Canon of Supplication To the Venerable Paisius the Great

Posted on October 2, 2024October 2, 2024 by Father Mark

The faithful have traditionally turned to St Paisius to pray for those who have died without repentance, but we can equally pray to him to guide us to repentance in this life – trusting in the power of his prayers.

CANON – TONE VI

Ode I, Irmos: A helper and protector hath He been unto me for my salvation. He is my God, and I shall glorify Him. He is the God of my fathers, and I shall exalt Him, for gloriously hath He been glorified.

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

Unto God, Who maketh all wise, do thou pray, O venerable father, that He open mine unworthy lips and move mine ignorant tongue in behalf of His servant [handmaid]. By the grace of the Holy Spirit which abideth in thee, O father, overcome my reluctance and lack of eloquence, that I may hymn thy wonders.

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

Let me therefore begin by recounting thy right laudable and spiritually profitable life from infancy. Egypt of old produced Moses, great among the prophets, who was glorified by His closeness to God and his great miracles. And now Egypt hath shown itself to be glorified a second time, for thy sake, O father Paisius, enriched by thine honourable name and the many virtues, which the Lord bestowed upon thee. Him to thou entreat, that He save our souls.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Entering the kingdom of heaven by the narrow and onerous path, according to the commandment of the thy Master Christ, O venerable father Paisius, having hated the wide and spacious road, dispel the darkness which hath spread over my mind, that I may be able to offer this meagre supplication in thine all-pure memory.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O good one, grant me a contrite spirit, a humble heart, a pure mind, correction of life and remission of transgressions.

Ode III, Irmos: On the rock of Thy commandments, O Lord, establish Thou mine unsteady heart, for Thou alone art our holy Lord.

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

Thou wast a rock of faith like the Apostle Peter, O venerable Paisius, having crucified thyself to the world throughout all thy life; and thou didst direct thy feet straight to the heavenly path and didst attain the Jerusalem on high. Standing with the saints before the Holy Trinity, on my behalf entreat the Good One Who loveth mankind.

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

The Lord chose thee as a most splendid shoot sprung forth from a pious root; for an angel told thy mother: “This one is pleasing unto God!” And taking up thy cross from childhood, thou didst follow Him without turning back, and by the grace of God didst grow in age and understanding. Pray thou that He grant me remission of sins.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O Master Lord Jesus Christ, who doth not marvel at Thy love for mankind? For when the desire came upon the venerable one to undertake the monastic life so as to fulfil Thy commandments, like an unblemished lamb he was led by Thy grace into the wilderness, where he came upon the reason-endowed flock and was brought to the blessed shepherd Pambo and clothed in the monastic habit. O Lord, through the supplications of the venerable Paisius make me steadfast also in the doing of Thy commandments!

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

By thy supplications, O Virgin, free me from grievous torments, from outermost darkness and Gehenna; for thou hast the will and the power so to do, O thou who gavest birth to the one all-good Lord.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Sessional Hymn, Tone II: Having bound thy soul with the love of Christ and hated all earthly things, O wise and venerable father, thou didst make thine abode among the deserts and mountains; and tasting of the noetic tree, thou didst shine forth like an angel. Wherefore, having traversed the gloom of thy flesh, thou didst drive away the darkness of the demons. O Paisius, foremost among monastics, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins unto those who with love honour thy holy memory.

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

Theotokion: Speedy protection, help and mercy do thou show thy servant, O pure one. Still thou the waves of vain imaginings, and lift up my soul, O Theotokos, for I know that thou canst do whatsoever thou desirest.

Ode IV, Irmos: The prophet heard of Thine coming, O Lord, and was afraid, for Thou didst desire to be born of the Virgin and reveal Thyself to men; and he said: “I have heard report of Thee and was afraid. Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

Taking up the ascetic life from thine earliest years, O divinely wise Paisius, thou didst persevere to the end of thy days, receiving as a divine victor the crown of triumph from the King of all, that by thy supplications thou mayest deliver sinners from torment, of whom I am the first. Forget me not!

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

Having thee as a mighty advocate and comforter of the grieving, an intercessor, ally and pious mediator, we are saved from all misfortunes, perils and evil circumstances.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

He Who hath a great abyss of judgments said unto thee: “Behold, I give thee a gift: Whatsoever thou shalt ask of My Father in My name will be given thee: for whichever sinner thou shalt pray, his sins will be forgiven.” Wherefore, I who have an abyss of offences fall down before thee, O father Paisius, praying that He Who made thee this promise may through thy supplications remit my sins, in that He is good and loveth mankind.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Direct thy words to thy Son, O all-immaculate one, when I will be justly judged, that I may then find thee to be a refuge and most mighty help, delivering me from all torments.

Ode V, Irmos: Enlighten me who rise at dawn out of the night, I pray, O Thou Who lovest mankind, and guide me in Thy precepts; and teach me to do Thy will, O Savior.

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

Having laid waste to thy body by fasting, O father Paisius, thou didst once abide for seventy days without bodily food, possessing ineffable divine strength after communing of the Body and Blood of Christ, able to maintain the power of life by thy grace more than the strengthening of food. Glory to Thy might, O Lord!

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

Like John the Baptist thou didst desire to walk the straight and narrow path. He, seeing thy Creator at the Jordan, was afraid and cried aloud: “I who am straw cannot approach Fire!” And once, in the desert, thou, O father Paisius, unable to look upon the face of the Lord Who appeared unto thee, didst fall down, overcome by trembling. But He said to thee: “Fear not! I will fill this desert with ascetics for thee.” And with them we pray to thee: In thy prayers forget us not, O father, that we may find mercy.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

To begin I admit to Thee mine offenses; and I entreat Thy loving- kindness toward mine iniquities, that Thou mayest forgive and cover the multitude of my sins with Thy compassion, and grant me to pass the remaining time of my life without sin, that having easily walked the path to salvation, I may without hindrance attain unto a good end with thy help, for without Thine aid and guidance I can accomplish naught that is good, and can receive mercy only with Thee.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

I, who am a fool, offer thee this servile entreaty and flee unto thy compassionate loving-kindness: Turn me not away, ashamed, O pure one.

Ode VI, Irmos: With all my heart I cry out to the compassionate God, and He heard my cry from the uttermost depths of Hades, and hath led my life up from corruption.

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

Jordan, a creation which lacketh a soul, stood in awe of its Creator and cried aloud: “I cannot wash the Sinless One!” But when thou, O saint, didst see the Lord, thou didst take water and touch the Untouchable One, washing His feet. And when thou didst drink of that water, thou didst receive the gift to heal infirmities and to drive demons away from men. Wherefore, we fall down before thee, O father, praying: By thy supplications have mercy on us, delivering us from every demonic assault.

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

To the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ we have found in thee, O father Paisius, a great refuge and a fervent advocate and helper amid our sins. For once, a monk died who had apostatised from Christianity and was brought down into the depths of hell for his pernicious unbelief; but when his elder sensed this, he had recourse unto thee, begging thee to pray to the most Merciful One. And the Compassionate Lord appeared to thee, and said: “O my favoured one, it is a good thing that, emulating My love, thou carest for sinners, willing to assume torment for their deliverance.”

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

Thy prayers and tears were borne aloft to God like incense of sweet savour and a sacrifice without blemish and right acceptable. Forget me not in thy mediation before the all-holy Theotokos. Grant me tears of compunction; wash away the depths of my sins; deliver me from the abyss of death; grant great mercy to the hopeless, and forgive them their offences.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

I am seized by incomprehension when I ponder in mind the dread hour of my trial by my Judge and God; and I weep, groan and lament, mindful of the abyss of my sins. Wherefore, at the supplications of Thy favoured one, the venerable Paisius, O Thou Who lovest mankind, save and deliver me from torment, in that Thou art full of loving-kindness.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

From the depths of my heart I offer thee groans, I all-immaculate one, begging thy timely aid. Have mercy on my passion-fraught soul, O greatly merciful Mother, and take pity and deliver me from damnation and the lake of fire.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Kontakion, Tone II: Forsaking the tumults of life, thou didst love the life of stillness, emulating the Baptist in all ways; and we honour thee with him, O Paisius, chief among the fathers.

Ikos: Hearkening to the voice of Christ, thou didst follow His commandments; and stripping thyself bare of life, thou didst put aside all cares, all possessions and property, and thy brethren and the love of thy mother, O God-bearing Paisius. And, in the desert thou didst in mind converse alone with God, and didst receive gifts, which do thou send also unto me who praise thee in hymns, O Paisius, chief among the fathers.

Ode VII, Irmos: We have sinned, we have committed iniquity, we have dealt unjustly before Thee. We have neither done nor acted as Thou hast commanded us. But forsake us not utterly, O God of our fathers.

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

Full of many sins am I; wherefore let thy prayer ascend like incense of sweet savour, O father. Abolish the abyss of my sins, still the raging sea of mine evil life, drive away the flood of rage, and with thy chaste supplications make steadfast my mind, O father Paisius.

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

Having thee as an instructor, a fervent advocate, a speedy helper, a firm rampart and unshakable bulwark, and a mighty and invincible commander, we beseech thee: Forget not those who pray to thee, deliver us from ever grief and assault of the enemy!

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

O great wonder! One day, while thou wast sitting in thy cave, O father Paisius, there came to thee a voice, saying: “Peace be unto thee, my beloved favourite!” And overcome with fear and trembling, thou didst arise and fall prostrate, saying: “Behold, I am Thy servant, O Lord!” Wherefore, we beseech thee: Entreat Him Who loveth mankind, that He save our souls.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O Christ, grant me understanding and patience, that I may not judge sinners with the arrogance of the Pharisee; but accept my repentance as Thou didst that of the publican and the prodigal son, O God; and through the prayers of the venerable Paisius show me to be worthy of Thy Supper, and grant me forgiveness of sins.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Arise, O my passion-fraught soul! Stand forth, O wretched one! Beat thy breast, and from thine inner depths put forth springs of tears, that the kind-hearted Mother of Christ God may have mercy on thee, who art accursèd.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Let every creature that hath breath hymn, bless and supremely exalt for all ages Him Whom the armies of heaven glorify and before Whom the cherubim and seraphim tremble.

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

Disdain not this grateful hymnody which I offer thee, O father Paisius; rather, accept it, and fill it with spiritual joy, that without hindrance I may venerate thine icon, where it is inscribed: “He who imparteth healings unto all”.

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

Emulating the most venerable life of the God-pleasing fathers who in ages past lived in humility and asceticism for the sake of Christ, O father Paisius, thou didst live thy whole life martyrically, and didst suffer greatly from the attacks of the demons, vanquishing them. Wherefore, I beseech thee, O father: By thy supplications drive far from me violence, wrath and indifference.

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

O Master Christ God, most Compassionate One: By the judgments which Thou knowest grant that I may hate the works of the evil one, for Thou art our God, Who didst say: “Ask, and ye shall receive.” Grant me love, that through the supplications of the venerable father Paisius I may do Thy saving will with all my soul.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

I beseech Thee: O Master: Be Thou long-suffering to me, a sinner, and do not visit me with the severing of death as Thou wouldst a barren tree, sending me into the fire; but, entreated by the supplications of the venerable one, show me to be fruitful, and grant me time for repentance, in that Thou lovest mankind.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Send me streams of tears and groans from the depths of my soul, O pure one, that when I fall down before thy protection I may find remission of my sins at thy supplication.

