THE LITURGY OF SAINT JOHN THE DIVINE
Being a modern representative reconstruction of the Divine Liturgy of the first millennium Church in the British Isles as found in the Stowe Missal, with Rubrical and other supplements from the Sarum and intended as a Liturgy suitable for the twenty-first century.
This is undoubtedly an Orthodox Liturgy.
THE PREPARATION OF THE SACRIFICE
The Deacon and Sub-Deacon accompanied by at least one Server then go directly without ceremony, to the Preparation Chapel. There the Sub-Deacon takes the Chalice (with Pall, folded veil and Purificator on top of it) and gives the Chalice and the linens to the Deacon, and waits at the right corner of the preparation altar. A server brings the cruets, and waits beside the Sub-Deacon. The Deacon takes the Chalice and purificator and wipes the inside of the Chalice. He gives the Purificator to the Sub-Deacon. He makes the Sign of the Cross with the Chalice over the Paten and sets the Chalice down.
The Deacon then takes the wine cruet from the Sub-Deacon and pours the wine into the Chalice saying;
May the Father forgive us, may the Son pardon us, and may the Holy Ghost have mercy upon us.
He next takes the water cruet and pours water into the Chalice in the Sign of a Cross saying;
I pray to Thee, O Father; I beseech Thy prayers, O Son; I plead to Thee, O Holy Ghost.
The Deacon next takes the Paten with the Host upon it; making the sign of the Cross with the Paten over the Chalice. He then places the Bread on the cutting board and proceeds to prepare the Sacrifice into nine pieces for Sundays and Ferias during Lent, five Pieces for a daily Liturgy, seven pieces for the commemoration of Saints and Virgins eight pieces for commemorations of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Martyrs, eleven pieces for the Apostles, twelve pieces for the feast of the Circumcision and for Holy Thursday, thirteen pieces for Low Sunday and the feast of the Ascension, sixty-five pieces for Easter, Christmas, and Pentecost. Sufficient other pieces are cut for the number of communicants present and placed around the edge of the large Paten, saying as he does so;
Jesus Christ, Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last.
He then places the Paten on top of the Chalice and covers it with the purificator, Veil and places the Burse on top. If the Paten be a large standard Paten, then it is covered with a separate purificator and the Veil and Burse are set on top of the Chalice
Having thus prepared the Sacrifice and placed it ready for the Offertory Procession, they shall return directly without ceremony, to the Vestry Chapel.
THE ENTRANCE PROCESSION OF THE PRIEST AND BOOK
Then shall they form a procession in the Vesting Chapel: Crucifer, Taperers, Thurifer, Book-bearer, Sub-Deacon, Deacon and Priest. During the Entrance, the Choir sings Psalm 43, Judica me, Deus during the procession;
I will go unto the Altar of God.
Even unto the God of my joy and gladness.
Give sentence with me, O God, and defend my cause against the ungodly people:
O deliver me from the deceitful and wicked man.
For Thou art the God of my strength, why hast Thou put me from Thee: and why go I so heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me ?
O send out Thy light and Thy truth, that they may lead me: and bring me unto Thy Holy Hill, and to Thy dwelling.
And that I may go unto the Altar of God, even unto the God of my joy and gladness :
And upon the harp will I give thanks unto Thee O God my God.
Why art thou so heavy, O my soul: and why art thou so disquieted within me?
O put thy trust in God for I will yet give Him thanks, which is the help of my countenance, and my God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end.
Then shall the Priest and his ministers approach the Altar, preceded by the taperers, the thurifers, the Sub-Deacon, and Deacon.
THE DIVINE LITURGY
The Book-bearer gives the Book to the Deacon who reverently places it upon the cushion on the Altar, and returns to his place. The Priest, raising his hands in supplication, begins intoning:
Let our prayer ascend to Thy Throne of Fame, O Lord, lest we be returned emptiness in answer to our petitions. This we pray through our Lord, Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God world without end.
R: Amen.
THE OFFICE
Then shall the Office of the day from the Sarum Missal be sung
THE COLLECTS OF THE DAY
Then shall the Collects of the day from the Stowe Missal be intoned by the Priest, standing at the south side of the Altar
THE ANGELIC HYMN
The Priest shall begin and the people shall join with him,
Priest: GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH,
All: And in earth peace, good will towards men. 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 Jesu 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, 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 Christ, with the Holy Ghost art most high in the glory + of God the Father. Amen.
Bowing and with joined hands, the Priest now continues;
O God Who hast prepared unseen gifts for Thy faithful servants, do Thou pour out love of Thee into our hearts, that we may follow Thee in all things, and above all, we may diligently pursue Thy promises which exceed the hopes of men. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God world without end.
