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    The Ceylon Liturgy (1938)

 

THE
CEYLON LITURGY

AN ORDER FOR
THE ADMINISTRATION OF
THE HOLY COMMUNION

SANCTIONED BY THE EPISCOPAL SYNOD
FOR USE IN THE DIOCESE OF COLOMBO
SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF CANON
XIV OF CHAPTER XXI OF THE CONSTITUTION,
CANONS AND RULES OF THE CHURCH
OF INDIA, BURMA, AND CEYLON.

 

 

MADRAS:
S.P.C.K. IN INDIA
BURMA AND CEYLON
MARCH 1938
 


 

 

Title page, Ceylon Liturgy

GENERAL RUBRICS

    1. The Deacon’s part may be taken by any ordained Minister. In the absence of an ordained Minister to assist at the Service, the Priest shall say the portions assigned to the Deacon.

    2. Note, that whenever the Salutation The Lord be with you is said, or the Epistle or Gospel is read, or other words are spoken to the people, then the Minister shall so stand and turn himself as he may best be heard of the people.

    3. It is convenient, however, that the Priest (in the absence of an ordained Minister to assist him) in saying the Biddings before the Confession, the Creed, or the Thanksgiving say the same facing the Altar.

    4. It is customary for the Priest to stand at the midst of the Altar for the Kyries, the Gloria in Excelsis, the Creed, the offertory, the Offertory Prayer, and the Consecration; and at the south side of the Altar for the Collect or Collects at the Introduction and for the prayers after Communion.

    5. It shall be permissible to say or sing the Kyries in the ancient form as follows:

Kyrie, eleison.
    Kyrie, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.

Christe, eleison.
    Christe, eleison.
Christe, eleison.

Kyrie, eleison.
    Kyrie, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.

    6. If more than one Collect be said, it is customary for the Priest to say Let us pray at the beginning of the first and second Collects only. Only the first and the last Collects are said with full endings.
    If a Collect be addressed to God the Father, it should conclude Through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
    If a Collect be addressed to God the Son, it should conclude Who livest and reignest with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
    If mention of God the Son be already made in the body of a Collect, the Collect should conclude Through the same thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
    If mention of God the Holy Spirit be already made in the body of a Collect, the Collect should conclude Through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the same Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

    7. At a Requiem, the Service may be concluded after the Post Communion prayers as follows:

Priest. The Lord be with you;
Answer. And with thy spirit.
Priest. May they rest in peace;
Answer. Amen.

    8. In cases where conscientious difficulty is felt on the part of any Priest or Congregation to the use of the words beseeching thee to grant them mercy, everlasting light, and peace in the Offertory Prayer, the Bishop may use his authority to allow their omission.

    9. It shall be permissible for the Priest at his discretion to substitute the words of administration either as appointed in the Book of Common Prayer or as permitted in the Prayer Book as proposed in 1928 in place of the words prescribed in this order.

    10. It shall be permissible for the Priest at his discretion to take the ablutions immediately after the Blessing. In which case, the Priest and those with him in the sanctuary shall return to the sacristy immediately after the ablutions.

    11. If the ablutions are to be taken after the Blessing, the Priest shall return to the Altar when all have communicated and shall reverently place upon it what remaineth of the consecrated Elements, covering the same with a fair linen cloth.
 


 

This liturgy was originally developed in 1933, revised in 1935, and finally authorized for general use in 1938. It is based both on the Church of England's abortive 1928 Liturgy, and on Eastern forms. We do not know it this liturgy is still in use in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), but it was used there, somewhat modified, at least into the early 1980's.

The bishops named in the intercessory prayers are Foss Westcott
(1863-1949), Bishop of Calcutta and Metropolitan of India, Burma, and
Ceylon from 1919-1946; and Cecil Douglas Horsley (1903-1953), Bishop of
Colombo from 1938-1947 and of Gibraltar from 1947-1953.

