office funeral_priest.doc

Funeral Service for a Priest or Bishop Who Hath Reposed

While the priest secretly says the prayer, though according to the practice of many, this prayer is not done at all, until the final litany, when it is done out loud:

Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Tone 6 [Sticheron Melody]: I lift up mine eyes to heaven, / to Thee, O Word. // Have pity, that I may live in Thee.

Tone 5 [Troparion Melody]: Give rest, O our Savior, with the righteous unto Thy servant / and settle him in Thy courts, according as it is written, / disregarding, as Thou art good, his transgressions, voluntary and involuntary,/ and all he committed either knowingly or unknowingly, // O lover of mankind.

Translation by Br. Isaac Lambertsen.

The censing is done as at the previous litany.

Choir: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice.

Have mercy upon us who are downcast, O Word, // making us vessels useful to Thee.

Tone 2 [Troparion Melody]: Since all must needs depart unto the same dwelling-place, / and go under the same stone, / and are all turned to dust in a little while, / let us ask that Christ grant rest to him who hath departed. / For such is our life, O brethren. / It is but a game upon the earth: / for those who are not, to be; / and for those who have been, to dissolve. / We are an insubstantial dream, scattered by a breath of wind, /

The priests take up the remains, and bear them to the narthex of the church, and place the Holy Gospel over them, on his breast, and candles in candle-stands, at each of the four sides of the coffin. If the Funeral service will be served after the Divine Liturgy (which is served in the presence of the remains of the deceased), it will begin as the for the Funeral of a laymen. The Priest in phelonion, opens the Royal Doors, and he exits first, with the deacon following. The priest stands before an analogion, which is placed in front of the head of the coffin, with sufficient space between it and the coffin for censing. The deacon stands behind, and to the right of the priest, until the first litany.

While the priest secretly says the prayer: O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death, and overthrown the devil, and given life to Thy world: Do Thou Thyself, O Lord, give rest to the soul of Thy departed servant N., in a place of light, a place of green pasture, a place of repose, whence all sickness, sorrow and sighing are fled away. Pardon every sin committed by him in word, deed, or thought, in that Thou art a good God, the Lover of mankind; for there is no man that liveth and sinneth not, for Thou alone art without sin, Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy word is truth.

Reader: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, / both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. /

Then, this troparion is chanted: in Tone II:

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins. O Master, pardon our iniquities. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name's sake.

The censing is done as at the previous litany.

Priest: For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory: of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

The Holy Spirit is the Cause of all salvation. /

Tone 2 [Troparion Melody]: Thou didst live in faith, hope and live, in meekness and purity, / and in priestly dignity, O ever-memorable one. / Wherefore, the pre ternal God, for Whom thou didst labor, / Himself appointeth thy spirit to a place of light and beauty, / where the righteous find rest. / And thou shalt receive remission / and great mercy at the judgment of Christ.

Lord have mercy. Thrice.

While the priest secretly says the prayer: O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death, and overthrown the devil, and given life to Thy world: Do Thou Thyself, O Lord, give rest to the soul of Thy departed servant N., in a place of light, a place of green pasture, a place of repose, whence all sickness, sorrow and sighing are fled away. Pardon every sin committed by him in word, deed, or thought, in that Thou art a good God, the Lover of mankind; for there is no man that liveth and sinneth not, for Thou alone art without sin, Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy word is truth.

Reader: Amen.

And if He breathe upon anyone as is meet, / He quickly taketh him away from among the things of earth: / He giveth him wings, maketh him grow // and setteth him on high.

Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us; / for at a loss for any defense, // this prayer do we sinners offer unto thee as Master: have mercy on us.

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

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

s sake, he may receive rich reward in Thy holy mansions, through the grace, compassions and love for mankind of Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Lord, have mercy on us; / for we have hoped in Thee, be not angry with us greatly, / neither remember our iniquities; / but look upon us now as Thou art compassionate, / and deliver us from our enemies, / for Thou art our God, and we, Thy people; // all are the works of Thy hands, and we call upon Thy name.

Our Father, Who art in the Heavens, 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, but deliver us from the evil one.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

Tone 2 [Sticheron Melody]: Today do I part from my kinfolk, / and flee unto Thee, Who alone art immortal. / Grant me rest with Thine elect // in the habitations of the righteous.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord have mercy. Twelve Times.

Deacon: Again we pray for the repose of the departed servant of God, N. and that he may be forgiven every transgression, both voluntary and involuntary.

The Reader then reciteth Psalm 22, after each verse of which we chant Alleluia, thrice:

The door of compassion open unto us, /

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

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

The Lord is my shepherd, and I shall not want. Alleluia Thrice

O blessed Theotokos, / for hoping in thee, let us not perish; / through thee may we be delivered from adversities, // for thou art the salvation of the Christian race.

