The first part of the prayer of the Diptychs: 'That they may be to them that partake thereof unto (...)'

The bloodless Sacrifice is offered for everybody. It is a glorifying of the Saints, especially the Mother of God, St John the Baptist and the Apostles. It is offered in supplication for both the living and the departed, for the whole Universe, for the material and spiritual needs of the faithful, and for 'all and everyone'.

25 from Αθωνική Ψηφιακή Κιβωτός on Vimeo.

Each and every day of the annual liturgical cycle of the Church is dedicated to the memory of Saints. In the first part of the prayer of the Diptychs, the Church sets the Saint of the day an example for the faithful; indeed it is the presence and intercession of the Saints that support the lives of those who participate in the Divine Liturgy. The Saint of the day is commemorated in the Diptychs (the lists of the most important holy persons in Church's history), for it is through the imitation of this Saint's life that the participants in the Divine Liturgy are guided to union with God. So this part of the prayer of the Diptychs is read in thanksgiving to God, for it is through God's grace that the Saints act as the protectors and spiritual leaders of the faithful. We also thank the Saints, for they are a paradigm for us to copy.

According to the Church Fathers, the prayer of the Diptychs is not void of allegory. The prayer's symbolism is found in that the commemoration of the Saints is not a roll call but a proclamation of their holiness, a recognition of the divine energies. For looking into their lives, their miracles and their falling asleep, we are reassured about God's action in the world.


Last modified: Wednesday, 7 October 2020, 10:08 PM