A Prayer of the Church under Grievous Persecutions

Oratio Ecclesiæ sub gravibus persecutionibus.

Aña. Memor esto congregatiónis tuæ, Dómine, quam possedísti ab inítio. Ps. 73, 2

Psalmus 73

Ut quid, Deus, repulísti in finem: * irátus est furor tuus super oves páscuæ tuæ?

Memor esto congregatiónis tuæ, * quam possedísti ab inítio.

Redemísti virgam hereditátis tuæ: * mons Sion, in quo habitásti in eo.

Leva manus tuas in supérbias eórum in finem: * quanta malignátus est inimícus in sancto!

Et gloriáti sunt qui odérunt te: * in médio solemnitátis tuæ.

Posuérunt signa sua, signa: * et non cognovérunt sicut in éxitu super summum.

Quasi in silva lignórum secúribus excidérunt jánuas ejus in idípsum: * in secúri et áscia dejecérunt eam.

Incendérunt igni Sanctuárium tuum: * in terra polluérunt tabernáculum nóminis tui.

Dixérunt in corde suo cognátio eórum simul: * Quiéscere faciámus omnes dies festos Dei a terra.

Signa nostra non vídimus, jam non est prophéta: * et nos non cognóscet ámplius.

Úsquequo, Deus, improperábit inimícus: * irrítat adversárius nomen tuum in finem?

Ut quid avértis manum tuam, et déxteram tuam, * de médio sinu tuo in finem?

Deus autem Rex noster ante sǽcula: * operátus est salútem in médio terræ.

Tu confirmásti in virtúte tua mare: * contribulásti cápita dracónum in aquis.

Tu confregísti cápita dracónis: * dedísti eum escam pópulis Æthíopum.

Tu dirupísti fontes, et torréntes: * tu siccásti flúvios Ethan.

Tuus est dies, et tua est nox: * tu fabricátus es auróram et solem.

Tu fecísti omnes términos terræ: * æstátem et ver tu plasmásti ea.

Memor esto hujus, inimícus improperávit Dómino: * et pópulus insípiens incitávit nomen tuum.

Ne tradas béstiis ánimas confiténtes tibi, * et ánimas páuperum tuórum ne obliviscáris in finem.

Réspice in testaméntum tuum: * quia repléti sunt, qui obscuráti sunt terræ dómibus iniquitátum.

Ne avertátur húmilis factus confúsus: * pauper et inops laudábunt nomen tuum.

Exsúrge, Deus, júdica causam tuam: * memor esto improperiórum tuórum, eórum quæ ab insipiénte sunt tota die.

Ne obliviscáris voces inimicórum tuórum: * supérbia eórum, qui te odérunt, ascéndit semper.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Aña. Memor esto congregatiónis tuæ, Dómine, quam possedísti ab inítio. Ps. 73, 2

Preces

Kýrie, eléison. R. Christe, eléison. Kýrie, eléison.

Pater noster, 

(secreto) qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris.

V. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem.

R. Sed líbera nos a malo. Matt. 6, 9-13; Luc. 11, 3

V. Salvos fac servos tuos.

R. Deus meus, sperántes in te. Cf. Ps. 85, 2

V. Esto nobis, Dómine, turris fortitúdinis.

R. A fácie inimíci. Cf. Ps. 60, 4

V. Nihil profíciat inimícus in nobis.

R. Et fílius iniquitátis non appónat nocére nobis. Cf. Ps. 88, 23

V. Dómine, non secúndum peccáta nostra fácias nobis.

R. Neque secúndum iniquitátes nostras retríbuas nobis. Cf. Ps. 102, 10

V. Mitte nobis, Dómine, auxílium de sancto.

R. Et de Sion tuére nos. Cf. Ps. 19, 3

V. Dómine, exáudi oratiónem meam.

R. Et clamor meus ad te véniat. Ps. 101, 2

Orémus.

Oratio contra persecutores Ecclesiæ

Ecclésiæ tuæ, quæsumus, Dómine, preces placátus admítte: ut, destrúctis adversitátibus et erróribus univérsis, secúra tibi sérviat libertáte. Per Christum Dóminum nostrum. R. Amen.

V. Exáudiat nos omnípotens et miséricors Dóminus.

R. Et custódiat nos semper. Amen.

"Ukraine's Freedom Has Not Yet Perished, Nor Has Her Glory"

 Ще не вмерла України ні слава, ні воля.

Thus the first line of the Ukrainian national anthem; and despite all the evils inflicted on Ukraine by the barbarous Russian hordes, still she stands firm, and these words remain true. 

Today marks the second anniversary of the Russian invasion; and while lamenting the terrible loss of life, all decent right-believing people still look to Ukraine's ultimate victory and the triumph of goodness, truth and justice over evil, lies and cruelty.

There is a God, and he is just, judging with justice; whether in this world or the next, justice shall be done, and mercy poured out by the Lord who loves mankind.

Troparion: 

Save thy people, O Lord, and bless thine inheritance. Grant victory to thy faithful people against enemies, and protect thy community by thy Cross.

Theotokion: 

O awesome intercession that cannot be put to shame, O good one, disdain not our prayer; O all-hymned Theotokos, establish the community of the orthodox, save our pious rulers, whom thou hast commanded to rule, and grant unto them victory from heaven, for thou hast brought forth God, O only blessed one.

Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!

Слава Україні! Героям слава!

Merry Christmas MMXXIII

Cum enim quietum silentium contineret omnia, et nox in suo cursu medium iter haberet, omnipotens sermo tuus de cælo, a regalibus sedibus... prosilivit. — Sap. 18, 14-15

For while all things were in quiet silence, and the night was in the midst of her course, thy almighty word leapt down from heaven from thy royal throne. — Wisdom 18:14-15

******

Thine all-powerful Word, O Lord, leapt down from heaven! The Incarnation of the Eternal Word, the Second Person of the most blessed Trinity hypostatically united henceforth forever to a human nature: all this a supreme mystery beyond the grasp of every created mind!

This text is used as the Introit on the Sunday within the Octave of Christmas, with the following changes, some quite minor – but rather than saying that a “quiet silence” (nominative singular) “contained” (singular) “all things” (accusative), the first phrase instead is made to say that “all things” (nominative plural) “held” (plural) a “moderate silence” (accusative)... and the magnificent verb prosilivit (leapt) becomes the more common venit (came):

Dum médium siléntium tenérent ómnia, et nox in suo cursu médium iter habéret, omnípotens Sermo tuus, Dómine, de cælis a regálibus sédibus venit.

While all things held a moderate silence, and the night was in the midst of her course, thine almighty Word, O Lord, came from the heavens from thy royal throne.

With further slight alterations (changing habéret to perágeret, omitting de cælis, and adding a final allelúja) this text is used as both the Magnificat Antiphon at first Vespers and the Benedictus Antiphon at Lauds on that same Sunday; while on the 4th Sunday of Advent, a shorter modified version of the second part is sung as the fifth psalm antiphon at both Lauds and Vespers, and also as the sole psalm antiphon at None – Omnípotens Sermo tuus, Dómine, a regálibus sédibus veniet. (Thine almighty Word, O Lord, shall come from thy royal throne.)

A Litany for King Charles on the Eve of the Coronation

On the eve of the Coronation, of your charity pray for King Charles III; the following litany may prove appropriate - having located the original document I have corrected some misprints and omissions (and since amended yet a few more):

A Litany for King Charles

Cf. Litanies royales pour dire durant les processions en tout temps (1622) [mutat. Ludovicum in Carolum]

Kyrie eleison. Christe eleison. Kyrie eleison.

Christe, audi nos. Christe, exaudi nos.

Pater de cælis, Deus, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Ps. 19, 9)

Fili, Redemptor mundi, Deus, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Spiritus Sancte, Deus, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex, salvator mundi, Deus, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Joan. 4, 42)

Rex, mundi Creator, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. 2 Mach. 7, 23)

Rex lucis æternæ, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Sap. 7, 26)

Rex cælestis gloriæ, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 23, 7 etc.)

Rex tremendæ Majestatis, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex pacifice, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex Christe Messias, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex, æterne Deus, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Dan. 13, 42)

Rex Sanctorum Agminum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex Angelorum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex Prophetarum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex Apostolorum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex Martyrum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex Confessorum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex sanctarum Virginum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex, Justorum merces, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex, bonitatis origo, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex, fons pietatis, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex, mitis ad ignoscendum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Is. 55, 7)

Rex multæ misericordiæ, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 85, 5 etc.)

