Vigil of Saints Peter and Paul
Introit
John 21:18-19; Psalm 18:2
The Lord said to Peter: When thou wast younger, thou didst gird thyself, and didst walk where thou wouldst: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and lead thee whither thou wouldst not: and this He said, signifying by what death he should glorify God. Ps. The heavens show forth the glory of God: and the firmament declareth the works of His hands. Glory be to the Father.
Collect
We beseech Thee, O almighty God, that Thou suffer no disturbance to shake us, whom Thou hast founded on the rock of the confession of Thine Apostles. Through our Lord.
Epistle
Acts 3:1-10
In those days, Peter and John went up into the temple, at the ninth hour of prayer. And a certain man, who was lame from his mother’s womb, was carried; whom they laid every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, that he might ask alms of them that went into the temple. He, when he had seen Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked to re- ceive an alms. But Peter, with John, fasten- ing his eyes upon him, said: Look upon us. But he looked earnestly upon them, hop- ing that he should receive something of them. But Peter said: Silver and gold I have none, but what I have I give thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise and walk. And taking him by the right hand, he lifted him up: and forthwith his feet and soles received strength. And he leaping up, stood and walked: and went in with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God. And they knew him, that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened to him.
Gradual
Psalm 18:5,2
Their sound went forth into all the earth: and their words to the ends of the world. The heavens show forth the glory of God: and the firmament declareth the works of His hands.
Gospel
John 21:15-19
At that time, Jesus said to Simon Peter: Simon, son of John, lovest thou Me more than these? He saith to Him: Yea Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith to him: Feed My lambs. He saith to him again: Simon, son of John, lovest thou Me? He saith to Him, Yea Lord, Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith to him: Feed My lambs. He saith to him the third time: Simon, son of John, lovest thou Me? Peter was grieved, because He had said to him the third time: Lovest thou Me? And he said to Him: Lord, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee. He said to him: Feed My sheep. Amen, amen I say to thee, when thou wast younger, thou didst gird thyself, and didst walk where thou wouldst: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and lead thee whither thou wouldst not. And this He said, signifying by what death he should glorify God.
Offertory
Psalm 138:17
Thy friends, O Lord, are exceedingly honourable; their power is become very great.
Secret
Sanctify, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the offering of Thy people, by the intercession of Thine Apostles, and cleanse us from the stains of our sins. Through our Lord.
Communion
John 21:15,17
Simon, son of John, lovest thou Me more than these? Lord, Thou knowest all things: Thou knowest, Lord, that I love Thee.
Postcommunion
O Lord, by the intercession of Thine Apostles keep from all harm those whom Thou hast filled with heavenly food. Through our Lord.