Anointing

A Study Text for the
HOLY MYSTERY OF ANOINTING

The Order of Holy Anointing
Celebrated by Seven Priests in a Church or Home

Prepared on the analogion are two cruets, (one filled with olive oil and the other with wine) and a tray filled with grains of wheat. On the wheat is placed a vigil lamp surrounded by seven anointing wands. Behind the tray is the Holy Gospel book.
The priest gives all the priest a lighted candle and, dressed in phelonion, incenses around the analogion, the oil, the church and the people. Standing in front of the table facing East, they begin:
Priest: Blessed is our God at all times, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
If it is paschal time, we say the troparion "Christ is risen from the dead..." three times and omit the following up to and including "Come, let us worship . . ."
Priest: Holy God! Holy Mighty One! Holy Immortal One! Have mercy on us (three times).
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive us our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, look upon us and heal our infirmities for Your name's sake.
Lord, have mercy (three times).
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen. Lord, have mercy (twelve times).
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Come, let us worship God, our King, and bow down before Him (reverence).
Come let us worship Christ God, our King, and bow down before Him (reverence).
Come let us worship Christ, our King and our God, and bow down before Him (reverence).
And we recite Psalm 142.
O Lord, listen to my prayer, in your truth give heed to my request and in your justice hear me and enter not into judgment with your servant since of all the living none is just before You. The enemy has pursued my soul he has crushed my life into the ground he has forced me to dwell in darkness like those long dead. My spirit was overwhelmed with grief and within me my heart was troubled. Remembering the days of old I meditated on all your deeds, I thought of the works of your hands. I stretched out my hands to you like parched land my soul longed for You. Listen to me without delay, O Lord: my spirit has failed me. Turn not your face away from me nor let me sink in the pit like the others. Grant that I may hear your love at dawn for I have placed my hope in You. O Lord, let me know which way I shall go for I have lifted up my soul to You. Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies: it is to You that I have fled. Teach me to do your will, for You are my God; may your good Spirit load me over level ground. For the sake of your name, O Lord You will keep me alive. In your saving bounty you will deliver my soul from oppression. And in your loving kindness you will destroy my enemies and bring to naught all those who grieve my soul for I am your servant.
Deacon: Again and again in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace.

All: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Remembering our all holy, spotless, most highly blessed and glorious Lady the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ God.

All: To You, O Lord.

Priest: For to you belongs all glory, honor and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.

All: Amen.

And we sing the following in Tone 6.

All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Reader: O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger nor chasten me in your sore displeasure.

All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Reader: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak.

All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

And we sing the following troparia in tone 6:

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us. At a loss for any defense, we sinners offer this prayer to you, the Master: have mercy on us.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Lord, have mercy on us for we have put our trust in you: rise not in anger against us, remember not our transgressions, but in the depth of your mercy look upon us even now and save us from our enemies: for you are God and we are your people, we are all the work of your hands and we constantly call upon your name.

Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Open the portal of your deep mercy to us who put our trust in you, blessed Mother of God, so that we may not be brought to confusion, but through you may be delivered from adversity, for you are the salvation of the Christian fold.

And we recite Psalm 50.

