The Divine Liturgy of St. James

The Divine Liturgy of St James, which was until recently only celebrated on the island of Zakynthos on his feast on 23 October and in Jerusalem on the Sunday after Christmas, is today celebrated in an increasing number of Orthodox churches. It was the ancient rite of Jerusalem, as the Mystagogic Catecheses of St Cyril of Jerusalem imply. It is still, in its Syrian form, the principal liturgy of the Syrian Oriental Church, both in Syriac and, in the ancient Syrian Orthodox Church of India, in Malayalam and English.

This version of the Greek Liturgy of St James is highly provisional and tentative, principally because none of the editions available agree among themselves. The only critical edition is the one published by Dom B.-Ch. Mercier in volume 26 of the Patrologia Orientalis in 1950. This is extremely detailed and learned, but totally unusable as a practical edition, which it was not intended to be. Other scholarly editions can be found in Swainson’s ‘Greek Liturgies’ [1884] and in Brightman’s ‘Liturgies Eastern and Western’ [1896]. Neale and Littledale published an English translation in their ‘Translations of the Primitive Liturgies’ [1859], which rather charmingly suggests in one or two footnotes that St Paul actually quotes from it in his Epistles. ‘Practical’ editions of the Greek have been issued by the Apostoliki Diakonia in Athens and by Holy Cross in the United States [1988]. The latter contains a parallel English translation. Both these editions are heavily abbreviated and seriously ‘byzantinised’. A Slavonic version of the Greek, made by Father Philip Gardner, was authorised by the Russian Church Abroad in 1938. This was translated into hyper-Cranmerian English, which even extends to the Introduction, by the Monastery of St Mark of Ephesus in New Jersey forty years later. This version is more than abundantly supplied with very detailed, but sometimes contradictory, rubrics, though where these come from is unclear. Like the two modern Greek editions, the Liturgy is abbreviated and byzantinised.

The present translation is based on Mercier’s edition and tries as far as possible to give a reliable version of the best text available. Since, however, it was also made for actual use, the extremely long commemoration of the Saints towards the end of the Anaphora has been drastically curtailed. On the other hand it preserves a number of what are probably ‘doublets’ of prayers in the manuscripts. It should be noted that the rite of the Fraction supposes that a ‘Syrian’ type of prosphora is being used. That is to say a small, flattish loaf about three inches in diameter, rather than the standard Byzantine prosphora. The fraction is also made easier if the seal used is of the Syrian type, divided into sections and covered with small crosses.

I hope to revise this version in the near future and to complete it by the addition of the long catalogue of Saints. What is here offered is so in the hope that the magnificent prayers of this ancient Liturgy may become more widely known both inside and outside the Church.

ORDER, WITH GOD’S HELP, AND SERVICE OF THE SACRED RITE ACCORDING TO THE HOLY SYNAXIS

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, the one, simple and undivided Trinity, that unites and sanctifies us through itself, and brings peace to our lives, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Defiled as I am by many sins, do not utterly reject me, Master, Lord, our God. For see, I draw near to this divine and heavenly mystery, not as though I were worthy, but, looking to your goodness, I raise my voice to you, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner. For I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am not worthy to lift up my eyes to this your sacred and spiritual Table, on which your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, is mystically set forth as a sacrifice by me, a sinner stained by every defilement. Therefore I bring you this supplication, that your Spirit, the Advocate, may be sent down to me, strengthening and preparing me for this ministry. And grant that without condemnation the word that has been declared by you may be proclaimed by me to the people in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good, life-giving and consubstantial Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Before the Royal Doors, as the clergy are about to make the Entrance, the Priest says aloud:

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, the triple and single light of the one Godhead, that exists singly in Trinity and is divided without division. For the one God is Trinity, whose glory the heavens declare, while earth proclaims his dominion, the sea his might and every physical and immaterial creature his greatness. For to him belongs all glory, honour, might, greatness and magnificence, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

Benefactor and King of the ages, and Fashioner of all creation, accept your Church, which approaches you through your Christ. Fulfil what is profitable for each, bring all to perfection, and make us worthy of the grace of your sanctification, gathering us together in your Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, which you gained by the blood of your only-begotten Son, our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ, with whom you are blessed and glorified, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages of ages.

O God, who accepted the gifts of Abel, the sacrifices of Noë and Abraham, the incense of Aaron and Zachary, accept from the hands of us sinners this incense for a sweet fragrance and forgiveness of our sins and those of all your people. For you are blessed and to you belongs glory, to the Father with your only-begotten Son and your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

The Deacon censes and begins the Only-begotten Son, and the Singers chant the Troparion for the Entrance of the clergy with the holy Gospel.

The Singers: Only-begotten Son and Word of God, who, being immortal, accepted for our salvation to take flesh from the holy Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, and without change became man; you were crucified, Christ God, by death trampling on death, being one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: save us!

When those making the entrance reach the middle of the church, where a vima [platform] has been set up, they place the holy Gospel on it, and go towards the sanctuary. The Priest, standing in front of the holy Doors, says, aloud:

Almighty God, Lord, whose name is great, who give us entrance to the Holy of Holies through the coming of your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, we entreat and implore your goodness. Since we are full of fear and trembling as we are about to stand before your holy altar, send forth your good grace upon us, sanctify our souls, bodies and spirits and change our thoughts to true devotion, so that, with a pure conscience, we may offer you gifts, presents, fruits, for the removal of our sins, for the forgiveness of all your people, by the grace and love for humankind of your only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

For the peace from on high, God’s love for humankind, and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

For the peace of the whole world and the union of all the holy churches of God, let us pray to the Lord.