Ode IX, Irmos: O Virgin who received the angel’s salutation and gavest birth to thine own Creator, save those who magnify thee.

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

Even during thy lifetime thou wast a speedy helper, O venerable one: for once a certain elder had a disciple who died in disobedience and was led down into hell; but that elder fell prostrate, entreating the most Compassionate One on behalf of his disciple; and thou, as a speedy listener and maintainer of love, didst set thy hope on the most compassionate God and stretched forth thy hands in prayer. And the greatly Merciful One, Who is true to His promises, did the will of those who feared Him and hearkened to thy supplications, and led forth that soul from hell. Wherefore, I the unworthy one, falling down, beseech Thee: O father Paisius, by thy prayers deliver me from torment and from unquenchable fire.

Venerable father, Paisius, pray to God for us!

I have become the object of the demons’ mockery, the disparagement of men, the lamentation of the righteous, the weeping of the angels, the defilement of air, earth and water. By mine actions I have sullied my body and rendered my mind vile beyond description, and have made myself an enemy to God. Woe is me! I have sinned! At the supplications of the venerable Paisius forgive me!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Like the one who fell among thieves and was wounded, so have I also fallen through many sins, and my soul hath been wounded. To whom can I flee, guilty as I am, if not to Thee, the merciful Physician of souls? Accept the venerable Paisius as a fervent advocate, and by his supplications pour forth the oil of Thy great mercy upon me.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

My transgressions have multiplied, and I deserve threatening and condemnation. O pure one, falling down, I cry unto thee: Before the end grant me cleansing, compunction and the correction of my ways.

Troparion, Tone II: Consumed by divine love from thy youth, O venerable one, thou didst despise all the beautiful things in the world, and didst love Christ alone. Wherefore, thou madest thine abode in the desert, where thou wast vouchsafed a visitation of God, upon Whom the eyes of the angels found in impossible to gaze, and didst fall prostrate. And He Who loveth mankind, as the great Bestower of gifts, said unto thee: “Fear not, my beloved! Thy works are pleasing unto Me! Behold, I grant thee a boon: For whichsoever sinner thou shalt pray, I will remit his sins.” And afire in the purity of thy heart, thou didst take water and touch the Intangible One, washing His feet; and when thou didst drink that water thou wast enriched with the gift of miracles, so that thou wast by thine entreaty able to deliver sinners from torment, to heal the sick, and to expel demons from men, O venerable father Paisius. Wherefore since I am first among such sinners, I beseech thee to entreat Him Who made thee this promise, that He grant me time to repent and forgive mine offences, in that He is good and loveth mankind, that with all others I may chant unto Him: Alleluia!

The Feast of the Holy, Glorious Prophet Elijah

Posted on August 2, 2024August 27, 2024 by Father Mark

The Holy Prophet Elijah (Elias) is one of the greatest of the prophets and the first dedicated to virginity in the Old Testament. He was born in Tishba of Gilead into the Levite tribe 900 years before the Incarnation of the Word of God.

Saint Epiphanius of Cyprus gives the following account about the birth of the Prophet Elijah: “When Elijah was born, his father Sobach saw in a vision angels of God around him. They swaddled him with fire and fed him with flames.”

The name Elijah (the Lord’s strength) given to the infant defined his whole life. From the years of his youth he dedicated himself to the One God, settled in the wilderness and spent his whole life in strict fasting, meditation and prayer. Called to prophetic service, which put him in conflict with the Israelite king Ahab, the prophet became a fiery zealot of true faith and piety.

During this time the Israelite nation had fallen away from the faith of their Fathers, they abandoned the One God and worshipped pagan idols, the worship of which was introduced by the impious king Jereboam. Jezebel, the wife of king Ahab, was devoted to idol worship. She persuaded her husband to build a temple to the pagan god Baal, which led many Israelites away from the worship of the true God. Beholding the ruin of his nation, the Prophet Elijah began to denounce King Ahab for impiety, and exhorted him to repent and turn to the God of Israel. The king would not listen to him. The Prophet Elijah then declared to him, that as punishment there would be neither rain nor dew upon the ground, and the drought would cease only by his prayer. Indeed, the word of Elijah was a torch (Eccles. 48: 1). The heavens were closed for three and a half years, and there was drought and famine throughout all the land.

During this time of tribulation, the Lord sent him to a cave beyond the Jordan. There he was miraculously fed by ravens. When the stream Horath dried up, the Lord sent the Prophet Elijah to Sarephta to a poor widow, a Sidonian Gentile who suffered together with her children, awaiting death by starvation. At the request of the prophet, she prepared him a bread with the last measure of flour and the remainder of the oil. Through the prayer of the Prophet Elijah, flour and oil were not depleted in the home of the widow for the duration of the famine. By the power of his prayer the prophet also performed another miracle: he raised the dead son of the widow.

After the end of three years of drought the Merciful Lord sent the prophet to appear before King Ahab, and promised to send rain upon the earth. The Prophet Elijah told the king to order all of Israel to gather upon Mount Carmel, and also the priests of Baal. When the nation had gathered, the Prophet Elijah proposed that two sacrificial altars be built: one for the priests of Baal, and the other for the Prophet Elijah who served the True God.

The Prophet Elijah told them to call on their gods to consume the sacrificial animals with fire, and he would call on his. Whichever was first to send fire on the sacrifice would be acknowledged as the true God. The prophets of Baal called out to their idol from morning till evening, but the heavens were silent. Towards evening the holy Prophet Elijah built his sacrificial altar from twelve stones, the number of the tribes of Israel. He placed the sacrifice upon the wood, gave orders to dig a ditch around the altar and commanded that the sacrifice and the wood be soaked with water. When the ditch had filled with water, the prophet turned to God in prayer. Through the prayer of the prophet fire came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, and even the water. The people fell down to the ground, crying out: “Truly, the Lord is God!” Then the Prophet Elijah had all the pagan-priests of Baal put to death, and he began to pray for rain. Through his prayer the heavens opened and an abundant rain fell, soaking the parched earth.

King Ahab acknowledged his error and repented of his sins, but his wife Jezebel threatened to kill the prophet of God. The Prophet Elijah fled into the Kingdom of Judea and, grieving over his failure to eradicate idol worship, he asked God to let him die. An angel of the Lord came before him, strengthened him with food and commanded him to go upon a long journey. The Prophet Elijah traveled for forty days and nights and, having arrived at Mount Horeb, he settled in a cave.

The Lord told him that the next day Elijah would stand in His presence.There was a strong wind that crushed the rocks of the mountain, then an earthquake, and a fire, but the Lord was not in them. The Lord was in “a gentle breeze” (3 Kings 19: 12). He revealed to the prophet, that He would preserve seven thousand faithful servants who had not worshipped Baal.

Later, the Lord commanded Elijah to anoint Elisha into prophetic service. Because of his fiery zeal for the Glory of God the Prophet Elijah was taken up alive into Heaven in a fiery chariot. The Prophet Elisha received Elijah’s mantle, and a double portion of his prophetic spirit.

According to the Tradition of Holy Church, the Prophet Elijah will be the Forerunner of the Dread Second Coming of Christ. He will proclaim the truth of Christ, urge all to repentance, and will be slain by the Antichrist. This will be a sign of the end of the world.

The life of the holy Prophet Elijah is recorded in the Old Testament books (3 Kings; 4 Kings; Sirach/Ecclesiasticus 48: 1-15; 1 Maccabees 2: 58). At the time of the Transfiguration, the Prophet Elijah conversed with the Savior upon Mount Tabor (Mt. 17: 3; Mark 9: 4; Luke. 9: 30).

Orthodox Christians of all times, and in all places, have venerated the Prophet Elijah for centuries. The first church in Russia, built at Kiev under Prince Igor, was named for the Prophet Elijah. After her Baptism Saint Olga (July 11) built a temple of the holy Prophet Elijah in her native region, at the village of Vibuta.

In iconography the Prophet Elijah is depicted ascending to Heaven in a fiery chariot, surrounded with flames, and harnessed to four winged horses. We pray to him for deliverance from drought, and to ask for seasonable weather.

Canon I, in Tone II

Ode I, Irmos: Let us chant a hymn of victory to the Lord, Who of old guided His people in the sea, and therein engulfed Pharaoh and all his army.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Desiring to behold the fiery power of the miracles of Elias, his fiery and honoured tongue and strength of spirit, we have assembled as is meet.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

O God-bearer, our lips and the muteness and lack of skill of our tongue do thou rectify by the activity of the Spirit which is within thee, and illumine us, that we may hymn thy wonders.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Thou dost grant that which transcendeth nature unto those who have submitted to Thine honoured precepts, O Word, and Thou dost make the portals of the rain subject to them through the Spirit, confirming their word.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

To the Lord Who was born of the Virgin and Who hath renewed the world, and Who for her sake hath bestowed upon us life divine, we chant a hymn of victory, for He hath been glorified.

Canon II, the acrostic whereof is: “I sing praise to the great Elias,” the composition of Hieromonk Pachomius, in Tone VIII

Irmos: Having traversed the water as though it were dry land, and escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant unto our Deliverer and God!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Thou hast been shown to be a harp struck by the plectrum of God, O most wondrous prophet, hymning the omniscient God Who rewardeth all according to their deeds.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

O wondrous prophet, unable to endure falsehood, thou didst denounce the unrighteous king for his iniquity. Wherefore, thou didst impose God’s sentence of condemnation, full of wrath, upon him.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O divine Elias, prophet and forerunner of grace, having denounced Ahab, the iniquitous king, as a transgressor of the Law, thou didst destroy the shameful prophets as ungodly.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O ye faithful, let us make haste to praise the Mother of Christ in hymns as is meet, for she gave birth unto the Saviour of all, Who is the Master of life and death.

Ode III, Irmos: Establishing me upon the rock of faith, Thou hast enlarged my mouth against mine enemies, for my spirit doth exult when I chant: There is none holy as our God, and none righteous save Thee, O Lord!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

He Who alone sustaineth every living thing by His good will, through a raven provided thee with a banquet as a chosen guest, O Prophet. To Him do we all cry out: Thou art our God, and there is none holy save Thee, O Lord!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Grace be to the Benefactor and Guardian Who, in His ineffable providence, nourished the widow and the prophet. To Him do we all cry out: Thou art our God, and none is holy save Thee, O Lord!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

O thou who didst forbid the rain-laden clouds to pour forth, when the widow of Zarephath was deprived of food, thou didst cause the remnant of her food to increase continually; and didst cry out: None is holy save Thee, O Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou alone, surpassing everyone from ages past, hast been vouchsafed great things transcending nature, for thou didst receive the infinite God of all creation within thy womb and didst give Him flesh. Wherefore, we all honour thee as the Theotokos.

