Chapter II: Part 2

More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: without defilement you gave birth to God the Word: true Theotokos, we magnify you!

_When a priest is serving, the Reader concludes:_

Bless, father, in the name of the Lord!

_The priest exclaims:_

O God, be gracious to us and bless us! Shine Thy countenance upon us, and have mercy on us!

_In the absence of a priest, a layman says:_

"Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen".

_In either case, the Reader, after saying_ "Amen", _continues with the following:_

_NOTE: During Great Lent the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim is said at this point of most services during the week (not on Saturday or Sunday). It is also appropriate for Morning Prayers and the Prayers Before Sleep on the same days._

Prayer of St. Ephraim

O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power and idle talk. _(Prostration)_

But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant. _(Prostration)_

Yea, O Lord and King! Grant me to see my own transgressions and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages. _(Prostration)_

O God, cleanse me a sinner. _(12 times)_

_(Then the entire Prayer of St. Ephraim is read and a single prostration is made at the end.)_

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos
by the Monk Paul

O undefiled, immaculate, incorrupt and most pure Lady, the pure Virgin Bride of God! Through your most glorious birth-giving, you united God the Word to mankind and joined our fallen human nature to the heavenly. You are the only hope of the hopeless, the aid of the embattled a ready help to those who run to you and a refuge for all Christians. Do not turn away from me who am sinful and vile, even though I have made myself totally useless through defiled thoughts, words and deeds, and my mind has become enslaved to the lazy pleasures of this life. As Mother of the God Who loves mankind, have pity on me, a prodigal sinner, in that same love for mankind. Receive the prayer I offer to you with defiled lips and pray to your Son, our Master and Lord, with your maternal boldness. May He open even to me the goodness of His deep love for mankind. May He overlook my countless transgressions, turn me to repentance and make me an experienced accomplisher of His commandments. Stand by me always in your mercy, compassion and love of good. Be my fervent intercessor and help in this life, driving off the assaults of enemies and guiding me to salvation. Guard my wretched soul at the time of my death, driving away the dark forms of the evil demons. Deliver me from eternal torments at the Day of Judgment and reveal me an heir of the inexpressible glory of your Son and our God. May I receive this, my Lady most glorious Theotokos, through your help and intercession: through the Grace and love for mankind of your only-begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, to Whom belong all glory, honor and worship, with His Father Who is without beginning, and His most holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

A Prayer to Our Lord Jesus Christ
by the Monk Antiochus

As we prepare for sleep, Master, grant rest to our bodies and souls. Keep us from the dark sleep of sin and from every dark and passionate pleasure of the night. Still the impulses of passions and put out the flaming arrows which the Evil One looses deceitfully against us. Still the rebellions of the flesh and put to sleep our worldly and material reasonings. O God, grant us an alert mind, chaste thoughts, a sober heart, and a light sleep, free of every satanic dream. Raise us at the time of prayer confirmed in Thy commandments--the memory of Thy judgments firmly in us. Grant that we may glorify Thee throughout this night, singing, blessing and glorifying Thy most honorable and majestic name: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

_NOTE: In churches, Compline concludes at this point with brief prayers and a Litany. (See the BOOK OF HOURS)_

_When read privately, Compline moves into PRAYERS BEFORE SLEEP, beginning with the Troparia: "Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us...." (page 68)._

BEFORE SLEEP

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee!

O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere and fillest all things. Treasury of blessings and Giver of life: come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.

Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us! _(3 times)_

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

O Most Holy Trinity: have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name's sake.

Lord, have mercy! _(3 times)_

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

Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

_(If there is a priest, he adds the usual exclamation)_

_After the AMEN, the following Troparia are sung (Tone 6) or read:_

Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for laying aside all excuse, we sinners offer to Thee, as to our Master, this supplication: have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

O Lord, have mercy on us, for in Thee have we put our trust. Do not be angry with us, nor remember our iniquities, but look down on us even now, since Thou art compassionate, and deliver us from our enemies; for Thou art our God and we are Thy people; we are all the work of Thy hands, and we call on Thy name.

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

O blessed Theotokos, open the doors of compassion to us whose hope is in you, that we may not perish but be delivered from adversity through you, who are the salvation of the Christian people.

