PRE-ANAPHORA
Access to the Altar
As the Celebrant goes to the altar, he sings or says in Syriac or English:
Celebrant: I will go to the altar of God, God who gives joy to my youth. In the abundance of your goodness, I will enter your house, O Lord, and worship in your holy temple.
Congregation: Guide me, O Lord, in your fear and instruct me in your justice.
Celebrant: Pray to the Lord for me.
Congregation: May the Lord accept your offering and have mercy on us through your prayer.
Transfer of the Offerings:
The offerings are carried in procession and presented to the celebrant. During the procession, the congregation sings or recites the following hymn:
Congregation: The Lord reigns clothed in majesty. Alleluia! I am the bread of life said our Lord; from on high I came to earth so all might live in me. Pure word without flesh I was sent from the Father. Mary's womb received me like good earth a grain of wheat. Behold! The priest bears me aloft to the altar. Alleluia! Accept our offerings.
Acceptance of the offerings
The celebrant takes the paten and the cup and raises them, saying:
Celebrant: Almighty God, as you accepted the offerings of the just of old, we ask you now to accept these offerings, presented to you by your faithful people as a pledge of their love for you and your holy name. Shower upon them your spiritual blessings, and, in exchange for their perishable gifts, grant them the gift of life and entrance into your kingdom.
Congregation: Amen.
Commemorations
The celebrant places the offerings on the altar and says:
Celebrant: Let us now remember our Lord God and savior Jesus Christ and his plan of salvation for us. With these offerings placed before us let us remember all who pleased the Lord from Adam to the present, especially the blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God [and Saint N (patron of the church),] [and Saint N (saint whose feastday it is)]. O Lord, remember our brothers and sisters, the living and departed, children of the holy church, especially those for whom we present this offering.... Remember also, O Lord, all those who share with us today in this offering.
Congregation: Amen.
Incensation and Hymn
Congregation: Alleluia! We remember Mary, Mother of God, the prophets, apostles, the martyrs, the just, the priests, and the children of the church, from one generation to another to the end of time. Amen.