CONSECRATION LITURGY
SHEMASI
DEACON
Ee padri, himidi.
Master, give the blessing.
KASISI
PRIEST
Mhimidiwa ni Ufalme wa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele.
Blessed is the kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
WATU
CHOIR
Amina.
Amen.
HIERARCH
Mode pl. 1.
Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life. [GOA]
WATU
CHOIR
Mode pl. 1.
Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life. [GOA]
Christ is risen from the dead, by death trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life. [GOA]
MSOMAJI
READER
Zaburi ya 142 (143).
Psalm 142 (143).
Ee Bwana, uisikie sala yangu, uzisikilize dua zangu, kwa uaminifu wako unijibu kwa haki yako. Wala usimhukumu mtumishi wako, maana kwako hakuna aliye hai mwenye haki. Maana adui ameifuatia nafsi yangu, ameutupa chini uzima wangu, amenikalisha mahali penye giza, kama watu waliokufa zamani. Na roho yangu imezimia ndani yangu, moyo wangu ndani yangu umesituka. Nimezikumbuka siku za kale, nimeyatafakari matendo yako yote, naziwaza kazi za mikono yako. Nakunyoshea mikono yangu; nafsi yangu inakuonea kiu kama nchi kame. Ee Bwana, unijibu hima, roho yangu imelegea; usinifiche uso wako, nisifanane nao washukao shimoni. Unifanye kusikia fadhili zako asubuhi, kwa maana nimekutumaini Wewe. Unijulishe njia nitakayoiendea, kwa maana nakuinulia nafsi yangu. Ee Bwana, uniponye na adui zangu; nimekukimbilia Wewe, unifiche. Unifundishe kuyatenda mapenzi yako, kwa maana ndiwe Mungu wangu. Roho yako mwema aniongoze kwenye nchi sawa, Ee Bwana, unihuishe kwa ajili ya jina lako, kwa haki yako unitoe roho yangu taabuni; kwa fadhili zako utawakatilia mbali adui zangu; na kuwaangamiza wote wanitesao nafsi, kwa maana mimi ni mtumishi wako. [[SWA]]
O Lord, hear my prayer; give ear to my supplication in Your truth; answer me in Your righteousness; do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for no one living shall become righteous in Your sight. For the enemy persecuted my soul; he humbled my life to the ground; he caused me to dwell in dark places as one long dead, and my spirit was in anguish within me; my heart was troubled within me. I remembered the days of old, and I meditated on all Your works; I meditated on the works of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a waterless land. Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit faints within me; turn not Your face from me, lest I become like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Your mercy in the morning, for I hope in You; make me know, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Deliver me from my enemies, O Lord, for to You I flee for refuge. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your good Spirit shall guide me in the land of uprightness. For Your name’s sake, O Lord, give me life; in Your righteousness You shall bring my soul out of affliction. In Your mercy You shall destroy my enemies; You shall utterly destroy all who afflict my soul, for I am Your servant. [SAAS]
SHEMASI
DEACON
Tena na tena kwa amani, tumwombe Bwana.
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
SHEMASI
DEACON
Utusaidie, utuokoe, utuhurumie, utuhifadhi, Ee Mungu, kwa neema yako.
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
SHEMASI
DEACON
Tumkumbuke Maria Mtakatifu kamili, asiye na doa, Mbarikiwa zaidi kushinda wote, Bibi wetu mtukufu mzazi Mungu na bikira daima pamoja na watakatifu wote hata sisi pia wenyewe na kila mmoja wetu na wenzetu wote, hata maisha yetu, kujiweka mikononi mwa Kristo Mungu.
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
Kwako, Ee Bwana.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
HIERARCH
For You, our God, are holy, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
Kwa amani, tumwombe Bwana.
DEACON: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
HIERARCH
O Lord our God, You are faithful in Your words and You never lie in Your promises; You granted Your holy Martyrs to fight the good fight and to finish the course of godliness and to keep the faith of the true confession. All-holy Lord, be entreated by their prayers and grant us, Your unworthy servants, to have a part and inheritance with them, that being imitators of them, we too may obtain the good things that await them.
Na huruma na upendo kwa mwanadamu wa Mwana wako wa pekee, pamoja naye unahimidiwa, pamoja na utakatifu wote na Roho mwema na mpaji wa uhai, sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina,
Through the mercy and love for humankind of Your only-begotten Son, with whom You are blessed, and Your all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
Amani kwa wote.
Peace be with all.
Na iwe kwa roho yako.
CHOIR: And with your spirit.
SHEMASI
DEACON
Tuinamishe vichwa vyetu kwa Bwana.
Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
Kwako, Ee Bwana.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
HIERARCH
O Lord our God, by the intercessions of our holy Lady Theotokos and all Your saints, direct the works of our hands, and grant us, Your unworthy servants, to be pleasing to Your goodness in all things.
Uhimidiwe na Ubarikiwe, utukufu wa Ufalme wako, wa Baba, na Bwana, na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote, hata milele na milele.
Blessed and glorified be the majesty of Your kingdom, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
PROCESSIONS AROUND THE CHURCH
The Hierarch takes up the paten on which are the holy relics. He is preceded by the clergy, the processional Cross, and the holy Gospel, and followed by all the people. They exit the church in procession, with incense and candles. The procession goes counterclockwise around the church.
During the procession, the chanters sing Odes i and iii of the Canon of the Consecration.
WATU
CHOIR
Canon of the Consecration.
From Euchologion - - -
Ode i.
Mode 4. The Red Sea was crossed.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
You led the chosen people of Israel using a cloud long ago. * And now in Zion You planted Your Church * through the water of baptism, * O Christ, and she cries out to all, * “Come, let us sing unto our God a song.” [GOASD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Today the descending of Your glory, which is unapproachable, * has made this church, constructed here on earth, * into heaven, O Christ our God. * In it we all together sing, * “Come, let us sing unto our God a song.” [GOASD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
O Savior, Your Church is decorated not by ritual rules of the Law, * nor by the slavish lifting of the hands. * But she sings to You, boasting in * the grace of Your all-holy Cross, * “Come, let us sing unto our God a song.” [GOASD]
Mzazi-Mungu mtakatifu sana, utuokoe.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Theotokion.
The Father so willed, and by the Holy Spirit without seed you conceived * the Son of God and bore Him in the flesh, * whom the Father begot without * a mother, and whom you brought forth * without a father, for the sake of all. [SD]
Ode iii.
Mode 4. Your Church rejoices in You.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Anointing this holy Church * with oil of gladness here on earth today, * by Your all-holy Spirit’s grace * You have sanctified it, O Christ our God. [GOASD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
O Christ, this Your holy Church * has its unbreakable foundation in You; * and now Your most holy Cross, * like a royal crown, is surmounting it. [GOASD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Benevolent Lord, today * You make this building, that was made by hands, * to providentially house * Your glory, divine and ineffable. [GOASD]
Mzazi-Mungu mtakatifu sana, utuokoe.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Theotokion.
Through you only we on earth * procure divine and supernatural gifts, * all-holy Mother of God. * Therefore we salute you and sing, “Rejoice!” [SD]
When they reach the front of the church again, they sing the following hymn:
Sauti ya 7
Grave Mode.
