Asperges

sprinkling the congregation (sprinkler) and silver ewer of holy water on the altar, prepared for asperges (Cathedral Church of Saint Matthew, Dallas, Texas). Asperges ( ) is the rite of sprinkling a congregation with holy water. The name comes from the first word in the 9th verse of Psalm 51 (Psalm 50 in the Vulgate and Septuagint) in the Latin translation which is sung during the traditional form of the rite (or optionally in the ordinary rite) except during Eastertide. The 51st Psalm is also one of the antiphons that may be sung in the rite under the Mass of Paul VI. In the Roman Catholic and Evangelical-Lutheran traditions of Christianity, the Easter Asperges is done with Easter water as part of the renewal of Christian baptismal vows during the Easter Vigil Mass and Easter Sunday Mass. The Vidi Aquam antiphon is used instead of the usual Asperges me. The Easter Asperges is performed throughout Eastertide, from Easter Sunday through Pentecost, in order for the faithful to recall their baptism. Apart from the Easter Asperges of the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, the Asperges can be done prior to the celebration of Sunday Mass throughout the liturgical year.

sprinkling the congregation]] (sprinkler) and silver ewer of holy water on the altar, prepared for asperges (Cathedral Church of Saint Matthew, Dallas, Texas).]] Asperges ( ) is the rite of sprinkling a congregation with holy water. The name comes from the first word in the 9th verse of Psalm 51 (Psalm 50 in the Vulgate and Septuagint) in the Latin translation which is sung during the traditional form of the rite (or optionally in the ordinary rite) except during Eastertide. The 51st Psalm is also one of the antiphons that may be sung in the rite under the Mass of Paul VI. In the Roman Catholic and Evangelical-Lutheran traditions of Christianity, the Easter Asperges is done with Easter water as part of the renewal of Christian baptismal vows during the Easter Vigil Mass and Easter Sunday Mass. The Vidi Aquam antiphon is used instead of the usual Asperges me. The Easter Asperges is performed throughout Eastertide, from Easter Sunday through Pentecost, in order for the faithful to recall their baptism. Apart from the Easter Asperges of the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday, the Asperges can be done prior to the celebration of Sunday Mass throughout the liturgical year. ==Eastern Orthodox== (1882) showing the implements used in the blessing of holy water. From left to right: A priest's kamilavka and epitrachelion (stole), Euchologion, bowl of water, blessing cross, candle, aspergillum made of basil branches, incense (Muzeul Naţional de Artă, Bucharest).]] In the Eastern Orthodox Church and those Eastern Catholic Churches which follow the Byzantine Rite, the sprinkling of holy water takes place on numerous occasions. The most important is on the Great Feast of Theophany (Epiphany) following the Great Blessing of Waters at the end of the Divine Liturgy. The Great Blessing takes place twice: once on the Eve of the feast, and once on the day of the feast. At both blessings, the priest sprinkles the entire temple (church building) and the faithful. He then begins the process of going to each family's home to sprinkle it with the blessed "Theophany water". Some monasteries and churches have the tradition of blessing holy water and sprinkling on the first day of each month. There are also several feast days during the year when sprinkling with holy water is prescribed, such as Bright Friday (Friday in Easter Week), the Feast of the Procession of the Cross on the first day of the Dormition Fast, and the Feast of Mid-Pentecost (25 days after Easter), when the fields are blessed with holy water. Certain ceremonies will also call for the blessing of holy water, such as the consecration of a church. The form of aspergillum (holy water sprinkler) may differ from place to place. The Greek Orthodox will use a randistirion which is a standing vessel with a tapered lid. The tip of the lid is pierced with small holes, from which the holy water is sprinkled. The Russian Orthodox will use a whisk made of cotton, straw or hair from which the holy water is flung. The blessing takes place at a holy water font or baptismal font which has been placed in the center of the temple. There are two types of blessings: the Great Blessing of Waters (used on Theophany) and the Lesser Blessing of Waters (used at other times). After blessing the holy water, the priest will bless himself and drink some of the holy water. He then stands next to the holy water font holding a blessing cross in his left hand and the aspergillum in his right. Each of the clergy and faithful come forward, drink a little of the newly blessed holy water and then kiss the cross in the priest's hand as he sprinkles them on the head with holy water. During this process, the choir will chant hymns, which differ depending upon the type of blessing being celebrated. He will also sprinkle the sanctuary and the entire church. ==Lutheranism== In Lutheranism, asperges occurs as a part of the Divine Service on Easter Sunday as a remembrance of baptism. The formula used is nearly identical to that of the Roman Catholic Church. ==Notes== ==External links== Holy Theophany of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ from Handbook for Church Servers, by S. V. Bulgakov Video of the 'Vidi Aquam' before Mass and Introit 'Jubilate Deo omnis terra' from 3rd Sunday after Easter.

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