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Hieratikon
Divine Liturgy of St. James
Unless otherwise indicated, the texts of the prayers and hymns are from: The Divine Liturgy of St. James, Brother of the Lord, by Holy Cross Orthodox Press, 1988.
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THE DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. JAMES, BROTHER OF THE LORD
After the preparation of the Holy Gift at the Prothesis, executed simply and without the prayer of the Proskomide, which is said later, the Priest, standing before the Holy Table, with the Beautiful Doors still closed, says the following prayer in a low voice.
KASISI (kwa mnong''ono)
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Amina.
Master Lord, our God, do not bring me to naught, for stained by many sins, I have come to Your sacred and heavenly sacrament not as one worthy, but counting on Your goodness, I raise my voice to You: O God, have mercy on me, a sinner. I have sinned against heaven and before You, and I am not worthy to cast my eyes toward Your sacred and spiritual table upon which Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, is mystically offered in sacrifice for me the sinner, defiled as I am by every blemish. Therefore, I bring before You this supplication and thanksgiving: send upon me Your Spirit, the Comforter, to strengthen and prepare me fully for this liturgy. Let Your word spoken to the people be again proclaimed by me worthily, without condemnation in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good, life-giving, and consubstantial Spirit, now and forever into the ages of ages. Amen.
Then, with the Holy Doors open, he exclaims:
KASISI
PRIEST (aloud)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the triune and single light of the Godhead, who exists singly in Trinity and is divided undividedly. For the one God almighty is a Trinity: the heavens declare His glory, the earth His Lordship, the sea His dominion, and every living creature His magnificence. For to Him belong all glory, honor, power, magnificence, and splendor, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
( Amina. )
( Amen. )
Benefactor, King of the ages, and Creator of all creation, receive Your Church which approaches You through Your Christ. To each grant what is useful. Bring us all to perfection and render us worthy of Your sanctifying grace bringing us together in Your holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, adorned with the precious blood of Your only-begotten Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with whom You are blessed and glorified, together with Your all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
( Amina. )
( Amen. )
The Deacon, always facing the people, exclaims:
SHEMASI
DEACON
Tumwombe Bwana.
Let us pray to the Lord.
( Bwana, hurumia. )
( Lord, have mercy. )
KASISI
PRIEST
O God, You received the gifts of Abel, the sacrifice of Noah and Abraham, and the offerings of incense of Aaron and Zechariah. Receive now from our sinful hands this incense as a sweet fragrance, granting forgiveness of sins to us and to all Your people. For You are blessed and to You belongs glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
( Amina. )
( Amen. )
The Priest censes the Holy Table, then takes up to the Holy Gospel Book and gives it to the Deacon. Then, preceded by a candlebearer, they exit the Holy Sanctuary and make the Entrance, chanting the hymn:
KASISI
PRIEST
Uliye Mwana tena Neno la Mungu, ukiwa usiyekufa, ukakubali kwa ajili ya wokovu wetu, kupata mwili, kwa Maria Mzazi Mungu, tena Bikira daima, ukawa mtu, bila kujigeuza; na ukasulubiwa, Ee Kristo Mungu, ukakanyaga kifo kwa kifo; ukiwa mmoja wa utatu Mtakatifu, na unatukuzwa pamoja na Baba na Roho Mtakatifu, utuokoe.
Only-begotten Son and Logos of God, being immortal, You condescended for our salvation to take flesh from the holy Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary and, without change, became man. Christ, our God, You were crucified and conquered death by death. Being one of the Holy Trinity, glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: Save us.
When they arrive at the middle of the solea, where there is a stand, the Deacon places the Holy Gospel Book on it and they continue towards the Holy Doors before which the Priest says the following prayer.
KASISI
PRIEST
O God, the Almighty, Lord of the exalted name, He who has given us the entrance to the Holy of Holies through the coming of Your only-begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, we entreat and beseech Your goodness. Filled with fear and trembling as we prepare to stand before Your Holy Altar, send us, O God, Your good grace and sanctify our souls, bodies, and spirits. Direct our thoughts to those of piety, so that with a clear conscience we may offer You gifts, presents, and fruits for the abolition of our offenses and forgiveness of all Your people, through the grace, compassion, and love of Your only-begotten son, with whom You are blessed to the ages of ages.
