Part 6: The Fraction & Commixture & The Lord's Prayer

Fraction Commixture

The curtain closes and the song Anpudayona is sung. This is a very solemn time. Luke 23:44 tell us that darkness covered the earth and so the curtain closing reminds us of that.

During this time the Achen is breaking the Body of Christ and mixing it with the Blood. This “breaking” is closely linked to the theology of Church in regard to the nature of Christ, that is, Christ’s full divinity and full humanity, coexisting but never separating in “one nature.” This, Fraction Commixture, and the prayer said by the Achen in a low voice, is an addition to the Holy Liturgy in the 12th century. Thus the prayer of Bar Slibhi (a 12th century Liturgical Theologian) is read while the Body is broken and mixed with the Blood.         

Lord’s Prayer

After the curtain reopens, The Lord’s Prayer is prayed because the curtains opening tell us that heaven is opening and willing to hear our prayer as our Lord Jesus taught us in Matthew 6: 9-13.

The Elevation of the Holy Mysteries 

The Elevation of the Body and Blood of Christ represents the Ascension of Christ (Luke 24: 50-51). The two candles on each side represent the two angels that stood on the side of Jesus when he ascended and the angels said, ‘why are you looking into heaven, in the same way he was taken away, so will he come back’ (Acts 1:11) The Elevation ends with the proclamation of the Holy Trinity: the Holy Father is with us…the one Holy Son is with us…the one Living and Holy Spirit is with us.

Kukilion 

After this, Kukilion: a set of prayer that are written like Psalms, first for St. Mary, second for all Saints, third for departed clergy, and fourth for departed souls.

Anamnesis – Memorial of Atonement

  • Anamnesis in Greek means remembering, that is, remembering the life, death, resurrection, and second coming of Jesus Christ.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:25: In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
  • 1 Corinthians 15:52: in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.

 

Epiclesis – The coming of the Holy Spirit

  • The descent of the Holy Spirit makes the Bread the Body and the Wine the Blood.
  • The Achen flutters his hands in the air in a motion that symbolizes the Holy Spirit coming down from heaven, specifically to “change” the bread and wine into Body and Blood of Christ. Of course, the Achen calls down the Holy Spirit in humility and in prayer knowing the power of God.
  • The Deacon says, “How awe-filled is this time my beloved…”
  • Then the Achen fervently (a sort of desperation) calls the Holy Spirit to come down like Elijah did in 1 King 18:37, “Answer me of Lord” (3x)
  • Then the Achen says, and may the Holy Spirit make this bread the Body of Christ and this Blood of Christ. (Romans 8:26, Luke 1:35)

 

Thubden (Diptychs) – The Great Intercession

  • 1st Diptych Hebrews 13:18-19: Living Bishops
  • 2nd Ephesians 6:8: For the faithful who are going through hard trails/struggles
  • 3rd Ezra 6:9: Secular ruler
  • 4th Hebrews 11: St. Mary, Saints, Apostles, and Martyrs
  • 5th Departed Fathers Doctors of the Church
  • 6th Exodus 28:11-28: Faithful Departed