An Analysis of the Anaphora of St. Basil
These are my notes for a lecture I gave for Dogmatics I at St. Sophia Seminary. In addition to Scripture, Bouteneff’s Sweeter than Honey and Fr. Michael Pomazansky’s Orthodox Dogmatic Theology, I use the prayers, services, and hymns of the Church as textbooks. The notes include the text from UOC-USA English translation, the relevant scripture from the KJV (with the LXX and KJV reference), and a summary of the meaning of the given anaphora quote. In the lecture, I provided liturgical descriptions of what is happening and how it participates with the words in the performance of the Anaphora.
1. Standing before God
“Let us stand aright. Let us stand in fear. Let us be attentive, that we may present the Holy Offering in peace.”
Hebrews 12:28–29: “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.”
Matthew 5:23–24: “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”
Meaning: The offering calls for attention, reverence, and reconciliation. Bodily posture expresses the inward readiness of the worshipper.
2. Mercy, peace, and praise
“A mercy of peace, a sacrifice of praise.”
Hebrews 13:15: “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
Ephesians 2:14: “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.”
Meaning: Christ reconciles humanity to God and enables its thanksgiving. The Church’s offering participates in His self-offering, through which mercy and peace are given.
3. The Trinitarian blessing
“The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God the Father and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
2 Corinthians 13:14: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”
Meaning: The Eucharistic assembly lives through the united action of the Trinity: Christ’s grace, the Father’s love, and participation in the Holy Spirit.
4. The people’s response
“And with your spirit.”
2 Timothy 4:22: “The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.”
Meaning: The people return the blessing, praying that the celebrant also receive Christ’s presence and assistance in his ministry.
5. Lifting up the heart
“Let us lift up our hearts.”
“We lift them up to the Lord.”
Lamentations 3:41: “Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.”
Colossians 3:1–2: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Meaning: The whole person turns toward God. The assembly participates in heavenly worship while remaining bodily gathered on earth.
6. Thanksgiving and worship of the Trinity
“Let us give thanks to the Lord.”
“It is right in truth, to worship the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit: the Trinity, One in Essence and Undivided.”
Psalm 106/1077:1: “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
Matthew 28:19: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
Meaning: Eucharist means thanksgiving. The Church worships three distinct divine Persons who possess one undivided divine nature.
7. Worship of the living God
“It is truly proper, right, and befitting the magnificence of Your Holiness, that we should praise You, give thanks to You, and glorify You, the Only Truly Existing God, the One Who Is, the Master, Lord, God, and Worshiped Father Almighty, and offer You with contrite hearts and humble spirits this our spiritual worship.”
Exodus 3:14: “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”
Prayer of Azariah 1:16 (Daniel 3:39 LXX): “Nevertheless in a contrite heart and an humble spirit let us be accepted.”
Romans 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Meaning: God possesses life and being in Himself. Worship fittingly joins praise with repentance and the offering of one’s whole life. The language of contrition also recalls the prayer offered in the fiery furnace. Prayer of Azariah
8. Knowledge of the truth as grace
“For You have graced us with the knowledge of Your Truth.”
1 Timothy 2:3–4: “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
Meaning: Knowledge of God begins in His gracious self-revelation. Thanksgiving includes gratitude for being brought into the truth.
9. The inadequacy of human praise
“And who is worthy to speak of Your mighty acts, to chant all the praises You deserve, or to proclaim all Your wonders at all times?”
Psalm 105/106:2: “Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?”
Meaning: God’s works exceed the capacity of human speech. The Church praises Him with humility, knowing that its thanksgiving can never exhaust His goodness.
10. Lord of all creation
“Master of All, Lord of Heaven and earth, and of all visible and invisible creation: You sit on the Throne of Glory gazing upon the abyss.”
Colossians 1:16: “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.”
Song of the Three Holy Children 1:32–33 (Daniel 3:54–55 LXX): “Blessed art thou that beholdest the depths, and sittest upon the cherubims: and to be praised and exalted above all for ever. Blessed art thou on the glorious throne of thy kingdom: and to be praised and glorified above all for ever.”
Meaning: God’s sovereignty embraces material creation, spiritual beings, and the deepest places beyond human sight. The throne signifies divine kingship.
11. God’s transcendence
“You are without beginning, invisible, incomprehensible, uncircumscribed, immutable, and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Timothy 1:17: “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Psalm 144/145:3: “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.”
Malachi 3:6: “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”
Ephesians 1:3: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”
Meaning: God has no beginning, cannot be contained within space or exhausted by thought, and does not change. The prayer addresses the Father, eternally related to His Son. This line ends with a segue from the Father to the Son.
12. Christ as God, Savior, and hope
“He is our Great God and Savior, our Hope and Image of Your Goodness, the Seal Bearing the Perfect Likeness Who reveals You, the Father, in Himself,”
Titus 2:13: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
1 Timothy 1:1: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope.”
Wisdom of Solomon 7:26: “For she is the brightness of the everlasting light, the unspotted mirror of the power of God, and the image of his goodness.”
