DAILY PRAYERS

At Midday
The Noon Office
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory to You, our God. Glory to You.
O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth: You are everywhere filling 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.
Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
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! O Lord, cleanse us from our sins! O Master, pardon our transgressions! O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your Name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
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 the evil one.
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.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Come, let us worship God, our King!
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God!
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God!
Psalms
Psalm 54
Monday, ThursdaySave me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your strength.Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth. For strangers have risen up against me, and oppressors have sought after my life; they have not set God before them. Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is with those who uphold my life.He will repay my enemies for their evil. Cut them off in Your truth. I will freely sacrifice to You; I will praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good. For He has delivered me out of all trouble; and my eye has seen its desire upon my enemies.
Psalm 55
Tuesday, FridayGive ear to my prayer, O God, and do not hide Yourself from my supplication.Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily,Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked; for they bring down trouble upon me, and in wrath they hate me. My heart is severely pained within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me. Fearfulness and trembling have come upon me, and horror has overwhelmed me. And I said, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! For then I would fly away and be at rest. Indeed, I would wander far off, and remain in the wilderness. I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest." Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, for I have seen violence and strife in the city. Day and night they go around it on its walls; iniquity and trouble are also in the midst of it. Destruction is in its midst; deceit and guile do not depart from its streets. For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has magnified himself against me; then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance.We took sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of God in the throng.Let death seize them; let them go down alive into hell, for wickedness is in their dwellings and among them. As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me. Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice. He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle which was against me, for there were many against me. God will hear, and afflict them, even He who abides from of old. Because they do not change, therefore they do not fear God.He has put forth his hands against those who were at peace with him; he has broken his covenant. The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. But You, O God, shall bring them down to the pit of destruc­tion; bloodthirsty and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in You.
Psalm 91
Wednesday, SaturdayHe who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord, Who is my refuge, even the Most High, your habitation, No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample under foot. Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.
After The Psalm
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God!
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Troparia
Daily
Troparion For The Noon Office(Tone Two)
O You Who on the sixth day and hourNailed to the cross the sin which rebellious Adam committedin Paradise,Tear asunder also the bond of our iniquities,O Christ our God, and save us.Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit
Sunday
Troparion Of The Resurrection(Tone Of The Week)
Refer To Supplementary Prayers.
Monday
St. Michael And All Angels(Tone Four)
O Commander of the heavenly hosts,We who are unworthy beseech you ceaselesslyThat you would encompass us with the shelter of your prayers
And cover us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory.We fall down before you crying out:"Protect us from all harm, O Prince of the powers on high!"
Tuesday
Forerunner And Baptist John(Tone Two)
The memory of the righteous is worthy of praise,But you, O Forerunner, are well pleased by the Lord's own witness.You were revealed as greater than the prophets,For you baptized in the waters Him whom they foretold.Therefore, having fought and suffered for the Truth,You proclaimed to those in the tombs the Gospel of the incarnate God,Who takes away the sins of the world and grants us great mercy.
Wednesday
Holy And Life-Giving Cross(Tone One)
O Lord, save Your people,And bless Your inheritance.Grant victories to the Orthodox ChristiansOver their adversaries.And by virtue of Your Cross,Preserve Your habitation.
Thursday
Holy Apostles And St. Nicholas(Tone Three)
O holy Apostles,Intercede with our merciful GodTo grant our souls forgiveness of our sins!
Friday
Holy And Life-Giving Cross(Tone One)
O Lord, save Your people,And bless Your inheritance.Grant victories to the Orthodox ChristiansOver their adversaries.And by virtue of Your Cross,Preserve Your habitation.
Saturday
The Theotokos, All Saints,The Faithful Departed(Tone Two)
Apostles, martyrs, and prophets,Holy hierarchs, saints and righteous,Having fought the good fight and kept the Faith,You have boldness toward the Savior.Intercede for us with Him for He is good, and pray that Hemay save our souls.
Daily
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Since there is no boldness in us because of the multitude of our sins, O Virgin Theotokos, intercede with the Son Whom you have borne, for the entreaty of a mother has great power to win the favor of the Master. Do not despise the prayers of sinners, O all;venerable Lady, for He Who took upon Himself to suffer for our sake is merciful and strong to save.
Let Your tender mercies, O Lord, go speedily before us, for we have become exceedingly poor. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your Name, O Lord, deliver us and purge our sins for Your Name's sake.
Trisagion Prayers
Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
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! O Lord, cleanse us from our sins! O Master, pardon our transgressions! O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Your Name's sake.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
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 the evil one.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.
Kontakia
Sunday
Kontakion Of The Resurrection(Tone Of The Week)
Refer To Supplementary Prayers, Page 113.
Monday
St. Michael And All Angels(Tone Two)
You Princes and Leaders of the armies of God,Servants of the Divine Glory and guides of men,Ask whatever is good for us and for bountiful mercy,O Commander of the heavenly hosts.
Tuesday
Forerunner And Baptist John(Tone Two)
O Prophet of God and Forerunner of Grace,Your head has blossomed from the earth as a most sacred rose.We are ever being healed,For as of old, you preach repentance to the world.
Wednesday
Holy And Life-Giving Cross(Tone Four)
As You were voluntarily crucified for our sake,Grant mercy to those who are called by Your Name.Make all Orthodox Christians glad by Your power,Granting them victories over their adversaries,By bestowing on them the invincible trophy, Your weapon of peace.
Thursday
Holy Apostles And St. Nicholas(Tone Three)
You have taken, O Lord, the firm and divinely inspired preachers,the holy apostles,Into rest and the enjoyment of Your blessings.For You have accepted their labors and death above every burnt offering,O You Who alone know the secrets of our hearts.
Friday
Holy And Life-Giving Cross(Tone Four)
As You were voluntarily crucified for our sake,Grant mercy to those who are called by Your name.Make all Orthodox Christians glad by Your power,Granting them victories over their adversaries,By bestowing on them the invincible trophy,Your weapon of peace.
Saturday
The Theotokos, All Saints,The Faithful Departed
With the saints give rest, O Christ,To the souls of Your servantsWhere sickness and sorrow are no more,Neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Daily
Repeat 40 Times:Lord, have mercy!
Prayer Of The Hours
O Christ our God, You are worshiped at all times and in all places and are glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are patient, generous in mercy, rich in compassion, loving to the just and merciful to the sinner. You call all of us to repentance through the promise of blessings to come.
O Lord, receive our supplications at this very hour. Direct our lives in the way of Your commandments. Sanctify our souls, purify our bodies, set our minds aright, cleanse our thoughts, and deliver us from all affliction, wrath, danger and need. Surround us with Your holy angels, so that, guided and guarded by their ranks, we may reach unity of the faith and the knowledge of Your unutterable glory. You are blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.
Dismissal
Lord, have mercy!
Lord, have mercy!
Lord, have mercy!
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
More honorable than the cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the seraphim! Without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. True Theotokos, we magnify you!
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Prayer Of St. Basil The Great
O God, Lord of hosts and Maker of all creation, who in Your great compassion and mercy sent down Your Only-Begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the redemption of mankind and by His precious Cross destroyed the record of our sins, triumphing over the source and power of darkness: O Lord and Lover of mankind, accept also the thanksgiving and fervent prayers of us sinners. Deliver us from every dark and harmful transgression and from all the visible and invisible enemies that seek to destroy us. Nail our flesh to the fear of You, and do not incline our hearts to deceitful words or thoughts, but wound our souls with love for You, that always looking to You, guided by Your light, and seeing You, the eternal and ineffable Light, we may give You unceasing praise and thanksgiving: to the Father without beginning, with Your Only-Begotten Son and Your all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Compline
Daily Compline
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory to You, our God. Glory to You.
O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth: You are everywhere filling 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.
Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
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! O Lord, cleanse us from our sins! O Master, pardon our transgressions! O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your Name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
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 the evil one.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.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Come, let us worship God, our King!
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God!
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God!
Psalms
Sunday Night Great Compline
Psalm 4
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me when I was in distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. How long, O you sons of men, will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood? But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself him who is godly; the Lord will hear when I call to Him. Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. There are many who say, "Who will show us any good?" Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us. You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the season that their grain and wine increased.I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Monday Night Great Compline
Psalm 6
O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger, nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me,for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled; but You, O Lord, how long? Return, O Lord, deliver me! Oh, save me for Your mercies sake!For in death there is no remembrance of You; in the grave who will give You thanks? I am weary with my groaning; all night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears. My eye wastes away because of grief; it grows old because of all my enemies. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; for the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer. Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled; let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly.
Tuesday Night Great Compline
Psalm 13
How long, O Lord?Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O Lordmy God; enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed against him"; lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.
Wednesday Night Great Compline
Psalm 25
To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.O my God, I trust in You; let me not be ashamed; let not my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause. Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your loving-kindness, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; according to Your mercy remember me, for Your goodness, sake, O Lord. Good and upright is the Lord; therefore He teaches sinners in the way. The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. For Your name's sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great. Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant. My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net. Turn Yourself to me, and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have enlarged; oh, bring me out of my distresses! Look on my affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins. Consider my enemies, for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred. Oh, keep my soul, and deliver me; let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You.Redeem Israel, O God, out of all their troubles!
Thursday Night Great Compline
Psalm 31
In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Your righteousness. Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily; be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me. For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name's sake, lead me and guide me. Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. I have hated those who regard vain idols; but I trust in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, for You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities, And have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a wide place. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; my eye wastes away with grief, yes, my soul and my body! For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away. I am a reproach among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbors, and am repulsive to my acquaintances; those who see me outside flee from me. I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel.For I hear the slander of many; fear is on every side; while they take counsel together against me, they scheme to take away my life. But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." My times are in Your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me. Make Your face shine upon Your servant; save me for Your mercies sake. Do not let me be ashamed, O Lord, for I have called upon You; let the wicked be ashamed; let them be silent in the grave. Let the lying lips be put to silence, which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.Blessed be the Lord, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city! For I said in my haste, "I am cut off from before Your eyes"; nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You. Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Friday Night Small Compline
Psalm 70
Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Make haste to help me, O Lord! Let them be ashamed and confounded who seek my life; let them be turned back and confused who desire my hurt. Let them be turned back because of their shame, who say, "Aha, aha!" Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; and let those who love Your salvation say continually, "Let God be magnified!"But I am poor and needy; make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay.
Saturday Night Small Compline
Psalm 143
Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness. Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no one living is righteous. For the enemy has persecuted my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead. Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Answer me speedily, O Lord; my spirit fails! Do not hide Your face from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; in You I take shelter.Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. Revive me, O Lord, for Your name's sake! For Your righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble. In Your mercy cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul; for I am Your servant.
Every Night Small Compline
Psalm 51
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your loving-kindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight : that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones which You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You. Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness.O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering.The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart: these, O God, You will not despise. Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem. Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering; then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.
Every Night Great Compline
Psalm 91
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God,in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler.You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord, Who is my refuge, even the Most High, your habitation, No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample under foot. Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.
After The Psalm
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God!Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God!Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God!
The Compline Song Of Isaiah
Great Compline
God is with us! Understand this, O nations, and submit yourselves! For God is with us.Hear this, even to the farthest bounds of the earth. Submit yourselves, O mighty ones! If you rise up again in your might, you will be overthrown. The Lord shall destroy all who take counsel together, and the word which you speak shall not abide with you. For we do not fear your terror, and we are not troubled. But we will ascribe holiness to the Lord our God, and Him will we hold in awesome fear.And if I put my trust in Him, He shall be my sanctification. I will set my hope on Him, and through Him I shall be saved ,lo, I and the children whom God has given me.The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness , on them a light has shined.For unto us a Child is born; to us a Son is given. And the government shall be upon His shoulder, and of His peace there will be no end. And His name shall be called the Messenger of Great Counsel, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, the Father of the World to Come.God is with us! Understand this, O nations, and submit yourselves! For God is with us.
The Symbol Of Faith
I believe in One God, the Father almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only­-Begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages; Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten not made; of one essence with the Father; by Whom all things were made; Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man.And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And the third day, He rose again, according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; Whose Kingdom shall have no end.And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father; Who with the Father and Son together is worshiped and glorified; Who spoke by the prophets.In one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins.I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.Amen.
Evening Prayers
To Christ
O Christ our God, You are worshiped at all times and in all places and are glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are patient, generous in mercy, rich in compassion, loving to the just and merciful to the sinner. You call all of us to repentance through the promise of blessings to come.O Lord, receive our supplications at this very hour. Direct our lives in the way of Your commandments. Sanctify our souls, purify our bodies, set our minds aright, cleanse our thoughts, deliver us from all affliction, wrath, danger and need. Surround us with Your holy angels, so that, guided and guarded by their ranks, we may reach unity of the faith and the knowledge of Your unutterable glory. You are blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.
