Emmanuel

A Moleben to our Lord Jesus Christ which is sung during the Christmas Lent - St. Philip's Fast

composed by Archpriest Conrad Dachuk

BEGINNING

The icon of Emmanuel or Our Lady of the Sign is placed in the altar on the holy table. The palamar prepares tapers which later, before the exaltation, he will distribute to the faithful. Then he lights the censer, the lights at the holy table and the lampadas before the iconostas. The temple itself is dimly lit. The priest, vested over his rason in a dark-coloured epitrakhil and phelon, and the deacon, if there is one, vested in a dark stichar and orar, stand before the holy table and bow thrice. The veil is drawn aside, but the holy doors remain closed. The priest and deacon leave the altar and stand before the iconostas in front of the main icon of the Saviour. They bow and the deacon says:

Deacon:   Father, give the blessing!

Priest:   Blessed is our God at all times, now and forever and for ages of ages.

All:   Amen.

Priest:   Glory to You, our God; glory to You!

All:   Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who are everywhere present and filling all things, Treasury of all blessings and Giver of Life, come, dwell among us, cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, O gracious Lord.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and for ages of ages. Amen.

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us of our sins; Master, pardon our transgressions; Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities for Your Name's sake.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and for ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Priest:   For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever and for ages of ages.

All:   Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (12)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and for ages of ages. Amen.

Come, let us bow in worship before our King and God.

Come, let us bow in worship before Christ our King and God.

Come, let us bow in worship and fall down before the very Lord Jesus Christ, our King and God.

Now a single reader, standing with a taper in the midst of the temple, alone reads the following psalm. Priest and deacon return to the altar.

Psalm 97

O God, with Your judgement endow the king,

and with Your justice, the king's son;

He shall govern the people with justice

and Your afflicted ones with judgement.

The mountains shall yield peace for the people,

and the hills, justice.

He shall defend the afflicted among the people,

and save the children of the poor,

and crush the oppressor.

May he endure as long as the sun,

and like the moon through all generations.

He shall be like rain coming down on the fleece,

like showers watering the earth.

Justice shall flow in his days and profound peace,

until the moon be no more.

May he rule from sea to sea,

and from the River to the ends of the earth.

The Ethiopians shall bow before him,

and his enemies shall lick the dust.

The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;

the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.

All the kings of the earth shall pay him homage,

all nations shall serve him.

For he shall rescue the poor man from the mighty,

and the afflicted man who has none to help him.

He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor;

the lives of the poor he shall save.

From fraud and injustice he shall redeem them,

and precious shall be his name in their sight.

May he live to be given the gold of Arabia,

and to be prayed for continually;

day by day shall they bless him!

May there be an abundance of grain upon the earth;

on mountain tops crops shall rustle like Lebanon;

city dwellers shall flourish like the verdure of the fields.

May his name be blessed forever;

as long as the sun his name shall remain.

In him shall all the tribes of the earth be blessed;

all the nations shall proclaim his happiness.

He shall defend the afflicted among the people,

and save the children of the poor,

and crush the oppressor.

He shall be like rain coming down on the fleece,

like showers watering the earth.

The kings of Tarshish and the Isles shall offer gifts;

the kings of Arabia and Seba shall bring tribute.

EXALTATION PROCESSION WITH THE ICON

When the reader begins the above psalm, priest and deacon return to the altar and take their places at the holy table. The holy doors are opened. The celebrant distributes tapers to concelebrating priests, if there are any, to the deacon and servers. Then he blesses the palamar to distribute tapers to the faithful standing in the temple. All light their tapers. The celebrant, accompanied by the deacon, or server if there is no deacon, incenses the icon of Emmanuel or Our Lady of the Sign three times from the four sides of the holy table. Then the procession with the icon takes place thus: The clergy bow before the holy table. The priest takes the holy icon with both hands, but if there are concelebrants, the two youngest, going first in the procession, together bear the icon. The deacon, or server, holding the taper and censer, leads the procession. Moving to the right, the go around the holy table. Leaving through the holy doors (servers leave through the deacon's doors) they come to the ambon where they bless the assembly with the holy icon. Then they descend into the temple and place the icon on an analoy or the tetrapod between the two choirs.

Once the psalm is completed, all the clergy, standing with the tapers in two rows before the icon, solemnly and with sweet melody, sing this exultation:

Priest:   We extol You, * O Christ, the Giver of life, * for by fulfilling the sign foretold of Emmanuel, * You revealed Yourself the Saviour proclaimed by the prophets.

The people repeat the same.

All:   We extol You, * O Christ, the Giver of life, * for by fulfilling the sign foretold of Emmanuel, * You revealed Yourself the Saviour proclaimed by the prophets.