Lord, have mercy! _(12 times)_

1st Prayer, to God the Father, by St. Macarius the Great

O Eternal God and King of all Creation, Who hast granted me to reach this hour: forgive the sins I have committed this day in deed, word and thought. Cleanse, O Lord, my humble soul from every defilement of flesh and spirit. Grant, Lord, that I may pass through this night in peace. When I rise from my humble bed, may I please Thy most holy Name all the days of my life and trample under foot the physical and bodiless enemies that wage war against me. Deliver me, Lord, from vain thoughts which defile me and from evil lusts. For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

2nd Prayer, to Our Lord Jesus Christ by St. Antiochus

Almighty Word of the Father, Jesus Christ, Who art perfect: never abandon me, Thy servant, for Thy great mercy's sake, but ever abide in me. O Jesus, Good Shepherd of Thy sheep, do not deliver me to the serpent's rebellion! Do not abandon me to Satan's will, for the seed of corruption is within me! Instead, O Lord God the Adored, Holy King Jesus Christ, keep me while I sleep by Thy unwavering Light, Thy Holy Spirit by Whom Thou didst sanctify Thy disciples. O Lord, grant to me, Thine unworthy servant, salvation on my bed. Enlighten my mind with the light of understanding Thy Holy Gospel; my soul with the love of Thy Cross; my heart with the purity of Thy Word; my body with Thy passionless Passion. Keep my thoughts with Thy humility and raise me at the right time to glorify Thee. For Thou art most glorified, with Thine unoriginate Father and Thy most Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

3rd Prayer, to the Holy Spirit

O Lord, the Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth: have compassion and mercy on me, Thy sinful servant! Absolve me, who am unworthy. Forgive all the sins I have committed this day both in my humanity and my inhumanity, behaving worse than beasts in sins voluntary and involuntary, known and unknown, from my youth, from evil suggestions, haste and despondency. If I have sworn by Thy name or blasphemed it in thought; if I have reproached anyone or become angered by something; or slandered or saddened anyone in my anger; or have lied, or slept unnecessarily; or a beggar has come to me and I have despised him; or have saddened my brother or quarrelled with him; or have judged someone; or have allowed myself to become haughty, proud or angry; or, when standing in prayer, my mind has been shaken by the wickedness of this world; or have entertained depraved thoughts; or have over-eaten, over-drunk or laughed mindlessly; or have had evil thoughts or seen the beauty of someone and been wounded by it in my heart; or have spoken inappropriately; or have laughed at my brother's sins when my own transgressions are countless; or have been indifferent to prayer; or have done any other evil that I can not remember--for I have done all this and more: have mercy, O Master, my Creator, on me, Thy despondent and unworthy servant! Absolve, remit and forgive me, in Thy goodness and love for mankind, that I, who am prodigal, sinful and wretched, may lie down in peace and find sleep and rest. May I worship, hymn and praise Thy most honorable Name, with the Father and His only-begotten Son, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

4th Prayer, of St. Macarius the Great

What can I bring Thee? With what can I repay Thee, O Immortal King, the bestower of great gifts, O generous Lord, the Lover of mankind? Though I have been lazy in pleasing Thee and have done no good, Thou hast brought me to the end of this day, ordering the conversion and salvation of my soul. Be merciful towards me, a sinner devoid of any good deeds. Raise up my fallen soul, defiled by immeasurable sins. Remove from me every evil thought of this visible life. Forgive, O only Sinless One, all the sins I have committed against Thee this day, in knowledge or in ignorance, in word, deed or thought or through any of my senses. Covering me Thyself, protect me from every assault of the enemy through Thy divine Power, inexpressible Love for mankind and Strength. Cleanse, O God, cleanse the multitude of my sins. Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me from the snares of the Evil One, and save my passionate soul. When Thou comest in glory, illumine me with the light of Thy countenance. May I fall uncondemned into a sleep free of apparitions. Keep the thoughts of Thy servant untroubled, and keep far from me every satanic activity. Enlighten the reason-endowed eyes of my heart, that I fall not into the sleep of death. Send to me an angel of peace, the guide and guardian of my soul and body, that he may deliver me from my enemies. Then, when I arise from my bed, I shall offer Thee prayers of thanksgiving. Yea, Lord, hear me, Thy sinful servant, impoverished in will and conscience. Grant that I may learn from Thy words when I arise. Cause Thy Angels to drive demonic despondency far from me. May I bless Thy holy Name and praise and glorify Mary, the most pure Theotokos, whom Thou hast given to us sinners as an intercessor. Receive her as she prays for us. We know that she imitates Thy love for mankind and never ceases to pray. Through her intercessions, the Sign of the Precious Cross and for the sake of all Thy saints, O Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on my wretched soul, for Thou art Holy and most glorified unto ages of ages. Amen.

5th Prayer

O Lord our God, forgive all the sins I have committed this day in word, deed and thought, for Thou art good and lovest mankind. Grant me a peaceful sleep, free of restlessness. Send Thy Guardian Angel to protect and keep me from all harm. For Thou art the Guardian of our souls and bodies, and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

6th Prayer

O Lord our God, in Whom we believe and upon Whose Name we call more than any other name: grant relief to our souls and bodies as we go to sleep. Keep us from every fantasy and dark pleasure. Halt the rushing of passions and quench the fiery arousals of the flesh. Grant us to live chastely in word and deed. Having embraced a virtuous life, may we not fall away from Thy promised blessings, for blessed art Thou for ever. Amen.

