www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West WESTERN AND EASTERN MASS

hi!
peace of the lord?

our superior just charged us with an assignment of how oes the eastern churches celebrate mass, especially high masses?AND THE DIFFERENCE WITH THE LATIN MASS
and also the texts used in the mass

PAX ET BONUM!!!
FR. RANCIS MARY OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST,OSF

Dear Father Francis Mary, Christ is born!

Unfortunately while I was trying to edit my post to you I deleted it. Oops !

In regards to the differences, it is like trying to compare apples and oranges. They are both fruit and sweet, but are two different things. Many books can be recommended, but the best thing I can recommend is that you first attend a Divine Liturgy at an Eastern Catholic Church, then experience some of the other services, i.e. vespers and matins.

You will see that there is more than what you are used to seeing in the Roman tradition. Then I would say to start making the references by reading and comparing.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Dear Father,
Your assignment is rather daunting. Father Anthony is correct in saying that the Orthodox and the Greek-Catholics do not really have "high" and "low" Masses. However, we do have the Pontifical Liturgy, as done by a bishop with full solemnity, and the order of service is notably different from the Divine Liturgy as done by a priest (with or without a Deacon).
Among us, the service of the Deacon makes a substantial and noticeable difference (although not to the responses, so the choir and/or the chanters needn't worry about it). The web site from Saint Elias, Brampton, Ontario, has quite a number of good pictures illustrating various aspects of the Divine Liturgy; perhaps you would like to incorporate some of these into what you are preparing.

Did your instructor specify the Byzantine Liturgy, as used by Orthodox and Greek-Catholics, or did he simply say "the Eastern Churches"? If the latter, your assignment has suddenly expanded expontentially. You will need to take into account the Alexandrian Liturgies (use by the Coptic, Ethiopian and Eritrean Churches), the several Antiochian Liturgies and the Armenian Liturgy.

The situation in the West is similar. Besides the Pauline or "novus ordo" Mass, there is the Mozarabic Liturgy, the Ambrosian Liturgy, the Sarum Use, and the Liturgies of several monastic orders.

Practical suggestion - ask your instruction to be more precise as to what he wants - and find out how much time is available.

Incognitus

Dear Father,

I have to agree with Incognitus on his post and request that you have your instructor clarify the assignment. I just searched the forum archives and I found a text of the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom that would be experienced from the people's perspective according to the Ruthenian/Byzantine Catholic Church.

Divine Liturgy Text thread

I hope this helps.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Shlomo Abuna (Peace to you Fr. in Aramaic),

First I would like to say that no Eastern Catholic Church celebrate Mass. A Mass is purely Latin. We Maronites celebrate a Qurbono (Divine Liturgy) Below is an example of a Maronite Qurbono:

Note: Although the Qurbono is celebrated in Syriac and English, in what follows only the English version is given.

Preparation of the Offerings

The minister prepares the bread saying:

Like a lamb led to the slaughter
or a sheep before the sharers,
Christ was silent and did not open his mouth

Then he pours wine and water into the cup and says:

I mix wine and water in this cup,
symbols of the blood and water
which flowed from the side of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross.

He then covers the offerings: first, with the small veils; then with the large veil, saying:

His splendor has hidden the heavens,
and his glory has filled the earth.

Lighting of the Church

While the celebrant is vesting, the deacon turns on the lights of the Church and lights the candles. The congregation remains seated.

Meanwhile, the congregation sings the following hymn (qolo):

Hymn of Light

Cong: Alleluia!
In your light we see the light,
O Christ, Source of light.
You are the true light
who illumines our universe.
Illumine us with your joyful light
and rejoice us with the dawning of your day.
Alleluia!

O holy and forgiving One,
you abide in light.
Remove from us the darkness of evil thoughts
and grant us to do deeds of justice
with a pure heart.

Alleluia!
From among all nations,
the Lord chose the Virgin.
Of all their children,
she was the purest and holiest
For nine months he abided in her
and from her took a body.

Alleluia!
Before their judges
the martyrs stood and shouted openly:
We do not deny Christ
who died on the cross.
Because of his love,
we welcome sufferings and tribulation.

Alleluia!
O living Son of God,
You died, rose, and raised the dead.
You brought joy to those in the grave
and hope to those who are asleep.
Let the faithful departed,
who confessed the Trinity,
find rest in you.

Introductory Rites

Entrance Psalm or Hymn

As the ministers go in procession to the entrance of the sanctuary, the congregation stands and sings either the following Psalm (A) or Hymn (B):

A) Psalm 135

(This is done as a call and response so side I goes first and then side II goes).

