Petar Spremo

Essay I

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

ESSAY DIVINE LITURGY ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM

Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay II

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

Divine Liturgy
This Essay is published with the blessing of the Bishop of zvorniks tuzlas diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church, His Eminence Basil / Vasilije This Essay, of the Divine Liturgy of the Saint John Chrysostom, would try to explain and to bring to the ordinary people who does not speak Serbian language, whole beautifulness and holiness of lyrics-praying as well the music of Orthodox Church. Beside of the lyrics the maker of this Essay to include some Holy Days troparia, some Communion Hymns and spiritual songs used in Orthodox Church. I hope that such effort will meet with approval from the part of our faithful church-goers. Saint Paul, MN 25th November 2003/06th December 2003. Petar Spremo, Cleric of the Zvorniks eparchy

Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay III

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

THE DIVINE LITURGY OF OUR FATHER AMONG THE SAINTS JOHN CHRYSOSTOM The Liturgy of the Catechumens The Great Litany Priest: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto ages of ages. Choir-People: Amen. Priest: In peace let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For the peace from the above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For the peace of the whole world, for the good estate of the Holy Churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For this Holy House and for those that enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray of the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For our most Holy Patriarch Paul and for our Bishop Basil, for the venerable priesthood, for the diaconate in the Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For the Honourable and God-protected Prince and inheritancee of throne His Majesty Aleksandar, for our Republika Srpska Government let us pray to the Lord. Choir-Priest: Lord, have mercy. Priest: To enable them to subdue every enemy and adversary, let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For this city, for every city and countryside, and for them that with faith dwell in them, let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For seasonable weather, for abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For travellers by the water, by land, and by air; for the sick and the suffering; for captives and their salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Choir- People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath and want, let us pray to the Lord. Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay IV

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

Choir-Priest: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Protect us, save us, have mercy on us, and safeguard us, O God, by Thy grace. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Commemorating our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed, and Glorious Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and our whole life unto Christ our God. Choir-People: To Thee, O Lord. The priest secretly says the Prayer of the First Antiphon: O Lord our God , Whose power is ineffable ALOUD: For unto Thee and due all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Choir-People: Amen. FIRST ANTIPHON Choir-People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: Now and ever, and unto ages of ages, Amen. Bless the Lord, O my soul, : and all that is within me bless His Holy Name: Blessed art Thou, O Lord. The Priest: Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Protect us, save us, have mercy on us, and safeguard us, O God, by Thy grace. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Commemorating our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, the Mother of God Ever-Virgin Mary, with all saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and our whole life unto Christ our Lord. Choir-People: To Thee, O Lord. The Priest reads the prayer of the Second Antiphon inaudibly: O Lord our God, save Thy people ALOUD: For Thine is dominion and Thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Choir- People: Amen. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: Now and ever, and unto ages of ages, Amen. Only begotten Son and Word of God, that art immortal, yet didst take on Thee for our Salvation To be incarnate of the Holy Mother of God and ever Virgin Mary, and without change wast made man: and wast crucified also. O Christ our God, And by Thy Death hast death subdued; That art One of the Holy Trinity, Glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: Save us. Than, the priest: Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord. Choir- People: Lord, have mercy. Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay V

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

Priest: Protect us, save us , have mercy on us, and safeguard us, O God, by Thy grace. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Commemorating our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, the Mother of God Ever-Virgin Mary, with all saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and our whole life unto Christ our Lord. Choir-People: To Thee, O Lord. The Prayer of the Third Antiphon is read by the priest inaudibly. Priest ALOUD: For a gracious and man-loving God art Thou and unto Thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Choir-People: Amen. THE LITTLE ENTRANCE Third Antiphon The Beatitudes Choir-People: In the Kingdom remember us, O Lord: When Thou comest into Thy kingdom. Blessed are the poor in spirit : For theirs is the Kingdom of Haven. Blessed are they that mourn; For they shell be comforted. Blessed are the meek: For they shell inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness: For they shell be filled. Blessed are merciful: For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in hart: For they shell see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: For they shall be called the Sons of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake: For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you. And say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad: For your reward is great in Haven. Glory: Remember us, O Lord: When Thou comest in Thy Kingdom. Now and ever Remember us, O Hoky One: When Thou comest in Thy Kingdom. The Priest elevates the Gospel , and says: Wisdom! Let us attend! Choir-People: Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ! O Son of God, Who art risen from the death ( if not Sunday: Who art wonderful in Thy Saints), save us who sing unto Thee : Alleluia. Thereafter cantors sing the Troparia according to the day: Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay VI

