinkling, the Bishop himself kisseth the precious cross, and after him the other Ecclesiastics and the People kiss it likewise; and he sprinkleth each of them with holy water. And while the People salute it, the Choir singeth. Many Years.]

55 [And when this hath been sung, the Hours are begun. At the Liturgy, the Gradual (Proklmen) of the Consecration and of the Saint of the Temple are used. The Epistle is: Hebrews ix. 1-8, and that of the Temple. The Gospel is: John x. 22-27, and that of the Temple.] [Every Orthodox Christian should know in what manner he is bound to return thanks to God our Benefactor, for every answer to prayer, and for every favour received at his hands, whether for the soul or body; either individually or for all the people; either privately in his own chamber or publicly in church.] [If the following Thanksgiving is to be celebrated, not in connection with the Liturgy but after the Matins or Vesper Service, the Priest, vested in his stole and chasuble, and standing in front of the holy Altar after having censed the same in the form of a cross, beginneth as follows:]

56 Glory to the Holy, and Consubstantial, and Undivided Trinity, always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir. Amen. [Then is read:] O heavenly King, the Comforter, Spirit of Truth, who art in all places and fillest all things; Treasury of good things and Giver of life: Come, and take up thine abode in us, and cleanse us from every stain; and save our souls, O Good One. O Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us. (Thrice.) Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. O all-holy Trinity, have mercy upon us. O Lord, wash away our sins. O Master, pardon our transgressions. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for thy Name's sake. Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.) Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from the Evil One:

57 For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir. Amen. O come, let us worship God our King. O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God. O come, let us worship and fall down before the Very Christ, our King and our God. O come, let us worship and fall down before him. (Three reverences.) 58 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious: because his mercy endureth forever. Let Israel now confess that he is gracious, and that his mercy endureth forever. Let the house of Aaron now confess that his mercy endureth forever. Yea, let them now that fear the Lord confess that his mercy endureth forever. I called upon the Lord in trouble, and the Lord heard me at large. The Lord is on my side, I will not fear what man doeth unto me. The Lord taketh my part with them that help me, therefore shall I see my desire upon mine enemies. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put any confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put any confidence in princes. All nations compassed me round about; but in the Name of the Lord will I destroy them. They kept me in on every side, they kept me in, I say, on every side, but in the Name of the Lord will I destroy them. They came about me like bees, and are extinct even as the fire among the thorns; for in the Name of the Lord will I destroy them. Thou hast thrust sore at me, that I might fall: but the Lord was my help. The Lord is my strength and my song, and is become my salvation. The voice of joy and health is in the dwellings of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass.

59 The right hand of the Lord hath the preeminence; the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. The Lord hath chastened and corrected me, but he hath not given me over unto death. Open me the gates of righteousness, that I may go into them, and give thanks unto the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord: the righteous shall enter into it. I will thank thee, for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation. The same stone which the builders rejected is become the head-stone in the corner. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord hath made: we will rejoice and be glad in it. Help me now, O Lord: O Lord, send us now prosperity. Blessed be he that cometh in the Name of the Lord. We have wished you good luck, ye that are of the house of the Lord. God is the Lord who hath showed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, yea, even unto the horns of the altar. Thou art my God, and I will thank thee. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, and his mercy endureth forever.

60 Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to thee, O God. (Thrice.) [Then the Deacon reciteth the customary Litany.] In peace let us pray to the Lord. Choir. Lord, have mercy. For the peace that is from above, and for the salvation of our souls : R For the peace of the whole world ; for the welfare of God's holy Churches, and for the union of them all : R For this holy Temple, and for those who with faith, devoutness, and in the fear of God have entered therein : R For our Holy Synod (or Patriarch) ; for our Bishop (or Archbishop, or Metropolitan), N. ; for the honourable Presbytery, the Diaconate in Christ ; for all the clergy and the laity : R [Here follow petitions for the Ruler of the Land and for all the Authorities (Emperor, or King, and Reigning House, or President, according to the elements and nationalities of which the Parish is constituted).]

61 That he will aid them in all things, and subdue under their feet every foe and adversary : R For this city, and for every city and land ; and for those who with faith dwell therein : R For healthful seasons, for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times : R For those who travel by sea or by land ; for the sick and suffering ; for those who are in captivity, and for their salvation : R That he will graciously accept this present thanksgiving and supplication of us unworthy sinners on his most heavenly Altar, and in his compassion have mercy upon us : R That he will not despise the thanksgiving of us his unprofitable servants, which we offer with humble hearts for the benefits that we have received from him ; but that it may be acceptable unto him as sweet-smelling incense, and a whole burnt-offering : R

