The Tetrapodion is placed near the Baptismal Font (if movable). Upon it are placed the Gospel Book, the Icon of Theophany, the hand cross, two lit candles, Holy Chrism, olive oil, sponge, scissors, two candles for the sponsors, a Baptismal cross for the newly baptized(brought by family or sponsors). The censer should be nearby and the Font filled with warm water. The priest should vest in his exorasson and epitrachelion (some traditions the phelonion). If the deacon is present, he should vest in his exorasson and orarion (some traditions with sticharion). The child’s clothing removed, he/she should be wrapped in a large white towel. It is customary that the Prayers at the reception of the Catechumens be done at the entrance to the Church sanctuary and after reciting the creed proceeding towards the baptismal font. At least one of the godparents (the sponsor) should be an Orthodox Christian in good standing with the Church. The child’s head should be resting on the right arm of the sponsor and facing east.
PRAYERS AT THE RECEPTION OF CATECHUMENS
The Priest breathes three times on the face of the child while making the sign of the cross on the brow and breast saying:
PRIEST: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord have mercy.
Then the Priest lays his hand upon the Child’s head and continues:
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 hast been found worthy to flee to Thy Holy Name and to take refuge under the shelter of Thy wings. Remove far from him his former delusion and fill him with the faith, hope and love which are in Thee; that he may know that Thou art the only true God with Thine Only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and Thy Holy Spirit. Enable him to walk in all Thy commandments, and to fulfill those things which are well pleasing unto Thee; for if a man do those things, he shall find life in them. Inscribe him in Thy Book of Life, and unite him to the flock of Thine inheritance. And may Thy Holy Name be glorified in him together with that of Thy beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and of Thy life-giving Spirit. Let Thine eyes ever regard him with mercy, and let Thine ears ever attend unto the voice of his supplication. Make him rejoice in the works of his hands, and in all his generation; that he may render praise unto Thee, may sing worship and glorify Thy great and exalted Name always, all the days of his life. 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 to ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
EXORCISM
DEACON: 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 and search him, and root out of him 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 feet; give him victory over the same, over his foul spirits; that having obtained mercy from Thee, he may be 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 to ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST: O Lord the Master, Thou who in verity existeth; who has 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 into Thy heavenly kingdom. Open the eyes of his understanding that the light of Thy Gospel may shine brightly in him. Yoke unto his life a radiant Angel, who shall deliver him from every snare of the adversary, from encounter with evil, from the demon of the noonday, and from evil visions.
The Priest then breathes upon the mouth, brow, and breast of the child, saying three times:
PRIEST: Expel from him every evil and impure spirit which hideth and maketh its lair in his heart.
And the Priest continues:
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 a reason-endowed sheep in the holy flock of Thy Christ, an honorable member of Thy Church, 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 garment undefiled, he may receive the blessedness of the Saints in Thy Kingdom. Through the grace and bounties, and love towards mankind of Thine Only-begotten Son, with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thine all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
The sponsor, holding the child who is to be baptized, faces to the west (rear of the Church); as does the Priest, who asks the following questions thrice and they are to be answered each time by the sponsor.
PRIEST: Dost thou renounce Satan, and all his Angels, and all his works, and all his service, and all his pride?
SPONSOR: (Replies for the child) I do.
PRIEST: Hast thou renounced Satan?
SPONSOR: I have.
PRIEST: (Once) Breathe and spit upon him.
The sponsor, holding the child, then turns to face the east (toward the Altar); as does the Priest, who asks the following questions thrice and they are to be answered each time by the sponsor.
PRIEST: Dost thou unite thyself unto Christ?
SPONSOR: I do.
PRIEST: Hast thou united thyself unto Christ?
SPONSOR: I have.
PRIEST: (Once) Dost thou believe in Him?
SPONSOR: I believe in Him as King and God.
THE CREED
The sponsor then says (for the child) the Creed, the Symbol of Faith.
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, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made, of One Essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made:
Who for us and for our salvation came down from Heaven, and was Incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man. And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried;
And the third day He rose according to the Scriptures;
And ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of Father;
And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom shall have no end.
And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and 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;
And I believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins.
I look for the Resurrection of the dead,
And the Life of the world to come. Amen.
The following question and answer again are repeated thrice:
PRIEST: Hast thou united thyself in Christ?
SPONSOR: I have.
PRIEST: Bow down also before Him. (Once)
SPONSOR: (bows and says) 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.
A PRAYER
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
PRIEST: O Master, Lord our God, call Thy servant, N., to Thy holy Illumination, and grant unto him that great grace of Thy holy Baptism. Put off from him the old man, and renew him unto life everlasting, and fill him with the power of Thy Holy Spirit, in the unity of Thy Christ, that he 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-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
The Priest, Sponsors and child will now proceed to the Baptismal Font.
