An Old English Mass of St Ealdhelm

The following was first published in issue 2 of our now defunct annual journal, the Wessex Examiner. It was originally taken from the Old Sarum Rite Missal translated by Fr Aidan Keller, and reproduced with his permission. Three minor changes have been made: a Byzantine-style epiclesis, comon in modern Western Rite Orthodoxy but unknown in Anglo-Saxon England, has been removed, and the translation of the Psalms is taken from Challoner’s revision of the Douai-Rheims Bible for the sake of consistency (the original uses the Douai-Rheims for all other biblical quotes, but a modern Orthodox translation of the Psalter). Finally, as is our wont, we have used the West Saxon spelling Ealdhelm in preference to the Mercian form of his name, Aldhelm. This version, we believe, more closely represents the mass as it would have been celebrated in late Anglo-Saxon Wessex.

ORDER OF SERVICES
After Matins and the First Hour, holy water is blessed afresh each Sunday in the year, as shown in the Missal. After the sprinkling of the people (they approach one by one for sprinkling), and the versicle and collect at the choir step, the procession sets out.

PROCESSION
On all Sundays and on the greater Feasts, the Liturgy is preceded by a Procession. On greater Feasts, the procession goes outside the church building; most Sundays, within the church walls.

FIRST ENTRANCE
The choir sings the Officium, during which the clergy & servers enter into the chancel & start their prayers.

OFFICIUM: Behold the day made honourable by righteousness of our mighty father, who dwelt upon the people as a bright light of high rejoicing, wherefore the Lord established a covenant of peace with him, he king of kings, disclosing to all men the words of salvation, safeguarded his servant in the face of royal threats, and he made him a ruler. It is meet thou hast established as a hierarch on his throne raised up on high, him obedient unto thee, O Christ. That the dignity f the priesthood may be his. For he fought well upon the earth, now he reigneth in the stars (in Paschaltide: alleluia, alleluia).
V: The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever.
Because he was a lover of God’s fervour, come and sing; the Lord established a covenant of peace with him. And ordered a binding covenant of life unto eternity, and He made him a ruler, that the dignity of the priesthood might be his, and that he might offer incense very worthy at His altar. For ever (in Paschaltide: alleluia, alleluia).
V: Glory be to the +Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
R: As it was in the beginning, and now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Whom the citizens of heaven venerate upon the earth with joy, let us, filled with prayer, acclaim with festive echoes and the songs of praise: the Lord established a covenant of peace with him, and He made him a ruler. He sanctified his life’s beginning and end unto Himself. That the dignity of the priesthood might be his for ever (in Paschaltide: alleluia, alleluia).
V: He shall receive a blessing from the Lord.
R: And mercy from God his Saviour.
The Lord established a covenant of peace with him, and He made him a ruler, that the dignity of the priesthood might be his for ever (in Paschaltide: alleluia, alleluia).

The Priest begins these soft prayers during the singing of the Officium, as the clergy are ranged at the choir step:
Kyrieléyson. Xristeléyson. Kyrieléyson.
Our Father… V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
V. O give praise to the Lord, for He is good.
R. For His mercy endureth for ever.
Priest: I confess to God, to blessed Mary, to all the Saints, and to you: that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed, through my fault. I beseech Holy Mary, all the Saints of God, and you, to pray for me.
Ministers: May almighty God have mercy on thee, forgive thee all thy sins, deliver thee from all evil, preserve and strengthen thee in good, and bring thee to eternal life.
Priest: Amen.
Ministers: I confess to God, to blessed Mary, to all the Saints, and to thee: that I have sinned
exceedingly in thought, word and deed, through my fault. I beseech Holy Mary, all the Saints of God, and thee, to pray for me.
Priest: May almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins, deliver you from all
evil, preserve and strengthen you in good, and bring you to eternal life.
R. Amen.
Priest: May the almighty and merciful Lord grant you pardon and remission of all your sins,
space for true repentance and amendment of life, and the grace and consolation of the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who made heaven and the earth.
V. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
R. From henceforth now and for ever
Priest: Let us pray.

KISS OF PEACE
Receive the kiss of peace and love, that ye may be fit to perform the Divine services at the most holy Altar. Let us pray. Take away from us all our iniquities, we beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may be worthy to enter with pure minds into the Holy of Holies, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
I stand before the sight of Thy Divine majesty, O most merciful Father, O God, though I am not worthy, and I humbly entreat Thine unspeakable mercy: that Thou Who hast granted me to perform the ministry of the priestly office wouldst make me well pleasing to Thee for ever, and worthy to celebrate so tremendous a Mystery. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

The Priest kisses the altar.
CENSING
Server: Benedícite.
Priest: Dóminus. May this incense be blessed by Him in Whose honour it shall be burnt, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit. Amen.
The four sides of the altar are censed, then the Relics, the chancel, the clergy, the icons, and
the people.

