The Third Antiphon

·  For the Typical Sunday (Slavic usage)

·  For the TypicalSunday (Greek & Antiochian usage)

·  Daily

·  Palm Sunday

·  Pascha

·  Ascension

·  Pentecost

·  Nativity of the Theotokos

·  Elevation of the Holy Cross

·  Entrance ofthe Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple

·  Nativity of Christ

·  Theophany

·  Meeting of the Lord inthe Temple

·  Annunciation of the Theotokos

·  Transfiguration of Christ (Slavcusage)

·  Transfiguration of Christ (Greek& Antiochian usage)

·  Dormition of the Theotokos

The Typical Sunday

(Slavic usage)

The usual practice in parishes and many monasteriesis to sing the Beatitudes straight through like a hymn. There are, howeververses appointed to be inserted between the Beatitudes. These verses varyaccording to the Tone of the week, and the observance of the day. Theycan be found in the Octoechos or the Menaion.

In Thy Kingdom remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest in* Thy Kingdom.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: forthey shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the childrenof God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: fortheirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shallsay all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven.

*The received text reads en te Basileia(i) sou the revised textused in modern translations reads eis ten Basileian sou. The formertranslates to "in Thy Kingdom", the latter to "into Thy Kingdom". Hencethe discrepancy found in many translations.

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Typical  Sunday

(Greek & Antiochian Parish usage)

The responses, which change each Sunday and feast day, are sung straight through by either the choir/congregation or Psaltes in North American parish practice
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Daily (non-festal)

The verses marked with an asterisk (*) arenormally sung in parish practice. Whether the entire Psalm is sung or onlyselect verses, the usual practice is for the choir/congregation to singthe Psalm verses with alternating verses straight through like a hymn.Alternatively, there may be two choirs, one singing the Psalm verse whilethe other (together with the congregation) sings the responses, or thecanonarch may intone the Psalm verse while the choir/congregation singsthe response after each verse.

*Come let us rejoice in the Lord, let us shout with jubilation untoGod our Saviour.
        O Son of God Who art wonderfulin Thy saints, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!

*Let us come before His countenance with thanksgiving, and with psalmslet us shout in jubilation unto Him.
        O Son of God Who art wonderfulin Thy saints, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!

*For the Lord is a great God and a great king over all the earth.
        O Son of God Who art wonderfulin Thy saints, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!

For in His hand are the ends of the earth, and the heights of the mountainsare His.
        O Son of God . . .

For the sea is His, and He made it; and the dry land His hands havefashioned.
        O Son of God . . .

O come, let us worship and fall down before Him, and let us weep beforethe Lord Who made us.
        O Son of God . . .

For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheepof His hand.
        O Son of God . . .

Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation,in the day of temptation in the wilderness.
        O Son of God . . .

For your fathers tempted Me, they proved Me and saw My works.
        O Son of God . . .

Forty years long was I grieved with that generation, and I said: Theydo always err in their hearts.
        O Son of God . . .

And they have not known My ways; so I sware in Mine anger: They shallnot enter into My rest.
        O Son of God . . .

*Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, bothnow and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen
        O Son of God . . .

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Palm Sunday

O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endureth forever.

By raising Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion, Thou didstconfirm the universal resurrection, O Christ God! Like the children withthe psalms of victory, we cry out to Thee: O Vanquisher of Death: Hosannain the highest! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!

Let the house of Israel now say that He is good, for His mercy endurethfor ever.

By raising Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion, Thou didstconfirm the universal resurrection, O Christ God! Like the children withthe psalms of victory, we cry out to Thee: O Vanquisher of Death: Hosannainthe highest! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!

Let the house of Aaron now say that He is good, for His mercy endurethfor ever.

By raising Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion, Thou didstconfirm the universal resurrection, O Christ God! Like the children withthe psalms of victory, we cry out to Thee: O Vanquisher of Death: Hosannainthe highest! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!

Let all that fear the Lord now say that He is good, for His mercy endurethfor ever.

By raising Lazarus from the dead before Thy Passion, Thou didstconfirm the universal resurrection, O Christ God! Like the children withthe psalms of victory, we cry out to Thee: O Vanquisher of Death: Hosannainthe highest! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord!

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Pascha

Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered, and let them that hateHim flee from before His face.

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death,and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

As smoke vanisheth, so let them vanish; as wax melteth before the fire,

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death,and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

So let sinners perish at the presence of God. And let the righteousbe glad;

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death,and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

This is the day which the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be gladtherin

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death,and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

(Introit) In congregations bless ye God, the Lord from the well-springsof Israel. O Son of God, Who didst arise from the dead save us who singto Thee: Alleluia!

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death,and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.

