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THE PROSKOMEDE

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Then they approach the icon of Christ and kiss it, saying:

We worship Thine immaculate Icon, O Good One, asking
the forgiveness of our failings, O Christ God; for of Thine
Own will Thou wast well-pleased to ascend the Cross in the
flesh, that thou mightest deliver from slavery to the enemy
those whom Thou hadst fashioned. Wherefore, we cry to
Thee thankfully: Thou didst fill all things with joy, O our
Savior, when Thou camest to save the world.

Then they kiss the icon of the Theotokos, saying the Troparion:

As thou art a well-spring of compassion, vouchsafe mercy
unto us, O Theotokos. Look upon a sinful people; show
forth, as always thy power. For hoping in thee we cry
"Rejoice!" to thee, as once did Gabriel, the Supreme
Commander of the Bodiless Hosts.

Then with bowed head the priest says:

Priest:

O Lord, stretch forth Thy hand from Thy holy place

on high, and strengthen me for this, Thine appointed
service; that standing uncondemned before Thy dread altar,
I may celebrate the bloodless ministry. For Thine is the
power and the glory unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Then they make a bow to each choir, and go into the prothesis, saying:

I shall go into Thy house; I shall worship toward Thy holy
temple in fear of Thee. O Lord, guide me in the way of Thy
righteousness; because of mine enemies, make straight my
way before Thee. For in their mouth there is no truth; their
heart is vain. Their throat is an open sepulcher, with their