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Prayers

Thursday Evening Compline : Canon in Tone I

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On Thursday evening of Tone I, at Compline: Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos.

Ode 1, 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 offenses; 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 fulfillment, 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. (Thrice).

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.

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 marveling, 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 : Canon in Tone I

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On Wednesday evening of Tone I, at Compline: Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos.

Ode1, 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 harbor 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. (Thrice).

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.

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.

The Son of the beginningless 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 beginningless, 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 beginningless 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.

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.

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 Savior, 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!

Ode IX, Irmos: The light-bearing cloud upon whom * the beginningless 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.

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

Monday Evening Compline : Canon in Tone I

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On Monday evening  of Tone I, at Compline: Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos.

Ode1, 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.

Rejoice, О most pure sanctuary, О Virgin, adornment of the angels and receptacle of the Spirit, О immaculate Bride of the beginningless Father and Mother of God the Word!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art a Queen, in that thou art the daughter of the King, О Lady Theotokos, having produced and given birth to God the King in the flesh; and thou reignest with Him.

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

From the manifold misfortunes of my whole life do thou deliver me, О intercessor, that I may raise my voice in thanksgiving to thee: О pure Theotokos, rescue me from the torment which is to come!

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

The Church proclaimeth thy birthgiving with Orthodox doctrines and divine hymnody, О Virgin Bride of God, for it venerateth the signs of the incarnation of thy Son.

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.

As thou hast the glory of virginity, thou hast been invested with the grace of the Holy Spirit, О most pure Mary, who hast been shown to be the Theotokos. О new and hidden mystery! For how dost thou remain a virgin, having given birth to God in the flesh?

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Who can recount what Thou hast done, О Lord? For Thou hast shown Thyself to be the Son of one who should have been cursed to give birth to children amid grief. Yea, the fallen nature of women rejoiceth in Thee our God, because of the Theotokos.

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

Through thee, О most pure Mary, who alone art the Theotokos, hath the world been freed from the tempest of transgressions. Wherefore, having thee as a haven of salvation, we the faithful praise thy mighty works with hymnody.

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

The prophets of old hymned thy virginity, saying that thou wouldst give birth within time to the Timeless One, to the Word Who is beyond words, Christ our God, One of the Trinity. Him doth the Church honour with images, О pure Mary.

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.

In many ways the mirror of the divine prophets, sevenfold in radiance, hymneth thy prefigurations; and we, receiving the signs of thy departure in deed, believe thee to be the true Theotokos, beholding thee in matter.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Honouring thee as the true Mother of God as is meet, О pure Virgin, we offer our own cry to thee, who wast proclaimed in the law and the prophets: Rejoice, О joyous one! The Lord is with thee!

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

Behold! the Theotokos, the divine mountain, which Habbakuk saw manifestly overshadowed with the virtues, hath shone forth in the world. And through her we who of old fell away through disobedience have straightway drawn nigh again to God.

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

Blessed is the tongue which hath been deemed worthy to honour thy birthgiving with Orthodox faith and doctrine and works, О most pure and pure one, truly showing forth all the images of the incarnation of thy Son.

Ode V, Irmos: Seeking Thee early in the morn, * we sing Thy praises, O Christ God, * who for our sake became poor * and in Thy flesh * endured the Cross and death.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In a secret and hidden manner Moses revealed thee as the bush which burned without being consumed, О Lady Theotokos; for thy material womb was not consumed by the Godhead.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art my strength, thou art my boast and joy! Thou art my preserver, my help, refuge and mine invincible intercessor, О most holy Virgin Theotokos. Wherefore, save thou thy servant!

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

Turn not away from the praise of our defiled lips, О most pure Theotokos; for there is no one on earth who dare hymn thee as is meet.

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

He Who was born from the Virgin is One Being in two natures: Invisible God and visible Man, Who for our sake assumed the likeness of men.

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.

The seven-branched candlestand of the prophets perceived thee to be the noetic lamp-stand, О Virgin, manifestly showing forth the activity of the Spirit Who shineth forth within thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Virgin, thou wast, truly shown to be the tree of Life which hath slain the deceiving serpent with thy fruit, having given birth to Christ God, our Life.

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

Beauteous praises should not be offered to thee from defiled lips, О pure Mother of our God; rather, behold thou the desire of my soul, and accept it.

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

The iniquitous rage in tumult of bitter unbelief when they behold the assemblies of the Orthodox venerating thine image, О Virgin.

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice).

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: Guide thou my wretched life, О pure one, and take pity on my soul, which hath stumbled into the abyss of perdition through many transgressions, О all-immaculate one; and at the hour of my death free me from the accusing demons and from the terrible sentence.

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.

Thou hast been revealed to be all-adorned with the virtues, with glory and the honour of virginity, О Bride of God; for thy comeliness is truly most beautiful in magnificence, and the Lord Who loveth thee hath brought Thee, His divine Mother, to Himself.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast manifestly become a staff of uprightness, a most precious staff of royalty; wherefore, thou didst bring forth as fruit, the Word of God, which the miracle of Aaron’s rod clearly prefigured of old.

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

Having defiled my body, mind and soul with many carnal passions, О pure one, how can I hymn the beauty of thy virtues? I am at a loss and am afraid. Yet be thou thyself my helper through thy supplications.

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

I honour the union of Thine incarnation, О Christ, and I reverently venerate the image thereof, for, though Thou art the pre-eternal God, yet didst Thou become an immutable man, being perfect in both natures.

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.

Let the divine sanctity of God be hymned, whereby the world hath been delivered from corruption! Let all who have fallen then rise up, for Mary hath given birth to Christ, our salvation!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We hymn thee, О most pure Mother of God. Who will not glorify thee, who art truly good, the hope of our souls? Wherefore, О most holy one, accept thou our cries.

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

Adorn yourselves today with hymns, О ye faithful! Ye angels and men, give glory together; for the devil and despair are fallen! Mary hath for us given birth to our hope of salvation!

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

О ye who are blind, describe not the Godhead, and tell no falsehoods! For He is simply invisible and unseeable. Yet, depicting the image of the flesh, I venerate it, and with faith I glorify the Virgin who gave birth to the Lord.

Ode IX, Irmos: The light-bearing cloud upon whom * the beginningless 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.

Rejoice, О Mary, thou great wonder of all creation! Rejoice, О daughter of David and Mother of the Lord! Rejoice, subject of Gabriel’s hymnody! Rejoice, О pure one, thou refuge, confirmation and help of all sinners on earth!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The wondrous Joachim and the godly Anna, beholding on earth Mary, the Mother of the Creator, to whom they gave birth as a daughter, hymn her through the divine Spirit and chant songs of thanksgiving. By her supplications save us all, in that Thou art God.

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

О most holy Virgin Mother of God Most High, thy birthgiving on earth hath been shown to be the salvation of sinners and the lowly; for in thee have we been saved who have faith. Yet save me also, now and throughout all the living ages.

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

I know the Word to be incarnate, yet immutable. Wherefore, I hymn Thee with faith, Who art in two natures but one hypostasis. And proclaiming Thee to be truly God and man, I end my hymnody

Sunday Evening Compline : Canon in Tone I

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On Sunday evening  of Tone I, at Compline: Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos.

Ode1, Irmos: Thy victorious right arm, * in a manner befitting God, * hath been glorified in strength, O Immortal One; * for in its infinite strength it shattered the enemy, * fashioning anew a path for the Israelites through the deep

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Ineffably didst thou conceive God, О most pure Lady, and supra-naturally didst thou give birth to Him Who hath set mortals free from their transgressions. Wherefore, I entreat thee: Deliver me from my manifold transgressions!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Though I am engulfed by tribulations and the abyss of countless sins and sorrows, yet through thy mighty guidance and supplication, О all-immaculate one, do thou direct me to the divine stillness of repentance.

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

From the manifold misfortunes of my whole life do thou deliver me, О intercessor, that I may raise my voice in thanksgiving to thee: О pure Theotokos, rescue me from the torment which is to come!

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

Still thou the assaults of evil circumstances and perils, О all-immaculate Mother of our Redeemer, Creator and God, granting me the grace of salvation and purification.

Ode III, Irmos: Thou alone knowest the weakness of human nature * and in compassion hast assumed its form; * do Thou gird me with power from on high, * that I may cry unto Thee: * Holy is the animate temple of Thine ineffable glory, O Lover of mankind!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The sight of thy pure face delights the angels, and is salvific to mortals, but it is terrible to the spirits of wickedness! And, honouring and venerating it with faith, О Theotokos, we illumine our souls

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With virginal blood from thee, the Creator and Lord wrapped Himself in flesh. О all-immaculate one, entreat Him, that, in His ineffable mercy, He take pity on me who am become corrupt through mine unseemly deeds.

