The Office of Holy Baptism
The Prayers at the Reception
of Catechumens
The Office of Holy Chrismation
Dormition Skete
Buena Vista, Colorado
USA
THE OFFICE OF HOLY BAPTISM
THE PRAYERS AT THE RECEPTION OF CATECHUMENS
The Priest looseth the girdle of the Person who desireth Illumination, and removeth it, and putteth it off from him; and placeth him with his face towards the east, clothed in one garment only, unshod, and with head uncovered, and with his arms hanging by his sides; and he breatheth thrice in his face; and Signeth his brow and his breast thrice with the sign of the cross; and layeth his hand upon his head, saying:
Priest. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Priest. In Thy Name, O Lord God of truth, and in the Name of Thine Only-begotten Son, and of Thy Holy Spirit, I lay my hand upon Thy servant, N., who hath been found worthy to flee unto Thy holy Name, and to take refuge under the shelter of Thy wings. Remove far from him (her) his (her) former delusion, and fill him (her) with the faith, hope and love which are in Thee; that he (she) may know that Thou art the only true God, with Thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and Thy Holy Spirit. Enable him (her) to walk in all Thy commandments, and to fulfil those things which are well-pleasing unto Thee; for if a man do those things, he shall find life in them. Inscribe him (her) in Thy Book of Life, and unite him (her) to the flock of Thine inheritance. And may Thy holy Name be glorified in him (her), together with that of Thy beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and of Thy life-giving Spirit. Let Thine eyes ever regard him (her) with mercy, and let Thine ears attend unto the voice of his (her) supplication. Make him (her) to rejoice in the works of his (her) hands, and in all his (her) generation; that he (she) may render praise unto Thee, may sing, worship and glorify Thy great and exalted Name always, all the days of his (her) life.
Exclamation.
Priest. For all the Powers of Heaven sing praises unto Thee, and Thine is the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir. Amen.
The First Exorcism.
Priest. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Priest. The Lord layeth thee under ban, O Devil: He who came into the world, and made His abode among men, that He might overthrow thy tyranny and deliver men; Who also upon the Tree did triumph over the adverse powers, when the sun was darkened, and the earth did quake, and the graves were opened, and the bodies of the Saints arose; Who also by death annihilated death, and overthrew him who exercised the dominion of death, that is thee, the devil. I adjure thee by God, Who hath revealed the Tree of Life, and hath arrayed in ranks the Cherubim and the flaming sword which turneth all ways to guard it: Be thou under ban. For I adjure thee by Him Who walketh upon the surface of the sea as it were dry land, and layeth under His ban the tempests of the winds; Whose glance drieth up the deep, and Whose interdict maketh the mountains to melt away. The same now, through us, doth lay thee under ban. Fear, be gone and depart from this creature, and return not again, neither hide thyself in him (her), neither seek thou to meet him (her), nor to influence him (her), either by night or by day; either in the morning, or at noonday: but depart hence to thine own Tartarus, until the great Day of Judgment which is ordained. Fear thou God Who sitteth upon the Cherubim and looketh upon the deeps; before Whom tremble Angels and Archangels, Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Authorities, Powers, the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim; before Whom, likewise, heaven and earth do quake, the sea and all that is therein. Be gone, and depart from this sealed, newly-enlisted warrior of Christ our God. For I adjure thee by Him Who rideth upon the wings of the wind, and maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flaming fire: Be gone, and depart from this creature, with all thy powers and thine angels.
Exclamation.
Priest. For glorified is the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir. Amen.
The Second Exorcism.