I Praise the Lord, who is so good;
God's love endures forever;

II Praise the God of gods;
God's love endures forever;

I Praise the Lord of lords;
God's love endures forever;

II Who alone has done great wonders,
God's love endures forever;

I And gives food to all flesh,
God's love endures forever.

II Praise the God of heaven,
God's love endures forever.

All: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.

OR:

B) Hymn (Qolo)

I On Sunday the Lord rose in glorious splendor;
He overcame suffering
and destroyed the vanquishing of death.
He brought back sinners
and clothed them with the robe of glory.
In their white robes,
the heavenly hosts hurried at dawn
and in a pleasant voice called earth and heaven
to honor the living and triumphant Savior.

II Come in peace, O day of the Lord,
the day of victory and joy.
In you our Savior found rest
after the trial of crucifixion
and marked us with his seal
on the road to shining light.
With the choirs of Seraphim and Cherubim,
among the hosts of the kingdom,
we sing praise to you.
O Lord, shower peace over the world
and inflame us with your love.


Entrance Dialog

Cel: I have entered your house, O Lord, and have worshiped before your throne. O King of heaven, forgive all my sins.

Cong: O King of heaven, forgive all our sins.

Then, bowing his head to the left and then to the right, he sings in Syriac (A) or English (B):

Cel: Pray to the Lord for me.

Cong: May the Lord accept your offering and have mercy on us through your prayer.

The celebrant and other ministers then go to their proper places in the sanctuary. All remain STANDING as the service of the day begins.

Doxology

Cel: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy spirit,
now and for ever.

Cong: Amen.

Opening Prayer

Cel: O Lord,
through the blessings of the day of your
glorious resurrection,
grant us times of tranquility and peace.
May we praise you in the company
of your heavenly hosts
and give you glory and thanks,
now and for ever.

Cong: Amen.

Greeting

Cel: Peace be with the Church and her children.

Hymn of the Angels

Cong: Glory to God in the highest
and peace on earth
and good will to all.

Prayer of Forgiveness (Hoosoyo)

Proemion

Cel: To the praise and glory of the Most Holy Trinity.

May we offer glory, praise and honor
to the good and merciful Lord:
willing to become flesh and taste death,
he descended to the abyss
and saved us from death itself.
Through his resurrection he filled his disciples with joy and enlightened the nations by the light of his salvation.

To you, O Christ, are due glory and honor,
on this Sunday and all the days of our lives,
now and for ever.

Cong: Amen.

Sedro

Cel: O Word of God,
who can praise the depth of your mercy?
And what voice is able to bless you,
who are above all praise?
Mind and tongue fail to describe
the wonders you accomplished on that holy and
wonderous day, the Sunday of your resurrection from the dead. With the Psalmist David we proclaim:

This is the day the Lord has made,
let us rejoice and celebrate.
This is the day that has no equal
in the past nor in the future.
This is the great feast day,
crown and glory of all other feasts.

And now, O Christ our Lord,
we petition you through the fragrance
of this incense,
which we offer before you:
pardon our faults;
give peace to the troubled
and consolation to the sorrowful;
bring back those who are far away
and watch over those who are near;
guide our shepherds, protect your priests,
and sanctify the deacons;
forgive sinners, guard the just,
sustain orphans, and support those who are widowed;
prevent dissension and put an end to conflicts;
remember the faithful departed
and grant them rest in your heavenly kingdom,
so that in their company we may celebrate
the feast that has no end,
and glorify you, your blessed Father,
and your living and Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.

Cong: Amen.

Qolo (Hymn)

The congregation SITS and the qolo is then sung.

I At the dawn of the day,
let us join for prayer and offering,
like Abraham, the just.
And on that day, when Christ will come in
glory, let us go and meet the living God.
Alleluia!

II On Sunday, the day of light,
let us praise and give thanks
to our King and Savior.
In his love, he came to us,
and with his might
he liberated Adam and his children.
Alleluia!

All: On the Sunday at the end of time,
when surrounded by hosts of fire and spirit,
you will come to judge all nations,
make us worthy, O Lord, to meet you
and sing of your glory
in the company of your saints.
Alleluia!

Etro

Cel: Be pleased, O Lord,
with the sweet fragrance of this incense.
Make us worthy to proclaim your rising from the dead with your holy angels;
to announce the resurrection
with your women disciples;
and to rejoice in your triumph
with your blessed apostles.
We glorify you, O Christ,
your Father , and your Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.

Cong: Amen.

Trisagion (Qadeeshat Aloho)

The congregation STANDS and the Trisagion is then sung three times.

