Holy Communion
Holy Communion
People: Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the highest. Alleluia (3).
(The Communion Hymn changes according to the Feast Day.)
Priest (After the fraction of the sacred Bread, the priest says in a low voice): The Lamb of God is broken and distributed; broken but not divided. He is forever eaten yet is never consumed, but He sanctifies those who partake of Him.
(Then the priest places a portion of the sacred Bread in the Cup saying:)
The fullness of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(He then blesses the warm water saying:)
Blessed is the fervor of Your saints, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(Pouring the water into the Cup crosswise, he says:)
The warmth of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
(The Communion Prayers are recited silently by those prepared to receive the holy Mysteries.)
People: I believe and confess, Lord, that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first. I also believe that this is truly Your pure Body and that this is truly Your precious Blood. Therefore, I pray to You, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, known and unknown. And make me worthy without condemnation to partake of Your pure Mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and for life eternal. Amen.
How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of Your saints? If I dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my clothing will accuse me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. In Your love, Lord, cleanse my soul and save me.
Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not these holy Gifts be to my condemnation because of my unworthiness, but for the cleansing and sanctification of soul and body and the pledge of the future life and kingdom. It is good for me to cling to God and to place in Him the hope of my salvation.
Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of Your mystical Supper. I will not reveal Your mystery to Your adversaries. Nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess to You: Lord, remember me in Your kingdom.
(The priest proceeds to receive holy Communion.)
Priest (in a low voice): Behold, I approach Christ, our immortal King and God.
The precious and most holy Body of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ is given to me (Name) the priest, for the forgiveness of my sins and eternal life.
(He then partakes of the sacred Bread.)
The precious and most holy Blood of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ is given to me (Name) the priest, for the forgiveness of my sins and eternal life.
(He then drinks from the holy Cup. Afterwards, he wipes the holy Cup, kisses it, and says:)
This has touched my lips, taking away my transgressions and cleansing my sins.
(The priest then transfers the remaining portions of the consecrated Bread into the holy Cup, saying:)
Having beheld the resurrection of Christ, let us worship the holy Lord Jesus, the only Sinless One. We venerate Your cross, O Christ, and we praise and glorify Your holy resurrection. You are our God. We know no other than You, and we call upon Your name. Come, all faithful, let us venerate the holy resurrection of Christ. For behold, through the cross joy has come to all the world. Blessing the Lord always, let us praise His resurrection. For enduring the cross for us, He destroyed death by death.
(The priest takes up the holy Cup, proceeds to the Royal Doors, raises the holy Cup, and says:)
Deacon: Approach with the fear of God, faith, and love.
(Those prepared come forth with reverence to receive Holy Communion while the people sing the communion hymn.)
(When administering Holy Communion, the priest says:)
Priest: The servant of God (Name) receives the Body and Blood of Christ for forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
(After Communion has been given, the priest blesses the people, saying:)
Priest: Save, O God, Your people and bless Your inheritance.
People:We have seen the true light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the true faith, worshiping the undivided Trinity, for the Trinity has saved us.
Priest (Returning to the holy Table, the priest transfers the portions of the Theotokos and of the saints into the holy Cup. Then he does the same for those of the living and the dead saying in a low voice): Wash away, Lord, by Your holy Blood, the sins of all those commemorated, through the intercessions of the Theotokos and all Your saints. Amen.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let Your glory be over all the earth (3).
Priest (the priest lifts the holy Cup and says in a low voice): Blessed is our God.
Priest: Always, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen. Let our mouths be filled with Your praise, Lord, that we may sing of Your glory. You have made us worthy to partake of Your holy mysteries. Keep us in Your holiness, that all the day long we may meditate upon Your righteousness. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.