While the people repeat the exaltation, the celebrant, accompanied by the deacon or server, incenses the holy icon three times from its four sides. Then he incenses the holy table all around, the whole altar area, the iconostas, concelebrating clergy, the whole temple, the assembly and again the icon, but only from the front.  Throughout the incensation, the people, lit tapers in their hands, sing the exaltation many times, repeating it after each of the following verses. The verses are sung by a cantor or the celebrant.

Verses

1.   Let the world and those who dwell in it resound * before the Lord, for He comes, He is coming to judge the earth. (Ps. 97:7,9)

2.   He has remembered His kindness toward Jacob and His faithfulness toward the house of Israel. * All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. (Ps. 97:3)

3.   "I will make a horn to sprout forth for David; * upon him my holiness shall blossom." (Ps. 131:17,18)

4.   From Zion, excellent in His beauty, * God, our God, visibly comes and will not be silent! (Ps. 49:2,3)

5.   The Lord stoops down from heaven to the sons of men, * to see if there be one who is wise or seeks God. (Ps. 13:2)

6.   He remembers forever His covenant, * the word made binding for a thousand generations. (Ps. 104:8)

7.   He bowed the heavens and came down, * from the brightness before Him the clouds passed.

(Ps. 17:10,13)

8.   The Lord of hosts is with us, * our helper is the God of Jacob. (Ps. 45:8)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and for ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to You, O God. (3)

After "Alleluia" and the repetition of the exaltation, the people are silent. Then once more the clergy intone the exaltation.

Priest:   We extol You, * O Christ, the Giver of life, * for by fulfilling the sign foretold of Emmanuel, * You revealed Yourself the Saviour proclaimed by the prophets.

The youngest going first, the clergy return to the altar through the holy doors. All extinguish their candles.

READINGS FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE

The deacon, having come to the holy doors, says:

Deacon:   Wisdom.

The reader, standing in the centre of the church before the solea, proclaims:

Reader:   A reading from the prophecy of Isaiah.

Deacon:   Let us pay attention.

The holy doors are closed. The reader reads the following paremia:

The birth and rule of Emmanuel

(Isaiah 7:14; 11:1-10; 12:1,2-3,6)

The Lord Himself will give you this sign:

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

and shall name him Emmanuel.

A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse,

and from his roots a bud shall blossom.

The Spirit of God shall rest upon him:

a spirit of wisdom and of understanding,

A spirit of counsel and of strength,

a spirit of knowledge and piety,

and he shall be filled with a spirit of reverence for God,

Not by appearance shall he judge,

not by hearsay shall he decide,

But he shall judge affairs for the poor with justice,

and decide aright for the afflicted of the earth.

He shall strike the earth with the word of his mouth,

and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked.

Justice shall be the band around his waist,

and faithfulness a belt on his hips.

Then shall the wolf be the guest of the lamb,

and the leopard shall lie down with the kid;

The calf, the bull and the lion shall browse together,

and a little child shall lead them.

The cow and the bear shall be neighbours,

together their young shall rest;

the lion shall eat hay like the ox.

The baby shall play by the den of the asp,

and the child lay his hand on the adder's lair.

They shall not harm, nor shall they cause destruction

to anyone on My holy mountain,

For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord,

as many waters cover the sea.

On that day the root of Jesse shall appear,

who will rise up to rule the nations.

In him shall the nations place their trust,

and his resting place shall be glorious.

On that day you will say:

"Behold my God, my Saviour;

I trust in Him and do not fear.

My glory and my boast is the Lord,

and He has been my Saviour!"

With joy you will draw water

at the fountain of salvation,

And you will say on that day:

"Be glad and exult, you dwellers in Zion,

for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel!"

At the conclusion of the paremia the holy doors are opened and remain so till the end of the Gospel.

Deacon:   Let us be attentive.

Priest:   Peace + be to all.

Deacon:   Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

Great Prokimenon

(t. 4) Show us, Lord, Your mercy, * and grant us Your salvation.

verse 1:

I will hear what the Lord God tells me,

for He proclaims peace to His people.

Near indeed is His salvation to those who fear Him,

that glory may dwell in our land.

verse 2:

Kindness and truth shall meet;

justice and peace shall kiss,

Truth shall spring out of the earth,

and justice look down from heaven.

verse 3:

For the Lord Himself will give benefits;

our land shall yield its increase.

Justice shall walk before Him,

and salvation, along the way of His steps.

Deacon:   Wisdom.

Reader:   A reading from the letter of the holy Apostle Paul to the Romans.

Deacon:   Let us be attentive.