Enyi mashahidi watakatifu wapiganaji wema ambao wamevikwa taji, mtuombee ili azihurumie roho zetu [[SWA]]
O holy Martyr Saints, who competed well and received the crowns of laurel, intercede with the Lord for us, that His mercy come upon our souls. [SD]
The Hierarch sets the holy relics on a table that has been prepared beforehand in front of the doors of the church, which should be closed. The first set of Scripture readings follow.
READINGS
First Epistle
Tusikilize.
DEACON: Let us be attentive.
MSOMAJI
READER
Prokimeno. Sauti 1
Prokeimenon. Mode 1. Psalm 26.
The Lord is my light and my savior; whom shall I fear?
Mstari
Verse: The Lord is the defender of my life; whom shall I dread?
Hekima.
DEACON: Wisdom.
MSOMAJI
READER
Somo kutoka kwa Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews.
The reading is from Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews.
Tusikilize.
DEACON: Let us be attentive.
MSOMAJI
READER
2:11 – 18
2:11 – 18
Brethren, he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. [RSV]
Brethren, he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted. [RSV]
HIERARCH
Amani kwako Ee Msomaji.
Peace be with you the reader.
First Gospel
WATU
CHOIR
Alleluia, Alleluia, a|leluia. [[SWA]]
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. [GOA]
SHEMASI
DEACON
Hekima. Simameni wima. tusikilize Evanjelio Takatifu.
Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.
Amani kwa wote.
HIERARCH: Peace be with all.
Na iwe kwa roho yako.
CHOIR: And with your spirit.
HIERARCH
Injili Takatifu kama ilivyoandikwa na Matthew.
The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Tusikilize.
DEACON: Let us be attentive.
Utukufu kwako, Ee Bwana, utukufu kwako.
CHOIR: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
HIERARCH
16:13 – 19
16:13 – 19
At that time, when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” [RSV]
At that time, when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” [RSV]
Utukufu kwako, Ee Bwana, utukufu kwako.
CHOIR: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
The Hierarch again takes up the paten. The procession circles the church a second time, counterclockwise as before, and the chanters sing Odes iv, v, and vi of the Canon of the Consecration, for as long as necessary.
WATU
CHOIR
Ode iv.
Mode 4. When the Church beheld You.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Now Your Church, O Christ, is not sprinkled like the Temple * with sacrificial victims, but rather with Your precious * blood from Your life-giving side. * And rightly she sings to You, * “Glory to Your strength, O Lord!” [GOASD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
To the faithful who desire to lay their eyes on * the glory of Your face unveiled, O Lord, Your beloved * tabernacles shout to them * with one voice and cry aloud, * “Glory to Your strength, O Lord!” [GOASD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Now this church has been anointed today, depicting * the spiritual anointing of us Your chosen people * with the very precious oil * of chrism, receiving thus * the Spirit’s divine grace invisibly. [GOASD]
Mzazi-Mungu mtakatifu sana, utuokoe.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Theotokion.
Remaining virgin, you conceived in your womb, O Virgin, * and even after childbirth, you remained a virgin. * Therefore with unwavering faith, O Lady, unceasingly * singing, we salute you: Rejoice! [SD]
Ode v.
Mode 4. My Lord, You are the light.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
On Sinai long ago * You showed Moses, that seer of God, * the plan of the tabernacle, * O my Christ, that prefigured * Your Church, not made by human hands. [GOASD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
O Master, You have built * this tabernacle here on earth, * where heavenly hosts of Angels * meet the choirs of humans, * by Your divine omnipotence. [GOASD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
O Christ, we know that You * are the source of eternal life. * You came and You preached the Gospel * of peace unto Your people, * Your Church, O holy Lord our God. [GOASD]
Mzazi-Mungu mtakatifu sana, utuokoe.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Theotokion.
Against our every foe, * we have you, our unbreakable shield. * We hope in you for salvation. * We have you as our anchor, all-holy Virgin, Bride of God. [SD]
Ode vi.
Mode 4. I will sacrifice to You.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Christ the King as Lord has now desired the beauty of the holy Church that He founded. * He has made her mother of all the nations * He adopted by the Spirit and rescued from slavery. [GOASD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Battalions of wicked demons shudder before the Church of Christ and fearfully tremble, * for the holy sign of the Cross is marked there; * and the Spirit’s illumination covers and hallows it. [GOASD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Having her foundation not on sand but the rock of Christ, the holy Church of the Gentiles * is adorned with unapproachable beauty, * with the symbols of the eternal kingdom bedecking her. [GOASD]
Mzazi-Mungu mtakatifu sana, utuokoe.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Theotokion.
O miracle, more novel than all other miracles! * Behold, without man a Virgin * in her body conceived the One who holds * in His hands the universe, and He was not confined by her. [SD]
When they reach the front of the church again, they sing the following hymn:
Sauti ya 7
Grave Mode.
Utukufu Kwako Ee Kristo Mungu wetu, Mitume Kristo wetu, mitume wasifiwa na wenye fahari na mashahidi wapendwa walio na ujumbe wa utatu mtakatifu. [[SWA]]
Glory be to You, Christ our God, the Apostles’ pride and joy, exultation of the Martyr Saints, whose proclamation was the consubstantial Trinity. [SD]
READINGS
Second Epistle
Tusikilize.
DEACON: Let us be attentive.
MSOMAJI
READER
Prokimeno. Sauti ya 3.
Prokeimenon. Mode 3. Psalm 44.
The virgins behind her shall be brought to the King.
Mstari
Verse: Her neighbors shall be brought to You.
Hekima.
DEACON: Wisdom.
MSOMAJI
READER
Somo kutoka kwa Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews.
The reading is from Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews.
Tusikilize.
DEACON: Let us be attentive.
MSOMAJI
READER
9:1 – 7
9:1 – 7
Brethren, the first tent had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. For a tent was prepared, the first one, in which were the lamp stand and the table and the bread of the Presence; it is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of Holies, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer tent, performing their ritual duties; but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the sins committed unintentionally by the people. [RSV]
Brethren, the first tent had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary. For a tent was prepared, the first one, in which were the lamp stand and the table and the bread of the Presence; it is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of Holies, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer tent, performing their ritual duties; but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the sins committed unintentionally by the people. [RSV]
HIERARCH
Amani kwako Ee Msomaji.
Peace be with you the reader.
Second Gospel
WATU
CHOIR
Alleluia, Alleluia, a|leluia. [[SWA]]
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. [GOA]
SHEMASI
DEACON
Hekima. Simameni wima. tusikilize Evanjelio Takatifu.
Wisdom. Arise. Let us hear the holy Gospel.
Amani kwa wote.
HIERARCH: Peace be with all.
Na iwe kwa roho yako.
CHOIR: And with your spirit.
HIERARCH
Injili Takatifu kama ilivyoandikwa na Luke.
The reading is from the holy Gospel according to Luke.
Tusikilize.
DEACON: Let us be attentive.
( Utukufu kwako, Ee Bwana, utukufu kwako. )
( Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You. )
HIERARCH
10:38 – 42; 11:27 – 28
10:38 – 42; 11:27 – 28
At that time, Jesus entered a village; and a woman called Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.” As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that nursed you!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” [RSV]
At that time, Jesus entered a village; and a woman called Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving; and she went to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve you alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her.” As he said this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts that nursed you!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” [RSV]
Utukufu kwako, Ee Bwana, utukufu kwako.
CHOIR: Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.
The Hierarch again takes up the paten. The procession circles the church a third time, counterclockwise as before, and the chanters sing Odes vii, viii, and ix of the Canon of the Consecration, for as long as necessary.