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

Having acquired thee as a preserver of our life and an unassailable rampart, may I also find thee after mine end to be a protection and an invincible helper, leading me to God and granting me glory and life everlasting, О most immaculate one.

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

Seedless was thy conception, and incorrupt thy birthgiving, О pure one; for God was manifestly born, setting aright the fall of human nature. Wherefore, we hymn thee, who art the true Theotokos.

Ode IV, Irmos: Perceiving thee with prophetic eyes * as the mountain overshadowed by the grace of God, * Habbakuk proclaimed that the Holy One of Israel * would come forth from thee, * for our salvation and restoration.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

An unrestrainable urge for evil doth seize me through the activity of the enemy and mine own wicked habits. Help me, О Lady, that the most pernicious one not fall upon me utterly, depriving me of repentance through death.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

All the time of my life have I squandered in the prodigality of wickedness; and now the servants thereof lead my lowly soul into cruel woundings. Help me, О Virgin Birthgiver of God!

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

О all-immaculate one, hearken to my cry of pain, which I bring forth in groans from the depths of my soul; and grant me release from the debts which, wretch that I am, I have incurred through my mindless thoughts and character.

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

О Sovereign Lady of the world, О Theotokos, help me! The most wicked enemy seeketh evilly to devour me through my grievous imaginings and thoughts, which separate me from God. Wherefore, forsake me not, neither disdain me.

Ode V, Irmos: Thou hast shone upon us with the radiance * of Thy coming O Christ, * and illumined the ends of the world with Thy Cross, * enlighten with the light of thine understanding * the hearts of those who with right worship hymn Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Behold, I have acquired a ready assistance toward salvation! Wherefore, I fall down before thee and cry out with tears: О Theotokos, deliver me from the darts of the alien and from the difficult tests that are to come!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art my strength, thou art my boast and joy! Thou art my preserver, my help, refuge and mine invincible intercessor, О most holy Virgin Theotokos. Wherefore, save thou thy servant!

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

With the sprinkling of thy divine supplication, О most pure Theotokos, cleanse my wretched soul which hath been defiled by the passions, granting it the splendid vesture of thy salvation.

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

Thou art the steady guidance of my life, delivering it from the threefold billows of many evil circumstances even at the time of my departure. I beseech thee: Stand thou forth, saving me, О Mother of Christ God!

Ode VI, Irmos: The deepest abyss hath surrounded us, * and there is none to deliver us, * yea we have been counted as sheep for the slaughter; * save Thy people O our God, * for thou art the strength and restoration of the weak.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most pure Birthgiver of God who knewest not wedlock, extend thy hand unto me and rescue me from the abyss of the evils which, wretch that I am, I have brought upon my passion-plagued soul through mindlessness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Arise thou, О pure one, to aid thy servant who, placing my hope in thee and God, hastens to thine invincible aid, that the enemy be not able to seize and destroy me.

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

О Theotokos, I beseech thee, the healer of the sick, raising of the fallen and cleansing of the sinful, and with tears I fall down and cry out to thee: As thou art mighty, save me who am perishing!

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

Have mercy upon my lowly soul, О pure one, go thou before it and rescue it, snatching it from the talons of the evil one; for he seeketh to send it into the abyss because of the evils which my great slothfulness hath wrought.

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice).

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 pure one, we have all acquired thee as our supplicant before the Lord, and we hasten to thy holy church, asking help of thee, О Ever-virgin. Wherefore, deliver us who bless thee from the malice of the demons, from torment and dread condemnation.

Ode VII, Irmos: We the faithful perceive thee, O Theotokos, * to be a noetic furnace; * for as He, the supremely exalted One, * saved the three children, * so hath He wholly refashioned fallen humanity, in thy womb, * O Thou praised and supremely glorified God of our fathers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou wast a divine tabernacle for the Master, having conceived Him in thy womb and given birth to Him in the flesh, О only immaculate one. Wherefore, deliver us from sufferings, pain, tribulations and debts, for thou hast might and great power.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure Lady, put an end to the unbearable pain of my most wretched soul, giving me true joy and freeing me from the raging billows of my many transgressions. For thou art my refuge and deliverance.

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

On thee have I set all my hope of salvation; for I have acquired thee as an invincible tower and foundation, a token of steadfastness, and through thee I hope to receive the kingdom, О Lady.

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

Thou wast the dawning of the Sun of glory, О pure Lady; for through thee hath He, appearing, freed all from darkness and ignorance, and from fetid transgressions. Wherefore, I cry to thee: Free me from the outer darkness!

Ode VIII, Irmos: In the furnace as in a fiery smelter * the Israelite children shone more brightly than gold * with the beauty of godliness, * as they exclaimed: Bless the Lord all ye works of the Lord, * hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The turmoil of the passions cruelly afflicts my soul, О Theotokos. As thou hast given birth to the Author and Bestower of peace and tranquillity, О pure one, fill me with serene joy and gladness, preserving me in peace.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast been revealed to us as the mediatress of salvation who hast given birth to the Savior and Master of all, О Theotokos. Wherefore, I entreat thee: Grant salvation to my lowly soul, that with faith I may sing hymns to thee throughout all ages.

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

Having ineffably conceived the God and Creator of all, save me from corruption and from every temptation, and grant that I may ever cry: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord! Hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

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

О Virgin, thou hast given birth to the God and Creator of all. Him do thou beseech, that He grant cleansing from transgressions and deliverance from tribulations, perils, from everlasting-fire and condemnation, to those who unceasingly glorify thy glory.

Ode IX, Irmos: The Bush, which burnt without being consumed, * prefigured thy pure birthgiving, O Theotokos. * Wherefore we now entreat Thee: * quench the raging furnace of temptations that beset us, * that we may unceasingly magnify Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О all-immaculate Mother of God, open unto me the depths of thy mercy, and deliver me from the mouth of the noetic wolf, who seeketh to devour and ruin me. Have mercy, I pray thee, and turn not away from me, thy shameful servant.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Be thou the intercessor for my whole life and my steadfast aid, О all-pure one, and deliver me from manifold perils and grief, and from the blasphemy of mine enemies, and deliver me from everlasting fire.

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

Thou alone art the visitation of the sick. Thou alone art the setting aright of the fallen. Thou alone art our guide and entry unto God. Thou alone art the mediatress of everlasting good things. Have mercy upon me, who alone have sinned more than all others!

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

Accept thou my tearful supplication, and grant me remission of the offenses and many evils which I have committed, О Theotokos, all-hymned Lady; for I perish utterly in my boundless despair.

Saturday Evening Compline : Canon in Tone I

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With this evening’s services, the Church returns to tone 1 of the Octoechos, starting the eight tone cycle again.

The core daily variables of services for the week will be drawn from the tone 1 texts, until we change tones with the first services for the Lord’s Day, starting with next Saturday’s vespers.

On Saturday evening of Tone I, at Compline: Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode1, 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.

Praising thee, О Queen of all, the captains of the angelic ranks were filled with awe and fear, and every mind, because of thy goodness, hymneth thee as the Mother of the Creator; for thou hast surpassed every form of laudation, having given birth to Christ.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Troubled by grievous temptations and afflicted by mine enemies, wretch that I am, I cry out, weeping: Stretch forth thy hand to me from on high, О thou who art exceeding rich, delivering me; and by thy supplications grant that I may live free from danger.

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

With the balm of thy tender compassion heal thou the secret transgressions of my soul, and calm the assaults of my flesh, О Theotokos; and, turning back the spears and darts of the enemy upon them, do thou mightily pierce their hearts.

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

Thy virginal womb which gave birth to Christ hath destroyed the ancient pasture of the slayer of mankind; wherefore, all creation now rejoiceth, О most pure one, having been restored to life, with one accord hymning thy Son and God.

Ode III, Irmos: Let no mortal boast in his wisdom or wealth, * but rather in his faith in the Lord, * crying out to Christ God in an Orthodox manner, * ever chanting: do Thou Establish me O Master, * upon the rock of Thy commandments!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Once, the great Jacob, sleeping on the way, and beholding angels descending from on high to the earth by a ladder, marvelled, О Virgin; and, having awakened, he clearly described thee beforehand as the portal of heaven.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Cast into misfortune by temporal restraint, wretch that I am, and beset by perilous tempests, I cry aloud: Woe is me! О thou who gavest birth to God and hast lifted up our horn, save me by thy supplications!