Cel: Holy are you, O God, Holy are you, O Strong One, Holy are you O Immortal One.

Cong: Have mercy on us.

Cel: O holy and immortal Lord,
sanctify our minds and purify our consciences,
that we may praise you with pure hearts
and listen to your Holy Scriptures.
To you be glory, for ever.

Cong: Amen.

Service of the Word

Psalm of the Readings (Mazmooro)

All SIT for the psalm of the readings. The verses are sung alternately by the congregation and the celebrant.

Cong: Come in peace, O Sunday,
great and blessed day.
God's angels and mortals
find joy in you and celebrate.

Cel: Let us proclaim that great Sunday
from the mountain tops,
and let angels and mortals
sing praise to the Lord.

Cong: Blessed is the Lord who exalted
Sunday above all other days,
with hymns, praises, and priests
to proclaim the good news.

Reading(s)

The reader stands at the lectern and begins the reading. The reader first says:

Reader: A reading from the ...

The reader then asks for the celebrant's blessing:

Reader: Father, give your blessing.

The celebrant blesses the reader. The reader then continues:

Reader: Brothers and sisters...

The reader concludes the reading by singing or saying:

Reader: Praise be to God always!

Alleluia (Fetgomo)

Meanwhile, the congregations STANDS and sings:

Cong: Alleluia! Alleluia!

Cantor: This is the day the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and celebrate! (Psalm 117:24)

Cong: Alleluia!

Gospel

Deacon: Before the good news of our Savior,
announcing life to us all,
let us offer this incense.
O Lord, we ask for your mercy.

The celebrant burns incense while two ministers hold lighted candles on each side of the Book of Gospels.

Cel: Peace be with you.

Cong: And also with you.

Cel: Let us be attentive
to the gospel of life and salvation
of our Lord Jesus Christ
as recorded by the (evangelist Mark/Luke)(apostle Matthew/John).

The celebrant incenses the Book of Gospels three times. Meanwhile the deacon proclaims:

Deacon: Remain silent, O listeners,
for the holy gospel is about to be announced to you.

Listen and give glory and thanks
to the living word of God.

The celebrant begins the gospel using the appropriate introductory words. At the conclusion of the gospel he sings or says:

Cel: This is the truth. Peace be with you.
Cong: Praise and blessings to Jesus Christ for his living word to us.

Homily

The congregation SITS. The celebrant then gives a homily based on the readings and the liturgy of the day.

Creed

At the conclusion of the homily, the congregation STANDS and sings or says the Creed.

We believe in one God,
the Father, the Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,
the only son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God,
begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father.
Through him all things were made.

For us men and for our salvation
he came down from heaven:
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilot;
he suffered, died and was buried.
On the third day he rose again
in fulfillment of the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have not end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life,
who proceeds from the Father [and the Son].
With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and
glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of
sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Pre-Anaphora

Access to the Altar

As the celebrant goes to the altar, he sings or says:

Cel: I will go to the altar of God,
God who gives joy to my youth.
In the abundance of your goodness,
I will enter your house, O Lord,
and worship in your holy temple.
Cong: Guide me, O Lord, in your fear and instruct me in your justice.
The celebrant then sings:

Cel: Pray to the Lord for me.

Cong: May the Lord accept your offering and have mercy on us through your prayer.
The celebrant approaches the altar and kisses it in the center.

Transfer of the Offerings and Their Offering Hymn (Qolo)

Meanwhile, the congregation STANDS and sings the hymn of offering.

There are over 100 Anaphoras that can be used in the Maronite Quorbono. At present only 6 are translated into English. In this version we offer only the Anaphora of Saint John, the Apostle.

Anaphora of Saint John, the Apostle

Rite of Peace

Doxology

The congregation STANDS. The celebrant makes the sign of the cross, singing or saying:

Cel: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.

Cong: Amen.

Prayer for Peace

Cel: O Lord, Almighty God,
you are true love,
tranquility that cannot be disturbed,
and hope that cannot deceive.
Grant your servants who stand before you
love, happiness, security, and everlasting peace.

Enable us to greet one another with a holy kiss,
worthy of your holy name,
with purity of heart and holiness of soul.

We glorify you, O Father,
your only Son, and your Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.

Cong: Amen.

Exchange of Peace

The celebrant kisses the altar, places his hands on the offerings, then gives the peace, as he sings or says:

Cel: Peace to you, O holy altar of God.
Peace to the holy mysteries placed upon you.
Peace to you, O minister of the Holy Spirit.

Diaconal Proclamation

Deacon: Let each of us give the greeting of peace to our neighbor, with that charity and loyalty which is pleasing to the Lord.
The people exchange the greeting of peace with joined hands.


