Blessing Before Meals

Question

I am searching for traditional byzantine prayers before meals. May I ask what blessing you say at dinner?


Answer

The traditional form of blessing before meals, at least among the Orthodox, is the following:

The Lord’s Prayer

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
[If a priest is present, add: Father, bless.]

O Christ our God, bless the food and drink of these Thy servants, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.