Lent 3 Liturgy of Baptism, Confirmation and ‘Reception’ into the Church of England – 12th March 2023
Welcome to St. Paul’s Athens especially if you are here for the first time or visiting Athens. Our prayers are especially asked today for those who are being baptised and confirmed or ‘Received’ into the Church of England by Bishop Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro, with the consent of the Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe. We have a POS so you can make your donation by card. Follow the service sheet online – wifi password gu5uX8mmtgb8egak
The president and preacher is The Rt. Revd. Philip Mounstephen. The deacon is The Revd. Deacon Christine Saccali.
Entrance Hymn: 476 Ye servants of God
The Greeting:
Bishop Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
All Blessed be his kingdom, now and for ever. Amen.
Bishop There is one body and one spirit.
All There is one hope to which we were called;
Bishop one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
All one God and Father of all.
Bishop Peace be with you
All and also with you.
The bishop then greets the people informally and introduces the service
Presentation of the Candidates The candidates are presented to the congregation.
Sponsor: Bishop Philip, I present Danielle to be baptized
Sponsor: Bishop Philip, I present Mabel to be confirmed
Sponsor: Bishop Philip, I present Vassilis, James (Dimitrios), and Vassilis to be Received
into the Church of England
The bishop asks Mabel:
Bishop Have you been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit?
Mabel: I have.
Bishop Are you ready with your own mouth and from your own heart to affirm your
faith in Jesus Christ?
Mabel: I am.
The bishop addresses the whole congregation
Faith is the gift of God to his people.
In baptism the Lord is adding to our number those whom he is calling.
People of God, will you welcome these candidates and uphold them in their
life in Christ?
All With the help of God, we will.
Collect: Let us pray (remain standing as the bishop prays the Collect of the Day)
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen
First Reading (please sit) Daniel 3, 1-18 (Reader: Cees van Beek)
King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden statue whose height was sixty cubits and whose width was six cubits; he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent for the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces to assemble and come to the dedication of the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. So the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces assembled for the dedication of the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. When they were standing before the statue that Nebuchadnezzar had set up, the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble, you are to fall down and worship the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. Whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire.” Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Accordingly, at this time certain Chaldeans came forward and denounced the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! You, O king, have made a decree, that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble, shall fall down and worship the golden statue, and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire. There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men pay no heed to you, O king. They do not serve your gods, and they do not worship the golden statue that you have set up.” Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought in, so they brought those men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and you do not worship the golden statue that I have set up? Now if you are ready, when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble, you should fall down and worship the statue that I have made. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire, and who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up.”
Reader: This is the word of the Lord
All: Thanks be to God.
Gospel Psalm: Green Book 537 Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth
Gospel Reading
Deacon: The Lord be with you
All: and also with you
Deacon: Hear the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to St. John (Matthew 5, 1-12)
All: Glory to you, O Lord
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he began to speak and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.” Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Deacon: This is the gospel of the Lord
All: Praise to you, O Christ
Sermon (Please sit) The Right Revd. Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro.
The Decision
The Bishop and candidates gather at the Font and the Paschal candle is lit. The bishop addresses all the candidates for baptism, Confirmation and Reception.
Bishop In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light. To follow
Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him. Therefore I ask:
Bishop Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?
Candidates I reject them.
Bishop Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?
Candidates I renounce them.
Bishop Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?
Candidates I repent of them.
Bishop Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?
Candidates I turn to Christ.
Bishop Do you submit to Christ as Lord?
Candidates I submit to Christ.
Bishop Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?
Candidates I come to Christ.
Bishop May God, who has given you the desire to follow Christ,
give you strength to continue in the Way.
All Amen.
The bishop makes the sign of the cross on CHIZUTERE DANIELLE WAIRIMU’s forehead using the Oil of Baptism and says:
Bishop Danielle, Christ claims you for his own. Receive the sign of his cross.
Do not be ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified.
All Fight valiantly as a disciple of Christ against sin, the world and the devil,
and remain faithful to Christ to the end of your life.
Danielle then pours the water into the font
Prayer over the Water
Bishop Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
All It is right to give thanks and praise.