Hymn of Peace

During the exchange of peace, all sing a hymn of peace, such as the following:

All:
Peace, charity, and faith, brothers and sisters, from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Cel: May the God of peace be with you all.

Cong: Amen.

Prayer for the Imposition of the Hand

Cel: O Lord,
we bow our bodies and souls before your majesty.
Come visit us and, from the heights of your glorious dwellings,
send your grace upon us
and your everlasting and imperishable blessing.
We praise and exalt you, O Father,
your only Son and your Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.

Cong: Amen.

Prayer of the Veil

Cel: O Lord,
at the end of time,
you sent your beloved Son for our salvation,
and he handed over to us these holy and life-giving mysteries.

Do not make us strangers to this service,
nor turn your face away from us
because of the the multitude of our sins.

For you alone are holy,
with your only Son, and your Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.

Cong: Amen.

Eucharistic Prayer

Dialog

Cel: May the love of God the + Father,
the grace of the only-begotten + Son,
and the unity and indwelling of the + Holy Spirit
be with your, for ever.

Cong: And also with you.

Cel: Let us lift up our thoughts, our minds and our hearts.

Cong: They are raised to you, O God.

Cel: Let us thank the Lord with fear
and worship him with humility.

Cong: It is right and proper.

The Lord Reigns

Cong: The Lord reigns clothed in majesty. Alleluia!

I am the Bread of Life said our Lord;
from on high I came to earth,
so all might live in me.
Pure word without flesh
I was sent form the Father.
Mary's womb received me
like good earth a grain of wheat.
Behold! The priest bears me aloft to the altar.
Alleluia!

Accept our offerings.

Acceptance of the Offerings
The celebrant takes the paten and the cup and raises them, saying:

Cel: Almighty God,
as you accepted the offerings of the just of old,
we ask you now to accept these offerings,
presented to you by your faithful people
as a pledge of their love for your and your holy name.

Shower upon them your spiritual blessings,
and, in exchange for their perishable gifts,
grant them the gift of life and entrance into your kingdom.

Cong: Amen.

Commemorations
The celebrant places the offerings on the altar and says:

Cel: Let us now remember our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ and his plan of salvation for us.
With these offerings placed before us
let us remember all who pleased the Lord
from Adam to the present,
especially the blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God
[and Saint N. (patron of the church),]
[and Saint N. (saint whose feastday it is)].
O Lord, remember our brothers and sisters,
the living and the departed,
children of the holy Church,
especially those for whom we present
this offering, N. and N.
He remembers the living and the dead he wishes.

Remember also, O Lord,
all those who share with us today in this offering.

Cong: Amen.

Incensation and Hymn

The celebrant first incenses the offerings, and then the congregation. Meanwhile, the congregation sings the following hymn (qolo):

Cong: Alleluia!
We remember Mary, Mother of God,
the prophets, the apostles, the martyrs,
the just, the priests, and the children
of the Church, from one generation to another,
to the end of time.
Amen.

The liturgy continues with the anaphora appropriate to the occasion:

Praise and Thanksgiving

Cel: It is right and proper to praise you,
O Lord of all in heaven and on earth.
the powers on high
and heaven where they dwell, bless you.
The fiery beings praise you with fear,
the cherubim bless you with awe,
and the seraphim glorify your majesty,
as with the swift movement of their wings,
they fly to each other, crying and proclaiming:

Holy, Holy, Holy

Cong: Holy, holy, holy mighty Lord, God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your great glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who has come
and will come in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Cel: You are holy, almighty Lord and Father,
holy is your only son, and holy is your Spirit.
You sent your Son for our salvation.
He descended, became flesh, suffered,
and was crucified for us, who have corrupted his image.

Your living and Holy Spirit gives life to your
divine mysteries.

You, O Lord, are holy indeed,
and you sanctify us all by the power of your divinity.

Institution Narrative

Cel: On the day before his life-giving passion,
Jesus took bread in his holy hands.
He blessed,
sanctified,
broke,
and gave it to his disciples saying:
Take and eat it, all of you:
This is my body
which is broken and delivered for you and for many,
for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.


Cong: Amen.

Cel: Likewise he blessed the cup of wine mixed with water,
sanctified,
and gave it to his disciples, saying:
Take and drink from it, all of you:
This is my blood of the new covenant,
which is shed and handed over for you and for many,
for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.


Cong: Amen.
Memorial of the Plan of the Son (Anamnesis)

Cel: In this you will remember me.
Whenever you eat this mystery of my Body
and drink of my Blood,
you will proclaim my death until I return.