John 14:9: “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?”
Meaning: The Son fully reveals the Father because He shares the Father’s divine nature. The prayer applies Wisdom’s language to Christ.
13. The divine names of the Son
“the Living Word, the True God, Wisdom before the ages, Life, Sanctification, Power, and the True Light through Whom the Spirit has been revealed:”
John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
1 Corinthians 1:24: “But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”
1 Corinthians 1:30: “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.”
John 1:9: “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”
John 15:26: “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.”
Meaning: These titles confess Christ’s eternal divinity and His saving work. The Son reveals and sends the Spirit in the economy of salvation; the Father is named as the Spirit’s source. This ends with a segue from the Son to the Holy Spirit.
14. The Spirit of adoption and inheritance
“The Spirit of Truth, the Gift of Adoption, the Pledge of an Inheritance to come, the First-fruits of Eternal Good Things,”
Romans 8:15: “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”
Ephesians 1:13–14: “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
Romans 8:23: “And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”
Meaning: The Spirit makes believers children of God and grants a present participation in the life that will be fulfilled in the resurrection.
15. The Spirit gives life and enables worship
“the Life-Creating Power, the Fountain of Sanctification through Whom every rational and intelligent creature is enabled to worship You, sending You everlasting glorification, for all things are Your servants.”
John 6:63: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
1 Corinthians 6:11: “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
Ephesians 2:18: “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.”
Psalm 118/119:91: “They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.”
Meaning: Life, holiness, and true worship come through the Spirit. The Church’s approach to the Father is through the Son, in the Holy Spirit.
16. The heavenly hosts
“Yes, the Archangels, Angels, Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Authorities, Powers, and the many-eyed Cherubim praise You.”
Psalm 102/103:20–21: “Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.”
Ezekiel 10:12: “And their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had.”
Meaning: Earthly worship joins the worship of the angelic creation. The many eyes signify spiritual perception and wakefulness before God.
17. The six-winged Seraphim
“The Seraphim surround You, each has six wings: With two they cover their faces, with two their feet, and with two they fly, calling to one another continuously with never-ceasing glorifications.”
“Singing the triumphant hymn, proclaiming, crying out and saying.”
Isaiah 6:2–3: “Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”
Meaning: Even the highest heavenly beings approach God with reverence. Their unceasing praise becomes the song of the assembled Church.
18. The Sanctus and the coming King
“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord of Sabaoth, Heaven and earth are filled with Your glory. Hosanna in the Highest! Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the Highest!”
Revelation 4:8: “And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”
Matthew 21:9: “And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.”
Meaning: The hymn unites heavenly praise with the welcome given to Christ entering Jerusalem. The Church greets the holy Lord who comes to His people.
19. Sinners join the angels
“Master and Lover of Mankind, with these Blessed Powers we sinners also cry out saying: Truly You are Holy and All-Holy, there is no measure to the magnificence of Your Holiness.”
Isaiah 6:5: “Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.”
1 Samuel 2:2: “There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.”
Meaning: Divine holiness exposes human sinfulness while God’s love permits sinners to approach and praise Him.
20. Righteousness in God’s works
“And Holy are You in all Your works, for in Righteousness and True Judgment You have brought about all things for us.”
Psalm 144/145:17: “The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.”
Prayer of Azariah 1:4 (Daniel 3:27-28 LXX): “For thou art righteous in all the things that thou hast done to us: yea, true are all thy works, thy ways are right, and all thy judgments truth.”
Meaning: The account of salvation begins by confessing God’s righteousness. Both His judgments and His mercies belong to His holy care for humanity.
21. Creation in the divine image
“O God, when You had fashioned mankind, taking dust from the earth, and had honored them with Your Image,”
Genesis 2:7: “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.”
Meaning: Human beings unite earthly creatureliness with a unique vocation to reflect God. Their dignity is received from their Creator.
22. Paradise and the commandment
“You set them in a paradise of plenty promising immortal life and the enjoyment of Eternal Good Things in the observance of Your Commandments.”
Genesis 2:8–9: “And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.”
Genesis 2:16–17: “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.”
Meaning: Humanity was created for life in communion with God. Obedience expresses the free and trusting relationship through which that life is enjoyed.
23. The fall and spiritual death
“But, when they disobeyed You, the True God Who had created them, and were led astray by the serpent being slain by their own trespasses,”
Genesis 3:13: “And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.”
Ephesians 2:1: “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”
Meaning: The fall involves deception and human disobedience. Sin brings estrangement from the divine source of life.
24. Exile, mortality, and regeneration
“You banished them from paradise into this world in Your Righteous Judgment, O God, and turned them back to the earth from which they were taken, dispensing salvation for them through regeneration which is in Christ Himself.”