 

 

A Devotion

    which may be said by the Priest with the ministers present either in the sacristy or at the foot of the Altar immediately before the Introduction.
    When it is said at the foot of the Altar, the Priest may say it either with the ministers present or with the ministers and with the people.

Priest. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Anthem. I will go unto the altar of God: even unto the God of my joy, and gladness.

PSALM 43
Judica me, Deus.

    1 GIVE sentence with me, O God, and defend my cause against the ungodly people: O deliver me from the deceitful and wicked man.
    2 For thou art the God of my strength, why hast thou put me from thee: and why go I so heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me?
    3 O send out thy light and thy truth, that they may lead me: and bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy dwelling.
    4 And that I may go unto the altar of God, even unto the God of my joy and gladness: and upon the harp will I give thanks unto thee, O God, my God.
    5 Why art thou so heavy, O my soul: and why art thou so disquieted within me?
    6 O put thy trust in God: for I will yet give him thanks, which is the help of my countenance, and my God.
    Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost;
    As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

    Anthem. I will go unto the altar of God: even unto the God of my joy and gladness.
    Priest. Our help standeth in the name of the Lord;
    Answer. Who hath made heaven and earth.

When this Devotion is said in the sacristy, the Priest may add a suitable prayer here.
 


 

 

THE CEYLON LITURGY

An Order for the Administration
of the Holy Communion

The Introduction

    During the entry of the Priest and his attendants a Psalm or Hymn may be sung.
    When there is an Introit, the devotion, if it is to be said by the Priest and people, will immediately follow the Introit.
    The Priest standing at the foot of the Altar shall say:

Let us pray.

ALMIGHTY God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Then shall the following Confession be said by the Priest and people together, all kneeling, the Deacon first saying:

Let us make humble confession of our sins to God.
WE confess to God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, that we have sinned in thought, word, and deed, through our own grievous fault. Wherefore we pray God to have mercy upon us.

ALMIGHTY God, have mercy upon us, forgive us all our sins and deliver us from all evil, confirm and strengthen us in all goodness, and bring us to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

And the Priest (or the Bishop, being present) standing up and turning to the people shall say:

MAY the Almighty and merciful Lord grant unto you pardon and re mission of all your sins, time for amendment of life, and the grace and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The following shall then be sung or said, the Priest standing at the Altar:

Lord, have mercy.
    Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.
    Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy.
    Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

    On Sundays (except in Advent, and on the Sundays from Septuagesima to Palm Sunday inclusive) and other Greater Feasts throughout the year the Gloria in Excelsis may be said or sung here. (See pages 35 and 54.)
    When it is omitted in this place, it is to be said or sung before the Blessing on Sundays (except in Advent, and on the Sundays from Septuagesima to Palm Sunday inclusive) and other Greater Feasts throughout the year.

Then shall the Priest say:

Answer.
Priest
.

The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.

    Then shall be said the Collect of the Day.
    Other Collects, as appointed or authorized, may follow, and the last of these shall have the full ending.
 

 

The Ministry of the Word

Immediately thereafter he that readeth the Epistle (the people being seated) shall say: The Epistle [or The Lesson] is written in the —— chapter of ——, beginning at the verse. And the reading ended, he shall say Here endeth the Epistle [or the Lesson].

A Psalm or a portion of a Psalm or a Hymn may be sung here.

Then the Deacon or Priest that readeth the Gospel (the people all standing up) shall say:

Answer.

The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.

    Deacon or Priest. The Holy Gospel is written in the —— chapter of the Gospel according to Saint ——, beginning at the ——verse.
    Answer. Glory be to thee, O Lord.
    The Gospel ended, there may be said:
    Praise be to thee, O Christ.
    Alleluia may be added to the responses before and after the Gospel from Easter Day until Trinity Sunday inclusive.

On Sundays and other Greater Feasts shall then be sung or said the Creed following, the people all standing and the Deacon first saying:

Let us make profession of our Christian belief.