Rex, pater totius consolationis, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. 2 Cor. 1, 3)

Rex, sol occasum nesciens, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Is. 60, 20)

Rex, scutum et fides Abraham, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex lapis et pastor Israël, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Gen. 49, 24)

Rex, Fili David, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Matt. 9, 27 etc.)

Rex, spiritus Eliæ, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. 4 Reg. 2, 15)

Rex, Dominus noster, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Is. 33, 22)

Rex, Legifer noster, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Is. 33, 22)

Rex, Salvator noster, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. 1 Par. 16, 35)

Rex cujus misericordiæ non est numerus, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex, Via, Veritas et Vita, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Joan. 14, 6)

Rex, cui vivimus, movemur et sumus, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Act. 17, 28)

Rex, conterens malleum universæ terræ, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Jer. 50, 23)

Rex fortis et potens in prælio, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 23, 8)

Rex, Dominus Deus Sabaoth, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Qui fecisti magnalia Ægypto, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 105, 21)

Qui terribilia in mari rubro, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 105, 22)

Qui mirabilia in terra Chanaan, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 105, 22)

Qui firmasti terram super aquas, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 135, 6)

Qui percussisti Ægyptum cum primogenitis eorum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 135, 10)

Qui posuisti mare in divisiones, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 135, 13)

Qui excussisti Pharaonem cum virtute sua in mari Rubro, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 135, 15)

Qui avertisti captivitatem Jacob, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 84, 2)

Qui educis vinctos in fortitudine, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 67, 7)

Qui traduxisti populum tuum per desertum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 135, 16)

Qui eduxisti mel de petra et oleum de saxo durissimo, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Deut. 32, 13)

Qui cibasti Israël de adipe frumenti, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 80, 17)

Qui convertisti petram in stagna aquarum, et rupem in fontes aquarum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 113, 8)

Qui percussisti Reges magnos, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 135, 17)

Qui das salutem Regibus, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 143, 10)

Qui ponis nubem ascensum tuum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 103, 3)

Qui ascendis super pennas ventorum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 103, 3)

Qui das escam omni carne, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 135, 25)

Qui ponis fines tuos pacem, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 147, 3)

Qui in humilitate nostra memor fuisti nostri, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ps. 135, 23)

Qui solus habes immortalitem, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (1 Tim. 6, 16)

Rex, expectatio gentium, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Gen. 49, 10)

Rex gloriæ Israël, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Luc. 2, 32)

Rex, Verbum caro factum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Joan. 1, 14)

Rex, nobis datus, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Is. 9, 6)

Rex, pro nobis sanguinem fundens, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Ex. 29, 12)

Rex, pro nobis mortem passus, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. 1 Pet. 2, 21)

Rex stimulus mortis, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. 1 Cor. 15, 56)

Rex, morsus inferni, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Os. 13, 14)

Rex, horror dæmonum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex, resurrectio et vita mortuorum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Joan. 11, 25; 1 Cor. 15, 42)

Rex, illuminatio cæcorum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Is. 35, 5)

Rex, auditus surdorum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Is. 35, 5)

Rex, lingua mutorum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Is. 35, 6)

Rex, per quem reges regnant, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Prov. 8, 15)

Rex, vera spes principum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex, clypeus regum, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex, Dominus dominantium, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum. (Cf. Apoc. 19, 16)

Rex, oculus universi orbis, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Rex cæli et terræ, Salvum fac Regem nostrum Carolum.

Propitius esto Regi, Te rogamus audi nos.

Ab omni malo, Libera eum, Domine.

Ab omni peccato, Libera eum, Domine.

Ab ira tua, Libera eum, Domine.

A subitanea et improvisa morte, Libera eum, Domine.

Ab insidiis diaboli, Libera eum, Domine.

Ab odio et omni mala voluntate, Libera eum, Domine.

A fulgura et tempestate, Libera eum, Domine.

A morte perpetua, Libera eum, Domine.

Per mysterium incarnationis tuæ, Libera eum, Domine.

Per adventum tuum, Libera eum, Domine.

Per Nativitatem tuam, Libera eum, Domine.

Per sanctum Baptismum et jejunium tuum, Libera eum, Domine.

Per mortem et sepulturam tuam, Libera eum, Domine.

Per sanctam Resurrectionem tuam, Libera eum, Domine.

Per admirabilem Ascensionem tuam, Libera eum, Domine.

Per Adventum Spiritus sancti Paracleti, Libera eum, Domine.

In die judicii, Libera eum, Domine.

Ut Ecclesiam tuam sanctam tueatur ac protegat, Te rogamus, audi nos.

Ut mentem suam ad cælestia desideria erigat, Te rogamus, audi nos.

Ut victor exeat ab omnibus inimicis suis, Te rogamus, audi nos.

Ut hostes suos superet, Te rogamus, audi nos.

Ut virtutum omnium percipiat incrementa, Te rogamus, audi nos.

Ut pacem suorum regnorum conservare digneris, Te rogamus, audi nos.

Ut omne consilium suum confirmes, Te rogamus, audi nos. (Cf. Ps. 19, 5)

Ut sis memor sacrificii sui, Te rogamus, audi nos. (Cf. Ps. 19, 4)

Ut impleas omnes petitiones illius, Te rogamus, audi nos. (Cf. Ps. 19, 7)

Ut exaudias illum de cælo sancto tuo, Te rogamus, audi nos. (Cf. Ps. 19, 7)

Ut salvum facias illum, Te rogamus, audi nos. (Cf. Ps. 19, 9)

Fili Dei, Salvum fac Regem. (Ps. 19, 9)

Fili Dei, Salvum fac Regem.

Fili Dei, Salvum fac Regem.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, Parce Regi, Domine.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, Exaudi vocem orationis ejus.

Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, Salvum fac Regem, et exaudi nos in die qua invocaverimus te. (Ps. 19, 9)

Psalmus 19

Exaudiat te Dominus in die tribulationis: protegat te nomen Dei Jacob.

Mittat tibi auxilium de sancto: et de Sion tueatur te.

Memor sit omnis sacrificii tui: et holocaustum tuum pingue fiat.

Tribuat tibi secundum cor tuum: et omne consilium tuum confirmet.

Lætabimur in salutari tuo: et in nomine Dei nostri magnificabimur.

Impleat Dominus omnes petitiones tuas: nunc cognovi quoniam salvum fecit Dominus Christum suum.

Exaudiet illum de cælo sancto suo: in potentatibus salus dexteræ ejus.

Hi in curribus, et hi in equis: nos autem in nomine Domini, Dei nostri invocabimus.

Ipsi obligati sunt, et ceciderunt: nos autem surreximus et erecti sumus.

Domine, salvum fac regem: et exaudi nos in die, qua invocaverimus te.

Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto.

Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in sæcula sæculorum. Amen.

V. Domine, salvum fac Regem.

R. Et exaudi nos in die qua invocaverimus te. (Ps. 19, 9)

Oremus.

Oratio.

Quæsumus, omnipotens Deus, ut famulus tuus Carolus Rex noster, qui tua miseratione suscepit regni gubernacula, virtutum etiam omnium percipiat incrementa; quibus decenter ornatus, et vitiorum monstra devitare, hostes superare, et ad te, qui via, veritas et vita es (cf. Joan 14, 6), cum regina consorte et prole regia, gratiosus valeat pervenire. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. R. Amen.

24th and Last Sunday after Pentecost: A Beautiful Gift

Most unexpectedly, Mass this evening for the 24th and Last Sunday after Pentecost was a Missa cantata, expertly sung by a cantor, who chanted the Gregorian Propers and led the congregation in the Asperges, Mass XI (Orbis factor), Credo I and the responses. This was a beautiful gift from God to yet more bless his people!

The Manner of Hearing Mass

For some years, I have found the most convenient way to hear Mass, since there is only a monthly Latin Mass here, is to split the difference between hearing Sunday Mass at my nearby parish church (which is quite orthodox, and even features the use of incense) and having to drive for hours to go to the Mass in the Extraordinary Form. The way I do this is by attending my local parish Mass, and bringing my layfolk’s hand missal with me, from which I read the Mass propers of the day, while joining in the responses made by all, and sitting, standing or kneeling in conformity with the usual congregational postures.

Before Mass

A few minutes or more before Mass begins, I recite to myself the prayers at the foot of the altar: In nomine Patris... Introibo ad altare Dei... Judica me Deus... Introibo... Adjutorium... Confiteor... Misereatur... Indulgentiam... (changing the last three to their forms for use at Compline when no priest is present) Deus tu conversus... Ostende nobis Domine... Domine exaudi orationem... (omitting the Dominus vobiscum...) Oremus... Aufer a nobis... Oramus te Domine... (changing the last prayer to the first person plural and adding Per Christum Dominum nostrum). 

