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In This Series:
Pressures can mount and questions develop when a couple decides to have a baby. If you're a parent, you may have asked: How can we afford daycare? Is our insurance adequate to cover the costs for the delivery? Do we need a bigger house? Where should we send our child to school?
However, if you've discovered that infertility is part of your story, the pressure to conceive can be even greater as another set of questions emerge: Does God hear me when I pray? What other options are there for a couple who can't conceive? When is it time to give up and when should we look for other alternatives?
We don't take your questions lightly. Here at Focus on the Family, we're sensitive to the pain you may be experiencing because you haven't become parents like you hoped. That's why this series of articles is designed to help you navigate your way through infertility and relieve some of the pressure.


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NVIDIA has released its third-quarter results for its fiscal year of 2009 (roughly corresponding to the third quarter of 2008); the results reflect a very rocky quarter for the company. Year-over-year revenue fell from $1.12 billion in the third quarter of 2007 to $897.66 million in Q3 2008, a drop of some 20 percent. Total operating expenses were up 16 percent in Q3 2008 compared to Q3 2007, thanks to restructuring charges of some $8 million and $33 million in additional R&D spending this year. NVIDIA was still profitable in the third quarter, but the company's net income of $61.7 million is a far cry from last year's $235.7 million over the same period.
The year-to-date numbers are actually a bit bleaker. NVIDIA's revenue is up two percent for 2008 over 2007, but the company's cost of revenue has risen dramatically over that same period. In the first nine months of 2007, NVIDIA's total cost of revenue was $1.58 billion. In the first nine months of 2008, the company's cost of revenue has been $1.91 billion, an increase of 21 percent. Part of this is the $200 million charge the company took against its cost of revenue back in the second quarter, but digging in the company's other reports this year, there's another explanation. Back in Q1, NVIDIA reported revenue of $1.15 billion, up from $844 million in 2007. Second-quarter revenue, however, was down year-on-year, from $935.3 million in 2007, to $892.7 million in 2008.
NVIDIA entered 2008 with a ferocious bang, but has since lost that momentum; the company's edge in total 2008 revenue over 2007 will not last through the fourth quarter unless something turns around. The company's 9300/9400 chipset launch and Apple design wins were big news in Q3, but it's hard to see how the company will spin its fortunes in a new direction without new GPU SKUs—and these are curiously lacking.
The 55nm transition
Jen-Hsun Huang, president and CEO of NVIDIA, characterized the company's Q3 performance as follows: "We made good progress on multiple fronts during the quarter," Huang said. "Improving gross margin while managing operating expenses enabled us to significantly improve our operating fundamentals. We transitioned our performance segment GPUs to 55 nanometers and are now poised to recapture lost share." [Emphasis added.]
Jen-Hsun's claim that NVIDIA has transitioned its performance parts to 55nm seems semi-accurate. The company has moved a reasonable group of cards down to 55nm, but most of these—the 9400 GT, 9500 GT, and the 9800 GT/+ are currently available in both 55nm and 65nm flavors. 55nm 9800 GTs are on the market (remember, that's an 8800 GT), but a brief scan of NewEgg showed only one vendor actually advertising a solution as being built on 55nm. I suspect that some of the 9600 GT cards now on the market are now 55nm as well; there seem to be an awful lot of cheap 9600 GT's for sale with single-slot coolers at 700MHz+ clockspeeds. This is all well and good, a 55nm GPU is cheaper to produce than a 65nm GPU (assuming equal yields), but the transition is being kept on the down-low, probably to protect sales of remaining 65nm products.
The cards NVIDIA really needs to bring to market on 55nm, of course, are the GTX 260 and 280. There's no real option of transitioning the lower GF 9 series into new SKUs and prices; the general market has had all of that from NVIDIA that it can take. Any financial relief that comes in Q4 (and any significant boost thanks to Christmas shopping) will almost certainly be tied to when these card refreshes appear and how they are priced—assuming, of course, that they appear at all.
Rambus lowers the boom
In other news, Rambus, everyone's favorite DRAM IP holder, has filed a complaint against NVIDIA with the International Trade Commission, alleging that the GPU designer has
infringed on Rambus patents covering DDR, DDR2, DDR3, LPDDR, GDDR2, and GDDR3. According to Tom Lavelle, senior vice president and general counsel at Rambus, "We believe this
action is necessary given NVIDIA's continued willful infringement of our patents. Rambus engineers and scientists have made tremendous contributions to the industry, and we
need to protect our patented inventions on behalf of our shareholders and in fairness to our paying licensees."
There's a certain truth to that when all your company does is produce patents, but Rambus has generally emerged the winner from its court battles with the DRAM industry. NVIDIA didn't have anything to say about the Rambus complaint when it released its own numbers, but did note that the difference in its earnings between the generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and non-GAAP measures was partially accounted for by "a nonrecurring charge against cost of revenue related to a royalty dispute." No word yet on whether or not that royalty dispute has anything to do with Rambus.

subset: commoncrawl


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The Coverage of Chinese Medicine in Major World English Publications
Chinese Medicine as a treasure of Chinese people is a health care system used in China for more than four millenniums. Chinese Medicine has also been recognized as a popular complementary and alternative medicine in overseas countries. Media coverage usually reflects the attentions of society, because of the wide spread of Chinese Medicine, media around the world have a lot of reports concerning it. This study uses the media coverage downloaded from Nexis news media archive as data to build a corpus and conduct social survey on Chinese Medicine. The major purpose of this study is to see what topics are frequently included in the News Mentioning Chinese Medicine (NMCM) in order to find foreigners' interests in Chinese Medicine and the overseas development of Chinese Medicine, and further analyze their specific fields. It is an attempt to apply corpus-based critical discourse analysis in the field of social survey.
Key words: Chinese medicine; Media coverage; Corpus; Keyword analysis
Full Text:PDF Indexed/Included/Archived
Baker, P. (2004). Querying Keywords: Questions of Difference, Frequency and Sense in Keywords Analysis. Journal of English Linguistics, 32(4), 346-359.
Foster, S., & YUE, C. (1992). Herbal Emissaries: Bringing Chinese Herbs to the West: A Guide to Gardening, Herbal Wisdom, and Well-being. Rochester: Healing Arts Press.
HE, Y. (2002, November 22). Chinese Medicine Aims to Go Global. China Daily. Retrieved from http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/en/doc/2002-11/22/content_144951.htm
Hempen, C. H., & Fischer, T. (2009). A Materia Medica for Chinese Medicine: Plants, Minerals and Animal Products. Exeter: Churchill Livingstone.
Lee, S., Gaski, A., Hoover, C., & Mills, J. (1998). A World Apart? Towards Traditional Chinese Medicine and Endangered Species in Hong Kong and the United States. Washington: TRAFFIC North America and World Wildlife Fund.
McEnery, T., & Wilson, A. (1996). Corpus Linguistics. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Mulderrig, J. (2011). Manufacturing Consent: A Corpus-Based Critical Discourse Analysis of New Labour's Educational Governance. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 43(6), 562-578.
Sheyholislami, J. (2000). Yesterday's "Separatists" Are Today's "Resistance Fighters": A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Representation of Iraqi Kurds in the Globe and Mail and the New York Times. Carleton University, CAN. Retrieved from http://www.cjc-online.ca/index.php/journal/thesis/view/14
Taylor, L. (2004). The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs: A Guide to Understanding and Using Herbal Medicinal. New York: Square One Publishers.
WANG, S. (2012, May 25). TCM Supplier Eyes Foreign Expansion. China Daily. Retrieved from http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2012-05/25/content_15383586.htm
Wassener, B. (2012, January 1). As Affluence Spreads, So Does the Trade in Endangered Species. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/02/business/global/as-affluence-spreads-so-does-the-trade-in-endangered-species.html?_r=0
Wiseman, N. (2002). Introduction to English Terminology of Chinese Medicine (Chinese Medicine Language Series). Massachusetts: Paradigm Publications.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3968/j.ccc.1923670020120806.1885
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Nonprofit company to bring new type of health insurance to Mass.
Mass. now one of 24 states with federally funded health insurance co-op
With bold colors and an even bolder slogan, Minuteman Health's website urges you to "join the revolution."
"Being disruptive is exactly our intent," said Ellen Zane, former CEO of Tufts Medical Center and chairman of the board for Minuteman Health.
