5.7. Ephorasia of Midday⁑
The Ephorasia of Midday is the seasonal offering to Lertheksanaks of the High Sun and is to be done with the start of the season of summer, at the first solar noon after the summer solstice (the June solstice in the northern hemisphere, the December solstice in the southern hemisphere). The Ephorasia of Midday is best done at this time, but may be done between noon and sunset on any of the first ten days of the summer season.
The Ephorasia should not be combined with other offerings or done as part of the Leitūrgia. Because the Ephorasia of Midday coincides with the Sun entering the cardinal zodiac sign of Cancer or Capricorn (depending on hemisphere), the associated Solar Hēmerasia for the zodiacal and decanal ingress must be done prior to the Ephorasia.
If done in a group, this offering should only be attended by group members unless the group decides otherwise. If done independently, it is best done alone.
5.7.1. Supplies and Tools Required⁑
A lighter or match
Four lights
Candles or oil lamps are equally acceptable.
If candles are offered, one should be a narrow candle and the other three should be wide candles, with the narrow candle taller than the wide ones.
Incense in four separate holders
The incense should be of a smell or blend of smells appropriate for general offerings.
Loose incense burning on charcoal in a brazier with a plate or handle is ideal, but self-igniting stick or cone incense burning in a holder that can easily and safely be held is acceptable.
A bowl
A soup or cereal bowl is ideal, although larger to the size of a serving bowl is also acceptable.
Wine
Red wine is preferred.
If wine cannot be had, grape juice or water is acceptable.
Honey
If one cannot have honey, then date syrup, maple syrup, agave nectar, or golden syrup may be used instead. Avoid malted or grain-based syrups.
Olive oil
Small pedestal (optional, if oil lamps are used instead of candles)
Bell (optional)
5.7.2. Preparation⁑
Before the offering, follow the Kanones of hygiene (full bathing preferred), clothing, and abstinence (lax preferred, strict required). A hormos should be worn for this offering. This offering requires a bōmos; unlike most offerings or rituals for which one’s permanent bōmos can suffice, this specific offering should instead be made on a separate freestanding bōmos standing in the middle of a space with sufficient room to walk around it and to face the four directions by it. If that is not possible, then one’s permanent bōmos will suffice. If there is no lykhnon already lit nearby, one should be lit off of the bōmos but where it may be visible from it rather than on the bōmos itself.
In the center of the bōmos, place the bowl, then place four vessels of incense and four lights around the bowl, each arranged to a cardinal direction with the light between the bowl and the incense. If candles are used, then a tall narrow candle is to be placed on the southern side in the northern hemisphere or on the northern side in the southern hemisphere, and short wide candles in the other three directions; if oil lamps are used, they may all be of the same type but the lamp in place of the tall narrow candle should be elevated on a small pedestal or otherwise made higher than the other three lamps.
5.7.3. Offering⁑
Note
If a free-standing bōmos is used, the offering should begin while standing at the northern side of the bōmos facing south in the northern hemisphere or the southern side of the bōmos facing north in the southern hemisphere. If a free-standing bōmos is not possible for this offering and one is using a bōmos positioned against a wall instead, one should gesture to the appropriate directions throughout the offering.
5.7.3.1. Prologue⁑
5.7.3.1.1. Lighting the Lykhnon⁑
If the Ephorasia is being done with a lykhnon which is to be lit for the Ephorasia and is to be extinguished afterwards, light it and recite (leader only):
I call upon you, o living God, radiant with illuminating fire,o unseen parent of the Sun, o invisible begetter of light!Give your strength to this fire,pour forth your light-giving power into this fire,and set to work your divine spark within this fire.Let it enter into this flame and fill it with your spirit,moving it by your holy breath and presence!O sacred fire, o light that shines with the light of God!Manifest your power for my knowledge, and let there be the light of knowing!Manifest your power for my rebirth, and let there be the light of life!Let the holy temple of almighty God within you open for me,let there be breadth, depth, length, height, fullness, and brightness,let the crown of your Sun-like radiance appear!May God shine forth through your flame and within your light,and may your light remain by me here in this place and now at this time!
5.7.3.1.2. Calling or Closing⁑
Tip
Optional if done casually.
Depending whether the Ephorasia is to be done publicly or privately, either the Call to the Way or the Closing Off of the Temple is to be recited, or (if desired) the former followed by the latter.