I BELIEVE in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And of all things visible and invisible:
And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, Begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of very God, Begotten, not made, Being of one substance with the Father, By whom all things were made: Who for us men, and for our salvation came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, And was made man, And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, And the third day, he rose again according to the Scriptures, And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead: Whose kingdom shall have no end.
    And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord, The Giver of life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets.
    And I believe One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the Resurrection of the dead, And the Life of the world to come. Amen.

Notices may be given out here.

Biddings for special thanksgiving and prayer may be made here by the deacon. In making the biddings to thanksgiving and brayer, the Deacon may stand on the chancel step facing the peoples, the people all standing.

A Sermon or Instruction may follow here.
 

 

The Offertory

Then the Priest, turning to the people, shall say:

BELOVED, let us love one another: for love is of God.

And turning again to the Altar, the Priest shall begin the Offertory saying one or more of the Sentences following, or the Priest and Clerks shall sing the same.

OFFER unto God the sacrifice of thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the Most High. Psalm 50. 14
    I will offer in his dwelling an oblation with great gladness I will sing, and speak praises unto the Lord. Psalm 27. 7
    I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. Romans 12. 1
    I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving: and will call upon the name of the Lord. Psalm 116. 15
    Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was priest of God Most High. Genesis 14. 18
    Whoso hath the world’s goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him? I St. John 3. 17
    Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Galatians 6. 6

    Additional Sentences for special occasions are set forth at the end of this Order, on pages 39-42.
    The Priest shall then place upon the Holy Table so much Bread and Wine mingled with a little pure water, as he shall think sufficient, whilst the alms and other devotions of the people are received.
    During this a Psalm or Hymn may be sung.
    When the alms and other devotions of the people have been presented before God by the Priest, he shall say the prayer that followeth, first saying: [For the alternative see page 50.]

Let us pray.

WE humbly beseech thee, O Father, most mercifully to accept these our (alms and) oblations which we offer unto thy Divine Majesty; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

 

Then shall the Deacon standing begin the Litany following, which may be sung or said:

ALMIGHTY God, who hast taught us to make prayers, supplications, and intercessions for all men; hear us when we pray:

That it may please thee to inspire continually the universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord;

Hear us, we beseech thee.

That it may please thee to grant that all they that do confess thy holy name may agree in the truth of thy holy word, and live in unity and godly love;

Hear us, we beseech thee.

That it may please thee to lead all nations in the paths of righteousness and peace;

Hear us, we beseech thee.

That it may please thee to direct all kings and rulers, especially thy servant George, our King, that under them the world may be godly and quietly governed;

Hear us, we beseech thee.

That it may please thee to give grace to all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, especially to thy servants Foss, our Metropolitan, and Cecil Douglas, our Bishop, that by their life and doctrine they may set forth thy true and living Word, and rightly and duly administer thy Holy Sacraments;

Hear us, we beseech thee.

That it may please thee to guide and prosper all those who are labouring for the spread of thy Gospel among the nations, and to enlighten with thy Spirit all places of education and learning;

Hear us, we beseech thee.

That it may please thee that through thy heavenly benediction we may be saved from dearth and famine and may with thankful hearts enjoy the fruits of the earth in their season;

Hear us, we beseech thee.

That it may please thee to give to all thy people thy heavenly grace; and specially to this congregation here present; that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear, and receive thy holy Word; truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life;

Hear us, we beseech thee.

That it may please thee of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour all them, who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity;

Hear us, we beseech thee.

That it may please thee to grant to all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear, mercy, everlasting light, and peace;

Hear us, we beseech thee.

That it may please thee to give us grace that we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom with all thy Saints, holy Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, and Martyrs;

Hear us, we beseech thee.

The Litany ended, the Priest shall say:

Let us pray.

ALMIGHTY God, the fountain of all wisdom, who knowest our necessities before we ask, and our ignorance in asking: We beseech thee to have compassion upon our infirmities; and those things, which for our unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask, vouchsafe to give us, for the worthiness of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 

 

The Consecration

Then the Priest, turning to the people, shall say:

The Lord be with you;
Answer. And with thy spirit.
Priest. Lift up your hearts;
Answer. We lift them up unto the Lord.
Priest. Let us give thanks unto our Lord God;
Answer. It is meet and right so to do.

