This document summarizes the historical origins and liturgical significance of two prayers used in Orthodox Christian services: the Prayer to the Holy Spirit and the blessing of the deacon. The Prayer to the Holy Spirit was introduced in the 13th century and includes phrases praising God and asking the Holy Spirit to dwell within and cleanse those praying. When blessing and sending forth the deacon, both the priest and deacon kiss religious items before the priest offers blessings and the deacon asks to be remembered in the kingdom of God. The deacon then exits the sanctuary with bows and repetitions of a psalm verse.