O God, have mercy on me in the greatness of your love;
in the abundance of your tender mercies wipe out my offense.
Wash me thoroughly from malice and cleanse me from sin,
For I am well aware of my malice and my sins are before me always.
It is You alone I have offended, I have done what is evil in your sight;
Wherefore You are just in your deeds and triumphant in your judgment.
Behold I was born in iniquities and in sins my mother conceived me.
But You are the Lover of Truth: You have shown me the depths and secrets of your wisdom.
Wash me with hyssop and I shall be pure, cleanse me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Let me hear the sounds of joy and feasting: the bones that were afflicted shall rejoice.
Turn your face away from my offenses and wipe off all my sins.
A spotless heart create in me, O God; renew a steadfast spirit in my breast.
Cast me not afar from your face, take not your blessed Spirit out of me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and let your guiding Spirit dwell in me.
I will teach your ways to the sinners and the wicked shall return to you.
Deliver me from blood-guilt, O God, my saving God, and my tongue will joyfully sing your justice.
O Lord, You shall open my lips and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Had You desired sacrifice, I would have offered it, but You will not be satisfied with whole burnt offerings.
Sacrifice to God is a contrite spirit: a crushed and humbled heart God will not spurn.
In your kindness, O Lord, be bountiful to Sion; may the walls of Jerusalem be restored.
Then will You delight in just oblation in sacrifice and whole-burnt offerings.
Then shall they offer calves upon your altar .
Canon
Ode 1
(Tone 4)
When Israel of old passed through the abyss of the Red Sea unaffected by the torrent withheld by the stretching forth of Moses' hands, they overthrew the host of Amalek in the wilderness.
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
O Master, who make glad the souls- and-bodies of mortal men with the oil of loving-kindness, who preserve your faithful by oil, show compassion upon those who now draw close to You through anointing.
The whole earth is full of your mercy, O Master; wherefore we pray You to be merciful to us who today shall be anointed with your holy oil.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
O Lover of mankind, who through your Apostle commanded Holy Unction for the ills of your servants, through his prayers have mercy on us by your Seal.
Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Through your intercessions, O Pure One, who gave birth to the Abyss of Peace, deliver your servants from dangers and all ills, that we may always magnify you.
Ode 3
Your Church, O Christ, rejoices in You, crying out You are my Fortress, O Lord, my strength and my refuge.
You alone are merciful, O healing Christ, and wonderful to all men: grant your peace from on high to your servants who lie in sore weakness.
O Lord, who in days of old commanded the olive branch to be the sign of the ebbing Flood, save the sufferer through your mercy.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
With the lamp of divine light, O Christ, make bright the path of this anointing for those who run to your compassion
Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Graciously look down, O Mother of the Creator of all men, and dispel the pangs of sickness through your intercessions.
Kathisma
(Tone 8)
O You who are like a river of divine mercy, like a bottomless gulf of great kindness, O Bountiful One, show forth streams of divine mercy and heal all; pour forth abundantly your floods of wonders and wash all clean, for ever looking to You, we implore your grace.
Ode 4
The Church, seeing you lifted upon the Cross, O Sun of Righteousness, stands within its glory crying in praise: Glory to your might, O Lord!
O Savior, who emptied yourself in grace through incorruptible Chrism and purified the world: show mercy and kindness on the wounds of those who now receive the Holy Unction in faith.
Through the Seal of your mercy, your servants' senses are signed with peace: make them, O Master, a strong wall against the entrance of adverse power.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
O You, who commanded the ailing to call upon your ministers and procure salvation through their prayers and the anointing of Holy Oil, save the afflicted by your mercy, You who are the Savior of our souls!
Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
O Theotokos ever-virgin, our all-pure steadfast refuge, our strong fortress, our haven and wall, our ladder and embattled strength, have mercy and compassion on your afflicted who have fled to you alone for safety.
Ode 5
As a light to the world You have come, O my Lord, a holy light turning aside the darkness of ignorance of those who sing to You with faith.
O Good One, who are a well of deep mercy, show divine mercy and compassion on those afflicted by the tenderness of your heart.
O Christ, who with ineffable wisdom from on high makes our souls and bodies holy: heal us by the divine signing of your Seal and the power of your hand.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
O exceedingly Good Lord, who accepted anointing at the hands of your handmaiden, a sinner, through your unspeakable love have mercy on your servants.
Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
O all-praised, immaculate and exceedingly blessed Theotokos: have mercy on those who are about to be anointed with Holy Oil, and save your servants.
Ode 6
With the voice of thanksgiving, O Lord, I will sacrifice to You, and the Church before you cries that she has purified herself of the blood of demons by the Blood that flowed from your side for the sake of your mercy.
O lover and friend of man, who instituted anointing for kings by the hands of your high-priests, save us, the afflicted, by your Seal.
Let not the entrance of evil demons tough the senses of those being anointed, O Savior, but surround them with the safeguard of your glory.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Stretch forth your hand from on high, O Lover of men, and sanctify this oil; and grant your servants healing and deliverance from every ill.
Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
O Mother of the Creator, who appeared in your temple as a fruitful vine filling the world with mercy, by your prayers loose the pangs of your suffering servants.
Kontakion
(Tone 2)
O Lover of men and Fountain of mercy, deliver those who fall down before your mercy from every tribulation; O Lover of men, take away all their ailing and grant them your divine grace from on high.
Ode 7
The Hebrew Children, fired by love of godliness rather than the furnace flames of the Persians, cried aloud to You: Blessed are You, O God, in the Tabernacle of your glory!
O Savior, who alone are God, and in mercy and compassion heal the spiritual passions and bodily wounds of all: be the Physician for us afflicted and make us whole.
Grant, O Christ, the joy of gladness which all men receive with anointing to these men and women seeking the mercy of your Redemption, and bestow on them the riches of your grace.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Your Seal, O Savior, is a sword against demons, and the prayers of your priests burn away the passions of the soul: therefore we who have gained healing with faith praise You.
Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
O Theotokos, who conceived in your womb the Creator of all, unspeakably clothed in flesh: we pray you to be gracious to us who are afflicted.
Ode 8
Daniel stretched forth his hand stopping the gaping mouths of the lions; and the Holy Children strong in faith and girding themselves with virtue quenched the raging fires with the praise: Bless you the Lord all the works of the Lord, praise and exalt Him forever.
Have mercy, O Savior, according to your great mercy: for we have gathered here to be images of the condescension of your mercies; and visit your servants in faith with the Unction of Oil.
Wash away, O Lover of men, the pains and wounds and overwhelming afflictions in streams of mercy by the anointing of your priest, O Christ, that those tormented with the stress of suffering may praise you with thanksgiving.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Through your divine mercy, O Master, draw on us the Sign of condescension from on high, and withdraw not your tranquility, nor reject those who cry to you: Bless you the Lord all the works of the Lord!
Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
O Theotokos, who conceived in your womb the Creator of all, unspeakably clothed with flesh, we pray you to be gracious to us who are afflicted.
Ode 9
The corner-stone unhewn by hands, the Lord Christ who has bound together Nature that has been divided, was hewn from you, O unquarried Mountain: therefore with rejoicing, O Theotokos, we magnify you.
Look down from heaven, O Compassionate One, and show forth your mercy to all; and through the signing of your priest bestow strength on those who come to You, who love mankind.
Through your condescension we have been made acceptable and rejoice in your holy oil, a divine gift to those who shared of your Holy Font.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
Be compassionate and have mercy, O Savior, and deliver us from tribulation; heal your servants, O Lord most merciful, and by your holy anointing deliver us from the efforts of the Evil One.
Now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Accept, O immaculate virgin, the songs and prayers of your servants who flee to your protection; and through your intercessions, O most pure one, deliver us from all ills.
It is truly meet to bless you O Theotokos, who are ever blessed and blameless and the Mother of our God. More honored than the Cherubim And more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim. You, who without stain bore God the Word, You are truly Theotokos, we magnify You!
