THE CARIBBEAN APOSTOLIC FEAST OF GOOD FRIDAY
The Order Of Service
(*Where indicated, Please Stand)
Consecratory Prayer (before official Service)
+THE HIERACHAL PROCESSION
The Holy Bible Flanked by Incense
The Ecumenical Guest Clergy (Deacons, Presbyters, Bishops/Apostles)
The Diocese Deacons, Presbyters
The Church Clergy
The Bishop (if present) with The Pastor of The Congregation Chief Celebrant
The Greeting
*THE INVOCATION *
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To begin the Divine Liturgy the priest lifts the Holy Gospel book and makes the sign of the cross over the Altar saying,
Presbyter (Sung Loud): “Blessed is the kingdom of the Father, Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages!"
People: "Amen, Amen, And Amen!"
Presbyter: "Let us pray.”
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The Presbyter then leads all in prayer.
*PRAISE & WORHIP*
(the leading of the people in song and praise by the designated Presbyter/Deacon/worship leader)
(Deacon will Incent the Bible. The Reading of the Scriptures by the designated Reader. will begin.)
*The Old Testament Reading*
Reader: The Lord be with you.
All: And also with you.
Reader: The reading of the Book of Isaiah chapter 53
(After announcing the Book of the Scriptures, the Herald {designated Reader} will Incent the Scriptures three times and then proclaim the word of the Lord)
(After the reading) Reader: The Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
*The Reading of the Gospel*
Reader: A reading of the holy gospel according to Saint Matthew 26:20-29
All: Glory to you oh Christ
(After the reading) Reader: The Gospel of the Lord
All: Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ.
Reader: Another reading of the holy gospel according to Saint Matthew 27:1-35
All: Glory to you oh Christ
(After the reading) Reader: The Gospel of the Lord
All: Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, and now ever shall be, world without end, amen.
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The Deacon will incent the Church, beginning with the Bishops, then the Presbyters and Deacons, then the Congregants.
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The Deacon then leads the people in prayer.
Deacon: In peace let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace of God and the salvation of our souls, we pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For the peace of the Kingdom of God, the stability of the Holy Churches of God, and the unity of all the saints, we pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this holy house and for those who enter it with faith, reverence, and the fear of God, we pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our Apostle/Bishop the Godly and Most Reverend Lord (name), for our Archbishop the Godly and Most Reverend Lord (Name), and for our Patriarch, the Godly and Most Reverend Lord Trevor ‘Elihu’ Greene, Patriarch of the Caribbean West Indies, our God-blessed Apostles and Bishops of Trinidad and Tobago, of the Bahamas, of Haiti, of the United States of America, and of all the regions of the Caribbean Apostolic Church in the service of Christ, for their Priesthoods, for help, preservation, peace, health and salvation, and for the work of their hands, let us pray to the Lord
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For all the Godly and Most Reverend Bishops, Presbyters, and all the Clergy to serve many years, we pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this country, for the President of (Name of Country), for the Prime Minister, for the Opposition Leader, for Parliament, for the Supreme Court and all courts, for all civil authorities, and for our Armed Forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For this parish and city, for the Governor, for the Mayor, and for all local authorities, for our Police Department, our Fire Department, and our Healthcare workers, for every city and country, and for the faithful who live in them, we pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For favorable weather, an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and temperate seasons, we pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For all those in need of help and assistance from God, for travelers by land, sea, and air, for the sick, the suffering, the captives, and for their salvation, we pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger, and distress, we pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us, and protect us, O God, by Your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Deacon: Remembering our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorious Lady Mary, the Mother of Christ our God, with all the Apostles and saints, we commit ourselves and one another and our whole life to You, oh Jesus Christ our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Deacon: Lord, our God, whose power is beyond compare, and glory is beyond understanding; whose mercy is boundless, and love for us is ineffable; look upon us and upon this holy house in Your compassion. Grant to us and to those who pray with us Your abundant mercy.
Deacon: For to You belong all glory, honor, and worship to the Father (+) and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
*THE NICENE CREED*
Celebrant: We BELIEVE in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible; For it is in You, oh Father of lights, that leads and guides us through the shadow of death into eternal life by Your perfect light. Let the People God proclaim the Faith.
People: Amen, Amen, and Amen.
Celebrant: We BELIEVE 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 and 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. For it is in You, oh Lamb of God Who has come to take away our sins and redeem us through Your perfect death, perfect burial, and perfect resurrection. Let the People God proclaim the Faith.
People: Amen, Amen, and Amen.