To The Theotokos
O all-pure and incorruptible Virgin Bride of God, and our Sovereign Lady, who made the Word of God one with mankind by gloriously giving birth to your Son and joining our fallen nature to His divine nature; who are the hope of the despairing and the support of those in distress, the swift defender of those who turn to you and the refuge of all Christians:
Do not turn from me, an unclean sinner, who have destroyed myself with unworthy thoughts, words and deeds, and have been enslaved by forgetfulness to the carnal passions of life; but have compassion on me, O Theotokos, and accept the prayer of a sinner and prodigal, offered from unclean lips.
Exercise your boldness as a mother, and pray to your Son, our Lord and Master, that He will make known to me also His compassionate goodness, and overlooking my countless sins, will turn me to repentance and make me fervent in doing His commandments.
Be with me always in your grace and loving mercy, for you are the fervent helper who turn away the assaults of enemies and guide men toward salvation, caring for my unworthy soul at the hour of death and driving from it the darkness of evil spirits. In the Day of judgment, free me from eternal torment and show me to be an heir of the divine glory of your Son, and our God.
Grant this, O Lady Theotokos, by your prayers and intercessions, through the mercy and lovingkindness of your only-begotten Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to Whom are due all glory, honor and worship, with the Father Who is eternal, and His all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
To The Lord
And grant rest, O Master, to our souls and bodies as we sleep; preserve us from the gloomy slumber of sin and from the dark passions of the night. Calm the impulses of carnal desires, quench the fiery darts of the evil one which are craftily directed against us. Still the rebellions of the flesh, and put far from us all anxiety and worldly cares.Grant us, O God, a watchful mind, pure thoughts, a sober heart and a quiet rest free from every vision of the devil. Raise us up again at the hour of prayer, strengthened in Your precepts and holding within us steadfastly the thought of Your commandments.Grant that we may sing praises to You through the night and that we may hymn, bless and glorify Your all-honorable and majestic Name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
To The Theotokos
O exceedingly glorious and ever-virgin Theotokos, bring our petitions before your Son, and our God, and implore Him that through you He will save our souls. Amen.
To The Holy Trinity
O Father, my hope!O Son, my refuge! O Holy Spirit, my protection! O Most Holy Trinity: Glory to You!
Intercessions
For the holy synod of bishops, for Metropolitan (Name), for Bishop (Name), for the venerable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the laity;
For our country and for every authority and power within it; For those who serve our country throughout the world;
For our spiritual fathers and mothers; For our brothers and sisters and children in Christ;
For those who love us and for those who hate us; For those who have asked us to pray for them despite our unworthiness;
For those who are held captive for the faith and for those who hold them captive;
For those who travel by land, sea and air;
For those who lie on their bed of sickness; For all who are in need of guidance and strength from the Lord; For those who are weary in well-doing; For those who are in need of refreshment;
For seasonable weather and for an abundance of the fruits of the earth.
For all our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children who have fallen asleep in the Lord;
And let us pray for ourselves: Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!
(Intercessions May Be Added At This Point.)
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

Daily Prayers for Orthodox Christians: The Synekdemos
Contents
THE SYMBOL OF FAITH
MORNING PRAYERS PRAYERS
AT MEALTIME PRAYERS
BEFORE SLEEP
THE SIX PSALMS
SMALL COMPLINE
SERVICE OF PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION
THANKSGIVING FOLLOWING HOLY COMMUNION
The Symbol Of Faith
I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through whom all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and he suffered and was buried. On the third day he rose according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the ages to come. Amen.
Morning Prayers
(After rising from sleep, stand with reverence and fear of God, make the sign of the cross, and say:)
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory to you, our God, glory to you. Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who are present everywhere filling all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us. Cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, gracious Lord. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3). Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your 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. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
(Then the following prayers to the Holy Trinity:) Having risen from sleep, we fall before you, O good One, and sing to you, mighty One, the angelic hymn: Holy, holy, holy are you, O God. Through the prayers of the Theotokos, have mercy on us. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having aroused me from sleep and bed, O Lord, enlighten my mind and open my heart and lips that I may sing to you, Holy Trinity: Holy, holy, holy are you, O God. Through the Theotokos, have mercy on us. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Suddenly the Judge will come and everyone’s deeds will be revealed. But with awe we cry out in the middle of the night: Holy, holy, holy are you, O God. Through the prayers of the Theotokos, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy (12).
Psalm 120 (121)
I will lift, up my eyes to the hills. From where comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who watches over Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord shall protect you; the Lord is your shelter at your right hand. The sun shall not burn you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; the Lord shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and forevermore.
A Prayer Of Thanksgiving
As I rise from sleep, I thank you, Holy Trinity, for because of your great good­ness and patience, you were not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor have you de­stroyed me in my sins, but have shown your usual love for me. And when I was prostrate in despair, you raised me to glorify with your power. Enlighten now my mind’s eye, open my mouth to study your words and under­stand your commandments, to do your will and sing to you in heartfelt adoration, and praise your most holy name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Another Prayer
Glory to you, King, God almighty, who through your divine and loving providence have consented that I, an unworthy sinner, should rise from sleep and obtain entrance into your holy house. Accept, Lord, the voice of my prayer as you accept those of your holy and spiritual powers; and that not through my defiled lips, but from a pure heart and humble spirit, praise may be offered to you so that I also, with the bright lamp of my soul, may become a companion of the wise virgins and glorify you, God the Word, who is glorified in the Father and the Spirit. Amen. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to ages of ages. Amen. I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through whom all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and he suffered and was buried. On the third day he rose according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the ages to come. Amen.
Prayer of Saint Basil (Read daily except on Saturday)
We bless you, O God, most high and Lord of mercy. You are always doing great and inscrutable things with us, glorious and wonderful, and without number. You grant us sleep for rest from our infirmities, and repose from the burdens of our much toiling flesh. We thank you, for you have not destroyed us with our sins, but have continued to love us; and though we were sunk in despair, you have raised us up to glorify your power. There­fore, we implore your incomparable good­ness. Enlighten the eyes of our understand­ing and raise up our minds from the heavy sleep of indolence. Open our mouth and fill it with your praise, that we may be able without distraction to sing and confess that you are God, glorified in all and by all, the eternal Father, with your only begotten Son, and your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Another Prayer (Read on Saturday)
Remember, Lord, our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection to eternal life, and all those who ended this life in piety and faith. Pardon their every transgression, committed voluntarily or involuntarily, in word, or deed, or thought. Place them in a place of light, a place of refreshment, a place of peace from which every ailment, sorrow, and lamen­tation are banished, and from which the light of your countenance shines and gladdens all your saints from all ages. Bestow on them and on us your kingdom. Grant to them the participation of your ineffable and ever­lasting blessings, and the enjoyment of your endless and blissful life. For you are the life, the resurrection, and the peace of your departed servants, Christ our God, and to you we give glory, together with your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer Of Saint Eustratios (Read on Saturday)
Most highly do I praise you, Lord, for you have taken notice of my lowliness and have not delivered me into the hands of my enemies but have relieved my soul of its needs. Now, Master, let your hand shelter me, and let your grace descend upon me, for my soul is distracted and pained at the departure from this, my miserable and sordid body, that the end design of the adversary may not overtake her and make her stumble into the darkness for the unknown and known sins amassed by me in this life. Be gracious to me, Master, and do not let my soul see the dark countenance of the evil spirits, but let her be received by your angels bright and shining. Glorify your holy name, and by your might set me before your divine judgment seat. When I am being judged, do not allow the hand of the prince of this world to take hold of me, to throw me, a sinner, into the depths of hell, but stand by me and be a savior and mediator to me. Have mercy, Lord, on my soul, defiled through the passions of this life, and receive her cleansed by penitence and confession, for .you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayers At Mealtime
Before Breakfast
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your 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. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Christ our God, bless the food and drink of your servants, for you are holy always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Thanksgiving After Breakfast
We thank you, Christ our God, for you have satisfied us with earthly gifts. Do not deprive us of your heavenly kingdom, but as you, O Savior, came among your disciples and gave them peace, come among us also and save us.
Before Lunch
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your 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. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Christ our God, bless the food and drink of your servants, for you are holy always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Thanksgiving After Lunch
We thank you, Christ our God, for you have satisfied us with earthly gifts. Do not deprive us of your heavenly kingdom, but as you, O Savior, came among your disciples and gave them peace, come among us also and save us.
Prayers Before Dinner
The poor shall eat and be satisfied, and they who seek the Lord shall praise him; their hearts shall live to the ages of ages. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ our God, bless the food and drink of your servants, for you are holy always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Thanksgiving After Dinner
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, you have gladdened our hearts in your creation, and we have rejoiced in the work of your hands. The light of your countenance has shined upon us, Lord. You have gladdened our hearts. We have been satisfied with the good things of the earth. We shall sleep in peace and repose in you, for you alone, Lord, have sustained us in hope.
Another Prayer
Blessed is God, who has mercy upon us and nourishes us from his bountiful gifts by his grace and love always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayers Before Sleep
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory to you, our God, glory to you. Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who are present everywhere filling all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us. Cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, gracious Lord.
Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immor­tal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our trans­gressions. Holy One, visit and heal our in­firmities for your name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your 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. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Now that the day has come to a close, I thank you, Lord, and entreat that the eve­ning and the night be sinless. Grant this to me, Savior, and save me. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now that the day has passed, I glorify you, Master, and I entreat that the evening with the night be without offense. Grant this to me, Savior, and save me. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Now that the day has ended, I praise you, Holy One, and entreat that the evening and the night be undisturbed. Grant this to me, Savior, and save me.
Lord, have mercy (12).
A Prayer For Children
Lord Jesus Christ, you received the child­ren who came to you, receive also from the lips of your child this evening prayer. Shel­ter me under the protection of your wings that I may lie down in peace and sleep. Awaken me in due time that I may glorify you, for you alone are good and love all people.
A Prayer For Adults
Lord our God, whatever sins I have com­mitted this day, in word, deed or thought, forgive me, for you are good and love all people. Grant me a peaceful and undisturbed sleep. Protect me from every abuse and plot of the evil one. Raise me up in due time that I may glorify you, for you are blessed, to­gether with your only begotten Son, and your all holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through whom all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and he suffered and was buried. On the third day he rose according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the ages to come. Amen.
At all times and in every hour, you are worshiped and glorified in heaven and on earth, Christ our God. Long in patience, great in mercy and compassion, you love the righteous and show mercy to sinners. You call all to salvation through the prom­ise of good things to come. Lord, receive our prayers at the present time. Direct our lives according to your commandments. Sanctify our souls. Purify our bodies. Set our minds aright. Cleanse our thoughts and deliver us from all sorrow, evil, and distress. Surround us with your holy an­gels that, guarded and guided by their host, we may arrive at the unity of the faith and the understanding of your ineffable glory. For you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.
Virgin Theotokos
Theotokos virgin, hail most blessed Mary, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have given birth to the Savior of our souls.
Baptizer Of Christ
Baptizer of Christ, remember us, so that we may be saved from our sins. For to you has been given grace to intercede for us. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Intercede for us, holy Apostles, and all you saints, so that we may be saved from danger and sorrow. We have received you as fervent defenders before the Savior. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Beneath your compassion we seek refuge, Theotokos. Do not overlook our prayers, but deliver us from danger, only pure and blessed one. My hope is the Father; my refuge, the Son; my protection, the Holy Spirit. Holy Trinity, glory to you. I place all my hope in you, Mother of God. Keep me under your protection. Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy and save us. Amen.
(When ready for sleep, say:) Under the protection of your wings I shall be covered and fall asleep, for in you only, Lord, does my hope lie. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my soul and my body. Do bless me, do have mercy on me, and grant me eternal life. Amen.
Service Of The Six Psalms
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3). Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our trans­gressions. Holy One, visit and heal our in­firmities for your name’s sake. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your 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. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, save your people and bless your in­heritance. Grant victory to the Orthodox over their adversaries and guard your com­monwealth with your cross. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. You were lifted up upon the cross of your own will, Christ our God. Grant your mercy upon the new commonwealth that bears your name. In your strength make glad the Or­thodox, giving them victory over their ad­versaries. May they have your alliance as a weapon of peace, and an invincible trophy. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
O awesome and ever present protection, do not overlook, O gracious one, our supplica­tions. Most praised Theotokos, establish the Orthodox people, save those whom you have called to govern and grant them victory from above, for you have given birth to God, only blessed one. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among all people (3). Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall proclaim your praise (3).
Psalm 3
Lord, why have they multiplied who afflict me? Many rise up against me. Many say to my soul, there is no salvation for him in his God. But you, Lord, are my helper, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and he heard me from his holy mountain. I lay down and slept. I awoke, for the Lord will help me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. Arise, Lord, save me, my God. For you have struck all those who without cause are my enemies; you have broken the teeth of sinners. Salvation belongs to the Lord, and your blessing is upon your people.