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Ascension

Hear this, all ye nations; give ear, all ye that inhabit the world,

O Christ God, Thou hast ascended in Glory, granting joy toThy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through the blessing theywere assured that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world!

Both ye that are born of earth, and ye sons of men, rich and poor mentogether.

O Christ God, Thou hast ascended in Glory, granting joy toThy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through the blessing theywere assured that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world!

My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall beof understanding.

O Christ God, Thou hast ascended in Glory, granting joy toThy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through the blessing theywere assured that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world!

I will incline mine ear unto a parable, I will unfold my problem onthe psaltery.

O Christ God, Thou hast ascended in Glory, granting joy toThy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through the blessing theywere assured that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world!

(Introit) God is gone us pin jubiliation, the Lord with the voice ofthe trumpet. O Son of God, Who hast ascended from us in glory into theHeavens, save us who chant to Thee: Alleluia!

O Christ God, Thou hast ascended in Glory, granting joy toThy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. Through the blessing theywere assured that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world!

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Pentecost

Lord, in Thy strength the king shall be glad, and in Thy salvation shallhe rejoice exceedingly.

Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, who hast revealed the fishermenas most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit; through them Thoudidst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of man, Glory to Thee!

The desire of his heart hast Thou granted unto him, and hast not deniedhim the requests of his lips.

Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, who hast revealed the fishermenas most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit; through them Thoudidst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of man, Glory to Thee!

Thou wentest before him with the blessings of goodness, Thou hast setupon his head a crown of precious stone.

Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, who hast revealed the fishermenas most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit; through them Thoudidst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of man, Glory to Thee!

(Introit) Be Thou exalted, O Lord,in Thy strength; we will sing and chant of Thy mighty acts.

Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, who hast revealed the fishermenas most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit; through them Thoudidst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of man, Glory to Thee!

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The Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos

According to Slavic practice the Beatitudesare sung. With the Beatitudes are sung four troparia from Canticle Threeof the first Canon of the feast, and four troparia from Canticle Six ofthe second Canon. According to modern Greek usage, the following antiphonis sung.

This is My rest for ever and ever; here will I dwell, for I have chosenher

Thy Nativity, O Virgin, hast proclaimed joy to the whole universe!The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, hast shone from thee, O Theotokos!By annulling the curse, He bestowed a blessing. By destroying death, Hehast granted us eternal life.

The Most High hath hallowed His tabernacle.

Thy Nativity, O Virgin, hast proclaimed joy to the whole universe!The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, hast shone from thee, O Theotokos!By annulling the curse, He bestowed a blessing. By destroying death, Hehast granted us eternal life.

Holy is Thy temple, wonderful in righteousness.

Thy Nativity, O Virgin, hast proclaimed joy to the whole universe!The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, hast shone from thee, O Theotokos!By annulling the curse, He bestowed a blessing. By destroying death, Hehast granted us eternal life.

(Introit) Come, let us worship andfall down before Christ, through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Son ofGod, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia

Thy Nativity, O Virgin, hast proclaimed joy to the whole universe!The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, hast shone from thee, O Theotokos!By annulling the curse, He bestowed a blessing. By destroying death, Hehast granted us eternal life.

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Elevation of the HolyCross

The Lord is king, let the peoples rage; He sitteth on the cherubim,let the earth be shaken.

O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grantvictories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries; and by thevirtue of Thy Cross, preserve Thy habitation.

The Lord is great in Sion, and He is high above all peoples.

O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grantvictories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries; and by thevirtue of Thy Cross, preserve Thy habitation.

Let them confess Thy great name, for it is terrible and holy; and theking's honour loveth judgment.

O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grantvictories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries; and by thevirtue of Thy Cross, preserve Thy habitation.
 

(Introit) Exalt ye the Lord our God,and worship the footstool of His feet; for He is holy.

O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grantvictories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries; and by thevirtue of Thy Cross, preserve Thy habitation.
 

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The Entrance of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple

In Slavic usage the Beatitudes are sung,in Greek usage verses from Psalm 44 sung with refrains

The rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.

Today is the preview of the good will of God, of the preachingof the salvation of mankind. The Virgin appears in the temple of God, inanticipation proclaiming Christ to all. Let us rejoice and sing to her:Rejoice, O Divine Fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation!

All the glory of the daughter of the King is within, with gold-fringedgarments is she arrayed, adorned in varied colours.

Today is the preview of the good will of God, of the preachingof the salvation of mankind. The Virgin appears in the temple of God, inanticipation proclaiming Christ to all. Let us rejoice and sing to her:Rejoice, O Divine Fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation!

The virgins that follow after her shall be brought unto the King, thosenear her shall be brought unto Thee.

Today is the preview of the good will of God, of the preachingof the salvation of mankind. The Virgin appears in the temple of God, inanticipation proclaiming Christ to all. Let us rejoice and sing to her:Rejoice, O Divine Fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation!