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

Sunday Troparia of all eight Tones- Voices: Tone-Voice 1. While stone was sealed by the Jews and the soldiers kept guard over the most pure Body, Thou didst rise on the third day, O Saviour, granting life to the world, for which cause the heavenly powers cried aloud unto Thee, O Giver of life : Glory to Thy Resurrection, O Christ; Glory be to Thy Kingdom; Glory be to Thy providence, O Thou, who alone lovest mankind. Tone-Voice 2. When Thou didst descend unto death, O Life Immortal, Thou didst destroy hell with the splendour of Thy Divinity; And when Thou didst raise up the dead from the lowest parts of the earth, than all the heavenly powers cried aloud: O Giver of Life, Christ our God, Glory to Thee. Tone-Voice 3. Let those of heaven rejoice, and let those of earth be glad, for the Lord has shown strength with his arm he trampled down death by death; He is become the first-born of the dead; from the death of hell he has delivered us ; and has bestowed His great mercy upon the world. Tone Voice 4. Having learned from the angel, the glad news of the Resurrection, and that the ancient curse was done away, the women disciples of the Lord cried proudly unto the apostles: Death is no more, and Christ our God is risen, granting the world his great mercy. Tone- Voice 5. The Word, Who with the Father and the Spirit Has no beginning, and who for our salvation was born of the Virgin, let us faithful believers hymn and adore; for He was pleased to ascend the Cross in the flash, and to endure death, and to rise dead by His Glorious Resurrection. Tone-Voice 6. The angelic powers were in the tomb and the guards became as dead man, and Mary stood by the grave seeking Thine most pure Body. Thou hast subdued hell, without being tempted by it ; Thou didst meet the Virgin, granting life ; Thou hast risen from the dead; O Lord, glory to Thee. Tone-Voice 7. Thou hast destroyed Death by Thy Cross; Thou hast open Paradise to the thief ; Thou hast changed the myrrhbearers lamentation into joy; and Thou hast commanded Thy Apostles to proclaim that Thou, O Christ our God, hast risen , granting to the world the great mercy. Tone-Voice 8. From on high Thou didst descend, O Merciful One; and didst endure the grave for three days. That thou mightest free us from anguish. Glory to Thee, O Lord, our Life and our Resurrection. The Troparia and Kontakia most often end with this Kontakion to the Most Holy Mother of God: (Tone-Voice 6.) Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen: O Protection of Christians, our Boast Unshamed; Meditation unwearied at our Markers Throne; O despise not the voices of us sinners raised in prayer, but be kind and help us before we know our need, for with faith we cry unto Thee; Haste Thee to intercession, and speed to make entreaty; for Thy protection never fails, O Mother of God, for them that honour Thee. Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay VII

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

The Trice Holy Hymn Priest: For Holy art Thou, O our God, 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-People: Amen. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal; have mercy on us. (Thrice). Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. READING OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURE The Epistle Priest: Let us attend, Peace be to all! Reader: And to thy spirit. Priest: Wisdom. Reader: The Prokimenon in the _______Tone-Voice. Priest: Wisdom. Reader: The Reading (from the Acts of the Holy Apostles OR from the Epistle of the Saint Apostle Paul to the Romans; to the Corinthians, OR from the Epistle of some other Apostle).Priest: Let us attend! Reader: In those days ( or : Brethren or My son Timothy , etc.) and continues with the reading for the particular day. After the Reading is ended, the Priest says: Peace be to thee (Reader)! Reader: And to thy spirit. Priest: Wisdom. Choir-People: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. The Priest meanwhile reads inaudibly the Prayer: O Master, kindle within our harts the light of Thy divine knowledge And than aloud: Wisdom! Attend! Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Peace be to all! Choir- People: And to thy spirit. Priest: The reading of the Holy Gospel. Peace be to all! Choir-People: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee. Priest: Let us attend! ( And he reads the appointed portion of the Holy Gospel) After reading.. Choir-People: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee. The Litany of Fervent Supplication Priest: Let us say with all our soul, and with all our mind let us say: Choir-Priest: Lord, have mercy. Priest: O Lord Almighty, the God of our Fathers, we pray unto Thee; hear us and have mercy. Choir-Priest: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we pray unto Thee, hear us and have mercy. Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay VIII

