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Unveiling the Holy Mysteries: Unveiling the Holy Mysteries: Unveiling the Holy Mysteries: Unveiling the Holy Mysteries: Unveiling the Holy Mysteries: Unveiling the Holy Mysteries: Unveiling the Holy Mysteries: Unveiling the Holy Mysteries: An OverviewAn OverviewAn OverviewAn OverviewAn OverviewAn OverviewAn OverviewAn Overview

The Life of Christ not just The Life of Christ not just The Life of Christ not just The Life of Christ not just remembered but participated in...remembered but participated in...remembered but participated in...remembered but participated in...

1)1) Birth & BaptismBirth & Baptism

2)2) Public MinistryPublic Ministry

3)3) Institution of the EucharistInstitution of the Eucharist

4)4) PassionPassion

5)5) Death/CrucifixionDeath/Crucifixion

6)6) ResurrectionResurrection

7)7) AscensionAscension

8)8) Second ComingSecond Coming

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Public Celebration of the Public Celebration of the Public Celebration of the Public Celebration of the Holy Holy Holy Holy QurbanaQurbanaQurbanaQurbana

Can you identify the start and end point of the two main parts of the service?

2) Service of the Faithful (Liturgy of the Bread)

1) Service of the Catechumens (Liturgy of the Word)

Two main parts:

Service of the WordService of the WordService of the WordService of the WordService of the WordService of the WordService of the WordService of the Word(Service of the Catechumens)(Service of the Catechumens)(Service of the Catechumens)(Service of the Catechumens)(Service of the Catechumens)(Service of the Catechumens)(Service of the Catechumens)(Service of the Catechumens)

5) Nicene Creed & Intercessions5) Nicene Creed & Intercessions

1)1) Beginning (Procession & Beginning (Procession & TrisagionTrisagion))

2) Scripture readings followed by the sermon2) Scripture readings followed by the sermon

3) Offering of the incense (3) Offering of the incense (PromeonPromeon & Sedra)& Sedra)

4) Blessing of the censer4) Blessing of the censer

a system of teaching, especially for those who were preparing for Baptism

5 main parts to the service

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Procession Around the AltarProcession Around the AltarProcession Around the AltarProcession Around the AltarProcession Around the AltarProcession Around the AltarProcession Around the AltarProcession Around the Altar

Mary who bore TheeMary who bore TheeJohn who baptized TheeJohn who baptized Thee

May they be to Thee supplicants for usMay they be to Thee supplicants for usHave mercy on usHave mercy on us

((((Participation in the Birth of ChristParticipation in the Birth of ChristParticipation in the Birth of ChristParticipation in the Birth of Christ))))

By Thy Mother’s earnest prayersBy Thy saint’s entreaties

I adore Thee, Lord and KingSole begotten, heavenly one,

Word and Father’s sonThough Immortal Thou dost be

In Thy nature trueThou descendest by Thy grace

Bringing life salvation freeFor our fallen human race

Thou incarnate wast of herHoly virgin blest

Mary, glorious, chaste, and pureMother of our God

Man becoming nor with changeThou wast crucified for us

Christ, who art our Lord and God

Thou didst trample death by deathEnding this our death

Thou art one of person threeHoly Trinity

Worshipped equal praised the sameWith the Father and the Holy Ghost

Have Thou mercy on us all

The mystery of the incarnation is described

saying that without change, the Son became

man, continuing His eternal glory and His position in the Holy

Trinity.

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TrisagionTrisagionTrisagionTrisagion(accepted prayer to be said at the beginning of every prayer)

Holy art Thou, O GodHoly art Thou, AlmightyHoly art Thou, Immortal,Crucified for us (+), have mercy on us.

Sung by the Seraphims (group of angels)St. Mark 15:42-47 – sung by Joseph of Arimathea &

Nicodemus

As a continuation we say Kurielaison three times

Scripture ReadingsScripture ReadingsScripture ReadingsScripture Readings

1st reading (Acts) or a General Epistle is read by the deacon from the north side of the altar, which

represents preaching of the

gospel to the Jews.

2nd readingAn epistle of St. Paul is

read from the south side of the altar, which

represents the preaching of the gospel

to the Gentiles.

