The Sacrament of Holy Unction — Holy Wednesday

SERVED ON HOLY WEDNESDAY EVENING

A table is prepared on the solea, upon which is placed a bowl containing pure olive oil and another vessel with pure red wine. Several wands with cotton tips for the anointing shall be prepared. The Gospel Book and blessing cross are also placed on the table. Seven candles can be placed on the table for lighting one candle after each Gospel lesson is read. The priests vest in exorasson, epitrachelion and phelonion.

Deacon: Bless, master. Priest: Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Priest: Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee. O Heavenly King, O Comforter, Spirit of truth who art in all places and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of Life: Come and dwell in us and cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, O good One.

The Trisagion Prayers

Reader: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: have mercy on us. ( thrice ) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name's sake. Lord, have mercy. ( thrice ) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. 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 the evil one. Priest: For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Reader: Amen. Lord, have mercy. ( twelve times ) Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Come, let us worship and fall down before God our King. Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God. Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God.

Psalm 142

Reader: O Lord, hear my prayer, give ear unto my supplication in Thy truth; hearken unto me in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with Thy servant, for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath humbled my life down to the earth. He hath sat me in darkness as those that have been long dead and my spirit within me is become despondent within me my heart is troubled. I remembered days of old, I meditated on all Thy works, I pondered on the creations of Thy hands. I stretched forth my hands unto Thee my soul thirsteth after Thee like a waterless land. Quickly hear me, O Lord; my spirit hath fainted away. Turn not Thy face away from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Thy mercy in the morning; for in Thee have I put my hope. Cause me to know O Lord, the way wherein I should walk; for unto Thee have I lifted up my soul. Rescue me from mine enemies, O Lord; unto Thee have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God. Thy good Spirit shall lead me in the land of uprightness; for Thy name's sake O Lord, shalt Thou quicken me. In Thy righteousness shalt Thou bring my soul out of affliction, and in Thy mercy shalt Thou utterly destroy mine enemies. And Thou shalt cut off all them that afflict my soul, for I am Thy servant.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. ( thrice )

O our God and our Hope, glory to Thee.

The Little Litany

Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by Thy grace. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ, our God. Choir: To Thee, O Lord. Priest: For unto Thee are due all glory, honor and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

"Alleluia" In Tone Six

Refrain: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. O Lord, rebuke me not in Thine indignation neither chasten me in Thy displeasure. ( refrain ) Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak. ( refrain )

Troparia Of Contrition In Tone Six

Choir: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us for laying aside all defense, we sinners offer unto thee, as Master, this supplication: Have mercy on us.

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

O Lord, have mercy on us, for in thee have we put our trust; be not exceedingly wroth with us, nor remember our iniquities, but look down upon us even now, as thou art compassionate and deliver us from our enemies; for thou art our God, and we are thy people; we are all the work of thy hands, and we call upon thy name.

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Open unto us the door of thy compassion, O blessed Theotokos. As we set our hope in thee may we not be confounded; through thee may we be delivered from all adversities, for thou art the salvation of the Christian race.

Psalm 50

Reader: Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy Great Mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built up. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.

NOTE: We do not chant the heirmoi in smaller type at the start of each ode because they do not pertain to the theme of the Unction canon. However, they are listed here to set the melody pattern for the subsequent troparia. We begin the odes with "O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants."

Canon Of Holy Unction In Tone Four

Ode One

When Israel of old had crossed the Red Sea's depth with foot unwet, they overthrew the hosts of Amalek in the wilderness.

O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants. O Master, Who ever makest both the souls and bodies of mortals cheerful with the oil of compassion and by oil preservest the faithful from harm: Do Thou Thyself now also take pity on them that through oil have recourse to Thee.

O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants. The whole earth is full of Thy mercy, O Master. Wherefore, we who today shall be mystically anointed with Thy divine oil faithfully beseech Thee that we be granted Thy mercy, which passeth understanding.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. O Friend of man, Who in Thy compassion didst command Thine Apostles to perform Thy sacred anointing upon Thine ailing servants: Through their supplications, do Thou, by Thy seal, have mercy on all.

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. O pure Virgin, who alone dost abound in being a sea of peace, by thine intercessions with God, do thou ever deliver thy servants from diseases and afflictions, that they may unceasingly magnify thee.

Ode Three

In thee, Thy Church is glad, O Christ, crying: Thou art my fortress, O Lord, both refuge and support.

O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants. Since Thou alone art wondrous, and merciful unto faithful men, grant Thy grace from above O Christ, unto them that aileth grievously.

O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants. O Lord, by Thy divine power didst show a branch of olive as a sign of the subsidence of the flood, in Thy mercy save the sick.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. With the light of Thy divine lamp, O Christ, make bright them that in faith now maketh haste to the unction of Thy mercy.

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Look down with kindness from on high, O Mother of the Maker of all, and by thine intercessions release the sick from their bitter pain.

KATHISMATA HYMNS OF HOLY UNCTION

These can be chanted or read at the discretion of the pastor. In Tone Eight ( Thou, as the Life of all**)** Since Thou art a divine river flowing with mercy an infinite abyss of abundant compassion, * show the streams of Thy mercy * and heal all men, O divinely-merciful; * bountifully make the fountains * of Thy great wonders to pour forth, washing all. * For ever fleeing fervently to Thee, we ask Thy grace, O Savior.

