Category: Uncategorized

I have successfully (I hope) moved all the videos for Advent and Christmas seasons to our new site with Vimeo.com. By the end of Wednesday, Dec. 16th, you will be able to use new links to all seven episodes in the Great “O” Antiphons; Lessons & Carols for Christmas Eve; and The Twelve Days of Christmas on the Home page. They will also be linked from the Digital Library page later in the week.

I am still learning the details of Vimeo’s site. I plan to create separate folders for each of the series that the AIC offers in the subject areas of New Testament; each separate Seasonal Video series; and the Christian Education Videos, with separate folders for each of the seasons. This means there will be some disruption of service until the transition is completed.

With these changes, traditional Christians, although limited in their choice of live services, will be able to watch and listen to programs during Advent and Christmas.

Thank you for your patience during the long transition.

Here’s a progress report on the upgrading of the New Testament: Gospels series. There are 45 episodes consisting of almost 1600 slides that must be rebuilt one-at-a-time. It’s very slow work, with six slides per page, each of which is separately trimmed to size. The primary objective is to integrate the videos series and the new The Gospel of ... series of AIC Bookstore Publications, so that visitors interested in either will be exposed to the same material in another setting or media. Every episode is getting a facelift, with some new illustrations and some changes in text and picture layouts. In the Fourth Edition, the Other AIC Resources section of each episode is being standardized across the series.

As of 12/11/20 I have remade all the slides in Episode One (the Introduction to the series); Episodes Two through Six (focused on the Gospel of Matthew); Episodes Seven through Eleven (focused on the Gospel of Mark); and Episodes Twelve through Sixteen (up to start of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee in the Gospel of Luke).

I am very pleased to let you know that the Universitats- und Landesbibliothek Darmstadt, custodians of the Hitda Codex (circa 1020 A.D.), have generously granted written permission to use the high-resolution images of Christ in Majesty; Healing the Man with a Withered Hand; Healing Peter’s Mother-in-Law; and Healing the Demon-possessed Man (or Gadarene Man) that we purchased for Gospel book series. All are used in Episode Eight (Gospel of Mark).

I have not yet overcome several issues involved in moving our videos from the current vendor to Vimeo.com. I hope these issues can be resolved in the next few days.

The next step in the process is recording the soundtrack for these 16 episodes. My plan is to start on that task tomorrow.

Looking at the propect of updating a series with 45 episode and over 1500 slides was daunting. As always, getting started is the hardest part. Here in the second week of Advent Season in Church year 2020-2021 A.D., I’ve made surprisingly good progress in the conversion of the New Testament: Gospels Bible Study Video series into its Fourth Edition. The series has a modified logo which will be used in the Other AIC Resources section of each episode where appropriate. Over the next few weeks, I will be moving all the video series to the Vimeo.com platform. I am still encountering unexpected difficulties in processing and moving the episodes. The resolution of the first effort was not satisfactory and the episode will be deleted and reposted. Please accept my apology for any inconvenience regarding unavailable episodes.

The Fourth Edition, in addition to the revised graphic, includes many revisions to the appearance of slides. To date, I have remade over 200 slides for Episode One through Episode Six. The new version of Episode One, which is the series introduction, is now available on our Vimeo channel. Episodes Two through Episode Six, all focused on the Gospel of Matthew, include new slides which integrate material from the four newest AiC Bookstore Publications focused on the Gospels. The Gospel of John: Annotated & Illustrated is already available for purchase in paperback and Kindle editions through my Amazon Author Central page, which is linked from the bottom of the Home Page. The Kindle edition is an electronic facsimile of the print version. The Luke edition is currently in the final stages of proofing and will be available later this year or very early in 2021 A.D. The next two books, the Mark edition and the Matthew edition, are ready for proofreading.

Episode One in the Fourth Edition of the AIC Bible Study Video series, New Testament: Gospels, is now available on our new Vimeo channel. The production of the Fourth Edition is part of our continuing celebration of the start of the AIC’s second decade on the Internet. All forty-five episodes will be reissued in revised form during the Church Year 2020-2021 A.D. The image is linked here and from the New Testament page.