Psalm 37 (38)
Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor chasten me in your wrath. For your arrows pierce me deeply, and your hand presses me down. There is no health in my flesh because of your anger, nor is there any health in my bones because of my sins. For my iniquities have risen higher than my head; like a heavy burden they have pressed heavily upon me. My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness. I am troubled and bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are filled with mockings, and there is no healing in my flesh. I am afflicted and exceedingly humbled; I have roared from the groaning of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before you; and my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart is troubled, and my strength has failed me; and the light of my eyes, it also has gone from me. My friends and my neighbors drew near me and stood against me. And my kinsmen stood afar off. Those who sought my soul used violence; those who sought evil for me spoke vain things and meditated deception all day long. But I became like a deaf man who does not hear; and I am like a mute who does not open his mouth. Thus I am like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth there is no response. For in you, Lord, have I hope; you will hear me, Lord my God. For I said, never let my enemies rejoice over me, and when my feet are shaken, they magnify themselves against me. For I am ready for scourges, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare my iniquity, and I will be in anguish over my sin. But my enemies live and become stronger than me. And those who hate me unjustly have multiplied. Those who render evil for good slandered me because I pursued goodness. Do not forsake me, Lord, my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, Lord of my salvation.
Psalm 62 (63)
O God, my God, early at dawn I rise to you. My soul thirsts for you; my flesh longs for you in a barren, untrodden and unwatered land. So I have appeared before you in the sanctuary to see your power and your glory. For your mercy is better than life; my lips shall praise you. Thus I shall bless you while I live, and I will lift up my hands in your name. Let my soul be filled with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips. When I remember you on my bed, I meditate on you at dawn. For you have become my helper; I shall rejoice in the shelter of your wings. My soul follows close behind you; your right hand has been quick to help me. But those who seek my life, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals. But the king shall rejoice in God; everyone who swears by him shall be praised; but the mouths of those who speak lies shall be stopped. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Psalm 87 (88)
O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry. For my soul is filled with evil, And my life draws near to Hades. I am counted with those who go down into the pit; I am like a man without help, adrift among the dead. Like the bodies of the slain who sleep in the grave, whom you remember no more, and who are cut off from your hand. They have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, and the shadow of death. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you have afflicted me with all your waves. You have made me an abomination to them; I am shut up, and I cannot get out; my eyes have grown weak from poverty. I have cried to you, Lord, the entire day. I have stretched out my hands to you. Will you work wonders for the dead? Or shall physicians raise them up so that they might thank you? Shall any in the grave speak of your mercy and your truth in the place of destruction? Shall your wonders be known in the dark, and your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? But as for me, I have cried out to you, Lord, and in the morning my prayer shall come before you. Lord, why do you cast off my soul, and turn away from me? I am a poor man and in trouble. From my youth, having been exalted, I was humbled and brought to distress. Your fierce wrath has gone over me, and your terrors have sorely troubled me. They came around me all day long like water; they engulfed me altogether. You have put far away from me friend and neighbor, and my acquaintances because of my misery.
Psalm 102 (103)
Bless the Lord, my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget not all that he has done for you. He forgives all your iniquities. He heals all your infirmities. He redeems your life from corruption. He crowns you with mercy and compassion. He satisfies your desire with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord performs deeds of mercy, and justice for all who are wronged. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will he keep his anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our iniquities, nor has he rewarded us according to our sins. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward those who fear him; As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our iniquities from us. As a father has compassion upon his son, so has the Lord compassion upon those who fear him. For he knows what we are made of, he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so shall he blossom. For the wind passes over it, then it shall be gone. And its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity to eternity upon those who fear him, and his righteousness is upon sons of sons, upon those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, all of his angels, who excel in strength, who do his word, heeding the voice of his word. Bless the Lord, all you his hosts, you ministers of his, who do his pleasure. Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, my soul.
Psalm 142 (143)
Lord, hear my prayer. In your truth, give ear to my supplications; in your righteousness, hear me. And enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is justified in your sight. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead, and my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed. I remembered the days of old; I meditated on all your works; I pondered on the work of your hands. I spread out my hands to you; my soul longs for you like a thirsty land. Lord, hear me quickly; my spirit fails. Turn not your face away from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Let me to hear your mercy in the morning, for in you I have put my trust. Lord, teach me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies; to you have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your good Spirit shall lead me on a level path; Lord, for your name’s sake, you shall preserve my life. In your righteousness, you shall bring my soul out of trouble, and in your mercy, you shall utterly destroy my enemies. And you shall destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am your servant. Hear me, Lord, in your righteousness, And enter not into judgment with your servant (2). Your good Spirit shall lead me on a level path. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to you, God (3). Lord, you are our hope, glory to you.
Small Compline
In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Glory to you, our God, glory to you. Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth who are present everywhere filling all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us. Cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, gracious Lord. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3). Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for your name’s sake. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your 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. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Psalm 50 (51)
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your great mercy; and according to the multitude of your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done evil in your sight, that you may be found just when you speak, and victorious when you are judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sin my mother bore me. For behold, you have loved truth; you have made known to me the secret and hidden things of your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; you shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the afflicted bones may rejoice. Turn your face away from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and establish me with your governing Spirit. I shall teach transgressors your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to you. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, my tongue shall joyfully declare your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise. For if you had desired sacrifice, I would give it; you do not delight in burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; God will not despise a broken and a humbled heart. Do good in your good pleasure to Sion; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then you shall be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole burnt offerings. Then they shall offer bulls on your altar.
Psalm 69 (70)
O God, be attentive to help me. Lord, make haste to help me. Let them be ashamed and confounded who seek my life. Let them be turned back and be ashamed who desire evil against me. Let them be turned back because of their shame, who say to me, Well done! Well done! Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; and let those who love your salvation say continually, Let God be magnified! But as for me, I am poor and needy; O God, help me! You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay.
Psalm 142 (143)
Lord, hear my prayer. In your truth, give ear to my supplications; in your righteousness, hear me. And enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is justified in your sight. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead, and my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed. I remembered the days of old; I meditated on all your works; I pondered on the work of your hands. I spread out my hands to you; my soul longs for you like a thirsty land. Lord, hear me quickly; my spirit fails. Turn not your face away from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Let me to hear your mercy in the morning, for in you I have put my trust. Lord, teach me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies; to you have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your good Spirit shall lead me on a level path; Lord, for your name’s sake, you shall preserve my life. In your righteousness, you shall bring my soul out of trouble, and in your mercy, you shall utterly destroy my enemies. And you shall destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am your servant.
Doxology
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to all people. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory. Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father, almighty Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit. Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father who take away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us, you who take away the sins of the world. Receive our prayer, you who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy upon us. For you only are holy, only you are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Each evening we bless you, and we praise your name forever and to the ages of ages. Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy upon me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against you. Lord, to you have I fled; teach me to do your will, for you are my God. For you are the source of life, and in your light we shall see light. Conti­nue your mercy to those who know you. Lord, grant to keep us this night without sin. Blessed are you, Lord, God of our fathers. Your name is praised and glorified from all ages. Amen. Let your mercy, Lord, lighten upon us, as our trust is in you. Blessed are you, Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, Master, teach me your com­mandments. Blessed are you, Holy One, enlighten me in your commandments. Yourmercy, Lord, endures forever; turn not away from the works of your own hands. To you belongs praise, to you belongs worship, to you belongs glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The Symbol Of Faith
I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through whom all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and he suffered and was buried. On the third day he rose according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the ages to come. Amen.
It is truly right to bless you, the Theotokos, ever blessed and most pure and mother of our God. More honorable than the Cheru­bim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3). Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our trans­gressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your 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. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
God of our fathers, you always treat us with leniency. Do not withdraw your mercy from us, but by the intercessions of our fathers, guide our life in peace. With the blood of your martyrs throughout the world, as if with purple and fine linen having been adorned, your Church through them cries out to you, Christ our God. Send down your mercies upon your people. Grant peace to your commonwealth, and to our souls your great compassion. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
With your saints, O Christ, give rest to the souls of your servants where there is no pain nor sorrow, nor suffering, but life ever­lasting. Through the intercessions of all your saints and the Theotokos, O Lord, grant us your peace and have mercy upon us, only merci­ful One. Lord, have mercy (40).
At all times and in every hour, you are worshiped and glorified in heaven and on earth, Christ our God. Long in patience, great in mercy and compassion, you love the righteous and show mercy to sinners. You call all to salvation through the promise of good things to come. Lord, receive our prayers at the present time. Direct our lives according to your commandments. Sanctify our souls. Purify our bodies. Set our minds aright. Cleanse our thoughts and deliver us from all sorrow, evil, and distress. Surround us with your holy angels that, guarded and guided by them, we may arrive at the unity of faith and the understanding of your in­effable glory. For you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos. In the name of the Lord, Father bless. Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy and save us. Amen.
Prayer To The All Holy Theotokosby Paul the Monk of the Monastery of Evergetis
Spotless, undefiled, immaculate, unstained, pure Virgin, Lady, and Bride of God, by your wondrous conceiving you united God the Word with human beings and joined the fallen nature of our race to heavenly things. You are the only hope of the hopeless, and the help of those oppressed. You are the ready protection of those who flee to you and the refuge of all Christians. Do not spurn me an accused sinner, though I have made myself completely useless by my shameful thoughts, words, and deeds and through indolence have become a slave to the pleasures of life. But as the Mother of God who loves all people, mercifully have compassion upon me a sinner and a prodigal and receive my prayer though it be offered to you by unclean lips. Entreat your Son and our Lord and Master, using your boldness as a mother, so that he may open to me the loving mercy of his goodness, overlook my numberless transgressions, turn me to repentance, and make me an acceptable doer of his commandments. Always be near me, for you are merciful, compassionate, and loving. Be my ardent help and protection in this present life, defending me from the assaults of adversaries, and lead me to salvation. At the hour of my death, care for my miserable soul and drive the dark visions of evil spirits far from it. On the awesome day of judgment, save me from eternal punishment and make me an inheritor of the ineffable glory of your Son, our God. May this be my lot, my Lady, all holy Theotokos, through your intercession and help, by the grace and love of your only begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ; to whom belong all glory, honor, and worship, with his eternal Father, and his all holy, righteous, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer To Our Lord Jesus Christ
By the Monk Antiochos of Pandektes
Grant us, Master, as we depart for sleep, rest for body and soul. Protect us from the gloom of sinful sleep and from all dark pleasures of the night. Calm the impulses of passion, and quench the fiery darts of evil which are treacherously cast against us. Check the turbulence of our flesh and lull all our earthly and mundane thoughts. Grant us, O God, a watchful mind, prudent reason, a vigilant heart, and tranquil sleep, free from all evil dreams. Raise us up at the hour of prayer, strengthen us in your commandments, and keep unshaken within us the remembrance of your judgments. Grant us to glorify you all night long that we may praise and bless and glorify your all honorable and magnificent name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Most glorious, ever virgin, blessed Theotokos, present our prayers to your Son and our God, and plead with him, that through you he may save our souls. My hope is the Father; my refuge, the Son; my protection, the Holy Spirit. Holy Trinity, glory to you. My every hope I place in you, Mother of God, keep me under your protection.
Dismissal
May Christ our true God have mercy upon us and save us through the intercessions of his most pure and holy Mother, and of all your Saints, for he is a good and loving God. Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us, and save us. Amen.
Service of Preparation For Holy Communion
Glory to you, our God, glory to you. Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who are present everywhere filling things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us. Cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, gracious Lord.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our trans­gressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your 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. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Psalm 50 (51)
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your great mercy; and according to the multitude of your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done evil in your sight, that you may be found just when you speak, and victorious when you are judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sin my mother bore me. For behold, you have loved truth; you have made known to me the secret and hidden things of your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean; you shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the afflicted bones may rejoice. Turn your face away from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and establish me with your governing Spirit. I shall teach transgressors your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to you. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, my tongue shall joyfully declare your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise. For if you had desired sacrifice, I would give it; you do not delight in burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; God will not despise a broken and a humbled heart. Do good in your good pleasure to Sion; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then you shall be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole burnt offerings. Then they shall offer bulls on your altar.
Psalm 69 (70)
O God, be attentive to help me. Lord, make haste to help me. Let them be ashamed and confounded who seek my life. Let them be turned back and be ashamed who desire evil against me. Let them be turned back because of their shame, who say to me, Well done! Well done! Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; and let those who love your salvation say continually, Let God be magnified! But as for me, I am poor and needy; O God, help me! You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay.
Psalm 142 (143)
Lord, hear my prayer. In your truth, give ear to my supplications; in your righteousness, hear me. And enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is justified in your sight. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead, and my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed. I remembered the days of old; I meditated on all your works; I pondered on the work of your hands. I spread out my hands to you; my soul longs for you like a thirsty land. Lord, hear me quickly; my spirit fails. Turn not your face away from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Let me to hear your mercy in the morning, for in you I have put my trust. Lord, teach me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies; to you have I fled for refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your good Spirit shall lead me on a level path; Lord, for your name’s sake, you shall preserve my life. In your righteousness, you shall bring my soul out of trouble, and in your mercy, you shall utterly destroy my enemies. And you shall destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am your servant.