The newest kid on the block, Minuteman Health is looking to shake up health insurance in Massachusetts as the state's lone Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan, also known as a health insurance co-op. A co-op is a new type of nonprofit insurer where the customers decide who the decision-makers are from among other members and where any profits earned go back to the members themselves, either through lower premiums or increased benefits.
"It isn't going to be a number of suits that sit on the board but these will be real people," said Zane.
"Right now, in the Commonwealth, we have a lot of quote nonprofit insurance companies. What that really means is non-tax-paying. They generate profits. Very important in our construct is any profit we generate, if we do generate them, goes right back to the members," said Minuteman Health CEO Tom Policelli.
"It's a brand-new thing. We haven't had this in Massachusetts," said Brian Rosman, research director of the Massachusetts-based advocacy group, Healthcare for All.
Nonprofit co-ops like this one are now possible thanks to nearly $2 billion in federal funding from the Affordable Care Act. Rates won't be public until Oct. 1, but Zane is confident costs will start out and stay low.
"Our view was that this market is bloated, that some health insurance companies traditionally have very large infrastructures that are costly, and that it isn't all necessary for the provision of great care," said Zane.
Instead, Minuteman Health's creators have considered every dollar spent, even going with all second-hand office furniture and promising no compensation for board members.
"The co-op might be great for some people, not right for others," said Rosman.
Minuteman Health is offering plans for individuals and small employers. It was founded by contributors that include Tufts Medical Center, Vanguard Health Systems and the New England Quality Care Alliance.


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On one hand, this seems like a painfully obvious thing: Broken hardware typically can be replaced under warranty or through the manufacturer for a fee, and the Nintendo GamePad is hardware. On the other hand, it's a controller, and Nintendo is deliberately not selling GamePads on their own in North America. So that raises the question of what happens if yours breaks?
Gimme Gimme Games got the answer from a Nintendo of America representative: "Individual replacement Wii U GamePad controllers will be available from Nintendo Consumer Service for a fee," they were told, but there was no word on how much a replacement will cost.
What about the warranty? Well, NOA has "no specific announcements" to make regarding warranty coverage for the GamePad, said the rep, but he noted that Nintendo warranties don't cover physical damage. Fair enough.
Extra GamePads will be sold in Japan for the equivalent of about $172. So if in North America, a GamePad costs $150, and if its replacement fee is lower than that, you probably can expect to be asked to ship back the old one, even if you broke it. Otherwise, what's to stop people from claiming they broke their old controller, buying up an extra one at discount and saving it for gray market resale once two-GamePad support arrives here, believed to be sometime after March.
I can't wait to see the Will It Blend Guy disintegrate a GamePad and ship them back the dust. "Wii U GamePad Dust! Don't breathe this ..."
Broken Wii U Game Pad replacements will be available 'for a fee' says Nintendo [Gimme Gimme Games.]


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Local Agriculture Events in Northeastern Massachusetts
We've gathered information on classes, Farmers' Markets, workshops and more!
- This event has passed.
Cambridge Charles River Farmers' Market
November 4, 2022 @ 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
An event every week that begins at 12:00 pm on Friday, repeating until April 7, 2023
The Cambridge Charles Square Farmers' Market supplies fresh organically grown and certified organic fruits and vegetables picked from farms throughout Massachusetts and neighboring New England states during the summer months. The market is located at the Charles Hotel Courtyard.
Fridays, 12 pm to 6 pm – Year Round
Sundays, 10 am to 2 pm – Year Round


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From the American Medical Association to proposals in Congress, efforts continue to discourage the routine use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals.
A tug of war continues over the role of drugs fed to livestock as reports of human antibiotic resistance mounts.
No one doubts over-prescription of medications by physicians, often at the insistence of patients, is in part fueling the rise in bacterial resistance.
But the difficulty in explaining multiple resistance in an increasing number of pathogens is resulting in a renewed call for limits on routine use of antibiotics in livestock.
Most notable is the resolution passed recently by the American Medical Association (AMA) to phase out subtherapeutic use of antimicrobials in agriculture, points out Paul Sundberg, DVM, assistant vice president of veterinary issues for the National Pork Board. The AMA is also calling for a national program to combat antibiotic resistance and increased surveillance of antimicrobial use and resistance.
A bill to fund an interagency task force action plan on antimicrobial resistance was introduced in early May by Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-OH). HR 1771 looks at livestock use but also covers human use and education, says Leah Becker of the National Pork Producers Council, based in Washington, D.C. It has been included as an amendment to the fiscal year 2002 Agriculture Appropriations bill. To read the text of the legislation, log on to http://thomas.loc.gov/.
The concern over agriculture is that exposure to antibiotics in farm animals produces resistant foodborne bacteria that interferes with the ability of those antibiotics to treat human infections.
Livestock Antibiotic Use
In its resolution, the AMA contends 16 million lb., or 80% of all antibiotic use in agriculture, is at a constant, low level likely to produce antibiotic resistance.
For its part, the Animal Health Institute (AHI) painted a different picture. Richard Carnevale, DVM, AHI vice president of regulatory, scientific and international affairs, in a recent presentation reported on a 1999 antibiotic use survey. It showed 20.5 million lb. of antimicrobials were marketed for both food and companion animals. Of that total, 17.8 million lb. were used to prevent and treat disease, leaving 2.8 million lb. or 13% used as growth promoters.
Maybe even more telling, explains Carnevale, is the fact that only 24% of the total represents classes of antibiotics for both animals and humans. AHI contends that all such application in livestock production accounts for less than 5% of the total resistance problem. The full text of his talk can be found at www.ahi.org.
"There is a risk of antibiotic resistance any time you use antibiotics," states Sundberg. That risk must be evaluated in terms of what good will come from removing them from the marketplace and what harm will come to the animals and to the producer, he says.
Sweden banned routine use of antibiotics in farm animals in 1986 without seeing any affect on human health. However, the ban has created growing problems in animal health, says Sundberg.
The Cost of a Ban
Discontinuing the use of antibiotics in hog production would "decrease feed efficiency, raise feed costs, reduce production and raise prices to consumers," according to findings of a recent report of the Agriculture Department's Economic Research Service (ERS).
"This report helps put into perspective the debate on antimicrobial use in animals and confirms the value of antibiotics in promoting animal health," states AHI President and CEO Alexander Mathews. "Antibiotics are important tools in the toolbox farmers use to keep animals healthy and to efficiently produce food. Consumers benefit from a safe, wholesome, abundant and more affordable food supply," he adds.
The ERS report was based on recent studies of the economic impact of a hypothetical ban or partial ban on antibiotics. A ban on feed additives would result in losses of more than $45 million to hog producers, the report said.
The report, "Antimicrobial Drug Use and Veterinary Costs in U.S. Livestock Production," can be viewed by logging on to www.ers.usda.gov/publications.
FDA's Antibiotic Plan
To deal with the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about two years ago proposed a new set of rules by which antibiotics will be approved for livestock. Sundberg says the agency is to be commended for the slow, scientific approach it is taking in formulating the final document.
The pork industry, in collaboration with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, developed a list of judicious use guidelines last year to safeguard therapeutic use. This was developed as a pork safety fact sheet for producers. The fact sheet can be accessed at www.porkboard.org or requested by calling (515) 223-2600.
Antibiotic Alternatives
To give pork producers options to antibiotics, the National Pork Board formed an advisory committee to its Pork Safety Committee. The Non-Antimicrobial Production Enhancers group is made up of experts in the areas of probiotics, enzymes, acids and other growth-promoting products. Their charge is to figure out how producers can evaluate effectiveness of these products on their farms, explains Sundberg.
Early plans are to hold a symposium within a year to highlight the best information on use of subtherapeutic antibiotics and alternatives.
Quality Assurance Program Revised
In a way, the Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) program is returning to its roots. It started out as a single-level educational tool, expanded to three levels of participation and now is returning to a single-level, self-help program.
The effort remains strongly grounded as a pork checkoff-funded, food safety program, observes Paul Sundberg, DVM, National Pork Board and technical advisor to the program.
"Our vision is to keep the focus on using any animal health product correctly. We are not about to dilute the message of PQA that, for example, you must use antimicrobials correctly, follow correct withdrawal times and follow the advice of your veterinarian," he stresses.
PQA began in 1989 as a single-level plan to prevent volatile drug residues in hogs. Over time, it expanded to a three-level program encompassing herd health strategies, medication withdrawal and animal care management strategies.
The revised manual, due out by early fall, will provide enhancements of those existing efforts in a single phase. The new publication builds on the 1997 PQA program.
