Introit • Ps. 36, 30, 31
The mouth of the just shall meditate wisdom and his tongue shall speak judgement: the law of his God is in his heart (P.T. Alleluia, alleluia.) Ps. 36, 1. Be not emulous of evil-doers; nor envy them that work iniquity. Glory be …
Collect (Prayer)
O most merciful God, Who, when the holy abbot Sylvester was piously pondering over the vanity of earthly things whilst he stood by an open grave, didst vouchsafe to call him to the desert, we supplicated Thee that, despising earthly things, after his examples, we may forever enjoy thy presence. Through our Lord.
Commemoration of St. Peter of Alexandria.
Collect (Prayer)
Look upon our infirmity, O almighty God, and, because the weight of our own evil deeds beareth us down, may the glorious intercession of blessed Peter, Thy martyr and bishop, protect us. Through our Lord.
Epistle • Ecclus. 45, 1-6
He was beloved of God, and men: whose memory is in benediction; He made him like the saints in glory, and magnified him in the fear of his enemies; and with his words he made prodigies to cease. He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him commandments in the sight of his people, and shewed him his glory; He sanctified him in his faith, and meekness, and chose him out of all flesh; for He heard him, and his voice, and brought him into a cloud; and He gave him commandments before his face, and a law of life and instructions.
Gradual • Ps. 20, 4, 5
O Lord, Thou hast prevented him with blessings of sweetness; Thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones. He asked life of Thee, and Thou hast given him length of days for ever and ever.
Lesser Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia. Ps. 91, 13. The just shall flourish like the palm-tree; he shall grow up like the cedar of Libanus. Alleluia.
Gospel • Matt. 19, 27-29
At THAT time, Peter said to Jesus, Behold we have left all things, and have followed thee: what therefore shall we have? And Jesus said to them, Amen, I say to you, that you, who have followed Me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit on the seat of His majesty, you also shall sit on twelve seats judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for My name’ s sake, shall receive an hundred-fold, and shall possess life everlasting.
Offertory • Ps. 20, 4, 3
Thou hast given him his heart’s desire, O Lord, and hast not withholden from him the will of his lips; Thou hast set on his head a crown of precious stones. (P.T. alleluia.)
Secret
We beseech Thee, O Lord, that, while we reverently offer these gifts to Thy divine majesty we may by pious preparation of soul and purity of heart, following his example of blessed abbot Sylvester, become worthy to partake holily of the body and blood of Thy Son. Who with Thee.
Commemoration of St. Peter of Alexandria.
Graciously receive, O Lord, the sacrifices dedicated to the merits of Thy blessed martyr and bishop, Peter, and grant they may be for us an everlasting help. Through our Lord.
Communion • Luke 12, 42
A faithful and wise steward, whom the Lord hath set over His family; to give them their measure of wheat in due season. (P.T. Alleluia.)
Postcommunion
We pray Thee, O Lord, that Thou grant unto us, refreshed with the divine banquet, to follow closely the foot-steps of the holy abbot Sylvester, that we may have an abundant reward with the saints in the kingdom of Thy glory. Through our Lord.
Commemoration of St. Peter of Alexandria.
Refreshed by participation in the sacred gift, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our God, that, through the intercession of blessed Peter, Thy martyr and bishop, we may ever experience the effect of the worship we offer. Through our Lord.