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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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thousands of angels are glorifying <strong>the</strong> Lord of glory, and<br />

that you are surrounded with a "cloud of witnesses"<br />

who have existed throughout <strong>the</strong> ages. Holiness and faith<br />

are beautiful perfumes.<br />

There is incense in <strong>the</strong> feast: prayers which ascend in a<br />

special order. Repeat "Lord have mercy" many times. If we<br />

repeated ‘Lord have mercy’ all our life, it would not be<br />

enough <strong>to</strong> ask for God’s compassionate mercy. Let its<br />

repetition be as spiritual incense, not a mere recitation. Ask<br />

mercy for yourself and o<strong>the</strong>rs. Relay <strong>to</strong> God all matters that<br />

are in need of God’s mercy. Pray, "Lord have mercy upon<br />

me and save me <strong>from</strong> my evil thoughts. Lord have mercy<br />

upon me and save me <strong>from</strong> my absent-mindedness. Lord<br />

have mercy upon me and save me <strong>from</strong> tribulations. Lord<br />

have mercy upon me and upon Your church and save her<br />

<strong>from</strong> wolves. Lord have mercy upon me and save all<br />

children <strong>from</strong> <strong>the</strong> seductions of sin."<br />

Hence, your prayers become as incense ascending <strong>to</strong> God.<br />

You conclude <strong>the</strong> feast with your heart and mind becoming<br />

enlightened by <strong>the</strong> beauty of your garment. Your prayers<br />

which ascend <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> heavens are <strong>the</strong> whispers of a heart that<br />

thanks, asks, loves, rejoices, repents and determines in truth.<br />

THE OFFERTORY<br />

V Choosing <strong>the</strong> 'LAMB' presents <strong>the</strong> agreement of <strong>the</strong><br />

Divine Trinity <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> hypostasis of <strong>the</strong> 'SON'. This<br />

happened <strong>to</strong> redeem <strong>the</strong> falling race of Adam. Adam<br />

angered God by breaking His commandments <strong>to</strong> obey <strong>the</strong><br />

deceit of Satan.<br />

78

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