R: Amen.
THE PROPER COLLECTS
There always an uneven number of Collects: That of the day, that of the Blessed Virgin, that of the saint of the day, then that for the Bishop or other at the discretion of the Priest. At daily celebrations, the following Collect is said by the Priest after bowing;
O God, Which art offended by sin and pleased by penitence, hear and consider the groans of Thine afflicted, and mercifully prevent the evils which Thou dost justly allow, through our Lord Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God world without end.
R: Amen.
THE EPISTLE
The Epistle is intoned by the Sub-Deacon from the entrance of the Screen. When the Sub-Deacon is returned and the Book replaced, then the Priest shall join his hands and, facing the Altar from the midst, shall intone thus;
O God, Thou Who savest us by guiding us and justifiest us by Thy forbearance: Do Thou pluck us from the tribulations of our times and grant joy to us through our Lord Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God world without end.
R: Amen.
Almighty and Eternal God, Thou Who didst redeem Thy people by the blood of Thine Only-begotten Son: Destroy Thou the works of the devil, breaking the chains of sin, that those who have gained everlasting life by confessing Thy Name, may in no wise be bound to the author of death. We pray this through our Lord Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God world without end.
R: Amen.
THE GRADUAL
The Sarum Gradual of the day being the complete Psalm is sung by the choir. At the end of the Gradual, the Priest, at the midst of the Altar, with his hands joined and resting upon it, prays;
May these gifts by which The Mystery is celebrated, please Thee O Lord, unto our lively freedom. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.
Then the choir shall continue with the ALLELUIA, TRACT or SEQUENCE of the day. At the end of the Sequence, the Priest, with joined hands at the midst of the Altar, shall bow and pray ;
O Lord we beseech Thee graciously to receive these our sacrifices which we here present to Thee, that our prayers may be profitable to our salvation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Thanks be to Thee, O God.
Then shall the Deacon in his place lead the litany of supplication
V: Let us say, Lord hear us and have mercy upon us
R: Lord have mercy
V: With all our heart and with all our mind let us pray; O Thou Who, looking upon all the world dost make it tremble, To Thee we pray:
R: Lord have mercy
V: For peace and tranquillity in our time, for the Holy Catholic Church which is from the bounds, even unto the ends of the earth, let us pray
R: Lord have mercy
V: For our Shepherd and Bishop ____, and for all the Bishops, Priests, Deacons and all clergy, let us pray
R: Lord have mercy
V: For this kingdom and those living in it, For our Queen, and for pious kings and rulers, for our protectors, Let us pray
R: Lord have mercy
V: For all who live under the Sublime Rule, for virgins, widows and orphans:Let us pray:
R: Lord have mercy
V: For all Christian pilgrims, all travellers: For penitents, catechumens and prisoners: let us pray:
R: Lord have mercy
V: For these in the Holy Church who show forth with fruits of Thy mercy: O Lord God of all virtue hear our prayer
R: Lord have mercy
V: That we may have in remembrance Thy Saints, Apostles and Martyrs, and that by their prayers we may gain Thy mercy and forgiveness: let us pray:
R: Lord have mercy
V: O Lord we do beseech Thee to grant Thy people a Christian and peaceful end
R: Grant it, O Lord, we pray Thee, grant it
V: That Thy Divine works may be with us: A holy chain of Love: We beseech Thee, O Lord
R: Grant it, O Lord, we pray Thee, grant it
V: Keep us steadfast in Thy Holy Catholic Faith we beseech Thee, O Lord
R: Grant it, O Lord, we pray Thee, grant it
V: Let us pray
V: Lord have mercy upon us
The Priest, standing in the midst of the Altar, extends his hands in prayer and intones;
Priest: O Lord graciously behold this Sacrifice unto Thee, which by Thy Name, cleanses us from the fault of our condition, and restores us to Thy regard, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen
Then shall the Priest, bow, and with joined hands, say;
O Lord I stand before Thee accused by the witness of a guilty conscience. I dare not ask on behalf of others for I am not worthy. But Thou Lord, knowest all that has has passed among us and which we are ashamed to confess. And although we fear not to say that we obey Thee: Nevertheless we do thereby lie in our hearts. We protest our willingness: Yet with our works, we betray ourselves. Spare us from our defiance borne of pride: Good Lord, forgive us sinners, show mercy to those who call upon Thee. In the midst of Thy Mystery our thoughts are turned back. O Lord, Who receivest not our words with a hard heart: Grant us Thy forgiveness we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God world without end. Amen.
