The Nestorian liturgy

 The Nestorian Qurbana

 

As the Celebrant blesses the Congregation with the Altar Gospel book, saying the following prayer, the Deacon shall receive the blessing with his stole in his right hand, facing the Holy Altar:

Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, unto ages of ages.

Choir Amen.

While the Celebrant sings the following verses, the Deacon shall hold the stole in his right hand over his heart:

Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord; and Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy might, and Him only shalt thou serve.

Hear, O Israel, thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself, on these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God: I am the Lord your God.

The Celebrant shall bless the incense and cense the Altar, the doors, and the Congregation, the Deacon shall accompany the priest with his stole over his left forearm.

Let this incense be blessed by Him in Whose honor it shall be burnt; and may the Lord enkindle within us the Fire of His Love, and the flame of everlasting Charity.

During the censing the Hymn ' We Will Enter His Gates' is sung.

After the censing, the Celebrant shall return to the center of the Altar, the Deacon hold his stole eye level

Celebrant: Glory be to God on high and on earth peace, good will to all beings, now and ever unto ages of ages.

Deacon rests his stole on his left fore-arm, saying

Deacon: Amen.

Celebrant: Our Father in Heaven! Hallowed by Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, as in heaven so on earth.

Choir: Give us bread for our needs from day to day, and forgive us our offenses, as we have forgiven our offend-ers, and do not let us enter into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 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, unto ages of ages. Amen.

Celebrant reads the proper Introit for the appointed Mass.

Introit

The Celebrant intones the 'Glory be to God,' the Deacon calls the Congregation to worship during the first few words, then holds the stole over his heart, until the end of the prayer, when he blesses himself.

Celebrant: Glory be to God on high!

Choir: And on earth peace, good will to all. We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify Thee, we give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory. O Lord, God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only

begotten Son Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. For Thou only art holy; Thou only art the Lord; Thou only O Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, art most high in the glory + of God the Father. Amen.

The Celebrant then intones the Proper Collects for the appoint-ed Mass or the Deacon intones the Great Litany.

Collects

Celebrant: The Lord be with you!

Choir: And with thy spirit!

Celebrant: Let us pray: ....

Choir: Amen.

Great Litany

The Deacon intones the Great Litany with the call to worship during 'In peace, let us pray...' at the start of each sentence he elevates his stole to eye level then to his heart during the choir's responses

Deacon: In peace let us pray unto the Lord!

Choir: Lord have mercy, or Kyrie Eleison.

Deacon: For the peace from above, and the salvation of our souls, let us pray unto the Lord!

Choir: Lord have mercy!

Deacon: for the peace of God, and for the welfare of the Holy Churches of God, for our Catholicos, Mar N. .. for our Metropolitan, Mar N., .. for our Archbishop, Mar N., for our Bishop Mar N., for the priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, for the faithful, and for the union of all the Churches of Our Lord Jesus Christ, let us pray unto the Lord!

Choir: Lord have mercy!

Deacon: For our president N..., for our governor N..., for all in civil authority, for the Armed Forces, that the Lord will guide their steps, let us pray unto the Lord!

Choir: Lord have mercy.

Deacon: for the sick and the suffering, that He will deliver us from tribulation, danger, fear and want, let us pray unto the Lord!

Choir: Lord have mercy!

Deacon: Calling into remembrance out Holy, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Mary the Mother of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with all the Saints, let us commend our-selves and each other and all our lives unto Christ Our Lord!

Choir: To Thee O Lord!

Deacon: For unto Thee are due all Glory, Honor, and Wor-ship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever unto ages of ages!

Choir: Amen.

Celebrant: Praise the Lord for He is Good!

Choir: For his mercy endureth forever.

Trisagion Hymn

Deacon uses his stole to call to worship at the beginning, then at the start of Holy God, the stole goes to eye level, then to the heart.

Deacon: Lift up your voices and glorify the Living God!

Choir: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us (3x)

Celebrant: Glory be to the father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: Now and ever, unto ages of ages!

Choir: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy upon us.

Celebrant censes the Altar during the Trisagion Hymn, the doors, and the Congregation.

The Little Entrance

Deacon with his stole hanging down by his side, carries the Altar Gospel Book above his head, around the Church from the Altar then back to the Altar with the Sub-Deacon and Acolytes carrying the censers, tapers, and processional cross. The Deacon returns the Altar Gospel Book to the Celebrant who blesses the Congregation; during the blessing, the Deacon receives the blessing with his stole. A Hymn is sung.

