When a bishop is present at an Orthodox divine liturgy, there are special liturgical variables that show respect for the bishop. These include addressing the bishop as "Master" or "Your Grace", singing "Master, bless" instead of "Father, bless", and singing "Many years, Master!" when the bishop's name is mentioned or he gives a blessing. The liturgy proceeds similarly but with added parts for the bishop to say or lead, such as portions of the Trisagion hymn. At the end, the choir sings to preserve and grant many years to the "master and chief priest", the bishop.
When a bishop is present at an Orthodox divine liturgy, there are special liturgical variables that show respect for the bishop. These include addressing the bishop as "Master" or "Your Grace", singing "Master, bless" instead of "Father, bless", and singing "Many years, Master!" when the bishop's name is mentioned or he gives a blessing. The liturgy proceeds similarly but with added parts for the bishop to say or lead, such as portions of the Trisagion hymn. At the end, the choir sings to preserve and grant many years to the "master and chief priest", the bishop.
When a bishop is present at an Orthodox divine liturgy, there are special liturgical variables that show respect for the bishop. These include addressing the bishop as "Master" or "Your Grace", singing "Master, bless" instead of "Father, bless", and singing "Many years, Master!" when the bishop's name is mentioned or he gives a blessing. The liturgy proceeds similarly but with added parts for the bishop to say or lead, such as portions of the Trisagion hymn. At the end, the choir sings to preserve and grant many years to the "master and chief priest", the bishop.
When a bishop is present at an Orthodox divine liturgy, there are special liturgical variables that show respect for the bishop. These include addressing the bishop as "Master" or "Your Grace", singing "Master, bless" instead of "Father, bless", and singing "Many years, Master!" when the bishop's name is mentioned or he gives a blessing. The liturgy proceeds similarly but with added parts for the bishop to say or lead, such as portions of the Trisagion hymn. At the end, the choir sings to preserve and grant many years to the "master and chief priest", the bishop.
When greeting an Orthodox bishop, hold your hands palms up, right over left, and ask for his blessing: “Master, bless.” Then kiss his hand after he makes the sign of the cross. When addressing the bishop in conversation, refer to him as “Your Grace” or “Sayedna” (Arabic for “master”). When the bishop’s name is mentioned in the service, or when we receive a blessing from him: Many years, Master! (or in Greek: Eis polla eti, Despota!) Anytime we normally say or sing “Father, bless,” we now sing “Master, bless” if the bishop is present, even if the blessing is actually said by the priest.
THE SMALL ENTRANCE AT THE DIVINE LITURGY
Deacon: Wisdom! Let us attend! Bishop only: Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ. Save us, O Son of God, who art risen from the dead, we who sing to Thee: Alleluia! Choir: Eis polla eti Despota! Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ… (Repeat Entrance hymn, followed by the appointed Troparia and Kontakion as usual.)
THE TRISAGION HYMN AT THE DIVINE LITURGY
Deacon: Let us pray to the Lord. Choir: Lord, have mercy. Bishop: For holy art Thou, O our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever. Deacon: And unto ages of ages. Choir: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: Have mercy on us! Clergy only: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: Have mercy on us! Choir: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: Have mercy on us! Clergy only: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: Have mercy on us! Choir: Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Holy Immortal: Have mercy on us! Holy God. Bishop: O Lord, Lord: Look down from heaven and behold, and visit this vine and perfect that which Thy right hand hath planted. Choir: Many years, Master. Holy Mighty. HIERARCHICAL DIVINE LITURGY Liturgical Variables when a Bishop is Present
Bishop: O Lord, Lord: Look down from heaven and behold, and visit this vine and perfect that which Thy right hand hath planted. Choir: Many years, Master. Holy Immortal. Bishop: O Lord, Lord: Look down from heaven and behold, and visit this vine and perfect that which Thy right hand hath planted. Choir: Many years, Master. Have mercy on us. Deacon: Dynamis! Choir: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal: Have mercy on us! Deacon: O Lord, save the faithful! Choir: O Lord, save the faithful! Deacon: O Lord, save those of true worship! Choir: O Lord, save those of true worship! Deacon: And grant this to us. Choir: And grant this to us. Then we continue with the Epistle, Gospel, and homily as usual.
AT THE DISMISSAL At the end of any hierarchical service, as the bishop reads the saints’ names and offers the final blessing, the choir sings: Preserve, O Lord, our master and chief priest, and grant him many years. Many years to thee, Master. Many years to thee, Master. Many years to thee, Master. (or in Greek: Ton despotin kai archierea imon, Kyrie philate. Eis polla eti, Despota. Eis polla eti, Despota. Eis polla eti, Despota.)