O come, let us worship God our King. O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ our King and God. O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and God.

Deacon: That the Lord God commit his soul to where the righteous repose.

In a place of green pasture, there hath He made me to dwell; beside the water of rest hath He nurtured me. Alleluia Thrice He hath converted my soul, He hath led me on the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Alleluia Thrice For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they have comforted me. Alleluia Thrice Thou hast prepared a table before me in the presence of them that afflict me. Alleluia Thrice Thou hast anointed my head with oil, and Thy cup which filleth me, how excellent it is! Alleluia Thrice And Thy mercy shall pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord unto length of days. Alleluia Thrice

This is the will of Him Who sent Me, that every one who seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Psalm 90 He that dwelleth in the help of the Most High shall abide in the shelter of the God of heaven. He shall say unto the Lord: Thou art my helper and my refuge. He is my God, and I will hope in Him. For He shall deliver thee from the snare of the hunters and from every troubling word. With His shoulders will He overshadow thee, and under His wings shalt thou have hope. With a shield will His truth encompass thee; thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day, Nor for the thing that walketh in darkness, nor for the mishap and demon of noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand, but unto thee shall it not come nigh. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, and thou shalt see the reward of sinners. For Thou, O Lord, art my hope. Thou madest the Most High thy refuge; No evils shall come nigh thee, and no scourge shall draw nigh unto thy dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. On their hands shall they bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Upon the asp and basilisk shalt thou tread, and thou shalt trample upon the lion and dragon. For he hath set his hope on Me, and I will deliver him; I will shelter him because he hath known My name. He shall cry unto Me, and I will hearken unto him. I am with him in affliction, and I will rescue him and glorify him. With length of days will I satisfy him, and I will show him My salvation.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia Thrice Then this troparion is chanted:

The Jews then murmured at Him, because He said,

Afterwards, the Canonarch exclaimeth in a loud voice:

Deacon: The mercy of God, the kingdom of Heaven, and the remission of his sins, let us ask of Christ the Immortal King and our God.

the flight of a passing bird, a ship which leaveth no trace upon the sea. /

I am the bread which came down from heaven. Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, Whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He saith, Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. No man can come to Me, except the Father Who hath sent Me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Blessed art Thou, O Lord, teach me Thy statutes. Blessed are the blameless in the way. Alleluia.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Wherefore, let us cry out to the immortal King: // Vouchsafe unto him Thy never-ending blessedness!

The Beatitudes, Tone 2

And the first stasis of the 17th Kathisma is chanted in the 6th Tone. At the end of each verse we sing: Alleluia. It should be noted that this is often abbreviated, and the Hapgood Service book shows how this is usually done. Blessed are the blameless in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Refrain: Alleluia. Blessed are they that search out His testimonies; with their whole heart shall they seek after Him. For they that work iniquity have not walked in His ways. Thou hast enjoined Thy commandments, that we should keep them most diligently. Would that my ways were directed to keep Thy statutes. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I look on all Thy commandments. I will confess Thee with uprightness of heart, when I have learned the judgments of Thy righteousness.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord

Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill Him, because He not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. Then answered Jesus and said unto them: Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth Him all things that He Himself doeth: and He will shew Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father Who hath sent Him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him Who sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, * for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn, * for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, * for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, * for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, * for they shall obtain mercy.

I will keep thy statutes; do not utterly forsake me. Wherewithal shall a young man correct his way? By keeping Thy words. With my whole heart have I sought after Thee, cast me not away from Thy commandments. In my heart have I hid Thy sayings that I might not sin against Thee. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, teach me Thy statutes. With my lips have I declared all the judgments of Thy mouth. In the way of Thy testimonies have I found delight, as much as in all riches. On Thy commandments will I ponder, and I will understand Thy ways. On Thy statutes will I meditate; I will not forget Thy words. Give reward unto Thy servant, quicken me and I will keep Thy words. O unveil mine eyes, and I shall perceive wondrous things out of Thy law.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

For Thou art the resurrection, the life and the repose of Thy departed servant N., O Christ our God, and we send up glory unto Thee, and Thine unoriginate Father, and Thine all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Wherefore do ye lament me with grief, O men? Why trouble ye yourselves in vain? , he who hath reposed proclaimeth unto all; Hence, let us listen to the voice of Job, who saith: Death is rest unto man. Grant rest with Thy saints, O God, unto him whom Thou hast received.