Marmeetha (Appointed Psalms)

One of the Acolytes or laity shall read the appointed Psalm from their place.

After the reading of the Psalm, the reader states:

This is the Word of the Lord!

Choir: Thanks be unto God!

One of the Subdeacons shall receive the Epistle Book from the Celebrant for the reading of the Epistle or the Qiryane (Old Testament Lections).

Epistle

Subdeacon: Wisdom! Let us Attend!

The Lessons from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle N... to the N... or to the Whole Church!

OR

The Lesson from the Book of

(After the reading of the Epistle)

Subdeacon: This is the Word of the Lord!

Choir: Thanks be unto Thee, O Lord!

The Subdeacon returns the Epistle book to the Celebrant and returns to his

place.)

Gospel

The choir sings an appropriate hymn while the Gospel Procession is formed by the Subdeacon, acolytes with proces-sional cross, tapers, censers. The Deacon approaches the Celebrant with his stole in his right hand, asks the Celebrant's blessing; after receiving the blessing, the Deacon receives the Altar Gospel Book from the Celebrant, the Deacon joins the Gospel Procession, processes around the Church, ending midway in the central aisle; the Deacon presents the Gospel Book to one of the sub-Deacon who holds the Book while the Deacon sings the gospel; the Deacon also censes the Gospel Book before and after the reading.

Deacon: Wisdom! Attend! Let us hear the Holy Gospel!

The Lord be with you!

Choir: And with thy spirit!

Deacon: The reading from the Holy Gospel according to St N...

Deacon censes the Gospel Book

Choir:

Glory be unto Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ!

After the reading of the Gospel

Deacon: This is the Gospel of the Lord!

Deacon censes the Gospel book

Choir: Praise be unto thee, Lord Jesus Christ!

The Gospel procession returns to the Altar with the Deacon carrying the Gospel book above his head to the Celebrant; the Celebrant blesses the Congregation with the Gospel Book then places it aback upon the Altar.

The Creed As the Celebrant intones the Creed, the Deacon with his stole in his right hand calls the Congregation to worship, then holds the stole over his heart, at the conclusion, he blesses himself with his stole. Either the Nicene or Apostles' Creed is sung.

Nicene Creed

Celebrant: I believe in One God,

Choir: The Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and of all things visible and invisible; and in One Lord, Jesus Christ, the only begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God; begotten, not made; being of one substance with the Father; by Whom all things were made; Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven [profound bow] and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man [profound bow] and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose kingdom shall never end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father; who together with the Father and the Son [profound bow] together is wor-shipped and glorified; Who spake by the Prophets;

And I believe in One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church; I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the Resurrection of the dead; and the life + of the world to come. Amen.

Apostles' Creed

Celebrant: I believe in One God,

Choir: the Father Almighty, creator of Heaven and Earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord; Who was con-ceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and

was buried [profound bow] He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven; sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and

the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit; the Holy Catholic Church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life + everlasting. Amen

During the Creed, the Celebrant unfolds the Antimin and pre-pares the Altar for reception of the Holy Gifts during the Great Entrance; after the Creed, the Celebrant may give the sermon or deliver the sermon after the Mass is completed.

The Great Entrance

The Offertory Procession is formed with the processional cross, tapers censers, sub-Deacons, the Deacon carrying the paten (peelasa or diskos) and the Celebrant- the chalice (or kasa) from the prothesis Altar, around the Church to the Main Altar, the Choir sings appropriate hymns. After arranging the gifts upon the Antimin, the Celebrant sings the proper Offertory verses.

Offertory

The Celebrant intones the Offertory Sentences, blesses those who shall take up the collection, saying:

Celebrant: Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of all thine increase; so shall thy brans be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst forth with new wine. (Bring ye all the tithes into the store house, and prove Me herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, that if I do not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, there shall not be room enough to receive it.) To do good, and to distribute, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

While the tithes and offerings are collected, the Celebrant recites either the short or traditional offertory prayers after removing the diskos and chalice covers.

While removing the covers, the Celebrant says:

Celebrant: Let us send up praise to the Glorious Trinity. May Christ, our True God, Who was sacrificed for our salva-tion and who commanded us to make a perpetual memorial of His death and resurrection, received this sacrifice to His Honor and Glory, now and ever unto ages of ages. Amen.

