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Vesting Prayers

 

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Vesting Prayers



 
 
Vesting Prayers are prayers which are said while a cleric
Cleric

A cleric , clergyman , or churchman is a member of the clergy of a religion, especially one who is a priest, preacher, or other religious professional....
 puts on vestments
Vestment

Vestments are liturgy garments and articles associated primarily with the Christianity religions, especially the Latin Rite and other Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, Methodists, and Lutheran Churches....
 as part of a liturgy
Liturgy

A liturgy is the customary public worship done by a specific religious group, according to their particular traditions. The word may refer to an elaborate formal ritual such as the Eastern Orthodox Divine Liturgy and Mass , or a daily activity such as the Muslim salat and Jewish Jewish services....
 of the Catholic (Universal) Church
Catholic Church (disambiguation)

Catholic Church most often refers to:* The Roman Catholic Church* The Christian Church in generalIt is also used with special reference to...
, whether Eastern or Western. They feature as part of the liturgy in question itself, and take place either before or after a liturgical procession
Procession

A procession is, in general, an organized body of people advancing in a formal or ceremonial manner....
 or entrance
Entrance (Liturgical)

In Eastern Orthodox Church, an entrance is a procession during which the clergy enter into the sanctuary through the Royal Doors. The origin of these entrances goes back to the early church, when the liturgical books and sacred vessels were kept in special storage rooms for safe keeping and the procession was necessary to bring these objects...
 to the sanctuary
Sanctuary

Sanctuary has multiple meanings. A sanctuary is the consecrated area of a church or temple around its church tabernacle or altar. An animal sanctuary is a place where animals live and are protected....
, as depends on the particular liturgical rite or use
Catholic Liturgical Rites

The Roman Catholic Church celebrates a number of different Liturgical Rites, a term that refers to a particular form of Christian liturgy .They are not to be confused with the Particular Church#Autonomous particular Churches or Rites in the sense of sui iuris particular Churches, of which there are 22 Eastern and one Western....
 which is observed.

In the Western Rites
In the Roman Rite
Roman Rite

The liturgy of the Catholic Church of Rome is called the Roman Rite. The quite distinct term Latin Rite usually refers not to a liturgical rite but to the particular Church within the Roman Catholic Church that was sometimes referred to also as the Patriarchate of the West....
, before Mass
Of a Celebrant who is a Bishop
Bishop

A bishop is an ordination or consecration member of the Clergy#Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight....
, before Pontifical Mass

At the Buskins:

Calcea, Domine, pedes meos in praeparationem evangelii pacis, et protege me in velamento alarum tuarum.

The Bishop says as he takes off the Cope
COPE

COPE may refer to:*The Council of Pacific Education , a regional branch of Education International , the global federation of teachers' trade unions....
:


Exue me, Domine, veterem hominem cum moribus et actibus suis: et indue me novum hominem, qui secundum Deum creatus est in justitia, et sanctitate veritatis.

He washes his hands, saying:

Da, Domine, virtutem manibus meis ad abstergendam omnem maculam immundam; ut sine pollutione mentis et corporis valeam tibi servire.

'Give virtue to my hands, O Lord, that being cleansed from all stain I might serve you with purity of mind and body.'

At the Amice
Amice

The amice is a liturgical vestment used mainly in the Roman Catholicism Church, in some Anglicanism churches, and in the Armenian Church. It consists of a white cloth connected to two long ribbon-like attachments, by which it is fastened around the shoulders of the priest....
:


Impone, Domine, galeam salutis in capite meo, ad expugnandas omnes diabolicas fraudes, inimicorum omnium versutias superando.

'Place upon my head, O Lord, the helmet of salvation, for fighting and overcoming all the wiles of the Devil: and for overcoming the savagery of all my enemies.'

At the Alb
Alb

The alb, one of the liturgy vestments of the Roman Catholic, Anglican and many Protestant churches, is an ample garment of white linen coming down to the ankles and usually girded with a cincture....
:


Dealba me, Domine, et a delicto meo munda me; ut cum his, qui stolas suas dealbaverunt in sanguine Agni, gaudiis perfruar sempiternis.

'Purify me, Lord, and cleanse my heart so that, washed in the Blood of the Lamb, I may enjoy eternal bliss.'

At the Cincture
Cincture

The cincture is a Liturgy vestment, worn encircling the body around or above the waist. The term has two distinct meanings, the usage generally dividing along Christian denomination lines....
:


Praecinge me, Domine, cingulo fidei et virtute castitatis lumbos meos, et extingue in eis humorem libidinis; ut jugiter maneat in me vigor totius castitatis.

He takes the Pectoral cross
Pectoral cross

A pectoral cross or pectorale is a Christian cross, usually large, suspended from the neck by a cord or Link chain. Most pectoral crosses are made of precious metals and some contain precious or semi-precious gems....
, saying:


Munire digneris me, Domine Jesu Christe, ab omnibus insidiis inimicorum omnium, signo sanctissimae Crucis tuae: ac concedere digneris mihi indigno servo tuo, ut sicut hanc Crucem, Sanctorum tuorum reliquiis refertam, ante pectus meum teneo, sic semper mente retineam at memoriam passionis, et sanctorum victorias Martyrum.

At the Stole
Stole

The stole is a liturgy vestment of various Christianity religious denomination. It consists of a band of colored cloth, formerly usually of silk, about seven and a half to nine feet long and three to four inches wide, whose ends may be straight or may broaden out....
:


Redde mihi, Domine, obsecro, stolam immortalitatis, quam perdidi in praevaricatione primi parentis; et, quamvis indignus accedere praesumo ad tuum sacrum mysterium cum hoc ornamento, praesta, ut in eodem in perpetuum merear laetari.

'Restore unto me, I beseech You, O Lord, the stole of immortality, which I lost through the collusion of our first parents, and inasmuch as I presume to draw near to Your holy Mystery with this adornment, unworthy though I be, grant that I may be worthy to rejoice in the same unto eternity.'

At the Tunicle
Tunicle

The tunicle is a liturgy vestment associated with Roman Catholic Church Latin Rite subdeacons, adopted also by Anglo-Catholics and High Church Anglicans....
:


Tunica jucunditatis, et indumento laetitiae induat me Dominus.

