Mystery of Crowning
According To The Maronite Antiochene Church
The Mystery of CROWNING:
The Mystery of crowning, reflects the mystical wedding that eternally unifies Jesus and the Church. Crowning signifies the beginning or establishment of a new kingdom which is based on mutual love. The meaning of the crowning derives from the meaning of Baptism. When we are baptized we are incorporated into the kingdom of God and raised to the dignity God’s children.
Spouses to be, therefore, are crowned with a mission to build a little Christian kingdom, their home and family. They will minister to them with the dignity of a “king” and “queen”. They will increase God’s kingdom with new members, fruit of their love, by begetting and educating their children according to the will of the Heavenly King.
Indeed the family is a “domestic church” as stated by the Second Vatican Council (Dogmatic constitution of the church, 11) ,and the Church is the kingdom of God on earth.
Saint John Chrysostom emphasizes the spiritual value of the head crowning with these words:
“the crowns are placed on the heads of the spouses as an emblem of victory, because those who contract conjugal life were not vanquished by passion”.
(ninth homily on 1 Timothy, P.G. 62.546).
God is one and Trinity. And Trinity means family; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Lord created us in His image and likeness, both as individuals and as family. He wants us to help each other preserve the holiness of the little Christian kingdoms, our homes, our families, and to walk along the pathways of life to the eternal Kingdom of God.
O Lord, sanctify all marriages and families.
After the members of the bridal party have reached their places, the celebrant and other ministers then go to their proper places in the sanctuary. All remain STANDING as the service for the Mystery of Crowning begins.
INTRODUCTORY RITE
Entrance Dialogue A
Celebrant: I have entered your house, O Lord, and have worshipped in your temple.
O King of heaven, forgive all my sins.
Congregation: O King of heaven, forgive all our sins.
Celebrant: Pray to the Lord for me.
Congregation: May the Lord accept your offering and have mercy on us through your prayer.
B
Celebrant: Lby-tokh A‑lo‑ho 'e‑let waq‑dom beem dee‑lokh segh‑det Mal‑ko shma‑yo‑no ha‑so lee khool dah‑teet lokh.
Congregation: Mal‑ko shma‑yo‑no ha‑so lan khool dah‑ty‑nan lokh.
Celebrant: Sa‑laow 'a‑ly me‑tool Moran.
Congregation: Al‑lo‑ho nqa‑bel qur‑bo‑nokh
ou‑net‑tra‑ham 'a‑lyn bas‑loo‑tokh.
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, make us worthy to begin by glorifying you and to end by giving you thanks. Bless us in your peace. Guard your servants, N. and N.; protect them by your cross and save them from evil and all harm. Glory be to you, our Lord and God 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)
STAND
The celebrant burns incense during the Prayer of Forgiveness and then directs the deacon or a priest concelebrant to do the incensation. In the absence of a deacon or a concelebrant, the celebrant himself does the incensation during the Qolo.
The deacon or concelebrant incenses the cross, the main altar, the celebrant, the ministers, and the congregation.
Proemion
The celebrant sings the Proemion:
Cel: May we be worthy to offer praise and thanksgiving to Jesus Christ, the heavenly Bridegroom. In his love, he betrothed the Church of all peoples and nations; by his cross he sanctified her and made her a glorious bride. To him are due glory and honor, now and forever.
Cong: Amen.
Sedro
The celebrant then sings the Sedro:
Cel: Lord God, Creator and Ruler of all things, you took the dust of the earth into your holy hands, fashioned Adam in your glorious image, and formed our mother, Eve, from his rib. O Lover of all people, with your right hand now bless your servants, N. and N., who are betrothed to one another. Confirm them in faith, hope, love and just deeds. Make their marriage as honorable as the marriages of the righteous and just of old. They served you in justice and you multiplied their descendents like the stars of the sky and the grains of sand on the seashore. As they brought forth priests, kings, prophets, apostles, preachers and teachers of your good news, so likewise grant your servants, N. and N., to bear the fruits of justice (and bring forth children of blessings). Fill them with your fear and surround them with your peace all the days of their lives. Indeed, O Lord our God, assist them with your might and extend your right hand over them. Protect them with your loving cross and keep them safe by your holy angels. We shall praise and thank you, your Father and your Holy Spirit, now and forever.
