THE CLEMENTINE LITURGICAL TEXT
Compiled by Father Michel Najim
THE ENARXIS
PRIEST: Peace be to all.
PEOPLE: And to thy spirit.
THE READINGS
DEACON: Let us attend.
READER: The reading from the book of Genesis.
Genesis 28:10-19
Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. {11} So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. {12} Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder <was> set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. {13} And behold, the LORD stood above it and said: "I <am> the LORD God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. {14} "Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. {15} "Behold, I <am> with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you." {16} Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know <it>." {17} And he was afraid and said, "How awesome <is> this place! This <is> none other than the house of God, and this <is> the gate of heaven!" {18} Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. {19} And he called the name of that place Bethel.
READER: The reading from the book of Joel.
Joel 2:23-32
And the Lord spoke: Be glad then, you children of Zion, And rejoice in the LORD your God; For He has given you the former rain faithfully, And He will cause the rain to come down for you; The former rain, And the latter rain in the first <month>. {24} The threshing floors shall be full of wheat, And the vats shall overflow with new wine and oil. {25} "So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you. {26} You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the LORD your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame. {27} Then you shall know that I <am> in the midst of Israel: I <am> the LORD your God And there is no other. My people shall never be put to shame. {28} "And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions. {29} And also on <My> menservants and on <My> maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. {30} "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. {31} The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD. {32} And it shall come to pass <That> whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.
PEOPLE: Prokeimenon, Psalm 18
Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
Verse 1: The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
Verse 2: There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
Verse 3: In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
Verse 4: Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
Verse 5; The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. The commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes.
Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
Verse 6: The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey. and drippings of the honeycomb.
Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
Verse 7: Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
THE EPISTLES
READER: The reading from the Acts of the Apostles.
Acts 1:12-17, 21-26
At that time, the disciples returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey. {13} And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John, and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James <the son> of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas <the son> of James. {14} These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
{15} And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (altogether the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), and said, {16} "Men <and> brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; {17} "for he was numbered with us and obtained a part in this ministry."
"Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, {22} "beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection." {23} And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. {24} And they prayed and said, "You, O Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which of these two You have chosen {25} "to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place." {26} And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
READER: The reading from the Epistle of Saint Paul’s letter to the Romans.
Romans 10:11-18
Brethren, the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame." {12} For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. {13} For "whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." {14} How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? {15} And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" {16} But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?" {17} So then faith <comes> by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. {18} But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: "Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world."
PEOPLE: Alleluiarion, Psalm 96
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse 1:O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse 2: Tell of his salvation from day to day.Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse 3: Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse 4: Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse 5: Bring an offering, and come into his courts.Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse 6: Say among the nations, “The Lord is king! The world is firmly established; it shall never be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
Verse 7: For he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.
THE GOSPEL
DEACON: The reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.
Matthew 10:32-33, 37-38, 19:27-30
The Lord said to his disciples: Whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. {33} "But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
"He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. {38} "And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?" {28} So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. {29} "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. {30} "But many <who are> first will be last, and the last first.
THE SERMON
The priest addresses the people saying:
PRIEST: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God the Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
PEOPLE: And with thy spirit.
At the end of the sermon the congregation stands:
DISMISSAL OF LISTENERS
DEACON: Let none of the Listeners remain. Let none of the non-believers remain.
LITANY FOR THE CATECHUMENS
DEACON: Pray to the Lord, Ye catechumens. Let all the faithful pray fervently for them in their mind.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Let us all pray unto God for the catechumens, that He that is good, He that is the lover of mankind, will mercifully hear their prayers and their supplications, and so accept their petitions as to assist them and give them those desires of their hearts which are for their advantage.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That he will reveal to them the Gospel of His Christ.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That he will give them illumination and understanding.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That he will instruct them in the knowledge of God.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That he will teach them His commands and His ordinances.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That he will implant in them His pure and saving fear.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That he will open the ears of their hearts that they may exercise themselves in His law day and night; strengthen them in piety.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That he will unite them to and number them with His holy flock; vouchsafe them the layer of regeneration, and the garment of incorruption, which is the true life.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That he will deliver them from all ungodliness, and give no place to the adversary against them.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That he will cleanse them from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, and dwell in them, and walk in them, by His Christ.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That he will bless their goings out and their comings in, and order their affairs for their good.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Let us still earnestly put up our supplications for them, that they may obtain the forgiveness of their transgressions by their admission, and so may be thought worthy of the holy mysteries, and of constant communion with the saints.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Rise up, ye catechumens, implore for yourselves the peace of God through His Christ,
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That you may have a peaceful day, and the whole time of your life sinless and blameless.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That you may have a Christian ending to your lives.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That God may be compassionate and merciful upon you.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That may grant you the forgiveness of your transgressions.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Dedicate yourselves to the only unbegotten God, through His Christ.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Bow down your heads, and receive the blessing.
PRAYER FOR BOWING THEIR HEADS
PRIEST: O God Almighty, unbegotten and inaccessible, who only art the true God, the God and Father of Thy Christ, Thy only begotten Son; the God of the Comforter, and Lord of the whole world; who by Christ didst appoint Thy disciples to be teachers for the teaching of piety; do Thou now also look down upon Thy servants, who are receiving instruction in the Gospel of Thy Christ, and “give them a new heart, and renew a right spirit in their inward parts, that they may both know and do Thy will with full purpose of heart, and with a willing soul. Vouchsafe them an holy admission, and unite them to Thy holy Church, and make them partakers of Thy divine mysteries, through Christ, who is our hope, and who died for them; by whom glory and worship be given to Thee in the Holy Spirit for ever.
PEOPLE: Amen.
DEACON: Depart, ye catechumens, in peace.
LITANY FOR THOSE WHO ARE AFFLICTED WITH UNCLEAN SPIRITS
DEACON: Ye energumens, afflicted with unclean spirits, pray. And let us all earnestly, pray for them.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: That God, the lover of mankind, will by Christ rebuke the unclean and wicked spirits, and deliver His supplicants from the dominion of the adversary.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: May He that rebuked the legion of demons, and the devil, the prince of wickedness, even now rebuke these apostates from piety, and deliver His own workmanship from his power, and cleanse those creatures which He has made with great wisdom.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Let us still pray earnestly for them.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Save them, O God, and raise them up by Thy power.
PEOPLE: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Bow down your heads, ye energumens, and receive the blessings.
PRAYER FOR BOWING THEIR HEADS
PRIEST: Thou, who hast bound the strong man, and spoiled all that was in his house, who hast given us power over serpents and scorpions to tread upon them, and upon all the power of the enemy; who hast delivered the serpent, that murderer of men, bound to us, as a sparrow to children, whom all things dread, and tremble before the face of Thy power; who hast cast him down as lightning from heaven to earth, not with a fall from a place, but from honour to dishonour, on account of his voluntary evil disposition; whose look dries the abysses, and threatening melts the mountains, and whose truth remains for ever; whom the infants praise, and sucking babes bless; whom angels sing hymns to, and adore; who lookest upon the earth, and makest it tremble; who touchest the mountains, and they smoke; who threatenest the sea, and driest it up, and makest all its rivers as desert, and the clouds are the dust of His feet; who walkest upon the sea as upon the firm ground; Thou only begotten God, the Son of the great Father, rebuke these wicked spirits, and deliver the works of Thy hands from the power of the adverse spirit. For to Thee is due glory, honour, and worship, and by Thee to Thy Father, in the Holy Spirit, for ever.