In Tone Four (Thou Who wast raised up) O Thou Physician and quick help of the suff'ring, * O Thou Deliverer and Savior of the ailing, * Who art the very Lord and Sovereign over all, * grant Thy gift of healing grace * to Thy servants in sickness; * to them that hath greatly sinned * show compassion and mercy, * and from their faults deliver them, O Christ, * that they may glorify Thy power and might divine.

CANON OF HOLY UNCTION IN TONE FOUR

Ode Four

The Church, seeing Thee, the Sun of Righteousness lifted upon the Cross, standeth in her stateliness, worthily calling out: Glory to Thy might, O Lord.

O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants. O Savior, since Thou art the incorruptible myrrh that is poured abroad by grace and doth purify the world, take pity and have mercy on them that with divine faith in Thee are anointed upon the wounds of their flesh.

O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants. O Master Christ, make inaccessible and unapproachable to all adverse powers the senses of Thy servants, since Thou hast now sealed them with the cheerfulness of the seal of Thy mercy.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. O Thou Who dost command the sick to summon Thine inspired sacred ministers and through their supplications and the anointing of Thine oil to be made whole: Save the suffering by Thy mercy, O Friend of man.

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. O all-holy and ever-virgin Theotokos, my mighty shelter and guardian, haven and wall, ladder and my tower of defense: Have mercy and take pity; for unto thee alone have I fled for refuge.

Ode Five

Thou, my Lord, art come into the world as light a holy light, which converteth from the darkness of ignorance those who with faith praise thee.

O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants. Since Thou, O Good One, art the abyss of mercy, have mercy, O Most Merciful O Master Christ, by Thy divine mercy, upon these sufferers, since Thou art compassionate.

O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants. O Christ, Who hast ineffably sanctified our souls and bodies from on high by the divine impress of Thy seal: With Thine own hand, heal us all.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. O supremely good Lord, Who in Thine unspeakable love didst accept to be anointed with myrrh by a harlot, have compassion upon Thy servants.

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. O all-hymned and pure Lady, who art supremely good, have mercy on them that are being anointed with the divine oil and save thy servants.

Ode Six

O Lord, the Church crieth out to thee; I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of praise having been cleansed of the blood of demons through the Blood that mercifully flowed from Thy side.

O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants. O Friend of man, Who through Thy words has shown that kings are to be anointed with oil, and hast performed the same among high priests by Thy seal do Thou also save them the suffereth, since Thou art compassionate.

O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants. Let no participation with cruel demons touch them whose senses have been signed with the divine anointing, O Savior; but wall them about with the protection of Thy glory.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. From the height, O Savior and Friend of man, stretch forth Thy hand and hallow Thine oil and grant it unto Thy servants for their health and deliverance from all diseases.

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. In the house of God, O Mother of the Creator, thou hast proved to be a very fruitful olive tree, through which the whole world is filled with mercy. Wherefore, with the touch of thine intercessions make the sufferer to be whole.

Kontakion In Tone Two (Thou Soughtest The Heights)

The kontakion can be chanted or read at the discretion of the pastor.

Since Thou art the fount of mercy supremely Good, * deliver from all misfortune and adversity those who fall down before Thine ineffable mercy in their fervent faith, * take away all their maladies, * and grant them divine grace from on high, O compassionate Lord.

Canon Of Holy Unction In Tone Four

Ode Seven

The Abrahamic children in the Persian furnace fired rather with love of piety than with the flame, called out: Blessed art thou, O Lord, in the temple of thy glory.

O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants. Savior and only God, who in Thy mercies and compassions dost heal both the passions of the soul and the brokenness of the body of all men: Do Thou Thyself attend also unto them that suffereth disease and heal them.

O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants. When the heads of all are anointed with the anointing of the oil, O Lord, in the riches of Thy grace, grant the joy of gladness unto them that seeketh the mercy of Thy deliverance.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Thy seal is a sword against demons O Savior a fire that consumeth the passions of the soul, through the supplications of priests. Wherefore we who have received healing faithfully sing Thy praise.

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. O Mother of God, who in God-befitting wise heldest within thy womb and inexpressibly gavest a body unto Him Who holdeth all things in His hand, make Him gracious unto them that suffereth, we pray.

Ode Eight

Daniel stretched forth his hands and closed the lions jaws in their den and the force of the fire was quenched by the zealously pious children who girded themselves with virtue, and called out: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord.

O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants. Have mercy on all, O Savior, according to Thy great and divine mercy; for mystically intimating the figure thereof, O Master, we offer the anointing of the sacred oil unto the ailing all of whom do Thou heal by Thy might.

O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants. Since Thou art compassionate, O Christ, with the streams of Thy mercy, and through anointing by Thy priests wash away the pangs and wounds and sudden assaults of pain from them that are worn down with the distress of sufferings, O Lord, that by Thy cleansing they may obtain health.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As a token of Thy bowing-down from on high O Master, Thou hast given this divine Oil of gladness unto us who are marked therewith; remove not Thy mercy neither disdain them that ever faithfully cry out: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord.