The newest episode features revised and expanded content and a new musical theme, All Glory, Laud and Honor, attributed to St. Theodulph (8th C.). The music is played on the church organ by Richard M. S. Irwin and is used with permission. Richard’s wonderful, inspired playing can be heard at https://play.hymnswithoutwords.com. He has made his music accessible to local congregations. I thank Richard for his generosity in permitting its use for this series.

Each new episode will feature material from the new illustrated Gospel books which we are adding to the catalogue of AIC Bookstore Publications. The release of The Gospel of Matthew: Illustrated & Annotated is planned for the first half of A.D. 2021, pending proofreading of the completed text. The book will have 262 pages and 114 illustrations, including 14 images of Matthew, the oldest made in the early 8th C. at Lindisfarne, England.

The old Church Year is nearly over and the new Church Year to be born on Sunday, Nov. 29, the closest Sunday to the Feast of St. Andrew (Nov. 30). At the AIC we are marking the new season with a few new development.

Over this weekend, I will move all AIC Videos from the current host site to Vimeo.com. The previous vendor has announced a change in the terms of our contract, giving them the right to “monetize” anything we place on their site. This means, potentially, ads inserted at the start of, in the content of and at the end of videos. I will not allow them to commercialize our education materials. Effective today, I am removing all our content from their site. This may mean that some videos are temporarily unavailable during this transition.

Second, as part of the change nonted above, I will be modifying all existing videos into a new format. The old versions will remain available, to be replaced as each revised version is completed during the Winter A.D. 2020-2021

Third, it appears possible that the Luke volume can be produced sooner than expected. The final version is undergoing design and final proofing. With His grace, we may be able to have the Gospel of Luke: Annotated & Illustrated ready before Christmas Day.

Fourth, the Podcast Homilies for all four Sundays in Advent will be linked from the Home page. Also, beginning around, Dec. 15th. the Podcasts and videos for The Great “O” Antiphons series for the final seven days before Christmas, will be linked from the Home Page.

Finally, in the days just before Christmas, I will link the videos and podcasts for Lessons and Carols from Christmas Eve from the Home page. All the above may prove timely given the restrictiosn related to COVID-19.

As always, thank you for your interest, support and prayers.

Glory be to God for all things! Amen!

I am pleased to share good news. Progress is being made on the final three books in our illustrated Gospels series. The volume focused on the Gospel of Luke still needs proofreading of the final four chapters. There will be 272 pages with 111 illustrations. I remain hopeful that it can be ready before the end of Epiphany season in 2021.

The volume focused on the Gospel of Matthew is complete but proof-reading cannot begin until the Luke volume has been sent to our printer. There will be 268 pages with 115 illustrations. My target date for publication is before Easter 2021.

The volume focused on the Gospel of Mark is also complete. There will be 186 pages with 86 illustrations. The target date for publication is Whitsunday 2021.

Now that the research and writing stage of the books is complete, I plan to turn to producing more Podcasts on topical issues. Some new equipment will be needed to ensure good sound quality, but all the new microphone/headset combinations created for the COVID shutdown era seem to offer real promise. I will be testing some of them soon.

In this era of rampant anti-Christian activity, the AIC will continue to offer reliable study materials either free or at reasonable prices. Our books offer anyone access to high-quality images and content at afforable rates.

As always, thank you for your interest and support.

The newest AIC Bookstore Publication, The Gospel of John: Annotated & Illustrated, is now available in paperback and Kindle versions.    The book breaks new ground in the display and editing of historic Christian art, with 95 illustrations set in context with the text of John’s unique Gospel using the NKJV translation.   This will be first time modern readers have seen high-resolutions images from some of the best illuminated Bibles ever produced.  The list of Sources at the back of the book offer a short summary of each work with manuscript and image file numbers where available.

I was assisted in this effort by my friend Claudia Yelton, whose input into design, word choice and other creative aspects of the work was invaluable during the last eight months.  Below is her summary on the final version.  I hope you’ll agree that it will be a valuable resource in the library of any tradition-minded Christian.  Books can be purchase through my Amazon Author Central page using the link at the bottom of the home page.

