THE DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. JAMES (7)
The Cherubic Hymn:
Let all mortal flesh be silent, and with fear and trembling stand, and meditate nothing of this world, putting aside all earthly cares:
For the King of kings and Lord of lords, Christ our God, comes forward to be sacrificed, and to be given as nourishment to the faithful.
The hosts of angels go before Him, with every power and dominion, with the manyeyed cherubim, and the sixwinged seraphim, covering their faces and crying aloud:
Holy, Holy, Holy!
The priest, bringing in the holy gifts, says:
O God our Father, who has blessed and sanctified us by sending forth as spiritual food for the whole world, the true heavenly bread, our Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and Redeemer, and Benefactor, bless this offering and graciously receive it upon Your altar above the heavens. In Your goodness, remember and send forth Your divine love upon those who have brought this offering, and upon those for whom it is brought, and preserve us without condemnation in the service of Your divine mysteries: for hallowed and glorified is Your allhonored and great name, Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and for all eternity.
Priest: Peace be with all.
Deacon: Father, pronounce the blessing.
Priest: Blessed be God, who blesses and sanctifies us at the presentation of the divine and pure mysteries, and who gives rest to the blessed souls among the holy and just, now and always, and for all eternity.
Deacon: Let us attend in wisdom.
The priest begins the Creed: I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only Son of God… [and the rest of the Creed.]
Then he prays, bowing: O God and Sovereign of all, make us, unworthy as we are, worthy of this hour, O Lover of mankind; that being pure from all deceit and hypocrisy, we may be united with one another by the bond of peace and love; being confirmed and sanctified by the divine knowledge of You, through Your only begotten Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with whom You are blessed, together with Your allholy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and for all eternity. Amen.
Deacon: Let us stand reverently, let us stand in the fear of God, and with compunction of heart.
Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: For You are a God of peace, mercy, love, compassion, and loving-kindness, with Your only-begotten Son, and Your all-holy Spirit, now and forever.
People: Amen.
Priest: Peace be with all.
People: And with your spirit.
Deacon: Let us greet one another with a holy kiss.
Deacon: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
The priest bows, saying this prayer: O Lord and merciful God, upon those who are bowing their heads before Your holy altar, seeking the spiritual gifts that come from You, send forth Your good grace and the fullness of Your Holy Spirit; and bless us all with every spiritual blessing that cannot be taken from us, You who dwell on high, yet have compassion on those who are lowly.
(Aloud) For worthy of praise and worship, and most glorious is Your allholy name, Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit, now and always, and for all eternity.
Deacon: Father, pronounce the blessing.
Priest: May the Lord bless us, and minister to us all by His grace and loving kindness.
Again: May the Lord bless us, and make us worthy to stand at His holy altar, at all times, now and always, and forever.
Again: Blessed be God, who blesses and sanctifies us all in our service of His pure mysteries, now and always, and forever.
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