Canon II, Irmos: O Lord, Fashioner of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church: establish me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

With mercy didst thou chastise all, and takest pity on all that with faith have recourse to thee in thy temple. And in asking help of thee they have in no wise erred.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Thou didst rebuke Ahab, the ungodly king, O divine prophet, and thou didst judge him with the judgment of God as a violator of the law.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

The shameless Queen Jezebel sought to slay thee, O prophet most divine, for thou didst pronounce the sentence of death upon her unholy priests, as was meet.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Mistress, we hymn thee as a place of the priesthood of glory and the altar which held Christ, the Bread of life, O pure one.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Sessional hymn, Tone VIII, Spec. Mel. “Of the Wisdom…”: O ye faithful, with hymns let us all praise Elias the Tishbite, the wellspring of miracles and adornment of prophets; for, being immortal while yet in the flesh, as a mortal he assureth us of the resurrection of the dead. Wherefore, having boldness before God, he granteth healing to those who ask with faith, and earnestly beseecheth Christ to bestow remission of offenses upon those who with love celebrate his holy memory. (Twice)

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

Theotokion: Having fallen into subtle temptations through the activity of mine enemies, visible and invisible, I am caught fast in the tempest of my countless offenses. And I flee to the haven of thy goodness, as to my fervent help and protection, O pure one. Wherefore, O most pure lady, earnestly entreat Him Who was incarnate of thee without seed, in behalf of all thy servants that unceasingly pray to thee, O all-pure Theotokos, who dost ever beseech Him to grant remission of offenses to those who hymn thy glory as is meet.

Ode IV, Irmos: I have heard report of Thy dispensation, O Lord, and have glorified Thee Who alone lovest mankind.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Thou art shown to be one that cutteth off evil at its root and a planter of virtue, O wise prophet. Wherefore, we bless thee.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

With reproaches the widow who fed thee upbraided thee for the death of her son, moving thee to raise him from the dead.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Thou didst clearly signify the glory of the Trinity with thy threefold breathing, and didst hand back alive the child to his mother.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

O how thou didst burn, aflame with divine fire and zeal, O prophet, denouncing the king who wrought iniquities!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O pure one, who without seed didst conceive God, we entreat thee ever to pray for thy servants.

Canon II, Irmos: I heard report of Thee, O Lord, and was afraid; for by the ineffable Counsel of the Godhead, Thou, Who art God eternal, didst issue forth, incarnate, from the Virgin. Glory to Thy condescension, O Christ! Glory to Thy power!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

The Lord crowned thee a prophet, O most wise one, granting thee the grace to foretell things of the future as though they were of the present. Wherefore, beholding now the fulfillments of thy words, we bless thee ever with praises as a true prophet.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

As the soul of Thy prophet was most greatly adorned with humble-mindedness, O Christ God, aflame with zeal which surpasseth fire he destroyed the shameful priests.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Reflecting the Light with thy countenance, like a mirror, thou dost stand before the face of Christ, O most wondrous prophet, whence do thou mercifully visit us, that with praises we may all bless thee as a prophet.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Having acquired thee as our hope and confirmation, an impregnable rampart of salvation, O all-hymned one, we are delivered from all evil.

Ode V, Irmos: O Lord, Bestower of light and Creator of the ages: guide us in the light of Thy commandments, for we know none other God than Thee.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

The law of thy fathers hath showed thee forth as a true man of prayer, O Elias, a wonderworker who transformed the nature of the elements and utterly consumed the righteous sacrifice with water.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

As thou art a true minister of God, thou didst utterly put to shame the prophets of abominable shame, O venerable and most blessed Elias, clearly marking the power of the Trinity.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Rendering priestly service through the word of grace, O Elias, consumed with zeal as with fire thou didst slay the shameful priests with thy blameless hands.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

To thee that gavest birth unto Christ, the Creator of all, we cry out: Rejoice, O pure one! Rejoice, thou who hast shone forth the Light upon us! Rejoice, thou who didst contain the infinite God!

Canon II, Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy face from me, O Light never-waning? And why hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to the light of Thy commandments, I pray.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

O prophet Elias, whom the unwaning splendor of divine grace hath revealed, having diligently acquired a mind most divine, thou dost move the pious to hymnody.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Who doth not marvel at thy divine zeal, O wondrous prophet? And who doth not hymn Christ Who hath given thee such great might?

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

With prophecy wast thou adorned by God, O Elias, most wondrous prophet; wherefore, having wholly united thyself to God, denouncing falsehood, thou didst lead the Israelites to the knowledge of God.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Theotokos, who gavest birth to the never-setting Sun, enlighten me who am utterly benighted by the passions, and fill me with light divine.

Ode VI, Irmos: The uttermost abyss of offenses hath surrounded me, O Lord, but lead up my life from corruption, as Thou didst the Prophet Jonah, O Lord.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

A pillar of piety and the pure life, an instiller of purity, and an emulator of the angels wast thou, O wondrous God-bearer Elias.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

The wrath of the prophet-slaying woman, having frightened thee who had received the power to bind and loose the downpouring of the rains, O wondrous Elias, caused thee to flee.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Having stooped to the ground, thou didst raise on high the supremely exalted eye of thy mind, by thine eminent entreaty causing the rains to be loosed; and with showers thou didst water the furrows of the earth.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The bush on Sinai, which touched the Fire without being consumed, prefigured thee, the Ever-Virgin Mother, O all-hymned Theotokos Mary.

Canon II, Irmos: Cleanse me, O Saviour, for many are my transgressions; and lead me up from the abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried, and Thou hast hearkened to me, O God of my salvation.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

A hymn of supplication do thou offer unto God, O most honoured prophet, on behalf of all that have recourse to thy divine temple, that we may honour thee as a great helper.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

The mind of man doth not suffice to praise thy life as is meet, O prophet; for, beholding the transfiguration of Christ, thou wast exalted far above the noetic ranks.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

He that is Lord and Creator of all hath appeared to us in accordance with thy prophecy, O blessed Elias, calling all men to the knowledge of Him, for He loveth mankind.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Mary, pure vessel of virginity, cleanse thou my mind of the gloom of the passions, and fill my heart with righteousness, O all-immaculate one.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Kontakion, Tone II: O prophet, foreseer of the mighty works of our God, Elias of great renown, who by thy voice didst restrain the cloud of rain: on our behalf entreat Him Who alone loveth mankind.

Ikos: Beholding the great iniquity of men and the great love of God for mankind, the prophet Elias was troubled and grew wroth; and he addressed pitiless words to the Merciful One, crying out: “Be Thou angered against those who deny Thee, O righteous Judge!” But he did not move the compassion of the Good One to torment those who deny Him, for He Who alone loveth mankind doth ever await the repentance of all.

Ode VII, Irmos: The fiery bush on the mount and the dew-bearing furnace of Chaldæa manifestly prefigured thee, O Bride of God; for in thy material womb thou didst receive the divine and immaterial Fire without being consumed. Wherefore, to Him Who was born of thee do we chant: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Most gloriously vested with divine and formidable power, thou didst undertake a long journey, having eaten of food which sufficed thee for forty days, O wondrous Elias. Wherefore, thou didst say on Horeb: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

The mild and gentle breeze revealed the Lord to thee, O Elias, who wast zealous for God Almighty: not the wind of the tempest, nor the earthquake, nor yet the fearsome fire. Wherefore, to meek Jesus didst thou chant: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Like the great Moses, thou wast vouchsafed the vision of God and prophecy, O wondrous Elias, anointing prophets and kings with the Spirit. And having borne witness to the glory of Christ on Tabor, thou didst chant: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In times past thou didst, supernaturally and without seed, give birth in the flesh to the unoriginate and preëternal Lord, the Son, Power and Wisdom of the Father, O all-pure one, unto the restoration of mortals. Wherefore, we cry out to Him Who was born of thee: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Canon II, Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the youths who had come forth from Judæa trod down the flame of the furnace with their faith in the Trinity, chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

The people of Israel who came against thee with a captain of fifty thou didst utterly consume with fire from heaven as unworthy, O divine Elias.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Thou wast a most divine prophet who wast rightly illumined with the vision of God, O most honoured Elias; and thou didst straightway put an end to the sacrifices offered to Baal.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Inasmuch as the all-holy Spirit gave thee the gift to prophesy, O most honoured prophet Elias, thou didst foretell the coming of the Son of God and didst sin not, O all-blessed one. To Him do we chant: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Truly, as was meet, the poison of death was poured forth through the judgment of God and the hand of the prophet upon the shameful priests who ate unrighteously at the table of Jezebel.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Mother of God, save me who am held fast by the abyss of offenses, and rescue me from all the malice of the foe, that, saved by thee, I may magnify thine aid.

Ode VIII, Irmos: The bodies of the pious youths, clad in the same purity as their souls, quivered with awe, and the irresistible fire, though fed with boundless fuel, recoiled; but as the ever-living flame faded away, an everlasting hymn was chanted: O all ye works of the Lord, hymn ye the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Well did Ahab find the just destruction of his house, through the prophet’s condemnation, to be the dread retribution for his vile commission of murder. And with fiery mind the Tishbite chanted a hymn unto the Bestower of life: All ye works of the Lord, hymn and supremely exalt Him for all ages!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Fire rained down from heaven for thee, O Elias, twice consuming captains of fifty, in that thou art God’s chosen minister; for to Him Who controlleth everlasting life thou didst in godly manner declaim the hymn: All ye works of the Lord, hymn and supremely exalt Him for all ages!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

On Tabor Christ showed thee to be an initiate of the mystery of His divine incarnation, in that thou wast an instiller of purity and a most divine scion of virginity, showing the unapproachable light of the Godhead in His Body to thee who criest out: All ye works of the Lord, hymn and supremely exalt Him for all ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Most rich was the womb of the Mother of God; for, having received the Word in the coarseness of the flesh and wrought therefrom a form earthly according to hypostasis, it was shown to be the city of God wherein the Most High was well-pleased to dwell. To Him do we chant: All ye works of the Lord, hymn and supremely exalt Him for all ages!

Canon II, Irmos: The King of heaven, Whom the hosts of angels hymn, praise and exalt ye supremely for all ages!

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

He that, as God, knoweth all things, entrusteth to thee, O Elias, in that thou art faithful, the knowledge of things to come and of things that shall come to pass; and He showeth thee things which are afar off as though they were near.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Having strengthened thy mind with pious boldness, O blessed prophet, thou dost foretell those things that are far off as though they were near, O most honoured prophet.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Having cleansed thy mind of all defilement, O divine prophet, thou didst therefore become completely holy, guiding all to the Light of God.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The Word, to Whom thou didst ineffably give birth, do thou entreat on behalf of those who faithfully honour thee, O pure Theotokos.

Ode IX, Irmos: Thee do we magnify, O blessed and most pure Theotokos, who through thy virginal womb ineffably didst make God incarnate, the Luminary Who shone forth before the sun and hath come to us in the flesh.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Having lived on earth the course which man cannot change, and crossed the Jordan’s stream by means of his mantle, the Tishbite, that air-borne charioteer, made a strange and heaven-traversing journey in the Spirit.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

The Tishbite, aflame with the zeal of piety, was taken up on a fiery chariot; and he let drop his mantle; and Eliseus, clad therein, received divine grace which he could not conceal.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

The Tishbite and Moses the God-seer beheld in revelation on Tabor what eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, and what hath not entered into the hearts of earth-born men: the Lord Almighty, incarnate.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O Theotokos, we magnify thee, who didst remove the severe condemnation which was of old the correction of our first mother, and who art ever the reconciliation of our race to God, a bridge to the Creator.

Canon II, Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we confess thee to be in truth the Theotokos, magnifying thee with the incorporeal choirs.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Thou hast been deified by the immaterial splendor of the life-creating Trinity, O prophet Elias; wherefore, we all set thee forth as an intercessor to God for the world, O blessed one.

Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias, pray to God for us.

Thou wast known as an angel on earth, O divine prophet, and in heaven as a man of God; for the Lord Himself said: “Because thou art a stern man, O Elias, thou canst not endure iniquitous Israel. Come thou up to Me, that I may come down!”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Thou didst live on earth as one of the bodiless ones, O divine prophet, and now, upborne to heaven, thou joinest chorus with the angelic choirs. From on high watch over us that hymn thee, O blessed one.

Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Thou dost hold in thine arms God Who upholdeth all things, and thou dost feed the Nourisher Who became like unto us, O pure one. Him do thou beseech, that He grant to thy people deliverance from all oppressors.

Troparion, Tone IV: The angel in the flesh, the foundation of the prophets, the second forerunner of the Coming of Christ, the glorious Elijah sent grace down from on High upon Elisha, to dispel infirmities and to cleanse lepers. Wherefore, he poureth forth healings upon those who honour him.

Friday Evening Compline: Supplicatory Canon in Tone II

Posted on July 19, 2024July 19, 2024 by Father Mark

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Come, O ye people, * let us sing a song to Christ our God, * Who divided the sea, * and made a way for the nation * which He had brought up out of the bondage of Egypt; * for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art the well-spring of Life, О pure Virgin Mother, having given birth to the Source, Lord and Life of all, bedewing those who glorify thee with faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We who confess thee to be the Theotokos, О most pure one, have thee as an intercessor and a firm foundation which enricheth us, and we are saved from the threefold billows of life, О all-immaculate Virgin.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As thou hast given birth to the Wellspring of life, О Maiden, heal me who am wounded by the passions, and rescue me from the eternal fire, О thou who alone art full of the grace of God.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

As the refuge of the faithful and the mighty help of those who have recourse unto thee, О Ever-Virgin, save us from all want, and the harm of the adversary.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, who didst slay sin upon the tree, * firmly establish us in Thee, * and in the hearts of us who hymn Thee * plant the fear of Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Virgin, we truly call thee the golden censer, the jar of the Manna, the divine mountain, the all-comely palace.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thou art the temple and sacred dwelling-place of the Word, О Theotokos, be thou ever the cleansing of my transgressions, О most holy Virgin.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Neither the tongue of mortal man nor the mind of the incorporeal beings can describe thy birthgiving; for in a manner transcending nature and understanding, О Theotokos, thou hast given birth to the Creator.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О Virgin Birthgiver of God, be thou the confirmation, refuge and protection of those who have recourse to thee with faith and confess thee to be the Mother of God.

Ode IV, Irmos: I have heard report O Lord, * of Thy glorious dispensation, * and I have glorified, Thine unapproachable power, * O Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We Christians acquired thee have as our great help, О Theotokos. Rescue us from cruel misfortunes.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Lady who knewest not wedlock, having conceived God in thy womb, deliver us all from perils and grief.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

We, the faithful, have acquired thee as an invincible rampart and a mighty hope amid dangers, О pure one.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Having acquired thy supplication as a firm foundation, О Lady, we are delivered from divers sorrows.

Ode V, Irmos: O Lord, Bestower of light and Creator of the ages: * guide us in the
light of Thy commandments, * for we know none other God than Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Birthgiver of God, we, the faithful, know the Son Who was incarnate and born from thee without seed to be truly God and man by nature. Wherefore, we glorify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Ever fleeing with faith beneath thy protection and help. О most pure Theotokos, we, the faithful, are delivered by thee from every grievous invasion.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О most pure Virgin, deliver us from perils, the tempest of evil thoughts, from all wrath and every sin, from famine and plague, and from everlasting torment.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

As thou art our helper and salvation, the hope of Christians, О Lady, save those who ever hymn thee with love and faith, О all-hymned Virgin.

Ode VI, Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, * I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: * Raise me up from corruption, O God.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who made all things by His will, having willingly made His abode within the womb of her who knew not wedlock, hath enriched with incorruption those afflicted by corruption, in that He is full of tender compassion.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art more exalted and holy than the hosts on high, О all-immaculate one, having supra-naturally contained the infinite Word within thy womb.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О Lady, to the paths of repentance guide me who am lost on the path of life and have often wandered into sins as into trackless wastes.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Disdain not the entreaties of thy servants who place their hope in thee, О pure one, for thou art the refuge and cleansing of our souls, О Lady.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Sessional hymn, Tone II: Thou didst conceive the Word without seed, and hast given birth to the one Christ; for thou didst bear a new Child, thy Creator. Wherefore, we magnify thee, О Theotokos.

Ode VII, Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped on the plain of Dura, * Thy three children spurned the impious command, * and, cast into the midst of the flame, * they were bedewed, and sang: * O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By the power of the Most Holy Spirit thou hast given flesh to the noetic Son Who is of the same nature as the Father, О Lady full of the grace of God. Wherefore, unceasingly entreat Him, that He have pity on those who chant: Blessed art thou who hast given birth to God in the flesh!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure Virgin who knewest not wedlock, О holy and blessed one, thou setting aright of the fallen and deliverance of sinners: Save me, О save me, prodigal though I am, for I cry out to thy Son: Blessed art thou who hast given birth to God in the flesh!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As thou art a sure haven, an awesome intercessor, an impregnable bulwark for those who languish in want and are tempest-tossed in grief, О Theotokos, by thy supplications to thy Son save thy servants from the many and varied temptations.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О Birthgiver of God, who art the sole hope and help of the faithful, hasten thou to help thy servants who are overwhelmed by sorrows, who are thus at a loss amid their pain, and flee to thee with love of soul.

Ode VIII, Irmos: God Who descended into the fiery furnace * with the Hebrew children, * and transformed the flame into dew, * do ye works hymn, * and supremely exalt as Lord throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thou hast given birth to the Wellspring of life, the Water of life, О Virgin Theotokos, bedew my soul, which is being laid waste by the flame of sin, that I may glorify thee throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having given birth to Christ our God, the Author of life, О pure and blessed Virgin Lady, thou alone hast raised up those slain and cast down into the dust of death and corruption.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О pure Lady, deliver me from everlasting fire and condemnation, and rescue me from corrupt men who seek to trip my heels, that I may ever bless thee whom all creation calls blessed in a divine manner.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Through thee, О pure Virgin, did the Supremely divine One become visible in the likeness of the flesh. Him do thou unceasingly beseech, that He have mercy upon us who live in evil and tremble in the expectation of ever- lasting torment.

Ode IX, Irmos: God the Word, God of God, * Who by ineffable wisdom came to create Adam anew * after his grievous fall to corruption through eating * and Who took flesh beyond all telling from the Holy Virgin for our sake, * Him we faithful with one accord magnify in song.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Grant unto me God’s love for mankind, О Maiden who alone hast ineffably given birth to God the Lover of mankind, Who borrowed flesh from thee, and deliver me from the coming flame and all torment, for I glorify thee with love.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having acquired thee as a mighty helper, our hope and bulwark, our foundation and steadfast protection, an invincible confirmation, a harbour unbeset by storms and a refuge of strength, О all-hymned one, we are all saved.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О all-hymned Virgin, Mother of the Light, drive away the clouds from my soul, and grant that I may gaze in purity upon the saving beauty which shone forth ineffably from thy most holy womb to enlighten the nations.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О Virgin Maiden Who hast given birth to the divine Light, illumine my heart, which hath been darkened by many passions and the assaults of alien thoughts, ever granting me teardrops which cleanse away the defilement of sin.

Tuesday Evening Compline: Supplicatory Canon in Tone II

Posted on July 16, 2024July 16, 2024 by Father Mark

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The discourse granted me is in nowise capable of hymnody, О all-pure one, for the darkness of my sins doth cover me; yet accept my limitations, О Birthgiver of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I finally flee from my countless sins to thy protection, О most pure one. Render our God and Master easily reconciled with me, and save me, О pure one.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Thou art my fervent mercy-seat, Lady, and, fleeing to thee, I am saved and obtain salvation of soul; for thou canst do all things, in that thou art the Mother of the God of all.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The deceiver of souls hath lured me into the pit of destruction; but stretch forth to me thy mighty hand, О Virgin Theotokos, and quickly lead me up to the light.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, who didst slay sin upon the tree, * firmly establish us in Thee, * and in the hearts of us who hymn Thee * plant the fear of Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having fallen among many thieves, wretch that I am, I have been stripped naked, wounded and left for dead; but disdain me not, О pure Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The serpent who wrought deception through the tree stripped Adam naked, and hath now easily made my soul captive. Yet I entreat thee, О Lady: Have pity on me!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

I now bring my secret deeds before thee, my true intercessor and protection, that thy Son may not denounce me with them at His righteous judgment.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Have mercy, О pure one, have mercy, for we derive no salvation from our deeds. Wherefore, with ardent faith we cry out to thee: Have mercy upon thy servants!

Ode IV, Irmos: I hymn Thee, O Lord, for I have heard report of Thee, * and I was afraid; * for Thou comest to me, seeking me who am lost. * Wherefore, I glorify Thy great condescension towards me, * O greatly Merciful One.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Disdain me not who am incurably ill and infirm, О Lady; but grant unto me the oil of thy goodness, О Virgin, and enrich me with thoughts of thee, as with incorruptible gold from God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have been stripped bare of all good works and lie arrayed in evils more than all who fell of old; but do thou now adorn me with good deeds and deliver me from wickedness, О Bride of God.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

In word and with my will, I have surpassed the harlot in fornication and the publican in usury; yet before the end grant that I may acquire the repentance of both, О Lady.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

I have dwelt in the desert of grief and have withdrawn from thee, О Birthgiver of God. Who shall give me wings, that I may fly and go to thee, my hope, who dost save me from faintheartedness, wretch that I am?

Ode V, Irmos: O Lord, Bestower of light and Creator of the ages: * guide us in the light of Thy commandments, * for we know none other God than Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In that the never-waning Light shone forth from thy womb upon those on earth, О Lady, illumine my fetid soul, and drive all darkness from my heart, О pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The cruel night of my wicked and evil deeds covereth me, O Lady; yet I cry out to thee: Guide me to the divine light of thy Son and Master, О all-hymned one.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О pure one, accept me as thy Son, the Creator of all, accepted the prodigal son, for I cry out with him: I have truly sinned! Save me, О Lady!

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

In that thou art merciful, О most pure one, heal thou my heart, which hath been wounded by the assaults of the evil one, for thou hast ineffably given birth to Him Who was wounded in the flesh upon the Cross.

Ode VI, Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, * I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: * Raise me up from corruption, O God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have fallen into the pit of sin and, held fast by fear, I cannot lift my gaze to our unforgettable God; yet I cast myself down before thee, О Bride of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thine omnipotent supplication, О Virgin Theotokos, pilot my heart, which hath been grievously covered by the waves of mine incomprehensible transgressions.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

In that thou art my confirmation, О Lady, grant that I may behold the beauty of thy glory when my soul shall be separated from my flesh, that I may thus know remission.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

By thy prayers to God deliver thy servants, who have recourse to thee with faith, from perils, misfortunes and sorrows, О holy Lady.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Sessional hymn, Tone II: We magnify thee, O Theotokos, crying aloud: * Thou art the un-burnt bush, * wherein Moses beheld as a flame ** the Fire of the Divinity.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Gaping wide, the enemy now strives to devour me, for from every quarter he brings temptations and snares to bear upon me, wholly cutting off my progress; yet anticipating my need, О Virgin Mother, deliver me from his wicked assaults.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The adversary defiles and vexes my senses and mind, striving to drag me down into the pit of despair; wherefore, I cry out to thee alone: О Bride of God, my refuge, deliver me from the hands of the evil one!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О my Christ Who art Thyself the Word, Who of old delivered the three youths from the furnace, by the supplications of Thy Mother who knew not wedlock, bedew me and deliver me from the flame which I have enkindled by my boundless evil deeds.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Coming upon my material heart, the corrupter hath slain it; but by thy divine power cause rain to fall upon me, О Mother who knewest not wedlock, and grant that I may vanquish him, that I may cry out to thee with faith: Blessed art thou who hast given birth to God in the flesh.