Doxology
Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to all people. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory. Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father, almighty Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit. Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father who take away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us, you who take away the sins of the world. Receive our prayer, you who sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy upon us. For you only are holy, only you are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Each evening we bless you, and we praise your name forever and to the ages of ages. Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy upon me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against you. Lord, to you have I fled; teach me to do your will, for you are my God. For you are the source of life, and in your light we shall see light. Conti­nue your mercy to those who know you. Lord, grant to keep us this night without sin. Blessed are you, Lord, God of our fathers. Your name is praised and glorified from all ages. Amen.
Let your mercy, Lord, lighten upon us, as our trust is in you. Blessed are you, Lord, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, Master, teach me your com­mandments. Blessed are you, Holy One, enlighten me in your commandments. Your mercy, Lord, endures forever; turn not away from the works of your own hands. To you belongs praise, to you belongs worship, to you belongs glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
The Symbol Of Faith
I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through whom all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and he suffered and was buried. On the third day he rose according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the ages to come. Amen.
First Ode Second Tone
May your sacred body and your precious blood, compassionate Lord, become for me the bread of eternal life and the guardian from manifold afflictions. Defiled as I am by disgusting deeds, O Christ, I am unworthy to receive your pure body and your divine blood. But make me worthy of this communion.
Theotokion
Blessed Theotokos, the good earth that grew the unsown wheat that saved the world, make me worthy to eat of it and be saved.
Third Ode
Grant me, O Christ, the tears to cleanse the uncleanliness of my heart, that I may in good conscience, faith, and fear approach, O Master, the communion of your divine gifts. May your pure body and sacred blood become for me, loving God, forgiveness of sins, communion with the Holy Spirit, eternal life, and estrangement from passion and affliction.
Theotokion
All holy one, you are the table of the bread of life, who out of mercy came down from above giving new life to the world. Make me also worthy, who am now unwor­thy, to eat from it with fear and live.
Fourth Ode
Most merciful One, you put on flesh for our sake and as a lamb you were willing to be slain for our sins. Therefore, I beseech you: also wipe out my sins. Heal the wounds of my soul, O Lord, wretched as I am; and Master, make me worthy, totally, to receive your mystical Supper.
Theotokion
Lady, propitiate on my behalf him who was born of you, and preserve me; your sup­plicant, pure and undefiled, so that by re­ceiving the intelligible pearl I may be sanc­tified.
Fifth Ode
As you foretold, O Christ, let it be to your un­worthy servant as you promised, and abide in me. For behold, I eat your divine body and drink your blood. God and Word of God, may the ember of your body light up my darkness, and may your blood cleanse my defiled soul.
Theotokion
Mary, Mother of God, honorable tabernacle of sweet ointments, make me through your prayers a chosen vessel that I may receive the sanctification of your son.
Sixth Ode
Savior, sanctify my mind, soul, heart, and body, and deem me worthy, Master, to approach your fearful Mysteries without condemnation. O Christ, grant, that I may be rid of my pas­sions, increase in your grace, and be con­firmed in my life by the communion of your holy Mysteries.
Theotokion
Holy, divine Word of God, sanctify me wholly as I now approach your holy Mysteries through the prayers of your holy Mother.
Kontakion Second Tone
As I now receive your awesome Mysteries, your pure body and your precious blood, O Christ, do not turn away from me, wretched as I am. Let my communion not be a judgment upon me but lead to ever­lasting and immortal life.
Seventh Ode
May the communion of your immortal Mysteries be for me light and life, freedom from passion, progress, and an increase in more spiritual virtues that I may glorify you, O Christ, for you alone are good. Approaching now your immortal and divine mysteries, trembling and longing for piety, grant, loving God, that I may be delivered from passions and enemies and every afflic­tion. Grant that I may sing to you: Blessed are you, O God of our fathers.
Theotokion
I pray that you, the pure one, who are favored by God and who incomprehensively gave birth to Christ the Savior, cleanse me, your impure servant, from all defilement of flesh and spirit as I desire now to approach the most pure Mysteries.
Eighth Ode
O God my Savior, grant that I, your despair­ing servant, may now become a partaker of your heavenly, awesome and holy Mysteries, and of your divine and mystical Supper. Seeking refuge in your loving kindness, good Savior, I cry to you with fear; abide in me and, as you promised, let me also abide in you. For behold, trusting in your mercy, I eat your body and drink your blood. I tremble as I take this fire lest I be con­sumed as wax and grass. O fearful mystery! O divine love! How is it that I, an earthly creature, partake of the divine body and blood and am made incorruptible?
Ninth Ode
Taste and see that the Lord is good. For our sake he became like us and offered himself once for all to his Father to be forever slain, sanctifying those who partake. Master, let me be sanctified in body and soul. Let me be enlightened and saved, and let me become your dwelling place through the communion of your holy Mysteries by having you, most merciful Benefactor, live in me with the Father and the Spirit. May your body and your precious blood, Sa­vior, be like fire and light to me, consuming the substance of sins, burning the tares of my passions, and wholly enlightening me to wor­ship your divinity.
Theotokion
God took flesh from your pure blood. Therefore, all generations praise you, Lady, while the hosts of incorporal powers glorify you. For they clearly behold him who rules all things to be endowed with human nature through you. It is truly right to bless you, the Theotokos, ever blessed and most pure and mother of our God. More honorable than the Cheru­bim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, you incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our trans­gressions. Holy One, visit and heal our in­firmities, for your name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your 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. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
God of our fathers, you always treat us with leniency. Do not withdraw your mercy from us, but by the intercessions of our fathers, guide our life in peace. With the blood of your martyrs throughout the world, as if with purple and fine linen having been adorned, your Church through them cries out to you, Christ our God. Send down your mercies upon your people. Grant peace to your commonwealth, and to our souls your great compassion.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
With your saints, O Christ, give rest to the souls of your servants where there is no pain nor sorrow, nor suffering, but life ever­lasting. Through the intercessions, of all your saints and the Theotokos, O Lord, grant us your peace and have mercy upon us, only mer­ciful One.
Lord, have mercy (40).
At all times and in every hour, you are wor­shiped and glorified in heaven and on earth, Christ our God. Long in patience, great in mercy and compassion, you love the righteous and show mercy to sinners. You call all to salvation through the promise of good things to come. Lord, receive our prayers at the present time. Direct our lives according to your commandments. Sanctify our souls. Purify our bodies. Set our minds aright. Cleanse our thoughts and deliver us from all sorrow, evil, and distress. Surround us with your holy angels that, guarded and guided by their host, we may arrive at the unity of faith and the understanding of your ineffable glory. For you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and in­comparably more glorious than the Seraphim, you incorruptibly gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos. In the name of the Lord, Father bless. Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy and save us. Amen.
Prayer To The All Holy Theotokos
byPaul the Monk of the Monastery of Evergetis
Spotless, undefiled, immaculate, unstained, pure Virgin, Lady, and Bride of God, by your wondrous conceiving you united God the Word with human beings and joined the fallen nature of our race to heavenly things. You are the only hope of the hopeless, and the help of those oppressed. You are the ready protection of those who flee to you and the refuge of all Christians. Do not spurn me an accused sinner, though I have made myself completely useless by my shameful thoughts, words, and deeds and through indolence have become a slave to the pleasures of life. But as the Mother of God who loves all people, mercifully have compassion upon me a sinner and a prodigal and receive my prayer though it be offered to you by unclean lips. Entreat your Son and our Lord and Master, using your boldness as a mother, so that he may open to me the loving mercy of his goodness, overlook my numberless transgressions, turn me to repentance, and make me an acceptable doer of his commandments. Always be near me, for you are merciful, compassionate, and loving. Be my ardent help and protection in this present life, defending me from the assaults of adversaries, and lead me to salvation. At the hour of my death, care for my miserable soul and drive the dark visions of evil spirits far from it. On the awesome day of judgment, save me from eternal punishment and make me an inheritor of the ineffable glory of your Son, our God. May this be my lot, my Lady, all holy Theotokos, through your intercession and help, by the grace and love of your only begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ; to whom belong all glory, honor, and worship, with his eternal Father, and his all holy, righteous, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer To Our Lord Jesus Christ
By the Monk Antiochos of Pandektes
Grant us, Master, as we depart for sleep, rest for body and soul. Protect us from the gloom of sinful sleep and from all dark pleasures of the night. Calm the impulses of passion, and quench the fiery darts of evil which are treacherously cast against us. Check the turbulence of our flesh and lull all our earthly and mundane thoughts. Grant us, O God, a watchful mind, prudent reason, a vigilant heart, and tranquil sleep, free from all evil dreams. Raise us up at the hour of prayer, strengthen us in your commandments, and keep unshaken within us the remembrance of your judgments. Grant us to glorify you all night long that we may praise and bless and glorify your all honorable and magnificent name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Most glorious, ever virgin, blessed Theotokos, present our prayers to your Son and our God, and plead with him, that through you he may save our souls. My hope is the Father; my refuge, the Son; my protection, the Holy Spirit. Holy Trinity, glory to you. My every hope I place in you, Mother of God, keep me under your protection.
Dismissal
May Christ our true God have mercy upon us and save us through the intercessions of his most pure and holy Mother, and of all your Saints, for he is a good and loving God. Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us, and save us. Amen.
On The Next Day(After the usual morning prayers say:)
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our in­firmities for your name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy (3).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your 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. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy (12).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Come, let us worship and bow down to God, our king. Come, let us worship and bow down to Christ, our king and God. Come, let us worship and bow down to Christ himself, our king and God.
Psalm 22 (23)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23 (24)
The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it. For he has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters. Who shall ascend to the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to what is false, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbor. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek the Lord, of those who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Lift up your gates, you princes, and be lifted up, you everlasting gates. And the King of glory shall enter. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in war. Lift up your gates, you princes, and be lifted up, you everlasting gates, and the King of glory shall enter. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.
Psalm 115
I believed and therefore I spoke. But I was humbled exceedingly. I said in my ecstasy, every man is a liar. What shall I render to the Lord for all that he has rendered to me? I will take the cup of salvation, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Lord, I am your servant, and the son of your handmaiden. You have broken my bonds. I will offer a sacrifice of praise to you, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of you, Jerusalem. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. (Then the following hymns).
Tone 6
Turn away from my transgressions Lord, born of the Virgin, and purify my heart, making it a temple for your most pure and precious body and blood. Do not cast me away from your presence, for your great mercy is boundless.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
How shall I, the unworthy, be not ashamed of your holy things? If I dare to approach you with the worthy, my garment will con­demn me, for it is not a supper garment, and I shall bring reproach upon my most sinful soul. Therefore, cleanse me Lord of the defilement of my soul and save me, for you are a loving God. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Because of the multitude of my trans­gressions, I come to you, pure Theotokos, asking for salvation. Visit my ailing soul, only blessed one, and beseech your Son, our God, to grant me remission of the evil I have done.
On Holy And Great Thursday
The glorious disciples were illumined at the Supper during the washing of the feet. But ungodly Judas was darkened by the disease of avarice, and he delivered you, the righteous judge, to lawless judges. Behold, lover of money, how for the sake of money he hanged himself. Flee from greed which made him dare to do such things against his Master. Glory to you, Lord, who are good towards all people.
Lord, have mercy (40).
(Prostrations as desired, and immediately the following supplicatory prayers:)
Instructive Verses (How one should approach the immaculate Mysteries).
As you are about to eat the body of the Master, approach with fear lest you be burned, for it is fire. And before you drink in communion the blood, be first reconciled with all those you have offended; then you may take courage to eat the mystic Food. Before you take part in the awesome sacrifice of the life‑giving body of the Master, take care and pray with fear of God.
First Prayer: Saint Basil
Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, the source of life and of immortality, creator of everything visible and invisible, coeternal and co‑everlasting Son of the Father without beginning; because of abundant goodness, you put on flesh and were crucified and buried for us unthankful and ungrateful people in these latter days, and have by your own blood renewed our nature corrupted by sin. Accept, immortal king, my repentance, that of a sinner, and turn towards me, and hear my words. I have sinned, Lord, I have sinned before heaven and before you, and I am not worthy to look upon the height of your glory, for I have provoked your goodness. I have transgressed your commandments. I have disobeyed your ordinances. But you, Lord, being long‑suffering, and of great mercy, do not remember evil, and have not given me over to destruction because of my lawlessness, but have ever awaited my con­version. You who love all people, said by your prophet, I do not desire the death of a sinner but that he should turn and live. For, Master, you do not wish that the work of your hands should perish, nor do you take pleasure in the destruction of human beings, but desire that everyone should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. There­fore, even I, although I am unworthy both of heaven and earth and of this temporary life, having wholly yielded myself to sin, and become the slave of pleasure and have de­filed your image, yet being your creature and of your shaping, I do not despair for my salvation in my wretchedness. But I am em­boldened by your infinite compassion and I draw near. Therefore, O Christ, you who love all people, receive even me as the harlot, as the thief, as the publican, as the prodigal. Take away the heavy burden of my sins, you who take away the sin of the world, who heal the infirmities of all people, who call to yourself the weary and burdened and give them rest, who came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. Do cleanse me from defilement of the flesh and spirit, and teach me to fulfill holiness in your fear, that in the pure testimony of my conscience, receiving my portion of your holy gifts, I may be united to your holy body and precious blood, and have you dwell and remain within me with the Father and your Holy Spirit. Yes, Lord Jesus Christ my God, grant that the communion of your holy and life giving mysteries may not be to my condemnation. Do not let me be afflicted in soul and body by partaking of them unworthily. But grant that to the last breath of my life I shall partake of my share uncondemned of your holy gifts, looking to the fellowship of the Holy Spirit for eternal life, and to a favorable answer at your awesome judgment seat, that even I may also become a partaker with your elect of your incorruptible blessings which you have prepared for those who love you and in whom, Lord, you are glorified to the ages of ages. Amen.