And the exapostilarion is sung.
In mercy, O Good One, look upon the petitions of us who this day have come together in your holy temple to anoint your sick servants with your Divine Oil.
Then the Praises:
May everything that breathes praise the Lord.
Give praise to the Lord from the heavens, give praise to him in the heights!
Give praise to him all you his angels, give praise to him all you his powers!
To You belongs praise, O God!
Praise him in his mighty deeds, Praise him for the fullness of his majesty!
You have given your grace, O You who are mindful and love mankind, through your Apostles for the healing of the wounds and infirmities of men through your Holy Oil. Have mercy, therefore, upon those who with faith now come for anointing with your oil, and sanctify and show mercy, O You of tender compassion. Purge them from every ailment and grant your incorruptible blessings, O Lord.
Praise him with the sound of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and the zither!
Look down from heaven, O Ineffable One, because of your loving-kindness, who with invisible hand has sealed our senses: grant healing for both soul and body through your Holy Oil, O Lover of mankind, to those who appeal to You with faith and ask remission of their transgressions, that they may glorify You with love and magnify your sovereign power.
Praise him with well-tuned cymbals and chorus, praise him with strings and pipes!
Through the anointing with your oil and the signing of your priest, O You who love mankind, send holiness from on high on your servants within your House; free them from their infirmities and save them from all spiritual defilement; wash and cleanse their souls, O Savior, and ransom them from entangling temptations; send comfort for the pain they bear and cast out worries which plague the sick and suppress the anguish in their hearts. Utterly destroy all their afflictions, for You are merciful and love mankind.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
O Most pure Palace of the King, O greatly extolled One, I pray you to cleanse my mind spotted and tarnished by all my transgressions, and make of it a fitting abode wherein the Most Holy Trinity may dwell, so that when I am saved I may magnify your power and mercy which has no bounds.
Priest: Holy God! Holy Mighty One! Holy Immortal One! Have mercy on us (three times).
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
All Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive us our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, look upon us and heal our infirmities for Your name's sake.
Lord, have mercy (three times).
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Priest: For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Priest: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For peace from on high and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For peace in the whole world, the well being of the holy Churches of God and the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
Priest: That this oil may be blessed by the power, operation and descent of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For the servant (handmaid) of God and for his (her) protection, and that the grace of the Holy Spirit may come upon him (her), let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and need, let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Help us, save us, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by your grace.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our all holy, spotless, most highly blessed and glorious Lady the Theotokos and ever virgin Mary with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ God.
All: To You, O Lord.
Priest: For to you belongs all glory, honor and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
And the priest says the prayer of the oil:
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O Lord, who in your mercy and compassion heal the afflictions of our souls and bodies, sanctify this oil, so that it may become for those who are anointed with it a cure and a relief from every suffering, every defilement of the flesh and spirit, and from every misfortune, so that your all-holy name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit may be glorified therein, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
And we sing the following troparia and kontakia:
Troparion of the Holy Oil
(Tone 4)
O Christ, who alone are a speedy help, visit from on high your sick servants; deliver them from their infirmities and cruel pain; raise them up again to sing praises to you without ceasing to glorify You: through the prayers of the Theotokos, for You alone love mankind.
Kontakion of the Man Born Blind
(Tone 4)
With spiritual blindness I come to You, O Christ, as did the man blind from his birth who cried to You with repentance: Have mercy on me, You who illumine those in darkness.
Kontakion of the Paralytic
(Tone 3)
By your divine intercession, O Lord, raise up my soul cruelly paralyzed by sin and unseemly deeds, as You raised the Paralytic from his bed, that being saved I may cry out to You: Grant me healing, O Compassionate Christ!
Troparia of St. James
(Tone 4)
As a disciple of the Lord, O righteous James, you received the Gospel; as a martyr, you have surpassed words; as the brother of God you have boldness; as a bishop you have power in prayer: implore Christ our God that He may save our souls!
(Tone 4)
The only begotten Word of God the Father, who in these later days sojourned among us, has chosen you, holy James sent by God, to be the first shepherd and teacher of those who lived in Jerusalem: wherefore, 0 Apostle and faithful steward of spiritual Mysteries, we revere you.
Kontakion of St. Nicholas
(Tone 3)
You revealed yourself as a minister of Holy Mysteries to those of Myra, O holy Nicholas, and in fulfilling the Gospel of Christ, O venerable one, you gave up your life for your people, and saved the innocent from death: wherefore you are a saint, a great mystic in the grace of God.
Troparion of St. Demetrios
(Tone 3)
The world has found in you, O endurer of pain a champion that put the heathen to flight; for as you humbled Lyaeus' pride and encourages Nestor in the arena, in like manner, O holy Demetrios, pray to Christ our God to grant us his great mercy.
Troparion of St. Penteleimon
(Tone 3)
O holy endurer of pain, and healer, Panteleimon, beseech the merciful God to grant us our souls remission of sins.
Troparion of Sts. Cosmas and Damian
(Tone 8)
O holy unmercenaries and wonderworkers, visit our infirmities; freely have you received, freely give to us.
Kontakion of St. John the Theologian
(Tone 2)
Who shall declare your grandeur, O chaste John, for you abound in wonders and pour forth streams of healing and intercede for our souls, O you filled with divine Wisdom and the friend of Christ.
Theotokion
(Tone 2)
O fervent intercession and impregnable Wall, Fountain of Mercy, Refuge of the world: to you do we cry: O Theotokos, O Lady, come to our aid and deliver us from all adversity, for you alone are a speedy intercessor.
The First Epistle and Gospel
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Reader: O Lord, let your mercy rest upon us, for we have put our trust in you.
All: O Lord, let your mercy rest upon us, for we have put our trust in you.
Reader: Shout for joy to the Lord, all virtuous men, praise comes well from upright hearts.
All: O Lord, let your mercy rest upon us, for we have put our trust in you.
Reader: O Lord, let your mercy rest upon us.
All: For we have put our trust in you.
Deacon: Wisdom.
Reader: A reading from the universal epistle of St. James.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Reader: Brethren, take as an example of labor and patience, the Prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold we call blessed those who have endured. You have heard of the patience of Job, and now you see the purpose of the Lord: how the Lord is merciful and compassionate. But above all things, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by the earth or any other oath; but let your yes be yes, and your no, no; that you may not fall under judgment. Is there anyone of you sad? Let him pray. Is any one of you in good spirits? Let him sing a hymn. Is any one among you sick? Let him bring in the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him: anointing him with oil in the Name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he is in sin, they shall be forgiven. Confess, therefore, your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be saved . For great is the power of the prayer of a righteous man.
Priest: Peace to you, O reader.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Reader: I will sing to You of Justice and judgment.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Deacon: Let us stand and listen to the holy Gospel,
Priest: Peace to all.
Priest: The holy Gospel according to Luke the evangelist.
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Priest: At that time, a lawyer rose up to test Jesus and asked him: "Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered him: "What is written in the Scriptures? What do you read in them?"
"The lawyer replied: "You must love the Lord your God with your whole heart, your whole soul, your whole strength, and your whole mind; and your neighbor as yourself." Jesus said to him: "You have answered rightly. Do that, and you will live." But the lawyer, wishing to justify himself, asked him: "Who is my neighbor?" "Jesus answered him: "A man was going from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went off, leaving him half dead." "Now, by chance a priest was going down that road. He saw him, but passed by on the other side. Likewise, a Levite came to that place and saw him, but passed by on the other side also." "At last, a Samaritan, who was traveling that way, came upon him, saw him, took pity on him, poured oil and wine on his wounds, and bound them up. Then he put him on his mule, brought him to an inn, and took care of him." "Next morning he took out a couple of shillings, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him: "Take care of him, and whatever you spend besides, I will refund you on my way back." "Now, which one of these three proved himself a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" The lawyer answered: "The man who showed pity on him." Then Jesus said to him: "Go and do likewise."