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Gospel ReadingGospel ReadingGospel ReadingGospel Reading((((Participation in the Public Ministry of ChristParticipation in the Public Ministry of ChristParticipation in the Public Ministry of ChristParticipation in the Public Ministry of Christ))))

3rd reading (Gospel) is read by the priest from the center of the altar.

The Offering of IncenseThe Offering of IncenseThe Offering of IncenseThe Offering of IncensePromeon (Variable): This prayer is a preface. Incense is put in the

censer after this prayer.

The prayer of absolution: Since forgiveness of sins is necessarybefore the offering of sacrifice, this prayer is placed before the main part of the Holy Qurbana.

Sedra (Variable): This is usually a long prayer. Most of these are addressed to Jesus Christ.

1. Remembrance of the important incidents in the life of our Lord. 2. The meaning and glory of the Holy Qurbana and our unworthiness

to participate in it. 3. Prayer to send down the Holy Spirit. 4. Prayers to become worthy to receive Holy Qurbana and the

consequent blessings. 5. Prayer of dedication.

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General AbsolutionGeneral AbsolutionGeneral AbsolutionGeneral Absolution

Followed by the Sedra, the congregation says:

“May the Lord accept your ministration and help us by your prayers.”

The priest then says:

“May we receive pardon of offenses and remission of sins in both worlds for ever and ever.”

Blessing of the CenserBlessing of the CenserBlessing of the CenserBlessing of the CenserBlessing of the CenserBlessing of the CenserBlessing of the CenserBlessing of the Censer• It is the time of praising the Holy Trinity.

• The priest holds one chain and says “Holy is the Holy Father.”

• The priest holds two chains together and says “Holy is the Holy Son.”

- Holding two chains together represents the Divinity and humanity of Christ united in the same person.

• The priest holds the last chain and says “Holy is the Living and Holy Spirit.”

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NiceneNiceneNiceneNicene----Constantinople CreedConstantinople CreedConstantinople CreedConstantinople CreedIt is a proclamation or statement of faith. We proclaim the faitIt is a proclamation or statement of faith. We proclaim the faith of h of the Church which is none other than our belief in the Father, Sothe Church which is none other than our belief in the Father, Son,n,and Holy Spirit. and Holy Spirit.

During this time the priest washes his hands. During this time the priest washes his hands. 1) signifies the washing of the feet of the disciples1) signifies the washing of the feet of the disciples2) signifies the removal of sin and malice2) signifies the removal of sin and malice

Then the priest with open hands says:Then the priest with open hands says:““My teachers and brothers please pray for me so that the Holy My teachers and brothers please pray for me so that the Holy QurbanaQurbana which I celebrate be accepted by God.which I celebrate be accepted by God.””

This signifies the full agreement and shows that the holy service is celebrated in full agreement and mutual understanding.

IntercessionIntercessionIntercessionIntercession

– The deacon then goes through the center aisle with the censer and returns. � shows that Christ came down from heaven and to the world

and traveled all throughout � purifying the congregation and collecting their prayers.

The rest of the service is only for the true believers of the church as the nonbelievers leave..

The priest kneels before the altar and prays for the remission of sins and further praying for all the living and dead especially the names who were given for remembrance

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Part II Part II Part II Part II –––– Service of the Service of the Service of the Service of the Faithful (Anaphora)Faithful (Anaphora)Faithful (Anaphora)Faithful (Anaphora)

The Kiss of PeaceThe Kiss of PeaceThe Kiss of PeaceThe Kiss of Peace

St. Matthew 5:23St. Matthew 5:23St. Matthew 5:23St. Matthew 5:23----24242424

““““So if you are offering So if you are offering So if you are offering So if you are offering your gift at the altar, and your gift at the altar, and your gift at the altar, and your gift at the altar, and there you remember that there you remember that there you remember that there you remember that your brother has your brother has your brother has your brother has something against you, something against you, something against you, something against you, leave your gift there leave your gift there leave your gift there leave your gift there before the altar and go, before the altar and go, before the altar and go, before the altar and go, first be reconciled to first be reconciled to first be reconciled to first be reconciled to your brother and then your brother and then your brother and then your brother and then come and offer your come and offer your come and offer your come and offer your gift.gift.gift.gift.””””