“I “visually proofed” John this morning and I must say, I think it is stunning. I like the visual variety of the different sizes and shapes of the illuminations…. small, medium and large rectangles (horizontally and vertically placed) along with varying sizes of square illustrations. Their placement on the page, being varied, adds to the interest of the manuscript. Additionally, the different sized type also makes the reading more enjoyable. A complete page of the same size type is predictable and boring to the reader, and sometimes daunting.   I’m so proud to have been a small part in the production of this book.  Congratulations on this beautiful work.

I hope to have Volume II in the series, The Gospel of Luke: Annotated & Illustration, ready before the start of Advent season on Nov 29th, A.D. 2020.   The companion volume, The Gospel of Matthew: Annotated & Illustrated,  is in production and should be available before Easter.   The final book in the series, The Gospel of Mark: Annotated & Illustrated is planned for mid-2021.

Today I offer another resource for traditional prayer during these stressful times. The Ninth Hour office is customarily read around 3 PM, the hour of death upon the Cross on Good Friday. Each of these offices can be said by anyone, anywhere, and does not require the presence of clergy. When being used with a group, the words in bold types are those said in unison with the leader or in response. The origin of each prayer is noted in the text.

Ninth Hour

The Invocation

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, one true God, to whom be glory and upon us mercy and compassion for ever and ever.  Amen.

The First Prayer [Syrian Antiochian 9th Hour Prayer]

O thou who, at the Ninth Hour, for our sake didst taste of death in the flesh: Mortify thou the presumption of our flesh, and save us, O Christ our God.  Amen.

A General Confession

Let us pray

I confess to God the Father Almighty, to His only-begotten Son Jesus Christ our Lord, and to God the Holy Ghost, and before the whole company of heaven, that I have sinned exceedingly, in thought, word, and deed, through my fault, through my own fault, through my ownmost grievous fault. Wherefore I beseech God the Father Almighty, His only-begotten Son Jesus Christ our Lord, and God the Holy Ghost, to pity me, and to have mercy upon me. The Almighty and merciful God grant to us pardon, absolution, and remission of all our sins. Amen.

The Lord’ s Prayer [Luke 11:2-4]

OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.  Amen. 

The First Chapter [1 Thessalonians 4:14]

If we believe that Jesus died, and rose again, even so them also that sleep in Jesus shall God bring with Him.

The First Antiphon [Psalm 86:7-10]

In the time of my trouble I will call upon thee; 

For thou hearest me.

Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; 

There is not one that can do as thou doest.

All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship thee, O Lord; 

And shall glorify thy Name.

For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: 

Thou art God alone.

The Second Prayer [Adapted from Liturgy of St. James, 1st C.]

O SOVEREIGN Almighty God, King of Glory, who knowest all things before their creation, redeem us from the shame of our transgressions; cleanse our minds and thoughts from impure desires, from worldly deceit, from all influence of the devil; guard us from everything evil and preserve us for continually pleasing, worshipping, and glorifying Thee, the Father, and Thy only-begotten Son, and thy all-holy Spirit, now and always, unto ages of ages.  Amen.

The Second Antiphon [Psalm 86:1-6]

Bow down thine ear, O Lord, and hear me; 

For I am poor, and in misery.

Preserve thou my soul, for I am holy: * 

My God, save thy servant that putteth his trust in thee.

Be merciful unto me, O Lord; * 

For I will call daily upon thee.

Comfort the soul of thy servant; * 

For unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

For thou, Lord, art good and gracious; * 

And of great mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Give ear, Lord, unto my prayer, * 

And ponder the voice of my humble desires.

The Third Prayer [Sarum Missal, 16th-17th C., England]

O GOD, who hast made the most glorious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, thine only-begotten Son, to be exceeding sweet and supremely lovable to thy faithful servants: Mercifully grant that all who devoutly venerate the name of Jesus on earth may in this life receive thy holy comfort, and in the life to come attain thine unending joy.  Amen.