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in your great mercy: we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: Again, let us pray for mercy, life, health and salvation, visitation and remission of sins for the servant (handmaid) of God N., who is repentant of his (her) sins.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: That to him (her) may be remitted every transgression, both deliberate and indeliberate, for he (she) seeks the protection of your great and abundant mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Priest: For You are merciful, O God, and You love mankind, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O Thou who art without beginning, eternal, Holy of Holies, Who didst send down thine Only-begotten Son to heal every infirmity and every wound, of our souls and bodies: Send down Thy Holy Spirit, and sanctify this Oil; and cause it to be for Thy servants, who are about to be anointed therewith, unto complete remission of their sins, and unto inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven. For Thou art a great and marvelous God, who keepest Thy covenant and Thy mercy towards them that love Thee; Who givest remission of sins through thy Holy Child, Jesus Christ; who regeneratest us from sin by holy Baptism, and sanctifiest us with Thy Holy Spirit; Who givest light to the blind; who raisest up them that are cast down; Who lovest the righteous, and showest mercy unto sinners; Who leadest us forth again out of darkness and the shadow of death, and sayest unto them that are in captivity 'Come forth;' and unto them that sit in darkness: 'Be ye unveiled.' For the light of knowledge of Thine only Begotten Son hath shown in our hearts, since for our sakes, He revealed Himself upon earth, and dwelt among men; and unto as many as accepted Him, to .them gave he the power to become the sons of God, vouchsafing unto us the adoption of sonship through the laver of regeneration, and causing us to have no share in the assaults of the devil. And inasmuch as it hath not pleased Thee that we should be cleansed by blood, but by holy Oil, thou didst give unto us the image of His Cross, that we might become the flock of Christ, a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation; and didst purify us by water, and sanctify us by Thy Holy Spirit. Do Thou, the same Master, O Lord, vouchsafe unto us grace in this Thy ministry, as Thou didst vouchsafe it unto Moses, Thy servant, who found favor in Thy sight; and unto Samuel, thy beloved; and unto John, thy chosen one; and unto all those who, from generation to generation, have been acceptable unto Thee. In like manner, make us also to be ministers of the New Covenant of Thy Son upon this Oil, which Thou hast acquired unto Thyself through the precious Blood of Thy Christ; that putting away earthly lusts, we may die unto sin, and live unto righteousness, being bound with our Lord Jesus Christ through the anointing, with sanctification of this Oil, which we are about to summon to our aid. Grant that this Oil, O Lord, become the Oil of gladness, the Oil of sanctification, a royal robe, an amour of might,. the averting of every work of the Devil, the seal of immunity from snares, the joy of the heart, an eternal rejoicing; that they who shall be anointed with this Oil of regeneration may be strong unto their adversaries, and may shine in the radiance of Thy Saints, having neither spot nor wrinkle; and that they may attain Thy everlasting peace and receive the award of the calling from above. For it is Thine, to show mercy and to save us, O God, our God; and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, together with Thine Only-begotten Son, and Thine all-Holy, and good, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
All: Amen.
Priest: O Master, Lord our God, who releases temporal sufferings and heals every infirmity and wound of man, who desires that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of truth, who desired not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should repent; for You, in the Old Covenant exacted repentance from sinners, from David and the Ninevites and those before them; for You, in the New Covenant of the Incarnation, called not the righteous, but sinners, to repentance: accepting the blaspheming persecutor Paul the great, accepting the repentance of the great Peter who thrice denied You and promising him "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church; and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it; and I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven"; wherefore, O Good One who loves mankind, we also recall your faithful promise and pray and beseech You at this present hour, to listen to our prayer and accept it as incense offered before You: visit your servants, and if they have sinned by word, deed or intention, in the night or in the day, fallen under the curse of a priest, condemned themselves or become embittered by a grudge or cursed themselves: we pray and implore You to loose, pardon and forgive them O God, overlooking their transgressions and sins committed with knowledge or in ignorance; and if they have transgressed your Commandments or have sinned because they bear flesh and live in the world, or because of the devil, forgive them, O lover of mankind, for there is not a man living who does not sin: You alone are without sin and your righteousness is everlasting and your Word is the Truth. Because You have not created man for destruction, but to observe your Commandments and inherit incorruptible life, we give glory to You, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and always and for ever and ever.
All: Amen.
After this prayer, the first priest takes a swab and anoints the sick person while saying this prayer:
Priest: O holy Father, Physician of souls and bodies, who sent your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ to heal our infirmities and to deliver us from death: heal this your servant (handmaid) N. from the sickness of soul and body which takes hold of him (her) and
Taking the blessed oil, the priest anoints the sick person on the forehead, nostrils, cheeks, mouth, chest and both sides of the hands in the form of a cross, saying each time:
revive him (her) through the grace of your Christ according to your will,
And he continues the prayer.
so that by his (her) good deeds he (she) may offer You a worthy thanksgiving, through the prayers of our all-holy Lady, the Mother of God and ever Virgin Mary, through the power of the glorious and life-giving Cross, through the intercession of the heavenly, honorable and glorious prophet, the forerunner John the Baptist, of his holy and glorious Apostles who are worthy of all praise, of the holy, glorious and triumphant martyrs, of our God-fearing Fathers, of the holy and unmercenary physicians Cosmas and Damian, of......, of the and just ancestors of Christ God, Joachim and Ann and of all the saints. For You are the source of healing, O our God, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
The Second Epistle and Gospel
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Reader: The Lord is my fortress and my song, and shall be my salvation.
All: The Lord is my fortress and my song, and shall be my salvation.
Reader: In chastening have you chastened me, O Lord: yet you have not given me over to death.
All: The Lord is my fortress and my song, and shall be my salvation.
Reader: The Lord is my fortress and my song
All: And shall be my salvation.
Deacon: Wisdom.
Reader: A reading from the epistle of St. Paul to the Romans.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Reader: Brethren, we, who are strong, must bear the burdens of our weak brothers regardless of our own pleasure. Therefore, each one of us must try to be kind to his neighbor, must help him, and must build up his faith. For Christ did not seek his own gratification, but as it is written in the Scriptures: "The denunciations of the detractors have fallen upon him." As you see, every line in the Scriptures has been written for our instruction. Thus, we derive hope from the examples of endurance and consolation the Scriptures gave us. May God, who is the source of all endurance and consolation, grant you Christian harmony with one another, so that unitedly and unanimously you may glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, receive one another kindly, as Christ received you for the glory of God.
Priest: Peace to you, O reader.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Deacon: Let us stand and listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace to all.
Priest: The holy Gospel according to Luke the evangelist.
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Priest: At that time At that time, Jesus entered and was passing through Jericho. Now, there was a rich man called Zacchaeus, chief of publicans, who wanted to see who Jesus was. But he could not because of the crowd, for he was small of stature. So he went ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, for he was passing that way. When Jesus reached that place, he looked up, saw him and said to him: "Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for I must lodge at your house today." He came down quickly and received him joyfully. When they saw it, they all grumbled, saying: "He has gone to be the guest of a sinful man." But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord: "Behold, Master, I will give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay him four times as much." Jesus said to him: "Today salvation has come to this house, for he is also a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and save those who are lost."...