7th Prayer, by St. John Chrysostom

_Prayers of Supplication, corresponding to the twenty-four hours of day and night._

For the Day

Lord, exclude me not from Thy heavenly blessings.
Lord, deliver me from eternal torments.
Lord, whether I have sinned in mind or thought, word or deed, forgive
me.
Lord, deliver me from all ignorance, forgetfulness, cowardice, and
stone-like insensitivity.
Lord, deliver me from every temptation.
Lord, enlighten my heart which evil desires have darkened.
Lord, as a man I have sinned: as a gracious God, have mercy on me,
seeing the weakness of my soul.
Lord, send Thy Grace to my aid, that I may glorify Thy holy name.
Lord Jesus Christ, inscribe me, Thy servant, in the book of life, and
grant me a good end.
Lord, my God, even though I have done nothing good before Thee, grant
by Thy Grace that I may make a good beginning.
Lord, sprinkle the dew of Thy Grace into my heart.
Lord of Heaven and earth, remember me, Thy sinful, shameful and impure
servant, in Thy Kingdom. Amen.

For the Night

Lord, accept me in penitence.
Lord, abandon me not.
Lord, lead me not into temptation.
Lord, grant me good thoughts.
Lord, grant me tears, the remembrance of death and compunction.
Lord, grant me the thought of confessing my sins.
Lord, grant me humility, chastity and obedience.
Lord, grant me patience, courage and meekness.
Lord, cause the root of good to dwell in me--Thy fear in my heart.
Lord, grant that I may love Thee with all my soul and mind and to do
Thy will in all things.
Lord, protect me from certain people, demons and passions, and from any
other unseemly thing.
Lord, I know that Thou doest as Thou wilt: may Thy will be in me, a
sinner, for blessed art Thou for ever. Amen.

8th Prayer, to our Lord Jesus Christ

O Lord Jesus Christ the Son of God, for the sake of Thy most honorable Mother, Thy bodiless Angels, Thy Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, the Divinely inspired Apostles, the bright and victorious Martyrs, the venerable and God-bearing Fathers and all the Saints: deliver me from this present assault of the devil. Yea, O Lord my Creator, Who desirest not the death of the sinner, but that he should return to Thee and live: grant repentance to me, wretched and unworthy. Snatch me from the jaws of the consuming serpent, its mouth opened to devour me and take me down to hell alive. Yea, my Lord and my Comfort, Who didst put on corruptible flesh for my wretched sake: deliver me from wretchedness and bring comfort to my wretched soul. Implant in my heart the accomplishment of Thy precepts, the abandonment of evil deeds and the obtainment of Thy blessings. In Thee, O Lord, have I trusted: save me!

9th Prayer, to the Most Holy Theotokos, by Peter, the Studite monk

Before you, the Most Pure Mother of God, I who am wretched fall down and pray: you know, O Queen that I sin constantly and anger your Son and my God. No matter how often I repent, I appear a liar before God, and repent with trembling. Can God shake me and I do those same things again an hour later? Knowing this, my Mistress, O Lady Theotokos, I pray: have mercy on me, strengthen me and grant that I may do good. You know, my Lady Theotokos, that I abhor my evil deeds and love the Law of my God with all my mind. But, most pure Lady, I do not know how I can love what I abhor and turn away from what is good. Do not allow my will to be done, Most Pure One, for it is not appropriate. May the will of your Son and my God be done. May He save and enlighten me, and give me the Grace of His Holy Spirit, in order that I might stop sinning from this time on and live the remainder of my life in obedience to your Son, to Whom belongs all glory, honor and majesty, with His Father Who is without beginning, and His Most Holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

10th Prayer, to the Most Holy Theotokos

O Good Mother of the Good King, most pure and blessed Mary the Theotokos: pour out the mercy of your Son and our God on my passionate soul. Direct me towards good deeds through your prayers, that I may pass through the remainder of my life without stain, and find Paradise through you, O Virgin Theotokos who alone are pure and blessed.

11th Prayer, to the Holy Guardian Angel

Angel of Christ, my holy guardian, the protector of my soul and body: forgive me for all the sins I have committed this day. Deliver me from all the evil of my militant Enemy, that I may not anger my God by any sin. Pray for me, your sinful and unworthy servant, that you may show me worthy of the goodness and mercy of the All-Holy Trinity, the Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ and all the Saints. Amen.