At the Dalmatic
Dalmatic

The dalmatic is a long wide-sleeved tunic, which serves as a liturgical vestment in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and United Methodist Churches, sometimes worn by a deacon at the service of worship or Mass and, although infrequently, by bishops as an undergarment above the alb....
:


Indue me, Domine, indumento salutis et vestimento laetitiae; et dalmatica justitiae circumda me semper.

'Lord, endow me with the garment of salvation, the vestment of joy, and with the dalmatic of justice ever encompass me.'

At the Episcopal gloves
Episcopal Gloves

The Episcopal gloves or Pontifical gloves are a Roman Catholic pontifical vestment worn a by Bishop when celebrating Solemn Pontifical Mass....
:


Circumda, Domine, manus mea munditia novi hominis, qui de caelo descendit; ut, quemadmodum Jacob dilectus tuus pelliculis hoedorum opertis manibus, paternam benedictionem, oblato patri cibo potuque gratissimo, impetravit; sic et oblata per manus nostras salutaris hostia, gratiae tuae benedictionem mereatur.






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Encyclopedia


Vesting Prayers are prayers which are said while a cleric
Cleric

A cleric , clergyman , or churchman is a member of the clergy of a religion, especially one who is a priest, preacher, or other religious professional....
 puts on vestments
Vestment

Vestments are liturgy garments and articles associated primarily with the Christianity religions, especially the Latin Rite and other Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, Methodists, and Lutheran Churches....
 as part of a liturgy
Liturgy

A liturgy is the customary public worship done by a specific religious group, according to their particular traditions. The word may refer to an elaborate formal ritual such as the Eastern Orthodox Divine Liturgy and Mass , or a daily activity such as the Muslim salat and Jewish Jewish services....
 of the Catholic (Universal) Church
Catholic Church (disambiguation)

Catholic Church most often refers to:* The Roman Catholic Church* The Christian Church in generalIt is also used with special reference to...
, whether Eastern or Western. They feature as part of the liturgy in question itself, and take place either before or after a liturgical procession
Procession

A procession is, in general, an organized body of people advancing in a formal or ceremonial manner....
 or entrance
Entrance (Liturgical)

In Eastern Orthodox Church, an entrance is a procession during which the clergy enter into the sanctuary through the Royal Doors. The origin of these entrances goes back to the early church, when the liturgical books and sacred vessels were kept in special storage rooms for safe keeping and the procession was necessary to bring these objects...
 to the sanctuary
Sanctuary

Sanctuary has multiple meanings. A sanctuary is the consecrated area of a church or temple around its church tabernacle or altar. An animal sanctuary is a place where animals live and are protected....
, as depends on the particular liturgical rite or use
Catholic Liturgical Rites

The Roman Catholic Church celebrates a number of different Liturgical Rites, a term that refers to a particular form of Christian liturgy .They are not to be confused with the Particular Church#Autonomous particular Churches or Rites in the sense of sui iuris particular Churches, of which there are 22 Eastern and one Western....
 which is observed.

In the Western Rites


In the Roman Rite
Roman Rite

The liturgy of the Catholic Church of Rome is called the Roman Rite. The quite distinct term Latin Rite usually refers not to a liturgical rite but to the particular Church within the Roman Catholic Church that was sometimes referred to also as the Patriarchate of the West....
, before Mass


Of a Celebrant who is a Bishop
Bishop

A bishop is an ordination or consecration member of the Clergy#Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight....
, before Pontifical Mass

At the Buskins:

Calcea, Domine, pedes meos in praeparationem evangelii pacis, et protege me in velamento alarum tuarum.

The Bishop says as he takes off the Cope
COPE

COPE may refer to:*The Council of Pacific Education , a regional branch of Education International , the global federation of teachers' trade unions....
:


Exue me, Domine, veterem hominem cum moribus et actibus suis: et indue me novum hominem, qui secundum Deum creatus est in justitia, et sanctitate veritatis.

He washes his hands, saying:

Da, Domine, virtutem manibus meis ad abstergendam omnem maculam immundam; ut sine pollutione mentis et corporis valeam tibi servire.

'Give virtue to my hands, O Lord, that being cleansed from all stain I might serve you with purity of mind and body.'

At the Amice
Amice

The amice is a liturgical vestment used mainly in the Roman Catholicism Church, in some Anglicanism churches, and in the Armenian Church. It consists of a white cloth connected to two long ribbon-like attachments, by which it is fastened around the shoulders of the priest....
:


Impone, Domine, galeam salutis in capite meo, ad expugnandas omnes diabolicas fraudes, inimicorum omnium versutias superando.

'Place upon my head, O Lord, the helmet of salvation, for fighting and overcoming all the wiles of the Devil: and for overcoming the savagery of all my enemies.'

At the Alb
Alb

The alb, one of the liturgy vestments of the Roman Catholic, Anglican and many Protestant churches, is an ample garment of white linen coming down to the ankles and usually girded with a cincture....
:


Dealba me, Domine, et a delicto meo munda me; ut cum his, qui stolas suas dealbaverunt in sanguine Agni, gaudiis perfruar sempiternis.

'Purify me, Lord, and cleanse my heart so that, washed in the Blood of the Lamb, I may enjoy eternal bliss.'

At the Cincture
Cincture

The cincture is a Liturgy vestment, worn encircling the body around or above the waist. The term has two distinct meanings, the usage generally dividing along Christian denomination lines....
:


Praecinge me, Domine, cingulo fidei et virtute castitatis lumbos meos, et extingue in eis humorem libidinis; ut jugiter maneat in me vigor totius castitatis.

He takes the Pectoral cross
Pectoral cross

A pectoral cross or pectorale is a Christian cross, usually large, suspended from the neck by a cord or Link chain. Most pectoral crosses are made of precious metals and some contain precious or semi-precious gems....
, saying:


Munire digneris me, Domine Jesu Christe, ab omnibus insidiis inimicorum omnium, signo sanctissimae Crucis tuae: ac concedere digneris mihi indigno servo tuo, ut sicut hanc Crucem, Sanctorum tuorum reliquiis refertam, ante pectus meum teneo, sic semper mente retineam at memoriam passionis, et sanctorum victorias Martyrum.