Genesis 3:19: “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
Genesis 3:23: “Therefore the LORD God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken.”
Titus 3:5: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”
Meaning: Exile and bodily death follow the fall, but God’s purpose remains salvation. Christ opens the way to renewed life, sacramentally entered through regeneration.
25. God does not abandon His creation
“Yet You did not turn away until the end from the creatures which You had made, Good One, and neither did You forget the work of Your Hands, but You watched over them in many ways through Your tenderhearted mercy.”
Psalm 137/138:8: “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”
Nehemiah 9:31: “Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.”
Meaning: The history of salvation proceeds from God’s continuing faithfulness to His creation, even after human rebellion.
26. Prophets and saints
“You sent forth prophets. You performed mighty works through the saints who in every generation have been well-pleasing to You. You spoke to us through the mouths of Your servants, the prophets who foretold to us the salvation which was to come.”
Luke 1:70: “As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began.”
Hebrews 11:33: “Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.”
1 Peter 1:10: “Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you.”
Meaning: The saints and prophets prepare humanity for Christ. Their words and deeds belong to one continuous divine work of salvation.
27. The Law and guardian angels
“You gave the Law as an aid and You appointed angels as guardians.”
Galatians 3:24: “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
Psalm 90/91:11: “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
Meaning: God provides instruction and protection. The Law prepares for Christ, while angels minister to those under God’s care.
28. The fullness of time
“And when the fullness of time had come, You spoke to us through Your Son Himself through Whom You made the ages.”
Galatians 4:4: “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law.”
Hebrews 1:1–2: “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.”
Meaning: The Son’s coming fulfills the earlier revelations. The One who enters human history is also the eternal agent of creation.
29. The Son’s equality with the Father
“Being the brightness of Your Glory, the express likeness of Your Entity, and upholding everything by the Word of His Power, He deemed it not robbery to be equal to You, God and Father.”
Hebrews 1:3: “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
Philippians 2:6: “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.”
Meaning: Christ possesses the fullness of divinity. His equality with the Father belongs eternally to who He is.
30. God appears among humanity
“But, although he was God before the ages, yet He appeared on earth and lived among Men.”
Baruch 3:37: “Afterward did he shew himself upon earth, and conversed with men.”
John 1:14: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
Meaning: The eternal Son truly enters human life. The prayer reads Baruch’s language as pointing toward the Incarnation. Baruch 3:37
31. The Incarnation and self-emptying
“And He was Incarnate of a Holy Virgin, by emptying Himself and taking on the form of a servant, becoming conformed to the humility of our body that He might conform us to the Image of His Glory.”
Philippians 2:7: “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”
Philippians 3:21: “Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”
Meaning: The Son’s self-emptying consists in assuming our humanity and lowly condition while remaining divine. He takes what is ours to communicate His glorified life to us.
32. Sin and death enter human history
“For since by humanity sin entered the world and by sin Death,”
Romans 5:12: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”
Meaning: Adam’s disobedience introduces the reign of sin and death. Humanity needs deliverance that reaches the roots of its fallen condition.
33. The Only-Begotten born of Mary
“so Your Only-Begotten Son, Who is in Your Bosom, God and Father, was well pleased to be born of a woman, the Holy Birth-Giver of God and Ever-Virgin Mary.”
John 1:18: “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”
Luke 1:35: “And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”
Luke 1:43: “And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
Meaning: Mary is called Birth-Giver of God because the Person born from her is God the Son incarnate. “Ever-Virgin” expresses the Church’s confession of her perpetual virginity; the passages quoted here establish the divine identity of her Son and His virginal conception.
34. Christ reverses Adam’s death
“He was born under the Law that He might condemn sin in His Flesh, that they who were dead in Adam might be made alive in Your Christ Himself.”
Galatians 4:4–5: “But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.”
Romans 8:3: “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh.”
1 Corinthians 15:22: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Meaning: Christ enters humanity’s condition to overcome sin within human life and restore humanity to life in Himself.
35. Deliverance from idols and formation of a holy people
“And becoming a citizen in this world giving ordinances of salvation, He removed the delusion of idols bringing us to a knowledge of You, the true God and Father, having acquired us for Himself as His own People, a Royal Priesthood, and a Holy Nation.”
1 John 5:20: “And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”
1 Peter 2:9: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
Meaning: Salvation includes true knowledge of God and incorporation into His people. The Church’s royal priesthood is called to offer worship and bear witness through holy living.
36. Water, the Spirit, and ransom
“Being purified with water and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, He gave Himself as a ransom to Death, by which we were held captive being sold under sin.”
Matthew 3:16: “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him.”
Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Romans 7:14: “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.”
Meaning: The wording recalls Christ’s baptism and His sanctification of human life through water and the Spirit; Christ Himself is sinless. His voluntary death liberates those enslaved to sin and mortality. “Ransom to Death” personifies death’s captivity without specifying a literal transaction with a recipient.