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The Lifting of the The Lifting of the The Lifting of the The Lifting of the The Lifting of the The Lifting of the The Lifting of the The Lifting of the SosappaSosappaSosappaSosappaSosappaSosappaSosappaSosappa

What does the What does the What does the What does the sosappasosappasosappasosapparepresent?represent?represent?represent?

-represents the presence of the Lord’s resurrection and life

-the swaddling clothes in which Christ was wrapped in

-the stone that was rolled away from the tomb of Christ

-rock that was struck by Moses in the desert

-bright cloud at Transfiguration

The First BenedictionThe First BenedictionThe First BenedictionThe First Benediction

Apostolic BenedictionApostolic BenedictionApostolic BenedictionApostolic Benediction2 Corinthians 13:14

The priest makes the sign of the cross three times and the

congregation receives the blessing with their heads bowing down and

making the sign of the cross.

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The lifting up of our hearts and the offering of praise and thanks

The priest lifts up his hands and says a prayer

After this the priest is waving his hands over the bread and wine, showing the presence of the angels.

The congregation says:“Holy Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty, by whose glory the heaven and earth are filled…”Revelation 4:8

The Institution of the Holy QurbanaThe Institution of the Holy QurbanaThe Institution of the Holy QurbanaThe Institution of the Holy Qurbana

The priest proclaims the event of the institution of the Holy Qurbana and makes the sign of the cross three times over the bread. When he says broke, the bread is partially broken through the middle.

St. John 19: 34, St. Luke 22: 19, St. Mark 14: 24.

The priest makes the sign of the cross over the wine three times blessing the wine.

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Anamnesis (Memorial of our Anamnesis (Memorial of our Anamnesis (Memorial of our Anamnesis (Memorial of our LordLordLordLord’’’’s work of atonement)s work of atonement)s work of atonement)s work of atonement)

Priest reminds of us Christ’s command:

“Do this in remembrance of me”St. Luke 22 191 Corinthians 11: 24-25

When the priest says this, he lifts up the small ‘cushion’, and spoon. They are placed on the southern side. This is a reminder of the second coming of our Lord.

ThanksgivingThanksgivingThanksgivingThanksgiving

The priest offers thanks for the redeeming work of the Lord saying:

“We also, O Lord, Your weak and sinful servants give thanks unto You and acknowledge your

loving-kindness unto all and for all”

The congregation responds:

“We glorify you, we bless you, we worship you, O Lord God, and we beseech you for mercy.

Have mercy upon us.”

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Invocation of the Holy Spirit Invocation of the Holy Spirit Invocation of the Holy Spirit Invocation of the Holy Spirit (Epiclesis)(Epiclesis)(Epiclesis)(Epiclesis)

Invocation of the Holy Spirit after the institution is a special feature of the Orthodox worship.

The deacon proclaims the importance of the occasion and calls the congregation to worship with awe.

As a result of the working of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine is completed to be the Holy Body and Blood of our Lord.

Again the priest blesses the body and blood making the sign of the cross three times and saying prayers.

Intercessory Prayers Intercessory Prayers Intercessory Prayers Intercessory Prayers Intercessory Prayers Intercessory Prayers Intercessory Prayers Intercessory Prayers ((((((((ThubdensThubdensThubdensThubdensThubdensThubdensThubdensThubdens))))))))

3 for the living, 3 for the departed

1) For the living patriarchs and bishops.

2) For the sick and suffering.

3) For the rulers and priests and Christian communities.

4) For St. Mary and all other saints.

5) For remembrance of the doctors and Fathers of the Church who worked for strengthening the faith.

6) For remembrance of all the departed ones.

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Second BenedictionSecond BenedictionSecond BenedictionSecond Benediction

The second benediction is given in the name of our Lord.

Fraction and CommixtureFraction and CommixtureFraction and CommixtureFraction and CommixtureFraction and CommixtureFraction and CommixtureFraction and CommixtureFraction and CommixtureSanctuary is closed Sanctuary is closed –– Why?Why?-represents the darkness at the

time of our Lord’s death.