To these prayers, I adjoin the following statement of intention (from a brief formula of preparation for Mass, adding the phrase per manus sacerdotis tui – “by the hands of thy priest”): Domine Jesu Christe, in unione illius divinæ intentionis, qua ipse in ultima cœna, et in ara crucis, sacrificium corporis et sanguinis tui Deo Patri obtulisti, hoc idem sacrificium ei offerre intendo, per manus sacerdotis tui. Complaceat sibi, o Jesu, in te; et per te propitius nobis sit in vitam æternam. Amen.

Then, I read the Introit of the day from my old missal – my preference is to “triple” the Introit, by reading the Introit antiphon between its psalm verse and the doxology, as well as before and after as usual. 

The Outset of Mass

All that done, I can then, if I choose, join in singing the processional hymn, before making the sign of the Cross, replying to the priest’s salutation, participating in the penitential act, and singing along with the Kyrie (and Gloria in excelsis). But while the priest reads the Collect (to which I respond Amen), I read the traditional Collect from my missal – to which I often add, for reasons of devotion, other Collects also (which fills up the time taken for the Old Testament reading to be read). 

Typically, after the Collect of the Day (say, that of the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost), I will add the Collect of the Saint of the Day, if any, followed by the Votive Collect in honour of Our Lady and All the Saints, the Votive Collect for the Living and the Dead, the Collect from the Mass in Time of War, the Collect from the Mass in Time of Pestilence, and the Collect from the Mass for the Sick – all of these extra collects being read together with only one concluding formula at the very end. While I do not follow the exact rules about the particular collects to be read at Mass, I try to employ an odd number of Collects, not exceeding seven; I do likewise for the Secret and Postcommunion.

To prevent appearing too singular, I still make the correct response after the first reading, and join in the response to the Responsorial Psalm (which is a good way to check my short-term memory). Then I read the Epistle and following chants from my missal (repeating the respond of the Gradual after its verse), join in singing the Alleluia if the tune is one I know, respond to the priest as he introduces the Gospel – and read the traditional pericope while he reads the one prescribed in the modern Lectionary. (Often at the end of the reading I will pray inwardly, Per Evangelica dicta, deleantur nostra delicta.) All that done, I can settle back and relax while the sermon is preached.

After the Sermon

I join in the Creed – if unfortunately the Apostles’ Creed is read, during the Prayers of the Faithful I read the Nicene Creed in Latin sotto voce, but making the correct response to each petition and the final prayer thereof. As I am used to the gracious English custom of inserting a “Hail Mary...” before the concluding prayer of the general intercessions, if one isn't said, I’ll inwardly say one anyway. Once all those prayers are over, I read the Offertory from my missal (to which I would ideally add the Offertory verses as well), and follow it with Domine exaudi... (as substitute for the priestly Dominus vobiscum...), Oremus and the Secret (plus other Secrets corresponding to whichever additional Collects I may have read earlier). 

That done, I can join in the Offertory hymn if I choose; I make the usual replies to the priest’s prayers, up to and including the Sursum corda dialogue, but I read the appropriate traditional Preface in Latin while the celebrant reads the modern Preface, then join in singing the Sanctus. Note that I do not read to myself any of the traditional Offertory prayers, as they are proper to the priest alone, apart from saying to myself when censed, “The Lord enkindle in us the fire of his love, and the flame of everlasting charity” – in Latin, Accendat in nobis Dominus ignem sui amoris, et flammam æternæ caritatis. Amen.

During the Canon

It is too difficult to attempt to read the Roman Canon in Latin to yourself during the Eucharistic Prayer (especially if it is E.P. II), so simply attend to the actual words being prayed. Sometimes my parish priest uses the Roman Canon, which is the best; but I don’t mind his use of E.P. III or IV either.

As the Canon is recited silently by the priest in the Traditional Mass, ne impediatur populus orare (lest the people be impeded from praying), as Lyndwood, a noted mediæval English canonist stated, in other words, each layman ought pray as he can during the Eucharistic Prayer – while for years I used to read silently the Roman Canon, initially in English, and latterly in Latin, while the priest prayed it, for a long time now I have instead quietly recited the five decades of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy (in Latin) and its concluding triple Trinitarian petition; but when perforce at the Novus Ordo, this is not possible, so instead I listen to what the priest prays aloud, and add my own short silent invocations throughout.

At the consecratory Epiclesis, addressing the Three Divine Persons, I pray, Jube, Domine, benedicere, and Veni, Sancte Spiritus, and Veni, Domine Jesu, and, at the end thereof Amen, Amen, Amen.

At the Words of Consecration, I inwardly pray an Amen after every phrase, adding the Mozarabic formula Sic credimus, Domine Jesu, after the last Amen, the ancient Irish or Gallican phrase pro sæcula vita after the words of the Consecration of the Host, and the traditional Roman phrase mysterium fidei in its position amongst the words of the Consecration of the Chalice.

At each Elevation, I adore Our Lord, truly, really and substantially present in his Body and Blood, saying inwardly Omnis gloria tibi, Domine Altissime, then Dominus meus et Deus meus and Salva nos, plus In te, Domine, speravi, non confundar in æternum, followed by Tu nobis, victor Rex, miserere, and a final Amen, Alleluja (or a triple Amen when Alleluja is not said).

After the Memorial Acclamation (or in place of it), I recite the stanza O salutaris Hostia..., as was the old French practice.

At the communion Epiclesis, I make the sign of the Cross at the mention of the coming reception of Christ’s Body and Blood, and the consequent infusion of the Holy Spirit; at the memorial of the faithful departed, I say Pie Jesu Domine, dona eis requiem thrice, adding sempiternam and Amen after the last invocation.

During the Canon’s magnificent concluding doxology Per ipsum, marked as it is by the Little Elevation of Host and Chalice, I bow my head (as was the Dominican custom) at omnis honor et gloria.

From the Lord’s Prayer until Communion Time

Ideally I should silently say Oremus before the priest exhorts all to join in the Lord’s Prayer, and then I join with all in singing or saying it. But while he then reads the modern version of the Embolism, I instead recite the traditional Libera nos quæsumus, pausing to give the reply – how crazy, though, to make a doxology into the people’s response! – to its modern form, then complete the Libera and its proper doxology while the priest says the prayer for peace, so I am in time to reply to the Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum.

Thankfully, the pandemic has reduced the exchange of the sign of peace from an irreverent melee heedless of the worship due to the divine Lamb upon the altar (but instead more reminiscent of the wanton rioting of the children of Israel in honour of the Golden Calf) into a more restrained and dignified silent nod of the head to those nearby.

Next, I join in singing the Agnus Dei, and once the priest has led the congregation in the Ecce Agnus Dei, I recite the Domine non sum dignus once aloud in the vernacular in union with all, then twice more in Latin. As there probably would not have been sufficient time to recite the third Confiteor before that point, instead I pray quietly the Confiteor, Misereatur and Indulgentiam in the time remaining before receiving Communion.

During and after Holy Communion

Not always, but sometimes, I say some short prayers to myself as I go forward to communicate, such as the three following chants:

(a) a version of the Mozarabic communion chant Gustate, et videte quam suavis est Dominus, * Alleluja, alleluja, alleluja. Benedicam Dominum in omni tempore; semper laus ejus in ore meo. * Alleluja... In Domino laudabitur anima mea: audiant mansueti, et lætentur. * Alleluja... Magnificate Dominum mecum, et exaltemus nomen ejus in idipsum. * Alleluja... Accedite ad eum, et illuminamini; et facies vestræ non confundentur. * Alleluja... Beatus vir qui sperat in eo. * Alleluja... (Ps. 33, 9. 2-4. 6. 9)

(b) a Latin translation of the Cherubic Hymn at the Great Entrance of the Presanctified Liturgy of the Byzantine Rite: Nunc virtutes cælorum cum nobis invisibiliter adorant: ecce Rex gloriæ introit. Ecce mysticum et perfectum sacrificium hic deduxant: appropinquemus cum fidelitate et desiderio, ut facti simus participes vitæ æternæ, alleluja.

(c) the Gallican communion chant Venite, populi, ad sacrum et immortale mysterium, et libamen agendum: cum timore et fide accedamus, manibus mundis: pœnitentiæ munus communicemus: quoniam Agnus Dei propter nos Patri sacrificium propositum est. Ipsum solum adoremus: ipsum glorificemus cum Angelis clamantes: Alleluja.

Ideally, if circumstances permit, I receive Communion “kneeling on the tongue – not standing on the hand” (and as there is an altar rail at which to kneel in my parish church, doing so is my usual practice there), but I always remember that there is no sin in either approved method, and wish to avoid giving scandal to others, whether clergy or layfolk, who are so fixed in their ways as to be ignorant of this.

