Part 4
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!