For the salvation and of our most holy Father and Archbishop N., all the clergy and Christ-loving people, let us pray to the Lord.

For the forgiveness of our sins and pardon of our offences, and for us to be delivered from all affliction, wrath, danger, constraint and assault of enemies, let us pray to the Lord.

Let us call to mind our most holy, pure, most glorious and blessed Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, of the holy, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, of the holy, godlike and all-praised Apostles, of the glorious Prophets and victorious Martyrs and all the holy and just, that by their prayers and intercessions we may all find mercy.

Compassionate and merciful, long-suffering, most merciful and true Lord, look down from your holy dwelling-place, hearken to us, your, suppliants, and deliver us from every trial and temptation, both diabolic and human. Do not deprive us of your help, nor bring upon us heavier chastisement than we are able to bear. For we are not capable of conquering what opposes us, while you, Lord, have power to save us from all adversities. Save us, O God, from the difficulties of this world in accordance with your goodness, so that, having entered your holy altar with a pure conscience, we may, without condemnation, offer you with the heavenly Powers the blessed and thrice-holy hymn, and have accomplished the divine ministry that is well-pleasing to you, we may be found worthy of eternal life.

(aloud): For holy are you, Lord our God, and you dwell and take your rest in the holy place, and to you we offer glory and the thrice-holy hymn, to Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

The Reader reads the Apostle. At the completion of the Apostle, the Priest says:

While the Alleluia is being sung, the Deacon takes the censer, receives the Priest’s blessing, and comes out and censes the holy Gospel. The Priest in a low voice says

To you, Lord our God, who are filled with all fragrance and joy, we offer you this incense from the things that you have given us. Let it then, we beg you, be taken up from our poor hands to your holy altar above the heavens for an odour of sweetness and forgiveness of our sins and those of all your people, by the grace and compassion and love for humankind of your only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

For the peace of the whole world and union of all the holy churches, we pray you, hear us.

For the salvation and assistance of our most holy father and Archbishop N., all the clergy and the Christ-loving people, we pray you, hear us.

[For our sovereign Lady, Queen Elisabeth, the Royal family, her government and all in authority, we pray you, hear us.]

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, constraint, captivity, bitter death, and our iniquities, we pray you, hear us.

For the people here present and who await your great and rich mercy, we implore you, have compassion and mercy.

O God, save your people and bless your inheritance. Visit you world with mercy and pity. Exalt the horn of Christians by the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, at the intercession of our all-pure and blessed Lady, Mother of God, of the Forerunner, your Apostles and all your Saints, we implore you, most merciful Lord, hear us as we pray, and have mercy.

Priest (in a low voice): Master, Lover of humankind, make the pure light of your divine knowledge shine in our hearts and open the eyes of our mind to understand the message of your Gospel. Implant in us the fear of your blessed commandments, so that, having trampled down all carnal desires, we may change to a spiritual way of life, thinking and doing all things that are pleasing to you.

(Aloud): For you are the glad tidings, enlightenment, Saviour and guardian of our souls and bodies, O God, and to you we give glory, together with your only-begotten Son, and your all-holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

And the deacon reads the appointed section of the holy Gospel. When the Gospel is finished, the Priest says:

For the peace of the whole world and the union of all the holy churches, let us pray to the Lord.

For the salvation and assistance of our most holy Archbishop N., of all the clergy and the Christ-loving people, let us pray to the Lord.

For forgiveness of our sins and pardon of our offences, and for our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and constraint, assault of enemies, let us pray to the Lord.

That the day that we pass through may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us all ask of the Lord.

An angel of peace, a faithful guide, a guardian of our souls and bodies, let us ask of the Lord.

Things good and profitable for our souls, and peace for the world, let us ask of the Lord.

That we may live out the rest of our days in peace and good health, let us ask of the Lord.

A Christian end to our life, painless, unashamed and peaceful, and a good defence before the fearsome and dread judgement seat of Christ, let us ask.

Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most glorious and blessed Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, of the holy, glorious, Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John, of the godlike and all-praised Apostles, glorious Prophets and triumphant Martyrs with all the Holy and Just, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

You have made your divine and saving words resound for us, O God, enlighten the souls of us sinners to understand the things that have been read, so that we may be seen to be not only hearers of the spiritual songs, but also doers of good deeds, maintaining a faith without pretence, a life without blame, conduct without reproach,

(Aloud): In Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom you are blessed and glorified, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

(in a low voice): Good Master, giver of life and bestower of good things, who give mortals the blessed hope of eternal life, our Lord Jesus Christ, count us worthy also to accomplish this ministry in holiness, for the enjoyment of the blessedness to come.

(Aloud): That being always guarded by your might, and guided to the light of truth, we may give glory and thanksgiving to you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

Deacon: Let none of the catechumens; none of the uninitiated; none of those who cannot pray with us. Recognize one another. The doors! Let all stand upright.

The Singers begin the hymn Let all mortal flesh keep silent, slowly and melodically.