Having returned to my pew, I say to myself Corpus Domini nostri Jesu Christi custodiat me in vitam æternam. Amen. – note I do not use the Roman phrase animam meam, but the more direct Dominican me – while making the sign of the Cross. Then I pray the Sarum Ave in æternum sanctissima Caro Christi, mihi ante omnia et super omnia summa dulcedo, which I follow with the Ave verum... and the modified Mozarabic chant Refecti Christi Corpore, te laudamus, Domine, alleluja, alleluja, alleluja. Gloria et honor Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto in sæcula sæculorum. Amen. Alleluja, alleluja, alleluja. Refecti Christi Corpore, te laudamus, Domine, alleluja, alleluja, alleluja. Sometimes I may add the antiphon O sacrum convivium... and the Gospel canticle Nunc dimittis... Of course, sometimes the Communion hymn is quite decent, and I will join in singing some or all of it.

In the time remaining before the priest says the Prayer after Communion (to which I of course respond Amen), I read the Communion antiphon of the day from my old missal, and follow that with Domine exaudi... (again substituting for the priestly Dominus vobiscum...), Oremus and the relevant Postcommunion(s). Then I make the usual replies to the priest’s final words, receive his blessing, and may sing the recessional hymn, or not, while also reciting the Marian Anthem of the season – though I don’t tend to read the Last Gospel to myself, though I could and indeed sometimes do so.

When kneeling down after Mass has ended, I often say the following prayer, taken from of all places the 1954 South African Book of Common Prayer, which is evidently an English version of the Placeat tibi, rendered suitable for lay use: 

LOOK with favour, most Holy Trinity, on this our act of worship and service; and may this sacrifice set forth before thine eyes be acceptable to thy Divine Majesty, and avail for us and all for whom we have offered it; who livest and reignest, [ever] one God, [blessed for ever,] world without end. Amen.

May the Queen Rest in Peace; God Save the King

This most famous Coronation Anthem is evidently based upon the following Magnificat antiphon, used in the Roman Breviary on the Saturday before the 7th Sunday after Pentecost:

Aña. Unxérunt Salomónem Sadoc sacérdos et Nathan prophéta, regem in Gihon, et ascendéntes læti dixérunt: Vivat rex in ætérnum. (Cf. 3 Reg. 1, 45)

Traditionally sung after High Mass in England:

V. Dómine, salvum fac regem [nostrum Cárolum].
R. Et exáudi nos in die qua invocavérimus te. (Cf. Ps. 19, 9)

Orémus.

Oratio.
Quǽsumus, omnípotens Deus: ut fámulus tuus Cárolus rex noster, qui tua miseratióne suscépit regni gubernácula, virtútum étiam ómnium percípiat increménta; quibus decénter ornátus, et vitiórum monstra devitáre, [in tempore belli: hostes superáre,] et ad te, qui via, véritas et vita es (cf. Joan. 14, 6), [cum regína consórte et prole régia,] gratiósus váleat perveníre. Per Christum Dóminum nostrum. R. Amen.

[1962 MR: Qui vivis et regnas in sǽcula sæculórum. R. Amen.]

NOTE

The 1962 Roman Missal (see the text of the Oratio pro Rege among the votive prayers) changed the traditional ending from Per... to Qui vivis..., as seems logical, for given that Christ told us that he himself is the way, the truth and the life, and as that phrase is used in the body of the prayer, so it would seem that the prayer is addressed to God the Son; however, traditionally the prayer was understood as addressed to God the Father, despite this – I seem to recall the Sacred Congregation of Rites, when consulted on this point, insisted on retaining the Per... (though that was in the days when the Vatican answered dubia rather than gaslighted the faithful, but I digress). 

I have indicated in square brackets the additional phrases used in the traditional versicle and collect that are not given in the Missal. 

A number of other online sources incorrectly read incrementum not incrementa, but the Latin in the Missal and in older prayer books published in the reigns of earlier kings confirms that the plural is wanted, not the singular - “increases of all the virtues” not “an increase of all the virtues” is what is prayed for. I suspect that some persons wrongly thought that incrementa agreed with the gender of the monarch, and thus had to be changed from feminine to masculine, whereas it is in fact neuter plural.

If High Mass is Too Short

If High Mass is too short, to begin with, a vernacular hymn can be sung beforehand, during the procession of the sacred ministers and servers from the sacristy, out through its exterior door, down along beside the outside of the church and in through the great west doors (or, during inclement weather, down one of the side aisles to the back of the church), then up the central aisle to the altar. In addition to this, or as an alternative, the former custom of many churches of France could be adopted – to sing the Veni Creator, with the usual versicle and collect, before Mass. (On Sundays, of course, the usual sprinkling of holy water during the Asperges, versicles and collect would immediately precede the Introit.)

As adjuncts to preaching, vernacular hymns before and after the sermon could be sung, such singing being an old German custom. And of course the sermon itself could begin with the sign of the cross, the reading of the Scriptural text upon which the sermon is founded and developed, and a prefatory “Hail Mary”, while at its end the sermon could end with an ascription of praise, to which some suitable versicle (for example, on Good Shepherd Sunday, Jesu, Pastor bone, – Miserere nobis) could be appended, and then the sign of the cross for a conclusion.

(I pass over in respectful silence the potentially limitless extension of the duration of High Mass by the indefatigable expatiations of the preacher himself...)

Furthermore, following various customs of old time, traditional forms of intercessory prayer could be read after the sermon, such as that known in France as Prône, consisting of prayers for the living (Psalm 122, Kyrie, Pater noster, several versicles and a collect) and the dead (Psalm 129, several more versicles and another collect).

After Mass ends, at the conclusion of the Last Gospel, it is in many places the pious custom for the sacred ministers and servers to process first to the Lady Chapel and there lead the singing of the seasonal Marian anthem, with its versicle and collect. (In England, of course, the prescribed versicle and collect for the Queen would first be chanted; in France, the equivalent versicle is sung thrice before the Postcommunion.) After that, a recessional hymn in the vernacular could suitably be sung while they depart by the long way, down the central aisle, then out the west doors and back around the outside of the church to the sacristy (or, if the weather is unfavourable, returning thence via one of the side aisles).

To summarize, these are suitable optional additions to High Mass:

1. Before (Asperges and) Mass:

(a) Processional Hymn

(b) Veni Creator, versicle & collect

2. At Sermon:

(a) Hymn before Sermon

(b) Sign of the Cross, text & Hail Mary before Sermon

(c) Final ascription of praise, then versicle & Sign of the Cross after Sermon

(d) Hymn after Sermon

(e) Intercessory Prayers

3. After Mass:

(a) Marian anthem, versicle & collect

(b) Recessional Hymn

Such an addition of up to four hymns would afford a valuable opportunity for congregational singing of quality vernacular hymnody, in addition to the chanting of the Ordinary (either led by the choir, or sung in parts by them alone), and the Proper (by the choir alone). It goes without saying that the choir would typically also sing suitable Offertory and Communion Motets – and, following the French custom, it could add an Elevation Motet (O salutaris hostia, or Ave verum, or Pie Jesu at Masses for the dead).

Votive Matins in Time of War

Whilst Ukraine and her heroic people and armed forces continue to give the Russian bear a bloody nose, cease not to pray for the victory and deliverance of Ukraine – and to this end, I have drawn up the following Votive Matins in Time of War:

Ad Matutinum Votivum in Tempore Belli

(Totum secreto) Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris: et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem: sed líbera nos a malo. Amen. (Matt. 6, 9-13; Luc. 11, 3)

(Totum secreto) Ave María, grátia plena; Dóminus tecum: benedícta tu in muliéribus, et benedíctus fructus ventris tui Jesus. (Cf. Luc. 1, 28. 42) Sancta María, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatóribus, nunc et in hora mortis nostræ. Amen.

(Totum secreto) Credo in Deum, Patrem omnipoténtem, Creatórem cæli et terræ. Et in Jesum Christum, Fílium ejus únicum, Dóminum nostrum: qui concéptus est de Spíritu Sancto, natus ex María Vírgine, passus sub Póntio Piláto, crucifíxus, mórtuus, et sepúltus: descéndit ad ínferos; tértia die resurréxit a mórtuis; ascéndit ad cælos; sedet ad déxteram Dei Patris omnipoténtis: inde ventúrus est judicáre vivos et mórtuos. Credo in Spíritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclésiam cathólicam, Sanctórum communiónem, remissiónem peccatórum, carnis resurrectiónem, vitam ætérnam. Amen.