WATU
CHOIR
Ode vii.
Mode 4. Inside the furnace.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
That fiery furnace * long ago became like a dew-laden breeze. * Now the spiritual chrism composed of oil * sanctifies the faithful, who cry out * together, “In the temple of Your holy glory, You are blessed, O Lord.” [GOASD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
As in that furnace, * we who are the spiritual Israel, * standing in this new tabernacle where God dwells, * are bedewed with grace. So let us sing * together, “In the temple of Your holy glory, You are blessed, O Lord.” [GOASD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
All who are smitten * with sweetest love and longing for God, * entering this mystical bridal chamber now, * be united to the Bridegroom Christ. * Together let us sing to Him, “O Lord of glory, You are blessed.” [GOASD]
Mzazi-Mungu mtakatifu sana, utuokoe.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Theotokion.
Divine and hallowed * habitation of the Most High God, rejoice! * For through you, O Theotokos, was given joy * unto us who cry aloud to you: * Among all women, Lady, you are blessed, all-blameless, and immaculate. [SD]
Ode viii.
Mode 4. Daniel shut.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Master, on this day Your holy Church is like a bride who is wearing a wedding gown * that has been woven of grace divine * in the heavens. She invites her friends * and all the people to rejoice * and celebrate with her together singing, * “Bless the Lord and praise Him, all you works of the Lord.” [GOASD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Today, second Adam, namely Christ, has made this new tabernacle a spiritual * Garden of Eden. And in its midst, * instead of the tree of knowledge, * is the holy Cross, which is for us * life-giving armor, as we are singing, * “Bless the Lord and praise Him, all you works of the Lord.” [GOASD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Single is the Godhead we adore, and unoriginate, in three hypostases, * consubstantial, indivisible, * perfect: Father unoriginate, * and You His Son, and the divine * Spirit, the Trinity. We extol You, * “Bless the Lord and praise Him, all you works of the Lord.” [GOASD]
Mzazi-Mungu mtakatifu sana, utuokoe.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Theotokion.
Immaculate Virgin, in all generations only you became the Mother of God; * and you were also the dwelling place * of the Godhead, O all-blameless one, * and you were not at all consumed * by the fire of the unapproachable light. * We all now bless you, O Mary the Bride of God. [SD]
Ode ix.
Mode 4. A cornerstone was cut out.
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Purified in heart and with wakeful eyes of our intellect beholding * all the beauty and all the glory, * which is more splendid than gold, within the Church, * let us perceive the daughter of the King and magnify her evermore. [GOASD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Bride of the great King, we salute you: Rejoice, O Virgin, and be merry! * For you are distinctly reflecting * the holy beauty of your celestial Bridegroom. * And with your people sing to Him, “We magnify You, O Giver of life.” [GOASD]
Glory to You, our God, glory to You.
Grant Your Church the mighty protection that comes from heaven, O our Savior. * For she knows no other protector * except for You, who laid down Your life for her. * And knowing this, she magnifies You as the Lord who is benevolent. [GOASD]
Mzazi-Mungu mtakatifu sana, utuokoe.
Most-holy Theotokos, save us.
Wimbo wa Mzazi-Mungu
Theotokion.
Rejoice, holy Bride of the great King, Maiden full of grace, Virgin Mary! * Through you we have all been delivered * from the curse that Eve heard long ago in Eden, * and we have found eternal life, O ever-virgin, through your childbirth. [GOASD]
Once they arrive in front of the doors of the church, the Hierarch places the holy relics on the table there, and the chanters sing the following hymn:
Mode 3.
O Christ our God, who built Your Church on the rock of faith, direct our petitions and receive Your people who in faith cry to You: Save us, O our God. [GOASD]
The Hierarch exclaims:
HIERARCH
Blessed are You, O Christ our God, forever!
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
Tumwombe Bwana.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
HIERARCH
O God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, You are the One is blessed forever. Through the veil of Your Son’s flesh, You inaugurated an entrance for us into the Church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, where they celebrate with a clear voice of great joy. We entreat You, Master who love humanity, look upon us Your sinful and unworthy servants, as we conduct the consecration of this holy church of name of the church, May it symbolize Your most holy Church, namely this body of ours, which You have qualified to be called temple and members of Your Christ, as said by St. Paul the all-lauded Apostle. Keep this structure standing strong till the end of time, unshaken, and glorified in You. Allow us uncondemned, understanding and sensing everything, to offer herein praises and doxologies to Your glory, and to Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and to Your Holy Spirit. May we worship You in fear of You, and thus be found worthy of Your divine tender mercies. And may these prayers that we offer to Your ineffable compassion, for ourselves and for all Your people, be acceptable by virtue of Your goodness, at the intercessions of our immaculate Lady Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary.
Kwa kuwa wewe ni mtakatifu Mungu wetu, umepumzika pamoja na watakatifu, na kwakoo tunatoa utukufu, kwa Baba ba Mwana na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele
For You, our God, are holy, and You rest among the holy ones, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
Tumwombe Bwana.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
HIERARCH
O Master, Lord our God, who have appointed in heaven orders and armies of angels and archangels to minister to Your glory, grant that with our entrance there may be the entrance of Your holy angels, ministering with us and together glorifying Your goodness.
Kwa kuwa utukufu wote na heshima na usujudu ni haki yako, ya Baba na Mwana na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote, hata milele na milele.
For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
THE DIALOGUE FROM PSALM 24 - ENTRY INTO THE CHURCH
The Hierarch standing in front of the doors of the church, begins a short dialogue, taken from Psalm 23 (24). This act represents Christ the King entering and taking over the church building by defeating the power of the devil. The Hierarch taps on the door with his staff and says:
HIERARCH
Lift up the gates, O you rulers, and be lifted up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall enter.
Then the designated person standing on the other side of the closed doors inside the church replies:
RESPONDENT
Who is this King of glory?
The Hierarch knocks on the front door of the church again and says:
HIERARCH
The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord powerful in battle.
Lift up the gates, O you rulers, and be lifted up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall enter.
RESPONDENT
Who is this King of glory?
HIERARCH
The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord powerful in battle.
The Hierarch knocks on the front door of the church again and says:
Lift up the gates, O you rulers, and be lifted up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall enter.
RESPONDENT
Who is this King of Glory?
HIERARCH
The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.
The Hierarch lifts the paten and makes the sign of the cross three times in front of the doors, opens them, and enters the church, followed by the clergy and the people, singing the following hymn:
WATU
CHOIR
Apolitikio.
Apolytikion. Mode 4.
You have made the earthly beauty of the holy tabernacle of Your glory to be like the majesty of the firmament on high, O Lord. Make it strong forever and ever, and accept our supplications that we unceasingly bring to You there, at the intercession of the Theotokos. For You are the life and resurrection of all. [SD]
THE PLACEMENT OF THE HOLY RELICS
The Hierarch enters the sanctuary accompanied by the clergy. He places the holy relics in the prepared reliquary, and he pours holy chrism over them three times, saying:
HIERARCH
Eternal be the memory of the founders of this holy house.
WATU
PEOPLE
Eternal be their memory.
