The Service of Consecration
THE CONSECRATION
OF A
GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
What is salvation for an Orthodox Christian? For an Orthodox
Christian salvation is union with Christ. This union with
Christ is called the "Life in Christ". The center
of this "Life in Christ" is the Holy Altar, as
well as the services which are related to it, i.e. the Seven
Sacraments. Because the Holy Altar is so important in the
life of an Orthodox Christian, the service of Consecration
centers around the Holy Altar Table. In simple terms the
Consecration Service is the Baptism and Chrismation of the
Church.
Before the Consecration Service begins, all Articles on
the Altar Table are removed, and the Altar is left uncovered
with nothing on it. When the Bishop enters the Church he
will bring with him the relics of three Saints. These relics
will be placed on a Paten (Diskarion), which will remain
on the Altar Table overnight, together with a Vigil Light.
INTRODUCTORY SERVICES AND VESPERS
The Consecration of the Church begins on the Eve of the
celebration with a short Prayer Service honoring the memory
of Martyrs. The Vespers, a very joyous celebration follows,
and many Priests participate in it to share in the joy of
the coming event.
On Sunday Morning the order of services is: Matins (Morning
Prayer), the Consecration Service and the first Divine Liturgy
in the newly consecrated Church.
MATINS (Orthros)
The Matins is a morning service held prior to the Divine
Liturgy. It begins with the reading of the six Psalms (3,
37, 62, 87,102,142) and ends with the Great Doxology. During
Matins resurrection and consecration hymns are sung. The
Priest will also celebrate part of the Proskomidi Service
(preparing the Gifts which will be used during the Divine
Liturgy). At the appointed time the Bishop will enter the
Church and will put on his vestments (Ceremonial Robes).
At the end of Matins the Bishop will begin the Service of
Consecration.
THE CONSECRATION SERVICE
What exactly takes place during the Consecration? The Consecration
is a special service which "changes" an ordinary
building into the House of God. This change takes place
through the Grace of God and the Holy Spirit. Many symbolic
actions take place such as:
- The Three Processions around the Church Building.
- The Placing of, and Sealing of, the Holy Relics in the
Altar Table.
- The Washing and Anointing of the Altar Table.
- The Placing of the new Altar Coverings and other Holy
Articles on the Holy Table.
- The Lighting of the Vigil Light.
THE SERVICE OF CONSECRATION
THE BISHOP: Blessed is our God always, now and ever
and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen
READER: Psalm 143 ; Hear, O Lord, my prayer
give ear to my supplication;in Thy faithfulness answer me
and in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with
Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified.
For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my
life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness,
as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit
overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. I
remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy works; I
muse on the work of Thy hands. I stretch forth my hands
unto Thee; my soul thirsteth after Thee as a thirsty land.
Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth; hide not Thy
face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into
the pit. Cause me to hear Thy loving-kindness in the
morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way
wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee.
Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto Thee
to hide me. Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God;
Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
Quicken me, O Lord, for Thy name's sake; for Thy righteousness
sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of Thy mercy cut
off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul;
for I am Thy servant.
*DEACON: Again and again in peace let us pray
to the Lord.
*When the Deacon is not present, the Priest recites
his petitions.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us and
protect us, O God, by Thy Grace.
Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorified
Lady, Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, with all the Saints,
let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life
to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To You O Lord.
THE BISHOP: For holy art Thou our God, and unto
Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son and
to the Holy Spirit now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
Bishop standing before the Holy Relics reads the prayer:
THE BISHOP: O Lord our God, faithful in Thy words
and truthful in Thy promises Who hast granted Thy holy Martyrs
to fight the good fight and to fulfill the course of godliness
and to keep the faith of true confession: Be Thou, the same
all-holy Lord, entreated of their prayers and grant
unto us Thine unworthy servants, to have a part and inheritance
with them, that being followers of them, we also may obtain
the good things which await them.
Through Thy mercy and love toward mankind of Thine Only; begotten
Son with Whom Thou art blessed, together with Thine all; holy,
good and life-giving spirit, now and ever and unto
the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
THE BISHOP: Peace be with you all.
CHOIR: And with thy spirit.
DEACON: Let us bow our heads unto the Lord.
CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.
THE BISHOP: O Lord our God, through the intercessions
of our Holy Lady and Mother of God and of all Thy saints
direct the works of our hands, Thine unworthy servants,
and make us worthy that we may in all things prove to be
acceptable unto Thy goodness.
Blessed and glorified be the majesty of Thy Kingdom, of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and
ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
PROCESSIONS AROUND THE CHURCH
Following this prayer, the Bishop and Clergy together with
all the Faithful prepare for the Three Processions around
the Church. The Three Processions represent the setting
aside of an area which will be separate and sacred from
all other areas.
The Bishop raises the covered Paten on which the Holy
Relics were placed, and prepares to leave the Church. The
procession is led by the Altar Boys, followed by the Choir
and Cantors, the Priests, the Bishop carrying the Relics,
and the Faithful, leaving the Church empty. As the procession
leaves the Church the Choir or Cantor sings:
HYMNS
O Holy Martyrs, who fought the good fight and have received
your crowns, entreat the Lord to save our souls.
Glory to Thee, O Christ God, the Apostles' pride, the Martyrs,
joy, who have preached the consubstantial Trinity.
During the processions around the Church special consecration
hymns are sung, or the Hymn "Holy God, Holy and Mighty..."