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Thrice. Priest: We pray also for the Honourable and God-protected President of Republika Srpska and for our government; for the victory, good estate, peace, health, and salvation; and that the Lord our God may enlighten them and help them in everything, and subdue to them every enemy and adversary. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Thirce. Priest: We pray also for His Holiness, our Patriarch Poul, for His Grace our Bishop Basil, and for all our brethren in Christ. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Thrice. Priest: We pray also for all our Christ-loving brothers and sisters. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Thrice. Priest: We pray also for our brethren, priests, ordained monks, and for all our brotherhood in Christ. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Thrice. Priest: We pray also for the Blessed, Ever Memorabile, and Most Holy Orthodox Patriarchs for devout kings and right-believing queens, for the founders of this holy House, and for all our departed orthodox fathers and brethren, who rest in peace here and everywhere. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Thrice. Priest: We pray also for them that bring offerings and do good deeds in this holy and venerable House, for them that work and sing; and for the people here present who await from Thee great and abundant mercies. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Thrice. Priest: For a merciful and man-loving God art Thou, and to Thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto ages of ages. Choir-People: Amen. Litany for the Dead If there be any offering made for the dead, then the priest says this Litany: ( Warning: This Litany will not be proceed on the Sunday Resurrection Day) Priest: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we pray unto Thee, here us and have mercy. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Thrice. Priest: We pray also for the repose of souls of the departed servants of God (names), and that all their voluntary and involuntary transgressions be forgiven. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Thrice. Priest: That the Lord our God establish their souls where the righteous repose. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Thrice. Priest: Let us beseech Christ, our Immortal King and God, for divine mercy, Heavenly Kingdom, and the remission of their sins. Choir-People: Grant it , O Lord. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay IX

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

Priest inaudibly reads the prayer for the departed: O God of spirits and of all corporal beings ALOUD: For Thou art the Resurrection and the Life, and the Repose of Thy departed servants ( names) , O Christ our God, and we accord glory to Thee, together with Thine unoriginate Father, and Thy Most Holy and Gracious and Life-giving Spirit now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Choir-People: Amen. Dismissal of the Catechumens Priest: Ye catechumens, pray unto Lord. Choir- Priest: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Ye faithful, let us pray for the catechumens, that the Lord may have mercy upon them. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: That He may instruct them in the word of truth. Choir-people: Lord, have mercy. Priest: That He may reveal unto them the Gospel of righteousness. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: That He may unite them to His Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Choir-Priest: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Save them, have mercy upon them, and safeguard them, O God, by Thy grace. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Catechumens, bow your heads unto the Lord. Choir- Priest: To Thee, o Lord. Priest reads the Prayer of the Catechumens (inaudibly) ALOUD: That they also may with us glorify Thy Most Honourable and Majestic Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Choir-People: Amen. The priest spreads out the antemension. THE LITURGY OF THE FAITHFUL Priest: All that are catechumens, depart; catechumens, depart: all that are catechumens, depart; let none of the catechumens remain. All that are faithful, again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Protect us, save us, have mercy on us, and safeguard us O God, by Thy grace. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Wisdom. For unto Thee are due all glory, honour, and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Choir-People: Amen. Priest: Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Protect us, save us, have mercy upon us, and safeguard us, O God, by Thy grace. Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay X