At the Stole
Stole

The stole is a liturgy vestment of various Christianity religious denomination. It consists of a band of colored cloth, formerly usually of silk, about seven and a half to nine feet long and three to four inches wide, whose ends may be straight or may broaden out....
:


Redde mihi, Domine, obsecro, stolam immortalitatis, quam perdidi in praevaricatione primi parentis; et, quamvis indignus accedere praesumo ad tuum sacrum mysterium cum hoc ornamento, praesta, ut in eodem in perpetuum merear laetari.

'Restore unto me, I beseech You, O Lord, the stole of immortality, which I lost through the collusion of our first parents, and inasmuch as I presume to draw near to Your holy Mystery with this adornment, unworthy though I be, grant that I may be worthy to rejoice in the same unto eternity.'

At the Tunicle
Tunicle

The tunicle is a liturgy vestment associated with Roman Catholic Church Latin Rite subdeacons, adopted also by Anglo-Catholics and High Church Anglicans....
:


Tunica jucunditatis, et indumento laetitiae induat me Dominus.

At the Dalmatic
Dalmatic

The dalmatic is a long wide-sleeved tunic, which serves as a liturgical vestment in the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and United Methodist Churches, sometimes worn by a deacon at the service of worship or Mass and, although infrequently, by bishops as an undergarment above the alb....
:


Indue me, Domine, indumento salutis et vestimento laetitiae; et dalmatica justitiae circumda me semper.

'Lord, endow me with the garment of salvation, the vestment of joy, and with the dalmatic of justice ever encompass me.'

At the Episcopal gloves
Episcopal Gloves

The Episcopal gloves or Pontifical gloves are a Roman Catholic pontifical vestment worn a by Bishop when celebrating Solemn Pontifical Mass....
:


Circumda, Domine, manus mea munditia novi hominis, qui de caelo descendit; ut, quemadmodum Jacob dilectus tuus pelliculis hoedorum opertis manibus, paternam benedictionem, oblato patri cibo potuque gratissimo, impetravit; sic et oblata per manus nostras salutaris hostia, gratiae tuae benedictionem mereatur. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, qui in similitudinem carnis peccati pro nobis obtulit semetipsum.

At the Chasuble
Chasuble

The chasuble is the outermost liturgy vestment worn by clergy for the celebration of the Eucharist in Western-tradition Christian Churches that use full vestments, primarily in the Roman Catholic Church, in "high church" and "broad church" Anglicanism congregations, and in some parts of the United Methodist Church and Lutheranism Churches...
:


Domine, qui dixisti: Jugum meum suave est, et onus meum leve: fac, ut illud portare sic valeam, quod possim consequi tuam gratiam.

'O Lord, Who said: My yoke is easy and My burden light: grant that I may bear it well and follow after You with thanksgiving.'

At the Mitre
MITRE

The Mitre Corporation, officially trademarked as MITRE, is a public-interest not-for-profit organization based in Bedford, Massachusetts and McLean, Virginia....
:


Mitram, Domine, et salutis galeam impone capiti meo; ut contra antiqui hostis omniumque inimicorum meorum insidias inoffensus evadeam.

At the Ecclesiastical ring
Ecclesiastical ring

An ecclesiastical ring is a finger ring worn by a clergyman, such as a Bishop's ring....
:


Cordis et corporis mei, Domine, digitos virtute decora, et septiformis Spiritus sanctificatione circumda.

At the Maniple
Maniple (vestment)

The maniple is a liturgical vestment used primarily within the Roman Catholic Church and occasionally used in some Anglo-Catholic churches. It is an embroidered band of silk or similar fabric that when worn hangs from the left arm....
:


Merear, precor, Domine, manipulum portare mente flebili; ut cum exsultatione portionem accipiam cum justis.

Of a celebrant who is a Bishop, before Low Mass
Low Mass

Low Mass is Mass said by a priest without music or incense and without the assistance of a deacon and subdeacon. The term may refer specifically to a Tridentine Mass said by a priest with the assistance of one or more servers, instead of a deacon and subdeacon and other ministers....

The Bishop says as he takes off the Cope:

Exue me, Domine, veterem hominem cum moribus et actibus suis: et indue me novum hominem, qui secundum Deum creatus est in justitia, et sanctitate veritatis.

He washes his hands, saying:

Da, Domine, virtutem manibus meis ad abstergendam omnem maculam immundam; ut sine pollutione mentis et corporis valeam tibi servire.

'Give virtue to my hands, O Lord, that being cleansed from all stain I might serve you with purity of mind and body.'

At the Amice:

Impone, Domine, galeam salutis in capite meo , ad expugnandas omnes diabolicas fraudes, inimicorum omnium versutias superando.

'Place upon my head, O Lord, the helmet of salvation, for fighting and overcoming all the wiles of the Devil: and for overcoming the savagery of all my enemies.'

At the Alb:

Dealba me, Domine, et a delicto meo munda me; ut cum his, qui stolas suas dealbaverunt in sanguine Agni, gaudiis perfruar sempiternis.

At the Cincture:

Praecinge me, Domine, cingulo fidei et virtute castitatis lumbos meos, et extingue in eis humorem libidinis; ut jugiter maneat in me vigor totius castitatis.

He takes the Pectoral Cross, saying:

Munire digneris me, Domine Jesu Christe, ab omnibus insidiis inimicorum omnium, signo sanctissimae Crucis tuae: ac concedere digneris mihi indigno servo tuo, ut sicut hanc Crucem, Sanctorum tuorum reliquiis refertam, ante pectus meum teneo, sic semper mente retineam at memoriam passionis, et sanctorum victorias Martyrum.

At the Stole:

Redde mihi, Domine, obsecro, stolam immortalitatis, quam perdidi in praevaricatione primi parentis; et, quamvis indignus accedere praesumo ad tuum sacrum mysterium cum hoc ornamento, praesta, ut in eodem in perpetuum merear laetari.

'Restore unto me, I beseech You, O Lord, the stole of immortality, which I lost through the collusion of our first parents, and inasmuch as I presume to draw near to Your holy Mystery with this adornment, unworthy though I be, grant that I may be worthy to rejoice in the same unto eternity.'

At the Chasuble:

Domine, qui dixisti: Jugum meum suave est, et onus meum leve: fac, ut illud portare sic valeam, quod possim consequi tuam gratiam.

'O Lord, Who said: My yoke is easy and My burden light: grant that I may bear it well and follow after You with thanksgiving.'