Ode VIII, Irmos: God Who descended into the fiery furnace * with the Hebrew children, * and transformed the flame into dew, * do ye works hymn, * and supremely exalt as Lord throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Cruelly buried beneath my many evils and weighed down by the multitude of sins, I dare not in anywise lift up mine eyes to heaven, but cry out to thee: Have mercy upon me who have fallen, О only Theotokos!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have fallen under the wrath of thy Son and God, О pure one. Deliver me, and in the hour when He shall conduct the trial, be thou my helper, О most pure one, and deliver me from standing with the goats on the left side.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О Maiden Bride of God, raise me up who have been spiritually slain by my countless sins, and by thy supplication deliver me from all the deception of the soul-corrupting enemy and murderer.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

How hast thou besmirched thy pristine beauty with evil, О my incorrigible and wicked soul? How hast thou broken all thy promises to thy Creator and accepted evils? Yet go thou and hasten with piety to the Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have truly defiled my senses with grievous actions and am wholly filled with shameful deeds; but cleanse me, О most pure one, asking that I be granted time for goodly compunction, that I may unceasingly magnify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

When the hidden deeds of everyone shall be revealed, О Theotokos, be my justification, since thou truly hast the power to do so, and deliver me from darkness, that by thy prayers I may dwell in the land of light, where there is ineffable joy.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

I beseech Thee, О Word: Before Thy final coming grant me fervent repentance, tearful compunction, chastity and humility, divine love, and a place in Thy flock, through the prayers of her who gave birth to Thee.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О Virgin who dost surpass all noetic and material beings in glory and honour, except for God, disdain me not who have surpassed in transgressions all people, past and present, who have sinned on the earth; and by thy prayer save me.

Monday Evening Compline: Supplicatory Canon in Tone II

Posted on July 15, 2024July 16, 2024 by Father Mark

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

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 hath He been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With the Archangel Gabriel the Church offereth in hymnody an ever-flowering wreath of praise, which sprang forth through the Spirit unto thee, the Bride of God, О pure one, chanting “Rejoice!” and crowning thee with honour.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having cultivated Christ God, the life-bearing vine, О all-hymned Mother of God, thou wast revealed to be the holy ground of the Father in a manner transcending understanding, watering the whole world with life-bearing drink, О pure one, full of the grace of God.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О most pure one, thou hast given birth to the God of the whole world which is cruelly battered and engulfed by the waves of transgressions, the Lord of us all, Christ the Helmsman, Who faithfully pilots us to the haven of salvation.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

We all faithfully entreat thee, О Mary, Mother of God, thou refuge and city of salvation, and we fervently make supplication unto thee: Accept the entreaties of us thy servants, and release us all from the condemnation of transgressions.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, who didst slay sin upon the tree, * firmly establish us in Thee, * and in the hearts of us who hymn Thee * plant the fear of Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The beguilement of Eve was the beginning of the estrangement between God and mortals; but the holy Theotokos hath led us back to God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The glorious Joachim begat thee, the treasury of Life, for the world, О all-hymned one, and he rejoiceth in thee, his goodly offspring, for thou didst come as the expectation of thy barren parents.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From Anna hath joy blossomed forth for our race. Thou hast given birth to the King as a Virgin. And women, released from the curse by thee, rejoice in thy birthgiving.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The bush on Sinai prefigured Thy most glorious birthgiving, О Virgin; for, receiving the fire of the Godhead within thy womb, О pure one, thou wast not consumed.

Ode IV, Irmos: I have heard report O Lord, * of Thy glorious dispensation, * and I have glorified, Thine unapproachable power, * O Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In a godly manner Jacob foresaw thee as a ladder, О Virgin, upon whose summit God established Himself.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Through thee, О most pure one, was the descent of the angels revealed beforehand to signify the advent of the Word to us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Blessed is thy womb and thy breasts, О all-hymned Virgin; for, for their sake, we have all found Life.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

With Orthodox voices we mystically hymn thee, О Mother of God, for by thy supplications the Church is preserved.

Ode V, Irmos: O Christ my Saviour, the enlightenment of those lying in the darkness of sin. * I rise early to hymn Thee O King of Peace, * enlighten me with Thy radiance, * for I know no other God than Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We hymn thee, О Mary Theotokos, as one more honourable than the ark of the law, for thou, О all-hymned one, didst bear the Creator and God of all like the tablets of the law.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We glorify thee as the throne of God the Word, sitting upon which, God hath revealed Himself as a man; and thou hast become more exalted than the cherubim.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Thou hast released the whole race of mankind from bitter bondage, О Virgin, and hast honoured the nature of women with the freedom of Christ in thy divine birthgiving.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Thou hast given birth to the Son, О Virgin, and women manifestly vanquish the enemy; wherefore, holding fast to virginity, they hasten to thee, О Maiden.

Ode VI, Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, * I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: * Raise me up from corruption, O God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With the angel we faithfully cry out to thee: Rejoice, О pure virgin, thou joy of the world! Grant us thy joy, and do away with our grief!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Unto us who with faith praise thee, the dwelling-place of joy which cannot be taken away, О Ever-virgin Mother, grant thy joy and do away with our grief.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

In thy divine glory thou hast been revealed to be a heaven more exalted than the heavens, О Bride of God; for making His abode within thee, our God hath appeared unto me.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Now doth the nature of women rejoice! Now doth grief cease to be and joy hath blossomed forth! For Mary hath given birth to joy: Christ, our God and Saviour.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Sessional hymn, Tone II: Looking upon the grievous slothfulness of my soul and the utter weakness of my heart, О Mother of God, heal me by thy supplications and grant me the portion of the saved, delivering me from darkness and torment, in that thou alone art my hope and consolation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The fleece of Gideon prefigured the descent of the Word of God upon thee, О pure one, for thou didst accept conception like dew, О incorrupt Virgin. Wherefore, we all cry out to thee: Blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, О pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

New and awesome, full of faith and wondrous are thy mysteries, О Mary, Mother of Christ our God; for through thee have we all been reconciled with God the Master; and we chant now with the angels: Blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, О pure one.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Of old Gideon manifestly foretold thy divine birthgiving, О pure one, setting forth a bowl full of water from the wringing out of the fleece; for God dwelt wholly within thee, О most pure one. Blessed is the Fruit of thy womb.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

In giving birth to the God and Saviour of all, О Mary, thou didst become the correction of the despairing, the restoration of sinners, the hope of the hopeless and the help of those who chant: Blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, О pure one.

Ode VIII, Irmos: God Who descended into the fiery furnace * with the Hebrew children, * and transformed the flame into dew, * do ye works hymn, * and supremely exalt as Lord throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast been revealed to be a new garden of paradise, containing the tree of Life, not that of death, О most holy Theotokos; for like a garden thou didst seedlessly produce the Lord, through Whom we all partake of immortal life.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The whole Church of Christ doth hymn thy birthgiving, О Theotokos, for all who flee to thee with love, sinners and poor folk alike, are saved; for Christ hath come to earth to save mankind.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Through thee, О Virgin Theotokos, thy first mother hath been freed from condemnation. And, lo! women now suffer for Christ, and female nature rejoiceth, as Thecla, the first martyred woman, doth exclaim.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

No one hath perished who in an Orthodox manner hath acquired the hope of faith in thee, О pure Virgin Mother of God; but he is cast aside who with jealousy refuses to venerate thy depicted image.

Ode IX, Irmos: Thee do we magnify, O blessed and all-pure Theotokos, * who through thy virginal womb ineffably brought forth * God incarnate, * the Luminary Who shone forth before the sun * and hath come to us in the flesh.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most holy Virgin, incline thine ear unto me who with faith hymn thy birthgiving with words of praise; and, accepting the hymnody of my lips like the widow’s gift, ask for the forgiveness of my sins.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy beauty shineth forth, emitting the radiance of purity, О pure one; and thy birthgiving shineth even more than these, for God, the Creator of the sun and all creation, hath been born from thee. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Divinely chanting in hymns with a voice of praise, О Theotokos, we beseech thee, the light of purity, the staff of virginity and Mother of God: establish us in virginity and preserve us in purity.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

In that thou hadst preserved thy body and soul undefiled for God, О pure one, Christ the King desired thy beauty and showed thee to be the Mother of His incarnation, accomplishing my salvation, О most glorious Mary.

Sunday Evening Compline: Supplicatory Canon in Tone II

Posted on July 14, 2024July 14, 2024 by Father Mark

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having taken our form from thee, the never-setting Sun manifestly showed thee forth as a noetic and most splendid heaven. Wherefore, deliver me from the stench of the passions, that with love I may hymn thee, the only Virgin Mother.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I beseech thee, О Lady, who art the tongs which held the noetic Ember which hath purified human nature: Wash away the defilement of my manifold transgressions, and by thy supplications deliver me from defiling passions.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О most pure Theotokos, who hast given birth to Christ, the Wellspring of mercy, and hast opened Eden to mankind: open unto me the portals of thy mercy, and grant me forgiveness offences, О Sovereign Lady of the world.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Rend asunder the bonds of my transgressions, О Ever-virgin Lady, entreating thy Son and God; and cast down sin which oppresseth me, that, saved, I may ever hymn thee, О most immaculate one.

Ode III, Irmos: Thou hast established me on the rock of faith, * and my mouth hath been emboldened against mine enemies. * For my spirit rejoiceth when I sing: * There is none as holy as our God * and none more righteous than Thee, O Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Dispel the gloom and darkness of my passions with the rays of thy supplications, and enlighten me, О most pure Lady who hast given birth to Christ, the never-setting Sun Who shone forth from the Sun before the morning-star.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy birthgiving, О most pure one, thou hast restored the fallen and broken tabernacle of David thy father; wherefore, О Theotokos, raise me up, thy servant, who am crushed by transgressions and the passions.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Be thou a sword, О Virgin, driving away the sins and passions of my soul, and show me to be another garden of paradise, preserved by thee un- assailed, offering thee the flowers of the Spirit.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Stretching forth the hand of compassions, receive me, О Birthgiver of God, and from all condemnation rescue me who flee to thee, and falling down before thee, call upon thine aid.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Taking the leaven of human nature like dough, the Creator made it undefiled and holy; and washing me clean of the defilement of the passions, He hath cleansed me of the mire of my transgressions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With the remedy of thy prayers, as with bandages and oil, О pure Lady, heal now the stripes of my soul and the wounds of sin, in that thou hast given birth to the divine Healing of nature.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Loose thou the bonds of my passions, О Lady, and cleave asunder the chains of my sins with the sword of thy prayers, О thou who hast given birth to Christ Who granteth deliverance to those bound in Hades.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Cure thou the passions of my soul which most wretchedly shroud me in gloom, and enlighten my thoughts, О pure one, driving far away the darkness of the demons who oppress me and who lay traps for me all the day long.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast delivered the world from the ancient curse, О Lady who hast given birth to Christ, the Blessing of the world. Deliver me from unseemly thoughts and from all grief, for thou alone art the joy of the faithful.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

A horde of demons surroundeth the city of my soul, striving mightily to take it captive. О most glorious Lady, thou city of the King of all, defend me by thy supplications as with entowered ramparts, and save me.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

The cruel storm of the sedition of the spirits of evil doth trouble my mind. Quickly anticipate my need, and still it, О thou who hast given birth to Christ, the only almighty Helmsman of all creation.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О Birthgiver of God, shine the light of repentance upon me who am enclosed in the darkness of perdition. Give a helping hand to me who lie prostrate, and by thy supplications raise me up, О pure one, that I may accomplish the judgments of God.