Priest. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Priest. God, holy, terrible and glorious, Who is unsearchable and inscrutable in all His works and might, hath foreordained for thee the penalty of eternal punishment, O Devil: the Same, through us, His unworthy servant, doth command thee, with all thy confederate hosts, to depart hence, from him (her) who hath been newly sealed in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our true God. Wherefore I adjure thee, O most crafty, impure, vile, loathsome and alien spirit, by the might of Jesus Christ, Who hath all power, both in heaven and on earth, and Who said unto the deaf and dumb demon, Come out of the man, and in nowise enter thou a second time into him: Depart! Acknowledge the vainness of thy might, which hath not power even over swine. Call to mind Him Who, at thy request, commanded thee to enter into the herd of swine. Fear God, by Whose decree the earth is established upon the waters; Who hath made the heavens, and hath set the mountains with a line, and the valleys with a measure, and hath fixed bounds to the sands of the sea, and a firm path upon the stormy waters; Who toucheth the mountains and they smoke; Who clotheth himself with light as with a garment; Who spreadeth out the heavens as it were a curtain; Who covereth His exceeding high places with the waters; Who hath made fast the earth upon its foundations, so that it shall not be removed unto ages of ages; Who collecteth the water of the sea and poureth it out upon the face of the whole earth. Be gone, and depart from him (her) who hath made himself (herself) ready for Holy Illumination. I adjure thee by the redeeming Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by His precious Body and Blood, and by His terrible coming-again; for He shall come, and shall not tarry, to judge the whole earth; and He shall chastise thee and thy confederate host with burning Gehenna, committing thee to outer darkness, where the worm ceaseth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Exclamation.
For of Christ our God is the dominion, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir. Amen.
The Third Exorcism.
Priest. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Priest. O Lord of Sabaoth, the God of Israel, Who healest every malady and every infirmity: Look upon Thy servant; prove him (her) and search him (her), and root out of him (her) every operation of the devil. Rebuke the unclean spirits and expel them, and purify the works of Thy hands; and exerting Thy trenchant might, speedily crush down Satan under his (her) feet, and give him (her) victory over the same, and over his foul spirits: that, having obtained mercy from Thee, he (she) may be made worthy to partake of Thy heavenly Mysteries; and may ascribe unto Thee glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir. Amen.
A Fourth Prayer.
Priest. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Priest. Thou Who in verity existest, O Lord the Master; Who hast created man in Thine own likeness, and hast bestowed upon him the power of life eternal; Who also despisest not those who have fallen away through sin, but hast provided salvation for the world through the incarnation of Thy Christ: Do Thou, the same Lord, delivering also this Thy creature from the bondage of the enemy, receive him (her) into Thy heavenly Kingdom. Open the eyes of his (her) understanding, that the light of Thy Gospel may shine brightly in him (her). Yoke unto his (her) life a radiant Angel, who shall deliver him (her) from every snare of the adversary, from encounter with evil, from the demon of the noonday, and from evil visions.
Then the Priest breatheth upon his mouth, his brow, and his breast, saying:
Priest. Expel from him (her) every evil and impure spirit which hideth and maketh its lair in his (her) heart. (3x)
Choir. Amen.
Priest. The spirit of error, the spirit of guile, the spirit of idolatry and of every concupiscence; the spirit of deceit and of every uncleanness which operateth through the prompting of the devil. And make him (her) a reason-endowed sheep in the holy flock of Thy Christ, an honourable member of Thy Church, a consecrated vessel, a child of the light, and an heir of Thy kingdom; that having lived in accordance with Thy commandments, and preserved inviolate the seal, and kept his (her) garment undefiled, he (she) may receive the blessedness of the saints in Thy kingdom.
In a loud voice.
Priest. Through the grace, and bounties, and love towards mankind of Thine Only-begotten Son, with Whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy most holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir. Amen.
Then the Priest turneth the person who is come to Baptism to face the west, unclad, unshod, and having his hands uplifted. And he saith:
Priest. Dost thou renounce Satan, and all his angels, and all his works, and all his service, and all his pride? (3x)
Catechumen, or his Sponsor, each time. I do.
Again the Priest questioneth the Catechumen.
Priest. Hast thou renounced Satan? (3x)
Catechumen, or his Sponsor, each time. I have.
Then saith the Priest:
Priest. Breathe and spit upon him.
And when he hath done this, the Priest turneth him to the east, with his hands lowered, and saith:
Priest. Dost thou unite thyself unto Christ? (3x)
Catechumen, or his Sponsor, each time. I do.
Then the Priest saith to him:
Priest. Hast thou united thyself unto Christ? (1x)
Catechumen, or his Sponsor. I have.