THE OFFERTORY PROCESSION
The ancient Cherubic Hymn may be sung while the Sacrifice is brought to the Altar, and the Priest says the Secret Prayer. The Deacon, Sub-Deacon, Thurifer and Taperers go to the Preparation Chapel and bring the Sacrifice in procession out through the chapel door, along the transept, through the Quire Door to the Credence table.
THE CHERUBIC HYMN
Let all mortal flesh keep silence
And with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly minded,
For with blessing in His hand
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
Our full homage to command.
King of Kings, yet born of Mary,
As of old on earth He stood,
Lord of Lords, in human vesture,,
In the Body and the Blood,
He will give to all the Faithful
His own self for Heavenly food.
Rank on rank the Host of Heaven
Spreads its vanguard on the way,
As the Light of Lights descendeth
From the realm of endless day,
That the powers of hell may vanish
As the darkness clears away.
At His feet the six-winged Seraphs,
Cherubim with sleepless eye,
Veil their faces to the Presence
As with ceaseless voice they cry
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, Lord most High.
The Deacon opens the Corporal and spreads it in the centre of the Altar. Assisted by the Sub Deacon, he brings the Chalice and Large Paten to the Altar and the Priest places them on the Corporal, the Large Paten in front of the Chalice, and the Deacon covers them with Pall and Veil, placing the Burse upright at the back of the Altar. The Deacon places the small Paten under the front right hand corner of the Corporal. They resume their places.
THE CENSING OF THE SACRIFICE
The Priest standing in the midst of the Altar, folds back the Veil to uncover the Bread and the front of the Chalice. Incense is set and the thurible brought to the Deacon, who gives it to the Priest who blesses it, and censes the Sacrifice in the form of a Cross thrice, saying each time;
Let my prayer be set forth in Thy sight as incense and the lifting of my hand be as an evening sacrifice.
He then censes the Sacrifice in two left hand circles and one right hand circle saying each time;
Come, Thou Lord, the Almighty, the Sanctifier, bless this Sacrifice prepared unto Thee. Amen
He then censes the rest of the Altar thrice at the south side, thrice at the Epistle end, thrice in the midst, thrice at the Gospel end and thrice at the north side.
Following immediately, the Sub Deacon brings the Gospel Book and holds it open, facing the Priest and who censes the Gospel Book thrice, saying;
We beseech Thee Lord, Almighty God, that of Thy great mercy Thou wouldst accept these offerings which we bring to Thee, and that Thou stretch forth Thy right hand to defend Thy people. We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
THE GOSPEL
The Sub-Deacon waits for the Priest’s blessing.
The Priest makes the sign of the Cross over the Sub Deacon
Then, with a Taperer on either side and preceded by the Thurifer, he holds the Book high in his left hand and precedes the Deacon to the Quire Lectern where he places the Book on the Lectern and continues around it to stand facing across the Lectern. The Deacon stands in front of the Book, a Taperer standing on either side of the Lectern, holding their candles inward toward the Book. The Thurifer stands to one side or behind the Deacon who then sings the Gospel.
At the end of the Gospel, the people shall respond;
R: Praise be to Thee, O Christ
The SERMON, Banns and other serious announcements may now be made, during which the people may sit. At the end of the Sermon, all must stand and face the Altar for the Creed and the continuation of the Liturgy.
THE CREED
Priest: I BELIEVE IN ONE GOD
All: The Father Almighty, maker of Heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord (bow) Jesus Christ, (arise) the only- begotten Son of God. 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, (bow) and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate He suffered and was buried. (arise) And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures. And 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 have no end. And I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord, the giver of life: Who proceedeth from the Father. Who with the Father and the bow Son arise together is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets. And I believe 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.
The Priest now removes the Veil, and, holding it by the two corners, spread before him, he says;
O Lord have mercy upon us, and grant us Thy Salvation.
O Lord have mercy upon us, and grant us Thy Salvation.
O Lord have mercy upon us, and grant us Thy Salvation.
Having laid aside the Veil, he lifts the Chalice in his right hand, and the Paten in his left, to shoulder height, and says;
O Lord, we pray Thee, accept these gifts which are offered, sanctify them, and cleanse us from the mark of our sins, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end. Amen.
He replaces the Chalice and Paten reverently in the centre of the Corporas and the Deacon covers it with the Pall.
