THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY UNCTION

The Eucholgion indicates that the service should begin with “Blessed is our God.” See below where “Blessed is the Kingdom…” may be inserted before the Great Litany.

PRIEST

Blessed is our God, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

READER

Amen.

Trisagion Prayers.

Holy God, Holy Strong, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, in heaven, may your name be sanctified, 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

For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

READER

Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (12)

Glory. Both now.

Come, let us worship and bow down before God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ God our King.

Come, let us worship and bow down before Him, Christ our King and God.

Psalm 142 (143).

O Lord, hear my prayer; give ear to my supplication in Your truth; answer me in Your righteousness; do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for no one living shall become righteous in Your sight. For the enemy persecuted my soul; he humbled my life to the ground; he caused me to dwell in dark places as one long dead, and my spirit was in anguish within me; my heart was troubled within me. I remembered the days of old, and I meditated on all Your works; I meditated on the works of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a waterless land. Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit faints within me; turn not Your face from me, lest I become like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Your mercy in the morning, for I hope in You; make me know, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, for to You I flee for refuge. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your good Spirit shall guide me in the land of uprightness. For Your name’s sake, O Lord, give me life; in Your righteousness You shall bring my soul out of affliction. In Your mercy You shall destroy my enemies; You shall utterly destroy all who afflict my soul, for I am Your servant. [SAAS]

PRIEST

Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

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

CHOIR: To you, O Lord.

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Mode pl. 2.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Verse 1: O Lord, do not reprove me in Your anger, nor discipline me in Your wrath.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Verse 2: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Troparia.

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us; for we sinners, lacking all defence, offer you, as our Master, this supplication: have mercy on us. [Lash]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Lord, have mercy on us, for in you we have put our trust. Do not be very angry with us, nor remember our iniquities. But look on us now, as you are compassionate, and rescue us from our enemies. For you are our God, and we are your people; we are all the work of your hands, and we have called on your name. [Lash]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Open the gate of compassion to us, blessed Mother of God; hoping in you, may we not fail. Through you may we be delivered from adversities, for you are the salvation of the Christian race. [Lash]

READER

Psalm 50 (51).

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; and according to the abundance of Your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my lawlessness and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my lawlessness, and my sin is always before me. Against You only have I sinned and done evil in Your sight; that You may be justified in Your words, and overcome when You are judged. For behold, I was conceived in transgressions, and in sins my mother bore me. Behold, You love truth; You showed me the unknown and secret things of Your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice. Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built; then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. [SAAS]

CHOIR

The Canon.

Mode 4. Ode i. The Red Sea was crossed.

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

The Unction of Your compassion ever cheers the souls and bodies alike of us Your servants, Master, and with Oil You protect the believers all. So now to us who come to You through holy Unction be all-merciful. [SD]

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

O merciful Master, the entire earth is filled with mercy from You. Now therefore, we who mystically today are anointed with Oil divine with faith entreat that You will grant Your incomprehensible mercy to us. [SD]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O Lord, You commanded Your Apostles to anoint with holy Oil Your ailing servants sympathetically, O benevolent Savior Christ. So now have mercy on us all, at their entreaties, by Your seal on us. [SD]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

O Pure one, you are the only one enriched with the deep ocean of peace. Now we entreat that you will ever free from all troubles and illnesses your servants, by your prayers to God, that we may magnify you ceaselessly. [SD]

Ode iii. Your Church rejoices in You.

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

You only are wonderful and You have pity on believers all. Therefore, O Christ, give Your grace from on high to those who are grievously sick. [SD]

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

You once used an olive branch to indicate that You were ending the Flood, by Your divine command, O Lord. Mercifully save those who suffer now. [SD]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

With faith in Your mercy, Lord, for holy Unction we have earnestly come. With Your divine lamp of light in Your mercy brighten us, Christ our God. [SD]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Look favorably from on high, all-holy Mother of the Maker of all, and by your prayers to your Son, end the bitter suffering of the sick. [SD]

Kathisma.

Mode pl. 4. Celestial hosts appeared.

As You are a divine river of mercy, O Merciful Lord, and an ocean of great compassion, show us the divine streams of Your mercy, and cure us all. Pour out the springs of miracles abundantly, and cleanse us all. We always run to You with fervent faith and pray to receive Your grace. [SD]

Glory. Both now.

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

As the Physician and Redeemer and Helper of those in pain and illness, and as their Savior, O Master of the universe and Lord of all, we pray: Cure Your servants who are sick with all kinds of diseases; pity them, be merciful, though they have stumbled often. Deliver them, O Christ, from their falls, that they may glorify Your divine power. [SD]

Ode iv. When the Church beheld You.

