Litourgicon - Marcionite Church of Christ

The Litourgicon is a Marcionite Christian liturgical guide that has been reconstructed from historical records, eyewitness accounts, theologians, and the scriptures of Paul the Apostle. It is designed to be used by the laity in conjunction with the Testamentum and will teach you how to conduct a simple Mass during times of persecution and oppression, just as the first Christians did.

Marcionite Christians recognize all eleven traditional sacraments, including Holy Baptism, Holy Chrismation, Holy Communion, Holy Reconciliation, Holy Matrimony, Holy Unction, Holy Ordination, Holy Pedilavium, Holy Kiss, and Holy Veiling.

Marcionite Christians reject infant baptism as infants cannot repent or believe. Infants are born without sin and incapable of committing sin. They have no need for baptism until they can begin to learn to discern right from wrong and are thus accountable to God for their own actions. Baptism in Scripture always has the prerequisite of repentance and faith, which are impossible for an infant. Further, there are no explicit instances of infant baptism in the scripture. Marcionite Christians believe in ‘Credobaptism‘, otherwise known as ‘Believer’s Baptism‘, and that it should be practiced via full triple or trine immersion. This is done in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and the three days and three nights Jesus was in the tomb.

The Marcionite Church of Christ recognizes any trinitarian credobaptism done via full triple immersion; otherwise, the Marcionite Church of Christ requires you to be rebaptized.

‘Chrismation‘ is the Marcionite Christian term for ‘Confirmation‘ and it occurs shortly following baptism, which is not considered complete or fully efficacious until Chrismation is received.

The Marcionite Church of Christ believes that anyone who had a trinitarian credobaptism done via a complete triple immersion but did not have a Confirmation or Chrismation following will need to seal their baptism by undergoing a Chrismation.

Holy Baptism, Holy Chrismation, and one’s first Holy Communion are considered the three Sacraments of Initiation, and after completion, one is considered fully initiated into the Marcionite Church of Christ.

After completing their Sacraments of Initiation, all Marcionite Christians are to wear a Chi Rho necklace at all times as an indication of their commitment to the Christian faith.

Marcionite Christians must pray the Lord’s Prayer thrice daily in honor of the Holy Trinity and for the three days and three nights that Jesus was in the tomb. In addition, Marcionite Christians must pray once in the morning, once in the evening, once before bed, and before every meal. Before praying and before attending Mass, all Marcionite Christians must wash their hands, faces, and feet, and all prayers should be uttered while facing the west, kneeling, bowing their head, and folding their hands.

Marcionite Christians make the sign of the cross when entering or passing a church, during the introduction and conclusion of Mass, after receiving Holy Communion, before and after Holy Reconciliation, after Holy Chrismation, and before the morning and evening prayers. The motion is performed by joining the first three fingers, to symbolize the Holy Trinity, putting the two other fingers in the palm, then touching one’s forehead, below the chest, left side, then right side, and finishing with an open hand on the chest again while bowing the head. The Trinitarian formula accompanies the sign of the cross: at the forehead “In the name of the Father…” at the stomach or heart “…and of the Son…“; across the shoulders “…and of the Holy Spirit…“; and finally: “…Amen“.

Marcionite Christians celebrate Christmas on November 24^th, the exact day that Jesus descended into Capernaum from Heaven in 29 C.E. This corresponds with a total solar eclipse that happened at 11:05 A.M and lasted precisely one minute and 59 seconds.

Likewise, Marcionite Christians celebrate Good Friday on the first Friday of April. Jesus was crucified on Friday, April 3^rd, 33 C.E. This corresponds with a lunar eclipse that started at 6:20 P.M. and ended 30 minutes later at 6:50 P.M.

Utilizing this date, Marcionite Christians can easily determine the precise dates of the entire Holy Week every year using the first Friday of April as their basis. This includes Holy Sunday (Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem), Holy Monday (Parable of the Minas), Holy Tuesday (Jesus cleansed the temple and responded to the questioning of his authority), Spy Wednesday (Betrayal of Jesus by Judas), Holy Thursday (The Last Supper), Good Friday (The Crucifixion of Jesus), Black Saturday (Jesus Laid in the Sepulcher), Easter Sunday (The Resurrection), and finally Ascension Monday (Jesus’ Ascension).