5.7.3.1.2.1. Call to the Way⁑
Standing by the doorway to the euktērion facing outwards, recite (leader only):
O all you children of mankind, o all you born of the Earth,o all who you have given yourselves over to drink and sleep in your ignorance of God!Make yourselves sober, cease your drunken sickness,end your bewitchment by unreasoning sleep!Why have you given yourselves over to death,when you have the power to claim immortality?You who have wandered with Error, you who have partnered with Ignorance:think again, think anew!Free yourselves from the darkness, take hold of the Light,take part in divine immortality, leave behind your corrupt destruction!Do not surrender to the way of death by your mockery or distance,but come, rise, and be guided on the way of life!
Close the door.
5.7.3.1.2.2. Closing Off the Temple⁑
Standing by the doorway to the euktērion facing inwards, recite (leader only):
I speak now to only those allowed,I sing now with only those in the know,that only those allowed remain with me,that only those in the know join with me.Depart, depart, all those who are profane!No such person may have a foot in this place,no such person may hear the sacred mysteries.Depart, depart, all those who are profane;I shut and bar the doors from them.
Close the door.
5.7.3.1.3. First Salutation⁑
5.7.3.1.3.1. On One’s Own⁑
Recite:
May I live in wholeness and health!
5.7.3.1.3.2. If Others are Present⁑
The leader announces:
Hail to those whom the greeting is given with blessing,to my siblings, to holy children of God!
The leader recites:
May we live in wholeness and health!
All others present repeat the above as one.
5.7.3.1.4. Assertion and Confession⁑
Tip
Optional if done casually.
Standing in front of but some distance away from the bōmos, recite:
I am one who stands in the House of Life.I am one who sees in the Chamber of Darkness.I am one who hears in the temples of divinity.I am one who speaks in the halls of humanity.I am one who loves mind, word, and knowledge.I am one who seeks order, truth, and wisdom.The wish of my heart is that which brought me here;may I be counted among the disciples of the gods!
Bow, then recite:
O gods who watch over and give life to humanity,receive me and deliver me to dwell with the eternal gods!For I have ever revered the gods whom my parents revealed to me,and as long as I live my life in the lot of the living,I always honor those who begot my body and of other human beings.I do and will not kill anyone,I do and will not steal anything entrusted to me,I do and will not do any other pernicious thing.But if I have transgressed in anything during this life,or have consumed of what was not licit,it was not of my own account,but because of this drive and desirethat arose from the pits of this body.
Move towards the bōmos and prepare to take your place at it.
5.7.3.1.5. Undertaking the Ephorasia⁑
Recite (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):
I now undertake this Ephorasia for Midday.
5.7.3.1.6. Foundation — Opening⁑
Clap, extend the arms out, and recite (leader only):
The glory of the All is God, both Divinity and Nature,for natural Divinity is renewed by Nature,and divine Nature is founded in Divinity.
Prostrate silently, setting intentions silently if desired, then sit or kneel at the bōmos.
5.7.3.1.7. Opening the Doors of Divinity⁑
Tip
Optional, but encouraged if done at a temporary bōmos.
Make an opening gesture with the hands above the bōmos, and recite (leader only):
Open, Heavens and Earth! Open, Day and Night!Open, East and West! Open, South and North!Open, winds and waters! Open, fire and stone!The two doors of the Earth are opened!The two doors of the Heavens are opened!The four doors of the horizon are opened!The four doors of the world are opened!The gods send forth their light through the doors;exalted be all the gods upon their great thrones!My face looks upon the gods on their thrones,and the gods on their thrones look upon me.I am about to sing the hymns of divinity;may my hymns be heard and my praise be accepted!
5.7.3.1.8. Prologue of Aid and Seven Requests⁑
Recite:
Almighty God, Lord, King, Master, Helper, hear me!
Recite, bowing at each “O God”:
O God, hear me my prayers.O God, save me from error.O God, cleanse me from vice.O God, protect me from danger.O God, rescue me from torment.O God, keep me from irreverence.O God, free me from ignorance.
If desired, prostrate and recite the Supplication of the Holy:
Holy God, Holy Strong, Holy Immortal, be merciful to me.Holy God, Holy Maker, Holy Forebear, be gracious to us.Holy God, Holy One, Holy Source, be propitious to us all.
5.7.3.1.9. Ritual Invocation of Hermēs⁑
Recite:
Hail to you, Hermēs, prophet and scribe and teacher!O thrice-great, great among the great, greatest beyond greatness!You who know the sacred mysteries,you who establish their utterances,you who distinguish truth from falsehood,you who witness the Light and Life of God,you who have entered into the goodness of God!Bless my thinking, bless my speaking, bless my working, o Hermēs,that all that I think, all that I say, and all that I do may be for Life, Light, and Goodness,that I may have your guidance and assistance in this Ephorasia for Midday.
