Page 437 - Special Occasion Prayers

Holy Matrimony 437

(The celebrant kisses the altar, crosses his hands over his
chest and prays:)

CEL: We offer you praise and honor, worship and thanksgiving.
(The celebrant crosses himself) Now, + always and forever.

ALL: Amen

(The celebrant blesses the people)

CEL: Peace + be with you.

ALL: With you and with your spirit.

(One of the servers receives the sign of peace from the cele-
brant and offers peace to the other servers and the assembly).

SER: (Facing the congregation) My brothers and sisters, give
peace to one another / in the love of Christ. Let us thank the
Lord / and entreat Him with pure and contrite hearts. Let us stand
with due reverence / and be attentive to the awe-inspiring myster-
ies being celebrated here. The priest (bishop) is imploring that /
peace may flourish through his intercession. Bowing our heads,
let us lift up our thoughts to heaven, and pray fervently and de-
votedly / in your hearts. Peace be with us.

(During the above prayers, celebrant recites in a low voice).

Lord! Mighty God! In Your mercy, help me in my weakness.
By Your grace make me worthy to offer before You, this liv-
ing and holy sacrifice for the good of this congregation and
for the praise of Your adorable Trinity. Lord of all, forever.

(The celebrant removes the 'Sosappa' that is covering the
holy mysteries and arranges it around them).

Lord, by Your grace, You have made me worthy of Your
Body and Blood. May I also find favor in Your presence on
the day of judgment.

(The server brings the incense, celebrant blesses it with the
following prayer in a low voice).

May this incense. which we offer in honor of the Father, the