The Second Service
The Second Service is called the Service of Aaron because during this part, the priest is arrayed in sacred vestments and incenses the offerings, recalling the vestments and incense ordained for the priests of the Old Testament, with Aaron as their chief.
During this service, the priest makes the offering of the bread and wine and recites the Prayer of Commemoration, which recalls the mysteries of the life of Christ. This prayer also remembers all the just, starting with Adam and Eve, and includes the prophets, apostles, martyrs, confessors, and all the faithful departed. This prayer is a continuation of the ancient Book of Life, used in the Syrian Church, which contained the names of the living and the dead to be remembered in the Qurbana.
After recalling the special intention for which the Qurbana is being offered, the priest incenses the gifts while reciting a solemn prayer of offering.
This part of the service symbolizes the period of preparation for the coming of Christ.