Benedictus qui venit

The anthem “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest,” which follows the Sanctus in the eucharistic prayer. It may be sung or said. The term is from the Latin first words of the anthem. It is included in all Rite 2 eucharistic prayers of the BCP, and it is optional in Rite 1. The text is from the acclamation of the crowd at Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, described in Mt 21:9. It first appeared as an invitation to communion in the liturgy of the fourth-century Apostolic Constitutions. It was subsequently made an expansion of the Sanctus. It was included in the 1549 Prayer Book in a modified form but dropped in the 1552 Prayer Book. The 1979 BCP restored the anthem to its current use. Although its use is optional in Rite 1 eucharistic liturgies, it is included in all Rite 1 musical settings for the Sanctus in The Hymnal 1982 (S 113-S 117).