Let all mortal flesh keep silent, and with fear and trembling stand. Ponder nothing earthly-minded, Let all mortal flesh keep silent, and with fear and trembling stand. Ponder nothing earthly-minded, for the King of kings and Lord of lords advances to be slain and given as food to the faithful. Before him go the choirs of Angels, with every rule and authority, the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim, veiling their sight and crying out the hymn: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

After the holy Gifts have been placed on the holy Altar and before they are covered with the Cloud, the Priest says

God, our God, who sent forth the heavenly Bread, the food of the whole world, our Lord and God Jesus Christ, as our Saviour, Redeemer and Benefactor, to bless and sanctify us; bless this Offering, and receive it on your altar above the heavens. In your goodness and love for humankind be mindful of those who have offered it, and those for whom they have offered it, and grant all their requests that are for their salvation; and as we celebrate your divine mysteries keep us without condemnation. For sanctified and glorified is your all-honoured and majestic name, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Master almighty, King of glory, the God who knows all things before they come to be, be present with us as we call upon you at this holy time, and redeem us from the shame of transgressions. Cleanse our mind and our thoughts from foul desires, worldly deception and every operation of the devil, and accept from the hand of us sinners this incense for an odour of sweet fragrance, as you accepted the offering of Abel and Noë, Aaron and Samuel and all your holy ones, delivering us from every evil deed, and keeping us safe to be always well pleasing to you, and to worship and glorify you, our Father, and your only-begotten Son and your all-holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

The Priest covers the holy Gifts with the Cloud and begins the Creed, saying the first words I believe in one God.

People: I believe in one God, Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten from the Father before all ages, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten not made, consubstantial with the Father, through him all things were made. For our sake and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried; he rose again on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He is coming again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with Father and Son is worshipped and together glorified; who spoke through the Prophets. In one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I await the resurrection of the dead and the life of the age to come. Amen.

Priest, in a low voice: God and Master of all, lover of humankind, make us, unworthy though we are, worthy of this hour, so that, cleansed of all deceit and hypocrisy, we may be united to one another by the bond of peace and love, confirmed by the sanctification of your divine knowledge through your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom you are blessed, together with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Priest (aloud): For you are a God of peace, mercy, love, compassion and love for humankind, with your only-begotten Son and your all-holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

O only Lord and merciful God, who dwell in the highest and look upon lowly things, send forth your good grace upon those who have bowed their necks before your holy altar, and seek the spiritual gifts that come from you, and bless us all with every spiritual that cannot be taken away.

(aloud): For your name, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, is to be praised, worshipped and supremely glorified, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

The Lord will bless us all, serve with us and make us worthy of taking our stand at his holy altar and of the coming of his holy Spirit, now and always, and to the ages of ages.

Let my mouth be filled with your praise, that I may sing your glory, all day long your majesty. (x3)

Of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.

Priest: May the Lord remember you in the kingdom of heaven, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

For the peace from on high, God’s love for humankind, and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

For the peace of the whole world and the union of all the holy churches, let us pray to the Lord.

For this holy monastery (this holy house), and for the Catholic and Apostolic Church, from the ends of the earth and to its furthest bounds, let us pray to the Lord.

For the safety and salvation and assistance of our most holy Father and Archbishop N., all the clergy and Christ-loving people, let us pray to the Lord.

[For our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family, her government, and all in authority, let us pray to the Lord.]

For this city, for every city, town and village, and for those who dwell in them with Orthodox faith and reverence for God, for their peace and security, let us pray to the Lord.

For those who bring offerings, those who care for the beauty of the holy churches of God, and who remember the poor, the widows and orphans, foreigners, strangers and those in need, and those who have asked us to remember them in our prayers, let us pray to the Lord.

For those in old age and incapacity, the sick, the suffering, those troubled by unclean spirits, and for their speedy healing from God and for their safety and salvation, let us pray to the Lord.

For those who pass their lives in virginity, purity and asceticism, and in holy wedlock, and for our venerable fathers, mothers and brethren who struggle on mountains, in caves, and in the hollows of the earth, let us pray to the Lord.

For those who travel by land, air or water, for Christians who are far from home, for those our brethren in captivity and exile, in prisons and bitter slavery, and for the peaceful return of each one to their own home with joy, let us pray to the Lord.

For those who are present here and who pray with us at this holy time and at every moment, fathers, mothers and brethren, for their zeal, toil and readiness, let us pray to the Lord.

And for every Christian soul that is afflicted and distressed, and in need of God’s mercy and help; for the return of those who have been led astray, the health of the sick, the liberation of prisoners, and the repose of our fathers, mothers and brethren who have gone to their rest before us, let us pray to the Lord.

For the forgiveness of our sins and the pardon of our offences, for our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, anger and constraint, and from the assault of nations, let us pray to the Lord.

More intensely, for favourable weather, peaceful rains, good dews, abundant harvests, fair seasons, and for the crowning of the year, let us pray to the Lord.

For our prayer to be heard and to be acceptable before God, and that he send down to us his rich mercies and acts of compassion, and for us all to be found worthy of his kingdom, let us fervently pray.

Commemorating our all holy, pure, most glorious and blessed Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, of the holy and blessed John, the glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, of the holy Apostles, of Stephen the Archdeacon and Protomartyr, of Moses, Aaron , Elias, Elissaios, Samuel, David, Daniel, the Prophets and of the Holy and Just, that by their prayers and intercessions we may all find mercy.