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Wisdom. That, guarded always by Thy might, we may ascribe glory to Thee, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Choir-People: Amen. The great entrance And the holy doors are opened. Than, the priest takes the censer and, putting the incense, blesses it and censes holy table crosswise, the whole sanctuary, iconostasis, singers, and the people, saying, as he does so, the Psalm 51st and other prayers. During the censing and the Prayers, Choir-People sings The Cherubic Hymn: All we that mystically represent the Cherubim and sing to the Life-giving Trinity the Trice-holy hymn , let us now lay aside all the cares of this life. The Priest comes out carrying the Gifts; in the Holy Chalice wine, and on the Paten (golden plate) the prepared bread in order to place them on the Holy Throne for the coming consecration. During the entrance the priest prays as follow: May the Lord our God remember in His Kingdom the honourable and Christ-loving Christian people, the benefactors and donors of this holy House, always, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. May the Lord our God remember in His Kingdom the Honourable and the God-protected President of Republika Srpska and our government, always, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. May the Lord our God remember in His Kingdom our Most Holy Patriarch Paul, and His Grace our Bishop Basil, always, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. May the Lord our God remember in His Kingdom all of you, Orthodox Christians, always, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. When the priest enters the Altar the choir-people continues with the Cherubic Hymn: That we may receive the King of all, Who is coming invisibly escorted by the hosts of angels. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. PREPARATION FOR THE COSECRATION OF THE GIFTS The priest sets down the Gifts upon the Holy Throne, reads the prescribed prayers, censes the Gifts , and after the he closes the Royal Doors and draws the curtain, he says the Offertory Litany as follows: Priest: Let us complete our prayer to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For the precious gifts now set forth let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For this Holy House and for them that with faith, reverence, , and godly fear enter therein, let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay XI

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

Priest: For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath and want, let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: protect us, save us, have mercy upon us, and safeguard us, O God, by Thy grace. Choir- People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us beseech the Lord. Choir-People: Grant it, O Lord. Priest: For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us beseech the Lord. Choir-People: Grant it, O Lord. Priest: For the pardon and remission of our sins and offences, let us beseech the Lord. Choir-People: Grant it, O Lord. Priest: For what is good and beneficial for our souls, and for the peace of the world, let us beseech the Lord. Choir-People: Grant it, O Lord. Priest: That the remaining time of our life we may live in peace and repentance, let us beseech the Lord. Choir-People: Grant it, O Lord. Priest: That the end of our lives may be Christian, painless, blameless and peaceful, and for a good account at the awesome judgement-seat of Christ, let us beseech the Lord. Choir-People: Grant it, O Lord. Priest: Commemorating our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, the Mother of God Ever-Virgin Mary, with all saints, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and our whole life unto Christ our Lord. Choir-People: To Thee, O Lord. Priest: Trough the mercies of Thine Only-Begotten Son, with Whom Thou art Blessed, together with Thy Most Holy, Gracious, and Life-Giving Spirit, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Choir-People: Amen. Priest: Peace be with you. Choir-People: And with Thy Spirit. Priest: Let us love one another that with one accord we may profess: Choir-People: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; the Trinity One in Essence and Undivided. Priest: The Doors! The Doors! In wisdom let us attend. The Nicene Creed I believe in One God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of everything visible and invisible. And in One Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-Begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of light, true God of true God, begotten not made, of one essence with the Father, trough Whom all things were made. Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay XII

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

Who for us humans and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and of the Virgin Mary, and became Man. Crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, He suffered and was buried; And resurrected on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; And he will return in glory to judge the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and Son is worshipped and glorifies; Who spoke trough the Prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic (translation- Catholic by Universal) and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I await the resurrection of the dead; And the life of the future age. Amen. Prelude to the Consecration of the Holy Gifts Priest: Let us stand aright, let us stand in awe; let us attend, to offer the Holy Oblation in Peace. Choir-People: A mercy of peace, a sacrifice of praise. Priest: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. Choir-People: And with thy spirit. Priest: Let us lift up our hearts. Choir-People: We have them lifted to the Lord. The Canon of Eucharist Priest: Let us give thank to the Lord. Choir-People: It is proper and right to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit , the Trinity , One in Essence and Undivided. And the priest prays: It is proper and the right to sing to Thee, to bless Thee, to praise Thee, to give thanks to Thee, to worship Thee etc. ALOUD: Singing, voicing, proclaiming and saying the triumphal hymn. Choir-People: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabbaoth ! Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory, Hosanna in the highest: Blessed is He who cometh in the Name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest. After saying inaudibly a prayer, the priest pointing to the Holy Paten says aloud: Take, eat; This is My Body, Which is broken for you for the forgiveness of sins. Choir-People: Amen Now the priest points to the Holy Chalice and says aloud: Drink of it, all of you, This is My Blood of the new covenant, Which is shed for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins. Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay XIII

