Before Holy Communion

The full Office of Preparation, with its canon and the prayers of St. Basil, St. John Chrysostom and St. Symeon, is read the evening before or in the morning. Those texts are added with the Archdiocese's blessing on its translation. What follows is said by everyone in church as the Holy Gifts are brought out, and may be read quietly beforehand.

The Prayer before Communion

I believe, O Lord, and I confess, that thou art, in very truth, the Christ, the Son of the living God, who didst come into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. And I believe that this is, of a truth, thine all-pure Body, and that this is thine own precious Blood. Wherefore I beseech thee, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, whether voluntary or involuntary; whether of word or of deed; whether committed with knowledge or in ignorance. And vouchsafe that I may partake without condemnation of thine all-pure Mysteries, unto the remission of my sins, and unto life eternal.

Of thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me today as a communicant: for I will not speak of thy Mystery to thine enemies, neither like Judas will I give thee a kiss; but like the thief will I confess thee: Remember me, O Lord, in thy kingdom.

And let not this participation in thy Holy Mysteries be unto judgment upon me, or unto condemnation, O Lord, but unto the healing of soul and body.

Approach with the arms crossed on the breast, say your baptismal name to the priest, and do not make the sign of the cross at the chalice. After receiving, take the antidoron and the warm wine, and keep silence until the prayers of thanksgiving.

After Communion

Let our mouths be filled with thy praise, O Lord, that we may sing of thy glory; for thou hast vouchsafed us to partake of thy holy, divine, immortal and life-giving Mysteries. Keep us in thy holiness, that all the day long we may learn thy righteousness. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

The Prayers of Thanksgiving after Communion are read standing, after the dismissal, from the parish's book or the card at the candle stand.