Short Offertory Prayers

Celebrant: What shall I render unto the Lord, for all the Lord has rendered unto me? I shall take the Cup of Salvation and call upon the Name of the Lord Our God!

Receive O Holy Trinity, this offering which I present unto Thee, in memory of the Blessed Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Our Lord and Savior. Grant that it might ascend worthily in Thy sight and may bring about my eternal salvation and that of all Thy + Faithful people.

Traditional Offertory

Celebrant removes the star cover from the paten or Peelasa, strikes the paten in a form of a cross, saying;

Celebrant: Blessed ar thou, O Lord Our God, King of the Uni-verse, who hath given us this bread, fruit of the earth and the work of human hands, that shall become for us the Bread of Life.

or the Celebrant may use the ancient Aramaic-Hebrew form:

Celebrant: Baruch Atah Adonai Elohenu, Melech Ha-olam, Ha-motzi Lechem Min H-Aretz.

The Celebrant then uncovers the chalice, saying:

Blessed ar thou, O Lord Our God, King of the Universe, who hath given us this cup, this wine, fruit of the vine and the work of human hands, that shall become our Spiritual Drink.

or the Aramaic-Hebrew form:

Celebrant: Barach Atah Elohenu, Melech Ha-olam Borai Pri Hagofin.

The sub-Deacon receives the tithes and offerings from the Congregation and presents them unto the Deacon. The Deacon holds the plates for the Celebrant to bless, then places them on a side table or under the credence table, but never are they placed on the Altar.

Rite of Repentance

Deacon makes the call to worship as he intones the repentance prayer, then holds the stole over his heart.

Deacon Let us confess our sins and transgressions unto the Lord, in purity and contrition, stand in reverence and behold the Mysteries being hallowed. Cast down thine eyes and stretch forth thy arms and thoughts to Heaven.

Observe a brief moment for reflection of sins and short-comings.

Choir: O Lord Our God of Hosts, by Thy mercy and Thy grace, forgive us our sins that hath separated our thoughts and minds from Thee, and count us worthy to offer before Thee, this Living and Holy Sacrifice and keep us worthy by Thy Body and Blood to stand with boldness before Thee, at the day of judgment. Amen.

The Deacon shall cense the gifts and the Altar, while the Celebrant shall descend from the Altar to the Bema (between the Sanctuary and the Holy Doors to pronounce the Absolution Prayer, saying:

Celebrant: Christ, Our True God, absolve + and remit Thee thy sins and preserve Thee worthy of these Holy Mysteries, to stand blameless before Him at the day of judgment. And may the Grace + of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God the Father and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with Thee, now and ever, unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Celebrant then approaches the Altar. The acolyte then presents to the Celebrant the cruet of water for the Celebrant to bless; the acolyte then washes the Celebrant's hands; during the washing of the hands, the Celebrant recites the following prayer, saying:

Celebrant: I shall wash my hands in innocency, O Lord and so shall I compass Thy Altar; that I may hear the voice of Thy praise and tell of all Thy wondrous works. I have loved, O Lord the beauty of Thy House and the Place wherein Thy Glory dwells. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, unto ages of ages. Amen.

The Celebrant returns to the center of the altar, kisses the Altar, saying:

Celebrant: In a humble spirit and with a contrite heart, may we be received by Thee, O Lord, and may our sacrifice be so performed that it be received by Thee this day, and be pleasing to Thee, O Lord God.

The acolyte shall then present the cruet of water to the Celebrant, who taketh the cruet and poureth a few drops of water into the chalice(s) then returns the cruet to the acolyte. While pouring the water, the Celebrant

saith:

Celebrant: May this mingling of Water and Wine which are now inseparable, remind us that Christ hath joined Himself to our humanity and our humanity is being joined to His Deity, never to be separated.

The Kiss of Peace

The choir shall sing the Hymn, 'We are one in the Bond of Love' then the Celebrant shall pronounce the following:

Celebrant: As the Sacred Scripture instructs us, 'Pray ye one for another that ye might be healed.'

The Congregation and clergy shall pray for one another, either in the Spirit, or in the Understanding. Then the Celebrant shall intone, once again, the Hymn 'We are One in the Bond of Love' and then pronounce the

Sentence of Peace and bless the Congregation saying:

Celebrant: As our Beloved Lord Jesus Christ hath said, 'Peace, I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you.'