V. Dómine, lábia mea apéries.

R. Et os meum annuntiábit laudem tuam. (Ps. 50, 17)

V. Deus, in adjutórium meum inténde.

R. Dómine, ad adjuvándum me festína. (Ps. 69, 2)

Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Allelúja. (T. Sept. Laus tibi, Domine, Rex æternæ gloriæ.)

Invitatorium.

Aña. Dominum potentem in prælio, * Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja. (Cf. Pss. 23, 8; 94, 6)

Aña. Dominum potentem in prælio, * Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja.

Psalmus 94.

Veníte, exsultémus Dómino, jubilémus Deo, salutári nostro: præoccupémus fáciem ejus in confessióne, et in psalmis jubilémus ei.

Aña. Dominum potentem in prælio, * Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Quóniam Deus magnus Dóminus, et Rex magnus super omnes deos, quóniam non repéllet Dóminus plebem suam: quia in manu ejus sunt omnes fines terræ, et altitúdines móntium ipse cónspicit.

* Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Quóniam ipsíus est mare, et ipse fecit illud, et áridam fundavérunt manus ejus: veníte, adorémus, et procidámus ante Deum: plorémus coram Dómino, qui fecit nos, quia ipse est Dóminus, Deus noster; nos autem pópulus ejus, et oves páscuæ ejus.

Aña. Dominum potentem in prælio, * Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Hódie, si vocem ejus audiéritis, nolíte obduráre corda vestra, sicut in exacerbatióne secúndum diem tentatiónis in desérto: ubi tentavérunt me patres vestri, probavérunt et vidérunt ópera mea.

* Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Quadragínta annis próximus fui generatióni huic, et dixi; Semper hi errant corde, ipsi vero non cognovérunt vias meas: quibus jurávi in ira mea; Si introíbunt in réquiem meam.

Aña. Dominum potentem in prælio, * Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

* Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja.

Aña. Dominum potentem in prælio, * Venite, adoremus. T. P. Alleluja.

Hymn.

O salutaris Hostia,

Quæ cæli pandis ostium,

Bella premunt hostilia;

Da robur, fer auxilium.

Uni trinoque Domino

Sit sempiterna gloria:

Qui vitam sine termino,

Nobis donet in patria. Amen.

(Dominica, Feria II et Feria V.)

In I Nocturno. [13 + 10 + 11 = 34 vv.]

Aña. 1. Dissipa gentes quæ bella volunt. (Ps. 67, 31)

T. P. Aña. Alleluja, alleluja, alleluja.

Psalmus 2. [13 vv.]

Quare fremuérunt gentes: * et pópuli meditáti sunt inánia?

Astitérunt reges terræ, et príncipes convenérunt in unum * advérsus Dóminum, et advérsus Christum ejus.

Dirumpámus víncula eórum: * et projiciámus a nobis jugum ipsórum.

Qui hábitat in cælis, irridébit eos: * et Dóminus subsannábit eos.

Tunc loquétur ad eos in ira sua, * et in furóre suo conturbábit eos.

Ego autem constitútus sum Rex ab eo super Sion montem sanctum ejus, * prǽdicans præcéptum ejus.

Dóminus dixit ad me: * Fílius meus es tu, ego hódie génui te.

Póstula a me, et dabo tibi gentes hereditátem tuam, * et possessiónem tuam términos terræ.

Reges eos in virga férrea, * et tamquam vas fíguli confrínges eos.

Et nunc, reges, intellégite: * erudímini, qui judicátis terram.

Servíte Dómino in timóre: * et exsultáte ei cum tremóre.

Apprehéndite disciplínam, nequándo irascátur Dóminus, * et pereátis de via justa.

Cum exárserit in brevi ira ejus: * beáti omnes qui confídunt in eo.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Aña. Dissipa gentes quæ bella volunt.

Aña. 2. Exáudiat te Dóminus in die tribulatiónis. † (Ps. 19, 2)

Psalmus 19. [10 vv.]

Exáudiat te Dóminus in die tribulatiónis: † * prótegat te nomen Dei Jacob.

Mittat tibi auxílium de sancto: * et de Sion tueátur te.

Memor sit omnis sacrifícii tui: * et holocáustum tuum pingue fiat.

Tríbuat tibi secúndum cor tuum: * et omne consílium tuum confírmet.

Lætábimur in salutári tuo: * et in nómine Dei nostri magnificábimur.

Ímpleat Dóminus omnes petitiónes tuas: * nunc cognóvi quóniam salvum fecit Dóminus Christum suum.

Exáudiet illum de cælo sancto suo: * in potentátibus salus déxteræ ejus.

Hi in cúrribus, et hi in equis: * nos autem in nómine Dómini Dei nostri invocábimus.

Ipsi obligáti sunt, et cecidérunt: * nos autem surréximus et erécti sumus.

Dómine, salvum fac regem: * et exáudi nos in die, qua invocavérimus te.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Aña. Exáudiat te Dóminus in die tribulatiónis.

Aña. 3. Adjuvábit eam Deus vultu suo: Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur. (Cf. Ps. 45, 6)

Psalmus 45. [11 vv.]

Deus noster refúgium, et virtus: * adjútor in tribulatiónibus, quæ invenérunt nos nimis.

Proptérea non timébimus dum turbábitur terra: * et transferéntur montes in cor maris.

Sonuérunt, et turbátæ sunt aquæ eórum: * conturbáti sunt montes in fortitúdine ejus.

Flúminis ímpetus lætíficat civitátem Dei: * sanctificávit tabernáculum suum Altíssimus.

Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur: * adjuvábit eam Deus mane dilúculo.

Conturbátæ sunt gentes, et inclináta sunt regna: * dedit vocem suam, mota est terra.

Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.

Veníte, et vidéte ópera Dómini, quæ pósuit prodígia super terram: * áuferens bella usque ad finem terræ.

Arcum cónteret, et confrínget arma: * et scuta combúret igni.

Vacáte, et vidéte quóniam ego sum Deus: * exaltábor in géntibus, et exaltábor in terra.

Dóminus virtútum nobíscum: * suscéptor noster Deus Jacob.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Aña. Adjuvábit eam Deus vultu suo: Deus in médio ejus, non commovébitur.

T. P. Aña. Alleluja, alleluja, alleluja.

V. Si consistant adversum me castra, non timebit cor meum. T. P. Alleluja.

R. Si exsurgat adversum me prælium, in hoc ego sperabo. T. P. Alleluja. (Ps. 26, 3)

Pater noster (secreto) qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris.

V. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem.

R. Sed líbera nos a malo. (Matt. 6, 9-13; Luc. 11, 3)

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 1. Dominus bella adversariorum nostrorum atterat, et acies eorum igne cælesti consumat. R. Amen. (Brev. Goth., In Primo Dominico post Octavam Epiphaniæ Domini, Ad Vesperos, Bened., alt.)

Lectio 1. (Exod. 17, 8-13)

De libro Exodi.

Venit autem Amalec, et pugnabat contra Israël in Raphidim. Dixitque Moyses ad Josue: Elige viros: et egressus, pugna contra Amalec: cras ego stabo in vertice collis, habens virgam Dei in manu mea. Fecit Josue ut locutus erat Moyses, et pugnavit contra Amalec: Moyses autem et Aaron et Hur ascenderunt super verticem collis. Cumque levaret Moyses manus, vincebat Israël: sin autem paululum remisisset, superabat Amalec. Manus autem Moysi erant graves: sumentes igitur lapidem, posuerunt subter eum, in quo sedit: Aaron autem et Hur sustentabant manus ejus ex utraque parte. Et factum est ut manus illius non lassarentur usque ad occasum solis. Fugavitque Josue Amalec, et populum ejus in ore gladii. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 1. (Exod. 15, 1. 2. 3)

R. Cantémus Dómino: glorióse enim honorificátus est, equum et ascensórem projécit in mare: * Adjútor et protéctor factus est mihi Dóminus in salútem. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Dóminus quasi vir pugnátor, Omnípotens nomen ejus. * Adjútor et protéctor factus est mihi Dóminus in salútem. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 2. Dóminus ab omni bellórum nequítia nos éruat, et in suæ protectiónis securitáte constítuat. R. Amen. (Secreta, Missa in Tempore Belli, alt.)

Lectio 2. (Deut. 20, 1-4)

De libro Deuteronomii.