Celebrant: We BELIEVE in the All-Holy Spirit, the Lord, and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father; who, with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spake by the Prophets. We believe One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. We look for the Resurrection of the dead, (+) and the Life of the world to come. For it is in You, oh Perfect Comforter, that we are baptized into and dwell together, being made one in the Church. Let the People God proclaim the Faith.
People: Amen, Amen, and Amen.
*THE LORD'S PRAYER*
People: 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.
Welcome of Visitors/Greeting of the Brethren
(the leading of the people by the Presbyter)
Introduction of the Homilist
Singing of Hymn/Psalmist
(the leading of the people in song and praise by the designated Deacon)
The Homily
Alter Call
(the leading of the Altar Call to salvation by the Presbyter)
THE EUCHARIST
(the most senior Clergy present leads the people)
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The Celebration of Holy Eucharist will now begin. All Clergy fully vested in their respective places. The Eucharist will be served at the hands of the Clergy, blessed by the Chief Celebrating Presbyter. The Deacon then, with a soft voice, leads the congregation in Eucharistic hymn as the altar is being set:
Hymn:
There is a sweet anointing in this sanctuary
There is a stillness in the atmosphere;
Come and lay down the burdens you have carried
For in the sanctuary, God is here
He is here
He is here to break the yoke
And lift the heavy burden
He is here
He is here to heal the hopeless heart
And bless the broken
Oh come and lay down
The burdens you have carried
For in this sanctuary, God is here
*The Reading of the Epistle*
Reader: A reading from 1st Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians 11:17-34.
(After the reading) Reader: The Word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
First, the broken Bread:
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The Prelate, with the Bread lifted, in a loud voice shall pray:
“We thank you, our Father, for the life and the knowledge that you made known to us through your Son Jesus (+), whose Body this bread now is. Glory be to You for the age. Just as this broken bread was scattered on top of the hills and as it was gathered together and became one, in the same way let your assembly be gathered together from the remotest parts of the land into your kingdom. For yours is the glory and the power through Christ Jesus for the age.”
Now, the cup:
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The Prelate, with the Chalice lifted, in a loud voice shall pray:
“We thank you, our Father, for the holy vine of your Son David which you made known to us through your Son Jesus (+), whose Blood this wine mixed with water now is. Glory be to you for the age.
(the serving of the Eucharist)
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The Celebrant shall then say:
“We thank You, holy Father, for Your holy name JEHOVAH, which you made to live in our hearts, and for the knowledge and trust and immortality which You made known to us through Jesus Your Son. Glory be to You for the age. Almighty Master, it was You who created all for the sake of Your name. You gave both food and drink to people for enjoyment, so that they might give thanks to you. But to us you have freely given spiritual food and drink and eternal life through your Son. Before all things, we are thankful to you that you are powerful. Glory be to You for the age. O Lord, remember your assembly, remember to rescue it from every evil and to make it complete in your love, and to gather it from the four winds into your kingdom which you prepared for it, which has been made holy. For yours is the power and the glory for the age. Let generosity come, and let this universe pass away. Hosanna to David's Son! If someone is holy, let him come. If someone is not, he should change his mind. Amen."
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The Celebrant, holding the Holy Eucharist high above his head says:
Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.
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With the Celebrant, the people respond:
Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof, but speak the word only and my soul shall be healed.
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The Celebrant administers Holy Eucharist, saying:
The Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given and shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Amen.
After serving the Holy Eucharist to the people, the Reading of the prayer by the Celebrant:
Pour forth on us, O Lord, the spirit of Thy love; that those whom Thou hast filled with the Passover Sacrament, may, by Thy goodness, live in perfect concord. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the selfsame Holy Spirit, God, to ages of ages. Amen.
COMMEMORATION OF GOOD AND HOLY FRIDAY*
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The Pastor, then stands before the Congregants.
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The Pastor then leads the people in prayer.
Pastor: Almighty God and everlasting Father, we thank You for this is the day that You have made, and we shall rejoice and be glad in it. We enter into your gates with Thanksgiving, and enter your courts with praise, coming for Your holy throne seeking Your face. We thank You for the infinite blessing of Your Lamb, Jesus Christ. We are your servants abiding, but now Your sons by faith. Teach us in the ways of Your divine love, Your mercy, Your wisdom, and the faith which framed the world. Guide us so that we may joyfully serve You in Your Church and prosper from day to day.
*THE SILENCING OF THE CANDLES*
At The *First Candle*, The Pastor Shall Say:
Lord, You said "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." As You have commanded, we shall not resist not evil, but whosoever shall smite us on our right cheek, we turn them the left. And when we are sued for our coats, we will offer up our cloak also. And when we are compelled to go one mile, we shall go two. And when asked, we will give, and shall lend to them who borrow. And we shall love our neighbor, and love our enemies. And we shall bless them that curse us, do good to them that hate us, and pray for them which despitefully use and persecute us. And we will live and die as the children of Your Father which is in heaven through Your perfect death.