The Hierarch replaces the lid on the reliquary, which he places in the cavity in the altar table, and then prays:
Tumwombe Bwana.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
HIERARCH
O Lord our God, Who granted the holy Martyrs who suffered for Your sake this glory also, that their relics should be sown in all the earth, in Your holy churches, and should bring forth fruits of healing: Master and the giver of all good things, through the intercession of whose relics You have graciously permitted to be placed in this Your venerable Altar, enable us without condemnation to offer the bloodless sacrifice to You on it. And grant us all those petitions that are for our salvation, granting also that the relics in it of those who have suffered for Your holy name may work miracles for our salvation.
Kwa kuwa ufalme ni wako, na nguvu, na utukufu, wa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
Tumwombe Bwana.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
HIERARCH
O Lord, God our Savior, Who creates all things and makes the human race for salvation, accept the prayer of us, Your unworthy servants; and enable us at this present hour without condemnation to accomplish the consecration of this Church, founded to Your praise in the name of name of the church; and to consummate the building of an Altar in it.
Kwa kuwa utukufu wote na heshima na usujudu ni haki yako, ya Baba na Mwana na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote, hata milele na milele.
For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
The chanters begin singing Psalms antiphonally.
WATU
CHOIR
Zaburi ya 144 (145).
Psalm 144 (145)
Ee Mungu wangu, mfalme, nitakutukuza, nitalihimidi jina lako milele na milele. Kila siku nitakuhimidi, nitalisifu jina lako milele na milele. BWANA ndiye mkuu mwenye kusifiwa sana, wala ukuu wake hautambulikani. Kizazi kwa kizazi kitayasifu matendo yako, kitayatangaza matendo yako makuu. Nitaifikiri fahari ya utukufu wa adhama yako, na matendo yako yote ya ajabu. Watu watayataja matendo yako ya kutisha, nami nitausimulia ukuu wako. Watalihubiri kumbukumbu la wema wako mkuu. Wataiimba haki yako. BWANA ana fadhili, ni mwingi wa huruma, si mwepesi wa hasira, ni mwingi wa rehema, BWANA ni mwema kwa watu wote, na rehema zake zi juu ya kazi zake zote. Ee BWANA, kazi zako zote zitakushukuru, na wacha Mungu wako watakuhimidi. Wataunena utukufu wa ufalme wako, na kuuhadithia uweza wako. Ili kuwajulisha watu matendo yake makuu, na utukufu wa fahari ya ufalme wake. Ufalme wako ni ufalme wa zamani zote, na mamlaka yako ni ya vizazi vyote. BWANA huwategemeza wote waangukao, huwainua wote walioinama chini. Macho ya watu wote yakuelekea Wewe, nawe huwapa chakula chao wakati wake. Waufumbua mkono wako, wakishibisha kila kilicho hai matakwa yake. BWANA ni mwenye haki katika njia zake zote, na mwenye fadhili juu ya kazi zake zote. BWANA yu karibu na wote wamwitao, wote wamwitao kwa uaminifu. Atawafanyia wamchao matakwa yao, naye atakisikia kilio chao na kuwaokoa. BWANA huwahifadhi wote wampendao, na wote wasio haki atawaangamiza. Kinywa changu kitazinena sifa za BWANA; wote wenye mwili na walihimidi jina lake takatifu milele na milele. [[SWA]]
I shall exalt You, my God and my King, and I shall bless Your name forever and unto ages of ages. Every day I shall bless you and praise Your name forever and unto ages of ages. Great is the Lord and exceedingly praiseworthy, and His greatness has no limit. Generation and generation shall praise Your works, and they shall declare Your power. They shall speak of the magnificence of the glory of Your holiness, and they shall describe Your wonders. They shall also speak of the power of Your awesome deeds and describe Your great majesty. They shall overflow with the memory of Your rich goodness, and shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful, longsuffering and abundant in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His mercies are upon all His works. O Lord, let all Your works praise You and Your holy ones bless You. They shall tell of Your kingdom’s glory, and they shall speak of Your power, that all the sons of men may know Your power and the glory of Your kingdom’s magnificence. Your kingdom is a kingdom of all the ages, and Your dominion is from generation to generation. The Lord is faithful in His words and holy in all His works. The Lord supports all who stumble and restores all who are broken down. All eyes hope in You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and fill every living thing with Your pleasure. The Lord is righteous in all His ways and holy in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He shall do the will of those who fear Him, and He shall hear their supplications and save them. The Lord keeps all who love Him, but all the sinners He shall utterly destroy. My mouth shall speak the Lord’s praise, and let all flesh bless His holy name forever and unto ages of ages. [SAAS]
WATU
CHOIR
Zaburi ya 22 (23).
Psalm 22 (23).
BWANA ndiye mchungaji wangu, sitapungukiwa na kitu. Katika malisho ya majani mabichi hunilaza, kando ya maji ya utulivu huniongoza. Hunihuisha nafsi yangu; na kuniongoza katika njia za haki kwa ajili ya jina lake. Naam, nijapopita kati ya bonde la uvuli wa mauti, sitaogopa mabaya; kwa maana Wewe upo pamoja nami, gongo lako na fimbo yako vyanifariji. Waandaa meza mbele yangu, machoni pa watesi wangu. Umenipaka mafuta kichwani pangu, na kikombe changu kinafurika. Hakika wema na fadhili zitanifuata siku zote za maisha yangu; nami nitakaa nyumbani mwa BWANA milele. [[SWA]]
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord to the end of my days. [SAAS]
While the choirs are singing the Psalms, the Hierarch pours some of the mixture of wax and fragrant substances into the prepared cavity in the altar table. The holy relics are placed inside the cavity, which is then filled with the wax mixture and sealed with a piece of marble.
THE WASHING OF THE ALTAR TABLE
When all this has been completed, the Hierarch dons a white tunic over his vestments.
HIERARCH
Ahimidiwe Mungu wetu, daima, sasa na siku zote, hata milele na milele.
Blessed is our God always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
SHEMASI
DEACON
Again and again, let us bend our knees and pray to the Lord.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
The Hierarch kneels on a pillow, facing east. Everyone else likewise kneels bowing their heads. The Hierarch prays:
HIERARCH
O God, without beginning and eternal, You brought all things from nonexistence into being. You dwell in light unapproachable, and have the heavens for Your throne, and the earth for Your footstool. You gave a command and pattern to Moses and inspired Bezaleel with the spirit of wisdom, and thus enabled them to complete the Tabernacle of Testimony, wherein ordinances of divine worship were instituted, which were the images and types of the truth. You bestowed on Solomon breadth and greatness of heart, and through him You raised the Temple of old; and later, through Your holy and all-laudable Apostles, You inaugurated worship in the Spirit and the grace of the true Tabernacle; and through Your Apostles, O Lord of Hosts, You planted Your holy churches and Your altars throughout the world, so that spiritual and bloodless sacrifices might be offered to You. You have also been well-pleased that this Church was built in the name of name of the church; to the glory of You and Your only-begotten Son and Your all-holy Spirit. O immortal and munificent King, remember Your tender-love and Your mercies, that they are from everlasting, and do not abhor us who are defiled by many sins, nor degrade Your covenant because of our impurity. But now rather overlook our offenses; and, by the grace and decent of Your holy and life-giving Spirit, strengthen and enable us, to perform, without condemnation, the consecration of this sanctuary and the dedication of the Altar in it, so that in this, too, we may bless You in Psalms and hymns and mystical ceremonies, we may magnify Your compassion at all times.