And for the precious and heavenly, ineffable, immaculate, glorious, fearsome, divine gifts, here set forth, and for the salvation of our honoured father and Priest, who presides and offers them, let us entreat the Lord our God.

Master and Lord, who visit us in mercy and compassion and have granted us, humble sinners and your unworthy servants the grace to stand at your holy Altar and to offer to you this dread sacrifice without shedding of blood for our own sins and those committed in ignorance by the people, look on me, your unprofitable servant and wipe away my transgressions through your compassion and purify my lips and my heart from every defilement of flesh and spirit, and banish from me every base and unseemly thought, and enable me for this ministry by the power of your all-holy Spirit, and accept me through your goodness as I approach your holy altar, and be well pleased, Lord, for these gifts to be acceptable that are offered through our hands, being gracious to my weaknesses, and do not cast me away from your presence. Do not despise my unworthiness, but have mercy on me, O God, in accordance with your great mercy and according to the abundance of your compassion disregard my offences, so that, coming into the presence of your glory with condemnation, I may be found worthy of the protection of your only-begotten Son and the illumination of your all-holy Spirit, but as your servant may I find grace, mercy and forgiveness of sins both in this present age and in the age to come. Yes, Master almighty and all-powerful, listen to my supplication and grant me reprieve from my evil deeds, for it is you who work all in all, and in all things we seek from you your help and assistance and that of your only-begotten Son and your good, life-giving and consubstantial Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

O God, who through your great and ineffable love for humankind sent out your only-begotten Son into the world that he might turn back the sheep that had gone astray, do not turn us sinners away as we undertake for you this dread sacrifice without shedding of blood, for we do not trust in our own righteousness but in your loving mercy, through which you acquire our race. And now too we implore and beseech your goodness that this mystery, which is performed through us for salvation, may not become a cause of condemnation for your people, but be for the wiping away of sins, renewal of souls and bodies, and for your good pleasure, God and Father, for you are a God who loves humankind and to you belongs glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

We thank you, Lord our God, that you have given us the freedom of entry into the holy place by the blood of Jesus, inaugurating for us a new and living way through the veil of his flesh. Having therefore been counted worthy to enter the place where your glory dwells, and to be within the veil, and to look upon the Holy of Holies, we fall down before your goodness, Master. Have mercy on us, for we are filled with fear and trembling as we are about to stand at your holy altar and to offer to you this dread sacrifice without shedding of blood for our sins and those committed in ignorance by the people. Send forth your good grace upon us, O God, and sanctify our souls and bodies and spirits, and change our thoughts towards true religion, that with a pure conscience we may offer you mercy, peace, a sacrifice of praise. And having uncovered the veils of the mysteries that symbolically surround this sacred rite, show us clearly, and fill our spiritual vision with your boundless light; and having cleansed our poverty from all defilement of flesh and spirit, make it worthy of this dread and fearful presence.

(Aloud):By the mercy and compassion and love for humankind of your only-begotten Son, with whom you are blessed, together with all holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever and to the ages of ages.

Priest: And unveiling the coverings of the mysteries which in symbol surround this sacred rite, show them to us clearly and fill the eyes of our minds with your incomprehensible light, and purifying our poverty from every defilement of flesh and spirit, make it worthy of this dread and fearful presence, because you are a God of surpassing compassion and mercy, and to you we give glory and thanksgiving, Father, Son and holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Deacon: Let us stand with awe. Let us stand devoutly. Let us stand with fear of God and with compunction. Let us attend, that we may offer the holy oblation to God in peace.

Priest: The love of God the Father, the grace of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, and the communion and gift of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

Truly it is right and fitting, proper and necessary, to praise you, to hymn you, to bless you, to worship you, to glorify you, to give thanks to you, Fashioner of every creature, visible and invisible, the Treasury of the eternal good things, the Source of life and immortality, the God and Master of all, whose praise is sung by the heavens and the heavens of heavens and all their powers, the sun and the moon and the whole choir of stars, earth, sea and all that they contain; the heavenly Jerusalem, festival of the chosen, church of the first-born, who are inscribed in heaven; spirits of the Just and of Prophets, souls of Martyrs and Apostles; Angels, Archangels, Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Authorities and dread Powers, the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim, that with two wings cover their faces, with two their feet and with two they fly, as they cry out to one another with unceasing voices and with never silent hymns of glory,

(aloud): with radiant voices singing the triumphant hymn of your majestic glory, shouting, glorifying, crying aloud and saying.

People: Holy, holy, holy, Lord, Sabaoth. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who came and who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

Holy are you, King of the ages, Lord and giver of all holiness. Holy too is your only-begotten Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, through whom you made all things. Holy too is your all-holy Spirit, who searches all things, and your depths, God and Father.

Holy are you, all-powerful, fearsome, good, tender-hearted, compassionate to what you fashioned. You made humankind from earth, according to your image and likeness, granting it the enjoyment of Paradise. But when it transgressed your commandment and fell away, you do not forsake or abandon it, O Good One, but chastened it as a compassionate Father, called it through the Law, tutored it through the Prophets.

Finally you sent your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, forth into the world, to come and renew and raise up your image. He came down from heaven and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and Mary the holy Ever-Virgin and Mother of God, lived among mortals and disposed all things for the salvation of our race.