I am a sojourner on the earth, hide not from me Thy commandments. My soul hath longed to desire Thy judgments at all times. Thou hast rebuked the proud; cursed are they that decline from Thy commandments. Remove from me reproach and contempt, for after Thy testimonies have I sought. For princes sat and they spake against me, but Thy servant pondered on Thy statutes. For Thy testimonies are my meditation, and Thy statutes are my counselors. My soul hath cleaved unto the earth; quicken me according to Thy word. My ways have I declared, and Thou hast heard me; teach me Thy statutes. Make me to understand the way of Thy statutes, and I will ponder on Thy wondrous works. My soul hath slumbered from despondency, strengthen me with Thy words.

Priest: For Thou art the Resurrection, and the life, and the repose of Thy departed servant N., O Christ our God, and unto Thee do we send up glory, together with Thine unoriginate Father, and Thy most holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

Tone 6 [Sticheron Melody]: If the Lord were not among us, / none of us would be able to combat the warfare of the enemy; // for they who conquer are lifted up from hence.

Come unto Me, O ye mortals, and behold the beauty of the body turned black! Wherefore, knowing our departure therefrom, O brethren, let us hasten beforehand to the Savior, crying out with tears: Grant rest with Thy saints, O God, unto him whom Thou hast received.

Remove from me the way of unrighteousness, and with Thy law have mercy on me. I have chosen the way of truth, and Thy judgments have I not forgotten. I have cleaved to Thy testimonies, O Lord; put me not to shame.

Choir: Amen.

Let not my soul be seized like a bird / by the teeth of the enemy, O Word. / Woe is me! How shall I, who love sin, // escape them?

ternal God, and gavest birth in the flesh unto Him God and man, immutable and unconfused. Wherefore, ever knowing thee to be the Theotokos, we cry out with faith unto God Who was born of Thee: Remember us also in Thy kingdom.

The way of Thy commandments have I run, when Thou didst enlarge my heart.

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

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, / both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. From the Holy Spirit cometh deification, / goodwill, understanding, peace and blessing for all; // for He worketh equally with the Father and the Word.

I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is My Flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

Set before me for a law, O Lord, the way of Thy statutes, and I will seek after it continually. Give me understanding, and I will search out Thy law, and I will keep it with my whole heart. Guide me in the path of Thy commandments, for I have desired it. Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies and not unto covetousness. Turn away mine eyes that I may not see vanity, quicken Thou me in Thy way. Establish for Thy servant Thine oracle unto fear of Thee. Remove my reproach which I have feared, for Thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after Thy commandments; in Thy righteousness quicken me. Let Thy mercy come also upon me, O Lord, even Thy salvation according to Thy word. So shall I give an answer to them that reproach me, for I have hoped in Thy words.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting gates, and the King of Glory shall enter in. Alleluia Thrice Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in war. Alleluia Thrice Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting gates, and the King of Glory shall enter in. Alleluia Thrice Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory. Alleluia Thrice Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia Thrice

The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying,

And take not utterly out of my mouth the word of truth, for in Thy judgments have I hoped. So shall I keep Thy law continually, for ever, and unto the ages of ages. And I walked in spaciousness, for after Thy commandments have I sought. And I spake of Thy testimonies before kings, and I was not ashamed. And I meditated on Thy commandments which I have greatly loved. And I lifted up my hands to Thy commandments which I have loved, and I pondered on Thy statutes. Remember Thy words to Thy servant, wherein Thou hast made me to hope. This hath comforted me in my humiliation, for Thine oracle hath quickened me.

Deacon: Again we pray for the repose of the departed servant of God, N. and that he may be forgiven every transgression, both voluntary and involuntary.

Glory Tone 5: O our God, Thou knowest that we were born in sins. / Wherefore, we beseech Thee: / Give rest unto him who hath departed from among us, / overlooking, in that Thou art good, /

How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Verily, verily, I say unto you: Except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of man, and drink His Blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth My Flesh, and drinketh My Blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

The proud have transgressed exceedingly, but from Thy law have I not declined.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

the offenses he committed during life as a mortal man: /

Psalm 50 Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy pleasure unto Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

I remembered Thy judgments of old, O Lord, and was comforted. Despondency took hold upon me because of the sinners who forsake Thy law. Thy statutes were my songs in the place of my sojourning. I remembered Thy name in the night, O Lord, and I kept Thy law. This hath happened unto me because I sought after Thy statutes. Thou art my portion, O Lord; I said that I would keep Thy law. I entreated Thy countenance with my whole heart: Have mercy on me according to Thy word. I have thought on Thy ways, and I have turned my feet back to Thy testimonies. I made ready, and I was not troubled, that I might keep Thy commandments.

Deacon: That the Lord God commit his soul to where the righteous repose.

through the supplications of the Theotokos, // O Thou Who alone lovest mankind.