Second Prayer: Saint Basil
I know, Lord, that I partake unworthily of your pure body and precious blood, and that I am guilty, my Christ and my God, as I eat and drink condemnation to myself not discerning your body and blood. Yet, emboldened by your loving kindnesses, I come to you, who said, “he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood, abides in me and I in him.” Take pity, therefore, Lord, and do not rebuke me, a sinner, but deal with me mercifully. Let these holy gifts give me healing and cleansing, enlightenment and protection, salvation and sanctification of soul and body. May they avert every fantasy, evil practice, and operation of the devil enacted in my members by design. May they give me confidence in and love for you; amendment of life and perseverance, increase of virtue and perfection, fulfillment of your commandments, fellowship of the Holy Spirit, provisions for the journey of eternal life, and an acceptable answer at the awesome judgment seat. But let them not be for judgment or condemnation. Amen.
Third Prayer: John Chrysostom
Lord my God, I know that I am not worthy, nor sufficient, that you should come under the roof of the house of my soul, for it is entirely desolate and in ruins, and you do not have a worthy place in me to lay your head. But as you humbled yourself from on high for our sake, do likewise also for my unworthiness. And as you willed in the cave to lie in a manger of dumb animals, take it upon yourself now to enter the manger of my dumb soul and into my soiled body. And as you did not refuse to enter and eat with sinners in the house of Simon the leper, so also deign to enter into the house of my soul, leper and sinner that I am. And as you did not cast out the harlot, a sinner like me, who came and touched you, so have compassion on me the sinner who now comes to touch you. And as you did not abhor the kiss of her sinful and unclean mouth, do not abhor my mouth, more stained and unclean than hers, nor my sordid and unclean and shame­less lips, nor my more unclean tongue. But let the fiery coal of your most pure body and of your most precious blood bring sanctifica­tion, illumination, and strengthening of my lowly soul and body, relief of the burden of my many transgressions, protection against every operation of the devil, an averting and hindering of my mean and evil habits, mor­tification of my passions, fulfillment of your commandments, an increase of your divine grace, and inheritance of your kingdom. For it is not with a light heart, Christ my God, that I venture to approach you. But I trust in your ineffable goodness. May I not become prey to Satan by abstaining for long from your communion. Therefore, Lord, I pray to you who alone are holy that you sanctify my soul and body, my heart, and my mind, and renewing me wholly, implant in my members fear of you. Do not let your sanctification be taken from me, but be my help and protector, governing my life in peace. Make me worthy to obtain a place at your right hand with your saints, through the prayers and supplications of your most pure Mother, of your bodiless ministers and pure angelic powers, and of all your saints who from the ages have found favor in you. Amen.
Fourth Prayer: John Chrysostom
I am not worthy, Sovereign Lord, for you to come under the roof of my soul. Yet because of your love for all people, you wish to dwell in me. I boldly come. Command that the gates open which you alone made and you will come in with love toward all people, as is your nature. You will come in and enlighten my darkened reasoning. I believe that you will do this, for you did not send away the harlot who came to you with tears, nor cast out the repenting publican, nor reject the thief who acknowledged your kingdom, nor forsake the repentant persecutor for what he was. But you counted as your friends all of those who came to you in repentance. You alone are blessed, always, now and to the endless ages. Amen.
Fifth Prayer: John Chrysostom
Lord Jesus Christ my God, absolve, remit, forgive, and pardon me, your sinful, unprofitable, and unworthy servant the errors, transgressions, and trespasses which I have committed from my youth to the present day and hour, whether in knowledge or in ignorance, in words, or deeds, or thoughts, or reasonings and pursuits, and in all my senses. And through the intercession of the all pure and ever virgin Mary, your Mother, who conceived you without sin, my only hope, protection, and salvation, count me worthy, uncondemned, to partake of your pure and immortal and life giving, awesome Mysteries, for the remission of sins, for eternal life, for sanctification and enlightenment, for strength, and healing and health of both soul and body, for the erasing and complete removal of my evil thoughts and recollections, superstitions and nocturnal phantasies brought by dark and evil spirits. For yours is the kingdom, the power, the honor, and worship, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Sixth Prayer: John Of Damascus
Master Lord Jesus Christ our God, you alone have the authority to forgive human beings their sins, for you are good and love everyone. Forgive all my transgressions com­mitted in knowledge or in ignorance. Make me worthy uncondemned to receive your divine and glorious, pure and life giving Mysteries; incurring thereby neither punish­ment, nor the increase of my sins, but receiv­ing cleansing, sanctification, and a pledge of the life to come and of the kingdom. Let them be for me a rampart, a help, and an overturning of my adversaries, and a wip­ing out of my many transgressions. For you are a God of mercy, compassion, and love of all human beings, and to you we give glory, with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Seventh Prayer: Symeon The New Theologian
From foul lips and impure heart, from unclean tongue and a defiled soul, receive my prayer, O my Christ. Take not into account my words, my ways, or my shamelessness. Grant me boldness, my Christ, to say all that I wish. But rather teach me all that I should do and say. I have sinned more than the harlot who, learning where you lived, boldly came forward to anoint your feet, O my Christ, my Master, and my God. And as you did not reject her to come with eagerness of heart, reject not me, O Word, but extend to me your feet that I may hold and kiss and with streams of tears, as with a precious myrrh, I may boldly anoint them. Wash me in my tears and purify me in them, O Word. Forgive my errors, and grant me pardon. You know the multitude of my sins, you also know my wounds and see my bruises. Yet you know my faith, you see my eagerness and hear my sighs. From you, my God, my Creator, and my Redeemer is hid not one tear, nor even a part of one. Your eyes know my imperfections; in your book already written down are all the acts yet not done. Behold my lowliness, behold how great is my weariness and all my sins. God of all, remit everything so that with a clean heart, a conscience filled with holy fear, and a contrite soul, I may partake of your most pure, and wholly spotless mysteries, that give life and divinity to all who eat and drink of you with a pure heart. For you have said, Master, that whoever eats my flesh and also drinks my blood, does indeed abide in me, and I in him. True indeed is the word of my Master and my God. For he who shares in these divine and deifying graces is in no way alone, but is with you, my Christ, the triple‑radiant light that enlightens the world. But so that I may never be alone without you, O Giver of life, my breath, my life, my joy, and the world’s salvation, I have, as you see, with tears and a contrite soul drawn near to you to ransom my errors, beseeching you to rescue me and uncondemned to share in your life giving Mysteries. So as you have said you might dwell with me, the most wretched one, that I not be found by the deceiver, without your grace, and be seized by deception and seducing me lead me away from your life giving words. Therefore, I fall before you and fervently cry out to you: as you received the prodigal and the harlot when she came to you, so receive me, the harlot and prodigal, compassionate One, as I come to you now, with a contrite heart. I know Savior that no one has offended you as I have, nor committed the deeds that I have done. But this again I know, that neither the greatness of my sins nor the multitude of my transgressions exceed my God’s great forbearance and his great love for all. But with the oil of forgiveness you cleanse and illumine those who fervently repent and make sharers of your light and partakers of your divinity. And although this is strange to the minds of angels and of men, you speak with them often as your true friends. These thoughts make me bold, these thoughts give me wings, my Christ, and seeing your rich kindness towards us, I rejoice and tremble too. I partake of fire, being grass, and behold, a strange wonder, I am unexpectedly refreshed as was the burning bush, burning but not consumed. Therefore, thankful in mind, thankful in heart, thankful in every member of my body and soul, I worship and magnify and glorify you, my God, as being blessed both now and to the ages.
Eighth Prayer: Symeon Metaphrastes
Jesus Christ, wisdom of God, peace and power, only pure and spotless Lord, moved by the ineffable pity in your love toward all people, you took upon yourself our whole frame from the chaste and virgin blood of her who wondrously conceived you at the coming of the Holy Spirit and by the favor of the eternal Father. In this assumed nature you underwent the life giving and saving passion: the cross, the nails, the spear‑death itself. Mortify in me the passions of the body that destroy the soul. You who destroyed the power of Hades by your burial, bury and destroy the devices of the evil spirits through pure thoughts. You who raised the fallen forefather by your resurrection, raise me up from the sin that I have fallen into and show me the way of repentance. By your glorious ascension you deified the assumed body and honored it at the right hand of the Father. Make me worthy, by partaking of your holy Mysteries, of a place at your right hand with the saved. You made your holy disciples precious vessels by the coming of the Com­forter, the Spirit. Declare me also a vessel of your coming. You promised to come again to judge the world in righteousness. Grant that I shall go to meet you, my Creator and Maker, in the clouds, with all the saints, and that I may glorify you forever and praise you, with your eternal Father, and your all holy, gracious and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Ninth Prayer: John Of Damascus
I stand before the doors of your temple, but I have not refrained from wicked thoughts. But you, O Christ, my God, justified the publican, and showed mercy to the Canaanite woman, and opened the gates of paradise to the thief. Open for me the depth of your love, and receive me as I draw near and touch you, as did the harlot and the woman with the issue of blood. The latter only touched the hem of your garment, and she immediately received healing, while the former, clinging to your pure feet, obtained forgiveness of her sins. But may I, the miserable one, be not consumed, by daring to receive your whole body. Receive me as you did them, and enlighten the perception of my soul, through the intercession of her who gave birth to you without sin, and of the heavenly powers. For you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.
Tenth Prayer: John Chrysostom
I believe and confess, Lord, that you are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first. I also believe that this is truly your pure body, and that this is truly your precious blood. Therefore, I pray to you, have mercy upon me, and forgive my transgressions, those voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, known and unknown. And make me worthy without condemnation to partake of your pure Mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and life eternal. Amen.
When coming forward to receive communion, say these verses of Symeon Metaphrastes:
Behold, my Maker, I approach holy Com­munion. Burn me not as I partake, for you are fire which burns the unworthy. But cleanse me from every stain. Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of your mystical Supper. I will not reveal your Mystery to your adversaries. Nor will I give you a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess to you: Lord, remember me in your kingdom.
And the following verses:
Seeing the divine blood, have fear, O man, for it is coal that burns the unworthy. It is God’s body that deifies and nourishes me; it deifies the spirit and nourishes the mind mystically.
And the following hymns:
You have smitten me with yearning, O Christ, and with your divine love you have changed me. Burn away my sins with spiritual fire and make me worthy to be filled with your joy, that rejoicing in your goodness, I may magnify your two Comings.
How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of your saints? If I dare to enter into the bridal chamber, my clothing will ac­cuse me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. In your love, Lord, cleanse the vileness of my soul and save me.
Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, do not let these Holy Things be to my con­demnation because of my unworthiness, but rather for purification and sanctification of my soul and body, and as a pledge of the life and kingdom to come. For it is good for me to cleave to God, and to place the hope of my salvation in the Lord.
Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of your mystical Supper. I will not reveal your mystery to your adversaries. Nor will I give you a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess to you: Lord, remember me in your kingdom.
Thanksgiving After Holy Communion
When you have had your due and rightful part in these life giving and mysterious gifts, give immediate praise and great thanks to God, and say the following with fervent soul:
Glory to you, O God (3). (Then the following thanksgiving prayers:)
Anonymous
I thank you, Lord, my God, that you have not rejected me, a sinner, but have made me worthy to partake of your holy Mysteries. I thank you that you have permitted me, although I am unworthy, to receive your pure and heavenly gifts. O loving Master, who died and rose for our sake, and granted to us these awesome and life‑giving Mysteries for the well‑being and sanctification of our souls and bodies, let these gifts be for healing of my own soul and body, the averting of every evil, the illumination of the eyes of my heart, the peace of my spiritual powers, a faith unashamed, a love unfeigned, the fulfilling of wisdom, the observing of your commandments, the receiving of your divine grace, and the inheritance of your kingdom. Preserved by them in your holiness, may I always be mindful of your grace and no longer live for myself, but for you, our Master and Benefactor. May I pass from this life in the hope of eternal life, and attain to the everlasting rest, where the voices of your saints who feast are unceasing, and their joy, beholding the ineffable beauty of your countenance, is unending. For you, Christ our God, are the true joy and the inexpressible gladness of those who love you, and all creation praises you forever. Amen.