Then this Kontakion to the Theotokos

O victorious leader of triumphant hosts! We your servants, delivered from evil, sing our grateful thanks to you, O Theotokos! As you possess invincible might, set us free from every calamity so that we may sing: Rejoice, O unwedded Bride!

Most glorious ever-Virgin Mother of Christ our God, bear our prayer to your Son and our God, that through you He may save our souls!

All my hope I place in you, O Mother of God: keep me under your protection!

Virgin Theotokos, do not despise me a sinner who craves your help and intercession. My soul hopes in you, have mercy on me!

Also the Prayer of St. Ioannikios

My Hope is the Father; my Refuge is the Son; my Protection is the Holy Spirit: O Holy Trinity, glory to Thee!

It is truly meet to bless you, O Theotokos, ever blessed and most pure, and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: without defilement you gave birth to God the Word: true Theotokos, we magnify you!

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

Lord, have mercy! _(3 times)_

Lord, bless!

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy most pure Mother, our venerable and God-bearing fathers and all the saints, save me, a sinner. Amen.

A Prayer of St. John of Damascus, said pointing at the bed

O Master Who lovest mankind, is this bed to be my coffin? Or wilt Thou enlighten my wretched soul with another day? Behold: before me lies the coffin, before me stands death! O Lord, I fear Thy judgment and the endless torments, yet I cease not to do evil. I always anger Thee, my Lord God, and Thy most pure Mother, all the heavenly hosts and my holy Guardian Angel. I know, Lord, that I am unworthy of Thy love for mankind. Indeed, I am worthy of every condemnation and torment. Yet, Lord, save me whether I want it or not! When Thou savest the righteous, it is no great thing. When Thou hast mercy on the pure, it causes no wonder, for they are worthy of Thy mercy. Astound us with Thy mercy towards me, a sinner. Reveal in this manner Thy love for mankind, that my wickedness may not overcome Thine inexpressible goodness and mercy. As Thou wilt, order my life!

_Wishing to lie down on your bed, say:_

Enlighten my eyes, Christ--God, that I fall not asleep to death and that my enemy may not say of me: I have overcome him.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

Be the Helper of my soul, O God, for I walk among many snares. Deliver me from them, O Good One, and save me, for Thou lovest mankind.

Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Let us ever hymn the most glorious Mother of God, who is holier than the Holy Angels. With heart and lips let us confess that she is the Theotokos, for she truly bore God incarnate for us and prays ceaselessly for our souls.

_Kiss your Cross. Then, make the Sign of the Cross over your bed, from head to foot and either side, saying the Prayer to the Precious Cross:_

Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered! Let those who hate Him flee from before His face! As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish. As wax melts before the fire, so let sinners perish before the face of those who love God and sign themselves with the Sign of the Cross and say joyfully: rejoice, most precious and life-creating Cross of the Lord, which chases demons away through the power of our Lord Jesus Christ Who was nailed to you, descended into hell and, having trampled down the power of the devil, gave to us His precious Cross for the routing of all enemies. Help me for ever, most precious and life-creating Cross of the Lord, with the Holy Lady Virgin Theotokos and all the Saints. Amen.

Remit, absolve and forgive, O God, all our voluntary and involuntary sins, in word and in deed, in knowledge and in ignorance, in the day or in the night, in mind and in thought! Forgive us everything, for Thou art good and lovest mankind.

O Lord Who lovest mankind, forgive those who hate and wrong us. Do good to those who do good. Grant to our brethren and relatives all petitions for salvation and eternal life. Visit the afflicted and heal them. Guide those at sea. Travel with travellers. Join the Orthodox Christians in battle. Grant remission of sins to those who serve us and are kind to us. Have mercy, according to Thy great mercy, on those who have asked us to pray for them, unworthy though we be. Remember, Lord, our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, and give them rest under the light of Thy countenance. Remember, Lord, our captive brethren, and deliver them from every misfortune. Remember, Lord, those who bear fruit and do good works in Thy holy churches, and grant them all their petitions for salvation and eternal life. Remember us also, Lord, Thy humble, sinful, and unworthy servants. Enlighten our minds with the light of Thy reason and direct us onto the path of Thy commandments, through the prayers of our most Pure Lady, the Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary and all Thy Saints, for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen.

THE THREE CANONS

_A tradition has developed in the Church of reading three (sometimes four) Canons the evening before receiving Holy Communion. Many monastic Rules of Prayer prescribe this reading daily. Many Canons have been composed over the years, and certain Canons are prescribed for specific days of the week. We have not attempted to publish a large selection of Canons in the limited space of what is, essentially, a "pocket" Prayer Book. We have provided three of the most commonly used Canons and printed them in the order in which they are traditionally read. This order can also serve as a model for combining other Canons. If these Canons are not read during Compline (p. 37), they are preceded by the Opening Prayers and Psalm 50 (pp. 37 to 41)._

THE THREE CANONS
ODE 1 (Tone 6)

Irmos: Treading over the floor of the sea as over dry land, and seeing
their pursuer Pharaoh drown, Israel cried out: Let us sing to God
a song of victory!