The cords of sinners have entangled me, but Thy law have I not forgotten.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

I am the bread of life: he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, that ye also have seen Me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him who cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him Who sent Me. And this is the Father's will Who hath sent Me, that of all which he hath given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

At midnight I arose to give thanks unto Thee for the judgments of Thy righteousness. I am a partaker with all them that fear Thee, and with them that keep Thy commandments.

Deacon: The mercy of God, the kingdom of Heaven, and the remission of his sins, let us ask of Christ the Immortal King and our God.

For Thou art the resurrection, life and repose of Thy departed servant N., of Christ our God, and we send up glory unto Thee, and Thine unoriginate Father, and Thine all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

The earth, O Lord, is full of Thy mercy; teach me Thy statutes.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

Tone 6 [Sticheron Melody]: They that hope in the Lord / are fearsome to the enemy / and wondrous to all; / for they direct their gaze on high.

Thou hast dealt graciously with Thy servant, O Lord, according to Thy word. Goodness and discipline and knowledge teach Thou me, for in Thy commandments have I believed. Before I was humbled, I transgressed; therefore Thy saying have I kept. Thou art good, O Lord, and in Thy goodness teach me Thy statutes. Multiplied against me hath been the unrighteousness of the proud; but as for me, with my whole heart will I search out Thy commandments. Curdled like milk is their heart; but as for me, in Thy law have I meditated. It is good for me that Thou hast humbled me, that I might learn Thy statutes.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord

He who hath Thee, O Savior, as his Helper, /

The law of Thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver.

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

the Portion of the righteous, //

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

Priest: For Thou art the Resurrection, and the life, and the repose of Thy departed servant N., O Christ our God, and unto Thee do we send up glory, together with Thine unoriginate Father, and Thy most holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

doth not stretch out his hands toward iniquities.

The deacon goes forward, makes a bow to the altar, then to the priest and holds the censer for a blessing, then censing during the litany, standing in front of, but to the right of the priest, but censing towards the coffin.

Choir: Amen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, / both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. /

O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death, and overthrown the devil, and given life to Thy world: Do Thou Thyself, O Lord, give rest to the soul of Thy departed servant N., in a place of light, a place of green pasture, a place of repose, whence all sickness, sorrow and sighing are fled away. Pardon every sin committed by him in word, deed, or thought, in that Thou art a good God, the Lover of mankind; for there is no man that liveth and sinneth not, for Thou alone art without sin, Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy word is truth.

The Choir sings: Alleluia.

The dominion of the Holy Spirit is over all. /

Before the exclamation, the deacon hands the censer to the priest, and he censes as he says the exclamation.

Then immediately, the choir sings the Evlogitaria of the Departed:

Him do the armies on high worship, // as doth every creature here below.

And after this we begin the Second Stasis of the kathisma in the Fifth Tone; at the end of each verse we sing: Have mercy on Thy servant.

The Choir of the Saints have found the Fountain of Life /

Thereafter, Psalm 83 is chanted, with Alleluia, thrice, after each of its verses: How beloved are Thy dwellings, O Lord of Hosts; Alleluia, thrice My soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord. Alleluia, thrice My heart and my flesh have rejoiced in the living God. Alleluia, thrice For the sparrow hath found herself a house, and the turtledove a nest for herself where she may lay her young, Alleluia, thrice Even Thine altars, O Lord of Hosts, my King and my God. Alleluia, thrice Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house; unto ages of ages shall they praise Thee. Alleluia, thrice Blessed is the man whose help is from Thee; he hath made ascents in his heart, Alleluia, thrice In the vale of weeping, in the place which he hath appointed. Yea, for the Lawgiver will give blessings; Alleluia, thrice

Thy hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding and I will learn Thy commandments. Refrain: Have mercy on Thy servant. They that fear Thee shall see me and be glad, for on Thy words have I set my hope. I have known, O Lord, that Thy judgments are righteousness, and with truth hast Thou humbled me. Let now Thy mercy be my comfort, according to Thy saying unto Thy servant. Let Thy compassions come upon me and I shall live, for Thy law is my meditation. Let the proud be put to shame, for unjustly have they transgressed against me; but as for me, I will ponder on Thy commandments. Let those that fear Thee return unto me, and those that know Thy testimonies. Let my heart be blameless in Thy statutes, that I may not be put to shame.