37. Descent into death
“And having descended into the abyss through the Cross that He might fill all things with Himself,”
Ephesians 4:9–10: “Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.”
Meaning: Christ’s saving presence reaches even the realm of the dead. No depth of humanity’s condition lies beyond His victory.
38. Resurrection and the defeat of corruption
“He loosed the pains of Death being raised again from the dead on the Third Day making a path for all flesh to resurrection from the dead - for it was not possible that the Originator of Life should be constrained by corruption –”
Acts 2:24: “Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”
Acts 3:15: “And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.”
1 Corinthians 15:4: “And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
Meaning: Death cannot permanently hold the incarnate Author of life. His bodily Resurrection opens the way to the resurrection of humanity.
39. First-fruits and firstborn
“that He might be the First-Fruits of those who have fallen asleep and the First-born from the Dead, that He might be All, being First in All.”
1 Corinthians 15:20: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”
Colossians 1:18: “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”
Meaning: Christ’s Resurrection inaugurates the harvest that will follow. As the risen Head, He is the beginning and source of His people’s new life.
40. Ascension, enthronement, and judgment
“And ascending into Heaven, He sat at the Right Hand of Your Majesty on High, and He shall return to render to everyone according to their works.”
Hebrews 1:3: “Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
Matthew 16:27: “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.”
Meaning: The risen Christ reigns in glory and will manifest His righteous judgment. Human actions have eternal significance.
41. The commanded memorial
“And He has left with us as remembrances of His saving Passion these things which we have set forth according to His command.”
Luke 22:19: “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.”
Meaning: The Eucharist is Christ’s own instituted memorial. The Church receives its worship from His saving action and command.
42. The voluntary and life-creating death
“For when He was about to go to His voluntary, celebrated, and life-creating death, on the night in which He gave Himself up for the Life of the world, He took bread into His Holy and Undefiled Hands, and when He had shown it to You, God and Father, given thanks, blessed, sanctified, and broken it:”
John 10:17–18: “Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.”
1 Corinthians 11:23–24: “For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.”
Meaning: Christ freely gives Himself. His death is life-creating because the One who dies conquers death and communicates His life to the world.
43. The bread as Christ’s Body
“He gave it to His Holy Disciples and Apostles, saying: Take, eat, this is My Body which is broken for you for the remission of sins.”
Matthew 26:26: “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.”
1 Corinthians 11:24: “And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.”
Meaning: Christ identifies the Eucharistic gift with His Body, given for His people. Communion participates in His saving self-offering.
44. The “cup” as Christ’s Blood
“Likewise, having also taken, mixed, given thanks, blessed, and sanctified the cup of the fruit of the vine He gave it to His Holy Disciples and Apostles, saying: Drink of this all of you: This is My Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many, for the remission of sins.”
Matthew 26:27–29: “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”
John 19:34: “But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.”
Meaning: Christ’s Blood establishes the new covenant and grants forgiveness. The mixed cup also recalls the blood and water flowing from His side.
45. The command to remember and proclaim
“Do this in remembrance of Me, for as often as you shall eat this Bread and drink of this Cup, you proclaim My Death and profess My Resurrection.”
1 Corinthians 11:25–26: “After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.”
Meaning: Eucharistic remembrance is an enacted proclamation of Christ’s victory. The Church celebrates His death as the death of the risen and returning Lord.
46. Remembering the entire saving work
“Therefore, Master, we also remembering His Saving Passion and Life-Creating Cross, His Three-Day Burial and Resurrection from the Dead, His Ascension into Heaven and Sitting at Your Right Hand, God and Father, and His Glorious and Fearsome Second Coming:”
1 Corinthians 15:3–4: “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
Acts 1:11: “Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.”
Meaning: The anamnesis gathers Christ’s whole saving work into thanksgiving (eucharist). The Second Coming is included because the Eucharist anticipates the fulfillment of His Kingdom; the time of the liturgy is not chronological (kairos vs. chronos).
47. Offering what already belongs to God
“Your own of Your own, we offer to You on behalf of all and for all.”
1 Chronicles 29:14: “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.”
Meaning: Every gift offered to God first comes from Him. The offering expresses gratitude for His benefits and intercession embracing all. This is us fullfilling our original calling to be God’s Royal Priesthood (imagers).
48. The assembly’s thanksgiving
“We praise You, we bless You, we give thanks to You, Lord, and we pray to You, our God.”
Revelation 7:12: “Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”
Meaning: The people actively join the Eucharistic prayer through praise, thanksgiving, and supplication.
49. Ministry grounded in mercy
“Because of this, O All-Holy Master, we also Your sinful and unworthy servants, whom You have made worthy to minister at Your Holy Altar, not through our own righteousness, for we have done nothing good upon the earth, but because of Your mercies and compassion, which You have richly poured out upon us, dare to draw near to Your Holy Altar,”
Daniel 9:18: “O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.”