And turning again to the Altar, the Priest shall proceed saying:

IT is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God.

Here shall follow the Proper Preface, according to the time (see pages 43-49), if there be any specially appointed; or else immediately shall follow:

THEREFORE with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious name; evermore praising thee, and saying,

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts, heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to thee, O Lord most High.

Then shall the Priest proceed saying:

HOLY in truth art thou, Father Almighty, Eternal King, and in thine every gift and work thou dost reveal thy holiness unto men. Holy is thine only-begotten Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, through whom thou didst frame the worlds; and holy is thine ever-blessed Spirit, who searcheth out all things, yea, the deep things of thee, O God.
    Even as thou thyself art holy, so also didst thou create man in thine own image that he might dwell in holiness before thee; and when he transgressed thy commandments, thou didst not abandon him, but didst chasten him as a merciful Father; thou spakest unto him through the law and by the prophets and, when the fulness of time was come, thou spakest by thine only begotten Son; whom thou didst send forth into the world to take our nature upon him, that he might renew thine image within us;
    Who, suffering death upon the Cross for our redemption, made there (by his one oblation of himself once offered) a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and reconciliation, for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his Holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memorial of that his precious death until his coming again.
    For, the same night that he was betrayed, he 1took Bread; and when he had given thanks to thee, O Father Almighty, he blessed it and 2brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, 3this is my Body which is given for you; Do this in remembrance of me.
    Likewise after supper he 4took the Cup; and when he had given thanks to thee, he blessed it and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this; for 5this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins; Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.

1 Here the Priest is to take the Bread into his hands:
2 And here to break the Bread.
3 And here to lay his hand upon all the Bread.
4 Here he is to take the Cup into his hand:
5 And here to lay his hand upon every vessel in which there is any Wine to be consecrated.

 

    Wherefore, O heavenly Father, we thy humble servants, having in remembrance the precious death and passion of thy dear Son, his mighty resurrection, his ascension into heaven, and his session in glory, and looking for his coming again; according to his holy institution, do celebrate, and set forth before thy Divine Majesty with these thy gifts, the memorial which he hath commanded us to make, rendering unto thee most hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits which he hath procured unto us.
    And we beseech thee, most merciful Father, to hear us, and to send thy Holy Spirit upon us and upon these thy gifts, that they, being blessed and hallowed by his life-giving power, may be unto us the Body and Blood of thy most dearly beloved Son, to the end that we, receiving the same, may be sanctified both in body and soul, and preserved unto life ever lasting.
    And we entirely desire thy fatherly goodness mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching thee to grant, that by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we and all thy whole church may obtain remission of our sins; and all other benefits of his passion.
    And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee: humbly beseeching thee, that all we, who are partakers of this Holy Communion, may be fulfilled with thy grace and heavenly benediction.
    And although we be unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice; yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom, and with whom; in the unity of the Holy Ghost; all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.

Let us pray.

As our Saviour Christ hath commanded and taught us, we are bold to say:

OUR Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done; In earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil: For thine is the Kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.

Then shall the Priest say:
The peace of the Lord be alway with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.

    Here the Priest and people shall say or sing:

HOSANNA in the highest. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

Then shall silence be kept for a space.
 

 

The Communion

Then shall the Priest, kneeling down at the Lord’s Table, say in the name of all them that shall receive the Holy Communion:

Let us pray.

WE do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the Flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his Blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his Body, and our souls washed through his most precious Blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

Here shall follow this Anthem (which may be said or sung), the Priest standing; immediately after which or during which the Priest shall make his Communion.

    O LAMB of God that takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy upon us (or, at Requiems and funerals, Grant them rest).
    O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy upon us (or, at Requiems and funerals, Grant them rest).
    O Lamb of God that takest away the sins of the world, Grant us thy (or, at Requiems and funerals, Grant them rest eternal).