Cong: Amen.
Qolo (Hymn)
All: Alleluia, the Lord be praised!
Christ the groom came as a guest to celebrate the marriage of friends.
He blessed both the bride and the groom at Cana where he increased the wine.
In your kindness, Lord, now rest your hand in blessing upon the bride and groom.
Bless these two as one. May they sing your praises for eternity, holy Father, praiseworthy Son, Holy Spirit, who gives life and light.
Praise the Lord, alleluia, alleluia
Etro
The celebrant then prays the Etro:
Cel: Praised are you, O Jesus Christ, our Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; you gave joy to the groom and the bride at the wedding banquet at Cana of Galilee. Now, O Lord, accept the perfume of this incense. Bless the groom, N., and the bride, N., their witnesses and all their guests, as you blessed the just and their children. To you be glory, now and for ever.
Cong: Amen.
TRISAGION (Qadeeshat Aloho)
The congregation STANDS and the Trisagion is then sung three times.
Cel: Qadeeshat aloho; Qadeeshat hyeltono; Qadeeshat lomoyouto.
Holy are you, O God; Holy are you, O Strong One; Holy are you, O Immortal One.
Cong: Itraham alein.
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.
PSALM OF THE READINGS (MAZMOORO)
SIT
Cong: Make Your cross, Lord, our standard, when we ask a church blessing; On a bride and her bridegroom. And the people witnessing.
Cel: When we set out a vineyard, we consume what we planted; To all those at this wedding. May Your blessing be granted.
Cong: Like the ancient oblations, which were pleasing in God’s sight; May our prayers bring him comfort and our sacrifice, delight.
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 congregation STANDS and sings:
Cong: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Cantor: The just shall flourish like a palm tree; like the Cedars of Lebanon shall they grow
Cong: Alleluia!
GOSPEL STAND
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 (Apostle John or Matthew; the Evangelist Luke or Mark).
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.
At the end of the gospel, the celebrant kisses the book and blesses the congregation with it, saying:
This is the truth. Peace be with you.
Congregation: Praise and blessings to Jesus Christ for his living word to us.
Homily
(The Celebrant gives the homily.)
Creed
ALL: 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 the 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 Pilate; 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 no 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 worshipped 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.
RITE OF CROWNING
DIACONAL PROCLAMATION
Deacon: Again and again, let us pray to the Lord.
Cong: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace of the church and her children, let us pray to the Lord.
Cong: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the crowning of N. and N., that it may be blessed and sanctified by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
Cong: Lord, have mercy.
Qolo (Hymn)
All: Alleluia!
None like her in all the world
nor ever shall be,
like the bride betrothed to Christ
the churches faithful eternal groom.
He bestows eternal life on her
and on her children.
He betrothed her with his blood
and made her his alone.
At all times she sings to him:
“All praise to you, Christ,
Alleluia and Alleluia!”
MARRIAGE COVENANT
The groom and bride then exchange their marriage covenant.
The celebrant first addresses the groom:
Cel: N., my beloved son, do you take N., here present, for your wife?
Groom: I do, Father.
The celebration then addresses the bride:
Cel: N., my beloved daughter, do you take N., here present,
for your husband?
Bride: I do, Father.
The couple join their right hands on the Bible. The celebrant then covers their hands with his stole and places his right hand over theirs, as he proclaims:
Cel: By the hand of God and his holy Word, our son, N. and our daughter, N. are joined in marriage in the name of the most Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the One and only true God. May their marriage be as firm as the covenant by which heaven and earth were created, and be blessed as was the covenant by which Sarah was joined to Abraham, Rebecca to Isaac, and Rachel to Jacob, so that nothing shall separate them but death.
Cong: Amen.
BLESSING OF THE RINGS
The groom and bride release their hands, and the celebrant proceeds to bless the rings, saying:
Cel: O Lord, extend the right hand of your Trinity and bless + these rings, which we give to your servants. Sanctify + them by your word and grant that they may wear them + in the sharing of their marriage. May these rings be a wall of protection for their bodies, and shield them from all harm. May your grace shine upon them and your right hand, filled with mercy, bless them. In sharing their happiness, may they give you glory and thanksgiving, now and for ever.