Hebrews 4:16: “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Meaning: Access to the altar rests on God’s calling and mercy. Clergy approach with humble confidence (or confident humility) in grace and confession of their own unworthiness.
50. The invocation of the Holy Spirit
“and, presenting to You the antitypes of the Holy Body and Blood of Your Christ, we pray to You and call upon You, O Holy of Holies, by the favour of Your goodness, that Your Holy Spirit may come upon us and upon these Gifts here set forth, and bless them and hallow them, and show...”
Luke 11:13: “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”
1 Corinthians 10:16: “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?”
Meaning: The epiclesis asks the Father to sanctify both the people and the gifts through the Spirit. “Antitypes” here names the presented gifts before the prayer’s consecratory fulfillment; the prayer proceeds to confess them as Christ’s true Body and Blood. (OCA)
51. The celebrant’s repentance
“O, God, cleanse me, the sinner, and have mercy on me.”
Luke 18:13: “And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”
Meaning: The celebrant identifies himself with the repentant publican. Sacred ministry requires continuing repentance. Note that this and the tropar of the third hour with the verses from Psalm 50 are not included in the Greek/Antiochian versions.
52. The prayer of the third hour
“O Lord, at the third hour, You sent Your Holy Spirit upon Your Apostles. Do not take Him away from us now, O Good One, but renew Him in us, who pray to You.”
Acts 2:4: “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Acts 2:15: “For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.”
Psalm 50/51:11: “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.”
Meaning: The Church asks for the Spirit’s renewing presence as at Pentecost. This prayer appears three times in your text and belongs to the Slavic form of the epiclesis. (OCA)
53. A clean heart
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalm 50/51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
Meaning: The requested renewal reaches the heart itself. Communion with holy things calls for inward purification.
54. Remaining in God’s presence
“Cast me not away from Your Presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.”
Psalm 50/51:11: “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me.”
Meaning: The worshipper asks to remain in the communion that sin threatens to disrupt.
55. The consecrated Bread
“Bless Master this Holy Bread.”
“… This Bread is in truth the Precious Body of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
John 6:55: “For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.”
1 Corinthians 10:16: “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?”
Meaning: The prayer confesses the reality of the Eucharistic gift: the faithful receive Christ’s true Body.
56. The consecrated “Cup”
“Bless Master this Holy Chalice.”
“And this Cup is in truth the Precious Blood of our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
“Which was shed for the life of the world and its salvation.”
Luke 22:20: “Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”
John 6:51: “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
Meaning: The chalice communicates the Blood of the incarnate Savior. His self-offering is directed toward the life and salvation of the world. Notice the poetic use of the word “cup”, evocative of St. John’s meditation on the throne (the cup is not salvific; but the blood in it is).
57. The change by the Holy Spirit
“Master, Bless them both.”
“Having changed them by Your Holy Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 6:11: “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
John 6:63: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
Meaning: The transformation of the gifts is confessed as divine action through the Spirit. The prayer affirms the mystery’s reality without attempting to explain its physical manner. (OCA)
58. Remembering the minister in the Kingdom
“Remember me, the sinner.”
“May the Lord God remember you in His Kingdom, always now and ever, and to the ages of ages.”
Luke 23:42: “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.”
Meaning: The deacon’s request echoes the repentant thief. To be remembered by God is to be received into His saving fellowship.
59. Unity through the one Eucharist
“And unite all of us who partake of the One Bread and One Cup in the Communion of the Holy Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 10:17: “For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”
1 Corinthians 12:13: “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”
Meaning: Eucharistic communion unites the faithful to Christ and to one another. The Spirit makes the many members one ecclesial body.
60. Communion without condemnation
“And grant that not one of us may partake of that Holy Body and Blood of Your Christ to our judgment or condemnation, but that we may find mercy and grace”
1 Corinthians 11:28–29: “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”
Meaning: The holy gifts call for repentance and discernment. The Church asks that reception bring healing and mercy rather than judgment.
61. Communion with the saints
“with all the saints who have been acceptable to You throughout the ages: forefathers, fathers, patriarchs, prophets, apostles, preachers, evangelists, martyrs, confessors, ascetics, and for every righteous spirit who has completed this life in faith.”
Hebrews 12:22–23: “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect.”
Meaning: The Eucharistic assembly belongs to the one Church extending across generations and beyond bodily death. This begins a whole list of people we are remembering.
62. The special commemoration of Mary
“Especially with our Most-Holy, Most-Pure, Most-Blessed and Glorious Lady, the Birth-Giver of God and Ever-Virgin Mary.”
Luke 1:48–49: “For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.”
Meaning: Mary receives a distinctive place among the saints because of her unique relationship to the incarnate Son and her faithful reception of God’s will.