Marcionite Christians celebrate the Feast of Marcion. A celebration of the life and contributions of Marcion of Sinope on the Holy Day of July 15th, the Ides of July, which reflect the date found in the old Marcionite Christian phrase, “115 years and six and a half months between Christ and Marcion.” Tertullian also quotes this phrase. It is the period beginning when Jesus descended to earth in the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar in 29 C.E., and the ex-communication of Marcion of Sinope by the Roman ecclesia in July of 144 C.E. Marcion of Sinope’s steadfast courage derived from the Holy Spirit against powerful forces allowed him to prevail and show others our Christian God was only revealed to us through Jesus Christ.

In addition, Marcionite Christians celebrate the Feast of the True Cross on September 14th.

According to Christian tradition, the True Cross was discovered in 326 AD. by Helena of Constantinople, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, during a pilgrimage she made to Jerusalem. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built at the discovery site by order of Helena and Constantine. The church was dedicated nine years later, with a portion of the cross. One-third remained in Jerusalem, one-third was brought to Rome and deposited in the Sessorian Basilica Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, and one-third was taken to Constantinople to make the city impregnable.

Marcionite Christians are to fast both on Spy Wednesday, in remembrance of the betrayal of Christ by Judas, and on Holy Friday in mourning for the crucifixion of Jesus.

Marcionite Christians consider the veneration of the saints to amount to the heresy of idolatry, and the related practice of canonization amounts to the heresy of deification. Marcionite Christian theology denies that any real distinction between veneration and worship can be made, and claims that the practice of veneration distracts the Christian soul from its true object, the worship of God.

To Marcionite Christians, the word ‘saint’ is used more generally to refer to anyone who is a Christian. This is similar in usage to the Apostle Paul’s numerous references in the Apostolicon.

In this sense, anyone who is within the Body of Christ (a professing Christian) is a saint because of their relationship with Jesus Christ. Marcionite Christians consider intercessory prayers to the saints to be idolatry, since they perceive it to be an application of divine worship that should be given only to God himself is being given to other believers, dead or alive.

At the dawn of Christianity, very few structures were set aside for the sole purpose of conducting Mass and purpose-built churches were few and far between. Instead, larger private homes were used, and the Mass was presided over by a ‘Presbyter‘ – usually the owner of the home. A typical Mass would consist of two or more people worshiping together. Mass can be conducted with just your immediate family in your own home.

As dark times descend on, Christians and mainstream churches abandon their flock to the whims of tyrannical governments or to the physical destruction of houses of worship, ordinary people will need to host and preside over services.

If you are called to become a Christian leader in your community, you will need to know how to conduct a simple Mass and lead others in prayer with the confidence that you’re following the liturgical rites and teachings of the first Christians.

If there is no pre-existing Marcionite Christian clergy in your community, then any properly baptized Christian man who is at least 30 years old, married with children, who has read the entire Testamentum, who believes Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that God was revealed through Him, is qualified to lead a simple Mass, and conduct the sacraments of Holy Baptism, Holy Chrismation, Holy Communion, and Holy Reconciliation. They will assume the title of ’Presbyter’.

Presbyters may ordain ‘Deacons’ or ‘Deaconesses’ to serve under them to help conduct Mass and assist in administering the sacraments.

Mass, as structured, is non-denominational and does not favor one ‘brand‘ of Christianity over another.

The Marcionite Christian Mass adheres to the practice of open communion to all Christians who have had a trinitarian credobaptism done via full triple immersion followed by Confirmation or Chrismation.

Mass should be conducted in the vernacular, and women must wear head coverings while men must have their heads uncovered. Before Mass, everyone must wash their hands, faces, and feet. All prayers are conducted facing a westward direction (‘Ad occidentem’). Whenever the Lord Jesus Christ is mentioned during Mass, the congregants must bow their heads.