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

Stretching forth thy mighty hand from heaven, О Christ, King of all, put Thou the heads of the enemies, perceptible and noetic, under the feet of those who with faith proclaim Thy Mother to be the Theotokos, О my Jesus.

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

Isaiah, of old, purified by the burning coal of the Spirit, cried out that a Son would manifestly be born of thy womb, О Virgin who art exceeding rich, and to Whom in latter times thou hast given birth without a man for my sake.

Ode IV, Irmos: Of old, Habbakuk heard wondrous report of Thee O Christ, * and cried aloud in fear: * God shall come forth from Theman, * the Holy One from the mountain overshadowed and densely wooded, * to save His anointed ones! * Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thee, О Mother of God, hath the ruler of the world described beforehand as comely and all-honoured among women, as coming up from the wilderness, and bearing Christ, thine Offspring, in thine arms; and he cried: Glory to Thy power, О Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Incline thine ear unto me, О good one, behold mine oppression and the increase of my tribulations! For, lifting up the eyes of my soul to thee, О Lady, and bending my knees as I weep, I now pray, crying: Bring an end to the turmoil of my temptations!

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

Knowing thee to be an unassailable rampart, moved to entreaty, I, thy servant, now flee to thee, and I reckon the missiles of the enemy as impotent as the darts of children, О thou who art exceeding rich. Wherefore, rejoicing, I cry: Glory to thy birthgiving, О Mother of God!

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

The power of the Most High overshadowed thee with the visitation of the divine Spirit, О Virgin, and then, beyond nature, the Lord of all, having endowed flesh and soul with life, united them to Himself, bringing life thereto and remaining in the same nature.

Ode V, Irmos: Do Thou shine forth O Christ Thy never-waning light * upon the hearts of those who hymn Thee with faith, * granting us peace beyond understanding; * Wherefore by Thy light we flee the night of ignorance * coming unto the day, * glorifying Thee O Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Once, foreseeing thee, О all-hymned one, as a divine, unquarried mountain, Daniel manifestly cried aloud: From thee let the Stone of divine generation be cut: Christ, the Saviour of the world! Honouring Him now, we the faithful praise thee, О Bride of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have fallen under many dangers, wretch that I am, and, praying with pain of heart and weeping, I, thy servant, cry out unashamedly: О Birthgiver of God, deliver my lowliness from besetting pains, and fill me with gladness!

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

Calm the raging sea of my passions by thy mighty supplication, О good one who hast given birth to Christ without suffering, that, living now in tranquillity of soul, I may praise thee in hymns for the rest of my life.

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

Tell me: how bearest thou God in thine arms; and how dost thou give suck to Him Who holdeth all things in His hand, О all-blessed Virgin? And she said: “Having given birth unto Christ God, I remain pure, taking away the debt of Adam and our first mother!”

Ode VI, Irmos: I am held fast in boundless passions, * and have fallen into the sea-monster of evil; * but do Thou lead me up from corruption O God, * as once Thou didst Jonah, * and by faith grant me dispassion, * that I may offer a noetic sacrifice of praise and salvation * unto Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Without departing from His place in the bosom of the Father, the pre-eternal Son rested in the bosom of His Mother. He, Who with the Father is before the ages, hath in latter times issued forth from the womb of the Virgin, leading all up to life immortal in His ineffable goodness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Bound through malice by the chains of the enemy, I have been cast down to the bars of hell. Woe is me! Yet, appearing from heaven, О pure divine Maiden, stand thou before me, thy servant, raising me up by thy supplications, and grant a helping hand to me who hymn thy divine birthgiving.

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

Wretch that I am, I have fallen into the pit of destruction, and many wild beasts surround me; yet, deflect their assaults by thy supplications, as with stones, О Lady, and keep thy servant unharmed; for thou didst bear in thy womb Christ, the Chief Cornerstone.

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

Of old, the choir of the divine prophets proclaimed the images of thy birthgiving, О Virgin, calling thee the radiant cloud, the lampstand, the jar, the table, the dew of heaven, the bread, the manna and the door, the throne and the palace, the rod and paradise, in that thou hast given birth to Christ.

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice).

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: Fleeing with love for thy goodness, we all know thee to be the Mother of God, who wast truly revealed as a virgin even after giving birth; for we sinners have thee as our intercessor, and we have acquired thee as our salvation amid misfortunes, the only all-immaculate one.

Ode VII, Irmos: Having passed through the unbearable flame of the furnace * as though it were a bridal-chamber, * the children who for the sake of piety, * were revealed as holy * chanted together, singing the hymn: * O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Pre-eternal One, passing through thine impassable doors, О Queen of all, preserved the tokens of thy virginity pure and intact, even after giving birth. Wherefore, we cry aloud: О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Cast into the furnace, I am consumed by the sevenfold flames of soul-slaying perils; yet do thou thyself rain down dew upon me by thine entreaties, О good Lady, that I may cry: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

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

Having grown old through the passions, through unremitting misfortunes and tribulations, and having reached the sunset of my life devoid of the virtues and devoured by slothfulness, I cry to thee, О Lady: О consolation of mortals, have mercy on me!

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

Worshipping the Trinity in Unity in an Orthodox manner, and proclaiming thee, О pure Virgin Mother, to be the one who gave birth to God in the flesh, in a godly manner we mortals chant: О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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.

The supremely true word of the priest prefigured thy birthgiving, О Virgin; for thou didst truly give birth to the Word of God, and thy womb, through which God passed, He did not rend apart. Wherefore, rejoicing as is meet, with one accord we hymn thee, the Theotokos, as is due, and exalt thee, the pure one, throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With divine fire burn up the uncultivated thorns which have grown up in my soul, О most pure one, and by thy supplications raise me up to the virtues, that I may bear fruit for Christ; for the ever-living Flower, having sprung forth from thee, hath adorned all creation. Wherefore, we honour thee, the pure Theotokos, throughout all ages.

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

Quickly and painlessly grant me healing amid evils, О Birthgiver of God; for, having fallen into afflictions and perils, wretch that I am, I invoke thy quickness to help, lamenting. Wherefore, О most pure one, hasten thou to rescue me and save me from every torment, that, blessing thee, I may hymn thy birthgiving.

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

Of old, the rod of Aaron that budded forth prefigured thee, О Virgin; for, budding forth, thou alone hast given birth without a man, having now received the Rain of heaven in thy womb. Wherefore, in gladness we hymn thee, the Theotokos, as is due, and supremely exalt thee throughout all ages.

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.

Most glorious is the mystery of the Virgin! For Him Whom the vast spaces above the heavens could not contain was contained within her womb. Wherefore, assembling, we call her blessed, and in gladness we magnify her with faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Seeing thee alone as higher than the heavens, the radiance of God, the throne of the cherubim and the bridal chamber, the holy couch, О undefiled one, we mortals, praising Christ our God, magnify Him to Whom thou hast given birth through thy pure loins.

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

Round about me are many afflictions; and evil misfortunes, sickness and grievous sins, now assailing me, have cast me into the pit. Wherefore, in the bitterness of my soul, I pray: О most holy Theotokos, find deliverance for me!

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

Through the entreaties of the pure divine Maiden, О Christ, bring peace to the world, casting the power of the enemy down beneath the feet of the faithful and, establishing unutterable tranquillity thereby, preserve it throughout all ages.

Thursday Evening Compline : Canon in Tone VIII

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As Thursday’s evening services are for the Transfiguration, a Supplicatory Canon to the Mother of God is not appointed to be read.

However, I will still post the canon for the evening of Thursday, in the week of tone 8, as it is still of value in prayer and devotions for the Dormition Fast.

On Thursday evening of Tone VIII, at Compline: Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode 1, Irmos: Let us sing unto the Lord, * who led His people through the Red Sea: * for He alone hath gloriously been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most immaculate Virgin, render Christ merciful unto me, setting me free on the day of the dread judgment.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Rain down upon me drops of compunction, O Lady, washing away my defilement, that I may glorify thee.

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

Illumine me, О Virgin who hast given birth to the never-waning Light, driving away the profound darkness of my slothfulness.

