Daily Readings:
Saints/Martyrs/Feasts/Fasts to be observed/commemmorated/celebrated: the Fast of the Nativity
December 23 / January 5. Forefeast of the Nativity of Christ. Holy Ten Martyrs of Crete: Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Eunician, Zoticus, Pompeius, Agathopus, Basilides, and Evaristus [Eph 6:10-17; Lk 21:12-19]. St. Paul, Bishop of Neo-Caesarea. St. Niphon, Bishop of Cyprus. St. Nahum, Enlightener of the Bulgarians. St. Niphon, monk. St. Theoctistus, Archbishop of Novgorod. St. David of Echmiadzin in Armenia. New-Martyrs Priests John and Nicholas (1918). (Greek Calendar: Martyr Schinon.)
Четверг, 23 Декабря/ 10 Декабря (Церковный календарь)
Мчч. Мины, Ермогена и Евграфа (ок. 313). Свт. Иоасафа, еп. Белгородского (1754). Мч. Гемелла Пафлагонянина (ок. 361). Прп. Фомы (ок. 886-912). Блж. Иоанна (1503) и родителей его блж. Стефана (1446) и Ангелины, Бранковичей, правителей Сербских. Новосвмч. пресв. Александра Туберовского.
Forefeast of the Nativity of our Lord
The Forefeast of the Nativity of the Lord begins on December 20. From now on, most of the liturgical hymns will be concerned with the birth of the Savior.
At Compline on this fourth day of the prefeast of the Nativity we sing, "Let us purify our minds, washing ourselves with the divine Mysteries; let us draw near in soul and body to Bethlehem, that we may behold the fearful dispensation of the birth of the Lord" (Ode Five of the Canon).
Forefeast of the Nativity of our Lord
Kontakion - Tone 3
Today the Virgin comes to the cave
to give birth to the Eternal Word.
Hear the glad tidings and rejoice, O universe!
Glorify with the angels and the shepherds
the Eternal God, who is willing to appear as a little child!
Troparion - Tone 4
Prepare, O Bethlehem, for Eden has been opened to all!
Adorn yourself, O Ephratha, for the tree of life blossoms forth from the Virgin in the cave!
Her womb is a spiritual paradise planted with the Divine Fruit:
If we eat of it, we shall live forever and not die like Adam.
Christ comes to restore the image which He made in the beginning!
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10 Holy Martyrs of Crete
The Ten Holy Martyrs of Crete: Theodulus, Saturninus, Euporus, Gelasius, Eunician, Zoticus, Pompius, Agathopus, Basilides and Evaristus suffered for Christ during the third century under the emperor Decius (249-251). The governor of Crete, also named Decius, fiercely persecuted the Church, and arrested anyone who believed in Christ. Once, ten Christians were brought before him from various cities of Crete, who at the trial steadfastly confessed their faith in Christ and refused to worship idols.
For thirty days they were subjected to cruel tortures, and with the help of God they all persevered, glorifying God. Before their death they prayed that the Lord would enlighten their torturers with the light of the true Faith. Since pain did not influence them, the saints were beheaded.
St Paul of Constantinople (November 6) visited Crete about a hundred years later. He took the relics of the holy martyrs to Constantinople to serve as a protection for the city, and a source of blessings for the faithful.
10 Holy Martyrs of Crete
Kontakion - Tone 3
The noble struggle of the martyrs
Shines forth as the morning star,
Shedding brilliant light for us
On the One who was born in the cave
To whom the Virgin gave birth without human seed.
Troparion - Tone 3
Let us show forth our great praise of Crete
That brought forth these precious Christians: the pearls of Christ!
And these blessed ten, the offspring of martyrs,
Who though few in number, overcame all the deceits of powerful demons.
Therefore these martyrs of Christ have been crowned with victory!
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Repose of St Theoctistus the Archbishop of Novgorod
Saint Theoctistus, Archbishop of Novgorod, prior to becoming a bishop, was igumen of the Annunciation monastery near Novgorod. After the death of Archbishop Clement in the year 1300, the people of Novgorod chose him as their Archbishop, and Metropolitan Maximus with the bishops Simeon of Rostov and Andrew of Tver consecrated St Theoctistus as Archbishop of Novgorod.
One of St Theoctistus' concerns was the renovation and building of churches. He consecrated cathedrals in the name of Sts Boris and Gleb, and in the name of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council. The monastery of Valaam was set in good order during his time.
In the year 1307, because of poor health, the saint withdrew to the Annunciation monastery, where he lived until his death, devoting himself to the ascetic deed of silence. St Theoctistus was glorified in 1664, because of the miraculous healings at his relics. In 1786, the relics of the saint were transferred to Yuriev, where Archimandrite Photius built a chapel in his honor at the local cathedral.
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St Niphon the Bishop of Cyprus
Saint Niphon, Bishop of Cyprus was born in Paphlagonia, and was educated at Constantinople. In childhood he was gentle and good, and he often attended church services, but in his youth he began to lead a prodigal and sinful life. He sometimes came to his senses, and he was horrified by the extent of his fall; but believing that he was lost and could not receive forgiveness, he resumed his impious life.
He once met a friend who gazed into his face for a long time with astonishment. When Niphon asked why he was staring, the friend replied, "I have never seen your face like this before. It is black, like that of an Ethiopian." These words showed to Niphon his fallen state, and he began to cry out to the Mother of God, begging Her intercession.
After an intense and long prayer he saw that the face of the Mother of God on the holy icon was radiantly bright with a smile. From that time Niphon prayed incessantly to the Queen of Heaven. If he fell into sin, the face of the Mother of God turned away from him, but after tears and prayers, She mercifully turned toward him again. Finally, Niphon completely turned his life around and began to spend his time in prayer and repentance. After an illness, from which he received healing from the Mother of God, he received the Holy Mysteries, and then accepted monastic tonsure and intensified his efforts, exhausting his body in the struggle against the passions.
This struggle lasted for many years, and devils often attacked St Niphon, but with the help of God he overcame them. He received from God the gift to discern evil spirits and defeat them, and alsoto see the departure of the soul after death. Already advanced in age, and arriving at Alexandria, he was pointed out to the Patriarch in a vision as one worthy to assume the office of bishop. They made him bishop of the city of Constantia on the island of Cyprus. However, he did not remain there for long. St Niphon knew the time of his death three days beforehand. St Athanasius the Great visited him before his blessed repose. On his deathbed the saint was granted to see angels and the All-Pure Mother of God.
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St Paul the Bishop of Neocaesarea
Saint Paul, Bishop of Neocaesarea, suffered under the emperor Licinius (311-324). At his trial he firmly confessed his faith, and was subjected to beatings. They tortured him also with hunger, but he remained steadfast. Then they scorched his hands with red-hot iron and locked him in a prison at the banks of the Euphrates.
After Licinius was executed in the year 324, when St Constantine became the sole ruler of the Roman Empire, and Christians in prison received their freedom, St Paul returned to his flock. He was a participant at the First Ecmenical Council at Nicea, convened in the year 325, at which the Arian heresy was condemned and the Symbol of Faith adopted. At the end of the Council, the Emperor Constantine solemnly received the Council participants and kissed St Paul's burned hand. After long years of guiding his flock, St Paul peacefully fell asleep in the Lord.
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St Nahum of Ochrid, the Disciple of St Cyril and Methodius, Equal of the Apostles
Saint Nahum was a disciple of Sts Cyril and Methodius (May 11), one of their coworkers known as the Five Followers.
St Nahum was a man of great learning, and he spoke several languages. After a visit to Rome, he settled on the shores of Lake Ochrid. There he built a monastery at the time when St Clement of Ochrid (July 27) was serving as a bishop.
Many monks gathered around St Nahum, who was known as a great wonderworker and a man of prayer. He also labored to translate the Holy Scriptures from Greek into Slavonic.
St Nahum fell asleep in the Lord in 910, and his holy relics continue to work miracles of healing for those who venerate them in faith.
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Morning Prayers (in English):
Morning Prayers
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The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
This prayer is read in all the Holy Great Lent, except on Saturdays and Sundays.
O Lord and Master of my life, a spirit of idleness, despondency, ambition, and idle talking give me not. Prostration.
But rather a spirit of chastity, humble-mindedness, patience, and love bestow upon me Thy servant. Prostration.
Yea, O Lord King, grant me to see my failings and not condemn my brother; for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen. Prostration.
O God, cleanse me a sinner. 12 times, with a reverence each time, and then the entire prayer:
O Lord and Master of my life, a spirit of idleness, despondency, ambition, and idle talking give me not. But rather a spirit of chastity, humble-mindedness, patience, and love bestow upon me Thy servant. Yea, O Lord King, grant me to see my failings and not condemn my brother; for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen. Prostration.
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In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Prayer of the Publican
O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. Thrice
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
O Heavenly King Tone 6
O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of Life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins; O Master, pardon our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Troparia to the Holy Trinity
Having risen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and we cry aloud to Thee the angelic hymn, O Mighty One: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
From bed and sleep hast Thou raised me up, O Lord; enlighten my mind and heart, and open my lips that I may hymn Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Suddenly the Judge shall come, and the deeds of each shall be laid bare; but with fear do we cry at midnight: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy. Twelve times
Prayer of Saint Basil the Great
As I rise from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, for through Thy great goodness and patience Thou hast not been angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor hast Thou destroyed me with mine iniquities, but hast shown Thy usual love for mankind; and when I was prostrate in despair, Thou hast raised me up to keep the morning watch and glorify Thy power. And now enlighten my mind's eye, and open my mouth that I may meditate on Thy words, and understand Thy commandments, and do Thy will, and hymn Thee in heartfelt confession, and sing praises to Thine all-holy name: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Come, let us worship God, our King.
O Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God.
O Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ himself, our King and God.
Psalm 50
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.
The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light: true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, And the life of the age to come. Amen.
Prayer 1, of St. Macarius the Great
O God, cleanse me, a sinner, for I have never done anything good in Thy sight; but deliver me from the evil one, and let Thy will be in me, that I may open mine unworthy mouth without condemnation, and praise Thy holy Name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 2, of the same saint
Having risen from sleep, I offer unto Thee, O Saviour, the midnight hymn, and falling down I cry unto thee: Grant me not to fall asleep in the death of sin, but have compassion on me, O Thou Who wast voluntarily crucified, and hasten to raise me who am reclining in idleness, and save me in prayer and intercession; and after the night's sleep shine upon me a sinless day, O Christ God, and save me.
Prayer 3, of the same saint
Having risen from sleep, I hasten to Thee, O Master, Lover of mankind, and by Thy loving-kindness, I strive to do Thy work, and I pray to Thee: Help me at all times, in everything, and deliver me from every worldly, evil thing and every impulse of the devil, and save me and lead me into Thine eternal kingdom. For Thou art my Creator, and the Giver and Provider of everything good, and in Thee is all my hope, and unto Thee do I send up glory, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 4, of the same saint
O Lord, Who in Thine abundant goodness and Thy great compassion hast granted me, Thy servant, to go through the time of the night that is past without attack from any opposing evil: Do Thou Thyself, O Master and Creator of all things, vouchsafe me by Thy true light and with an enlightened heart to do Thy will, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 5, of St. Basil the Great
O Lord Almighty, God of hosts and of all flesh, Who dwellest on high and lookest down on things that are lowly, Who searchest our hearts and innermost being, and clearly foreknowest the secrets of men; O unoriginate and everlasting Light, in Whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning; Do Thou, O Immortal King, receive our supplications which we, daring because of the multitude of Thy compassions, offer Thee at the present time from defiled lips; and forgive us our sins, in deed, word, and thought, whether committed by us knowingly or in ignorance, and cleanse us from every defilement of flesh and spirit. And grant us to pass through the night of the whole present life with watchful heart and sober thought, ever expecting the coming of the bright and appointed day of Thine Only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, whereon the Judge of all shall come with glory to reward each according to his deeds. May we not be found fallen and idle, but watching, and upright in activity, ready to accompany Him into the joy and divine palace of His glory, where there is the ceaseless sound of those that keep festival, and the unspeakable delight of those that behold the ineffable beauty of Thy countenance. For Thou art the true Light that enlightenest and sanctifiest all, and all creation doth hymn Thee unto ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 6, likewise by St. Basil
We bless Thee, O Most High God and Lord of mercy, Who ever doest with us things both great and inscrutable, both glorious and awesome, of which there is no measure; who grantest to us sleep for rest from our infirmities, and relaxation from the labours of our much-toiling flesh. We thank Thee that thou hast not destroyed us with our iniquities, but hast shown Thy loving-kindness to man as usual, and while we were lying in despair upon our beds, Thou hast raised us up that we might glorify Thy dominion. Wherefore, we implore Thy boundless goodness: Enlighten the eyes of our understanding and raise up our mind from the heavy sleep of indolence; open our mouth and fill it with Thy praise, that we may be able steadily to hymn and confess Thee, Who art God glorified in all and by all, the unoriginate Father, with Thine Only-begotten Son, and Thine All-holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 7, to the Most Holy Theotokos
I sing of thy grace, O sovereign Lady, and I pray thee to grace my mind. Teach me to step aright in the way of Christ's commandments. Strengthen me to keep awake in song, and drive away the sleep of despondency. O Bride of God, by thy prayers release me, bound with the bonds of sin. Guard me by night and by day, and deliver me from foes that defeat me. O bearer of God the Life-giver, enliven me who am deadened by passions. O bearer of the unwaning Light, enlighten my blinded soul. O marvelous palace of the Master, make me to be a house of the Divine Spirit. O bearer of the Healer, heal the perennial passions of my soul. Guide me to the path of repentance, for I am tossed in the storm of life. Deliver me from eternal fire, and from evil worms, and from Tartarus. Let me not be exposed to the rejoicing of demons, guilty as I am of many sins. Renew me, grown old from senseless sins, O most immaculate one. Present me untouched by all torments, and pray for me to the Master of all. Vouchsafe me to find the joys of heaven with all the saints. O most holy Virgin, hearken unto the voice of thine unprofitable servant. Grant me torrents of tears, O most pure one, to cleanse my soul from impurity. I offer the groans of my heart to thee unceasingly, strive for me, O Sovereign Lady. Accept my service of supplication and offer it to compassionate God. O thou who art above the angels, raise me above this world's confusion. O Light-bearing heavenly tabernacle, direct the grace of the Spirit in me. I raise my hands and lips in thy praise, defiled as they are by impurity, O all-immaculate one. Deliver me from soul-corrupting evils, and fervently intercede with Christ, to Whom is due honour and worship, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 8, to our Lord Jesus Christ
O my plenteously-merciful and all-merciful God, Lord Jesus Christ through Thy great love Thou didst come down and become incarnate so that Thou mightest save all. And again, O Saviour, save me by Thy grace, I pray Thee. For if Thou shouldst save me for my works, this would not be grace or a gift, but rather a duty; yea, Thou Who art great in compassion and ineffable in mercy. For he that believeth in Me, Thou hast said, O my Christ, shall live and never see death. If, then, faith in Thee saveth the desperate, behold, I believe, save me, for Thou art my God and Creator. Let faith instead of works be imputed to me, O my God, for Thou wilt find no works which could justify me. But may my faith suffice instead of all works, may it answer for, may it acquit me, may it make me a partaker of Thine eternal glory. And let Satan not seize me and boast, O Word, that he hath torn me from Thy hand and fold. But whether I desire it or not, save me, O Christ my Saviour, forestall me quickly, quickly, for I perish. Thou art my God from my mother's womb. Vouchsafe me, O Lord, to love Thee now as fervently as I once loved sin itself, and also to work for Thee without idleness, diligently, as I worked before for deceptive Satan. But supremely shall I work for Thee, my Lord and God, Jesus Christ, all the days of my life, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 9, to the Holy Guardian Angel
O holy angel that standeth by my wretched soul and my passionate life, forsake not me a sinner, nor shrink from me because of mine intemperance. Give no place for the cunning demon to master me through the violence of my mortal body, strengthen my poor and feeble hand, and guide me in the way of salvation. Yea, O holy angel of God, guardian and protector of my wretched soul and body, forgive me all wherein I have offended thee all the days of my life; and if I have sinned during the past night, protect me during the present day, and guard me from every temptation of the enemy, that I may not anger God by any sin. And pray to the Lord for me, that He may establish me in His fear, and show me, His servant, to be worthy of His goodness. Amen.
Prayer 10, to the Most Holy Theotokos
O my most holy Lady Theotokos, through thy holy and all-powerful prayers banish from me, thy lowly and wretched servant, despondency, forgetfulness, folly, carelessness, and all filthy, evil, and blasphemous thoughts from my wretched heart and my darkened mind. Quench the flame of my passions also, for I am poor and wretched, and deliver me from many and cruel memories and deeds, and free me from all their evil effects. For blessed art thou by all generations, and glorified is thy most honorable name unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer for the Salvation of Russia
O Lord Jesus Christ our God, forgive our iniquities. Through the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, save the suffering Russian people from the yoke of the godless authority. Amen.
Invocation of the Saint Whose Name we bear
Pray unto God for me O holy God-pleaser Name, for I fervently flee unto thee, the speedy helper and intercessor for my soul.
Song of the Most Holy Theotokos Tone 4
O Theotokos and Virgin, rejoice, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls.
Troparion to the Cross Tone 1
O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou victory to Orthodox Christians over enemies; and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.
Then offer a brief prayer for the health and salvation of thy spiritual father, thy parents, relatives, those in authority, benefactors, others known to thee, the ailing, or those passing through sorrows.
And if it be possible, read this commemoration:
For the Living
Remember, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, Thy mercies and compassions which are from the ages, for the sake of which Thou didst become man and didst will to endure crucifixion and death for the salvation of those that rightly believe in Thee; and having risen from the dead didst ascend into the heavens and sittest at the right hand of God the Father, and regardest the humble entreaties of those that call upon Thee with all their heart; incline Thine ear, and hearken unto the humble supplication of me, Thine unprofitable servant, as an odor of spiritual fragrance, which I offer unto Thee for all Thy people. And first, remember Thy Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, which Thou hast provided through Thy precious Blood, and establish, and strengthen, and expand, increase, pacify, and keep Her unconquerable by the gates of hades; calm the dissensions of the churches, quench the raging of the nations, and quickly destroy and uproot the rising of heresy, and bring them to naught by the power of Thy Holy Spirit. Bow
Save, O Lord, and have mercy on the Russian Land and her Orthodox people both in the homeland and in the diaspora, this land its authorities. Bow
Save, O Lord, and have mercy on the holy Eastern Orthodox patriarchs, most reverend metropolitans, Orthodox archbishops and bishops, and all the priestly and monastic order, and all who serve in the Church, whom Thou hast appointed to shepherd Thy rational flock, and through their prayers have mercy and save me a sinner. Bow
Save, O Lord, and have mercy on my spiritual father Name, and through his holy prayers forgive my sins. Bow
Save, O Lord, and have mercy on my parents, Names, brothers and sisters, and my kindred according to the flesh, and all the neighbours of my family and friends, and grant them Thine earthly and spiritual good things. Bow
Save, O Lord, and have mercy on the aged and the young, the poor and the orphans and widows, and those in sickness and sorrow, misfortune and tribulation, those in difficult circumstances and in captivity, in prisons and dungeons, and especially those of Thy servants that are persecuted for Thy sake and the Orthodox Faith by godless peoples, by apostates, and by heretics; and remember them, visit, strengthen, comfort, and by Thy power quickly grant them relief, freedom, and deliverance. Bow
Save, O Lord, and have mercy on them that hate and wrong me, and make temptation for me, and let them not perish because of me, a sinner. Bow
Illumine with the light of awareness the apostates from the Orthodox Faith, and those blinded by pernicious heresies, and number them with Thy Holy, Apostolic, Catholic Church. Bow
For the Departed
Remember, O Lord, those that have departed this life, Orthodox kings and queens, princes and princesses, most holy patriarchs, most reverend metropolitans, Orthodox archbishops and bishops, those in priestly and clerical orders of the Church, and those that have served Thee in the monastic order, and grant them rest with the saints in Thine eternal tabernacles. Bow
Remember, O Lord, the souls of Thy departed servants, my parents, Names, and all my kindred according to the flesh; and forgive them all transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, granting them the kingdom and a portion of Thine eternal good things, and the delight of Thine endless and blessed life. Bow
Remember, O Lord, also all our fathers and brethren, and sisters, and those that lie here, and all Orthodox Christians that departed in the hope of resurrection and life eternal, and settle them with Thy saints, where the light of Thy countenance shall visit them, and have mercy on us, for Thou art good and the Lover of mankind. Bow
Grant, O Lord, remission of sins to all our fathers, brethren, and sisters that have departed before us in the faith and hope of resurrection, and make their memory to be eternal. Bow
Hymn to the Most Holy Theotokos Tone 8
It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos, ever-blessed and most blameless and Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
O Lord, bless.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother, our holy and God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Morning Prayers (in Russian):
Утренние Молитвы
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Во имя Отца, и Сына, и Святаго Духа. Аминь.
Боже, милостив буди мне, грешному (трижды).
Господи Иисусе Христе, Сыне Божий, молитв ради Пречистыя Твоея Матере и всех святых, помилуй нас. Аминь.
Слава Тебе, Боже наш, слава Тебе.
Царю Небесный, Утешителю, Душе истины, Иже везде сый и вся исполняяй, Сокровище благих и жизни Подателю, прииди и вселися в ны, и очисти ны от всякия скверны, и спаси, Блаже, душы наша.
Святый Боже, Святый крепкий, Святый безсмертный, помилуй нас (трижды).
Слава Отцу, и Сыну, и Святому Духу, и ныне и присно, и во веки веков. Аминь.
Пресвятая Троице, помилуй нас: Господи, очисти грехи наша, Владыко, прости беззакония наша, Святый, посети и исцели немощи наша имене Твоего ради.
Господи, помилуй (трижды).
Слава Отцу, и Сыну, и Святому Духу, и ныне и присно, и во веки веков. Аминь.
Отче наш, Иже еси на небесех! Да святится имя Твое, да приидет Царствие Твое: да будет воля Твоя, яко на небеси и на земли. Хлеб наш насущный даждь нам днесь, и остави нам долги наша, якоже и мы оставляем должником нашим, и не введи нас во искушение, но избави нас от лукаваго.
Тропари
Воставше от сна, припадаем Ти, Блаже, и ангельскую песнь вопием Ти, Сильне: Свят, Свят, Свят еси, Боже, Богородицею помилуй нас.
Слава Отцу, и Сыну, и Святому Духу.
От одра и сна воздвигл мя еси, Господи, ум мой просвети и сердце, и устне мои отверзи, во еже пети Тя, Святая Троице, Свят, Свят, Свят еси, Боже, Богородицею помилуй нас.
И ныне и присно и во веки веков, аминь.
Внезапу Судия приидет, и коегождо деяния обнажатся, но страхом зовем в полунощи: Свят, Свят, Свят еси, Боже, Богородицею помилуй нас.
Господи, помилуй (12)
Молитва
От сна востав, благодарю Тя, Святая Троице, яко многия ради Твоея благости и долготерпения не прогневался еси на мя, лениваго и грешнаго, ниже погубил мя еси со беззаконьми моими: но человеколюбствовал еси обычно, и в нечаянии лежащаго воздвигл еси, во еже утреневати и славословити державу Твою. И ныне просвети мои очи мысленныя, отверзи моя уста поучатися словесем Твоим,и разумети заповеди Твоя, и творити волю Твою, и пети Тя во исповедании сердечнем, и воспевати всесвятое имя Твое, Отца, и Сына, и Святаго Духа, ныне и присно, и во веки веков, аминь.
Приидите, поклонимся Цареви нашему Богу.
Приидите, поклонимся и припадем Христу, Цареви нашему Богу.
Приидите, поклонимся и припадем Самому Христу, Цареви и Богу нашему.
Псалом 50-й
Помилуй мя, Боже, по велицей милости Твоей и по множеству щедрот Твоих очисти беззаконие мое. Наипаче омый мя от беззакония моего, и от греха моего очисти мя: яко беззаконие мое аз знаю, и грех мой предо мною есть выну. Тебе единому согреших и лукавое пред Тобою сотворих: яко да оправдишися во словесех Твоих, и победиши внегда судити Ти. Се бо, в беззакониих зачат есмь, и во гресех роди мя мати моя. Се бо, истину возлюбил еси: безвестная и тайная премудрости Твоея явил ми еси. Окропиши мя иссопом, и очищуся: омыеши мя, и паче снега убелюся. Слуху моему даси радость и веселие: возрадуются кости смиренныя. Отврати лице Твое от грех моих и вся беззакония моя очисти. Сердце чисто созижди во мне, Боже, и дух прав обнови во утробе моей. Не отвержи мене от лица Твоего и Духа Твоего Святаго не отими от мене. Воздаждь ми радость спасения Твоего и Духом Владычним утверди мя. Научу беззаконныя путем Твоим, и нечестивии к Тебе обратятся. Избави мя от кровей, Боже, Боже спасения моего: возрадуется язык мой правде Твоей. Господи, устне мои отверзеши, и уста моя возвестят хвалу Твою. Яко аще бы восхотел еси жертвы, дал бых убо: всесожжения не благоволиши. Жертва Богу дух сокрушен: сердце сокрушенно и смиренно Бог не уничижит. Ублажи, Господи, благоволением Твоим Сиона, и да созиждутся стены Иерусалимския. Тогда благоволиши жертву правды, возношение и всесожегаемая: тогда возложат на олтарь Твой тельцы.