When he, the one without sin, was about to accept for us sinners his voluntary and life-giving death through a cross, on the night he was given up, or rather gave himself up, for the life and salvation of the world,

taking bread in his holy, immaculate and unblemished and immortal hands, looking up heaven and showing it to you, his God and Father, giving thanks, blessing, sanctifying and breaking it, he shared it among his holy and blessed Disciples and Apostles, saying:

Take, eat. This is my body which is broken and distributed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Likewise after supper, taking the cup and mixing wine and water, gazing up to heaven and showing it to you, his God and Father, giving thanks, blessing, sanctifying, filling it with the Holy Spirit, he shared it among his holy and blessed Disciples and Apostles, saying:

Drink from this all of you. This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out and distributed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Priest, in a low voice: Do this in memory of me. For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the death of the Son of Man, and confess his resurrection, until he comes.

Therefore, we sinners too, remembering his life-giving sufferings and the saving Cross, his death and burial, and resurrection from the dead on the third day, his ascension into heaven and sitting at your right hand, his God and Father, and his second, glorious and fearsome coming, when he comes in glory to judge the living and the dead, when he will render to each according to their works — Spare us, O Lord! (x3) —, or rather according to his compassion, offer to you, Master, this dread sacrifice without shedding of blood, asking that you do not act towards us according to our sins, but that, according to your kindness and ineffable love for humankind, setting aside and wiping out the record of the debt against us your suppliants, you would grant us your heavenly and eternal gifts, which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered the human heart the things that you have prepared, O God, for those who love you. And do not reject your people because of me and because of my sins, O Lord who love humankind.

The Priest, in a low voice: Have mercy on us, Lord God, the Father, the Almighty. Have mercy on us, God our Saviour. Have mercy on us, O God, in accordance with your great mercy, and send forth upon these holy gifts, here set forth, your all-holy Spirit, (bowing) the Lord and giver of life, enthroned with you, God and Father, and your only-begotten Son, co-reigning, consubstantial and co-eternal, who spoke by the Law and the Prophets and by your New Covenant, who came down in the form of a dove upon our Lord Jesus Christ in the river Jordan, and rested upon him, who came down upon your holy Apostles in the form of fiery tongues in the upper room of holy and glorious Sion on the day of Pentecost. (Standing up) Your same all-holy Spirit, Lord, send down on us and on these gifts here set forth,

(aloud): that having come by his holy, good and glorious presence, he may sanctify this bread and make it the holy body of Christ,

The Priest signs the holy Gifts and says in a low voice: that they may become for all those who partake of them for forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. For sanctification of souls and bodies. For a fruitful harvest of good works. For the strengthening of your holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, which you founded on the rock of the faith, so that the gates of Hell might not prevail against it, delivering it from every heresy and from the scandals caused by those who work iniquity, and from the enemies who arise and attack it, until the consummation of the age.

We make this offering to you, Master, for your holy places also, which you glorified by the divine Epiphany of your Christ, and by the visitation of your all-holy Spirit, especially for the holy and glorious Sion, the mother of all the Churches; and for your holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church throughout the whole inhabited world. Richly bestow on it now too, Master, the gifts of your all-holy Spirit.

Remember, Lord, also our holy fathers and bishops in your Church, who throughout the inhabited world rightly proclaim the word of truth.

Especially our holy father, our most holy Archbishop N., all his clergy and priesthood, grant him an honoured old age, preserve him for many years, as he shepherds your people in all true religion and reverence.

Remember, Lord, the honourable order of presbyters here and everywhere, the diaconate in Christ, all the rest of the ministers, every order in the Church and our brotherhood in Christ and the whole Christ-loving people.

[Remember, Lord, the priests present with us at this holy time before your holy altar for the offering of the holy sacrifice without shedding of blood, and give to them and us a word by the opening of our mouth to the glory and praise of your all-holy name.]

Remember, Lord, also according to the multitude of your mercy and acts of compassion, me, your lowly, sinful and unworthy servant, and visit me with mercy and compassion. Deliver and free me from those who persecute me, Lord, Lord of Powers. And though sin has multiplied in me, your grace will abound even more.

Remember, Lord, the deacons who stand round your holy altar and them a life without reproach, preserve their diaconate unstained and grant them good standing.

Remember, Lord, the holy city of you our God, the queen of cities, every city, town and village, and those who with Orthodox faith and devotion dwell in them, and their peace and security.

[Remember, Lord, our Sovereign Lady, Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Family, her government and all in authority, and all her household. Set in order her counsels, that we may live a quiet life in all piety and reverence.]

Remember, Lord, those who travel by land, sea and air, Christians who live far from home, those in bondage and prisons, those in captivity and exile, those in mines and in tortures and bitter slavery, our fathers, mothers and brethren, and a peaceful return for each of them to their own homes.

Remember, Lord, those in old age and incapacity, the sick, the suffering, those troubled by unclean spirits, and for their speedy healing from God and for their safety and salvation.

Remember, Lord, every Christian soul that is afflicted and distressed, and in need of God’s mercy and help, and the return of those who have been led astray.

Remember, Lord, those who pass their lives in virginity, purity and asceticism, and in holy wedlock, and for our venerable fathers, mothers and brethren who struggle on mountains, in caves, and in the hollows of the earth, and Orthodox communities in every place and for our community in Christ in this place.