The Second Chapter [Isaiah 53:6]

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord that laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

The Third Antiphon [Psalm 51:10, 11]

Make me a clean heart, O God,

And renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from thy presence,

And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

The Fourth Prayer [Anglican Prayer, Alcuin of York, 8th C.]

O ETERNAL light, shine into my heart; O Eternal Goodness, deliver me from evil; O Eternal Power, be my support; O Eternal Wisdom, scatter the darkness of my ignorance; O Eternal Pity, have mercy upon me; that with all my heart and mind and soul and strength I may seek thy face and be brought by thine infinite mercy to thy holy presence.  Amen.

The Psalm Reading [Psalm 119:129-146]

THY testimonies are wonderful; * therefore doth my soul keep them.

130. When thy word goeth forth, * it giveth light and understanding unto the simple.

131. I opened my mouth, and drew in my breath; * for my delight was in thy commandments.

132. O look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, * as thou usest to do unto those that love thy Name.

133. Order my steps in thy word; * and so shall no wickedness have dominion over me.

134. O deliver me from the wrongful dealings of men; * and so shall I keep thy commandments.

135. Show the light of thy countenance upon thy servant, * and teach me thy statutes.

136. Mine eyes gush out with water, * because men keep not thy law.

RIGHTEOUS art thou, O Lord; * and true are thy judgments.

138. The testimonies that thou hast commanded * are exceeding righteous and true.

139. My zeal hath even consumed me; * because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.

140. Thy word is tried to the uttermost, * and thy servant loveth it.

141. I am small and of no reputation; * yet do I not forget thy commandments.

142. Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, * and thy law is the truth.

143. Trouble and heaviness have taken hold upon me; * yet is my delight in thy commandments.

144. The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: * O grant me understanding, and I shall live.

I CALL with my whole heart; * hear me, O Lord; I will keep thy statutes.

146. Yea, even unto thee I do call; * help me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.

The Third Chapter [Revelation 4:11; 5:13]

WORTHY art thou, Our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for thou didst create all things and by thy will they existed and were created; To him who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might for ever and ever!

The Fourth Antiphon [Adapted from In the Cross of Christ I Glory, 1946]

O holy Jesus, who of thine infinite goodness, 

Didst accept the conversion of a sinner on the Cross: 

Open thine eyes of mercy upon us, 

When in our last hour we turn to thee for pardon and forgiveness.  

Renew in us all that is decayed by the fraud and malice of the devil or our own carnal will and frailness.  

Consider our contribution and accept our repentance; 

And forasmuch as we put our full trust only in thy mercy,

Impute not unto us our former sins, but strengthen us with thy blessed Spirit; 

When thou art pleased to take us hence into thy favor,

We beg through thy merits, O Lord, our Saviour and our Redeemer.

The Fifth Prayer [Anglican Prayer, Ninth Hour]

O Lord Jesus Christ, who for our sakes didst tread the paths of death; make known to us  the way of life; that as Thou wast reckoned with the transgressors in Thy death, and with the rich in Thy burial, so we, who are dead in trespasses and sins, may be raised up by Thee to the land of true riches; who liveth and reigneth with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

The Fifth Antiphon [In the Cross of Christ I Glory, 1946]

O Saviour of the world, who by Thy Cross and precious blood redeemed us;

Save us and help us, we humbly beseech Thee, O Lord.

The Sixth Prayer [Adapted from Eastern Orthodox Prayer of St. Basil the Great, 4th or 5th C.]

O Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, who art long-suffering toward our sins, and who hast led us even to the present hour, who didst hang upon the life-giving Tree and didst make a way unto Paradise for the penitent thief, and by death didst destroy death; Cleanse us sinners and unworthy servants, for we have sinned and have dealt iniquitously toward thee.  Inasmuch as we have departed from the path of thy righteousness, and have walked after the desires of our own hearts, we are not worthy to lift up our eyes and look upon the heights of heaven; Yet we implore of thy boundless goodness: Spare us, O Lord, according to thy multitude of thy mercies, and save us, for thy holy Name’s sake.  Amen.