Символ веры
Верую во единаго Бога Отца, Вседержителя, Творца небу и земли, видимым же всем и невидимым. И во единаго Господа Иисуса Христа, Сына Божия, Единороднаго, Иже от Отца рожденнаго прежде всех век. Света от Света, Бога истинна от Бога истинна, рожденна, не сотворенна, едино–сущна Отцу, Имже вся быша. Нас ради человек и нашего ради спасения сшедшаго с Небес и воплотившагося от Духа Свята и Марии Девы, и вочеловечшася. Распятаго же за ны при Понтийстем Пилате, и страдавша, и погребена. И воскресшаго в третий день по Писанием. И возшедшаго на Небеса, и седяща одесную Отца. И паки грядущаго со славою судити живым и мертвым, Его же Царствию не будет конца. И в Духа Святаго, Господа, животворящаго, Иже от Отца исходящаго, Иже со Отцем и Сыном спокланяема и сславима, глаголавшаго пророки. Во едину, святую, соборную и апостольскую Церковь. Исповедую едино крещение во оставление грехов. Чаю воскресения мертвых, И жизни будущаго века. Аминь.
Молитва св. Макария Великаго
Боже, очисти мя грешнаго, яко николиже сотворих благое пред Тобою, но избави мя от лукаваго и да будет во мне воля Твоя: да не осужденно отверзу уста моя недостойная и восхвалю имя Твое Святое, Отца, и Сына, и Святаго Духа, ныне, и присно, и во веки веков, аминь.
Молитва того же святаго
От сна востав, полунощную песнь приношу Ти, Спасе, и припадая вопию Ти: не даждь ми уснути во греховней смерти, но ущедри мя, распныйся волею, и лежащаго мя в лености ускорив возстави, и спаси мя в предстоянии и молитве: и по сне нощнем возсияй ми день безгрешен, Христе Боже, и спаси мя.
Молитва того же святаго
К Тебе, Владыко Человеколюбче, от сна востав прибегаю, и на дела Твоя подвизаюся милосердием Твоим, и молюся Тебе: помози мне на всякое время, во всякой вещи, и избави мя от всякия мирския злыя вещи и диавольскаго поспешенијя, и спаси мя, и введи в Царство Твое вечное. Ты бо еси мой Сотворитель и всякому благу Промысленник и Податель, о Тебе же все упование мое, и Тебе славу возсылаю, ныне, и присно, и во веки веков. Аминь.
Молитва того же святаго
Господи, иже многою Твоею благостию и великими щедротами Твоими, дал еси мне рабу Твоему мимошедшее время нощи сея без напасти прейти от всякаго зла противна: Ты Сам, Владыко, всяческих Творче, сподоби мя истинным Твоим светом и просвещенным сердцем творити волю Твою, ныне, и присно, и во веки веков, аминь.
Молитва св. Василия Великаго
Господи Вседержителю, Боже сил и всякия плоти, в вышних живый и на смиренные призираяй, сердца же и утробы испытуяй и сокровенная человеков яве предведый, Безначальный и Присносущный Свете, у Негоже несть пременения, или преложения осенение: Сам, Безсмертный Царю, приими моления наша, яже в настоящее время, на множество Твоих щедрот дерзающе, от скверных к Тебе устен творим, и остави нам прегрешения наша, яже делом, и словом, и мыслию, ведением или неведением, согрешенная нами; и очисти ны от всякия скверны плоти и духа. И даруй нам бодренным сердцем и трезвенною мыслию всю настоящаго жития нощь прейти, ожидающым пришествыя светлаго и явленнаго дне Единароднаго Твоего Сына, Господа и Бога и Спаса нашего Иисуса Христа, в оньже со славою Судия всех приидет, комуждо воздати по делом его: да не падше и обленившеся, но бодрствующе и воздвижени в делание, обрящемся готови, в радость и Божественный чертог славы Его совнидем, идеже празднующих глас непрестанный и неизреченная сладость зрящих Твоего лица доброту неизреченную. Ты бо еси истинный Свет, просвещаяй и освящаяй всяческая, и Тя поет вся тварь во веки веков, аминь.
Молитва св. Василия
Тя благословим, вышний Боже, и Господи милости, творящего присно с нами великая же и неизследованная, славная же и ужасная, их же несть числа, подавшаго нам сон во упокоение немощи нашея, и ослабление трудов многотрудныя плоти. Благодарим Тя, яко не погубил еси нас со беззаконьми нашими, но человеколюбствовал еси обычно, и в нечаянии лежащыя ны воздвигл еси, во еже славословити державу Твою. Тем же молим безмерную Твою благость: просвети нашя мысли, очеса, и ум наш от тяжкаго сна лености возстави, отверзи наша уста, и исполни я Твоего хваления, яко да возможем непоколеблемо пети же и исповедатися Тебе, во всех и от всех славимому Богу, безначальному Отцу, со единородным Твоим Сыном, и всесвятым, и благим и животворящим Твоим Духом, ныне и присно, и во веки веков. Аминь.
Молитва ко Пресвятой Владычице
Воспеваю благодать Твою, Владычице, молю Тя, ум мой облагодати. Ступати право мя настави, путю Христовых заповедей. Бдети к песни укрепи, уныния сон отгоняющи. Связана пленицами грехопадений мольбами Твоими разреши, Богоневесто. В нощи мя и во дни сохраняй, борющих враг избавляющи мя. Жизнодателя Бога рождшая, умерщвлена мя страстьми оживи. Яже Свет невечерний рождшая, душу мою ослепшую просвети. О дивная Владычня палато, дом Духа Божественна мене сотвори. Врача рождшая, уврачуй души моея многолетныя страсти. Волнующася житейскою бурею, ко стези мя покаяния направи. Избави мя огня вечнующаго, и червия же злаго, и тартара. Да мя не явиши бесом радование, иже многим грехом повинника. Нова сотвори мя, обетшавшаго нечувственными, Пренепорочная, согрешении. Странна муки всякия покажи мя, и всех Владыку умоли. Небесная ми улучити веселия со всеми святыми сподоби. Пресвятая Дево, услыши глас непотребнаго раба Твоего. Струю давай мне слезам, Пречистая, души моея скверну очищающи. Стенания от сердца приношу Ти непрестанно, усердствуй Владычице. Молебную службу мою приими, и Богу благоутробному принеси. Превышшая ангел, мирскаго мя превышша слития сотвори. Светоносная сене небесная, духовную благодать во мне направи. Руце воздею и устне к похвалению, осквернены скверною, Всенепорочная. Душетленных мя пакостей избави, Христа прилежно умоляющи: Емуже честь и поклонение подобает, ныне и присно, и во веки веков, аминь.
Молитва ко Господу нашему Иисусу Христу
Многомилостиве и всемилостиве Боже мой, Господи Иисусе Христе, многия ради любве сшел и воплотился еси, яко да спасеши всех: и паки, Спасе, спаси мя по благодати, молю Тя. Аще бо от дел спасеши мя, несть се благодать и дар, но долг паче. Ей, Многий в щедротах, и неизреченный в милости! Веруяй бо в Мя, рекл еси, о Христе мой, жив будет и не узрит смерти во веки. Аще убо вера, яже в Тя, спасает отчаянныя, се верую, спаси мя, яко Бог мой еси Ты и Создатель. Вера же вместо дел да вменится мне, Боже мой: не взыщеши бо дел отнюдь оправдающих мя. Но та вера моя да довлеет вместо всех, та да отвещает, та да оправдит мя, та да покажет мя причастника славы Твоея вечныя, да не убо похитит мя сатана и похвалится, Слове, еже отторгнути мя от Твоея руки и ограды. Но или хощу, спаси мя, или не хощу, Христе Спасе мой, предвари скоро, скоро, погибох: Ты бо еси Бог мой от чрева матере моея. Сподоби мя, Господи, ныне возлюбити Тя, якоже возлюбих иногда той самый грех, и паки поработати Тебе без лености тощно, якоже поработах прежде сатане льстивому. Наипаче же поработаю Тебе, Господу и Богу моему Иисусу Христу, во вся дни живота моего, ныне и присно, и во веки веков, аминь.
Молитва ко св. Ангелу Хранителю
Святый Ангеле, предстояй окаянней моей души и страстней моей жизни, не остави мене грешнаго, ниже отступи от мене за невоздержание мое: не даждь место лукавому демону обладати мною насильством смертнаго сего телесе: укрепи бедствующую и худую мою руку и настави мя на путь спасения. Ей, святый Ангеле Божий, хранителю и покровителю окаянныя моея души и тела, вся мне прости, еликими тя оскорбих во вся дни живота моего, и аще что согреших в прешедшую нощь сию, покрый мя в настоящий день, и сохрани мя от всякаго искушения противнаго, да ни в коем гресе прогневаю Бога, и молися за мя ко Господу, да утвердит мя в страсе Своем, и достойна покажет мя раба Своея благости, аминь.
Молитва ко Пресвятей Богородице
Пресвятая Владычице моя Богородице, святыми Твоими и всесильными мольбами отжени от мене смиреннаго и окаяннаго раба Твоего, уныние, забвение, неразумие, нерадение, и вся скверная, лукавая и хульная помышления, от окаяннаго моего сердца и от помраченнаго ума моего: и погаси пламень страстей моих, яко нищь есмь и окаянен, и избави мя от многих и лютых воспоминаний и предприятий, и от всех действ злых свободи мя: яко благословена еси от всех родов, и славится пречестное имя Твое во веки веков, аминь.
Молитва к Святаму, его же имя носиши
Моли Бога о мне, святый угодниче Божий (имя), яко аз усердно к тебе прибегаю, скорому помощнику и молитвеннику о душе моей.
Песнь Пресвятой Богородице
Богородице Дево, радуйся, Благодатная Марие, Господь с Тобою: благословенна ты в женах и благословен Плод чрева Твоего, яко Спаса родила еси душ наших.
Тропарь креста и молитва за отечество:
Спаси, Господи, люди Твоя и благослови достояние Твое, победы православным христианам на сопротивныя даруя, и Твое сохраняя крестом Твоим жительство.
Молитва последних Оптинских старцев
Господи, дай мне с душевным спокойствием встретить все, что принесет мне наступающий день. Дай мне всецело предаться воле Твоей святой. На всякий час сего дня во всем наставь и поддержи меня. Какия бы я ни получал известия в течении дня, научи меня принять их со спокойной душой и твердым убеждением, что на все святая воля Твоя. Во всех словах и делах моих руководи моими мыслями и чувствами. Во всех непредвиденных случаях не дай мне забыть, что все ниспослано Тобой. Научи меня прямо и разумно действовать с каждым членом семьи моей, никого не смущая и не огорчая. Господи, дай мне силу перенести утомление наступающаго дня и все события в течение дня. Руководи моею волею и научи меня молиться, верить, надеяться, терпеть, прощать и любить. Аминь.
Достойно есть, яко во истину, блажити Тя, Богородицу, присноблаженную и пренепорочную, и Матерь Бога нашего. Честнейшую херувим и славнейшую без сравнения серафим, без истления Бога–Слова рождшую, сущую Богородицу, Тя величаем.
Слава Отцу, и Сыну, и Святому Духу, и ныне и присно, и во веки веков. Аминь.
Господи, помилуй (трижды).
Господи, благослови.
Господи Иисусе Христе, Сыне Божий, молитв ради Пречистыя Твоея Матери, преподобных и Богоносных отец наших и всех святых, помилуй нас. Аминь.
Scriptural Readings (in English):
Daily Scripture Readings
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Prayer Before Reading the Holy Scriptures: http://www.pomog.org/before.html
James 1:19-27
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Mark 10:17-27
And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Scriptural Readings (in Russian):
Ежедневные Евангельские Чтения
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Молитва перед чтением Евангелия: http://www.pomog.org/before_russian.html
Соборное послание святого апостола Иакова
1:19-27
Итак, братия мои возлюбленные, всякий человек да будет скор на слышание, медлен на слова, медлен на гнев, ибо гнев человека не творит правды Божией. Посему, отложив всякую нечистоту и остаток злобы, в кротости примите насаждаемое слово, могущее спасти ваши души. Будьте же исполнители слова, а не слышатели только, обманывающие самих себя. Ибо, кто слушает слово и не исполняет, тот подобен человеку, рассматривающему природные черты лица своего в зеркале: он посмотрел на себя, отошел и тотчас забыл, каков он. Но кто вникнет в закон совершенный, закон свободы, и пребудет в нем, тот, будучи не слушателем забывчивым, но исполнителем дела, блажен будет в своем действии. Если кто из вас думает, что он благочестив, и не обуздывает своего языка, но обольщает свое сердце, у того пустое благочестие. Чистое и непорочное благочестие пред Богом и Отцем есть то, чтобы призирать сирот и вдов в их скорбях и хранить себя неоскверненным от мира.
От Марка святое благовествование
10:17-27
Когда выходил Он в путь, подбежал некто, пал пред Ним на колени и спросил Его: Учитель благий! что мне делать, чтобы наследовать жизнь вечную? Иисус сказал ему: что ты называешь Меня благим? Никто не благ, как только один Бог. Знаешь заповеди: не прелюбодействуй, не убивай, не кради, не лжесвидетельствуй, не обижай, почитай отца твоего и мать. Он же сказал Ему в ответ: Учитель! всё это сохранил я от юности моей. Иисус, взглянув на него, полюбил его и сказал ему: одного тебе недостает: пойди, всё, что имеешь, продай и раздай нищим, и будешь иметь сокровище на небесах; и приходи, последуй за Мною, взяв крест. Он же, смутившись от сего слова, отошел с печалью, потому что у него было большое имение. И, посмотрев вокруг, Иисус говорит ученикам Своим: как трудно имеющим богатство войти в Царствие Божие! Ученики ужаснулись от слов Его. Но Иисус опять говорит им в ответ: дети! как трудно надеющимся на богатство войти в Царствие Божие! Удобнее верблюду пройти сквозь игольные уши, нежели богатому войти в Царствие Божие. Они же чрезвычайно изумлялись и говорили между собою: кто же может спастись? Иисус, воззрев на них, говорит: человекам это невозможно, но не Богу, ибо всё возможно Богу.
Holy Communion:
The Order of Preparation for Holy Communion
©OCRB
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
O Heavenly King
O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of Life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins; O Master, pardon our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Lord, have mercy. Twelve times
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Come, let us worship God, our King.
O Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God.
O Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ himself, our King and God.
Psalm 22
The Lord is my Shepherd, and I shall not want. In a place of green pasture, there hath He made me to dwell; beside the water of rest hath He nurtured me. He hath converted my soul, He hath led me on the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they have comforted me. Thou hast prepared a table for me in the presence of them that afflict me. Thou hast anointed my head with oil, and Thy cup which filleth me, how excellent it is! And Thy mercy shall pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord unto length of days.
Psalm 23
The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof, the world, and all that dwell therein. He hath founded it upon the seas, and upon the rivers hath He prepared it. Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He that is innocent in hands and pure in heart, who hath not received his soul in vain, and hath not sworn deceitfully to his neighbour. Such a one shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Saviour. This is the generation of them that seek the Lord, of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob. Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting gates, and the King of Glory shall enter in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in war. Lift up your gates, O ye princes; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting gates, and the King of Glory shall enter in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory.
Psalm 115
I believed wherefore I spake; I was humbled exceedingly. As for me, I said in mine ecstasy: Every man is a liar. What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto me? I will take the cup of salvation, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. My vows unto the Lord will I pay in the presence of all His people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. O Lord, I am Thy servant; I am Thy servant and the son of Thy handmaid. Thou hast broken my bonds asunder. I will sacrifice a sacrifice of praise unto Thee, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. My vows unto the Lord will I pay in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. Thrice
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Troparia, Eighth Tone
Disregard my transgressions, O Lord Who was born of a Virgin, and purify my heart, and make it a temple for Thy spotless Body and Blood. Let me not be rejected from Thy presence, O Thou Who hast great mercy without measure.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
How can I who am unworthy dare to come to the Communion of Thy Holy Things? For if I should dare to approach Thee with those that are worthy, my garment betrayeth me, for it is not a festal robe, and I shall cause the condemnation of my greatly-sinful soul. Cleanse, O Lord, the pollution from my soul, and save me, as Thou art the Lover of mankind.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Greatly multiplied, O Theotokos, are my sins; unto Thee have I fled, O pure one, imploring salvation. Do thou visit mine enfeebled soul, and pray to thy Son and our God that He grant me forgiveness for the evil I have done, O thou only blessed one.
During Great Lent:
When the glorious disciples were enlightened at the washing of the feet, then Judas the ungodly one was stricken and darkened with the love of silver. And unto the lawless judges did he deliver Thee, the righteous Judge. Behold, O lover of money, him that for the sake thereof did hang himself; flee from that insatiable soul that dared such things against the Master. O Thou Who art good unto all, Lord, glory be to Thee.
Psalm 50
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.
Canon of Preparation for Holy Communion, Second Tone
Ode I
Irmos: Come, O you people, let us sing a hymn to Christ our God, Who divided the sea, and guided the people whom He brought out of the bondage of Egypt; for He is glorified.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Troparia: May Thy holy Body be for me the Bread of life eternal, O Compassionate Lord, and may Thy precious Blood also the healing for my many forms of illness.
Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Defiled by unseemly deeds, I the wretched one am unworthy, O Christ, of the communion of Thy most pure Body and divine Blood, which do Thou vouchsafe me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O blessed Bride of God, O good soil that grew the Corn untilled and saving to the world, vouchsafe me to be saved by eating it.
Ode III
Irmos: By establishing me on the rock of faith, Thou hast enlarged my mouth over mine enemies, for my spirit rejoices when I sing: There is none holy as our God, and none righteous beside Thee, O Lord.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Troparia: Tear drops grant me, O Christ, to cleanse my defiled heart, that, purified and with a good conscience, I may come with faith and fear, O Master, to the communion Thy divine Gifts.
Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
May Thy most pure Body and divine Blood be unto me for remission of sins, for communion with the Holy Spirit and unto life eternal, O Lover of mankind, and to estrangement of passions and sorrows.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O thou most holy table of the Bread of Life that for mercy’s sake came down from on high, giving new life to the world, vouchsafe even me, the unworthy, to eat it with fear and live.
Ode IV
Irmos: From a Virgin didst Thou come, not as an ambassador, nor as an angel, but the very Lord Himself incarnate, and didst save me, the whole man. Wherefore, I cry to Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Troparia: O Thou Who wast incarnate for our sake, O Most-merciful One, Thou didst will to be slain as a sheep for the sins of mankind. Wherefore I entreat Thee to blot out my sins also.
Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Heal the wounds of my soul, O Lord, and sanctify all of me, and vouchsafe, O Master, that I the wretched one, may partake of Thy divine Mystical Supper.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Propitiate for me also, Him that came from thy womb, O Lady, and keep me, thy servant, undefiled and blameless, so that by obtaining the spiritual pearl I may be sanctified.
Ode V
Irmos: O Lord, Giver of light and Creator of the ages, guide us in the light of Thy commandments, for we know none other God beside Thee.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Troparia: As Thou didst foretell, O Christ, let it be to Thy wicked servant, and in me abide as Thou didst promise; for behold, I eat Thy divine Body and drink Thy Blood.
Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
O Word of God and God, may the live coal of Thy Body be unto the enlightenment of me who am in darkness, and Thy Blood unto the cleansing of my defiled soul.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O Mary, Mother of God, precious tabernacle of fragrance, through thy prayers make me a chosen vessel, that I may partake of the Sacrament of thy Son.
Ode VI
Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: From corruption raise me up, O God.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Troparia: O Saviour, sanctify my mind, soul, heart and body, and vouchsafe me uncondemned, O Master, to approach the fearful Mysteries.
Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Grant that I may be rid of passions, and the assistance of Thy grace, and strengthening of life by the communion of Thy holy Mysteries, O Christ.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O Holy Word of God and God, sanctify all of me as I now come to Thy divine Mysteries, through the prayers of Thy holy Mother.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion, Second Tone: Count me not unworthy, O Christ, to receive now the Bread which is Thy Body, and Thy divine Blood, and to partake, O Master, of Thy most pure and dread Mysteries, wretched though I be. Let these not be for me unto judgment, but unto life immortal and everlasting.
Ode VII
Irmos: The wise children did not serve the golden image, but went themselves into the flame and reviled the pagan gods. They cried in the midst of the flame, and the angel bedewed them: Already the prayer of your lips was heard.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Troparia: May the communion of Thine immortal Mysteries, the source of blessings, O Christ, be to me now light, and life, and dispassion and for progress and increase in the most divine virtues, O only Good One, that I may glorify Thee.
Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
That I may be delivered from passions, enemies, need, and every sorrow, I now draw nigh with trembling, love and reverence, O Lover of mankind, to Thine immortal and divine Mysteries. Vouchsafe me to hymn Thee: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O thou who art full of grace, who beyond understanding gavest birth to Christ the Saviour, I thy servant, the impure, now entreat thee, the pure: Cleanse me, who am now about to approach the most pure Mysteries, from all defilement of flesh and spirit.
Ode VIII
Irmos: God Who descended into the fiery furnace unto the Hebrew children and changed the flame into dew, praise Him as Lord O ye works, and supremely exalt Him unto all the ages.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Troparia: Of Thy heavenly, dread and holy Mysteries, O Christ, and of Thy divine Mystical Supper, vouchsafe now even me, the despairing one, to partake O God my Saviour.
Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit front me.
Fleeing for refuge to Thy loving-kindness, O Good One, with fear I cry unto Thee: Abide in me, O Saviour, and I, as Thou hast said in Thee. For behold, presuming on Thy mercy, I eat Thy Body and drink Thy Blood.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Triadicon: I tremble at taking fire, lest I be consumed as wax and grass. O fearful Mystery! O loving-kindness of God! How is it that I, being but clay, partake of the divine Body and Blood, and am made incorruptible!
Ode IX
Irmos: The Son of the unoriginate Father, God and Lord, hath appeared unto us incarnate of a Virgin, to enlighten those in darkness, and to gather the dispersed. Wherefore the all-hymned Theotokos do we magnify.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Troparia: Christ it is, O taste and see! The Lord of old for our sake made like unto us once offered Himself as an offering to His Father, and is ever slain, sanctifying them that partake.
Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
May I be sanctified in soul and body, O Master; may I be enlightened, may I be saved, may I become Thy dwelling through the communion of Thy holy Mysteries, having Thee with the Father and the Spirit living in me, O Benefactor, plenteous in mercy.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
May Thy Body and Thy most precious Blood, O my Saviour, be unto me as fire and light, consuming the substance of sin and burning the thorns of passions, and enlightening all of me to worship Thy Divinity.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: God took flesh of thy pure blood; Wherefore, all generations do hymn thee, O Lady, and throngs of heavenly minds glorify thee, for through thee they have clearly seen Him Who ruleth all things endued with human nature.
Hymn to the Most Holy Theotokos, Eighth Tone
It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos, ever-blessed and most blameless and Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins; O Master, pardon our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Troparion
On Sunday, the Troparion of the Resurrection of the tone. For a feast of the Lord, the troparion of the feast. If neither, these:
Troparia, Sixth Tone: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us; for at a loss for any defense, this prayer do we sinners offer unto Thee as Master: Have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Lord, have mercy on us; for we have hoped in Thee, be not angry with us greatly, neither remember our iniquities; but look upon us now as Thou art compassionate, and deliver us from our enemies, for Thou art our God, and we, Thy people; all are the works of Thy hands, and we call upon Thy name.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The door of compassion open unto us, O blessed Theotokos, for, hoping in thee, let us not perish; through thee may we be delivered from adversities, for thou art the salvation of the Christian race.
Lord, have mercy. Forty times
Bows or prostrations, as many as desired.
If thou desirest, O man, to eat the Body of the Master,
Approach with fear, lest thou be burnt; for It is fire.
And when thou drinkest the Divine Blood unto communion,
First be reconciled to them that have grieved thee,
Then dare to eat the Mystical Food.
Before partaking of the Awesome Sacrifice
Of the life-creating Body of the Master,
After this manner pray with trembling.
A Prayer of Basil the Great, 1
O Master Lord Jesus Christ our God, Source of life and immortality, Creator of all things visible and invisible, the co-eternal and co-unoriginate Son of the unoriginate Father, Who, out of Thy great goodness, didst in the latter days clothe Thyself in flesh, and wast crucified, and buried for us ungrateful and evil-disposed ones, and hast renewed with Thine Own Blood our nature corrupted by sin:
Do Thou Thyself, O Immortal King, accept the repentance of me a sinner, and incline Thine ear to me, and hearken unto my words. For I have sinned against heaven and before Thee, and I am not worthy to look upon the height of Thy glory; for I have angered Thy goodness by transgressing Thy commandments and not obeying Thine injunctions. But Thou, O Lord, Who art not vengeful, but long-suffering and plenteous in mercy, hast not given me over to be destroyed with my sins, but always Thou awaitest my complete conversion. For Thou hast said, O Lover of mankind, through Thy prophet: For I desire not the death of the sinner, but that he should return and live. For Thou desirest not, O Master, to destroy the work of Thy hands, neither shalt Thou be pleased with the destruction of men, but desirest that all be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
Wherefore, even I, although unworthy of heaven and earth, and of this temporal life, having submitted my whole self to sin, and made myself a slave of pleasure, and having defaced Thine image, yet being Thy work and creation, wretched though I be, I despair not of my salvation, and dare to approach Thine immeasurable loving-kindness. Accept, then, even me, O Lord, Lover of mankind, as Thou didst accept the sinful woman, the thief, the publican, and the prodigal; and take away the heavy burden of my sins, Thou that takest away the sin of the world, and healest the infirmities of mankind, Who callest the weary and heavy-laden unto Thyself and givest them rest, Who camest not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And do Thou cleanse me from all defilement of flesh and spirit, and teach me to achieve holiness in fear of Thee; that with the pure testimony of my conscience, receiving a portion of Thy Holy Things, I may be united unto Thy Holy Body and Blood, and have Thee living and abiding in me with the Father and Thy Holy Spirit. Yea, O Lord Jesus Christ my God, let not the communion of Thine immaculate and life-giving Mysteries be unto me for judgment, neither unto infirmity of soul and body because of my partaking of them unworthily; but grant me until my last breath to receive without condemnation the portion of Thy Holy Things, unto communion with the Holy Spirit, as a provision for life eternal, for an acceptable defense at Thy dread judgment seat; so that I also, with all Thine elect, may become a partaker of Thine incorruptible blessings, which Thou hast prepared for them that love Thee, O Lord, in whom Thou art glorified unto the ages. Amen.