Si exieris ad bellum contra hostes tuos, et videris equitatus et currus, et majorem quam tu habeas adversarii exercitus multitudinem, non timebis eos: quia Dominus Deus tuus tecum est, qui eduxit te de terra Ægypti. Appropinquante autem jam prælio, stabit sacerdos ante aciem, et sic loquetur ad populum: Audi, Israël: vos hodie contra inimicos vestros pugnam committitis: non pertimescat cor vestrum, nolite metuere, nolite cedere, nec formidetis eos: quia Dominus Deus vester in medio vestri est, et pro vobis contra adversarios dimicabit, ut eruat vos de periculo. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 2. (Exod. 23, 20. 21. 22; Ps. 80, 9-11)

R. Ecce mitto Angelum meum, qui præcédat te, et custódiat semper: * Obsérva et audi vocem meam, et inimícus ero inimícis tuis, et affligéntes te afflígam: et præcédet te Angelus meus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Israël, si me audíeris, non erit in te deus recens, neque adorábis deum aliénum: ego enim Dóminus. * Obsérva et audi vocem meam, et inimícus ero inimícis tuis, et affligéntes te afflígam: et præcédet te Angelus meus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 3. Dominus omnipotens conterat bella, et donet pacem in universa terra. R. Amen. (Miss. Amb., Offertorium, Missa pro pace, alt.)

Lectio 3. (1 Reg. 17, 45-47)

De libro primo Regum.

Dixit autem David ad Philisthæum: Tu venis ad me cum gladio, et hasta, et clypeo: ego autem venio ad te in nomine Domini exercituum, Dei agminum Israël, quibus exprobrasti hodie, et dabit te Dominus in manu mea, et percutiam te, et auferam caput tuum a te: et dabo cadavera castrorum Philisthiim hodie volatilibus cæli, et bestiis terræ: ut sciat omnis terra quia est Deus in Israël: et noverit universa ecclesia hæc, quia non in gladio, nec in hasta salvat Dominus: ipsius enim est bellum, et tradet vos in manus nostras. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 3. (1 Reg. 18, 7; 29, 5; 17, 26; Luc. 1, 66)

R. Percússit Saul mille, et David decem míllia: * Quia manus Dómini erat cum illo: percússit Philisthǽum, et ábstulit oppróbrium ex Israël. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Nonne iste est David, de quo canébant in choro, dicéntes: Saul percússit mille, et David decem míllia? * Quia manus Dómini erat cum illo: percússit Philisthǽum, et ábstulit oppróbrium ex Israël. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. * Quia manus Dómini erat cum illo: percússit Philisthǽum, et ábstulit oppróbrium ex Israël. T. P. Alleluja.

(Feria III et Feria VI.)

In II Nocturno. [13 + 12 + 14 = 39 vv.]

Aña. 4. Da nobis, Dómine, auxílium de tribulatióne. (Cf. Ps. 59, 13)

T. P. Aña. Alleluja, alleluja, alleluja.

Psalmus 59. [13 vv.]

Deus, repulísti nos, et destruxísti nos: * irátus es, et misértus es nobis.

Commovísti terram, et conturbásti eam: * sana contritiónes ejus, quia commóta est.

Ostendísti pópulo tuo dura: * potásti nos vino compunctiónis.

Dedísti metuéntibus te significatiónem: * ut fúgiant a fácie arcus:

Ut liberéntur dilécti tui: * salvum fac déxtera tua, et exáudi me.

Deus locútus est in sancto suo: * lætábor, et partíbor Síchimam: et convállem tabernaculórum metíbor.

Meus est Gálaad, et meus est Manásses: * et Éphraim fortitúdo cápitis mei.

Juda rex meus: * Moab olla spei meæ.

In Idumǽam exténdam calceaméntum meum: * mihi alienígenæ súbditi sunt.

Quis dedúcet me in civitátem munítam? * quis dedúcet me usque in Idumǽam?

Nonne tu, Deus, qui repulísti nos? * et non egrediéris, Deus, in virtútibus nostris?

Da nobis auxílium de tribulatióne: * quia vana salus hóminis.

In Deo faciémus virtútem: * et ipse ad níhilum dedúcet tribulántes nos.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Aña. Da nobis, Dómine, auxílium de tribulatióne.

Aña. 5. Per signum Crucis de inimícis nostris líbera nos, Deus noster. (Aña. 5. ad Laudes S. Crucis)

Psalmus 75. [12 vv.]

Notus in Judǽa Deus: * in Israël magnum nomen ejus.

Et factus est in pace locus ejus: * et habitátio ejus in Sion.

Ibi confrégit poténtias árcuum, * scutum, gládium, et bellum.

Illúminans tu mirabíliter a móntibus ætérnis: * turbáti sunt omnes insipiéntes corde.

Dormiérunt somnum suum: * et nihil invenérunt omnes viri divitiárum in mánibus suis.

Ab increpatióne tua, Deus Jacob, * dormitavérunt qui ascendérunt equos.

Tu terríbilis es, et quis resístet tibi? * ex tunc ira tua.

De cælo audítum fecísti judícium: * terra trémuit et quiévit,

Cum exsúrgeret in judícium Deus, * ut salvos fáceret omnes mansuétos terræ.

Quóniam cogitátio hóminis confitébitur tibi: * et relíquiæ cogitatiónis diem festum agent tibi.

Vovéte, et réddite Dómino, Deo vestro: * omnes, qui in circúitu ejus affértis múnera.

Terríbili et ei qui aufert spíritum príncipum, * terríbili apud reges terræ.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Aña. Per signum Crucis de inimícis nostris líbera nos, Deus noster.

Aña. 6. Da pacem, Domine, in diebus nostris, quia non est alius qui pugnet pro nobis, nisi tu, Deus noster.

Psalmus 107. [14 vv.]

Parátum cor meum, Deus, parátum cor meum: * cantábo, et psallam in glória mea.

Exsúrge, glória mea, exsúrge, psaltérium et cíthara: * exsúrgam dilúculo.

Confitébor tibi in pópulis, Dómine: * et psallam tibi in natiónibus.

Quia magna est super cælos misericórdia tua: * et usque ad nubes véritas tua:

Exaltáre super cælos, Deus, et super omnem terram glória tua: * ut liberéntur dilécti tui.

Salvum fac déxtera tua, et exáudi me: * Deus locútus est in sancto suo:

Exsultábo, et dívidam Síchimam, * et convállem tabernaculórum dimétiar.

Meus est Gálaad, et meus est Manásses: * et Éphraim suscéptio cápitis mei.

Juda rex meus: * Moab lebes spei meæ.

In Idumǽam exténdam calceaméntum meum: * mihi alienígenæ amíci facti sunt.

Quis dedúcet me in civitátem munítam? * quis dedúcet me usque in Idumǽam?

Nonne tu, Deus, qui repulísti nos, * et non exíbis, Deus, in virtútibus nostris?

Da nobis auxílium de tribulatióne: * quia vana salus hóminis.

In Deo faciémus virtútem: * et ipse ad níhilum dedúcet inimícos nostros.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Aña. Da pacem, Domine, in diebus nostris, quia non est alius qui pugnet pro nobis, nisi tu, Deus noster.

T. P. Aña. Alleluja, alleluja, alleluja.

V. Benedictus Dominus Deus meus, qui docet manus meas ad prælium. T. P. Alleluja.

R. Et digitos meos ad bellum. T. P. Alleluja. (Ps. 143, 1)

Pater noster (secreto) qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris.

V. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem.

R. Sed líbera nos a malo. (Matt. 6, 9-13; Luc. 11, 3)

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 4. Dominus, per vexillum sanctæ Crucis, conterat insidias adversæ potestatis. R. Amen. (Secreta in Invent. S. Crucis, alt.)

Lectio 4. (2 Par. 14, 10. 11.)

De libro secundo Paralipomenon.

Asa instruxit aciem ad bellum: et invocavit Dominum Deum, et ait: Domine, non est apud te ulla distantia, utrum in paucis auxilieris, an in pluribus. Adjuva nos, Domine Deus noster: in te enim, et in tuo nomine habentes fiduciam venimus contra hanc multitudinem. Domine, Deus noster tu es: non prævaleat contra te homo. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 4. (Ps. 26, 3; Ps. 70, 6. 5. 7)

R. Si consistant adversum me castra, non timebit cor meum: * Si exsurgat adversum me prælium, in hoc ego sperabo. T. P. Alleluja.

V. In te cantatio mea semper, quoniam tu adjutor fortis. * Si exsurgat adversum me prælium, in hoc ego sperabo. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 5. Prótegat Dóminus plebem ejus, per signum sanctæ Crucis, ab inimicórum ómnium ómnibus insídiis. R. Amen. (Offertorium in Exalt. Sanctæ Crucis, alt.)

Lectio 5. (Judith 9, 1. 6-11)

De libro Judith.