People: Amen, Amen, and Amen.
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The Deacon will snuff out the First Candle. The Church shall pause for silence.
At The *Second Candle*, The Pastor Shall Say:
Lord, You said "Today, thou shalt be with Me in paradise." As You have commanded, we shall open the gates of Heaven to those repentant and willing. And whosoever sins we forgive, they shall be forgiven. And as You were willing to clean, we shall clenase. And as You commanded to baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we shall baptize. And we shall know you, and be known to be of You by the power of Your resurrection and the fellowship of Your suffering. And we will live and die as the children of Your Father which is in heaven through Your perfect death.
People: Amen, Amen and Amen.
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The Deacon will snuff out the Second Candle. The Church shall pause for silence.
At The *Third Candle*, Pastor Shall Say:
Lord, You said "Woman, behold thy son, and son behold thy mother." As You have commanded, we shall be sons and daughters, mothers and fathers of faith and love. And from Mary the Mother of our Lord to the mothers of the Church throughout the age, we shall obey and guard they persona and faith. And when our fathers and mothers summon us to minister as You oh Lord were called by the Mother of God to minister at the wedding, we shall serve with love. And we shall raise up our disciples as they are our sons and daughters. And we shall disciples be raised up by our fathers and mothers in obedience to God. And we will live and die as the children of Your Father which is in heaven through Your perfect death.
People: Amen Amen and Amen.
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The Deacon will snuff out the Third Candle. The Church shall pause for silence.
At The *Fourth Candle*, The Pastor Shall Say:
Lord, You said "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" As You have commanded, shall partake of our cup and bare our cross, not as we will, but God's will be done. And we shall trust in the Lord with all our hearts, and lean not to our own understanding, but acknowledge the All-Holy Ghost in all our ways, and He shall direct our paths. And we shall go as led by the All-Holy Spirit and be tempted by the devil, and shall be victorious. And we will live and die as the children of Your Father which is in heaven through Your perfect death.
People: Amen Amen and Amen.
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The Deacon will snuff out the Fourth Candle. The Church shall pause for silence.
At The *Fifth Candle*, The Pastor Shall Say:
Lord, You said "I thirst." As You have commanded, we shall hunger and thirst after righteousness, and be filled. And we shall feed the poor and thirsty in spirit with the water of the Word of God. And we will live and die as the children of Your Father which is in heaven through Your perfect death.
People: Amen Amen and Amen.
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The Deacon will snuff out the Fifth Candle. The Church shall pause for silence.
At The *Sixth Candle*, The Pastor Shall Say:
Lord, You said "It is finished." As You have commanded, we shall work while it is yet day, for the night comes and no man can work. An we shall endevour to start and finish the work that You place in each of our hands, the work of intercesion, the work of teaching, the work of the witness of the Gospel. And when we shall pray that the Lord of the Harvest send laborers to carry on from where we finish. And when we raise up successors, we shall hand them our finished portion of the Great Commission to continue. And we will live and die as the children of Your Father which is in heaven through Your perfect death.
People: Amen Amen and Amen.
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The Deacon will snuff out the Sixth Candle. The Church shall pause for silence.
At The *Seventh Candle*, The Pastor Shall Say:
Lord, You said "Father, into Thy hands I commend My Spirit." As You have commanded, we shall not be afraid of the terror by night. And we shall see the sun go down for others, but as in the land of Goshen our light shall shine. And as you commanded, our sun shall no more go down, neither shall the moon withdraw itself, but You shall be our everlasting light, and our God our glory. And when we see men grope in darkness, we shall let our light so shine before men. And when blind eyes are before this world, we shall heal them that they may see Your light. But when they shall reject the truth, we shall leave them in darkness and move on to another who is willing to see You as the light of Truth. And we will live and die as the children of Your Father which is in heaven through Your perfect death.
People: Amen Amen and Amen.
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The Deacon will snuff out the Seventh Candle. The Church shall pause for silence.
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The Pastor shall then lead all in saying:
Pastor: And where two or three are gathered together, You are there oh Lord. And though we make our bed in hell, You are there, for you shall never leave nor forsake us.
All: And You shall be with us always, even to the end of time. Amen, and amen.
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Allowance for Prophetic Utterances and the Blessing of the Tithes
BENDICTION
(Name of Church), go in peace, and the Lord be with thee. Amen.
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Making the sign of the Cross over the people, he says:
May the Lord bless (+) you and keep you, may the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto; may the Lord lift up His countenance upon you an give you peace. Amen.