63. Creation rejoices in the Theotokos
“All of creation rejoices in you, Lady, Full of Grace, the assembly of angels and the human race, Sanctified Temple and Spiritual Paradise, the Glory of Virgins, from whom God was incarnate and became a Child – our God before the ages.”
Luke 1:28: “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”
Isaiah 9:6: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Meaning: Mary is praised because the eternal God became human through her. “Temple” and “Paradise” express her role as the dwelling place of God and the place where humanity’s renewal begins. This is the Theotokion of St. Basil’s Liturgy.
64. The womb more spacious than the heavens
“He made your body into a throne, and your womb more spacious than the heavens. All of creation rejoices in You, Lady Full of Grace. Glory to you!”
3 Kingdoms 8:27/1 Kings 8:27: “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?”
Colossians 2:9: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
Meaning: The hymn expresses the paradox of the Incarnation: the One whom creation cannot contain was truly carried in Mary’s womb. The language is theological and poetic, rather than a statement about physical size.
65. The saints’ intercession
“With the Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptizer, John, the Holy, Glorious, and All-Praised Apostles, Holy (Names), whose memory we celebrate, and all Your Saints, through whose supplications You look upon us, O God.”
Luke 1:76: “And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways.”
Revelation 5:8: “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.”
Meaning: The saints remain living members of Christ’s Church and participate in its prayer. Their intercession depends entirely on God’s grace. We are continuing the list of people we love.
66. Remembering the departed
“And remember all those who have fallen asleep before this in the hope of Resurrection to Life Eternal.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13–14: “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”
Meaning: Christian remembrance of the dead is governed by hope in Christ’s Resurrection. “Sleep” expresses the expectation of awakening to bodily life.
67. Repose, forgiveness, and light
“For the repose and forgiveness of the souls of Your servant(s), in a place of light in which sorrow and sighing have fled. Grant them rest, our God, where the light of Your Countenance watches over them.”
2 Timothy 1:18: “The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.”
Isaiah 35:10: “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
Psalm 4:6: “There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.”
Meaning: The Church entrusts the departed to God’s forgiveness and life-giving presence. Rest and light describe communion with Him, free from suffering.
68. The worldwide Church purchased by Christ
“And again we pray to You, Lord, remember the Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church which extends from one end of the earth to the other, and give peace to Her whom You have purchased with the Precious Blood of Your Christ, and establish this holy temple until the end of the age.”
Acts 20:28: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
Ephesians 2:20: “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.”
Matthew 28:20: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
Meaning: The Church belongs to Christ through His saving sacrifice. “Catholic” expresses her wholeness and universality; “Apostolic” her continuity with the apostles’ lives, faith, and mission.
69. Those connected with the offering
“Lord, remember those who have offered You these Gifts, those for whom and through whom, and to those ends for which they are offered.”
Hebrews 6:10: “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
Meaning: The offering gathers up concrete people, labors, needs, and intentions. God receives the love expressed through these gifts. The list continues.
70. Benefactors and those who serve the needy
“Lord, remember those who bear fruit and do good works in Your Holy Churches, and those who remember the needy: Grant them Your rich and heavenly gifts.”
Hebrews 13:16: “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
Proverbs 19:17: “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
Meaning: Generosity and care for the poor belong to the Church’s offering of life to God.
71. Eternal gifts in return for temporal gifts
“Grant them heavenly things for earthly things, eternal things for temporal things, and incorruptible things for corruptible things.”
2 Corinthians 4:18: “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Matthew 6:20: “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.”
Meaning: Earthly generosity is directed toward enduring communion with God. The petition asks for divine abundance beyond the value of the material gift.
72. Those in remote places
“Lord, remember those in the deserts, the mountains, and in the caverns and pits of the earth.”
Hebrews 11:38: “(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”
Meaning: The prayer embraces those living in solitude, hardship, or concealment, especially ascetics whose lives may be hidden from ordinary society.
73. Virginity, purity, and ascetic discipline
“Lord, remember all those who continue in virginity, purity, in asceticism, and a sober way of life.”
1 Corinthians 7:34: “There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.”
Titus 2:12: “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.”
Meaning: The Church prays for those pursuing disciplined dedication to God. Such discipline is ordered toward holiness and undivided love.
74. Civil authorities and public peace
“Lord, remember the civil authorities of our country and all in public service. Grant them peaceful times that we also being in their tranquility, may lead calm and quiet lives in all piety and sobriety.”
1 Timothy 2:1–2: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
Meaning: The Church prays for public order that permits faithful and peaceful living. Those exercising authority remain accountable to God. This is central to Orthodox Political Theology. It is repeated in our morning prayers.
75. Preserve the good and convert the evil
“In Your Goodness, guard those who are good. And in Your Loving-Kindness make those who are evil good.”
Psalm 124/125:4: “Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.”
