Polyelium ( Greek Πολυέλεος ; other Greek πολύ - “many” + ἔλεος - “mercy, compassion”) - the most solemn part of the All-Night Vigil or festive matins . It is performed before the singing of the canon . It begins with the ceremonial exit of the clergy from the altar through the Royal Gates to the middle of the temple while singing the psalms of the 134th and 135th ( in Greek numbering ): the 134th begins with the words "Praise the name of the Lord." In some cases, for example, in the Liturgical directions for each year, only these two psalms are called polyeleim.
In the chapter of the 17th Typicon, you can find the literal translation of the word "polyelei" - "multi-mercifully." There is also such an incorrect translation, as "multimodality". This happened because in Greek the words “mercy” ( ἔλεος ) and “oil” ( ἔλαιον ) are consonant. Oil ( oil ) was widely used at the polyeleum when many lamps were lit (in the absence of electricity - lamps ), and until now the custom continues to make the bishop or priest of the cruciform anointing with the blessed oil of the brow of each applied to the holiday icon .
According to the Church Charter, after reading Kathism , at the first words of the 134th psalm, it is supposed to light all the lamps ( oil lamps ) in the church . The abundance of light marks the uncreated Light of Christ , manifested in His incarnation and resurrection from the dead .
The royal gates are opened, and the primate, in front of the deacon holding a burning candle, censes the throne and the whole altar , iconostasis , choir, worshipers and the whole temple.
After reading the Gospel, all those present at the service come to the icon of the holiday and apply to it. In memory of the fraternal meal of the ancient Christians, which was accompanied by anointing with incense oil , the priest draws a sign of the cross on the forehead of everyone who comes to the icon.
Content
Days
According to the Charter, polyeleis is performed on a festive morning in the days (more precisely, on the eve) of the great and medium holidays, marked with signs , or . Polyeleis are also supposed to be celebrated on every patronal feast . In these cases, after verses of the 134th and 135th psalms, greatness is sung with verses from selected psalms.
In addition, it is customary to make polyels in modern practice every Sunday, however, in accordance with the Charter, at certain periods of the year, the 134th and 135th psalms should be replaced by the 17th kathisma (“Immaculate”) at certain periods of the year:
- from the week of Antipasa to the giving of the Exaltation on September 22 ( October 5 ),
- from the pre-celebration of the Nativity of Christ on December 20 ( January 2 ) to the celebration of Baptism on January 14 (27) and
- from Cheese Week to Holy Week .
In Holy Week and Holy Week , despite the maximum ( Easter ) solemnity of worship, polyeleis are not performed, unless the Annunciation happens on March 25 ( April 7 ), George the Victorious on April 23 ( May 6 ) or a feast day .
Polyeleus during the singing of Triodi
In the preparatory weeks for Great Lent (the prodigal son , cheese - lettuce , meat-lettuce ), the 136th psalm : “On the Babylonian Rivers ...” with “ Alleluia ”, expressing the penitent grief of Adam, is added to the Psalms of the 134th and 135th.
From the preparatory stages to the 5th week of Lent at the Polyelium, after reading the Gospel and Psalm 50, the following are sung:
Repentance rejected by the two Doers, Vital, will discourage my spirit to your holy temple, the corpse bearing the whole body is defiled; but seemingly generous, cleanse with your merciful grace.
To save the path, insist on me, the Mother of God, who have studied so much that I have sinned my soul, and in my life all my life has been expected; but by Your prayers deliver me from all uncleanness.
The many deeds I have done are thinking contrite, trembling the terrible day of the present, but hoping for the mercy of Your mercy, like David cried out to You: have mercy on me,
If the Feast of the Annunciation fell on Good Friday , then there are no Psalms 134 and 135 at the polyellum - it begins with the chant “From my youth ...” (1st antiphon of the 4th voice), then the prokimen of the holiday, then “Every breath” follows , then the passage of the Gospel dedicated to the Annunciation is read, and abie (immediately) - the Gospel of the Holy Passion 8th (out of 12), Psalm 50 , holiday elephant , prayer “God save your people” and “ Lord have mercy ” —12 times.
Literature
- Krivko R. N. History of the word polyel in the Russian language (based on conference materials) // Ancient Russia. Questions of medieval studies . - 2002. - No. 3 (9). - S. 69-78.