    The Priest shall receive the Communion in both kinds, saying when he partaketh of the consecrated Bread: THE BODY OF CHRIST, THE BREAD OF LIFE; and, when he partaketh of the Cup: THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, THE CHALICE OF LIFE; and to whomsoever the Communion be administered, these same words shall be used therewith.
    The Priest, after he has himself received the Communion, turning to the people shall say to them that come to receive the Holy Communion:

DRAW near with faith, and take this Holy Sacrament to your comfort.

During Communion time Anthems and Hymns may be sung.

And when all have communicated, the Priest shall return to the Altar and shall reverently consume what remaineth of the consecrated Elements, and thereafter he shall cleanse the sacred vessels after the usual manner, and again cover them with a veil.

During this a Psalm or Hymn may be sung.
 

 

The Thanksgiving

Then shall the Priest say:
    The Lord be with you.
Answer. And with thy spirit.

Then shall the Priest give thanks to God in the name of all them that have communicated, the Deacon first saying:

Let us give thanks unto God who hath refreshed us with food from his heavenly Table.

ALMIGHTY and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee, for that thou dost vouchsafe to feed us, who have duly received these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favour and goodness towards and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, which is the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs through hope of thy everlasting kingdom, by the merits of the most precious death and passion of thy dear Son. And we most humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.

Other prayers may be said here.

Here shall be said or sung the Gloria in Excelsis on Sundays (except in Advent, and on the Sundays from Septuagesima to Palm Sunday inclusive) and other Greater Feasts throughout the year, if it has not already been said or sung in the Introduction.

If the Gloria in Excelsis has already been said or sung, a Psalm or Hymn may be sung instead.

[For the alternative see page 54.]

GLORY be to God on high, and in earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.
    O Lord, the only-begotten Son Jesu Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world; have mercy upon us.     Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.
    For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Then the Priest (or the Bishop if he be present) shall let them depart with this Blessing.

THE peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord: and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen.

And, the people being thus dismissed, the Priest and those with him in the sanctuary shall forthwith return to the sacristy.


 
 

The Order for a Second Consecration

If the consecrated Bread or Wine be all spent before all have communicated, the Priest shall consecrate more in both kinds, saying:

OUR Lord Jesus Christ, in the same night that he was betrayed, he 1took Bread; and when he had given thanks to thee, O Father Almighty, he blessed it and 2brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, 3this is my Body which is given for you; Do this in remembrance of me.
    Likewise after supper he 4took the Cup; and when he had given thanks to thee, he blessed it and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this; for 5this is my Blood of the New Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins; Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me.

1 Here the Priest is to take the Bread into his hands:
2 And here to break the Bread.
3 And here to lay his hand upon all the Bread.
4 Here he is to take the Cup into his hand:
5 And here to lay his hand upon every vessel in which there is any Wine to be consecrated.

 

    We beseech thee, therefore, most merciful Father, to hear us, and to send thy Holy Spirit upon us and upon these thy gifts, that they, being blessed and hallowed by his life-giving power, may be unto us the Body and Blood of thy most dearly beloved Son, to the end that we, receiving the same, may be sanctified both in body and soul, and preserved unto life everlasting. Amen.


 

 

Sentences for Special Occasions
to be sung as Introits or said or sung at the Offertory.