Priest. Dost thou believe in Him?
Catechumen, or his Sponsor. I believe in Him as King and as God.
And Catechumen, or his Sponsor, reciteth
THE HOLY SYMBOL OF THE FAITH.
Catechumen, or his Sponsor.
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible;
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light, true God of true God; begotten, not made; being of one essence with the Father; by Whom all things were made;
Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man;
And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, suffered and was buried;
And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures;
And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father;
And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end;
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the Prophets.
In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
I confess one baptism for the remission of sins.
I look for the resurrection of the dead,
And the Life of the age to come. Amen.
And when he hath finished the Holy Symbol of the Faith, the Priest inquireth of him:
Priest. Hast thou united thyself unto Christ? (3x)
Catechumen, or his Sponsor, each time. I have.
Priest. Bow down also before Him.
And the Catechumen boweth himself with a full prostration, saying:
Catechumen, or his Sponsor. I bow down before the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, one in Essence and undivided.
Priest. Blessed is God, Who willeth that all men should be saved, and should come to the knowledge of the truth, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir. Amen.
Then he reciteth this Prayer.
Priest. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
O Master, Lord our God, call Thy servant, N., to Thy holy Illumination, and grant unto him (her) that great grace of Thy holy Baptism. Put off from him (her) the old man, and renew him (her) unto life everlasting; and fill him (her) with the power of Thy Holy Spirit, in the unity of Thy Christ: that he (she) may be no more a child of the body, but a child of Thy kingdom. Through the good will and grace of Thine Only-begotten Son, with Whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy most holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir. Amen.
THE PRAYERS AT HOLY BAPTISM
The Priest entereth the Sanctuary and putteth on white vestments, and his gauntlets. And when he hath lighted all the tapers, he taketh the censer, and goeth to the Font, and censeth round about it; and having given the censer to be held, he maketh a reverence.
Then the Deacon saith:
Deacon. Bless, Master.
And the Priest saith, aloud:
Priest. Blessed is the kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir. Amen!
And straightaway the Deacon saith the
LITANY.
Deacon. In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. For the peace that is from above, and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. For the peace of the whole world, the good estate of the holy churches of God, and the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. For this Holy house, and for them that with faith, reverence, and the fear of God enter herein, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. For our Metropolitan ___________, for the venerable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. For this land, its authorities and armed forces, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. For this holy monastery, every city and countryside, and the faithful that dwell therein, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. For seasonable weather, abundance of the fruits of the earth, and peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. For travelers by sea, land and air; for the sick, the suffering, captives, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. For this water, that it may be sanctified with the power, and effectual operation, and descent of the Holy Spirit. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. That there be sent down into it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. That there may come upon this water the purifying operation of the super-essential Trinity. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. That we may be illuminated by the light of understanding and piety, and by the descent of the Holy Spirit. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. That this water may prove effectual unto the averting of every snare of enemies, both visible and invisible. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. That he (she) who is baptized therein may be made worthy of the kingdom incorruptible. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. For him (her) who is now come unto holy Baptism, and for his (her) salvation. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. That he (she) may prove himself (herself) a child of the light, and an heir of eternal good things. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. That he (she) may be a member and partaker of the death and resurrection of Christ our God. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. That he (she) may preserve his (her) baptismal garment and the earnest of the spirit pure and undefiled unto the dread day of Christ our God. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. That this water may be to him (her) a laver of regeneration, unto the remission of sins, and a garment of incorruption. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. That the Lord God will hearken unto the voice of our petition. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger and want, let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Deacon. Help us, save us, have mercy on us and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir. Amen.
Deacon. Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary with all the saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and all our life unto Christ God.
Choir. To Thee, O Lord. (long)
And the Priest prayeth, secretly.