Judith clamabat ad Dominum, dicens: Respice castra Assyriorum nunc, sicut tunc castra Ægyptiorum videre dignatus es, quando post servos tuos armati currebant, confidentes in quadrigis, et in equitatu suo, et in multitudine bellatorum. Sed aspexisti super castra eorum, et tenebræ fatigaverunt eos. Tenuit pedes eorum abyssus, et aquæ operuerunt eos. Sic fiant et isti, Domine, qui confidunt in multitudine sua, et in curribus suis, et in contis, et in scutis, et in sagittis suis, et in lanceis gloriantur, et nesciunt quia tu ipse es Deus noster, qui conteris bella ab initio, et Dominus nomen est tibi. Erige brachium tuum sicut ab initio, et allide virtutem illorum in virtute tua: cadat virtus eorum in iracundia tua, qui promittunt se violare sancta tua, et polluere tabernaculum nominis tui, et dejicere gladio suo cornu altaris tui. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 5. (Cf. Judith 9, 10. 11)

R. Dómine Deus, qui cónteris bella ab inítio, éleva brácchium tuum super gentes, quæ cógitant servis tuis mala: * Et déxtera tua glorificétur in nobis. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Allíde virtútem eórum in virtúte tua; cadat robur eórum in iracúndia tua. * Et déxtera tua glorificétur in nobis. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 6. Qui pependit in ligno, liberet nos ab hoste maligno. R. Amen. (Brev. Amb., Hebd. I & II, Feria VI, Bened. III)

Lectio 6. (2 Mach. 15, 21-24)

De libro secundo Machabæórum.

Considerans Machabæus adventum multitudinis, et apparatum variam armorum, et ferocitatem bestiarum, extendens manus in cælum, prodigia facientem Dominum invocavit, qui non secundum armorum potentiam, sed prout ipsi placet, dat dignis victoriam. Dixit autem invocans hoc modo: Tu Domine, qui misisti angelum tuum sub Ezechia rege Juda, et interfecisti de castris Sennacherib centum octoginta quinque millia: et nunc, dominator cælorum, mitte angelum tuum bonum ante nos in timore et tremore magnitudinis brachii tui, ut metuant qui cum blasphemia veniunt adversus sanctum populum tuum. Et hic quidem ita peroravit. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 6. (V. Cf. 2 Mach. 1, 28)

R. Aperi óculos tuos, Dómine, et vide afflictiónem nostram: circumdedérunt nos gentes ad puniéndum nos: * Sed tu, Dómine, exténde brácchium tuum, et líbera ánimas nostras. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Afflíge oppriméntes nos et contuméliam faciéntes in supérbiam; et custódi partem tuam. * Sed tu, Dómine, exténde brácchium tuum, et líbera ánimas nostras. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. * Sed tu, Dómine, exténde brácchium tuum, et líbera ánimas nostras. T. P. Alleluja.

(Feria IV et Sabbato.)

In III Nocturno. [22 + 7 + 16 = 45 vv.]

Aña. 7. Ecce Crucem Dómini, fúgite, partes advérsæ, vicit leo de tribu Juda, radix David, (T. Sept. om.) allelúja. (Aña. 3. ad Laudes S. Crucis)

Canticum Moysi. (Exod. 15, 1-19) [22 vv.]

Cantémus Dómino: glorióse enim magnificátus est, * equum et ascensórem dejécit in mare.

Fortitúdo mea, et laus mea Dóminus, * et factus est mihi in salútem.

Iste Deus meus, et glorificábo eum: * Deus patris mei, et exaltábo eum.

Dóminus quasi vir pugnátor, Omnípotens nomen ejus. * Currus Pharaónis et exércitum ejus projécit in mare.

Elécti príncipes ejus submérsi sunt in Mari Rubro: * abýssi operuérunt eos, descendérunt in profúndum quasi lapis.

Déxtera tua, Dómine, magnificáta est in fortitúdine: déxtera tua, Dómine, percússit inimícum. * Et in multitúdine glóriæ tuæ deposuísti adversários tuos:

Misísti iram tuam, quæ devorávit eos sicut stípulam. * Et in spíritu furóris tui congregátæ sunt aquæ:

Stetit unda fluens, * congregátæ sunt abýssi in médio mari.

Dixit inimícus: Pérsequar et comprehéndam, * dívidam spólia, implébitur ánima mea:

Evaginábo gládium meum, * interfíciet eos manus mea.

Flavit spíritus tuus, et opéruit eos mare: * submérsi sunt quasi plumbum in aquis veheméntibus.

Quis símilis tui in fórtibus, Dómine? * quis símilis tui, magníficus in sanctitáte, terríbilis atque laudábilis, fáciens mirabília?

Extendísti manum tuam, et devorávit eos terra. * Dux fuísti in misericórdia tua pópulo quem redemísti:

Et portásti eum in fortitúdine tua, * ad habitáculum sanctum tuum.

Ascendérunt pópuli, et iráti sunt: * dolóres obtinuérunt habitatóres Philísthiim.

Tunc conturbáti sunt príncipes Edom, robústos Moab obtínuit tremor: * obriguérunt omnes habitatóres Chánaan.

Írruat super eos formído et pavor, * in magnitúdine brácchii tui:

Fiant immóbiles quasi lapis, donec pertránseat pópulus tuus, Dómine, * donec pertránseat pópulus tuus iste, quem possedísti.

Introdúces eos, et plantábis in monte hereditátis tuæ, * firmíssimo habitáculo tuo quod operátus es, Dómine:

Sanctuárium tuum, Dómine, quod firmavérunt manus tuæ. * Dóminus regnábit in ætérnum et ultra.

Ingréssus est enim eques Phárao cum cúrribus et equítibus ejus in mare: * et redúxit super eos Dóminus aquas maris:

Fílii autem Israël ambulavérunt per siccum * in médio ejus.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Canticum David. (1 Par. 29, 10-13) [7 vv.]

Benedíctus es, Dómine, Deus Israël patris nostri, * ab ætérno in ætérnum.

Tua est, Dómine, magnificéntia, et poténtia, * et glória, atque victória:

Et tibi laus: * cuncta enim quæ in cælo sunt, et in terra, tua sunt:

Tuum, Dómine, regnum, * et tu es super omnes príncipes.

Tuæ divítiæ, et tua est glória: * tu domináris ómnium,

In manu tua virtus et poténtia: * in manu tua magnitúdo, et impérium ómnium.

Nunc ígitur, Deus noster, confitémur tibi, * et laudámus nomen tuum ínclitum.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Canticum Ecclesiastici. (Eccli. 36, 1-16) [16 vv.]

Miserére nostri, Deus ómnium, et réspice nos, * et osténde nobis lucem miseratiónum tuárum:

Et immítte timórem tuum super gentes, * quæ non exquisiérunt te,

Ut cognóscant quia non est Deus nisi tu, * et enárrent magnália tua.

Álleva manum tuam super gentes aliénas, * ut vídeant poténtiam tuam.

Sicut enim in conspéctu eórum sanctificátus es in nobis, * sic in conspéctu nostro magnificáberis in eis,

Ut cognóscant te, sicut et nos cognóvimus, * quóniam non est Deus præter te, Dómine.

Ínnova signa, et immúta mirabília. * Glorífica manum, et brácchium dextrum.

Éxcita furórem, et effúnde iram. * Tolle adversárium, et afflíge inimícum.

Festína tempus, et meménto finis, * ut enárrent mirabília tua.

In ira flammæ devorétur qui salvátur: * et qui péssimant plebem tuam, invéniant perditiónem.

Cóntere caput príncipum inimicórum, * dicéntium: Non est álius præter nos.

Cóngrega omnes tribus Jacob: ut cognóscant quia non est Deus nisi tu, * et enárrent magnália tua:

Et hereditábis eos, * sicut ab inítio.

Miserére plebi tuæ, super quam invocátum est nomen tuum: * et Israël, quem coæquásti primogénito tuo.

Miserére civitáti sanctificatiónis tuæ Jerúsalem, * civitáti requiéi tuæ.

Reple Sion inenarrabílibus verbis tuis, * et glória tua pópulum tuum.

Glória Patri, et Fílio, * et Spirítui Sancto.

Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc, et semper, * et in sǽcula sæculórum. Amen.

Aña. Ecce Crucem Dómini, fúgite, partes advérsæ, vicit leo de tribu Juda, radix David, (T. Sept. om.) allelúja.

V. Dominus conterens bella. T. P. Alleluja.

R. Dominus nomen est illi. T. P. Alleluja. (Judith 16, 3)

Pater noster (secreto) qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris.

V. Et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem.

R. Sed líbera nos a malo. (Matt. 6, 9-13; Luc. 11, 3)

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 7. Dóminus nos éruat a delíctis: et ab inimicórum deféndat insídiis. R. Amen. (Postcommunio pro inimicis, alt.)

Lectio 7. (1 Mach. 3, 18-22)

De libro primo Machabæórum.

