Psalm 112:2 (113:2)

«Εἴη τὸ ὄνομα Κυρίου εὐλογημένον ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν καὶ ἕως τοῦ αἰῶνος»

“Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore”

Psalm 112 (113 in the Hebrew), as well as the next five Psalms, constitute what is called the Hallel, because each Psalm begins or ends with “Alleluia” (or “Hallelujah” in the Hebrew). They were specifically sung at the Passover as hymns of praise to the Lord for Israel’s deliverance from the Egyptian Pharaoh. Verse 2 is the final doxology of God’s all-holy Name in the Divine Liturgy, chanted three times before the Dismissal, before the faithful leave to be servants of Christ in the world.

It reminds us of “blameless and righteous” Job’s doxological reference to God after he loses his property and his children: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. As it seems good to the Lord, so also it came to pass. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21).

No matter how much misfortune and temptation befall us we should bless the Lord who blesses those who bless Him, as the Priest prays in the Divine Liturgy. If we bless the Lord for our personal difficulties, how much more should we glorify Him for His sacrifice on the Cross? This is why we chant “Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore!”

While this hymn is chanted, the Priest enters the Sanctuary and prays silently: “Christ our God, You are the fulfillment of the (Mosaic) Law and (the teachings of) the Prophets. You have fulfilled all the dispensation of the Father (i.e. the plan of God the Father for the salvation of the world). Fill our hearts with joy and gladness always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.”

Source: April-May 2015 Lychnos Edition