Cong: Amen.
Giving of Rings
The celebrant places the rings on the left ring finger of the groom and bride and says:
Cel: With the rings of your marriage may the right hand of our Lord Jesus Christ descend upon you. May the blessing of his grace, which fulfills all needs, abound in you. May these rings be a tower of protection for you. May they shield you from all harm. May you set out for the tabernacle of the Lord and mingle with his blessed flock. To you, O Lord, be glory for ever.
Cong: Amen.
BLESSING OF THE CROWNS
The celebrant next blesses the crowns, saying:
Cel: Like a crown, God has adorned the earth with flowers, the heavens with stars, and the land with the sea. With a crown he has shown the special calling given to the holy kings, priests, prophets and apostles. In his bountiful mercy may he bless + these crowns through the prayers of the Mother of God and all the saints.
Cong: Amen.
Crowning of the Groom
The celebrant crowns the groom as the cantor sings all or at least some of the following verses:
Psalm 21:2-5
O Lord, in your strength the king is glad;
in your victory, how greatly he rejoices!
You have granted him his heart’s desire;
you refused not the wish of his lips.
For you welcomed him with godly blessings,
you placed on his head a crown of pure gold.
He asked life of you:
you gave him length of days for ever and ever.
The celebrant prays over the groom, saying:
Cel: May the Lord who crowned our holy fathers with justice look upon you with love. You have come to the holy Church seeking assistance, may the Lord bless you, protect you always, and lead you to everlasting life.
Cong: Amen.
Crowning of the Bride
The celebrant crowns the bride as the cantor sings some or all of the following verses:
Psalm 45:11-12, 14
Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear,
forget your people and your father’s house.
So shall the king desire your beauty;
for he is your Lord, and you must worship him.
The beauty of the king’s daughter is from inside;
her raiment is threaded with spun gold.
The celebrant prays over the bride, saying:
Cel: May God who crowned all the holy women and blessed Sarah, Rebecca and Rachel, bless you, be merciful to you, and exalt you with the crown of glory.
Adorned with fruits of the Spirit may you flourish as a blessed vine in the midst of the Church
may the Lord God fill you with joy as you dwell with your husband in love and abiding peace;
(may you bring forth children pleasing to God,)
through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God, and all the saints.
Cong: Amen.
Crowning of the Witnesses
The celebrant then crowns the witnesses and prays over them, saying:
Cel: O God and King, bless these witnesses who received the crowns of witness. Protect them by your cross, and, as they have today witnessed in your holy house, provide them with your blessings all the days of their lives. O Lord, our God, to you be glory for ever.
Cong: Amen.
Hymn (Meter of Saint Ephrem)
If the following hymn is not sung, it may be alternated by the celebrant and congregation.
Cel: Christ appeared from Mary’s womb,
From his servant David’s seed,
Clothed himself in human form
Became like us from one of us.
Cong: Christ the groom betrothed himself
To the faithful, holy church;
In the upper room gave his pledge
In the bread and cup he prepared.
Cel: Christ you are the good One who
summons the good to your feast;
Each one brings a gift to present
At the wedding feast on high.
Cong: Lord, stretch forth your mighty hand
Bless the bride and bless the groom
They have come before the Church
To await your gift from on high.
Cel: From the Church that crowns their heads
From those gathered here in prayer
From the parents of families
From the old and from the young.
Cong: From the bride and from the groom
From the hosts and from the guests
From all gathered here with us,
Praise and glory rise up to you.
Cel: From the harps and from the horns
From the flutes and from those who play,
From the music’s gentle sound
Glory to the Trinity.
All: Praise the Father and the Son,
Praise the Holy Spirit with them one,
May his mercy rest on all
Now and always, Amen, Amen.
REMOVAL OF THE CROWNS
The celebrant extends his right hand over the groom and says:
Cel: May the Lord who rules the whole universe bless + you and richly endow the work of your hands. May your home be secure as the dwelling place of David. May your wife be precious in your eyes and be as a column of fire within your home. May you find happiness all the days of your life. (May your children stand upright before you like the cedars of Lebanon.) May God multiply your riches and may you give aid and comfort to those who call upon you. May you walk in the path of righteousness all the days of your life, that you may render God glory and thanksgiving, now and for ever.