KYRIE-LITANY
Deacon: O Lord and everlasting King, upon this congregation singing praises unto Thee have mercy for ever.
Choir: Kyrieléyson. (Lord, have mercy.)
Deacon: O most compassionate King, the first in majesty, with clear-resounding voices do we ask of Thee steadfastly to have mercy upon us.
Choir: Kyrieléyson.
Deacon: O King Who dealest wonderfully, Son of Thy life-bearing mother Mary, because of Thy tender mercy, unceasingly have mercy upon us.
Choir: Kyrieléyson.
Deacon: O Christ, Whom in the height of Thy bright-shining palace the heaven-dwelling
gloriously praise together, ever-radiantly shining with a beauty far excelling: have mercy on Thine adopted children.
Choir: Xristeléyson. (Christ, have mercy.)
Deacon: O Christ, begotten at the word of Thy Father, O glorious One, enduring the Cross for the salvation of all that Thou hadst made, Who having conquered death art risen, have mercy upon us.
Choir: Xristeléyson.
Deacon: O Christ, Who with quivering fire of bright radiance didst send to Thy disciples from on high the Spirit, mightier than all in power, equal unto Thee, have mercy upon us.
Choir: Xristeléyson.Deacon: O Lord up on high, to Whom thousands of thousands of Angels mightily and worthily give praise, in ever-humble wise do we entreat Thee, our Father, have mercy upon us.
Choir: Kyrieléyson.
Deacon: O nourishing Lord, the flock of Thy congregation doth shout for joy with all their
heart to Thee in heavenly praises, and with beauty, that Thou wouldst be pleased to have mercy upon them for ever.
Choir: Kyrieléyson.
Deacon: O merciful Lord, receiving our glorifications in the citadel of heaven, after the
end of all flesh unite us with Thee, and have mercy on us without end.
Choir: Kyrieléyson.

SECOND ENTRANCE
During the Kyrie-Litany, a procession forms and the Elements are brought into the chancel — the bread, wine, and water for the Sacrifice.

HYMN OF THE ANGELS
—sometimes omitted
For a Bishop, two cantors sing: O Priest of the Most High God, come before the holy and sacred Altar, and in praise of the King of kings send thou forth thy voice. Humbly we entreat thee, come then, thus say, O Master. Then the cantor intones softly: Glory be.

Priest (or Bishop): Glory be to God in the highest.
We all sing: And on earth peace to men of good will. | We praise Thee. | We bless Thee. | (bow:)
We worship Thee. | We glorify Thee. | We give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory. | O Lord God, Heavenly King, God the Father almighty. | O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. | O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, | that takest away the sins of the world: have mercy upon us. | That takest away the sins of the world:
(bow:)
receive our prayer. | That sittest at the right hand of the Father: have mercy upon us. | For Thou only art holy. | Thou only art the Lord. | Thou only art most high.
(bow:)
O Jesus Christ, | with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of + God the Father.
Amen.

GREETING
Priest: The Lord be with you.
People: And with thy spirit.
Bishop: Peace be unto you.
People: And with thy spirit.

Priest or Bishop: Let us pray.

COLLECT
O God, who didst lift Thy holy hierarch Ealdhelm on this very day to eternal joys: we beseech Thee that Thy mercy may bring us thither at his righteous prayers. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the the unity of the Holy Spirit God through all the ages of ages.
R. Amen.

LESSON
The Subdeacon (or other Reader) sings the Lesson, Wisdom 10:10-14

She conducted the just, when he fled from his brother’s wrath, through the right ways, and shewed him the kingdom of God, and gave him the knowledge of the holy things, made him honourable in his labours, and accomplished his labours. In the deceit of them that overreached him, she stood by him, and made him honourable. She kept him safe from his enemies, and she defended him from seducers, and gave him a strong conflict, that he might overcome, and know that wisdom is mightier than all. She forsook not the just when he was sold, but delivered him from sinners: she went down with him into the pit. And in bands she left him not, till she brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and power against those that oppressed him: and shewed them to be liars that had accused him, and gave him everlasting glory.