Tone 1
Be renewed, be renewed, O New Jerusalem, because your light
has shown, and the glory of the Lord has come upon you.
This house has been founded by the Father, this house has
been made firm by the Son, this house has been renewed by,
the Holy Spirit, which illumines and supports, and hallows
our souls.
In early times, while the temple was consecrated, Solomon
offered to the Lord sacrifices of animals and holocausts.
When you were pleased in us O Saviour, to forgo the formalities
and let the truth be known, the whole world offers to You
the bloodless sacrifices to Your glory, because You are
the Lord of all things and make everything holy through
Your Holy Spirit.
Tone Pl. 2
The Consecration is an old honored custom, and a good one.
It is however proper to honor new churches through the consecration
as an island dedicated to God. As Isaiah says: we have acquired
these sites from the congregation of the gentiles, and established
them as churches on the solid foundation of God's Name.
This is why we are celebrating this Consecration in a spiritual
manner.
When the procession reaches the front of the Church, the
Bishop places the Holy Relics on table, which has been previously
placed there, and readings from the Bible follow. A section
of St. Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews 2:11-18, and
St. Matthew 16:13-20 is read.
SCRIPTURAL READINGS
DEACON: Let us attend.
READER: The Lord is my light and my salvation. The
Lord is the protection of my life.
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul
to the Hebrews (2:11-18).
DEACON: Let us attend.
READER: For he who sanctifies and those who are
sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed
to call them brethren, saying, I will proclaim Thy name
to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will
praise Thee. And again, I will put my trust in Him. And
again. Here am I, and the children God has given me. Since,
therefore, the children share in flesh and blood, he himself
likewise partook of the power of death, that is, the devil
and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject
to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that
He is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore
He had to be made like His brethren in every respect, so
that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest
in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of
the people. For because He Himself has suffered and been
tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted.
THE BISHOP: Peace be with you, Reader.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
DEACON: Wisdom. Attend, Let us hear the Holy Gospel.
THE BISHOP: Peace be with you all.
CHOIR: And with your spirit.
THE BISHOP: The reading is from the Holy Gospel
of St. Matthew (16:13-20).
DEACON: Let us attend.
CHOIR: Glory to Thee, o Lord, glory to Thee.
THE BISHOP: Now when Jesus came into the district
of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples. "Who
do men say that the Son of man is?" And they said.
"Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and
others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to
them. "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter
replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living
God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you,
Simon Bar Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this
to you, but My Father Who is in heaven. And I tell you,
you are Peter, and on the rock I will build my church, and
the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will
give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever
you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever
you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
CHOIR: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
Once again, the Bishop picks up the Paten, and the second
procession around the Church takes place, while the Choir
sings Special Hymns, or "Holy God, Holy mighty..."
When the procession reaches the front doors of the Church,
the Relics are again placed on the table, and readings from
the Bible follow.
SCRIPTURAL READINGS
DEACON: Let us attend.
READER: She shall be brought unto the King; the
virgins that follow her shall be brought unto Thee.
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul
to the Hebrews (9:1-7).
DEACON: Let us attend.
READER: Now even the first covenant had regulations
for worship and an earthly sanctuary For a tent was prepared,
the outer one, in which were the lamp stand and the table
and the bread of the Presence; it is called the Holy Place.
Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of
Holies, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of
the covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained
a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's rod that budded
and the tables of the covenant above it were the cherubim
of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things
we cannot now speak in detail. These preparations having
thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer
tent, performing their ritual duties; but into the second
only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not
without taking blood which he offers for himself and for
the errors of the people.
THE BISHOP: Peace be with you, Reader.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
DEACON: Wisdom. Attend. Let us hear the Holy Gospel.
THE BISHOP: Peace be with you all.
CHOIR: And with thy spirit.
THE BISHOP: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel
according to St. Luke (10:38-42).
DEACON: Let us attend.
THE BISHOP: Now as they went on their way Jesus
entered a village; and a woman named Martha received Him
into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat
at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha
was distracted with much serving and she went to him and
said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me
to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord
answered her. “Martha, Martha you are anxious and troubled
about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen
the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.”
CHOIR: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
The Bishop picks up the Paten with the Holy Relics,
and the final procession takes place. The Choir continues
to sing Special Hymns or "Holy God, Holy mighty..."
At the end of the third procession the Bishop places
the Paten on the table and recites a prayer.
THE BISHOP: Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God,
now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
CHOIR: O Christ our God, Who didst build Thy Church
upon the rock of faith, direct our petitions and receive
Thy people who in faith cry unto Thee, save us, O our God.
DEACON: Let us pray to Lord.
The Bishop then offers a shorter prayer in which he asks
God to protect His new House of Worship.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
THE BISHOP: Blessed be Thou forever, O God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who through the veil of His flesh
hath consecrated for us an entrance into the Church of the
first-born, who are written in heaven, where is the
abode of those who rejoice, and the voice of gladness; Do
Thou the same Lord, Who lovest mankind, look upon us Thy
sinful and unworthy servants who now celebrate the consecration
of the honorable Church of the Holy Apostles after the pattern
of Thy most holy Church, that is, of our own body, which
Thou hast made worthy unto us by Thine all-laudable
Apostle Paul to call Thy Church; and establish it immovable
unto the end of time and glorified in Thee. And vouchsafe
that without condemnation we may offer therein praises and
exaltations unto Thy glory, and unto Thine Only; begotten
Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and Thy Holy Spirit with understanding,
and with all emotion and that those who worship Thee in
Thy fear may show themselves worthy of Thy divine bounties;
and that these prayers offered up by us and by all Thy people
unto thine ineffable loving kindness may be acceptable unto
Thy goodness: Through the prayers of our most holy Lady,
Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary.