Cong: Amen.
The celebrant removes the crown from the groom.
He then turns to the bride and extends his right hand over her and says:
Cel: May the Lord who has filled creation with beauty and made the just rejoice in their deeds, enrich you with good works. May he confirm your heart in his justice. (May you bring forth children pleasing to him.) May you live with your husband in peace and love. May your lamp be lighted before the Lord on the day of his coming.
Cong: Amen.
The celebrant removes the crown from the bride. He then extends his right hand over the two witnesses and says:
Cel: O Lord God, may these witnesses be worthy to receive from you their good reward. May they go out to meet you in joy and may their lamps burn with works of justice, through the intercession of the blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints.
Cong: Amen.
The celebrant removes the crowns from witnesses. The celebrant then prays:
Cel: May God bless you: groom, bride and witnesses, and protect this community by his glorious cross. May you begin and end your married life in justice. (May you bring forth children pleasing to God in this world.) And in the world to come, may you reach the harbor of eternal life.
Cong: Amen.
Cel: May the Lord God accompany you from his holy temple and protect you in body and soul. May he protect you from the snares of the devil and deliver you from the deceits of the wicked. After a long and happy life may he make you worthy to hear from him these words of joy: “Come, blessed of my Father, and inherit eternal life.”
He then makes the sign of the cross over them with the handcross, saying:
Father, + Son, + and + Holy Spirit.
Cong: Amen.
PRE-ANAPHORA
Access to the Altar
A
Celebrant: Ee‑tel‑wot madeb‑heh da‑lo‑ho, wal‑wot A‑lo‑ho dam‑ha‑deh tal‑yoot
Weh‑no bsou‑gho dty‑boo‑tokh, eh‑'oo lel‑by‑tokh
wes‑ghoo‑d behy‑klo dqood‑shokh.
Congregation: Bdeh‑hel‑tokh mor‑yo da‑ba‑ryn
wab‑za‑dee‑qoo‑tokh a‑leh‑fyn.
Celebrant: Sa‑laow 'a‑ly me‑tool mo‑ran.
Congregation: A‑lo‑ho nqa‑bel qur‑bo‑nokh
ou‑net‑tra‑ham 'a‑lyn bas‑loo‑tokh.
B
Celebrant: 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.
Congregation: Guide me, O Lord, in your fear, and instruct me in your justice.
Celebrant: Pray to the Lord for me.
Congregation: May the Lord accept your offering and have mercy on us through your prayer.
Transfer and Acceptance of the Offerings
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I myself am Bread of Life the Lord declared. From on high I came to earth to give the world life from the Father. Pure word without flesh, and like a grain of the finest wheat. Mary's womb became for me a fertile garden. Now priests carry me aloft up to the altar. Alleluia accept our offering. |
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Celebrant: 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 you and your holy name. Shower upon them your spiritual blessings, and, in exchange of their perishable gifts, grant them the gift of life and entrance into your kingdom.
Congregation: Amen.
Celebrant: 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, St. Maron, St. Sharbel, Blessed Rafka and all the saints. 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. Remember also, O Lord, all those who share with us today in this offering.
Congregation: Amen.
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Lover of those who repent, show your mercy in our days; this pure incense, Lord accept, that these priestly hands now raise, as gifts by the faithful children of your church, to atone and praise. As you accepted the ram sacrificed by Abraham, and from Aaron’s hands sweet perfumes from distant lands, Lord receive this incense which, we pray may win mercy and release from sin. |
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ANAPHORA OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES
RITE OF PEACE
Doxology
STAND
Celebrant: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
now and for ever.
Congregation: Amen.
Celebrant: O Holy and merciful God, through your only-begotten Son you have prepared this spiritual banquet for us. Be pleased by the offering of this unbloody sacrifice, and grant us the gifts of your Holy Spirit.
Make us worthy to give one another the greeting of peace with pure hearts and divine charity.
Then we will praise you, your only Son, and your living Holy Spirit, now and for ever.
Congregation: Amen.
Celebrant: Peace to you, O holy altar of God. Peace to the holy mysteries place upon you. Peace to you, O minister of the Holy Spirit.