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

Choir-People: Amen. With hands crossed the priest elevates the Holy Paten and the Holy Chalice, saying aloud: Thine own of Thine own we offer to Thee, in behalf of all, and for all. Choir-People: We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we give thanks to Thee, O Lord. And we pray to Thee, O our God ( And we pray to Thee, O our God, is repeated trice) . During that singing the priest invokes fervently the Holy and Divine Spirit to be sent by God the Father Upon us and upon these gifts here spread forth, and make the Bread on the Holy Paten The precious Body of Christ, and the Wine in the Holy Chalice The precious Blood of Christ. This moment is the loftiest and the most sacred in the Great Eucharistic Sacrifice. The faithful should be aware of that and lift up his/her inner voice in a most fervent and awesome prayer, because of mystical partaking in this Great and Sacred Mystery. After the consecration of the Holy Gifts, the priest offers inaudibly prayers to God, and finishing them says aloud: Especially for our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary. Choir-People: It is truly proper to call thee Blessed Mother of God, who art Ever-Blessed and Most Immaculate, and the mother of our God. As being more honourable then the Cherubim, and incomparably more glorious then the Seraphim, as one who without corruption hast borne God the Word, we magnify thee! On the Great Holy Days instead of It is truly proper another special Hymn ( Eirmos) is sung. During the singing the priest, in front of the Holy and Divine Mystery, prays for the Church, for the countrys government, for the health of the living, and for the rest of the departed, and especially for those he was asked to pray for during the Service. After this Prayer of Intercession the priest says aloud: Remember, O Lord, among the first our Most Holy Patriarch Poul, and His Grace Our Bishop Basil, grant them to Thy Holy Churches in peace, honour, and health for many years, to teach aright the Word of Thy truth. Choir- People: And each, and all! Priest: And grant us with one mouth and one heart to glorify and praise in song Thy Most Honourable and Majestic Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Choir-People: Amen. Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay XIV

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

Here the Canon of Eucharist is ended, and the prayerful preparation for the Communion of the clergy and the faithful begins. Priest: And may the mercies of our Great God and Saviour Jesus Christ to be with you all. Choir-People: And with thy spirit. Priest: Calling to remembrance all the saints, again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For the precious gifts which have been offered and consecrated, let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Let us pray, that our God Who loves man, receiving them upon His holy, heavenly, and mystic altar as an aroma of spiritual fragrance, may bestow upon us His divine grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath and want, let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Protect us, save us, have mercy on us, and safeguard us, O God, by Thy grace. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: That the whole day may be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us beseech the Lord. Choir-People: Grant it, O Lord. Priest: For an angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us beseech the Lord. Choir-People: Grant it, O Lord. Priest: For the pardon and forgiveness of our sins and offences, let us beseech the Lord. Choir-People: Grant it, O Lord. Priest: For what is good and beneficial for our souls and for the peace of the world, let us beseech the Lord. Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay XV

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

Choir-People: Grant it, O Lord. Priest: That the remaining time of our life we may live in peace and repentance, let us beseech the Lord. Choir-People: Grant it, O Lord. Priest: For Christian ending of our life; painless, unashamed, and peaceful and for a good account before the fearsome Judgment Seat of Christ, let us beseech the Lord. Choir-People: Grant it, O Lord. Priest: As we pray for the unity of faith and the communion of the Holy Spirit, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God. Choir-People: To Thee, O Lord. THE LORDS PRAYER Priest: And deem us worthy, O Master, that we may boldly and without condemnation call upon Thee, the Heavenly God the Father, and say: The people: 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 debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Choir-People: Amen. Priest: Peace be with you all. Choir-People: And with thy spirit. Priest: Bow your heads unto the Lord. Choir-People: To Thee, O Lord. (Lengthily) Priest: Trough the grace and compassion and loving-kindness of Thine Only-Begoten Son, with Whom Thou art Blessed, together with Thy Most Holy and Gracious and Life-creating Spirit, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay XVI