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Nature received thy divine Child as a glorious crown, O pure Virgin, that crushed the phalanxes of the enemies and mightily overcame them. Therefore, we, being crowned with the cheering splendors of thy grace sings thy praise, O all-hymned Lady.

Ode Nine

A rock unhewn by hands from the unquarried mountain was hewn. O Virgin, even Christ the cornerstone, who hath conjoined the separate natures. Rejoicing therein we magnify thee, O Theotokos.

O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants. Incline Thou from Heaven O Compassionate One; show Thy mercy unto all. Give now Thine aid and Thy strength unto them that draw nigh unto Thee through the divine anointing of Thy priests, O Friend of man.

O Master Christ, have mercy on Thy servants. With exceeding gladness, we behold the divine oil, O Savior in all ways good, which Thou in Thy divine condescension hast accepted beyond the abilities of the participants and in a figure hast distributed to them that have received a share in the divine laver.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Take pity, have mercy, O Savior, rescue from evils and pains, deliver from the darts of the evil one Thy servants' souls and bodies, since Thou art a merciful Lord, healing by divine grace.

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Since thou receivest the praises and prayers of thy servants, O all-immaculate Virgin, by thine entreaties rescue from cruel sufferings and pains them who through us hath recourse to thy divine shelter.

Theotokion In Tone Four

It is truly meet to bless thee O Theotokos the ever-blessed and all-blameless, and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the seraphim thou who without corruption didst bear God the Word and art truly Theotokos: we magnify thee.

The Little Litany

Deacon: Again and again, in peace, let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: Help us; save us; have mercy on us; and keep us, O God, by Thy grace. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Deacon: Calling to remembrance our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and each other, and all our life unto Christ, our God. Choir: To Thee, O Lord. Priest: For all the powers of heaven praise thee and unto Thee do they ascribe glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

The Exaposteilarion Of Holy Unction In Tone Three

(From The Heights Our Savior, Christ)

In Thy mercy, let Thine eye * look down upon our prayer to Thee, * who in Thy holy house, O Christ, * are come together on this day with the divine oil to anoint * Thy servants who are ailing, * O Lord, Who are more than good.

Ainoi (Praises) In Tone Four

Choir: Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the heights. To Thee, O God, is due our song.

Praise ye Him, all His angels; praise ye Him all His hosts. To Thee, O God, is due our song.

For Holy Unction in Tone Four (Unto them that fear Thee)

Verse 1. Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the psaltery and harp. Thou didst give Thy grace through Thine Apostles unto Thy holy oil * to heal every disease and wound * of all men, O Friend of man. * Hence, through Thy divine oil, * hallow and have mercy on them that draw night with faith * and fully cleanse them from all disease and pain, * vouchsafing unto them Thy joy and great delight incorruptible, * Thou who art easy to entreat, * O our Lord most compassionate.

Verse 2. Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. Look down out of Heaven O incomprehensible Friend of man, and since Thou art compassionate, * stretch forth Thine invisible * hand to seal the senses * with Thine oil divine of them that do run to Thee with faith, * asking forgiveness of every fault and sin. * And grant them healing both of soul and body that they might glorify * Thee with longing and fervent love, * magnifying Thy sovereign pow'r.

Verse 3. Praise Him upon the loud cymbals praise Him upon the high-sounding cymbals. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. By anointing with Thine oil and through the touch of Thy priests O Christ do Thou sanctify from on high * Thy servants, O Friend of man; * rescue them from sickness: * wash and make them clean from all mired defilement of the soul; * free them from stumbling-blocks full of treachery; * console them in their pains O Savior; drive away all adversities; * make their troubles to disappear * in Thy mercy and tender love.

Theotokion In Tone Four (Unto Them That Fear Thee)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Thee, the purest Palace of the King, do I implore fervently: * O all-praised Maiden cleanse my mind, * polluted with every sin, * filled with all defilement. * But, O Lady, make of it a delightful dwelling-place * for the divinely-transcendent Trinity; * that I, thy useless servant, being saved, may honor and magnify * thine immeas'rable mercy and * thy dominion and sovereignty.

The Trisagion Prayers

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 the evil one. Priest: For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

Apolytikion For Holy Unction In Tone Four (Be Quick To Anticipate)

O Christ, Who alone art quick to grant Thy help unto us, * be quick now to show unto Thy suff ring servants Thy visitation from Heaven's heights. * Free them from diseases, bitter pains and all suff ring; raise them up to praise and glorify Thee forever, through Thy pure Mother's prayers for us all, O only Friend of man.

Deacon: Bless, master.