Marcionite Christians meet twice on the Lord’s Day. The Lord’s Day is Sunday which serves as a weekly memorial to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Marcionite Christians meet first in the morning for a ‘Liturgy of the Catechumens’, which is open to all, and then again at the end of the day to resume Mass with a ‘Liturgy of the Faithful’, which is only open to those who have completed the three sacraments of initiation or are about to receive their first communion. This is followed by a communal and sacramental meal called the Holy Lovefeast. Each person brings some food that is equally divided among all. This is a fitting end to a day that began with a simple prayer in the morning, culminating in the celebration of God and Christ. This meal symbolizes fellowship, sharing, unity, and brotherhood. The meal is also to be delivered to the infirm, sick, or anyone unable to attend Mass.

Marcionite Christians must fast from their evening prayer on Saturday until they receive Holy Communion on Sunday and for the entire day prior to their baptism.

THE ORDER OF MASS

I. Introductory Rites (Morning)

The Introductory Rites help the faithful come together as one, establish communion and prepare themselves to listen to the Word of God and to celebrate the Eucharist worthily.

*All stand. The Presbyter approaches the altar with the Deacons and venerates it while the introductory hymn is sung. All prayers are conducted ‘Ad occidentem’ *

Signum Crucis

*All make the Sign of the Cross as the Presbyter says:*

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

“Amen.”

Invocare

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

“And with your spirit.”

Confiteor

*All kneel.*

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

*And, striking their breast, they say:*

“But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

*A moment of silence for personal examination thereafter, the Presbyter then stands at the altar.*

“Let us then confess our sins to God our Father.”

“Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of your Holy Name. Amen.”

Absolutiónem

*The Absolution by the Presbyter follows:*

“Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I, therefore, forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

“Amen.”

Epistates Eleison

“Master, have mercy on us.”

“Master, have mercy on us.”

“Jesus, have mercy on us.”

“Jesus, have mercy on us.”

“Master, have mercy on us.”

“Master, have mercy on us.”

Asperges

“Dear brothers and sisters, let us humbly beseech the Lord our God to bless this water he has created, which will be sprinkled on us as a memorial of our Baptism. May he help us by his grace to remain faithful to the Spirit we have received.

Almighty ever-living God, who willed that through water, the fountain of life and the source of purification, even souls should be cleansed and receive the gift of eternal life; be pleased, we pray, to bless this water, by which we seek protection on this your day, O Lord.

Renew the living spring of your grace within us and grant that by this water we may be defended from all ills of spirit and body, and so approach you with hearts made clean and worthily receive your salvation.

Through Christ our Lord.”

“Amen”

*After blessing the water, the Presbyter moves through the church, sprinkling all of the people while a hymn is sung. When the sprinkling and the hymn are finished, the rite concludes as follows:*

“May almighty God cleanse us of our sins, and through the celebration of this Eucharist make us worthy to share at the table of his Kingdom.”

“Amen”

Gloria in Excelsis Deo

*The hymn is either sung or said.*

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of goodwill.

We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God almighty Father.

Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of The Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us;

You take away the sins of the world,

Receive our prayer; you are seated at the right hand of the Father have mercy on us.

For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.”

Oremus

*When the hymn is concluded, the Presbyter, says:*

“Let us pray.”

*And all pray in silence with the Presbyter for a while. Then the Presbyter says the Morning Prayer:*

“I rise and pledge myself to God to do no deed at all of dark.

This day shall be his sacrifice, and I, unmoved, my passions’ lord. I blush to be so old and foul and yet to stand before his table. You know what I would do, O Christ; O then, to do it make me able.”

“Amen.”

II. Liturgy of the Catechumens (Morning)

By hearing the word proclaimed in worship, the faithful again enter into the unending dialogue between God and the people, a dialogue sealed in the sharing of the Eucharistic food and drink.