( Amina. )
( Amen. )
After this, he enters the Holy Sanctuary, bows his head, and prays in a low voice.
KASISI (kwa mnong''ono)
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Compassionate and merciful, patient and loving, the true Lord, look down upon us from Your holy dwelling place and hear us, Your servants, and deliver us from every diabolical and human temptation. Do not take Your help from us, nor bring upon us greater tests that are beyond our power to endure, for we are incapable of overcoming the attacks. But You, O Lord, are strong to save us from all adversities. Save us, O Lord, according to Your goodness, from the tribulations of this world, so that having entered with a clear conscience into Your Holy Sanctuary, we may sing the blessed thrice-holy hymn without condemnation, together with the heavenly powers. And having celebrated the divine liturgy which is well pleasing to You, we may be deemed worthy of eternal life. Amen.
While the Priest enters the Holy Sanctuary, the Deacon, facing the people, says:
SHEMASI
DEACON
Kwa amani, tumwombe Bwana.
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
( Bwana, hurumia. )
( Lord, have mercy. )
For the peace and love of God and the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
( Bwana, hurumia. )
( Lord, have mercy. )
For peace in the whole world, and unity among all the holy Churches of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
( Bwana, hurumia. )
( Lord, have mercy. )
Askofu wetu mkuu (jina)
For the salvation and divine help of our most-holy father and Archbishop (name), and all the clergy and Christ-loving people, let us pray to the Lord.
( Bwana, hurumia. )
( Lord, have mercy. )
For the remission of sins and forgiveness of our offenses and for our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, necessity, and distress and the rising of enemies, let us pray to the Lord.
( Bwana, hurumia. )
( Lord, have mercy. )
Let us remember our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, Saint John the glorious, prophet, forerunner, and baptist; the divine and praiseworthy apostles; the glorious prophets; the triumphant martyrs; and all the saints and righteous that by their prayers and intercessions we may all find mercy.
( Bwana, hurumia. )
( Lord, have mercy. )
KASISI
PRIEST
For You are holy, O Lord our God, dwelling and resting in Your saints, and to You we give glory and sing the thrice-holy hymn: to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
( Amina. )
( Amen. )
WATU
CHOIR
Wimbo wa Utatu Mtakatifu (Wimbo wa Trisagio)
Trisagios Hymn
Mungu Mtakatifu, Mweza Mtakatifu, Usiyekufa Mtakatifu. Utuhurumie. (3)
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)
Utukufu kwa Baba, na Mwana, na Roho Mtakatifu. Sasa na siku zote hata milele na milele. Amina.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Both now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Usiyekufa Mtakatifu. Utuhurumie.
Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
SHEMASI
DEACON
Kwa nguvu.
Dynamis.
The Priest, turning towards the Prothesis, says in a low voice:
KASISI (kwa mnong''ono)
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Abarikiwe yeye ajaye kwa jina la Bwana.
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
Towards the Holy Table:
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
Mungu Mtakatifu, Mweza Mtakatifu, Usiyekufa Mtakatifu. Utuhurumie.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.
While the Trisagion is being sung, the Priest and the Deacon exit from the Holy Doors of the Sanctuary, go to the center of the Solea, and say at the completion of the Trisagion:
KASISI
PRIEST
Amani kwa wote.
Peace be with all.
( Na iwe kwa roho yako. )
( And with your spirit. )
The Priest prays silently before he partakes of the sacrament:
KASISI
PRIEST (inaudibly)
Christ, Master, our God, the heavenly bread, the food for the whole world, I have sinned against heaven and before You, and I am not worthy to partake of Your holy and pure Mysteries; but on account of Your goodness and ineffable patience, make me worthy, without condemnation and shame, to partake of Your all-holy Body and precious Blood for the remission of sins and eternal life.
Following this prayer, the Priest partakes of the Body and Blood and gives, in turn, to the Deacon. When the Deacon raises the Paten and Cup in order that the people may participate, he says:
SHEMASI
DEACON
Master, bless.
KASISI
PRIEST
Glory to God, who has sanctified and ever sanctifies us.
SHEMASI
DEACON
O God, be exalted in Heaven and upon all the earth; Your glory and Kingdom abide to the ages of ages.