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

You, O Lord, are incorruptible ointment poured forth by grace, which oil purifies the world, O our Savior. Take pity, be merciful on those who with faith in You now anoint the bruises and wounds of the flesh. [SD]

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

Now by sealing all the senses of us Your servants, O Master, with the gladness of the seal of Your mercy, make entry and access by the forces of the enemy impossible and unapproachable. [SD]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

You commanded that the sick should invite Your godly clergy to pray and anoint them with Your holy Unction, and thereby be cured and saved. Benevolent Lord, we pray: In Your mercy, save those who suffer now. [SD]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokos, O all-holy and ever-Virgin, my shelter and my guardian, my harbor and fortress, my ladder and battlement, take pity; be merciful. We all flee for refuge to you alone. [SD]

Ode v. My Lord, You are the light.

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

You truly are a deep sea of mercy. O Merciful, do now through Your holy Unction show Your mercy, O Good One, and cure the sick, O gracious Lord. [SD]

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

You sanctified our souls and our bodies ineffably from heaven with the divine sign of Your seal, O Christ; and therefore with Your hand, O Savior, heal us all. [SD]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O Lord, exceeding good, with inef­fable tenderness You let yourself be anointed by a harlot with perfume. Have mercy on Your servants now. [SD]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

All-lauded and most pure, holy Lady, exceedingly good, have mercy on us your servants, who are being anointed with holy Unction, saving us. [SD]

Ode vi. I will sacrifice to You.

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

Lord, You said that kings should be anointed with holy oil; and You performed this through high priests, O benevolent God, instituting Unction. By Your seal now, save the suffering, since You are merciful. [SD]

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

Savior and Lord, let not the bitter demons affect at all those who receive holy Unction and the cross’s sign over all their senses. Let the shelter of Your glory protect them on every side. [SD]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Gracious Lord, we pray that from on high You stretch forth Your hand and sanctify this Your oil; give it to Your servants through holy Unction, for their good health, O our Savior, and freedom from all disease. [SD]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

You became a fruitful olive tree in the house of God, O Mother of your Creator, and through you the whole world is filled with mercy. Save the sick now with the touch of your prayers to your Son and God. [SD]

Kontakion.

Mode 2. In seeking the heights.

Since You are the source of mercy and exceeding good, Your servants now seek Your mercy which is ineffable, praying You with ardent faith. Free them from all suffering and take away all their diseases, tender-loving Lord, and grant to them from on high Your grace divine. [SD]

Ode vii. Inside the furnace.

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

You, in Your mercy and Your compassion, Savior and only God, are the One who heals the sick passions of our souls and our bodily infirmities. We pray You cure now those who suffer from diseases, O loving Lord. [SD]

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

We are anointed today with holy Unction upon our heads, seeking Your redemptive mercy, and we entreat: Grant us joy and gladness by this oil, O tender-loving Lord, in Your great and rich mercy, O Christ our God. [SD]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Against the demons, Your holy seal, O Savior, is like a sword, and it is like fire burning away the soul’s sinful passions, by the prayers of priests. We who have thus received healing from You now extol You with faith, O Lord. [SD]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

O Theotokos, You carried in a manner befitting God in your womb the One who holds all things in His hand, and ineffably you gave Him flesh. Now intercede with Him on behalf of the ailing, we beg of you. [SD]

Ode viii. Daniel shut.

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

Savior, in accordance with Your great and divine mercy, be merciful to all. In holy Unction we symbolize Your great mercy’s figure mystically; which we now offer to the sick anointing them with it, and entreating that by Your power, O Lord, You will cure them all. [SD]

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

Illness and distress have worn us out. Being compassionate, O Savior, wash away the pain and trauma and suffering, in the river of Your tender love, O Christ, and also through Your priests, as they anoint us with holy Unction. Through this cleansing, O Lord, may we gain our health. [SD]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Master, holy Unction is for us a sign and symbol of Your grace and help from on high, and oil of gladness, O Christ our God. We entreat You now: Do not remove Your mercy and do not despise those who with faith cry out and are ever singing, “Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord.” [SD]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Lady, human nature has received your divine offspring as if a glorious crown. He crushed the ranks of the enemy and He mightily defeated them. All we whom you have crowned with bright rays of your gracious gifts now extol you, the all-pure and all-laudable Mother of God. [SD]

Ode ix. A cornerstone was cut out.