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

Save me who have perished amid many sins, О Theotokos, and deliver me from every torment and grievous condemnation.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, Creator of the vault of Heaven * and Builder of the Church, * do Thou strengthen me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, * O Support of the faithful, * O only Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having fallen, away from the life of sanctity, О most pure one, I have joined the dumb beasts and am wholly condemned; but do thou who hast given birth to the Judge deliver me from all damnation, and save me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Unto thee do I flee, О Lady. Ever save me who am beset by a multitude of perils, taking pity upon me, О only all-hymned one who hast given birth to the Saviour and Lord of all.

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

О Lady, thou impassable gate leading to God, open unto me the gates of repentance, I pray, cleansing me of the impurity of my sins with the showers of thy mercy, О thou who art full of the grace of God.

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

Deliver me from the assaults of the passions, О Lady, and vanquish now the foes which wage war upon me; establish me upon the rock of the will of God, and illumine my soul, О portal of the divine Light.

Ode IV, Irmos: O Lord, I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation; * I have considered Thy works, * and I have glorified Thy Divinity.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Heal thou the stripes of my soul, О Virgin full of the grace of God, and illumine my mind, which hath been darkened by the incursions of the passions, О pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In that thou art the Mother of the Word, О most pure one, rouse me to repentance, for I sleep the sleep of despondency and am covered with sin.

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

О Lady unwedded, thou who hast given birth to the incarnate Word, enlighten my soul, and deliver me from Gehenna and torment.

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

In thee have I placed all my hope, О Virgin Mother; preserve my soul, О thou who hast given birth to God my Saviour.

Ode V, Irmos: O Light never-waning, * why hast Thou turned Thy face from me * and why hath the alien darkness surrounded me, * wretched though I be? * But do Thou guide my steps I implore Thee * and turn me back towards the light of Thy commandments.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Heal thou the wholly incurable sufferings of my soul, О Maiden, light my lamp, which hath gone out through slothfulness, and guide me to the paths of repentance, О Virgin, that I may glorify thee with faith and love.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I condemn myself even before the trial, О divinely joyous one. I alone among the accused bear shameful deeds. But intercede for me, in that thou art the advocate of all, and deliver me from grievous condemnation.

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

Cease thou never to deliver me from captivity, from the soul-corrupting turmoil which surrounds me, and from the grievous passions which slay me, О most holy Maiden, ally of sinners and our ready helper.

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

О most pure one who didst conceive the Life of the world, the Redeemer and King, impart life unto me who am wholly slain by the sting of death because of disobedience, and guide me to the Light.

Ode VI, Irmos: Cleanse me, O Saviour, * for many are mine iniquities; * lead me up from the abyss of evils I pray Thee, * for unto Thee have I cried, * and Thou hast hearkened unto me, * O God of my salvation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Grant life unto me who have been slain by many transgressions, О most pure Virgin Theotokos who ineffably gave birth to the Life of mankind, and teach me to do the will of the Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

All of us, the faithful, who are ever drowning in the abyss of evils, turmoil and griefs, have acquired thee as an intercessor and bulwark, О Theotokos, thou only refuge of the faithful.

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

О most immaculate and most pure one, who through thy holy Offspring hast caused the growths of ungodliness to wither away: destroy the evil of the enemy which ever-groweth within me.

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

Sanctify my mind and illumine my heart, О holy Mother of God, and deliver me from the evils which assail me, that I may glorify thee, my steadfast helper

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice).

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 VIII: “O the new wonder! О the awesome mystery!” the ewe-lamb cried, beholding her Son stretched out upon the Tree; “What is this, О immortal Word of God? How art Thou seen to be dead Who dost cause the earth to quake, in that Thou art almighty? Yet I hymn Thine awesome and divine condescension.”

Ode VII, Irmos: The Hebrew children in the furnace * boldly trampled upon the flames, * changing the fire into dew, they cried aloud: * ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, throughout the ages’.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Be merciful unto me, О Virgin, and with the dressing of thy prayer heal me who have been wounded by the sword of sin; and forever rescue me from the unquenchable fire.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Deliver me from the cruel captivity which hath befallen me, from wicked thoughts and besetting transgressions, О Mother of the Saviour, that, saved, I may ever glorify thee as is meet.

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

I now flee unto thee, О Mother of God, bound by the fetters of transgressions. In the tender compassion of thy mercy loose me, О Virgin, and deliver me from the torment and malice of the demons.

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

Take pity and save me, О Virgin who hast given birth to the compassionate Word of God, and with the light which is within thee illumine my soul, and deliver me from the cruel wiles of the demons.

Ode VIII, Irmos: In his wrath the Chaldean Tyrant made the furnace blaze, * with heat fanned sevenfold for the servants of God; * but when he perceived that they had been saved by a greater power * he cried aloud to the Creator and Redeemer; * ‘ye children bless, ye priests praise, * ye people, supremely exalt Him throughout all ages’.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who is perfect in every way and unapproachable in essence hath shown Himself to be accessible to me, having been clothed in the flesh through thee, О thou who knewest not wedlock. Him do thou earnestly entreat, that He lighten the burden of mine iniquities and deliver me from the judgment which is to come.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most holy one, who in a manner past all telling hast given birth to the Judge and Lord, entreat Him as thy Son, that on the day of judgment He deliver from fire, from the darkness which is devoid of light, and from the gnashing of teeth me who ever piously hymns thee with faith.

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

О most pure Birthgiver of God, cleanse thou the wounds of my soul and the temptations of sin, washing them away with the streams gushing forth from fountain which emanated from the side of thine Off-spring, for to thee I cry, unto thee I flee, and thee do I entreat, who art full of the grace of God.

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

О most immaculate one, who alone hast manifestly given birth unto Life, grant life to my soul which hath been slain by the sting of the serpent; and hasten to do the will of Him Who was born for our sake, О Virgin, for I cry: Ye children bless; ye priests hymn; ye people supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, * and the ends of the earth were filled with amazement, * for God hath appeared in the flesh, * and thy womb was rendered more spacious than the heavens. * Wherefore, the ranks of men and of angels * magnify thee as the Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

My soul, which hath been blinded by the passions, blackened by wicked thoughts and is beset by danger, do thou enlighten, О portal of the Light; and deliver me from perils, from the oppression of the demons, from grievous testing, and the coming flame and torment.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Saviour Who wast born from the Virgin, and Who preserved her who gave birth to Thee incorrupt even after birthgiving, have pity on me when Thou shalt sit to judge my deeds. As Thou art sinless, overlook mine iniquities and sins, in that thou art a merciful God Who lovest mankind.

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

Carrying the heavenly Fire in thine arms, as though with tongs, О pure one who art full of the grace of God, utterly consume the passions of my soul, and free me from dread judgment and fire, and from the cruel tyranny of the demons.

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

With thy mystical effulgence enlighten our thoughts, hearts and reasoning powers, О Maiden full of the grace of God, that treading the paths of life aright, we may obtain mercy, ever singing praises unto thee.

Wednesday Evening Compline : Canon in Tone VIII

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Further to my encouragement to pray the supplicatory canons to the Theotokos as part of the praxis of the Dormition Fast, the canon for compline for Wednesday of  tone 8 is posted, below.

This could easily be incorporated into your evening prayers, and though relatively short may be part of the ongoing prayerful-dedication of these days of the Dormition Fast to the Mother of God.

On Wednesday evening of Tone VIII, at Compline: Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode1, Irmos: The wonderworking staff of Moses, * striking and dividing the sea in the figure of a cross, * once drowned Pharaoh the pursuing charioteer, * while it saved the fleeing people of Israel * as they fled on foot, * chanting a hymn unto God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In a manner transcending nature, О Virgin Theotokos, thou hast given birth to God the Word incarnate, Who before was incorporeal, yet came to dwell in the world as God and man; wherefore, we all glorify thee who, after God, art our sure help.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Arrayed in a vesture of many colours, О blessed one who art full of the grace of God, in a manner transcending understanding and all telling thou hast given birth to the Word of the Father, Who became flesh in His ineffable loving-kindness; and thou didst remain an undefiled virgin.

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

From a royal root thou didst put forth Christ the King, the Word of God, in a manner transcending understanding and comprehension, О pure one, and hast given birth to Him, incarnate from thy pure blood, revealed in two natures, but in a single Hypostasis.

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

He who proclaimeth thee the Theotokos, О most pure one, prevaileth over every heresy; wherefore, О Birthgiver of God, having given birth unto the eternal Word of God Who immutably became flesh, thou art higher than all creation.