Bishop Blessed are you, sovereign God of all, to you be glory and praise for ever. You
are our light and our salvation. From the deep waters of death you have
raised your Son to life in triumph. Grant that all who have been born anew
by water and the Spirit, may daily be renewed in your image, walk by the light
of faith, and serve you in newness of life; through your anointed Son, Jesus
Christ, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit we lift our voices of praise.
Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
All Blessed be God for ever.
Profession of Faith
The bishop addresses the whole congregation
Bishop Sisters and brothers, I ask you all to profess together with this candidate the faith
of the Church.
Bishop Do you believe and trust in God the Father?
All I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
Bishop Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?
All I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
Bishop Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?
All I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.
The bishop then baptizes with water, saying
Danielle, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
All Amen.
Bishop May God who has received you by baptism into his Church, pour upon you the
riches of his grace, that within the whole company of Christ’s pilgrim people
you may daily be renewed by his anointing Spirit, and come to the inheritance of
the saints in glory.
All Amen
The candidates for Confirmation or Reception may come forward to the font and sign themselves with water, or the bishop may sprinkle them to remind them of baptism.
The bishop says
Almighty God,
we thank you for our fellowship in the household of faith
with all who have been baptized into your name.
Keep us faithful to our baptism,
and so make us ready for that day
when the whole creation shall be made perfect in your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ.
All Amen.
The bishop then leads the candidates to the place of confirmation.
Confirmation
Mabel stands before the Bishop, and he says
Bishop Our help is in the name of the Lord
All who has made heaven and earth.
Bishop Blessed be the name of the Lord
All now and for ever. Amen.
The bishop extends his hands towards Mabel and says:
Almighty and ever-living God,
you have given this your servant new birth
in baptism by water and the Spirit,
and have forgiven them all their sins.
Let your Holy Spirit rest upon them:
the Spirit of wisdom and understanding;
the Spirit of counsel and inward strength;
the Spirit of knowledge and true godliness;
and let their delight be in the fear of the Lord.
Amen.
The bishop addresses Mabel by name and anoints her with the oil of Chrism
Bishop Mabel, God has called you by name and made you his own.
He then lays his hand on Mabel’s head, saying
Confirm, O Lord, your servant Mabel with your Holy Spirit.
All Amen.
The bishop invites the congregation to pray for all those on whom hands have been laid
All Defend, O Lord, these your servant, Mabel with your heavenly grace,
that she may continue yours for ever, and daily increase in your Holy Spirit
more and more until she comes to your everlasting kingdom. Amen.
‘Reception into the Church of England’
Bishop: Vassilis, James, Vassilis, have you been baptized in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Spirit?
Reply: I have.
Bishop: Are you ready with your own mouth and from your own heart to affirm your faith
in Jesus Christ?
Reply: I am.
Bishop: You are here to be received into the communion of the Church of England.
Do you acknowledge the Church of England as part of the one, holy, catholic
and apostolic Church?
Reply: I do.
Bishop: Do you accept the teaching, discipline and authority of the Church of England?
Reply: I do.
Bishop: Will you take part with us in worship and mission?
Reply: I will.
Bishop: Almighty God,
we thank you for our fellowship in the household of faith
with all who have been baptized into your name.
Keep us faithful to our baptism,
and so make us ready for that day
when the whole creation shall be made perfect in your Son,
our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
The bishop takes the hand of each person to be received, saying:
Vassilis, James, Vassilis, we recognize you as a member of the one, holy, catholic
and apostolic Church; and we receive you into the communion of the Church of
England in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Peace
Bishop In the tender mercy of our God, the dayspring from on high has broken upon us, to give light to those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide us into the way of peace. The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
All: and also with you
Offertory Hymn (The collection will be taken during this hymn)
1 I cannot tell why he, whom angels worship,
should set his love upon the human race,
or why, as Shepherd, he should seek the wanderers,
to bring them back, they know not how or when.
But this I know, that he was born of Mary
when Bethl’em’s manger was his only home,
and that he lived at Nazareth and laboured,
and so the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is come.
2 I cannot tell how silently he suffered,
as with his peace he graced this place of tears,
or how his heart upon the cross was broken,
the crown of pain to three and thirty years.
But this I know, he heals the broken-hearted
and stays our sin and calms our lurking fear
and lifts the burden from the heavy laden;
for still the Saviour, Saviour of the world is here.