Remember, Lord, our father, mothers and brethren who labour and serve for the sake of your holy Name.

Remember, Lord, all for their good. Have mercy on all, Master. Be reconciled with us all. Give peace to the multitudes of your people. Disperse scandals; put an end to wars; ends the schisms of the churches; speedily dissolve the uprisings of heresies; throw down the pride of the nations; exalt the horn of Christians; grant us your peace and your love, O God, our Saviour, the hope of all the ends of the earth.

Remember, Lord, seasonable weather, gentle showers, fair dews, abundant harvests, perfect seasons and the crowning of the year with your goodness. For the eyes of all hope on you, and you give them their food in due season; you open your hand and fill every living being with your good pleasure.

Remember, Lord, those who have brought and those who bring offerings in the holy Churches of God, those who remember the poor, and those who have asked us to remember them in our prayers.

Also be pleased to remember, Lord, those too who have brought offerings today for your holy altar, and those for whom each has brought them, or whom each one has in mind, and those whose names are now read to you.

All these Orthodox remember, Lord, those we have remembered and those we have not. Give them heavenly things in return for things earthly, incorruptible for corruptible, everlasting for temporary, in accordance with the promise of your Christ, for you have the authority of life and death.

Also be pleased to remember, Lord, those who have been well-pleasing to you from the beginning of time, generation by generation, holy Fathers, Mothers, Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, Teachers, Ascetics, and every righteous spirit, made perfect in faith.

Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you gave birth to the Saviour of our souls.

Especially our all-holy and blessed, immaculate Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary,

The holy, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, the holy Apostles and Evangelists, the holy Prophets, Patriarchs and Righteous ones, the holy Martyrs and Confessors and all the Saints, not because we are worthy to commemorate their blessedness, but that they too, as they stand before your dread and terrible judgement seat, may in return remember our wretchedness.

Remember all these, O Lord, the God of spirits and all flesh, those Orthodox, we have remembered and those we have not. Give them rest in the land of the living, in your kingdom, in the delight of Paradise, in the bosom of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, our holy Fathers, whence pain, grief and sighing have fled away, where the light of your face watches and shines out for ever. And make the ending of our lives Christian, well-pleasing, sinless and in peace, Lord, gathering us under the feet of your chosen ones, when you wish and as you wish, only with shame and transgressions, through your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, for he is only one without sin who has appeared upon earth.

Deacon: And for the peace and stability of the whole world and of the holy Churches of God, and those for whom each has made offerings or whom they have in mind and for the people here present, and for all people.

Priest (aloud): Through whom for us and for them, for you Master are a good God and a Master who loves humankind:

People: Remit, forgive, pardon, O God, our transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in knowledge and in ignorance.

Priest (aloud): By the grace, compassion and love for humankind of your Christ, with whom you are blessed and glorified with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

Deacon: For the precious, heavenly, glorious, divine gifts here set forth and sanctified, to the Lord our God let us pray.

That the Lord our God, having accepted them on his holy and spiritual Altar above the heavens, as a savour of spiritual fragrance, may send down upon us in return his divine grace and the gift of the all-holy Holy Spirit, let us pray.

Having asked for the unity of the faith and the communion of the all-holy Spirit, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ, our God.

O God and Father of our Lord and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Lord whose name is exalted, the blessed nature, the unstinted goodness, the God and Master of all things, the One who Exists, blessed to the ages of ages, enthroned upon the Cherubim, glorified by the Seraphim, before whom stand thousands and thousands, and tens of thousands of armies Angels and Archangels, accept as sweet fragrance the gifts, offerings and fruits here presented to you, by the grace of your Christ and the visitation of your all-holy Spirit. Sanctify also, Master, our souls and bodies and spirits. Touch our minds and search out our consciences. Cast out from us every evil thought, every impure idea, every base desire and memory, every unseemly word, all envy, pride and hypocrisy, every lie, every deceit, every worldly temptation, all greed, all vainglory, all wickedness, all wrath, all anger, all malice, all blasphemy, and all sloth, every movement of flesh and spirit that is alien to the will of your holiness.

(aloud): And count us worthy, Master, Lord who love humankind, with boldness and without condemnation, with a pure heart, enlightened soul, face unashamed, lips that are sanctified to dare to call upon you, the holy God in heaven, as Father, and to say:

Our Father in heaven, may your name be hallowed, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Priest, in a low voice: And do not lead us into temptation that we cannot endure, Lord, Lord of powers, who know our weakness, but deliver us from the evil one and from his works, and from all his influence and guile, for the sake of your holy Name, that has been invoked upon our lowliness.

(aloud): For yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

Priest (bows, and in a low voice): We, your servants, Lord, have bowed our necks to you before your holy altar, awaiting rich mercies from you. Send forth to us now, Master, your rich grace and blessing, and sanctify our souls and bodies and spirits, that we may become worthy communicants and partakers of your holy mysteries for forgiveness and everlasting life.

(aloud): For you, our God, are to be worshipped and glorified, with your only-begotten Son and your all-holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

Priest (aloud): And the grace and mercies of the holy, consubstantial, uncreated, indivisible and adored Trinity shall be with us all.

Holy Lord, who rest in the holy place, make us holy by the word of your grace and the coming of your all-holy Spirit. For you said, Master , ‘Be holy, because I, the Lord your God, am holy’.

