Do you not know that the Church of God is a surgery and a harbor?
Now, if you remain in a surgery ailing and unhealed, when, henceforth, will you be cured? And if you are tempest-tossed in a harbor, where, hereafter, will you find rest?
Stand with reverence, I implore you. Stand with awe at the fearful hour of the Anaphora; for with whatever attitude and thoughts each of you attends at that hour, such also is the frame of mind in which he offers worship to the Master.
The oblation is called the Anaphora because it is offered up to God. Therefore, stand before God in silence and compunction. Confess your sins to God through the priests. Condemn your actions and do not be ashamed; for, there is a shame that brings sin, and there is a shame which is glory and grace (Ecclesiasticus 4:21). Condemn yourself before men, so that the Judge may justify you before angels and the whole world.
Seek mercy, seek forgiveness, seek remission of past sins and deliverance from future sins, so that you may approach the Mysteries worthily, so that you may partake of the Body and Blood with a pure conscience, and so that it may be for your purification and not for your condemnation.
Hear what the Divine Paul says: Let each man examine himself, and so let him eat of that Bread, and drink of that Cup. For he that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation unto himself, not discerning the Lord's Body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep (1 Corinthians 11:27-30).
[...] you will become worthy, if only you desire it. Recognize that you are a sinner. Cut yourself off from sin. Desist from sin, wickedness, and anger. Display the works of repentance; endue yourself with prudence, meekness, and forbearance. Show compassion from the fruits of righteousness for those in need, and you will have become worthy. Beseech God with a contrite heart, and He will fulfill your petitions; for, if you do not do this, you will be wasting the time you spend in church.
[...] I beseech you to pray as you ought, so that when we draw near to God in our prayers, we may stand before Him in a way that befits Him.
Anastasius of Sinai (7th Century): A Homily on the Holy Eucharist and on Not Judging Others or Remembering Wrongs, PG 89, 825A-849C
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