Priest. O compassionate and merciful God, Who triest the hearts and the reins, and Who alone knowest the secret thoughts of men (for no deeds are hidden before Thee, but all things are naked and manifest before Thine eyes): Thou Who knowest all things concerning me, regard me not with loathing, neither turn Thou Thy face from me, but consider not mine iniquities at this present hour, O Thou Who disregardest man's sins unto his repentance. And wash away the vileness of my body, and the pollution of my soul. And sanctify all of me by Thine all-perfect, invisible might, and by Thy spiritual right hand; lest, while I proclaim liberty to others, and administer this rite with perfect faith in Thine unutterable love toward mankind, I myself may become the base slave of sin. Yea, O Master, Who alone art good and full of love toward mankind, let not Thy humble servant be led astray; but send Thou down upon me power from on high, and strengthen Thou me in the administration of Thine impending Mystery, which is both great and most heavenly: and create the image of Thy Christ in him (her) who now desireth to be born again through my unworthy ministry. And build him (her) up upon the foundation of Thine Apostles and Prophets, that he (she) may not be overthrown; but implant him (her) firmly as a plant of truth, in Thy Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, that he (she) be not plucked out. That, as he (she) increaseth in godliness, through him (her) may be glorified Thine all-holy Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir. Amen.
Exclamation.
Priest. For unto Thee is due all glory, honour, 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 Priest saith also the following Prayer aloud:
Priest. Great art Thou, O Lord, and marvelous are Thy works, and there is no word which sufficeth to hymn Thy wonders. (3x)
Choir. Amen.
Priest. For Thou, of Thine own good will, hast brought into being all things which before were not, and by Thy might Thou upholdest creation, and by Thy providence Thou orderest the world. When Thou hadst joined together the universe out of four elements Thou didst crown the circle of the year with four seasons. Before Thee tremble all the Powers endowed with intelligence. The sun singeth unto Thee. The moon glorifieth Thee. The stars meet together before Thy presence. The light obeyeth Thee. The deeps tremble before Thee. The water-springs are subject unto Thee. Thou hast spread out the heavens as it were a curtain. Thou hast established the earth upon the water. Thou hast set round about the sea barriers of sand. Thou hast shed abroad the air for breathing. The Angelic Powers serve Thee. The Choirs of the Archangels fall down in adoration before Thee. The many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim, as they stand round about and fly, veil their faces in awe before Thine ineffable glory. For Thou, Who art God inexpressible, existing uncreated before the ages, and ineffable, didst descend upon earth, and didst take on the semblance of a servant, and wast made in the likeness of man: for, because of the tender compassion of Thy mercy, O Master, Thou couldest not endure to behold mankind oppressed by the devil; but Thou didst come, and didst save us. We confess Thy grace. We proclaim Thy mercy. We conceal not Thy gracious acts. Thou hast delivered the generation of our mortal nature. By Thy birth Thou didst sanctify the Virgin's womb. All creation magnifieth Thee, Who hast manifested Thyself. For Thou, O our God, hast revealed Thyself upon earth, and hast dwelt among men. Thou didst hallow the streams of Jordan, sending down upon them from heaven Thy Holy Spirit, and didst crush the heads of the dragons who lurked therein.
The priest makes the sign of the Cross with his hand ABOVE the water.
Priest. Wherefore, O King Who lovest mankind, come Thou now and sanctify this water, by the indwelling of Thy Holy Spirit. (3x)
Choir. Amen.
Priest. And grant unto it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan. Make it the fountain of incorruption, the gift of sanctification, the remission of sins, the remedy of infirmities; the final destruction of demons, unassailable by hostile powers, filled with angelic might. Let those who would ensnare Thy creature flee far from it. For we have called upon Thy Name, O Lord, and It is wonderful, and glorious, and terrible unto adversaries.
Then he signeth the water with the sign of the Cross, DIPPING his fingers therein. And BREATHING upon it, he saith:
Priest. Let all adverse powers be crushed beneath the sign of the image of Thy Cross. (3x)
Choir. Amen.
Priest. We pray Thee, O God, that every aerial and obscure phantom may withdraw itself from us: and that no demon of darkness may conceal himself in this water: and that no evil spirit which instilleth darkening of intentions and rebelliousness of thought may descend into it with him (her) who is about to be baptized.