At the Maniple:

Merear, precor, Domine, manipulum portare mente flebili; ut cum exsultatione portionem accipiam cum justis.

Of a Celebrant who is a Priest

The Celebrant first says, whilst washing his hands:

Da, Domine, virtutem manibus meis ad abstergendum omnem maculam ut sine pollutione mentis et corporis valeam tibi servire.

'Give virtue to my hands, O Lord, that being cleansed from all stain I might serve you with purity of mind and body.'

Then whilst putting on the amice, which he first puts on his head, and then over his shoulders:

Impone, Domine, capiti meo galeam salutis, ad expugnandos diabolicos incursus.

'Place upon me, O Lord, the helmet of salvation, that I may overcome the assaults of the devil.'

At the alb:

Dealba me, Domine, et munda cor meum; ut, in sanguine Agni dealbatus, gaudiis perfruare sempiternis.

'Purify me, Lord, and cleanse my heart so that, washed in the Blood of the Lamb, I may enjoy eternal bliss.'

At the cincture:

Praecinge me, Domine, cingulo puritatis, et exstingue in lumbis meis humorem libidinis; ut maneat in me virtus continentia et castitatis.

'Gird me, O Lord, with the girdle of purity, and extinguish in me all evil desires, that the virtue of chastity may abide in me.'

At the maniple:

Merear, Domine, portare manipulum fletus et doloris; ut cum exsultatione recipiam mercedem laboris.

'Grant, O Lord, that I may so bear the maniple of weeping and sorrow, that I may receive the reward for my labors with rejoicing.'

At the stole, which he crosses over his breast:

Redde mihi, Domine, stolam immortalitatis, quam perdidi in praevaricatione primi parentis: et, quamvis indignus accedo ad tuum sacrum mysterium, merear tamen gaudium sempiternum.

'Restore unto me, O Lord, the stole of immortality, which was lost through the guilt of our first parents: and, although I am unworthy to approach Your sacred Mysteries, nevertheless grant unto me eternal joy.'

At the chasuble:

Domine, qui dixisti: Iugum meam suave est et onus meum leve: fac, ut istud portare sic valeam, quod consequar tuam gratiam. Amen.

'O Lord, Who said: My yoke is easy and My burden light: grant that I may bear it well and follow after You with thanksgiving. Amen.'

At a Solemn High Mass, the deacon and subdeacon may use these prayers when vesting also, but instead of the chasuble, use the dalmatic and tunicle respectively, and the prayers for them indicated in the Pontifical Mass.

In the Mozarabic Rite
Mozarabic Rite

The Mozarabic, Visigothic, or Hispanic Rite is a form of Catholicism worship within the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, and in the Spanish Reformed Episcopal Church ....
, before Mass


Of a celebrant who is a priest

Washing his hands, the Celebrant prays:

Oremus. Largire sensibus nostris quesumus Domine omnipotens Pater: ut sicut exterius inquinamenta manuum abluuntur: sic per te mentium sordes misericorditer emundentur: et crescat in nobis augmentum sanctarum virtutum. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

'Let us pray. Grant to our understandings, we beseech You, O Lord, almighty Father; that as the defilements of the hands are washed away outwardly, so the filth of our minds may mercifully be cleansed by You; and may the growth of holy virtues increase within us. Through Christ our Lord.'

He then kneels before the vestments and says four times the Angelic Salutation
Hail Mary

File:Madonna. Petit Palais Avignon.jpgThe Hail Mary or Ave Maria is a traditional Catholic prayer asking for the intercession of the Mary , the mother of Jesus....
.


He then makes the Sign of the Cross
Sign of the cross

The Sign of the Cross is a ritual hand motion made by members of most but not all branches of Christianity. It may be accompanied by the trinitarian formula....
 over himself and each vestment.


At the Amice:

Pone Domine galeam salutis in capite meo: ad expugnandas et superandas omnes diabolicas fraudes: omniumque inimicorum meorum seviciam superandam. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

'Place upon my head, O Lord, the helmet of salvation, for fighting and overcoming all the wiles of the Devil: and for overcoming the savagery of all my enemies. Through Christ our Lord.'

At the alb:

Indue me Domine vestimento salutis: ac tunica justicie: et indumento leticie circumda semper. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

'Clothe me, O Lord, in the vestment of salvation; and the tunic of righteousness: and encompass me forever with the garment of gladness. Through Christ our Lord.'

At the Cincture:

Precinge Domine cingulo fidei: et virtute castitatis lumbos mei corporis: et extingue in eis humorem libidinis: ut jugiter maneat in me tenor totius castitatis. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

'Gird me, O Lord, with the cincture of faith, and the loins of my body with the virtue of chastity, and extinguish my fleshly desires, that the unbroken chain of a chastity entire may continually abide in me. Through Christ our Lord.'

At the Maniple:

Merear queso Domine deportare manipulum justicie: et ferre cum patientia: ut illum cum exultatione deferendo cum tuis Sanctis portionem accipiam. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

'May I worthily carry, O Lord, the maniple of justice, and bear it with patience: that bearing it with joy, may I receive a portion with Your Saints. Through Christ our Lord.'

At the stole:

Redde mihi Domine obsecro stolam immortalitatis: quam perdidi in prevaricatione primi parentis: et quia cum hoc ornamento quamvis indignus accedere ad tuum sanctum presumo mysterium: presta ut cum eodem letari merear in perpetuum. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

'Restore unto me, I beseech You, O Lord, the stole of immortality, which I lost through the collusion of our first parents, and inasmuch as I presume to draw near to Your holy Mystery with this adornment, unworthy though I be, grant that I may be worthy to rejoice with the same unto eternity. Through Christ our Lord.'

At the Chasuble:

Jugum tuum Domine suave est: et onus tuum leve: presta ut sic illud deportare valeam: ut consequi possim tuam gratiam. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.

'Your yoke, O Lord, is sweet; and Your burden light; grant that I may so avail to wear it so as to obtain Your grace. Through Christ our Lord.'

After vesting:

R. Pater peccavi in celum et coram te: jam non sum dignus vocari filius tuus. Fac me sicut unum de mercenariis tuis.

V. Quanti mercenarii in domo patris mei abundant panibus: ego autem hic fame pereo: surgam et ibo ad patrem meum et dicam ei.

P: Fac me sicut unum de mercenariis tuis.