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

Compassionate God, look from heaven; display Your mercy on Your servants. Give Your mighty help and assistance to all who come to You through this sacrament to be anointed by Your priests with holy oil, O benevolent Lord. [SD]

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

We have now beheld, all-good Savior, the holy Oil full of gladness, to which, more than others, You added by Your divine act, O tender-loving Master, and which You shared symbolically with all who share in holy baptism. [SD]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Pity us, have mercy, O Savior; deliver us from pain and peril. Rescue us Your servants, soul and body, for we are targets of the devil’s arrows. But since You are the merciful Lord, heal us thoroughly by grace divine. [SD]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

As you now accept the supplications and hymns of praise from all your servants, rescue them, who through us take refuge in your divine shelter, O all-holy Virgin; and by your prayers deliver them from their distressing pain and suffering. [SD]

It is truly right to call you blessed, who gave birth to God, ever-blessed and most pure, and Mother of our God. Greater in honour than the Cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word; truly the Mother of God, we magnify you. [Lash]

Exaposteilarion.

Mode 3. Our Savior from on high.

Good One, turn Your gaze on us; be merciful as You regard our fervent supplication. For we have gathered here today in Your sanctuary to anoint with oil of holy Unction Your servants who are sick, O Lord. [SD]

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Lauds. Mode 4.

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the highest. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Praise Him, all you His angels; praise Him, all you His hosts. It is fitting to sing a hymn to You, O God. [SAAS]

Stichera Prosomia.

Mode 4. You have given.

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

Benevolent, gracious God, through Your Apostles You gave Your grace in the rite of Your holy Oil, to heal wounds and injuries, and to cure diseases that afflict Your servants. As they now faithfully approach Your holy Unction, O tender-loving Lord, be merciful and sanctify them, cleanse and rid them of all disease. Make them worthy of Your delights, which remain incorruptible. [SD]

Master Christ, have mercy on Your servants.

O Incomprehensible, look down from heaven, O gracious God; seal our senses with Your divine invisible hand, O Lord, in Your great compassion, with Your holy Unction. And grant forgiveness of their sins to those who seek it and come to You with faith. And grant to them the healing and the health of body and soul alike, that with love they may glorify You, and Your power may be magnified. [SD]

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From on high now sanctify and rid Your servants of all disease, through the sacred anointing with Your mercy and by the touch of Your priests, O Savior. Wash away and purge them of all impurities of soul; and from all scandals, O Lord, deliver them. Relieve their toil and trouble and make their afflictions all disappear; keep them safe, O compassionate and benevolent God of all. [SD]

Both now and for ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Lady, I implore you now, the cleanest Palace of God the King, holy Virgin extolled by all. Purify my intellect, soiled by my shameful thoughts and sinful actions. Make it a dwelling that is bright and a delight for the Holy Trinity, that I your worthless supplic­ant may magnify you for saving me, and extol your immeasurable might and mercy, all-lauded one. [SD]

READER

Trisagion Prayers.

Holy God, Holy Strong, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, in heaven, may your name be sanctified, 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

For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR

Amen.

Troparion.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

O Christ, You alone are He who quickly comes to our aid. * We pray that You show Your quick response from heaven to Your servants who are suffering. * Free them of their diseases; relieve the pain that afflicts them. * Raise them, that they may ceaselessly give glory and extol You, * by the prayers of the Theotokos, O only benevolent Lord. [SD]

If the service began with “Blessed is our God,” then the sacramental Enarxis may be inserted here. If the service began with “Blessed is the Kingdom,” then go directly to the litany.

PRIEST

Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON

In peace let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR (after each petition)

Lord, have mercy.

DEACON

For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

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

For this holy house, and for those who enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.

For our Archbishop (name), for the honoured order of presbyters, for the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.

For our nation, [the President, our Armed Forces] and all in civil authorities, let us pray to the Lord.

For the people in attendance who anticipate the grace of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

That this oil will be blessed by the descent, power, and operation of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

For the servants of God who have come for this holy sacrament, and that God will visit them, and that the grace of the Holy Spirit will come upon them, let us pray to the Lord.

For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and constraint, let us pray to the Lord.

Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.

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

CHOIR: To you, O Lord.

PRIEST

For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON

Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

O Lord, Who in Your mercy and bounties heal the disorders of our souls and bodies, sanctify this oil, so that those who shall be anointed with it may be healed and freed from every passion, illness of body, uncleanness of flesh and spirit, and from all evils; that in this, too, Your all-holy name may be glorified, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

Troparion of Unction.

Mode 4. Come quickly.

