BLESSING OF THE ARTOS
BLESSING OF THE ARTOS
The Usual Beginning (with the solemn doxology.
P: Christ is risen from the dead, by death He conquered Death, and to those in the graves, He granted life. (3)
P: Let us pray to the Lord.
R: Lord, have mercy.
0 Lord, God almighty, Who through your servant Moses, at the exodus of Israel from Egypt, and the liberation of your people from the bitter bondage of Pharaoh, commanded that a lamb be slain, foreshadowing the lamb — your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ — Who because of our deeds, of His own good will, was slain on the cross, and took away the sins of the whole world; we humbly entreat You, look upon this bread., and bless + and sanctify -f it. For we, your servants in honor and glory and commemoration of the glorious resurrection of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom also, we have received freedom and release from the eternal snares of the enemy and the unbreakable bonds of hell, now before your majesty, on this, exceeding bright, and all-glorious, and saving day of Easter, offer this bread. Grant that we who offer it, and those who shall kiss it and shall taste of it, may be partakers of your heavenly blessings; and by your might root out from us all sickness and infirmity, granting health to all: For You are the Source of all blessings, and the Giver of health, and we give glory to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever.
R: Amen.
This Artos is blessed by the sprinkling of this holy water, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
BLESSING AT THE BREAKING OF THE ARTOS ON THOMAS SUNDAY
P: Let us pray to the Lord.
R: Lord, have mercy.
О Lord Jesus Christ, our God, the Angelic Bread, the Bread of Life everlasting, Who came down from heaven, and have fed us on these festive days with the spiritual food of your divine benefits, for the sake of your three day burial and saving resurrection, we humbly entreat You, as You have blessed the five loaves in the wilderness, so also bless this bread, that all who partake of it may be assured of bodily and spiritual health and blessings, through the grace and bounties of your love toward mankind: For You are our sanctification, and we give glory to You, with your eternal Father, and your all-holy, gracious, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and forever.
R: Amen.
The dismissal of the Resurrection,
The tropar “Christ is risen” is sung three times.
The priest then breaks the Artos for distribution to the faithful.