62 That he will hearken now unto the voice of petition of us, his unworthy servants, and will always fulfil the good intention and desire of his faithful, as may be most expedient for them ; and, in that he is bountiful, may always bestow his benefits upon us, and grant unto his holy Church and unto every faithful servant of his their petitions : R That he will deliver his holy Church (and his servants, NN. ; or his servant, N.) and us all from every tribulation, wrath, peril and necessity, and from all enemies, both visible and invisible ; and that he will always hedge about his faithful people with health, long life, and peace, and the host of his holy Angels : R Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us, and keep us, O God, by thy grace. Choir. Lord, have mercy. Calling to remembrance our most holy, undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Birth-giver of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

63 let us pray to the Lord. Choir. Lord, have mercy. Choir. To thee, O Lord. Priest. For unto thee are due all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir. Amen. Then: God is the Lord, and hath revealed himself unto us. Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord. Verse (Stikh) 1: O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious; because his mercy endureth forever. Verse 2: All the nations compassed me about, but in the Name of the Lord have I driven them back. Verse 3: I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. Verse 4: The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner. This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.

64 And the following Hymns (Troparī), in Tone IV.: We, thine unworthy servants, O Lord, grateful for thy great benefits which thou hast showed upon us, glorifying thee do praise, bless, give thanks, sing, and magnify thy loving-kindness, and with love do cry aloud unto thee in humble submissiveness: O our Benefactor and our Saviour, glory to thee. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. (Tone III.) O Master, who hast freely vouchsafed thy benefits and gifts unto thine unprofitable servants, zealously resorting unto thee, we offer unto thee thanksgiving according to our strength, and glorifying thee as our Benefactor and our Creator, we cry aloud: Glory to thee, O God most bountiful. Now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. (Tone III.) O Birth-giver of God, the Helper of Christians, having acquired thy protection, we thy servants gratefully do cry aloud unto thee: Hail, most pure Birth-giver of God! And from all calamities deliver thou us always by thy prayers, O thou who alone art a speedy Helper in trouble.

65 Deacon. Let us attend. Priest. Peace be with you all. Reader. And with thy spirit. Deacon. Wisdom! Let us attend. Reader. The Gradual (Prokimen), in the Fourth Tone. I will sing of the Lord, because he hath dealt so lovingly with me, yea I will praise the Name of the Lord most highest. Verse: My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. Then the Epistle is read: (Ephesians v. 8-21.) Brethren, walk ye as children of the light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth); proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are discovered are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

66 [On the Birthdays of their Imperial Majesties, and of their Imperial and Royal Highnesses: The First Epistle to Timothy ii. 1-6. (See the Thanksgiving Service for New Year's Day.) On Days commemorating Victories, as such the Anniversary of the Battle of Poltava, and the like: (2 Cor. ii. 14-16.) Now, brethren, thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge to us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? (1 Tim. i. 17.) Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory unto ages of ages. Amen.] Priest. Peace be unto thee.

67 Reader. And to thy spirit. Deacon. Wisdom! Reader. Alleluia, in the Fourth Tone. Deacon. And that he will graciously vouchsafe unto us to hear his Holy Gospel, let us pray to the Lord. Choir. Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.) Deacon. Wisdom, O believers! Let us listen to the Holy Gospel. Priest. Peace be with you all. Choir. And with thy spirit. Priest. The Lesson from the holy Gospel of Luke. Deacon. Let us attend. Choir. Glory to thee, O Lord; glory to thee. The Priest then readeth the Gospel. (Luke xvii. 12-19). And as Jesus entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: and they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God. And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

68 Choir. Glory to thee, O Lord; glory to thee. [And immediately the Deacon reciteth the following Litany:] Have mercy upon us, O God, according to thy great mercy, we beseech thee: hearken, and have mercy. ℟ Returning thanks with fear and trembling, as unprofitable servants, unto thy loving-kindness, O Lord, our Saviour and our Master, for thy benefits which thou hast poured out abundantly upon thy servants, we fall down in worship, and offer unto thee praise as God, and with fervour do cry aloud unto thee: Deliver thou thy servants from all calamities, and in that thou art merciful fulfil thou always the desires of us all as may be expedient for us, we diligently entreat thee: hearken, and have mercy. ℟ In that thou now hast mercifully hearkened unto the supplications of thy servants, O Lord, and hast manifested upon us the tender compassion of thy love for mankind, so also, in time to come, despising us not, do thou fulfil, unto thy glory, all good desires of thy faithful people, and reveal unto us all thy rich mercy, disregarding all our iniquities, we beseech thee: hearken, and have mercy. ℟

69 And may this our thanksgiving be as sweet-smelling incense, as a fat whole burnt-offering before the majesty of thy glory, O all-gracious Master; and send thou down always upon thy servants, in that thou art beneficent, thy rich mercies and bounties; and deliver from all assaults of enemies both visible and invisible, thy holy Church, and this city; and grant unto all thy people length of days, sinless and healthful, and increase in all virtue, we beseech thee, O all-bountiful King: mercifully hearken, and speedily show mercy. ℟

Exclamation.

