What I should be after service this Sunday......

EPSALTOS

‘Epsaltos’ is derived from the Coptic word ‘Epsalmos’ meaning Psalm or hymn. Hence, ‘Epsaltos’ means ‘hymnist’.

According to his title, his responsibilities include learning and singing the hymns and praises of the church. This rank is mentioned in some of the early Church Canons, “Hymnists also must be blessed by the bishop.”

Generally, it is the children who are ordained ‘epsaltos’ (from primary to high school). For as the Psalm says, “Out of the mouth of babes and infants You have ordained strength” (Psalm 8:2). The wisdom behind ordaining young boys is to instill within them at a young age, the faith and rituals of the church, so that they may taste of its sweetness, become steadfast on the Orthodox faith, and an active member of the church. Hence, he will grow in the church with spirituality and holiness: “But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God ... I will praise You for ever” (Psalm 52:8).

The Epsaltos is permitted to wear the tunic without the stole.


Rite of the Epsaltos

After the Reconciliation Prayer of the divine liturgy, the archdeacon or hegomen takes the children who will be ordained Epsaltos, to stand before the altar in reverence and awe. The bishop then advises them regarding regular church attendance, the importance of learning hymns, attending Sunday School classes, and the importance of respectful and decent behaviour, whether in the church, home or in society. He advises them regarding obedience, and to take care not to insult, lie or swear. He also tells them regarding the importance of regular confession and receiving the Holy Communion.

He must be sure that those who are being ordained, are fasting, so that they may receive the Holy Communion after the holy Mass.

The bishop must receive a verbal undertaking from the children’s parents, that they will help their children fulfill these commandments, and not forbid them from coming to church for any reason. The bishop then instructs the priest to care for them spiritually, and keep close watch on their spiritual life and regularity in confession. The bishop also instructs the older deacons to take the time to teach and explain, simply, to the young deacons, the rites and church hymns.

The bishop then begins the ordination for the rank of EPSALTOS.


The Rite of Ordination of Epsaltos

V The prayer begins by saying the Lord’s Prayer, followed by the Prayer of Thanksgiving. The bishop then prays :

“Our good God, who raised Heman and Asaaf to sing in Your holy places, and who gave David the prophet the flute, harp and ten chords to praise, and who said, “Out of the mouth of babes and infants You have ordained strength.” You who placed praise in Your holy church, and Your congregation worships You by Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. We ask You Lord to grant Your servants Your grace to become Epsaltos in Your holy church and praise You with hymns, songs and spiritual praises, singing with their hearts to the Lord ... through the grace and compassion of Your only begotten Son ...”

O Master, Lord, God the Pantocrator, the Father of our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ, we ask and entreat Your goodness, O lover of mankind, for Your servants standing before You, who came to Your universal, Apostolic church, to be worthy to start faithfully and adore You in purity. Enlighten them by the sweetness of Your holy words. Grant them to sing spiritual hymns with understanding. Sanctify them. Bless them. Fill them with Your fear. Protect them by Your angelical power. Enrich them by all good gifts and perfect talent, to live by Your holy, blessed will. May they grow into the perfection of Your Holy Spirit. By Your only begotten Son our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory honor, dominion and worship are due to You together with Him and the life-giving and consubstantial Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.”

V The bishop then does the sign of the cross three signs saying without the laying on of hands, “...(name), Epsaltos for the holy church of God ...(name of parish) ...”

V On the first sign of the cross : “Blessed is God the Father, Amen”
V On the second sign of the cross : “Blessed in His only begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen”
V On the third sign of the cross : “Blessed is the Holy Spirit the Paraclete, Amen.”

After the bishop completes the sign so the cross, the children are given their service tunics and stoles, which the bishop then makes the sign of the cross over them three times before they wear them.

They then stand before the adult Epsaltos deacons, to share with them in the responses and hymns of the divine Mass, followed by them receiving the Holy Communion, after the older deacons. Their parents rejoice for them, and by coming to church regularly, they will grow in virtues and worship, and become righteous people..