But do Thou, O Master of all, show this water to be the water of redemption, the water of sanctification, the purification of flesh and spirit, the loosing of bonds, the remission of sins, the illumination of the soul, the laver of regeneration, the renewal of the Spirit, the gift of adoption to sonship, the garment of incorruption, and the fountain of life. For Thou hast said, O Lord: Wash ye, be ye clean: put away evil things from your souls. Thou hast bestowed upon us from on high a new birth through water and the Spirit. Wherefore, O Lord, manifest Thyself in this water, and grant that he (she) who is baptized therein may be transformed; that he (she) may put away from him (her) the old man, which is corrupt through the lusts of the flesh, and that he (she) may be clothed upon with the new man, and renewed after the image of Him Who created him (her): that being buried, after the pattern of Thy death, in baptism, he (she) may, in like manner, be a partaker of Thy Resurrection; and having preserved the gift of Thy Holy Spirit, and increased the measure of grace committed unto him (her), he (she) may receive the prize of his (her) high calling, and be numbered with the first-born whose names are written in heaven, in Thee, our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Exclamation.
For unto Thee are due glory, dominion, honour and worship, together with Thy Father, Who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir. Amen.
Bless Baptismal Cross in water here.
The Cross is the guardian of the whole earth,
the Cross is the beauty of the Church,
the Cross is the glory of the Angels,
and the wounding of demons.
Priest. Peace be with you all.
Choir. And to Thy Spirit.
Priest. Bow your heads unto the Lord.
And he breatheth thrice upon the vessel containing the oil, and maketh thrice over it the sign of the Cross, as it is held by the Deacon. And when the Deacon hath said:
Deacon. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
The Priest saith the following Prayer:
Priest. O Lord and Master, the God of our fathers, Who didst send unto them that were in the ark of Noah Thy dove, bearing in its beak a twig of olive, the token of reconciliation and of salvation from the flood, the foreshadowing of the mystery of grace; and didst provide the fruit of the olive for the fulfilling of Thy Holy Mysteries; Who thereby fillest them that were under the Law with Thy Holy Spirit, and perfectest them that are under grace: Bless also this holy oil with the power, and operation and indwelling of Thy Holy Spirit, that it may be an anointing unto incorruption, an armour of righteousness, to the renewing of soul and body, to the averting of every assault of the devil, to deliverance from all evil of those who shall be anointed therewith in faith, or who are partakers thereof; unto Thy glory and the glory of Thine Only-begotten Son, and of Thine all-holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir. Amen.
Deacon. Let us attend.
Then the Priest, singing
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. (3x),
with the People, maketh three signs of the cross in the water with the oil. And he saith:
Priest. Blessed is God, Who illumineth and sanctifieth every man that cometh into the world, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir. Amen.
(Outside)
Then the Person who is to be baptised is presented. The Priest taketh the oil with two fingers, and maketh the sign of the cross upon his brow, his breast, and his back between his shoulders, saying:
Priest. The servant of God, N., is anointed with the oil of gladness;
in the Name of the Father, (his brow)
and of the Son, (his breast)
and of the Holy Spirit. (between his shoulders -- back)
Choir. Amen.
On the breast and shoulders, saying:
Priest. Unto the healing of soul and body.
Choir. Amen.
On the ears.
Priest. Unto the hearing of faith.
Choir. Amen.
On the hands.
Priest. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me.
Choir. Amen.
On the feet.
Priest. That he (she) may walk in the way of Thy commandments.
Choir. Amen.
And when his whole body is anointed, the Priest baptiseth him, holding him upright, and looking toward the EAST, as he saith:
Priest. The servant of God, N. (Full Name), is baptized, in the Name of the Father,
Choir. Amen.
Priest. And of the Son,
Choir. Amen.
Priest. And of the Holy Spirit,
Choir. Amen.
At each invocation he immerseth him, and raiseth him again. And after the Baptism the Priest washeth his hands, singing with the Choir.
Psalm 31.
Choir.
Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not sin, and in whose mouth there is no guile.
Because I kept silence, my bones are waxed old through my crying all the day long.