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

They shall go from strength to strength, the God of Gods shall be seen in Sion. Alleluia, thrice O Lord of Hosts, hearken unto my prayer; give ear, O god of Jacob. Alleluia, thrice O God, our defender, behold, and look upon the face of Thine anointed one. Alleluia, thrice For better is one day in Thy court than thousands elsewhere. Alleluia, thrice I have chosen rather to be an outcast in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of sinners. Alleluia, thrice For the Lord loveth mercy and truth, God will give grace and glory; the Lord will not withhold good things from them that walk in innocence. Alleluia, thrice O Lord God of Hosts, blessed is the man that hopeth in Thee. Alleluia, thrice

My soul fainteth for Thy salvation; on Thy words have I set my hope. Mine eyes are grown dim with waiting for Thine oracle; they say: When wilt Thou comfort me? For I am become like a wine-skin in the frost; yet Thy statutes have I not forgotten. How many are the days of Thy servant? When wilt Thou execute judgement for me on them that persecute me? Transgressors have told me fables, but they are not like Thy law, O Lord. All Thy commandments are truth. Without a cause have men persecuted me; do Thou help me. They well nigh made an end of me on the earth; but as for me, I forsook not Thy commandments. According to Thy mercy quicken me, and I will keep the testimonies of Thy mouth. For ever, O Lord, Thy word abideth in heaven.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia. Thrice

Unto generation and generation is Thy truth; Thou hast laid the foundation of the earth, and it abideth. By Thine ordinance doth the day abide, for all things are Thy servants. If Thy law had not been my meditation, then should I have perished in my humiliation. I will never forget Thy statutes, for in them hast Thou quickened me. I am Thine, save me; for after Thy statutes have I sought. Sinners have waited for me to destroy me; but Thy testimonies have I understood. Of all perfection have I seen the outcome; exceeding spacious is Thy commandment. O how I have loved Thy law, O Lord! the whole day long it is my meditation. Above mine enemies hast Thou made me wise in Thy commandment, for it is mine for ever.

Deacon: Again we pray for the repose of the departed servant of God, N. and that he may be forgiven every transgression, both voluntary and involuntary.

Tone 6 [Sticheron Melody]: O my beloved brethren, / forget me not when ye sing unto the Lord, / but be ye mindful of our brotherhood, and entreat God, // that the Lord grant me rest with the righteous. Sudden death hath overtaken me, / and hath separated me from mine own this day. / O Christ Who hast translated me, // grant me rest in places of coolness.

Above all that teach me have I gained understanding, for Thy testimonies are my meditation. Above mine elders have I received understanding, for after Thy commandments have I sought. From every way that is evil have I restrained my feet that I might keep Thy words. From Thy judgments have I not declined, for Thou hast set a law for me. How sweet to my palate are Thy sayings! more sweet than honey to my mouth. From Thy commandments have I gained understanding; therefore have I hated every way of unrighteousness. Thy law is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my paths. I have sworn and resolved that I will keep the judgments of Thy righteousness. I was humbled exceedingly; O Lord, quicken me according to Thy word.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

The free-will offerings of my mouth be Thou now pleased to receive, O Lord, and teach me Thy judgments. My soul is in Thy hands continually, and Thy law have I not forgotten. Sinners have set a snare for me, yet from Thy commandment have I not strayed. I have inherited Thy testimonies for ever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined my heart to perform Thy statutes for ever for a recompense. Transgressors have I hated, but Thy law have I loved. My helper and my protector art Thou; on Thy words have I set my hope. Depart from me, ye evil-doers, and I will search out the commandments of my God. Uphold me according to Thy saying and quicken me, and turn me not away in shame from mine expectation.

Deacon: That the Lord God commit his soul to where the righteous repose.

Help me, and I shall be saved; and I will meditate on Thy statutes continually. Thou hast set at nought all that depart from Thy statutes, for unrighteous is their inward thought. I have reckoned as transgressors all the sinners of the earth, therefore have I loved Thy testimonies. Nail down my flesh with the fear of Thee, for of Thy judgments am I afraid. I have wrought judgment and righteousness; O give me not up to them that wrong me. Receive Thy servant unto good, let not the proud falsely accuse me. Mine eyes have failed with waiting for Thy salvation, and for the word of Thy righteousness. Deal with Thy servant according to Thy mercy, and teach me Thy statutes. I am Thy servant; give me understanding, and I shall know Thy testimonies.

Choir: Lord, have mercy. Thrice.

It is time for the Lord to act; for they have dispersed Thy law. Therefore have I loved Thy commandments more than gold and topaz. Therefore I directed myself according to all Thy commandments; every way that is unrighteous have I hated. Wonderful are Thy testimonies; therefore hath my soul searched them out.

Deacon: The mercy of God, the kingdom of Heaven, and the remission of his sins, let us ask of Christ the Immortal King and our God.

The unfolding of Thy words will give light and understanding unto babes.

Choir: Grant this, O Lord.