O Christ, You alone are He who quickly comes to our aid. * We pray that You show Your quick response from heaven to Your servants who are suffering. * Free them of their diseases; relieve the pain that afflicts them. * Raise them, that they may ceaselessly give glory and extol You, * by the prayers of the Theotokos, O only benevolent Lord. [SD]

Kontakion for the Blindman.

Mode 4. You revealed yourself today.

With the eyes of my soul mutilated I come to you, O Christ, as the man blind from birth, crying to you in repentance: You are the radiant light of those in darkness. [Lash]

Kontakion for the Paralytic.

Mode 3. On this day.

By your divine presence, O Lord, raise my soul, grievously paralysed by sins of every kind and by unnatural deeds, as you also raised the Paralysed Man of old, that saved I may cry to you: O merciful Christ, glory to your might. [Lash]

Apolytikion for St. James.

Mode 4.

As a disciple of the Lord, you accepted the Gospel, O James the Just. As a Martyr you have unchangeability; as the Brother of the Lord you have confidence; and you can intercede as a hierarch. Intercede with Christ our God, entreating Him to save our souls. [SD]

Kontakion for Saint James.

Mode 4. You who were lifted.

When God the Logos, as the only-begotten * of God the Father, came and sojourned among us * in latter days, O God-inspired Brother of the Lord, * He appointed you, O James, the first Shepherd and Teacher * of holy Jerusalem, and a trustworthy steward * of the all-holy sacraments. And hence, * O just Apostle, we honor your memory. [SD]

Kontakion for St. Nicholas.

Mode 3. On this day.

You became the minister of sacred mysteries in Myra, * holy father Nicholas. Fulfilling Christ’s holy Gospel, * you laid down your very soul for your people, * and you saved those who were innocent from dying. * For this reason you were hallowed as a great mystic * of the divine grace of God. [SD]

Apolytikion for St. Demetrios.

Mode 3. Your confession.

The whole world has found you as a mighty champion in dangers, O victor, who rout the nations. Therefore as you destroyed the pride of Lyaios in the stadium by giving Nestor courage, holy great Martyr Demetrios, implore Christ God to grant us his great mercy. [Lash]

Apolytikion for St. Panteleimon.

Mode 3.

Holy medaled Martyr and healer St. Panteleimon, make intercession to our merciful God, that He grant our souls remission of offenses. [SD]

Apolytikion for the holy Unmercenaries

Mode pl. 4.

Holy Unmercenaries and Wonder-workers, visit our infirmities. Freely you received; freely give to us. [SD]

Kontakion for St. John Theologian.

Mode 2.

Who can recount all your mighty deeds, O Virgin? You pour out miracles and you overflow with cures, and you intercede on behalf of our souls, as a Theologian and Friend of Christ. [SD]

Theotokion.

Mode 2. In seeking the heights.

Invincible rampart, fervent intercession, * the wellspring of mercy, refuge of the world, to you * we all cry insistently, * ’sovereign Lady, Mother who bore our God, * hasten, from perils swiftly set us free, * alone you are ever swift in our defence'. [Lash]

1st Epistle

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

Prokeimenon. Mode 1. Psalm 32.

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us.

Verse: Rejoice greatly in the Lord, O righteous ones.

DEACON: Wisdom.

READER

The reading is from" // the Universal Letter of James.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

Jas. 5:10 – 16

Brethren, take as an example of suffering and patience the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we call those happy who were steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your yes be yes and your no be no, that you may not fall into hypocrisy. Is any one among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace to you.

CHOIR

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

1st Gospel

DEACON

Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace to all.

CHOIR: And to your spirit.

DEACON

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke.

PRIEST: Let us attend.

CHOIR

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

10:25 – 37

At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered right; do this, and you will live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace be to you who proclaim the Gospel.

CHOIR

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of all the servants of God who have come for this sacrament, and that they be forgiven every voluntary and involuntary offense.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Prayer 1

O Lord, Who are without beginning, eternal, Holy of holies, Who sent down Your only-begotten Son to heal every infirmity and every wound of our souls and bodies, send down Your Holy Spirit, and sanctify this oil; and cause it to be for Your servants, who are about to be anointed with it, unto complete remission of their sins, and unto inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven. [SD]

