Vat.sir.369

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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, one God. We begin to write the book of the establishment original: "ܡܘܬܒܐ" (mōtabā) — here meaning the ritual consecration or installation of the church, according to the rite of the Antiochian Church of the Syrians. First, the rite of the consecration of the church.

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When the bishop desires to consecrate a church, the priests, the deacons, and all the people shall gather. And they shall go outside of the church. And the bishop shall seal the door of the church three times. And he shall say: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. And they shall all enter the church. And they shall begin with the anthem b'onitha a type of Syriac liturgical chant that precedes the prayer: "You who built your church with your precious blood, and established in it an altar for your glory. Protect it from harm and from idols. And let your peace and your tranquility dwell in it. And make it so that priests may serve in it in purity, and that the people may receive in it the forgiveness of sins. And may they offer to you glory and thanksgiving, forever and ever." And after this, the bishop says the prayer: "Lord, almighty God, you who built for yourself a holy church on earth."

"And you made your holy name dwell in it. And you made it a house of forgiveness for all those who call upon you in truth. You, O Lord, in your grace, let your presence shekhinta the indwelling divine presence dwell in this house. And sanctify it by the coming of your Holy Spirit. And make it a temple for your glory, and an altar for the sacrifice of life, and a place for prayer and for petition. And everyone who enters it in faith and in purity shall receive from you the petition of his heart. And he shall be made worthy of the forgiveness of sins, and of the remission of transgressions. And they shall offer to you glory and thanksgiving, and to your Father and to your Holy Spirit, now and at all times, forever." And they begin the canon: "Glory to the One who sanctified His church with His blood, and magnified its remembrance on earth and in heaven. Answer me, O Lord, answer me. And let your Holy Spirit descend upon this altar, and sanctify it, and cleanse it from all defilements. And make it a place for your glory. And let your peace and your tranquility dwell in it. And may it be a house of refuge for all those who take refuge in it." And they begin the Psalm: "I will exalt you, O Lord, my King, and I will give thanks to your name, forever and unto the ages of ages."