It also will give producers a better explanation of what the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) program is, how it works and how it can serve as an example for practices on the farm, says Sundberg. HACCP is a food safety management system in which hazards are minimized and monitored based on performance.
PQA will have expanded sections on judicious use of antimicrobials plus information and standard operating procedures for needle use. Animal welfare information will be greatly expanded. Biosecurity, rodent control and swine health information that relates to food safety also will be bumped up, he notes.
"The bottom line of PQA is providing the producer with the ability to implement, economically, what it takes to stay in business," says Sundberg. This program will help to fill the void for producers as they address their food safety programs, whether or not they are part of an organized marketing group.
A self-help checklist will be included to help producers gauge whether they are meeting the appropriate food safety standards, which may be requested by their packer or customers in a niche marketing program.
"Producers in the future will have multiple opportunities to market their products differently, whether it be related to animal welfare or drug use programs, and we hope the new PQA program will be a base from which they can launch those efforts," he says.
PQA is coordinated by the National Pork Board and delivered by practicing swine veterinarians, university Extension and other agricultural educators, says Sundberg.
Producers who are current in their PQA education will use this new publication at the time of their re-certification, says Kristie Bray, PQA program manager, National Pork Board.
— Joe Vansickle


text: I think we need to sign the letter and get it out soon. >*** Nations team up to fight cybercrime > >(AP) - In an age when cybercriminals can reach across borders with >the click of a mouse, the world's leaders are realizing they will >have to work together to crack down on Internet attacks. Starting >Monday, leaders from Group of Eight countries will be in Paris for a >three-day discussion of Internet crime. Separately, the 41-nation >Council of Europe, working with the United States, Canada, Japan and >South Africa, is drafting a treaty to standardize cyber crime laws. >Though their efforts preceded the appearance of the "Love Bug" virus, >the attack that crippled corporate and government networks around the >globe earlier this month may have boosted the sense of urgency among >government leaders to implement Internet safeguards and create ways >to fight crime in cyberspace. See >http://www.infobeat.com/stories/cgi/story.cgi?id=2566529608-d42


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Asian TV drama with subtitles
Looking for shows beyond what your basic TV and cable offers? Come explore the world of Asian entertainment with Viki! We offer a wide selection of popular dramas, movies, variety TV shows, fashion and lifestyle videos from Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, and other countries. What makes our shows even better? Our super fans around the world provide the best subtitles (subs that actually make sense!) in 200+ languages. Together as a community, we're breaking down barriers that stand between great entertainment and you. And did we mention that we are totally legit? You're not breaking any law here; no iffy streaming, downloads or viruses! ;P You'll never feel alone in your guilty pleasure. Chat with other like-minded fans as you watch shows on Viki. Many fans tell us it's more fun this way. Check out ratings and reviews to help you decide what to watch. Or share your own with other fans! Still not sure what to watch? Head over to Collections and see what our friendly staff and fans have curated for you. Or explore our library via popular genres like romance, historical, and thriller. Subscribe to Viki Pass to enjoy a premium experience. - Viki Pass Basico (available in selected regions) offers you an awesome HD experience with no ads. - Viki Pass Standard gets you early access to Viki Exclusives and Viki Originals—these are our hit titles like "While You Were Sleeping", "W", "Because This Is My First Life" and "The Legend of the Blue Sea". Watch them in HD and with no ads. - Viki Pass Plus (available in selected regions) allows you to catch all the shows on Viki whenever they are available. This means hundreds of additional hours of Korean entertainment from the top broadcasters. Watch them all in HD and with no ads. Not totally convinced yet? That's okay - download our app and get a free trial of Viki Pass first. Disclosure: We'll charge your subscription to your iTunes Account at the confirmation of purchase. iTunes will automatically renew your subscription within 24 hours prior to the end of the current subscription period. You may disable auto-renew or manage your subscription by going to your iTunes Account Settings after purchase. Please do so no later than 24 hours prior to the end of the current subscription period, so that your changes are effective by the next immediate subscription period. Note that if you were to change your subscription in the midst of a free trial, you will forfeit any unused portion of the free trial. Questions, comments or suggestions? Reach us at [email protected] Terms of Use: https://www.viki.com/terms_of_use Privacy Policy: https://www.viki.com/privacy


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The Service of Consecration
What is salvation for an Orthodox Christian? For an Orthodox Christian salvation is union with Christ. This union with Christ is called the "Life in Christ". The center of this "Life in Christ" is the Holy Altar, as well as the services which are related to it, i.e. the Seven Sacraments. Because the Holy Altar is so important in the life of an Orthodox Christian, the service of Consecration centers around the Holy Altar Table. In simple terms the Consecration Service is the Baptism and Chrismation of the Church.
Before the Consecration Service begins, all Articles on the Altar Table are removed, and the Altar is left uncovered with nothing on it. When the Bishop enters the Church he will bring with him the relics of three Saints. These relics will be placed on a Paten (Diskarion), which will remain on the Altar Table overnight, together with a Vigil Light.
The Consecration of the Church begins on the Eve of the celebration with a short Prayer Service honoring the memory of Martyrs. The Vespers, a very joyous celebration follows, and many Priests participate in it to share in the joy of the coming event.
On Sunday Morning the order of services is: Matins (Morning Prayer), the Consecration Service and the first Divine Liturgy in the newly consecrated Church.
MATINS (Orthros)
The Matins is a morning service held prior to the Divine Liturgy. It begins with the reading of the six Psalms (3, 37, 62, 87,102,142) and ends with the Great Doxology. During Matins resurrection and consecration hymns are sung. The Priest will also celebrate part of the Proskomidi Service (preparing the Gifts which will be used during the Divine Liturgy). At the appointed time the Bishop will enter the Church and will put on his vestments (Ceremonial Robes). At the end of Matins the Bishop will begin the Service of Consecration.
What exactly takes place during the Consecration? The Consecration is a special service which "changes" an ordinary building into the House of God. This change takes place through the Grace of God and the Holy Spirit. Many symbolic actions take place such as:
THE BISHOP: Blessed is our God always, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen
READER: Psalm 143 ‑ Hear, O Lord, my prayer give ear to my supplication;in Thy faithfulness answer me and in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Thy works; I muse on the work of Thy hands. I stretch forth my hands unto Thee; my soul thirsteth after Thee as a thirsty land. Hear me speedily, O Lord: my spirit faileth; hide not Thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Thy loving‑kindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies: I flee unto Thee to hide me. Teach me to do Thy will; for Thou art my God; Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. Quicken me, O Lord, for Thy name's sake; for Thy righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of Thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul; for I am Thy servant.
*DEACON: Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
*When the Deacon is not present, the Priest recites his petitions.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy upon us and protect us, O God, by Thy Grace.
Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed, and glorified Lady, Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To The O Lord.
THE BISHOP: For holy art Thou our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
Bishop standing before the Holy Relics reads the prayer:
THE BISHOP: O Lord our God, faithful in Thy words and truthful in Thy promises Who hast granted Thy holy Martyrs to fight the good fight and to fulfill the course of godliness and to keep the faith of true confession: Be Thou, the same all‑holy Lord, entreated of their prayers and grant unto us Thine unworthy servants, to have a part and inheritance with them, that being followers of them, we also may obtain the good things which await them.
Through Thy mercy and love toward mankind of Thine Only‑begotten Son with Whom Thou art blessed, together with Thine all‑holy, good and life‑giving spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
THE BISHOP: Peace be with you all.
CHOIR: And with thy spirit.
DEACON: Let us bow our heads unto the Lord.
CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.
THE BISHOP: O Lord our God, through the intercessions of our Holy Lady and Mother of God and of all Thy saints direct the works of our hands, Thine unworthy servants, and make us worthy that we may in all things prove to be acceptable unto Thy goodness.
Blessed and glorified be the majesty of Thy Kingdom, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
Following this prayer, the Bishop and Clergy together with all the Faithful prepare for the Three Processions around the Church. The Three Processions represent the setting aside of an area which will be separate and sacred from all other areas.
The Bishop raises the covered Paten on which the Holy Relics were placed, and prepares to leave the Church. The procession is led by the Altar Boys, followed by the Choir and Cantors, the Priests, the Bishop carrying the Relics, and the Faithful, leaving the Church empty. As the procession leaves the Church the Choir or Cantor sings:
O Holy Martyrs, who fought the good fight and have received your crowns, entreat the Lord to save our souls.