For holy art Thou, O our God, Who restest on the Saints.
And unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father and to
the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages
of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
THE BISHOP: O Master, Lord our God, Who hast appointed
in heaven orders and armies of angels and archangels for
the ministry of Thy Glory: Grant that there may be with
our entrance, the entrance of Thy holy angels, ministering
with us and glorifying with us Thy goodness.
For unto Thee are due all glory, honor and worship, to
the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and
ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
THE DIALOGUE FROM PSALM 24 - ENTRY
INTO CHURCH
The Bishop standing in front of the Doors of the Church,
begins a short dialogue. The words of this conversation
are taken from Psalm 24. This act represents Christ the
King entering and taking over the Church building by defeating
the power of the devil. The Bishop taps on the door with
his staff and says:
THE BISHOP: Open, Open the gates and let them remain
open forever and let the King of glory enter.
The priest, who is the only one inside the Church
and represents an Angel, is surprised to hear this command,
and asks: Who is this King of Glory?
THE BISHOP: The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord
mighty in battle, the Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.
(This dialogue is repeated 3 times.)
Having said this, the Bishop raises the Paten
and makes the sign of the Cross before the Church doors. The doors
are then unlocked by the Godparent, and the Bishop enters the Church
carrying the Holy Relics followed by all the clergy and the congregation.
The faithful light candles, venerate the Holy Icons in the Narthex,
and return to their seats. The psalti (chanter) in the meantime
sings:
Forasmuch as Thou hast shown forth the splendor of the
firmament on high and the beauty of the holy habitation
of Thy glory here below, O Lord: Establish Thou the same
forever, and accept our petitions continually offered unto
Thee therein; Through the Theotokos, O Thou Who art the
life and the Resurrection of all men.
THE DEPOSITION OF THE HOLY RELICS
The Bishop enters the Sanctuary, carrying the Paten with
the Holy relics. Uncovering the Paten, he places the Holy
Relics in a small gold box. He then pours Holy Chrism over
the Relics; this act symbolizes the union between our Lord,
and His Martyrs. Having done this the Bishop prays for the
founders of the Church who have fallen asleep (died).
THE BISHOP: Eternal be the memory of the builders
of this Holy Church.
CONGREGATION: Eternal be their memory.
In the early years of Christianity the Church was
not allowed to exist; for many years the early Christians
were persecuted and killed for their faith in Christ.
In those days, the Christians met in underground burial
places and celebrated the Eucharist on the graves of the
martyred Saints. When the persecutions ended, and the
Church was allowed to exist, the custom of celebrating
the Eucharist over the graves of Martyrs continued by
placing Holy Relics in the Altar at the time of the Consecration.
In this manner, we are always reminded that the Church
was built on the Blood of the Martyrs and their faith
in the Lord.
Since the Consecration centers around the Holy Altar Table
(for it represents the center of all Sacraments and services
of the Church), the Bishop prays and asks for God's help
to accomplish the service:
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
THEBISHOP: O Lord our God, Who hast bestowed upon
the holy Martyrs which suffered for Thy sake this glory
also, that their relics should be sown in all the earth,
in Thy holy churches, and should bring forth fruits of healing:
Do Thou, the Same Master, Who art the giver of all good
things, through the intercession of the Saints whose relics
Thou hast graciously permitted to be placed in this Thy
venerable Altar, enable us without condemnation to offer
unto Thee thereon the bloodless sacrifice: And grant us
all those petitions which are unto salvation, vouchsafing
also to the relics therein of those who have suffered for
thy holy Name, that they may work miracles unto our salvation.
For Thine art 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 ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
There follows a shorter prayer in which the Bishop once
again asks for God's Blessings and help:
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
THE BISHOP: O Lord, God our Saviour, Who createst
all things and makest the race of man for salvation, accept
the prayer of us, Thine unworthy servants; and enable us
at this present hour without condemnation to accomplish
the consecration of this Church, founded to Thy praise in
the name of (Church's Name) and to consummate the
building therein of an Altar.
For unto Thee are due all glory, honor and worship, to
the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and
ever, and unto ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
Following these two prayers the Bishop places the gold
box containing the Holy relics into a special cavity in
the altar. In order to seal them permanently the Bishop
pours wax/mastic over them. The wax/mastic contains many
sweet smelling and fragrant spices, which were used by Joseph
of Arimathea and Nicodemus to anoint the Body of Christ
in preparation for burial. The Holy Altar represents the
Tomb in which our Lord's body was placed. All of this takes
place during the reading of Psalm 145.
READER: Psalm 145; I will magnify Thee, O
God, my King; and I will praise Thy Name forever and ever.
Every day will I give thanks unto Thee: and praise Thy Name
forever and ever. Great is the Lord and marvelous worthy
to be praised; there is no end of his greatness. One generation
shall praise Thy works unto another and declare Thy power.
As for me I will be talking of Thy worship, Thy glory, Thy
praise, and wondrous works; so that men shall speak of the
might of Thy marvelous acts; and I will also tell of Thy
greatness. The memorial of Thine abundant kindness shall
be showed and men shall sing of Thy righteousness. The Lord
is gracious and merciful; longsuffering, and of great goodness.