Yes, O Master, Lord our God, the hope of all the ends of the earth: hear us sinners who make our supplications to You, and send down Your all-holy, worshipful, and almighty Spirit, and sanctify this house. Fill it with eternal light; choose it for Your dwelling; make it the place where Your glory dwells. Adorn it with Your divine and transcendent gifts. Make it a harbor for the storm-tossed, a healing clinic, a refuge for the weak, a place where demons are driven out. Let Your eyes watch over it day and night, and let Your ears be attentive to the supplication of those who enter it with the fear of You and with reverence, and who call on Your all-honorable and worshipful name. And thus, whatever they shall ask of You, You will hear it in heaven above and will do it, and You will be gracious to them. Keep it indestructible until the end of time, and make the Altar herein a holy of holies, by the power and action of Your all-holy Spirit. Glorify it more than the mercy seat of the Old Testament; that the sacraments that are celebrated here may reach Your holy, heavenly and spiritual Altar and obtain for us the grace of Your most pure overshadowing. We do not trust in the ministrations of our unworthy hands, but in Your ineffable goodness.
SHEMASI
DEACON
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, lift us up, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
All rise, and the Deacon appends the Great Litany, with the choirs responding to each petition: Lord, have mercy.
Kwa amani, tumwombe Bwana.
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Kwa ajili ya amani kutoka juu na ya wokovu wa roho zetu, tumwombe Bwana.
For the peace from above and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
Kwa ajili ya amani ya dunia yote, na kusimama imara kwa Ekklesia Takatifu ya Mungu, na ya umoja wa wote, tumwombe Bwana.
For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the holy churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Kwa ajili ya nyumba hii takatifu na waingiamo kwa imani, heshima na kumcha Mungu, tumwombe Bwana.
For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
Kwa ajili ya wakristo wateule na waorthodoksi wote, tumwombe Bwana.
For pious and Orthodox Christians, let us pray to the Lord.
Askofu wetu mkuu Askofu wetu mkuu (jina)
For our Archbishop (name), his priesthood, righteousness, health, and salvation; and for the work of his hands, let us pray to the Lord.
Let us pray even more earnestly for him and the hierarchs and priests joining him, and for the diaconate in Christ. For all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
For the sanctification of this house and the Altar of sacrifice herein by the descent, power and action of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
Kwa ajili ya taifa letu (jina) na raisi wetu (jina), na viongozi wetu, na wa majeshi wapendao dini, tumwombe Bwana.
For our country, the president, all those in public service, and for our armed forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord.
Kwa ajili ya mji huu na miji yote na nchi zote na waishimo kwa imani, tumwombe Bwana.
For the Holy and Great Church of Christ, for our Sacred Archdiocese, [for this Sacred Metropolis,] for this city and parish, for every city and land, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord.
Kwa ajili ya majira mema ya mwaka kupata mvua ya kutosha na hewa safi na rotuba ya kutosha kwa ardhi, tumwombe Bwana.
For favorable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
Kwa ajili ya wasafiri hewani juu, baharini majini, na nchini kavu, wachoshwa na mateka kupata uhuru, na kwa ajili ya wokovu wao, tumwombe Bwana.
For those who travel by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
And for all who need God’s help, let us pray to the Lord.
Kwa ajili ya kuokolewa kwa kila sitikiko, ghadhabu, hatari na uhitaji, tumwombe Bwana.
For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, let us pray to the Lord.
Utusaidie, utuokoe, utuhurumie, utuhifadhi, Ee Mungu, kwa neema yako.
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
Kwako, Ee Bwana.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
HIERARCH
For You are holy, our God, who rest among the Saints and the Martyrs who suffered for You, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
The Hierarch is given a pitcher of warm water, which he blesses with the sign of the cross three times, saying:
HIERARCH
Kwa jina la Baba na Mwana na Roho Mtakatifu. Amina.
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Hierarch is given three bars of white soap, which he blesses.
Tumwombe Bwana.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
The Hierarch bows his head over the water and prays:
HIERARCH
Lord our God, who sanctified the waters of the Jordan by Your saving appearance, will You now also send down the grace of Your Holy Spirit, and bless this water for the sanctification and perfection of this Altar.
For You are blessed to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
The Hierarch pours some of this water in the sign of the cross three times on the top of the holy altar.
HIERARCH
In the name of the Father
and the Son
and the Holy Spirit.
now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
The choirs begin singing antiphonally.
WATU
CHOIR
Zaburi ya 83 (84).
Psalm 83 (84).
Maskani zako zapendeza kama nini, Ee BWANA wa majeshi! Nafsi yangu imezionea shauku nyua za BWANA, naam, na kuzikondea. Moyo wangu na mwili wangu vinamlilia Mungu aliye hai. Shomoro naye ameona nyumba, na mbayuwayu amejipatia kioto, alipoweka makinda yake, kwenye madhabahu zako, Ee BWANA wa majeshi, mfalme wangu na Mungu wangu. Heri wakaao nyumbani mwako, wanakuhimidi daima. Heri ambaye nguvu zake zakota kwako, na njia ziendazo Sayuni zimo moyoni mwake. Wakipita kati ya bonde la Vilio, hulifanya kuwa chemchemi, naam, mvua ya vuli hulivika baraka. Huendelea toka nguvu hata nguvu, huonekana Sayuni kila mmoja mbele za Mungu. BWANA, Mungu wa majeshi, uyasikie maombi yangu, Ee Mungu wa Yakobo, usikilize, Ee Mungu, ngao yetu, uangalie, umtazame uso masihi wako. Hakika siku moja katika nyua zako ni bora kuliko siku elfu. Ningependa kuwa bawabu nyumbani mwa Mungu wangu, kuliko kukaa katika hema za uovu. Kwa kuwa BWANA, Mungu, ni jua na ngao, BWANA atatoa neema na utukufu. Hatawanyima kitu chema hao waendao kwa ukamilifu. Ee BWANA wa majeshi, heri mwanadamu anayekutumaini Wewe. [[SWA]]
How beloved are Your dwellings, O Lord of hosts. My soul longs and faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh greatly rejoice in the living God. For even the sparrow found a house for herself, and the turtledove a nest for herself, where she will lay her young, Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they shall praise You unto ages of ages. Blessed is the man whose help is from You, O Lord; he purposed ascents in his heart in the valley of weeping, into the place he appointed; for there the lawgiver shall give blessings. They shall go from strength to strength; the God of gods shall be seen in Zion. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob. O God, our protector, behold, and look upon the face of Your anointed. For one day in Your courts is better than a thousand; I chose to be an outcast in the house of my God, rather than to dwell in the tents of sinners. For the Lord God loves mercy and truth; He will give grace and glory; the Lord’s hand will not remove good things from those who walk in innocence. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who hopes in You. [SAAS]
The Hierarch washes the entire altar table, from top to bottom, with soap and water and dries it with clean towels. When it is finally dry, he exclaims:
HIERARCH
Glory to our God unto the ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
ANOINTING OF THE ALTAR TABLE
The Hierarch takes a container filled with rosewater and other fragrant substances, which he sprinkles on the altar table in the sign of the cross three times, as he recites the following verses from Psalm 50:
HIERARCH
unisafishe kwa hisopo nami nitakuwa safi, unioshe, nami nitakuwa mweupe kuliko theluji. Unifanye kusikia furaha na shangwe, mifupa uliyoiponda ifurahi. [[SWA]]
You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I will be cleansed; You shall wash me, and I will be made whiter than snow. You shall make me hear joy and gladness; my bones that were humbled shall greatly rejoice. [SAAS]
The choirs continue singing the rest of Psalm 50.