I opened my mouth and drew in my breath, for I longed for Thy commandments. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord

And we begin the Third Stasis of the Kathisma in the 3rd Tone:

Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Look upon me and have mercy on me, according to the judgment of them that love Thy name. Refrain: Alleluia. My steps do Thou direct according to Thy saying, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. Deliver me from the false accusation of men, and I will keep Thy commandments. Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant, and teach me Thy statutes. Mine eyes have poured forth streams of waters, because I kept not Thy law. Righteous art Thou, O Lord, and upright are Thy judgments. Thou hast ordained as Thy testimonies exceeding righteousness and truth. My zeal for Thee hath made me to pine away, because mine enemies have forgotten Thy words. Thine oracle is tried with fire to the uttermost, and Thy servant hath loved it.

Priest: For Thou art the Resurrection, and the life, and the repose of Thy departed servant N., O Christ our God, and unto Thee do we send up glory, together with Thine unoriginate Father, and Thy most holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.

I am young and accounted as nothing, yet Thy statutes have I not forgotten. Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Thy law is truth. Tribulations and necessities have found me, Thy commandments are my meditation. Thy testimonies are righteousness for ever; give me understanding and I shall live. I have cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord, and I will seek after Thy statutes. I have cried unto Thee; save me, and I will keep Thy testimonies. I arose in the dead of night and I cried; on Thy words have I set my hope. Mine eyes woke before the morning that I might meditate on Thy sayings. Hear my voice, O Lord, according to Thy mercy; according to Thy judgment, quicken me. They have drawn nigh that lawlessly persecute me, but from Thy law are they far removed.

Choir: Amen.

Near art Thou, O Lord, and all Thy ways are truth. From the beginning I have known from Thy testimonies that Thou hast founded them for ever. Behold my humiliation and rescue me, for Thy law have I not forgotten. Judge my cause and redeem me; for Thy word's sake quicken me. Far from sinners is salvation, for they have not sought after Thy statutes. Thy compassions are many, O Lord; according to Thy judgment quicken me. Many are they that persecute me and afflict me; from Thy testimonies have I not declined. I beheld men acting foolishly and I pined away, because they kept not Thy sayings. Behold, how I have loved Thy commandments; O Lord, in Thy mercy, quicken me. The beginning of Thy words is truth, and all the judgments of Thy righteousness endure for ever.

Then the Songs of Ascents:

Princes have persecuted me without a cause, and because of Thy words my heart hath been afraid. I will rejoice in Thy sayings as one that findeth great spoil. Unrighteousness have I hated and abhorred, but Thy law have I loved. Seven times a day have I praised Thee for the judgments of Thy righteousness. Much peace have they that love Thy law, and for them there is no stumbling-block. I awaited Thy salvation, O Lord, and Thy commandments have I loved. My soul hath kept Thy testimonies and hath loved them exceedingly. I have kept Thy commandments and Thy testimonies, for all my ways are before Thee, O Lord. Let my supplication draw nigh before Thee, O Lord; according to Thine oracle give me understanding.

Deacon: Let us attend.

Let my petition come before Thee, O Lord; according to Thine oracle deliver me. My lips shall pour forth a hymn when Thou hast taught me Thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of Thy sayings, for all Thy commandments are righteousness. Let Thy hand be for saving me, for I have chosen Thy commandments. I have longed for Thy salvation, O Lord, and Thy law is my meditation. My soul shall live and shall praise Thee, and Thy judgments will help me. I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost; O seek Thy servant, for I have not forgotten Thy commandments.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

A full censing is done, the priest censing, and the deacon preceding him with a candle, as at Matins.

Reader: And to thy spirit.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord; / teach me Thy statutes.

Deacon: Wisdom!

and the Door of Paradise. / May I also find the way through repentance. / I am the lost sheep, call me back, O Savior, // and save me.

Reader: The Prokimenon in the 6th Tone: Blessed is the way in which thou shalt go today, O soul; for a resting place is prepared for thee.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord; / teach me Thy statutes.

Choir: Blessed is the way in which thou shalt go today, O soul; for a resting place is prepared for thee.

Ye that have preached the Lamb of God, / and like lambs were slain, O holy ones, / translated unto life unaging and everlasting, / fervently entreat Him, O ye martyrs, // to grant us forgiveness of our sins.

Reader: Unto Thee, O Lord, will I cry, O My God, be not silent unto me, lest, if Thou be silent to me, I become like them that go down into the pit.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord; / teach me Thy statutes.

Choir: Blessed is the way in which thou shalt go today, O soul; for a resting place is prepared for thee.

Ye that have trod the narrow way of sorrow; / all ye that in life have taken up the Cross as a yoke, / and have followed Me in faith, / come, enjoy the honors and heavenly crowns // which I have prepared for you.

Reader: Blessed is the way in which thou shalt go today, O soul.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord; / teach me Thy statutes.