5.7.3.1.10. Invocation of the Agathos Daimōn⁑
Tip
Optional, but encouraged if alone.
Recite:
O my companion, o my genius, o my angel!Honor our bond, honor my destiny, honor God’s will!Manifest yourself to me as my Agathos Daimōn!Be faithful and steadfast for me!Be loving and passionate for me!Be my complete contentment!Be my total nourishment!Grant me every success and all attainment!Make my mind lucid and bright in all things!O never-born crown of the powers of divinity!O holy one, mighty one, immortal one,do not abandon me!O my friend, my savior, my protector,reveal yourself kindly to me as Truth!Join yourself to me that I may join myself to youas One, in One!
5.7.3.1.11. Shining Prayer⁑
Recite:
O God! I greet you and call upon you, eternal and unbegotten,you who are One,you who alone hold together and surround the whole creation of all things,you whom none understand,you whom all daimones fear,you whom the gods worship,you whose name not even the gods can utter!O God, you who are greater than all,you who are the creator of all,you who see all and are not seen,you who hear all and are not heard!O God, you who gave to the Sun all power and gloryand to the Moon the privilege to have fixed courses,yet who made the Sun to rise and set and the Moon to wax and wane,that none can compare them with your true glory!O God, you who took nothing from your own creation,but created all things that exist!O God, you who took nothing from the firstborn darkness,but apportioned all things that they might be equal!For it is with you that both order and light arose,and it is by you that all things were arranged.O God, all of your creation is subject to you,you whose true form whom none can truly see,you who yet change into all forms!Hear me and help me, o Lord,joyful and willing, faultless and unflawed, who pollute no place,King of kings, Daimōn of daimones, Aiōn of aiōnes, God of gods,by your Glory and Holiness and Beauty and Goodness,for I call upon you and bear witnessto the unsurpassed mystery of your name now and forever. ※
5.7.3.2. Preparation of the Offerings⁑
For whatever is to be offered, so long as it is not ceremonially set aside for later, set it out as appropriate to the offering, e.g. prepare vessels, light charcoal, pour drinks, etc., but do not light any light or incense as yet.
If one is making an offering at a bōmos with a loibeion, remove the lid from the loibeion and set it down to the side of the bōmos. Dip the forefinger of the dominant hand into the water and flick it upwards above the head, reciting (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):
An offering of water to the Heavens from whence I come.
Then dip the forefinger of the dominant hand into the water and flick it downward (even onto the psiathos if present), reciting (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):
An offering of water to the earth from whence I am born.
A drop of water from the loibeion may be put into the bowl, but otherwise the loibeion is not used for this offering. Whether or not one puts a drop of water from the loibeion into the bowl, the lid is to be put back on the loibeion at this point.
5.7.3.3. All-Greeting to the Gods⁑
Recite:
Hail, o Agathē Tykhē!Hail, o Agathos Daimōn!Hail, o daimōn of this place!Hail, o daimōn of this hour!Hail, o daimōn of this day!Hail, o daimones of every place, of every hour, of every day!Hail, o whole Cosmos composed of Earth and Heaven!Hail, o Aiōn, who have established yourselfin invisible light over the holy firmament!
5.7.3.4. Solar Supplication to the Almighty for the Season⁑
Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):
O God, o Forebear, o Light! O you who founded the heavens and gave the stars their courses! As the Sun perfectly abides in truth without disparity or deviation, so may I come to know your mysteries, perfect my perfect nature, and comprehend my true will that you establish for me throughout my life. Grant me virtue not weakened by time so that I might enjoy purity not defiled by pollution, health not afflicted by blight, safety not threatened by harm, and stability not shaken by turmoil! By the working of your creation, may I and all your creatures have good health, long life, prosperity, happiness, fortune, ease, strength, truth, and peace! By your goodness, may the Sun bless me and all who now gaze upon him with the eyes of the body and of the mind!O God! As the Sun shines upon us with his light,so may our minds be illumined with your Light.O God! As the Sun rises into Day and sets into Night,so may our souls rise to the heavens and our tormentors sink to the abyss.O God! As the Sun forever governs all things in the cosmos,so may we always rule over ourselves in faith, reason, and knowledge.O God! As the Sun carries out your will for the fulfillment of his purpose,so may we carry out your will for the fulfillment of our purposes.I give thanks to you, o God, o Forebear of the Sun and me, o Light of Mind,you who are beyond any name and have every name,you who are great beyond greatness and powerful beyond power,you who are Truth and the source of all life and light,this and every season of all time in eternity!