We, Thy humble servants, do beseech Thee, O Lord, that Thou wouldst graciously receive these Offerings of our worship, through this most glorious Sacrifice and our purified hearts. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
And here, we sacrifice these oblations and offerings unto Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ Who suffered for us and rose again from the dead on the third day, for the souls of our loved ones _________, whose names we here rehearse to Thee, and all those whose names are written by Thee in the Book of Life Eternal. Of Thy mercy, save them, O Thou Who reignest world without end.
R: Amen.
THE SECRET
The Secret prayer from the Sarum Missal set for the day, or else this following.
May this oblation of Thy servants be found pleasing unto Thee, which we offer these gifts in honour of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in commemoration of Thy blessed Apostles, Martyrs and Confessors, of whom we especially recall _______, and all those whose feast is celebrated today, and also for the souls of all our Bishops, Priests and Deacons, our loved ones, our children, and our penitents. May this offering be profitable unto our salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God world without end.
R: Amen.
THE SURSUM CORDA
Then shall the Priest turn to the people and intone;
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And with thy spirit.
Priest: Lift up your hearts.
People: We lift them up unto the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
People: It is meet and right so to do
Then shall the Priest turn himself to the Altar and say;
Priest: It is very meet, right, for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, Holy Lord, Almighty Father, Everlasting God; Who, with Thine Only-Begotten Son and the Holy Ghost, art One Immortal God. God, Incorruptible and Immutable. God, Unsearchable and Faithful. God, most Marvellous and worthy of all praise: God, most Honourable and Mighty. God, Exalted and most Magnificent: God, Living and True. God, all Wise and all Powerful: God, Holy and Exemplary. God, Great and Good: God, Terrible and Peaceful. God, Beautiful and Perfect: God, Pure and Gracious. God, Blessed and Just: God, Pious and Holy. Thou art not one in singularity of person, but One Trinity of One Substance. We believe Thee; we bless Thee; we adore Thee; we praise Thy Name unto the eternity: Thou art He through Whom cometh the Salvation of the world; through Whom cometh the Life of men; through Whom cometh the Resurrection of the dead.
The Sarum Proper Preface is said after the fixed Preface. Ending,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord; by Whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, Dominions adore Thee, Heavenly Powers tremble, the Heavenly Virtues and Blessed Seraphim join with one glad voice, extolling Thee. Together with whom we pray Thee suffer our voices to have entrance, humbly confessing Thee and saying;
Choir: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth. Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory, Hosanna in the highest.
Priest: Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of theLord.
Choir: Hosanna in the highest.
Priest: Blessed indeed is He that cometh from Heaven that He might enter the world, and became man unto the destruction of the sins of the flesh, became a Victim that through suffering He might give eternal life to those that believe; through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God world without end.
R: Amen.
The Priest standing before the midst of the Altar, joins his hands then immediately bows, placing his hands upon the Altar and saying;
Therefore, most merciful Father, through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, we most humbly beseech Thee, kiss the Altar that Thou wouldst accept and bless these gifts + these offerings + these holy, undefiled Sacrifices + raises his hands which we offer unto Thee firstly on behalf of Thy Holy Catholic Church: to which do Thou deign to grant peace, guard, unite and govern throughout the whole world: Together with Thy servants _____, our Metropolitan and _____, our Bishop and all those who in orthodoxy uphold the Catholic and Apostolic Faith.
Remember, O Lord, Thy servants and handmaids ___,
In praying for whom a due order of charity ought to be observed. Let the Priest pray five times: First for himself, secondly for his father and mother, carnal and spiritual, and other relatives; thirdly for friends, Parishioners and others, fourthly for all present; fifthly for all Christian people; and here the Priest may commend all his friends to God: With the caution however, that there should be not an unseemly pause both for fear of distraction of mind and of suggestions which may be made by evil angels as well as other dangers.
and this congregation here present, whose faith and devotion is known and approved of Thee; on whose behalf we offer this Sacrifice of Praise for themselves, their kin, and the redemption of their souls. For their counsellors; for the purity of all who minister, of virgins and widows; for good weather, fruitfulness of the land; for an end to division and the return of peace; for the safety of the Queen, and peace for her people, the rescue of all held captive, and for the prayers of those here present; for the commemoration of martyrs; for the remission of our sins, the correction of malefactors; for repose for the dead; and guidance on our journey: For our Metropolitan and all the Bishops, the Priests and all in Holy Orders; for the whole world, and for all Christian kings and rulers: For our brothers and sisters; for the brethren who follow the strait way; for the brethren whom the Lord hath deemed worthy to call from the darkness of this world, from which, in their continuing faith may the Divine and peaceful Light raise them up + For the cure of our brethren afflicted by diverse sorrows; for the hope of salvation and safety: For all them that are faithful unto Thee the Eternal Living and True God
Here follows proper Communicantes of the day
in communion with, and reverencing the memory firstly, of the glorious ever-Virgin Mary the Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ, and of Thy blessed Apostles and martyrs: Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thaddæus, Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Laurence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian and of all Thy Saints for whose sake and at whose prayers do Thou grant that, in all things, we may be strengthened by the aid of Thy protection through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God world without end.