The Lord is loving unto every man; and His mercy is over
all His works. All thy works praise Thee, O Lord; and Thy
saints give thanks unto Thee. They show the glory of Thy
Kingdom, and talk of Thy power, that Thy power, Thy glory,
and mightiness of Thy Kingdom, might be known unto men.
Thy kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and Thy dominion
endureth throughout all ages. The Lord upholdeth all such
as fall, and lifteth up all those that are down. The eyes
of all wait upon Thee, O Lord; and Thou givest them their
meat in due season. Thou openest Thine hand, and fillest
all things living with plenteousness. The Lord is nigh unto
all them that call upon Him; yea, all such as call upon
Him faithfully. He will fulfill the desire of them that
fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will help them.
The Lord preserveth all them that love Him; but scattereth
abroad all the ungodly. My mouth shall speak the Praise
of the Lord; and let all flesh give thanks unto Him holy
Name forever and ever.
As the Bishop removes the excess wax/mastic, Psalm 23 is
read. The Deposition (placing of the Holy Relics in the
Altar Table) is now completed, and the Bishop prepares to
wash and anoint the Altar Table.
Psalm 23; The Lord is my shepherd, therefore can
I lack nothing. He shall feed me in a green pasture, and
lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. He shall convert
my soul, and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness
of His Name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art
with me; Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me. Thou shalt prepare
a table before me against them that trouble me; Thou hast
anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full. But
Thy loving kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
THE WASHING OF THE ALTAR TABLE
Since the Altar Table represents the Tomb of Christ and
His body lies therein. The Altar must undergo its own "Baptism"
(washing) and "Chrismation" (anointing). Before
washing and anointing the Altar Table the Bishop puts on
a white linen garment called the Savanon. While the faithful
kneel, the Bishop reads the prayer of Consecration:
THE BISHOP: Blessed is our God always, now and ever
and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
DEACON: Again and again, bending on our knees, let
us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
THE BISHOP: O God, without beginning and eternal,
Who callest all things into being from nothingness; Who
dwellest in light unapproachable, and hast the heavens for
Thy throne, and the earth for Thy footstool; Who didst give
a law and pattern unto Moses and didst inspire Bezaleel
with the spirit of wisdom, and dist enable them to complete
the perfect building of the Tabernacle of Thy Covenant,
wherein ordinances of divine worship were instituted which
were the images and types of the truth; Who didst bestow
upon Solomon breadth and greatness of heart, and thereby
didst rear of old the Church; and upon Thy holy and all; laudable
Apostles didst renew the service in the Spirit, and the
grace of the true Tabernacle, and through the same, O Lord
of Hosts, didst plant thy Churches and Thine Altars in all
the earth, that there might be offered unto Thee consecrated
and bloodless sacrifices; Who, also, hast graciously been
pleased to found this Church, in the Name of (Church's
Name) to Thy glory, and to the glory of Thine Only‑begotten
Son, and of Thine all‑holy Spirit: Do Thou, the same
immortal and generous King, call to mind Thy bounties and
Thy mercies, which are from everlasting, and abhor not us
who are defiled with a multitude of sins, neither annual
Thou Thy Covenant because of our uncleanliness; but disregard
Thou now our iniquities, and strengthen us with the Grace
and inspiration of Thy life‑giving and Holy Spirit,
that without condemnation we may accomplish the renewal
of this Church, and fulfill the consecration of the Altar
therein; that therein blessing Thee in Psalms, and songs,
and mystical rites we may always magnify Thy loving‑kindness.
Yea, O Master, Lord our God, the hope of all the ends of
the earth, hear us sinners who make our supplications unto
Thee, and send down Thine all‑holy and worshipful,
and almighty Spirit, and sanctify this Church and this Altar;
Fill it with the light everlasting; elect it for Thy dwelling
place; make it the abode of Thy glory. Adorn it with Thy
divine and supernatural gifts. Appoint it for a haven of
the tempest tossed, for a healing of passions, for a refuge
of the weak, for an expelling of evil spirits. Let Thine
eyes be open upon it day and night and let Thine ears be
heedful of the prayer of those who shall enter therein in
Thy fear, and in devoutness, and shall call upon Thine all
honorable and worshipful Name; that whatsoever they shall
ask of Thee, Thou wilt hear it in heaven above and wilt
show mercy and be gracious unto them. Preserve it indestructible
even unto the end of the ages, and show forth the holy Altar
therein, an Altar of Thy Holy Things through the power and
indwelling of Thy Holy Spirit, Glorify it above the Mercy
Seat according to the Law; that the holy offices which shall
be celebrated thereon may attain unto Thy holy, and most
heavenly and supersensual Altar and obtain for us the grace
of Thy most pure over‑shadowing; for we trust not
in the service of our unworthy hands, but in Thine unspeakable
goodness.
The Deacon then offers petitions for the peace of the world,
for the Church and city in which it is located, for the
Consecrating Bishop, and for the Holy Altar Table.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, raise
and protect us, O God by Thy Grace.
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For the peace from above, and the salvation
of our souls let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For this Holy House and for those that enter
it with faith, reverence and fear of God, let us pray to
the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For our (Consecrating Bishop) the
honorable Priesthood, the Diaconate in Christ and for all
clergy and laity, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For the work of our hands and our assembled
brethren, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For the sanctification of this Holy House
and the Altar therein through the descent, might and works
of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For this City and every city and land and
for the faithful who dwell in them, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For those who travel by land, sea and air,
for the sick, the suffering and captives and for their salvation,
let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save, have mercy on us, O God,
by Thy Grace.
Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed and glorified
Lady, Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the
Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our
whole life to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.
THE BISHOP: For holy art Thou, O our God, Who restest
among the Saints and the Martyrs who suffered for Thee,
and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of
ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
A basin of water is brought to the Bishop who blesses and
prays for its sanctification.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
THE BISHOP: O Lord our God, Who sanctified the streams
of Jordan by Thy saving manifestation. Do Thou, the same
Lord, Send down also now the Grace of the all; Holy
Spirit on this Thy present Altar and bless us and this water
unto sanctification and completion of Thy Holy Altar.
For blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
THE BISHOP: In the name of the Father and the Son
and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
The Bishop then pours water on the Altar three times saying:
"In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit",
and washes the Altar Table while Psalm 84 is read. This
act symbolizes Baptism: The Altar is cleaned by washing,
and sanctified (made Holy) by the Grace of the Holy Spirit.
After washing, the Altar is then dried.
READER: Psalm 84 - O how amiable are Thy dwellings,
Thou Lord of Hosts! My soul hath a desire and longing to
enter into the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh
rejoice in the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found her
a house, and the swallow a nest, where she may lay her young;
even Thy altars, O Lord of Hosts, my King and my God. Blessed
are they that dwell in Thy house they will be always praising
Thee. Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee; in whose
heart are Thy ways. Who going through the valley of misery
use it for a well; and the pools are filled with water.
They will go from strength to strength, and unto the God
of gods appeareth every one of them in Zion. O Lord God
of Hosts, hear my prayer; hearken, O God of Jacob. Behold,
O God our defender, and look upon the face of Thine Anointed.
For one day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had
rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell
in the tents of ungodliness. For the Lord God is a light
and defense; the Lord will give grace and worship; and no
good thing shall He withhold from them that live a godly
life. O Lord God of Hosts blessed is the man that putteth
his trust in Thee.
THE BISHOP: Glory to our God unto the ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
ANOINTING OF THE ALTAR TABLE
The Bishop sprinkles Rosewater on the Altar Table as he
recites:
THE BISHOP: Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop and
I shall be clean: Thou shalt wash me and I shall be whiter
than snow. Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness,
that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.
Rosewater is a sweet smelling fragrance which was used
to anoint the Body of Christ for burial. The Bishop continues
the rest of Psalm 51 while the Altar Table is wiped dry
by the he assisting Priests. The Priests use Antimens to
do this.
Turn thy face from my sins, and put out all my misdeeds.
Make 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. O give me the comfort of Thy help again
and establish me with Thy free Spirit. Then shall I teach
Thy ways unto the wicked, and sinners shall be converted
unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God,
Thou that art the God of my health; and my tongue shall
sing of Thy righteousness. Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord,
and my mouth shall show Thy praise. For Thou desirest no
sacrifice, else would I give it Thee; but Thou delightest
not in burnt offerings. The sacrifice of God is a troubled
spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, shalt Thou not
despise. O be favourable and gracious unto Zion, build Thou
the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt Thou be pleased with
the sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt offerings
and oblations; then shall they offer young bullocks upon
Thine altar.
Blessed is our God always, now and ever and unto the ages
of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
DEACON: Let us attend.
THE BISHOP: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
The Bishop anoints the Holy Altar with Holy Chrism (once
in the center and then on either side) while he sings: "Alleluia,
Alleluia, Alleluia". He spreads the Holy Chrism over
the entire Altar Table as he recites a section from Psalm
133:
THE BISHOP: Psalm 133 ; Behold, how good and
joyful a thing it is, brethren, to dwell together in unity!
It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran
down unto the beard, even unto Aaron's beard and went down
to the skirts of his clothing. Like as the dew of Hermon,
which fell upon the hill of Zion. For there the Lord promised
his blessing, and life forever; more.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now
and ever, and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
THE BISHOP: Glory to Thee, O Holy Trinity our God,
glory to Thee, unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
The Priests then wipe the excess Chrism with the Antimens.
St. Symeon, in writing about the anointing of the Altar
Table, says the following: "Since the Altar is anointed
with the Holy Chrism, which represents the gift of the Holy
Spirit, the Altar Table then becomes a source of Grace to
all people through the Sacraments which are celebrated thereon.
The Holy Gospel is placed on the Altar, the Holy Relics
are within, so we see that the Altar becomes the Altar of
Christ, a throne of Glory, the dwelling place of God, and
the Tomb of Christ."
Next, icons of the four Evangelists are fastened to
the Altar (one in each corner). The completed Altar represents
the entire Church, which from the four corners of the
world is held together by the Lord, and is built on Him
through the preaching of the Gospel. Following the Anointing,
the Bishop begins the vesting (putting on the new coverings)
of the Altar Table.
THE VESTING OF THE ALTAR TABLE
The Altar Table is now covered with the "Katasarkion".
This white linen cloth represents the Lord's burial shroud.