Romans 2:4: “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”
Meaning: The Church asks both for perseverance in goodness and for the conversion of wrongdoers. Divine kindness seeks human transformation.
76. Those present and absent
“Lord, remember the people present here, those who are absent for a good cause, and have mercy on them and on us according to the abundance of Your mercies.”
Psalm 50/51:1: “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.”
Meaning: The assembly’s prayer embraces those prevented from attending. All stand together in need of God’s mercy.
77. Material provision
“Fill their storehouses with every good thing.”
Proverbs 3:9–10: “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”
Meaning: Material needs are included within prayer. The Church asks God to sustain the bodily life of His people.
78. Peace within marriage
“Guard their marriages in peace and oneness of mind.”
Matthew 19:6: “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Romans 15:5: “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.”
Meaning: Marriage requires God’s continuing protection. Its unity is lived through peace, fidelity, and a shared orientation toward Christ.
79. Infants, youth, and the aged
“Nourish the infants, train the youth, support the aged,”
Psalm 146/147:9: “He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.”
Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Isaiah 46:4: “And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.”
Meaning: God’s care embraces every stage of life, with its particular needs for nourishment, formation, and support.
80. The faint-hearted and scattered
“encourage the faint-hearted, gather together the scattered, lead back those who wander astray, and unite them to Your Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.”
1 Thessalonians 5:14: “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”
Ezekiel 34:16: “I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.”
Meaning: Christ’s shepherding care restores courage and gathers those separated from the flock. The petition seeks healing within the communion of the Church.
81. Deliverance from unclean spirits
“Free those who are troubled by unclean spirits,”
Luke 6:18: “And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.”
Meaning: The Church asks Christ to exercise His liberating authority over demonic oppression.
82. Those who travel
“travel with those who travel by land, sea, or air.”
Psalm 120/121:8: “The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.”
Meaning: God’s protection is sought throughout the movements and dangers of ordinary life. The reference to air travel applies the traditional petition to contemporary journeys.
83. Widows, orphans, captives, and the sick
“Protect widows, defend orphans, deliver captives, and heal the sick.”
Psalm 145/146:7–9: “Which executeth judgment for the oppressed: which giveth food to the hungry. The LORD looseth the prisoners: The LORD openeth the eyes of the blind: the LORD raiseth them that are bowed down: the LORD loveth the righteous: The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.”
Meaning: The petition reflects God’s special care for those exposed to suffering, dependence, and injustice.
84. Those in confinement and danger
“And remember, O God, those who stand in trial, in mines, in exile, in prison, in every tribulation, need, and danger.”
Hebrews 13:3: “Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.”
Meaning: The Church identifies with those suffering confinement, forced labor, displacement, and persecution. Their distress belongs within the assembly’s prayer.
85. Friends, enemies, and those requesting prayer
“Remember, Lord our God, all those who are in need of Your great mercy, those who love us and those who hate us, and those who have requested us, unworthy though we be, to pray for them, and all Your People.”
Matthew 5:44: “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”
Ephesians 6:18: “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.”
Meaning: Christian intercession extends beyond personal affection. Enemies and friends alike are entrusted to God’s mercy.
86. Petitions directed toward salvation
“Pour out Your rich mercy granting to all their petitions which are for salvation.”
1 John 5:14: “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.”
Meaning: The Church asks that human desires be fulfilled according to God’s saving purpose and wisdom.
87. Those whom human memory misses
“And those whom we have not remembered through ignorance, forgetfulness, or the multitude of names, You Yourself remember, O God.”
Isaiah 49:15–16: “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.”
Meaning: The completeness of intercession rests in God’s faithful knowledge, beyond the limits of the worshippers’ attention and memory.
88. God knows each person from the womb
“You know the age and name of everyone, knowing every person from their mother’s womb.”
Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.”
Psalm 139:13: “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.”
Meaning: God’s knowledge is personal and intimate. No individual is lost within an anonymous multitude. This brings everyone in and pauses the list of people until “among the first.” Note that this is the verbal equivalent to the commemorations on the paten.
89. Helper, hope, haven, and physician
“For You are the Helper of the helpless, the Hope of the hopeless, the Savior of the storm-tossed, the Haven of voyagers, and the Physician of the sick.”
Psalm 9:34/10:14: “Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.”
Psalm 106/107:29–30: “He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.”
Exodus 15:26: “And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.”
Meaning: These images confess God’s saving presence amid vulnerability. Storm, harbor, and healing describe both bodily needs and the soul’s restoration.
90. Every person and household
“Be all things to all people for You know every person and their petitions, each house and its need.”
1 Corinthians 9:22: “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”
Matthew 6:8: “Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.”
Meaning: The prayer asks God to meet each person according to that person’s actual need. Divine care is universal without becoming impersonal.
91. Deliverance from public calamity
“Lord, deliver this city, and every city and community from famine, pestilence, earthquake, flood, fire, armaments, foreign invasion, and civil war.”