5.7.3.5. Greeting to the Sun for Midday⁑
Note
Where indicated by “DD.”, use “South” if in the northern hemisphere or “North” if in the southern hemisphere.
Hail to you, o Sun in your heights, upon whom and through whom the Glory of God always shines! As you culminate in the DD., o Sun, God shines Light radiantly throughout the land, sending upon us pure fire to fill our hearts, life-giving heat to give us life, and brilliant light to illumine our minds. O Sun, o blessed power exalted among all the heavens and throughout all time, as you ascend to your greatest glory in the skies, so too grant me life that I may live, light that I may see, power that I may work, and fire to fuel and temper the flames of want and will in my heart! As you carry on in your work, inspire me to carry on in my own that I might obtain all excellence and peace!
5.7.3.6. Invocation of the Guardians⁑
Pour the libation of wine, honey, and oil into the bowl. Bow or prostrate; if kneeling or sitting at the bōmos, then stand now. Recite:
Hail to you, o you mighty guardians of the directions of the cosmos!Hear me, see me, be with me,here at this place and now at this time and today on this day,here and in all places, now and at all times, today and on all days!
Note
When moving around the bōmos, move clockwise if in the northern hemisphere or counterclockwise if in the southern hemisphere, always turning 90° to face the next direction as needed.
5.7.3.6.1. Invocation of Ablanathanalba⁑
Move around the bōmos by one turn so as to stand at the eastern side of the bōmos facing west. Light the light and incense on the opposite side of the bōmos, and recite:
Hail to you, ABLANATHANALBA of the West, hail to you, you who are Hēlios who sink from the realm of AKRAMMAKHAMAREI into the realm of DAMNAMENEUS, you whose form is a snake-tailed crocodile peering above the waves! Take your place in the West, shedding cold water as you cleanse hot day with cool night, for I am MALPARTALKHŌ!Hail to you, ABLANATHANALBA of the West, hail to you!IŌ ABLANATHANALBA
5.7.3.6.2. Invocation of Sesengenbarpharangēs⁑
Note
Where indicated by “DD.”, use “North” if in the northern hemisphere or “South” if in the southern hemisphere.
Move around the bōmos by one turn, so as to stand at the southern side of the bōmos facing north in the northern hemisphere or the northern side of the bōmos facing south in the southern hemisphere. Light the light and incense on the opposite side of the bōmos, and recite:
Hail to you, SESENGENBARPHARANGĒS of the DD., hail to you, you who are Hēlios who settle into the darkest depths of the realm of DAMNAMENEUS, you whose form is the holy infant upon the lotus seat! Take your place in the DD., reborn as king from the virgin womb of the world, for I am MALPARTALKHŌ!Hail to you, SESENGENBARPHARANGĒS of the DD., hail to you!IŌ SESENGENBARPHARANGĒS
5.7.3.6.3. Invocation of Erbēth⁑
Move around the bōmos by one turn so as to stand at the western side of the bōmos facing east, Light the light and incense on the opposite side of the bōmos, and recite:
Hail to you, ERBĒTH of the East, hail to you, you who are Hēlios who rise from the realm of DAMNAMENEUS into the realm of AKRAMMAKHAMAREI, you who whose form is a winged dragon with a crown of clouds! Take your place in the East, quelling all discord as you bring bright force to dark space, for I am MALPARTALKHŌ!Hail to you, ERBĒTH of the East, hail to you!IŌ ERBĒTH
5.7.3.6.4. Invocation of Lertheksanaks⁑
Note
Where indicated by “DD.”, use “South” if in the northern hemisphere or “North” if in the southern hemisphere.
Move around the bōmos by one turn, so as to stand at the northern side of the bōmos facing south in the northern hemisphere or the southern side of the bōmos facing north in the southern hemisphere. Light the light and incense on the opposite side of the bōmos, and recite:
Hail to you, LERTHEKSANAKS of the DD., hail to you, you who are Hēlios who surmount onto the highest heights of the realm of AKRAMMAKHAMAREI, you whose form is a royal falcon ringed in golden fire! Take your place in the DD., sending upon us radiant fire and life-giving heat, for I am MALPARTALKHŌ!Hail to you, Lertheksanaks of the DD., hail to you!IŌ LERTHEKSANAKS
5.7.3.7. Dedication of Offerings⁑
5.7.3.7.1. Dedicatory Invocation⁑
Recite, (changing personal pronouns if needed):
Hail to you, o LERTHEKSANAKS together with all the guardians of the stations of the Sun! By your blessing and by this offering I make to you of light, incense, and drink, be merciful to me, be gracious to me, and be propitious to me!