'R. Father, I have sinned against heaven and before You; I am not now worthy to be called Your son: Make me as one of Your hired servants.

V: How many hired servants in my Father's house abound with bread, and I here perish with hunger! I will arise, go to my Father and say to Him:

P: Make me as one of Your hired servants.'

Kyrie Eleison:

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

'Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.'

Pater Noster:

Pater noster qui es in celis. Sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua: sicut in celo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie. Et dimitte nobis debita nostra: sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. Sed libera nos a malo.

'Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come, Your 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.'

Responsories:

V. Ab occultis meis munda me Domine.

R. Et ab alienis parce servo tuo.

V. Domine exaudi orationem meam.

R. Et clamor meus ad te veniat.

'V. From my hidden sins cleanse me, O Lord.'

'R. And from those of others spare Your servant.'

'V. O Lord, hear my prayer.'

'R. And let my cry come unto You.'

A prayer for purification from sin:

Oremus. Deus qui de indignis dignos: de peccatoribus iustos: et de immundis facis mundos: munda cor meum et corpus meum a omni sorde et cogitatione peccati: et fac me dignum atque strenuum sanctis altaribus tuis ministrum: et presta ut in hoc altari ad quod indignus accedere presumo: acceptabiles tibi hostias offeram pro peccatis et offensionibus: et innumeris quotidianis meis excessibus: et pro peccatis omnium viventium: et defunctorum fidelium: et eorum qui se meis commendaverunt orationibus: et per eum tibi meum sit acceptabile votum: qui se tibi Deo Patri pro nobis obtulit in sacrificium: qui est omnium opifex et solus sine peccati macula Pontifex. Jesus Christus filius tuus Dominus noster. Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus: per omnia secula seculorum. Amen.

'Let us pray. O God, who makes the unworthy worthy, the sinners just, and the unclean clean: cleanse my heart and my body from all filth and thoughts of sin: and make me a fitting and striving minister to Your Holy Altars: and grant that upon this Altar to which I, unworthy, dare to approach, I may offer You acceptable sacrifices for my sins and offenses, and my daily and innumerable excesses, and for the sins of all the living, and of the faithful departed, and of them that have commended themselves to my prayers, and may my vow be acceptable to You through Him who offered Himself a sacrifice to You, O God the Father, for us, who is the worker of all works, and the only High Priest without the stain of sin: Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord. Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God; forever and ever. Amen.'

In the Eastern Rites


Divine Liturgy

When it is time to celebrate the Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy

The Divine Liturgy is the common term for the Eucharistic service of the Byzantine church tradition of Christian liturgy. As such, it is used in the Eastern Orthodoxy and Eastern Catholic Churches....
, the priest and deacon enter the temple
Temple

A temple is a structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities, such as prayer and sacrifice, or analogous rites. A ??templum?? constituted a sacred precinct as defined by a priest, or augur....
 (church building), say the entrance prayers
Entrance prayers

The entrance prayers are the prayers recited by the deacon and priest upon entering the temple before celebrating the Divine Liturgy in the Eastern Orthodox Church and those Eastern Catholic Churches which follow the Byzantine Rite....
, and venerate
Veneration

In Christianity, veneration , or veneration of saints, is a special act of honoring a saint: a dead person who has been identified as singular in the traditions of the religion....
 the icon
Icon

An 'icon' is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, from Eastern Christianity. More broadly the term is used in a wide number of contexts for an image, picture, or representation; it is a sign or likeness that stands for an object by signifying or representing it either concretely or by analogy, as in semiotics; by extension, ...
s of the Lord
God the Son

File:Jesus Icon - JIW.jpegGod the Son is the second person of the Trinity in Christian theology. The doctrine of the Trinity identifies Jesus of Nazareth as God the Son, united in essence but distinct in person with regard to God the Father and God the Holy Spirit ....
 and the Theotokos
Theotokos

Theotokos is a title of Mary, the mother of Jesus used especially in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches....
. Then, before beginning the Liturgy of Preparation
Liturgy of Preparation

The Liturgy of Preparation, also Prothesis or Proskomedia , is the name given in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Byzantine Rite Eastern Catholic Churches to the act of preparing the bread and wine for the Eucharist....
, the priest and deacon enter the altar (sanctuary) and venerate the Holy Table (altar table) and, taking their vestments they vest in the following manner.

Deacon
When the deacon vests, he must first take his vestments to the priest (or the bishop if he is present) and receive a blessing to serve. Before he puts each vestment on, he first crosses
Sign of the cross

The Sign of the Cross is a ritual hand motion made by members of most but not all branches of Christianity. It may be accompanied by the trinitarian formula....
 himself, kisses the cross on the vestment and says the appropriate vesting prayer quietly to himself as he puts it on.

Before approaching the priest for a blessing, the deacon takes up his vestments (sticharion, orarion and epimanikia) and goes to the High Place
High place

High Place, in the English version of the Old Testament, the literal translation of the Hebrew language bamot.This rendering is etymology correct, as appears from the poetical use of the plural in such expressions as to ride, or stalk, or stand on the high places of the earth, the sea, the clouds, and from the corresponding usage in Ass...
 (the area behind the Holy Table, where the bishop's throne sits) and makes three metania
Metania

Metania may refer to:*Metania, Mozambique*Zemnoy poklon...
s to the east, saying each time, "O God, cleanse me a sinner."

The Deacon, holding his vestments on the palm of his right hand, comes to the priest and, bowing his head, says:

Bless, Master, the Sticharion
Sticharion

The sticharion is a Divine Liturgy vestment of the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches, roughly analogous in function to the alb of the Western Church....
 and Orarion
Orarion

The Orarion is the distinguishing vestment of the deacon in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches. It is a narrow stole, usually four to five inches wide and about ten feet long, made of brocade with seven Christian Cross embroidery or appliqu?d along its length....
.


The Priest says:

Blessed is our God + at all times, now and always and for ever and ever.

The Deacon says
Amen, kisses the right hand of the Priest, withdraws to another part of the sanctuary (the diaconicon
Diaconicon

The Diaconicon is, in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches Churches, the name given to a chamber on the south side of the central apse of the church, where the vestments, books, etc, that are used in the Divine Services of the church are kept ....
) and puts on his vestments saying (for the Sticharion):

My soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for He has clothed me with the garment of salvation and covered me with a tunic of happiness; He has crowned me as a bridegroom and as a bride, adorned me with jewels.