A Prayer of St. John Chrysostom, 2
O Lord My God, I know that I am not worthy nor sufficient that Thou shouldest enter beneath the roof of the temple of my soul, for all is empty and fallen, and Thou hast not in me a place worthy to lay Thy head; but as from on high Thou didst humble Thyself for our sake, do Thou now also lower Thyself to my lowliness; and as Thou didst consent to lie in a cave and in a manger of dumb beasts, so consent also to lie in the manger of mine irrational soul and to enter into my defiled body. And as Thou didst not refuse to enter and to dine with sinners in the house of Simon the Leper, so deign also to enter into the house of my lowly soul, leprous and sinful. And as Thou didst not reject the harlot and sinner like me, when she came and touched Thee, so be compassionate also with me a sinner, as I approach and touch Thee. And as Thou didst feel no loathing for the defiled and unclean lips of her that kissed Thee, do Thou also not loathe my defiled lips nor mine abominable and impure mouth, and my polluted and unclean tongue. But let the fiery coal of Thy most Holy Body and Thy precious Blood be unto me for sanctification and enlightenment and health for my lowly soul and body, unto the lightening of the burden of my many sins, for preservation from every act of the devil, for the expulsion and prohibition of mine evil and wicked habits, unto the mortification of the passions, unto the keeping of Thy commandments, unto the application of Thy divine grace, unto the acquiring of Thy kingdom. For not with disdain do I approach Thee, O Christ God, but as one trusting in Thine ineffable goodness, and that I may not by much abstaining from Thy communion become the prey of the spiritual wolf.
Wherefore do I entreat Thee, for Thou art the only Holy One, O Master: Sanctify my soul and body, my mind and heart, my belly and inward parts, and renew me entirely. And implant Thy fear in my members, and make Thy sanctification inalienable from me, and be unto me a helper and defender, guiding my life in peace, vouchsafing me also to stand at Thy right hand with Thy saints, through the intercessions and supplications of Thy most pure Mother, of Thine immaterial ministers and immaculate hosts, and of all the saints who from the ages have been pleasing unto Thee. Amen.
Prayer of Symeon Metaphrastes, 3
O only pure and sinless Lord, Who, through the ineffable compassion of Thy love for mankind, didst take on all of our substance from the pure and virgin blood of her that bare Thee supernaturally through the descent of the Divine Spirit and the good will of the everlasting Father; O Christ Jesus, Wisdom of God, and Peace, and Power, Thou Who through the assumption of our nature didst take upon Thyself Thy life-giving and saving Passion: the Cross, the nails, the spear, and death: Mortify the soul-corrupting passions of my body. Thou Who by Thy burial didst lead captive the kingdom of hades, bury with good thoughts mine evil schemes, and destroy the spirits of evil. Thou Who by Thy life-bearing Resurrection on the third day didst raise up our fallen forefather, raise me up who have slipped down into sin, setting before me the ways of repentance. Thou Who by Thy most glorious Ascension didst deify the flesh that Thou hadst taken, and didst honour it with a seat at the right hand of the Father, vouchsafe me through partaking of Thy holy Mysteries to obtain a place at Thy right hand among them that are saved. O Thou Who by the descent of Thy Spirit, the Comforter, didst make Thy holy disciples worthy vessels, show me also to be a receptacle of His coming. Thou Who art to come again to judge the world in righteousness, deign to let me also meet Thee on the clouds, my Judge and Creator, with all Thy saints; that I may endlessly glorify and praise Thee, with Thine unoriginate Father, and Thy Most-Holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of-ages. Amen.
Prayer of the Divine Damascene, 4
O Master Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who alone hast authority to remit the sins of men: Do Thou, as the Good One and Lover of mankind, overlook all mine offences, whether committed with knowledge or in ignorance. And vouchsafe me to partake without condemnation of Thy Divine, glorious, immaculate, and life-giving Mysteries; not as a burden, nor for punishment, nor for an increase of sins, but unto purification and sanctification, and as a pledge of the life and kingdom to come, as a bulwark and help, and for the destruction of enemies, and for the blotting out of my many transgressions. For Thou art a God of mercy, and compassion, and love for mankind, and unto Thee do we send up glory, with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer of St. Basil the Great, 5
I know, O Lord, that I partake unworthily of Thine immaculate Body and Thy precious Blood, and that I am guilty, and eat and drink damnation to myself, not discerning the Body and Blood of Thee, my Christ and God; but taking courage from Thy compassion I approach Thee Who hast said: He that eateth My Flesh, and drinketh My Blood, abideth in Me and I in him. Show compassion, therefore, O Lord, and do not accuse me, a sinner, but deal with me according to Thy mercy; and let these Holy Things be for me unto healing, and purification, and enlightenment, and preservation, and salvation, and unto sanctification of soul and body; unto the driving away of every phantasy, and evil practice, and activity of the devil working mentally in my members; unto confidence and love toward Thee, unto correction of life, unto steadfastness, unto an increase of virtue and perfection, unto fulfillment of the commandments, unto communion with the Holy Spirit, as a provision for life eternal, as an acceptable defense at Thy dread tribunal, not unto judgment or condemnation.
Prayer of St. Symeon the New Theologian, 6
From sullied lips, from an abominable heart, from a tongue impure, from a soul defiled, accept my supplication, O my Christ, and disdain me not, neither my words, nor my ways, nor my shamelessness. Grant me to say boldly that which I desire, O my Christ. Or rather, teach me what I ought to do and say. I have sinned more than the sinful woman who, having learned where Thou wast lodging, bought myrrh, and came daringly to anoint Thy feet, my God, my Master, and my Christ. As Thou didst not reject her when she drew near from her heart, neither, O Word, be Thou filled with loathing for me, but grant me Thy feet to clasp and kiss, and with floods of tears, as with most precious myrrh, dare to anoint them. Wash me with my tears, and purify me with them, O Word; remit also my transgressions, and grant me pardon. Thou knowest the multitude of mine evils, Thou knowest also my sores, and Thou seest my wounds; but also Thou knowest my faith and Thou beholdest my good intentions, and Thou hearest my sighs. Nothing is hidden from Thee, my God, my Creator, my Redeemer, neither a teardrop, nor a part of a drop. My deeds not yet done Thine eyes have seen, and in Thy book even things not yet accomplished are written by Thee. See my lowliness, see my toil, how great it is, and all my sins take from me, O God of all; that with a pure heart, a trembling mind, and a contrite soul I may partake of Thy spotless and most holy Mysteries, by which all that eat and drink in purity of heart are quickened and deified. For Thou, O my Master, hast said: Everyone that eateth My Flesh and drinketh My Blood abideth in Me, and I in him. True is every word of my Master and God; for whosoever partaketh of the divine and deifying grace is no more alone, but with Thee, my Christ, the three-sunned Light that enlighteneth the world. And that I may not remain alone without Thee, the Life-giver, my Breath, my Life, my Rejoicing, the Salvation of the world, therefore have I drawn nigh unto Thee, as Thou seest, with tears, and with a contrite soul. O Ransom of mine offences, I ask Thee to receive me, and that I may partake without condemnation of Thy life-giving and perfect Mysteries, that Thou mayest remain, as Thou hast said, with me, a thrice-wretched one, lest the deceiver, finding me without Thy grace, craftily seize me, and having beguiled me, draw me away from Thy deifying words. Wherefore, I fall down before Thee, and fervently cry unto Thee: As Thou did receive the prodigal, and the sinful woman who drew near, so receive me, the prodigal and profligate, O Compassionate One. With contrite soul I now come to Thee. I know, O Saviour, that none other hath sinned against Thee as have I, nor hath wrought the deeds that I have done. But this again I know, that neither the magnitude of mine offences nor the multitude of my sins surpasseth the abundant long-suffering of my God and His exceeding love for mankind; but with sympathetic mercy Thou dost purify and illumine them that fervently repent, and makest them partakers of the light, sharers of Thy divinity without stint. And, strange to angels and to the minds of men, Thou conversest with them oftimes, as with Thy true friends. These things make me bold, these things give me wings, O Christ. And taking courage from the wealth of Thy benefactions to us, rejoicing and trembling at once, I partake of Fire, I that am grass. And, strange wonder! I am bedewed without being consumed, as the bush of old burned without being consumed. Now with thankful mind, and grateful heart, with thankfulness in my members, my soul and body, I worship and magnify and glorify Thee, my God, for blessed art Thou, both now and unto the ages.
Prayer of St. John Chrysostom, 7
O God, loose, remit, and pardon me my transgressions wherein I have sinned against Thee, whether by word, deed, or thought, voluntarily or involuntarily, consciously or unconsciously; forgive me all, for Thou art good and the Lover of mankind. And through the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother, Thy noetic ministers and holy hosts, and all the saints who from the ages have been pleasing unto Thee, deign to allow me without condemnation to receive Thy holy and immaculate Body and precious Blood, unto the healing of soul and body, and unto the purification of mine evil thoughts. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer of the same, 8
I am not sufficient, O Master and Lord, that Thou shouldest enter under the roof of my soul; but as Thou dost will as the Lover of mankind to dwell in me, I dare to approach Thee. Thou commandest: I shall open the doors which Thou alone didst create, that Thou mayest enter with Thy love for mankind, as is Thy nature, that Thou mayest enter and enlighten my darkened thought. I believe that Thou wilt do this, for Thou didst not drive away the sinful woman when she came unto Thee with tears, neither didst Thou reject the publican who repented, nor didst Thou spurn the thief who acknowledged Thy kingdom, nor didst Thou leave the repentant persecutor to himself; but all of them that came unto Thee in repentance Thou didst number among Thy friends, O Thou Who alone art blessed, always, now and unto endless ages. Amen.
Prayer of the same, 9
O Lord Jesus Christ my God, loose, remit, cleanse, and forgive me, Thy sinful and unprofitable, and unworthy servant, my transgressions and offences and fallings into sin, which I have committed against Thee from my youth until the present day and hour, whether consciously or unconsciously, whether by words or deeds, or in thought or imagination, in habit, and in all my senses. And through the intercessions of her that seedlessly gave Thee birth, the most pure and Ever-Virgin Mary, Thy Mother, the only hope that maketh not ashamed, and my mediation and salvation, vouchsafe me without condemnation to partake of Thine immaculate, immortal, life-giving and awesome Mysteries, unto the remission of sins and for life eternal, unto sanctification and enlightenment, strength, healing, and health of both soul and body, and unto the consumption and complete destruction of mine evil reasonings and intentions and prejudices and nocturnal phantasies of dark and evil spirits; for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, and the honour and the worship, with the Father and Thy Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Another Prayer of St. John Damascene, 10
I stand before the doors of Thy temple, yet I do not put away evil thoughts. But do Thou, O Christ God, Who didst justify the publican, and didst have mercy on the woman of Canaan, and didst open the doors of paradise to the thief, open unto me the abyss of Thy love for mankind, and receive me as I come and touch Thee, as Thou didst receive the sinful woman and the woman with an issue of blood. For the one received healing easily by touching the hem of Thy garment, while the other, by clasping Thy most pure feet, carried away absolution of sins. And I, a wretch, daring to receive Thy whole Body, let me not be consumed by fire; but receive me, as Thou didst receive them, and enlighten my spiritual, senses, burning up my sinful errors; through the intercessions of her that seedlessly gave Thee birth, and of the heavenly hosts, for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Another Prayer of Chrysostom
I believe, O Lord and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, Who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Moreover, I believe that this is truly Thy most pure Body and this is truly Thine Own precious Blood; wherefore I pray thee: Have mercy on me and forgive me my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, whether in word or deed, in knowledge or in ignorance. And vouchsafe me to partake without condemnation of Thy most pure Mysteries, unto the remission of sins and life everlasting. Amen.
When Coming to Partake of Holy Communion say these verses of Symeon Metaphrastes:
Behold, I approach the Divine Communion.
O Creator, let me not be burnt by communicating:
For Thou art Fire, consuming the unworthy.
But, rather, purify me of all impurity.
Then again say:
Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Thine enemies; nor will I give Thee a kiss, as did Judas, but like the thief do I confess Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy kingdom.
Furthermore, these lines:
Be awe-stricken, O mortal, beholding the deifying Blood;
For It is a fire that consumeth the unworthy.
The Divine Body both deifieth and nourisheth me.
It deifieth the spirit, and wondrously nourisheth the mind.
Troparia
Thou hast sweetened me with Thy love, O Christ, and by Thy Divine zeal hast Thou changed me. But do Thou consume my sins with immaterial fire, and vouchsafe me to be filled with delight in Thee; that, leaping for joy, O Good One, I may magnify Thy two comings.
Into the brilliant company of Thy saints how shall I the unworthy enter? For if I dare to enter into the bridechamber, my garment betrayeth me, for it is not a wedding garment and I shall be bound and cast out by the angels. Cleanse, O Lord, my soul of pollution, and save me, as Thou art the Lover of mankind.
Then the Prayer:
O Master, Lover of mankind, O Lord Jesus Christ my God, let not these Holy Things be unto me for judgment, through my being unworthy, but unto the purification and sanctification of soul and body, and as a pledge of the life and kingdom to come. For it is good for me to cleave unto God, to put my hope of salvation in the Lord.
And again:
Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Thine enemies; nor will I give Thee a kiss, as did Judas; but like the thief do I confess Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy kingdom.
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A Parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
The Canons for Holy Communion
Prior to Reading the Canon
The Seven Bow Beginning
O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. Bow
O God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me. Bow
Thou hast created me, O Lord, have mercy on me. Bow
Countless times have I sinned, O Lord, forgive me. Bow
My most holy Lady Theotokos, save me, a sinner, Bow
O Angel, my holy Guardian, protect me from all evil. Bow
Holy Apostle (or Martyr, or Holy Father) Name pray to God for me. Bow
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
O Heavenly King
O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of Life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins; O Master, pardon our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Lord, have mercy. Twelve times
O Come, let us worship God, our King.
O Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God.
O Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ himself, our King and God.
Psalm 50
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.
The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, And the life of the age to come. Amen.
The Canons for Holy Communion, Second Tone
Ode I
Irmos: In the deep of old the infinite Power overwhelmed Pharaoh’s whole army. But the incarnate Word annihilated pernicious sin. Exceedingly glorious is the Lord, for gloriously is He glorified.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: Sweetest Jesus Christ, long-suffering Jesus, heal the wounds of my soul, Jesus, and make sweet my heart, O Greatly-merciful One, I pray Thee, Jesus my Saviour, that being saved by Thee, I may magnify Thee.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Sweetest Jesus Christ, Jesus, open to me the door of repentance, O Jesus, Lover of mankind, and accept me, O Jesus my Saviour, as I fall down before Thee and fervently implore the forgiveness of my sins.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Sweetest Jesus Christ, Jesus, snatch me from the hand of deceitful Belial, O Jesus, and make me stand at the right of Thy glory, O Jesus my Saviour, delivering me from the lot of those on the left.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O Lady who gavest birth to Jesus our God, pray for us worthless servants, that by thy prayers, O immaculate one, we who are defiled may be delivered from torment, O spotless one, and enjoy everlasting glory.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Distressed by many temptations, I flee to thee, seeking salvation. O Mother of the Word, and Virgin, from ordeals and afflictions deliver me.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Outbursts of passions trouble me and fill my soul with great despondency. Calm it, O Maiden, by the peace of thy Son and God, O all-blameless one.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
I implore thee who gavest birth to the Saviour and God, O Virgin, to deliver me from perils. For fleeing now unto thee for refuge, I lift up both my soul and my reasoning.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Ailing am I in body and soul, do thou vouchsafe me the divine visitation, and thy care, O thou who alone art the Mother of God, for thou art good and the Mother of the Good.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
To Jesus: O Lord Jesus Christ my God, have mercy on me.
Vouchsafe me, Thy servant, O Saviour, worthily to sing a song and to praise the fleshless Angel, my guide and guardian.
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Alone I lie in folly and idleness, O my guide and guardian, forsake not me who am perishing.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Direct my mind by thy prayer to fulfil the commands of God, that I may obtain of God forgiveness of sins, and teach me to hate all wickedness, I pray thee.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: With my Guardian Angel, O Virgin, pray for me, thy servant, to the Gracious One, and teach me to fulfill the commandments of thy Son and my Creator.
Ode III
Irmos: By establishing me on the rock of faith, Thou hast enlarged my mouth over mine enemies, and my spirit rejoiceth when I sing: There is none holy as our God, and none righteous beside Thee, O Lord.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: Hearken, O my Jesus, Lover of mankind, unto Thy servant calling with compunction; and deliver me, O Jesus, from condemnation and torment, O only long-suffering sweetest Jesus, plenteous in mercy.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Receive Thy servant, O my Jesus, who falleth down with tears, O my Jesus, and save me as one repentant, O my Jesus, delivering me from Gehenna, O Master, sweetest Jesus, plenteous in mercy.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O my Jesus, the time Thou gavest me I have squandered in passions, O my Jesus. Reject me not, O my Jesus, but call me, I pray, O Master, sweetest Jesus, and save me!
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O Virgin who gavest birth to my Jesus, implore Him to deliver me from Gehenna. Thou alone art the protectress of the afflicted, O thou who art full of divine grace. And vouchsafe me the life that ageth not, O all-blameless one.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
I have chosen thee to be the protection and intercession of my life, O Virgin, Mother of God. Pilot me to thy haven, O author of blessings, O support of the faithful, O thou only all-lauded one.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
I pray thee, O Virgin, to dispel the tumult of my soul and the storm of my grief; for thou, O Bride of God, hast given birth to Christ, the Prince of Peace, O only immaculate one.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Since thou broughtest forth Him who is the Benefactor and Cause of good, from the wealth of thy loving-kindness do thou pour forth on all; for thou canst do all things, since thou didst bear Christ, the One Who is mighty in power; for blessed of God art thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
I am tortured by grievous sicknesses and morbid passions: O Virgin, help me! For I know thee to be the inexhaustible treasury of unfailing healings, O all-blameless one.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
All my thoughts and my soul I have committed unto thee, O my Guardian; do thou deliver me from all attacks of the enemy.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
The enemy troubleth and trampleth on me, and teacheth me always to do his will, but do thou, O my guide, forsake not me who am perishing.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Grant me to sing a song with thanksgiving and fervour to my Creator and God, and to thee my good Angel Guardian: O my deliverer, rescue me from foes that do me evil.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Heal, O immaculate one, the most painful wounds of my soul, and drive away the enemies that ever fight against me.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Sessional Hymn, First Tone: O Jesus my Saviour, Thou didst save the prodigal. Jesus my Saviour, Thou didst accept the harlot. And now have mercy on me, O Jesus plenteous in mercy; have compassion and save me, O Jesus my Benefactor, as Thou hadst compassion on Manasseh, my Jesus, only Lover of mankind.
Kontakion, Fourth Tone: Show compassion to me, O holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, and leave not me, a defiled one, but illumine me with the light unapproachable, and make me worthy of the heavenly kingdom.
Ekos: Vouchsafe my soul, humiliated by many temptations, the ineffable glory, O holy intercessor and singer with the choirs of the fleshless hosts of God. Have mercy and guard me, and illumine my soul with good thoughts, that I may be enriched by thy glory, O my Angel, subdue the enemies that wish me evil, and make me worthy of the heavenly kingdom.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Sessional Hymn, Second Tone: Out of the love of my soul I cry to thee, O guardian of my soul, mine all-holy Angel! Protect and guard me always from the hunting of the evil one, and guide me to the heavenly life, teaching and enlightening and strengthening me.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion, Sixth Tone: O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, O mediation unto the Creator unfailing: Disdain not the suppliant voices of sinners; but be thou quick, O good one, to help us who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honour thee.
Ode IV
Irmos: From a virgin didst Thou come, not as an ambassador, nor as an angel, but the very Lord Himself incarnate, and didst save me, the whole man. Wherefore I cry to Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: Heal, O my Jesus, the wounds of my soul, O my Jesus, I pray, and snatch me from the hand of soul-corrupting Belial, O my compassionate Jesus, and save me.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
I have sinned, O my sweetest Jesus; O Compassionate One, O my Jesus, save me who flee to Thy protection, O long-suffering Jesus, and vouchsafe me Thy kingdom.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
No one hath sinned, O my Jesus, as have I, the wretched one; but now I fall down praying: Save me, O my Jesus, and grant me life, O my Jesus.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O all-hymned one, who gavest birth to the Lord Jesus, implore Him to deliver from torment all who hymn thee and call thee truly the Theotokos.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
The turmoil of my passions, and the storm of my sins do thou bestill, thou who gavest birth to the Lord and Pilot, O thou Bride of God.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
O bestow out of the abyss of thy compassion on me thy supplicant; for thou didst give birth to the Kindhearted One and Saviour of all that hymn thee.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
While delighting in thy gifts, O spotless one, we sing a song of thanksgiving to thee, knowing thee to be the Mother of God.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
As I lie on the bed of my pain and infirmity, do thou help me, as thou art a lover of goodness, O Theotokos, who alone art Ever-Virgin.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Having thee as our staff and hope, and as our salvation’s unshaken battlement, from all manner of adversity are we then redeemed, O thou all-lauded one.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Pray thou to God, the Lover of mankind, and forsake me not, O my Guardian, but ever keep my life in peace, and grant me the invincible salvation.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
As the defender and guardian of my life I received thee from God, O Angel. I pray thee, O holy one, free me from all danger.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Cleanse my defilement by thy holiness, O my Guardian, and may I be drawn from the left side by thy prayers, and become a partaker of glory.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen
Theotokion: Perplexity confronteth me from the evil surrounding me, O most pure one, but deliver me from it speedily, for I flee only to thee.
Ode V
Irmos: O Thou Who art the Light of those lying in darkness, and the salvation of the despairing, O Christ my Saviour, I rise early to pray to Thee, O King of Peace. Enlighten me with Thy radiance, for I know none other God beside Thee.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: Thou art the light of my mind, O my Jesus; Thou art the salvation of my despairing soul, O Saviour. O my Jesus, do Thou deliver me from torment and Gehenna, as I cry: Save me, the wretched one, O Christ my Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Utterly cast down to shameful passions, O my Jesus, I now cry: Stretch down to me a helping hand, O my Jesus, and pluck me out as I cry: Save me, the wretched one, O Christ my Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Carrying about a mind defiled, I call to Thee, O Jesus: Cleanse me from the dirt of sin, and redeem me who slipped down to the depths of evil through ignorance, and save me, O Saviour my Jesus, I pray.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O maiden Mother of God, who gavest birth to Jesus, implore Him to save all Orthodox monastics and laity, and to deliver from Gehenna those who cry: Beside thee we know no certain protection.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Fill my heart with gladness, O pure one, by giving me thine incorruptible joy, O thou who didst bear the Cause of gladness.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Deliver us from dangers, O pure Theotokos, who didst give birth to Eternal Redemption and the Peace that doth surpass all understanding.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Dispel the darkness of my sins, O Bride of God, by the radiance of thy splendour, for thou hast given birth to the Divine and Pre-eternal Light.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Heal, O pure one, the infirmity of my soul, when thou hast deemed me worthy of thy visitation, and grant me health by thine intercessions.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
As one having boldness toward God, O my holy guardian, do thou entreat Him to deliver me from the evils that afflict me.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
O radiant light, illumine my soul with radiance, O my guide and guardian, given me by God, O Angel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Keep me vigilant who sleep from the evil burden of sin, O Angel of God, and raise me up to glorify Him, through thy supplication.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O Mary, Lady Theotokos unwedded, O hope of the faithful, subdue the uprisings of the enemy, and gladden them that hymn thee.
Ode VI
Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: From corruption raise me up, O God.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: O my Jesus Christ plenteous in mercy, accept me who confess my sins, O Master, and save me, O Jesus, and snatch me from corruption, O Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O my Jesus, no one else hath been so prodigal as I, the wretched one, O Jesus Lover of mankind, but do Thou Thyself save me, O Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O my Jesus, with my passions I have surpassed the harlot and the prodigal, Manasseh and the publican, O my Jesus, and the robber and the Ninevites, O Jesus.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O thou who didst give birth to my Jesus Christ, O only undefiled and immaculate Virgin, cleanse me now, the defiled one, by the hyssop of thine intercessions.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
My nature, held by corruption and death hath He saved from out of death and corruption; for unto death He Himself hath submitted. Wherefore, O Virgin, do thou intercede with Him Who is thy Lord and Son, to deliver me from the enemies’ wickedness.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
I know thee as the protection of my life, and most safe fortification, O Virgin; disperse the horde of temptations, and drive away the demonic vexation; unceasingly I pray to thee: From corruption of passions, deliver me.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
We have acquired thee as a wall of refuge and the perfect salvation of our souls, and a relief in afflictions, O Maiden, and we ever rejoice in thy light, O Sovereign Lady, do thou also now save us from passions and dangers.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Bedridden, I lie supine with sickness now, and there is no healing for my flesh; but to thee, O good one who gavest birth to God and the Saviour of the world and the Healer of infirmities, I pray: From corruption of illness raise me up.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Free me from every temptation, and save me from sorrow, I pray thee, O holy Angel, given to me as my good guardian by God.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Enlighten my mind, O good one, and illumine me, I pray thee, O holy Angel, and teach me to think always profitably.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Abolish present disturbance from my heart, and strengthen me to be vigilant in good, O my Guardian, and guide me miraculously in quietness of life.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: The Word of God dwelt in thee, O Theotokos, and showed thee to men as the heavenly ladder; for by thee the Most High descended to us.