THIRD ENTRANCE
During the Apostle (but, more often in practice, between the Apostle and Gospel) a procession forms and the Vessels are brought into the chancel –the chalice, paten, and burse.

GRADUALE (outside Paschaltide)

O lord, thou hast prevented him with blessings of sweetness: thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones.
V: He asked life of thee: and thou hast given him length of days for ever and ever.
R: O lord, thou hast prevented him with blessings of sweetness: thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones.

ALLELUIA
Alleuia, alleluia.
V: The righteous man shall blossom as the lily; and he shall flourish for ever before the Lord.
R: Alleluia
(additional Alleluias may be sung in Paschaltide).

While the choir sings the Graduale and following chants, water is blessed & wine & water are poured into the chalice. Bread is laid on the plate called the paten. Cloths called “corporals” are spread over the altar by the Deacons, & the Gospel book is censed.
The Priest blesses the water in the cruet.
Server: Jube, Dómine, benedícere.
Priest: Dóminus. May it be blessed by Him from Whose side there came forth blood and water, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
The Priest blesses the incense:
Server: Benedícite.
Priest: Dóminus. May this incense be blessed by Him in Whose honour it shall be burnt, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Deacon censes the Gospel book.
Deacon: Grant, O Lord, to bless.
Priest: May the Lord be in thy heart and upon thy mouth to declare the Holy Gospel of God. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen. Deacon: O Lord, give me in my mouth a speech right and resonant, that I may proclaim the words of Thy Gospel with proficiency.

GOSPEL
Deacon: The Lord be with you.
People: And with thy spirit.
Deacon: The continuation of the Holy Gospel, according to Matthew/John.
People: Glory + be to Thee, O Lord.
The Deacon sings the Gospel, and when it is ended, there is no response, but in silence the people cross themselves and make a deep bow. The book is kissed by the clergy, and, in some places, by the people.

SERMON
In parishes, the people sit during the sermon or homily. It is given here or after the Symbol.

SYMBOL OF FAITH
Priest: I believe in one God.
The people + cross themselves, bow, then sing:
The Father almighty, | Maker of heaven and earth,and of all things visible and invisible. | And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God. | And born of the Father before all ages. | God of God, Light of Light, true God of true God. | Begotten, not made, consubstantial to the Father, by Whom all things were made, | Who for us men, and for our
salvation, (bow:) came down from heaven,| (bow:) and became incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary | (bow:) and was made man. | He was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered, and was buried. | And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures. | And ascended into heaven; sitteth at the right hand of the Father. | And He is to come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, of Whose
kingdom there shall be no end. | And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, | Who
proceedeth from the Father. | Who together with the Father and the Son (bow:) is adored and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets. | And in one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. | I confess one Baptism for the remission of sins. | And I expect the resurrection of the dead. (bow:) And the life of the world to come. | Amen.

The Priest turns to the people and sings:
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Priest: Let us pray.

OFFERENDA
My truth and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted (in Paschaltide: Alleluia).
V: I have laid help upon one that is mighty, and have exalted one chosen out of my people.
R: My truth and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted .
V: My mercy I will not take away from him, and his throne as the sun before me.

Meanwhile, during the Offerenda chant the Priest prays these Soft Prayers:
Receive, O Holy Trinity, this oblation which I, an unworthy sinner, offer in Thine
honour, and that of blessed Mary Ever-Virgin, and of all Thy Saints, for my sins and offences, for the salvation of the living and the repose of all the faithful departed. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, may this new sacrifice be acceptable to almighty God. (prayer varies).
The Priest veils the Gifts, saying:
Forgive me, O Lord, for although it is my duty to pray, although I take up Thy holy name with mine impure lips, and confess the hidden sins of mine impure deeds, I have no words before Thee which are without transgression. For Thou knowest already the wounds of my conscience, Thou knowest already the concealments of my thoughts, and Thou only knowest mine impurities. Have mercy on me, O Lord, have mercy on me! Forgive the one performing Thy Mystery, and do not judge me unworthy of Thy mercy, whom Thou permittest to pray for others, and in whom is found a single testimony of good works: that Thou dost not forbid me to return to Thy service, rich at least in economia, O Saviour of
the world, Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, God through all ages of ages.
Amen.

CENSING
Server: Benedícite.
Priest: Dóminus. May this incense be blessed by Him in Whose honour it shall be burnt, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Priest censes the Gifts, then the front of the altar:
Let my prayer be directed as incense in thy sight; the lifting up of my hands, as evening sacrifice. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth: and a door round about my lips. Incline not my heart to evil words; to make excuses in sins. With men that work iniquity: and I will not communicate with the choicest of them.