And he kisses the Orarion and puts it on his left shoulder, saying nothing. Then he puts on the Epimanikia
Epimanikia

Epimanikia are Divine Liturgy vestments of the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches. They are cuffs made of thickened fabric, usually brocade, that lace onto the wrists of a bishop, priest, or deacon....
 over his right hand, saying:


Your right hand, Lord, is made glorious in might; your right hand, Lord, has crushed the enemies; and in the fullness of your glory, You have routed the adversary.

At the left hand:

Your hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding and I shall learn your commandments.

Priest
When the priest vests, he first blesses each vestment with his right hand, kisses the cross on the vestment, and puts it on, saying the appropriate prayer. However, if a bishop is present in the church when it is time to vest, the priest will first take his vestments to the bishop and ask his blessing. In this case, the priest will not bless each vestment before putting it on, but rather cross himself, kiss the cross on the vestment and put it on.

Taking in his right hand the Sticharion
Sticharion

The sticharion is a Divine Liturgy vestment of the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches, roughly analogous in function to the alb of the Western Church....
 and making three reverences toward the East to the Holy Doors, the Priest blesses it:


Blessed is our God + at all times, now and always arid for ever and ever. Amen.

He then puts it on, saying:

My soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for He has clothed me with a robe of salvation arid covered me with a tunic of happiness; He has crowned me as a bridegroom arid adorned me with jewels as a bride.

At the Epitrachelion
Epitrachelion

The Epitrachelion is the liturgical vestment worn by priests and bishops of the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches as the symbol of their priesthood, corresponding to the Western stole....
:


Blessed is God + who pours out grace upon his priests: as the chrism upon the head, which ran down unto the beard, the beard of Aaron, ran down even to the hem of his garment, at all times, now arid always and for ever and ever. Amen.

At the Zone
Zone (vestment)

The Zone is a liturgical belt worn as a vestment by priests and bishops of the Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox Churches and Eastern Catholic Churches....
:


Blessed is God + who girds me with strength arid makes my way blameless arid strengthens my feet like the hart's, at all times, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.

At the Epimanikia (the right hand):

Your right hand, + Lord, is made glorious in might; your right hand, Lord, has crushed the enemies; and in the fullness of your glory, You have routed the adversary.

At the Epimanikia (left hand):

Your hands + have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding and I shall learn your commandments.

At the Epigonation
Epigonation

The epigonation or palitsa is a vestment used in some Eastern Christianity churches....
 (Palitsa) and Nabedrennik
Nabedrennik

A Nabedrennik is a vestment worn by some Eastern Orthodoxy priests. It is a square or rectangular cloth worn at the right hip, suspended from a strap attached to the two upper corners of the vestment and drawn over the left shoulder....
 (if he has been awarded their use):

Gird your sword + at your side, Mighty One, in your splendor and beauty. String your bow; go forth, reign for the sake of truth, meekness arid righteousness. Your right hand shall lead You wonderfully, at all times, now arid always and for ever and ever. Amen.

At the Phelonion
Phelonion

The phel?nion, in Greek language, is a Liturgy vestment worn by a priest of the Eastern Christianity. It is worn over the priest's other vestments and is the same as the chasuble of Western Christianity....
:


Your priests +, Lord, shall clothe themselves with righteousness, and your saints shall rejoice in joy, at all times, now and always and for ever and ever. Amen.

After that priest and deacon go to the basin and wash their hands
Lavabo

A lavabo is a device used to provide water for the washing of hands. It consists normally of a ewer or container of some kind to pour water, and a bowl to catch the water as it falls off the hands....
, saying:


I will wash my hands in innocency; so will I compass Thine altar, O Lord, That I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, and tell of all Thy wondrous works. LORD, I love the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thy glory dwelleth. Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with men of blood; In whose hands is craftiness, and their right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I will walk in mine integrity; redeem me, and be gracious unto me. My foot standeth in an even place; in the congregations will I bless the Lord.

Bishop
When a bishop is going to celebrate the Divine Liturgy, all of the other clergy arrive early, before the bishop. The deacons and servers receive blessings and vest in the manner described above. However, only the priest who will be performs the Liturgy of Preparation will vest, the other priests remain in choir dress
Choir dress

Choir dress is the vesture of the clerics, seminarys and religious order of traditional church es worn for public prayer, either apart from the eucharist or by those attending the eucharist as the clergy part of the congregation rather than as the celebrants....
.

The bishop is formally received in the church before the Little Hours
Little Hours

The Little Hours are the fixed daytime hours of prayer in the Divine Office of Western Christianitys both Western Christianity and the Eastern Orthodox Church....
. The bells ring
Russian Orthodox bell ringing

Russian Orthodox bell ringing has a history starting from the baptism of Rus in 988 and plays an important role in the traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church....
 as the bishop approaches the church, and the clergy come out of the altar (sanctuary). The priest who celebrated the Liturgy of Preparation carries a tray covered with an aër
AER

AER is a three-letter acronym that may refer to:* Annual equivalent rate, a notational interest rate* Aer, a skyscraper in Japan* Apical ectodermal ridge , critical component of vertebrate limb development...
 on which is placed a blessing cross
Blessing cross

A Blessing Cross is a hand cross held by a priest or bishop in Eastern Christianity when he gives a benediction. It is often made of precious metal and may be adorned with enamelwork, and precious or semi-precious gemstones....
. The protodeacon
Protodeacon

Protodeacon derives from the Greek language proto- meaning 'first' and diakonos, meaning 'deacon'. The word in English language may refer to various clergymen, depending upon the usage of the particular church in question....
 carries the censer
Thurible

A thurible is a metal censer suspended from chains, in which incense is burned during worship services. It is used in the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Anglicanism/Episcopal_Church_, Old Catholic, and some Lutheran churches, as well as in Christian and non-Christian Gnostic Churches and in the practice of magick....
. Other servers carry the dikirion and trikirion
Dikirion and trikirion

Dikirion and trikirion are Liturgy candlesticks, used by a bishop of the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches Churches to bless the clergy and Wiktionary:congregation....
, the bishop's crozier and a standing candlestick
Candlestick

A candlestick, chamberstick, or single candelabrum is a holder for one or more candles, used for illumination, rituals or decorative purposes....
.