God beyond understanding, Word, consubstantial with the Father and the Holy Spirit, co-eternal and inseparable, accept from me, a sinner, with the Cherubim and Seraphim, this pure hymn among your holy sacrifices without shedding of blood, as I cry out and say:

People: One is holy, one is Lord: Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father, with the Holy Spirit, to whom be glory to the ages of ages.

Then the Priest breaks the bread and holds one half in his right hand and one in his left. He dips that in his right in the chalice, saying:

Union of the all-holy Body and precious Blood of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

And he signs the part in his left hand and will change, holding the two parts. He signs the other part. Then joining the two parts and dipping the other two of the extremities in the chalice and signing the remaining breads, he says at each dipping the word of union and at once begins to divide and first of all he places one part in each single chalice, saying:

It has been united and sanctified and perfected, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Then he makes double parts for each of the clergy and dips them in the chalice. After the completion of the Glory, the Deacon says:

Priest: God is blessed, who blesses and sanctifies you that divide in the fear of God, and all who are about to communicate in faith.

Master, Christ our God, the heavenly Bread, the food of the whole world, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am not worthy to partake of your holy and immaculate mysteries. But through goodness and ineffable longsuffering, make me worthy, without condemnation and shame, to partake of your all-holy Body and your precious Blood for forgiveness of sins and everlasting life.

Then he communicates and distributes to the clergy, and when the Deacon raises the chalice he says:

Priest and Deacon: Be exalted to the heavens, O God, and your glory into all the earth, and your kingdom abides to the ages of ages.

The holy Body of our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ is distributed to the faithful for forgiveness and everlasting life.

Communion is traditionally given under the two kinds separately. As he gives the consecrated Bread, the Priest says: The Body of Christ.

People: Fill my mouth with your praise, O Lord, fill my lips with joy, that I may raise a hymn to your glory.

We thank you, Saviour, God of all things, for all the good things you have granted us, and for the communion of your holy and immaculate mysteries, and we offer you this incense, as we ask: Guard us under the shelter of your wings, and count us worthy even until our last breath to partake of your holy things, for the sanctification of our souls and bodies, and for inheritance of the kingdom of heaven, for you, O God, are our sanctification, and to you we give glory and thanksgiving, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Deacon: We thank you, Christ our God, that you have counted us worthy to partake of your Body and Blood for forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Keep, we entreat, without condemnation, as you are good and love humankind.

You have made us glad, O God, by union with you, and we offer you incense of gratitude, fruit of our lips, as we confess your grace. Let it ascend, O God, and not descend empty, but grant too the pure and lasting myron of the sweet fragrance of your all-holy Spirit. Fill our mouths with praise and our lips with gladness and our hearts with joy and delight in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom you are blessed with your all-holy Spirit, now and for ever and to the ages of ages.

That the communion of his holy Gifts may become for us an averting of every evil thing, provision for the journey of eternal life, for the communion and gift of the Holy Spirit, let us pray.

Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most glorious and blessed Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints and Just, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.

Priest, in a low voice: O God, who through great and ineffable compassion, have condescended to the weakness of your servants, and counted us worthy to partake of this heavenly table, do not condemn us sinners for communicating of your immaculate mysteries, but preserve us, O Good One, in your sanctification, so that, becoming worthy of your all-holy Spirit, we may find a part and lot with all the Saints from the beginning, who have been well-pleasing to you, in the light of your face, through the compassion of your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, with whom you are blessed and glorified, with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

(aloud): For blessed and sanctified and glorified is your all-honoured and majestic holy Name, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

O God great and wonderful, look upon your servants, for to you we have bent our necks, and stretch out your mighty hand, that is filled with blessings, and bless your people and preserve your inheritance, that we may always at every moment glorify you, our only living and true God, the holy and consubstantial Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

(aloud): For to you belong and are due from us all, all glory, honour, worship and thanksgiving, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

You have given us sanctification, Master, by the communion of the all-holy Body and precious Blood of your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Give us too the grace of your good Spirit and keep us blameless in the faith and guide to perfect sonship and redemption and the everlasting enjoyment to come, for you and your only-begotten Son and your all-holy Spirit are our sanctification and enlightenment, O God, now and for ever and to the ages.

Advancing from power to power, and having completed in your church the whole divine ministry, we now ask you also, Lord our God, count us worthy of your perfect love for humankind. Make straight our way, root us in your fear, have mercy on us all, and declare us worthy of your heavenly kingdom in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom you are blessed and glorified, with your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

Priest, aloud: Blessed is God, who blesses and sanctifies, protects and gives peace, and preserves the life of us all through the communion of his holy, immaculate and life-giving mysteries, which we have been counted worthy to receive, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

I've heard that the Maronite Rite is dirived from this....true?

Yes, this is true. From the Eparchy's web site:

When the Maronites emerged as a Christian Syriac Antiochene community, during the fifth century and later, the Antiochene rites were under the influence of those of Jerusalem, particularly the liturgy attributed to Saint James, the first bishop of Jerusalem. However, the Maronites also had a liturgical tie to another important center, that is the Syriac center of Edessa. Edessa, indeed, was the first Christian state as well as the first great political and cultural Syriac center. Its rites were connected to the Semetic Aramaic Syriac legacy. They were not influenced by the Hellenistic Greek legacy as was the Antiochene rite of Jerusalem; rather, they preserved their own distinctive features and expressions which were closer to the Holy Scriptures and to the original Christian theology.