WATU
CHOIR
Zaburi ya 50 (51). Sauti ya 7
Psalm 50 (51). Grave Mode.
Usitiri uso wako usitazame dhambi zangu; uzifute hatia zangu zote. Ee Mungu, uniumbie moyo safi, uifanye upya roho iliyotulia ndani yangu. Usinitenge na uso wako, wala roho yako mtakatifu usiniondolee. Unirudishie furaha ya wokovu wako; unitegemeze kwa roho ya wepesi. Nitawafundisha wakosaji njia zako, na wenye dhambi watarejea kwako. Ee MUNGU, Mungu wa wokovu wangu, uniponye na damu za watu, na ulimi wangu utaiiimba haki yako. Ee Bwana, uifumbue midomo yangu, na kinywa changu kitazinena sifa zako. Maana hupendezwi na dhabihu au ningeitoa, Wewe huridhii sadaka ya kuteketezwa. Dhabihu za Mungu ni roho iliyovunjika; moyo uliovunjika na kupondeka, Ee Mungu, hutaudharau. Uitendee mema Sayuni kwa radhi yako, uzijenge kuta za Yerusalemu. Ndipo utakapopendezwa na dhabihu za haki, na sadaka za kuteketezwa, na kafara. Ndipo watakapotoa ng''ombe juu ya madhabahu yako. [[SWA]]
Turn Your face from my sins, and blot out all my transgressions. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your guiding Spirit. I will teach transgressors Your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall greatly rejoice in Your righteousness. O Lord, You shall open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. For if You desired sacrifice, I would give it; You will not be pleased with whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit, a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Your good pleasure to Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then You will be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with offerings and whole burnt offerings; then shall they offer young bulls on Your altar. [SAAS]
HIERARCH
Ahimidiwe Mungu wetu, daima, sasa na siku zote, hata milele na milele.
Blessed is our God always, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
The Hierarch takes the container of holy chrism, and he pours holy chrism on the top of the altar table in the sign of the cross three times. Each time, the Deacon exclaims:
Tusikilize.
DEACON: Let us be attentive.
Everyone sings:
Alleluia, Alleluia, a|leluia. [[SWA]]
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. [GOA]
Tusikilize.
DEACON: Let us be attentive.
Everyone sings:
Alleluia, Alleluia, a|leluia. [[SWA]]
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. [GOA]
Tusikilize.
DEACON: Let us be attentive.
Everyone sings:
Alleluia, Alleluia, a|leluia. [[SWA]]
Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. [GOA]
WATU
CHOIR
Zaburi ya 132 (133).
Psalm 132 (133).
Tazama, jinsi ilivyo vema, na kupendeza, ndugu wakae pamoja, kwa umoja. Ni kama mafuta mazuri kichwani, yashukayo ndevuni, ndevu za Haruni, yashukayo mpaka upindo wa mavazi yake. Kama umande wa Hermoni ushukao milimani pa Sayuni. Maana ndiko BWANA alikoamuru baraka, naam, uzima hata milele. [[SWA]]
Behold now, what is so good or so pleasant as for brothers to dwell together in unity? It is like fragrant oil running down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down upon the border of his garment; it is like the dew of Hermon, running down upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing and life forever. [SAAS]
This Psalm is sung as many times and for as long as it takes the Hierarch to apply the holy chrism over the entire top of the altar table. With his finger, he makes the sign of the cross over the posts that support the altar table. He wipes the altar table with antimensia.
WATU
CHOIR
Sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
HIERARCH
Glory to You, Holy Trinity our God, glory to You, unto ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
The choirs begin again to sing antiphonally.
WATU
CHOIR
Zaburi ya 131 (132).
Psalm 131 (132).
BWANA, umkumbukie Daudi taabu zake zote alizotaabika. Ndiye aliyemwapia BWANA, akaweka nadhiri kwa Shujaa wa Yakobo. Sitaingia hemani mwa nyumba yangu, wala sitapanda matandiko ya kitanda changu; sitaacha macho yangu kuwa na usingizi, wala kope zangu kusinzia; hata nitakapompatia BWANA mahali, na Shujaa wa Yakobo maskani. Tazama, tulisikia habari zake katika Efrata, katika konde la Yearimu tuliiona. Na tuingie katika maskani yake, tusujudu penye kiti cha kuwekea miguu yake. Ee BWANA, uinuke, uende kwenye raha yako, Wewe na sanduku la nguvu zako. Makuhani wako na wavikwe haki, watauwa wako na washangilie. Kwa ajili ya Daudi, mtumishi wako, usiurudishe nyuma uso wa masihi wako. BWANA amemwapia Daudi neno la kweli, hatarudi nyuma akalihalifu, Baadhi ya wazao wa mwili wako nitawaweka katika kiti chako cha enzi. Wanao wakiyashika maagano yangu, na shuhuda nitakazowafundisha; watoto wao nao wataketi katika kiti chako cha enzi milele. Kwa kuwa BWANA ameichagua Sayuni, ameitamani akae ndani yake. Hapo ndipo mahali pangu pa raha milele, hapo nitakaa kwa maana nimepatamani. Hakika nitavibariki vyakula vyake, wahitaji wake nitawashibisha chakula. Na makuhani wake nitawavika wokovu, na watauwa wake watashangilia. Hapo nitamchipushia Daudi pembe, na taa nimemtengenezea masihi wangu. Adui zake nitawavika aibu, bali juu yake taji yake itasitawi. [[SWA]]
Remember David, O Lord, and all his meekness, how he swore to the Lord, how he vowed to the God of Jacob, “I shall not enter my dwelling, I shall not recline on my bed, I shall not close my eyes in sleep nor my eyelids for dozing, nor give any rest to my temples, until I find a place for the Lord, a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.” Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the plains of the wood; let us enter into His tabernacles; let us worship at the place where His feet stood. Arise, O Lord, into Your rest, You and the ark of Your holiness; Your priests shall clothe themselves in righteousness; Your saints shall greatly rejoice. For Your servant David’s sake, do not turn away from the face of Your anointed. The Lord swore to David this truth, and He shall not reject it, “I shall set upon your throne one from the fruit of your loins. If your sons keep My covenant and these testimonies I shall teach them, then their sons shall sit upon your throne forever.” For the Lord has chosen Zion; He chose her for His dwelling: “This is My place of rest unto ages of ages; here I shall dwell, for I have chosen her. Blessing, I shall bless her provision; I shall satisfy her poor with bread; and I shall clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints shall rejoice exceedingly with great joy; there I shall cause to spring up a horn for David; there I prepared a lamp for my anointed; his enemies I shall clothe with shame; upon him shall My sanctification flourish.” [SAAS]
VESTING OF THE ALTAR TABLE
As this Psalm is being sung, the Hierarch uses wax to affix paper or cloth icons of the four Evangelists to the altar, one in each corner. Then he vests the altar table with white linen coverings.
When this task is completed, the Hierarch washes his hands well and dries them with a fresh towel. Then he exclaims:
HIERARCH
Glory to God, forever!
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
Then the choirs sing the following Psalm antiphonally.
WATU
CHOIR
Zaburi ya 92 (93).
Psalm 92 (93).