Priest: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

The Great Litany

Deacon: In peace, let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. (use this response until noted below) Deacon: For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. Deacon: For the peace of the whole world, the good estate of the holy churches of God and the union of all, let us pray to the Lord. Deacon: For this holy house and those who with faith, reverence and fear of God enter therein, let us pray to the Lord. Deacon: For our father and metropolitan (our bishop, N.,) the honorable presbytery, the diaconate in Christ, all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord. Deacon: That this oil may be blessed by the power, operation and indwelling of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord. Deacon: For the servants of God here present and for the visitation of God upon them; and that the grace of the Holy Spirit may come upon them, let us pray to the Lord. Deacon: For our deliverance from all tribulation, wrath, danger and necessity, let us pray to the Lord. Deacon: Help us; save us; have mercy on us and keep us, O God, by Thy grace. Deacon: Calling to remembrance our all-holy immaculate, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and each other and all our life unto Christ our God. Choir: To Thee, O Lord. Priest: For unto Thee are due all glory, honor and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

Prayer Over The Oil

The priest blesses the oil with his right hand.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Priest: O Lord, who through thy mercies and compassions healest the disorders of our souls and bodies: Do thou thyself, O Master, also sanctify this oil that it may be effectual for those who are anointed therewith unto healing and unto relief from every passion, of defilement of flesh and spirit and every ill; and that thereby may be glorified thine all-holy Name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

Troparia At The Blessing Of The Oil

The priest pours wine into the olive oil as the chanters sing or read these hymns.

Apolytikion for Holy Unction in Tone Four (Be quick to anticipate) O Christ, Who alone art quick to grant Thy help unto us, * be quick now to show unto Thy suff’ring servants Thy visitation from Heaven's heights. * Free them from diseases, bitter pains and all suff’ring; * raise them up to praise and glorify Thee forever, through Thy pure Mother's prayers for us all, O only Friend of man.

Kontakion for the Blind Man in Tone Four (On this day Thou hast appeared) Being blinded in the eyes * of my soul, O Savior, * I come unto Thee, O Christ, * as did the man who was born blind. * And in repentance, I cry to Thee: * Of those in darkness art Thou the most radiant light.

Kontakion for the Paralytic in Tone Three (On this day the Virgin cometh) As of old Thou didst raise up * the paralytic, O Lord God, * by Thy God-like care and might, * raise up my soul which is palsied by diverse sins and transgressions * and by unseemly * deeds and acts, that, being saved I may also cry out: * O Compassionate Redeemer, Christ God, glory * to Thy dominion and might.

Apolytikion for St. James in Tone Four Since thou art a Disciple of the Lord, thou didst receive the Gospel, O righteous James. And since thou art a martyr thou art never rejected, and since thou art a brother of God, thou art privileged, and since thou art a High Priest, it is thy right to intercede. Wherefore beseech thou Christ God to save our souls.

Kontakion for St. James in Tone Four (Thou Who wast raised up) The Word of God the Father's Only-begotten, * came down and dwelt here in our midst in these last times. * He then appointed thee as the first shepherd of * all-holy Jerusalem, * and He made thee her teacher * and a faithful steward of * lofty spiritual myst'ries. * For this cause, as is meet, O wondrous James, * O blest Apostle, we all praise and honor thee.

Kontakion for St. Nicholas in Tone Three (On this day the Virgin) Thou, O righteous Nicholas, * in Myra truly wast shown forth * as a sacred minister * fulfilling Christ's holy Gospel * for thou didst lay down thy life for * thy flock and people * and, O Saint, didst save the innocent from unjust death. * Wherefore, thou wast sanctified as * a great initiate * of the divine grace of God.

Apolytikion for St. Demetrios in Tone Three (Thy confession) A great champion hath the whole world found thee to be when in grave perils; for thou dost put to flight the heathen, O victorious one. As thou didst humble Lyaeus' arrogance and gavest boldness to Nestor in the stadium, thus, O holy Great Martyr Demetrios, do thou entreat Christ God that we be granted Great Mercy.

Apolytikion for St. Panteleimon in Tone Three O holy prizewinner and healer Panteleimon intercede with the merciful God that He grant unto our souls forgiveness of offenses.

Apolytikion for Unmercenary Healers in Tone Eight O holy Unmercenaries and wonder workers visit our infirmities. Freely ye received freely give to us.

Kontakion for St. John the Theologian in Tone Two Who can tell thy mighty works O virgin Saint? For thou pourest forth miracles, and art a source of healings, and thou dost intercede for our souls, as the Theologian and the friend of Christ.

Theotokion in Tone Two O fervent advocate, invincible battlement fountain of mercy, and sheltering retreat for the world: earnestly we cry to thee Lady Mother of God; hasten thou and save us from all imperilment, for thou alone art our speedy protectress.

The First Epistle Reading

Deacon: Let us attend.

Reader: Let thy mercy be upon us, O Lord as we have put our trust in thee. Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise becometh the righteous.

Deacon: Wisdom.

Reader: The reading from the Epistle of Saint James. (5:10-16)

Deacon: Let us attend.

Reader: Brethren, take as an example of suffering and patience the prophets who spoke in the Name of the Lord. Behold, we call those happy who were steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath, but let your yes be yes and your no be no, that you may not fall under condemnation. Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders 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 has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects.

Priest: Peace be to thee that readest.

Choir: (Tone Eight) Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. I will sing to thee of mercy and judgment, O Lord.

The First Gospel Reading

Deacon: Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Priest: Peace be to all. Choir: And to thy spirit. Priest: The reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke. (10:25-37) Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee. Deacon: Let us attend.

Priest: At that time, a lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus said to him "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And the lawyer answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." And Jesus said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live." But the lawyer desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper saying, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?" The lawyer said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

The Imperatory Litany

Deacon: Have mercy on us God, according to thy great mercy, we pray thee, hearken and have mercy. Choir: Lord, have mercy. ( thrice ) Deacon: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace health, salvation, and visitation for the servants of God here present, and for the pardon and remission of their sins. Deacon: Again we pray for the forgiveness of their every transgression, both voluntary and involuntary. Priest: For thou art a merciful God and lovest mankind, and unto Thee we ascribe glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

The First Prayer Over The Oil

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy.