Prayer Of Saint Basil
I thank you, Christ and Master our God, King of the ages and Creator of all things, for all the good gifts you have given me, and especially for the participation in your pure and life-giving mysteries. I, therefore, pray to you, good and loving Lord: keep me under your protection and under the shadow of your wings. Grant that to my last breath I may with a pure conscience partake worthily of your gifts for the forgiveness of sins and for eternal life. For you are the bread of life, the source of holiness, the giver of all good things, and to you we give glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer Of Symeon Metaphrastes
You who have voluntarily given me your flesh as food, who are a burning fire to the unworthy, do not consume me. No, my Creator. Rather, penetrate into my members, all my joints, my organs, my heart and burn like thorns all my iniquities. Cleanse my soul, hallow my thoughts, make firm my knees and my bones as well. Illumine my five senses and make my entire being vigilant with the fear of you. Watch over me always, shield and protect me from every deed and word that corrupts the soul. Cleanse me, purify and put me in order. Adorn me, give me understanding, and illumine me. Mark me as your dwelling place, of the Spirit only and no longer a place of sin, so that when you enter as if into your own home of communion, every evil doer and every passion will flee from me as from fire. As advocates, I bring to you all the saints, the captains of the incorporeal hosts, your Forerunner, your wise Apostles, and more than these, your spotless, pure Mother, whose prayers accept, my compassionate Christ. Make your ser­vant a child of light. For in your goodness, you alone sanctify and enlighten our souls, and to you, our God and Master, do we give, as it is right, glory every day.
Anonymous
Let your sacred body, Lord Jesus Christ our God, lead me to eternal life, and your precious blood to remission of sins. Let this Eucharist be to me joy, health, and gladness. And at your fearful Coming deem me a sinner worthy to stand at the right hand of your glory, by the intercession of your most pure Mother, and of all your saints. Amen.
All holy Lady, Theotokos, light of my darkened soul, my hope, shelter, refuge, comfort, and joy, I thank you, for you have deemed me, the unworthy one, worthy to partake of the most pure body and of the precious blood of your Son. But you who gave birth to the true Light, enlighten the spiritual eyes of my heart. You conceived the source of immortality. Now give life to me who am dead in sin. You, the compassionate Mother of the merciful God, have mercy on me and give me penitence and contrition of heart and meekness in my thoughts and an awakening of my thoughts from captivity. And grant me, until my last breath, to re­ceive without condemnation the sanctifica­tion of your sacred Mysteries for the heal­ing of soul and body. Grant me tears of repentance and confession that I may praise ad glorify you all the days of my life. For you are blessed and glorified to the ages. Amen.
Lord, now let your servant depart in peace according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have pre­pared before the face of all people, a light to enlighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory Be To God

In The Morning
Chant Psalm 51 every day.
The Canon of Biblical Odes offers a treasure of biblical song that the Church has mined for her hymnography throughout her entire history. The ten Scripture passages presented here are used as a basis for meditation in much of the Church'’s festal poetry. For more information, see your parish priest or The Lenten Triodion or The Festal Menaion (in the Bibliography).
Chant the scriptural ode for the day. The Song of Isaiah on Thursday is, as the Scripture reference indicates, taken from the Septuagint. The Septuagint is the Greek translation of the Old Testament that was widely used at the time of Christ and during the time that the New Testament was being composed. Over the centuries, Western Christians turned to Hebrew texts compiled after the writing of the New Testament and away from these Greek translations (the reasons are complicated and outside the scope of this book), but Eastern Christians continued to use the Septuagint as their Old Testament.
The Septuagint has some additional books not included in what are called the Hebrew Scriptures, and in some of the prophecies common to both versions, such as this one from Isaiah, the difference is substantial. The Prayer of Azariah and The Song of the Three Holy Youths are both from a section that is part of the Book of Daniel in the Septuagint.
Between the Odes 6 and 7 (for Friday and Saturday) fall the Kontakia. Chant or sing the appropriate kontakion for each day. The kontakion follows Ode 6 in official matins texts, when several odes are included. For home matins, we chant the ode appointed for the day, then Ode 9 (The Magnificat, and The Song of Zechariah); include the kontakion as it falls among the odes prayed on that day, as follows:
Monday through Friday ‑ Ode for the day, kontakion, Ode 9.
Saturday ‑ Kontakion, The Prayer of Azariah (Ode 7), Ode 9.
Sunday ‑ The Song of Moses (Ode 1), Kontakion of the Resurrection in the tone of the week (see a liturgical calendar or ask your priest for the tone of the week), The Song of the Three Holy Youths (Ode 8), and Ode 9.
At The Magnificat, sing the refrain between verses or at the beginning and end.
At The Praises, chant the appropriate Psalm for the day. On Sunday, you may decide to chant all three or simply choose one.
Read the Lesser Doxology and the daily matins prayers. The prayer that begins, “O Lord, grant that we may meet the coming day in peace . . .,” is commonly attributed to Metropolitan Filaret of Moscow (19th century). The prayer that begins, “Most holy God, we pray and beseech You, give each of us a pure heart . . .,” is an ancient morning prayer from the book Praying with the Orthodox Tradition, listed in the bibliography.
During Lent, just before the Dismissal, pray the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian. Then pray the Dismissal as at vespers.
Readers’ Daily Matins
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Glory to You, our God. Glory to You.
O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth: You are everywhere filling 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.
Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.
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!
O Lord, cleanse us from our sins!
O Master, pardon our transgressions!
O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Your Name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
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 the evil one. 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.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Come, let us worship God, our King!
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God!
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God!
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men! O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim Your praise.
Morning Psalms
Monday
Psalm 3
Lord, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One Who lifts up my head. cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Ilay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God! For You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is upon Your people.
Tuesday
Psalm 38
O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure! For Your arrows pierce me deeply, and Your hand presses me down. There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your anger, Nor is there any health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness. I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are full of inflammation, and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before You; and my sighing is not hidden from You. My heart pants, my strength fails me; as for the light of my eyes, it also has gone from me. My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague, and my kinsmen stand afar off. Those also who seek my life lay snares for me; those who seek my hurt speak of destruction, and plan deception all the day long. But I, like a deaf man, do not hear; and I am like a mute who does not open his mouth. Thus I am like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth is no response. For in You, O Lord, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God. For I said, “Hear me, lest they rejoice over me, lest, when my foot slips, they magnify themselves against me.” For I am ready to fall, and my sorrow is continually before me. For I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin. But my enemies are vigorous, and they are strong; and those who hate me wrongfully have multiplied. Those also who render evil for good, they are my adversaries, because I follow what is good. Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!
Wednesday
Psalm 63
O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me. But those who seek my life, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals. But the king shall rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him shall glory; but the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.
Thursday
Psalm 88
O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before You. Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry. For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to the grave. I am counted with those who go down to the pit; I am like a man who has no strength, Adrift among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no more, and who are cut off from Your hand. You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the depths. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and You have afflicted me with all Your waves. You have put away my acquaintances far from me; You have made me an abomination to them; I am shut up, and I cannot get out; My eye wastes away because of affliction. Lord, I have called daily upon You; I have stretched out my hands to You. Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You? Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave? Or Your faithfulness in the place of destruction? Shall Your wonders be known in the dark? And Your right­eousness in the land of forgetfulness? But to You I have cried out, O Lord, and in the morning my prayer comes before You. Lord, why do You cast off my soul? Why do You hide Your face from me? I have been afflicted and ready to die from my youth up; I suffer Your terrors; I am distraught. Your fierce wrath has gone over me; Your terrors have cut me off. They came around me all day long like water; they engulfed me altogether. Loved one and friend You have put far from me, and my acquaintances into darkness.
Friday
Psalm 103
Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remem­bers it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, To such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them. The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules overall. Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Saturday
Psalm 143
Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness. Do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no one living is righteous. For the enemy has persecuted my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead. Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is distressed. I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land. Answer me speedily, O Lord; my spirit fails! Do not hide Your face from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; in You I take shelter. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake! For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. In Your mercy cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul; for I am Your servant.
After The Psalm
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God!
Commemoration Of The Living
O Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who for the sake of Your eternal mercy and lovingkindness became man, and suffered crucifixion and death for the salvation of all; Who rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, and sit on the right hand of the Father, where You hear the prayers of all who call upon You humbly and with their whole heart: incline Your ear to us, and hearken to the prayer which Your unworthy servants offer as a spiritual sacrifice for all Your people.
Remember first of all Your Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, which You have purchased with Your precious blood. Strengthen it, multiply it, keep it in peace, and do not allow the gates of hell to stand against it. Heal the schisms of the churches, stop the raging of the heathen, root out and cleanse all heresies, destroying them by the power of Your Holy Spirit.
Have mercy, O Lord, upon our president, and all in civil authority, and save them, together with the armed forces of our country. Give them peace and continual victory over injustice and evil in all places. May they keep Your holy Church secure, that all Your people may live calm and ordered lives in Your sight, in true faith and prayer, with godly deeds.
Have mercy, O Lord, upon the Orthodox patriarchs and metropolitans, the archbishops and bishops, the priests and deacons, and the whole order of Your Church’s clergy. Save them whom You have established to feed Your flock, and by their prayers have mercy on us sinners, and save us.
Have mercy, O Lord, on our spiritual fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children, and save them, and by their holy prayers forgive us our transgressions.
Have mercy, O Lord, on our parents, and save them, together with our brothers and sisters, our children, our relatives and our friends. Grant them Your blessing both here and in the life to come.
Have mercy, O Lord, on the old and the young, the needy, the orphans and widows, and all who are in sickness and sorrow, distress and affliction, oppression and captivity, in prison and confinement. Save them, together with Your servants who are under persecution for Your sake and for the sake of the Orthodox faith.Remember them, visit them, strengthen and comfort them, and by Your power grant them speedy relief, freedom and deliverance.
Have mercy, O Lord, on all who travel, and save all those who are sent on duty: our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children, all our loved ones and all Orthodox Christians.
Have mercy, O Lord, on our enemies: save all those who envy us, wish us evil or deal unjustly with us. May they not perish because of us sinners. Enlighten, O Lord, with the truth of Your holy wisdom all who have gone astray from the Orthodox faith, led by destructive heresies, and unite them once more to Your Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. (Add Specific Prayer Requests For The Living.)
Commemoration Of The Departed
Remember, O Lord, those who have departed this life: all Orthodox patriarchs, metropolitans, archbishops, bishops and all who served You in the priesthood and ministry of the Church and in the monastic order, and grant them rest with Your saints in Your eternal kingdom.
Remember, O Lord, the souls of Your servants now fallen asleep: our parents, family and friends. Forgive them all their sins, committed knowingly or unknowingly; grant them Your kingdom, a portion in Your eternal blessing and the enjoy­ment of Your unending life.
Remember, O Lord, all who have fallen asleep in the hope of the resurrection and of eternal life: our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children, all our loved ones and Orthodox Christians throughout the world. Place them with Your saints before the light of Your countenance and have mercy on us, for You are good and love mankind. (Add Specific Prayer Requests For The Departed.)
God Is The Lord
Refrain: God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!
Verse:Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, and His steadfast love endures forever.
Refrain
Verse: All nations surrounded me; in the Name of the Lord, I withstood them.
Refrain
Verse:I shall not die, but live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.
Refrain
Verse: The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing and is marvelous in our eyes.
Refrain
Troparia
Sunday
Troparion of the Resurrection (Tone of the Week)
Refer to Supplementary Prayers.
Monday
St. Michael and All Angels (Tone Four)
O Commander of the heavenly hosts, We who are unworthy beseech you ceaselessly That you would encompass us with the shelter of your prayers And cover us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory. We fall down before you crying out: “Protect us from all harm, O Prince of the powers on high!”
Tuesday
Forerunner And Baptist John (Tone Two)
The memory of the righteous is worthy of praise, But you, O Forerunner, are well pleased by the Lord’s own witness. You were revealed as greater than the prophets, For you baptized in the waters Him whom they foretold. Therefore, having fought and suffered for the Truth, You proclaimed to those in the tombs the Gospel of the incarnate God, Who takes away the sins of the world and grants us great mercy.
Wednesday
Holy And Life‑Giving Cross (Tone One)
O Lord, save Your people, And bless Your inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians Over their adversaries. And by virtue of Your Cross, Preserve Your habitation.
Thursday
Holy Apostles And St. Nicholas (Tone Three)
O holy Apostles, Intercede with our merciful God To grant our souls forgiveness of our sins!
Friday
Holy And Life‑Giving Cross (Tone One)
O Lord, save Your people, And bless Your inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians Over their adversaries. And by virtue of Your Cross, Preserve Your habitation.
Saturday
The Theotokos, All Saints, The Faithful Departed (Tone Two)
Apostles, martyrs, and prophets, Holy hierarchs, saints and righteous, Having fought the good fight and kept the Faith, You have boldness toward the Savior. Intercede for us with Him for He is good, and pray that He may save our souls.
Prokeimenon Of The Day
Sunday
Matins Prokeimenon(Tone Of The Week)
Refer To Supplementary Prayers.
Monday
Prokeimenon From Psalm 104 (Tone 4)
Prokeimenon: He makes his angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire! Verse: Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, You are very great!