Cong: O Lord, we remember your death,
we witness to your resurrection,
we await your second coming,
we implore your compassion,
and we ask for the forgiveness of our sins.
May your mercy come upon us all.

The celebrant continues using either the Short Form (A) or the Long Form (B).

A Short Form
Cel: As we remember your plan of salvation,
O Christ our Lord,
we implore your bounty:

When you come in glory with your holy angels, O Lord, and all look for the reward they deserve,
let us not be strangers to your household.
Do not turn your face away from us,
nor let our sins and offenses touch your holy heart.

Do not reject us from your presence,
for we have known your holy name
and professed our faith in your divinity.
Rather, forgive our sins, pardon us,
and have mercy on your inheritance.

Your repenting Church begs you,
and with you and through you, begs your Father,
saying:

B OR

Long Form

Cel: O Christ our God,
we celebrate the memorial of your place of salvation.
When you come in glory with your blessed angels
and establish the throne of your awesome majesty;
when you command the earth to bring forth the dead
and they stand before you in fear and trembling;
when you separate the sheep to your right
and the goats to your left
and all behold the reward due them;
then let us not hear, O Lord, the bitter voice of
condemnation,
and do not command us:
"Leave me, O damned, to the eternal fire.
I do not know you."
Do not consider us as stranger to your household,
nor turn your face away from us"
and look at us with anger.
Do not let our sins and offenses touch your holy heart.
Do not enter into judgment with us
nor treat us like those who bitterly have lost all hope.
Do not seek revenge on us like enemies
nor abandon us like strangers.
Do not reject us from your presence, O Lord,
for we have known your holy name and professed your
divinity.
Do with us, rather, according to your promises.
Pardon our faults and forgive our sins.
Have mercy on your inheritance and on the sheep of
your flock.
Your Church begs you and,
through you and with you, begs the Father, saying:
Cong: Have mercy on us, Almighty Father,
have mercy on us.
Cel: We, your poor and sinful servants, O Lord,
realize the graces we have received
and than you for them and because of them.
Cong: We praise you; we bless you; we adore you;
we acknowledge and ask you:
have mercy on us, O LOrd,
and hear us.
Invocation of the Holy Spirit (Epiclesis)
Deacon: How awesome is this moment, O my beloved.
The Holy Spirit will descend from heaven
and overshadow this offering,
preparing for our sanctification.
With reverence let us stand and pray,
and three times proclaim:
Meanwhile, the celebrant bows and flutters his hands three times over the mysteries as he says quietly:

Cel: O compassionate and merciful Lord,
have mercy on us
and send upon us and upon these offerings
your holy and life-giving Spirit,
who is the sanctifier of all
and the giver of all holiness,
who spoke through the holy prophets
and crowned the apostles and martyrs.
May this spirit overshadow these mysteries
and sanctify them.
The celebrant, kneeling on both knees, extends his hands and sings or says:

Cel: Hear us, O Lord; hear us, O Lord; hear us, O Lord.
May your holy and living Spirit descend
and overshadow us and our suffering.
Cong: Kyrie eleison; Kyrie eleison; Kyrie eleison.
OR:
Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy; Lord,
have mercy.
Cel: Through his overshadowing, may the Spirit make this +
bread
the body of Christ our God.
Cong: Amen.
Cel: And make the mixture in this + cup
the blood of the Christ our God.
Cong: Amen.
Cel: May these Mysteries sanctify the bodies and souls
of those who participate in them,
for the purity of their hearts,
the cleansing of their thoughts,
the holiness of their souls,
and as a pledge of the heavenly kingdom
and a new life, for ever.
Cong: Amen.
Intercessions
All SIT. The intercessions follow in either their Short Form (A) or Long Form (B).