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM
The Priest vests in his Phelonion (white) (current Antiochian practice is to remain vested only with epitrcahelion) and while the candles are being lit, censes around the Baptismal Font. (Some sing the Troparion of Theophany while censing, By Thy Baptism, O Lord) The Priest then gives up the censer, reverences and stands before the font.
DEACON: Bless, Master!
PRIEST: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
The following petitions said by Deacon or Priest:
DEACON: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For the peace from above, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For the peace of the whole world; for the good estate of the holy churches of God, and for the union of all men, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For our Father and Metropolitan _________ and for our Bishop ________, for the venerable Priesthood, the Diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That this water may be sanctified with the power, and effectual operation, and indwelling of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord. (Priest blesses water with sign of cross)
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That there may be sent down into it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan, let us pray to the Lord. (Priest blesses water with sign of cross)
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That there may come upon this water the purifying operation of the super-substantial Trinity, let us pray to the Lord. (Priest blesses water with sign of cross)
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That we may be illumined by the light of understanding and piety, by the outpouring 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. (Priest blesses water with sign of cross)
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That he 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 who is now come unto holy Baptism, and for his salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That he may prove himself to be 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 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 may preserve his 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 a laver of regeneration, unto the remission of sins, and a garment of incorruption, let us pray to the Lord. (Priest blesses water with sign of cross)
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: That He will deliver him and us from all tribulation, wrath, danger, and necessity, 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: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ our God.
CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.
The Priest blesses the water, immersing the cross in it cross-wise, saying aloud each time:
PRIEST: Great art Thou, O Lord, and marvelous are Thy works, and there is no word which is sufficient to hymn Thy wonders. (Thrice)
The Choir responds each time:
CHOIR: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee!
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. For Thou, who art God inexpressible and everlasting, 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 couldst 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 generations 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, hath revealed Thyself upon earth, and 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 dragons who lurked there.
The Priest says the following thrice while making the sign of the cross over the water each time:
PRIEST: Wherefore, O King who lovest mankind, come Thou now and sanctify this water by the indwelling of Thy Holy Spirit. (Thrice)
The Choir responds each time:
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; that those who would ensnare Thy creature will flee far from it. For we have called upon Thy Name, O Lord, and it is wonderful and glorious, and terrible unto adversaries.
The Priest then makes the sign of the cross thrice upon the water, dipping the fingers of his right hand therein; and breathing upon it thrice, he says:
PRIEST: Let all adverse powers be crushed beneath the sign of the image of Thy Cross. (Thrice)
And the Choir answers each time:
CHOIR: Amen.
PRIEST: And we pray thee, O God, that every aerial and unseen 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 who is about to be baptized. But do Thou, 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, the fountain of life. For thou hast said, O Lord: Wash ye, be ye clean; and 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 who is baptized therein may be transformed; that he may put away from him the old man, which is corrupt through the lusts of the flesh, and that he may be clothed upon with the new man, and renewed after the image of Him who created him; that being buried, after the pattern of thy death, in baptism, he 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, he may receive the prize of his high calling, and be numbered with the first-born whose names are written in heaven, in Thee, our God and Lord, Jesus Christ. For unto Thee are due all glory, dominion, honor, 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.
PRIEST: Peace be to all.
CHOIR: And to thy spirit.
DEACON: Let us bow our heads unto the Lord.
CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.
THE ANOINTING WITH OIL
The Priest then breathes thrice upon the phial containing the oil (held by the sponsor) and makes the sign of the cross over it thrice and says the following prayer:
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
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 are 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!
The Priest pours some oil from the phial, making with it the sign of the cross in the water thrice, as he and the people sing “Alleluia,” thrice.
PRIEST: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. (thrice)
PRIEST: Blessed is God, Who illumineth and sanctifieth every man that cometh into the world: now and ever, and to ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
The Priest takes some of the oil that is upon the water with his fingers and anoints the child by making the sign of the cross first upon the forehead, saying:
PRIEST: The servant of God, N., is anointed with the oil of gladness; in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then upon the breast and back, saying:
PRIEST: Unto the healing of soul and body.
On the ears, saying:
PRIEST: Unto the hearing of faith.
On the hands, saying:
PRIEST: Thy hands have made me and have fashioned me.
On the feet, saying:
PRIEST: That he may walk in the way of Thy commandments, O Lord.
THE BAPTIZING
When the child is thus anointed, the Priest holds him securely upright, facing east, and baptizes the child by immersion into the water three times, and saying:
PRIEST: The servant of God, N., is baptized in the Name of the Father. Amen. (1st immersion)
And of the Son. Amen. (2nd immersion)
And of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (3rd immersion)
When the child has been baptized, the Priest returns the child to the sponsor (who is ready to receive the child with a large white towel). (in some traditions, Psalm 31 is said or sung or the Troparion of Theophany. In current practice, the newly baptized is Chrismated, washed and shorn before being clothed. The Priest then blesses the garment of the child, saying:
PRIEST: The servant of God, N., is clothed with the garment of righteousness, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
CHOIR: Amen.