For You are a great and marvelous God, who keeps Your covenant and Your mercy to them who love You; Who grants remission of sins through Your divine Son, Jesus Christ. You gave us a rebirth from sin; You give light to the blind and raise up the fallen; You love the righteous, and show mercy to sinners; You renew us from darkness and the shadow of death, saying to those in captivity, "Come forth!" and to those in darkness, "Uncover your eyes!" For the light of knowledge of Your only-begotten Son has shined in our hearts; since, for our sakes, He revealed Himself upon earth, and dwelt among men; and unto as many as accepted Him He gave the power to become children of God, granting us the adoption of sonship through the laver of regeneration, and setting us free from the oppression of the devil. And inasmuch as it has not pleased You that we should be cleansed by blood, but by holy oil, You gave us the sign of His Cross, that we might become the flock of Christ, a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation, purify­ing us by water, and sanctifying us by Your Holy Spirit. O Master and Lord, grant grace to this Your ministry, as You did to Moses Your servant, and to Samuel Your beloved, and to John Your chosen one; and to all those who from generation to generation have pleased You. In like manner, empower us also to be ministers of the New Covenant of Your Son over this oil, which You have secured through His precious Blood; that putting away earthly desires, we may die unto sin and live in righteousness, being clothed with our Lord Jesus Christ, through the anointing with this sanctify­ing oil, which we are about to summon to our aid. O Lord, Grant that this oil becomes the oil of gladness, the oil of sanctifi­cation, a royal robe, an armor of might, the deflecting of every satanic assault, the seal of immunity from snares, the gladness of heart, everlasting joy; that also in this, they who shall be anointed with this oil of rebirth may be strong against their adversaries, and may shine in the radiance of Your Saints, having neither spot nor wrinkle, and that they may be admitted into Your eternal rest, and receive the award of the calling from above. [SD]

For yours it is to have mercy and to save us, O our God, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

2nd Epistle

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

Prokeimenon. Mode 2. Psalm 117.

The Lord is my strength and my song, and He became my salvation.

Verse: The Lord chastened and corrected me, but He did not give me up to death.

DEACON: Wisdom.

READER

The reading is from" // Paul’s Letter to the Romans.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

Rom. 15:1 – 7

Brethren, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace to you.

CHOIR

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

2nd Gospel

DEACON

Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace to all.

CHOIR: And to your spirit.

DEACON

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke.

PRIEST: Let us attend.

CHOIR

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

19:1 – 10

At that time, Jesus was passing through Jericho. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief collector, and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it they all murmured, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost.” [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace be to you who proclaim the Gospel.

CHOIR

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of all the servants of God who have come for this sacrament, and that they be forgiven every voluntary and involuntary offense.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Prayer 2

O God, great and supreme, worshiped by all creation, fountainhead of wisdom, abyss of unfathomable goodness, and boundless gulf of loving-kindness; Master Who loves mankind, the God of things eternal and of wonders, Whom no man by reason can comprehend: look down and hear us, Your unworthy servants; and wherever we bring this oil in Your great name, send down the gift of Your healing, and remission of sins; and heal them in the multitude of Your mercies. Yes, O Lord, Who are easy to be entreated; You alone are merciful and You love mankind; You are sorrowful for our evil deeds; You know how the mind of man leans towards wickedness, even from his youth; You do not desire the death of a sinner, but rather that he should repent and live. For the salvation of sinners, though being God, You became a created being for the sake of Your creatures. You have said: "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." You sought the wandering sheep; You searched diligently for the lost coin, and having found it, You said: "He that comes to me I will not cast out." You did not abhor the sinful woman who washed Your precious feet with her tears; You said: "As often as you fall, get up, and you shall be saved." It is You, who said: "There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents." O merciful Master, look down from on High, giving us, Your sinful and unworthy servants, shelter under the grace of the Holy Spirit in this hour; and take up Your abode in these Your servants, who acknowledge their iniquities and draw near to You in faith. Accept them because of Your love towards mankind, forgiving them whatever they have done amiss, whether by word, deed, or thought, and cleanse them from every sin; and abiding ever present with them, preserve them for the remaining years of their life, that, walking ever in Your statutes, they may in no way again become an object of joy to the devil; so that also in these, Your all-holy name may be glorified. [SD]

Through the grace and compassion and love towards mankind 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.

CHOIR: Amen.

3rd Epistle

DEACON

DEACON: Let us attend.

Prokeimenon. Mode 3. Psalm 26.

The Lord is my light and my savior; whom shall I fear?

Verse: The Lord is the defender of my life; whom shall I dread?

DEACON: Wisdom.

READER

The reading is from" // Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

1 Cor. 12:27 – 31; 13:1 – 8

Brethren, you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators, speakers in various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace to you.

CHOIR

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

3rd Gospel

DEACON

Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace to all.

CHOIR: And to your spirit.

DEACON

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

PRIEST: Let us attend.

CHOIR

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

10:1, 5 – 8

At that time, Jesus called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every infirmity. These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And preach as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay.” [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace be to you who proclaim the Gospel.