Apostolicon

* The assembly sits as the Presbyter or Deacon reads any epistles of Paul from the Apostolicon (Galatians, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Romans, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, Laodiceans, Colossians, Philippians, Philemon, and Alexandrians.) To indicate the end of the reading, the Presbyter or Deacon acclaims:*

“The word of the Lord.”

“Thanks be to God.”

Psalmicon

*After the reading from the Apostolicon, the Presbyter or Deacon sings or says a psalm, with the people making the response.*

Evangelicon

*The assembly stands to sing the Gospel Acclamation to welcome the Gospel. They remain standing in honor of the Gospel reading, the high point of the Liturgy of the Catechumens .*

“The Lord be with you.”

“And with your spirit.”

* A Presbyter or Deacon reads from the holy Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. At the end of the Gospel reading, the Presbyter, or the Deacon, acclaims:*

“The Gospel of the Lord.”

“Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.”

Homilía

*The Presbyter stands at the altar, and the assembly sits. The Presbyter bases the Homily on the scripture read above and applies it to events and issues facing the church and community. At the end of the Homily, it is appropriate for there to be a brief silence for recollection. *

Credo

*All stand and bow while they proclaim the creed of the Marcionite Church of Christ three times in honor of the Holy Trinity and of the three days and nights that Jesus laid in the tomb.”

“Jesus is Lord.”

Orans

*The assembly is seated. The Presbyter stands at the altar with his arms outstretched and says:*

“Lord, in your mercy.”

“Hear our prayer.”

“May God, the author of all endurance and all encouragement, enable you to be all of one mind according to the mind of Christ Jesus, so that you may all have but one heart and one mouth, to glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

May God, the author of our hope, fill you with all joy and Peace in your believing; so that you may have hope in abundance, through the power of the Holy Spirit

May God, the author of peace, be with you all, Amen.

God, who is the author of peace, will crush Satan under your feet before long. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”

“And also with you, Amen.”

*End of the Liturgy of the Word and resumption of daily activities until the resumption of Mass at the end of the day.*

III. Liturgy of the Faithful (Evening)

For Marcionite Christians, the Eucharist is the source and summit of the whole Christian life. It is the vital center of all that the Church is and does, because at its heart is the real presence of the crucified, risen, and glorified Lord, continuing and making available his saving work among us.

Offertorium

*During the Offertory Hymn the gifts of bread and wine are brought in procession. The Presbyter offers the prayers of blessing at the altar:*

“Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the bread we offer to you: fruit of the earth and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life.“

“Blessed be God forever.”

“Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation, for through your goodness we have received the wine we offer to you: fruit of the vine and work of human hands, it will become our spiritual drink. “

“Blessed be God forever.”

Orate Fratres

*The Presbyter completes additional personal preparatory rites, and the people rise as he says:*

“Pray, brethren, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.”

“May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy Church.”

*Then the Presbyter says the Prayer over the Offerings, at the end of which the people acclaim:*

“Amen.”

Verba

“The Lord is with you.”

“May he be with your spirit too.”

“Set your hearts on the things above.”

“They are fixed on the Lord.”

“Let us give thanks to the Lord.”

“It is right and proper that we should.”

“We give you thanks, O God, through your dear Child, Jesus Christ, whom in this, the last of all periods of time, you sent to save and redeem us and to tell us what you wanted of us.

He is your Word, inseparable from you; you made all things through him, and you were well pleased with him.

He did what you wanted him to do, and when he suffered, thereby acquiring a holy people for you, he stretched out his hands to free those who believed in you from suffering.

When he was handed over to undergo the suffering, he had chosen himself, thereby to destroy death, to break the chains the Devil held us in, crush hell beneath his feet, give light to the just, make a covenant, and manifest his resurrection: he took bread, gave thanks to you and said:

‘This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.’

In the same way, he took the chalice, saying:

‘This cup is the testament in my blood, which is shed for you.’

Calling, then, his death and resurrection to mind, we offer you bread, and a chalice, and we thank you for enabling us to stand before you and serve you.