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in your great mercy: we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: Again, let us pray for mercy, life, health and salvation for the servant (handmaid) of God N., who is repentant of his (her) sins.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: That to him (her) may be remitted every transgression, both deliberate and indeliberate, for he (she) seeks the protection of your great and abundant mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Priest: For You are merciful, O God, and You love mankind, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O God great and supreme, who art adored by all creation, Fountain of wisdom, Abyss of unfathomable goodness, and illimitable Sea of loving-kindness: do Thou, the same Master Who lovest mankind, the God of things eternal and of wonders, Whom none amongst men by taking thought can conceive, look down and hear us, Thine unworthy servants, and wheresoever in Thy great Name we shall bring this Oil, send Thou down the gift of Thy healing, and remission of sins; and heal them in the multitude of Thy mercies. Yea, O Lord Who art easy to be entreated; Who alone art merciful and loves mankind; who repentest Thee of our evil deeds; Who knowest how the mind of man is applied unto wickedness, even from his youth; Who desirest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn again and live; Who for the salvation of sinners didst become incarnate, being God and didst Thyself become a created being for the sake of Thy creatures: Thou hast said "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Thou didst seek the wandering sheep; Thou didst diligently seek out the lost piece of silver, and having found it, Thou didst say: "He that cometh unto me I will in not cast out;" Thou didst not abhor the sinful woman who washed thy precious feet with her tears; thou didst say: "As often as thou fallest arise, and thou shalt be saved"; Thou art He who didst say: "There is joy in Heaven over one sinner who repenteth. Do thou, O merciful Master, look down from above, and bring us, Thy sinful and unworthy servants, the shadow of The Grace of the Holy Spirit, in this hour, and take up Thine abode in Thy servants, who acknowledgeth their iniquities, and draweth near unto Thee in faith; and accepting them because of Thy love towards mankind, forgiving them whatsoever they hath done amiss, whether by word, or deed, or thought, and cleanse them from every sin; and abiding ever present with them, preserve them all the remaining years of their life; that, walking ever in thy statutes, they may in no way again become an object of malignant joy to the Devil; that Thine All-Holy Name may be glorified in them. For it is Thine to show mercy and to save us, O Christ-God; 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 to the Ages of Ages.
All: Amen.
After this prayer, the second priest takes a swab and anoints the sick person while saying this prayer:
Priest: O holy Father, Physician of souls and bodies, who sent your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ to heal our infirmities and to deliver us from death: heal this your servant (handmaid) N. from the sickness of soul and body which takes hold of him (her) and
Taking the blessed oil, the priest anoints the sick person on the forehead, nostrils, cheeks, mouth, chest and both sides of the hands in the form of a cross, saying each time:
revive him (her) through the grace of your Christ according to your will,
And he continues the prayer.
so that by his (her) good deeds he (she) may offer You a worthy thanksgiving, through the prayers of our all-holy Lady, the Mother of God and ever Virgin Mary, through the power of the glorious and life-giving Cross, through the intercession of the heavenly, honorable and glorious prophet, the forerunner John the Baptist, of his holy and glorious Apostles who are worthy of all praise, of the holy, glorious and triumphant martyrs, of our God-fearing Fathers, of the holy and unmercenary physicians Cosmas and Damian, of......, of the and just ancestors of Christ God, Joachim and Ann and of all the saints. For You are the source of healing, O our God, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
The Third Epistle and Gospel
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Reader: The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear?
All: The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear?
Reader: The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?
All: The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom Shall I fear?
Reader: The Lord is my light and my salvation.
All: whom shall I fear?
Deacon: Wisdom.
Reader: A reading from the first epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Reader: Brethren, you are the body of Christ collectively, and you are members of his body individually. Now, God has ordained first Apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly preachers, then wonder-workers, healers, helpers. administrators, and oracular speakers. Of course, everyone is not an Apostle, a prophet, a preacher, or a wonderworker. Everyone is not a healer, an oracular speaker, or an interpreter of oracles. But everyone should covet the highest gifts of heaven, and I will show you which one is the noblest of them all. I may speak all the languages of men and of angels. Yet, if I have no love, I am only a booming trumpet or a tinkling cymbal. I may possess prophetic inspiration. I may understand all mysteries. I may know all sciences. I may have such perfect faith that I can move mountains. Yet, if I have no love, I am nothing at all. I may give away all my possessions. I may deliver my body to be burned. Yet, if I have no love, I gain absolutely nothing. On the contrary, if I have love, I gain everything. Because love is long-suffering and gentle. Love is not envious, boastful, and arrogant. Love is not rude, selfish, irritable, and resentful. Love does not take pleasure in wrong-doing, but rejoices at the victory of truth. Love always bears, always believes, always hopes, and always endures. Love will stand, when everything else has fallen.
Priest: Peace to you, O reader.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Deacon: Let us stand and listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace to all.
Priest: The holy Gospel according to Matthew the evangelist.
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Priest: At that time At that time, Jesus called his twelve Apostles and gave them power to cast out unclean spirits and heal every disease and every infirmity. Jesus sent out these twelve, and gave them the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." "As you go, preach and announce: 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out the demons. Freely you received, freely also give."
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in your great mercy: we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: Again, let us pray for mercy, life, health and salvation for the servant (handmaid) of God N., who is repentant of his (her) sins.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: That to him (her) may be remitted every transgression, both deliberate and indeliberate, for he (she) seeks the protection of your great and abundant mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Priest: For You are merciful, O God, and You love mankind, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O Master almighty, O holy King. O Master Almighty, O Holy King, Who chastenest and yet slayest not; Who raisest up them that fall, and restorest them that are cast down; Who relievest the bodily afflictions of men: We beseech Thee, O our God, that Thou wilt direct Thy mercy upon this Oil, and upon all who shall be anointed therewith in Thy Name; that it may be effectual unto the healing of their souls and bodies, and unto cleansing, and unto the putting away of every infirmity, and disease, and malady, and every defilement, both of body and spirit. Yea, Lord, send down from Heaven Thy healing might; touch the bodies; quench the fever: soothe the pangs, and banish every hidden ailment. Be Thou the Physician of Thy servants. Raise them up from their bed of sickness and suffering. Make them whole and restore their health, vouchsafing unto them, through thy Church, those things which are well-pleasing unto Thee, and which work Thy will.
For it is Thine to show mercy and to save us, O God; and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the Ages of Ages.
All: Amen.
After this prayer, the third priest takes a swab and anoints the sick person while saying this prayer:
Priest: O holy Father, Physician of souls and bodies, who sent your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ to heal our infirmities and to deliver us from death: heal this your servant (handmaid) N. from the sickness of soul and body which takes hold of him (her) and
Taking the blessed oil, the priest anoints the sick person on the forehead, nostrils, cheeks, mouth, chest and both sides of the hands in the form of a cross, saying each time:
revive him (her) through the grace of your Christ according to your will,
And he continues the prayer.
so that by his (her) good deeds he (she) may offer You a worthy thanksgiving, through the prayers of our all-holy Lady, the Mother of God and ever Virgin Mary, through the power of the glorious and life-giving Cross, through the intercession of the heavenly, honorable and glorious prophet, the forerunner John the Baptist, of his holy and glorious Apostles who are worthy of all praise, of the holy, glorious and triumphant martyrs, of our God-fearing Fathers, of the holy and unmercenary physicians Cosmas and Damian, of......, of the and just ancestors of Christ God, Joachim and Ann and of all the saints. For You are the source of healing, O our God, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