God's fidelity and mercy

Romans 15: 7-13

Brethren, accept one another as Christ accepted you, for the glory of God. Yes, I affirm that Christ Jesus became the servant of the Jews because of God's faithfulness in fulfilling the promises to the patriarchs, whereas the Gentiles glorify God because of his mercy. As Scripture has it,

"Therefore I will praise You among the nations, O Lord, and I will sing to Your name."

Again it says:

"Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people."

And again:

"Praise the Lord, all you nations, glorify Him, all you peoples."

And again, Isaiah says:

"The root of Jesse shall appear, who will rise up to rule the nations. In Him shall the nations place their trust."

So may God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace in your faith, so that through the power of the Holy Spirit you may hope in abundance.

Priest:   Peace to you, reader.

Deacon:   Wisdom. Let us be attentive.

Alleluia (t. 4)

verse 1:

Reform your lives! The reign of God is at hand.

verse 2:

A herald's voice in the desert: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths."

While "Alleluia" is being sung, the Deacon incenses as usual before the reading of the Gospel.

Deacon:   Wisdom. Let us stand aright and listen to the Holy Gospel.

Priest:   Peace + to all.

All:   And to your spirit.

Priest:   A reading from the Holy Gospel according to St. John.

All:   Glory to You, O Lord; glory to You.

Deacon:   Let us be attentive.

John's testimony concerning the Light

John 1:6-8, 19-28

At that time: There was a man named John sent by God, who came as a witness to testify to the Light, so that through Him all men might believe - but only to testify to the Light, for he himself was not the Light. The true Light which gives light to every man was coming into the world.

The testimony John gave when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask, "Who are you?", was the direct statement, "I am not the Messiah." They questioned him further, "Who then? Elijah?" "I am not Elijah," he answered. "Are you the Prophet?" "No," he replied.

Finally they said to him: "Tell us who you are, so that we can give some answer to those who sent us. What do you have to say for yourself?" He said, quoting the prophet Isaiah, "I am -

'a voice in the desert, crying out: Make straight the way of the Lord!'"

Those whom the pharisees had sent proceeded to question him further: "If you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet, why do you baptise?" John answered them: "I baptise with water. There is One among you whom you do not recognise - the One who is to come after me, yet ranks before me - the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to unfasten." This happened in Bethany, across the Jordan, where John was baptising.

All:   Glory to You, O Lord; glory to You!

If there is to be a homily, it is preached now or at the dismissal. Once the Gospel or homily is ended, the holy doors are closed and remain so until the end of the moleben.

ENCOMIA DIVINE PRAISES

Priest and Deacon come into the centre of the temple before the icon of Emmanuel or Our Lady of the Sign. They intone the following encomia alternately, after each of which the people sing the appointed refrain.

(Sung: Irmos, tone 6)

Jesus, Wisdom, Designer of all, O breath of the power of God, pure Emmanation of the glory of the Almighty: come and save those who hope in you. (Twice)

Refrain:   Emmanuel, God-With-Us, have mercy on us!

Jesus, Reflection of the eternal Light, spotless Mirror of God's creative power, Icon of His goodness: come and save those who hope in You.

Jesus, Image of the invisible God, Reflection of the Father's glory, exact Representation of His Being: come and save those who hope in You.

Jesus, sweetest Child, Fulfilment of the sign, Emmanuel - "God With Us": come and save those who hope in You.

Jesus, Messenger of Great Counsel, Prince of Peace, Father of the Age to come: come and save those who hope in You.

Jesus, eternal life, wrapped as a servant in swaddling clothes, that as God You might sunder the chains of death: come and save those who hope in You.

Jesus, Star from Jacob which rose in a cave, O shepherd of Israel whom shepherds adored: come and save those who hope in You.

Jesus, Deliverance of our first parents, Joy of the patriarchs, Fulfilment of the law and the prophets: come and save those who hope in You.

Jesus, Salvation prepared in the sight of every people, Light of revelation for the Gentiles and Glory of Your people Israel: come and save those who hope in You.

Jesus, long-awaited hope of the nations, You make them children of Abraham and heirs according to the promise: come and save those who hope in You.

Jesus, ever-living Word, Lamb of God who take away the sin of the world, who came after the Forerunner yet are before him: come and save those who hope in You.

Jesus, He-Who-Is, whom the Father sent and glorifies, whose Day Abraham saw with rejoicing: come and save those who hope in You.

Jesus, Messiah, Son of the Blessed One, O blessed and only Mighty One, the Lord - to whom be honour and everlasting power: come and save those who hope in You.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: come and save those who hope in You.

Both now and forever and for ages of ages, amen: come and save those who hope in You.