BWANA ametamalaki, amejivika adhama, BWANA amejivika, na kujikaza nguvu. Naam, ulimwengu umethibitika usitikisike; kiti chako kimekuwa thabiti tokea zamani; Wewe ndiwe uliye tangu milele. Ee BWANA, mito imepaza, mito imepaza sauti zake, mito imepaza uvumi wake. Kupita sauti ya maji mengi, maji makuu, kupita mawimbi ya bahari yaumkayo, BWANA Aliye juu ndiye mwenye ukuu. Shuhuda zako ni amini sana; utakatifu ndio uifaao nyumba yako, Ee BWANA, milele na milele. [[SWA]]
The Lord reigns; He clothed Himself with majesty; the Lord clothed and girded Himself with power; and He established the world, which shall not be moved. Your throne is prepared from of old; You are from everlasting. The rivers, O Lord, lift up; the rivers lift up their voices; because of the voices of their many waters, marvelous are the billows of the sea; wondrous is the Lord on high. Your testimonies are very much believed; holiness is proper to Your house, O Lord, unto length of days. [SAAS]
As this Psalm is being sung, the Hierarch lays the altar cover on the holy altar table, and on it the antimensia, one by one next to each other, and on top of them the antimension of the church, and on top of that the holy Gospel book, and then he kisses the holy altar table.
HIERARCH
Glory to You, Holy Trinity, our God, glory to You, unto ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
WATU
CHOIR
Zaburi ya 25 (26).
Psalm 25 (26).
Ee BWANA, unihukumu mimi, maana nimekwenda kwa ukamilifu, nami nimemtumaini BWANA bila wasiwasi. Ee BWANA, unijaribu na kunipima; unisafishe mtima wangu na moyo wangu. Maana fadhili zako zi mbele ya macho yangu, nami nimekwenda katika kweli yako. Sikuketi pamoja na watu wa ubatili, wala sitaingia mnamo wanafiki. Nimelichukia kusanyiko la watenda mabaya, wala sitaketi pamoja na watu waovu. Nitanawa mikono yangu kwa kutokuwa na hatia, na kuizunguka madhabahu yako, Ee BWANA. Ili niitangaze sauti ya kushukuru, na kuzisimulia kazi zako za ajabu. BWANA, nimependa makao ya nyumba yako, na mahali pa maskani ya utukufu wako. Usiiondoe nafsi yangu pamoja na wakosaji, wala uhai wangu pamoja na watu wa damu. Mikononi mwao mna madhara, na mkono wao wa kuume umejaa rushwa. Ila mimi nitakwenda kwa ukamilifu wangu; unikomboe, unifanyie fadhili. Mguu wangu umesimama palipo sawa; katika makusanyiko nitamhimidi BWANA. [[SWA]]
Judge me, O Lord, for I walk in my innocence, and by hoping in the Lord, I shall not weaken. Prove me, O Lord, and test me, try my reins and my heart in the fire. For Your mercy is before my eyes, and I was well-pleasing in Your truth. I have not sat down with vain councils, nor will I go in with those who transgress the law. I hate the assembly of evildoers, and I will not sit with the ungodly. I will wash my hands in innocence; so I will go about Your altar, O Lord, that I may hear the voice of praise and tell of all Your wondrous works. O Lord, I love the beauty of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells. Do not destroy my soul with the ungodly, nor my life with men of blood, in whose hands is lawlessness; their right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I walk in my innocence; redeem me and have mercy on me. For my foot stands in uprightness; in the churches I will bless You, O Lord. [SAAS]
ANOINTING OF THE CHURCH
This Psalm is sung for as long as needed. The Hierarch censes around the holy altar table as well as the clergy within the sanctuary, the church and everyone in it. Then, with a container of chrism and a sponge on a pole, he anoints the church with the sign of the cross: the east wall, above the arch of the sanctuary, the west wall, above the gate, the north and south walls, and every surface, making the sign of the cross or the monogram of Christ, i.e. XP.
When they are finished censing and anointing the church, the Hierarch and his assistants return to the sanctuary.
A new vigil lamp is presented to the Hierarch, who pours oil into it and invites the benefactors and prominent members of the community to add oil as well. Then the Hierarch lights it.
The Hierarch removes the white tunic, and then he exclaims:
HIERARCH
Glory to the holy and almighty and life-giving Trinity, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
When all this is finished, the Deacon intones the short litany.
SHEMASI
DEACON
Tena na tena kwa amani, tumwombe Bwana.
Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
SHEMASI
DEACON
Utusaidie, utuokoe, utuhurumie, utuhifadhi, Ee Mungu, kwa neema yako.
Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
SHEMASI
DEACON
Tumkumbuke Maria Mtakatifu kamili, asiye na doa, Mbarikiwa zaidi kushinda wote, Bibi wetu mtukufu mzazi Mungu na bikira daima pamoja na watakatifu wote hata sisi pia wenyewe na kila mmoja wetu na wenzetu wote, hata maisha yetu, kujiweka mikononi mwa Kristo Mungu.
Remembering our all-holy, immaculate, most blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
Kwako, Ee Bwana.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
HIERARCH
Kwa kuwa utukufu wote na heshima na usujudu ni haki yako, ya Baba na Mwana na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na siku zote, hata milele na milele.
For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
Tumwombe Bwana.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
The Hierarch stands before the holy altar table and says the following prayer in a loud voice:
HIERARCH
Lord of heaven and earth, who founded Your holy Church with ineffable wisdom and established Holy Orders on earth to correspond to the Angelsʼ ministrations in heaven: will You, O munificent Lord, receive us who pray to You; not that we are worthy to ask such great things of You, but that the overabundance of Your goodness may become apparent; for You have not ceased doing good in many ways to the human race. The pinnacle of Your benevolence was that You granted us the coming of Your only-begotten Son in the flesh. He was seen on earth, and He shined the light of salvation on those who sat in darkness. He offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, and became the propitiation for the whole world. He made us partakers of His resurrection. He ascended into heaven, and, as He promised, he clothed His Disciples and Apostles with power from on high, which is the Holy Spirit, who is worshipped and almighty, and who proceeds from You, God the Father. Through the Holy Spirit they became mighty in word and deed, they delivered to us the Baptism of adoption, they built Churches, they established holy Altars, and they instituted canons and laws. And we sinners, now in possession of this tradition, come before You, the eternal God and implore You, O compassionate Lord: As this sanctuary was erected for the purpose of singing hymns of praise to You, fill it with Your divine glory, and make the holy Altar set up herein to be a Holy of Holies, so that when we stand before it, as before the dread Throne of Your kingdom, we may serve You without condemnation, and may send up petitions for ourselves and for all Your people, and offer the bloodless sacrifice to Your goodness, for the forgiveness of sins both voluntary and involuntary, for the governing of our life, to lead a good life, and to fulfill all righteousness.
For blessed is Your all-holy and majestic name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
Amani kwa wote.
Peace be with all.
Na iwe kwa roho yako.
CHOIR: And with your spirit.
SHEMASI
DEACON
Tuinamishe vichwa vyetu kwa Bwana.
Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
Kwako, Ee Bwana.
CHOIR: To You, O Lord.