Celebrant: Peace be + with you!

Choir: And with Thy spirit!

Celebrant: Let us, therefore, give one another the Holy Kiss of Peace.

Preface

Celebrant: Christ is in the midst of us! Christ is truly here! Christ is in the midst of Us!

Deacon: He is and shall always be with us!

Celebrant: The Grace of the Lord Jesus + Christ, the Love of God the Father, and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you!

Choir: And with thy spirit!

Celebrating Bishop: Brethren, fellow-bishops, fellow-servitors, priests, pray for me!

Celebrant: Lift up your hearts!

Choir: We lift them up unto the Lord!

Celebrant: Let us give thanks, praise, and worship unto the Lord our God!

Choir: It is meet and right so to do

OR It is meet and right to give Him thanks, praise and worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, one in essence and undivided.

Celebrant: It is very meet, right and our bounden duty, service and honor that we should at all times and in all places give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Everlasting God.

[Proper preface of the season]

Therefore, with Angels and Archangels, with all the company of Heaven, we laud and magnify Thy Glorious Name; evermore praising Thee and singing:

[the following verse is the traditional form for singing, followed by the traditional spoken verse, during which bells are rung and censer used.]

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts! Heaven and Earth are full of Thy Glory. Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the Highest! Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna in the Highest!

Choir: It is meet and right to give Him thanks, praise and worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, one in essence and undivided.

Celebrant: It is very meet, right and our bounden duty, service, and honor, that we should at all times and all places, give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Everlasting God.

Canon of the Mass

The first Canon of the Mass below, the Canon of the Apostles, is used except on those feasts and during those seasons when the Canon of Mar Theodorus, or the Canon of Mar Nestorius are appointed.

Canon of the Apostles

Celebrant: And with these Heavenly Hosts, We also, O Master, who lovest mankind, cry aloud and say, 'Holy art Thou and All-Holy and Thine only Begotten Son and Thy Holy Spirit; Holy art thou and All Holy and magnificent is Thy Glory; Who hast so loved the world as to even give Thine only Begotten Son, that all who believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Who, when He had come and fulfilled all the dispensation for us, in the night He was betrayed, or rather surrendered Himself for the life of the world, took bread in His Holy, Pure and Blameless Hands; and when He had

given thanks, Blessed + it, He gave it to His Holy Apostles and Disciples, saying,

During the words of consecration, the Deacon points to the paten with his stole, during the elevation and epiclesis; the sub-Deacons and acolytes ring the bells and cense the gifts.

Celebrant: Take, Eat, This is My Body, which is broken for you, for the remission of sins.

[Elevation]

[Song of Worship: Bread of Heaven]

The Celebrant genuflects, then takes up the Chalice, saying:

Celebrant: He took the cup, again, He gave Thee thanks, Blessed + it, and gave it to His Holy Apostles and Disciples, saying: Drink ye all of This: This is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many,

for the remission of sins.

[Elevation]

Celebrant: Behold the Blood of the New Covenant which Christ Our God hath given unto us. For he hath said, 'When I see the Blood, I will pass over you.'

(Song of Worship: When I see the Blood)

The Celebrant genuflects, with arms outstretched in a form of a cross and says:

Celebrant: Remembering, therefore, this precept of Salvation, and everything that was done for us, the Cross, the Tomb, the Resurrection on the Third Day, the Ascension into Heaven, the enthronement at the Right Hand, the Second and Glorious Coming, we offer unto Thee, our Heavenly Father, the Sacrifice of Thy Son, our Savior, who died for our salvation.

The Celebrant takes up the Chalice in his right hand, the paten in his left hand, crosses arms

Choir: We praise Thee, We bless Thee, We give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, Our God!

Celebrant: Thine own, of Thine own, we offer unto Thee, in behalf of all and for all.

Celebrant returns the paten and chalice to the Altar and starts the Epiclesis; as sub Deacon censes.

Celebrant: Again and again, we offer unto Thee, this reasonable and unbloody service, and beseech Thee and pray Thee and supplicate Thee:

Send down Thy Holy Spirit upon us and upon these gifts, here spread forth:

Bless, Hallow, and Make this + Bread, the Precious Body of Thy Christ; and that which is in this + Cup, the Precious Blood of Thy Christ, changing them by thy Presence and by Thy Holy Spirit.

Choir: Amen, Amen, Amen.