R: Amen.
Standing back a little from the Altar, the Priest extends his right hand toward the Sacrifice:
And here we offer this oblation of our service and that of Thy whole family, which we offer unto Thee in honour of our Lord Jesus Christ, and in remembrance of Thy blessed martyrs, of this church, which Thy servants provided in honour of Thy glorious Name. We beseech Thee to take it under Thy protection. Do Thou Lord, rescue the people from the cult of idols, turning them to Thyself, the True God, and Father Almighty. Dispose our days in Thy peace, O Lord, delivering us from eternal suffering, and causing us to be numbered with the flock of Thine elect; Here to look at the Sacrifice through Jesus Christ our Lord. Here he signs over the Sacrifice
Which oblation do Thou, O God, vouchsafe to make altogether Blessed, + meet, right, reasonable and acceptable: that it may become the Body and Blood of Thy most dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
At feasts of Apostles, Martyrs, Virgins, then shall follow;
Verily Holy, Blessed and Wondrous in His Saints, is our God, Jesus Christ, Who Himself bestowed virtue and endurance upon His servants. Blessed be God Whom we bless in the Apostles, and in all His Saints who have striven to please Him from the beginning of the age, through the same our Lord Jesus Christ,
THE CONSECRATION
Here the Priest shall bow profoundly three times before continuing
Who on the day before He suffered, take up the Bread took Bread in His Holy hands and, lifting His eyes to Heaven unto Thee, O God, His Almighty Father, Incline until the end of the Consecration gave thanks to Thee, blessed + take up the Bread but not to break it brake, and gave It to His Disciples saying TAKE, AND EAT YE ALL OF THIS, FOR THIS IS MY BODY.
Lift the Paten to eye level, reverently replace it before the Chalice, making the sign of the Cross. Then uncover the Chalice, sign it, lift it, saying:
Likewise, after Supper, taking the most excellent Chalice in His Holy hands, and giving thanks to Thee, He blessed + it, and gave it to His Disciples saying, lift the Chalice a little and set it down, TAKE AND DRINK YE ALL OF THIS FOR THIS IS THE CUP OF MY BLOOD OF THE NEW AND EVERLASTING TESTAMENT, THE MYSTERY OF FAITH WHICH IS SHED FOR YOU AND FOR MANY FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS. AS OFT AS YE SHALL DO THIS, YE DO IT IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME, Here to lift the Chalice and set it down. YE EXTOL MY PASSION, YE PROCLAIM FORTH MY RESURRECTION, YE HOPE ON MY COMING UNTIL I RETURN TO YOU FROM HEAVEN.
WHEREFORE, O Lord and Heavenly Father, we Thy humble servants, together with Thy holy people, having in remembrance the Precious Death and Passion of Thy Christ and Son our Lord, His mighty Resurrection from hell and glorious Ascension to Heaven, do offer up before Thy Divine Majesty, of Thy bounty, Thy Holy Gifts, a pure + offering, an Holy + offering, an undefiled + Sacrifice, the Holy + Bread of eternal life, the Chalice + of everlasting Salvation.
And standing back, extending his right hand to the Sacrifice he continues;
And here we, Thy servants, offer the gifts that Thou hast commanded for our salvation, that Thou mayest be pleased to send down Thy Holy Spirit upon this Sacrifice that It may duly and properly be changed in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost in the transformation of the Body + and Blood + of our Lord, Jesus Christ and that It may be to us who partake thereof, Life eternal and the everlasting Kingdom.
Miss. Goth. Thr. Peter.