We ask you to send down your Holy Spirit on the offering Holy Church makes you, to unite all who receive holy communion, and to fill them with the Holy Spirit, for the strengthening of their faith in the truth.

So may we give you praise and glory, through your Child, Jesus Christ.

“Amen.”

*At the conclusion of the prayer, the Presbyter takes the chalice and the paten with the host and, raising both, he says:*

“Through him, and with him, and in him, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, forever and ever.”

“Amen.”

IV. Communion Rites (Evening)

Pater Noster

*All stand, and the Presbyter says:*

“At the Savior’s command and formed by divine teaching, we dare to say:”

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.

Give us day by day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation. Amen.”

Embolismos

“Deliver us, Lord, we pray… and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”

“For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever.”

“Lord Jesus Christ… Who live and reign forever and ever.”

“Amen.”

“The peace of the Lord be with you always.”

“And with your spirit.”

Osculum Pacis

“Let us offer each other the Holy Kiss of Peace.”

*All offer those nearest to them the customary Holy Kiss of Peace on the cheek.*

Agnus Dei

“Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, grant us peace.”

Invitatio

*The assembly kneels while the Presbyter utters his private prayers of preparation. The Presbyter then genuflects, takes the host, and, holding it slightly raised above the paten or above the chalice, says aloud:*

“Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.”

“Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”

Communio

*The communicants come forward in reverent procession, and make a preparatory act of reverence by kneeling and bowing their heads in honor of Christ’s presence in the Sacrament.*

“The Body and Blood of Christ. “

“Amen.”

*After the distribution of Communion, if appropriate, a sacred silence may be observed for a while or a hymn or psalm may be sung.*

Postcommunio

*All stand.*

“Lord God, all-powerful, Father of Christ the blessed, when we ask your help sincerely, you answer our prayers, and even when we are silent, you know what petitions we would make. We thank you for enabling us to take part in your holy mysteries, which you gave us to perfect our faith, maintain our devotion and forgive our sins; for we are called by the name of your Christ, and we live with you.

You have withdrawn us from the society of the wicked: enable us, then, to join with those who are dedicated to you; grant that the continual visitation of your Holy Spirit may ground us firmly in the truth; make good our deficiencies, consolidate what we have acquired.

Keep your presbyters blameless in your service, give peace to kings and justice to magistrates, make the weather temperate and the crops fruitful, watch over the whole world with your invincible providence, bring gentleness to those nations that are inclined to war and set in the right way those that have gone astray.

Make all your people holy: protect the virgins, keep the married faithful, give strength to those who have made their peace with the Church, bring our children to maturity, strengthen the newly baptized, teach the catechumens and make them fit for initiation; gather us all into your kingdom in heaven, bring us together in Jesus Christ, our Lord.

To him be glory, to you and to the Holy Spirit: glory, honor, and veneration throughout the ages.”

“Amen.”

V. Concluding Rites (Evening)

The Concluding Rites send the people forth to put into effect in their lives what they have received.

Phos Hilaron

*The hymn is either sung or said.*

“O Gladsome Light of the Holy Glory of the Immortal Father, Heavenly, Holy, Blessed Jesus Christ! Now that we have come to the setting of the sun and see the light of evening, we praise God Father, Son and Holy Spirit. For meet it is at all times to worship Thee with voices of praise. O Son of God and Giver of Life, therefore all the world doth glorify Thee.”

Perseverantia

*All stand*

“Your prayers are more likely to be answered now, for it is easier to obtain what you ask when you are being persecuted. Beseech the good God, then, as earnestly as you can that we may all confess His name to the end, and that we too may emerge unscathed and glorious from the snares of this world and its darkness.

As we have been linked together by charity and peace, and together have withstood persecution from the pagans, so may we rejoice together in the kingdom of heaven.”

“Amen.”

Deo Gratias

“The Lord be with you.”

“And with your spirit. “

“May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. “

“Amen.”

*Then the Presbyter or the Deacon says the following:*

“Go forth, the Mass is ended. Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord. Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life. Go in peace. “

“Thanks be to God.”