The Katasarkion is tied with a cord which represents the
cord with which our Lord's hands were tied as He stood before
the High Priests. The Katasarkion will never be removed
and will remain on the Altar for as long as the Church remains
standing. As the Katasarkion is being placed on the Altar,
Psalm 132 is read by the psalti:
READER: Psalm 132 ; Lord, remember David,
and all his trouble: how he swore unto the Lord, and vowed
a vow unto the Almighty God of Jacob; I will not come within
the tabernacle of mine house, nor climb up into my bed;
I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eyelids to
slumber; neither the temples of my head to take any rest;
until I find out a place for the temple of the Lord; an
habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. Lo, we heard of
the same at Ephrata, and found it in the wood. We will go
into His tabernacle, and fall low on our knees before His
footstool. Arise, O Lord, into Thy resting; place;
Thou and the ark of Thy strength. Let Thy priests be clothed
with righteousness; and let Thy saints sing with joyfulness.
For Thy servant David's sake turn not away the presence
of Thine Anointed. The Lord hath made a faithful oath unto
David, and He shall not shrink from it; of the fruit of
thy body shall I set upon thy seat. If thy children will
keep My covenant, and My testimonies that I shall teach
them; their children also shall sit upon thy seat forever‑more.
For the Lord hath chosen Zion to be an habitation for Himself;
He hath longed for her. This shall be my rest forever; here
will I dwell, for I have a delight therein. I will bless
her provisions with abundance, and satisfy her poor with
bread. I will deck her priests with health, and her saints
shall rejoice and sing. There shall I make the horn of David
to flourish:
I have ordained a lantern for mine Anointed. As for his
enemies, I shall clothe them with shame; but upon himself
shall his crown flourish.
THE BISHOP: Glory to our God unto the ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
Having placed the Katasarkion over the Altar, the Bishop
says: "Glory to You our God unto Ages of ages. He washes
his hands, and covers the Altar Table with a brighter and
more elaborate cover which symbolizes the Glory of God.
While he covers the Altar Table, the reader reads Psalm
93:
READER: Psalm 93 ‑ The Lord is King, and hath
put on glorious apparel; the Lord hath put on His apparel,
and girded Himself with strength. He hath made the round
world so sure, that it cannot be moved. Ever since the world
began hath Thy seat been prepared; Thou art from everlasting.
The floods are risen, O Lord, the floods have lifted up
their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The waves of
the sea are mighty, and rage horribly; but yet the Lord,
who dwelleth on high, is mightier. Thy testimonies, O Lord,
are very sure; holiness becometh Thine house forever.
THE BISHOP: Glory to Thee, Holy Trinity, our God,
glory to Thee unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
The Bishop proceeds to place the other Holy Articles
on the Altar Table. First he places the Antimens; on top
of this is placed the Gospel Book (representing the teachings
of Christ.) The Artoforion, in which the Body and Blood
of our Lord is placed, and is reserved for Communion of
the sick. The Artoforion is symbolic of the presence of
our Lord. The candlesticks which are placed last represent
the Light of Christ that shines forth during the Sacred
Services.
Since the Altar has been Consecrated, sanctified and
adorned with all its furnishings, the Altar and the entire
Church is now censed with incense while Psalm 26 is read:
READER: Psalm 26 ‑ Be thou my Judge, O Lord,
for I have walked innocently; my trust hath been also in
the Lord, therefore shall I not fall. Examine me, O Lord,
and prove me; try out my reins and my heart. For Thy loving‑kindness
is ever before mine eyes; and I will walk in Thy truth.
I have not sat with vain persons; neither will I have fellowship
with the deceitful. I have hated the congregation of the
wicked; and will not sit among the ungodly. I will wash
my hands in innocence, O Lord: and so will I go to Thine
altar; that I may show the voice of thanksgiving; and tell
of all Thy wondrous works. Lord I have loved the habitation
of Thy house, and the place where Thine honour dwelleth.
O Shut not up my soul with the sinners nor my life with
the blood‑thirsty; in whose hands is wickedness, and
their right hand is full of gifts. But, as for me, I will
walk innocently: O deliver me, and be merciful unto me.
My foot standeth right: I will praise the Lord in the churches.
ANOINTING OF THE CHURCH
The Bishop then anoints the four walls of the Church and
the Holy Icons making the sign of the Cross on them with
Holy Chrism. This act symbolizes the sanctification of all
creation with the Grace of Christ.
THE BISHOP: Glory to the Holy and Almighty and life‑giving
Trinity, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
DEACON: Again and again in peace, let us pray to
the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save, have mercy on us and protect
us, O God, by Thy Grace.
Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed and glorified
Lady, Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, with all the Saints,
let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life
to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.
THE BISHOP: For to Thee belong all glory, honor
and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy
Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
PRAYERS FOR THE CHURCH AND THE ALTAR TABLE
Upon completion of the Anointing, the Bishop offers prayers
for the Altar and the Church:
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
THE BISHOP: O Lord of heaven and earth, Who with
wisdom ineffable hast founded Thy holy Church and hast appointed
the Order of the Priesthood upon the earth for an antitype
of the Angels' service in heaven. Do Thou. O munificent
Lord, receive also us who now make our petitions unto Thee;
not as being worthy to ask such great things of Thee, but
that the exceeding excellence of Thy goodness may be manifested;
for Thou hast not ceased in manifold benefits to be gracious
unto mankind. And, as the chiefest of Thy benefits, Thou
hast bestowed upon us the coming in the flesh of Thine Only‑begotten
Son, Who was seen upon earth, and shedding forth the light
of salvation upon them that sat in darkness, did offer Himself
a sacrifice for us, and became a propitiation for the whole
world, making us to be partakers of His Resurrection; and
after that He had ascended into heaven . He endured His
Apostles and Disciples, as fie had promised, with from on
high, which is the Holy Spirit, adored power and almighty,
who proceedeth from Thee, our God and Father; through Whom,
also, they became mighty in deed and in word, administered
Baptism unto the adoption of son‑ship, built Churches,
established Altars, and instituted the laws and precepts
of the Priesthood. And we sinners, having preserved the
tradition thereof, do fall down before Thee, the everlasting
and compassionate God, and implore Thee: Fill with Thy glory
divine this Church erected to Thy praise, and show Thou
forth the holy Altar therein set up as the Holy of Holies:
that we who stand before it, as before the dread Throne
of Thy kingdom, may serve Thee uncondemned, sending up unto
Thee petitions for ourselves and for all the people, and
offering the bloodless sacrifice to Thy goodness, unto the
remission of sins both voluntary and involuntary, unto the
governing of our life, the attainment of a good life and
the fulfilling of all righteousness.