Ode III, Irmos: O Christ fortify me on the rock of Thy commandments, * Thou Who in the beginning didst establish the heavens with understanding * and didst establish the earth upon the waters, * for there is none holy save Thee, O only Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

God made His abode within thy holy womb, О Mother of God, and became incarnate in a manner He Himself knew, and hath saved us by His life-bearing sufferings; wherefore, we glorify thee as the portal of salvation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Supremely divine One, Who hath breathed the spirit (of life) into all, became incarnate on earth and dwelt with mankind, having been produced by thy womb seedlessly; wherefore, all of us, the faithful, bless thee with hymns, О pure one.

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

Having conceived in thy womb Him Who was begotten of the Father before all ages, О Virgin, without knowing a man, thou hast given birth for us to Him as both God and man, perfect and indivisible in both natures.

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

О pure and divinely blessed Virgin, we all know thee to be the rod which budded forth Christ, the Flower of incorruption, and the golden censer who bore the burning Coal of the divine Essence in thine arms.

Ode IV, Irmos: Thou, O Lord, art my strength and Thou art my power, * Thou art my God and Thou art my joy, * Thou Who, while never leaving the bosom of Thy Father, * hast visited our poverty. * Therefore with the Prophet Habbakuk I cry unto Thee, * ‘Glory to Thy power, O Lover of mankind!’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Of old the ark which received the divinely written law prefigured the life-creating Word Who was ineffably conceived within thy womb, О most immaculate one, richly nourishing the souls of those who chant: Glory to Thy power, О Lover of mankind!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou alone wast the true source of salvation, О Mother of God, who through thine all-pure blood gave flesh to the Creator and Fashioner, and through whom the gates of death have been broken down and life given to us.

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

That in the richness of thy goodness Thou mightest seek out Thine image which was buried by the passions, Thou didst make Thine abode within the Virgin’s womb, and Thou, the Wisdom of God, didst make a temple from her; and having thereby come to dwell among mankind, О Compassionate One, Thou hast saved the ends of the world.

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

After God it is thee whom we have acquired as an intercessor, О most immaculate one; for thou wast the Mother of God the Creator and Fashioner, Who took upon Himself our form, saved it from corruption and tribulations, and glorified it with divine glory.

Ode V, Irmos: O Light never-waning, * why hast Thou turned Thy face from me * and why hath the alien darkness surrounded me, * wretched though I be? * But do Thou guide my steps I implore Thee * and turn me back towards the light of Thy commandments.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The generations of all mankind bless thee as the one who gave birth to the Creator, Fashioner and Lord, О most pure one, and the noetic leaders of the incorporeal hosts glorify thee as the Mother of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The armies of the hosts on high bless thee, О most pure one; for through thee alone we on earth have been united to those in heaven, wherefore we hymn thy birthgiving.

Glory …;

In an ineffable manner, О Virgin, He Who alone is compassionate, the Word Who shone forth from the Father before all ages, made His abode within thee and become a man, delivering us from corruption and leading us up to a life of incorruption.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.  О pure one, heal thou the sickness of my soul, granting me thy

Thou wast clothed with the beauties of virginity, О most pure Virgin, and hast done away with the nakedness of the first Eve, having given birth to Christ Who bestoweth the vesture of incorruption upon those who hymn thee.

Ode VI, Irmos: Cleanse me, O Saviour, * for many are mine iniquities; * lead me up from the abyss of evils I pray Thee, * for unto Thee have I cried, * and Thou hast hearkened unto me, * O God of my salvation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who upholdeth all things with His omnipotent power arrayed Himself in the weakness of the flesh through thee, О all-immaculate Virgin, for the good of mankind, in that He is the Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The all-accomplishing Spirit descended upon thee, О all-immaculate one, and the Word, of God made His abode within thee and ineffably assumed flesh, though He remained immutable.

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

Illumine the souls of those who hymn thee in an Orthodox manner, О Bride of God, for the sayings of the prophets proclaimed beforehand thy most pure conception and birthgiving, which are beyond all telling.

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

We piously hymn the most pure Mary, the truly divine and honored dwelling-place of God; for she contained God, receiving Him Who is infinite and unapproachable.

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice).

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 VIII: As the all-immaculate Bride of the Creator, * Mother of the Redeemer, who knewest not a man, * and as the receptacle of the Comforter O all-hymned one, * hasten thou to deliver me, * the vile abode of iniquity and noetic plaything of the demons, * from their evil machinations; * and make me the bright dwelling-place of the virtues, * O thou incorrupt light-bearing one. * Drive away the clouds of the passions and grant that, * by thy supplications, * I may receive a portion on high ** and share in the never-waning light.

Ode VII, Irmos: Once in Babylon the fire stood in awe * of God’s condescension; * for which sake the youths in the furnace, * dancing with joyous steps as in a meadow, chanted: * O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most pure Lady who conceived the Redeemer of all, grant ineffable and divine deliverance unto me who cry aloud and sing: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Now have all things been filled with divine light through thee, О most pure one; for thou hast been revealed to be the door through which God held converse, enlightening those who cry out with faith: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

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

Lo! the divine prophecy of the godly David hath now been fulfilled: They who have acquired the riches of grace truly entreat thy countenance, О pure Birthgiver of God, and now bless the God of our fathers.

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

О most pure one, thou didst conceive Him Who is God and Lord over all, Whose good pleasure it was to save the race of mankind from death and corruption; and hymning Him as is meet, we cry aloud: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Ode VIII, Irmos: By Thy grace the children became vanquishers * of both the tyrant and the flames, * carefully observing Thy commandments, * wherefore they cried aloud: * Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Cleanse thou the wounds of my soul and the stripes of my sins, О blessed, and most pure Maiden, who from thy virginal womb which knew not wedlock gave birth to Him Who is God over all. Him do the children bless and supremely exalt, throughout the ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Resplendent with the beauties of virginity, thou didst become the receptacle of the never-waning Light, О all-pure one, enlightening those who with all their soul confess thee to be the true Theotokos, and who cry aloud: Ye children bless; ye priests hymn; ye people supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

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

Sanctified by the Holy Spirit, О all-immaculate Theotokos, thou didst truly receive in thy womb the beginningless Son Who with the Father is equally eternal, Who became incarnate within thee, О pure one, for the benefit of those who cry out with faith: Ye children bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, supremely exalt Him throughout the ages.

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

In that thou hast given birth to God in a manner past all telling and understanding, О most pure Mother of God, Him do thou beseech, that all of us who are unworthy may be treated with lenience by Him at the time of His awesome and dread coming, when He shall discern the nature of all who with fear will stand naked before Him and be judged.

Ode IX, Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, * and the ends of the earth were filled with amazement, * for God hath appeared in the flesh, * and thy womb was rendered more spacious than the heavens. * Wherefore, the ranks of men and of angels * magnify thee as the Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

All of us who have rejected eternal life and have fallen, accursed, into death thou hast called again, О most pure Mother of the Redeemer, and hast granted them to hasten to our former homeland; wherefore, О Mother of God, we unceasingly magnify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Readily grant that I may pass over the waves of the perils of this life and its present sufferings, О Theotokos, stilling them, in that thou art good, and guiding me to the virtues of the way of heaven, that I may unceasingly magnify thee as my benefactress.

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

О pure and most glorious Mother of God, save those who hymn thee with love from all perils, mercifully subduing our turmoil, in that thou hast given birth unto God; for thou canst freely do all that thou dost desire, О Virgin. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

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

The honoured Church which Christ thy Son hath acquired with His precious blood, and hath saved from misfortunes and the violence which assails us, in that He is good, do thou show forth as victorious over budding heresy, О joyous Lady.

Preparing for the Dormition

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Dear brothers and sisters,

With yesterday’s feast, we began the Dormition Fast, which is a small but strict period  of abstinence before our celebration of the Falling Asleep of the Mother of God and her Assumption into Heaven.

This feast is a powerful echo of the Lord’s Resurrection and, as such, it is our Summer Pascha. This is reflected in the various ceremonies and services celebrated across the Orthodox world for the feast, including the Burial Service of the Mother of God, which mirrors Holy and Great Saturday.

Given this Paschal nature of the feast, it is not surprising that we should prepare with fasting. But, what about our spiritual preparation in terms of prayer?

The spiritual praxis of the Great Fast is shaped by the Lenten Triodion, but the other fasting periods of the year have no such source of a schematised liturgical framework.