*End of the Liturgy of the Faithful, which is followed by a meal that is both real and sacramental. Each person brings some food that is equally divided among all.*

BAPTISM

*Those who are to receive baptism should fast the day prior. Before the baptism they are taken aside by the Presbyter one by one. He tells them to turn to the west and make their abjuration in the words:*

“I renounce you, Satan; I renounce what you tempt me to, I renounce what you do.”

*When the candidate has made this declaration, he is anointed with the oil used in exorcising. The words said are:*

“May every evil spirit depart from you.”

*The candidate then fully immersed into the water, and the person baptizing him lays his hand on his head, saying:*

“Do you believe in God, the Father, the all-powerful?”

*The person being baptized replies:*

“I do.”

*The Presbyter baptizing gives the first baptism, with his hand on the candidate’s head. He then says:*

“I baptize you in the name of the Father.”

*The Presbyter then asks…*

“Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who descended from Heaven, was crucified at the Pharisees’ bidding, died, was buried, rose alive from the dead the third day after, went up to heaven, sits at the Father’s right hand and will come to judge the living and the dead?”

*The person being baptized replies:*

“I do.”

*He is baptized a second time. The Presbyter says:

*I baptize you in the name of the Son.”

*He is then further asked:*

“Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Church, and the resurrection of the body?”

*The person being baptized says:*

“I do.”

*He is baptized a third time. The Presbyter says:*

“I baptize you in the name of the Holy Spirit.”

*When he has come up again, he is anointed by the Presbyter with the blessed oil. The Presbyter says:*

“I anoint you with holy oil in the name of Jesus Christ.”

*They all dry themselves and put on their clothes, and then they go into the church to prepare for Chrismation.*

CHRISMATION

*The Presbyter lays his hand on the baptized and prays, saying:*

“Lord God, you have made them fit to have their sins forgiven through the bath the Holy Spirit uses to confer new birth. By infusing your grace into them, enable them to serve you as you will. For glory is yours in the Holy Church, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and yours it will be throughout the ages. Amen.”

*Then, letting the blessed oil run from his hand and applying it to the head of the newly baptized, the Presbyter says:*

“I anoint you with holy oil in the name of the Lord—the almighty Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.”

*After the anointing, the Presbyter gives them the Holy Kiss of Peace on the cheek, saying:*

“The Lord be with you.”

*The baptized reply:*

“May he be with your spirit too.”

*All make the Sign of the Cross as the Presbyter says:*

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

“Amen.”

Blessing of the Water

King and Lord of all things, Creator of the universe, you sent down your only Son, Jesus Christ, and gave salvation to all human creatures; when that Word of yours, who surpasses all utterance, came to live along the creatures you had made, you set them free. Look down, then, from heaven, look down now upon these waters and fill them with the Holy Spirit.

May your ineffable Word be in them and change their properties, making them ready to generate life when your grace has filled them, that the mystery now to be performed may not be without effect on those awaiting rebirth. Fill with your divine grace all who enter the water to receive baptism.

You who love men and are kind to them, spare what you have made, spare the creatures that are the work of your hands; take those who are to be born again and shape them after the pattern of your own divine beauty, the beauty no words can express.

So filled with beauty, so born anew, may they attain salvation and be considered worthy of a place in your kingdom.

And as your only Son, the Word, entered the waters of the Jordan and made them holy, so now may he enter these waters and make them holy channels of the spirit, that the newly baptized may cease to be flesh and blood and may become spirit, capable of adoring you, the uncreated Father, through Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit.

Through him may glory and power be yours, now and age after age. Amen.

Blessing of the Baptismal Oil

O God of the powers, helper of every soul that turns to you, and turning, finds itself under the strong hand of the only Son: we beg you through your divine power, the power we can not see, the power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to give to this oil a divine and heavenly virtue.

May the baptized, anointed with this oil and marked with the saving sign of the only Son – the cross through which he triumphed over Satan and the other hostile powers and put them all to flight – be renewed and regenerated in the bath that brings new birth.

