Holy Presanctified Gifts
During the Great Fast, we celebrate the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, oftentimes referred to as Presanctified Liturgy. During this liturgy, the faithful are provided an opportunity to receive communion which was consecrated on Sunday during Divine Liturgy. Traditionally the people fast before receiving communion on these days as well. Presanctified Liturgy is celebrated in the evening on Wednesdays and Fridays during the Great Fast, the first three days of Holy Week, and on any other weekday where it is custom in the eparchy.
Presanctified Liturgy uniquely combines three services into one: Great Vespers, a vigil service, and a service of Holy Communion. The prayers are specific to the Great Fast, and remind the faithful of the fasting period and our desire to root out sin in our lives. The tones follow the lenten tones, and we pray the pray of St. Ephraim.
Want to learn more? Check out the Metropolitan Cantor Institute's website which has links to the prayers which are sung.
Will you be going to a Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts this Great Fast?