The Fourth Epistle and Gospel
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Reader: Hear me speedily, O Lord, in that day when I shall call upon You.
All: Hear me speedily, O Lord, in that day when I shall call upon You.
Reader: O Lord, hear my prayer and the voice of my crying.
All: Hear me speedily, O Lord, in that day when I shall call upon You.
Reader: O Lord, hear my prayer.
All: And the voice of my crying.
Deacon: Wisdom.
Reader: A reading from the second epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Reader: Brethren, we are the temple of the living God. For God says in the Scripture:
I will live in you and move among you. I will be your God and you will be my people." Therefore, "Come out from them and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean. Then, I will welcome you. Then I will be your father, and you will be my sons and my daughters, says the Almighty Lord."
Since we have these promises, my friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles the flesh and the spirit. Let us achieve perfect holiness in the fear of God.
Priest: Peace to you, O reader.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Deacon: Let us stand and listen to the holy Gospel.
Priest: Peace to all.
Priest: The holy Gospel according to Matthew the evangelist.
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Priest: At that time, Jesus went into Peter's house, and found his mother-in-law sick in bed with fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her. Thereupon she got up and waited on them. In the evening they brought to him many who were possessed by demons. He cast out the evil spirits with a word, and healed all the sick. Thus the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled: "He took up our infirmities, and carried away our sicknesses."
Gospel continues...
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in your great mercy: we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: Again, let us pray for mercy, life, health and salvation for the servant (handmaid) of God N., who is repentant of his (her) sins.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: That to him (her) may be remitted every transgression, both deliberate and indeliberate, for he (she) seeks the protection of your great and abundant mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Priest: For You are merciful, O God, and You love mankind, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O gracious and loving, compassionate and ever merciful Lord, plentiful in mercy, and rich in beneficence, the Father of bounties, and God of all comfort, who through thy holy Apostles hast empowered us to heal the infirmities of Thy people by oil and prayer: Do Thou confirm this Oil unto the healing of those who shall be anointed therewith; unto relief from every ailment, and from every malady; unto deliverance from evils of those who in firm hope await salvation from Thee. Yea, O Master, Lord our God, we beseech Thee, O Almighty One, that Thou wilt save us all. O only Physician of souls and bodies, sanctify us all. O Thou, who healest every infirmity, heal also thy servants. Raise them up from their sickness, through the mercies of thy goodness. Visit them with Thy mercies and Thy bounties. Cast out by Thy mighty hand every sickness and malady so that being raised they may serve Thee with all thanksgiving; and that we also, who now do share Thine inexpressible love towards mankind, may sing praises and glorify Thee who performest deeds great and marvelous, both glorious and transcendent. For it is Thine to show mercy and to save us, O our God; and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, logether with Thine Only-begotten Son, and thine all-holy. and good, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and to the Ages of Ages.
All: Amen.
After this prayer, the fourth priest takes a swab and anoints the sick person while saying this prayer:
Priest: O holy Father, Physician of souls and bodies, who sent your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ to heal our infirmities and to deliver us from death: heal this your servant (handmaid) N. from the sickness of soul and body which takes hold of him (her) and
Taking the blessed oil, the priest anoints the sick person on the forehead, nostrils, cheeks, mouth, chest and both sides of the hands in the form of a cross, saying each time:
revive him (her) through the grace of your Christ according to your will,
And he continues the prayer.
so that by his (her) good deeds he (she) may offer You a worthy thanksgiving, through the prayers of our all-holy Lady, the Mother of God and ever Virgin Mary, through the power of the glorious and life-giving Cross, through the intercession of the heavenly, honorable and glorious prophet, the forerunner John the Baptist, of his holy and glorious Apostles who are worthy of all praise, of the holy, glorious and triumphant martyrs, of our God-fearing Fathers, of the holy and unmercenary physicians Cosmas and Damian, of......, of the and just ancestors of Christ God, Joachim and Ann and of all the saints. For You are the source of healing, O our God, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
The Fifth Epistle and Gospel
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Reader: You, O Lord, shall keep us and protect us from this generation forever.
All: You, O Lord, shall keep us and protect us from this generation forever.
Reader: Save me, O Lord, for the righteous have become few.
All: You, O Lord, shall keep us and protect us from this generation forever.
Reader: You, O Lord, shall keep us.
All: And protect us from this generation forever.
Deacon: Wisdom.
Reader: A reading from the first epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Reader: Brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant of the affliction I experienced in Asia. For I was so utterly and unendurably crushed that I actually despaired of life itself. Indeed, I felt in my heart that I had been sentenced to death. Then I learned that I should not rely on myself, but on God, who can raise the dead. He delivered me from that deadly peril then, he delivers me now, and I hope that he will deliver me always in the future. But you must also help me with your prayers. Thus, many thanks will be given on my behalf for a blessing bestowed upon me in answer to many supplications.
Priest: Peace to you, O reader.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Deacon: Let us stand and listen to the holy Gospel,
Priest: Peace to all.
Priest: The holy Gospel according to Matthew the evangelist.
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Priest: At that time The Lord narrated this parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were wise, and five were foolish." "The foolish ones brought their lamps, but took no oil with them, while the wise ones took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all grew drowsy and fell asleep." "At midnight a cry was raised: 'Behold, the bridegroom I Come to meet him.' Thereupon all the virgins awoke and trimmed their lamps." "Then the foolish ones said to the wise ones: 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise ones answered: 'We are afraid, we have not enough oil for us and for you. You had better go to the dealers and buy some for yourselves."' "But while they were gone to buy it, the bridegroom arrived. The wise ones who were ready went with him to the wedding banquet, and the door was closed." Afterwards the foolish ones came and said: 'Lord, Lord, open the door for us.' But he answered: 'Verily, I say to you, I do not know you.' Therefore, watch, for you do not know the day and the hour at which the Son of Man is coming." At that time, Jesus went into Peter's house, and found his mother-in-law sick in bed with fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her. Thereupon she got up and waited on them. In the evening they brought to him many who were possessed by demons. He cast out the evil spirits with a word, and healed all the sick. Thus the prophecy of Isaiah was fulfilled: "He took up our infirmities, and carried away our sicknesses."
Gospel continues...