Priest: Thou who art unoriginate, Eternal, the Holy of Holies, who didst send down thine Only-begotten Son to heal every infirmity and all manner of disease, both of our souls and bodies: Send down thy Holy Spirit, and sanctify this oil; and cause it to be for thy servants, who are anointed therewith, unto perfect deliverance from their sins, unto inheritance of the kingdom of heaven. For thou art God, great and wonderful, who keepest thy covenant and thy mercy unto those who love thee who givest deliverance from sins through thy holy Child Jesus Christ; who regeneratest us from sin; who enlightenest the blind, raisest up those who art cast down; who lovest the righteous and showest mercy unto sinners; who leadest us forth again out of darkness and the shadow of death, saying to those in bonds, "Come forth;" and to those in darkness, "Be ye unveiled. For the light of the knowledge of thine Only-begotten Son shone in our hearts, since for our sakes he appeared on earth, and dwelt among men; and to those who accepted him, he gave power to become the children of God; granting to us sonship through the laver of regeneration and made us to have no participation in the tyranny of the devil. And inasmuch as it hath not pleased him that we should be purified by blood, but by holy oil, he gave us the image of his Cross, that we may be a flock of Christ, a royal priesthood, a holy nation; and didst purify us by water, and sanctify us by thy Holy Spirit. Do thou thyself, o Master Lord give us grace in this ministration, as thou gavest it to Moses, thine accepted, and to Samuel, thy beloved, and to John, thine elect, and to all those who, from generation to generation, have been well pleasing unto thee. And so make us also to be ministers of the new Covenant of thy Son upon this oil, which thou hast made thine own through the precious Blood of thy Christ; that putting away worldly lusts, we may die unto sin and live unto righteousness, being clothed upon with our Lord Jesus Christ through the anointing of sanctification of this oil which we desire to use. Let this oil Lord be an oil of gladness, an oil of sanctification, a royal raiment, an armor of might, an averting of every diabolical operation, an inviolable seal, a rejoicing of the heart, an everlasting gladness; that those also who are anointed with this oil of regeneration may be terrible to adversaries, and may shine in the radiance of thy Saints, having neither spot nor wrinkle; and that they may be received into thine eternal rest, and gain the prize of the calling from on high. For thine it is to show mercy and to save us, O God, our God and unto thee we ascribe glory, with thine Only-begotten Son, and thine all-holy, and good and life-creating Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

The Second Epistle Reading

Deacon: Let us attend. Reader: The Lord is my strength and my song and He has become my salvation. The Lord has chastened me severely, but He hath not given me over unto death. Deacon: Wisdom. Reader: The reading from the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romans. (15:1-7) Deacon: Let us attend.

Reader: Brethren, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me." For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Priest: Peace be to thee that readest. Choir: (Tone Five) Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. I will sing of thy mercy, O Lord, forever.

The Second Gospel Reading

Deacon: Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Priest: Peace be to all. Choir: And to thy spirit. Priest: The reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke. (19:1-10) Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee. Deacon: Let us attend.

Priest: At that time, Jesus was entering Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and rich. And he sought to see who Jesus was but could not, on account of the crowd, because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus, for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, make haste and come down; for I must stay at your house today." So he made haste and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, "He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner." And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have defrauded any one of anything, I restore it fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

The Imperatory Litany

The Second Prayer Over The Oil

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Priest: O God, great and most high, who art worshipped by all creation, source of wisdom, abyss of goodness truly unfathomable and boundless sea of benignity do thou thyself Master who lovest mankind, the God of the eternal and the marvelous, whom none among men by thinking can comprehend, look upon us, and hearken unto us, thine unworthy servants, and wheresoever we bring this oil in thy great Name, do thou send down the gift of healing the remission of sins, and heal thy servants in the plenitude of thy mercy. Yea, O Lord, thou good physician; who alone art merciful and lovest man; who repentest thee of our wickedness; who knowest that the intention of man inclineth unto evil from his youth up who desirest not the death of a sinner, but that he should return and live; who for the salvation of sinners, being God, didst become incarnate, and didst become a Creature for thy creatures. Thou hast said, "I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance"; thou art he who sought the lost sheep; thou art he who diligently sought the lost drachma, and found it thou didst say "He that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out"; thou art he who didst not loathe the harlot who rained her tears upon thy precious feet thou didst say, "As often as thou fallest arise and thou shalt be saved"; thou art he who saith, "There is joy in Heaven over one sinner who repenteth." Do thou thyself, Benign Master look down from the height of thy sanctuary, overshadowing us sinners, and thine unworthy servants at this hour, with the grace of the Holy Spirit, and abide in these thy servants who acknowledge their transgressions, and draw near to thee in faith; and accepting them in thine own love to man, whether they have transgressed in word or deed or thought forgiving them, do thou cleanse them, make them pure from every sin; and, abiding ever present with them, preserve them all the remaining years of their lives; that walking in thy statutes, they may never become a derision to the Devil; and that by them thine all-holy Name may be glorified. For thine it is to show mercy and to save us, O God, our God and unto thee we ascribe glory, with thine unoriginate Father, and thine all-holy, and good and life-creating Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

The Third Epistle Reading

Deacon: Let us attend. Reader: The Lord is my light and my salvation whom then shall I fear? The Lord is the defender of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Deacon: Wisdom. Reader: The reading from the first Epistle of Saint Paul to the Corinthians. (12:27-13:8) Deacon: Let us attend.