The Deacon censes the other sides of the altar, and the chancel; a Server finishes the censing of the icons and people.

OBLATIONS
If you are making an offering, go to the door of the rood-screen. Kiss the Priest’s
right hand, and he will say: Mayest thou receive an hundredfold, and possess eternal life, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Priest washes his hands:
Cleanse me, O Lord, from all defilement of mind and body, that being cleansed I may be able to accomplish the holy work of the Lord.
The Priest bows low before the altar:
In the spirit of humility and with a contrite heart may we be accepted of Thee, O Lord, and may our Sacrifice be in such wise in Thy sight, that it may be accepted by Thee this day, and pleasing unto Thee, O Lord my God.
The Priest kisses the altar, then raises his hands:
Come, O Holy Spirit, bless and sanctify this Sacrifice prepared to the praise and glory of Thy
name. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Offerenda chant having been finished, the Priest turns to the people & says softly:
Brothers and sisters, pray for me, that my and your Sacrifice may together be acceptable unto the Lord our God.

The Priest and people bow to one another.
People, softly: May the grace of the Holy Spirit illuminate thy heart and thy lips, and may the
Lord rightly accept this Sacrifice of praise from thy hands, for our sins and offences.
Priest, softly: Amen.
Priest, exclaiming aloud: Let us pray!

OVER THE GIFTS
O Lord we beseech Thee: may our oblation become pleasing to Thee by the prayers of him for whose festival day it is offered up. Through all the ages of ages.
R. Amen.
Priest: The Lord be with you.
All: And with thy spirit.
Priest: Lift up your hearts!
All: We have them unto the Lord.
Priest: Let us give thanks unto the Lord our God.
All: It is meet and just.

PREFACE
It is truly meet and just, right and availing to salvation, that we should always and in all places give thanks to Thee, O Holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God. And especially upon this day, which Thou hast consecrated by the passage of Thy blessed confessor and hierarch Ealdhelm. We therefore beseech Thy mercy that Thou would grant us to follow that teaching which he hath taught in his words and fulfilled in his deeds, so that we may come to understand that we are aided before Thy loving-kindness both by his example and by his righteous prayers, through Christ our Lord. By whom Angels praise Thy majesty, Dominions worship, the Powers tremble. The heavens and the heavenly Virtues, and the blessed Seraphim, together celebrate in one exultation. With whom command our voices also to have entrence, we beseech Thee, humbly confessing Thee and saying:

SANCTUS
Cross yourself, then bow:
Holy, + Holy, Holy Lord God of Sábaoth. Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. Hosánna in the highest. + Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. Hosánna in the highest.
The Priest, kissing the Cross in the Missal, says softly: We worship Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee, for by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

The choir or clergy sing Psalms 119-133, or Psalms 19, 24, 50, 89, and 90, throughout the Canon of the Mass.

CANON
Meanwhile, the Priest sings, softly, the canon or actio missae. Note that no bells are ever rung within the Canon itself.
THEE, therefore, most merciful Father, through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, we humbly pray and beseech that Thou wouldst accept and bless these Gifts, these Presents, these holy, unspotted Sacrifices, which in the first place we offer Thee for Thy Holy Catholic Church, to which vouchsafe to grant peace, as also to preserve, unite, and govern it throughout the world, together with Thy most blessed servant our (Patriarch or Chief
Hierarch) N. and our (Arch-)Bishop N., as also all the Orthodox, and professors of the Catholic and Apostolic Faith. Remember, O Lord, Thy servants and handmaidens, N.
& N., and all who are high-placed, that they may lead a calm and quiet life with faith in Thee: and whomsoever are joined to me by blood-ties or intimacy, and whomsoever have extended to me any labour of love or mercy, and who have remembrance of me in their prayers, and who have commended themselves to mine unworthy prayers, and those to
whom I have been some hindrance or stumbling-block, and whomsoever have brought upon me any hardship, and of all communities of monks, canons, and nuns, whose names and number Thou alone knowest, O almighty God: and of all our neighbours, and of those whose alms we have received, or whose names are kept in writing upon Thy holy altar, and who have made confession to us of their own transgressions, and of all here standing, whose faith is perceived, and whose devotion is known unto Thee: for whom we offer, or
who offer, to Thee this Sacrifice of praise for themselves and all their own: for the redemption of their souls, for the health and salvation they hope for, and for which they now pay their vows unto Thee, the eternal, living, and true God.

