During my time as an active deacon, I developed skill in writing and editing Eastern Christian Church services and prayers.  This service is particularly dear to me, as it was a blessing for a food garden maintained by the needy in the New Brunswick, NJ area.  The garden was a joint activity between various Byzantine Catholic and Roman Catholic parishes in the New Brunswick area. 

 

Blessing of the Saint Francis Garden

Feast of St. Peter and Paul

St. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church

Somerset, NJ

June 29, 2015

  During the introductory prayers, the celebrant incenses the garden.

Celebrant:  Blessed is our God, always now and ever and forever!

Choir: Amen.

Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth,  everywhere present and filling all things, Treasury of Blessings and Giver of life: come and and dwell within us;  Cleanse us from all  stain of sin and save our souls, O Gracious Lord.

Holy God. Holy Mighty. Holy Immortal Have mercy on us.(3)

Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and ever and forever. Amen.

Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from  our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions.  O Holy One, come to us and  heal our infirmities, for Your Names  sake.

Lord, have mercy.(3)

Glory to the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever . Amen

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Celebrant: For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever.

Choir: Amen.

Lord have mercy (3)

Celebrant or concelebrant:  In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Choir:  Lord have mercy.

For peace from on high for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord have mercy.

For our Holy Father, Francis Pope of Rome, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord have mercy.

For our Most Reverend Metropolitan William, for our God loving Bishop Kurt, for the beloved of God Bishop Paul, let us pray to the lord.

Choir: Lord have mercy.

For this city, community and for the faithful living in them, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord have mercy.

That this gardem not only provide material sustenance to those who partake of its crops, but spiritual sustenance, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord have mercy.

That those who till this soil and tend this garden receive the grace of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir:  Lord have mercy.

That we be delivered from all affliction, wrath and need let us pray to the Lord.

Choir:  Lord have mercy.

Protect us, save us, and have mercy on us, let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord have mercy.

For to you, Father Son, and Holy Spirit, is due all honor and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever.

Choir: Amen.

Celebrant:  Let us pray to the Lord

Choir:  Lord have mercy.

Lord God Jesus Christ, You said to Your disciples: “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” We now humbly beseech You, bless + and sanctify these this garden. Preserve the life and health of all those who partake of it, those who are present here and those who absent. Grant that the fruits of this garden be an effective medicine for those who are sick and ailing, and a protection against the assaults of the enemy. May all those who partake of the fruits of this garden  enjoy the fullness of Your goodness and blessing. For You, O Christ God, are our true nourishment and the Giver of all that is good, and we send up glory to You, together with Your Father, Who is without beginning, and with Your all-holy, good, and live-giving Spirit, now and ever, and forever. Amen.

Concelebrant: Let us pray to the Lord.

Choir: Lord have mercy.

O Almighty, God from before all ages, by Your word alone You created out of nothingness the heavens, earth, sea and all things visible and invisible. You commanded that the earth bring forth plants and trees to serve both man and animal, each according to its need. In your infinite goodness You ordained that these plants serve not only as food but also as medicine for the sick body. We beseech You, bless this garden and bestow upon it Your blessing and endow it  with Your power. Make it serve man and animal alike as a defence against all sickness and every defilement, for You are our God, and we send up glory to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever.

Choir: Amen.

Celebrant:  This garden is blessed by the descent of the Holy Spirit and the sprinkling of this holy water, in the name of the Father Son, and Holy Spirit.

Choir:  Amen.

Celebrant:  Glory to Christ our God, Our Hope, Glory to You.

Choir:  Glory to the Father Son and Holy Spirit, Now and ever and forever Amen.  Lord, have mercy, Lord have mercy, Give the Blessing.

Celebrant:  May Christ our True God, have mercy on us, and save us, through the prayers of his Most Holy Mother and all the Saints, for He is good and loves us all.

Choir:  Amen.