Sermons & Devotionals by Liturgical Texts of Greek Orthodox Church

People: Rejoice, O Bride unwedded. Priest: The holy one, beholding herself in innocence, says to Gabriel: The incredible tidings of your voice appear difficult for my soul to accept. For how do you speak of childbirth from a seedless conception, crying: Alleluia. People: Alleluia. Priest: Curious to... Read More

Priest: Blessed is our God always, both now and ever, and unto ages of ages: Chanter: Amen. Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us. Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us. Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us. Glory to the Father and to the Son and t... Read More

On the fortieth day the child is brought to the Temple to be churched, that is, to begin attending church. It is brought by the mother, who has already been cleansed and washed, accompanied by the intended sponsor at the Baptism. Standing together with the mother, child and sponsor before the doors ... Read More

The Divine Liturgy of Our Father Among the Saints Basil the Great Priest: Blessed is the kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. The Great Litany and the Antiphons Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord. People: Lord, have mercy... Read More

The Priest proceeds to receive holy Communion. Priest: Behold, I approach Christ, our immortal King and God. The precious and most holy Body of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ is given to me Name the priest, for the forgiveness of my sins and for eternal life. He partakes of the sacred Bread.... Read More

(Celebrated by one Priest and one Deacon[1]) Deacon: Master, give the blessing. Priest: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen.[2] The Litany of Peace or Great Litany The people respond with Lord, have mercy, ... Read More

The Offertory Prayer Priest (in a low voice): Lord God Almighty, You alone are holy. You accept the sacrifice of praise from those who call upon You with their whole heart, even so, accept from us sinners our supplication, and bring it to Your holy Altar of sacrifice. Enable us to offer You gifts an... Read More

The Kneeling This Office, on the Vigil of the Feast of the Holy Spirit, that is, Monday after Pentecost, is usually sung immediately after the Divine Liturgy for the Sunday of Pentecost. Priest: Blessed is our God, now and always and forever and ever. Reader: Amen. Come, let us worship and bow down ... Read More

During the Liturgy, after the Hierarch has intoned "And may the mercies of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ be with you all," two Deacons exit, and bring the Subdeacon is before the Hierarch. They stand on the solea, facing the Hierarch who stands in the Beautiful Gate. 1st Deacon: Command 2nd ... Read More

During the Divine Liturgy, after the completion of the Cherubic Hymnfollowing the Great Entrance, two priests exit, and bring the deacon before the bishop. They stand on the solea, facing the bishop who stands in the Royal Doors. 1st Priest: Command. 2nd Priest: All Command. 1st Priest: Command, hol... Read More

At the conclusion of Orthros the candidate is brought before the bishop at the throne, and the symmartyria (canonical testimonial) is read. The bishop then makes the sign of the Cross three times over the candidate, saying: Bishop: In the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (3... Read More

Vespers with the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts Priest: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Reader: Amen. Come, let us worship God our King and bow down before Him. Come, let us worship Christ God our King and bo... Read More

The Priest divests him (her) that comes to be illuminated of robes and shoes and faces him (her) eastward, barefoot and clad in a single garment, hands down. Then, breathing thrice on his (her) face and signing him (her) thrice on the forehead and breast, the Priest says: Priest: In the name of the ... Read More

Items needed for the celebration of the Lesser Sanctification of Water are a small table, upon which the Priest places the Gospel; a wooden, silver‑bound Cross; a censer; a bowl of water; two candlesticks with their candles; a few branches of basil and a clean white towel. The Priest wears his casso... Read More

The priest stands before the Royal Doors, looking towards the two who are to be Betrothed; and they stand outside the Royal Doors, the man to the right, and the woman on the left. On the right side of the Holy Altar are placed the two rings. The priest takes up the censer and censes the holy icons, ... Read More

The Priest enters the Altar and arrays himself in white vestments. While the candles are being lit, he takes up the Censer, goes to the Font, and censes round about. And giving up the Censer, he makes a Reverence. Priest: Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, ... Read More

If the Coronation follows the Betrothal immediately, then after the "Amen" of the Ekphonesis ("For You are He that blesses and sanctifies ..."), the Priest censes in front of the Altar, and goes out and censes the Ikonostasion. The Processional Psalm is then sung. The Processional Psalm Priest: Bles... Read More

The service of the Small Paraklesis is chanted in times of distress and sorrow of soul and during the first fourteen days of August. Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. Psalm 142 O Lord, hear my prayer, give ear to my supplications in Your truth;... Read More

Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. People: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3) Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive ... Read More

Priest: Blessed is our God, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Choir: Amen. All: O Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, present in all places and filling all things; treasury of good things and giver of life, come and dwell in us and purify us from every stain, and of your goodness save... Read More