70 Priest. Hear us, O God our Saviour, the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of those who are far off upon the sea; and show mercy, show mercy, O Master, upon us sinners, and be merciful unto us. For thou art a merciful God and lovest mankind, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir. Amen. [And making three reverences before the holy Altar, the Deacon saith:] Let us pray to the Lord. Choir. Lord, have mercy. Choir. Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.) [Then the Priest, with all heed and devoutness, readeth the following Prayer, aloud:] O Lord Jesus Christ our God, the God of all mercies and bounties, whose mercy is immeasurable, and whose love for mankind is an unfathomable deep: falling down in adoration before thy majesty, with fear and trembling, as unprofitable servants, and now humbly rendering thanks unto thy loving-kindness for thy benefits bestowed upon thy servants, NN. (or upon thy servant, N.), we glorify thee, we praise thee, we sing thee, and we magnify thee as our Lord, and Master, and Benefactor; and again falling down before thee, and we humbly thank thee, supplicating thy boundless and inexpressible mercy. And in that thou hast now graciously vouchsafed to accept the petitions of thy servants and to fulfil them, so also henceforth grant that thy holy Church and this city may be delivered from every hostile assault, and may be vouchsafed peace and tranquillity, and that increasing in true love of thee, and of all virtues, all thy faithful people may receive all thy benefits; and that we may ever offer thanksgiving unto thee, together with thy Father who is from everlasting, and thine all-holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, God glorified in one Person; and that we may say exceeding good things, and sing:

71 [And immediately he exclaimeth, in a very loud voice:] Glory to thee, O God our Benefactor, unto ages of ages. [And standing in the centre of the Church, the Choir singeth: Amen.] [Then immediately is sung the Great Anthem of Praise: Glory be to God on high (see page 34): Or instead, the Anthem of St. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, is sung: We praise thee, O God, . . . (See page 539.)] [And when it is finished, the Deacon saith:] Wisdom! Reader. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thou who without defilement barest God the Word, true Birth-giver of God, we magnify thee. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.) Bless. [And the Priest pronounceth the customary BENEDICTION.] May Christ, our true God, through the prayers of his most holy Mother, of Saint N. (the Saint for the day), and of all the Saints, have mercy upon us and save us, in that he is good and loveth mankind.

72 [And blessing the People with his hand, he saith:] May the blessing of the Lord, through his grace, and bounties, and love of mankind, be upon you always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. The Priest beginneth: Blessed is our God, always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir. O heavenly King, . . . Reader. O Holy God, Holy Mighty, . . . Glory . . . now, and ever, . . O all-holy Trinity, . . . Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.) Glory, . . . now, and ever, . . Our Father, . . . For thine is the kingdom, . . . O come, let us worship . . (See page 512.)

Psalm Xxxiv.

73 I will alway give thanks unto the Lord; his praise shall ever be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O praise the Lord with me, and let us magnify his Name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me; yea, he delivered me out of all my fear. They had an eye unto him, and were lightened; and their faces were not ashamed. Lo, the poor crieth, and the Lord heareth him; yea, and saveth him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord tarrieth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste, and see, how gracious the Lord is: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the Lord, ye that are his saints; for they that fear him lack nothing. The lions do lack, and suffer hunger; but they who seek the Lord shall want no manner of thing that is good. Come, ye children, and hearken unto me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he that lusteth to live, and would fain see good days? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips, that they speak no guile. Eschew evil, and do good; seek peace, and ensue it. The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers. The countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil, to root out the remembrance of them from the earth.

74 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth them, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart, and will save such as be of an humble spirit. Great are the troubles of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of all. He keepeth all his bones, so that not one of them is broken. But misfortune shall slay the ungodly; and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The Lord delivereth the souls of his servants; and all they that put their trust in him shall not be destitute. 75 Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia. (Thrice.) [And the usual Litany: In peace let us pray to the Lord, . . . and the rest (see page 5), to the end of the petition: For those who travel by sea or by land, . . . after which the following petitions are added:] That he will send down upon these children the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and will open their minds and their lips, and enlighten their hearts, unto the receiving of precepts of good instruction, let us pray to the Lord. Choir. Lord, have mercy. That he will implant in their hearts his godly fear, which is the beginning of wisdom, and will thereby expel from their hearts the turbulence of youth, and enlighten their minds, that they may turn aside from evil and do that which is good: R

76 That he will open their minds to receive, and to understand, and to remember all instruction which is good and profitable for the soul: R That he will grant them the wisdom which abideth with his throne, and will implant it in their hearts, so that he may teach them that which is well-pleasing in his sight: R That he will prosper them in wisdom and in stature, to the glory of God: R That they may have a wise and virtuous life, and prosperity in the Orthodox faith, and may be a joy and consolation to their parents, and pillars of the Orthodox-Catholic Church: R That they and we may be delivered from all tribulation, wrath, peril and necessity: R Succour us, save us, have mercy upon us and keep us, O God, by thy grace. Choir. Lord, have mercy. Calling to remembrance our most holy, undefiled, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Birth-giver of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves, and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.