Canon of Repentance

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

Sinful and burdened, I now approach Thee, my Master and my God. I dare not look up towards heaven, but simply pray, saying: grant me, Lord, the sense to weep bitterly over my deeds.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

O woe is me, a sinner! I am the most wretched of men! There is no repentance in me! Grant me tears, Lord, that I may weep bitterly over my deeds.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

O senseless and wretched man, you are destroying your life in laziness! Think about your life and turn to the Lord God, weeping bitterly over your deeds.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

O most pure Mother of God, look on me, a sinner, and deliver me from the snares of the devil. Direct me onto the path of repentance, that I may weep bitterly over my deeds.

Canon to the Theotokos

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Beset by many temptations, I run to you, seeking salvation. Save me from burdens and evils, O Virgin Mother of the Word.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

The increase of passions troubles me, filling my soul with great despondency. Still it, O Maiden, with the stillness of your Son and God, O All-Undefiled One.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

I pray you, O Virgin who bore our Savior and God, deliver me from terrors! I run to you now, laying before you my soul and my thoughts.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

O only Mother of God, grant me, who am afflicted in body and soul, divine visitation and your own concern, for you are good and gave birth to the Good One.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Lord Jesus Christ, my God, have mercy on me!

Grant, O Savior, that Thy servant may worthily hymn and praise the bodiless Angel who is my instructor and guardian.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner!

I lie alone in folly and laziness, O my instructor and Guardian. Do not leave me to perish!

Glory to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

Direct my mind, through your prayers, to accomplish the commandments of God, that I may receive from God the remission of my sins. Teach me to hate evil, I pray you.

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

With my Guardian Angel, O Virgin, pray to the Benefactor for your servant. Teach me to accomplish the commandments of your Son and my Creator.

ODE 3

Irmos: None is holy as Thou, O Lord my God! Thou hast raised the strength
of Thy faithful, O Good One, and made us stand firmly on the rock
of Thy confession.

Canon of Repentance

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

When the thrones will be set up for the dread Judgment, the deeds of all men will be recalled. Alas for the sinners who will be sent to torment! Knowing this, my soul, repent of your evil deeds!

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

The righteous shall rejoice, but sinners shall lament. No one will be able to help us at that moment--our deeds will condemn us! Before the end comes, repent of your evil deeds!

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

Woe is me, a great sinner! I have defiled myself in deed and thought and cannot even shed a single tear in my hard-heartedness. Free yourself from the earth, my soul, and repent of your evil deeds.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Your Son calls, O Lady, and teaches us what is good. Yet I, a sinner, always flee from good. Have mercy on me, nevertheless, O merciful one, that I may repent of my evil deeds.

Canon to the Theotokos

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

I hold you as the Intercessor and Protection of my life, O Virgin Birth-Giver of God. Pilot me to your haven, O Cause of good things, O only all-hymned Support of the faithful.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

I pray, O Virgin: dispel the storm of my sorrows and spiritual turmoil. You are the Bride of God who bore the Origin of stillness and alone are most pure.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Pour a wealth of generosity for all, O you who bore the Benefactor, the Cause of all good. You can do anything, for God has blessed you, the Bearer of Christ Who is mighty in strength.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Help me, O Virgin, for I am cruelly tried by severe illness and painful afflictions. I know, Ever-Undefiled One, that you are an inexhaustible and generous treasury of healings.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner!

I have laid all my thoughts and my soul before you, my Guardian. Deliver me from every assault of the Enemy.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner!

The Enemy humiliates and oppresses me and teaches me always to do his will. But you, my Instructor, leave me not to perish!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

Grant me with thanksgiving and fervor to sing a hymn to my Creator and God and to you my good Guardian Angel. Free me from my oppressive enemies, O my Deliverer.

Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Heal, Most Pure One, the most painful wounds of my soul and drive off the enemies that are constantly warring against me.

Lord have mercy! (3 times)

Sessional Hymn, Tone 6

I think of the Dread Day and weep over my evil deeds. How shall I answer the immortal King? Or how shall a prodigal like me dare to look up at the judge? O compassionate Father, only-begotten Son, and Holy Spirit: have mercy on me!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

Sessional Hymn, Tone 2

In fervent love I cry to you, O Guardian of my soul, my all-holy Angel: protect me and keep me always from the entrapment of the evil one. Direct me to the heavenly life, enlightening, illumining, and strengthening me.

Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 6

Steadfast protectress of Christians, constant advocate before the Creator: do not despise the cry of us sinners, but in your goodness come speedily to help us who call on you in faith. Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us, O Theotokos, for you always protect those who honor you.

ODE 4

Irmos: "Christ is my strength, my God and my Lord"--the sacred Church
reverently sings with a mighty voice, rejoicing in the Lord.

Canon of Repentance

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

Our present path is wide and conducive to pleasures, but bitter will the Last Day be when the soul will part from the body. O man, beware of those pleasures, for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

Why do you mistreat the poor? Why do you withhold the worker's pay? Why do you not love your brother? Why do you pursue lust and pride? Abandon all that, my soul, and repent for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

O foolish man! How long will you bustle like a bee, gathering your wealth? It will soon perish like dust and ashes. Seek rather the Kingdom of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Have mercy on me a sinner, O Lady Theotokos, and strengthen me in virtues. Protect me, so that insolent death may not seize me unprepared, and bring me, O Virgin, to the Kingdom of God.

Canon to the Theotokos

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

O Bride of God, who bore the Lord Pilot, still the tumult of my passions and the storm of my transgressions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Grant me the abyss of your kindness, upon which I call, O you who gave birth to the Compassionate One, the Savior of those who hymn you.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Enjoying your gifts, O Pure One, we sing a hymn of thanksgiving to you whom we know to be the Mother of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

As you love good, O Theotokos, the only ever-Virgin, help me as I lie on my bed of illness and infirmity.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

We are delivered from every difficulty, O All-Hymned One, for we have you as our hope, our confirmation, and immovable wall.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner!

Pray to God Who loves mankind, my Guardian, and do not abandon me! Keep my life in peace and grant me invincible salvation.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner!

I received you from God, holy Angel, as a helper and guardian of my life. Free me from all harm, I pray you!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

Cleanse my vileness with your holiness, my Guardian! May I be excluded from the left side through your prayers and become a partaker of glory.

Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

I am bewildered by the evils that surround me, Most Pure One. Deliver me from them quickly, for I run only to you.

ODE 5

Irmos: I pray Thee, O Good One: Enlighten with Thy Divine Light the souls
which look to Thee from early dawn, that they may know Thee, O
Word of God, as the True God Who calls them out from the darkness
of sin.

Canon of Repentance

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

Remember, wretched man, how you have been enslaved to lies, slander, crime, infirmities, and wild beasts because of your sins. Is this what you wanted, my sinful soul?

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

My members tremble, for I have been guilty through all of them: my eyes by seeing, my ears by hearing, my tongue by speaking evil, surrendering my whole self to Gehenna. Is this what you wanted, my sinful soul?

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

Thou didst receive the Prodigal and the thief who repented, O Savior. I alone have been weighed down by sinful laziness and submitted to evil deeds. Is this what you wanted my sinful soul?

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

O Mother of God, the wondrous and swift helper of all mankind, help me, the unworthy, for this is what my sinful soul wants!

Canon to the Theotokos

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Fill my heart with joy, O Pure One who bore the Cause of Joy, by giving us your incorruptible joy.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Deliver us from harm, Pure Theotokos who bore the Eternal Redemption and the Peace which passes all understanding.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Lessen the gloom of my transgressions with the enlightenment of your brightness, O Bride of God who bore the divine and eternal Light.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Heal the infirmity of my soul by granting me your visitation, O Pure One, and grant me wholeness by your prayers.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner!

Since you have boldness before God, my holy Guardian, pray to Him for my deliverance from the evils that harm me.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner!

Brightly illumine my soul, O bright Light, the Angel given to me by God, my instructor and guardian.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

Though I sleep in the evil weight of sin, protect me as one who keeps vigil, O Angel of God, and rouse me to praise through your prayers.

Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Lady Mary, the unwedded Theotokos and hope of the faithful: Cast down the arrogance of the Enemy and give joy to those who hymn you.

ODE 6

Irmos: Beholding the Sea of Life raging with the storm of temptations, I
have fled to Thy calm haven and cry to Thee: Deliver my life from
destruction, O Most-merciful One!

Canon of Repentance

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

I have lived my life on earth prodigally and committed my soul to darkness. Now, O Merciful Master, I pray: free me from the Enemy's labor and give me the intelligence to do Thy will.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

Who does what I do? As a pig wallows in mud, so do I serve sin! Pull me out of this mire, Lord, and give me the heart to accomplish Thy commandments.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

Lift yourself towards God, wretched man, recalling your transgressions! Fall down before the Creator with tears and groans! Being merciful, He will give you the mind to know His will.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Keep us from both visible and invisible harm, O Virgin Theotokos! Receive my prayers, Most Pure One, and bear them to your Son, that He may give me the mind to do His will.