ADVENT. REJOICE greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee. Zechariah 9. 9

CHRISTMAS. Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. Isaiah 9. 6

EPIPHANY. All kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall do him service. Psalm 72. 11

PRESENTATION. I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts. Haggai 2. 7

ANNUNCIATION. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Isaiah 52. 7

LENT. Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and full of compassion. Joel 2. 13

PASSIONTIDE. Thy rebuke hath broken my heart; I am full of heaviness: I looked for some to have pity on me, but there was no man, neither found I any to comfort me. Psalm 69. 21

MAUNDY THURSDAY. He shall feed me in a green pasture: and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. Psalm 23. 2

EASTER. Christ hath been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep. Alleluia. I Corinthians 15. 20

ROGATION DAYS. Verily, verily, I say unto you, if ye shall ask anything of the Father, he will give it you in my name. St. John 16. 23

ASCENSION. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors: and the King of glory shall come in. Alleluia. Psalm 24. 9

WHITSUNDAY. I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh. Alleluia. Joel 2. 28

TRINITY. Who shall not fear, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy. Revelation 15. 4

EMBER DAYS. The harvest is plenteous, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he send forth labourers into his harvest. St. Luke 10. 2

SAINTS’ DAYS. All thy works praise thee, O Lord: and thy saints give thanks unto thee. Psalm 145. 10

TRANSFIGURATION. We all, with unveiled face reflecting as a mirror the glory of the Lord, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Lord the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3. 18

AT INTERCESSIONS FOR MISSIONS. Go ye and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. St. Mathew 28. 19, 20

AT MEMORIALS OF THE DEPARTED. None of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. Romans 14. 7, 8

DEDICATION FESTIVAL. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace, saith the Lord of hosts. Haggai 2. 9


 

 

Proper Prefaces

During Advent.

BECAUSE thou hast given salvation unto mankind through the coming of thy well-beloved Son in great humility, and by him wilt make all things new when he shall come again in his glorious Majesty to judge the world in righteousness.

Upon Christmas Day and until the Epiphany and upon the Feast of the Annunciation.

BECAUSE thou didst give Jesus Christ thine only Son to be born for our salvation: Who, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, was made very man of the substance of the Virgin Mary his mother: and that without spot of sin, to make us clean from all sin.

Upon the Epiphany and seven days after.

THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord: Who in substance of our mortal flesh, manifested forth his glory: That he might bring all men out of darkness into his own marvellous light.

Upon the Feast of the Presentation.

BECAUSE thy blessed Son Jesus Christ our Lord, born of a woman, born under the Law, was presented in the Temple, and revealed to thy servants as a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel.

Upon Ash Wednesday and until Passion Sunday.

BECAUSE thou hast given us the spirit of discipline, that we may tri umph over the flesh, and live no longer unto ourselves but unto him who died for us and rose again.

Upon Passion Sunday and until the Thursday before Easter.

THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord: Who, being found in fashion as a man, humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross, that, being lifted up from the earth, he might draw all men unto him.

Upon the Thursday before Easter and upon a Thanksgiving for the Institution of Holy Communion.

THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord: Who having loved his own that were in the world loved them unto the end: And on the night before he suffered, sitting at meat with his disciples, did institute these holy mysteries: That we, redeemed by his death and quickened by his resurrection, might be partakers of his divine nature.

Upon Easter Day and until Ascension Day.

BUT chiefly are we bound to praise thee for the glorious resurrection of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord: For he is the very Paschal Lamb, which was offered for us, and hath taken away the sin of the world; Who by his death hath destroyed death, and by his rising to life again hath restored to us everlasting life.

Upon Ascension Day and until Whitsunday.

THROUGH thy most dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord: Who after his most glorious resurrection manifestly appeared to all his Apostles: And in their sight ascended up into heaven to prepare a place for us; That where he is, thither we might also ascend, and reign with him in glory.

Upon Whitsunday and six days after.

THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord: Who after that he had ascended up far above all the heavens, and was set down at the right hand of thy Majesty: Did pour forth upon the Church thy Holy and Life-giving Spirit: That through his power the everlasting gospel might go forth into all the world: Whereby we have been brought out of darkness and error into the clear light and true knowledge of thee, and of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.

Upon the Feast of Trinity only.

WHO with thine only-begotten Son and the Holy Ghost art one God, one Lord, in Trinity of Persons and in Unity of Substance: For that which we believe of thy glory, the same we believe of thy Son and of the Holy Ghost, without any difference or inequality.

