The Offertory
Getting Dressed
Putting on the Vestments
Priest
I will exalt You, O Lord, for You lifted me up, And did not let my enemies rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cry to You, and You will heal me. O Lord, You brought my soul out of Hades; You saved me from those who go down to the pit. Sing praises to the Lord, you saints of His, And give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness; For there is wrath in His anger, But life in His will; Weeping will lodge at evening, But great joy in the morning. As for me, I said in my prosperity, "I shall not be shaken forever." O Lord, in Your will, grant beauty and power; You turned away Your face, and I was troubled. I shall cry to You, O Lord, And to God I shall make supplication. What profit is there in my blood, When I go down into decay? Will the dust confess You? Or will it declare Your truth? The Lord heard, and had mercy on me; The Lord became my helper. You turned my lamentation into dancing for me; You tore up my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, That my glory may sing praise to You, And not be pierced with sadness; O Lord my God, I shall give thanks to You forever. ALLELUIA. — Psalm 29 (30)
Priest
The Lord reigns; He clothed Himself with majesty; The Lord clothed and girded Himself with power; And He established the world, which shall not be moved. Your throne is prepared from of old; You are from everlasting. The rivers, O Lord, lift up; The rivers lift up their voices; Because of the voices of their many waters, Marvellous are the billows of the sea; Wondrous is the Lord on high. Your testimonies are very much believed; Holiness is proper to Your house, O Lord, Unto length of days. ALLELUIA. — Psalm 92 (93)
Commentary
The Priest washes his hands and along with the deacons dons white vestments (tonia) as a symbol of purity. In ancient times, these garments were made of linen — the fabric used to shroud the dead — symbolising death to the world.
The clergy and the whole Church ought to put aside the uncleanness of the flesh and put on the clean garment by the purification of the Holy Spirit, through the washing of the Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Priest enters the sanctuary, faces the Deacons, and blesses the vestments of service by the holy cross.