Deacon: Let each of us give the greeting of peace to our neighbor, with that charity and loyalty which is pleasing to the Lord.
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Peace, Charity, and Faith, brothers and sisters, from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. May the God of peace be with you all. Amen |
Lel Ekhwatee Salamu Wal Mahabatu Wal Eman. Menal Lahel Abe Wal Rabee Yassoo’al Maseeh. Falyakon Elahool Salam Ma’akom Ajma’een. Ameen |
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Prayer for the Imposition of the Hand
Celebrant: We bow before you, O King of kings and Lord of lords, and ask you to look kindly upon us. Make us worthy to approach your holy altar with pure hearts and holy souls and bodies, and we will give you glory and thanksgiving, now and for ever.
Congregation: Amen.
Prayer of the Veil
Celebrant: O Lord, may your peace, true love, and eternal and divine grace be with us and among us always and all the days of our lives, and we will give you glory and thanksgiving, now and for ever.
Congregation: Amen.
EUCHARISTIC PRAYER
Dialogue
Celebrant: 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 you, for ever.
Congregation: And also with you.
Celebrant: Let us lift up our thoughts, our minds, and our hearts.
Congregation: They are raised to you, O God.
Celebrant: Let us thank the Lord with fear and worship him with humility.
Congregation: It is right and proper.
Celebrant: Truly, glory and praise are due to you,
for you are holy, O God our Father, and you are the giver of life.
You are blessed along with your only Son and your living Holy Spirit. You are surrounded by the cherubim and seraphim, who, with pure voices and heavenly melodies, sing praise and proclaim your glory, singing (saying):
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
Hosana in the highest.
Celebrant: Holy, holy, holy are you, O God, full of mercy. Holy is your only Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and God. Holy is your life-giving Spirit. You are holy, O God, and the source of all blessings.
For our salvation, your only-begotten Son took flesh from the pure Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, and by his divine plan of salvation redeemed and saved us.
STAND
(The words of Consecration are chanted in Aramaic (Syriac), the same language that Jesus spoke)
Celebrant & Concelebrants:
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.
Congregation: Amen.
Celebrant & Concelebrants:
Likewise he blessed the cup of wine mixed it with water, sanctified it, 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.
Congregation: Amen
Memorial of the Plan of the Son (Anamnesis)
Celebrant: Whenever you eat this bread and drink from this cup,
you do so in memory of me until I come again.
Congregation: 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.
Celebrant: We your sinful servants, O Lover of all people, remember your plan of salvation and we ask you to have compassion upon us.
Have mercy on your worshippers and save your inheritance, when you shall appear at the end of time to reward justly all people according to their deeds. Through you your Church implores your Father, saying:
Congregation: Have mercy on us, Almighty Father, have mercy on us.
Celebrant: We, your poor and sinful servants, O Lord, realize the graces
we have received and thank you for them and because of them.
Congregation: 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, prepared for our sanctification. With reverence let us stand and pray, and three times proclaim:
Celebrant: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us.
Send your life-giving Spirit from heaven to overshadow this offering and make it the life-giving body and blood to purify and sanctify us.
The Celebrant, kneeling on both knees, extends his hands and proclaims aloud:
Hear us, O Lord; hear us, O Lord; hear us, O Lord. May your holy and living Spirit descend and overshadow us and our offering.
Congregation: Kyrie eleison; Kyrie eleison; Kyrie eleison.
Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
Celebrant: Through his overshadowing, may the Spirit make this bread + the body of Christ our God.
Congregation: Amen.
Celebrant: And make the mixture in this cup + the blood of Christ our God.
Congregation: Amen.
Celebrant: May these holy Mysteries be for the pardon of our faults, the cure of our souls and bodies, and the strengthening of our consciences, so that none of your faithful may perish. Rather, may we live by your Spirit, lead a pure life, and give you glory, now and for ever.
Congregation: Amen.
SIT
Celebrant: We offer you, O Lord God, this divine sacrifice for your Church, especially for our blessed fathers: N., Pope of Rome, N., Peter, our Patriarch, N., our bishop, and all bishops who profess the true faith. May their lives be blameless so that with purity and holiness they may shepherd your flock and present to you a faithful people renewed in spirit and pleasing to the glory of your name. Together we glorify you and pray to you, O Lord.