For day and night Thy hand was heavy upon me, I was reduced to misery whilst the thorn stuck fast in me.
Mine iniquity have I acknowledged, and my sin have I not hid. I said: I will confess mine iniquities before the Lord against myself. And Thou forgavest the ungodliness of my heart.
For this shall every one that is holy pray unto Thee in a seasonable time; moreover, in a flood of many waters shall they not come nigh unto him.
Thou art my refuge from the affliction which surroundeth me; O my Rejoicing, deliver me from them which have encircled me.
I will instruct thee and teach thee in this way which thou shalt go; I will fix Mine eyes upon thee.
Be ye not as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding; whose jaws thou must hold with bit and bridle, lest they come nigh unto thee.
Many are the scourges of the sinner, but mercy shall encircle him that hopeth in the Lord.
Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye righteous; and glory, all ye that are upright of heart.
Then, as he putteth his garment upon him, the Priest saith:
Priest. The servant of God, N., is clothed with the robe of righteousness; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Choir. Amen.
Then shall be sung the following Hymn (Troparia), in Tone VIII.
Choir. Vouchsafe unto me the robe of light, O Thou Who clothest Thyself with light as with a garment, Christ our God, plenteous in mercy.
THE OFFICE OF HOLY CHRISMATION
And when he hath put the garment on him, the Priest prayeth thus:
Priest. Blessed art Thou, O Lord God Almighty, Source of all good things, Sun of Righteousness, Who sheddest forth upon them that were in darkness the light of salvation, through the manifestation of Thine Only-begotten Son and our God; and Who hast given unto us, unworthy though we be, blessed purification through hallowed water, and divine sanctification through life-giving Chrismation; Who now, also, hast been graciously pleased to regenerate Thy servant (handmaid) that hath newly received Illumination, by water and the Spirit, and grantest unto him (her) remission of sins, whether voluntary or involuntary. Do Thou, the same Master, compassionate King of kings, grant also unto him (her) the seal of the gift of Thy holy, and almighty, and adorable Spirit, and participation in the holy Body and the precious Blood of Thy Christ. Keep him (her) in Thy sanctification; confirm him (her), in the Orthodox faith; deliver him (her) from the evil one, and from all the machinations of the same. And preserve his (her) soul with purity and uprightness, through the saving fear of Thee; that he (she) may please Thee in every deed and word, and may be a child and heir of Thy heavenly kingdom.
Exclamation.
Priest. For Thou art our God, the God Who showeth mercy and saveth; 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.
And after this Prayer, he anointeth with the holy Chrism the person who hath been baptized, making the sign of the Cross:
Priest. The servant of God N. is anointed with Holy Chrism, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
On the brow,
and on the eyes,
and on the nostrils,
and the lips,
and on both ears,
and the breast,
and the hands,
and the feet,
saying, each time:
Priest. The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Choir. Amen.
Then the Priest, accompanied by the Sponsors, lead the newly-illumined, or bearing the infant, maketh the circuit of the Font. And all sing:
(Give Cross Here.)
Priest. All ye that in Christ have been baptized, Christ have ye put on. Alleluia. (3x)
(Do in Liturgy.)
Deacon. Let us attend.
Priest. Peace be unto all.
Reader. And to thy spirit.
Deacon. Wisdom!
Reader. The Prokimenon, in the Third Tone. The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom then shall I fear?
Verse: The Lord is the strength of my life: of whom then shall I be afraid?
Deacon. Wisdom!
Reader. The Reading is from the Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans.
Deacon. Let us attend.
Reader. (Rom. 6:3-11) Brethren: Are ye ignorant that as many as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him by the baptism into the death, that even as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, thus also we should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, certainly also we shall be of the resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be rendered inactive, in order to no longer serve sin. For the one who died hath been justified from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ Who was raised from the dead dieth no more; death no longer hath dominion over Him. For the death which He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life which He liveth, He liveth to God. Thus reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Priest. Peace be unto thee.
Reader. And to thy Spirit.
Deacon. Wisdom, let us attend!
Reader. Alleluia. In the Third Tone. The Lord is my light and salvation, whom then shall I fear?