And we entirely desire Thy Fatherly goodness to look upon and accept them as Thou didst accept the gifts of Thy servant Abel, the sacrifice of our father Abraham and the holy and undefiled offering of Thy high priest Melchisedeck, most humbly beseeching Thee to command Thy Angels to carry them before the Altar of Thy Divine Majesty, and that all we, who are partakers from this Altar of sanctification kiss the Altar of the most sacred Body and Blood of Thy Son Jesus Christ, may be fulfilled with Thy grace and Heavenly benediction + Be mindful, O Lord, we pray Thee, of Thy servants departed this life with the sign of faith, now resting in peace, here the names of the departed are mentioned together with all them throughout the world that offer Sacrifice in spirit unto God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost; our Elder, the Priest ______ with the holy and venerable Priests, offers for himself, for his own, and for all the rest of the Catholic Church assembled; and for the commemoration of the struggles of the Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles and Martyrs, and of all Thy Saints, that they may be pleased to entreat the Lord our God for us:
Abel Zechariah and other Aidan
Seth Malachi Martyrs. Laurentius
Enoch Tobit Paul Mellitus
Noah Ananias Anthony Justus
Melchizedek Azarias and the Aidan
Abraham Mishael Fathers Fagan
Isaac Maccabees and hermits Deiniol
Jacob The Holy of Skete. Curig
Joseph Innocents, The Bishops Ciannan
Job John Baptist Martin Buite
Moses Virgin Mary Gregory Eugene
Joshua Peter Maximus Declan
Samuel Paul Felix Carthain
David Andrew Patrick Ninian
Elijah James Ceillach Ruadhan
Elisha John Secundinus The Priests
Isaiah Phillip Auxilius Finian
Jeremiah Bartholomew Isrninus Kieran
Ezeckiel Thomas Cerbanus Aengus
Daniel Matthew Erc Enda
Esther James Carthage Gildas
Hosea Simon Ibar Mabyn
Joel Thaddeus Ailbe Brendan
Amos Matthias Conleth Cainnech
Obadiah Mark Columcille Petroc
Jonah Luke Moinenn Columba
Micah The Martyrs Senan Colman
Nahum Stephen Ruan Mawghan
Habakkuk Cornelius Colman Barry
Zephaniah Cyprian Cuan Dyfan
Hagai Alban Adrian Dyffrig
together with all those reposed who pray for us in the Lord’s peace, from Adam unto this day, whose names God hath pronounced and renewed. Unto them O Lord and to all who rest in Christ, we entreat Thee to grant a place of Thy rest, Thy light, and Thy peace.
The Priest, Deacon and Sub-Deacon, standing abreast before the Altar then take THREE STEPS BACKWARD, THEN THREE STEPS FORWARD. in remembrance of the sins of thought, word and deed and of the thoughts, words and deeds which return us to grace.
And to us sinners who are Thy servants, grant confidence in the multitude of Thy mercies, and some lot and part with Thy Holy Apostles and Martyrs, Paul, Peter, Patrick, John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Felicity, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecelia, Anastasia and all Thy Saints, into whose company, we pray Thee of Thy mercy to admit us; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences. Through Jesus + Christ our Lord,
Bowing first, the Priest uncovers the Chalice and Paten and signs on all four sides the penultimate below and the last in front. The Deacon assists with the corporals and kisses the Altar
by Whom + Thou dost ever create, sanctify, quicken, bless and bestow all Thy goodness, and with Whom + and in Whom + together with the Holy + Ghost, Here the Priest takes part of the Body, holds it above the Chalice, elevating it slightly and intoning; all honour and glory be unto Thee, O Father Almighty + World without end. Amen.
The Priest now dips the principal piece of the Body halfway in the Chalice, saying;
Let Thy mercy fall upon us even according to our desire
Let Thy mercy fall upon us even according to our desire
Let Thy mercy fall upon us even according to our desire
The Deacon holds a small Paten under the Body as the Priest withdraws It. The Priest lowers the Body onto the small Paten. He now takes up the principal piece of the Body, holds It above the small Paten breaking It into two pieces. During the fraction saying:
They have known the Lord, Alleluia, In the Breaking of the Bread, Alleluia. The Bread which we break is the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, Alleluia, The Chalice which we bless, Alleluia, Is the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, Alleluia, In remission of our sins, Alleluia. Let Thy mercy fall upon us, Alleluia, Even as we have desired of Thee, Alleluia. They have known the Lord, Alleluia.
The two pieces are fully lowered into the Chalice saying;
We believe, O Lord we believe that by this breaking of Thy Body are we redeemed, and likewise by the pouring out of Thy Blood. Thus do we hold fast to our partaking of this Sacrifice for our strengthening and thus are we bold to hope for the Heavenly fruits, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
And we entirely desire Thy Fatherly goodness favourably to look upon and accept this our Sacrifice, as Thou didst accept the gifts of Thy righteous servant
The two pieces of the Body are then brought together on the Paten saying;
Priest: As Divinely commanded, and taught, we are bold to say,
The Priest raises his hands and intones,
Priest: OUR FATHER,
All: Which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done; In earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil:
Priest: Deliver us O Lord, we beseech Thee, from all evils past, present and to come; and at the intercession of Thy blessed Apostles Peter,
The Deacon gives a small Paten to the Priest who places it before his left and right eyes, crosses himself with it and then returns it to the Deacon who slides it under the corporas.