(Introit) Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, throughthe prayers of the Theotokos, O Son of God, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia

Today is the preview of the good will of God, of the preachingof the salvation of mankind. The Virgin appears in the temple of God, inanticipation proclaiming Christ to all. Let us rejoice and sing to her:Rejoice, O Divine Fulfillment of the Creator's dispensation!

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Nativity of Our Lord

The Lord said unto my Lord: Sit Thou at My right until I make Thineenemies the footstool of Thy feet.

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world thelight of wisdom! For by it, those who worshipped the stars, were taughtby a star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, theOrient from on high. O Lord, Glory to Thee!

A sceptre of power shall the Lord send unto Thee out of Sion; rule Thouin the midst of Thine enemies.

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world thelight of wisdom! For by it, those who worshipped the stars, were taughtby a star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, theOrient from on high. O Lord, Glory to Thee!

With Thee is dominion in the day of Thy power, in the splendour of Thysaints.

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world thelight of wisdom! For by it, those who worshipped the stars, were taughtby a star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, theOrient from on high. O Lord, Glory to Thee!

(Introit) From the womb before themorning star have I begotten Thee. The Lord hath sworn and will not repent:Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchisedek. O, Son of Godborn of the Virgin, save us who sing to Thee: alleluia

Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world thelight of wisdom! For by it, those who worshipped the stars, were taughtby a star to adore Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, theOrient from on high. O Lord, Glory to Thee!
 

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Theophany

O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endurethfor ever.

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worshipof the Trinity was made manifest! For the voice of the Father bare witnessto Thee, and called Thee His beloved Son! And the spirit, in the form ofa dove, confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God, who hastrevealed Thyself and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee!

Let the house of Israel now say that He is good, for His mercy endurethfor ever.

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worshipof the Trinity was made manifest! For the voice of the Father bare witnessto Thee, and called Thee His beloved Son! And the spirit, in the form ofa dove, confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God, who hastrevealed Thyself and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee!

Let the house of Aaron now say that He is good, for His mercy endurethfor ever.

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worshipof the Trinity was made manifest! For the voice of the Father bare witnessto Thee, and called Thee His beloved Son! And the spirit, in the form ofa dove, confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God, who hastrevealed Thyself and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee!

Let all that fear the Lord now say that He is good, for His mercy endurethfor ever.

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worshipof the Trinity was made manifest! For the voice of the Father bare witnessto Thee, and called Thee His beloved Son! And the spirit, in the form ofa dove, confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God, who hastrevealed Thyself and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee!

(Introit) Blessed is He that cometh in the Name of the Lord. We haveblessed you out of the house of the Lord. God is the Lord, and hath appearedunto us.
O Son of God, baptized by John in the Jordan, save us who sing to Thee!Alleluia

When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worshipof the Trinity was made manifest! For the voice of the Father bare witnessto Thee, and called Thee His beloved Son! And the spirit, in the form ofa dove, confirmed the truthfulness of His word. O Christ our God, who hastrevealed Thyself and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee!

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The Meeting of the Lord in the Temple

In Slavic usage, the Beatitudes are sung,in modern Greek usage the following:

Hearken, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear; and forget thineown people and thy father's house.

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, Full of Grace! From thee hastshone the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those whosat in darkness! Rejoice and be glad, O righteous elder; for thou didstaccept in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls, who grants us the Resurrection.

The rich among the people shall entreat thy countenance.

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, Full of Grace! From thee hastshone the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those whosat in darkness! Rejoice and be glad, O righteous elder; for thou didstaccept in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls, who grants us the Resurrection.

I shall commemorate thy name in every generation and generation.

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, Full of Grace! From thee hastshone the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those whosat in darkness! Rejoice and be glad, O righteous elder; for thou didstaccept in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls, who grants us the Resurrection.

(Introit)The Lord hath made known His salvation, in the sight of thenations hath He revealed His righteousness. O Son of God, carried in thearms of Simeon the righteous, save us who sing to Thee: alleluia.

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos, Full of Grace! From thee hastshone the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening those whosat in darkness! Rejoice and be glad, O righteous elder; for thou didstaccept in thine arms the Redeemer of our souls, who grants us the Resurrection.

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Annunciation of the Theotokos

On Saturdays and Sundays during Lent, and onMonday, Tuesday, or Wednesday durinig Easter Week, the Divine Liturgy iscelebrated before Vespers at the usual hour.

In Slavic usage the Beatitudes are sung, inGreek usage the following:

His name shall be blessed unto the ages, before the sun doth His namecontinue.

Today is the beginning of our salvation, the revelation ofthe eternal mystery! The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin as Gabrielannounces the coming of Grace. Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos:Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.

Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, Who alone doeth wonders.