Ait Judas: Facile est concludi multos in manus paucorum: et non est differentia in conspectu Dei cæli liberare in multis, et in paucis: quoniam non in multitudine exercitus victoria belli, sed de cælo fortitudo est. Ipsi veniunt ad nos in multitudine contumaci, et superbia, ut disperdant nos, et uxores nostras, et filios nostros, et ut spolient nos: nos vero pugnabimus pro animabus nostris, et legibus nostris: et ipse Dominus conteret eos ante faciem nostram: vos autem ne timueritis eos. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 7. (V. Ps. 58, 12)

R. Congregáti sunt inimíci nostri, et gloriántur in virtúte sua: cóntere fortitúdinem illórum, Dómine, et dispérge illos: * Ut cognóscant quia non est álius qui pugnet pro nobis, nisi tu, Deus noster. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Dispérge illos in virtúte tua, et déstrue eos, protéctor noster, Dómine. * Ut cognóscant quia non est álius qui pugnet pro nobis, nisi tu, Deus noster. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 8. Per Vírginem Matrem concédat nobis Dóminus victóriam et pacem. R. Amen. (Mat. B.M.V., Bened., alt.)

Lectio 8. (1 Mach. 3, 58-60)

Ait Judas: Accingimini, et estote filii potentes, et estote parati in mane, ut pugnetis adversus nationes has quæ convenerunt adversus nos disperdere nos, et sancta nostra: quoniam melius est nos mori in bello, quam videre mala gentis nostræ, et sanctorum. Sicut autem fuerit voluntas in cælo, sic fiat. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 8. (Cf. 2 Par. 20, 12; V. 1 Mach. 3, 52. 53)

R. Congregátæ sunt gentes in multitúdine, ut dímicent contra nos, et ignorámus quid ágere debeámus: * Dómine Deus, ad te sunt óculi nostri, ne pereámus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Tu scis quæ cógitant in nos: quómodo potérimus subsístere ante fáciem illórum, nisi tu ádjuves nos? * Dómine Deus, ad te sunt óculi nostri, ne pereámus. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Jube, Domine, benedicere.

Bened. 9. Ab hoste malígno eripiat nos Dei Génetrix Virgo. R. Amen. (Brev. S.O.P. in festis B.M.V., Bened.)

Lectio 9. (1 Mach. 4, 8-11)

Ait Judas viris, qui secum erant: Ne timueritis multitudinem eorum, et impetum eorum ne formidetis. Mementote qualiter salvi facti sunt patres nostri in mari Rubro, cum sequeretur eos Pharao cum exercitu multo. Et nunc clamemus in cælum: et miserebitur nostri Dominus, et memor erit testamenti patrum nostrorum, et conteret exercitum istum ante faciem nostram hodie: et scient omnes gentes quia est qui redimat et liberet Israël. — Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis. R. Deo gratias.

Responsorium 9. (1 Mach. 4, 8. 9. 10)

R. Impetum inimicórum ne timuéritis: mémores estóte, quómodo salvi facti sunt patres nostri: * Et nunc clamémus in cælum et miserébitur nostri Deus noster. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Mementóte mirabílium ejus, quæ fecit pharaóni et exercítui ejus in Mari Rubro. * Et nunc clamémus in cælum et miserébitur nostri Deus noster. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Glória Patri, et Fílio, et Spirítui Sancto. * Et nunc clamémus in cælum et miserébitur nostri Deus noster. T. P. Alleluja.

V. Dómine, exáudi oratiónem meam.

R. Et clamor meus ad te véniat. (Ps. 101, 2)

Oremus.

Oratio.

Deus, qui cónteris bella, et impugnatóres in te sperántium poténtia tuæ defensiónis expúgnas: auxiliáre fámulis tuis, implorántibus misericórdiam tuam; ut, inimicórum suórum feritáte depréssa, incessábili te gratiárum actióne laudémus. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia sæcula sæculorum. R. Amen.

V. Dómine, exáudi oratiónem meam.

R. Et clamor meus ad te véniat. (Ps. 101, 2)

V. Benedicámus Dómino.

R. Deo grátias.

V. Fidélium ánimæ per misericórdiam Dei requiéscant in pace.

R. Amen.

(Totum secreto) Pater noster, qui es in cælis, sanctificétur nomen tuum: advéniat regnum tuum: fiat volúntas tua, sicut in cælo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidiánum da nobis hódie: et dimítte nobis débita nostra, sicut et nos dimíttimus debitóribus nostris: et ne nos indúcas in tentatiónem: sed líbera nos a malo. Amen. (Matt. 6, 9-13; Luc. 11, 3)

Papal Consecration of Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Saviour of the world, save Russia – from all the wickedness of her tyrannical government, from all her mad dreams of empire and unjust domination, from all her shameful prostitution of the Gospel and supposedly orthodox Christianity in the service of a junior antichrist, from all her cynical perversion of the truth into lies, from all the endemic lawlessness, impunity, thuggery, amorality and corruption of her criminal elite, from all the complicity of her military, administration and everyday people in evil, from all her hateful crimes against the people of Ukraine and other nations – and save us all from our sins, for all have sinned; granting this in thy mercy at the prayers and all-prevailing supplications of the Most Holy Mother of God. Her Immaculate Heart will triumph!

To this end, pray as the Pope will pray in Rome on the Solemnity of the Annunciation, Anno Domini 2022, and join in the Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Canon of Supplication to the All-Holy Theotokos

I have been praying, each day, for the deliverance of Ukraine from the wicked war waged against her, a Canon of Supplication to the All-holy Theotokos (available online as part of the Rite Chanted in Time of Attack by Aliens, after the propers used at the Divine Liturgy and before eight very long and rather vaguely-worded prayers); the translator notes that it comes from The Great Euchologion or Trebnik published in Kyiv in 1902, so it seems most appropriate to pray it for that much-suffering city and its undaunted defenders, not to mention martyred Mariupol, so many other Ukrainian cities, and so many other Ukrainian soldiers still bravely holding fast against the immoral and barbarous attacks of the Russian hordes. (Instructions for praying such a Canon when alone are also helpfully supplied online.)

Herewith, a few errata:

Ode 1, Troparion 1. “powerful and battle” should be “powerful in battle”, replacing “and” with “in”;

Ode 3, Troparion 3. “breath” should be “breathe”;

Ode 8, Troparion 4. “also known called” should be “also called”, omitting “known”.

(I would also change a few American spellings to British spellings.)

As the Canon does not have a sedalion (also known as a sedalen, kathisma troparion, or sessional hymn), nor a kontakion, I have selected and added the following highly appropriate texts –

After Ode 3 (the sedalion is said after the threefold Kyrie; its theotokion, after the minor doxology):

Sedalion. (Sessional Hymn after 1st or 2nd Kathisma, Wednesday Matins, Tone 4.)

Come quickly to our aid, O Christ our God, before we are enslaved by the enemies that blaspheme Thee and threaten us: by Thy Cross, destroy those who war against us, that they may know the might of the Orthodox faith, at the prayers of the Theotokos, O only Lover of mankind.

Theotokion. (Troparion 5, Ode VII, Saturday of the Akathist, Canon of the Theotokos, Tone 4.)

We thy servants pray to thee, and bend the knee of our heart. Incline thine ear and save us, O Theotokos, for we are drowning in affliction; and preserve thy city from all conquest by the enemy.

After Ode 6 (after the minor doxology following the threefold Kyrie), I could not forbear from including this most famous chant, the proemium of the Akathist, which portrays the ancient city of Constantinople addressing its thanks for victory over barbarian hordes, and its continued prayers for deliverance, to the All-Holy Mother of God, her ‘super-fighter’ commander (Τῇ ὑπερμάχῳ στρατηγῷ):

Kontakion. (Kontakion I of the Akathist to the Theotokos, Tone 8.)

To thee, my leader and defender, O Theotokos, I, thy city, delivered from calamity, offer hymns of victory and thanksgiving. Since thou art invincible in power, set me free from every peril, that I may cry to thee: Hail, Bride without bridegroom.

Similarly, since the Canon is not followed by a suitable prayer addressed to the Most Holy Mother of God, instead I repeat these fervent words of the Ukrainian Eparch of Australia, Mykola Bychok, which he issued on the 25th of January (changing "You" and "Your" into "thee" and "thy", to match the rest of the prayers):

Mother of God of Perpetual Help! Today we, as thy children, bow our heads before thee and ask for peace for the Ukrainian land; protect us from visible and invisible enemies who want to harm us. For we have no other help, we have no other hope but thee, Immaculate Virgin. Help us; we hope in thee and we praise thee, because we are thy servants, so that we will not be ashamed, now and always, and forever and ever. Amen.