A Short Form
Cel: O Lord God,
at this moment in our sacrifice
we remember all your holy churches
and the shepherds who dwell in them in true faith,
especially, N., Pope of Rome.
N. Peter, our Patriarch of Antioch,
N., our Bishop,
and all bishops of the true faith.
Along with them, we also remember
the priests, the deacons, and all in your household,
who observe your commandments.
We pray to you, O Lord.
Cong: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace and confirmation of the entire world;
for the blessing of the year and the abundance of its
fruits;
for the sick, the oppressed,
and for all those who call upon your holy name
on land, at sea, or in the air,
and who confess that you are the true God.
We pray to you, O Lord.
Cong: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For all those who today present the offering
now lying upon this altar
and those who desired to offer but could not;
grant them all they desire.
We pray to you, O Lord.
Cong: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: We remember all the saints: the patriarchs,
prophets,
apostles, martyrs, confessors,
Mary, the Mother of God,
[Saint N. (patron of the church),]
[Saint N. Iwhose feast is being celebrated),]
and all the righteous and the just.
Through their prayers,
make us worthy to be numbered among them.
We pray to you, O Lord.
Cong: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For those who have left us and gone to you,
baptized in your name
and nourished by the precious body and blood of
your Son,
from the first Christian disciples until today.
They wait for you in life-giving hope.
We pray to you, O Lord.
Cong: Grant them rest, O Lord,
and forgive all our sins and failings:
those sins we have committed knowingly
and those things we have done without
knowledge.
Cel: O Lord, pardon and erase our faults
and the sins of the departed.
Grant us purity and holiness
so that, at all times, your exalted and most blessed
name,
may be praised, honored, and glorified,
with the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and that of your living and Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.
Cong: As it was, is now, and shall be for ever.
Amen.
B Long Form
Cel: O Lord God,
at this moment in our sacrifice
we remember all your holy churches
and the shepherds who dwell in them in true faith,
especially, N., Pope of Rome.
N. Peter, our Patriarch of Antioch,
N., our Bishop,
and all bishops of the true faith.
Along with them, we also remember
the priests, the deacons, and all in your household,
who observe your commandments.
We pray to you, O Lord.
Cong: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: We petition you, O Lord,
for the peace and confirmation of the whole world;
for the blessing of the year and the abundance of its
fruits;
for those who are sick, oppressed, or tormented
by evil powers,
that you may watch over them and visit them;
for those who call upon your holy name on land or
at sea,
and confess that you are the true God.
Redeem your flock, O Lord,
and free it from harmful and bitter scourges
that may bring death,
and from the insult of nations,
who neither confess your name nor proclaim your
divinity.
Lead your flock with your might hand,
and it will thank you and pray to you, O Lord.
Cong: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remember, O Lord,
those who today present the offering
now lying upon this altar
and those who desired to offer but could not;
grant them all they desire.
Remember also, on your spiritual and heavenly
altar,
all those who have known and obeyed you.
In your kindness, accept their offerings and tithes
and make them worthy of your holy name,
and that of your only Son, and of your Holy Spirit.
And we pray to you, O Lord.
Cong: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: O Lord,
we remember before you all the holy patriarchs,
prophets,
apostles, martyrs and confessors;
we remember Mary, the Mother of God,
the righteous and the just,
[Saint N. (patron of the church),]
[Saint N. Iwhose feast is being celebrated),]
and all the saints who were pleasing to you.
By their holy and blessed prayers,
we implore you, O Lord:
make us worthy to be numbered among them.
and to be part of their destiny.
We ask this through your grace
and through the mercy of your only Son
and his love for us.
With Christ and through him,
glory and honor are due to you, O Father, and to
your Holy Spirit.
and we pray to you, O Lord.
Cong: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: In your kindness, O Lord,
remember those who have left us and gone to you
clothed with the precious body and blood of your Son,
and sealed by has baptism,
from the time of the first Christian disciples until today,
[especially N.].
Indeed, O Lord, you are the creator of souls and
bodies,
and those who have gone to sleep
lie waiting for you in life-giving hope.
Raise them on that last day
and let your face shine upon them with peace.
In your mercy, pardon their faults and offenses,
for no one on earth is free from the sting of sin,
except your only Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ.
with him and through him, we also hope in your
mercy
for the pardon of our faults,
and we pray to you, O Lord.
Cong: Grant them rest, O Lord,
and forgive all our sins and failings:
those sins we have committed knowingly
and those things we have done without
knowledge.
Cel: O Lord, pardon and erase our faults
and the sins of the departed,
all those committed with wickedness and ill will.
Grant us purity and holiness
and let us stand before you free from quilt,
with innocence and perfect confidence,
so that, at all times, your exalted and most blessed
name,
may be praised, honored, and glorified,
with the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and that of your living and Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.
Cong: As it was, is now, and shall be for ever.
Amen.
Communion Rite
Blessing
Cel: May the blessing of God the + Father,
and our Savior Jesus Christ,
and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit
be with your, for ever.
Cong: And also with you.
Fraction, Consignation, Intinction, Commixture and Elevation
The congregation sings an appropriate hymn, for example, Father of Truth, or the korozooto of the day.