The bishop enters the church clothed in his monastic habit and klobuk
Klobuk

A klobuk is an item of clerical clothing worn by Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches Monk#Eastern Orthodox monkss and bishops, especially in the Russian tradition....
, and carrying his walking stick
Walking stick

A walking stick is a device used by many people to facilitate balancing whilst walking. It may be used as a defensive or offensive weapon, and may conceal a knife or sword as in a swordstick....
. As he enters the narthex
Narthex

The narthex of a Church is the entrance or lobby area, located at the end of the nave, at the far end from the church's main altar. Traditionally the narthex was a part of the church building, but was not considered part of the church proper....
, a server takes his walking stick and the subdeacons place the episcopal mandyas on him as the choir chants
Axion Estin
Axion Estin

Axion estin , or It is Truly Meet, is a theotokion , which is chanted in the Divine Services of the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches Churches....
(or, if it is one of the Great Feasts, the Ninth Irmos
Irmos

The irmos is the initial verse of each individual ode in a canon , sung by the choir; from the Greek verb "to tie," meaning that it poetically connects the ode to the subject of the canon....
 of the canon
Canon (hymnography)

A canon is a structured hymn used in a number of Eastern Orthodoxy services. It consists of nine odes, sometimes called canticles or songs depending on the translation, based on the Biblical canticles....
 of the feast). The bishop kisses the blessing cross and holds it for each of the priests to kiss. The bishop is then handed his crozier and the clergy go in procession
Procession

A procession is, in general, an organized body of people advancing in a formal or ceremonial manner....
 to the ambon
Ambon

Ambon may refer to:Places* Ambon Island, an island in Indonesia.* Ambon, Maluku, a city on the Ambon Island, the capital of Maluku .* Ambon, Morbihan, a commune in Morbihan, France...
 in front of the iconostasis
Iconostasis

In Eastern Christianity an iconostasis , also called the templon, is a wall of icons and religious paintings, separating the nave from the sanctuary in a Church ....
. Instead of saying his own vesting prayers, the prayers are recited aloud for him by the protodeacon
Protodeacon

Protodeacon derives from the Greek language proto- meaning 'first' and diakonos, meaning 'deacon'. The word in English language may refer to various clergymen, depending upon the usage of the particular church in question....
, and the bishop venerates the icons. He then turns and blesses as the choir sings
Ton Despotin
Ton Despotin

Ton Despotin is an acclamation chanted by the cantor or choir in honour of a bishop when he gives a blessing in the Eastern Orthodox or Eastern Catholic churches....
. He then stands on the kathedra (a platform in the center of the temple) and the priests each come to him, receive a blessing, and return to the altar to vest. The subdeacons remove the bishop's mandyas and place his episcopal vestments on him. As each vestment is placed on him, the protodeacon swings the censer and recites the appropriate vesting prayer, changing any reference from "my" and "me" to "thy" and "thou", and ending each prayer with "always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen."

During the vesting, the choir chants the following hymn (especially during the Liturgy of St. Basil):
The prophet
Prophet

In religion, a prophet is a person who has claimed to have encountered the supernatural or the Divinity, often one who serves as an intermediary with humanity....
s proclaimed thee from on high, O Virgin
Theotokos

Theotokos is a title of Mary, the mother of Jesus used especially in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches....
: the Jar
Manna

Manna , sometimes or archaically spelt mana, is the name of a food which, according to the Bible, was eaten by the Israelites during their travels in the desert....
, the Staff
Aaron's rod

Aaron's rod refers to any of the staffs carried by Moses' brother, Aaron, in the Old Testament of the Bible. The Bible tells how, along with Nehushtan, Aaron's rod was endowed with miraculous power during the Plagues of Egypt which preceded the Exodus....
, the Tablets of the Law, the Ark
Ark of the Covenant

The Ark of the Covenant is described in the Bible as a sacred container, where in rested the Tablets of stone containing the Ten Commandments as well as Aaron's rod and manna....
, the Candlestick
Menorah

The menorah , is a seven-branched candelabrum which has been a symbol of Judaism for almost 3000 years and is the emblem of Israel. It was used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem in Jerusalem....
, the Table
Showbread

Showbread , in the King James Version: shewbread, in a Bible or Judaism context, refers to the cakes or loaves of bread which were always present on a specially dedicated table, in the Temple in Jerusalem as an offering to God....
, the Mount Uncloven , the Golden Censer
Altar

An altar is any structure upon which offerings such as sacrifices and votive offerings are made for religion, or some other sacred place where ceremonies take place....
 and the Tabernacle
Tabernacle

The Tabernacle is known in Hebrew language as the Mishkan . It was a portable dwelling place for the divine presence from the time of the Hebrew Exodus from Egypt through the conquering of the land of Canaan....
, the Gate Impassable , the Palace and Ladder
Jacob's Ladder

Jacob's Ladder is a "ladder to heaven", described by biblical Jacob in the Book of GenesisJacob's Ladder may also refer to:* Ladder of Jacob, a pseudepigraphic text of the Old Testament...
, and the Throne
Throne

A throne is the official chair or seat upon which a monarch is seated on state or ceremonial occasions. "Throne" in an abstract sense can also refer to the monarchy or the Crown itself, an instance of metonymy, and is also used in many terms such as "power behind the throne"....
 of Kings.


They may also chant the first vesting prayer, the one for the sticharion:
Thy soul shall rejoice in the Lord, for He hath clothed thee in the garment of salvation...


A server brings the vestments on a tray to the bishop. Before each vestment is put on, the bishop blessed it with both hands and the subdeacons lift it up so he can kiss the cross on it. They then place the vestement on him, fastening any buttons or ties on the vestment for him. A bishop wears the same vestments as a priest (note that a bishop always wears the epigonation), except for the following:

  • Instead of the phelonion, the bishop wears the sakkos
    Sakkos

    The Sakkos is a vestment worn by Eastern Orthodox and Greek Catholic Church bishops instead of the priest's phelonion. The garment is a tunic with wide sleeves, and a distinctive pattern of trim....
    , with the same prayer being said as for the phelonion.