Choir: For a resting place is prepared for thee.

I am an image of Thine ineffable glory, / though I bear the wounds of sin; / take compassion on Thy creature, O Master, / and cleanse me by Thy loving-kindness; / and grant me the desired fatherland, // making me again a dweller of paradise.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord; / teach me Thy statutes.

Reader: The Reading is from the First Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians [1 Thess. 4:13-17].

O Thou Who of old didst create me out of nothing, / and didst honor me with Thine image divine, / but because of my transgression of Thy commandment / didst return me again unto the earth, from which I was taken: / Raise me up according to Thy likeness, // that I may be fashioned in the former beauty.

Deacon: Let us attend.

Refrain: Blessed art Thou, O Lord; / teach me Thy statutes.

Reader: Brethren: I would not have you to be ignorant, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not precede them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Give rest, O God, to Thy servant; / and commit him to paradise, / where the choirs of the saints, O Lord, / and the righteous shine as the stars; / give rest unto Thy departed servant, // disregarding all his sins.

Priest: Peace be unto thee.

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

Reader: And to thy spirit.

Triadicon: The triple radiance of the one Godhead let us piously hymn, / crying aloud: Holy art Thou, O unoriginate Father, / co-unoriginate Son, and Divine Spirit; / enlighten us who with faith worship thee // and snatch us from the fire eternal.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Reader: Alleluia in the 8th Tone. Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and hast taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Rejoice, O thou pure one, / who gavest birth to God in the flesh for the salvation of all, / and through whom mankind hath found salvation; / through thee may we find paradise, // O Theotokos, pure and blessed. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. Thrice.

Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Sessional Hymns

Deacon: Wisdom! Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Glory O Christ our God who from a Virgin hast shone forth upon the world, / and through her hast made us sons of light, // have mercy on us.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to John the Theologian [5:24-30].

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend.

Priest: The Lord said to the Jews which came unto Him: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy!

Priest: O Master Lord our God, Who alone dost possess immortality, Who dwellest in unapproachable light, Who killest and givest life, Who bringest down into hades and leadest up: In Thy wisdom Thou didst form man, and returnest him again to the earth, exacting his soul as a debt. We pray Thee: Accept the soul of Thy servant, and grant him rest in the bosom of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; and bestow upon him the crown of Thy righteousness, the portion of the saved, unto the glory of Thine elect, that for those things wherein he labored in this world for Thy name

Choir: Amen.

Then this sessional hymn is chanted:

Deacon: Let us attend.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Reader: And to thy spirit.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: The Prokimenon in the 6th Tone: Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Choir: Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Reader: To Thee is due praise, O God, in Zion.

Choir: Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Reader: Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen.

Choir: And taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans [Rom. 5: 12-21].

Deacon: Let us attend.

Reader: Brethren: As by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of Him Who was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification. For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Priest: Peace be unto thee.

Reader: And to thy spirit.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: Alleluia in the 6th Tone. Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and hast taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Deacon: Wisdom! Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to John the Theologian [5: 17-24].

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend.

Priest: The Lord said to the Jews who came to Him:

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy!

Priest: We thank Thee, O Lord our God, for Thou alone art immortal, Thy glory is unapproachable, Thy love for mankind is ineffable, Thy kingship is eternal, and there is in Thee no respect of persons: for Thou hast appointed a common end to life for all men, when their life hath been fulfilled. Wherefore, we entreat Thee, O Lord: In the bosom of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob grant rest unto Thy departed servant N., who was our concelebrant. And as Thou didst ordain him on earth as a minister for the Church, so do Thou show him to stand at Thy heavenly altar. And as Thou didst adorn Him with dignity among spiritual men, receive him uncondemned into the glory of the angels. As Thou Thyself didst glorify his life on earth, so do Thou Thyself render his departure from this life to be an entry among Thy holy and righteous ones, and reckon his spirit among all who have been well pleasing unto Thee from ages past.

Choir: Amen.

The Choir then chanteth Antiphon II:

Then Psalm 23 is chanted, with Alleluia, thrice, as a refrain after each of its verses: The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof, the world, and all that dwell therein. Alleluia Thrice He hath founded it upon the seas, and upon the rivers hath he prepared it. Alleluia Thrice Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place? Alleluia Thrice He that is innocent in hands and pure in heart, who hath not received his soul in vain, and hath not sworn deceitfully to his neighbor. Alleluia Thrice Such a one shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Saviour. Alleluia Thrice This is the generation of them that seek the Lord, of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob. Alleluia Thrice

Whereupon we chant this sessional hymn:

Deacon: Let us attend.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Reader: And to thy spirit.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: The Prokimenon in the 6th Tone: Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Choir: Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Reader: His memory is unto generation and generation.