In communion with, and honouring in the first place the memory of, the glorious Ever-Virgin
Mary, Mother of our Lord and God Jesus Christ, as also of Thy blessed Apostles and Martyrs: Peter and Paul, Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon and Thaddeus: of Linus, Cletus, Clement, Sixtus, Cornelius, Cyprian, Laurence, Vincent, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, of George, Hilary,
Martin, Benedict, Gregory, Augustine, Amandus, Florentius, Ealdhelm and of all Thy Saints, through whose righteousness and prayers grant that we may be always defended by the help of Thy protection, through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

This oblation, therefore, of our servitude, and of Thy whole family, we beseech Thee, O Lord, graciously to accept: to dispose our days in Thy peace, and to preserve us from eternal damnation, and to rank us in the number of Thine elect, through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Which oblation do Thou, O almighty God, vouchsafe in all respects to bless, approve, ratify, make reasonable, and accept, we beseech Thee: that it may be made for us the Body and Blood of Thy dearly beloved Son, our Lord and God Jesus Christ,

Who, the day before He suffered, took bread into His holy and venerable hands, and with His eyes lifted up towards heaven to Thee, almighty God His Father, giving thanks to Thee, He blessed, brake, and gave it to His disciples, saying: Take and eat this, all of you, for this is My Body
In like manner, after He had supped, taking also this excellent Chalice into His holy and venerable hands, giving Thee also thanks, He blessed, and gave it to His disciples, saying: Take and drink this, all of you, for this is the chalice of My Blood, of the new and eternal testament, the mystery of faith, which shall be shed for you and for many, for the remission of sins. As often as ye do these things, ye shall do them in remembrance of Me.
Therefore we beseech Thee, O Lord, to send down Thy Holy Spirit upon this Sacrifice, that He may make this bread the precious Body of Thy Christ, and this chalice the precious Blood of Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, changing Them by the Holy Spirit. Wherefore also, O Lord, we Thy servants, as also Thy holy people, calling to mind the blessed Passion of the same Christ Thy Son, our Lord God, His Resurrection from the dead and glorious Ascension into heaven, offer unto Thy most excellent Majesty, of Thy gifts bestowed upon us, a pure Lamb, a holy Lamb, an unspotted Lamb, the Holy Bread of eternal life, and the Chalice of
everlasting salvation, upon which vouchsafe to look with a propitious and serene countenance, and to accept them, as Thou wert graciously pleased to accept the gifts of Thy just servant Abel, and the sacrifice of our patriarch Abraham, and that which Thy high priest Melchisedech offered to Thee: a holy Sacrifice, an unspotted Victim. We most humbly beseech Thee, almighty God… (here he prays for whoever is most in need) … Command these things to be carried by the hands of Thy Holy Angel to Thine altar on high, in the sight of Thy Divine Majesty: that as many of us as shall receive the most sacred Body and Blood of Thy Son by partaking at this Altar, may be filled with every heavenly grace and
blessing, through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Remember me, I pray Thee, O Lord, and have mercy, although these holy sacrificial elements are offered to Thee, O Holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God, unworthily by my hands who am not even worthy to call upon Thy holy and worship-inspiring name. But inasmuch as they are offered up in honour, praise, and remembrance of Thy most glorious and beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, let Them be enkindled with a fragrance of sweetness, as incense in the sight of Thy Divine majesty, through the same our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God through all the ages of ages.
R. Amen.
Remember also, O Lord, the souls of Thy servants and handmaidens, N. and N., (the Deacon says the names commemorated) who are gone before us with the sign of faith, and rest in the sleep of peace. To these, O Lord, and to all that sleep in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and peace. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Also to us sinners Thy servants, confiding in the multitude of Thy mercies, vouchsafe to grant some part and fellowship with Thy holy Apostles and Martyrs: with John, Stephen, Matthias, Barnabas, Ignatius, Alexander, Marcellinus, Peter, Kenelm; Felicitas, Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, Agnes, Cecilia, Anastasia, Genevieve, Eulalia, Euphemia, Etheldreda, Gertrude, and with all Thy Saints, into whose company we beseech Thee to admit us,
not in consideration of our merit, but of Thine own gratuitous pardon, through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
By Whom, O Lord, Thou dost always create, sanctify, quicken, bless, and bestow
upon us all these good things. By Him, and with Him, and in Him, is to Thee, God + the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory
…
ELEVATION & DOXOLOGY
The Priest and Deacon elevate the Gifts, the Priest singing loudly:
… Through all the ages of ages!
R. Amen.
The Priest and Deacon veil the Gifts, the Priest chanting:
Let us pray. Instructed by saving precepts, and guided by Divine institution, we presume to say:

LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation.
People: But deliver us from evil.
Priest softly: Amen.
Priest, singing aloud: Deliver us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, from all
evils, past, present, and to come, and by the intercession of the blessed and glorious and
Ever-Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and of Thy chosen Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, and of blessed John the Baptist Thy Forerunner, and of Thy blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of Andrew,. and Ealdhelm,
Priest: … with all the Saints, mercifully grant peace in our days, that through the assistance of Thy mercy we may be always free from sin and secure from all disturbance, through the same Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord, + Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, God,
The Priest exclaims loudly:
Through all the ages of ages!
R. Amen.

BISHOP’S BLESSING
Deacon: O Prince of the Church, shepherd to the sheep, may it please thee to bless the people entrusted to thy care. (to the people:) With meekness and with charity, bow down yourselves for a blessing.
R. Thanks be to God.
The Bishop sings the proper Blessing over the
people; to each petition we sing in answer:
Amen.

Priest: The peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And with thy spirit.

AGNUS DEI
At the words “O Lamb of God,” cross yourself and bow.
Chanter: + O Lamb of God,
All: That takest away the sins of the world: have mercy upon us.
Chanter: + O Lamb of God,
All: That takest away the sins of the world: have mercy upon us.
Chanter: + O Lamb of God,
All: That takest away the sins of the world: have mercy upon us.

Meanwhile the Priest, having prayed the Agnus softly with the other clergy, with three bows, adds these Soft Prayers:
May this most holy + mingling (lowers part of the Lamb into the chalice) of the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be to me and to all receiving It health of mind and body, and a
salutary preparation for being made worthy of eternal life and laying hold upon it, through the same Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst say to Thine Apostles, “My peace I give unto you, peace I leave with you,” look not upon my sins, but upon the faith of Thy Church, and by Thy will
vouchsafe to pacify, to protect, and to unite it, Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit livest and reignest, God through all the ages of ages.
R. Amen.
O Holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God, grant us so worthily to receive this most holy
Body and Blood of Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, that by this we may deserve to receive the remission of all our sins, and to be filled with Thy Holy Spirit, and to possess Thy peace. For Thou alone art God, and there is none other beside Thee, Whose glorious kingdom abideth unto the ages of ages.
R. Amen.
The Priest kisses the clergy, saying:
Peace be to thee and to the Church of God.
R. And with thy spirit.

The pax icon of Christ is brought out by a server for the people to reverence & kiss.
COMMUNION HYMN
Blessed is that servant, whom when his Lord cometh He shall find watching. Amen I say to you, He shall place him over all His goods (in Paschaltide: Alleluia, Alleluia).
V: A faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath appointed over His family, to give them their measure of wheat in due season.
R: Blessed is that servant, whom when his Lord cometh He shall find watching. Amen I say to you, He shall place him over all His goods.
V: Glory be to the +Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, and now and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
R: Blessed is that servant, whom when his Lord cometh He shall find watching. Amen I say to you, He shall place him over all His goods.

Meanwhile—the Priest prays the Soft Prayers before Communion
O God the Father, fount and source of all good, Who, led by loving-kindness, didst will Thine
Only-Begotten to descend to the lowest world and to take on flesh for us, which I, unworthy, here hold in my hands, I worship Thee, I glorify Thee, I praise Thee with the whole intention of my mind and heart, and I pray that Thou wilt not forsake us, Thy servants, but wilt forgive our sins so that we may be able to serve Thee, the only living and true God, with a pure heart and a chaste body. Through the same Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who, according to the will of the Father, hast by Thy death, through the co-operation of the Holy Spirit, given life to the world: deliver me by
this Thy most sacred Body and Blood from all mine iniquities, and from all evils, and make me always to obey Thy commandments, and never suffer me to be separated from Thee for ever, O Saviour of the world, Who with God the Father and the same Holy Spirit livest and reignest, God through all the ages of ages.
R. Amen.
Let not the Holy Mystery of Thy Body and Blood, O Lord Jesus Christ, which I (though unworthy) receive, be to me for judgment and condemnation, but through Thy mercy may It be for the salvation of my body and soul.
R. Amen.
COMMUNION OF THE CLERGY
Each Priest or Deacon communing says:
Hail for evermore, most holy Flesh of Christ, to me before all and above all the highest sweetness. May the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ be to me, a sinner, the way and the life. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Hail for evermore, heavenly Drink, to me before all and above all the highest sweetness. May the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be to me, a sinner, an everlasting remedy unto eternal life, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

