THE PROSKOMEDE
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Then taking the phelonion, and having blessed and kissed it, he says thus:
Priest:
Thy priests, O Lord, shall be clothed with
righteousness, and Thy saints with rejoicing shall rejoice,
always, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Then having gone to the prothesis, they wash their hands, saying:
I will wash my hands in innocency and I will compass Thine
altar, O Lord, that I may hear the voice of Thy praise and
tell of all Thy wondrous works. O Lord, I have loved the
beauty of Thy house, and the place where Thy glory
dwelleth. Destroy not my soul with the ungodly, nor my life
with men of blood, in whose hands are iniquities; their right
hand is full of bribes. But as for me, in mine innocence have
I walked; redeem me, O Lord, and have mercy on me. My
foot hath stood in uprightness; in the congregations will I
bless Thee, O Lord.
Then making three reverences before the table of oblation, each says:
O God, cleanse me a sinner and have mercy on me.
Thrice.
Priest:
Thou hast redeemed us from the curse of the law by
Thy precious Blood. Having been nailed to the Cross and
pierced with a spear, Thou hast gushed forth immortality
upon mankind. O our Savior, glory to Thee.
Deacon:
Bless, Master.
Priest:
Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto
the ages of ages.