As we already have seen, the Eucharistic Divine Liturgy is not celebrated in the Orthodox Church on lenten weekdays. In order for the faithful to sustain their lenten effort by participation in Holy Communion, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is served. The service is an ancient one in the Orthodox Church. We officially hear about it in the canons of the seventh century, which obviously indicates its development at a much earlier date.
On all days of the holy fast of Lent, except on the Sabbath, the Lord’s Day, and the holy day of the Annunciation, the Liturgy of the Presanctified is to be served (Canon 52, Quinisext, 692).
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is an evening service. It is the solemn lenten Vespers with the administration of Holy Communion added to it. There is no consecration of the Eucharistic gifts at the presanctified liturgy. Holy Communion is given from the Eucharistic gifts sanctified on the previous Sunday at the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, unless, of course, the feast of the Annunciation should intervene; hence its name of “presanctified.”
Courtesy of Fr. Wayne E. Wilson of St. Barnabas Orthodox Church.
Links to the Presanctified Liturgy
St. Peter's is not yet in the position to provide books for everyone to follow. However, you can print out a copy of Compline and the Great Canon on the Antiochian Diocese of the West website.
Go to: Presanctified Divine Liturgies, 2015
OR:
Presanctified Divine Liturgies, 2015
- Wednesday, February 25 Click here
- Wednesday, March 04 Click here
- Wednesday, March 11 Click here
- Wednesday, March 18 Click here
- Monday, March 23 Not yet available
- Wednesday, April 01 Click here
The only difference between services are the readings. If you print one copy, you will have 90% or more of each service.