Ode VI, Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, * I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: * Raise me up from corruption, O God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thou hast given birth to Life everlasting, О most pure one, when my soul departeth from my body, slay death by thy supplications.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The serpent who hates mankind pursues me, subjecting me to trials. О Lady, set him at naught, for thou hast given birth to Him Who crushed the heads of the serpents.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О thou who hast given birth to Christ our God, the Way of life, to the straight path direct me who walk with faltering steps.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Heal the sufferings of my soul and vanquish the perplexity of grief, О most pure one who hast given birth to God, for our salvation.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Sessional hymn, Tone II: As the wellspring of loving-kindness, О Theotokos, grant mercy unto us. Look upon the people who have sinned, and show forth, as ever, thy power; for, trusting in thee, we cry out to thee: Rejoice!’’, as once did Gabriel, the supreme commander of the incorporeal beings.

Ode VII, Irmos: The wise children did not adore the golden idol, * but went themselves into the flame and defied the pagan gods. * They prayed in the midst of the flame, * and an Angel bedewed them saying: * ‘The prayer of your lips hath been heard’.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The waves of the passions trouble my mind and shake my soul; yet, О Virgin who hast given birth to Him Who by His divine command restrained the raging sea, transport me to the tranquility of dispassion and halt the turmoil of my flesh.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Knowing thee to be the gate of the noetic East who hast appeared from heaven, О Virgin. I, thy servant, pray that through thee I might enter into the heavens. Wherefore, accept me, О Lady, and guide me by thy light.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Crucified on the Cross of His own will, Christ thy Son put the princes of darkness to shame and destroyed the corrupting power of death. Thereby, О most pure Lady, do thou slay the passion-plagued understanding of my flesh.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Cease not, О pure one, to pray to God Who was born from thee, on behalf of those who approach thee with faith and ask deliverance, О only helper of the world, for thou art the hope and help of the despairing and the aid of those who are ever tempest-tossed amid evils.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Disdaining the golden image, the thrice-blessed children, * beholding the immutable and living image of God, * chanted in the midst of the flame: * Let all existing creation hymn the Lord * and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Virgin, thou divinely made tabernacle of the Holy of holies, of Him Who set thee forth as the image of the ancient tabernacle, having the great High Priest in thy midst: Show my heart to be a holy tabernacle of the Most High: Christ, the King of all.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having borne, О Virgin, the divine ark and the tablets of the law: the most pure Word of God, Christ, thine uncircumscribable Son: by thy prayers, as with the finger of God, inscribe Him upon the surface of my soul.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As from a mountain the precious Stone hath been cut from thy womb, О most immaculate Lady, and as the only Almighty One He hath broken the pillars of all falsehood. Thereby do thou now destroy the images of the passions of my soul, having broken the jaws of the noetic foe.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

With the waters of life, О Virgin Theotokos, water thou my heart which hath been seared by the flame of sin, ever preserving me in compunction, who chant with fear: Let all existing creation hymn the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou didst shine forth Christ, the Sun of righteousness, О pure one, showing thyself to be a most radiant heaven. By thy supplications destroy the night of my passions, illumine my soul, and enlighten and make bright my heart.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Condemn and trample underfoot mine adversary, О Theotokos, and deliver me from his oppression; for thou hast given birth to the Good and Righteous One Who resteth in the bosom of the Godhead and hath condemned death.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

He Who as God formed the essence of the incorporeal ones became incarnate from thee, О Virgin Maiden. Wherefore, by thy supplications deliver me, thy servant, from the evil circumstances and the carnal understanding of the passions of the flesh.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Thou hast done away with the grief of Eve, having given birth to the new Adam Who created the nature of the first Adam. Wherefore, erase also with the record of my transgressions, freeing me from perils, sorrows and the passions.

Saturday Evening Compline: Supplicatory Canon in Tone II

Posted on July 13, 2024July 13, 2024 by Father Mark

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О good Theotokos, who dost readily hear all in tribulation and helpest those in grief: grant grace unto those who make bold to hymn thee, О Lady, thou joy of those who sorrow.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having acquired an abundance of rich grace, О Lady, by thy bold supplication most gloriously rescue me, thy poor servant, from temptations, О joy of those who sorrow.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From enemies visible and invisible deliver us who have recourse to thee, we pray, О Theotokos, and confound every counsel of those who war against us.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Take from me the reproach of men and the false accusations of the traitorous, I pray thee, О Theotokos, that I may eagerly glorify the Lord Whom thou didst nourish.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, who didst slay sin upon the tree, * firmly establish us in Thee, * and in the hearts of us who hymn Thee * plant the fear of Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Scatter the vain plots of the enemy, О all-hymned Theotokos, and by thy supplications fail not to keep us safe who praise thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With thy merciful eye, О pure one, look upon me, and deliver me from every plot of enemies, visible and invisible, blinding their eyes.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

With the dew of thy prayers, О Virgin, quench the evil assault, burning like fire, of the enemies who ever seek to destroy us.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О inextinguishable lamp, ever-shining ray, who hast given birth to Christ, the Sun of glory: By thy supplications illumine me who am beset by the night of afflictions.

Ode IV, Irmos: I heard, O Lord, Thy voice, * which Thou didst call the voice of one crying in the wilderness, * for Thou didst thunder over the multitude of waters, * bearing witness to Thy Son. * And, wholly filled with the Spirit which had descended, * He cried aloud: * Thou art Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We entreat thee, thou bridge of salvation, tireless entreaty and steadfast help: Have pity and behold our unbearable grief, our pangs, afflictions and sufferings, О Mother of God, and visit us for the better, granting us speedy joy.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We are not without a share of thine aid amid afflictions, О Lady; wherefore, quickly help us now, who are grievously tempest-tossed, stretching forth thy hand, О pure one. Be thou merciful to our pain, О Mother of God, granting us speedy joy.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

They who are iniquitous, who roar to shed unjustly the blood of their neighbor, have not set their hope on thee, О Lady, but have trusted in a boastful tongue, the tongue of man, which ever poureth forth jealously; but do thou, О pure one, break their jaws.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О Lady, humble thou the haughty neck of the boastful enemy, their counsels and wicked ways, and their hearts which daily meditate evils against me; and give strength and victory to those who call upon thee, О Mother of God, granting us speedy joy.

Ode V, Irmos: The burning Ember was revealed to Isaiah, * and the Sun hath shone forth from the Virgin’s womb, * granting the enlightenment of the knowledge of God * to those who in darkness have gone astray.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О true supplicant, hope of Christians, О joyous one, accept the entreaties of us who earnestly call upon and pray to thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Acknowledging thee to be the well-spring of Life, pouring forth the waters of immortality, О pure one, we, the earthborn, call thee blessed.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

The enemy hath wickedly armed himself against us, desiring to destroy us with his tongue, as with a sword; but go before us, О Birthgiver of God, in thy might.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Who can measure the abyss of the assistance of thy power, О pure one? Wherefore, quickly go before us who are in need.

Ode VI, Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, * I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: * Raise me up from corruption, O God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As the mediatress of chastity, reveal thyself now to those who call upon thee, and deliver them from all misfortunes and perils, О Bride of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Destroy the evil works of the enemy and scatter the false accusations of the unjust, О most pure and blessed one, delivering the innocent from tribulation.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Surrounded by grievous sins and drowning in perilous misfortunes, О Mother of Christ God, we flee beneath thy divine protection.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Having given birth to the Lord without knowing a man, thou wast revealed to remain a virgin, even after giving birth. О the most glorious wonder that was wrought within thee, О Bride of God!

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Sessional hymn, Tone I: We earnestly cry out to thee, О Lady Theotokos, thou fervent supplication, unassailable rampart, wellspring of mercy and refuge for the world: Go before us, and deliver us from perils, О thou who alone dost speedily intercede.

Ode VII, Irmos: That Thou mightest prefigure * Thy most glorious nativity from a virgin, О Christ, * Thou didst preserve unconsumed in the furnace * the youths who chanted to Thee with hymns: * Blessed art Thou О God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О thy compassion, О pure Virgin! For thou dost loose immeasurable griefs and misfortunes for those who cry out in need and adverse circumstances. Wherefore, О blessed one, even now help those who praise thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Show forth thy speedy assistance; show it forth, as thou art able, in that thou art the Mother of God. We call upon thee with all our heart, falling down in tears: Quickly ease the affliction and pain of thy servants.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

The mouths of men, like those of ferocious lions, have opened wide more terribly than the grave, to bitterly swallow me; but as thou hast been revealed to be the hope of the hopeless, О blessed Theotokos, cast down their strength.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Let the enemy behold and be ashamed, and let them understand and see thy power, which warreth for us against them. Cast them down into the nethermost depths, О blessed one, thou hope of the hopeless.

Ode VIII, Irmos: In Babylon, the activity of the fire was once divided, * for, by the command of God it consumed the Chaldeans, * but bedewed the faithful, who chant: * Bless ye the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Birthgiver of God, our refuge, joy of the world: hasten thou to take pity, and quickly grant thy grace unto us who are afflicted, О good one, and help thy servants.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The vain council of the assembly of the ungodly took counsel wickedly against us, like Ahitophel of old. Yet we cry aloud: Scatter it by thy supplications, О Theotokos, casting down their strength!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Quickly hearken, О Theotokos, to those who truly call upon thee from their soul amid every tribulation and divers pangs and grievous perils, ever delivering them by thy supplications, О Lady.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

That thy name might be glorified on the earth, О Theotokos, He Who shone forth from thee hath given thee to sinners as a mighty hope and rampart; for through thee doth everything that hath breath hasten to God.

Ode IX, Irmos: Every tongue is at a loss to praise thee as is due: * even a spirit from the world above is filled with dizziness, * when it seeketh to sing thy praises, O Theotokos. * But since thou art good, accept our faith: * Thou knowest well our love inspired by God, * for thou art the Protector of Christians and we magnify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Let every tongue which meditates evils be stopped; and let false lips and mouths, which unjustly speak iniquity against the righteous man with pride and hostile envy, fall silent, through the supplications of the Theotokos and the saints of Christ.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Afflicted with pain and sorrow, we all call upon the pure Theotokos, who is vigilant in prayer, crying: О pure Lady, ever deliver thyå servants quickly from besetting pain, for, after God, we have none other helper.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О Theotokos, thou art a great refuge fxor the despairing, a calm haven for the tempest-tossed; wherefore, we have recourse unto thee, crying: Let us not be put to shame, О Mother of the true Life, but let us magnify thee, giving thanks with fervour.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О most pure Maiden, accept our divine hymn, imparting grace unto those who trust in thee, and ask that peace ever be sent upon the churches of God and victory and triumph to the Orthodox, that the tongue of every Christian may magnify thee.