Akathist
Here we say the Akathist to Sweetest Jesus or the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos.
The Canons for Holy Communion, continued
Ode VII
Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped in the plain of Dura, Thy three children despised the godless order. Thrown into the fire, they were bedewed and sang: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: O Christ Jesus, no one on earth hath ever sinned, O my Jesus, as I, the wretched one and prodigal, have sinned. Wherefore, I cry to Thee, my Jesus, have compassion on me as I sing: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O Christ Jesus, I cry: Nail me down with the fear of Thee, O my Jesus, and pilot me to Thy calm haven now, O my compassionate Jesus, that as one saved I may sing to Thee: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O Christ Jesus, ten thousand times have I, the passionate one, promised Thee repentance, O my Jesus, but wretch that I am, I deceived Thee. Wherefore, I cry to Thee, my Jesus: Enlighten my soul which remaineth unfeeling: O Christ, the God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O thou who gavest birth to Jesus awesomely and above nature, O all-blameless one, implore Him, O Maiden, to forgive me all the sins that I have committed against my nature, that as one saved I may cry: Blessed art thou who didst give birth to God in the flesh.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Having willed to accomplish our salvation, O Saviour, Thou didst dwell in the womb of the Virgin, and didst show her to the world as the mediatress; O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
The Dispenser of mercy, Whom thou didst bear, O pure Mother, do thou implore to deliver from transgressions and defilements of the soul, those who with faith cry out: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
A treasury of salvation, and a fountain of incorruption is she who gave Thee birth; a tower of safety, and door of repentance hast Thou proved her to them that shout: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
For weakness of body and sickness of soul, O Theotokos, do thou vouchsafe healing to those who with love draw near to thy protection, O Virgin, who for us gavest birth to Christ the Saviour.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Be merciful to me and entreat God, O Angel of the Lord; for I have thee as my defender for the whole of my life, a guide and guardian given me by God forever.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Leave not my wretched soul, which was given thee blameless by God, to be slain by robbers along the way, O holy Angel, but guide it to the way of repentance.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
My whole soul is disgraced by the evil thoughts and deeds I have brought upon me, but make haste, O my guide, and grant me healing with good thoughts, that I may be inclined always to the right way.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O Wisdom of the Most High Personified, for the sake of the Theotokos, fill with wisdom and divine strength all that faithfully cry: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
Ode VIII
Irmos: O ye works, praise the Lord God, Who descended into the fiery furnace with the Hebrew children and changed the flame into dew, and supremely exalt Him unto all ages.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: I implore Thee, O my Jesus: As Thou didst redeem the harlot from many sins, O my Jesus, likewise redeem me, O Christ my Jesus, and cleanse my foul soul, O my Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O Jesus, having yielded to irrational pleasures, I have become irrational, O my Jesus; and wretch that I am, I have truly become like unto the beasts, O Saviour. Wherefore, O Jesus, deliver me from irrationality.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Having fallen, O Jesus, into the hands of soul-corrupting thieves, I have been stripped now of my divinely-woven garment, O my Jesus, and I am lying all bruised with wounds. O my Christ, do thou pour on me oil and wine.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O Theotokos Mary, who ineffably didst carry the Christ, my Jesus and God: Do thou ever implore Him to save from perils thy servants and them that praise thee, O Virgin who knewest not wedlock.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Disdain not those who need thy help, O Virgin, and who hymn thee and supremely exalt thee unto the ages.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou healest the infirmities of my soul and the pains of my body, O Virgin, that I may glorify thee, O pure one, unto the ages.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou pourest forth a wealth of healing, on those who with faith hymn thee, O Virgin, and supremely exalt thine ineffable Offspring.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou drivest away the assaults of temptations, and the attacks of the passions, O Virgin; wherefore we hymn thee unto the ages.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
O good Angel, sent by God, support me, thy servant, in my life and forsake me not unto the ages.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
O most blessed one, I hymn thee, O good Angel, guide and guardian of my soul unto the ages.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Be unto me a protection and fortification in the judgment day of all men, in which all deeds, both good and evil, shall be tried by fire.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Be unto me, thy servant, a helper and a calmness, O Ever-Virgin Theotokos, and leave me not bereft of thy protection.
Ode IX
Irmos: God the Word, Who came forth from God, and Who by ineffable wisdom came to renew Adam after his grievous fall to corruption through eating, and Who ineffably took flesh from the holy Virgin for our sake, Him do we the faithful with one accord magnify with hymns.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: I have surpassed, O my Jesus, Manasseh and the publican, the harlot and the prodigal, O compassionate Jesus, and the robber, O my Jesus, through all my shameful and unseemly deeds, O Jesus; but do Thou forestall me, O my Jesus, and save me.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
By my passions, O my Jesus, have I, the wretched one, surpassed all those from Adam who have sinned both before the Law and in the Law, O Jesus, and after the Law and Grace, O my Jesus; but by Thy judgments save me, O my Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
May I not be parted from Thine ineffable glory, my Jesus, nor may the portion on the left fall to me, O sweetest Jesus; but set me on the right hand with Thy sheep and give me rest, O Christ my Jesus, since Thou art compassionate.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Theotokion: O Theotokos, who didst carry Jesus, O only unwedded Virgin Mary who knewest not wedlock, O pure one invoke Him, thy Son and Creator, to deliver them that hasten to thee from temptation and perils, and the fire that is to come.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Turn not away from the torrent of my tears, O Virgin, who didst give birth to Christ, Who doth take away all tears from every face.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Fill my heart with joy, O Virgin, who didst receive the fullness of joy and didst banish the grief of sin.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Be the haven and protection, and a wall unshaken, a refuge and shelter and the gladness, O Virgin, of those who flee to thee.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Illumine with the rays of thy light, O Virgin, those who piously confess thee to be the Theotokos, and do thou banish away all darkness of ignorance.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
In the place of affliction, O Virgin, do thou heal me, transforming mine illness into healthfulness.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
To Jesus: O Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.
Have mercy on me, O my only Saviour, for Thou art merciful and kind–hearted, and make me a member of the choirs of the righteous.
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Grant me ever to think and do only what is useful, O Angel of the Lord, that I may be blameless and strong in infirmity.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As one having boldness toward the Heavenly King, do thou, with the rest of the bodiless ones, entreat Him to have mercy on me the wretched one.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Having great boldness towards Him Who took flesh of thee, deliver me from fetters and grant me absolution and salvation through thine intercessions.
Following the Canon
Hymn to the Theotokos, Eighth Tone
It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos, ever-blessed and most blameless, and Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thee who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Prayer to Our Lord Jesus Christ
O Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, my God, who for the sake of Thine ineffable love for mankind, at the end of the ages wast wrapped in flesh from the Ever–Virgin Mary, I glorify Thy saving providence and care for me, Thy servant, O Master. I praise Thee, for through Thee I have learned to know the Father; I bless Thee through Whom the Holy Spirit came into the world. I bow to Thy most pure Mother who served for the dread mystery of Thine Incarnation. I praise the angelic choir as the servants and singers of Thy majesty. I bless Saint John the Forerunner who baptized Thee, O Lord. I honour also the prophets who announced Thee, I glorify Thy holy Apostles, I celebrate the martyrs, I glorify Thy priests, I venerate Thy saints and praise all Thy righteous ones. This such countless and unutterable divine choir I, thy servant, in prayer offer to Thee, O all–compassionate God, and therefore I ask the forgiveness of my sins, which do Thou grant me for the sake of all Thy saints, but especially for the sake of Thy holy compassion, for blessed art Thou unto the ages. Amen.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos
O my most blessed Queen, O Theotokos my hope, guardian of orphans, intercessor for strangers, joy of the sorrowful, protectress of the wronged: Thou seest my misfortune, thou seest mine affliction; help me, for I am weak; feed me, for I am a stranger. Thou knowest mine offence: Absolve it as thou wilt, for I have no other help beside thee, no other intercessor, nor good consoler, except thee, O Mother of God. Do thou preserve and protect me unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer to the Holy Guardian Angel
O holy Angel, my good guardian and protector! With broken heart and ailing soul I stand before thee, entreating: Hearken unto me, thy sinful servant Name; with loud wailing and bitter weeping I cry: Remember not mine iniquity and unrighteousness, through which I, a wretched one, have angered thee every day and hour, and have made myself loathsome before our Lord the Creator; show me loving–kindness and leave not me, the defiled, even until mine end. Awaken me from sleep of sin, and enable me, through thine intercessions, to pass the remaining time of my life without stain, and bring forth fruits worthy of repentance; and above all preserve me from deadly falls into sin, lest I perish in despair, and mine enemy rejoice in my ruin. I know truly and confess with my mouth that there is no other friend and intercessor, protector and champion, such as thou, O holy Angel; for standing before the throne of the Lord, thou intercedest for me the useless and most sinful of all, lest the Most Good One take my soul in the day of my despair and in a day of evil doing. Cease not, therefore, to entreat mercy of my most kindhearted Lord and God, that He forgive mine offences, which I have committed throughout all my life, in deed, word, and all my senses, and by judgments which He knoweth, that He save me; that He may chasten me here according to His ineffable mercy, but that He may not expose and put me to trial there in accordance with His simple justice; that He may deem me worthy to bring repentance, and with penitence to worthily receive Divine Communion; for this above all I make entreaty, and I desire such a gift with all my heart. And in the terrible hour of death, be not far from me, my good guardian, driving away the demons of darkness, who have the power to terrify my trembling soul; defend me from their net, when I shall pass through the aerial toll–houses, in order that being guarded by thee, I may attain the desired paradise, where the choirs of the saints and the celestial hosts unceasingly praise the all–honourable and majestic name in Trinity of God glorified: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, to Whom is due honour and worship, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins; O Master, pardon our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Proceed to The Order of Preparation for Holy Communion
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© 2010 Protection of the Mother of God Church
A Parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
The Canons for Holy Communion, Second Tone
Ode I
Irmos: In the deep of old the infinite Power overwhelmed Pharaoh’s whole army. But the incarnate Word annihilated pernicious sin. Exceedingly glorious is the Lord, for gloriously is He glorified.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: Sweetest Jesus Christ, long-suffering Jesus, heal the wounds of my soul, Jesus, and make sweet my heart, O Greatly-merciful One, I pray Thee, Jesus my Saviour, that being saved by Thee, I may magnify Thee.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Sweetest Jesus Christ, Jesus, open to me the door of repentance, O Jesus, Lover of mankind, and accept me, O Jesus my Saviour, as I fall down before Thee and fervently implore the forgiveness of my sins.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Sweetest Jesus Christ, Jesus, snatch me from the hand of deceitful Belial, O Jesus, and make me stand at the right of Thy glory, O Jesus my Saviour, delivering me from the lot of those on the left.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O Lady who gavest birth to Jesus our God, pray for us worthless servants, that by thy prayers, O immaculate one, we who are defiled may be delivered from torment, O spotless one, and enjoy everlasting glory.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Distressed by many temptations, I flee to thee, seeking salvation. O Mother of the Word, and Virgin, from ordeals and afflictions deliver me.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Outbursts of passions trouble me and fill my soul with great despondency. Calm it, O Maiden, by the peace of thy Son and God, O all-blameless one.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
I implore thee who gavest birth to the Saviour and God, O Virgin, to deliver me from perils. For fleeing now unto thee for refuge, I lift up both my soul and my reasoning.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Ailing am I in body and soul, do thou vouchsafe me the divine visitation, and thy care, O thou who alone art the Mother of God, for thou art good and the Mother of the Good.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
To Jesus: O Lord Jesus Christ my God, have mercy on me.
Vouchsafe me, Thy servant, O Saviour, worthily to sing a song and to praise the fleshless Angel, my guide and guardian.
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Alone I lie in folly and idleness, O my guide and guardian, forsake not me who am perishing.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Direct my mind by thy prayer to fulfil the commands of God, that I may obtain of God forgiveness of sins, and teach me to hate all wickedness, I pray thee.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: With my Guardian Angel, O Virgin, pray for me, thy servant, to the Gracious One, and teach me to fulfill the commandments of thy Son and my Creator.
Ode III
Irmos: By establishing me on the rock of faith, Thou hast enlarged my mouth over mine enemies, and my spirit rejoiceth when I sing: There is none holy as our God, and none righteous beside Thee, O Lord.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: Hearken, O my Jesus, Lover of mankind, unto Thy servant calling with compunction; and deliver me, O Jesus, from condemnation and torment, O only long-suffering sweetest Jesus, plenteous in mercy.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Receive Thy servant, O my Jesus, who falleth down with tears, O my Jesus, and save me as one repentant, O my Jesus, delivering me from Gehenna, O Master, sweetest Jesus, plenteous in mercy.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O my Jesus, the time Thou gavest me I have squandered in passions, O my Jesus. Reject me not, O my Jesus, but call me, I pray, O Master, sweetest Jesus, and save me!
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O Virgin who gavest birth to my Jesus, implore Him to deliver me from Gehenna. Thou alone art the protectress of the afflicted, O thou who art full of divine grace. And vouchsafe me the life that ageth not, O all-blameless one.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
I have chosen thee to be the protection and intercession of my life, O Virgin, Mother of God. Pilot me to thy haven, O author of blessings, O support of the faithful, O thou only all-lauded one.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
I pray thee, O Virgin, to dispel the tumult of my soul and the storm of my grief; for thou, O Bride of God, hast given birth to Christ, the Prince of Peace, O only immaculate one.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Since thou broughtest forth Him who is the Benefactor and Cause of good, from the wealth of thy loving-kindness do thou pour forth on all; for thou canst do all things, since thou didst bear Christ, the One Who is mighty in power; for blessed of God art thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
I am tortured by grievous sicknesses and morbid passions: O Virgin, help me! For I know thee to be the inexhaustible treasury of unfailing healings, O all-blameless one.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
All my thoughts and my soul I have committed unto thee, O my Guardian; do thou deliver me from all attacks of the enemy.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
The enemy troubleth and trampleth on me, and teacheth me always to do his will, but do thou, O my guide, forsake not me who am perishing.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Grant me to sing a song with thanksgiving and fervour to my Creator and God, and to thee my good Angel Guardian: O my deliverer, rescue me from foes that do me evil.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Heal, O immaculate one, the most painful wounds of my soul, and drive away the enemies that ever fight against me.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Sessional Hymn, First Tone: O Jesus my Saviour, Thou didst save the prodigal. Jesus my Saviour, Thou didst accept the harlot. And now have mercy on me, O Jesus plenteous in mercy; have compassion and save me, O Jesus my Benefactor, as Thou hadst compassion on Manasseh, my Jesus, only Lover of mankind.
Kontakion, Fourth Tone: Show compassion to me, O holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, and leave not me, a defiled one, but illumine me with the light unapproachable, and make me worthy of the heavenly kingdom.
Ekos: Vouchsafe my soul, humiliated by many temptations, the ineffable glory, O holy intercessor and singer with the choirs of the fleshless hosts of God. Have mercy and guard me, and illumine my soul with good thoughts, that I may be enriched by thy glory, O my Angel, subdue the enemies that wish me evil, and make me worthy of the heavenly kingdom.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Sessional Hymn, Second Tone: Out of the love of my soul I cry to thee, O guardian of my soul, mine all-holy Angel! Protect and guard me always from the hunting of the evil one, and guide me to the heavenly life, teaching and enlightening and strengthening me.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion, Sixth Tone: O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, O mediation unto the Creator unfailing: Disdain not the suppliant voices of sinners; but be thou quick, O good one, to help us who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honour thee.
Ode IV
Irmos: From a virgin didst Thou come, not as an ambassador, nor as an angel, but the very Lord Himself incarnate, and didst save me, the whole man. Wherefore I cry to Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: Heal, O my Jesus, the wounds of my soul, O my Jesus, I pray, and snatch me from the hand of soul-corrupting Belial, O my compassionate Jesus, and save me.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
I have sinned, O my sweetest Jesus; O Compassionate One, O my Jesus, save me who flee to Thy protection, O long-suffering Jesus, and vouchsafe me Thy kingdom.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
No one hath sinned, O my Jesus, as have I, the wretched one; but now I fall down praying: Save me, O my Jesus, and grant me life, O my Jesus.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O all-hymned one, who gavest birth to the Lord Jesus, implore Him to deliver from torment all who hymn thee and call thee truly the Theotokos.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
The turmoil of my passions, and the storm of my sins do thou bestill, thou who gavest birth to the Lord and Pilot, O thou Bride of God.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
O bestow out of the abyss of thy compassion on me thy supplicant; for thou didst give birth to the Kindhearted One and Saviour of all that hymn thee.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
While delighting in thy gifts, O spotless one, we sing a song of thanksgiving to thee, knowing thee to be the Mother of God.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
As I lie on the bed of my pain and infirmity, do thou help me, as thou art a lover of goodness, O Theotokos, who alone art Ever-Virgin.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Having thee as our staff and hope, and as our salvation’s unshaken battlement, from all manner of adversity are we then redeemed, O thou all-lauded one.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Pray thou to God, the Lover of mankind, and forsake me not, O my Guardian, but ever keep my life in peace, and grant me the invincible salvation.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
As the defender and guardian of my life I received thee from God, O Angel. I pray thee, O holy one, free me from all danger.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Cleanse my defilement by thy holiness, O my Guardian, and may I be drawn from the left side by thy prayers, and become a partaker of glory.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen
Theotokion: Perplexity confronteth me from the evil surrounding me, O most pure one, but deliver me from it speedily, for I flee only to thee.
Ode V
Irmos: O Thou Who art the Light of those lying in darkness, and the salvation of the despairing, O Christ my Saviour, I rise early to pray to Thee, O King of Peace. Enlighten me with Thy radiance, for I know none other God beside Thee.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: Thou art the light of my mind, O my Jesus; Thou art the salvation of my despairing soul, O Saviour. O my Jesus, do Thou deliver me from torment and Gehenna, as I cry: Save me, the wretched one, O Christ my Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Utterly cast down to shameful passions, O my Jesus, I now cry: Stretch down to me a helping hand, O my Jesus, and pluck me out as I cry: Save me, the wretched one, O Christ my Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Carrying about a mind defiled, I call to Thee, O Jesus: Cleanse me from the dirt of sin, and redeem me who slipped down to the depths of evil through ignorance, and save me, O Saviour my Jesus, I pray.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O maiden Mother of God, who gavest birth to Jesus, implore Him to save all Orthodox monastics and laity, and to deliver from Gehenna those who cry: Beside thee we know no certain protection.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Fill my heart with gladness, O pure one, by giving me thine incorruptible joy, O thou who didst bear the Cause of gladness.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Deliver us from dangers, O pure Theotokos, who didst give birth to Eternal Redemption and the Peace that doth surpass all understanding.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Dispel the darkness of my sins, O Bride of God, by the radiance of thy splendour, for thou hast given birth to the Divine and Pre-eternal Light.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Heal, O pure one, the infirmity of my soul, when thou hast deemed me worthy of thy visitation, and grant me health by thine intercessions.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
As one having boldness toward God, O my holy guardian, do thou entreat Him to deliver me from the evils that afflict me.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
O radiant light, illumine my soul with radiance, O my guide and guardian, given me by God, O Angel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Keep me vigilant who sleep from the evil burden of sin, O Angel of God, and raise me up to glorify Him, through thy supplication.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O Mary, Lady Theotokos unwedded, O hope of the faithful, subdue the uprisings of the enemy, and gladden them that hymn thee.
Ode VI
Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: From corruption raise me up, O God.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: O my Jesus Christ plenteous in mercy, accept me who confess my sins, O Master, and save me, O Jesus, and snatch me from corruption, O Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O my Jesus, no one else hath been so prodigal as I, the wretched one, O Jesus Lover of mankind, but do Thou Thyself save me, O Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O my Jesus, with my passions I have surpassed the harlot and the prodigal, Manasseh and the publican, O my Jesus, and the robber and the Ninevites, O Jesus.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O thou who didst give birth to my Jesus Christ, O only undefiled and immaculate Virgin, cleanse me now, the defiled one, by the hyssop of thine intercessions.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
My nature, held by corruption and death hath He saved from out of death and corruption; for unto death He Himself hath submitted. Wherefore, O Virgin, do thou intercede with Him Who is thy Lord and Son, to deliver me from the enemies’ wickedness.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
I know thee as the protection of my life, and most safe fortification, O Virgin; disperse the horde of temptations, and drive away the demonic vexation; unceasingly I pray to thee: From corruption of passions, deliver me.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
We have acquired thee as a wall of refuge and the perfect salvation of our souls, and a relief in afflictions, O Maiden, and we ever rejoice in thy light, O Sovereign Lady, do thou also now save us from passions and dangers.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Bedridden, I lie supine with sickness now, and there is no healing for my flesh; but to thee, O good one who gavest birth to God and the Saviour of the world and the Healer of infirmities, I pray: From corruption of illness raise me up.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Free me from every temptation, and save me from sorrow, I pray thee, O holy Angel, given to me as my good guardian by God.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Enlighten my mind, O good one, and illumine me, I pray thee, O holy Angel, and teach me to think always profitably.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Abolish present disturbance from my heart, and strengthen me to be vigilant in good, O my Guardian, and guide me miraculously in quietness of life.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: The Word of God dwelt in thee, O Theotokos, and showed thee to men as the heavenly ladder; for by thee the Most High descended to us.
Akathist
Here we say the Akathist to Sweetest Jesus or the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos.
The Canons for Holy Communion, continued
Ode VII
Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped in the plain of Dura, Thy three children despised the godless order. Thrown into the fire, they were bedewed and sang: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: O Christ Jesus, no one on earth hath ever sinned, O my Jesus, as I, the wretched one and prodigal, have sinned. Wherefore, I cry to Thee, my Jesus, have compassion on me as I sing: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O Christ Jesus, I cry: Nail me down with the fear of Thee, O my Jesus, and pilot me to Thy calm haven now, O my compassionate Jesus, that as one saved I may sing to Thee: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O Christ Jesus, ten thousand times have I, the passionate one, promised Thee repentance, O my Jesus, but wretch that I am, I deceived Thee. Wherefore, I cry to Thee, my Jesus: Enlighten my soul which remaineth unfeeling: O Christ, the God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O thou who gavest birth to Jesus awesomely and above nature, O all-blameless one, implore Him, O Maiden, to forgive me all the sins that I have committed against my nature, that as one saved I may cry: Blessed art thou who didst give birth to God in the flesh.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Having willed to accomplish our salvation, O Saviour, Thou didst dwell in the womb of the Virgin, and didst show her to the world as the mediatress; O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
The Dispenser of mercy, Whom thou didst bear, O pure Mother, do thou implore to deliver from transgressions and defilements of the soul, those who with faith cry out: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
A treasury of salvation, and a fountain of incorruption is she who gave Thee birth; a tower of safety, and door of repentance hast Thou proved her to them that shout: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
For weakness of body and sickness of soul, O Theotokos, do thou vouchsafe healing to those who with love draw near to thy protection, O Virgin, who for us gavest birth to Christ the Saviour.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Be merciful to me and entreat God, O Angel of the Lord; for I have thee as my defender for the whole of my life, a guide and guardian given me by God forever.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Leave not my wretched soul, which was given thee blameless by God, to be slain by robbers along the way, O holy Angel, but guide it to the way of repentance.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
My whole soul is disgraced by the evil thoughts and deeds I have brought upon me, but make haste, O my guide, and grant me healing with good thoughts, that I may be inclined always to the right way.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O Wisdom of the Most High Personified, for the sake of the Theotokos, fill with wisdom and divine strength all that faithfully cry: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
Ode VIII
Irmos: O ye works, praise the Lord God, Who descended into the fiery furnace with the Hebrew children and changed the flame into dew, and supremely exalt Him unto all ages.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: I implore Thee, O my Jesus: As Thou didst redeem the harlot from many sins, O my Jesus, likewise redeem me, O Christ my Jesus, and cleanse my foul soul, O my Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O Jesus, having yielded to irrational pleasures, I have become irrational, O my Jesus; and wretch that I am, I have truly become like unto the beasts, O Saviour. Wherefore, O Jesus, deliver me from irrationality.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Having fallen, O Jesus, into the hands of soul-corrupting thieves, I have been stripped now of my divinely-woven garment, O my Jesus, and I am lying all bruised with wounds. O my Christ, do thou pour on me oil and wine.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O Theotokos Mary, who ineffably didst carry the Christ, my Jesus and God: Do thou ever implore Him to save from perils thy servants and them that praise thee, O Virgin who knewest not wedlock.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Disdain not those who need thy help, O Virgin, and who hymn thee and supremely exalt thee unto the ages.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou healest the infirmities of my soul and the pains of my body, O Virgin, that I may glorify thee, O pure one, unto the ages.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou pourest forth a wealth of healing, on those who with faith hymn thee, O Virgin, and supremely exalt thine ineffable Offspring.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou drivest away the assaults of temptations, and the attacks of the passions, O Virgin; wherefore we hymn thee unto the ages.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
O good Angel, sent by God, support me, thy servant, in my life and forsake me not unto the ages.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
O most blessed one, I hymn thee, O good Angel, guide and guardian of my soul unto the ages.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Be unto me a protection and fortification in the judgment day of all men, in which all deeds, both good and evil, shall be tried by fire.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Be unto me, thy servant, a helper and a calmness, O Ever-Virgin Theotokos, and leave me not bereft of thy protection.
