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How to Benefit from the Holy Liturgy - Pope Kirillos Scientific Family

How to Benefit from the Holy Liturgy - Pope Kirillos Scientific Family

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Meanwhile, <strong>the</strong> congregation must pray a true repentance<br />

saying, "I ask You my Master Jesus Christ <strong>to</strong> forgive my<br />

sins, which I have committed knowingly and unknowingly."<br />

The priest once again raises <strong>the</strong> incense at <strong>the</strong> altar praying<br />

inaudibly for our repentance saying, "O God who accepted<br />

<strong>the</strong> confession of <strong>the</strong> thief on <strong>the</strong> cross..."<br />

Solomon prayed a similar prayer for his people saying,<br />

"...And as it is appointed for men <strong>to</strong> die once, but after this<br />

<strong>the</strong> judgment..." (Hebrews 9: 27).<br />

You ought <strong>to</strong> know that only <strong>the</strong> repentants who deserve<br />

forgiveness, benefit <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong>se absolutions, and it resembles<br />

<strong>the</strong> prayers of <strong>the</strong> Lord Jesus on <strong>the</strong> Cross, when He prayed<br />

for <strong>the</strong> forgiveness of those who were crucifying Him :<br />

"Fa<strong>the</strong>r, forgive <strong>the</strong>m for <strong>the</strong>y know not what <strong>the</strong>y do"<br />

(Mat<strong>the</strong>w 23:34). Very few benefit <strong>from</strong> this prayer or<br />

absolution, like St. Longinus who repented and believed in<br />

Christ and was a great martyr.<br />

Sing with <strong>the</strong> Church at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> service hymns, which<br />

are usually in <strong>the</strong> Coptic language, and have great meaning :<br />

"Amen. Alleluia. Glory be <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Fa<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong> Son and <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>Holy</strong> Spirit, now and forever, and <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> ages of ages,<br />

Amen." We proclaim and ask <strong>the</strong> Lord Jesus Christ <strong>to</strong><br />

bless <strong>the</strong> waters of <strong>the</strong> river (this statement varies according<br />

<strong>to</strong> seasons and Church celebrations). May Your mercy and<br />

Your peace be a fortress un<strong>to</strong> Your people, save us and<br />

have mercy on us. Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy,<br />

Lord have mercy, Lord bless us, Amen. Bless me. We offer<br />

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