For blessed be Thine all‑holy Name of the Father,
and Of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and
unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
THE BISHOP: Peace be with you all.
CHOIR: And with thy spirit.
DEACON: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.
The Bishop blesses the faithful and offers another prayer
for the Altar Table. He asks God to fill this Altar with
His Grace so that the Bloodless Sacrifice may be offered
upon it:
BISHOP: We thank Thee, O Lord our God, for that
Thou hast graciously vouchsafed to continue also even unto
us sinners and Thine unworthy servants, because of Thy great
love toward mankind, that grace which Thou hast poured out
upon Thy holy Apostles and upon our holy Fathers. Wherefore
we pray Thee, O All merciful Lord: Fill with glory, and
holiness, and Grace this Altar, that the bloodless sacrifices
which shall thereon be offered unto Thee may be transformed
into the most pure Body and precious Blood of Thine Only
begotten Son, Who is our Lord, and God, and Saviour Jesus
Christ, unto the salvation of all Thy people, and of our
unworthiness.
For Thou art our God and to Thee we ascribe glory to the
Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever
and unto ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
SCRIPTURAL READINGS
The Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews (Chapter 3:1‑4)
is read, as well as a selection from the Gospel of St.
John (Chapter 10:22‑30).
DEACON: Let us attend.
READER: Holiness befits Thy house, O Lord. The Lord
reigneth, He is clothed with majesty.
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul
to the Hebrews (3: 1‑4).
DEACON: Let us attend.
READER: Therefore holy brethren, who share in a
heavenly call, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest
of our confession. He was faithful to him who appointed
him, just as Moses also was faithful in God's house. Yet
Jesus has been counted worthy of as much more glory than
Moses as the builder of a house has more honor than the
house. For every house is built by some one but the builder
of all things is God.
THE BISHOP: Peace be with you Reader.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
PRIEST: Wisdom. Attend. Let us hear the Holy Gospel.
THE BISHOP: Peace be with you all.
CHOIR: And with Thy Spirit.
PRIEST: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according
to St. John (10:22‑30). Let us attend.
CHOIR: Glory to Thee O Lord glory to Thee.
THE BISHOP: It was the feast of the Dedication at
Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple,
in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around Him
and said to Him: "How long will you keep us in suspense?
If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered
them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works
that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness to me:
but you do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep.
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow
me: And I give them eternal life and they shall never perish
and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father,
who has given them to me is greater than all and no one
is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the
Father are one."
CHOIR: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
LIGHTING OF THE VIGIL LIGHT
During the service the Bishop invites the faithful
to come forward and to offer a few drops of oil in a Vigil
Light. This they do as an offering to the Church. The
Bishop will later light the Vigil Light and will place
it on the Altar Table near the Artoforion. This light
will be kept burning at all times and is symbolic of the
never failing light of Christ which came into darkness
of the world to be a light to enlighten all people.
The Bishop then removes the Savanon. The Savanon will
be cut up into small pieces and each person in Church
will receive a piece of it to keep as a "Phylacton"
(a blessed object worn to help ward off evil).
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
The Saint of the Church being consecrated.
Now, and, ever...
Lord, benevolent and all powerful, as we celebrate this
memorable occasion of the Consecration, we glorify You,
the Giver of this Blessing, praying that You bless the spiritual
understanding of our souls through the intercession of the
glorious Champions of the Faith.
CONCLUDING PRAYERS
READER: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal have
mercy on us (thrice). Glory to the Father and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit now and ever and unto the ages of
ages. Amen.
All‑holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse
us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One
visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name's sake. Lord,
have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to
the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and
ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
CONGREGATION:
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 trespasses,
As we forgive those Who trespass against us; And lead us
not into temptation. But deliver us from evil.
THE BISHOP: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power
and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
Glory ... Dismissal Hymn of the Church
Now, and ever, ... Repeat:
O Lord, establish this church forever as you have shown
by the harmony of the heavens above and the beauty of the
Holy Tabernacle of your Glory below. Accept our prayers
which are continuously addressed to You in this church.
Through the mediation of the Virgin Mary (Theotokos) who
is the life and resurrection of all.
CHOIR: Amen.
DEACON: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to
Thy great mercy, we pray Thee, hear us and have mercy.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy (thrice).
DEACON: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health,
salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of sins
of the servants of God, the Builders of this Holy House
(Holy Apostles) and for the forgiveness of all their transgressions,
both voluntary and involuntary.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy (thrice).
THE BISHOP: For Thou art a merciful God and lovest
mankind and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father and
to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto
the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
DISMISSAL
THE BISHOP: Glory to Thee, O God our hope, glory
to Thee.
