The Testament of Our Lord

II. 16

[FIRST FRUITS]

The fruits which are offered ® to the bishop let him bless thus:

O God, we give thanks to Thee alway, and also in this day when we offer to Thee the first fruits of the fruits which Thou hast given us for food, having ripened® them by Thy power and by Thy Word, having commanded from the beginning of the creation’? of the worlds that the earth should bring forth different fruits for the joy and delight of man? and of all beasts.2 We praise Thee, O Lord, for all these things with which Thou hast benefited us, adorning for us all the earth with various fruits. Bless also this Thy servant N., and receive his earnestness and his love, through Thine Only-begotten Son Jesus Christ, through whom [be] praise and honour and might to Thee with the Holy Ghost for ever and ever. Amen.

Vegetables are not blessed, but fruits of trees, flowers, and the rose and the lily.

CHarTer 17

OF ALL THE FAITHFUL WHO RECEIVE AND EAT

Let them give and return thanks and not eat with offence or scandal. Let no one taste that which is strangled or sacrificed to idols.”