(Hymn of Worship)

Canon of Mar Theodorus

The Canon of Mar Theodorus is said from the First Sunday of Soobara, Advent, until Sunday of Hosanna, Palm Sunday.

Celebrant: Holy is his Name and holy is his habitation and he sanctifieth in truth all those who are made worthy to receive the gift of His Grace. We lift up praise and honor and confession and adoration to the Father, and to

the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, unto ages of ages.

By His hands, he fulfilled and perfected all this great and wonderful dispensation, which had been prepared in thy foreknowledge from before the foundation of the world. Thou hast fulfilled it now in the end of the ages, through thy Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And He is the head of the Church, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God and hath sanctified us by the offering of his Body once and made peace by the Blood of his cross to things in heaven and to things on earth, through him, who

was delivered for our sins and rose that we might be justified.

And with his Holy Apostles in that night in which He was betrayed, he Celebrated this great and Holy and Divine Mystery.

Taking the bread in his holy hands, he blessed + and broke and gave to His disciples and said, This is my Body which is broken for the life of the world for the remission of sins.

[elevation]

Celebrant: This is the Bread that came down from heaven that one should eat thereof and not die. 'Behold the Bread that I give you is my flesh, which I give for the Life of the World.'

In the same manner, also he gave thanks over the Cup and gave it to them and said:

This is my Blood of the New Covenant which is shed for the remission of sins.

[elevation]

Celebrant: Behold the Blood of the New Covenant which Christ Our God hath given unto us. For he hath said, 'When I see the Blood, I will pass over you.'

Celebrant: Remembering, therefore, this precept of Salvation, and everything that was done for us, the Cross, the Tomb, the Resurrection on the Third Day, the Ascension into Heaven, the enthronement at the Right Hand, the Second and Glorious Coming, we offer unto Thee, our Heavenly Father, the Sacrifice of Thy Son, our Savior, who died for our salvation.

Celebrant: Thine own, of Thine own, we offer unto Thee, in behalf of all and for all.

Epiclesis

Celebrant: We beseech thee, O Lord and we pray thee, we worship thee, we entreat thee, may there come upon us and upon this oblation the grace of the Holy Spirit to dwell and rest upon this + bread and upon this + cup and bless and consecrate and seal them, in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. By the Power of Thy Name may this bread become the Holy Body of our Lord Jesus Christ and this cup the Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Canon of Mar Nestorius

Canon of Mar Nestorius is said several times a year: on Djinkha (Epiphany), Friday of Mar Yokhannan Mamdana (John the Baptist), and Piskha (Maundy Thursday).

Celebrant: And with these Heavenly Hosts, We also, O Master, who lovest mankind, cry aloud and say, 'Holy art Thou and All-Holy and Thine only Begotten Son and Thy Holy Spirit; Holy art thou and All Holy and magnificent is Thy Glory; Who hast so loved the world as to even give Thine only Begotten Son, that all who believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

When the time approached in which He had to endure the passion and draw near death, in the night He was delivered for the life of the world (after he had kept the Passover with His disciples according to the Law of Moses, he instituted his own Passover before he died, even this which we do for his remembrance as he entrusted it unto us until he be revealed from heaven. For our Passover is Christ who was slain for us.)

After the supper of the Passover of the Law of Moses, He took bread in his holy, spotless and undefiled hands, and blessed + and broke and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take ye all of it, this is my Body which is broken for you for the remission of sins.

[elevation and song of worship]

In like manner, also he mixed the cup with wine and water and blessed + and gave thanks and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take, drink ye all of it. This is my Blood of the New Covenant which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

[elevation and song of worship]

Therefore, whosoever in true faith draws near and partakes of these divine Mysteries, let them be to him, O my Lord, for the pardon of debts and for the remission of sins and for the resurrection from the dead and for the new life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Choir: Amen, Amen.

Celebrant: Remembering, therefore, this precept of Salvation, and everything that was done for us, the Cross, the Tomb, the Resurrection on the Third Day, the Ascension into Heaven, the enthronement at the Right Hand, the Second and Glorious Coming, we offer unto Thee, our Heavenly Father, the Sacrifice of Thy Son, our Savior, who died for our salvation.

Celebrant: Thine own, of Thine own, we offer unto Thee, in behalf of all and for all.