3 I cannot tell how he will win the nations,
how he will claim his earthly heritage,
how satisfy the needs and aspirations
of east and west, of sinner and of sage.
But this I know, all flesh shall see his glory,
and he shall reap the harvest he has sown,
and some glad day his sun will shine in splendour
when he the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is known.
4 I cannot tell how all the lands shall worship,
when at his bidding every storm is stilled,
or who can say how great the jubilation
when every heart with love and joy is filled.
But this I know, the skies will thrill with rapture,
and myriad myriad human voices sing,
and earth to heav’n, and heav’n to earth, will answer,
‘at last the Saviour, Saviour of the world, is King!’
Bishop: Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this bread to offer. Fruit of the field and work of human hands, it will become for us the bread of life.
All: Blessed be God for ever!
Bishop: Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation. Through your goodness we have this wine to offer. Fruit of the field and work of human hands, it will become for us the cup of salvation.
All: Blessed be God for ever!
The Great Thanksgiving Prayer (please remain standing for this)
Bishop The Lord be with you
All and also with you
Bishop Lift up your hearts
All We lift them to the Lord
Bishop Let us give thanks to the Lord our God
All It is right to give thanks and praise
Bishop: It is indeed right and good, always and everywhere to give you thanks and praise through Jesus Christ, who is one with you from all eternity. For on this day he appeared in the Temple in substance of our flesh to come near to us in judgement. He searches the hearts of all your people and brings to light the image of your splendour. Your servant Simeon acclaimed him as the light to lighten the nations while Anna spoke of him to all who looked for your redemption. Destined for the falling and rising of many, he was lifted high upon the cross and a sword of sorrow pierced his mother’s heart, when by his sacrifice he made peace with you. And now we rejoice and glorify your name that we, too, have seen your salvation and join with angels and archangels in their unending hymn of praise:
All: (Sung) Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of
your glory. Hosanna in the highest! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the
Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
Bishop: We praise and bless you, loving Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord; and as we obey his command, send your Holy Spirit on us and on these gifts that broken bread and wine out-poured may be for us the body and blood of your dear Son. On the night before he died he had supper with his friends, and taking bread, he praised you. He broke the bread, shared it with them and said: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me. When supper was ended he took a cup of wine. Again he gave you thanks, shared it and said:
Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. So, Father, as we remember all that Jesus did, we plead with confidence his sacrifice made once for all upon the cross. Bringing before you the bread of life and cup of salvation,
we proclaim his death and resurrection until he comes in glory.
Deacon: Great is the mystery of faith
All: Christ has died:
Christ is risen:
Christ will come again.
Bishop: Lord of all life, help us to work together for that day when your justice and mercy will be seen in all the earth, and your kingdom comes. Look with favour on your people, gather us in your loving arms and bring us with the holy Mother of God, Paul, and all the saints to be with you for ever at your table in heaven. Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory are yours, O loving Father, for ever and ever. AMEN
The Lord’s Prayer: (to be prayed in the language of your choice)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Priest: We break this bread to share in the body of Christ
All: Though we are many, we are one body, because we all share in one bread.
All: Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us.
Jesus bearer of our sins, have mercy on us.
Jesus, redeemer of the world, grant us peace.
Invitation to Holy Communion
Bishop: Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; happy are
those who are called to his supper.
All: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed.
All baptized Christians may come forward to receive the body and blood of Christ. If you wish you may receive a blessing. Please let the Sides-people guide you forward.
Communion Hymn: 295 Let all mortal flesh
Post Communion Prayer: Let us pray (please stand)
Bishop: Merciful Lord, grant your people grace to withstand the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil, and with pure hearts and minds to follow you, the only God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
All: Almighty God, we thank you for feeding us with the body and blood of your Son
Jesus Christ. Through him we offer you our souls and bodies to be a living sacrifice.
Send us out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory. Amen
Notices: Fr. Leonard
The Sending Out
Bishop Those who are baptized are called to worship and serve God.
Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship,
in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?
All With the help of God, I will.
Bishop Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and
return to the Lord?
All With the help of God, I will.
Bishop Will you proclaim by word and example the good news of God in Christ?
All With the help of God, I will.
Bishop Will you seek and serve Christ in all people,
loving your neighbour as yourself?