Glory to Thee, O Christ God, the Apostles' pride, the Martyrs, joy, who have preached the consubstantial Trinity.
During the processions around the Church special consecration hymns are sung, or the Hymn "Holy God, Holy and Mighty..."
Tone 1
Be renewed, be renewed, O New Jerusalem, because your light has shown, and the glory of the Lord has come upon you. This house has been founded by the Father, this house has been made firm by the Son, this house has been renewed by, the Holy Spirit, which illumines and supports, and hallows our souls.
In early times, while the temple was consecrated, Solomon offered to the Lord sacrifices of animals and holocausts. When you were pleased in us O Saviour, to forgo the formalities and let the truth be known, the whole world offers to You the bloodless sacrifices to Your glory, because You are the Lord of all things and make everything holy through Your Holy Spirit.
Tone Pl. 2
The Consecration is an old honored custom, and a good one. It is however proper to honor new churches through the consecration as an island dedicated to God. As Isaiah says: we have acquired these sites from the congregation of the gentiles, and established them as churches on the solid foundation of God's Name. This is why we are celebrating this Consecration in a spiritual manner.
When the procession reaches the front of the Church, the Bishop places the Holy Relics on table, which has been previously placed there, and readings from the Bible follow. A section of St. Paul's Epistle to the Hebrews 2:11‑18, and St. Matthew 16:13‑20 is read.
DEACON: Let us attend.
READER: The Lord is my light and my salvation. The Lord is the protection of my life.
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews (2:11‑18).
DEACON: Let us attend.
READER: For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified have all one origin. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will proclaim Thy name to my brethren, in the midst of the congregation I will praise Thee. And again, I will put my trust in Him. And again. Here am I, and the children God has given me. Since, therefore, the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the power of death, that is, the devil and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. For surely it is not with angels that He is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Therefore He had to be made like His brethren in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because He Himself has suffered and been tempted, He is able to help those who are tempted.
THE BISHOP: Peace be with you, Reader.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
DEACON: Wisdom. Attend, Let us hear the Holy Gospel.
THE BISHOP: Peace be with you all.
CHOIR: And with your spirit.
THE BISHOP: The reading is from the Holy Gospel of St. Matthew (16:13‑20).
DEACON: Let us attend.
CHOIR: Glory to Thee, o Lord, glory to Thee.
THE BISHOP: Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples. "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" And they said. "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." He said to them. "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father Who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on the rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
CHOIR: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
Once again, the Bishop picks up the Paten, and the second procession around the Church takes place, while the Choir sings Special Hymns, or "Holy God, Holy mighty..."
When the procession reaches the front doors of the Church, the Relics are again placed on the table, and readings from the Bible follow.
DEACON: Let us attend.
READER: She shall be brought unto the King; the virgins that follow her shall be brought unto Thee.
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews (9:1‑7).
DEACON: Let us attend.
READER: Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly sanctuary For a tent was prepared, the outer one, in which were the lamp stand and the table and the bread of the Presence; it is called the Holy Place. Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of Holies, having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, which contained a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's rod that budded and the tables of the covenant above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. These preparations having thus been made, the priests go continually into the outer tent, performing their ritual duties; but into the second only the high priest goes, and he but once a year, and not without taking blood which he offers for himself and for the errors of the people.
THE BISHOP: Peace be with you, Reader.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
DEACON: Wisdom. Attend. Let us hear the Holy Gospel.
THE BISHOP: Peace be with you all.
CHOIR: And with thy spirit.
THE BISHOP: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke (10:38-42).
DEACON: Let us attend.
THE BISHOP: Now as they went on their way Jesus entered a village; and a woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving and she went to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her. "Martha, Martha you are anxious and troubled about many things; one thing is needful. Mary has chosen the good portion, which shall not be taken away from her."
CHOIR: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
The Bishop picks up the Paten with the Holy Relics, and the final procession takes place. The Choir continues to sing Special Hymns or "Holy God, Holy mighty..."
At the end of the third procession the Bishop places the Paten on the table and recites a prayer.
THE BISHOP: Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
CHOIR: O Christ our God, Who didst build Thy Church upon the rock of faith, direct our petitions and receive Thy people who in faith cry unto Thee, save us, O our God.
DEACON: Let us pray to Lord.
The Bishop then offers a shorter prayer in which he asks God to protect His new House of Worship.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
THE BISHOP: Blessed be Thou forever, O God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who through the veil of His flesh hath consecrated for us an entrance into the Church of the first‑born, who are written in heaven, where is the abode of those who rejoice, and the voice of gladness; Do Thou the same Lord, Who lovest mankind, look upon us Thy sinful and unworthy servants who now celebrate the consecration of the honorable Church of the Holy Apostles after the pattern of Thy most holy Church, that is, of our own body, which Thou hast made worthy unto us by Thine all‑laudable Apostle Paul to call Thy Church; and establish it immovable unto the end of time and glorified in Thee. And vouchsafe that without condemnation we may offer therein praises and exaltations unto Thy glory, and unto Thine Only‑begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and Thy Holy Spirit with understanding, and with all emotion and that those who worship Thee in Thy fear may show themselves worthy of Thy divine bounties; and that these prayers offered up by us and by all Thy people unto thine ineffable loving kindness may be acceptable unto Thy goodness: Through the prayers of our most holy Lady, Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary.
For holy art Thou, O our God, Who restest on the Saints. And unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
THE BISHOP: O Master, Lord our God, Who hast appointed in heaven orders and armies of angels and archangels for the ministry of Thy Glory: Grant that there may be with our entrance, the entrance of Thy holy angels, ministering with us and glorifying with us Thy goodness.
For unto Thee are due all glory, honor and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
The Bishop standing in front of the Doors of the Church, begins a short dialogue. The words of this conversation are taken from Psalm 24. This act represents Christ the King entering and taking over the Church building by defeating the power of the devil. The Bishop taps on the door with his staff and says:
THE BISHOP: Open, Open the gates and let them remain open forever and let the King of glory enter.
The priest, who is the only one inside the Church and represents an Angel, is surprised to hear this command, and asks: Who is this King of Glory?
THE BISHOP: The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle, the Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.
(This dialogue is repeated 3 times.)
Having said this, the Bishop raises the Paten and makes the sign of the Cross before the Church doors. The doors are then unlocked by the Godparent, and the Bishop enters the Church carrying the Holy Relics followed by all the clergy and the congregation. The faithful light candles, venerate the Holy Icons in the Narthex, and return to their seats. The psalti (chanter) in the meantime sings:
Forasmuch as Thou hast shown forth the splendor of the firmament on high and the beauty of the holy habitation of Thy glory here below, O Lord: Establish Thou the same forever, and accept our petitions continually offered unto Thee therein; Through the Theotokos, O Thou Who art the life and the Resurrection of all men.
The Bishop enters the Sanctuary, carrying the Paten with the Holy relics. Uncovering the Paten, he places the Holy Relics in a small gold box. He then pours Holy Chrism over the Relics; this act symbolizes the union between our Lord, and His Martyrs. Having done this the Bishop prays for the founders of the Church who have fallen asleep (died)
THE BISHOP: Eternal be the memory of the builders of this Holy Church.
CONGREGATION: Eternal be their memory.
In the early years of Christianity the Church was not allowed to exist; for many years the early Christians were persecuted and killed for their faith in Christ. In those days, the Christians met in underground burial places and celebrated the Eucharist on the graves of the martyred Saints. When the persecutions ended, and the Church was allowed to exist, the custom of celebrating the Eucharist over the graves of Martyrs continued by placing Holy Relics in the Altar at the time of the Consecration. In this manner, we are always reminded that the Church was built on the Blood of the Martyrs and their faith in the Lord.
Since the Consecration centers around the Holy Altar Table (for it represents the center of all Sacraments and services of the Church), the Bishop prays and asks for God's help to accomplish the service:
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
THEBISHOP: O Lord our God, Who hast bestowed upon the holy Martyrs which suffered for Thy sake this glory also, that their relics should be sown in all the earth, in Thy holy churches, and should bring forth fruits of healing: Do Thou, the Same Master, Who art the giver of all good things, through the intercession of the Saints whose relics Thou hast graciously permitted to be placed in this Thy venerable Altar, enable us without condemnation to offer unto Thee thereon the bloodless sacrifice: And grant us all those petitions which are unto salvation, vouchsafing also to the relics therein of those who have suffered for thy holy Name, that they may work miracles unto our salvation.