Paul, Andrew and all the Saints + graciously granting us peace now, that with the help of Thy loving mercy we may ever be free from sin and disquietude,through our Lord Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
THE PEACE
The Priest, standing to the south of the Sacrifice, turns to the people and blesses them, saying;
Priest: The Peace and Love of our Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship of all the saints be always with you.
People: And with thy spirit.
Turning back to the Altar, he continues:
Thou commandest peace; Thou gavest peace; Thou left peace: Bestow now, O Lord, Thy peace from Heaven making this day peaceful, and setting all our remaining days in Thy peace, through Thee Who reignest with Thine uncreated Father and the Holy Ghost, One God, world without end.
R: Amen.
The Priest then passes the Peace to the Deacon, who passes it to the other clergy and the people. The Priest gives the Peace to the Deacon, bowing only. The Deacon then continues the Peace to the Sub-Deacon, other clergy, the Choir and the Congregation. The Priest turns to the Altar, and bowing, cuts a small piece of the Body and slides It into the Chalice from the near side saying;
May this union of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be for us a saving preparation unto everlasting life.
R: Amen.
THE GREAT BLESSING WITH THE SACRIFICE
He returns the knife to the Deacon. Then the Priest shall turn to the people, and give the Blessing with the Sacrifice, holding the Body above the Chalice and making the sign of the Cross with them over the people, who shall cross themselves
Deacon: Let us bow down for the Blessing.
Priest: Behold the Lamb of God, Behold, + Him that taketh away the sins of the world.
The Priest moves the topmost part of the Body to the left of the Paten.
He then turns to the people, holding the Paten and says:
Come Forth ye blessed of My Father, Alleluia. Inherit of the kingdom, prepared for you from the foundation of the world, Alleluia. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. Come ye forth! As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen. Come ye forth!
THE COMMUNION OF THE PRIEST AND MINISTERS
Silence is kept while the Priest communicates.himself, saying;
May the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be unto me everlasting life. Amen.
THE COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE
The Priest, accompanied by two Servers now goes to the Quire steps to communicate the people. The Servers carry the Houselling Cloth which they hold spread closely under the Paten and Chalice while the people receive communion. The Priest administers saying;
The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ preserve thy body and soul unto eternal life.
The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ which is shed for thee, drink this and be thankful
A small table is set, usually on the north side of the Nave, with water for each communicant to use, having received the Body and Blood first.
During the Communion and the following Ablutions, the choir shall sing Psalms set for the days. Having finished communicating the people, the Priest, Deacon and Servers return to the Altar and the Servers fold the Houselling Cloth vary carefully so that no fragments are dropped, and place it on the credence table.
Having been duly cleansed and the remains consumed by the Priest or Deacon, the Chalice and Paten are covered with the Pall and Veil and the corporas is folded inwardly and placed inside the Burse which is set on top, they are then taken to the Credence by the Deacon
THE LAST COLLECTS
The Postcommunion from the Sarum Missal for the day, followed by:
Priest: Grant, O Lord, that we, whom Thou hast satisfied with the Heavenly gift may be cleansed of all hidden offences, and freed from the snares of the enemy.
O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily thank Thee for that Thou dost vouchsafe to satisfy us with the Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ Thy Son.
And we most humbly beseech Thy mercy: that this Thy Mystery, O Lord, may not be unto our condemnation and punishment, but that it may be an intercession of Salvation unto forgiveness; that it may be unto the cleansing of our sins; that it may be unto strengthening of the weak; a protection against the dangers of this world.
May this Communion purify us of all guilt; and bestow on us the Heavenly joy of partakers, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, One God world without end.
R: Amen.
Deacon: We have prayed in Peace {Alleluia during Easter}
People: Thanks be to God. {Alleluia during Easter}
Priest: The Blessing of God Almighty, Father + Son,and Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always.
People: Amen.
Then shall all in the Sanctuary form into a procession in the same order as for the entrance, and proceed while the Priest says the Last Gospel.
THE LAST GOSPEL
Read as the procession proceeds through the Quire
Priest: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life; and the life was the Light of men. And the Light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not. He came unto His own, and His own received him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name, which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. bow And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, arise (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the Only-Begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Kiss and close the Book.
They shall then process out through the Quire gates to the Bread Table placed by the Screen to the north of the Quire Gates, there they shall halt for the distribution by the Priest of Blessed Bread to all present.