Tuesday
Prokeimenon From Psalm 64 (Tone 7)
Prokeimenon: The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord, and shall hope in Him. Verse: Hear my voice, O God, when I pray to You.
Wednesday
Prokeimenon From The Magnificat (Tone 3)
Prokeimenon:My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
Verse: For He has regarded the lowly state of His handmaiden; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed.
Thursday
Prokeimenon From Psalm 19 (Tone 8)
Prokeimenon: Their proclamation has gone out into all the earth and their words to the end of the universe!
Verse: The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork.
Friday
Prokeimenon From Psalm 99 (Tone 7)
Prokeimenon: Extol the Lord our God; * worship at His footstool, for it is holy! Verse: The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
Saturday
Prokeimenon From Psalm 32 (Tone 8)
Prokeimenon: Be glad in the Lord * and rejoice, O you righteous!
Verse: Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Let Every Breath Praise
The Lord Let every breath praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary! Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Let every breath praise the Lord!
The Daily Gospel
The reading is from the Gospel according to – (name of Gospel lesson) Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You!
The Gospel For The Day Is Read.
Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You!
Psalm 51
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight ‑ that You may be found just when You speak, and blameless when You judge.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. Behold, You desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones which You have broken may rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salva­tion, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteous­ness.
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart ‑ these, O God, You will not despise. Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; build the walls of Jeru­salem. Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering; then they shall offer bulls on Your altar.
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God!
The Canon Of Biblical Odes
Sunday
Ode 1
The Song Of Moses (Exodus 15:1‑18)
I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea! The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The Lord is a man of war; the Lord is His name. Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea; his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea. The depths have covered them; they sank to the bottom like a stone. Your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power; Your right hand, O Lord, has dashed the enemy in pieces. And in the greatness of Your excellence You have overthrown those who rose against You; You sent forth Your wrath which consumed them like stubble. And with the blast of Your nostrils the waters were gathered together; the floods stood upright like a heap; and the depths congealed in the heart of the sea. The enemy said, “I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my desire shall be satisfied on them. I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.” You blew with Your wind, the sea covered them; they sank like lead in the mighty waters. Who is like You O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? You stretched out Your right hand; the earth swallowed them. You in Your mercy have led forth the people whom You have redeemed; You have guided them in Your strength to Your holy habitation. The people will hear and be afraid; sorrow will take hold of the inhabitants of Palestine. Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling will take hold of them; all the inhabitants of Canaan will melt away. Fear and dread will fall on them; by the greatness of Your arm they will be as still as a stone, till Your people pass over, O Lord, till the people pass over whom You have purchased. You will bring them in and plant them in the mountain of Your inheritance, in the place, O Lord, which You have made for Your own dwelling, the sanctuary, O Lord, Which your hands have established. The Lord shall reign forever and ever.
Monday
Ode 2
The Song Of Moses (Deuteronomy 32:1‑43)
Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teaching drop as the rain, my speech distill as the dew, as raindrops on the tender herb, and as showers on the grass. For I proclaim the name of the Lord: ascribe greatness to our God. He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He. They have corrupted themselves; they are not His children, because of their blemish: a perverse and crooked genera­tion. Do you thus deal with the Lord, O foolish and unwise people? Is He not your Father, who bought you? Has He not made you and established you? Remember the days of old, consider the years of many genera­tions. Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you: When the Most High divided their inheritance to the nations, when He separated the sons of Adam, He set the bound­aries of the peoples according to the number of the children of Israel. For the Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the place of His inheritance. He found him in a desert land and in the wasteland, a howling wilderness; He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye. As an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young, spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings, So the Lord alone led him, and there was no foreign god with him. He made him ride in the heights of the earth, that he might eat the produce of the fields; He made him to draw honey from the rock, and oil from the flinty rock; Curds from the cattle, and milk of the flock, with fat of lambs; and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the choicest wheat; and you drank wine, the blood of the grapes. But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; you grew fat, you grew thick, you are covered with fat; then he forsook God who made him, and scornfully esteemed the Rock of his salvation. They provoked Him to jealousy with foreign gods; with abom­inations they provoked Him to anger. They sacrificed to demons, not to God, to gods they did not know, to new gods, new arrivals that your fathers did not fear. Of the Rock who begot you, you are unmindful, and have forgotten the God who fathered you. And when the Lord saw it, He spurned them, because of the provocation of His sons and His daughters. And He said: “I will hide My face from them, I will see what their end will be, for they are a perverse generation, children in whom is no faith. They have provoked Me to jealousy by what is not God; they have moved Me to anger by their foolish idols. But I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation; I will move them to anger by a foolish nation. For a fire is kindled in My anger, and shall burn to the lowest hell; it shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend My arrows upon them. They shall be wasted with hunger, devoured by pestilence and bitter destruction; I will also send against them the teeth of beasts, with the poison of serpents of the dust. The sword shall destroy outside; there shall be terror within for the young man and virgin, the nursing child with the man of gray hairs. I would have said, ‘I will dash them in pieces, I will make the memory of them to cease from among men,’ Had I not feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should misunderstand, lest they should say, ‘Our hand is high; and it is not the Lord who has done all this.’” For they are a nation void of counsel, nor is there any under­standing in them. Oh, that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end! How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had surrendered them? For their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. For their vine is of the vine of Sodom and of the fields of Gomorrah; their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter. Their wine is the poison of serpents, and the cruel venom of cobras. “Is this not laid up in store with Me, sealed up among My treas­ures? Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; their foot shall slip in due time; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things to come hasten upon them.” For the Lord will judge His people and have compassion on His servants, when He sees that their power is gone, and there is no one remaining, bond or free. He willsay: “Where are their gods, the rock in which they sought refuge? Who ate the fat of their sacrifices, and drank the wine of their drink offering? Let them rise and help you, and be your refuge. Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hand. For I lift My hand to heaven, and say, ‘As I live forever, If I whet My glittering sword, and My hand takes hold on judg­ment, I will render vengeance to My enemies, and repay those who hate Me. I will make My arrows drunk with blood, and My sword shall devour flesh, with the blood of the slain and the captives, from the heads of the leaders of the enemy.’” Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; for He will avenge the blood of His servants, and render vengeance to His adver­saries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people.
Tuesday
Ode 3
The Song Of Hannah (I Samuel 2: 1 ‑10)
And Hannah prayed and said: My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. There is none holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly; let no arrogance come from your mouth, for the Lord is the God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and those who stum­bled are girded with strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, and those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. Even the barren has borne seven, and she who has many children has become feeble. The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the beggar from the ash heap, to set them among princes and make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength no man shall prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in pieces; from heaven He will thunder against them. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king, and exalt the horn of His anointed.
Wednesday
Ode 4
The Song Of Habbakuk(Habbakuk 3:2‑19)
O Lord, I have heard your speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy. God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. His brightness was like the light; He had rays flashing from His hand, and there His power was hidden. Before Him went pestilence, and fever followed at His feet. He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations. And the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills bowed. His ways are everlasting. I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction; the curtains of the land of Midian trembled. O Lord, were You displeased with the rivers, was Your anger against the rivers, was Your wrath against the sea, that You rode on Your horses, Your chariots of salvation? Your bow was made quite ready; oaths were sworn over Your arrows. You divided the earth with rivers. The mountains saw You and trembled; the overflowing of the water passed by. The deep uttered its voice, and lifted its hands on high. The sun and moon stood still in their habitation; at the light of Your arrows they went, at the shining of Your glittering spear. You marched through the land in indignation; you trampled the nations in anger. You went forth for the salvation of Your people, for salvation with Your Anointed. You struck the head from the house of the wicked, by laying bare from foundation to neck. You thrust through with his own arrows the head of his villages. They came out like a whirlwind to scatter me; their rejoicing was like feasting on the poor in secret. You walked through the sea with Your horses, through the heap of great waters. When I heard, my body trembled; my lips quivered at the voice; rottenness entered my bones; and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble. When He comes up to the people, He will invade them with his troops. Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls ‑ Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength; he will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills.
Thursday
Ode 5
The Song Of Isaiah (Isaiah 26:9‑21 , Septuagint)
My spirit seeks Thee very early in the morning, O God, for Thy commandments are a light on the earth: learn righteousness, ye that dwell upon the earth. For the ungodly one is put down: no one who will not learn righteousness on the earth shall be able to do the truth: let the ungodly be taken away, that he see not the glory of the Lord. O Lord, Thine arm is exalted, yet they knew it not: but when they know they shall be ashamed: jealousy shall seize upon an untaught nation, and now fire shall devour the adversaries. O Lord our God, give us peace: for Thou hast rendered to us all things. O Lord our God, take possession of us: O Lord, we know not any other beside Thee: we name Thy name. But the dead shall not see life, neither shall physicians by any means raise them up: therefore Thou hast brought wrath upon them, and slain them, and hast taken away every male of them. Bring more evils upon them, O Lord; Bring more evils on the glorious ones of the earth. Lord, in affliction I remembered Thee; Thy chastening was to us with small affliction. And as a woman in travail draws nigh to be delivered, and cries out in her pain; so have we been to Thy beloved. We have conceived, O Lord, because of Thy fear, and have been in pain, and have brought forth the breath of Thy salvation, which we have wrought upon the earth: we shall not fall, but all that dwell upon the land shall fall. The dead shall rise, and they that are in the tombs shall be raised, and they that are in the earth shall rejoice: for the dew from Thee is healing to them: but the land of the ungodly shall perish. Go, my people, enter into thy closets, shut thy door, hide thyself for a little season, until the anger of the Lord have passed away. For behold, the Lord is bringing wrath from His holy place upon the dwellers on the earth: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall not cover her slain.
Friday
Ode 6
The Song Of Jonah (Jonah 2:1‑9)
Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the fish’s belly. And he said: I cried out to the Lord because of my affliction, and He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and You heard my voice. For You cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the floods surrounded me; all Your billows and Your waves passed over me. Then I said, “I have been cast out of Your sight; yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.” The waters encompassed me, even to my soul; the deep closed around me; weeds were wrapped around my head. I went down to the moorings of the mountains; the earth with its bars closed behind me forever; yet You have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord, my God. When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; and my prayer went up to You, into Your holy temple. Those who regard worthless idols forsake their own Mercy. But I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.
Kontakia
Sunday
Kontakion Of The Resurrection (Tone Of The Week)
Refer To Supplementary Prayers.
Monday
St. Michael And All Angels (Tone Two)
You Princes and Leaders of the armies of God, Servants of the Divine Glory and guides of men, Ask whatever is good for us and for bountiful mercy, O Commander of the heavenly hosts.
Tuesday
Forerunner And Baptist John (Tone Two)
O Prophet of God and Forerunner of Grace, Your head has blossomed from the earth as a most sacred rose. We are ever being healed, For as of old, you preach repentance to the world.
Wednesday
Holy And Life‑Giving Cross (Tone Four)
As You were voluntarily crucified for our sake, Grant mercy to those who are called by Your Name. Make all Orthodox Christians glad by Your power, Granting them victories over their adversaries, By bestowing on them the invincible trophy, Your weapon of peace.
Thursday
Holy Apostles And St. Nicholas (Tone Three)
You have taken, O Lord, the firm and divinely inspired preachers, the holy apostles, Into rest and the enjoyment of Your blessings. For You have accepted their labors and death above every burnt offering, O You Who alone know the secrets of our hearts.
Friday
Holy And Life‑Giving Cross (Tone Four)
As You were voluntarily crucified for our sake, Grant mercy to those who are called by Your name. Make all Orthodox Christians glad by Your power, Granting them victories over their adversaries, By bestowing on them the invincible trophy, Your weapon of peace.
Saturday
The Theotokos, All Saints, The Faithful Departed
With the saints give rest, O Christ, To the souls of Your servants Where sickness and sorrow are no more, Neither sighing, but life everlasting.
Saturday
Ode 7
The Prayer Of Azariah (Song Of The Three Young Men 3‑22, 29‑34 ‑ Rsv)
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, God of our fathers, and worthy of praise; and Thy name is glorified forever. For Thou art just in all that Thou hast done to us, and all Thy works are true and Thy ways right, and all Thy judgments are truth. Thou hast executed true judgments in all that Thou hast brought upon us and upon Jerusalem, the holy city of our fathers, for in truth and justice Thou hast brought all this upon us because of our sins. For we have sinfully and lawlessly departed from Thee, and have sinned in all things and have not obeyed Thy commandments; We have not observed them or done them, as Thou hast commanded us that it might go well with us. So all that Thou hast brought upon us, and all that Thou hast done to us, Thou hast done in true judgment.
Thou hast given us into the hands of lawless enemies, most hateful rebels, and to an unjust king, the most wicked in all the world. And now we cannot open our mouths; shame and disgrace have befallen Thy servants and worshipers. For Thy name’s sake do not give us up utterly, and do not break Thy covenant, And do not withdraw Thy mercy from us, for the sake of Abraham Thy beloved and for the sake of Isaac Thy servant and Israel Thy holy one, To whom Thou didst promise to make their descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as the sand on the shore of the sea.
