The readings in liturgy

After the Thrice-Holy Hymn, we have the Readings: the Epistle, that is a portion of some Apostolic text (from the Acts of the Apostles or an Epistle by an Apostle) and the Gospel, that is an extract from one of the four Gospels. We stand while the Gospel is being read. The readings contain concepts which are not always easy to understand, which is why they’re followed by a sermon, that is a few words from the priest or another qualified person which help us to understand the will of God, His Word, and how we should apply this in our lives.

The Liturgy of the Catechumens ends with the Litany of Fervent Supplication, that is a prayer first for the faithful (for the bishop, those in authority, the sick, the prisoners, all who are in sorrow and afflictions and for all the material and spiritual needs of Christians) then for the catechumens, who used to leave the Church at this point. Because we don’t have catechumens any more, these prayers are usually omitted in some Churches.

The Deacon offers the Prayers for the Catechumens.
The people respond to each petition with ‘Lord, have mercy’.

THE PRAYERS FOR THE CATECHUMENS
Deacon: Catechumens, pray to the Lord.
Let us, the faithful, pray for the catechumens.
That the Lord will have mercy on them.
That He will teach them the word of truth.
That He will reveal to them the gospel of righteousness.
That He will unite them to His holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.
Save them, have mercy on them, help them, and protect them, O God, by Your grace.
Catechumens, bow your heads to the Lord.

THE PRAYER FOR THE CATECHUMENS
Priest (in a low voice): Lord our God, Who dwells on high and watches over the humble, You sent forth Your only-begotten Son and God, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the salvation of the human race. Look down upon Your servants, the catechumens, who have inclined their necks to You, and grant them at a proper time the baptism of rebirth, the remission of sins, and the garment of incorruption. Unite them to Your holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, and number them among Your chosen flock.
And he exclaims:
So that with us they also may glorify Your most honorable and majestic name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
People: Amen.
Deacon: Those who are catechumens, depart; catechumens depart; all those who are catechumens, depart. Let none of the catechumens remain.