Canon to the Theotokos

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

My nature was captive of death and corruption, O Virgin, but your Son and Lord saved it from both by surrendering Himself to death. Pray to Him for my deliverance from the evil deeds of my enemies.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

I know that you are the Intercessor of my life, O Virgin, my firm Protectress, healing the rebellions of temptations and dispelling the wiles of demons. I pray constantly that you will deliver me from my destructive passions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

We have obtained you, O Maiden, as a wall of refuge and a most thorough salvation of souls. The multitude of human sorrows is not too great for you, and we ever rejoice in your illumination. Save us now, O Lady, from passions and misfortunes.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

I am lying on a bed of infirmity and there is no cure for my flesh. But I pray to you, the Good One who bore the God and Savior of the world: raise me from the destruction of illnesses.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner!

I pray to you, holy Angel whom God has give to me as my good guardian: free me from every temptation!

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner!

Shine light on my mind, O good one, and enlighten me! I pray you, holy Angel: teach me always to have wholesome thoughts.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

Deliver my heart from this present noise, O my Guardian, and strengthen me to keep a good vigil, wondrously instructing me towards life-giving stillness.

Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

The Word of God dwelt in you, O Theotokos, and showed you to mankind as a Ladder to Heaven. Through you, He Who is on high came down to us.

Lord, have mercy! (3 times)

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

Kontakion, Tone 6

O my soul, why do you enrich yourself with sins? Why do you do the Devil's will? In what have you put your hope? Cease all this and turn to God, weeping and crying: O compassionate Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner!

Ikos

Contemplate, my soul, the bitter hour of death and the dread judgment of your Creator and God. Threatening angels will seize you, my soul, and lead you to eternal flames. Repent before your death, therefore, crying: O Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner!

ODE 7

Irmos: The Angel made the furnace a source of dew for the pious youths,
and the Will of God, which burned the Chaldeans, made the
persecutor call out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Canon of Repentance

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

Put not your hope in corruptible wealth, my soul, nor in things unjustly gathered. You do not know to whom you will leave it all. Instead, cry out: O Christ God, have mercy on me, the unworthy!

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

Remember, my soul, both the eternal life and the Heavenly Kingdom prepared for the saints and the outer darkness and divine wrath prepared for the wicked. Then cry out: O Christ God, have mercy on me, the unworthy!

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

Do not count on physical health, my soul, nor on fleeting beauty. You see how both the strong and the young die. Instead, cry out: O Christ God, have mercy on me, the unworthy!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Fall down before the Mother of God, my soul, and pray to her, for she is the swift helper of penitents. She will entreat her Son, Christ God, and He will have mercy on me, the unworthy!

Canon to the Theotokos

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Desiring to establish our salvation, O Savior, Thou didst enter the Virgin's womb, showing her as the Intercessor for the world. Blessed art Thou, O God of our Fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Pray to Him Who is mercifully disposed and Whom you bore, O Pure Mother, that we may be delivered from transgressions and defilement of soul, who cry out with faith: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Thou didst show her who gave birth to Thee as a source of healing, a strong pillar, and a gate of repentance for those who cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Grant healing from physical weakness and spiritual infirmities to those who draw near to your Protection with love, O Virgin Birthgiver of God, who bore Christ the Savior for us.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner!

Have pity on me, Angel of the Lord, and pray to God for me, for He has given you to me forever as a helper, instructor, and guardian throughout my life.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner!

God entrusted my wretched soul to you undefiled, Holy Angel. Do not let it be killed by thieves on its journey, but direct it rather to the path of repentance.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

I bring my soul, completely shamed by my evil thoughts and deeds. Hasten to me, my Instructor, and grant me the healing of good thoughts which lead me forever on the right path.

Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

For the sake of the Theotokos, O Personal Wisdom of the Most High, fill with wisdom and divine strength those who cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

ODE 8

Irmos: Thou didst cause dew to pour from the flames over the pious
youths, and didst burn the sacrifice of a righteous man with
water--for Thou doest all things, O Christ, by Thy Will alone. We
exalt Thee throughout all ages.

Canon of Repentance

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

How can I not weep when I think of death? I have seen my brother lying in the tomb without glory and without form. What can I expect? What can I hope? Only grant me, Lord, repentance before the end. _(twice)_

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

I believe that Thou wilt come to judge the living and the dead, and that everyone will stand in his rank: the old and the young; masters and princes; virgins and priests. Where will I find myself? Therefore, I cry out: grant me, Lord, repentance before the end.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Receive my unworthy prayer, Most Pure Theotokos. Keep me from sudden death, and grant me repentance before the end.