For Thine art the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
There follows a shorter prayer in which the Bishop once again asks for God's Blessings and help:
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
THE BISHOP: O Lord, God our Saviour, Who createst all things and makest the race of man for salvation, accept the prayer of us, Thine unworthy servants; and enable us at this present hour without condemnation to accomplish the consecration of this Church, founded to Thy praise in the name of (Church's Name) and to consummate the building therein of an Altar.
For unto Thee are due all glory, honor and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
Following these two prayers the Bishop places the gold box containing the Holy relics into a special cavity in the altar. In order to seal them permanently the Bishop pours wax/mastic over them. The wax/mastic contains many sweet smelling and fragrant spices, which were used by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus to anoint the Body of Christ in preparation for burial. The Holy Altar represents the Tomb in which our Lord's body was placed. All of this takes place during the reading of Psalm 145.
READER: Psalm 145 ‑ I will magnify Thee, O God, my King; and I will praise Thy Name forever and ever. Every day will I give thanks unto Thee: and praise Thy Name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and marvelous worthy to be praised; there is no end of his greatness. One generation shall praise Thy works unto another and declare Thy power. As for me I will be talking of Thy worship, Thy glory, Thy praise, and wondrous works; so that men shall speak of the might of Thy marvelous acts; and I will also tell of Thy greatness. The memorial of Thine abundant kindness shall be showed and men shall sing of Thy righteousness. The Lord is gracious and merciful; longsuffering, and of great goodness. The Lord is loving unto every man; and His mercy is over all His works. All thy works praise Thee, O Lord; and Thy saints give thanks unto Thee. They show the glory of Thy Kingdom, and talk of Thy power, that Thy power, Thy glory, and mightiness of Thy Kingdom, might be known unto men. Thy kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom, and Thy dominion endureth throughout all ages. The Lord upholdeth all such as fall, and lifteth up all those that are down. The eyes of all wait upon Thee, O Lord; and Thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest Thine hand, and fillest all things living with plenteousness. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him; yea, all such as call upon Him faithfully. He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him; He also will hear their cry, and will help them. The Lord preserveth all them that love Him; but scattereth abroad all the ungodly. My mouth shall speak the Praise of the Lord; and let all flesh give thanks unto Him holy Name forever and ever.
As the Bishop removes the excess wax/mastic, Psalm 23 is read. The Deposition (placing of the Holy Relics in the Altar Table) is now completed, and the Bishop prepares to wash and anoint the Altar Table.
Psalm 23 ‑ The Lord is my shepherd, therefore can I lack nothing. He shall feed me in a green pasture, and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. He shall convert my soul, and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness of His Name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff comfort me. Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me; Thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full. But Thy loving kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Since the Altar Table represents the Tomb of Christ and His body lies therein. The Altar must undergo its own "Baptism" (washing) and "Chrismation" (anointing). Before washing and anointing the Altar Table the Bishop puts on a white linen garment called the Savanon. While the faithful kneel, the Bishop reads the prayer of Consecration:
THE BISHOP: Blessed is our God always, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
DEACON: Again and again, bending on our knees, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
THE BISHOP: O God, without beginning and eternal, Who callest all things into being from nothingness; Who dwellest in light unapproachable, and hast the heavens for Thy throne, and the earth for Thy footstool; Who didst give a law and pattern unto Moses and didst inspire Bezaleel with the spirit of wisdom, and dist enable them to complete the perfect building of the Tabernacle of Thy Covenant, wherein ordinances of divine worship were instituted which were the images and types of the truth; Who didst bestow upon Solomon breadth and greatness of heart, and thereby didst rear of old the Church; and upon Thy holy and all‑laudable Apostles didst renew the service in the Spirit, and the grace of the true Tabernacle, and through the same, O Lord of Hosts, didst plant thy Churches and Thine Altars in all the earth, that there might be offered unto Thee consecrated and bloodless sacrifices; Who, also, hast graciously been pleased to found this Church, in the Name of (Church's Name) to Thy glory, and to the glory of Thine Only‑begotten Son, and of Thine all‑holy Spirit: Do Thou, the same immortal and generous King, call to mind Thy bounties and Thy mercies, which are from everlasting, and abhor not us who are defiled with a multitude of sins, neither annual Thou Thy Covenant because of our uncleanliness; but disregard Thou now our iniquities, and strengthen us with the Grace and inspiration of Thy life‑giving and Holy Spirit, that without condemnation we may accomplish the renewal of this Church, and fulfill the consecration of the Altar therein; that therein blessing Thee in Psalms, and songs, and mystical rites we may always magnify Thy loving‑kindness. Yea, O Master, Lord our God, the hope of all the ends of the earth, hear us sinners who make our supplications unto Thee, and send down Thine all‑holy and worshipful, and almighty Spirit, and sanctify this Church and this Altar; Fill it with the light everlasting; elect it for Thy dwelling place; make it the abode of Thy glory. Adorn it with Thy divine and supernatural gifts. Appoint it for a haven of the tempest tossed, for a healing of passions, for a refuge of the weak, for an expelling of evil spirits. Let Thine eyes be open upon it day and night and let Thine ears be heedful of the prayer of those who shall enter therein in Thy fear, and in devoutness, and shall call upon Thine all honorable and worshipful Name; that whatsoever they shall ask of Thee, Thou wilt hear it in heaven above and wilt show mercy and be gracious unto them. Preserve it indestructible even unto the end of the ages, and show forth the holy Altar therein, an Altar of Thy Holy Things through the power and indwelling of Thy Holy Spirit, Glorify it above the Mercy Seat according to the Law; that the holy offices which shall be celebrated thereon may attain unto Thy holy, and most heavenly and supersensual Altar and obtain for us the grace of Thy most pure over‑shadowing; for we trust not in the service of our unworthy hands, but in Thine unspeakable goodness.
The Deacon then offers petitions for the peace of the world, for the Church and city in which it is located, for the Consecrating Bishop, and for the Holy Altar Table.
DEACON: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, raise and protect us, O God by Thy Grace.
In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For the peace from above, and the salvation of our souls let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For this Holy House and for those that enter it with faith, reverence and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy
DEACON: For our (Consecrating Bishop) the honorable Priesthood, the Diaconate in Christ and for all clergy and laity, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For the work of our hands and our assembled brethren, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For the sanctification of this Holy House and the Altar therein through the descent, might and works of the Holy Spirit, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For this City and every city and land and for the faithful who dwell in them, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: For those who travel by land, sea and air, for the sick, the suffering and captives and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save, have mercy on us, O God, by Thy Grace.
Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed and glorified Lady, Theotokos and Ever‑Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.
THE BISHOP: For holy art Thou, O our God, Who restest among the Saints and the Martyrs who suffered for Thee, and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
A basin of water is brought to the Bishop who blesses and prays for its sanctification.
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
THE BISHOP: O Lord our God, Who sanctified the streams of Jordan by Thy saving manifestation. Do Thou, the same Lord, Send down also now the Grace of the all‑Holy Spirit on this Thy present Altar and bless us and this water unto sanctification and completion of Thy Holy Altar.
For blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
THE BISHOP: In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
The Bishop then pours water on the Altar three times saying: "In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit", and washes the Altar Table while Psalm 84 is read. This act symbolizes Baptism: The Altar is cleaned by washing, and sanctified (made Holy) by the Grace of the Holy Spirit. After washing, the Altar is then dried.
READER: Psalm 84 - O how amiable are Thy dwellings, Thou Lord of Hosts! My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God. Yea, the sparrow hath found her a house, and the swallow a nest, where she may lay her young; even Thy altars, O Lord of Hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house they will be always praising Thee. Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee; in whose heart are Thy ways. Who going through the valley of misery use it for a well; and the pools are filled with water. They will go from strength to strength, and unto the God of gods appeareth every one of them in Zion. O Lord God of Hosts, hear my prayer; hearken, O God of Jacob. Behold, O God our defender, and look upon the face of Thine Anointed. For one day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of ungodliness. For the Lord God is a light and defense; the Lord will give grace and worship; and no good thing shall He withhold from them that live a godly life. O Lord God of Hosts blessed is the man that putteth his trust in Thee.
THE BISHOP: Glory to our God unto the ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
The Bishop sprinkles Rosewater on the Altar Table as he recites:
THE BISHOP: Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be clean: Thou shalt wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness, that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice.
Rosewater is a sweet smelling fragrance which was used to anoint the Body of Christ for burial. The Bishop continues the rest of Psalm 51 while the Altar Table is wiped dry by the he assisting Priests. The Priests use Antimens to do this.