Today is the beginning of our salvation, the revelation ofthe eternal mystery! The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin as Gabrielannounces the coming of Grace. Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos:Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.
 

And blessed is the name of His glory for ever, and unto the agesof ages,

Today is the beginning of our salvation, the revelation ofthe eternal mystery! The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin as Gabrielannounces the coming of Grace. Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos:Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.

(Introit) Sing unto the Lord, bless His name; proclaim from day to daythe good tidings of His salvation.

Today is the beginning of our salvation, the revelation ofthe eternal mystery! The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin as Gabrielannounces the coming of Grace. Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos:Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee.

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Transfiguration of Christ

(Slavic use)

They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Sion; he that dwellethat Jerusalem nevermore shall he be shaken.

Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealingThy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlastinglight shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giverof Light, glory to Thee!

Mountains are round about her, and the Lord, is round about His peopplefrom henceforth and for evermore.

Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealingThy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlastinglight shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giverof Light, glory to Thee!

O Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? And who shall dwell in Thyholy mountain?

Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealingThy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlastinglight shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giverof Light, glory to Thee!

Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand inHis holy place?

Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealingThy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlastinglight shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giverof Light, glory to Thee!

(Introit) O send out Thy light andThy truth; they have guided me along the way, and have brought me untoThy holy mountain, and unto Thy tabernacle

Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealingThy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlastinglight shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giverof Light, glory to Thee!

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Transfiguration of Christ

Greek usage

For Thou hast said: Mercy shall be built up forever.

Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealingThy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlastinglight shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giverof Light, glory to Thee!

The heavens shall confess Thy wonders, O Lord, and Thy truth in thecongregation of saints.

Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealingThy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlastinglight shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giverof Light, glory to Thee!

Blessed is the people that knoweth jubilation.

Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealingThy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlastinglight shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giverof Light, glory to Thee!

O Lord, in the light of Thy face shall they walk, and in Thy name shallthey rejoice all the day long, and in Thy righteousness shall they be exalted

Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealingThy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlastinglight shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giverof Light, glory to Thee!

(Introit) Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Thy name.

Thou wast transfigured on the Mount, O Christ God, revealingThy glory to Thy disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Thine everlastinglight shine upon us sinners! Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Giverof Light, glory to Thee!

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Dormition of the Theotokos

In Slavic usage the Beatitudes are sung forthe Third Antiphon, in Greek usage the following:

Ready is my heart, O God, ready is my hear; I sill sing and chant inmy glory.

In givine birth, thou didst preserve thy virginity! In fallingasleep thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos! Thou was translatedto life, O Mother of Life, and by thy prayers thou didst deliver our soulsfrom death!

What shall I render unto the lord for all that He hath rendered untome?

In givine birth, thou didst preserve thy virginity! In fallingasleep thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos! Thou was translatedto life, O Mother of Life, and by thy prayers thou didst deliver our soulsfrom death!

I will take the cup of ssalvation, and I will call upon the name ofthe Lord.

In giving birth, thou didst preserve thy virginity! In fallingasleep thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos! Thou was translatedto life, O Mother of Life, and by thy prayers thou didst deliver our soulsfrom death!

(Introit) Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, throughthe prayers of the Theotokos, O Son of God, save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia

In givine birth, thou didst preserve thy virginity! In fallingasleep thou didst not forsake the world, O Theotokos! Thou was translatedto life, O Mother of Life, and by thy prayers thou didst deliver our soulsfrom death!

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It should be noted that there is scholarlyopinion that the festal antiphons, as we have them, do not represent areduction of singing (i.e. from singing an entire Psalm with its appropriateresponses to just a few verses) but rather that the appointed verses wereall that were ever sung. This has its basis at least in part in the exampleof the antiphons for the Nativity and Transfiguration in which selectedverses from different Psalms are sung. On the other hand there are thosewho point out that the original function of the Antiphons were to accompany stational processions. That is, there would be a procession to the Great Church to celebrate the Liturgy for the day. On the way, the procession would stop at pre-appointed places or stations (such as the tomb containingthe relics of the saint being commemorated on that day) where the lesser litanies would be chanted. The Antiphons, according to this understanding, accompanied the procession from station to station until it came to theChurch entrance at which time "O come let us worship and fall down before Christ...." was sung as the introit, or entrance hymn. It is not our wishor intention to take sides in a scholarly discussion, to pass judgementon any particular usage, nor to edit the Tradition for future generations.It is rather to give, as completely as possible, those alternatives whichare consistent with Church Tradition and which are known to have some actualhistorical precedent. It is our hope that in each place the People of God following their appointed clergy may offer the prayer, praise, and thanksgiving of  the Divine Liturgy in an attentive and appropriate manner, and yet within the capabilities of the people in each place.


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