May Christ our true God, Who rose from the dead, through
the intercessions of His all‑pure and Holy Mother,
through the power of the precious and life giving Cross,
through the protection of the honorable spiritual Powers
of heaven, through the prayers of the honorable and glorious
Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, the holy, glorious
and victorious Martyrs, of our saintly and God‑inspired
Fathers, of the holy and righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim
and Anna and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save
us, for our merciful God is good and lovest mankind.
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ
our God, have mercy on us and save us.
PRIEST: Through the prayers of our Holy Bishop,
O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.
CHOIR: Amen.
The Church has now been Baptized, Chrismated, Sanctified,
Consecrated, and dedicated to God for eternal use as an
Orthodox Christian House of Worship. The first Divine Liturgy
is then celebrated in the newly consecrated "House
of the Lord."
GLOSSARY
ANGEL: Pure spirits created by God, to serve and praise
Him.
ALTAR: A term used to designate the Sanctuary, the area
behind the Iconscreen.
ALTAR TABLE: The table on which the Holy Liturgy is celebrated.
On it are found the Gospel Book, Cross, Antimens (Antimension),
and the Artoforion. The Altar Table contains relics of the
Saints which are placed within it at the time of the Church's
Consecration.
ALTAR CLOTHS: A bright and usually elaborate cloth placed
over the Altar Table. It is symbolic of the Glory of God
since the Altar represents the Throne of God.
ANOINTING: The act of tracing a mark in the form of cross,
with Holy Oil on a person or a thing in a Church ceremony.
ANTIMENS: (Antimension) The word means "in place
of a table". The Antimens is a piece of cloth on which
Christ's Burial is depicted and into which Relics are sewn.
The Divine Liturgy is always celebrated on the Antimens.
ARTOFORION: A receptacle on the Altar Table, in which
the Holy Sacraments are placed before conveyance to the
sick.
BENEDICTION: The blessing offered by the Bishop or Priest
at certain times in the services of the Church.
People: A layman who sings the responses at services.
CELEBRANT: Person who celebrates the Holy Eucharist (bishop
or priest).
CENSER: The vessel in which incense is burned.
People: Persons who sing the responses at the Divine Liturgy
and other services.
HOLY CHRISM: Holy Oil which contains many fragrant ingredients.
It is mixed and blessed by our Patriarch, together with
a group of bishops, on Holy Thursday and distributed to
all churches in his care.
CORPORAL: (Eliton) A cloth similar to the Antimens, but
without relics sewn inside. The Corporal may not be used
as an Altar Table.
EPISTLE: A portion of the New Testament Scriptures read
before the Gospel reading.
DEPOSITION: The Act of placing the Holy Relics into the
Holy Altar Table during the Consecration of the Church.
EVANGELISTS: "The bringers of good tidings".
The four writers of the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and
John.
EUCHARIST: Is another name for the Divine Liturgy. The
Sacrament at which bread and wine become the Body and Blood
of Christ. The word Eucharist means "thanksgiving".
GOSPEL: The "Good News", a record of the life
and teachings of Jesus. The Book of the Gospels is placed
on the Holy Altar Table and is usually ornate, with a gold
or silver cover.
ICON: Holy pictures representing holy persons and or an
event in the life of Christ. Icons are found not only in
the Church, but believers place them in their homes. An
Orthodox has an attitude of reverence and respect for all
icons.
ICONSTASION: Icon screen, the wall which separates the
Sanctuary from the Nave of the Church building. On it are
found the Icons of the Saviour, the Virgin Mary, St. John
the Baptist, and the Patron Saint of the Church.
KATASARKION: A white linen cloth which covers the Altar
Table. It is symbolic of the shroud in which our Lord's
body was wrapped for burial.
MARTYR: Is a person who suffered and died for the Christian
faith.
MASTIC: A yellowish resin used in making incense. The
mastic is mixed with wax, myrrh, aloe, incense and labdanum.
This mixture is used to seal the Holy Relics in the Altar
Table.
MATINS: The morning service which is held prior to the
Divine Liturgy. It begins with the reading of the Six Psalms
and ends with the Great Doxology.
MYRRH: Is another name for the Holy Chrism.
ORTHROS: The morning service usually called Matins.
PATEN: A round, flat plate of gold or silver on which
parts of the Prosforo (bread) which are to be consecrated
are placed for the celebration of Liturgy.
PATRON SAINT: A Saint chosen by a Church, a nation, or
any religious organization as a special guardian and protector.
RELICS: The bodies of Saints, or particles of their bodies,
which the Church venerates because of their holiness. Relics
of three Saints are placed in the Altar at the time of the
Consecration.
SAVANON: A white linen garment worn by the celebrant Bishop
at a Consecration. The Savanon is put on prior to the washing
of the Altar Table. Following the Consecration, the Savanon
is cut into small pieces and given to the people as a "Phylacton"
(a blessed object worn as a protection against evil).
VENERATION: The honor and reverence that Orthodox pay
to the Saints, the Virgin Mary and to icons.
VESPERS: The evening service begins with the reading of
Psalm 104. On special feastdays, the Artoklasia is held
during the Vespers Service.
VIGIL LIGHT: A light or lights burning in a glass holder.
Usually found before Icons or in front of or on either side
of the Artoforion.
Liturgical Texts courtesy and copyright of Holy Cross Press, Brookline, MA
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