Turn thy face from my sins, and put out all my misdeeds. Make me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not Thy holy Spirit from me. O give me the comfort of Thy help again and establish me with Thy free Spirit. Then shall I teach Thy ways unto the wicked, and sinners shall be converted unto Thee. Deliver me from blood‑guiltiness, O God, Thou that art the God of my health; and my tongue shall sing of Thy righteousness. Thou shalt open my lips, O Lord, and my mouth shall show Thy praise. For Thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it Thee; but Thou delightest not in burnt offerings. The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, shalt Thou not despise. O be favourable and gracious unto Zion, build Thou the walls of Jerusalem. Then shalt Thou be pleased with the sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt offerings and oblations; then shall they offer young bullocks upon Thine altar.
Blessed is our God always, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
DEACON: Let us attend.
THE BISHOP: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
The Bishop anoints the Holy Altar with Holy Chrism (once in the center and then on either side) while he sings: "Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia". He spreads the Holy Chrism over the entire Altar Table as he recites a section from Psalm 133:
THE BISHOP: Psalm 133 ‑ Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is, brethren, to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down unto the beard, even unto Aaron's beard and went down to the skirts of his clothing. Like as the dew of Hermon, which fell upon the hill of Zion. For there the Lord promised his blessing, and life forever‑more.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
THE BISHOP: Glory to Thee, O Holy Trinity our God, glory to Thee, unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
The Priests then wipe the excess Chrism with the Antimens.
St. Symeon, in writing about the anointing of the Altar Table, says the following: "Since the Altar is anointed with the Holy Chrism, which represents the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Altar Table then becomes a source of Grace to all people through the Sacraments which are celebrated thereon. The Holy Gospel is placed on the Altar, the Holy Relics are within, so we see that the Altar becomes the Altar of Christ, a throne of Glory, the dwelling place of God, and the Tomb of Christ."
Next, icons of the four Evangelists are fastened to the Altar (one in each corner). The completed Altar represents the entire Church, which from the four corners of the world is held together by the Lord, and is built on Him through the preaching of the Gospel. Following the Anointing, the Bishop begins the vesting (putting on the new coverings) of the Altar Table.
The Altar Table is now covered with the "Katasarkion". This white linen cloth represents the Lord's burial shroud. The Katasarkion is tied with a cord which represents the cord with which our Lord's hands were tied as He stood before the High Priests. The Katasarkion will never be removed and will remain on the Altar for as long as the Church remains standing. As the Katasarkion is being placed on the Altar, Psalm 132 is read by the psalti:
READER: Psalm 132 ‑ Lord, remember David, and all his trouble: how he swore unto the Lord, and vowed a vow unto the Almighty God of Jacob; I will not come within the tabernacle of mine house, nor climb up into my bed; I will not suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eyelids to slumber; neither the temples of my head to take any rest; until I find out a place for the temple of the Lord; an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. Lo, we heard of the same at Ephrata, and found it in the wood. We will go into His tabernacle, and fall low on our knees before His footstool. Arise, O Lord, into Thy resting‑place; Thou and the ark of Thy strength. Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let Thy saints sing with joyfulness. For Thy servant David's sake turn not away the presence of Thine Anointed. The Lord hath made a faithful oath unto David, and He shall not shrink from it; of the fruit of thy body shall I set upon thy seat. If thy children will keep My covenant, and My testimonies that I shall teach them; their children also shall sit upon thy seat forever‑more. For the Lord hath chosen Zion to be an habitation for Himself; He hath longed for her. This shall be my rest forever; here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein. I will bless her provisions with abundance, and satisfy her poor with bread. I will deck her priests with health, and her saints shall rejoice and sing. There shall I make the horn of David to flourish:
I have ordained a lantern for mine Anointed. As for his enemies, I shall clothe them with shame; but upon himself shall his crown flourish.
THE BISHOP: Glory to our God unto the ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
Having placed the Katasarkion over the Altar, the Bishop says: "Glory to You our God unto Ages of ages. He washes his hands, and covers the Altar Table with a brighter and more elaborate cover which symbolizes the Glory of God. While he covers the Altar Table, the reader reads Psalm 93:
READER: Psalm 93 ‑ The Lord is King, and hath put on glorious apparel; the Lord hath put on His apparel, and girded Himself with strength. He hath made the round world so sure, that it cannot be moved. Ever since the world began hath Thy seat been prepared; Thou art from everlasting. The floods are risen, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. The waves of the sea are mighty, and rage horribly; but yet the Lord, who dwelleth on high, is mightier. Thy testimonies, O Lord, are very sure; holiness becometh Thine house forever.
THE BISHOP: Glory to Thee, Holy Trinity, our God, glory to Thee unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
The Bishop proceeds to place the other Holy Articles on the Altar Table. First he places the Antimens; on top of this is placed the Gospel Book (representing the teachings of Christ.) The Artoforion, in which the Body and Blood of our Lord is placed, and is reserved for Communion of the sick. The Artoforion is symbolic of the presence of our Lord. The candlesticks which are placed last represent the Light of Christ that shines forth during the Sacred Services.
Since the Altar has been Consecrated, sanctified and adorned with all its furnishings, the Altar and the entire Church is now censed with incense while Psalm 26 is read:
READER: Psalm 26 ‑ Be thou my Judge, O Lord, for I have walked innocently; my trust hath been also in the Lord, therefore shall I not fall. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try out my reins and my heart. For Thy loving‑kindness is ever before mine eyes; and I will walk in Thy truth. I have not sat with vain persons; neither will I have fellowship with the deceitful. I have hated the congregation of the wicked; and will not sit among the ungodly. I will wash my hands in innocence, O Lord: and so will I go to Thine altar; that I may show the voice of thanksgiving; and tell of all Thy wondrous works. Lord I have loved the habitation of Thy house, and the place where Thine honour dwelleth. O Shut not up my soul with the sinners nor my life with the blood‑thirsty; in whose hands is wickedness, and their right hand is full of gifts. But, as for me, I will walk innocently: O deliver me, and be merciful unto me. My foot standeth right: I will praise the Lord in the churches.
The Bishop then anoints the four walls of the Church and the Holy Icons making the sign of the Cross on them with Holy Chrism. This act symbolizes the sanctification of all creation with the Grace of Christ.
THE BISHOP: Glory to the Holy and Almighty and life‑giving Trinity, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
DEACON: Again and again in peace, let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
DEACON: Help us, save, have mercy on us and protect us, O God, by Thy Grace.
Commemorating our most holy, pure, blessed and glorified Lady, Theotokos and Ever Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.
THE BISHOP: For to Thee belong all glory, honor and worship, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
Upon completion of the Anointing, the Bishop offers prayers for the Altar and the Church:
DEACON: Let us pray to the Lord.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy.
THE BISHOP: O Lord of heaven and earth, Who with wisdom ineffable hast founded Thy holy Church and hast appointed the Order of the Priesthood upon the earth for an antitype of the Angels' service in heaven. Do Thou. O munificent Lord, receive also us who now make our petitions unto Thee; not as being worthy to ask such great things of Thee, but that the exceeding excellence of Thy goodness may be manifested; for Thou hast not ceased in manifold benefits to be gracious unto mankind. And, as the chiefest of Thy benefits, Thou hast bestowed upon us the coming in the flesh of Thine Only‑begotten Son, Who was seen upon earth, and shedding forth the light of salvation upon them that sat in darkness, did offer Himself a sacrifice for us, and became a propitiation for the whole world, making us to be partakers of His Resurrection; and after that He had ascended into heaven . He endured His Apostles and Disciples, as fie had promised, with from on high, which is the Holy Spirit, adored power and almighty, who proceedeth from Thee, our God and Father; through Whom, also, they became mighty in deed and in word, administered Baptism unto the adoption of son‑ship, built Churches, established Altars, and instituted the laws and precepts of the Priesthood. And we sinners, having preserved the tradition thereof, do fall down before Thee, the everlasting and compassionate God, and implore Thee: Fill with Thy glory divine this Church erected to Thy praise, and show Thou forth the holy Altar therein set up as the Holy of Holies: that we who stand before it, as before the dread Throne of Thy kingdom, may serve Thee uncondemned, sending up unto Thee petitions for ourselves and for all the people, and offering the bloodless sacrifice to Thy goodness, unto the remission of sins both voluntary and involuntary, unto the governing of our life, the attainment of a good life and the fulfilling of all righteousness.
