Before Holy Communion
At one time the people would come forward for Holy Communion while the choir
and people sang the communion hymn Ornyal eh Asdvadz, Kreesdos badarakyal.
[47] . This hymn is based on Psalms 150 and 34. It corresponds with
the priest's (and deacon's) exhortation to "Sing psalms to the Lord
our God..." [44].
In more recent times, further development has taken place at this point
in the Divine Liturgy. The hymn Der voghormya "Lord, have mercy"
[45] is a stirring prayer that asks God's forgiveness for our failings.
The hymn also asks for his help in our lives both individually and as a
Church and nation.
At this point the curtain is closed [44]. Behind the curtain the priest
offers two personal prayers before he himself receives Holy Communion.
It is an ancient custom in all eastern churches that when the priest celebrating
the Eucharist receives Holy Communion, this should be done out of the sight
of the faithful.
One of these two prayers is attributed to the great church father St. John
Chrysostom [46]. Not only the celebrant, but anyone receiving Holy
Communion may silently offer this prayer while the choir sings Der voghormya,
in preparation for the sacrament. Especially moving is the last phrase
of the prayer. Quoting Jesus' words [John 6:56], the prayer asks the
Lord to fulfill the promise he made to his apostles and to us: "Be
with me always according to your unfailing promise that, 'Whoever eats my
Body and drinks my Blood abides in me and I in him.' You did say so, you
who love mankind. Uphold the words of your divine and irrevocable
commandments. For you are the God of mercy and of compassion and of
love toward mankind…" [46].
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