However, in the Greek tradition, the Great and Small Supplicatory Canons to the Mother of God are chanted in a pareklisis/ moleben each night up until the eve of the feast, starting with the Small Supplicatory Canon if August 1st (14th New Style) falls on a weekday, but with the Great Supplicatory Canon if August 1st falls on a Saturday or Sunday.

The canon is not chanted on Saturdays, being the eve of the Lord’s Day, and on the Lord’s Day the Great Supplicatory Canon is chanted unless it is the eve of Transfiguration, when the vigil will be celebrated.

Having said all of this, the Great Supplicatory Canon is not traditionally part of Russian liturgical custom, as only the Small Canon was part of the transmitted liturgical tradition at the time it was received form Byzantium.

As I’ve posted before, there are actually fifty-six Supplicatory Canons to the Mother of God in the Octoechos (the book of the eight tones, from which we take the daily variables on our eight-week cycle). In each tone, there is a canon for use at compline for each night of the week.

Reflecting our own Slavic tradition, it would be good if the faithful could integrate either the Supplicatory Canon from our prayerbooks, or the Supplicatory Canon of the day into evening prayers, in preparation for the celebration of the Dormition.

For the Canons of the Octoechos, see:

English: http://st-sergius.org/services/services2A.html

Slavonic: http://st-sergius.org/services/services3.html

The canons are to be found in the compline variables, and we start are currently in Tone 8, returning to Tone 1 on Saturday evening, at vespers.

The refrain between the verses is, of course. ‘Most Holy Theotokos, save us’, with ‘Glory be to the Father etc.’ before the penultimate troparion, and ‘Both now and ever etc…’ before the final troparion in each ode.

These are days in which we should be seeking to draw closer to the Mother of God, as we spiritually approach her Falling Asleep, to joyously celebrate her new life – body and soul – with her Son in Heaven.

Wishing you a good struggle with prayer and fasting. Find time for the Mother of God in these two weeks of fasting, and thank the Lord for her maternal care for the Church and Christian people.

May God bless you –

Hieromonk Mark

Canons to the Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias

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Canon I, in Tone II:

Ode I, Irmos: Let us chant a hymn of victory unto the Lord, * Who of old guided the people in the midst of the sea, * and drowned Pharaoh and all his army therein, * for He hath been glorified.

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 open through 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 Mother of God, 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 divine life, 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:

Ode I, Irmos: Having passed through the water as upon dry land, * and having escaped the malice of the Egyptians, * the Israelites cried aloud: * Unto our God and Redeemer let us sing.

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

Thou hast been shown to be an instrument struck by the divine plectrum, O most wondrous prophet, hymning the omniscient God Who doth visit retribution upon all according to their deeds.

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

O wondrous prophet, unable to endure deception, thou didst denounce the unrighteous king for his iniquity. Wherefore, thou didst impose God’s judgment 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 impious.

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

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

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.

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

He, that 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 aloud: 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 aloud: None is holy save Thee, O Lord!

Most Holy Mother of God, save us.

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

Another Irmos: O Lord, Creator of the vault of Heaven * and Builder of the Church, * do Thou strengthen me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, * O Support of the faithful, * O only Lover of mankind.

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

With mercy dost thou chastise all, taking pity on all who with faith have recourse to thee in thy temple. And in asking help of thee they have in no wise sinned.

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

Thou didst denounce Ahab, the impious king, O divine prophet, and 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 most divine prophet, 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 Lady, we hymn thee as a palace 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:  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 assured 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 forgiveness of sins 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, Tone VIII: From the snares of enemies visible and invisible, * we have been overcome by the storms of our uncountable sins, * and fleeing unto the safe harbour of thy goodness O pure one, * we have thee as our rampart and sure protection. * Wherefore we thy servants beseech thee * to ceaselessly make fervent supplication, O most pure one, * unto Him who seedlessly became incarnate from thee, * that those who worthily hymn thee ** may be granted the remission of their sins.

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

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

Thou art shown to be one that cutteth down 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 words the widow who fed thee upbraided thee for the death of her son, compelling 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.

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

Most Holy Mother of God, save us.

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

Another Irmos: I have heard report of Thee O Lord, * and I was afraid, * for thy counsel is ineffable, * being the ever-existent God, * Thou didst come forth from the Virgin, * wherefore I hymn Thee: * 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 fulfilment 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 hath been most greatly adorned with humble-mindedness, O Christ God, so, 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 like a mirror with thy countenance, the face of Christ before Whom thou dost stand, O most wondrous prophet; from 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 every evil circumstance.

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 shown thee to be 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 ignominy, O venerable and all-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, thou didst slay the shameful priests with thy blameless hands, consumed with zeal as with fire.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us.

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

Another Irmos: O Light never-waning, * why hast Thou turned Thy face from me * and why hath the alien darkness surrounded me, * wretched though I be? * But do Thou guide my steps I implore Thee * and turn me back towards the light of Thy commandments.

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

O prophet Elias, whom the unwaning splendour of divine grace hath revealed: having diligently acquired a most divine mind, thou dost rouse the pious to song.

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, thou most wondrous prophet; hence, having wholly united thyself to God, and denouncing deception, thou didst lead the Israelites to the knowledge of God.

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

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

Ode VI, Irmos: The deep abyss of offenses hath surrounded me, O Lord, * but do Thou 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 of a 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 flow of the rains, O wondrous Elias, caused thee to flee.

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

Having knelt down, thou didst raise on high the supremely exalted eye of thy mind, and by thine eminent entreaty didst cause the rains to be loosed; and with showers, watered the furrows of the earth.

Most Holy Mother of God, save us.

The bush on Sinai, which drew nigh to the Fire without being consumed, prefigured thee, the Ever-virgin Mother, O all-hymned Theotokos Mary.

Another Irmos: Cleanse me, O Saviour, * for many are mine iniquities; * lead me up from the abyss of evils I pray Thee, * for unto Thee have I cried, * and Thou hast hearkened unto 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 who 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 mortal mind 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 who is the Lord and Creator of all hath appeared to us in accordance with thy prophecy, O blessed Elias, calling all to the knowledge of Him, for He is the Lover of 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 thou Him ** who alone is the Lover of mankind.

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

Ode VII, Irmos: The bush which burned with fire on the mountain * and the dew-bearing furnace of the Chaldeans * clearly prefigured thee, O Bride of God; * for, without being consumed, * thou didst receive the divine and immaterial Fire * within thy material womb. * Wherefore, we chant unto Him Who was born of thee: * O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

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 that sufficed thee for forty days, O wondrous Elias. Wherefore, thou didst say on Horeb: O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

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

The mild and gentle breeze showed 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 thou didst chant: O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

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

Like the great Moses, thou wast deemed worthy of 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: O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Mother of God, save us.

In times past thou didst supra-naturally and without seed give birth in the flesh to the beginningless and pre-eternal Lord, the Son, Power and Wisdom of the Father, O most pure one, unto the renovation of mortals. Wherefore, we cry out to Him who was born of thee: O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

Another Irmos: The Children of Judaea, * who of old came to dwell in Babylon, * trampled underfoot the flame of the furnace * through their faith in the Trinity, * as they sang: ‘O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’

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

The people of Israel that came to 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 didst straightway put an end to the sacrifices made to Baal.

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

Inasmuch as the most 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 not sin, O all-blessed one. To Him do we chant: ‘O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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 that 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 sins, and rescue me from all the malice of the foe, that, saved by thee, I may magnify thine aid.

Ode VIII, Irmos: The relentless fire, fed with endless fuel, * drew back in fear before the pious Children, * pure in body and in soul; * and as the flame waned in strength, * they sang an everlasting song: * O all ye works, praise ye the Lord * and supremely exalt Him throughout 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 throughout 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 didst thou in a godly manner hymn: All ye works of the Lord, hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout 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, as thou wast an instiller of purity and a most divine offshoot of virginity, showing the unapproachable light of the Godhead in His Body to thee who dost cry aloud: All ye works of the Lord, hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

Most Holy Mother of God, 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 an earthly form according to His 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 throughout all ages!

Another Irmos: The King of heaven, * Who is glorified by the hosts of angels, * let us praise and supremely exalt throughout all ages.

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

He who, as God, knoweth all things, entrusted 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 showed 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 become completely holy, guiding all to the divine Light.

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

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

Ode IX, Irmos: Thee do we magnify, O blessed and most 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.

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, robed therein, received divine grace which could not be concealed.

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

The Tishbite and Moses the God-seer beheld in a 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 Mother of God, save us.

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

Another Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, * we confess thee to be truly the Theotokos, * and together with the choirs of the bodiless hosts * thee do we magnify.