The six anaphoras currently selected all belong to the Maronite tradition prior to the tenth century. Here they are listed as they appear in the book:

Anaphora of the Twelve Apostles;

Anaphora of Saint Peter, Head of the Apostles (O God of Peace);

Anaphora of Saint James, Brother of the Lord;

Anaphora of Saint John the Apostle;

Anaphora of Saint Mark the Evangelist;

Anaphora of Sixtus, Pope of Rome.

HISTORY OF THE QUORBONO

The Maronite Church hopes to restore 24 Anaphoras. It is my understanding that since this writing, 2 more have been added - Anaphora of St. John Maron, the first Maronite Patriarch & Anaphora of St. John Chrysostom, St. Maron's friend & Doctor in the Church.

In your esteemed position as our soon to be official FR keeper of Orthodox Christian history, any idea why St. Basil and St. John Chrysostom changed the liturgy from the earlier version?

By 'earlier version', do you mean St. James? If I understand this correctly, the Eastern Churches utilize different Anaphoras according to the occasion and/or season. I've noticed that at certain times during the year, we chant the Anaphora of the Twelve, other times St. James, etc. We even have an Anaphora for St. Charbel that is chanted on his feast day. This is not like the Canon which is fixed. The Anaphoras are the chanted prayers. Is this right, Kolokotronis?

"Yes, this is very similar to the Liturgy celebrated in my church."

Well yeah!

"In your esteemed position as our soon to be official FR keeper of Orthodox Christian history,...."

HAH! I think Agrarian or Kosta should have that position!

"...any idea why St. Basil and St. John Chrysostom changed the liturgy from the earlier version?"

I have a book around here somewhere in the library which I seem to remember speaks to this. Unfortunately that will have to wait until later as I have to go to the office today to rearrange or shred about 40 years of files in the cellar and rip up a carpet which got soaked when the sump pump down there stuck. What a mess!

The Liturgy of St. James was the Liturgy of the entire Church in the East before the changes made by +Basil the Great. The only things which change in Eastern Rite Liturgies, other than with you Maronites apparently (something I didn't know but probably should have), are the apolitykia, troparia and kontakia (and of course the epistles and gospels). The anaphora doesn't change at all within a liturgical year of celebrating a given liturgy, though they are different in the three great Liturgies of the Orthodox Church, +James, +Basil the Great and +John Chrysostomos.

As a practical matter, the Liturgy of +James is longer than that of +Basil the Great which is longer than that of +John Chrysostomos.

As I have pointed out before, the Maronite Liturgy was almost completely Latinized and then Vatican II-ized. The work your Church has done over the past 15 years or so to re-establish the ancient liturgy of your Church (especially the liturgical prayers), an effort hampered by the almost total destruction of your liturgical books by Jesuits and Dominicans centuries ago, is to be applauded. The original liturgy of the Maronites, once they broke with the Orthodox around them (or vice versa depending on one's point of view), probably looked very, very much like this liturgy of +James or perhaps the Monophysite liturgies, which themselves are almost identical to that of +James.

I'm no expert on the Liturgy of St. James, but my understanding of the general points are as follows:

1. There are some significant variations in the existing texts of this Liturgy, so while there are "commonly used" versions in circulation (the ROCOR has for years been using a translation of a version that was standard in Russia). The only places where the Liturgy has been in continuous (limited) use is in Jerusalem. In short, there are some questions in my mind about just how much the current Liturgy of St. James reflects that Liturgy as it was in use at the time that St. Basil compiled his own Liturgy.

2. Today, in those places where it is served, it is usually only served on the feast of St. James.

3. The major differences textually between the various liturgies are in the length of the secret prayers of the priest. (As K. pointed out.) St. James is longest, St. Basil shorter, St. John C. shorter still. Conventional wisdom is that the changes made by St. Basil were made to make the service less unwieldy and with less time with the priest praying quietly for long periods of time in the altar. St. John C. continued that by shortening the priest's secret prayers even more. Yet, this "abbreviation theorgy" doesn't completely hold water, since the prayers are shorter, but aren't clear-cut abbreviations. And as K. points out, there are things in the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts that are very ancient, present in the Liturgy of St. James. This goes along with the general tenor of Orthodox Lent, where usages tend to regress toward the ancient.

4. One of the things that has made the Liturgy of St. James have a resurgence in popularity in recent years (i.e. to actually serve it on his feast) is the fact that the liturgical "movements" are different. Specifically, parts of the preparation of the gifts take place on a table out in front of the iconostasis in the middle of the church. This brings things into view that are normally not seen by those not serving in the altar. This "novelty" feature, I think, has plays a role in its revival in some places.

There is also, as I recall, an Old Testament reading as well as the usual NT readings, which is a little different.

5. As a final note, I am not much of a fan of Fr. Ephrem's liturgical translations. He has provided a great service to the Chruch by translating many of the prescribed liturgical sermons, esp. those appointed at services during Great Lent (all available on-line), and I use those regularly. But his liturgical translations leave a lot to be desired stylistically. They are better than most modern English translations in circulation, but not nearly as good as the existing traditional English translations.

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