Upon the Feast of the Transfiguration.

BECAUSE the divine glory of the Incarnate Word shone forth upon the Holy Mount before the witnesses of his Majesty: And thine own voice from heaven proclaimed thy beloved Son.

Upon All Saint’s Day and the Feasts of Apostles, Evangelists, and St. John Baptist’s Nativity, except when the Proper Preface of any Principal Feast is appointed.

WHO in the righteousness of thy Saints hast given us an ensample of godly living, and in their blessedness a glorious pledge of the hope of our calling: That, being compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, we may run with patience the race that is set before us: And with them receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away.

Upon the Consecration of Bishops, and the Ordination of Priests and Deacons and upon Ember Days.

THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord, the great Shepherd of the sheep: Who, for the feeding and guidance of his flock, did appoint divers Orders of Ministers in his Church,

At Memorials of the Departed.

THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord: who hath brought life and immortality to light, that we, who are burdened by the weight of sin and death, might not sorrow as those who have no hope: Because we know that when our earthly tabernacle is dissolved we have a better habitation.

Upon the Consecration of a Church,
or upon the Feast of its Dedication.

WHO, though the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee and thy glory is in all the world: Dost deign to hallow places for thy worship, and in them dost pour forth gifts of grace upon thy faithful people.

Upon any Sunday in the year for which no other Proper Preface is appointed.

THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord: Who on the first day of the week did rise from the dead, that we might live in him by the power of the Holy Ghost.


 

 

In place of the Prayer and the Litany on page 18 the following Offertory Prayer may be used, the Priest first saying:

Let us pray.

ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who by thy holy Apostle hast taught us to make prayers, and supplications, and to give thanks, for all men: We humbly beseech thee most mercifully to accept our (alms and) oblations, and to receive these our prayers, which we offer unto thy Divine Majesty; beseeching thee to inspire continually the universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord. And grant, that all they that do confess thy holy name may agree in the truth of thy holy Word, and live in unity, and godly love.
    We beseech thee also to lead all nations in the paths of righteousness and peace, and so to direct all kings and rulers, especially thy servant George, our King, that under them the world may be godly and quietly governed. Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, especially to thy servants Foss, our Metropolitan, and Cecil Douglas, our Bishop, that by their life and doctrine they may set forth thy true and living Word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy Sacraments.
    Guide and prosper, we pray thee, all those who are labouring for the spread of thy Gospel among the nations, and enlighten with thy Spirit all places of education and learning; that the whole world may be filled with the knowledge of thy truth.
    We entreat thee also, O Lord, that through thy heavenly benediction we may be saved from dearth and famine, and may with thankful hearts enjoy the fruits of the earth in their season.
And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace; and specially to this congregation here present; that, with meek, heart and due reverence, they may hear, and receive thy holy Word; truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life.
    And we most humbly beseech thee of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour all them, who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity.
    We commend to thy fatherly goodness, O Lord, all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear, beseeching thee to grant them mercy, ever lasting light, and peace. And here we give thee most high praise and hearty thanks for all thy Saints, who have been the chosen vessels of thy grace, and lights of the world in their several generations; and we pray, that rejoicing in their fellowship, and following their good examples, we may be partakers with them of thy heavenly kingdom.
    Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our Advocate and only Mediator; who liveth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Then shall the Priest proceed with the Consecration as on p. 22.


 

 

The Gloria in Excelsis may be said or sung in the following form:

GLORY be to God on high, and in earth peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee; We give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty, and to thee, O God, the only-begotten Son Jesu Christ, and to thee, O God, the Holy Ghost.
    O Lord, the only-begotten Son Jesu Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.
    For thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, art most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Thanks to Wayne Kempton, Archivist and Historiographer of the Diocese of New York, for supplying the text, and to Richard Mammana for transcribing it.

 

Web author: Charles Wohlers U. S. EnglandScotlandIrelandWalesCanadaWorld