What two major events do we celebrate?

- the death and resurrection of our Lord.

The congregation sings the penitential song as we commemorate the death and resurrection of our Lord.

The body is broken and mixed with blood saying special prayers.

Litany- Prayers for blessing and intercessory prayers for people in various needs are said by the deacon to which the congregation responds by saying prayers.

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The Chancel is UnveiledThe Chancel is UnveiledThe Chancel is UnveiledThe Chancel is UnveiledThe Chancel is UnveiledThe Chancel is UnveiledThe Chancel is UnveiledThe Chancel is Unveiled* The sanctuary is opened symbolizing the appearance of the resurrected Lord to the disciples.

* The curtain being drawn also symbolizes the opening of heaven through the sacrifice of our Lord and the enabling of us to call God, our Father.

The LordThe LordThe LordThe LordThe LordThe LordThe LordThe Lord’’’’’’’’s Prayers Prayers Prayers Prayers Prayers Prayers Prayers PrayerOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed beOur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be

Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will beThy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be

done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us thisdone on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this

day our daily bread and forgive us ourday our daily bread and forgive us our

trespasses, as we forgive those who trespasstrespasses, as we forgive those who trespass

against us. Lead us not into against us. Lead us not into temptation,buttemptation,but

deliver us from the evil one. For deliver us from the evil one. For ThineThine is theis the

kingdom, the power and the glory, foreverkingdom, the power and the glory, forever

and ever. Amen.and ever. Amen.

• The Lord’s Prayer is recited to prepare the congregation to receive the Holy Qurbana.

• The Lord’s Prayer is a prayer of dedication to mankind, both living and departed.

• Through the Lord’s Prayer, we dedicate ourselves to a godly life.

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Prayer for BlessingPrayer for BlessingPrayer for BlessingPrayer for BlessingPrayer for BlessingPrayer for BlessingPrayer for BlessingPrayer for Blessing�� In continuation of the LordIn continuation of the Lord’’s s

Prayer, the priest says, Prayer, the priest says, ““Lord Lord our God, enter us not into our God, enter us not into intolerable temptation, but intolerable temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, deliver us from the evil one, making a way of escaping from making a way of escaping from temptation.temptation.”” (1Cor. 10: 13)(1Cor. 10: 13)

The deacon calls on the The deacon calls on the congregation to bow their heads congregation to bow their heads before receiving Holy before receiving Holy QurbanaQurbanaand the priest prays for the and the priest prays for the congregation to make them congregation to make them worthy to receive it.worthy to receive it.

�� This is followed by the third This is followed by the third benediction.benediction.-- This reminds us of the This reminds us of the benediction given by our Lord benediction given by our Lord when he ascended into heaven. when he ascended into heaven. (Luke 24:50)(Luke 24:50)

The Third BenedictionThe Third BenedictionThe Third BenedictionThe Third BenedictionThe Third BenedictionThe Third BenedictionThe Third BenedictionThe Third Benediction•• The only benediction where The only benediction where ““Peace be with youPeace be with you”” is said is said twice before. twice before.

Why is it said twice?Why is it said twice?

This represents the several This represents the several times Christ appeared to His times Christ appeared to His disciples after His resurrection disciples after His resurrection to give them peace and to give them peace and strengthen their faith. strengthen their faith.

The Elevation of the The Elevation of the The Elevation of the The Elevation of the The Elevation of the The Elevation of the The Elevation of the The Elevation of the QurbanaQurbanaQurbanaQurbanaQurbanaQurbanaQurbanaQurbana

-- The paten and the chalice are lifted The paten and the chalice are lifted up, bells are ringing and the two up, bells are ringing and the two lighted candles on either side of lighted candles on either side of the priest represent the two angels the priest represent the two angels who stood on either side of Jesus who stood on either side of Jesus at the time of the ascension.at the time of the ascension.

-- We are preparing to receive the We are preparing to receive the QurbanaQurbana at this time, remembering at this time, remembering to be reverent and to remember to be reverent and to remember the Holy Trinity.the Holy Trinity.

