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

This great divine work which the Lord did for us proves
clearly how merciful God is to us. He, "Did not spare His
own Son, But delivered Him up for us all" (Romans 8:32).
And "For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not
perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
During the offertory the congregation chants "Lord Have
Mercy" 41 times, fervently until the celebrant priest chooses
the 'Lamb'.
The congregation does this to perpetuate the Lord's mercy
and sacrificing love, as He had mercy on those who believed,
and saved them from the original sin of their ancestor Adam.
The congregation asks the Lord to forgive them their sins
which they committed in human weakness, and to fulfil His
love to mankind and make them worthy to enjoy the blessing
of redemption, forgiveness of sins and inheritance of the
kingdom of heaven with the saints.
V My beloved, pray "Lord have mercy" during the
OFFERTORY with persistence, asking the 'LAMB' who
is without blemish to purify you from every blemish, and
to make you worthy to partake of the sacraments and to
have eternal life.
V After completing the "Choice of the 'LAMB'" the priest
'baptises' the 'LAMB' with some water. This is symbolic
of the Baptism of Christ. And then the priest recites the
names of those whom he wishes to mention, particularly
those on whose behalf the offering is raised; whether they
be living, departed, sick or in distress. The 'LAMB' of
God takes away the sins of the world to deliver them
from their troubles and pressures.
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