Refrain:   Emmanuel, God-With-Us, have mercy on us!

TRIPLE EKTENY

The priest returns to the altar. The deacon (or priest if there is no deacon), standing at the usual place, intones this ekteny:

Have mercy on us, O God, according to Your great mercy, we implore You: Hear us and mercy.

All:   Lord, have mercy. (3)

That the Church of Christ be established throughout the world as a visible sign of the nearness of the reign of God, so that in evangelical hope and poverty believers may confidently await the Saviour who is coming to confirm the citizens of new and heavenly Jerusalem, we implore You: hear us, O Lord, and have mercy.

All:   Lord, have mercy. (3)

That our brothers and sisters who are persecuted now by the works of darkness may find power in hope of a just judgement which will destroy the injustice of men, we earnestly implore You, O righteous Father and God of all consolation: hear us and graciously have mercy.

All:   Lord, have mercy. (3)

That dedicating ourselves and one another in this holy time of fast to preparing a path for the One who is coming, the good Spirit of His grace would level the mountains of our sins and failings and make our crooked ways straight, we implore You: hear us, O Lord, and have mercy.

All:   Lord, have mercy. (3)

That the love of God, urging us to imitate the Lord Jesus in His struggle to reconcile men to the Father and to each other, would make us sharers in the saving work of drawing all things together in harmony and peace, we fervently implore You: hear us, O God, and have mercy.

All:   Lord, have mercy. (3)

We also implore the Lord or God that He hear the prayerful voice of us sinners and have mercy on His servants, N., N., N.,( those who brought offerings for the moleben)... and protect them from all anxiety, danger, violence and need, and grant them health with long life, let us all say: hear us quickly, and graciously have mercy.

All:   Lord, have mercy. (3)

Priest:   Hear us, O God, our Saviour, the hope of mankind throughout the world and across the distant seas. Forgive us, O Lord, forgive us our wrongdoings and have mercy on us. For you are a merciful God, so full of love for mankind, and we give glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and for ages of ages.

All:   Amen

PRAYER ON BENDED KNEES

Priest and deacon come before the icon which was taken in procession.

Deacon:   With tenderness in our hearts let all of us, bowing our heads and our knees, pray to the Lord.

All:   Lord, have mercy.       (All kneel)

Priest:   O God and Father, the Almighty One, You created man in Your image and likeness, and when he fell through disobedience, You promised to send him a Saviour. When the fullness of time had come, Your favour rested on Your only-begotten Son and He was born of the ever-virgin Mary. Thus what Isaiah the prophet foretold was fulfilled: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call His name Emmanuel, which means 'God-With-Us'." His birth filled all creation with light, He gave us the baptism of repentance and restored our ancient dignity. Now, most compassionate Lord, You bring us to these honoured days of fast that we may do battle with the desires of the flesh and draw strength from the hope of resurrection. Receive us, then, as penitents and forgive us all our wrongs, those done knowingly and  unknowingly, through malice and through weakness. And may the bending of our knees, our fasting and our works of mercy rise up before You as incense, as sweet spiritual fragrance, that in company with the Magi and the shepherds we too, with pure hearts, may be found worthy to bow down before the Nativity of Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son. To Him, with You and Your all-holy Spirit, belong glory, honour and worship, now and ever and for ages of ages.

All:   Amen.

LENTEN PROSTRATIONS

Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian

O Lord and Master of my life,

drive far from me the spirit of laziness and indifference,

the spirit which loves the first places,

the spirit of idle chatter. (Prostration)

instead, give me Your servant

the spirit of moderation and humility,

the spirit of patience and love. (Prostration)

Yes, my Lord and King,

make me aware of my own failings,

and may I never judge my brother.

Blessed are You forever. Amen. (Prostration)

DISMISSAL

Deacon:   Wisdom.

All:   More honourable than the cherubim, and beyond compare, more glorious than the seraphim, without stain you bore the Word of God; O true Theotokos, we extol you.

Priest:   Glory to You, Christ God our hope; glory to You!

All:   Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and for ages of ages. Amen. Lord have mercy. (3) Give the blessing.

Priest:   May Christ our true God, who for our salvation chose to fulfill the sign foretold of Emmanuel have mercy on us and save us by the prayers of His most pure Mother, of the holy, glorious prophet, forerunner and baptiser John, of the holy prophet and herald of the Saviour Isaiah, of the holy fathers, prophets and just ones who, living under the Law awaited the Messiah's coming, and by the prayers of all good saints: for He is good and full of love for mankind.

All:   Amen

All come forward to kiss the holy icon of Emmanuel or Our Lady of the Sign and to receive a blessing from the priest.