CHOIR

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of all the servants of God who have come for this sacrament, and that they be forgiven every voluntary and involuntary offense.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Prayer 3

O Master almighty, holy King, Who chastens yet does not put to death; Who supports those who fall and raises those who are downtrodden; Who heals our physical afflictions: we entreat You, our God, that You bring Your mercy on this oil, and to those, who are anointed with it in Your name; that it may be effectual unto the healing of soul and body, unto cleansing and deliverance from every infirmity, illness, malady, and every defilement of body and soul. Yes, Lord, send down from heaven Your healing power; touch the body, quench the fever, sooth the pain and banish every hidden ailment. Become the Physician of these, Your servants; raise them up and heal their suffering; grant that they may be given to the Church whole and in restored health, pleasing You and abiding by Your will. [SD]

For yours it is to have mercy and to save us, O our God, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

4th Epistle

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

Prokeimenon. Mode 4.

In the day when I call upon You, hear me quickly.

Verse: O Lord, hear my prayer.

DEACON: Wisdom.

READER

The reading is from" // Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

2 Cor. 6:16 – 7:1

Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God. [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace to you.

CHOIR

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

4th Gospel

DEACON

Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace to all.

CHOIR: And to your spirit.

DEACON

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

PRIEST: Let us attend.

CHOIR

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

8:14 – 23

At that time, when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever; he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and served him. That evening they brought to him many who were possessed with demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.” Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another of the disciples said to him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.” And when he entered the boat, his disciples followed him. [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace be to you who proclaim the Gospel.

CHOIR

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of all the servants of God who have come for this sacrament, and that they be forgiven every voluntary and involuntary offense.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Prayer 4

O gracious, loving compassionate and ever-merciful Lord, plentiful in mercy, and rich in beneficence, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, Who through Your holy Apostles have empowered us to heal the infirmities of Your people by oil and prayer, confirm this oil unto the healing of those who shall be anointed with it, for relief from every ailment and every malady; for deliverance from evils of those who in firm hope await salvation from You. Yes, O Master, Lord our God, we pray to You the Almighty, that You will save us all. O only Physician of souls and bodies, sanctify us all; as Healer of every malady, heal also these Your servants. Raise them up from their bed of pain, through the mercies of Your goodness. Visit them in Your mercy and compassion. Cast out from them every sickness and malady; so that being healed by Your mighty hand they may serve You with all thanksgiving; that even now, sharing in Your ineffable love, we may sing praises and glorify You, Who do great and wondrous things, both glorious and transcendent. [SD]

For yours it is to have mercy and to save us, O our God, and to you we give glory, to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

5th Epistle

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

Prokeimenon. Mode pl. 1. Psalm 11.

You shall guard us, O Lord; You shall preserve us.

Verse: Save me, O Lord, for the holy man has ceased.

DEACON: Wisdom.

READER

The reading is from" // Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

2 Cor. 1:8 – 11

Brethren, we do not want you to be ignorant of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself. Why, we felt that we had received the sentence of death; but that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead; he delivered us from so deadly a peril, and he is delivering us; on him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us in answer to many prayers. [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace to you.

CHOIR

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

5th Gospel

DEACON

Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace to all.

CHOIR: And to your spirit.

DEACON

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

PRIEST: Let us attend.

CHOIR

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

25:1 – 13

The Lord said this parable, “The kingdom of heaven is like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise replied, ‘Perhaps there will not be enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he replied, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of man is coming.” [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace be to you who proclaim the Gospel.

CHOIR

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of all the servants of God who have come for this sacrament, and that they be forgiven every voluntary and involuntary offense.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Prayer 5