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in your great mercy: we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: Again, let us pray for mercy, life, health and salvation for the servant (handmaid) of God N., who is repentant of his (her) sins.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: That to him (her) may be remitted every transgression, both deliberate and indeliberate, for he (she) seeks the protection of your great and abundant mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Priest: For You are merciful, O God, and You love mankind, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O Lord our God, Who chastenest and again healest; Who raisest up the beggar from the earth, and exaltest the poor man from the dunghill; O Father of orphans, and Haven of the tempest-tossed, and Physician of the ailing, Who painlessly didst bear our weaknesses, and accept our infirmities; Who showest mercy with gentleness, and passest over our wickedness, and takest away our unrighteousness; Who art quick to help, and slow to wrath; Who didst breath upon Thy disciples and say: "Receive ye the Holy Spirit; whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them"; who acceptest the contrition of sinners, and hast power to pardon sins manifold and grievous, and bestowest healing upon all, who continue in weakness and longenduring sickness; who hast called me, also, Thy humble, and sinful, and unworthy servant, entangled in manifold sins, and wallowing in the lusts of pleasures, to the Holy and exceedingly lofty degree of the Priesthood, and to enter in within the innermost Veil, into the Holy of Holies, whither also the Holy Angels desire to penetrate, and to hear the voice of the Lord God which announceth glad tidings, and to behold with mine eyes the presence of the sacred Oblation, and to take delight in the Divine and Sacred Liturgy: Thou who graciously enablest me to administer, as a Priest, Thy Heavenly Mysteries, and to offer unto Thee gifts and sacrifices for our sins, and for the ignorances of Thy people, and to act as a mediator for Thy speech-endowed sheep, that Thou, through Thy great and unspeakable love towards mankind, mayest cleanse them from their iniquities: Do thou, the same exceedingly good King, hearken unto my prayer in this hour and Holy Day, and at every time and place, and receive the voice of my supplication, and vouchsafe healing unto Thy servants, who are weak, both in soul and in body, granting unto them remission of their sins, and pardon of their transgressions, both voluntary and involuntary. Heal Thou their incurable wounds, and every ailment, and every malady. Give health to their soul, O thou, Who didst touch the mother-in-law of Peter and having been cured of her fever arose and ministered unto thee. Do Thou, the same Master, grant healing also to Thy servants, and alleviation of every painful illness; and call to mind Thy rich bounties and Thy mercy. Call to mind how perpetually the mind of man inclineth unto evil, even from his youth, and that not so much as one sinless man is to be found upon the earth; for Thou alone art without sin, who didst come down and save the human race, and free us from bondage to the enemy. For if Thou wilt enter into judgment with Thy servants, none shall be found pure from stain, but every mouth shall be sealed, having nought to answer in extenuation; for like unto cast-off rags is all our righteousness in Thy presence. Wherefore, O Lord, remember Thou not, the sins of our youth: For Thou art the hope of the hopeless, and the rest of those who labour and are heavyladen with iniquity, 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 to the Ages of Ages.
All: Amen.
After this prayer, the fifth priest takes a swab and anoints the sick person while saying this prayer:
Priest: O holy Father, Physician of souls and bodies, who sent your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ to heal our infirmities and to deliver us from death: heal this your servant (handmaid) N. from the sickness of soul and body which takes hold of him (her) and
Taking the blessed oil, the priest anoints the sick person on the forehead, nostrils, cheeks, mouth, chest and both sides of the hands in the form of a cross, saying each time:
revive him (her) through the grace of your Christ according to your will,
And he continues the prayer.
so that by his (her) good deeds he (she) may offer You a worthy thanksgiving, through the prayers of our all-holy Lady, the Mother of God and ever Virgin Mary, through the power of the glorious and life-giving Cross, through the intercession of the heavenly, honorable and glorious prophet, the forerunner John the Baptist, of his holy and glorious Apostles who are worthy of all praise, of the holy, glorious and triumphant martyrs, of our God-fearing Fathers, of the holy and unmercenary physicians Cosmas and Damian, of......, of the and just ancestors of Christ God, Joachim and Ann and of all the saints. For You are the source of healing, O our God, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
The Sixth Epistle and Gospel
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Reader: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your great mercy.
All: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your great mercy.
Reader: Make me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
All: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your great mercy.
Reader: Have mercy upon me, O God.
All: According to your great mercy.
Deacon: Wisdom.
Reader: A reading from the epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Reader: Brethren, the fruits, produced by the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faith, meekness, and continence. The Law is not needed by men, who practice these virtues. For the followers of Christ have crucified their flesh with all its passions and cravings. If we want to live by the Holy Spirit, let us be guided by the Holy Spirit also. We must not be vainglorious, provocative, and envious. Brethren, even if a man is detected in some trespass, as disciples of the Holy Spirit, you must set him right in a spirit of meekness. Remember that you may also fall into temptation. Bear the burdens of one another. In that way you will carry out the commandments of Christ.
Priest: Peace to you, O reader.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Deacon: Let us stand and listen to the holy Gospel,
Priest: Peace to all.
Priest: The holy Gospel according to Matthew the evangelist.
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Priest: At that time At that time, Jesus went to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanean woman of that district came out and screamed: "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is possessed by a dreadful demon." He did not answer a word. But his Disciples begged him, saying: "Send her away, for she keeps screaming after us." He answered them: "I am sent only to the lost sheep of Israel's house." Then the woman came up, knelt before him, and said: "Lord, help me." He replied: "It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." She replied: "Yes, Lord, for even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their Masters' table." Then Jesus answered her: "Woman, your faith is great. Receive what you request." Her daughter was healed at that very moment.
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in your great mercy: we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: Again, let us pray for mercy, life, health and salvation for the servant (handmaid) of God N., who is repentant of his (her) sins.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: That to him (her) may be remitted every transgression, both deliberate and indeliberate, for he (she) seeks the protection of your great and abundant mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Priest: For You are merciful, O God, and You love mankind, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: We thank Thee, O Lord our God, Who art good and lovest mankind, the Physician of our souls and bodies, Who painlessly hast borne our infirmities, by Whose strikes we have all been healed, Thou good Shepherd, Who didst come to seek the wandering sheep; Who givest consolation to the faint-hearted, and life unto those who are broken of heart; Who didst heal the flow of the woman who had had an issue of blood twelve years; Who didst free the daughter of the Canaanite woman from the cruel demon; Who forgavest the debt unto the two debtors, and didst grant remission of sins unto the woman that was a sinner; Who didst vouchsafe healing unto the Paralytic, and likewise the remission of his sins; Who didst justify the Publican by Thy word, and didst accept the Thief at his last confession; Who takest away the sins of the world, and wast nailed to the Cross: We beseech Thee, and entreat Thee,in Thy goodness, loose, remit, forgive, O God, the errors of Thy servants and their iniquities, whether voluntary or involuntary, whether of knowledge or of ignorance, whether of excess or of disobedience, whether of the night or of the day; whether they be under the ban of a priest, or the curse of father or mother; whether through the sight of their eyes, or their sense of smell; whether through adultery, or fornication, or through whatsoever impulse of the flesh and of the spirit they hath departed from Thy will, and from Thy Holiness. If we, also, have sinned in like manner, forgive; forasmuch as thou art a good God who rememberest not evil, and lovest mankind; and let not them or us fall into evilness of life, neither follow in wayward paths. Yea, O Master, Lord, hearken unto me, a sinner, in this hour, on behalf of Thy servants, and overlook all their trespasses, forasmuch as Thou art a God who rememberest not evil. Free them from torment eternal; fill their mouth with Thy praise; open their lips that they may glorify Thy holy Name; stretch forth their hand to the performance of Thy statutes. Guide their feet aright in the way of Thy Gospel, strengthening all their members and their thoughts, by Thy Grace. For thou art our God, Who hast given us a commandment by Thy Holy Apostles, saying: ((Whatsoever ye bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven, and whatsoever ye loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven)). And again:
Unto whomsoever ye remit sins, unto him they shall be remitted, and if ye retain them, they shall be retained)). And as Thou didst hearken unto Ezekiel in the sorrow of his soul, at the hour of his death, and didst not despise his supplications, so also, in like manner, give ear unto me, Thy humble, and sinful, and unworthy servant at this hour. For Thou art the Lord Jesus Christ, who didst command us to forgive the erring their sins, even unto seventy times seven, through Thy goodness, and love towards mankind, and Who repentest thee of our wickedness, and rejoicest over the return of those who have gone astray. For as is Thy majesty, so also is Thy mercy, and unto thee do we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father who is from ever lasting, and Thine all-Holy, and good, and lifegiving Spirit, now and ever, and to the Ages of Ages.
All: Amen.
After this prayer, the sixth priest takes a swab and anoints the sick person while saying this prayer:
Priest: O holy Father, Physician of souls and bodies, who sent your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ to heal our infirmities and to deliver us from death: heal this your servant (handmaid) N. from the sickness of soul and body which takes hold of him (her) and
Taking the blessed oil, the priest anoints the sick person on the forehead, nostrils, cheeks, mouth, chest and both sides of the hands in the form of a cross, saying each time:
revive him (her) through the grace of your Christ according to your will,
And he continues the prayer.
so that by his (her) good deeds he (she) may offer You a worthy thanksgiving, through the prayers of our all-holy Lady, the Mother of God and ever Virgin Mary, through the power of the glorious and life-giving Cross, through the intercession of the heavenly, honorable and glorious prophet, the forerunner John the Baptist, of his holy and glorious Apostles who are worthy of all praise, of the holy, glorious and triumphant martyrs, of our God-fearing Fathers, of the holy and unmercenary physicians Cosmas and Damian, of......, of the and just ancestors of Christ God, Joachim and Ann and of all the saints. For You are the source of healing, O our God, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
The Seventh Epistle and Gospel
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Reader: O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, neither chasten me in your sore displeasure.
All: O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, neither chasten me in your sore displeasure.
Reader: Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak.
All: O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, neither chasten me in your sore displeasure.
Reader: Have mercy on me, O Lord.
All: For I am weak.
Deacon: Wisdom.
Reader: A reading from the first epistle of St. Paul to the Thessalonians.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Reader: Brethren, we urge you, admonish the unruly, encourage the timid, support the weak, be patient with everybody. Never return evil for evil, but always do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always. Pray constantly. Give thanks for every occurrence and welcome it as the will of God in Jesus Christ. Do not discourage inspiration. Do not disdain prophecies. But scrutinize them all. Then, retain whatever is good and abstain from whatever is evil. May the God of peace consecrate you thoroughly, preserve your spirit, your soul and your body perfectly, and enable you to witness blamelessly the manifestation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Priest: Peace to you, O reader.
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Deacon: Let us stand and listen to the holy Gospel,
Priest: Peace to all.
Priest: The holy Gospel according to Matthew the evangelist.
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Deacon: Let us be attentive.
Priest: At that time, as Jesus was passing along, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the customs-house. He said to him: "Follow me." He rose and followed him. Afterwards, when he was sitting at the table in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and joined Jesus and his Disciples. The Pharisees noticed it and asked his Disciples: "Why does your Master eat with publicans and sinners?" Jesus heard them and answered: "Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but those who are sick do. Go and learn the meaning of this Scriptural passage: "I want mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call to repentance the righteous, but the sinners."
All: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in your great mercy: we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: Again, let us pray for mercy, life, health and salvation for the servant (handmaid) of God N., who is repentant of his (her) sins.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: That to him (her) may be remitted every transgression, both deliberate and indeliberate, for he (she) seeks the protection of your great and abundant mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Priest: For You are merciful, O God, and You love mankind, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O Master, Lord our God, Thou art the Physician of souls and bodies, who assuagest temporal sufferings and healest every infirmity and every wound of men; Who desirest that all men should be saved, and should come to the knowIedge of the truth; Who desirest not the death of a sinner, but that he should turn him again and live; for Thou, O Lord, in the ancient Covenant, didst ordain repentance unto sinners, unto David and the Ninevites, and unto those who went before them, and likewise, at the advent of thy dispensation in the flesh, thou callest not the righteous but sinners to repentance; Who didst accept in repentance the blaspheming Persecutor Paul the great and Who didst accept in repentance great Peter, Who also thrice denied thee; and gavest unto him a promise, saying: "Thou art Peter, and on this rock will I build my Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it; and I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven". For which cause, O Good One, Who lovest mankind, we also have boldness, according to Thy faithful promise, and we beseech Thee, and implore Thee, at this present hour: Give ear unto our supplication, and receive it as incense offered unto Thee: visit thy servants, and if they hath done aught amiss, either by word, or deed, or thought, either by night or by day; if they hath fallen under the ban of a priest~ or under their own anathema; or hath been embittered by an oath, and hath cursed themselves: We beseech Thee, and supplicate Thee loose, pardon, forgive them, O God, overlooking their sins and wickednesses,both those which they hath done knowingly, and those which they hath committed in ignorance. And if they hath transgressed Thy commandments, or hath sinned because they beareth flesh, and dwelleth in the world, or through the wiles of the Devil, do Thou, forasmuch as Thou art a good God and lovest mankind, forgive; for there is no man who liveth and sinneth not. For Thou only art sinless, Thy righteousness is righteousness to all eternity, and Thy word is truth. Because Thou hast not created man for destruction, but for the keeping of Thy commandments, and for the inheritance of life incorruptible; and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, together with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the Ages of Ages.
All: Amen.
After this prayer, the seventh priest takes a swab and anoints the sick person while saying this prayer:
Priest: O holy Father, Physician of souls and bodies, who sent your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ to heal our infirmities and to deliver us from death: heal this your servant (handmaid) N. from the sickness of soul and body which takes hold of him (her) and
Taking the blessed oil, the priest anoints the sick person on the forehead, nostrils, cheeks, mouth, chest and both sides of the hands in the form of a cross, saying each time:
revive him (her) through the grace of your Christ according to your will,
And he continues the prayer.
so that by his (her) good deeds he (she) may offer You a worthy thanksgiving, through the prayers of our all-holy Lady, the Mother of God and ever Virgin Mary, through the power of the glorious and life-giving Cross, through the intercession of the heavenly, honorable and glorious prophet, the forerunner John the Baptist, of his holy and glorious Apostles who are worthy of all praise, of the holy, glorious and triumphant martyrs, of our God-fearing Fathers, of the holy and unmercenary physicians Cosmas and Damian, of......, of the and just ancestors of Christ God, Joachim and Ann and of all the saints. For You are the source of healing, O our God, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
The priest takes the Holy Gospel book, and placing it opened over the head of the sick person, says the following prayer:
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord.
All: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: O holy King, compassionate and all- merciful Lord Jesus Christ, Son and Word of the living God, who desires not the death of a sinner but rather that he repent and live: I lay not my sinful hand upon the head of him (her) who comes to You on sin and entreats from You, through me, the pardon of his (her) sins, but rather your mighty and powerful hand, which is in this Holy Gospel.
Then the sick person kisses the Holy Gospel book.
Deacon: Have mercy on us, O God, in your great mercy: we pray to You, hear us and have mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: Again, let us pray for mercy, life, health and salvation for the servant (handmaid) of God N., who is repentant of his (her) sins.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Deacon: That to him (her) may be remitted every transgression, both deliberate and indeliberate, for he (she) seeks the protection of your great and abundant mercy.
All: Lord, have mercy (three times).
Priest: For You are merciful, O God, and You love mankind, and we render glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever.
All: Amen.
Deacon: Wisdom.
All: A blessing.
Priest: The One who is, Christ our God, is blessed at all times, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.
All: Amen.
Priest: Glory to You, Christ God our hope, glory to You.
All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, Now and always and forever and ever. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Give the blessing, Father, in the name of the Lord.
Priest: May Christ our true, through the prayers of his all pure Mother, of the holy and glorious Apostle James, brother of the Lord and first bishop of Jerusalem, and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us for he is good and loves mankind.
All: Amen.
Priest: Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.
All: Amen.