CONFESSION OF SINS
People: I confess to God, to blessed Mary, to all the Saints, and to thee, that I have sinned
exceedingly in thought, word and deed, through my fault. I beseech Holy Mary, all the Saints of God, and thee, to pray for me.
Priest: May almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins, deliver you from all
evil, preserve and strengthen you in good, and bring you to eternal life.
R. Amen.
Priest: May the almighty and merciful Lord grant you pardon* and remission of all your sins, space for true repentance and amendment of life, and the grace and consolation of the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.

• a Bishop says, “absolution and remission”
  
  COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE
  Choir: Come, ye people, to the Holy and Immortal Mystery, and the Offering we must make. With fear and faith, let us draw near; with hearts made clean by repentance let us communicate the Gifts. For the Lamb of God is set forth to the Father, a Sacrifice

Choir: for us. Let us worship only Him, let us give glory to Him, crying with the Angels:

Instructions for Communicants
• Queue up in the line of communicants with arms crossed over your chest.
• At the chalice, make a deep bow, kiss the Priest’s hands, and say, “Servant/handmaiden of God N.”
• Priest: Servant/handmaiden of God N., may the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ
profit thee for the remission of all thy sins and for everlasting life.
R. Amen.
• Having received, do not cross yourself or kiss anything; sip of the ablution wine and return to your place.

PRAYERS OF THANKS
Having communed everyone, the Priest returns to the altar and says the following prayers,
punctuated by the three ablutions by wine and water of the chalice and of his fingers.
I give Thee thanks, O Holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God, Who hast refreshed me with the most holy Body and Blood of Thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ, and I pray Thee that this Holy Mystery of our salvation which I, an unworthy sinner, have received, may not fall to my judgment, nor to condemnation, according to my deserts, but to the advancement of my body and soul unto life eternal, according to Thy mercy.
R. Amen.
What we have taken with our mouth may we receive with a pure mind, O Lord, and from a temporal gift may It become for us the medicine of immortality. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God through all the ages of ages.
R.Amen.
May this Communion, O Lord, purge us from guilt and make us to be partakers of the heavenly remedy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God through all the ages of ages.
R.Amen.
Blessed be thou by thy Son, O Lady, for through thee we have partaken of the Fruit of life.
Let us bow down before the sign of the Cross, through which we have received the holy mystery of salvation.
The reserved Gifts having been placed in the dove or aumbrey safe with censing and preceding candles, the Priest turns to the people:

V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Priest: Let us pray.

POST-COMMUNION PRAYERS
Refreshed by our partaking of the most holy Gifts, we beseech Thee, O Lord our God, that we may experience the might of him whose service we perform.
Priest: Through all the ages of ages.
R. Amen

PRAYER OF BOWED HEADS
Priest: Let us pray.
Deacon: Bow down your heads before God.
We bow somewhat for this Prayer; at the doxology we rise and cross ourselves.
Priest: May God bless you with every heavenly blessing, and make you holy and pure in His sight; may the riches of His glory more than abound in you; may the word of his truth instruct you. may the Gospel of His salvation make you wise; and may He fill you with the charity of His saints. + Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, through all the ages of ages.
R. Amen.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.

DISMISSAL
The Deacon sings one of these dismissals:
V. Go ye, Mass is ended.
R. Thanks be to God. or:
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
During the Dismissal chant, the Priest says softly: Let the performance of my homage be
pleasing to Thee, O Holy Trinity, and grant that this Sacrifice which I, though unworthy, have
offered up in the sight of Thy majesty, may be acceptable to Thee, and through Thy mercy be a propitiation for me and for all those for whom I have offered it. Who livest and reignest, God through all the ages of ages. Amen. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

BISHOP’S BLESSING
V. Our help is in the name of the Lord.
R. Who hath made heaven and the earth.
V. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
R. From henceforth and for evermore.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Bishop: Let us pray. May the blessing of God, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, come down upon you, and remain for ever. R. Amen.

ARCHBISHOP’S BLESSING
Deacon: Bow down yourselves for a blessing.
People: Thanks be to God.
We bow; he sings the Blessing over us, each one
ending:
R. Amen.