Reader: Brethren, you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, then healers, helpers, administrators speakers in various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have and deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.

Priest: Peace be to thee that readest. Choir: (Tone Two) Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. O, Lord, in thee have I trusted. Let me never be put to shame.

The Third Gospel Reading

Priest: At that time, Jesus called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them and heal every disease and every infirmity. These twelve Jesus sent out, charging them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And preach as you go, saying 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying, give without pay.'" Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

The Imperatory Litany

The Third Prayer Over The Oil

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Priest: Almighty Master, Holy King, who chastenest and yet slayest not; who raisest up those who fall, and restorest those who are cast down; who relievest the bodily afflictions of men: We beseech thee, our God, that thou wilt direct thy mercy upon this oil, and upon those who are anointed therewith in thy Name, that it may be to them for the healing of soul and body, for the cleansing and removal of every passion and of every infirmity and wound and every defilement of flesh and spirit. Yea, O Lord, send down from Heaven thy healing power touch the body; quench the fever soothe the suffering, and banish every hidden ailment. Be thou the physician of thy servants; raise them up from the bed of sickness, and from their couch of vexation whole and perfectly restored, granting them, through thy Church to be well-pleasing unto thee, and to work thy will. For thine it is to show mercy and to save us, O our God, and unto thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

The Fourth Epistle Reading

Deacon: Let us attend. Reader: In the day when I shall call upon thee speedily hear me. O Lord, hear my prayer and my cry. Deacon: Wisdom. Reader: The reading from the second epistle of Saint Paul to the Corinthians. (6:16-7:1) Deacon: Let us attend. Reader: Brethren, you are the temple of the living God; as God said, "I will live in them and move among them, and I will be their God, and they shall 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, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." Since we have these promises beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God. Priest: Peace be to thee that readest. Choir: (Tone Two) Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. I waited patiently for the Lord, and He attended to me.

The Fourth Gospel Reading

Deacon: Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Priest: Peace be to all. Choir: And to thy spirit. Priest: The reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew. (8:14-23) Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee. Deacon: Let us attend. Priest: At that time, Jesus entered Peter's house, and he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever; he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and served him. That evening they brought to him many who were possessed with demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick. This was to fulfil what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, "He took our infirmities and bore our diseases." Now when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side. And a scribe came up and said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head." Another of his disciples said to him, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead." And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

The Imperatory Litany

The Fourth Prayer Over The Oil

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Priest: O good and man-loving, compassionate and most merciful Lord, plentiful in mercy and rich in beneficence, the Father of bounties and God of every consolation, who through thy holy Apostles hast empowered us to heal the infirmities of the people by oil with prayer: Do thou thyself appoint this oil for the healing of those who are anointed therewith; for the alleviation of every infirmity and every malady for deliverance from ills of those who await salvation that is from thee. Yea, Master, Lord our God, we beseech thee, who art Almighty, to save us all; thou who alone art the Physician of souls and bodies, sanctify us all. Thou who healest every infirmity, heal also these thy servants; raise them up from their couch of sickness through the mercy and goodness visit them with thy mercies and bounties; cast out of them every ailment and weakness; that raised up by thy mighty hand, they may serve thee with all thanksgiving; and that now, participating in thine inexpressible love towards mankind, we also may hymn and glorify thee who performest great and wondrous glorious and transcendent things. For thine it is to show mercy and to save us, our God, and to thee we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

The Fifth Epistle Reading

Deacon: Let us attend. Reader: Thou, O Lord, shalt keep us and protect us from this generation forever. Save me, O Lord, for the righteous man hath disappeared. Deacon: Wisdom. Reader: The reading from the second Epistle of Saint Paul to the Corinthians. (1:8-11) Deacon: Let us attend. Reader: Brethren, we do not want you to be ignorant of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself. Why, we felt that we had received the sentence of death; but that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead; he delivered us from so deadly a peril, and he will deliver us; on him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us in answer to many prayers. Priest: Peace be to thee that readest. Choir: (Tone Five) Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. I will sing of thy mercies, O Lord, forever.