Fraction
Cel: We have believed, and we have offered,
now we seal + and break this oblation,
the heavenly bread, the body of the Word,
who is the living God.
Intinction
Cel: We sign this cup of salvation and thanksgiving
with the purifying ember
which glows with heavenly mysteries.
In the name of the + Father,
life for all the living;
in the name of the only-begotten + Son,
who proceeds from him,
and, like him, is life for all the living;
in the name of the + Holy Spirit,
the beginning, the end, and the perfection
of all that was and will be in heaven and on earth,
the one, true, blessed, and exalted God,
without division,
from whom comes life for ever.

Consignation
Cel: The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ
is sprinkled over his holy body,
in the name of the + Father,
and of the + Son,
and of the + Holy Spirit.
Comixture
Cel: You have united, O Lord, your divinity with our
humanity
and our humanity with your divinity;
your life with our mortality
and our mortality with your life.
You have assumed what is ours,
and you have given us what is yours,
for the life and salvation of our souls.
To you, O Lord, be glory for ever.
Elevation
The congregation STANDS. The celebrant places the paten containing the host over the cup and elevates them, saying silently:

Cel: You, O Lord, are the pleasing oblation,
who was offered for us;
you are the forgiving sacrifice,
who offered yourself for us to the Father.
You are the Lamb of sacrifice,
and yet also the priest who offered himself for us.
May our prayers be like incense in your sight
as we present them through you and with you to
your Father.
Lord's Prayer
Cel: God our Father,
you accept prayers and answer petitions.
Through your beloved Son,
you taught us to stand before you
and pray with purity and holiness.
Grant that we may call upon you
with pure souls and clear consciences,
and to pray, saying:
The celebrant and congregation EXTEND THEIR HANDS and pray:

All: Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be your name;
your kingdom come;
your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are
yours,
now and for ever. Amen.
Cel: O Lord,
deliver your servants from all difficult temptations,
from the harm of evil that rebels against you,
and from the wicked and disobedient.
You, O Lord, have power over all
and we glorify you,
now and for ever.
Cong: Amen.
Penitential Rite
Cel: Peace be with you.
Cong: And also with you.
Deacon: Bow your heads before the merciful Lord,
before his forgiving altar,
and before the body and blood of our Savior,
who gives life to those who partake of him,
and receive the blessing of the Lord.
Cel: O Lord, in your grace
and in the abundance of your mercies,
bless those who bow before you.
Make them worthy to participate
in your life-giving Mysteries,
and to join with the assembly of your saints.
With them, we glorify you,
now and for ever.
Cong: Amen.
Cel: May the grace
of the most Holy Trinity +
eternal and co-equal in essence,
be with you, my brothers and sisters,
for ever.
Cong: And also with you.
Deacon: Let us all look to God in awe and with reverence and ask him for mercy and compassion.
Invitation to Communion
Cel: Holy things for the holy,
with perfection, purity, and sanctity.
Cong: One holy Father,
one holy Son,
one Holy Spirit.
Blessed be the name of the Lord
for he is one in heaven and on earth.
To God be glory for ever.
The celebrant and the congregation prepare for communion. they EXTEND THEIR HANDS in prayer and say:

All: Make us worthy, O Lord God,
to sanctify our bodies with your holy body
and to purify our souls with your forgiving blood.
May our communion be for the forgiveness of
our sins
and for eternal life.
O Lord our God, to you be glory,
for ever.
Communion of the Celebrant
The congregation sings one of the following hymns:

A Through the Resurrection of Christ
Cong: Through the resurrection of Christ the King,
with true faith,
let us beg for forgiveness for our souls.
Let us all together proclaim to the Son,
who redeemed us by his cross:
"Blessed is our Savior:
holy are you, holy are you, holy are you."

May the memory of Christ's mother,
the saints, and all the faithful departed
be honored throughout the whole world.
Alleluia!

B OR:

The Heavenly Hosts

Cong: The heavenly hosts stand with us in the sanctuary.

They carry in procession
the body of the Son of God,
immolated before us.

Let us all approach and receive him
for the forgiveness of our sins and faults.
Alleluia!

May our parents, brothers and sisters, and
teachers be commemorated at your altar, O Lord,
and may they stand at your right hand
on the day of judgment,
O Christ the King.
Alleluia!

Blessed is the Lord
who gave us his living body and blood
that we may find pardon in them.
Praised and exalted are the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Glory to them for ever and ever.
Alleluia!

Meanwhile, the celebrant consumes the large part of the host, saying:

Cel: The body of our Lord Jesus Christ
is given to me for the forgiveness of my sins
and for eternal life
The celebrant drinks from the cup, saying:

Cel: The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ
is given to me for the forgiveness of my sins
and for eternal life

Communion of the People
Before he distributes communion, the celebrant raises the paten and with the congregation sings or says:

All: Our Lord said:
"I am the bread of life.
Whoever eats me in faith inherits life."