BLESSING OF BREAD
Server: Benedícite (Bless).
Priest: Dóminus (The Lord bless).
V. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
R. From henceforth and for evermore.
(Ps. 112:3)
V. Let us bless the Lord.
R. Thanks be to God.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.
Priest: Let us pray.
Collect: Bless, O Lord, this creature of bread, as Thou didst bless the
five loaves in the wilderness, that all who partake of it may receive health of both body and
soul, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
We queue up to take blessed bread, kissing the Priest’s hand as we receive the bread.

THANKSGIVING
The Priest prays this in withdrawing and unvesting, but in some places there is the custom
for the people to pray the Thanksgiving Prayers in the nave, as well as the Prayers after Communion (given in Orthodox Prayers of Old England, p. 112).

CANTICLE OF THE THREE YOUTHS

Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord : O praise ye Him and supremely exalt Him unto the
ages. Bless the Lord, ye Angels of the Lord : ye heavens, bless the Lord. Bless the Lord, all ye waters that are above the heavens : bless the Lord, all ye powers of the Lord. Bless the Lord, O sun and moon : bless the Lord, ye stars of heaven. Bless the Lord, ye rain and dew : bless the Lord, every wind of God. Bless the Lord, fire and heat of burning : bless the Lord, winter cold and summer heat. Bless the Lord, O falls of dew and frost : bless the Lord, O ice and cold. Bless the Lord, O hoar-frosts and snows : bless the Lord, O nights and days. Bless the Lord, O light and darkness : bless the Lord, O lightnings and clouds. Let the earth bless the Lord : let her praise Him and supremely exalt Him unto the ages. Bless the Lord, O mountains and hills : bless the Lord, all things that spring up upon the earth. Bless the Lord, O fountains : bless the Lord, O seas and rivers.

Bless the Lord, O monsters of the sea, and all things that move in the waters : bless the Lord, all ye winged creatures of the sky. Bless the Lord, all ye beasts and cattle : bless
the Lord, ye sons of men. Let Israël bless the Lord : let him praise Him and supremely exalt Him unto the ages. Bless the Lord, ye priests of the Lord : bless the Lord, ye servants of the Lord. Bless the Lord, ye spirits and ye souls of the righteous : bless the Lord, ye Saints, and ye that be humble of heart. Bless the Lord, O Ananias, Azarias, and Misaël : O praise ye Him and supremely exalt Him unto the ages.

Let us bless the Father and the Son with the Holy Spirit : let us praise Him and supremely
exalt Him unto the ages. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven : and worthy of praise, and glorious, and supremely exalted unto the ages.

PSALM 150
Praise ye the Lord in his holy places: praise ye him in the firmament of his power. Praise ye him for his mighty acts: praise ye him according to the multitude of his greatness. Praise him with sound of trumpet: praise him with psaltery and harp. Praise him with timbrel and choir: praise him with strings and organs. Praise him on high sounding cymbals: praise him on cymbals of joy: let every spirit praise the Lord. Alleluia.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, and now and always: and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

CANTICLE OF RIGHTEOUS SYMEON
Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart : in peace, O Master, according to Thy word.
For mine eyes have seen : Thy salvation. Which Thou hast prepared : before the face of all
peoples. A light of revelation for the nations : and the glory of Thy people Israël.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son : and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, and now and always and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

V: Let us sing the hymn of the three youths, which they sang in the furnace of fire, blessing the Lord.
Kyrieleyson. Xristeleyson. Kyrieleyson.
Leader: Our Father…

V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.
V. Let us bless O the Father and the Son with the Holy Spirit.
R. Let us praise Him and supremely exalt Him unto the ages.
V. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven.
R. And worthy of praise, and glorious, and supremely exalted unto the ages.

Only if a Priest or Deacon is leading:
V. May the O Holy Trinity bless and keep us.
R. Amen.

V. O Lord, enter not into judgment with Thy servant.
R. For in thy sight no man living shall be justified.
V. O Lord God of hosts, make us to return.
R. Convert us, O God: and shew us thy face, and we shall be saved.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to Thee.

Only if a Priest or Deacon is leading:
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with thy spirit.

Let us pray.
Collect: O God Who for the three youths didst allay the flames of fire, mercifully grant that
the flame of sins may not consume us who are Thy servants.
Collect: Set our reins and our heart aflame with the fire of the Holy Spirit, O Lord, that we may serve Thee with a chaste body and please Thee with a pure heart.
Collect: Our actions, we beseech Thee, O Lord, do Thou precede by inspiring us and bring to fruition by helping us, that all our activity and prayer may always begin with Thee, and what is begun may be completed by Thee. + Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.