The FIFTH GOSPEL READING

Deacon: Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Priest: Peace be to all. Choir: And to thy spirit. Priest: The reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew. (25:1-13) Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee. Deacon: Let us attend. Priest: The Lord spoke this parable: "The kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were wise and five were foolish. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them; but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. But at midnight there was a cry 'Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him. Then all the virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out. But the wise replied, 'Perhaps there will not enough for us and for you; go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he replied, 'Truly I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of man will come." Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

The Imperatory Litany

The Fifth Prayer Over The Oil

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Priest: O Lord our God who chastenest and again healest; who raisest the poor man from the earth, and exaltest the beggar from the dunghill the Father of orphans and Haven of the tempest-tossed, and Physician of the sick; who painlessly bearest our weaknesses and takest away our infirmities who showest mercy with gentleness, who overlookest unrighteousness and forgivest transgressions; who art quick to help and slow to wrath; who didst breathe upon thy disciples and say, “Receive ye the Holy Spirit whosoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and takest away unrighteousness"; who acceptest the repentance of sinners, and hast power to forgive sins manifold and grievous and grantest healing to all who continue in weakness and lingering illness; who also hast called me, thy humble and sinful and unworthy servant, entangled in manifold sins and wallowing in the lusts of pleasures, to the holy and sublime degree of the Priesthood, and to enter within the innermost veil, into the Holy of Holies, whither the holy Angels desire to penetrate, and to hear the evangelic voice of the Lord God, and personally behold the presence of the Holy Oblation, and to take delight in the divine and sacred Liturgy; who hast counted me worthy to minister thy supracelestial Mysteries and to offer unto thee gifts and sacrifices for our sins and for the ignorances of people, and to mediate for thy rational sheep, that, through thine abundant and unspeakable love towards man, thou mayest cleanse their iniquities: Do thou thyself, O most good King, attend to my prayer in this hour and this holy day, and in every time and place, and hearken to the voice of my supplication, and grant healing to thy servants who are weak of soul and body, giving them remission of sins and forgiveness of their transgressions, both voluntary and involuntary. Heal thou their incurable wounds, and every ailment and every sore, bestow upon them psychic healing. O thou who didst touch the mother-in-law of Peter, whereupon the fever left her, and she arose and ministered unto thee Do thou thyself, O Master, grant healing to these thy servants, and alleviation of every emaciating illness; and be mindful of thy rich bounties and thy mercy. Remember that the thought of man inclineth constantly toward evil from his youth up, and that none is to be found sinless upon earth; for thou alone art without sin, who didst come and save the human race, and free us from bondage to the enemy. For if thou shouldest enter into judgment with thy servants, there is none that would be found pure from stain, but every mouth would be sealed, having naught to answer; for all our righteousness is like unto cast-off rags before thee. Wherefore, O Lord, remember not the sins of our youth: For thou art the Hope of the hopeless, and the Repose of those who labor and are heavy-laden with iniquity, and to thee we ascribe glory, with thine unoriginate Father, and thine all-holy, and good, and life-creating Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Sixth Epistle Reading

Deacon: Let us attend. Reader: Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Deacon: Wisdom. Reader: The reading from the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Galatians. (5:22-6:2) Deacon: Let us attend. Reader: Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Priest: Peace be to thee that readest. Choir: (Tone Six) Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Blessed is the man who feareth the Lord in His commandments shall he greatly delight.

The Sixth Gospel Reading

Deacon: Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us hear the Holy Gospel. Priest: Peace be to all. Choir: And to thy spirit. Priest: The reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Matthew. (15:21-28) Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee. Deacon: Let us attend. Priest: At that time, Jesus went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and cried, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely possessed by a demon." But Jesus did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him saying "Send her away, for she is crying after us." Jesus answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." And Jesus answered, "It is not fair to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly. Choir: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.

The Imperatory Litany

The Sixth Prayer Over The Oil

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Priest: We thank thee, O Lord our God, who art good and lovest man, the Physician of our souls and bodies, who painlessly bearest our infirmities, by whose stripes we have all been healed; thou good Shepherd, who camest to seek the wandering sheep who givest consolation to the fainthearted, and life to those who are shattered; who didst heal the flow of the woman who had an issue of blood twelve years who didst free the daughter of the Canaanitish woman from the cruel demon; who didst release the two debtors from their debt, and give remission of sins unto the sinful woman; who grantest healing unto the Paralytic, with 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 trespasses and sins of these thy servants, and their iniquities whether voluntary or involuntary, whether of knowledge or of ignorance, whether of transgression 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 by the glance of the eye, or a movement of the eyelid; whether through the contact of adultery or the taste of prodigality, or through whatsoever impulse of the flesh and of the spirit they have departed from thy will, and from thy holiness. And if they have sinned, and in like manner we also, forgive us; forasmuch as thou art a good God who rememberest not evil, and lovest mankind: and let not them or us fall into a dissolute life, neither to walk in the ways of destruction. Yea, O Master, Lord, hearken unto me a sinner, in this hour, on behalf of these thy servants, and overlook their trespasses, forasmuch as thou art a God who callest not evil to mind. Free them from eternal torment; fill their mouths with thy praise; open their lips that they may glorify thy holy Name: stretch forth their hands to the doing of thy commandments strengthening all their members and their thoughts, by thy grace. Guide their feet aright in the way of thy Gospel, for thou art our God who hast commanded us 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, they shall be remitted, and if ye retain them, they shall be retained." And as thou didst hearken unto Hezekiah 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, O Lord Jesus Christ, through thy goodness and love towards man, didst bid us to forgive the erring their sins even unto seventy times seven, and 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 we ascribe glory, with thine unoriginate Father, and thine all-holy, good and life-creating Spirit : now and ever, and unto ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

The Seventh Epistle Reading

Deacon: Let us attend. Reader: O Lord, rebuke me not in Thine anger nor chasten me in Thy wrath. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak. Deacon: Wisdom. Reader: The reading from the first Epistle of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians. (5:14-23) Deacon: Let us attend. Reader: Brethren, we exhort you, admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all Rejoice always pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophesying, but test everything; hold fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Priest: Peace be to thee who readest. Choir: (Tone Seven) Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble The Name of the God of Jacob defend thee.