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THE BLESSING OF THE BREAD
The table having upon it a fair cloth, two candles and the bread being already broken set upon a salver or suitable basin and covered with a white cloth with holy water set close by, If the Bread has not been previously blessed, the Priest shall use the following Rite shall to bless it:
Priest: Blessed be the Name of the Lord.
Ministers: Henceforth, world without end.
Priest: Let us bless the Lord.
Ministers: Thanks be to God.
Priest: The Lord be with you.
Ministers: And with thy spirit.
Priest: Let us pray, Bless, + O Lord, this creature of bread, as Thou didst bless the five loaves in the wilderness; that all who taste thereof may receive health both in body and soul. In the Name + of the Father, and + of the Son, and of the Holy + Ghost. Amen.
THE (SARUM) VESTRY CHAPEL DIVESTING OFFICE
When the Priest, ministers, clerks and assistants shall take off their vestments and robes, in the Vestry Chapel, then shall the following office be said.
Antiphon: Let us sing the song of the Three Children.
O ye Priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: Praise Him and magnify Him forever.
O ye servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: Praise Him and magnify Him forever.
O ye Spirits and souls of the Righteous, bless ye the Lord: Praise Him and magnify Him forever.
O ye holy and humble men of heart, bless ye the Lord: Praise Him and magnify Him forever.
O Ananias, Azarias and Mishael, bless ye the Lord: Praise Him and magnify Him forever.
O praise God in His Holiness: Praise Him in the firmament of His power.
Praise Him in His noble acts: Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.
Praise Him in the sound of the trumpet: Praise Him upon the lute and the harp.
Praise Him in the cymbals and dances: Praise Him upon the loud cymbals.
Let everything that hath breath: Praise the Lord.
Antiphon: Let us sing the Song of the Three Children, which they sang in the furnace of fire and give thanks unto the Lord.
Lord have mercy Lord have mercy Lord have mercy
Priest: Our Father …..
V: And lead us not into temptation,
R: But deliver us from evil,
V: Let us bless the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost.
R: Let us praise Him and magnify Him forever.
V: Blessed art Thou O Lord, in the firmament of Heaven, to be praised and exalted forever.
R: The Holy Trinity bless and keep us. Amen.
V: Enter not into judgement with Thy servant O Lord.
R: For in Thy sight shall no man living be justified.
V: Turn us, O Lord God of Hosts.
R: Shew the light of Thy countenance, and we shall be whole.
V: Lord, hear our prayer,
R: And let our cry come unto Thee.
V: The Lord be with you.
R: And with thy spirit.
V: Let us pray, O God, Who didst for the Three Children quench the flames of fire, mercifully grant that we, Thy servants may not be consumed by the flame of our sins. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
Kindle in our reigns and our heart O Lord, the fire of the Holy Ghost, that we may serve Thee with a chaste body, and please Thee with a pure heart. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
Prevent us, O Lord, in all our doings, with Thy most gracious favour and further us with Thy continual help, that in all our works begun, continued and ended in Thee, we may do always that is righteous in Thy sight. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
R: Amen.
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The normal attitude of prayer is standing. In Holy Week and on some few other penitential occasions, kneeling is required. Reception of Holy Commun-ion is done standing.or kneeling according to local usage, provided that it is uniform in each church.
Every Priest has a duty to give Communion only to those whom he knows to be Baptised, Chrismated Orthodox Christians.
No person who has not been Baptised and Chrismated in the Orthodox Church of God may receive the Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of our Lord ands Saviour Jesus Christ.
It is the custom of the Church that no Orthodox person who has not confessed his offences to a Priest, and received Absolution, should receve the Holy Communion of the Body and Blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
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Acknowledgement is made for wording borrowed from Cranmer, Cosin, Dowling, Brett and others in the above compilation.
The Liturgy of Saint John the Divine as used in the British Isles was well known on the Continent for what they thought were the quaint eccentricities – “British” that they saw in it. To us today it looks like any Celtic liturgy – but there are differences. What we have (which is modernised – and has additions) as being peculiarly appropriate to the secular – pagan society surrounding us – rather than the later triumphalist liturgies (including Chrysostoma)
It is authentic – we know that the original book is there for scrutiny – and it has been scrutinised. It might even be possible to take the x-rays and re-construct the liturgy as it was before the insertion of the Gregorian canon.
However as it is – it is authentic for much – probably all of the British Isles up until at least 900. That gives it an authority and an unarguable Orthodox authenticity – and not least an authenticity for the remaining Celtic areas of the country (although it was used throughout Britain).