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

Thou hast been deified by the immaterial splendour of the life-creating Trinity, O prophet Elias; wherefore, we all appoint thee 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 an austere 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, borne up to heaven, thou dost join chorus with the angelic choirs. From on high watch over us who hymn thee, O blessed one.

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

Thou didst bear in thine arms God Who beareth all things, and thou hast fed 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, and foundation of the prophets, * the second forerunner of the Coming of Christ, * the glorious Elias from on High * sent down grace upon Eliseus * to dispel infirmities and to cleanse lepers. * Wherefore, he poureth forth healings ** upon those who honour him.

AKATHIST HYMN TO ALMIGHTY GOD IN TIME OF TROUBLE

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Dear brothers and sisters – I know that many members of our community regularly supplement their prayers with canons and akathist hymns, and share texts with one another.

Some of us first discovered the following akathist through Father Deacon Andrew’s SGOIS book service, and I would encourage you to buy a printed copy to have at hand, as this akathist is a great spiritual help when life is challenging and we are beset by troubles and temptations.

http://sgois.co.uk/index.php/store_test/item/akathist_to_almighty_god_for_help_in_trouble

KONTAKION I: O champion Leader and Lord, Thou joy and gladness of Thy servants! Wherever Thou art, all grief is set at nought; wherever Thou art not, all joy is in vain. Look down upon me, a sinner who am perishing in this misfortune, and with the revelation of Thy salvation visit me who cry out: O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!