The Grace (2 Corinthians 13:14)

THE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ξ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

The Benediction

May the Lord Almighty and merciful, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, vouchsafe to bless us and keep us. Amen. 

Here ends Ninth Hour.  Go in peace and serve the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

The complete text of Ninth Hour and the prayers for First, Third and Sixth Hour, plus Vespers and Compline are found in the AIC Bookstore Publication, Hear Us, O Lord: Daily Prayers for the Laity, which can be purchased on line using the Virtual Bookstore link at the bottom of the Home page. It can also be ordered from bookstores.

Please respond or say with Minister all the words in Bold
The people always say the Amen.
Page numbers are from the 1928 Book of Common Prayer

A Prayer In Time of Calamity   Page 41

O GOD, merciful and compassionate, who art ever ready to hear the prayers of those who put their trust in thee; Graciously hearken to us who call upon thee, and grant us thy help in this our need; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Collect for Purity Page 67

ALMIGHTY God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid; Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy Name; through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Decalogue  Page 68

GOD spake these words, and said:
I am the Lord thy God; Thou shalt have none other gods but me.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.  

II.  Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth; thou shalt not bow down to them, nor worship them;.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

III.  Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain;
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

IV.  Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath-day.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

V.  Honour thy father and thy mother;
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

VI.  Thou shalt do no murder.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

VII.  Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

VIII.  Thou shalt not steal.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

IX.  Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.

X.  Thou shalt not covet
Lord, have mercy upon us, and write all these thy laws in our hearts, we beseech thee.

The Kyrie  Page 70

Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

The Prayer of Sanctification  Page 70

O ALMIGHTY Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to direct, sanctify, and govern, both our hearts and bodies, in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments; that, through thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen.

The Salutation  Page 70

  The Lord be with you.
And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.

The Collect for Third Sunday after Easter  Page 170

ALMIGHTY God, who showest to them that are in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness; Grant unto all those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ’s Religion, that they may avoid those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

The Old Testament Lesson Page xxii

The Old Testament lesson is written in the 2nd Chapter of First Samuel,
beginning at the 2nd verse.

MY heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.  There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.  Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.  The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.  They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.  The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.  The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.  He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them.  He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.  The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

Here endeth the Old Testament lesson.

The Psalm Reading Page 466

The Psalms appointed for this day are Psalm 113 and 124.
Please respond with the half verse.

Psalm 113  Page 484
Laudate, pueri.

PRAISE the Lord, ye servants; * O praise the Name of the Lord.
2. Blessed be the Name of the Lord * from this time forth for evermore.3. The Lord’s Name is praised * from the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same.
4. The Lord is high above all nations, * and his glory above the heavens.5. Who is like unto the Lord our God, that hath his dwelling so high, * and yet humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven and earth!
6. He taketh up the simple out of the dust, * and lifteth the poor out of the mire;
7.  That he may set him with the princes, * even with the princes of his people.
8.  He maketh the barren woman to keep house, * and to be a joyful mother of children.

 Psalm 124 Page 504
Nisi quia Dominus.

IF the Lord himself had not been on our side, now may Israel say; * if the Lord himself had not been on our side, when men rose up against us;
2. They had swallowed us up alive; * when they were so wrathfully displeased at us.
3. Yea, the waters had drowned us, * and the stream had gone over our soul.
4. The deep waters of the proud * had gone even over our soul.
5. But praised be the Lord, * who hath not given us over for a prey unto their teeth.
6. Our soul is escaped even as a bird out of the snare of the fowler; * the snare is broken, and we are delivered.
7. Our help standeth in the Name of the Lord, * who hath made heaven and earth. 

The Gloria Patri Page 9

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The Epistle Page 170

The Epistle is written in the 2nd Chapter of the 1st. Epistle of St. Peter,
beginning at the 11th verse.

DEARLY  beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.  Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.  For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Here endeth the Epistle

The Gospel Page 171

The Holy Gospel is written in the 16th Chapter of the Gospel of St. John, beginning at the 16th verse.

Glory be to thee, O Lord.

JESUS said to his disciples, a little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.  Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father?  They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith.  Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me?  Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.  A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.  And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. 