All With the help of God, I will.
Bishop Will you acknowledge Christ’s authority over human society, by prayer
for the world and its leaders by defending the weak, and by seeking peace
and justice?
All With the help of God, I will.
Bishop May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, that you may be
rooted and grounded in love and bring forth the fruit of the Spirit.
All Amen.
The Blessing
Bishop Christ, whose glory fills the skies, fill you with radiance and scatter the
darkness from your path.
All Amen.
Bishop Christ, the Son of Righteousness, gladden your eyes and warm your hearts.
All Amen
Bishop Christ, the dayspring from on high, draw near to guide your feet into the way
of peace.
All Amen
Bishop And the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be
among you and remain with you always.
All Amen.
Hymn: 368 Guide me, O thou great Redeemer During this hymn lighted candles will be brought forward
Giving of a Lighted Candle
Bishop: God has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and has given us a place with the saints in light. You have received the light of Christ; walk in this light all the days of your life.
All Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father.
The Dismissal
Bishop: Christ Give you grace to grow in holiness, to deny yourselves, take up your
Cross and follow him, and the blessing…
Deacon Go in the light and peace of Christ.
All Thanks be to God.
The bishop may lead the newly baptized and confirmed and ‘Received’ through the church. Please applaud them.
The bishop may lead the newly baptized and confirmed and ‘Received’ through the church. Please applaud them.
Fr. Leonard’s usual Day Off – Monday and Tuesday
Home tel : 210 72 14 906; email anglican@otenet.gr
Deacon Chris: 22950 53164: Please avoid contacting Chris on Fridays.
Swedish Church: contact Fr. Bjorn on 694 607 2428
The Anglican Church in Greece (including St. Paul’s) is self- financing, and receives no income other than from the generosity of those who worship here. We are a legal body and we pay tax. Our tax number is 997073090. If you wish to donate direct to our bank (IBAN) the account with Piraeus Bank is: The Anglican Church in Greece, St. Paul’s Athens GR 820172 0500 0050 5008 6327 479 Swift code is PIRB GRAA
Notices:
- Confessions – if anyone would like to make a Sacramental Confession before or during Lent, please contact Fr. Leonard.
- Annual Parochial Church Meeting: Sunday 26th March after the Liturgy. Please consider and pray about putting your name forward as a Churchwarden or Council Member. We are particularly keen to elect one Council member with a heart for the environment who could also be our ‘Local Environmental Officer’.
- Electoral Roll Forms are available – if you are regularly at St. Paul’s please complete one of these and hand it in, preferably a couple of weeks before the Annual Meeting.
- Bishop’s Lent Appeal for the chaplaincy in Rabat, Morocco. See notice board and website for details.
- Earthquake relief – the Diocese recommends you donate through Caritas, the Roman Catholic global aid organisation.
- Monthly Giving envelopes – it is never too late to join this scheme. Just ask about it.
- Coffee Mornings (now on Thursdays!!!): April 6th, May 11th, June 8th, July 13th. These are in the Swedish Centre (Winter time) or Church Garden (Spring and Summer)
- Grand Second hand Booksale: Saturday 22nd April 10.30am -2.30pm in the church garden. Refreshments available.
- Quiz Nights – these are monthly. Listen out for the dates! Next one: March 24th at 7.30pm. Speak to Jean Mertzanakis.
- We are glad to have welcomed you to St Paul’s today but remember you can keep in touch with us wherever you are you are in the world. See our e-mag on the website.
https://www.facebook.com/AnglicanAthens/
@AthensAnglican
Programme of Liturgy for Holy Week and Easter 2023
Sunday 2nd April: 10.00am Palm Sunday Blessing of the Palms and Procession and Holy Liturgy
Wednesday of Holy Week: 10.00 Holy Liturgy
Holy (Maundy) Thursday: 20.00 Holy Liturgy and procession to Altar
of Repose in the church garden
Holy (Good) Friday : 14.00 Liturgy with Veneration of the Cross
Holy Saturday: 20.00 Ceremony of Readings and
Proclamation of the Resurrection
Sunday 9th April:
Easter Sunday 10.00 Liturgy of the Resurrection
(NB Orthodox Pascha is Sunday 16th April)
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