O Lord our God, You chasten and again heal; You lift the indigent from the ground and dunghill; Father of orphans, and Haven of tempest-tossed; Physician of the ailing, Who without toil bears our weaknesses, and accepts our infirmities; it is You, Who cheerfully show mercy, and pass over our iniquities, taking away our unrighteousness; quick to help and slow to wrath; You breathed on Your Disciples, and said: "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven." It is You Who accept the repentance of sinners and have the power to pardon countless and grievous sins, bestowing healing upon all who continue in weakness and long-enduring illness. It is You, Lord, Who have also called me, Your humble, sinful and unworthy servant, caught up in many sins, and wallowing in the pleasures of life, to the holy and exceedingly lofty degree of the priesthood, and to enter within the innermost veil, into the holy of holies, where the holy Angels desire to penetrate and hear the voice of the Lord God announcing glad tidings, and to behold with their own eyes the presence of the sacred Oblation, and to enjoy the divine and sacred Liturgy. You, Lord, deemed me worthy to minister Your heavenly Mysteries, and offer You gifts and sacrifices for our sins, and the ignorances of people; and to mediate for Your reason-endowed sheep, so that, through Your great and ineffable love for mankind, You may blot out their transgressions. All-merciful King, hear the voice of my prayer at this hour and holy day, and at all times and places; and to these, Your servants, who are ailing in soul and body, grant Your healing, remitting their sins, and pardoning their transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, treating their incurable wounds, and every ailment and malady. Give health to their souls, You, Who touched Peter's mother-in-law, who, having been cured of her fever, arose and ministered to You. O Master, grant healing and deliverance from every devastating pain to these Your servants. Remember Your mercies and compassion; and that the mind of man inclines toward evil from his youth; that no one is without sin upon earth, for You alone are without sin. You came and saved the human race, and set us free from the bondage of the enemy. For if You enter into judgment with Your servants, none will be found clean from stain; but every mouth shall be sealed, not having any defense; for as discarded rags is all our righteousness before You. Therefore, O Lord, remember not the sins of our youth. [SD]

For You are the hope of the hopeless, and the rest of those who labor and are heavy laden with iniquity; and to You we ascribe glory, together with Your Father, who is from everlasting, and Your all-holy and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

6th Epistle

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

Prokeimenon. Mode 4. Psalm 50.

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy.

Verse: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.

DEACON: Wisdom.

READER

The reading is from" // Paul’s Letter to the Galatians.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

Gal. 5:22 – 6:2

Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace to you.

CHOIR

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

6th Gospel

DEACON

Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace to all.

CHOIR: And to your spirit.

DEACON

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

PRIEST: Let us attend.

CHOIR

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

15:21 – 28

At that time, Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace be to you who proclaim the Gospel.

CHOIR

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of all the servants of God who have come for this sacrament, and that they be forgiven every voluntary and involuntary offense.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Prayer 6

We thank You, Lord, our good and loving God, Physician of our souls and bodies, Who painlessly have borne our infirmities, and by Whose bruises we all have been healed. You are the Good Shepherd, Who came in search of the wandering sheep. You give consolation to the fainthearted, and life to the broken­hearted. You healed the hemorrhage of the woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years, and freed the daughter of the Canaanite woman from the cruel demon. You remitted the debt of the two debtors and forgave the sinful woman. You healed the Paralytic and forgave his sins. You justified the Publican with Your word, and received the Robber at his last confession. You took upon Yourself the sins of the world, by being nailed to the Cross. We pray to You and entreat You, O God; in Your goodness, loose, remit, and forgive the sins and transgressions of Your servants, both voluntary and involuntary, in knowledge and in ignorance, trespass and disobedience, at night and during the day; whether they be under the curse of a priest or a parent; whether they feasted their eyes, indulged their sense of smell, touched and gratified themselves, or tasted fornication; or through whatever impulse of the flesh and of the spirit they have alienated themselves from Your will, and from Your holiness. Forgive whatever sins they or we have committed; for You are a good God, Who remembers not evil, and loves mankind, permitting us not to fall into the unclean life, neither to follow in wayward paths. Yes, Lord and Master, hear me, a sinner, in this hour, on behalf of these Your servants. Overlook all their trespasses, as a forgiving God. Deliver them from eternal punishment; fill their mouths with praise of You; open their lips that they may glorify Your holy name; stretch forth their hands to perform Your commandments. Direct their feet aright, in the way of Your Gospel, strengthening all their members and their thoughts by Your grace. For You are our God, Who through Your holy Apostles gave us a command­ment saying: "Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in Heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in Heaven." And again: "If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." And as You hearkened to Hezekiah in the sorrow of his soul, at the hour of his death, and did not overlook his prayer, in like manner hear me, Your humble, sinful and unworthy servant, praying to You at this hour. For You are the Lord, Jesus Christ, Who in Your mercy and love for mankind commanded us to forgive those who fall into sin, even seventy times seven; Who laments over our wickedness, and rejoices over the return of those who have strayed. For as is Your Majesty, so also is Your mercy, and to You we ascribe glory; together with Your Father Who is from everlasting, and Your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. [SD]

CHOIR: Amen.

7th Epistle

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

Prokeimenon. Mode 4. Psalm 6.

O Lord, do not reprove me in Your anger.

Verse: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak.

DEACON: Wisdom.

READER

The reading is from" // Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians.

DEACON: Let us attend.