KASISI
PRIEST
Blessed is the name of the Lord, our God, to the ages of ages.
HOLY COMMUNION
SHEMASI
DEACON
Approach with the fear of God.
The People, following Holy Communion, sing:
WATU
CHOIR
Fill my mouth, O Lord, with Your praise and my lips with joy that I may sing Your glory. We thank You, O Christ our God, that You have made us worthy to partake of Your Body and Blood unto remission of sins and eternal life. We pray, keep us without cause of condemnation, for You are good and loving.
After everyone has received, the Priest says the following incense prayer in a low voice:
KASISI (kwa mnong''ono)
PRIEST (in a low voice)
You have gladdened us, O God, with Your union and we offer to You, together with this incense, a hymn of thanksgiving, the fruit of our lips, confessing Your grace. Let this incense rise up to You, O God, and do not turn it away in naught. But grant to us, through it, the fragrance of Your all-holy Spirit, this pure myrrh which is never to be taken away. Fill our mouths with praise, our lips with delights, and our hearts with joy and gladness in Christ Jesus our Lord, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy Spirit, now and forever, and to ages of ages.
SHEMASI
DEACON
In peace, let us again forevermore pray to the Lord.
( Bwana, hurumia. )
( Lord, have mercy. )
That the communion of His Holy Gifts may be to us for the averting of every evil thing, a provision unto eternal life, and the communion and gift of the Holy Spirit.
( Bwana, hurumia. )
( Lord, have mercy. )
Remembering our most-holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary, with all the saints and the righteous, let us commit ourselves, and one another and our whole life to Christ, our God.
( Kwako, Ee Bwana. )
( To You, O Lord. )
While the Deacon says the above, the Priest prays in a low voice:
KASISI (kwa mnong''ono)
PRIEST (in a low voice)
O God, out of great and ineffable compassion, You have condescended to the weakness of Your servants and have made us worthy to partake of this heavenly Table. Do not condemn us sinners, O Master, for receiving Your pure Mysteries, but safeguard us, O Good One, in holiness, that being found worthy of Your all-holy Spirit, we may find a place and a share with all the saints, those who from all ages have pleased You in the light of Your countenance, through the mercies of Your only-begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, with whom You are blessed, together with Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and forever, and to ages of ages.
KASISI
PRIEST (aloud)
For Your holy, majestic, and all-honorable Name is blessed, sanctified, and glorified, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to ages of ages.
( Amina. )
( Amen. )
Amani kwa wote.
Peace be with all.
( Na iwe kwa roho yako. )
( And with your spirit. )
SHEMASI
DEACON
Tuinamishe vichwa vyetu kwa Bwana.
Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
( Kwako, Ee Bwana. )
( To You, O Lord. )
KASISI (kwa mnong''ono)
PRIEST (in a low voice)
O God, Great and Wonderful, look upon Your servants, for to You we have bowed our heads. Stretch forth Your mighty hand which is full of blessings, and bless Your people. Preserve Your inheritance that we may glorify You now and forevermore, the only living and our true God, the holy and co-substantial Trinity, the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit.
KASISI
PRIEST (aloud)
For to You are due, and owed by all of us, all glory, honor, worship, and thanksgiving, to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to ages of ages.
( Amina. )
( Amen. )
SHEMASI
DEACON
Let us go forth in Christ’s peace.
The Priest, standing in the center of the Nave, says:
KASISI
PRIEST
Advancing from strength to strength, having fully completed all the Divine Liturgy in Your temple, we ask You now, O Lord our God, deem us worthy of Your perfect love. Set aright our ways, establish us in Your fear, have mercy upon all, and make us worthy of Your heavenly kingdom in Christ Jesus our Lord, together with whom to You and to the all-holy Spirit belong due glory, honor, and dominion, now and forever and to ages of ages.
( Amina. )
( Amen. )
Then the Priest enters the Sanctuary. The Deacon, facing the people, says in a solemn and calm tone:
SHEMASI
DEACON
You are dismissed in peace.
KASISI (kwa mnong''ono)
PRIEST (in a low voice)
Blessed is God, He who blesses and sanctifies us with the communion of His Holy and Pure Mysteries, now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.