The following Troparion is sung in Tone 8
Vouchsafe unto me a robe of light, O Thou who clothest Thyself with light as with a garment: Christ our God, plenteous in mercy.
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY CHRISMATION
PRIEST: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
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 that hath newly received Illumination by water and the Spirit, and grantest unto him remission of sins, whether voluntary or involuntary. Do Thou, the same Master, compassionate King of all, grant also unto him 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 in Thy sanctification; confirm him in the Orthodox faith, deliver him from the Evil One, and from the machinations of the same. Preserve his soul in purity and uprightness, through the saving fear of Thee, that he may please Thee in every deed and word, and may be a child and heir of Thy heavenly kingdom. 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.
The Priest then anoints the newly-baptized child with Holy Chrism, making with it the sign of the cross: on the forehead, on the eyes, on the nose, on the lips, on both ears, on the breast, on both hands, on both feet, and between the shoulders, saying each time:
PRIEST: The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The sponsor responds each time, saying:
SPONSOR: Seal.
THE ABLUTION
(Prayers at the washing of the newly baptized child)
DEACON: 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 a life of regeneration: Do Thou, the same Lord and Master, ever graciously illumine his heart with the light of Thy countenance. Maintain the shield of his faith unassailed by the enemy. Preserve pure and unpolluted the garment of incorruption, wherewith Thou hast endowed him, upholding inviolate in him by Thy grace, the seal of the Spirit, and showing mercy unto him and unto us, through the multitude of Thy mercies. For blessed and glorified is Thine All-honorable 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.
PRIEST: Peace be to all.
CHOIR: And to thy spirit.
DEACON: Let us bow our heads unto the Lord.
CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.
PRIEST: He who hath put on thee, O Christ our God, boweth also his head with us, unto thee. Keep him ever a warrior invincible in every attack of those who assail him 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.
The Priest then dips the sponge in pure water and sprinkles the child, saying:
PRIEST: Thou art justified. Thou art illumined. Thou art sanctified. Thou art washed: in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
With the sponge, the Priest washes the face, head, breast and the other parts of the child, that were anointed with Holy Chrism, saying:
Thou art baptized. Thou art illumined. Thou hast received anointment with Holy Chrism. Thou art sanctified. Thou art washed: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
THE TONSURE
(Prayer at cutting the hair of the newly-baptized child)
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
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 present here, and let Thy blessing descend upon his 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 with Thy Holy Spirit; that as he increaseth in stature, and even unto ripe old age, he may ascribe glory unto Thee, and behold the good things of Jerusalem all the days of his life. 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.
The Priest, with a small scissors, cuts the hair of the child, in the form of a cross, saying:
PRIEST: The servant of God, N., is shorn in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
CHOIR: Amen.
The child is now fully dressed while the Priest prepares a small particle from the Reserved Sacrament with a small amount of wine for Holy Communion. During this time, the Canon/Katabasia of the Holy Cross in Tone 8 are normally sung. The cross for the newly baptized child may also be blessed now and presented to the child. Once the child is ready, the candles are lit and brought forth to receive Holy Communion.
HOLY COMMUNION
CHOIR: Of Thy Mystic Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant: for I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies, neither will I give Thee a kiss as did Judas; but like the thief will I confess Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.
The Priest gives the Holy Communion to the child, saying:
PRIEST:
The servant of God, N., partakes of the precious and all-holy Body and Blood of our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ, for the healing of soul and body unto life everlasting. Amen.
THE PROCESSION
The Priest, accompanied by the Sponsors bearing the Child, proceeds around the Font thrice, censing as he leads
PRIEST/CHOIR: As many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Alleluia. (Thrice)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Have put on Christ. Alleulia.
As many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Alleluia.
THE EPISTLE
DEACON: Let us attend!
READER: The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the Strength of my life: of whom 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:
Brethren: Know ye not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PRIEST: Peace be to thee that readest.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
THE GOSPEL
DEACON: Wisdom! Attend! Let us hear the holy Gospel.
PRIEST: Peace be to all.
CHOIR: And to thy spirit.
PRIEST: The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew.
CHOIR: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
DEACON: Let us attend!
PRIEST: Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came, and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and teach all 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 have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
CHOIR: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
THE EKTENIA
DEACON: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great goodness; we pray Thee: hearken and have mercy.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy (Thrice).
DEACON: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, and visitation for the newly-illumined servant of God, N.; and his sponsor (sponsors), N., (N & N); and his parents; and all here present; and for the pardon and remission of their sins.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy (Thrice).
PRIEST: For Thou art a merciful God and lovest mankind, and unto Thee we ascribe glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
THE DISMISSAL
PRIEST: Glory to Thee, O Christ our God and our hope, glory to Thee.
CHOIR: Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: both now and ever, and to ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy. Father, bless.
PRIEST: O Thou who didst receive Baptism in the Jordan for our salvation, Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-immaculate Mother, and of all the Saints, have mercy upon us and save us, forasmuch as He is good and loveth mankind.
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us.
CHOIR: Amen.