5.7.3.7.2. Dedication of Light⁑
O LERTHEKSANAKS together with all the guardians of the stations of the Sun, I light for you this…, that it may burn for your honor, enlightenment, empowerment, and exaltation. Grant that as this flame burns and casts its light upon me, so too cast your light upon me that I may always be guided, led, and enlightened by your presence. Grant that as this flame burns and casts its light upon this place, so too shine your light upon the world through me as your medium, conduit, focus, and lens, that the entire world may come to see you, honor you, glorify you, and praise you and your good works. Hail to you, LERTHEKSANAKS together with all the guardians of the stations of the Sun!
5.7.3.7.3. Dedication of Incense⁑
O LERTHEKSANAKS together with all the guardians of the stations of the Sun, I burn for you this…, sweet-smelling, sacred, and pleasing to you, that it may fortify you, dignify you, and satisfy you. Grant that as this incense rises up and fills up this place with its sweet, heavenly smoke, so too fill up my life, sphere, and surroundings with the knowledge and blessing of your essence and presence. Grant that as this incense rises up in the air around me, so too fill up my body, soul, spirit, and mind with your wisdom and virtue that I may be ever more deeply initiated into your mysteries. Hail to you, LERTHEKSANAKS together with all the guardians of the stations of the Sun!
5.7.3.7.4. Dedication of Drink⁑
O LERTHEKSANAKS together with all the guardians of the stations of the Sun, I pour out to you this…, fresh, sweet, and pure, that it may please you, sate you, and cheer you. Grant that as this drink is poured out for you, so too pour into my life your blessing that I may more freely accept your power in my life. Grant that as this libation is accepted by your presence, so too open my heart to be free to partake in your joys, your light, and your aid in this and all places, in this and all times, on this and all days. Hail to you, LERTHEKSANAKS together with all the guardians of the stations of the Sun!
5.7.3.8. Seeking of Favor⁑
Note
Where indicated by “DD.”, use “South” if in the northern hemisphere or “North” if in the southern hemisphere.
Dip the fingertips of both hands slightly into the libation bowl so that they become coated with oil, then wipe the hands with them and then the hands over the face.
Recite, ringing a bell where indicated (changing personal pronouns if needed):
Rejoice with me, LERTHEKSANAKS, you who are set over the DD. and over all the world, for whom all the gods serve as bodyguards on your good hour and on your good day, you who shine brightly from the highest heights, you who culminate this day as a strong man! I beseech you, LERTHEKSANAKS: do not let me be overthrown, do not let me be plotted against, do not let me be drugged, do not let me be exiled, and do not let me fall upon hard times, but rather let me receive from you good health, long life, esteemed reputation, great wealth, influence, strength, success, charm, favor with all people, and victory in all my endeavors, this day, this season of Summer, and all the time of my life! Be kind, be merciful, be gracious, be propitious to me, LERTHEKSANAKS, and grant me your blessing by your power! ǂ
5.7.3.9. Charge of the Guardians⁑
Extend the arms out to the sides, palms facing forward as if in a wide embrace. Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):
O you mighty guardians of the directions of the cosmos!Hear me, see me, and be with me, in this season of Summer and all the time to come!Watch over me, guide me, guard me, enlighten me, empower me,support me, strengthen me, protect me, defend me, exalt me!Take your places upon the four corners of the cosmos!Take your seats upon the four corners of the world!Take your thrones upon the four stations of the Sun in its eternal motion!As I take my place in the divine center of the All,* standing in the midst of the All,for I am MALPARTALKHŌ!
On the word “midst” in “standing in the midst of the All”, curl the dominant hand into a fist and bring it swiftly to hit solidly on the sternum, bringing the submissive hand to cup over it, and imagine a resonant wave extending from the heart as the center of the cosmos to its most distant reaches.
On the last barbarous name, intone it with a long full exhale. Imagine with each syllable:
MAL-: A beam of light passing through the shoulders between the east and the west.
-PAR-: A beam of light passing through the chest between the north and the south.
-TAL-: A beam of light passing through the spine between the heights and the depths.
-KHŌ: A radiance of light emanating from the heart outwards in all directions infinitely.
After intoning the name, silently and mentally say:
…standing in the Midst of the All.