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

Choir-People: Amen. (Lengthily) The priest, than, lifting up the Holy Bread, says aloud: Let us attend! Gifts Holy unto the holy! Choir-People: One is Holy, One is the Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. The choir sings the Communion Hymn, while the priest (or the Bishop and the celebrating clergy) take the Holy Communion. After the Royal Doors are opened and the priest says: With the fear of God, and with faith, draw near! Choir-People: Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord. The Lord is God and has revealed Himself to us. COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE The faithful who are ready to partake in the Holy Communion come up one by one to the middle of the Church, their hands crossed on their chests, with all humility and fear of God, and when called by the priest, they read the following prayer, facing the Holy Chalice: I believe, O Lord, and I profess that Thou art verily the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Who didst come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief. I believe also that this is truly Thy Most Pure Body, and that is truly Thy Most Precious Blood. Wherefore, I beseech Thee: have mercy upon me, and forgive me all my transgressions, both voluntary and involuntary; whether in word or deed; whether consciously or unconsciously committed, and make me worthy to partake without condemnation of Thy Most Pure Mysteries unto the forgiveness of sins and life eternal. Amen. O Son of God, admit me today as a participant to Thy Mystic Supper, for I shell not communicate to Thine enemies the Mysteries, nor shall I give Thee a kiss as Judas did, but, like the repentant robber, I confess to Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom. Let the Communion of Thy Holy Mysteries be to me not unto judgment nor unto condemnation, but unto the healing of my soul and body. Administering the Holy Communion the priest says for each one: The servant of God (name) partakes of the precious and all-holy Body and Blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ unto the forgiveness of sins, and unto life everlasting. The lips of the communicant are wiped off with the linen. And so all communicate. During the Holy Communion the choir-people sings: Receive the Body of Christ ; taste of the Fountain of Immortality. When the faithful have received the Holy Communion, the priest reads the prayers and the Easter Hymns inaudibly, and than he calls upon the Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay XVII

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

communicants to offer their thanksgiving to God for the Most Holy Mystery, and than he says: O Lord , save Thy people , and bless Thy inheritance. Choir-People: We have seen the True Light: We have received the Heavenly Spirit: We have found the Truth Faith, Worshiping the Undivided Trinity: Who has saved us. Priest: (inaudibly) : Blessed is our God! (loud) : Always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir-People: Amen. Let our mouth be filled with Thy praise, O Lord, that we may sing of Thy glory; for Thou hast made us worthy to partake of Thy Holy, Divine, Immortal, and Life-creating Mysteries; preserve us in Thy Holiness, that we may meditate on Thy Righteousness all day long. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Priest: Having partaken of the Devine, Holy, Pure, Immortal, Heavenly, Life-creating and Awesome Mysteries of Christ, let us arise and worthily thank the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Protect us, save us, have mercy upon us, and safeguard us, O God, by Thy grace. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Entreating the Lord that the whole day be perfect, holy, peaceful, and sinless, let us commend ourselves, and one another, and our whole life to Christ our Lord. Choir-People: To Thee, O Lord. Priest: For Thou art our sanctification , 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-People: Amen. Priest: Let us go forth in peace. Choir-People: In the name of the Lord. Priest: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir-People: Lord, have mercy.

Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D

Petar Spremo

Essay XVIII

November 2003.

B.A. in Theology

The priest reads the prayer Behind-the-Ambon , and than says aloud: . 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-People: Amen. Blessed be the Name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore! (THRICE) Priest: The blessing of the Lord be upon you, by His grace and lovingkindness always, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Choir-People: Amen DISMISSAL Priest: Glory to Thee, O Christ God, our Hope, glory to Thee. Choir-People: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. (Thrice) Priest: May Christ our True God, by the intercessions of His Most Pure Mother, of the Holy and praiseworthy Apostles, of our father among the saints, John Chrysostom, the Archbishop of Constantinople, of St. John Baptist and St George, whose day it is, and of all the saints , have mercy upon us and save us, for He is gracious and loves mankind. Choir-People: Amen. The priest distributes Antidor (meaning substitute for the Gifts), goes back to the Altar, consumes the remnants of the Holy Gifts, removes his vestments, and reads the thanksgiving and dismissal prayers. Troparia to St Nicolas The truth of thy deeds has shown thee to thy flock, as a rule of faith , an example of virtue, and a teacher of abstinence, wherefore thou didst by humility acquire greatness, and by poverty riches, O Father and Hierarch, Nicholas, intercede with Christ our god, to save our souls. Troparia to St George Being a deliverer of the captives and the protector of the poor, a healer of those who are sick, a combatant of the kings, O , victor and Great Martyr George intercede with Christ our God to save our souls.

Composed and prepared by Spremo D. Petar

Hartford University, St. Paul , MN , USA 2003 A.D