|
|
An introduction by Antonios Vatousios
|
|
|
Every liturgical service of the Orthodox Church, as well as virtually all sacraments and special services, start with the Great Litany. The musical response alternates to the petitions of the priest.
|
|
|
The first three hymns of the Divine Liturgy are referred to as the antiphons. An antiphon consists of one or more psalm verses (or sentences from Holy Scripture), alternating with verses which contain the fundamental thought of the psalm. The name derives from the traditional practice of their being sung by two choirs, each responding antiphonally to the other. The First Antiphon asks Mary to intercede for us.
|
|
|
The Second Antiphon is asking Jesus to save us.
|
|
|
The 3rd Antiphon in theological terms explains the supernatural Birth of our Lord, defines His two distinct Natures and declares that He is the second person of the Holy Trinity.
|
|
|
"Your proclamation has gone out into all the earth
Which was divinely taught by hearing your voice
Expounding the nature of creatures, Ennobling the manners of men.
O holy father of a royal priesthood, Entreat Christ God that our souls may be saved. "
|
|
|
The Thrice Holy Hymn. With the singing of this hymn the congregation and the hosts of angels are united in praise of our Triune God.The angels are chanting at the heavenly Altar and we here on earth are chanting at the Church Temple altar.
|
|
|
At the end of the Epistle reading we sing, Alleluia, which is an exclamation of joy which is sung majestically, slowly and melodically. Its actual meaning is "Glorify the Lord God!" It is the hymn of the Angels. It arouses our souls so our heart can turn towards heaven.
|
|
|
The Liturgy of the Faithful, the third and last part of the Divine Liturgy, which commences with the "Great Entrance", while the Choir chants the "Cherubic Hymn." This hymn invites us to walk with Jesus Christ on the path of martyrdom that leads to the sacrifice on the Cross setting aside every worldly care we may have in our souls.
|
|
|
Unlike the Great Litany, in which petitions are for the whole world, all groups of people in all places, in the Litany of Fervent Supplication the petitions are specifically for people who, either directly or indirectly, are involved in the local church community: the ruling bishop(s), clergy, the civil authorities & armed forces, brother and sister parishioners, the departed of the community, and all who labor for the well-being of the Church
|
|
|
Song for the Holy Trinity followed by the Nicean Creed.
|
|
|
The central prayer of the Eucharist is the anaphora (Greek for "offering up"), although in the West it is also called the "Eucharistic Prayer", the "Canon of the Mass" or "eucharistic canon", or the "Great Thanksgiving".
|
|
|
This is the hymn of the Seraphim along with the part of the Psalm 117 that foretells Christ's entry into Jerusalem.
|
|
|
This is the most crucial and the most sacred moment of the Divine Liturgy. What we offer as a sacrifice to our God, is the very Sacrifice our Lord made upon the Cross for us.
|
|
|
The hymn that is sung at the Divine Liturgy just after the consecration of the Holy Gifts. "Especially for our most holy, pure, most blessed, glorious Lady, Theotokos, and ever-Virgin Mary."In response to the appeal of the Priest to especially commemorate our Holy
Virgin Mary the Choir sings the Hymn "AXION ESTI."
|
|
|
The priest, raising the holy Body of Christ, then calls those who are prepared to participate.The priest proclaims with strength:
"The Holy Gifts, for the Holy people of God."
The Congregation then voices the sentiments and their humility and sing:
"One is Holy, one is Lord; Jesus Christ, to the Glory of God the Father. Amen."
|
|
|
At the completion of Holy Communion we sing this hymn. Holy Communion is the "true light" that is within us. Our soul is being transformed and is glowing from within. It has been united with Christ. Jesus tells us, "I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)
|
|
|
The dismissal part of the liturgy. This is the final doxology from Psalm 112 v2.
|
|
|
A blessing for the priest.
|
|
Ressurection Apolitikia (Dismissal Hymns)
|
The Dismissal Hymns. A set of eight hymns, one for each tone to be sung during the small entrance. It may be replaced or added to a hymn specific for that feast day.
|
|
|
"The Stone that was Sealed..."
|
|
|
"When You descended..."
|
|
|
"Let all things rejoice..."
|
|
|
"When the tidings of the resurrection..."
|
|
|
"The eternal word..."
|
|
|
"The angelic powers..."
|
|
|
"You abolished the Cross..."
|
|
|
"From on High you descended..."
|
|
Special Hymns
|
|
|
|
"To You Theotokos, O Champion leader..."Troparion for 25 March.
|
|
|
"Christ is Risen..." Easter Hymn
|
|
|
"Your birth O Christ..." Christmas Apolitikion.
|
|
|
"Lord save Your people..." for the elevation of the Holy Cross, Sep. 14.
|
|
|
"Those who have put on Christ...", sang many times instead of Trisayion.
|
|
|
"The wealthy have become poor..." Sang for the blessing of Artoclasia.
|
|
|
"Among Your Saints..." Sang during the memorial service.
|
|
|
"May your memories be eternal" Sang during the memorial service.
|
|
|
Alternate setting for the communion hymn.
|