Praise be to thee, O Christ.

The Nicene Creed  Page 70

I BELIEVE in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And of all things visible and invisible: 

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God; Begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of very God; Begotten, not made; Being of one substance with the Father; By whom all things were made: Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, And was made man: And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried: And the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures: And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father:  And he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.  

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord, and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the Prophets:

And I believe one Catholic and Apostolic Church:  I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins:  And I look for the Resurrection of the dead: And the Life of the world to come.  Amen.

Announcements
Commentary on the Collect & Readings

The Prayer for Christ’s Church Page 74

Let us pray for the whole state of Christ’s Church.

ALMIGHTY and everliving God, who by thy holy Apostle hast taught us to make prayers, and supplications, and to give thanks for all men; We humbly beseech thee most mercifully to accept our [alms and] oblations, and to receive these our prayers, which we offer unto thy Divine Majesty; beseeching thee to inspire continually the Universal Church with the spirit of truth, unity, and concord: And grant that all those who do confess thy holy Name may agree in the truth of thy holy Word, and live in unity and godly love.

We beseech thee also, so to direct and dispose the hearts of all Christian Rulers, that they may truly and impartially administer justice, to the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true religion, and virtue.

Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all Bishops and other Ministers, that they may, both by their life and doctrine, set forth thy true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy Sacraments.

And to all thy People give thy heavenly grace; and especially to this congregation here present; that, with meek heart and due reverence, they may hear, and receive thy holy Word; truly serving thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their life.

And we most humbly beseech thee, of thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort and succour all those who, in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity.

And we also bless thy holy Name for all thy servants departed this life in thy faith and fear; beseeching thee to grant them continual growth in thy love and service, and to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that with them we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom.  Grant this, O Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our only Mediator and Advocate.  Amen.

Invitation to Holy Communion Page 75

YE who do truly and earnestly repent you of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways; Draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort; and make your humble confession to Almighty God, devoutly kneeling.

The General Confession Page 75

ALMIGHTY God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things,  Judge of all men;  We acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness, Which we, from time to time, most grievously have committed, By thought, word, and deed, Against thy Divine Majesty, Provoking most justly thy wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent, And are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; The remembrance of them is grievous unto us; The burden of them is intolerable. Have mercy upon us, Have mercy upon us, most merciful Father; For thy Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, Forgive us all that is past; And grant that we may ever hereafter Serve and please thee In newness of life, To the honour and glory of thy Name; Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Pardon & Absolution Page 76

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who of his great mercy hath promised forgiveness of sins to all those who with hearty repentance and true faith turn unto him; Have mercy upon you; pardon and deliver you from all your sins; confirm and strengthen you in all goodness; and bring you to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Comfortable Words Page 76

Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all who truly turn to him.

COME unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.  St. Matt. xi. 28.
So God loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  St. John iii. 16.

Hear also what Saint Paul saith.
This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.  1 Tim. i. 15.

Hear also what Saint John saith.
If any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the Propitiation for our sins.  1 St. John ii. 1, 2.

The Sursum Corda Page 76

Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up unto the Lord.
Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.
It is meet and right so to do. 

The Proper Preface/Preface Completed  Pages 77

It is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto thee, O Lord, Holy Father, Almighty, Everlasting God.  

Therefore with Angels and Archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we laud and magnify thy glorious Name; evermore praising thee, and saying,

The Sanctus Page 77

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, Lord God of hosts
Heaven and earth are full of thy glory:
Glory be to thee, O Lord Most High.  Amen.

The Canon of the Mass Page 80

ALL glory be to thee, Almighty God, our heavenly Father, for that thou, of thy tender mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the Cross for our redemption; who made there (by his one oblation of himself once offered) a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world; and did institute, and in his holy Gospel command us to continue, a perpetual memory of that his precious death and sacrifice, until his coming again:  For in the night in which he was betrayed, (a) he took Bread; and when he had given thanks, (b) he brake it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take, eat, (c) this is my Body, which is given for you; Do this in remembrance of me.  Likewise, after supper, (d) he took the Cup; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of this; for (e) this is my Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins; Do this, as oft as ye shall drink it, in remembrance of me. 