Cel: This is the cup which our Lord prepared on the cross.

Come forth, O mortals,
and drink from it for the forgiveness of sins.

Cong: The Church proclaims:
"Come, O brothers and sisters,
take the body of the Son,
drink his blood in faith
and sing of his glory."
The following verses may also be sung:


The Church proclaims:

"Holy, holy, holy are you, O Lord;
blessed is he who gives me his body and blood
for my salvation."
Alleluia! Alleluia!

To Christ be glory,
for he gives us his living body and blood
for our salvation.

May this offering intercede for us
on the day of judgment,
when we stand before God's awesome throne.

Alleluia! Alleluia!
To Christ be glory,
for from his cup the Church
and her children drink,
and sing his praise.

When the celebrant gives communion to the deacon(s), subdeacons (servers), and the congregation, he says:

Cel: The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ
are given to you for the forgiveness of sins
and for eternal life.

During communion, the congregation sings O Bread of Life or Father of Truth, or other hymns and psalms appropriate to communion. They may also sing the following traditional Syriac verses in commemoration of the faithful departed:

O merciful Lord,
accept this offering from your worshipers.
In your kindness,
grant pardon to the faithful departed.
Behold, the oblation has been offered
and souls have been redeemed.

May it give rest to the departed
for whom it was offered.

May this oblation,
offered by the living for the dead,
obtain pardon for their souls
and forgiveness for their failings.

May the Lord, who called Eliezar
and the widow's son to Life,
sprinkle the dew of his mercy
upon the faithful departed.

With Abraham and Isaac
and with the faithful Jacob,
celebrate, O Lord, the memory
of those for whom it is offered.

O heavenly King,
accept the offering of your servants,
and celebrate their memory
in your heavenly Jerusalem.

In the Jerusalem above,
and in the Church on earth as well,
may it be an honorable memory
at your alter in heaven.

O Lamb of God,
O Shepherd who died for his flock:
in your kindness, grant rest
to the faithful departed.

My soul longs for your body,
yet I am afraid to get close,
for I tremble because of my sins.
In your kindness, O Lord, grant me pardon.

May your body and blood that we have partaken
be for us the way, the bridge,
and the safe passage
from darkness to light.

May the heavenly beings find joy
and mortals good hope,
because of the offering of the living
for their dead.


Blessing with the Mysteries
After communion, the celebrant blesses the congregation with the mysteries, singing or saying:

Cel: We render always glory
and thanksgiving to you, O Lord,
for giving us your body to eat
and your blood to drink.

O Lover of all,
have mercy on us.

Cong: O Lover of all,
have mercy on us.

Thanksgiving

The congregation SITS and sings hymns of thanksgiving, for example, O Lord, I have consumed your holy body, or Psalm 133 (134). Meanwhile, the celebrant consumes what remains of the offerings, and then performs the ablutions.

Cel: O gracious Lord,
what return shall we make to your goodness,
for the salvation you have just given us?
Who is able to offer the proper glory due to you?
Although of little worth and according to our measure, we glorify, praise, and thank you,
your only Son, and your Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.

Cong: Amen.

Blessing and Dismissal
Cel: Peace be with you/
Cong: And also with you.
The celebrant extends his right hand over the congregation and sings or says:

Cel: We adore you, bless you and thank you,
O Jesus Christ, our Lord and God.
We implore your goodness and mercies
for the safekeeping of the living
and the rest of the dead;
for the feeding of the hungry
and the support of the needy;
for the visitation of the sick
and the consolation of the grieving.
Look kindly upon them
and give them abundant life.
Bless your people
and shield your flock with your cross.
Adoration is due to you, O Christ,
your Father, and your life-giving Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.

Cong: Amen.

The congregation STANDS. The celebrant concludes with the following or one of the solemn blessings:

Cel: Go in peace, beloved brothers and sisters,
accompanied by the nourishment and graces
you received from the forgiving altar of the Lord.

May the blessing of the most Holy Trinity remain with you: the + Father, and the + Son, and the + Holy Spirit.

Cong: Amen.

The celebrant kisses the altar and silently says:

Cel: Remain in peace, O holy altar of God,
I hope to return to you in peace.
May the offering I have received from you forgive
my sins and prepare me to stand blameless
before the throne of Christ.

I know no whether I will be able to return to you
again to offer sacrifice.
Guard me, O Lord, and protect your holy Church,
that she may be the way to salvation and the light of the world.

Amen.

The celebrant and ministers then leave the sanctuary.

Poosh BaShlomo (Stay in Peace),
Yuhannon