For blessed be Thine all‑holy Name of the Father, and Of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
THE BISHOP: Peace be with you all.
CHOIR: And with thy spirit.
DEACON: Let us bow our heads to the Lord.
CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord.
The Bishop blesses the faithful and offers another prayer for the Altar Table. He asks God to fill this Altar with His Grace so that the Bloodless Sacrifice may be offered upon it:
BISHOP: We thank Thee, O Lord our God, for that Thou hast graciously vouchsafed to continue also even unto us sinners and Thine unworthy servants, because of Thy great love toward mankind, that grace which Thou hast poured out upon Thy holy Apostles and upon our holy Fathers. Wherefore we pray Thee, O All merciful Lord: Fill with glory, and holiness, and Grace this Altar, that the bloodless sacrifices which shall thereon be offered unto Thee may be transformed into the most pure Body and precious Blood of Thine Only begotten Son, Who is our Lord, and God, and Saviour Jesus Christ, unto the salvation of all Thy people, and of our unworthiness.
For Thou art our God and to Thee we ascribe glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages
CHOIR: Amen.
The Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews (Chapter 3:1‑4) is read, as well as a selection from the Gospel of St. John (Chapter 10:22‑30).
DEACON: Let us attend.
READER: Holiness befits Thy house, O Lord. The Lord reigneth, He is clothed with majesty.
DEACON: Wisdom.
READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews (3: 1‑4).
DEACON: Let us attend.
READER: Therefore holy brethren, who share in a heavenly call, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession. He was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in God's house. Yet Jesus has been counted worthy of as much more glory than Moses as the builder of a house has more honor than the house. For every house is built by some one but the builder of all things is God.
THE BISHOP: Peace be with you Reader.
CHOIR: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.
PRIEST: Wisdom. Attend. Let us hear the Holy Gospel.
THE BISHOP: Peace be with you all.
CHOIR: And with Thy Spirit.
PRIEST: The Reading is from the Holy Gospel according to St. John (10:22‑30). Let us attend.
CHOIR: Glory to Thee O Lord glory to Thee.
THE BISHOP: It was the feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around Him and said to Him: "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness to me: but you do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give them eternal life and they shall never perish and no one shall snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me is greater than all and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one."
CHOIR: Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
During the service the Bishop invites the faithful to come forward and to offer a few drops of oil in a Vigil Light. This they do as an offering to the Church. The Bishop will later light the Vigil Light and will place it on the Altar Table near the Artoforion. This light will be kept burning at all times and is symbolic of the never failing light of Christ which came into darkness of the world to be a light to enlighten all people.
The Bishop then removes the Savanon. The Savanon will be cut up into small pieces and each person in Church will receive a piece of it to keep as a "Phylacton" (a blessed object worn to help ward off evil).
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
The Saint of the Church being consecrated.
Now, and, ever...
Lord, benevolent and all powerful, as we celebrate this memorable occasion of the Consecration, we glorify You, the Giver of this Blessing, praying that You bless the spiritual understanding of our souls through the intercession of the glorious Champions of the Faith.
READER: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal have mercy on us (thrice). Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
All‑holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our iniquities. Holy One visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name's sake. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. 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.
THE BISHOP: 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 unto the ages of ages.
Glory ... Dismissal Hymn of the Church
Now, and ever, ... Repeat:
O Lord, establish this church forever as you have shown by the harmony of the heavens above and the beauty of the Holy Tabernacle of your Glory below. Accept our prayers which are continuously addressed to You in this church. Through the mediation of the Virgin Mary (Theotokos) who is the life and resurrection of all.
CHOIR: Amen.
DEACON: Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we pray Thee, hear us and have mercy.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy (thrice).
DEACON: Again we pray for mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, visitation, forgiveness and remission of sins of the servants of God, the Builders of this Holy House (Holy Apostles) and for the forgiveness of all their transgressions, both voluntary and involuntary.
CHOIR: Lord, have mercy (thrice).
THE BISHOP: For Thou art a merciful God and lovest mankind and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages.
CHOIR: Amen.
THE BISHOP: Glory to Thee, O God our hope, glory to Thee.
May Christ our true God, Who rose from the dead, through the intercessions of His all‑pure and Holy Mother, through the power of the precious and life giving Cross, through the protection of the honorable spiritual Powers of heaven, through the prayers of the honorable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, the holy, glorious and victorious Martyrs, of our saintly and God‑inspired Fathers, of the holy and righteous Ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna and of all the Saints, have mercy on us and save us, for our merciful God is good and lovest mankind.
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.
PRIEST: Through the prayers of our Holy Bishop, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.
CHOIR: Amen.
The Church has now been Baptized, Chrismated, Sanctified, Consecrated, and dedicated to God for eternal use as an Orthodox Christian House of Worship. The first Divine Liturgy is then celebrated in the newly consecrated "House of the Lord."
ANGEL: Pure spirits created by God, to serve and praise Him.
ALTAR: A term used to designate the Sanctuary, the area behind the Iconscreen.
ALTAR TABLE: The table on which the Holy Liturgy is celebrated. On it are found the Gospel Book, Cross, Antimens (Antimension), and the Artoforion. The Altar Table contains relics of the Saints which are placed within it at the time of the Church's Consecration.
ALTAR CLOTHS: A bright and usually elaborate cloth placed over the Altar Table. It is symbolic of the Glory of God since the Altar represents the Throne of God.
ANOINTING: The act of tracing a mark in the form of cross, with Holy Oil on a person or a thing in a Church ceremony.
ANTIMENS: (Antimension) The word means "in place of a table". The Antimens is a piece of cloth on which Christ's Burial is depicted and into which Relics are sewn. The Divine Liturgy is always celebrated on the Antimens.
ARTOFORION: A receptacle on the Altar Table, in which the Holy Sacraments are placed before conveyance to the sick.
BENEDICTION: The blessing offered by the Bishop or Priest at certain times in the services of the Church.
CANTOR: A layman who sings the responses at services.
CELEBRANT: Person who celebrates the Holy Eucharist (bishop or priest).
CENSER: The vessel in which incense is burned.
CHOIR: Persons who sing the responses at the Divine Liturgy and other services.
HOLY CHRISM: Holy Oil which contains many fragrant ingredients. It is mixed and blessed by our Patriarch, together with a group of bishops, on Holy Thursday and distributed to all churches in his care.
CORPORAL: (Eliton) A cloth similar to the Antimens, but without relics sewn inside. The Corporal may not be used as an Altar Table.
EPISTLE: A portion of the New Testament Scriptures read before the Gospel reading.
DEPOSITION: The Act of placing the Holy Relics into the Holy Altar Table during the Consecration of the Church.
EVANGELISTS: "The bringers of good tidings". The four writers of the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
EUCHARIST: Is another name for the Divine Liturgy. The Sacrament at which bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. The word Eucharist means "thanksgiving".
GOSPEL: The "Good News", a record of the life and teachings of Jesus. The Book of the Gospels is placed on the Holy Altar Table and is usually ornate, with a gold or silver cover.
ICON: Holy pictures representing holy persons and or an event in the life of Christ. Icons are found not only in the Church, but believers place them in their homes. An Orthodox has an attitude of reverence and respect for all icons.
ICONSTASION: Icon screen, the wall which separates the Sanctuary from the Nave of the Church building. On it are found the Icons of the Saviour, the Virgin Mary, St. John the Baptist, and the Patron Saint of the Church.
KATASARKION: A white linen cloth which covers the Altar Table. It is symbolic of the shroud in which our Lord's body was wrapped for burial.
MARTYR: Is a person who suffered and died for the Christian faith.
MASTIC: A yellowish resin used in making incense. The mastic is mixed with wax, myrrh, aloe, incense and labdanum. This mixture is used to seal the Holy Relics in the Altar Table.
MATINS: The morning service which is held prior to the Divine Liturgy. It begins with the reading of the Six Psalms and ends with the Great Doxology.
MYRRH: Is another name for the Holy Chrism.
ORTHROS: The morning service usually called Matins.
PATEN: A round, flat plate of gold or silver on which parts of the Prosforo (bread) which are to be consecrated are placed for the celebration of Liturgy.
PATRON SAINT: A Saint chosen by a Church, a nation, or any religious organization as a special guardian and protector.
RELICS: The bodies of Saints, or particles of their bodies, which the Church venerates because of their holiness. Relics of three Saints are placed in the Altar at the time of the Consecration.
