Cherubic Hymn, Procession of the Gifts, and Hymn of the Entrance of the Gifts

The Cherubic hymn is sung by the congregation while the priest and deacon are preparing the gifts (on the altar, behind the iconostas). While it is being sung, the acolytes, cross bearer, and other altar boys (one holding the incensor), followed by the deacon and priest, (bearing the bread and wine that will soon be overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, and become the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ), begin to process out the deacon door, down the side aisle, around to the back of the church, and up the center aisle. This Hymn concludes before the procession is ended. I will then add the petition that is said during the procession.

Let us who mystically represent the Cherubim, whilst bringing the thrice holy hymn to the life giving Trinity. Put away from us all worldly care.

(This is sung slowly, and is repeated until the entrance of the gifts begin. here is a link to a Slavonic version just to give you an idea of the "mood" of this lovely hymn)

As the procession exits the iconostas, the petitions begin.

Deacon: May the Lord God remember all of you in His kingdom, now, and always, and forever and ever.
Response: Amen
Priest: May the Lord God remember in His kingdom Our Most Holy Father Pope Benedict, our Metropolitan Lucian, our Most Reverend Bishop John Michael, and all his priests, now and always...
Deacon: ...and forever and ever.
Response: Amen
Priest: May the Lord God remember in His kingdom our country, its President and government, and all those who serve and protect us, now and always...
Deacon:...and forever and ever.
Response: Amen.
Priest: May the Lord God remember in His kingdom the founders and benefactors of this church, living and deceased, the servant of God (name of person), for whom this Holy Sacrafice is offered, together with all of you faithful Christians, now and always, and forever and ever.
Response: Amen

Hymn of the Entrance of the Gifts

That we may now receive the King, the King of all, that we receive the King of all, the King who is surrounded by the angelic hosts. Alleluia!

Next installment will be yet another litany, again, one of my favortie parts of the Liturgy.This will take us up to the Proclimation of Faith (the Creed)