IKOS I: O Creator of the angels and Lord of hosts, for the sake of the salvation of fallen man Thou didst not disdain the Virgin’s womb; and afterwards, O Word of God, didst endure spitting, mockery and a disgraceful death, in that Thou art good and the Lover of mankind. Mindful of this, I dare to approach Thee and to pray with tears:
O Lord, my Lord, my merciful Savior, save me who am perishing;
O Lord, my Lord, Who camest not to save the righteous, but sinners, deliver me from this temptation!
O Lord, my Lord, Who acceptest our infirmities and bearest our afflictions, send down Thy peace upon my troubled soul;
O Lord, my Lord, Who by Thy death hast abolished death, set at nought the wiles of the devil which are against me!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
KONTAKION II: Seeing the many manifestations of Thy love for mankind shown forth upon sinners before me, I also dare to lift up mine eyes to Thee Who dwellest in heaven. Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am weak. Deliver me from this bitter grief and account me worthy of chanting to Thee with joy and gladness: Alleluia!
IKOS II: Thou didst create me a rational creature, O my Creator, but wretch that I am, I have allowed myself to become like unto irrational beasts and have likened myself to them, and have angered Thy goodness, O Savior. Wherefore, Thou hast justly afflicted me with this sorrow. This I acknowledge, and repenting I flee to Thee, praying thus:
O Lord, my Lord, Who preserved me in my youth, protect me from the enemies which assail me;
O Lord, my Lord, strengthening of my body in old age, strengthen me who am ailing in soul and body!
O Lord, my Lord, consolation of my soul, console me who am troubled;
O Lord, my Lord, my Guide, direct me to the path of salvation!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
KONTAKION III: O Lord Who art mighty in battle, come to the aid of mine
afflicted soul, and be Thou my helper against enemies visible and invisible, for my father and my mother have forsaken me, and my friends and neighbors have stood far away from me. But be Thou, O Father of orphans and Judge of widows, the helper of me who am helpless but who chant to Thee: Alleluia!
IKOS III: O Thou Who hast heaven for Thy throne and earth for Thy footstool, O Dread One Who takest away the spirit of princes, reject me not who am dust and ashes, yet who dares say to Thee Who art everywhere present and knowest all things:
O Lord, my Lord, lift up Thy might and come to save me from the hands of the mighty who oppress me;
O Lord, my Lord, Whom all fear and before Whom all tremble, take pity on me, for the darkness of death hath covered me because of my sins!
O Lord, my Lord, Who clothest Thyself with light as with a garment, enlighten me who am benighted by the griefs of life;
O Lord, my Lord, Who stretchest out the heavens as a tent, extend to me the shelter of Thy help!
O Lord, my Lord, grant Thy peace to my lowly soul;
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
KONTAKION IV: Drowning in the tempest of this most turbulent life, I stretch out my hand to Thee, O Word of God. As Thou didst save drowning
Peter, so also stretch forth to me Thy mighty hand, and deliver me from this misfortune, that with joy and thankful heart I may cry to Thee: Alleluia!
IKOS IV: O Lord, I have heard Thy most sweet voice, for Thou didst say Call upon me in the day of thy tribulation, and I will rescue thee, and thou shalt glorify Me. And from the depths of my despair, I dare to approach Thee with boldness, saying:
O Lord, my Lord, I have sinned against heaven and before Thee; accept me as Thou didst accept the prodigal son;
O Lord, my Lord, Who didst justify the publican rather than the pharisee, enter not into judgment with Thy servant, for there is none living who is justified before Thee!
O Lord, my Lord, Instructor of wisdom, instruct me Thy servant;
O Lord, my Lord, Bestower of understanding, grant me understanding, that I may be able to escape the cunning wiles and wicked treachery of them that hate me!
O Lord, my Lord, Who lookest down upon the humble, behold also my tribulation and my difficulty, and reveal Thy mercy to me;
O Lord, my Lord, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
KONTAKION V: Through the divinely flowing blood of Thy beloved Son Jesus Christ have we been reconciled to Thee, O heavenly Father; yet, lo! I have returned again to sin, like a dog to its vomit, for which cause Thou art justly chastising me with this grievous misfortune. But hearken unto me, O Lord my God, on this day of my grief; show forth Thy mercy and salvation upon me, and grant me ever to cry out to Thee amid chastisement: Alleluia!
IKOS V: The prophet David, seeing the prophet Nathan denouncing him
for what he had done, came to his senses and confessed his sin, and said: I have sinned before the Lord, and the Lord hearkened unto me, and took away mine offenses. But wretch that I am, I have sinned more than he, and have in no-wise acquired the fruit of repentance. Wherefore, these evil things have come upon me. But be merciful unto me who pray thus: O Lord, my Lord, strengthen me with power from on high, that I may not fall under the weight of this tribulation;
O Lord, my Lord, Who mercifully regarded the tears of Hezekiah, look with the eye of Thy kindness also upon the shedding of my tears before Thee!
O Lord, my Lord, Who hearkened unto the sighs of Mannasseh, hearken unto the sighing of my heart;
O Lord, my Lord, Who dwellest in the highest and lookest down upon the lowly, look upon me a sinner!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
KONTAKION VI: Thy Forerunner, the preacher of repentance, O Word of God, crieth repeatedly to my conscience, that I repent of my evil deeds. But, wretch that I am, I have paid him no heed. Wherefore, Thy righteous wrath hath overtaken me, for misfortunes and sorrows have befallen me, a sinner. But before Thou visitest me, O Lord God my Savior, grant me time, that I
may lament my evil deeds and cry out to Thee: Alleluia!
IKOS VI: O my Savior, amid my sorrow Thy comforting words have shone forth, which Thou didst utter, saying: Forgive, and it shall be forgiven you. And straightway escaping the snares of despair, with trust in Thy love for mankind I have fled to Thee, praying:
O Lord, my Lord, my consolation, comfort me who am grieved;
O Lord, my Lord, my helper, help me against them that rise up against me!
O Lord, my Lord, mine aid, help me for my soul hath grow weak because of this sorrow;
O Lord, my Lord, pre-eternal memory, grant that I may ever have Thy benefactions in mind and may never despair of Thy mercy!
O Lord, my Lord, my strength, strengthen me that without temerity I may ask help of Thee;
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
KONTAKION VII: The infamous King Nebuchadnezzar, desiring to destroy the three children, once commanded that they be cast into the fiery furnace. But Thou, O heavenly Father, didst send Thine Angel, that He might cool the burning flame. And do Thou now also, O Lord, send consolation to Thy servant, and save me for the sake of Thy mercy. For even though I have sinned, yet have I not departed from Thee, and I worship Thee, the one true God,
chanting: Alleluia!
IKOS VII: Wondrously wast Thou glorified before Pharaoh and all his host,
O God of Israel, for Thou didst not disdain the misery of Thy people, but hearkened to their cry. Wherefore, hearken also to my supplication and save me who cry to Thee thus: O Lord, my Lord, Who delivered Thy people out of the hands of their enemies, rescue me also from the hands of them that hate me;
O Lord, my Lord, Who led Thy chosen ones out of the land of Egypt, lead my soul out of this sorrow!
O Lord, my Lord, Who bringest warfare to nought, bring to nought the assaults of them that devise evils against me;
O Lord, my Lord, Who drowned Pharaoh’s chosen riders in the Red Sea, drown the multitude of my misdeeds in the sea of Thy lovingkindness!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
KONTAKION VIII: I have made myself a stranger to Thy mercy, O heavenly Father; by mine evil deeds I have estranged myself from Thee and have
enslaved myself to this vain world. Wherefore, I am aflame with grievous sorrow, I am drowning in the profound depths of despair. But as Thou art merciful and the Lover of mankind, accept me, who am perishing, and from this tribulation save me who cry out to Thee: Alleluia!
IKOS VIII: Wholly polluted with the impurity of sin, plunged in the depths
of evil, I lift up mine eyes unto Thee Who dwellest in heaven. Hearken unto my cry of lamentation: O Lord, my Lord, Who hast illumined the day with the light
of the sun, illumine my soul which hath been benighted with the darkness of the vanities of this world;
O Lord, my Lord, All-good Comforter, fill my sinful soul with divine consolation!
O Lord, my Lord, by Whose word the heavens have been established, confirm me in the confession of Thy holy name;
O Lord, my Lord, Who art upborne upon the cherubim and art hymned by the seraphim, accept from me, a sinner, this entreaty which I offer unto Thee!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
KONTAKION IX: O source of all mercy and Bestower of understanding, O All-Good Comforter, teach me to say worthy things in Thy presence, and with Thy divine consolation fill Thou my soul, which hath been darkened by the passions, and my mind, which is troubled by the grief of this world, that with gladness I may chant unto Thee: Alleluia!
IKOS IX: The most eloquent of orators cannot recount the extent of Thy
goodness and Thy love for mankind, O Son of God; for Thou didst humble Thyself even to take on the guise of a servant. Wherefore, do not reject even me who have committed sins without number, yet who stand before Thee with fear and pray thus:
O Lord, my Lord, good Shepherd Who layest down Thy life for Thy sheep, deliver me, Thy lost sheep, from the jaws of the soul-destroying wolf which raveneth to devour me;
O Lord, my Lord, Who for our sake wast mocked, slain and nailed to the Cross, keep me from the mockery of mine, enemies, visible and invisible, for the sake of Thy sufferings!
O Lord, my Lord, Thou sinless One Who wast numbered among transgressors, rescue me from the hands of them that hate me;
O Lord, my Lord, by Whose stripes all are healed, heal my heart which hath been afflicted with bitterness!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
KONTAKION X: Wishing to save Israel Thy chosen from the oppression of
Egypt, Thou didst call Moses Thy servant from the burning bush, and didst say to him: I have seen the affliction of my people in Egypt, and have hearkened to their cry. Wherefore look now upon mine affliction, O Lord, and heal the pangs of my heart, that I may cry to Thee in thanksgiving: Alleluia!
IKOS X: O heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of truth, show forth Thy
lovingkindness upon me, Thy servant, and visit my soul which is plunged in grief and strengthen me who pray to Thee: O Lord, my Lord, Who taughtest Thine apostles to speak in different tongues, teach me the fear of Thee;
O Lord, my Lord, Who filled the martyrs with boldness when they stood before the tribunals, grant me boldly to stand against sin, the world and the devil!
O Lord, my Lord, holy Sanctifier of Thy faithful, hallow my soul, that it may be worthy to be called Thy habitation;
O Lord, my Lord, Light and Bestower of light, illumine me who am benighted in the darkness of sorrow!
O Lord, my Lord, Treasury of good things, do not deprive me of the gifts of Thy goodness!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
KONTAKION XI: O All-Good Master, do not disdain one who offereth most
compunctionate hymnody unto Thee, and prayeth to Thee with contrite heart. Rather, turn Thy face away from my sins, but do not avert Thy countenance from Thy servant, for I am afflicted. Quickly hearken unto me who chant unto Thee: Alleluia!
IKOS XI: O Christ God, true Light, illumine with the light of Thy grace my soul which hath been benighted by the passions, that with reverence I may pray to Thee, saying:
O Lord, my Lord, do not destroy me, wretch that I am, who am bereft of correction of life, yet dare to stand before Thee;
O Lord, my Lord, Fervor which createst life, warm me who am withering away amid this sorrow!
O Lord, my Lord, Splendor of the glory of the Father, shine the light of Thine aid upon me;
O Lord, my Lord, Who makest Thine angels spirits and Thy minsters a flame of fire, send Thine angel to keep me from all evil!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
KONTAKION XII: For the sake of Thy love for the human race, O heavenly Father, Thou didst send Thine only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who appeared on earth and dwelt among men; and afterwards, though He is sinless, He was numbered among transgressors and by His blood renewed our nature which had become corrupted by sin, and He taught the whole world to chant: Alleluia!
IKOS XII: Hymning Thine ineffable love for mankind, O Christ God, in
that for our salvation Thou didst will to endure the Cross and death, I confess also Thy just judgment, for in truth and justice Thou hast brought this sorrow upon me for the sake of my sins. But, O Thou Who camest not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance, hearken unto me, who have sinned more than the most sinful of men, for I pray to Thee thus:
O Lord, my Lord, Lamb of God Who takest away the sins of the world, take from me the heavy burden of my sins;
O Lord, my Lord, Who like a lamb led to the slaughter opened not Thy mouth, teach me to endure the evils which befall me without murmuring!
O Lord, my Lord, Who rent asunder the handwriting of Adam, rend asunder the handwriting of my countless sins;
O Lord, my Lord, Who accepted the repentance of the thief, accept also the repentance of me a sinner!
O Lord, my Lord, Who raised up the dead, resurrect my soul which hath been mortified by sins;
O Lord, my Lord, upraising of the fallen, raise me up who have also fallen!
O Lord, my Lord, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
KONTAKION XIII: O most loving and all-good Lord my God, Helper of the
oppressed and hope of the hopeless: look Thou with the eye of Thy compassion upon mine affliction and sorrow, and for the sake of Thy mercy, save me who chant to Thee: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Thrice.
IKOS I: O Creator of the angels and Lord of hosts, for the sake of the
salvation of fallen man Thou didst not disdain the Virgin’s womb; and afterwards, O Word of God, didst endure spitting, mockery and a disgraceful death, in that Thou art good and the Lover of mankind. Mindful of this, I dare to approach Thee and to pray with tears:
O Lord, my Lord, my merciful Savior, save me who am perishing;
O Lord, my Lord, Who camest not to save the righteous, but sinners, deliver me from this temptation!
O Lord, my Lord, Who acceptest our infirmities and bearest our afflictions, send down Thy peace upon my troubled soul;
O Lord, my Lord, Who by Thy death hast abolished death, set at nought the wiles of the devil which are against me!
O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
KONTAKION I: O champion Leader and Lord, Thou joy and gladness of Thy
servants! Wherever Thou art, all grief is set at nought; wherever Thou art not, all joy is in vain. Look down upon me, a sinner who am perishing in this misfortune, and with the revelation of Thy salvation visit me who cry out: O Lord, my Lord, my joy, grant that I may rejoice in Thy mercy!
FIRST PRAYER: Save me, O Lord, for I am perishing! Behold, my ship is endangered by the battering of the waves of life and is nigh unto sinking! But as Thou art full of loving kindness and sympathetic to our weakness, do Thou with Thine almighty authority rebuke the turbulence of tribulations which threaten to inundate me and drag me down into the depths of evil. And let there be calm, for even the winds and the sea are obedient to Thee. Amen.
SECOND PRAYER:  Save me, O my Savior, according to Thy mercy, not according to my deeds. It is Thy wish that I be saved. Thou knowest how
to accomplish my salvation. Wherefore, save me as Thou desirest, as Thou canst, as Thou knowest. Save me by the judgements which Thou knowest. I trust in Thee, my Lord, and entrust myself to Thy holy will. Deal with me as Thou wishest: if Thou desirest to have me in light, be Thou blessed; if Thou
desirest to have me in darkness, be Thou likewise blessed. If Thou openest unto me the portals of Thy lovingkindness, be Thou blessed, O Lord, Who hast opened unto me in accordance with Thy righteousness. If Thou destroyest me not with mine iniquities, glory to Thy righteous judgment. Deal with me as
Thou wishest. Amen.