May they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and, confirmed by this seal, remain steadfast and immovable, safe and free from harm. May no one ill-treat them or conspire against them. May they believe and know the truth all their lives long; may they live in the hope of receiving the life of heaven and ever await the eternity promised them by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through Him may power and glory be yours now and age after age. Amen.

Prayer for the Baptism

We ask you, God of truth, to help this servant of yours; we beg you to fit him for that divine mystery, the rebirth that is beyond all telling. We offer him to you, Friend of men, we dedicate him to you.

Grant that, receiving this new birth, he may become immune from the influence of all that is evil and perverse. May he serve you in all circumstances and do what you tell him to do, under the guidance of your only Son, the Word.

Through him may glory and power be yours, in the Holy Spirit, now and age after age. Amen.

RECONCILIATION

*The confessor kneels, and all make the Sign of the Cross as the Presbyter says:*

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

“Amen.”

“Please hear my confession and pronounce forgiveness in order to fulfill God’s will. I, a poor sinner, plead guilty before God of all sins. I have lived as if God did not matter and as if I mattered most. My Lord’s name I have not honored as I should; my worship and prayers have faltered. I have not let His love have its way with me, and so my love for others has failed. There are those whom I have hurt, and those whom I have failed to help. My thoughts and desires have been spoiled with sin. What troubles me particularly is that…”

*The confessor is to confess whatever they have done against the commandments of God, according to their own place in life, and concludes with:*

“…I am sorry for all of this and ask for grace. I want to do better.”

*The Absolution by the Presbyter follows:*

“God eternal, all that is hidden is known to you, all that will come to pass you see before it happens; it is not your will that sinners should die: you want them to repent and be saved. Look, then, on this poor thing, pitiful, sinful, your servant. “

“Amen.”

“God be merciful to you and strengthen your faith. Do you believe that my forgiveness is God’s forgiveness?”

“Yes.”

*The Presbyter places his hand on the head of the confessor and then recites the Prayer for Forgiveness: *

“Begging forgiveness for his many sins. For salvation and forgiveness of sins. In your mercy, overlook his shortcomings —the sins he knew he had done and the faults he was not aware of. Grant him forgiveness for his sins.”

“Amen.”

“Go in peace.”

*All make the Sign of the Cross as the Presbyter says:*

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

“Amen.”

PRAYERS

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.

Give us day by day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation. Amen.

Morning Prayer

I rise and pledge myself to God to do no deed at all of dark. This day shall be his sacrifice, and I, unmoved, my passions’ lord. I blush to be so old and foul and yet to stand before his table. You know what I would do, O Christ; O then, to do it make me able. Amen.

Prayer for All Needs

Let us pray to the Lord without duplicity, in tune with one another, entreating him with sighs and tears, as befits people in our position—placed as we are between the many, lamenting that they have fallen away, and the faithful remnant that fears it may do the same itself; between the weak, laid low in large numbers, and the few still standing firm.

Let us pray that peace may very soon be restored to us, help reach us in our dangers, to draw us from our dark retreats, and God’s gracious promises to his servants find fulfillment. —May we see the Church restored and our salvation secured; after the rain, fair weather; after the darkness, light; after these storms and tempests, a gentle calm.

Let us ask him to help us, because he loves us as a Father loves his children, and to give us the tokens of his divine power that are usual with him. So will our persecutors be stopped from blaspheming, those who have fallen away repent to some purpose, and the firm, unwavering faith of the steadfast be crowned with glory. Amen.

Prayer for Absolution

God eternal, all that is hidden is known to you, all that will come to pass you see before it happens; it is not your will that sinners should die: you want them to repent and be

saved. Look, then, on this poor thing, pitiful, sinful, your servant. Amen.

Writer’s Prayer

May he be with Jesus Christ. In Christ. Jesus Christ, help the writer and all his household. In the peace of Christ. Live in Christ. Christ bid you welcome. May your spirit be at peace in Christ. In the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.

