XLIII.
Then he distributes to the clergy; and when the deacons take the disks 1 and the chalices for distribution to the people, the Deacon, who takes the first disk, says:--
Sir, pronounce the blessing.
The Priest replies:--
Glory to God who has sanctified and is sanctifying us all.
The Deacon says:--
Be Thou exalted, O God, over the heavens, and Thy glory over all the earth, and Thy kingdom endureth to all eternity. 2
And when the Deacon is about to put it on the side-table 3 the Priest says:--
Blessed be the name of the Lord our God for ever.
The Deacon.
In the fear of God, and in faith and love, draw nigh.
The People.
Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. 4
And again, when he sets down the disk upon the side-table, he says:--
Sir, pronounce the blessing.
The Priest.
Save Thy people, O God, and bless Thine inheritance.
The Priest again. 5
Glory to our God, who has sanctified us all.
And when he has put the chalice back on the holy table, the Priest says:--
Blessed be the name of the Lord to all eternity.
The Deacons and the People say:--
Fill our mouths with Thy praise, O Lord, and fill our lips with joy, that we may sing of Thy glory, of Thy greatness all the day.
And again:--
We render thanks to Thee, Christ our God, that Thou hast made us worthy to partake of Thy body and blood, for the remission of sins, and for life everlasting. Do Thou, in Thy goodness and love, keep us, we pray Thee, without condemnation.