WHEREFORE, O Lord and heavenly Father, according to the institution of thy dearly beloved Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, we, thy humble servants, do celebrate and make here before thy Divine Majesty, with these thy holy gifts, which we now offer unto thee, the memorial thy Son hath commanded us to make; having in remembrance his blessed passion and precious death, his mighty resurrection and glorious ascension; rendering unto thee most hearty thanks for the innumerable benefits procured unto us by the same.

AND we most humbly beseech thee, O merciful Father, to hear us; and, of thy almighty goodness, vouchsafe to bless and sanctify, with thy Word and Holy Spirit, these thy gifts and creatures of bread and wine; that we, receiving them according to thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of his death and passion, may be partakers of his most blessed Body and Blood.

AND we earnestly desire thy fatherly goodness, mercifully to accept this our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; most humbly beseeching thee to grant that, by the merits and death of thy Son Jesus Christ, and through faith in his blood, we, and all thy whole Church, may obtain remission of our sins, and all other benefits of his passion.  And here we offer and present unto thee, O Lord, our selves, our souls and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy, and living sacrifice unto thee; humbly beseeching thee, that we, and all others who shall be partakers of this Holy Communion, may worthily receive the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son Jesus Christ, be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction, and made one body with him, that he may dwell in us, and we in him. And although we are unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice; yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord; by whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end.  Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer Page 82

And now, as our Saviour Christ hath taught us, we are bold to say,

OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us.  And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.  Amen.

The Prayer of Humble Access  Page 82

WE do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies.  We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table.  But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy: Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, and our souls washed through his most precious blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us.  Amen.

The Agnus Dei Page 82

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy upon us.
O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world,
grant us thy peace.

Words of Administration of the Elements Page 82

The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life.  Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ died for thee, and feed on him in thy heart by faith, with thanksgiving.

The Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ’s Blood was shed for thee, and be thankful.

Prayers for Those Unable to
Receive the Sacraments by Reason of
Law or Regulations

Acknowledgment of God’s
Mercy and Preservation  Page 587

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, in whom we live and move and have our being; We, thy needy creatures, render thee our humble praises, for thy preservation of us from the beginning of our lives to this day, and especially
for having delivered us from the dangers of the past night.  For these thy mercies, we bless and magnify thy glorious Names; humbly beseeching thee to accept this our morning sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving; for his sake who lay down in the grave, and rose again for us, thy Son our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

The Intercession  Page 590

AND accept, O Lord, our intercessions for all mankind.  Let the light of thy Gospel shine upon all nations; and may as many as have received it, live as becomes it.  Be gracious unto thy Church; and grant that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may serve thee faithfully.  Bless all in authority over us; and so rule their hearts and strengthen their hands, that they may punish wickedness and vice, and maintain thy true religion and virtue.  Send down thy blessings, temporal and spiritual, upon all our relations, friends, and neighbours.  Reward all who have done us good, and pardon all those who have done or wish us evil, and give them repentance and better minds.  Be merciful to all who are in any trouble; and do thou, the God of pity, administer to them according to their several necessities; for his sake who went about doing good, thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen.

The Prayer of Thanksgiving Page 83

Let us pray.

ALMIGHTY and everliving God, we most heartily thank thee, for that thou dost vouchsafe to feed us who have duly received these holy mysteries, with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ; and dost assure us thereby of thy favour and goodness towards us; and that we are very members incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, which is the blessed company of all faithful people; and are also heirs through hope of thy everlasting kingdom, by the merits of his most precious death and passion. And we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.

The Gloria in excelsis Page 84

GLORY be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will towards men.  We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.

O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.  Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us. 

For thou only art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father.  Amen.

The Blessing Page 84

THE Peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his son Jesus Christ our Lord:  And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always.  Amen.

Thank you for joining us for this live broadcast of Holy Communion for the Third Sunday after Easter.  Please join us again next Sunday, Fourth Sunday after Easter, May 10th, at 10:30 A.M.