1 Kings 8:37–39: “If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be caterpiller; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatsoever plague, whatsoever sickness there be; What prayer and supplication soever be made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, which shall know every man the plague of his own heart, and spread forth his hands toward this house: Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;)”
Meaning: The Eucharistic intercession encompasses the shared life of entire communities, including natural disasters, disease, and war.
92. The bishops and faithful teaching
“Among the first, Lord, remember our Metropolitan, His Eminence (name); our Archbishop, His Eminence (name), our Bishop, His Grace (name), grant that they may serve Your Holy Churches in peace. Keep them in safety, honor and good health, for many years rightly teaching the word of Your Truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
Acts 20:28: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
Meaning: The bishop’s ministry serves the Church’s unity, pastoral care, and fidelity to revealed truth. Prayer for his health and peace supports that responsibility.
93. The inclusive response
“And all mankind and everything.”
1 Timothy 2:1: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.”
Romans 8:21: “Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.”
Meaning: The response widens the commemoration to all people and the creation whose renewal is bound to humanity’s salvation.
94. Every Orthodox bishop
“Lord, remember every Orthodox bishop rightly teaching the word of Your Truth.”
Titus 1:9: “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”
Meaning: The prayer extends beyond the local hierarchy to bishops throughout the Church. Their ministry is measured by fidelity to the apostolic faith.
95. The celebrant’s sins and the grace of the gifts
“Lord, remember according to the multitude of Your compassion, my unworthiness. Attend to my every voluntary and involuntary offense, and do not withhold because of my sins the Grace of Your Holy Spirit from these Gifts set forth here.”
Psalm 18/19:12–13: “Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.”
2 Corinthians 4:7: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
Meaning: The priest acknowledges both deliberate sins and faults beyond his full awareness. He depends on God’s mercy and power rather than personal holiness as the source of sacramental grace.
96. All ordained ministers
“Lord, remember the priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and every priestly order not putting to confusion any one of us who stand about Your Holy Altar.”
Psalm 131/132:9: “Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.”
1 Timothy 3:13: “For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
Meaning: The clergy ask to fulfill their service faithfully and without shame before God.
97. God’s compassionate visitation
“Lord, consider us in Your Loving-Kindness. Manifest Yourself to us in Your abundant compassion.”
Psalm 105/106:4: “Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation.”
Meaning: The Church asks for an experienced participation in God’s saving presence and compassion.
98. Fruitful seasons and the blessing of the year
“Grant us temperate and prosperous seasons giving peaceful showers on the earth for fruitfulness. Bless the entirety of the year in Your Loving-Kindness.”
Ezekiel 34:26–27: “And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.”
Psalm 64/65:11: “Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.”
Meaning: Food, weather, agriculture, and time itself are received within God’s providence. The Eucharist includes thanksgiving and prayer for the life of creation.
99. Divisions within the Church
“Bring an end to divisions in the Church.”
1 Corinthians 1:10: “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
Meaning: Communion at one altar calls for unity in faith and love. Division wounds the Church’s visible expression of Christ’s one Body.
100. The raging of nations
“Subdue the raging of the nations.”
Psalm 64/65:7: “Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.”
Meaning: The Church asks God to restrain collective violence and disorder, bringing human societies into peace.
101. The overthrow of heresy
“Speedily destroy, by the Power of Your Holy Spirit, uprisings of heresies.”
2 Peter 2:1: “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”
John 16:13: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”
Meaning: The petition seeks the defeat of teachings that distort the apostolic faith. The Spirit preserves the Church in the truth that gives life.
102. Children of light and heirs of the Kingdom
“Receive us all into Your Kingdom, showing us to be children of the light and of the day, and grant us Your peace and love, Lord our God, for all things You have given us.”
1 Thessalonians 5:5: “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.”
Colossians 1:12–13: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”
Meaning: The prayer culminates in participation in God’s Kingdom. The faithful ask that their lives manifest the light, peace, and love they have received.
103. One voice and one heart
“And grant that with one voice and one heart we may glorify and praise Your most honorable and majestic Name: of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.”
Romans 15:6: “That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Acts 4:32: “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.”
Meaning: Eucharistic unity reaches its expression in common praise of the Trinity. Unity of confession and unity of love belong together.
104. The concluding blessing
“And may the mercies of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ be with all of you.”
“And with your spirit.”
Titus 2:13: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
Jude 1:21: “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”
Meaning: The assembly is entrusted to Christ’s continuing mercy. The divine Savior encountered in the Eucharist remains the source of its life and hope.
105. The repeated “Amen”
“Amen.”
“Amen, amen, amen.”
1 Corinthians 14:16: “Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?”
2 Corinthians 1:20: “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”
Meaning: “Amen” expresses assent: the prayer is received and affirmed as the prayer of the Church. Its repetition at the consecration intensifies that affirmation.