Canon to the Theotokos

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

O Virgin, do not disdain those who need your help, hymning and exalting you forever.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

You heal the infirmities of my soul and the illnesses of my body, O Virgin, that I may glorify you, O Pure One, forever.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

You pour an abundance of healing, O Virgin, on those who hymn you with faith and exalt your inexpressible birth-giving.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

You chase away the wiles of temptation and the onsets of passions, O Virgin. We therefore hymn you forever.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner!

Most good Angel, sent from God: strengthen my life and never abandon me.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner!

I hymn you forever, most blessed and good Angel, the Instructor and Guardian of my soul.

We bless the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Lord:

Be my protection and rampart on the day when all mankind will be tried and all deeds will be tested, both the good and the bad.

Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Be the help and stillness of your servant, Ever-Virgin Theotokos, and never release me from your service.

ODE 9

Irmos: No man can see God, upon Whom the Angelic ranks dare not gaze. But
through you, O Pure One, the Incarnate Word was revealed to
mankind. Magnifying Him with the heavenly hosts, we call you
blessed.

Canon of Repentance

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

I now turn to you, angels, archangels, and all the heavenly host who stand by the throne of God: pray to your Creator that He deliver my soul from eternal torments.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

I now weep before you, holy patriarchs, kings and prophets, apostles and hierarchs, and all the elect of Christ: help me at the Judgment, that my soul be saved from the strength of the Enemy.

Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me!

I now lift up my hands to you, holy martyrs, desert-dwellers, virgins, righteous ones, and all saints who pray to the Lord for the whole world: may He have mercy on me at the hour of my death.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Help me, Mother of God, for I have great hope in you! Pray to your Son, that when He sits to judge the living and the dead, He may place me at His right hand, even though I am unworthy.

Canon to the Theotokos

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

O Virgin who bore Christ and wipes away every tear from every face: turn not away from my flowing tears.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

O Virgin who received the fullness of joy which destroyed the sorrow of sin: fill my heart with joy!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Be a haven and intercession, an indestructible wall, a refuge, protection and rejoicing for those who run to you, O Virgin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Enlighten with the rays of your light those who in the True Faith confess you to be the Theotokos, O Virgin, dispelling the darkness of ignorance.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us!

Heal me, O Virgin, as I lie humbled on the place of misfortune, bringing me from illness to health.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Lord Jesus Christ, my God, have mercy on me!

Have mercy on me, my only Savior, since Thou art merciful and compassionate, and join me to the choir of the Just.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner!

Grant that I may always think and do what is good and useful, O Angel of the Lord, and show me to be strong and spotless in weakness.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

Since you are bold before the Heavenly King, pray to Him with all the bodiless powers, that He may have mercy on me, a wretch.

Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

You have great boldness before the One Who took flesh from you, O Virgin. Remove me from my fetters and grant me freedom and salvation through your prayers.

CANON IN PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION

ODE 1 (Tone 2)

Irmos: Come, O People, let us sing a hymn to Christ God, Who divided the
sea and guided the people Whom He led out of the bondage of Egypt,
for He has glorified Himself.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.

May Thy Holy Body and Precious Blood, O Lord, be my Bread of everlasting life, healing me of various afflictions.

Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Make me worthy to partake of Thy most pure Body and Divine Blood, O Christ, for I am unworthy and accursed, defiled by unseemly deeds.

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

You are the good soil, blessed Bride of God, which bore the ear of grain, the Savior of the world, which sprang from your untilled field. Grant that I may be saved by eating it.

ODE 3

Irmos: Having established me on the rock of faith, Thou hast strengthened
me against my enemies. My spirit rejoices when I sing: There is
none holy as our God, and none more righteous than Thou, O Lord!

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.

Give me tears, O Christ, to cleanse the filth from my heart. Then, cleansed and with a good conscience, may I come with fear and faith to partake of Thy Divine Gifts, O Master.

Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

O Lover of mankind, may Thy most pure Body and Divine Blood be for the remission of my sins, the communion of the Holy Spirit, life everlasting, and estrangement from passions and sorrows.

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

Most holy Table of the Heavenly Bread which mercifully came down from on high, giving new life to the world; grant that I, who am unworthy, may now taste of Him in fear and live!

ODE 4

Irmos: Thou didst not come as an emissary or an angel, Lord, but from a
Virgin, taking flesh and saving the fulness of my humanity. I
therefore call out to Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.

Because of human sins, Thou didst will to be slaughtered like a lamb, Most Merciful One Who wast incarnate for us. I pray, therefore: cleanse my sins as well.

Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.