SAVANON: A white linen garment worn by the celebrant Bishop at a Consecration. The Savanon is put on prior to the washing of the Altar Table. Following the Consecration, the Savanon is cut into small pieces and given to the people as a "Phylacton" (a blessed object worn as a protection against evil).
VENERATION: The honor and reverence that Orthodox pay to the Saints, the Virgin Mary and to icons.
VESPERS: The evening service begins with the reading of Psalm 104. On special feastdays, the Artoklasia is held during the Vespers Service.
VIGIL LIGHT: A light or lights burning in a glass holder. Usually found before Icons or in front of or on either side of the Artoforion.
Back to the Cover "The Priest's Service Book"


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- 06Aug
Icahn Ups Stake In DellNEW YORK (AP) -- Carl Icahn's stake in Dell now stands at close to 9 percent, supporting his promise that the fight for the embattled computer maker will go on.The billionaire investor disclosed in a regulatory filing late Monday that he's purchased an additional 4 million shares in Dell Inc.Icahn bought the shares Thursday, according to the filing, the same day he filed suit to block any delay in a shareholder vote over company control and a day before founder CEO Michael Dell strengthened his bid to take the company private.Michael Dell and investment firm Silver Lake Partners' latest buyout bid is $13.75 per share, with stockholders also receiving a special dividend of 13 cents per share. That would cost about $230 million, based on Dell's 1.76 billion outstanding shares.A shareholder vote on the offer is scheduled for Sept. 12.Icahn is suing to force the company to hold its annual meeting — set for Oct. 17 — on the same day as the vote on the deal. Icahn wants to oust Dell's board and has put together a deal that he says would be worth at least $15.50 per share for holders of Dell's stock.Michael Dell says he wants to diversify the computer maker, which has struggled to keep pace with the rapid shift by consumers away from personal computers to smartphones and tablet computers. He believes he has a better chance of saving Dell if it reverts to private ownership, removed from the quarter-to-quarter scrutiny of Wall Street.If shareholders vote in favor of Dell's bid, the company will become a private entity for the first time in a quarter-century.Company shares edged slightly lower before the opening bell Tuesday.
The Carver news team is determined to keep you up to date with the latest business news from all around
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This is the fourth post from a series originally published a year ago on blogspot, dkaysdays.
The next step to receiving a pension required Ira Sayles to submit to an exam by government approved doctors, a Surgeon's Board. The report of October 5, 1892 indicates that Ira was seen by two of its three members in Washington,DC:
Dr. Hood, President, was absent,
JW. Little, Secretary
CA Davis, Treasurer
From the chart's history come details that help us in 2009 visualize this elderly man, our ancestor. He was 5'8″, 175 pounds, with a heart rate of 84 and respirations of 20 per minute. His age, curiously, was listed as 65 years. Someone later reviewing the chart had written in 75?
Claimant is somewhat emaciated, pale with flabby muscles. Claims to have suffered from an attack of apoplexy one year ago.which has left him weak with loss of power in right hand. We find no lesion of special sense, no motor or sensory lesion, yet he is tremulous and he says unable to button all his clothing. He is evidently debilitated. to some extent.
Is the subject of right indinch? inguinal hernia, soc of which having passes through external ring is found lying beneath the integuments and is about size of a hen's egg. It is bodily returnable and easily retrained? by truss. Rate Ten Eighteenths
The heart is irritable and weak and we find a distinct mitral systolic ? but no hypertrophy. No aortic disease. Rate Six Eighteenths.
No other disability
No evidence of vicious habits.
This former Union soldier was, in their opinion, entitled to a 10/18 rating for the disability caused by the Inguinal Hernia, 6/18 for that caused by Disease of the Heart and nothing for anything else.
By the end of 1892 it appears that Ira finally resided in Chase City, Virginia. I see a man, once independent and adventuresome, a hiker and scientist, an urban dweller, now confined to a chair on a farm in very rural Virginia, tended by people he had rarely visited. He was lucky, some would say, to have had a son take him in.
In his letter of March 1893 to Attorney James Tanner, Clifton urges action on the pension, for he is a " poor man with a wife and several children to provide for; otherwise I would advise my father to take no further steps in the matter. He is however, most certainly entitled to a pension (under the act of June 1890) and he just as certainly needs it. . ."
I would wager that, far from feeling welcomed, Ira felt beholding and a burden to this relative-stranger. Old age confers that fear on all of us, it seems, no matter what era we find ourselves living the human life.


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As you can see from the fact that our last update was in 2009, AMCRAN has not been publicly active for some time. The laws, however, have continued to evolve and affect people in unintended ways. So over the last two years, we've been working with Muslim Legal Network NSW on a fourth edition of the "Anti-terrorism laws: ASIO, the Police and You" booklet, now available at their website.
We would like to thank the community (both Muslim and non-Muslim) for their support over the years of AMCRAN's operations. We're pleased that MLN NSW has taken on this important role in educating the community about their rights.
The new anti-terrorism laws recently announced by the Attorney-General Robert McClelland raise alarm bells. At face value a number ofproposed amendments look as though they roll back some of the excess of thecurrent laws – limits to the sedition offences, a right of appeal against the use of secret evidence, and minor clarifications of the meaning and scope of some terms and offences.
Sydney, 14 August 2009 - A Muslim Civil Rights Group today cautioned against the proposed anti-terrorism law amendments announced by the Attorney-General Robert McClelland. "While we welcome the proposal to limit the period of detention without charge, we are concerned about other proposals that seek to broaden the current regime of anti-terrorism laws in a way which exacerbates its flaws," said Dr Zachariah Matthews from the Australian Muslim Civil Rights Advocacy Network (AMCRAN).
The third edition of Anti-Terror Laws: ASIO, the Police and You booklet is now available for download.
This series of publications answers general questions about Australia's anti-terrorism laws, including an explanation of the extended powers and functions of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Through the generous funding of the Law and Justice Foundation of NSW, the UTS Law Faculty and the UTS Students' Association, we are now able to produce translated versions in Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia and Urdu as well as the original English. This new edition includes minor corrections to some of the finer legal points and includes updates that describe the latest changes to the laws, including: the association offence, secrecy provisions, control orders, preventative detention and stop and search powers.
Click here to download
Please note AMCRAN's new contact details:
Australian Muslim Civil Rights Advocacy Network
PO Box 3610
Bankstown NSW 2200
Telephone: (02) 9708 0009
Fax: (02) 9708 0008


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The Yealink T58V is a high-performing, 16-line Gigabit IP Phone that meets the needs of information workers, managers, and executives who have heavy voice communications requirements. The Yealink T58V combines an attractive new ergonomic design with HD Voice for crystal clear voice communications, Gigabit connectivity, 7-inch touchscreen LCD display, built-in Bluetooth, built-in Wi-Fi, HD Video calls via included CAM50 camera, and supports up to 16 SIP accounts. The Yealink T58V IP Phone leverages your IP network to deliver sophisticated voice communications with excellent audio performance and enhanced security capabilities.
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Kelly Clarkson is engaged to her boyfriend Brandon Blackstock. Congrats! {New York Daily News}
After some serious bouts of morning sickness, Kate Middleton made her first public appearance at the Sports Personality of the Year Awards, wearing a green dress designed by none other than Alexander McQueen. {Grazia Daily}
More From ELLE
Speaking of royalty, Buckingham Palace, or at least part of it, will play host to a four-day festival, in which there will be a runway show that honors the royal family's most prized fashion companies. {Telegraph}
Givenchy has released its Spring 2013 ads, which boast an eclectic group of faces including Kate Moss, performance artist Marina Abramovic, and bullfighter Jose Maria Manzanares. "They are people I love and who love me," states Riccardo Tisci. {WWD}
For those who missed the U.S. leg of The Rolling Stones's 50th Anniversary Tour, there is hope yet to see the original bad boys of rock 'n' roll live. Rumor has it they will be playing at Coachella. {Refinery 29}
Founder of Diesel, Renzo Rosso, is said to extremely interested in buying a sizable stake in Marni, as the fashion house looks for financial support to expand. {Telegraph}
There's a new way to channel your HBO's Girls obsession—with your nails. Deborah Lippmann has designed a line of nail polish inspired by each one of the four characters. {Refinery 29}
The Prada Spring 2013 men's campaign photographs are hot off the digital press and feature a slew of handsome actors including Harvey Keitel and Benicio Del Toro (pictured below). {Prada press release}