Friday Evening Compline: Supplicatory Canon in Tone I

Posted on July 12, 2024July 12, 2024 by Father Mark

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Let us all chant a triumphant hymn unto God * Who wrought wondrous miracles * with His upraised arm, * and saved Israel, * for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art a haven of salvation and protection for those who call upon thee, О most pure Theotokos. Wherefore, I fervently cry out to thee from the depths of my soul: О Lady, save me!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O most pure Mary, Mother of the Creator, in that thou art good and easy to reconcile, heal thou my lowly soul which hath been corrupted by the passions and transgressions.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О Lady unwedded, cease thou never to entreat my Creator and God on behalf of one who ever flees to thy protection, that I may receive mercy.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О animate palace and fiery throne of the King, with the holy martyrs and apostles do thou ever entreat Christ, that He deliver us from perils.

Ode III, Irmos: The stone which the builders have rejected, * the same hath become the cornerstone: * this is the rock upon which Christ hath established the Church, * which He hath redeemed from among the nations.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The darkness of transgressions surroundeth my heart, О Lady, and I dare not lift up mine eyes to heaven. Wherefore, I cry: Enlighten my mind, soul and heart with the precepts of Christ!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I gaze upon thy divine image, and I honour thee, the seal of the Master, the most pure Mother, as the prototype. And I kiss it, and bow down, and praise it, knowing thine honour and His alone.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Halt the cruel assaults of the body, and quench thou the flame of the passions, О Virgin, wherewith the cruel serpent weaves greatly tangled bonds offences round about me, desiring to drag me down to destruction.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Issuing forth bodily, the Word clothed Himself wholly in Adam through thee. Him do thou therefore beseech, that He deliver us from the passions, from divers perils and everlasting fire.

Ode IV, Irmos: Foreseeing in the Spirit O Prophet Habbakuk, * the incarnation of the Word, * thou didst proclaim, crying aloud: * When the years draw nigh, Thou shalt be known; * when the season cometh, Thou shalt be shown forth! * Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having given birth to the Creator and Fashioner of all, О Virgin, thou hast ineffable power and invincible might, and savest those who approach thee with faith. Wherefore, I cry to thee: О Sovereign Lady of the world, help me!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Set at naught the battles of the invisible and noetic foe who assail in vain my wretched heart, О Lady, and grant me divine serenity and peace, that I may hymn thee in gladness.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Thou art the hope of the hopeless, helper of the poor, consolation of those who weep, cleansing of the sinful, guide of the lost, healer of the sick and correction of the fallen.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О pure and blessed Virgin Mary, who alone hast done away with the curse of all; with the apostles, martyrs and prophets entreat Him Who issued forth from thy womb, that He save the souls of those who hymn thee.

Ode V, Irmos: Grant us Thy peace, O Son of God, * for we know no other God than Thee, * and we call upon Thy Name, * for Thou art the God of the living and the dead.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Save me from the abyss of perils, tribulations, griefs and bodily passions, О Lady, and preserve my soul in divine tranquility.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art my fervent and steadfast preservation all throughout my life, О most immaculate one. Wherefore, I beseech thee; even after my death, extend unto me thy rich loving-kindness.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О thou who hast given birth to the Creator and Redeemer of all, deliver me from the bodily passions which consume my heart and drag me into unseemly deeds.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

In that thou hast been revealed to be a place of noetic sanctity, О Virgin Lady, wholly sanctify me, and with the holy and wise apostles pray that I be saved.

Ode VI, Irmos: Emulating the Prophet Jonah, I cry aloud: * Free Thou my life from corruption, O Good One; * and save me who crieth out: * O Saviour of the world, Glory be to Thee!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou preservest me alive, delivering me from dangers. In thy loving-kindness do thou also stand before me when I depart this earth for life everlasting, О Virgin Mother.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art an indestructible rampart, thou art a firm wall of protection, thou art a mighty intercessor for thy servant, О good Theotokos; wherefore, I ever call upon thee.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Having acquired powerful supplications before God, О good Theotokos, disdain not me who fervently flee to thy protection and cry aloud: Have mercy on me, О Mother of the God of all!

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Reject me not, neither spurn me, О Saviour, for the ewe-lamb who gave Thee birth in the flesh entreateth Thee with Thine apostles, prophets
and passion-bearers.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Sessional hymn, Tone I: О most pure Maiden, the prophets foretold thee as the cloud of the eternal light of God, the ark, the candlestand and jar, and the unquarried mountain; for in the latter times Christ our God came forth from thee without seed, as was the Father’s good pleasure.

Ode VII, Irmos: Thy children who were in the furnace O Saviour, * were neither touched nor troubled by The fire. * Whereupon the three sang, as with a single mouth * Thy praises and blessed Thee, saying: * ‘O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou.’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Hastening in thy loving-kindness, О most pure Lady, deliver me, who am brought to despondency by transgressions and the pleasures of the flesh and who am thrust into the abyss of destruction, О pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Theotokos, thou art the refuge and mighty protection of all the faithful. Be thou for me a guide to the Creator, granting me deliverance from transgressions in thy compassion.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Thou hast destroyed the curse, О pure one who hast given birth to Christ our joy. By thy power, О most immaculate one, break thou also the curse which I have incurred through sin, and grant me joy.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О most holy and pure one, thy servants ever entreat thee day and night, praying with contrite thoughts. Grant us deliverance from our offences by thy supplications.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Him of whom the angels and all the hosts of heaven are in awe * as their Lord and Creator, * ye priests hymn, ye children praise, * ye peoples bless and supremely exalt * throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Arise, go forth and do battle against the enemies who trouble and oppress us in vain, delivering us by thy power, О holy virgin, thou helper of the world!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast saved the world from death and corruption by thy divine birthgiving, О good Virgin; and now, by thy supplications, rescue from the passions and save us who praise thee.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Great and ineffable is thy might, О Virgin, and many and invincible are thy divine compassions and loving-kindness. Wherefore, save us who call upon thee in truth.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

As an animate vine, О Virgin, thou didst put forth for us the ripe Cluster, Who hath poured forth the wine of remission and dried up the
drunkenness of sin.

Ode IX, Irmos: The light-bearing cloud upon whom * the Unoriginate Master of all descended from heaven, * like the dew upon the fleece, * and of whom He was incarnate, * becoming a man for our sake, * let us all magnify as the pure Mother of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Greatly tempest-tossed upon the sea of life by carnal pleasures, I fall down before thee and cry aloud: Have mercy on me, who flee unto thee, О Lady, and extend to me a hand of salvation, delivering me from the abyss of destruction!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

To thee do I confess my sins, О Virgin; before thy face do I disclose my shame; and I cry to thee from the depths of my soul “Have mercy and take pity, О most pure one, for on thee and God have I set my firm hope”!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

With all my soul I call upon thee who hast given birth without seed to the Creator and Master, and I cry out earnestly: Save me from the corruption of manifold transgressions, and deliver me from the unquenchable fire, О most holy and good Theotokos!

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О pure one, thou impassable door, gate of paradise, path of the saved, way of salvation: with the martyrs and prophets, the righteous and venerable, and the divine apostles, pray thou, that our souls be saved.

Thursday Evening Compline: Supplicatory Canon in Tone I

Posted on July 11, 2024July 12, 2024 by Father Mark

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Having been delivered from bitter slavery, * Israel traversed the impassable as though dry land; * and beholding the enemy drowned, * they chanted unto God as to their Redeemer, * Who worketh wonders with His upraised arm, * for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I am held fast in despondency as I consider the multitude of my transgressions and the answer I must make to the Judge, О Lady Theotokos. Yet be thou for me a divine mediator, placating Him by thy loving-kindness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most pure one, thou refuge of Christians, setting aright of the fallen and cleansing offences; at the hour of the dread judgment deliver me from the ever-burning fire, granting me life everlasting.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Thee, О Virgin, have we all, the faithful, acquired as our only sure helper; for thou hast given birth unto God. Wherefore, all of us, all the generations of the earth, bless thee, as thou didst foretell, О pure one.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Beholding thy Creator and Son upon the Cross, О pure and all-immaculate one, thou wast filled with awe and didst say: “What is this, О my Child? How have the wicked repaid Thee with evil for the good which Thou didst show them?”

Ode III, Irmos: To the Son who was begotten of the Father * without change before all ages, * and in the last times, without seed, was made flesh of the Virgin, * to Christ our God let us cry aloud: * Thou hast raised up our horn, holy art Thou, O Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

All the prophets proclaimed thee the Mother of God in most glorious images; and we, clearly beholding their fulfilment, also believe, and ask that through thee we may receive divine serenity.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Sovereign Lady of the world, salvation and help of the faithful; accepting the signs which issue forth from the depths of my heart and the streams of my tears, deliver me who am bound by many transgressions, and save me, О pure one.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Possessed of boldness before Christ God, in that thou art His Mother, О pure one, pray thou ever that we be delivered from the children of Hagar and from all harm, and make us steadfast, that we may glorify Him with thanksgiving, О most immaculate one.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Beholding her Son lifted up upon the Cross, the most pure one exclaimed, and, crying out, gave utterance from the depths of her heart: “What have the wicked and iniquitous ones, who were filled to repletion with Thy gifts, done to Thee, О my Son?”

Ode IV, Irmos: Rod of the root of Jesse, * and flower that blossomed from his stem, * O Christ, Thou hast sprung from the Virgin. * From the Mountain overshadowed by the forest * Thou hast come, made flesh from her that knew not wedlock, * O God who art not formed from matter. * Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Cast down the savagery of the wicked foe and the machinations they direct against me, and invest me with thy might, О all-immaculate one, ever preserving me unharmed, whole and unvanquished, who radiantly hymn thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Vanquished by the law of the flesh, full of the passions, I do unseemly and iniquitous things. And I dare not in anywise lift up mine eyes to thee, О pure Lady. But do thou save me, wretch that I am, by the law of thy tender compassions. Do thou save me!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О Lady, we the faithful have thee and God alone as our hope unashamed and our help. By thy supplications deliver us from all enemies, visible and invisible, from harm and temptations, that we may unceasingly glorify thee.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Beholding the Son to Whom thou hast given birth without seed nailed to the Cross, О all-immaculate one, thou didst cry out maternally and, lamenting, didst say: “What is this new, most glorious and incomprehensible wonder which I behold in Thee, О my Son?”

Ode V, Irmos: As Thou art the God of peace and Father of compassions, * Thou hast sent unto us Thine Angel of great counsel, * granting us peace. * Wherefore guided towards the light of the knowledge of God, * and watching by night we glorify Thee, * O Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thy supplication is tireless and thy helping of thy servants fervent, О Virgin, rescue and save us, anticipating our needs amid all the perilous misfortunes of life, that we not fall victim to grief and become corrupt.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Mary, dwelling-place of God, show me forth through repentance to be a habitation for God, for I have become the haunt of wicked demons through my vile deeds, mindlessly carrying out their will.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As thou art the compassionate Mother of God, heal us, who are cruelly afflicted in body and soul with sinful passions; for thou truly hast given birth to Christ, the Physician of souls and bodies, the abundant Wellspring of life.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Beholding her Son upon the tree of the Cross, the most immaculate one was stricken with pain in her womb, and with tears she cried out: I am in awe to see Thy long-suffering, О my Son, beholding this new wonder! How is it that Thou, Who art sinless, dost endure an unjust death?”