Verse: My heart hath poured forth a good word.
Verse: Grace hath been poured forth on Thy lips, wherefore God hath blessed Thee forever.
Deacon. Wisdom! Upright! Let us hear to the Holy Gospel.
Priest. Peace be unto all.
Choir. And to thy spirit.
Priest. The Reading is from the Holy Gospel According to Saint Matthew.
Choir. Glory to Thee, O Lord; glory to Thee.
Deacon. Let us attend.
Priest. (Matt. 28:16-20) The eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus appointed them. And having seen Him, they made obeisance to Him; but some doubted. And Jesus approached and spoke to them, saying, "All authority is given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you; and behold, I am with you all the days until the completion of the age." Amen.
Choir. Glory to Thee, O Lord; glory to Thee.
Priest. Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we beseech Thee: hearken, and have mercy.
Choir. Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Priest. Furthermore we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation and remission of sins of the servant of God, N., the Sponsor.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Priest. Furthermore we pray for the newly-illumined servant of God, N.
Choir. Lord have mercy.
Priest. That he (she) may be kept in the faith of a pure confession, in all godliness, and in the fulfilling of the commandments of Christ all the days of his (her) life.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Priest. For Thou art a merciful God, Who lovest mankind, 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.
Priest. Glory to Thee, O Christ-God our hope; glory to Thee.
Choir. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (3x) Holy Father bless.
And the Priest bestoweth the
BENEDICTION
(usually omitted).
Priest. May Christ, our true God, through the prayers of His all-immaculate Mother; of the holy, glorious and all-laudable Apostles; of Saint N. (the Patron Saint of the Temple); of Saint N. (the Saint of the day); of the holy and righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; and of all the Saints, have mercy upon us and save us, forasmuch as He is good and loveth mankind.
(Resume Here.)
And on the eighth day the Baptized Person is brought again to the church for Ablution. And the Priest looseth his girdle and his garment, saying this Prayer which followeth:
Priest. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Priest. O Thou Who, through holy Baptism, hast given unto Thy servant remission of sins, and hast bestowed upon him (her) a life of regeneration: Do Thou, the same Lord and Master, ever graciously illumine his (her) heart with the light of Thy countenance. Maintain the shield of his (her) faith unassailed by the enemy. Preserve pure and unpolluted the garment of incorruption wherewith Thou hast endued him (her), upholding inviolate in him (her), by Thy grace, the seal of the Spirit, and showing mercy unto him (her) and unto us, through the multitude of Thy mercies.
Exclamation.
For blessed and glorified is Thine all-honourable and majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir. Amen.
A Second Prayer.
Priest. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Priest. O Master, Lord our God, Who through the Baptismal Font bestowest heavenly Illumination upon them that are baptized; Who hast regenerated Thy newly-baptized servant by water and Spirit, and hast granted unto him (her) remission of his (her) sins, whether voluntary or involuntary: Lay Thine almighty hand upon him (her) by the power of Thy goodness. Maintain unassailed the earnest of the Spirit, and make him (her) worthy of life everlasting, and of Thy favour.
Exclamation.
For Thou art our sanctification, 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.
Priest. Peace be with you all.
Choir. And with thy spirit.
Priest. Bow your heads unto the Lord.
Choir. To Thee, O Lord.
Priest. He (she) who hath put on Thee, O Christ our God, boweth also his (her) head with us, unto Thee. Keep him (her) ever a warrior invincible in every attack of those who assail him (her) and us; and make us all victors, even unto the end, through Thy crown incorruptible. For Thine it is to show mercy and to save us, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father Who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir. Amen.
Then the Priest dippeth the sponge in pure water, and sprinkleth the child, saying:
Priest. Thou art justified. Thou art illumined. Thou art sanctified. Thou art washed: in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the Spirit of our God.
And with the sponge the priest washeth the face and head of the child, and his breast, and the rest:
Thou art baptized. (the brow)
Thou art illumined. (the eyes)
Thou hast received anointment
with the holy Chrism. (the nostrils)
Thou art sanctified. (the lips)
Thou art washed: (both ears)
in the Name of the Father, (the breast)
and of the Son, (the hands)
and of the Holy Spirit. (the feet)
Choir. Amen.