-- The priests prays by saying the The priests prays by saying the three persons in the Trinity and three persons in the Trinity and the the conregatationconregatation responds by responds by saying Amen.saying Amen.

The exaltation of the Paten and ChaliceThe exaltation of the Paten and ChaliceThe exaltation of the Paten and ChaliceThe exaltation of the Paten and ChaliceThe exaltation of the Paten and ChaliceThe exaltation of the Paten and ChaliceThe exaltation of the Paten and ChaliceThe exaltation of the Paten and Chalice: : This represents the ascension of our Lord. (Acts 1:9This represents the ascension of our Lord. (Acts 1:9--11)11)

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The Communion of the SaintsThe Communion of the SaintsThe Communion of the SaintsThe Communion of the SaintsThe Communion of the SaintsThe Communion of the SaintsThe Communion of the SaintsThe Communion of the Saints•• This implies that the saints are with God and we should rememberThis implies that the saints are with God and we should remember

how they lived their lives for Christ. how they lived their lives for Christ.

The priest steps down from the Durga (altar step) and offers prayers withthe censor. This shows the great and divine fellowship with all thedeparted souls.

1) The Mother of God2) Saints3) Priests 4) Departed Souls

Procession of the MysteriesProcession of the MysteriesProcession of the MysteriesProcession of the MysteriesProcession of the MysteriesProcession of the MysteriesProcession of the MysteriesProcession of the Mysteries((((((((The Second Coming The Second Coming The Second Coming The Second Coming The Second Coming The Second Coming The Second Coming The Second Coming -------- What is to comeWhat is to comeWhat is to comeWhat is to comeWhat is to comeWhat is to comeWhat is to comeWhat is to come))))))))

““““For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.””””

St. Matthew 24:27St. Matthew 24:27St. Matthew 24:27St. Matthew 24:27

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Receiving of the Body and Receiving of the Body and Receiving of the Body and Receiving of the Body and Receiving of the Body and Receiving of the Body and Receiving of the Body and Receiving of the Body and Blood of ChristBlood of ChristBlood of ChristBlood of ChristBlood of ChristBlood of ChristBlood of ChristBlood of Christ

�� The priest receives Holy The priest receives Holy QurbanaQurbana and gives to those in and gives to those in the sanctuary.the sanctuary.

�� The body and blood are not The body and blood are not given separately in our given separately in our church. After the church. After the resurrection, our Lord has a resurrection, our Lord has a glorified body including His glorified body including His body and blood. Hence we body and blood. Hence we mix them and they are given mix them and they are given together.together.

�� We drink water after to make We drink water after to make sure no remaining particle is sure no remaining particle is left in our mouthleft in our mouth

ThanksgivingThanksgivingThanksgivingThanksgivingThanksgivingThanksgivingThanksgivingThanksgiving

�� The priest offers thanks to God for the The priest offers thanks to God for the blessings received through the Holy blessings received through the Holy QurbanaQurbana. . This is followed by a prayer addressed to This is followed by a prayer addressed to Jesus Christ. It may be noted that most of the Jesus Christ. It may be noted that most of the prayers are addressed to the Father.prayers are addressed to the Father.

�� HoothomoHoothomoHoothomoHoothomoHoothomoHoothomoHoothomoHoothomo: The priest sings a concluding hymn : The priest sings a concluding hymn and then congregation also sings a hymn and then congregation also sings a hymn referring to the particular day and seeking referring to the particular day and seeking GodGod’’s blessings.s blessings.

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The Fourth & Final The Fourth & Final The Fourth & Final The Fourth & Final The Fourth & Final The Fourth & Final The Fourth & Final The Fourth & Final BenedictionBenedictionBenedictionBenedictionBenedictionBenedictionBenedictionBenediction

�� In the final benediction of In the final benediction of dismissal, the priest speaks dismissal, the priest speaks of the food for the journey, of the food for the journey, reminding us of our reminding us of our continued journey to the continued journey to the heavenly home.heavenly home.

�� The priest asks the The priest asks the congregation to pray for congregation to pray for him.him.

�� After kissing the hands of After kissing the hands of the priest or the cross, the the priest or the cross, the congregation departs.congregation departs.

And thatAnd that’’s all folks...s all folks...