Choir: Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Reader: Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen.

Choir: And taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from the First Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Corinthians [I Cor. 15: 1-11].

Deacon: Let us attend.

Reader: Brethren: I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures: and that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, He was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all, He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, who am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

Priest: Peace be unto thee.

Reader: And to thy spirit.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: Alleluia in the 6th Tone. Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and hast taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Deacon: Wisdom! Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to John the Theologian [6:35-39].

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend.

Priest: The Lord said to the Jews who came to Him:

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord, have mercy!

Priest: O Lord of hosts, joy of the sorrowful and comfort of those who weep, Who art the help of all who are faint-hearted: Comforting with Thy loving-kindness those afflicted with lamentation for the departed, ease Thou the pain which lieth upon their hearts, and grant rest in the bosom of Abraham unto Thy servant N., who hath reposed in the hope of resurrection and life everlasting.

Choir: Amen.

Then the Choir chanteth Antiphon III:

The Choir then chanteth these troparia;

Deacon: Let us attend.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Reader: And to thy spirit.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: The Prokimenon in the 6th Tone: His soul shall dwell among good things.

Choir: His soul shall dwell among good things.

Reader: Unto Thee, O Lord, will I cry: O my God, be not silent unto me.

Choir: His soul shall dwell among good things.

Reader: His soul shall dwell.

Choir: Among good things.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from the First Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Corinthians [I Cor. 15: 20-28].

Deacon: Let us attend.

Reader: Brethren: Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of those who slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For He hath put all things under His feet. But when He saith all things are put under Him, it is manifest that He is excepted, Who did put all things under Him. And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him Who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Priest: Peace be unto thee.

Reader: And to thy spirit.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: Alleluia in the 6th Tone.

Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Reader: Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord.

Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Reader: His seed shall be mighty on the earth.

Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Deacon: Wisdom! Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to John the Theologian [6: 40-44].

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend.

Priest: The Lord said to the Jews who came to Him:

Choir: In Thy kingdom remember us, O Lord, * when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.

Priest: Of old, Adam, who had tasted of the tree whose fruit was edible, was driven from paradise; but the thief who hung suspended upon the cross, having confessed Thee to be God found a dwelling-place in paradise. And, emulating the thief, we who have been saved by Thy suffering, O Master, cry out with faith: Remember us also when Thou comest in Thy kingdom.

Choir: Blessed are the pure in heart, * for they shall see God.

Priest: Taking dust from the earth, He Who fashioned me formed my body by His divine desire; and breathing my spirit in with a life-bearing breath, He laid upon it holy precepts. In Thine extreme loving-kindness, O Thou Who lovest mankind, Thou didst call me forth who was wickedly inclined toward sinful corruption. O God, grant rest with Thy saints unto him whom Thou hast received

Choir: Blessed are the peacemakers, * for they shall be called the sons of God.

Priest: When the soul is parted from the body, it is a mystery awesome and terrible to all. The soul departeth, weeping; and the body is committed to the ground and covered over. Wherefore, acknowledging this final departure, let us go now to the Savior, crying out with tears: Remember us also when Thou comest in Thy kingdom!

Choir: Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake, * for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Choir: Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, * and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Priest: The most wise Paul clearly foretold our departure, teaching all that the dead will arise uncorrupt, and we shall be changed by the command of God. Wherefore, the trumpet shall sound in awesome manner, and arouse those asleep from ages past. Grant rest with Thy saints, O God, unto him whom Thou hast received.

Choir: Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, * for great is your reward in the heavens.

Priest: He who hath departed lieth dead in the grave, and He Who is easy to reconcile crieth out unto all:

Choir: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, * both now and ever, * and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Priest: O Mistress, without seed thou didst supernaturally conceive in thy womb the pre

Deacon: Let us attend.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Reader: And to thy spirit.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: The Prokimenon in the 6th Tone: Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Choir: Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Reader: His soul shall dwell among good things.

Choir: Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Reader: Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen.

Choir: And taken to Thyself, O Lord.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans [14: 6-9].

Deacon: Let us attend.

Reader: Brethren: He who regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he who regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He who eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he who eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that He might be Lord both of the dead and living.

Priest: Peace be unto thee.

Reader: And to thy spirit.

Deacon: Wisdom!

Reader: Alleluia in the 6th Tone.

Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Reader: Blessed is he whom Thou hast chosen and taken to thyself, O Lord.

Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Reader: His soul shall dwell among good things.

Choir: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

Deacon: Wisdom! Aright! Let us hear the Holy Gospel.

Priest: Peace be unto all.

Choir: And to thy spirit.

Priest: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to John the Theologian [6: 48-54].

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

Deacon: Let us attend.

Priest: The Lord said to the Jews who came to Him:

Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.