Congregation: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remember, O Lord, all who have pleased you from the beginning, especially Mary, the Blessed Mother of God, the apostles, prophets, martyrs, and confessors, John the Baptist, Stephen, the first deacon, Saint N. (patron of the church), Saint N. (saint whose feast is being celebrated), and all who, like them, have distinguished themselves by the perfection of their lives and deeds. May we share in their prayers and be worthy to rejoice with them in your kingdom. And we pray to you, O Lord.
Congregation: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remember, O Lord, your children N. and N., whom you have crowned today. In your fatherly love watch over them and protect them.
Grant them the blessings of joy, peace, and long life together. And we pray to you, O Lord.
Congregation: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remember, O Lord, the faithful departed. Accept this offering on their behalf. They put their hope in your mercy and compassion and await your graces, grant them rest in the bosom of Abraham, and call them to be guests in your kingdom. Grant also to us a peaceful death, and blot out our offenses, for no one on earth is without sin except your only-begotten Son, through whom we hope, along with them, to receive pardon for our sins. And we pray to you, O Lord.
Congregation: 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.
Celebrant: Deliver us all, O Lord, from the sting of sin, pardon our transgressions, and in your mercy redeem us, that your holy name be glorified, praised, and honored in us, for us, and because of us, with the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and your living Holy Spirit, now and for ever.
Congregation: As it was, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.
Blessing
Celebrant: May the blessing of God the + Father, and our Savior Jesus Christ, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit be with you, for ever.
Congregation: And also with you.
Fraction, Consignation, Intinction, Commixture And Elevation
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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 be glory forever. |
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Lord's Prayer
STAND (extend hands)
Celebrant: O compassionate and merciful Lord, praised, and honored above all, grant us to pray with purity and holiness:
All: Our Father, who are 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.
Celebrant: Forsake us not, O Lord, Lover of all,
lest trials overwhelm us,
but deliver us from the evil one and his misleading ways,
for the kingdom belongs to you, to your only Son,
and to your living and Holy Spirit, now and for ever.
Congregation: Amen.
Penitential Rite
Celebrant: Peace be with you.
Congregation: 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.
Celebrant: Lord, bless your people who bow before you. Save us from all harm and make us worthy to partake of these divine Mysteries with purity and holiness, that through them we may be forgiven and sanctified. And we will glorify you, now and for ever.
Congregation: Amen.
Celebrant: May the grace of the most Holy Trinity + eternal and co-equal in essence, be with you, my brothers and sisters, for ever.
Congregation: 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
Celebrant: Holy things for the holy, with perfection, purity, and sanctity.
Congregation: 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.
(extend hands)
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
The Celebrant and concelebrants receive the Body and Blood of Christ.
ALL: Our Lord said: "I am the bread of life. Whoever eats me in faith inherits life."
Celebrant: This is the cup which our Lord prepared on the cross. Come forth, O mortals, and drink from it for the forgiveness of sins.
Congregation: The Church proclaims: "Come, O brothers and sisters, take the body of the Son, drink his blood in faith and sing of his glory."
Blessing with the Mysteries
STAND
After Communion, the Celebrant blesses the Congregation with the Holy Mysteries, saying:
Celebrant: 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.
Congregation: O Lover of all, have mercy on us.
SIT
Celebrant We thank you, O Lord God, and we ask that this divine communion be for the forgiveness of sins, the glory of your holy name, and that of your only-begotten Son, and of your Holy Spirit, now and for ever.
Congregation: Amen.
Blessing and Dismissal
Celebrant: Peace be with you.
Congregation: And also with you.
Celebrant: O Lord our Savior, you became flesh and by sacrificing yourself for us you saved us. Redeem us now from eternal damnation. Make us temples of your holy name, for we are your people and your inheritance. To you, O Christ, to your Father, and to your Holy Spirit, are due glory, honor, and power, now and for ever.
Congregation: Amen.
STAND
The congregation stands. The celebrant concludes:
Celebrant: Go in peace, beloved brothers and sisters, accompanied by the nourishment and graces you have 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, one God, to whom be glory, for ever.
Congregation: Amen.
Celebrant: 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 not 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.