77 Choir. To thee, O Lord.

Exclamation.

78 For unto thee are due all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir. Amen. [Then the following Hymns (Tropart) are read. Tone VI.:] As thou didst come into the midst of thy Disciples, O Saviour, bestowing upon them peace, so also come thou unto us, and save us. Of thine unlettered Disciples thy Holy Spirit made teachers, O Christ our God; and by the commingling of tongues He annulled idolatry in that He is almighty. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. (Tone VIII.) let us pray to the Lord. Choir. Lord, have mercy. Blessed art thou, O Christ our God, who hast revealed fishers most wise, sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and thereby catching the universe as in a net. O Christ our God, who lovest mankind, glory to thee.

79 Now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. O Protection of Christians that maketh not ashamed, O Mediatrix never-failing with the Creator: Despise not the sinners' voice of supplication; but in that thou art good, come speedily to the aid of us who faithfully call upon thee; make haste to our petition and further our prayer, O Birth-giver of God, who ever protectest them that do thee honour. Deacon. Let us attend. Priest. Peace be with you all. Reader. And with thy spirit. Deacon. Wisdom! Let us attend. Reader. The Gradual (Prokimen), in the Fourth Tone: Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained praise. Verse: My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. [Then the Reader readeth the Epistle.] (Ephesians i. 16-19; iii. 16-21.) Brethren: I cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. And that ye may know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

80 [Then the Deacon saith:] Wisdom, O believers! Let us listen to the Holy Gospel. Priest. Peace be with you all. Choir. And with thy spirit. Priest. The Lesson from the holy Gospel of Luke. Deacon. Let us attend. Choir. Glory to thee, O Lord; glory to thee. (Mark x. 13-16.) At that time they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. Choir. Glory to thee, O Lord; glory to thee.

81 [Then the Deacon reciteth the Augmented Litany as far as: Furthermore we pray for all their Christ-loving Army and Navy. (See page 90.)] Then: Furthermore we pray unto the Lord our God, that he will look graciously upon these children, and will send down into their hearts, their minds, and their lips the spirit of wisdom, and of understanding, and of piety, and of his fear; and that he will illumine them with the light of his knowledge, and will bestow upon them strength and stedfastness, that they may quickly apprehend and speedily become wonted to the instruction in his Divine Law, and to all good and profitable learning: furthermore, that he will prosper them in wisdom and understanding, and in all good works to the glory of his holy Name, and will give them health, and make them long-lived, unto the building up and the glory of his Church, let us all say: O Lord, hearken and mercifully have mercy.

82 Choir. Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times.) Then the Priest exclaimeth: Hear us, O God our Saviour, . . . (See page 517.) Choir. Amen. Deacon. Let us pray to the Lord. Choir. Lord, have mercy. [And the Priest, with all heed and emotion, readeth, aloud, the following Prayer:] O Lord our God and Creator, who hast honoured us men with thine own image; who hast taught thine elect, so that wonderful are they who give heed to thy teaching; who revealest wisdom unto babes; who hast imparted thy teaching unto Solomon and unto all who have sought thy wisdom: Open thou the hearts, the minds, and the lips of these thy servants, that they may receive the power of thy law, and successfully apprehend the useful precepts which shall be taught them, to the glory of thine all-holy Name, to the profit and building up of thy holy Church, and that they may understand thy good and perfect will. Deliver them from every hostile oppression; preserve them in Orthodoxy and the faith, and in all uprightness and purity all the days of their life, that they may advance in wisdom, and in the fulfilling of thy commandments: that, being thus prepared, they may glorify thine all-holy Name, and become heirs of thy kingdom. For thou art God mighty in mercy, and gracious in strength; and unto thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

83 Deacon. Wisdom! Choir. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thou who without defilement barest God the Word, true Birth-giver of God, we magnify thee. Priest. Glory to thee, O Christ-God, our hope; glory to thee. Choir. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. (Thrice.) Bless.

And the customary BENEDICTION.

84 May Christ, our true God, through the prayers of his all-holy Mother; of the holy, glorious and all-laudable Apostles; of the holy, righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; and of all the Saints, have mercy upon us, and save us, forasmuch as he is good, and loveth mankind. [Then the Priest, blessing the Children with the cross, saith:] The blessing of the Lord, with his grace, and bounties, and love toward mankind, be upon you always, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. [Then the Children kiss the holy cross, and the Priest sprinkleth them with holy water.]