5.7.3.10. Rededication⁑
Recite, stating the “in my home” part if the offering was indeed made in one’s home (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):
O LERTHEKSANAKS together with ABLANATHANALBA and SESENGENBARPHARANGĒS and ERBĒTH, I have made these offerings to you of light, incense, and drink. I have made these offerings for you for the glorification of this new season of Summer, here at this place and now at this time and today on this day. I have made these offerings to you freely and joyfully, and I ask that you accept them in a spirit of the same. I have made these offerings to you as an expression of my thanks, my love, my honor, my respect, my trust, and my joy for you. Always stand for me as I stand before you, and know that, with these offerings, I honor you (in my home and) in my heart and in my head and with my hands. Hail to you, o LERTHEKSANAKS together with all the guardians of the stations of the Sun, and may you always grant me your blessing! Hail to you, o LERTHEKSANAKS!
Bow or prostrate; if one was kneeling or sitting at the bōmos earlier, then resume doing so now.
5.7.3.11. Epilogue⁑
5.7.3.11.1. Prayer of Thanksgiving⁑
Recite:
We give thanks to you!Every soul and heart reaches up to you,o ineffable Name honored as “God” and praised as “Forebear”,for to everyone and everything you have showntender kindness, affection, love, and sweetest activity,granting to us mind, word, and knowledge:mind, that we may understand you;word, that we may call upon you;knowledge, that we may know you.We rejoice, for we have been enlightened by your knowledge.We rejoice, for you have revealed yourself to us.We rejoice, for you have made us incarnate divine by your knowledge.The thanksgiving of humanity to you is this alone:that we may know you.O Light of Mind, we know you.O Life of Life, we know you.O Womb of every creature, we know you.O Mother pregnant with the nature of the Father, we know you.O eternal permanence of the begetting Source, we know you.Thus do we worship your goodness.Thus do we ask for one favor:that we be preserved in your knowledge.Thus do we ask for one protection:that we not fall away from this sort of life. ※
If desired, prostrate and recite the Supplication of the Holy:
Holy God, Holy Strong, Holy Immortal, be merciful to me.Holy God, Holy Maker, Holy Forebear, be gracious to us.Holy God, Holy One, Holy Source, be propitious to us all.
5.7.3.11.2. Conclusion of Work⁑
Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):
I have been attached to your holy form.I have been given power by your holy name.I have been filled with your holy emanation.I praise you with a gladdened heart!I thank you with an outstretched soul!Be merciful, be gracious, be propitious to me,o Lord, o God of gods, o Master! ※
Prostrate silently, then stand.
5.7.3.11.3. Foundation — Closing⁑
Extend the arms out, and recite (leader only):
The glory of the All is God, both Divinity and Nature,for natural Divinity is renewed by Nature,and divine Nature is founded in Divinity.
Clap once.
5.7.3.11.4. Concluding the Ephorasia⁑
Recite (leader only):
Thus concludes this Ephorasia for Midday.
5.7.3.11.5. Final Salutation⁑
5.7.3.11.5.1. On One’s Own⁑
Recite:
May I walk in reverence and knowledge!
5.7.3.11.5.2. If Others are Present⁑
The leader recites to all:
May we walk in reverence and knowledge!
All others present repeat the above as one.
5.7.3.12. Post-Offering Breakdown⁑
If desired, eat a vegetarian meal, especially if there are others present.
With the exception of the offerings made, break down and clean up the euktērion.
5.7.3.12.1. Extinguishing the Lykhnon⁑
If the Ephorasia is being done with a lykhnon that was lit for the Ephorasia and is to be extinguished afterwards, recite (leader only):
It is you who gives us fire, and through the fire light;it is you who gives us light for our eyes and our hearts.I put out this lamp that shines with your holy fire,not to quench your light nor to stem your blessing,but for the safety and preservation of my life.As I put out this flame, grant me your Light forever,for yours is the light that can never truly be extinguished.Go forth from this lamp, o holy light of the highest God;depart, holy brightness, and let your flame be scattered,but let your light always dwell within me as a lamp in my soul,that I too may always shine with the holy light of the highest God.
Extinguish the lykhnon.
5.7.3.12.2. Disposal of Offerings⁑
Once all lights and incense have burnt out, one may then dispose of the libation, preferably by pouring it outside while the Sun is visible and shining onto a spot that the sunlight touches, weather permitting; this may be done later that afternoon before sunset, assuming all the lights have burnt out and the Sun is yet high enough to touch the ground.