  • The Great Omophorion
    Omophorion

    In the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches liturgical tradition, the omophorion is the distinguishing vestment of a bishop and the symbol of his spiritual and ecclesiastical authority....
    :
When Thou hadst taken upon Thy shoulders human nature which had gone astray, O Christ, Thou didst bear it to heaven, unto Thy God and Father, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.


  • The Panagia
    Panagia

    Panagia , also transliterated Panayia or Panaghia, is one of the titles of Mary, the mother of Jesus, used especially in Eastern Orthodox Church....
     (pectoral icon
    Icon

    An 'icon' is a religious work of art, most commonly a painting, from Eastern Christianity. More broadly the term is used in a wide number of contexts for an image, picture, or representation; it is a sign or likeness that stands for an object by signifying or representing it either concretely or by analogy, as in semiotics; by extension, ...
     of the Theotokos
    Theotokos

    Theotokos is a title of Mary, the mother of Jesus used especially in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Oriental Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic Churches....
    )
May God create in thee a new heart, and renew a right spirit within thee, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.


  • If the bishop bears the dignity of wearing an Engolpion
    Engolpion

    An Engolpion or Enkolpion is a general term for something worn upon the bosom . Formerly also including pectoral crosses, Enkolpion is nowadays used for a medallion with an icon in the center, worn around the neck by Eastern Orthodoxy and Eastern Catholic Churches bishops....
     (Icon of Christ), the prayer above is said as the engolpion is placed on the bishop, and the following prayer is said as he is vested with the panagia:
Thy heart is inditing of a good matter; thou shall speak of thy deeds unto the King, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.


  • The Pectoral cross
    Pectoral cross

    A pectoral cross or pectorale is a Christian cross, usually large, suspended from the neck by a cord or Link chain. Most pectoral crosses are made of precious metals and some contain precious or semi-precious gems....
    :
If any man will come unto Me, let him deny himself, saith the Lord, and take up his cross and follow Me, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.


  • The Mitre
    MITRE

    The Mitre Corporation, officially trademarked as MITRE, is a public-interest not-for-profit organization based in Bedford, Massachusetts and McLean, Virginia....
    :
The Lord set upon thy head a crown of precious stones. Thou askedst life of Him, and He shall give thee length of days, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.


Then the subdeacons bring the dikirion and trikirion
Dikirion and trikirion

Dikirion and trikirion are Liturgy candlesticks, used by a bishop of the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches Churches to bless the clergy and Wiktionary:congregation....
 to the bishop,
May thy light so shine before men that they may see thy good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven, always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.


And the bishop blesses with the dikirion and trikirion to the four directions of the compass: East, West, South and North, as the choir sings,
Ton Despotin.

Then the Third and Sixth Hours begin and the protodeacon begins a censing of the entire temple. Near the end of Psalm 90
Psalm 91

Psalm 91 , referred to by its Latin title Qui habitat , is known as the Psalm of Protection. As a religious song, this Psalm is commonly invoked in times of hardship....
 (the last psalm of the Sixth Hour), at the words "asp
ASP

ASP is a three-letter acronym with numerous meanings in different contexts....
 and basilisk
Basilisk

In European bestiary and legends, a basilisk is a legendary reptile reputed to be king of Serpent and said to have the power to cause death with a single glance....
", the two subdeacons and a server—holding a basin
Basin

Basin may mean:* Drainage basin, hydrological basin or catchment basin, a region of land where water drains downhill into a specified body of water...
 and ewer, and with a towell around his shoulders—exit from the altar and come forward to wash the bishop's hands. The subedacons pour rose water over the bishop's hands and then lift the towel from the server's neck and give it to the bishop for him to dry his hands. Meanwhile, the protodeacon swings the censer and says the concluding verses of Psalm 25:

I will wash my hands in innocency and I will compass Thine altar, O Lord, that I may hear the voice of Thy praise and tell of all Thy wondrous works. O Lord, I have loved the beauty of Thy house, and the place where Thy glory dwelleth. Destroy not my soul with the ungody, nor my life with men of blood, in whose hands are iniquities; their right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, in mine innocence have I walked; redeem me, O Lord, and have mercy on me. My foot hath stood in uprightness; in the congregations will I bless Thee, O Lord.


After the bishop finishes drying his hands, the subdeacons replace the towel over the server's neck, and all three bow to the bishop and return to the sanctuary.

Other clergy
Altar server
Altar server

An altar server or Acolyte is a laity assistant to a member of the clergy during a religious service. Acolytes attend to supporting tasks at the altar such as fetching and carrying, ringing the altar bell, etc....
s, tonsure
Tonsure

Tonsure is the practice of some Christianity churches, mystics, Buddhist novices and Bhikkhus, and some Hindu temples of cutting the hair from the scalp of clerics, devotees or holy people as a symbol of their renunciation of worldly fashion and esteem....
d readers and subdeacon
Subdeacon

Subdeacon is a title used in various branches of Christianity....
s vest in the sticharion
Sticharion

The sticharion is a Divine Liturgy vestment of the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches, roughly analogous in function to the alb of the Western Church....
 (and, for subdeacons, the orarion
Orarion

The Orarion is the distinguishing vestment of the deacon in the Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches. It is a narrow stole, usually four to five inches wide and about ten feet long, made of brocade with seven Christian Cross embroidery or appliqu?d along its length....
 also, but crossed in front and in back) when serving or receiving Holy Communion. Though the rubrics do not prescribe saying the prayer for the sticharion when these lower clergy vest, many do. Usage in this regard will vary from church to church.

Other services

When vesting for other services, such as other Sacred Mysteries
Sacrament

A sacrament, as defined in Hexam's Concise Dictionary of Religion is "a rite in which God is uniquely active." Augustine of Hippo defined a Christian sacrament as "a visible sign of an invisible reality." The Anglican Book of Common Prayer speaks of them as "an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible Grace." Examples of sacram...
 (Sacraments), the Daily Office, moliebens, blessing
Blessing

A blessing, is the infusion of something with Sacred, divine will, or one's hopes....
s, etc., the priest will vest in either his epitrachelion alone or, when called for by the rubrics, epitrachelion and phelon. In some traditions, the priest always wears epimanikia any time he wears the epitrachelion. Deacons, subdeacons and servers always vest fully when they serve, though sometimes in the Greek tradition, deacons may wear only the orarion without the sticharion. There are no rubrics at any of these non-Eucharistic services which call for vesting prayers.

External links