Ode VI, Irmos: The sea monster spat forth Jonah as it had received him, * like a babe from the womb: * while the Word, having dwelt in the Virgin and taken flesh, * came forth from her yet kept her incorrupt. * For being Himself not subject to decay. * He preserved His Mother free from all harm.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou wast the receptacle of the noetic Myrrh Who hath perfumed the whole earth with the sweet fragrance of His divinity, О most holy Bride of God. Wherefore, with the fragrance of thy supplication dispel all the stench of my transgressions from my soul.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The fire of pleasures doth utterly consume me, afflicting my lowly heart, and iniquitously moving me to commit unseemly deeds. Hasten thou to extinguish it, in that thou hast given birth to the divine Fire, my salvation, О Bride of God.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Deliver us from the temptations of enemies visible and invisible, О all-hymned Virgin, and preserve those who with Orthodox Faith truly confess thee to be the Theotokos, О Mother of God; for thou dost ever possess might, in that thou hast given birth to Him Who hath created all things.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Standing before the Cross and beholding her Son hanging thereon in the flesh, the most immaculate one felt her womb burn with grief, and, shedding tears, she cried: “O my Child, truly ineffable is Thy compassion for all men!”

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Sessional hymn, Tone I: Upon seeing the Lamb and Shepherd hanging dead upon the Tree, * the unblemished ewe-lamb, cried aloud, weeping * and exclaiming maternally: * “How is it that Thou dost willingly endure abasement and sufferings * which surpass all telling, ** O my Son, and supremely good God?”

Ode VII, Irmos: Scorning the impious decree of the godless one, * the Children brought up together in godliness * feared not the threat of fire, * but standing in the midst of the flames, they sang: * O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I cannot bear the assaults and tumult of the demons, for the flame of carnal passions darkens my mind. Yet disdain me not, О holy Theotokos, for I set all my hope on thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Virgin who knewest not wedlock, О all-holy Bride and Lady of God, through thy prayers loose thou the bonds of my transgressions, and bind me to Christ with bonds of love, that I may bring forth the virtues as fruit.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Thou art the helper, the bulwark and sure refuge of all Orthodox Christians, О pure Mary. Wherefore, honouring thee with faith, we cry out to Christ: О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The most holy virgin, beholding her Son suspended upon the Cross, was stricken with awe, and marvelling, said: “How can I bear the sight of Thee slain, Who art the Author and Bestower of life?”

Ode VIII, Irmos: The furnace moist with dew * was an image and prefiguring of a wonder past nature, * burning not the Children whom it had received, * so the fire of the Godhead consumed not the Virgin’s womb * into which it had descended. * Therefore in song let us sing: * Let the whole creation bless the Lord * and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Theotokos, Sovereign Lady of the world, do thou alone, by thy lovingkindness, lead me up, who by my wicked mind have been plunged into the abyss of perdition and evils by carnal pleasures and my passionate attachment to the things of life. For I in nowise have any hope of salvation, being wholly despondent, О pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art the salvation of all, having given birth ineffably to God. Thou art the saviour of the faithful, О Theotokos, the guide of the blind and the setting aright of the fallen. Wherefore, praising thee, we cry out to Christ: Bless the Lord, all ye works! Hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Having acquired thee as a most firm bulwark, we have placed in thee our hope of salvation, О Mother of God. Be thou for thy servants a haven and an unshakable rampart, and guide us continually, that we may chant: Let all creation bless the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Her womb was rent maternally, and filled with a multitude of tears, when she who gave birth to Thee in purity beheld Thee on the Cross, she cried out with inconsolable groaning: “Having escaped pain in Thy birth, О my Son, I am now held fast by pain, beholding Thy countenance dishonoured.”

Ode IX, Irmos: Ineffable is the mystery of the Virgin: * for she is heaven and the throne of the cherubim, * and hath been revealed as the radiant bridal-chamber * of Christ God Almighty. * Wherefore we piously magnify her as the Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have besmirched my soul with dishonourable passions, wretch that I am, and have defiled all my flesh with soul-corrupting passions; yet as thou art pure and undefiled, cleanse me by the magnitude of thy mercy.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have not acquired any other refuge than thee, О pure Lady, neither do I know any other steadfast helper and protection on earth. Wherefore, I have fled with fervour to thee, asking that through thee I might receive deliverance from offences.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

From on high thou dost now look mercifully upon thy servants, О all-hymned one, preserving us with pious faith and delivering from every evil circumstance by thy prayers those who honour thee as the true and honoured Theotokos.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

When she who knew a seedless birthgiving saw Thee suspended upon the tree of the Cross, О Thou Who lovest mankind, she cried aloud: “O my Son and almighty God, in Thy desire to save mankind how hast Thou now accepted crucifixion?”

Wednesday Evening Compline: Supplicatory Canon in Tone I

Posted on July 10, 2024July 10, 2024 by Father Mark

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Let us all chant a triumphant hymn unto God * Who wrought wondrous miracles * with His upraised arm, * and saved Israel, * for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The bush prefigured thee, О Birthgiver of God; for, remaining unconsumed, thou didst truly hold the unbearable Fire. Wherefore, with faithful voices we ever hymn thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

God the Word, clothing Himself in human nature, became incarnate from thee in a manner transcending understanding, О most pure one. Wherefore, every breath doth glorify thee and renders thee homage, and honour, as is meet.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О most pure one, thou didst conceive the ineffable Word Who upholdeth all the ends of the earth, and thou hast given birth to Him. Him do thou earnestly beseech, that He have mercy on us.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

In that thou alone hast given birth within time to the timeless God incarnate, О most pure Lady, heal thou the immemorial sufferings of my passion-plagued soul.

Ode III, Irmos: Let my heart be established in Thy will O Christ God, * Who hath established a second heaven over the waters, * and founded the earth upon the waters, * O all-powerful One.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

That He might deify humanity, God became man through thee, О pure Virgin, in a manner past all telling and understanding. Wherefore together we, the faithful, call thee blessed.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who by nature is uncircumscribable became circumscribed, incarnate from thee, О pure one who art full of the grace of God. Him do thou unceasingly entreat, that He take pity and enlighten the souls of those who bless thee.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Dispel all the fruitlessness of mine unfruitful thoughts, and show forth my soul as fruitful in the virtues, О most holy Theotokos, thou helper of the faithful.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Deliver me from every evil circumstance, from the many temptations of the serpent, and from eternal fire and darkness, О most immaculate one who for us hast given birth to the never-waning Light.

Ode IV, Irmos: : Foreseeing in the Spirit O Prophet Habbakuk, * the incarnation of the Word, * thou didst proclaim, crying aloud: * When the years draw nigh, Thou shalt be known; * when the season cometh, Thou shalt be shown forth! * Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Christ made His abode within thy most pure womb, О all-holy Lady, and deified us, assuming animate flesh. Wherefore O pure Mother, we hymn thee in an Orthodox manner, О Lady, thou helper of the world.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Sanctify us, О holy Theotokos who hast given birth in the flesh to the Most holy One Who desired to become like unto men; and by thy supplications, О most pure one, show us all to be partakers of the heavenly kingdom.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О Virgin Theotokos, undefiled tabernacle, with the pure beams of thy compassions cleanse me who have defiled myself with transgressions, and grant me a helping hand, that I may cry: Glory to Thy power, О Lord!

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Thou wast revealed to be a temple sanctified for God, О Virgin, and He made His abode in thee in a manner transcending understanding. Him do thou beseech, that He wash away the defilement of our sins, that we may be shown to be temples and habitations of the Spirit.

Ode V, Irmos: Grant us Thy peace, O Son of God, * for we know no other God than Thee, * and we call upon Thy Name, * for Thou art the God of the living and the dead.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The wicked eating which once was done in Eden made me mortal; but do thou, О pure one who hast given birth to Life, restore me to life who have been slain by the tree of old, that I may lift up my voice in hymns, glorifying thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О all-pure one, save me from cruel tribulations! Raise me up from the vile passions, and from the captivity and oppression of the evil demons deliver me who honour thee with love.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О pure Virgin Mother, we know thee to be the cloud and garden of paradise, the portal of the Light, the table and fleece, and the jar holding within thee the Manna which is the delight of the world.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О most immaculate one who hast given birth to God, Emmanuel, Who in His loving-kindness manifestly became a man: Him do thou beseech, that He have pity on sinful people, in that He is the Lover of mankind, О pure one.

Ode VI, Irmos: Lead my life up from corruption O Christ God, * as didst Thou the Prophet Jonah, * I cry to Thee O Lover of mankind, * for with Thee is life, incorruption and might.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I entreat thee who art the good and undefiled tabernacle: By thy mediation wash away all defilement from me who have been defiled by many sins.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure one, be thou guidance for me who am tempest-tossed upon the cruel abyss of the perils of life; direct me to the harbour of salvation, and save me.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

The threefold billows of evil thoughts, the assaults of the passions and the abyss of sins bestorm my wretched soul. Heal me, О holy Lady!

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О Mary who art called the tabernacle of sanctification, sanctify my wretched soul which hath been defiled by pleasures, and make me a partaker of divine glory.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Sessional hymn, Tone I: О Virgin who gavest nourishment to One of the Trinity, О beauteous garden of paradise, salvation of mortals: by thy protection save those who piously hymn thee, for thou hast given birth to Him Who spake in the prophets, and didst bear Him Who upholdeth all things, in that thou art the Mother of Christ God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Son of the Unoriginate Father made His abode within thy womb, receiving a beginning, that He might deliver us who worship Him from the evil princes of darkness, in that He is God, О pure Birthgiver of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Arrayed in divine virtues, О pure Virgin, thou hast given birth to the Word Who with the Father is unoriginate, and hath truly covered the heavens with virtues. Him do thou ever entreat, that He have pity on us.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Sanctify our thoughts, make steadfast the souls of all, О Mother of God, that we may execute well the judgments of the Word of the Unoriginate Father Who, in His ineffable loving-kindness, became incarnate from thee, О Virgin.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Revive my mind which hath been slain by many passions, О most immaculate one, and strengthen me to do God-pleasing works, that I may magnify thee ever as the helper and hope of Christians.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy vigilant supplications to God, О most immaculate one, we who acknowledge thee to be the blessed and all-joyous Theotokos are delivered from all manner of temptations.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In a godly manner the Incorporeal One became incarnate from thee. Him do thou entreat, О most pure one, that He mortify the passions of my flesh and revive my soul, which hath been slain by sins.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

О most pure one who hast given birth to God the Saviour, Who hath healed the abasement of Adam: Him do thou beseech, that He heal the incurably painful wounds of my soul.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Raise me up who lie in the abyss of evils, and vanquish the enemies who now assail me, the unseemly pleasures which eat away my soul. Disdain me not, О pure one, but have pity and save me!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most immaculate one who hast given birth to the divine Light Who shone forth from the Father, have pity on my soul, which hath become darkened by the deceptions of life and is become an object of mockery to mine enemies; and grant unto me the light of saving repentance, О pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most immaculate one, Isaiah beheld thee as a luminous cloud from whence the Sun of righteousness hath shone forth upon us, mystically to enlighten creation. Wherefore, with faith we hymn thee who art beautiful among women.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Loving sin, I live in slothfulness, О pure one. I tremble before the unfailing judgment, at which do thou preserve me uncondemned by thy holy prayers, О Virgin Bride of God, that I may ever bless thee as my helper.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

I tremble before the judgment and the inescapable eye of thy Son, having committed many sins on earth. Wherefore, I cry to thee: О most merciful Lady, help me! О pure one, rescue me uncondemned from my need at that time!

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