Prayer for Forgiveness

Begging forgiveness for his many sins. For salvation and forgiveness of sins. In your mercy, overlook his shortcomings —the sins he knew he had done and the faults he was not aware of. Grant him forgiveness for his sins. Amen.

The Intercession Prayer

Pray for your parents. Pray for your children. May he pray for us. Pray for us. Pray that we may be saved. Pray for the one child you have left behind you.

Live in Christ and pray for us. Amen.

The Waiting Prayer

Fearful of the sentence God will give on the day of judgment. In the hope of the resurrection. In the hope of the resurrection and of Christ’s mercy.

In the hope of rising again and living forever. Let us be ready for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayer of the Newly Initiated

God, the all-powerful, Father of Christ, who is your only Son, give me a clean body, a pure heart, a watchful mind, and knowledge free from error.

May your Holy Spirit come to me and bring me truth, yes, and the fullness of truth, through your Christ. Through him may glory be yours, in the Holy Spirit, throughout the ages. Amen.

Evening Prayers

Praise the Lord, you that are his servants, praise the Lord’s name. We praise you, sing hymns to you, bless you, because of your great glory, Lord King, Father of Christ, the spotless Lamb who took sin away from the world.

Praise is your fitting portion, singing of hymns your due, and glory: yours, God the Father, through the Son and in the Spirit, age after age. Amen.

–

Inspiring light, O holy glory of the undying, heavenly Father, the holy, the blessed, Jesus Christ: the sun has set, and now, seeing the lamp that lights the evening, we praise the Father and the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Praise is your meed at all times from dutiful lips, O Son of God, O Giver of life. Therefore does the world give you glory. Amen.

Prayer Before Bed

Be off, Satan, from this door and from these four walls. This is no place for you; there is nothing for you to do here. This is the place for Peter and Paul and the holy gospel, and this is where I mean to sleep, now that my worship is done, in the name of the Father and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer for the Sick

To you we pray, Lord, to you who watch over us, you the Author of the body and Creator of the soul, the Maker of man, the Governor, Guide and Savior of the whole human race, you who love men enough to give them reconciliation and calm. Be kind to us; help and heal the sick, cure their diseases, raise up the downcast; glorify your holy name, through your only Son, Jesus Christ. Through him may glory and power be yours, in the Holy Spirit, now and age after age. Amen.

Prayer Before Meals

Blessed you are, Lord: you have fed me from my earliest days; you give food to every living creature. Fill our hearts with joy and delight; let us always have enough and something to spare for works of mercy in honor of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Through him, may glory, honor, and power be yours forever. Amen.

Prayer Before a Journey

O God, our own God, true and living Way: as you went with your servant Paul the Apostle on his travels, so, Master, guide this your servant on his present journey. Protect him against trying circumstances, bad weather, and every stratagem that may be directed against his welfare.

Give him peace and strength; grant him the prudence he needs if he is to act as he ought, in accordance with your commandments. Bring him back home rich in the goods of this world and in heaven’s blessings.

For kingship, power, and glory are yours, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and always, age after age. Amen.

Prayer of Perseverance

Beseech the good God, then, as earnestly as you can, that we may all confess His name to the end, and that we too may emerge unscathed and glorious from the snares of this world and its darkness.

As we have been linked together by charity and peace, and together have withstood persecution from the pagans, so may we rejoice together in the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

Prayer in Preparation for Death

O God born of God, true God of the true God born, you are goodness itself, we confess it. In your kindness, come to our aid. May we never know the day when we shall have to share with Satan the pains of hell.

Be merciful and hide us under the shadow of your wings. We acknowledge that you are the Light. We are as servants in your hands; do not allow the Evil One to snatch us from you; prevent us from rebelling against your sovereignty.

We know that you are just: show us your justice, Lord. We know that you are our Savior: deliver us, save us from evil. We acknowledge your holiness: make us holy through your body and blood. Having eaten your flesh and drunk your precious blood, may the elect sing your praises. Grant us forgiveness, kind God, merciful as you are to sinners. Amen.

Here endeth the Litourgicon.