Epiclesis

Celebrant: With one accord, we make supplication to thine adorable Godhead that renewest all creation. And may there come, O my Lord, the Grace of thy Holy Spirit, and may He dwell and rest upon this oblation which we offer before thee. May he bless and consecrate it and make + this bread and this + cup to be the +Body and + Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and do thou change and consecrate them by the operation of the Holy + Spirit in such wise that the taking of these glorious and holy Mysteries may be to all those who receive them, unto eternal life and resurrection from the dead and absolution of the body and of the soul, and unto the light of knowledge and to the openness of face before thee and unto the eternal salvation which thou hast promised us through our Lord Jesus Christ, that we may all cleave together in one accord, in the bond of love and of peace that we may be one body and one spirit as we are called in one hope of our calling.

Choir: Amen, Amen.

[Hymn of Praise]

The Reading of the Diptychs

Celebrant: O Lord God of Hosts, accept this offering for the Holy Catholic Church and for all the Fathers who have been pleasing in thy sight, and for all thy holy Prophets and Apostles and Martyrs and Confessors and for the

mourners and for the needy and the sick and the afflicted [pausing now to mention those for whom the Celebrant wishes to pray from the Diptychs Book and for the Congregation's intentions] and for all who have gone from among us [pause ...]; and for this thy people who look for and await thy mercies [once again pausing]: O Christ, the peace of those above and the great tranquility of those below, grant us thy peace which passeth all our under-standing, keep our hearts and minds in thy love and may thy peace dwell in all the world. And especially within thy holy Church, we pray for

our Catholicos Mar N...., for our Metropolitan Mar N..., for our Archbishop, Mar N..., and for our Bishop Mar N..., grant peace to thy priesthood, and to thy nations, make wars to cease and scatter the peoples that delight in war, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all sobriety and godliness.

Choir: Amen, Amen.

[As the Lord's Prayer is sung, the Deacon with his stole calls the people to worship, then holds the stole over his heart]

The Aramaic Lord's Prayer

Celebrant, Clergy and Choir:

Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, as in heaven so on earth. Give us bread for our needs from day to day, and forgive us our offenses, as we have forgiven our offenders, and do not

let us enter into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 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 unto ages of ages. Amen.

Celebrant: Praise the Lord for he is good!

Choir: For his mercy endureth forever!

[Celebrant takes the paten and chalice into his hands and blesses the Congregation with the Holy Gifts while the Deacon receives the blessing with his stole]

Celebrant: O Lord our God, raw this thy people unto these thy glorious and holy mysteries. Bless + us, sanctify us, hallow us and change us into thy holy image.

Either of the two following fraction prayers may be used

Short Fraction Prayer

[Celebrant fractions the right side of the Lamb of God, then divides the Lamb into four parts arranging them on the paten on the outer edge in the form of the cross, saying:]

Celebrant: Broken and distributed is the Lamb of God, broken and not disunited, ever eat, yet never consumed, but sanctifieth the partakers thereof, the fullness of the cup of faith and of the Holy Spirit!

[Celebrant then takes the IC or upper portion of the seal and blesses the chalice and drops this portion into the chalice, saying:]

One of the soldiers pierced his side and there came forth blood and water.

Traditional Fraction

[Celebrant takes the Lamb of God from the paten, saying:

Celebrant: Praise be unto thy holy Name, O Lord Jesus Christ at all times forever. Thou art the living and life-giving bread which came down from heaven; We shall draw near, O Lord in thy true faith to these holy Mysteries and by thy compassion we break the Body [here the Celebrant breaks the seal in half vertically, the left half he replaces on the paten with the broken seal edge upwards. He signs the cup with the right half, saying:]

And by thy goodness, we sign the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

[Celebrant signs the body in the same manner, saying:]

Celebrant: and we sign the holy Body with the atoning Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

[Celebrant then holds up the loaf, rejoined, in his two hands, saying:]

Celebrant: These holy and lifegiving Mysteries are co-mingled and sealed one to another in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Celebrant then separates the two halves, fractions it into the four parts, forming the cross on the outer edge of the paten, saying:

Christ's Body and Christ's Blood were separated in death, but were reunited in His Glorious Resurrection. And when he ascended into heaven, he ascended up with his own Body and blood, death having no more dominion over him, and because he lives, we too shall live forever!

Celebrant: Broken and distributed is the Lamb of God, broken and not disunited, ever eaten, yet never consumed, but sanctifieth the partakers thereof, the fullness of the cup of faith and of the Holy Spirit!