With everyone bowing their heads, the Hierarch prays one last prayer for the dedication of the consecrated church building:
HIERARCH
We thank You, O Lord God of hosts, for because of Your great love for mankind, You have granted to extend, even to us sinners and Your unworthy servants, that same grace that You poured out on Your holy Apostles and our holy Fathers. Therefore we pray You, very merciful Master: Fill this Altar with glory and holiness and grace, so that the bloodless sacrifices that will be offered to You on it may be transformed into the most pure Body and precious Blood of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, Your only-begotten Son, for the salvation of all Your people, and of our unworthiness.
For You are our God, and to You we give glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages.
Amina.
CHOIR: Amen.
When the Hierarch and the clergy are ready, they continue the Divine Liturgy with the Trisagios Hymn.
Tumwombe Bwana.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
Bwana, hurumia.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
HIERARCH
Kwa kuwa Wewe, Mungu wetu ni Mtakatifu, na Kwako tunatoa utukufu kwa Baba; na Mwana na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na sikuzote,
For You, our God, are holy, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever…
SHEMASI
DEACON
hata milele na milele.
and to the ages of ages.
WATU
CHOIR
Amina.
Amen.
SHEMASI
DEACON
Tumwombe Bwana.
Let us pray to the Lord.
WATU
CHOIR
Bwana, hurumia.
Lord, have mercy.
(kwa mnong''ono)
HIERARCH (in a low voice)
WIMBO TAKATIFU TATU (TRISAGHIO)
PRAYER OF THE TRISAGIOS HYMN
Ee Mungu, uliye Mtakatifu, na kukaa ndani ya watakatifu; unayesifiwa na waserafi kwa sauti takatifu ya Utatu, tena waadhimishwa na waheruvi, na kusujudiwa na nguvu zote za mbinguni juu; uliyefanya vitu vyote toka bure, na vikawa. Uliye mwumba binadamu kwa sura na mfano wako, tena kumpamba kwa vipaji vyotevya neema yako. Unayempa yeyote anaye kuuliza hekima na busara, usiye mdharau mwenye dhambi, bali ulimwekea kutubu, kama njia ya wokovu; Uliye tustahilisha hata sisi watumwa wako, wanyenyekevu na wasiostahili, hata wakati huu kusimama mbele ya utukufu wa madhabahu yako matakatifu, na kukuletea kusujudu na sifa iliyo haki zako. Bwana, upokee wimbo huu wa Utatu Mtakatifu tunao utoa midomoni mwetu, sisi wanadamu wenye dhambi, na ututembelee kwa wema wako. Utusamehe kila dhambi ambayo tumeifanya kwa hiari ama kwa kutotaka, Utakase roho na miili yetu, na utustahilishe kukuabudu kwa utakatifu siku zote za maisha yetu, kwa maombi ya Mzazi-Mungu wetu mtakatifu, na ya Watakatifu wote waliokupendeza tangu milele.
O Holy God, who is resting among the holy ones, praised by the Seraphim with the thrice-holy voice, glorified by the Cherubim, and worshiped by every celestial power, You have brought all things into being out of nothing. You have created man according to Your image and likeness and adorned him with all the gifts of Your grace. You give wisdom and understanding to the one who asks, and You overlook not the sinner, but have set repentance as the way of salvation. You have granted us, Your humble and unworthy servants, to stand even at this hour before the glory of Your holy Altar of sacrifice and to offer to You due worship and praise. Master, accept the Trisagion Hymn also from the lips of us sinners, and visit us in Your goodness. Forgive all our voluntary and involuntary transgressions, sanctify our souls and bodies, and grant that we may worship You in holiness all the days of our lives, through the intercessions of the holy Theotokos and of all the saints who have pleased You throughout the ages.
HIERARCH (aloud)
Kwa kuwa Wewe, Mungu wetu ni Mtakatifu, na Kwako tunatoa utukufu kwa Baba; na Mwana na Roho Mtakatifu, sasa na sikuzote,
For You, our God, are holy, and to You we offer up glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever…
SHEMASI
DEACON
hata milele na milele.
and to the ages of ages.
RIGHT CHOIR
Amina.
Amen.
Wimbo wa Utatu Mtakatifu (Wimbo wa Trisagio)
Trisagios Hymn
Mungu Mtakatifu, Mweza Mtakatifu, Usiyekufa Mtakatifu. Utuhurumie.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
LEFT CHOIR
Mungu Mtakatifu, Mweza Mtakatifu, Usiyekufa Mtakatifu. Utuhurumie.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
CLERGY
Mungu Mtakatifu, Mweza Mtakatifu, Usiyekufa Mtakatifu. Utuhurumie.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
RIGHT CHOIR
Mungu Mtakatifu, Mweza Mtakatifu, Usiyekufa Mtakatifu. Utuhurumie.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
CLERGY
Mungu Mtakatifu, Mweza Mtakatifu, Usiyekufa Mtakatifu. Utuhurumie.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
LEFT CHOIR
Utukufu kwa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
RIGHT CHOIR
Sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina.
Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
LEFT CHOIR
Usiyekufa Mtakatifu. Utuhurumie.
Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
CLERGY (slowly from within the altar):
Holy God.
HIERARCH
Lord, Lord, look down from heaven and behold, visit and perfect this vineyard, which your right hand has planted. [GOA]
RIGHT CHOIR
Amina.
Amen.
CLERGY (slowly from within the altar):
Holy Mighty.
HIERARCH
Lord, Lord, look down from heaven and behold, visit and perfect this vineyard, which your right hand has planted. [GOA]
LEFT CHOIR
Amina.
Amen.
CLERGY (slowly from within the altar):
Usiyekufa mtakatifu,
Holy Immortal.
HIERARCH
Lord, Lord, look down from heaven and behold, visit and perfect this vineyard, which your right hand has planted. [GOA]
RIGHT CHOIR
Amina.
Amen.
CLERGY (slowly from within the altar):
utuhurumie.
Have mercy on us.
SHEMASI
DEACON
Kwa nguvu.
Dynamis.
SHEMASI (kwa mnong''ono)
DEACON (in a low voice)
Padri, Amuru.
With your blessing, Master.
(kwa mnong''ono)
HIERARCH (in a low voice)
Abarikiwe yeye ajaye kwa jina la Bwana.
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
SHEMASI (kwa mnong''ono)
DEACON (in a low voice)
Ee Padri himidi kiti cha Enzi kilicho juu.
Master, bless the throne on high.
(kwa mnong''ono)
HIERARCH (in a low voice)
Mhimidiwa ni wewe uliye katika kiti cha Enzi cha ufalme wako, uketiye begani pa Wakheruvi, daima, sasa na siku zote, hata milele na milele. Amina
Blessed are You upon the throne of the glory of Your kingdom, enthroned upon the Cherubim always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
WATU
CHOIR
Kwa nguvu.
Dynamis.
Mungu Mtakatifu, Mweza Mtakatifu,Usiyekufa Mtakatifu, utuhurumie.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
SHEMASI
DEACON
Lord, save the pious.
HIERARCH
Lord, save the pious.
SHEMASI
DEACON
Lord, save the pious.
WATU
CHOIR
Lord, save the pious.
SHEMASI
DEACON
Lord, save the pious.
WATU
CHOIR
Lord, save the pious.
SHEMASI
DEACON
And hear us.
HIERARCH
And hear us.
SHEMASI
DEACON
(The text of the appropriate episcopal acclamation goes here.)
CLERGY
(The text of the appropriate episcopal acclamation goes here.)
WATU
CHOIR
(The text of the appropriate episcopal acclamation goes here.)
WATU