Ode IX
Irmos: God the Word, Who came forth from God, and Who by ineffable wisdom came to renew Adam after his grievous fall to corruption through eating, and Who ineffably took flesh from the holy Virgin for our sake, Him do we the faithful with one accord magnify with hymns.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: I have surpassed, O my Jesus, Manasseh and the publican, the harlot and the prodigal, O compassionate Jesus, and the robber, O my Jesus, through all my shameful and unseemly deeds, O Jesus; but do Thou forestall me, O my Jesus, and save me.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
By my passions, O my Jesus, have I, the wretched one, surpassed all those from Adam who have sinned both before the Law and in the Law, O Jesus, and after the Law and Grace, O my Jesus; but by Thy judgments save me, O my Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
May I not be parted from Thine ineffable glory, my Jesus, nor may the portion on the left fall to me, O sweetest Jesus; but set me on the right hand with Thy sheep and give me rest, O Christ my Jesus, since Thou art compassionate.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Theotokion: O Theotokos, who didst carry Jesus, O only unwedded Virgin Mary who knewest not wedlock, O pure one invoke Him, thy Son and Creator, to deliver them that hasten to thee from temptation and perils, and the fire that is to come.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Turn not away from the torrent of my tears, O Virgin, who didst give birth to Christ, Who doth take away all tears from every face.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Fill my heart with joy, O Virgin, who didst receive the fullness of joy and didst banish the grief of sin.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Be the haven and protection, and a wall unshaken, a refuge and shelter and the gladness, O Virgin, of those who flee to thee.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Illumine with the rays of thy light, O Virgin, those who piously confess thee to be the Theotokos, and do thou banish away all darkness of ignorance.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
In the place of affliction, O Virgin, do thou heal me, transforming mine illness into healthfulness.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
To Jesus: O Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.
Have mercy on me, O my only Saviour, for Thou art merciful and kind–hearted, and make me a member of the choirs of the righteous.
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Grant me ever to think and do only what is useful, O Angel of the Lord, that I may be blameless and strong in infirmity.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As one having boldness toward the Heavenly King, do thou, with the rest of the bodiless ones, entreat Him to have mercy on me the wretched one.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Having great boldness towards Him Who took flesh of thee, deliver me from fetters and grant me absolution and salvation through thine intercessions.
Following the Canon
Hymn to the Theotokos, Eighth Tone
It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos, ever-blessed and most blameless, and Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thee who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Prayer to Our Lord Jesus Christ
O Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, my God, who for the sake of Thine ineffable love for mankind, at the end of the ages wast wrapped in flesh from the Ever–Virgin Mary, I glorify Thy saving providence and care for me, Thy servant, O Master. I praise Thee, for through Thee I have learned to know the Father; I bless Thee through Whom the Holy Spirit came into the world. I bow to Thy most pure Mother who served for the dread mystery of Thine Incarnation. I praise the angelic choir as the servants and singers of Thy majesty. I bless Saint John the Forerunner who baptized Thee, O Lord. I honour also the prophets who announced Thee, I glorify Thy holy Apostles, I celebrate the martyrs, I glorify Thy priests, I venerate Thy saints and praise all Thy righteous ones. This such countless and unutterable divine choir I, thy servant, in prayer offer to Thee, O all–compassionate God, and therefore I ask the forgiveness of my sins, which do Thou grant me for the sake of all Thy saints, but especially for the sake of Thy holy compassion, for blessed art Thou unto the ages. Amen.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos
O my most blessed Queen, O Theotokos my hope, guardian of orphans, intercessor for strangers, joy of the sorrowful, protectress of the wronged: Thou seest my misfortune, thou seest mine affliction; help me, for I am weak; feed me, for I am a stranger. Thou knowest mine offence: Absolve it as thou wilt, for I have no other help beside thee, no other intercessor, nor good consoler, except thee, O Mother of God. Do thou preserve and protect me unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer to the Holy Guardian Angel
O holy Angel, my good guardian and protector! With broken heart and ailing soul I stand before thee, entreating: Hearken unto me, thy sinful servant Name; with loud wailing and bitter weeping I cry: Remember not mine iniquity and unrighteousness, through which I, a wretched one, have angered thee every day and hour, and have made myself loathsome before our Lord the Creator; show me loving–kindness and leave not me, the defiled, even until mine end. Awaken me from sleep of sin, and enable me, through thine intercessions, to pass the remaining time of my life without stain, and bring forth fruits worthy of repentance; and above all preserve me from deadly falls into sin, lest I perish in despair, and mine enemy rejoice in my ruin. I know truly and confess with my mouth that there is no other friend and intercessor, protector and champion, such as thou, O holy Angel; for standing before the throne of the Lord, thou intercedest for me the useless and most sinful of all, lest the Most Good One take my soul in the day of my despair and in a day of evil doing. Cease not, therefore, to entreat mercy of my most kindhearted Lord and God, that He forgive mine offences, which I have committed throughout all my life, in deed, word, and all my senses, and by judgments which He knoweth, that He save me; that He may chasten me here according to His ineffable mercy, but that He may not expose and put me to trial there in accordance with His simple justice; that He may deem me worthy to bring repentance, and with penitence to worthily receive Divine Communion; for this above all I make entreaty, and I desire such a gift with all my heart. And in the terrible hour of death, be not far from me, my good guardian, driving away the demons of darkness, who have the power to terrify my trembling soul; defend me from their net, when I shall pass through the aerial toll–houses, in order that being guarded by thee, I may attain the desired paradise, where the choirs of the saints and the celestial hosts unceasingly praise the all–honourable and majestic name in Trinity of God glorified: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, to Whom is due honour and worship, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins; O Master, pardon our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Proceed to The Order of Preparation for Holy Communion
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A Parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
Akathist to Our Sweetest Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ
Prior to Reading an Akathist
Read the beginning prayers when reading the Akathist alone.
The Seven Bow Beginning
O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. Bow
O God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me. Bow
Thou hast created me, O Lord, have mercy on me. Bow
Countless times have I sinned, O Lord, forgive me. Bow
My most holy Lady Theotokos, save me, a sinner, Bow
O Angel, my holy Guardian, protect me from all evil. Bow
Holy Apostle (or Martyr, or Holy Father) Name pray to God for me. Bow
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
O Heavenly King
O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of Life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins; O Master, pardon our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Lord, have mercy. Twelve times
O Come, let us worship God, our King.
O Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God.
O Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ himself, our King and God.
Psalm 50
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.
The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, And the life of the age to come. Amen.
Akathist to Our Sweetest Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ
Kontakion 1: O Champion Leader and Lord, Vanquisher of hades, I, Thy creature and servant, offer Thee songs of praise, for Thou hast delivered me from eternal death; but as Thou hast unutterable loving-kindness, free me from every danger, as I cry: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Ekos 1: Creator of angels and Lord of hosts, as of old Thou didst open ear and tongue to the deaf and dumb, likewise open now my perplexed mind and tongue to the praise of Thy Most Holy Name, that I may cry to Thee:
Jesus, Most-wonderful, Angels’ Astonishment!
Jesus, Most-powerful, Forefathers’ Deliverance!
Jesus, Most-sweet, Patriarchs’ Exaltation!
Jesus, Most-glorious, Kings’ Stronghold!
Jesus, Most-beloved, Prophets’ Fulfillment!
Jesus, Most-marvelous, Martyrs’ Strength!
Jesus, Most-peaceful, Monks’ Joy!
Jesus, Most-gracious, Presbyters’ Sweetness!
Jesus, Most-merciful, Fasters’ Abstinence!
Jesus, Most-tender, Saints’ Rejoicing!
Jesus, Most-honourable, Virgins’ Chastity!
Jesus, Everlasting, Sinners’ Salvation!
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion 2: As when seeing the widow weeping bitterly, O Lord, Thou wast moved with pity, and didst raise her son from the dead as he was being carried to burial, likewise have pity on me, O Lover of mankind, and raise my soul, deadened by sins, as I cry: Alleluia!
Ekos 2: Seeking to understand the incomprehensible, Philip asked: "Lord, show us the Father," and Thou didst answer him: "Have I been so long with you and yet hast thou not known that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? " Likewise, O Incomprehensible One, with fear I cry to Thee:
Jesus, Eternal God!
Jesus, All-Powerful King!
Jesus, Long-suffering Master!
Jesus, All-Merciful Saviour!
Jesus, my gracious Guardian!
Jesus, cleanse my sins!
Jesus, take away mine iniquities!
Jesus, pardon mine unrighteousness!
Jesus, my Hope, forsake me not!
Jesus, my Helper, reject me not!
Jesus, my Creator, forget me not!
Jesus, my Shepherd, destroy me not!
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion 3: Thou Who didst clothe with power from on high Thine Apostles who tarried in Jerusalem, O Jesus, clothe also me, stripped bare of all good work, with the warmth of Thy Holy Spirit, and grant that with love I may sing to Thee: Alleluia!
Ekos 3: In the abundance of Thy mercy, O Jesus, Thou hast called publicans and sinners and infidels. Now disdain me not who am like them, but as precious myrrh accept this song:
Jesus, Invincible Power!
Jesus, Infinite Mercy!
Jesus, Radiant Beauty!
Jesus, Unspeakable Love!
Jesus, Son of the Living God!
Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner!
Jesus, hear me who was conceived in sins!
Jesus, cleanse me who was born in sin!
Jesus, teach me who am worthless!
Jesus, enlighten my darkness!
Jesus, purify me who am unclean!
Jesus, restore me, a prodigal!
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion 4: Having an interior storm of doubting thoughts, Peter was sinking. But beholding Thee, O Jesus, in the flesh walking on the waters, he confessed Thee to be the true God; and receiving the hand of salvation, he cried: Alleluia!
Ekos 4: When the blind man heard Thee, O Lord, passing by on the way, he cried: "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! " And Thou didst call him and open his eyes. Likewise enlighten the spiritual eyes of my heart with Thy love as I cry to Thee and say:
Jesus, Creator of those on high!
Jesus, Redeemer of those below!
Jesus, Vanquisher of the power of hades!
Jesus, Adorner of every creature!
Jesus, Comforter of my soul!
Jesus, Enlightener of my mind!
Jesus, Gladness of my heart!
Jesus, Health of my body!
Jesus, my Saviour, save me!
Jesus, my Light, enlighten me!
Jesus, deliver me from all torments!
Jesus, save me despite mine unworthiness!
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion 5: As of old Thou didst redeem us from the curse of the law by Thy Divine-flowing Blood, O Jesus, likewise rescue me from the snares in which the serpent hath entangled us through the passions of the flesh, through lustful suggestions and evil despondency, as we cry to Thee: Alleluia!
Ekos 5: Having beheld the Creator in human form and knowing Him to be the Master, the Hebrew children hastened to please Him with branches, crying: Hosanna! But we offer Thee a song, saying:
Jesus, True God!
Jesus, Son of David!
Jesus, Most Glorious King!
Jesus, Blameless Lamb!
Jesus, Most Wonderful Shepherd!
Jesus, Guardian of mine infancy!
Jesus, Nourisher of my youth!
Jesus, Praise of mine old age!
Jesus, my Hope at death!
Jesus, my Life after death!
Jesus, my Comfort at Thy Judgment!
Jesus, my Desire, put me not then to shame!
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion 6: In fulfillment of the words and message of the inspired Prophets, O Jesus, Thou didst appear on earth, and Thou Who art uncontainable didst dwell with men. Thenceforth, being healed through Thy wounds, we learned to sing: Alleluia!
Ekos 6: The light of Thy truth shone upon the world, and demonic delusion was driven away; for the idols have fallen, O our Saviour, unable to endure Thy strength. But we, having received salvation, cry to Thee:
Jesus, the Truth, dispelling falsehood!
Jesus, the light above all radiance!
Jesus, the King, surpassing all in strength!
Jesus, God, constant in mercy!
Jesus, Bread of Life, fill me who am hungry!
Jesus, Source of Knowledge, refresh me who am thirsty!
Jesus, Garment of Gladness, clothe me, the corruptible!
Jesus, Shelter of Joy, cover me, the unworthy!
Jesus, Giver to those who ask, give me sorrow for my sins!
Jesus, Finder of those who seek, find my soul!
Jesus, Opener to those who knock, open my wretched heart!
Jesus, Redeemer of sinners, blot out my transgressions!
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion 7: Desiring to reveal the mystery hidden from the ages, Thou wast led as a sheep to the slaughter, O Jesus, and as a lamb before its shearer. But as God Thou didst rise from the dead and didst ascend with glory to heaven, and along with Thyself Thou didst raise us who cry: Alleluia!
Ekos 7: The Creator hath shown us a marvelous Creature, Who was incarnate of a Virgin without seed, rose from the tomb without breaking the seal, and entered bodily the Apostles’ room when the doors were shut. Therefore, marveling at this we sing:
Jesus, Infinite Word!
Jesus, Inscrutable Word!
Jesus, Incomprehensible Power!
Jesus, Inconceivable Wisdom!
Jesus, Inexpressible Divinity!
Jesus, Boundless Dominion!
Jesus, Invincible kingdom!
Jesus, Endless Sovereignty!
Jesus, Supreme Strength!
Jesus, Eternal Power!
Jesus, my Creator, have compassion on me!
Jesus, my Saviour, save me!
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion 8: Seeing God wondrously incarnate, let us shun the vain world and set our mind on things divine; for God came down to earth that He might raise to heaven us who cry to Him: Alleluia!
Ekos 8: The Immeasurable One was below all things, yet in no way separated from things above, when He willingly suffered for our sake, and by His death our death didst put to death, and by His Resurrection didst grant life to those who sing:
Jesus, Sweetness of the heart!
Jesus, Strength of the body!
Jesus, Radiance of the soul!
Jesus, Swiftness of the mind!
Jesus, Joy of the conscience!
Jesus, Well-known Hope!
Jesus, Memory before the ages!
Jesus, High Praise!
Jesus, my Supremely-exalted Glory!
Jesus, my Desire, reject me not!
Jesus, my Shepherd, seek me!
Jesus, my Saviour, save me!
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion 9: All the angelic nature of heaven doth glorify unceasingly Thy most holy Name, O Jesus, crying: Holy, Holy, Holy! But we sinners on earth, with lips of dust cry: Alleluia!
Ekos 9: We see most eloquent orators voiceless as fish concerning Thee, O Jesus our Saviour. For they are at a loss to say how Thou art perfect man yet remainest God immutable. But we, marveling at this Mystery, cry faithfully :
Jesus, God before the ages!
Jesus, King of kings!
Jesus, Master of rulers!
Jesus, Judge of the living and the dead!
Jesus, Hope of the hopeless!
Jesus, Comfort of the them that mourn!
Jesus, Glory of the poor!
Jesus, condemn me not according to my deeds!
Jesus, cleanse me according to Thy mercy!
Jesus, take from me despondency!
Jesus, enlighten the thoughts of my heart!
Jesus, grant me remembrance of death!
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion 10: Desiring to save the world, O Sunrise of the East, Thou didst come to the dark Occident of our nature, and didst humble Thyself even unto death. Wherefore Thy Name is supremely exalted above every name, and from all the tribes of heaven and earth, Thou dost hear: Alleluia!
Ekos 10: King Eternal, Comforter, true Christ! Cleanse us from every stain as Thou didst cleanse the Ten Lepers, and heal us as Thou didst heal the greedy soul of Zacchaeus the Publican, that we may shout to Thee in compunction crying aloud:
Jesus, Treasury Incorruptible!
Jesus, Wealth Unfailing!
Jesus, Strong Food!
Jesus, Drink Inexhaustible!
Jesus, Garment of the poor!
Jesus, Protection of widows!
Jesus, Defender of orphans!
Jesus, Helper of toilers!
Jesus, Guide of pilgrims!
Jesus, Pilot of voyagers!
Jesus, Calmer of tempests!
Jesus, God, raise me who am fallen!
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion 11: Tenderest songs I, though unworthy, offer to Thee, and like the woman of Canaan, I cry to Thee: O Jesus, have mercy on me! For it is not a daughter, but my flesh cruelly possessed with passions and burning with fury. So grant healing to me who cry unto Thee: Alleluia!
Ekos 11: Having previously persecuted Thee, the Light-bestowing Lamp of those in the darkness of ignorance, Paul heeded the power of the voice of Divine enlightenment, and understood the swiftness of the soul’s conversion. Thus also do Thou enlighten the dark eye of my soul, as I cry:
Jesus, my Most-mighty King!
Jesus, my Most-powerful God!
Jesus, mine Immortal Lord!
Jesus, my Most-glorious Creator!
Jesus, my Most-good Guide!
Jesus, my Most-compassionate Shepherd!
Jesus, my Most-merciful Master!
Jesus, my Most-gracious Saviour!
Jesus, enlighten my senses darkened by passions!
Jesus, heal my body scabbed with sins!
Jesus, cleanse my mind from vain thoughts!
Jesus, keep my heart from evil!
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion 12: Grant me Thy grace, O Jesus, Absolver of all debts, and receive me who am repenting, as Thou didst receive Peter who denied Thee, and call me who am downcast, as of old Thou didst call Paul who persecuted Thee, and hear me crying to Thee: Alleluia!
Ekos 12: Praising Thine incarnation, we all extol Thee and we believe, with Thomas, that Thou art Lord and God, sitting with the Father and coming to judge the living and the dead. Vouchsafe me then to stand on Thy right hand, who now cry:
Jesus, King before the ages, have mercy on me!
Jesus, Sweet-scented Flower, make me fragrant!
Jesus, Beloved Warmth, make me fervent!
Jesus, Eternal Temple, shelter me!
Jesus, Garment of Light, adorn me!
Jesus, Pearl of Great Price, irradiate me!
Jesus, Precious Stone, illumine me!
Jesus, Sun of Righteousness, shine on me!
Jesus, Holy Light, make me radiant!
Jesus, from sickness of soul and body deliver me!
Jesus, from the hands of the adversary rescue me!
Jesus, from the unquenchable fire and other eternal torments save me!
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion 13: O most-sweet and all-compassionate Jesus! Receive now this our small supplication, as Thou didst receive the widow’s two mites, and keep Thine inheritance from all enemies, visible and invisible, from foreign invasion, from disease and hunger, from all tribulations and mortal wounds, and rescue from the torment to come all that cry to Thee: Alleluia!
This Kontakion is sung thrice. And again:
Ekos 1: Creator of angels and Lord of hosts, as of old Thou didst open ear and tongue to the deaf and dumb, likewise open now my perplexed mind and tongue to the praise of Thy Most Holy Name, that I may cry to Thee:
Jesus, Most-wonderful, Angels’ Astonishment!
Jesus, Most-powerful, Forefathers’ Deliverance!
Jesus, Most-sweet, Patriarchs’ Exaltation!
Jesus, Most-glorious, Kings’ Stronghold!
Jesus, Most-beloved Prophets’ Fulfillment!
Jesus, Most-marvelous, Martyrs’ Strength!
Jesus, Most-peaceful, Monks’ Joy!
Jesus, Most-gracious, Presbyters’ Sweetness!
Jesus, Most-merciful, Fasters’ Abstinence!
Jesus, Most-tender, Saints’ Rejoicing!
Jesus, Most-honourable, Virgins’ Chastity!
Jesus, Everlasting, Sinners’ Salvation!
Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Kontakion 1: O Champion Leader and Lord, Vanquisher of hades, I, Thy creature and servant, offer Thee songs of praise, for Thou hast delivered me from eternal death; but as Thou hast unutterable loving-kindness, free me from every danger, as I cry: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!
Prayer to Our Lord Jesus Christ
To Thee, O Lord, the only Good One, Who rememberest not evils, I confess my sins, I fall down before Thee, unworthy that I am, crying out: I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, and I am not worthy to look upon the height of heaven for the multitude of mine iniquities. But, my Lord, O Lord, grant me tears of compunction, Thou Who alone art good and merciful, so that with them I may entreat Thee to cleanse me of all sin before the end; for frightful and terrible is the place that I must pass through when I have separated from this body, and a multitude of dark and inhuman demons awaiteth me, and there is no one to come to my help or to deliver me; wherefore, I fall down before Thy goodness: deliver me not up to them that wrong me, nor let mine enemies triumph over me, O Good Lord, nor let them say: thou hast come into our hands, and thou hast been delivered unto us. Neither, O Lord, forget Thy compassions, and render not unto me according to mine iniquities, and turn not Thy countenance away from me; but do Thou, O Lord, chasten me, but with mercy and compassion, and let not mine enemy rejoice over me, but quench his threatening against me, and bring to nought all his deeds. And grant me an unsullied way to Thee, O Good Lord, because, having sinned, I have not had recourse to any other physician, and have not stretched out my hands to a strange god. Therefore, reject not my supplication, but hearken unto me in Thy goodness, and strengthen my heart in Thy fear; and let Thy grace be upon me, O Lord, like a fire consuming the impure thoughts within me. For Thou, O Lord, art the Light above all lights, the Joy above all joys, the Repose above all repose, the True Life, and the Salvation that abideth unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Return to Ode VII of the Canons for Holy Communion
Following the Akathist
Read the closing prayers when reading the Akathist alone.
Hymn to the Theotokos, Eighth Tone
It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos, ever-blessed and most blameless, and Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thee who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Prayer Following the Akathist
The proper prayer following the akathist.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins; O Master, pardon our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
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© 2010 Protection of the Mother of God Church
A Parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia
Akathist to Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos
Prior to Reading an Akathist
Read the beginning prayers when reading the Akathist alone.
The Seven Bow Beginning
O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. Bow
O God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me. Bow
Thou hast created me, O Lord, have mercy on me. Bow
Countless times have I sinned, O Lord, forgive me. Bow
My most holy Lady Theotokos, save me, a sinner, Bow
O Angel, my holy Guardian, protect me from all evil. Bow
Holy Apostle (or Martyr, or Holy Father) Name pray to God for me. Bow
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
O Heavenly King
O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of Life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins; O Master, pardon our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Lord, have mercy. Twelve times
O Come, let us worship God, our King.
O Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God.
O Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ himself, our King and God.
Psalm 50
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.
The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, And the life of the age to come. Amen.
Akathist to Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos
Kontakion 1, Eighth Tone: To Thee, the Champion Leader, we Thy servants dedicate a feast of victory and of thanksgiving as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos: but as Thou art one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be do Thou deliver us, that we may cry to Thee: Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride! Thrice
Ekos 1: An archangel was sent from heaven to say to the Theotokos: Rejoice! And beholding Thee, O Lord, taking bodily form, he was amazed and with his bodiless voice he stood crying to her such things as these:
Rejoice, Thou through whom joy will shine forth:
Rejoice, Thou through whom the curse will cease!
Rejoice, recall of fallen Adam:
Rejoice, redemption of the tears of Eve!
Rejoice, height inaccessible to human thoughts:
Rejoice, depth undiscernible even for the eyes of angels!
Rejoice, for Thou art the throne of the King:
Rejoice, for Thou bearest Him Who beareth all!
Rejoice, star that causest the Sun to appear:
Rejoice, womb of the Divine Incarnation!
Rejoice, Thou through whom creation is renewed:
Rejoice, Thou through whom we worship the Creator!
Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded!
Kontakion 2: Seeing herself to be chaste, the holy one said boldly to Gabriel: The marvel of thy speech is difficult for my soul to accept. How canst thou speak of a birth from a seedless conception? And She cried: Alleluia!
Ekos 2: Seeking to know knowledge that cannot be known, the Virgin cried to the ministering one: Tell me, how can a son be born from a chaste womb? Then he spake to Her in fear, only crying aloud thus:
Rejoice, initiate of God’s ineffable will:
Rejoice, assurance of those who pray in silence!
Rejoice, beginning of Christ’s miracles:
Rejoice, crown of His dogmas!
Rejoice, heavenly ladder by which God came down:
Rejoice, bridge that conveyest us from earth to heaven!
Rejoice, wonder of angels sounded abroad:
Rejoice, wound of demons bewailed afar!
Rejoice, Thou Who ineffably gavest birth to the Light:
Rejoice, Thou Who didst reveal Thy secret to none!
Rejoice, Thou Who surpassest the knowledge of the wise:
Rejoice, Thou Who givest light to the minds of the faithful!
Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded!
Kontakion 3: The power of the Most High then overshadowed the Virgin for conception, and showed Her fruitful womb as a sweet meadow to all who wish to reap salvation, as they sing: Alleluia!
Ekos 3: Having received God into Her womb, the Virgin hastened to Elizabeth whose unborn babe at once recognized Her embrace, rejoiced, and with leaps of joy as songs, cried to the Theotokos:
Rejoice, branch of an Unfading Sprout:
Rejoice, acquisition of Immortal Fruit!
Rejoice, labourer that labourest for the Lover of mankind:
Rejoice, Thou Who givest birth to the Planter of our life!
Rejoice, cornland yielding a rich crop of mercies:
Rejoice, table bearing a wealth of forgiveness!
Rejoice, Thou Who makest to bloom the garden of delight:
Rejoice, Thou Who preparest a haven for souls!
Rejoice, acceptable incense of intercession:
Rejoice, propitiation of all the world!
Rejoice, good will of God to mortals:
Rejoice, boldness of mortals before God!
Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded!
Kontakion 4: Having within a tempest of doubting thoughts, the chaste Joseph was troubled. For knowing Thee to have no husband, he suspected a secret union, O blameless one. But having learned that Thy conception was of the Holy Spirit, he said: Alleluia!
Ekos 4: While the angels were chanting, the shepherds heard of Christ’s coming in the flesh, and having run to the Shepherd, they beheld Him as a blameless Lamb that had been pastured in Mary’s womb, and singing to Her, they cried:
Rejoice, Mother of the Lamb and the Shepherd:
Rejoice, fold of rational sheep!
Rejoice, torment of invisible enemies:
Rejoice, opening of the gates of Paradise!
Rejoice, for the things of heaven rejoice with the earth:
Rejoice, for the things of earth join chorus with the heavens!
Rejoice, never-silent mouth of the Apostles:
Rejoice, invincible courage of the passion-bearers!
Rejoice, firm support of faith:
Rejoice, radiant token of Grace!
Rejoice, Thou through whom hades was stripped bare:
Rejoice, Thou through whom we are clothed with glory!
Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded!
Kontakion 5: Having sighted the divinely-moving star, the Magi followed its radiance; and holding it as a lamp, by it they sought a powerful King; and having reached the Unreachable One, they rejoiced, shouting to Him: Alleluia!
Ekos 5: The sons of the Chaldees saw in the hands of the Virgin Him Who with His hand made man. And knowing Him to be the Master, even though He had taken the form of a servant, they hastened to serve Him with gifts, and to cry to Her Who is blessed:
Rejoice, Mother of the Unsetting Star:
Rejoice, dawn of the mystic day!
Rejoice, Thou Who didst extinguish the furnace of error:
Rejoice, Thou Who didst enlighten the initiates of the Trinity!
Rejoice, Thou Who didst banish from power the inhuman tyrant:
Rejoice, Thou Who didst show us Christ the Lord, the Lover of mankind!
Rejoice, Thou Who redeemest from pagan worship:
Rejoice, Thou Who dost drag us from the works of mire!
Rejoice, Thou Who didst quench the worship of fire:
Rejoice, Thou Who rescues from the flame of the passions!
Rejoice, guide of the faithful to chastity:
Rejoice, gladness of all generations!
Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded!
Kontakion 6: Having become God-bearing heralds, the Magi returned to Babylon, having fulfilled Thy prophecy; and having preached Thee to all as the Christ, they left Herod as a babbler who knew not how to sing: Alleluia!
Ekos 6: By shining in Egypt the light of truth, Thou didst dispel the darkness of falsehood; for its idols fell, O Saviour, unable to endure Thy strength; and those who were delivered from them cried to the Theotokos:
Rejoice, uplifting of men:
Rejoice, downfall of demons!
Rejoice, Thou who didst trample down the dominion of delusion:
Rejoice, Thou who didst unmask the fraud of idols!
Rejoice, sea that didst drown the Pharaoh of the mind:
Rejoice, rock that doth refresh those thirsting for life!
Rejoice, pillar of fire that guideth those in darkness:
Rejoice, shelter of the world broader than a cloud!
Rejoice, sustenance replacing manna:
Rejoice, minister of holy delight!
Rejoice, land of promise:
Rejoice, Thou from whom floweth milk and honey!
Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded!
Kontakion 7: When Symeon was about to depart this age of delusion, Thou wast brought as a Babe to him, but Thou was recognized by him as perfect God also; wherefore, marveling at Thine ineffable wisdom, he cried: Alleluia!
Ekos 7: The Creator showed us a new creation when He appeared to us who came from Him. For He sprang from a seedless womb, and kept it incorrupt as it was, that seeing the miracle we might sing to Her, crying out:
Rejoice, flower of incorruptibility:
Rejoice, crown of continence!
Rejoice, Thou from whom shineth the Archetype of the Resurrection:
Rejoice, Thou Who revealest the life of the angels!
Rejoice, tree of shining fruit, whereby the faithful are nourished:
Rejoice, tree of goodly shade by which many are sheltered!
Rejoice, Thou that has carried in Thy womb the Redeemer of captives:
Rejoice, Thou that gavest birth to the Guide of those astray!
Rejoice, supplication before the Righteous Judge:
Rejoice, forgiveness of many sins!
Rejoice, robe of boldness for the naked:
Rejoice, love that doth vanquish all desire!
Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded!
Kontakion 8: Having beheld a strange nativity, let us estrange ourselves from the world and transport our minds to heaven; for the Most High God appeared on earth as a lowly man, because He wished to draw to the heights them that cry to Him: Alleluia!
Ekos 8: Wholly present was the Inexpressible Word among those here below, yet in no way absent from those on high; for this was a divine condescension and not a change of place, and His birth was from a God-receiving Virgin Who heard these things:
Rejoice, container of the Uncontainable God:
Rejoice, door of solemn mystery!
Rejoice, report doubtful to unbelievers:
Rejoice, undoubted boast of the faithful!
Rejoice, all-holy chariot of Him Who sitteth upon the Cherubim:
Rejoice, all-glorious temple of Him Who is above the Seraphim!
Rejoice, Thou Who hast united opposites:
Rejoice, Thou Who hast joined virginity and motherhood!
Rejoice, Thou through whom transgression hath been absolved:
Rejoice, Thou through whom Paradise is opened!
Rejoice, key to the kingdom of Christ:
Rejoice, hope of eternal good things!
Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded!
Kontakion 9: All the angels were amazed at the great act of Thine incarnation; for they saw the Unapproachable God as a man approachable to all, abiding with us, and hearing from all: Alleluia!
Ekos 9: We see most eloquent orators mute as fish before Thee, O Theotokos; for they are at a loss to tell how Thou remainest a Virgin and could bear a child. But we, marveling at this mystery, cry out faithfully:
Rejoice, receptacle of the Wisdom of God:
Rejoice, treasury of His Providence!
Rejoice, Thou Who showest philosophers to be fools:
Rejoice, Thou Who exposest the learned as irrational!
Rejoice, for the clever critics have become foolish:
Rejoice, for the writers of myths have faded away!
Rejoice, Thou Who didst rend the webs of the Athenians:
Rejoice, Thou Who didst fill the nets of the fishermen!
Rejoice, Thou Who drawest us from the depths of ignorance:
Rejoice, Thou Who enlightenest many with knowledge!
Rejoice, ship for those who wish to be saved:
Rejoice, harbor for sailors on the sea of life!
Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded!
Kontakion 10: Desiring to save the world, He that is the Creator of all came to it according to His Own promise, and He that, as God, is the Shepherd, for our sake appeared unto us as a man; for like calling unto like, as God He heareth: Alleluia!
Ekos 10: A bulwark art Thou to virgins, and to all that flee unto Thee, O Virgin Theotokos; for the Maker of heaven and earth prepared Thee, O Most-pure one, dwelt in Thy womb, and taught all to call to Thee:
Rejoice, pillar of virginity:
Rejoice, gate of salvation!
Rejoice, leader of mental formation:
Rejoice, bestower of divine good!
Rejoice, for Thou didst renew those conceived in shame:
Rejoice, for Thou gavest wisdom to those robbed of their minds!
Rejoice, Thou Who didst foil the corrupter of minds:
Rejoice, Thou Who gavest birth to the Sower of purity!
Rejoice, bridechamber of a seedless marriage:
Rejoice, Thou Who dost wed the faithful to the Lord!
Rejoice, good nourisher of virgins:
Rejoice, adorner of holy souls as for marriage!
Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded!
Kontakion 11: Every hymn is defeated that trieth to encompass the multitude of Thy many compassions; for if we offer to Thee, O Holy King, songs equal in number to the sand, nothing have we done worthy of that which Thou hast given us who shout to Thee: Alleluia!
Ekos 11: We behold the holy Virgin, a shining lamp appearing to those in darkness; for, kindling the Immaterial Light, She guideth all to divine knowledge, She illumineth minds with radiance, and is honoured by our shouting these things:
Rejoice, ray of the noetic Sun:
Rejoice, radiance of the Unsetting Light!
Rejoice, lightning that enlightenest our souls:
Rejoice, thunder that terrifiest our enemies!
Rejoice, for Thou didst cause the refulgent Light to dawn:
Rejoice, for Thou didst cause the river of many streams to gush forth!
Rejoice, Thou Who paintest the image of the font:
Rejoice, Thou Who blottest out the stain of sin!
Rejoice, laver that washest the conscience clean:
Rejoice, cup that drawest up joy!
Rejoice, aroma of the sweet fragrance of Christ:
Rejoice, life of mystical gladness!
Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded!
Kontakion 12: When the Absolver of all mankind desired to blot out ancient debts, of His Own will He came to dwell among those who had fallen from His Grace; and having torn up the handwriting of their sins, He heareth this from all: Alleluia!
Ekos 12: While singing to Thine Offspring, we all praise Thee as a living temple, O Theotokos; for the Lord Who holdeth all things in His hand dwelt in Thy womb, and He sanctified and glorified Thee, and taught all to cry to Thee:
Rejoice, tabernacle of God the Word:
Rejoice, saint greater than the saints!
Rejoice, ark gilded by the Spirit:
Rejoice, inexhaustible treasury of life!
Rejoice, precious diadem of pious kings:
Rejoice, venerable boast of reverent priests!
Rejoice, unshakable fortress of the Church:
Rejoice, inviolable wall of the kingdom!
Rejoice, Thou through whom victories are obtained:
Rejoice, Thou through whom foes fall prostrate!
Rejoice, healing of my flesh:
Rejoice, salvation of my soul!
Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded!
Kontakion 13: O all-praised Mother Who didst bear the Word, holiest of all the saints, accept now our offering, and deliver us from all misfortune, and rescue from the torment to come those that cry to Thee: Alleluia!
This Kontakion is sung thrice. And again:
Ekos 1: An archangel was sent from heaven to say to the Theotokos: Rejoice! And beholding Thee, O Lord, taking bodily form, he was amazed and with his bodiless voice he stood crying to her such things as these:
Rejoice, Thou through whom joy will shine forth:
Rejoice, Thou through whom the curse will cease!
Rejoice, recall of fallen Adam:
Rejoice, redemption of the tears of Eve!
Rejoice, height inaccessible to human thoughts:
Rejoice, depth undiscernible even for the eyes of angels!
Rejoice, for Thou art the throne of the King:
Rejoice, for Thou bearest Him Who beareth all!
Rejoice, star that causest the Sun to appear:
Rejoice, womb of the Divine Incarnation!
Rejoice, Thou through whom creation is renewed:
Rejoice, Thou through whom we worship the Creator!
Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded!
Kontakion 1, Eighth Tone: To Thee, the Champion Leader, we Thy servants dedicate a feast of victory and of thanksgiving as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos: but as Thou art one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be do Thou deliver us, that we may cry to Thee: Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!
Prayer to the Most Holy Lady Theotokos
O most holy Sovereign Lady Theotokos! Higher art thou than all the angels and archangels, and more honourable than all creation, a helper of the wronged art thou, the hope of the hopeless, an intercessor for the poor, the consolation of the sorrowful, a nourisher of the hungry, a robe for the naked, healing for the sick, the salvation of sinners, the help and protection of all Christians. O all-merciful Sovereign Lady Virgin Theotokos! Through thy mercy save and have mercy on the most holy Orthodox patriarchs, the most holy metropolitans, archbishops and bishops, and all the priestly and monastic orders, the military leaders, civic leaders, and Christ-loving armed forces, and well-wishers, and all Orthodox Christians do thou defend by thy precious omophorion, and entreat, O Lady, Christ our God Who was incarnate of thee without seed, that He gird us with His power from on high against our enemies, visible and invisible, O all-merciful Sovereign Lady Theotokos! Raise us up out of the depths of sin, and deliver us from famine, destruction, from earthquake and flood, from fire and the sword, from invasion of aliens and civil war, and from sudden death, and from noxious winds, and from death-bearing plagues, and from all evil. Grant, O Lady, peace and health to thy servants, all Orthodox Christians, and enlighten their minds, and the eyes of their hearts unto salvation; and vouchsafe unto us, thy sinful servants, the kingdom of thy Son, Christ our God; for blessed and most-glorified is His dominion, together with His unoriginate Father, and His Most-Holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Return to Ode VII of the Canons for Holy Communion
Following the Akathist
Read the closing prayers when reading the Akathist alone.
Hymn to the Theotokos, Eighth Tone
It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos, ever-blessed and most blameless, and Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thee who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Prayer Following the Akathist
The proper prayer following the akathist.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins; O Master, pardon our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
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© 2010 Protection of the Mother of God Church
A Parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
The Canons for Holy Communion, continued
Ode VII
Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped in the plain of Dura, Thy three children despised the godless order. Thrown into the fire, they were bedewed and sang: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: O Christ Jesus, no one on earth hath ever sinned, O my Jesus, as I, the wretched one and prodigal, have sinned. Wherefore, I cry to Thee, my Jesus, have compassion on me as I sing: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O Christ Jesus, I cry: Nail me down with the fear of Thee, O my Jesus, and pilot me to Thy calm haven now, O my compassionate Jesus, that as one saved I may sing to Thee: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O Christ Jesus, ten thousand times have I, the passionate one, promised Thee repentance, O my Jesus, but wretch that I am, I deceived Thee. Wherefore, I cry to Thee, my Jesus: Enlighten my soul which remaineth unfeeling: O Christ, the God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O thou who gavest birth to Jesus awesomely and above nature, O all-blameless one, implore Him, O Maiden, to forgive me all the sins that I have committed against my nature, that as one saved I may cry: Blessed art thou who didst give birth to God in the flesh.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Having willed to accomplish our salvation, O Saviour, Thou didst dwell in the womb of the Virgin, and didst show her to the world as the mediatress; O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
The Dispenser of mercy, Whom thou didst bear, O pure Mother, do thou implore to deliver from transgressions and defilements of the soul, those who with faith cry out: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
A treasury of salvation, and a fountain of incorruption is she who gave Thee birth; a tower of safety, and door of repentance hast Thou proved her to them that shout: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
For weakness of body and sickness of soul, O Theotokos, do thou vouchsafe healing to those who with love draw near to thy protection, O Virgin, who for us gavest birth to Christ the Saviour.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Be merciful to me and entreat God, O Angel of the Lord; for I have thee as my defender for the whole of my life, a guide and guardian given me by God forever.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Leave not my wretched soul, which was given thee blameless by God, to be slain by robbers along the way, O holy Angel, but guide it to the way of repentance.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
My whole soul is disgraced by the evil thoughts and deeds I have brought upon me, but make haste, O my guide, and grant me healing with good thoughts, that I may be inclined always to the right way.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O Wisdom of the Most High Personified, for the sake of the Theotokos, fill with wisdom and divine strength all that faithfully cry: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
Ode VIII
Irmos: O ye works, praise the Lord God, Who descended into the fiery furnace with the Hebrew children and changed the flame into dew, and supremely exalt Him unto all ages.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: I implore Thee, O my Jesus: As Thou didst redeem the harlot from many sins, O my Jesus, likewise redeem me, O Christ my Jesus, and cleanse my foul soul, O my Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O Jesus, having yielded to irrational pleasures, I have become irrational, O my Jesus; and wretch that I am, I have truly become like unto the beasts, O Saviour. Wherefore, O Jesus, deliver me from irrationality.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Having fallen, O Jesus, into the hands of soul-corrupting thieves, I have been stripped now of my divinely-woven garment, O my Jesus, and I am lying all bruised with wounds. O my Christ, do thou pour on me oil and wine.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O Theotokos Mary, who ineffably didst carry the Christ, my Jesus and God: Do thou ever implore Him to save from perils thy servants and them that praise thee, O Virgin who knewest not wedlock.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Disdain not those who need thy help, O Virgin, and who hymn thee and supremely exalt thee unto the ages.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou healest the infirmities of my soul and the pains of my body, O Virgin, that I may glorify thee, O pure one, unto the ages.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou pourest forth a wealth of healing, on those who with faith hymn thee, O Virgin, and supremely exalt thine ineffable Offspring.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou drivest away the assaults of temptations, and the attacks of the passions, O Virgin; wherefore we hymn thee unto the ages.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
O good Angel, sent by God, support me, thy servant, in my life and forsake me not unto the ages.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
O most blessed one, I hymn thee, O good Angel, guide and guardian of my soul unto the ages.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Be unto me a protection and fortification in the judgment day of all men, in which all deeds, both good and evil, shall be tried by fire.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Be unto me, thy servant, a helper and a calmness, O Ever-Virgin Theotokos, and leave me not bereft of thy protection.
Ode IX
Irmos: God the Word, Who came forth from God, and Who by ineffable wisdom came to renew Adam after his grievous fall to corruption through eating, and Who ineffably took flesh from the holy Virgin for our sake, Him do we the faithful with one accord magnify with hymns.
Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ
Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: I have surpassed, O my Jesus, Manasseh and the publican, the harlot and the prodigal, O compassionate Jesus, and the robber, O my Jesus, through all my shameful and unseemly deeds, O Jesus; but do Thou forestall me, O my Jesus, and save me.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
By my passions, O my Jesus, have I, the wretched one, surpassed all those from Adam who have sinned both before the Law and in the Law, O Jesus, and after the Law and Grace, O my Jesus; but by Thy judgments save me, O my Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
May I not be parted from Thine ineffable glory, my Jesus, nor may the portion on the left fall to me, O sweetest Jesus; but set me on the right hand with Thy sheep and give me rest, O Christ my Jesus, since Thou art compassionate.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Theotokion: O Theotokos, who didst carry Jesus, O only unwedded Virgin Mary who knewest not wedlock, O pure one invoke Him, thy Son and Creator, to deliver them that hasten to thee from temptation and perils, and the fire that is to come.
Canon to the Theotokos
Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Turn not away from the torrent of my tears, O Virgin, who didst give birth to Christ, Who doth take away all tears from every face.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Fill my heart with joy, O Virgin, who didst receive the fullness of joy and didst banish the grief of sin.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Be the haven and protection, and a wall unshaken, a refuge and shelter and the gladness, O Virgin, of those who flee to thee.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Illumine with the rays of thy light, O Virgin, those who piously confess thee to be the Theotokos, and do thou banish away all darkness of ignorance.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
In the place of affliction, O Virgin, do thou heal me, transforming mine illness into healthfulness.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
To Jesus: O Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.
Have mercy on me, O my only Saviour, for Thou art merciful and kind–hearted, and make me a member of the choirs of the righteous.
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Grant me ever to think and do only what is useful, O Angel of the Lord, that I may be blameless and strong in infirmity.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As one having boldness toward the Heavenly King, do thou, with the rest of the bodiless ones, entreat Him to have mercy on me the wretched one.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Having great boldness towards Him Who took flesh of thee, deliver me from fetters and grant me absolution and salvation through thine intercessions.
Following the Canon
Hymn to the Theotokos, Eighth Tone
It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos, ever-blessed and most blameless, and Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thee who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Prayer to Our Lord Jesus Christ
O Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, my God, who for the sake of Thine ineffable love for mankind, at the end of the ages wast wrapped in flesh from the Ever–Virgin Mary, I glorify Thy saving providence and care for me, Thy servant, O Master. I praise Thee, for through Thee I have learned to know the Father; I bless Thee through Whom the Holy Spirit came into the world. I bow to Thy most pure Mother who served for the dread mystery of Thine Incarnation. I praise the angelic choir as the servants and singers of Thy majesty. I bless Saint John the Forerunner who baptized Thee, O Lord. I honour also the prophets who announced Thee, I glorify Thy holy Apostles, I celebrate the martyrs, I glorify Thy priests, I venerate Thy saints and praise all Thy righteous ones. This such countless and unutterable divine choir I, thy servant, in prayer offer to Thee, O all–compassionate God, and therefore I ask the forgiveness of my sins, which do Thou grant me for the sake of all Thy saints, but especially for the sake of Thy holy compassion, for blessed art Thou unto the ages. Amen.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos
O my most blessed Queen, O Theotokos my hope, guardian of orphans, intercessor for strangers, joy of the sorrowful, protectress of the wronged: Thou seest my misfortune, thou seest mine affliction; help me, for I am weak; feed me, for I am a stranger. Thou knowest mine offence: Absolve it as thou wilt, for I have no other help beside thee, no other intercessor, nor good consoler, except thee, O Mother of God. Do thou preserve and protect me unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer to the Holy Guardian Angel
O holy Angel, my good guardian and protector! With broken heart and ailing soul I stand before thee, entreating: Hearken unto me, thy sinful servant Name; with loud wailing and bitter weeping I cry: Remember not mine iniquity and unrighteousness, through which I, a wretched one, have angered thee every day and hour, and have made myself loathsome before our Lord the Creator; show me loving–kindness and leave not me, the defiled, even until mine end. Awaken me from sleep of sin, and enable me, through thine intercessions, to pass the remaining time of my life without stain, and bring forth fruits worthy of repentance; and above all preserve me from deadly falls into sin, lest I perish in despair, and mine enemy rejoice in my ruin. I know truly and confess with my mouth that there is no other friend and intercessor, protector and champion, such as thou, O holy Angel; for standing before the throne of the Lord, thou intercedest for me the useless and most sinful of all, lest the Most Good One take my soul in the day of my despair and in a day of evil doing. Cease not, therefore, to entreat mercy of my most kindhearted Lord and God, that He forgive mine offences, which I have committed throughout all my life, in deed, word, and all my senses, and by judgments which He knoweth, that He save me; that He may chasten me here according to His ineffable mercy, but that He may not expose and put me to trial there in accordance with His simple justice; that He may deem me worthy to bring repentance, and with penitence to worthily receive Divine Communion; for this above all I make entreaty, and I desire such a gift with all my heart. And in the terrible hour of death, be not far from me, my good guardian, driving away the demons of darkness, who have the power to terrify my trembling soul; defend me from their net, when I shall pass through the aerial toll–houses, in order that being guarded by thee, I may attain the desired paradise, where the choirs of the saints and the celestial hosts unceasingly praise the all–honourable and majestic name in Trinity of God glorified: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, to Whom is due honour and worship, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins; O Master, pardon our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Proceed to The Order of Preparation for Holy Communion
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© 2010 Protection of the Mother of God Church
A Parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
Following the Canon
Hymn to the Theotokos, Eighth Tone
It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos, ever-blessed and most blameless, and Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thee who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Prayer to Our Lord Jesus Christ
O Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, my God, who for the sake of Thine ineffable love for mankind, at the end of the ages wast wrapped in flesh from the Ever–Virgin Mary, I glorify Thy saving providence and care for me, Thy servant, O Master. I praise Thee, for through Thee I have learned to know the Father; I bless Thee through Whom the Holy Spirit came into the world. I bow to Thy most pure Mother who served for the dread mystery of Thine Incarnation. I praise the angelic choir as the servants and singers of Thy majesty. I bless Saint John the Forerunner who baptized Thee, O Lord. I honour also the prophets who announced Thee, I glorify Thy holy Apostles, I celebrate the martyrs, I glorify Thy priests, I venerate Thy saints and praise all Thy righteous ones. This such countless and unutterable divine choir I, thy servant, in prayer offer to Thee, O all–compassionate God, and therefore I ask the forgiveness of my sins, which do Thou grant me for the sake of all Thy saints, but especially for the sake of Thy holy compassion, for blessed art Thou unto the ages. Amen.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos
O my most blessed Queen, O Theotokos my hope, guardian of orphans, intercessor for strangers, joy of the sorrowful, protectress of the wronged: Thou seest my misfortune, thou seest mine affliction; help me, for I am weak; feed me, for I am a stranger. Thou knowest mine offence: Absolve it as thou wilt, for I have no other help beside thee, no other intercessor, nor good consoler, except thee, O Mother of God. Do thou preserve and protect me unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer to the Holy Guardian Angel
O holy Angel, my good guardian and protector! With broken heart and ailing soul I stand before thee, entreating: Hearken unto me, thy sinful servant Name; with loud wailing and bitter weeping I cry: Remember not mine iniquity and unrighteousness, through which I, a wretched one, have angered thee every day and hour, and have made myself loathsome before our Lord the Creator; show me loving–kindness and leave not me, the defiled, even until mine end. Awaken me from sleep of sin, and enable me, through thine intercessions, to pass the remaining time of my life without stain, and bring forth fruits worthy of repentance; and above all preserve me from deadly falls into sin, lest I perish in despair, and mine enemy rejoice in my ruin. I know truly and confess with my mouth that there is no other friend and intercessor, protector and champion, such as thou, O holy Angel; for standing before the throne of the Lord, thou intercedest for me the useless and most sinful of all, lest the Most Good One take my soul in the day of my despair and in a day of evil doing. Cease not, therefore, to entreat mercy of my most kindhearted Lord and God, that He forgive mine offences, which I have committed throughout all my life, in deed, word, and all my senses, and by judgments which He knoweth, that He save me; that He may chasten me here according to His ineffable mercy, but that He may not expose and put me to trial there in accordance with His simple justice; that He may deem me worthy to bring repentance, and with penitence to worthily receive Divine Communion; for this above all I make entreaty, and I desire such a gift with all my heart. And in the terrible hour of death, be not far from me, my good guardian, driving away the demons of darkness, who have the power to terrify my trembling soul; defend me from their net, when I shall pass through the aerial toll–houses, in order that being guarded by thee, I may attain the desired paradise, where the choirs of the saints and the celestial hosts unceasingly praise the all–honourable and majestic name in Trinity of God glorified: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, to Whom is due honour and worship, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins; O Master, pardon our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Proceed to The Order of Preparation for Holy Communion
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© 2010 Protection of the Mother of God Church
A Parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
The Canon of Repentance to Our Lord Jesus Christ
Prior to Reading the Canon
The Seven Bow Beginning
O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. Bow
O God, cleanse me, a sinner, and have mercy on me. Bow
Thou hast created me, O Lord, have mercy on me. Bow
Countless times have I sinned, O Lord, forgive me. Bow
My most holy Lady Theotokos, save me, a sinner, Bow
O Angel, my holy Guardian, protect me from all evil. Bow
Holy Apostle (or Martyr, or Holy Father) Name pray to God for me. Bow
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
O Heavenly King
O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of Life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins; O Master, pardon our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Lord, have mercy. Twelve times
O Come, let us worship God, our King.
O Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God.
O Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ himself, our King and God.
Psalm 50
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned and done this evil before Thee, that Thou mightest be justified in Thy words, and prevail when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou made manifest unto me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that be humbled, they shall rejoice. Turn Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation and with Thy governing Spirit establish me. I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee. Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Thy praise. For if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I had given it; with whole-burnt offerings Thou shalt not be pleased. A sacrifice unto God is a broken spirit; a heart that is broken and humbled God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole-burnt offerings. Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.
The Symbol of the Orthodox Faith
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made; Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from the heavens, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man; And was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried; And arose again on the third day according to the Scriptures; And ascended into the heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; And shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life; Who proceedeth from the Father; Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; Who spake by the prophets. In One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the resurrection of the dead, And the life of the age to come. Amen.
Canon of Repentance to Our Lord Jesus Christ, Sixth Tone
Ode I
Irmos: When Israel walked on foot in the sea as on dry land, on seeing their pursuer Pharaoh drowned, they cried: Let us sing to God a song of victory.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia: Now I, a burdened sinner, have approached Thee, my Lord and God. But I dare not raise my eyes to Heaven. I only pray, saying: Give me, O Lord, understanding, that I may weep bitterly over my deeds.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O woe is me, a sinner! Wretched am I above all men. There is no repentance in me. Give me, O Lord, tears, that I may weep bitterly over my deeds.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Foolish, wretched man, thou art wasting thy time in idleness! Think of thy life and turn to the Lord God, and weep bitterly over thy deeds.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O most pure Mother of God, look upon me, a sinner, and deliver me from the snares of the devil, and guide me to the way of repentance, that I may weep bitterly over my deeds.
Ode III
Irmos: There is none holy as Thou, O Lord my God, Who hast exalted the horn of Thy faithful, O Good One, and hast strengthened us on the rock of Thy confession.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia: When the thrones are set at the dread judgment, then the deeds of all men shall be laid bare. There will be woe for sinners being sent to torment! And knowing that, my soul, repent of thine evil deeds.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The righteous will rejoice, but the sinners will weep. Then no one will be able to help us, but our deeds will condemn us. Wherefore, before the end, repent of thine evil deeds.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Woe is me, a great sinner, who have defiled myself by my deeds and thoughts. Not a teardrop do I have, because of my hard-heartedness. But now rise from the earth, my soul, and repent of thine evil deeds.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Behold, thy Son calleth, O Lady, and directeth us what is good. Yet I, a sinner, I always flee from the good. But do thou, O merciful one, have mercy on me, that I may repent of my evil deeds.
Sessional Hymn, Sixth Tone: I think of the terrible day and weep over my evil deeds. How shall I answer the Immortal King? With what boldness shall I, a prodigal, look at the Judge? O compassionate Father, O Only-Begotten Son, and Holy Spirit, have mercy on me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Bound now with many fetters of sins, and inhibited by cruel passions, I flee unto thee, my salvation, and cry aloud: Help me, O Virgin, Mother of God.
Ode IV
Irmos: Christ is my power, my God and my Lord, doth the holy august Church divinely sing in godly fashion and she doth cry out with a pure mind, keeping festival in the Lord.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia: Broad is the way here and convenient for indulging in pleasures, but how bitter it will be on the last day when the soul is separated from the body! Beware of these things, O man, for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Why dost thou wrong the poor man? Why dost thou withhold the wage of the hired servant? Why dost thou not love thy brother? Why dost thou pursue lust and pride? Therefore, abandon these things, my soul, and repent for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O mindless man! How long wilt thou busy thyself like a bee, collecting thy wealth? For it will soon perish like dust and ashes. But seek rather the Kingdom of God.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O Lady Theotokos, have mercy on me, a sinner and strengthen and keep me in virtue, lest sudden death snatch me away unprepared. And bring me, O Virgin, to the Kingdom of God.
Ode V
Irmos: With Thy divine light, O Good One, illumine the souls of them that rise early to pray to Thee with love, I pray, that they may know Thee, O Word of God, as the true God, Who recalleth us from the darkness of sin.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia: Remember, wretched man, how thou art enslaved to lies, calumnies, theft, infirmities, wild beasts, on account of sins. O my sinful soul, is that what thou hast desired?
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
My members tremble, for with all of them I have done wrong: with my eyes in looking, with my ears in hearing, with my tongue in speaking evil, and by surrendering the whole of myself to Gehenna. O my sinful soul, is that what thou hast desired?
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou didst receive the prodigal and the thief who repented, O Saviour, and I alone have succumbed to sinful sloth and have become enslaved to evil deeds. O my sinful soul, is this what thou hast desired?
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Wonderful and speedy helper of all men, help me. Mother of God, unworthy as I am, for my sinful soul hath desired that.
Ode VI
Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations, I run to Thy calm haven, and cry unto Thee: Raise up my life from corruption, O Greatly-merciful One.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia: I have lived my life wantonly on earth and have delivered my soul to darkness. But now I implore Thee, O merciful Lord, free me from this work of the enemy and give me the knowledge to do Thy will.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy m me.
Who doeth such things as I do? For just like a swine lying in the mud, so do I serve sin. But do Thou, O Lord, pull me out of this vileness and give me the heart to do Thy commandments.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Rise, wretched man, to God and, remembering thy sins, fall down before your Creator, weeping and groaning, for He is merciful and will grant you to know His will.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O Virgin Mother of God, protect me from evil visible and invisible, O immaculate one, and accept my prayers and convey them to thy Son, that He may grant me the mind to do His will.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion: O my soul, why dost thou become rich in sins? Why dost thou do the will of the devil? On what dost thou set thy hope? Cease from these things and turn to God with weeping, and cry out: O Kind-hearted Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Ekos: Think, my soul, of the bitter hour of death and the judgment day of thy God and Creator. For terrible angels will seize thee, my soul, and will lead thee into the eternal fire. And so, before thy death, repent and cry: O Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Ode VII
Irmos: An Angel made the furnace sprinkle dew on the righteous youths. But the command of God consumed the Chaldeans and prevailed upon the tyrant to cry: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia: Put not thy hope, my soul, in corruptible wealth, and for what is unjustly collected. For thou dost not know to whom thou wilt leave it all. But cry aloud: O Christ our God, have mercy on me, who am unworthy.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Trust not, my soul, in health of body and quickly-passing beauty. For thou seest that the strong and the young die. But say: O Christ our God, have mercy on me, who am unworthy.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Remember, my soul, eternal life and the Heavenly Kingdom prepared for the saints, and the outer darkness and the wrath of God for the evil, and cry: O Christ our God, have mercy on me, who am unworthy.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Fall down, my soul, before the Mother of God, and pray to her; for she is the quick helper of those that repent. She entreateth the Son, Christ God, and hath mercy on me the unworthy.
Ode VIII
Irmos: From the flame Thou didst sprinkle dew upon the Saints, and didst burn the sacrifice of a righteous man which was sprinkled with water. For Thou alone, O Christ, dost do all as Thou willest. Thee we exalt unto all ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia: How shall I not weep when I think of death? For I have seen my brother in his coffin, without glory or comeliness. What, then, am I to expect? And what do I hope for? Only grant me, O Lord, repentance before the end.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
How shall I not weep when I think of death? For I have seen my brother in his coffin, without glory or comeliness. What, then, am I to expect? And what do I hope for? Only grant me, O Lord, repentance before the end.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
I believe that Thou wilt come to judge the living and the dead, and that all will stand in order, old and young, lords and princes, priests and virgins. Where shall I find myself? Therefore I cry: grant me, O Lord, repentance before the end.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O most pure Theotokos, accept mine unworthy prayer and preserve me from sudden death; and grant me repentance before the end.
Ode IX
Irmos: It is not possible for men to see God, on Whom the ranks of Angels dare not gaze; but through thee, O all-pure one, appeared the Word Incarnate to men, Whom magnifying with the heavenly hosts we call thee blessed.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia: Now I flee unto to you, ye Angels, Archangels, and all the heavenly hosts who stand at the throne of God: pray to your Creator that He may deliver my soul from eternal torment.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Now I turn to you with tears, holy patriarchs, kings and prophets, apostles and holy hierarchs, and all the elect of Christ: Help me at the judgment, that He may save my soul from the power of the enemy.
Glory to the Father, awl to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Now I lift my hands to you, holy martyrs, hermits, virgins, righteous ones and all the saints, who pray to the Lord for the whole world, that He may have mercy on me at the hour of my death.
Both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O Mother of God, help me who have strong hope in thee; implore thy Son that He may place me on His right hand, unworthy as I am, when He sitteth to judge the living and the dead. Amen.
Following the Canon
Hymn to the Theotokos, Eighth Tone
It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos, ever-blessed and most blameless, and Mother of our God. More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thee who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Prayer after the Canon
O Master Christ God, Who hast healed my passions through Thy Passion, and hast cured my wounds through Thy wounds, grant me, who have sinned greatly against Thee, tears of compunction. Transform my body with the fragrance of Thy life-giving Body, and sweeten my soul with Thy precious Blood from the bitterness with which the foe has fed me. Lift up my down-cast mind to Thee, and take it out of the pit of perdition, for I have no repentance, I have no compunction, I have no consoling tears, which uplift children to their heritage. My mind has been darkened through earthly passions, I cannot look up to Thee in pain. I cannot warm myself with tears of love for Thee. But, O Sovereign Lord Jesus Christ, Treasury of good things, give me thorough repentance and a diligent heart to seek Thee; grant me Thy grace, and renew in me the likeness of Thine image. I have forsaken Thee – do then not forsake me! Come out to seek me; lead me up to Thy pasturage and number me among the lambs of Thy chosen flock. Nourish me with them on the grass of Thy Holy Mysteries, through the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother and all Thy saints. Amen.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins; O Master, pardon our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
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© 2010 Protection of the Mother of God Church
A Parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
Prayers After Holy Communion
Glory to Thee, O God, Glory to Thee, O God, Glory to Thee, O God.
Prayer of Thanksgiving, 1
I thank Thee, O Lord my God, that Thou hast not rejected me, a sinner, but hast vouchsafed me to be a communicant of Thy Holy Things. I thank Thee that Thou hast vouchsafed me, the unworthy, to partake of Thy most pure and heavenly Gifts. But, O Master, Lover of mankind, Who for our sake didst die and didst rise again, and didst bestow upon us these dread and life-giving Mysteries for the well-being and sanctification of our souls and bodies, grant that these may be even unto me for the healing of both soul and body, for the averting of everything hostile, for the enlightenment of the eyes of my heart, for the peace of the powers of my soul, for faith unashamed, for love unfeigned, for the fullness of wisdom, for the keeping of Thy commandments, for an increase of Thy divine grace, and for the attainment of Thy kingdom; that being preserved by them in Thy holiness, I may remember Thy grace always, and no longer live for myself, but for Thee, our Master and Benefactor; and thus when I shall have departed this life in hope of life eternal, I may attain unto everlasting rest, where the sound of them that keep festival is unceasing, and the delight is endless of them that behold the ineffable beauty of Thy countenance. For Thou art the true desire and the unutterable gladness of them that love Thee, O Christ our God, and all creation doth hymn Thee unto the ages. Amen.
Prayer 2, of Basil the Great
O Master Christ God, King of the ages and Creator of all things, I thank Thee for all the good things which Thou hast bestowed upon me, and for the communion of Thy most pure and life creating Mysteries. I pray Thee, therefore, O Good One and Lover of mankind: Keep me under Thy protection and in the shadow of Thy wings; and grant me, even until my last breath, to partake worthily, with a pure conscience, of Thy Holy Things, unto the remission of sins and life eternal. For Thou art the Bread of life, the Source of holiness, the Giver of good things; and unto Thee do we send up glory, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 3, Verses of Metaphrastes
O Thou Who givest me willingly Thy Flesh as food, Thou Who art fire that doth consume the unworthy, let me not be scorched, O my Creator. But rather, enter Thou into my members, into all my joints, my reins, my heart. Burn up the thorns of all my sins. Purify my soul, sanctify my thoughts. Strengthen my substance together with my bones. Enlighten my simple five senses. Nail down the whole of me with the fear of Thee. Ever protect, preserve, and keep me from every soul-corrupting deed and word. Purify, cleanse, and adorn me; make me comely, give me understanding, and enlighten me. Show me to be the dwelling-place of Thy Spirit alone, and no longer the habitation of sin; that from me as Thine abode through the entry of Communion, every evildoer, every passion may flee as from fire. As intercessors I offer unto Thee all the saints, the commanders of the bodiless hosts, Thy Forerunner, the wise Apostles, and further, Thine undefiled, pure Mother, whose entreaties do Thou accept, O my compassionate Christ, and make Thy servant a child of light. For Thou alone art our sanctification, O Good One, and the radiance of our souls, and unto Thee as God and Master, we all send up glory, as is meet, every day.
Another Prayer
O Lord Jesus Christ our God, may Thy holy Body be unto me for life eternal, and Thy precious Blood for the remission of sins; and may this Eucharist be unto me for joy, health, and gladness. And at Thy dread Second Coming vouchsafe me, a sinner, to stand at the right hand of Thy glory, through the intercessions of Thy most pure Mother and of all the saints.
Another Prayer, to the Most Holy Theotokos
O most holy Lady Theotokos, light of my darkened soul, my hope, protection, refuge, consolation, my joy: I thank thee that thou hast vouchsafed me, who am unworthy, to be a partaker of the most pure Body and precious Blood of thy Son. O thou who gavest birth to the True Light, do thou enlighten the spiritual eyes of my heart; thou who gavest birth to the Source of immortality, revive me who am dead in sin; thou who art the lovingly-compassionate Mother of the merciful God, have mercy on me, and grant me compunction and contrition in my heart, and humility in my thoughts, and the recall of my thoughts from captivity. And vouchsafe me, until my last breath, to receive without condemnation the sanctification of the most pure Mysteries, for the healing of both soul and body; and grant me tears of repentance and confession, that I may hymn and glorify thee all the days of my life, for blessed and most glorious art thou unto the ages. Amen.
Prayer of St. Symeon
Now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, O Master, according to Thy word; for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples, a light of revelation for the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins. O Master, pardon our iniquities. O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom:
Troparion, Tone 8: Grace shining forth from thy mouth like a beacon hath illumined the universe, and disclosed to the world treasures of uncovetousness, and shown us the heights of humility; but while instructing by thy words, O Father John Chrysostom, intercede with the Word, Christ our God, to save our souls.
Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion, Tone 6: From the heavens hast thou received divine grace and by thy lips thou dost teach all to worship the One God in Trinity, O John Chrysostom, all-blessed righteous one. Rightly do we acclaim thee, for thou art a teacher revealing things divine.
Liturgy of St. Basil the Great:
Troparion, Tone 1: Thy fame hath gone forth into all the earth, which hath received thy word. Thereby thou hast divinely taught the Faith; thou hast made manifest the nature of created things; thou hast made the moral life of men a royal priesthood. O Basil, our righteous father, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Kontakion, Tone 4: Thou didst prove to be an unshakable foundation of the Church, giving to all mortals an inviolate lordship, and sealing it with thy doctrines, O righteous Basil, revealer of heavenly things.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, O mediation unto the Creator unfailing, disdain not the suppliant voices of sinners; but be thou quick, O good one, to help us who in faith cry unto thee; hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honour thee.
Lord, have mercy. Twelve times
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
More honourable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
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© 2010 Protection of the Mother of God Church
A Parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
Prayers Before Sleep (in English):
Prayers Before Sleep
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The Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian
This prayer is read in all the Holy Great Lent, except on Saturdays and Sundays.
O Lord and Master of my life, a spirit of idleness, despondency, ambition, and idle talking give me not. Prostration.
But rather a spirit of chastity, humble-mindedness, patience, and love bestow upon me Thy servant. Prostration.
Yea, O Lord King, grant me to see my failings and not condemn my brother; for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen. Prostration.
O God, cleanse me a sinner. 12 times, with a reverence each time, and then the entire prayer:
O Lord and Master of my life, a spirit of idleness, despondency, ambition, and idle talking give me not. But rather a spirit of chastity, humble-mindedness, patience, and love bestow upon me Thy servant. Yea, O Lord King, grant me to see my failings and not condemn my brother; for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen. Prostration.
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In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother, of our holy and God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
O Heavenly King Tone 6
O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of Life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Trisagion
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. O Lord, blot out our sins; O Master, pardon our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Glory to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Troparia Tone 6
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us; for at a loss for any defense, this prayer do we sinners offer unto Thee as Master: have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Lord, have mercy on us; for we have hoped in Thee, be not angry with us greatly, neither remember our iniquities; but look upon us now as Thou art compassionate, and deliver us from our enemies, for Thou art our God, and we, Thy people; all are the works of Thy hands, and we call upon Thy name.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The door of compassion open unto us, O blessed Theotokos, for, hoping in thee, let us not perish; through thee may we be delivered from adversities, for thou art the salvation of the Christian race.
Lord, have mercy. Twelve times
Prayer 1, of Macarius the Great
O Eternal God and King of all creation, Who hast granted me to reach this hour, forgive the sins I have committed this day in deed, word, and thought; and cleanse, O Lord, my humble soul of all impurity of flesh and spirit, and grant me, O Lord, to pass the sleep of this night in peace; that, rising from my lowly bed, I may please Thy most holy name all the days of my life, and thwart the enemies, fleshly and bodiless, that war against me. And deliver me, O Lord, from vain thoughts and evil desires which defile me. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory: of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 2, of St. Antiochus
O Ruler of all, Word of the Father, O Jesus Christ, Thou Who are perfect: For the sake of the plenitude of Thy mercy, never depart from me, but always remain in me, Thy servant. O Jesus, Good Shepherd of Thy sheep, deliver me not over to the sedition of the serpent, and leave me not to the will of Satan, for the seed of corruption is in me. But do Thou, O Lord, Who is worshipped God, holy King, Jesus Christ, guard me as I sleep by the Unwaning Light, Thy Holy Spirit, by Whom Thou didst sanctify Thy disciples. O Lord, grant me, Thine unworthy servant, Thy salvation upon my bed. Enlighten my mind with the light of understanding of Thy Holy Gospel; my soul, with the love of Thy Cross; my heart, with the purity of Thy word; my body, with Thy passionless Passion. Keep my thought in Thy humility, and raise me up at the proper time for Thy glorification. For most glorified art Thou together with Thine unoriginate Father, and the Most Holy Spirit, unto the ages. Amen.
Prayer 3, to the Holy Spirit
O Lord, Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, show compassion and have mercy on me Thy sinful servant, and loose me from mine unworthiness, and forgive all wherein I have sinned against Thee today as a man, and not only as a man, but even worse than a beast, my sins voluntary and involuntary, known and unknown, whether from youth, and from evil suggestion, or whether from brazenness and despondency. If I have sworn by Thy name, or blasphemed it in my thought; or grieved anyone, or have become angry about anything; or have lied, or slept needlessly, or if a beggar hath come to me and I disdained him; or if I have grieved my brother, or have quarreled, or have condemned anyone; or if I have been boastful, or prideful, or angry; if, as I stood at prayer, my mind hath been distracted by the wiles of this world, or by thoughts of depravity; if I have over-eaten, or have drunk excessively, or laughed frivolously; if I have thought evil, or seen the beauty of another and been wounded thereby in my heart; if I have said improper things, or derided my brother's sin when mine own sins are countless; if I have been neglectful of prayer, or have done some other wrong that I do not remember, for all of this and more than this have I done: have mercy, O Master my Creator, on me Thy downcast and unworthy servant, and loose me, and remit, and forgive me, for Thou art good and the Lover of mankind, so that, lustful, sinful, and wretched as I am, I may lie down and sleep and rest in peace. And I shall worship, and hymn, and glorify Thy most honourable name, together with the Father and His Only-begotten Son, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 4, of St. Macarius the Great
What shall I offer Thee, or what shall I give Thee, O greatly-gifted, immortal King, O compassionate Lord Who lovest mankind? For though I have been slothful in pleasing Thee, and have done nothing good, Thou hast led me to the close of this day that is past, establishing the conversion and salvation of my soul. Be merciful to me a sinner, bereft of every good deed, raise up my fallen soul which hath become defiled by countless sins, and take away from me every evil thought of this visible life. Forgive my sins, O Only Sinless One, in which I have sinned against Thee this day, known or unknown, in word, and deed, and thought, and in all my senses. Do Thou Thyself protect and guard me from every opposing circumstance, by Thy Divine authority and power and inexpressible love for mankind. Blot out, O God, blot out the multitude of my sins. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me from the net of the evil one, and save my passionate soul, and overshadow me with the light of Thy countenance when Thou shalt come in glory; and cause me, uncondemned now, to sleep a dreamless sleep, and keep Thy servant untroubled by thoughts, and drive away from me all satanic deeds; and enlighten for me the eyes of my heart with understanding, lest I sleep unto death. And send me an angel of peace, a guardian and guide of my soul and body, that he may deliver me from mine enemies; that, rising from my bed, I may offer Thee prayers of thanksgiving. Yea, O Lord, hearken unto me, Thy sinful and wretched servant, in confession and conscience; grant me, when I arise, to be instructed by Thy sayings; and through Thine angels cause demonic despondency to be driven far from me: that I may bless Thy holy name, and glorify and extol the most pure Theotokos Mary, whom Thou hast given to us sinners as a protectress, and accept her who prayeth for us. For I know that she exemplifieth Thy love for mankind and prayeth for us without ceasing. Through her protection, and the sign of the precious Cross, and for the sake of all Thy saints, preserve my wre tched soul, O Jesus Christ our God: for holy art Thou, and most glorious forever. Amen.
Prayer 5
O Lord our God, as Thou art good and the Lover of mankind, forgive me wherein I have sinned today in word, deed and thought. Grant me peaceful and undisturbed sleep; send Thy guardian angel to protect and keep me from all evil. For Thou art the Guardian of our souls and bodies, and unto Thee do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer 6
O Lord our God, in Whom we believe and Whose name we invoke above every name, grant us, as we go to sleep, relaxation of soul and body, and keep us from all dreams and dark pleasures; stop the onslaught of the passions and quench the burnings that arise in the flesh. Grant us to live chastely in deed and word, that we may obtain a virtuous life, and not fall away from Thy promised blessings; for blessed art Thou forever. Amen.
Prayer 7, of St. John Chrysostom, according
to the number of hours of day and night
O Lord, deprive me not of Thy heavenly good things. O Lord, deliver me from eternal torments. O Lord, if I have sinned in mind or thought, in word or deed, forgive me. O Lord, deliver me from all ignorance, forgetfulness, faint-heartedness, and stony insensibility. O Lord, deliver me from every temptation. O Lord, enlighten my heart which evil desire hath darkened. O Lord, as a man I have sinned, but do Thou, as the compassionate God, have mercy on me, seeing the infirmity of my soul. O Lord, send Thy grace to my aid, that I may glorify Thy holy name. O Lord Jesus Christ, inscribe me Thy servant in the Book of Life, and grant me a good end. O Lord my God, even though I have done nothing good in Thy sight, yet grant me by Thy grace to make a good beginning. O Lord, sprinkle into my heart the dew of Thy grace. O Lord of heaven and earth, remember me Thy sinful servant, shameful and unclean, in Thy kingdom. Amen.
O Lord, accept me in repentance. O Lord, forsake me not. O Lord, lead me not into temptation. O Lord, grant me good thoughts. O Lord, grant me tears, remembrance of death, and compunction. O Lord, grant me the thought of confessing my sins. O Lord, grant me humility, chastity, and obedience. O Lord, grant me patience, courage, and meekness. O Lord, implant in me the root of good, Thy fear in my heart. O Lord, vouchsafe me to love Thee with all my soul and mind, and in all things to do Thy will. O Lord, protect me from evil men, demons, and passions, and from every other unseemly thing. O Lord, I know that Thou doest as Thou wilt: Thy will be done also in me a sinner; for blessed art Thou unto the ages. Amen.
Prayer 8, to our Lord Jesus Christ
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of Thy most honourable Mother, and Thy bodiless angels, Thy Prophet and Forerunner and Baptist, the God-inspired apostles, the radiant and victorious martyrs, the holy and God-bearing fathers, and through the intercessions of all the saints, deliver me from the besetting presence of the demons. Yea, my Lord and Creator, Who desirest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he be converted and live, grant conversion also to me, wretched and unworthy; rescue me from the mouth of the pernicious serpent, who is yawning to devour me and take me down to hades alive. Yea, my Lord, my Comfort, Who for my miserable sake wast clothed in corruptible flesh, draw me out of misery, and grant comfort to my miserable soul. Implant in my heart to fulfill Thy commandments, and to forsake evil deeds, and to obtain Thy blessings; for in Thee, O Lord, have I hoped, save me.
Prayer 9, to the Most Holy Theotokos
O good Mother of the Good King, most pure and blessed Theotokos Mary, do thou pour out the mercy of thy Son and our God upon my passionate soul, and by thine intercessions guide me unto good works, that I may pass the remaining time of my life without blemish, and attain paradise through thee, O Virgin Theotokos, who alone art pure and blessed.
