The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, often referred to as the Presanctified Liturgy, is a profound and unique service in the Orthodox Christian tradition. Celebrated during the weekdays of Great Lent, this liturgy allows the faithful to receive Holy Communion while maintaining the solemn and penitential character of the season. In this blog, we’ll explore the history, significance, and structure of this beautiful service, as well as its role in the spiritual journey of Great Lent.
Why Communion During Great Lent Matters
Great Lent is a time of repentance, fasting, and intensified prayer. For Orthodox Christians, receiving Holy Communion is a vital part of this spiritual journey. However, the Divine Liturgy, which is typically celebrated on Sundays and feast days, has a festive tone that doesn’t align with the somber mood of Lent.
This is where the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts comes in. Instead of consecrating new gifts (bread and wine) during the service, the faithful receive Communion from gifts that were consecrated the previous Sunday. This allows for a more subdued and reflective atmosphere, perfectly suited to the Lenten season.
The Presanctified Liturgy is traditionally celebrated on Wednesdays and Fridays of Lent, as well as on specific days like the Thursday of the fifth week (when the Great Canon of St. Andrew is read) and during Holy Week. Many parishes aim to hold this service as often as possible to support the faithful in their Lenten discipline.
What Happens During the Presanctified Liturgy?
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is a combination of Daily Vespers and Communion. Here’s a breakdown of the service:
Preparation and Opening
The service begins with the reading of the Typical Psalms and the Great Litany. Psalms 119–133 are chanted, followed by the hymn “Lord, I Have Cried unto Thee.”Scripture Readings
The first reading is from Genesis or Exodus, accompanied by a prokeimenon. The second reading is from Proverbs or Job. These readings provide spiritual nourishment and reflection during the Lenten fast.The Entrance and Prayers
The priest makes an entrance with the censer, and the choir sings “O Gladsome Light.” The prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, a beloved Lenten prayer, is recited.The Great Entrance
In a solemn procession, the presanctified gifts (the consecrated bread and wine) are brought into the altar. This moment is deeply reverent, as the faithful prepare to receive Communion.Communion and Conclusion
After the Lord’s Prayer, the priest proclaims, “The Presanctified Holy Things are for the holy.” The faithful receive Communion, and the service concludes with prayers of thanksgiving and veneration of the Holy Cross.
The Annunciation and the Presanctified Liturgy
When the feast of the Annunciation (March 25) falls on a weekday of Lent, the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom is celebrated in the evening. This is the only exception to the rule of not celebrating the Divine Liturgy on weekdays during Lent. The presanctified gifts from this service may be reserved for use later in the week.
A Unique Liturgical Day
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is unique in that it marks the end of one liturgical day and the beginning of another. For example, if the service is celebrated on a Wednesday evening, it transitions into Thursday liturgically. This allows the faithful to receive Communion on consecutive days.
The History of the Presanctified Liturgy
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts was first documented by St. Gregory the Dialogist in the 6th century. While it was once thought that he created the service, it is now believed that he simply formalized a practice already in use in Constantinople.
The Quinisext Council of the 7th century further codified the use of this liturgy during Lent, stating that it should be celebrated on all weekdays of Lent except Saturdays, Sundays, and the feast of the Annunciation.
Scripture Readings for Great Lent
The Presanctified Liturgy includes readings from Genesis, Proverbs, Exodus, and Job, carefully selected to guide the faithful through the themes of repentance, creation, and God’s providence. These readings change each week, offering a rich tapestry of biblical wisdom.
Why the Presanctified Liturgy is Special
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is more than just a service—it’s a spiritual lifeline during Great Lent. It allows the faithful to maintain their fast, deepen their prayer life, and draw closer to God through the reception of Holy Communion. Its solemn beauty and profound symbolism make it a cornerstone of Orthodox Lenten practice.
Join the Journey
If you’ve never attended a Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, make it a point to experience this ancient and moving service during Great Lent. It’s a powerful way to connect with the traditions of the Church and enrich your Lenten journey.
Let us embrace this sacred time of repentance and renewal, drawing closer to God through prayer, fasting, and the gift of Holy Communion.
Have you experienced the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts? Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below!