Celebrant takes the IC portion and blesses the chalice, then drops it into the precious Blood, saying:

One of the soldiers pierced his side with a lance, and there came forth blood and water.

The peace + of the Lord be with you!

Choir: And with thy spirit!

Celebrant: Let us all draw near with awe and reverence [he lifts up his hands in prayer] May the peace of the Lord dwell always in our hearts, and may our tongues proclaim thy truth and may thy Cross the Guardian of our souls while we make harps of our mouths, and speak in new tongues with the lips of fire.

Celebrant elevates the paten and chalice while the Deacon points to them with his stole

Celebrant: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sins of the world.

Choir: O Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.

O Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.

O Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world, grant us thy peace.

Celebrant: Let us make our Act of Faith together:

Celebrant and Choir: I believe, O Lord and I confess, that thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the Living God, who didst come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. I believe that this is truly thine own precious Body and this is truly thine own precious Blood. Make me worthy to partake of these divine Mysteries, unto remission of sins, and unto Life everlasting. Amen.

Celebrant blesses the Congregation with the Holy Gifts while the Deacon receive the blessing with his stole

Celebrant: Holy things for God's holy + people! One is holy, One is Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father.

Communion

Celebrant: Praise be unto thee, O Christ, the Light of the world: the Body of the Lord Jesus Christ is given unto me, N..., unworthy priest (bishop) for the remission of my sins, for the healing of my soul and body, unto life everlasting. In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Celebrant receives the Body of Christ, then immediately takes up the eucharistic spoon and removes the fraction particle from the chalice and partakes thereof, places the spoon on the sponge, genuflects, rises to drink of the chalice three times, saying:

Celebrant: Praise be unto thee, O Christ, the hope of all who put their trust in thee: the Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ is given unto me, N..., unworthy priest (bishop) for the remission of my sins, for healing of my soul and body, unto life everlasting. In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Celebrant then delivers Communion to all other clergy, according to their respective office, saying:

Celebrant: The Body of the Lord Jesus Christ is given unto thee, N..., a [priest, Deacon, sub- Deacon, etc.,) in Christ a servant of the Lord, for The remission of all thy sins.

The Blood of the Lord Jesus Christ is given unto thee, N..., a [priest, Deacon, sub-Deacon, etc., in Christ, a servant of the Lord, for the remission of all thy sins.

Celebrant then raises the Holy Gifts towards the Congregation, saying:

Celebrant: The gift of grace of our Lord Jesus Christ + the Lifegiver, be fulfilled in his mercy to us all. With faith and reverence and love, draw near.

The altars are open to all who have a need or a desire for the Living and True Christ to touch their lives in Holy Communion.

Appropriate hymns or music are played during the Congregation's Communion.

After Communion, the Celebrant returns to the Altar and once again blesses the Congregation with the Holy Gifts, saying:

May the Lord our God remember us all in his Kingdom; O God, save thy people and bless thine inheritance!

Choir: We have seen the true Light, we have received the heavenly Spirit, we have found the true Faith. Glory be unto God who hath saved us.

Celebrant then presents the paten and chalice with the spoon in it unto the Deacon. The Deacon receives the paten and chalice with his stole over his left forearm. He then takes the paten and chalice to the Altar of Prothesis where he purifies them.

Proper Post-Communion Prayers

Celebrant with arms held in intercessory prayers, intones the prayers(s), saying:

Celebrant: Let us pray .... concluding with 'Through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord, who livest and reignest with thee, in unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Final Blessing

Celebrant takes up the blessing Cross, faces the Congregation with his left hand on the Altar and blesses the Congregation while the Deacon receives the blessing with his stole in his right hand.

Celebrant: May the Peace of God which passeth all our understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, and in the fullness of His Holy Spirit: The blessing of God Almighty + the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit descend upon you and remain with you, now and ever, unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

OR

May the blessing of the + Lord and his mercy be upon you, through his grace and his love for mankind at all times, now and ever unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

OR

May he who hath blessed us with every spiritual blessing, according to His promise, as He hath said, 'Verily, verily, I say unto you, whosoever eateth my Flesh and drinketh my Blood, hath eternal life and I shall raise him up

at the last day.

May Christ our True God, who hath risen from the dead, have mercy upon you, seal you and + guard you with the living sign of His Cross from all harm hidden and open, now and ever unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Celebrant: Let us go forth in peace!

Choir: In the Name of the Lord!