Prayer at the cutting of the hair.
Deacon. Let us pray to the Lord.
Choir. Lord, have mercy.
Priest. O Master, Lord our God, Who hast honoured man with Thine own image, and hast fashioned him a reason-endowed soul and a comely body (in as much as the body serveth the reason-endowed soul): for Thou didst set the head on high, and endow it with the chiefest portion of the senses, which, nevertheless, impede not one another: and Thou hast covered the head with hair, that it be not injured with the changes of the weather, and hast fitly joined together all his (her) members, that with them all he (she) may give thanks unto Thee, the Great Artificer. Thou, the same Master, through Thy chosen vessel, the Apostle Paul, hast given us a commandment that we should do all things to Thy glory: Bless (+), now, Thy servant, N., who is come to make a first offering shorn from the hair of his (her) head, and likewise his (her) Sponsor, N.: and grant that they may all exercise themselves in Thy law, and do those things which are well pleasing in Thy sight.
Exclamation.
For Thou art a merciful God, Who lovest mankind, 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.
Priest. Peace be with you all.
Choir. And with thy spirit.
Deacon. Bow your heads unto the Lord.
Choir. To Thee, O Lord.
Then the Priest shall recite this Prayer.
Priest. O Lord our God, Who, through the fulfilling of the baptismal font, by Thy goodness dost sanctify them that believe on Thee: Bless this child here present, and let Thy blessing descend upon his (her) head. And as Thou didst bless David the King by the hand of Thy Prophet Samuel, bless (+) also the head of Thy servant, N., by the hand of me, a sinner, inspiring him (her) with Thy Holy Spirit; that as he (she) increaseth in stature, and even unto hoary old age, he (she) may ascribe glory unto Thee, and behold the good things of Jerusalem all the days of his (her) life.
Exclamation.
For unto Thee are due all glory, honour and worship, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now, and ever, and unto ages of ages.
Choir. Amen.
Then he sheareth the hair in the form of a cross, saying:
Priest. The servant of God, N., is shorn:
In the Name of the Father, (front)
and of the Son, (back)
and of the Holy (right)
Spirit. (left)
Choir. Amen.
Deacon. Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we beseech Thee: hearken, and have mercy.
Choir. Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Deacon. Again we pray for our Metropolitan ________, and all our brotherhood in Christ.
Choir. Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Deacon. Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation and remission of sins of the servant of God, N., the Sponsor, and for the newly-illumined servant of God, N..
Choir. Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Deacon. That he (she) may be kept in the faith of a pure confession, in all godliness, and the fulfilling of the commandments of Christ, all the days of his (her) life.
Choir. Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Priest. For Thou art a merciful God, Who lovest mankind, 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.
And he maketh the customary Benediction.
Priest. Wisdom!
Reader. Holy Father bless.
Priest. Blessed is He, Who is, even Christ our true God, always and unto the ages of ages.
Choir. Amen.
Priest. Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
Reader. More honorable than the cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the seraphim, thee who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Priest. Glory to Thee, O Christ, our God, our Hope; glory to Thee.
Reader. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Lord have mercy. (3x) Holy Father bless.
Priest. May Christ our true God, Who deigned to be baptized in the Jordan by John for our salvation, through the prayers of His all-immaculate Mother ... Saints of the day, and the Patron Saint of the baptized ...
Choir. Amen.
Items needed for Holy Baptism.
Holy Chrism & brush.
Scissors.
Sponge, cup of water.
Olive oil.
Icons.
Cross -- Blessing.
3 Candlestands.
3 Candles for Candlestands.
1 Candle for the newly-illumined.
Candlestand on Altar.
Cross -- For newly-illumined to hold in services.
Cross -- Baptismal.
Baptismal garments.
Towels.
Censor, incense, charcoal, lighter, tongs.
Font, pump, hose, extension cord, blanket.
Ask person to be illumined:
Baptismal Cross.
Baptismal Garment.
Bathing suit/undergarments, etc.