READER

1 Th. 5:14 – 23

Brethren, we exhort you, admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophesying, but test everything; hold fast to what is good, abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace to you.

CHOIR

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

7th Gospel

DEACON

Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the Holy Gospel.

PRIEST: Peace to all.

CHOIR: And to your spirit.

DEACON

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.

PRIEST: Let us attend.

CHOIR

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

9:9 – 13

At that time, as Jesus was walking along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [RSV]

PRIEST

Peace be to you who proclaim the Gospel.

CHOIR

Glory to you, O Lord, glory to you.

DEACON

Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

DEACON

Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, protection, forgiveness, and remission of the sins of all the servants of God who have come for this sacrament, and that they be forgiven every voluntary and involuntary offense.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy. (3)

PRIEST

For you, O God, are merciful, and love mankind, and to you we give glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Prayer 7

O Master, Lord our God, Physician of souls and bodies, it is You Who soothe the chronic pains and heal every infirmity and malady of the people. You desire that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, and You will not the death of the sinner, but rather that he should repent and live. For You, O Lord, in the Old Testament, ordained repentance for sinners: for David and the Ninevites, and for those before and after them. But also in the new dispensation of Your coming in the flesh, You called not the righteous but the sinners to repentance; like the publican, the harlot, the robber, and the blasphemer and great persecutor Paul, receiving them all through repentance. Peter, Your great Apostle who denied You three times, You received in repentance, and promised him, saying: "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it; and I will give You the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven." Therefore, O merciful and loving God, encouraged by Your faithful promise, we pray and entreat You at this hour. Hear our prayer and accept it as incense offered to You. Visit these Your servants, and if they have transgressed in either word or deed or thought, by night or by day, if they have come under the curse of a priest or their own anathema, or have sworn an oath, we pray to You; loose, pardon, and forgive them, O God, overlooking their transgressions and their sins, committed by them knowingly or in ignorance. And if they have trans­gressed Your commandments, or have erred, as bearing flesh and living in the world, or by the prompting of the devil, forgive them, as a merciful and loving God; for there is no man who lives and does not sin. Only You are sinless; Your righteousness is to all eternity, and Your word is truth. You did not create man for destruction, but for the keeping Your commandments, and to inherit life incorruptible. To You we ascribe glory, together with Your Father, Who is from everlasting, and Your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. [SD]

CHOIR: Amen.

DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.

CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.

PRIEST

Forgiveness Prayer

Holy King, compassionate and very merciful Lord Jesus Christ, Son and Logos of the living God, You wish not the death of the sinner, but that he should return and live. Therefore, not my sinful hand do I lay on the heads of these people who have come to You in sins and who seek the forgiveness of their sins from You; but rather You extend Your mighty and powerful hand that is in this holy Gospel Book, which my brother celebrants are holding over the heads of Your servants. Together we pray and entreat Your love for humanity, which is most sympathetic and not resentful. O God, our Savior, as through Your Prophet Nathan You granted David the forgiveness of his sins when he repented, and as You accepted the penitential prayer of Manasseh, so also in your customary love for humanity accept these Your servants who are repentant of their offences, and overlook all their transgressions. For You are our God, who commanded that those who fall into sins should be forgiven seventy times seven. Your mercy is as great as Your majesty. And all glory, honor and worship belong to You and Your unoriginate Father and Your all-holy Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages of ages. [SD]

CHOIR: Amen.

PRIEST

Glory to you, Christ God, our hope, glory to you.

READER

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

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Holy father, give the blessing.

PRIEST

Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-pure and all-immaculate holy Mother, the power of the precious and life-giving Cross, of the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, as He is good, benevolent, and merciful God.

Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy upon us.

CHOIR: Amen.

CHOIR

Mode 4.

Holy Unmercenaries, you possess a source of remedies and grant healings to all who ask, for you have been found worthy of the greatest gifts from the unfailing source of the Saviour Christ. For to you, as rivals of the Apostles in zeal, the Lord says: See, I have given you authority against unclean spirits, so as to cast them out and so as to cure every disease and every weakness. And so, having lived your lives well in accordance with his commands, freely you have received, freely you give, as you heal the sufferings of our souls and bodies. [Lash]

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Mode 4.

Look upon the supplication of your servants, O All-unblemished, bringing to an end the dread assaults that beset us and calming all our distress; for we have only you as safe and sure anchor, and we have obtained your protection. Sovereign Lady, may we who entreat you not be put to shame; make haste to hear the supplication of us who cry to you with faith: Hail, Sovereign Lady, help, joy and protection of all, and salvation of our souls. [Lash]