Liturgical Commemoration During the Sede Vacante at the Holy See

Liturgical indication

1. According to our liturgical tradition, with the death of the Bishop of Rome, the commemoration of the Pope ceases until the new Bishop of Rome is elected. At this time, commemoration of the hierarchy begins with that of the Patriarch:

   “For our most blessed Patriarch Sviatoslav, our most Reverend Metropolitan Archbishop Borys, ...” (Ekteny of Peace)
   “We also pray for our most blessed Patriarch Sviatoslav, ...” (Ekteny after the Gospel reading)

   “May the Lord God remember in His Kingdom our most blessed Patriarch Sviatoslav, ...” (the Great Entrance)
   “Among the first, remember, O Lord, our most blessed Patriarch Sviatoslav, ...” (Commemoration of the Hierarchy after consecration).

2. You may include the commemoration prayers for the deceased Pope Francis in the Great Ekteny, using two petitions (using the text of the commemoration in particular):

   “For the servant of God, Pope Francis, and his blessed memory...”

   “That he may stand blameless before...”

3. After the Ekteny after the Gospel reading, the Ekteny for the deceased may be included in the daily Liturgies.

4. After each Liturgy during the week, the Panakhyda Service may be celebrated according to the rubrics of Panakhyda during the Bright Week. We remind our cantors that until the feast of the Lord’s Ascension, the sung responses of the Panakhyda are chanted in the major (not minor) key.

5. The color of vestments is white in honor of the Easter Season.

6. The USCCB has proposed a novena for the deceased pope. 

7. After all liturgies on Sunday, April 27 (Saturday, April 26), the Panakhyda Service should be celebrated for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis with the participation of the Faithful. (Myrovania and distribution of the arthos prescribed for the Thomas Sunday, should take place after the Panachyda).

8. Starting with Sunday, April 27, the petition for the election of the new Supreme Pontiff should be included in all liturgies in the Ekteny after the Gospel reading, unless Pope Francis's funeral has not yet taken place. The following petition can be used:

   “We also pray to the Lord our God for the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit in the election of the Universal Pontiff, the Pope of Rome, that he may be a good shepherd for the Church of Christ and a servant to the servants of God, O Lord, hear us and have mercy”

Conclusion

May God receive the soul of his faithful servant, Pope Francis, in his Fatherly embrace and reward him for his priestly and Petrine ministry!

May his memory be Eternal! Vichnaya pam’yat!
Christ is risen!