Prayer 10, to the Holy Guardian Angel
O Angel of Christ, my holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me all wherein I have sinned this day, and deliver me from all opposing evil of mine enemy, lest I anger my God by any sin. Pray for me, a sinful and unworthy servant, that thou mayest show me forth worthy of the kindness and mercy of the All-holy Trinity, and of the Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ, and all the saints. Amen.
Kontakion to the Theotokos Tone 8
To thee, the Champion Leader, we thy servants dedicate a feast of victory and of thanksgiving as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos; but as thou art one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be do thou deliver us, that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, thou Bride Unwedded!
Most glorious, Ever-Virgin, Mother of Christ God, present our prayer to thy Son and our God, that through thee He may save our souls.
All my hope I place in thee, O Mother of God: keep me under thy protection.
O Virgin Theotokos, disdain not me a sinner, needing thy help and thy protection, and have mercy on me, for my soul hath hoped in thee.
My hope is the Father, my refuge is the Son, my protection is the Holy Spirit: O Holy Trinity, glory to Thee.
Hymn to the Most Holy Theotokos Tone 8
It is truly meet to bless thee, the Theotokos, ever-blessed and most blameless and Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, the very Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
O Lord, bless.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother, our holy and God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Upon Retiring
Prayer of Saint John Damascene, which is to be said while pointing at thy bed
O Master, Lover of mankind, is this bed to be my coffin, or wilt Thou enlighten my wretched soul with another day? Behold, the coffin lieth before me; behold, death confronteth me. I fear, O Lord, Thy judgment and the endless torments, yet I cease not to do evil. My Lord God, I continually anger Thee, and Thy most pure Mother, and all the Heavenly Hosts, and my Holy Guardian Angel. I know, O Lord, that I am unworthy of Thy love for mankind, but am worthy of every condemnation and torment. But, O Lord, whether I will it or not, save me. For to save a righteous man is no great thing, and to have mercy on the pure is nothing wonderful, for they are worthy of Thy mercy. But on me a sinner, show the wonder of Thy mercy; in this reveal Thy love for mankind, lest my wickedness prevail over Thine ineffable goodness and merciful kindness; and order my life as Thou wilt.
And when about to lie down in bed, say this:
Enlighten mine eyes, O Christ God, lest at any time I sleep unto death, lest at any time mine enemy say: I have prevailed against him.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Be my soul's helper, O God, for I pass through the midst of many snares; deliver me out of them and save me, O Good One, for Thou art the Lover of mankind.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The most glorious Mother of God, more holy than the holy angels, let us hymn unceasingly with our hearts and mouths, confessing her to be the Theotokos, for truly she gaveth birth to God incarnate for us, and prayeth unceasingly for our souls.
Then kiss thy Cross, and make the sign of the Cross from the head to the foot of the bed, and likewise from side to side, while saying:
The Prayer to the Precious Cross
Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered, and let them that hate Him flee from before His face. As smoke vanisheth, so let them vanish; as wax melteth before the fire, so let the demons perish from the presence of them that love God and who sign themselves with the sign of the Cross and say in gladness: Rejoice, most precious and life-giving Cross of the Lord, for Thou drivest away the demons by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ Who was crucified on thee, Who went down to hades and trampled on the power of the devil, and gave us thee, His precious Cross, for the driving away of every adversary. O most precious and life-giving Cross of the Lord, help me together with the holy Lady Virgin Theotokos, and with all the saints, unto the ages. Amen.
Or
Compass me about, O Lord, with the power of Thy precious and life-giving Cross and preserve me from every evil.
Then, in lieu of asking forgiveness of others
Remit, pardon, forgive, O God, our offenses, both voluntary and involuntary, in deed and word, in knowledge and ignorance, by day or by night, in mind and thought; forgive us all things, for Thou art good and the Lover of mankind.
Prayer
O Lord, Lover of mankind, forgive them that hate and wrong us. Do good to them that do good. Grant our brethren and kindred their saving petitions and life eternal; visit the infirm and grant them healing. Guide those at sea. Journey with them that travel. Help Orthodox Christians to struggle. To them that serve and are kind to us grant remission of sins. On them that have charged us, the unworthy, to pray for them, have mercy according to Thy great mercy.
Remember, O Lord, our fathers and brethren departed before us, and grant them rest where the light of Thy countenance shall visit them.
Remember, O Lord, our brethren in captivity, and deliver them from every misfortune.
Remember, O Lord, those that bear fruit and do good works in Thy holy churches, and grant them their saving petitions and life eternal.
Remember also, O Lord, us Thy lowly and sinful and unworthy servants, and enlighten our minds with the light of Thy knowledge, and guide us in the way of Thy commandments; through the intercessions of our most pure Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, and of all Thy saints, for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Daily Confession of Sins
I confess to Thee, my Lord God and Creator, in one Holy Trinity glorified and worshipped, to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all my sins which I have committed in all the days of my life, and at every hour, at the present time and in the past, day and night, by deed, word, thought, gluttony, drunkenness, secret eating, idle talking, despondency, indolence, contradiction, disobedience, slandering, condemning, negligence, self-love, acquisitiveness, extortion, lying, dishonesty, mercenariness, jealousy, envy, anger, remembrance of wrongs, hatred, bribery; and by all my senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch; and by the rest of my sins, of the soul together with the bodily, through which I have angered Thee, my God and Creator, and dealt unjustly with my neighbour. Sorrowing for these, I stand guilty before Thee, my God, but I have the will to repent. Only help me, O Lord my God, with tears I humbly entreat Thee. Forgive my past sins through Thy compassion, and absolve from all these which I have s aid in Thy presence, for Thou art good and the Lover of mankind.
At the time of sleep, say
Into Thy hands, O Lord Jesus Christ my God, I commit my spirit. Do Thou bless me, do Thou have mercy on me, and grant me life eternal. Amen.
Prayers Before Sleep (in Russian):
Молитвы на сон грядущим
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Во имя Отца, и Сына, и Святаго Духа. Аминь.
Господи Иисусе Христе, Сыне Божий, молитв ради Пречистыя Твоея Матере, преподобных и богоносных отец наших и всех святых, помилуй нас. Аминь.
Слава Тебе, Боже наш, слава Тебе.
Царю Небесный, Утешителю, Душе истины, Иже везде сый и вся исполняяй, Сокровище благих и жизни Подателю, прииди и вселися в ны, и очисти ны от всякия скверны, и спаси, Блаже, души наша.
Святый Боже, Святый Крепкий, Святый Безсмертный, помилуй нас. (Трижды)
Слава Отцу и Сыну и Святому Духу, и ныне и присно и во веки веков. Аминь.
Пресвятая Троице, помилуй нас; Господи, очисти грехи наша; Владыко, прости беззакония наша; Святый, посети и исцели немощи наша, имене Твоего ради.
Господи, помилуй. (Трижды)
Слава Отцу и Сыну и Святому Духу, и ныне и присно и во веки веков. Аминь.
Отче наш, Иже еси на небесех! Да святится имя Твое, да приидет Царствие Твое, да будет воля Твоя, яко на небеси и на земли. Хлеб наш насущный даждь нам днесь; и остави нам долги наша, якоже и мы оставляем должником нашим; и не введи нас во искушение, но избави нас от лукаваго.
Тропари
Помилуй нас, Господи, помилуй нас; всякаго бо ответа недоумеюще, сию Ти молитву яко Владыце грешнии приносим: помилуй нас.
Слава: Господи, помилуй нас, на Тя бо уповахом; не прогневайся на ны зело, ниже помяни беззаконий наших, но призри и ныне яко благоутробен, и избави ны от враг наших; Ты бо еси Бог наш, и мы людие Твои, вси дела руку Твоею, и имя Твое призываем.
И ныне: Милосердия двери отверзи нам, благословенная Богородице, надеющиися на Тя да не погибнем, но да избавимся Тобою от бед: Ты бо еси спасение рода христианскаго.
Господи, помилуй. (12 раз)
Молитва 1-я, святого Макария Великого, к Богу Отцу
Боже вечный и Царю всякаго создания, сподобивый мя даже в час сей доспети, прости ми грехи, яже сотворих в сей день делом, словом и помышлением, и очисти, Господи, смиренную мою душу от всякия скверны плоти и духа. И даждь ми, Господи, в нощи сей сон прейти в мире, да востав от смиреннаго ми ложа, благоугожду пресвятому имени Твоему, во вся дни живота моего, и поперу борющия мя враги плотския и безплотныя. И избави мя, Господи, от помышлений суетных, оскверняющих мя, и похотей лукавых. Яко Твое есть царство, и сила и слава, Отца и Сына и Святаго Духа, ныне и присно и во веки веков. Аминь.
Молитва 2-я, святого Антиоха, ко Господу нашему Иисусу Христу
Вседержителю, Слово Отчее, Сам совершен сый, Иисусе Христе, многаго ради милосердия Твоего никогдаже отлучайся мене, раба Твоего, но всегда во мне почивай. Иисусе, добрый Пастырю Твоих овец, не предаждь мене крамоле змиине, и желанию сатанину не остави мене, яко семя тли во мне есть. Ты убо, Господи Боже покланяемый, Царю Святый, Иисусе Христе, спяща мя сохрани немерцающим светом, Духом Твоим Святым, Имже освятил еси Твоя ученики. Даждь, Господи, и мне, недостойному рабу Твоему, спасение Твое на ложи моем: просвети ум мой светом разума святаго Евангелия Твоего, душу любовию Креста Твоего, сердце чистотою словесе Твоего, тело мое Твоею страстию безстрастною, мысль мою Твоим смирением сохрани, и воздвигни мя во время подобно на Твое славословие. Яко препрославлен еси со Безначальным Твоим Отцем и с Пресвятым Духом во веки. Аминь.
Молитва 3- я, ко Пресвятому Духу
Господи, Царю Небесный, Утешителю, Душе истины, умилосердися и помилуй мя грешнаго раба Твоего, и отпусти ми недостойному, и прости вся, елика Ти согреших днесь яко человек, паче же и не яко человек, но и горее скота, вольныя моя грехи и невольныя, ведомыя и неведомыя: яже от юности и науки злы, и яже суть от нагльства и уныния. Аще именем Твоим кляхся, или похулих е в помышлении моем; или кого укорих; или оклеветах кого гневом моим, или опечалих, или о чем прогневахся; или солгах, или безгодно спах, или нищ прииде ко мне, и презрех его; или брата моего опечалих, или свадих, или кого осудих; или развеличахся, или разгордехся, или разгневахся; или стоящу ми на молитве, ум мой о лукавствии мира сего подвижеся, или развращение помыслих; или объядохся, или опихся, или без ума смеяхся; или лукавое помыслих, или доброту чуждую видев, и тою уязвлен бых сердцем; или неподобная глаголах, или греху брата моего посмеяхся, моя же суть безчисленная согрешения; или о молитве не радих, или ино что содеях лукавое, не помню, та бо вся и больша сих содеях. Помилуй мя, Творче мой Владыко, унылаго и недостойнаго раба Твоего, и остави ми, и отпусти, и прости мя, яко Благ и Человеколюбец, да с миром лягу, усну и почию, блудный, грешный и окаянный аз, и поклонюся, и воспою, и прославлю пречестное имя Твое, со Отцем, и Единородным Его Сыном, ныне и присно и во веки. Аминь.
Молитва 4-я, святого Макария Великого
Что Ти принесу, или что Ти воздам, великодаровитый Безсмертный Царю, щедре и человеколюбче Господи, яко ленящася мене на Твое угождение, и ничтоже благо сотворша, привел еси на конец мимошедшаго дне сего, обращение и спасение души моей строя? Милостив ми буди грешному и обнаженному всякаго дела блага, возстави падшую мою душу, осквернившуюся в безмерных согрешениих, и отыми от мене весь помысл лукавый видимаго сего жития. Прости моя согрешения, едине Безгрешне, яже Ти согреших в сей день, ведением и неведением, словом, и делом, и помышлением, и всеми моими чувствы. Ты Сам, покрывая, сохрани мя от всякаго сопротивнаго обстояния Божественною Твоею властию, и неизреченным человеколюбием, и силою. Очисти, Боже, очисти множество грехов моих. Благоволи, Господи, избавити мя от сети лукаваго, и спаси страстную мою душу, и осени мя светом лица Твоего, егда приидеши во славе, и неосужденна ныне сном уснути сотвори, и без мечтания, и несмущен помысл раба Твоего соблюди, и всю сатанину детель отжени от мене, и просвети ми разумныя очи сердечныя, да не усну в смерть. И посли ми Ангела мирна, хранителя и наставника души и телу моему, да избавит мя от враг моих; да востав со одра моего, принесу Ти благодарственныя мольбы. Ей, Господи, услыши мя грешнаго и убогаго раба Твоего, изволением и совестию; даруй ми воставшу словесем Твоим поучитися, и уныние бесовское далече от мене отгнано быти сотвори Твоими Ангелы; да благословлю имя Твое святое, и прославлю, и славлю Пречистую Богородицу Марию, Юже дал еси нам грешным заступление, и приими Сию молящуюся за ны; вем бо, яко подражает Твое человеколюбие, и молящися не престает. Тоя заступлением, и Честнаго Креста знамением, и всех святых Твоих ради, убогую душу мою соблюди, Иисусе Христе Боже наш, яко Свят еси, и препрославлен во веки. Аминь.
Молитва 5-я
Господи Боже наш, еже согреших во дни сем словом, делом и помышлением, яко Благ и Человеколюбец прости ми. Мирен сон и безмятежен даруй ми. Ангела Твоего хранителя посли, покрывающа и соблюдающа мя от всякаго зла, яко Ты еси хранитель душам и телесем нашим, и Тебе славу возсылаем, Отцу и Сыну и Святому Духу, ныне и присно и во веки веков. Аминь.
Молитва 6-я
Господи Боже наш, в Негоже веровахом, и Егоже имя паче всякаго имене призываем, даждь нам, ко сну отходящим, ослабу души и телу, и соблюди нас от всякаго мечтания, и темныя сласти кроме; устави стремление страстей, угаси разжжения востания телеснаго. Даждь нам целомудренно пожити делы и словесы; да добродетельное жительство восприемлюще, обетованных не отпадем благих Твоих, яко благословен еси во веки. Аминь.
Молитва 7-я, святого Иоанна Златоуста
(24 молитвы, по числу часов дня и ночи)
Господи, не лиши мене небесных Твоих благ.
Господи, избави мя вечных мук.
Господи, умом ли или помышлением, словом или делом согреших, прости мя.
Господи, избави мя всякаго неведения и забвения, и малодушия, и окамененнаго нечувствия.
Господи, избави мя от всякаго искушения.
Господи, просвети мое сердце, еже помрачи лукавое похотение.
Господи, аз яко человек согреших, Ты же яко Бог щедр, помилуй мя, видя немощь души моея.
Господи, посли благодать Твою в помощь мне, да прославлю имя Твое святое.
Господи Иисусе Христе, напиши мя раба Твоего в книзе животней и даруй ми конец благий.
Господи, Боже мой, аще и ничтоже благо сотворих пред Тобою, но даждь ми по благодати Твоей положити начало благое.
Господи, окропи в сердце моем росу благодати Твоея.
Господи небесе и земли, помяни мя грешнаго раба Твоего, студнаго и нечистаго, во Царствии Твоем. Аминь.
Господи, в покаянии приими мя.
Господи, не остави мене.
Господи, не введи мене в напасть.
Господи, даждь ми мысль благу.
Господи, даждь ми слезы и память смертную, и умиление.
Господи, даждь ми помысл исповедания грехов моих.
Господи, даждь ми смирение, целомудрие и послушание.
Господи, даждь ми терпение, великодушие и кротость.
Господи, всели в мя корень благих, страх Твой в сердце мое.
Господи, сподоби мя любити Тя от всея души моея и помышления и творити во всем волю Твою.
Господи, покрый мя от человек некоторых, и бесов, и страстей, и от всякия иныя неподобныя вещи.
Господи, веси, яко твориши, якоже Ты волиши, да будет воля Твоя и во мне грешнем, яко благословен еси во веки. Аминь.
Молитва 8-я, ко Господу нашему Иисусу Христу
Господи Иисусе Христе, Сыне Божий, ради честнейшия Матере Твоея, и безплотных Твоих Ангел, Пророка же и Предтечи и Крестителя Твоего, богоглаголивых же апостол, светлых и добропобедных мученик, преподобных и богоносных отец, и всех святых молитвами, избави мя настоящаго обстояния бесовскаго. Ей, Господи мой и Творче, не хотяй смерти грешнаго, но якоже обратитися и живу быти ему, даждь и мне обращение окаянному и недостойному; изми мя от уст пагубнаго змия, зияющаго пожрети мя и свести во ад жива. Ей, Господи мой, утешение мое, Иже мене ради окаяннаго в тленную плоть оболкийся, исторгни мя от окаянства, и утешение подаждь души моей окаянней. Всади в сердце мое творити Твоя повеления, и оставити лукавая деяния, и получити блаженства Твоя: на Тя бо, Господи, уповах, спаси мя.
Молитва 9-я, ко Пресвятой Богородице, Петра Студийского
К Тебе Пречистей Божией Матери аз окаянный припадая молюся: веси, Царице, яко безпрестани согрешаю и прогневляю Сына Твоего и Бога моего, и многажды аще каюся, лож пред Богом обретаюся, и каюся трепеща: неужели Господь поразит мя, и по часе паки таяжде творю; ведущи сия, Владычице моя Госпоже Богородице, молю, да помилуеши, да укрепиши, и благая творити да подаси ми. Веси бо, Владычице моя Богородице, яко отнюд имам в ненависти злая моя дела, и всею мыслию люблю закон Бога моего; но не вем, Госпоже Пречистая, откуду яже ненавижду, та и люблю, а благая преступаю. Не попущай, Пречистая, воли моей совершатися, не угодна бо есть, но да будет воля Сына Твоего и Бога моего: да мя спасет, и вразумит, и подаст благодать Святаго Духа, да бых аз отселе престал сквернодейства, и прочее пожил бых в повелении Сына Твоего, Емуже подобает всякая слава, честь и держава, со Безначальным Его Отцем, и Пресвятым и Благим и Животворящим Его Духом, ныне и присно, и во веки веков. Aминь.
Молитва 10-я, ко Пресвятой Богородице
Благаго Царя благая Мати, Пречистая и Благословенная Богородице Марие, милость Сына Твоего и Бога нашего излей на страстную мою душу и Твоими молитвами настави мя на деяния благая, да прочее время живота моего без порока прейду и Тобою рай да обрящу, Богородице Дево, едина Чистая и Благословенная.
Молитва 11-я, ко святому Ангелу хранителю
Ангеле Христов, хранителю мой святый и покровителю души и тела моего, вся ми прости, елика согреших во днешний день, и от всякаго лукавствия противнаго ми врага избави мя, да ни в коемже гресе прогневаю Бога моего; но моли за мя грешнаго и недостойнаго раба, яко да достойна мя покажеши благости и милости Всесвятыя Троицы и Матере Господа моего Иисуса Христа и всех святых. Аминь.
Кондак Богородице
Взбранной Воеводе победительная, яко избавльшеся от злых, благодарственная восписуем Ти раби Твои, Богородице, но яко имущая державу непобедимую, от всяких нас бед свободи, да зовем Ти; радуйся, Невесто Неневестная.
Преславная Приснодево, Мати Христа Бога, принеси нашу молитву Сыну Твоему и Богу нашему, да спасет Тобою души наша.
Все упование мое на Тя возлагаю, Мати Божия, сохрани мя под кровом Твоим.
Богородице Дево, не презри мене, грешнаго, требующа Твоея помощи и Твоего заступления, на Тя бо упова душа моя, и помилуй мя.
Молитва святого Иоанникия
Упование мое Отец, прибежище мое Сын, покров мой Дух Святый: Троице Святая, слава Тебе.
Достойно есть яко воистинну блажити Тя, Богородицу, Присноблаженную и Пренепорочную и Матерь Бога нашего. Честнейшую Херувим и славнейшую без сравнения Серафим, без истления Бога Слова рождшую, сущую Богородицу Тя величаем.
Слава Отцу и Сыну и Святому Духу, и ныне и присно и во веки веков. Аминь.
Господи, помилуй. (Трижды)
Господи Иисусе Христе, Сыне Божий, молитв ради Пречистыя Твоея Матере, преподобных и богоносных отец наших и всех святых, помилуй нас. Аминь.
Молитва святого Иоанна Дамаскина
Владыко Человеколюбче, неужели мне одр сей гроб будет, или еще окаянную мою душу просветиши днем? Се ми гроб предлежит, се ми смерть предстоит. Суда Твоего, Господи, боюся и муки безконечныя, злое же творя не престаю: Тебе Господа Бога моего всегда прогневляю, и Пречистую Твою Матерь, и вся Небесныя силы, и святаго Ангела хранителя моего. Вем убо, Господи, яко недостоин есмь человеколюбия Твоего, но достоин есмь всякаго осуждения и муки. Но, Господи, или хощу, или не хощу, спаси мя. Аще бо праведника спасеши, ничтоже велие; и аще чистаго помилуеши, ничтоже дивно: достойни бо суть милости Твоея. Но на мне грешнем удиви милость Твою: о сем яви человеколюбие Твое, да не одолеет моя злоба Твоей неизглаголанней благости и милосердию: и якоже хощеши, устрой о мне вещь.
Просвети очи мои, Христе Боже, да не когда усну в смерть, да не когда речет враг мой: укрепихся на него.
Слава: Заступник души моея буди, Боже, яко посреде хожду сетей многих; избави мя от них и спаси мя, Блаже, яко Человеколюбец.
И ныне: Преславную Божию Матерь, и святых Ангел Святейшую, немолчно воспоим сердцем и усты, Богородицу сию исповедающе, яко воистинну рождшую нам Бога воплощенна, и молящуюся непрестанно о душах наших.
Знаменуй себя крестом и говори молитву Честному Кресту:
Да воскреснет Бог, и расточатся врази Его, и да бежат от лица Его ненавидящии Его. Яко исчезает дым, да исчезнут; яко тает воск от лица огня, тако да погибнут беси от лица любящих Бога и знаменующихся крестным знамением, и в веселии глаголющих: радуйся, Пречестный и Животворящий Кресте Господень, прогоняяй бесы силою на тебе пропятаго Господа нашего Иисуса Христа, во ад сшедшаго и поправшего силу диаволю, и даровавшаго нам тебе Крест Свой Честный на прогнание всякаго супостата. О, Пречестный и Животворящий Кресте Господень! Помогай ми со Святою Госпожею Девою Богородицею и со всеми святыми во веки. Аминь.
Или кратко:
Огради мя, Господи, силою Честнаго и Животворящаго Твоего Креста, и сохрани мя от всякаго зла.
Молитва
Ослаби, остави, прости, Боже, прегрешения наша, вольная и невольная, яже в слове и в деле, яже в ведении и не в ведении, яже во дни и в нощи, яже во уме и в помышлении: вся нам прости, яко Благ и Человеколюбец.
Молитва
Ненавидящих и обидящих нас прости, Господи Человеколюбче. Благотворящим благосотвори. Братиям и сродником нашим даруй яже ко спасению прошения и жизнь вечную. В немощех сущия посети и исцеление даруй. Иже на мори управи. Путешествующим спутешествуй. Служащим и милующим нас грехов оставление даруй. Заповедавших нам недостойным молитися о них помилуй по велицей Твоей милости. Помяни, Господи, прежде усопших отец и братий наших и упокой их, идеже присещает свет лица Твоего. Помяни, Господи, братий наших плененных и избави я от всякаго обстояния. Помяни, Господи, плодоносящих и доброделающих во святых Твоих церквах, и даждь им яже ко спасению прошения и жизнь вечную. Помяни, Господи, и нас, смиренных и грешных и недостойных раб Твоих, и просвети наш ум светом разума Твоего, и настави нас на стезю заповедей Твоих, молитвами Пречистыя Владычицы нашея Богородицы и Приснодевы Марии и всех Твоих святых: яко благословен еси во веки веков. Аминь.
Исповедание грехов повседневное
Исповедаю Тебе Господу Богу моему и Творцу, во Святей Троице Единому, славимому и покланяемому, Отцу и Сыну и Святому Духу, вся моя грехи, яже содеях во вся дни живота моего, и на всякий час, и в настоящее время, и в прешедшия дни и нощи, делом, словом, помышлением, объядением, пиянством, тайноядением, празднословием, унынием, леностию, прекословием, непослушанием, оклеветанием, осуждением, небрежением, самолюбием, многостяжанием, хищением, неправдоглаголанием, скверноприбытчеством, мшелоимством, ревнованием, завистию, гневом, памятозлобием, ненавистию, лихоимством и всеми моими чувствы: зрением, слухом, обонянием, вкусом, осязанием и прочими моими грехи, душевными вкупе и телесными, имиже Тебе Бога моего и Творца прогневах, и ближняго моего онеправдовах: о сих жалея, винна себе Тебе Богу моему представляю, и имею волю каятися: точию, Господи Боже мой, помози ми, со слезами смиренно молю Тя: прешедшая же согрешения моя милосердием Твоим прости ми, и разреши от всех сих, яже изглаголах пред Тобою, яко Благ и Человеколюбец.
Когда отходишь ко сну, произноси:
В руце Твои, Господи Иисусе Христе, Боже мой, предаю дух мой: Ты же мя благослови, Ты мя помилуй и живот вечный даруй ми. Аминь.
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