The Seventh Gospel Reading

The Imperatory Litany

The Seventh Prayer Over The Oil

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Priest: O Master, Lord our God, Physician of souls and bodies, who curest temporal sufferings and healest every infirmity and every wound of men; who desirest that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth; who desirest not the death of a sinner, but that he should turn again and live: for thou, Lord, in the ancient Covenant, didst ordain repentance unto sinners, David and the Ninevites, and to those before and after these and likewise, at the advent of thy dispensation in the flesh, thou calledst not the righteous but sinners to repentance receiving even the Publican, the Harlot, the Thief, and great Paul, the blaspheming persecutor, through repentance. Thou didst accept in repentance Peter thy chief Apostle, who thrice denied thee and gavest him a promise, saying, "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it; and I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven." Wherefore, O Good One who lovest mankind, being bold according to thine undeceiving promises, we beseech there and implore thee in this present hour: Hearken to our supplication, and receive it as incense offered unto thee; and visit these thy servants, and if they have done aught amiss, either by word, or deed, or thought, either by night or by day; if they have fallen under the ban of a priest or under their own anathema or hath been embittered by an oath, and have foresworn themselves: We beseech thee and supplicate thee; loose, pardon, forgive them, O God overlooking their sins and wickednesses, and all which they have committed knowingly and in ignorance. And if they have deviated aught from thy commandments, or have sinned because they bear flesh and dwell in the world, or through the operation of the Devil, do thou, forasmuch as thou art a good God and lovest man, forgive; for there is not a man who shall live and sin not. For thou alone art sinless, thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness and thy word is truth. For thou didst not create man for destruction, but for the keeping of thy commandments, for the inheritance of life incorruptible; and to thee we ascribe glory, with thine unoriginate Father, and thine all-holy, and good and life-creating Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

Blessing With The Gospel Book

The people kneel. Then the priest takes the Book of the Holy Gospels, opened and with the print facing down, raises it above the heads of the faithful attending, and recites the following prayer aloud. If several priests take part in the service, they all shall hold the Gospel Book. Only the celebrant reads the prayer aloud.

Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Priest: O Holy King, compassionate and multi-merciful Lord Jesus Christ, Son and Word of the living God, who desirest not the death of a sinner, but, that he should be converted and live: I lay not my sinful hand upon the heads of those who approach thee in sins, and entreat of thee, through us, remission of their sins, but thy strong and mighty hand which is in this Holy Gospel which I hold upon the heads of these thy servants and I pray and entreat thy merciful and evil-forgetting love of mankind, O God our Saviour, who through thy Prophet Nathan didst grant remission unto David when he repented of his iniquities, and didst accept Manasses' prayer with penitence Do thou receive also of thy wonted love for these thy servants, who repent them of their iniquities overlooking all their transgressions. For thou art our God who hast bidden us to forgive those who fall in sin, even unto seventy times seven for as is thy majesty, so also is thy mercy, and unto thee are due all glory, honor and worship, with thine unoriginate Father, and thine all-holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen.

The Anointing Of The Faithful

The faithful come forward to receive the Mystery of Anointing. They first venerate the Gospel book and then go forward to the priest(s), tell him their name. The priest(s) anoints their forehead, cheeks, chin, and hands, saying as he does:

Priest: The blessing of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ, for the healing of soul and body of the servant of God N., always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

During the anointing, the choir sings the following hymns, followed by the other hymns of this service, repeating them as necessary until all of the faithful have been anointed.

Doxasticon For The Unmercenaries In Tone Four

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

Having the source of healing, O holy Unmercenaries, ye grant healing to all that make supplication, since ye have been deemed worthy of great gifts from the ever-flowing fountain of Christ the Saviour. For the Lord hath said unto you since ye have zeal like the Apostles: Behold, I have given you authority over unclean spirits, that ye might cast them out and heal every disease and every sickness. Wherefore having lived well by His commandments freely ye received, freely ye give, healing the passions of our souls and bodies.

Theotokion In Τοne Four

Both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen .

Incline to the entreaties of thy servants all blameless one, and make to cease the griefs that come upon us and free us from every affliction for thee alone do we have as a secure and sure anchor, and we have thy protection. Let us not be put to shame, O Lady, as we call upon thee. Hasten at the entreaty of those who faithfully cry to thee: Rejoice, O Lady thou help of all thou joy and shelter and salvation of our souls.

The Dismissal

Priest: Glory to Thee, O Christ our God and our Hope, glory to Thee. Choir: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy (thrice) Father, bless. Priest: May Christ our true God, through the intercessions of His all-immaculate and all-blameless holy Mother; by the might of the precious and life-giving Cross; at the supplication of the holy glorious and all laudable Apostle James, the first bishop of Jerusalem and the brother of God, and of all the saints: have mercy upon and save us, forasmuch as He is good and loveth mankind. Priest: Through the prayers of our holy Fathers Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us. Choir: Amen.