Two Hymns of Praise
The priest's exclamation, Ee surpootyoon surpots, "Holiness for the
holy" [42] is the original invitation for the faithful ("the holy")
to come forward to receive communion ("holiness"). It is
a relic from an earlier time when Holy Communion was distributed at this
point in the Divine Liturgy.
Eventually, two hymns were added here, before the distribution of Holy Communion.
The first is addressed to Christ: Meeayn soorp, "The one holy"
[42]. It is sung while the celebrant elevates the Eucharistic bread
and the chalice over his head. The hymn is an acclamation that they
are the Body and Blood of Christ. The second hymn is sung in praise
of the three persons of the Holy Trinity: Amen, Hayr soorp, Vorteet soorp,
Hokeet soorp [43].
Following this hymn, the priest turns toward the people with the chalice
and proclaims it to contain "the holy, holy, and precious Body and
Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who, having come down from heaven,
is distributed among us." The celebrant continues with an incisive
affirmation of the power of the sacrament: "This is life, hope of resurrection,
expiation and remission of sins." Finally, the priest asks the
people to "Sing psalms to the Lord our God ... our immortal heavenly
king" [44].
>> Before Holy Communion