For we, O Lord, have become fewer than any nation, and are brought low this day in all the world because of our sins. And at this time there is no prince, or prophet, or leader, no burnt offering, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, no place to make an offering before thee or to find mercy. Yet with a contrite heart and a humble spirit may we be accepted, as though it were with burnt offerings of rams and bulls, and with tens of thousands of fat lambs; Such may our sacrifice be in Thy sight this day, and may we wholly follow Thee, for there will be no shame for those who trust in Thee.
And now with all our heart we follow Thee, we fear Thee and seek Thy face. Do not put us to shame, but deal with us in Thy forbearance and in Thy abundant mercy. Deliver us in accordance with Thy marvelous works, and give glory to Thy name, O Lord! Let all who do harm to Thy servants be put to shame; Let them be disgraced and deprived of all power and dominion, and let their strength be broken. Let them know that Thou art the Lord, the only God, glorious over the whole world.”
Blessed art Thou, O Lord, God of our fathers, and to be praised and highly exalted forever; And blessed is Thy glorious, holy name and to be highly praised and highly exalted forever; Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy holy glory and to be extolled and highly glorified forever. Blessed art Thou, who sittest upon cherubim and lookest upon the deeps, and to be praised and highly exalted forever. Blessed art Thou upon the throne of Thy kingdom and to be extolled and highly exalted forever. Blessed art Thou in the firmament of heaven and to be sung and glorified forever.
Sunday
Ode 8
The Song Of The Three Holy Youths (Song Of The Three Young Men 35‑68 ‑ Rsv)
Bless the Lord, all works of the Lord, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him for ever. Bless the Lord, you heavens, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, you angels of the Lord, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Bless the Lord, all waters above the heaven, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, all powers, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, sun and moon, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, stars of heaven, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, rain and dew, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, all winds, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, fire and heat, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, winter cold and summer heat, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, dews and snows, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, nights and days, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, light and darkness, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, ice and cold, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, frosts and snows, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, lightnings and clouds, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever. Let the earth bless the Lord; let it sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, mountains and hills, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, all things that grow on the earth, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, you springs, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, seas and rivers, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, you whales and all creatures that move in the waters, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, all birds of the air, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, all beasts and cattle, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, you sons of men, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, O Israel, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, you priests of the Lord, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, you servants of the Lord, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, spirits and souls of the righteous, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, you who are holy and humble in heart, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him forever.
Bless the Lord, Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, sing praise to Him and highly exalt Him for ever; for He has rescued us from Hades and saved us from the hand of death and delivered us from the midst of the burning fiery furnace; from the midst of the fire He has delivered us; Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. Bless Him, all who worship the Lord, the God of gods, sing praise to Him and gives thanks to Him, for His mercy endures forever.
Daily
Ode 9, Part 1
The Magnificat (Luke 1:46‑55)
Refrain: More honorable than the cherubim And more glorious beyond compare than the seraphim! Without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. True Theotokos, we magnify you! My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant; for behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed. For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his seed forever.
Daily
Ode 9, Part 2
The Song Of Zechariah (Luke 1:68‑79)
Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began, That we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us, To perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His holy covenant, The oath which He swore to our father Abraham: To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him all the days of our life. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, To give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
The Praises
Monday, Thursday Psalm 148
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the heights! Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you stars of light! Praise Him, you heavens of heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded and they were created. He has also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree which shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all the depths; Fire and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling His word; Mountains and all hills; fruitful trees and all cedars; Beasts and all cattle; creeping things and flying fowl; Kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all judges of the earth; Both young men and maidens; old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His glory is above the earth and heaven. And He has exalted the horn of His people, the praise of all His saints ‑ of the children of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the Lord!
Tuesday, Friday PSALM 149
Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise His name with the dance; let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two‑edged sword in their hand, To execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute on them the written judgment ‑ this honor have all His saints. Praise the Lord!
Wednesday, Saturday Psalm 150
Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; praise Him with high‑sounding cymbals! Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
After The Psalm
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God! Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! Glory to You, O God!
Lesser Doxology
Glory to God, Who has shown us the Light! Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men! We praise You! We bless You! We worship You! We glorify You and give thanks to You for Your great glory! O Lord God, Heavenly King, God the Father Almighty! O Lord, the Only‑Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit! O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us! You, Who take away the sins of the world, receive our prayer! You, Who sit on the right hand of God the Father, have mercy on us! For You alone are holy, and You alone are Lord. You alone, O Lord Jesus Christ, are most high in the glory of God the Father! Amen! I will give thanks to You every day and praise Your Name forever and ever. Lord, You have been our refuge from generation to generation! I said, “Lord, have mercy on me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You!” Lord, I flee to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. For with You is the fountain of Life, and in Your light shall we see light. Continue Your lovingkindness to those who know You. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin. Blessed are You, O Lord, the God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Your Name forever. Amen. Let Your mercy be upon us, O Lord, even as we have set our hope on You. Blessed are You, O Lord; teach me Your statutes. Blessed are You, O Master; make me to understand Your commandments. Blessed are You, O Holy One; enlighten me with Your precepts. Your mercy endures forever, O Lord! Do not despise the works of Your hands! To You belongs worship, to You belongs praise, to You belongs glory: to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Matins Prayers
O Lord, grant that we may meet the coming day in peace. Help us in all things to rely upon Your holy will. In each hour of the day, reveal Your will to us. Bless our dealings with all who surround us. Teach us to treat all that shall come to us throughout the day with peace of soul, and with the firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all our deeds and words, guide our thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let us not forget that all are sent by You. Teach us to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give us the strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day, with all that it shall bring. Direct our wills. Teach us to pray. Pray within us. Amen.
Most holy God, we pray and beseech You, give each of us a pure heart and a way of speaking that befits the faith we profess; grant us uprightness of purpose, powers of reasoning unhindered by passions, conduct that becomes those who fear You, and perfect knowledge of Your commandments; may we enjoy health in body and in spirit.
Grant us a life of peace, genuine faith and living hope, sincere charity and bountiful generosity, patience that knows no bounds and the light of Your truth to proclaim Your good­ness to us, that for ever and in all things placing our trust only in You, we may abound in every good work, and that in Christ Your gifts may increase in every soul. For to You belong all glory, honor and majesty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Dismissal
Confirm, O God, the holy Orthodox Faith and Orthodox Christians unto ages of ages! Amen.
Most holy Theotokos, save us! More honorable than the cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the seraphim! Without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. True Theotokos, we magnify you! Glory to You, O Christ, our God and our hope, glory to 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! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Supplementary Prayers
Troparia Of The Resurrection
Tone One
When the stone had been sealed by the Jews, While the soldiers were guarding Your most pure body, You arose on the third day, O Savior, Granting life to the world. The powers of heaven therefore cried to You, O Giver of Life: Glory to Your Resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Your Kingdom! Glory to Your saving plan, O Lover of mankind!
Tone Two
When You descended to death, O Life immortal, You destroyed Sheol with the splendor of Your divinity! And when from the depths You raised the dead, All the powers of heaven cried out: O Giver of Life, Christ our God, Glory to You!
Tone Three
Let the heavens rejoice! Let the earth be glad! For the Lord has shown strength with His arm! He has trampled down death by death! He has become the firstborn of the dead! He has delivered us from the depths of Sheol And has granted the world great mercy.
Tone Four
When the women disciples of the Lord Learned from the angel the joyous message of Your Resurrection, They cast away the ancestral curse And elatedly told the apostles: Death is overthrown! Christ God is risen, granting the world great mercy!
Tone Five
Let us, the faithful, praise and worship the Word, Co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit, Born for our salvation from the Virgin; For He willed to be lifted upon the cross in the flesh To endure death and to raise the dead By His glorious Resurrection!
Tone Six
The angelic powers were at your tomb; The guards became as dead men. Mary stood by Your grave, Seeking Your most pure body. You captured Sheol, not being tempted by it. You came to the Virgin, granting Life. O Lord Who arose from the dead, glory to You!
Tone Seven
By Your cross, You destroyed death! To the thief You granted Paradise! For the myrrhbearers, you changed weeping into joy! And You commanded Your disciples, O Christ God, To proclaim that You are risen, Granting the world great mercy.
Tone Eight
From on high You descended, O merciful One! You accepted the three-day burial To free us from our sufferings! O Lord, our Life and Resurrection, glory to You!
Matins Prokeimena
Of The Resurrection
Prokeimenon From Psalm 12
Tone One
Prokeimenon: I will now arise, says the Lord. * "I will set myself for salvation and not draw back from it!"
Verse: The Lord's words are pure words.
Prokeimenon From Psalm 7
Tone Two
Prokeimenon: Arise, O Lord my God, in the decree which You have commanded, * and the assembly of all people will surround You!
Verse: O Lord, my God, I have set my hope on You! Save me!
Prokeimenon From Psalm 95
Tone Three
Prokeimenon: Say among the nations that the Lord is King. * He has established the world so that it shall never be moved.
Verse: Sing the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Prokeimenon From Psalm 44
Tone Four
Prokeimenon: Arise, O Lord, and help us! * Deliver us for your Name's sake!
Verse: We have heard with our ears, O God, and our fathers have told us.
Prokeimenon From Psalm 9-10
Tone Five
Prokeimenon: Arise, O Lord, my God, and let your hand be lifted up, * for you reign forever!
Verse: I will give thanks to You with my whole heart, O Lord! I will proclaim all Your wonders!
Prokeimenon From Psalm 80
Tone Six
Prokeimenon: O Lord, stir up Your might * and come to save us!
Verse: Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel ; You Who lead Joseph like flock!
Prokeimenon From Psalm 9-10
Tone Seven
Prokeimenon: Arise, O Lord, my God, and let your hand be lifted up! * Do not forget Your poor ones until the end!
Verse: I will give thanks to You with my whole heart, O Lord! I will proclaim all Your wonders!
Prokeimenon From Psalm 146
Tone Eight
Prokeimenon: The Lord will reign forever! * Your God, O Zion, will reign for all generations!
Verse: Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long as I live!
Kontakia Of The Resurrection
Tone One
As God, You arose from the tomb in glory, Raising the world with Yourself. Human nature praises You as God, for death has vanished. Adam exults, O Master! Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage, and cries to You: You are the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!
Tone Two
Sheol became afraid, O almighty Savior, Seeing the miracle of Your Resurrection from the tomb! The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with You, And the world, O my Savior, praises You forever!
Tone Three
On this day You arose from the tomb, O merciful One, Leading us from the gates of death. On this day Adam exults as Eve rejoices. With the prophets and patriarchs, They unceasingly praise the divine majesty of Your power.
Tone Four
My Savior and Redeemer As God rose from the tomb and delivered the earth-born from their chains. He has shattered the gates of Sheol And as Master, He has risen on the third day!
Tone Five
You descended into Sheol, O my Savior, Shattering its gates as Almighty, Resurrecting the dead as Creator, And destroying the sting of death. You have delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of Man, And we cry to You: O Lord, save us!
Tone Six
When Christ God, the Giver of Life, Raised all of the dead from the valleys of misery with His mighty hand, He bestowed resurrection on the human race. He is the Savior of all, the Resurrection, the Life, and the God of all.
Tone Seven
The dominion of death can no longer hold men captive, For Christ descended, shattering and destroying its powers. Sheol is bound, while the prophets rejoice and cry: The Savior has come to those in faith. Enter, you faithful, into the resurrection!
Tone Eight
By rising from the tomb, You raised the dead and resurrected Adam. Eve exults in Your Resurrection, And the world celebrates Your rising from the dead, O Greatly Merciful One!
Lenten Prayer Of St. Ephrem The Syrian
O Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, faint-heartedness, lust of power, and idle talk. But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant. Yea, Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.
Glossary
Aposticha: Stichera accompanied by Psalm verses, usually occurring in vespers and matins.
Canon: A series of odes. The matins prayers included in this book use the nine Scriptural odes. Other canons use poetry, often based on themes occurring in the Scriptural odes, at other times based on other themes.
Chant: A mellifluous reading, something between speaking and singing. Compline: Night prayer, generally assumed to occur after supper.
Doxology: From the Greek for 'words of glory.' The Great Doxology is sung on Sundays and important feast days; the Lesser Doxology, page 86, is said "not sung" on ordinary days. Other doxologies, such as 'Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit... ,' occur frequently as well.
Fathers: (as in 'Through the prayers of our holy fathers . . . .") Refers to those men and women who precede us in the Faith, who inspire us to continue, and who pray for our well-being.
Festal Menaion: The book giving the hymnography for major feasts of the Church. For an English-language version, see the Bibliography.
Kathisma (plural kathismata): One of the twenty sections into which the Psalter is divided. Kontakion (plural kontakia): Originallya long poem written to be sung in church. Now generally a short sung stanza.
Lent: A period of preparation for Pascha. For more information see The Lenten Triodion and Great Lent in the Bibliography.
Lenten Triodion: The book giving the hymnography for the Lenten period. See the Bibliography.
Lectionary: A listing of the Scripture readings used at Liturgy during the Church year.
Matins: The office (service) of morning prayer.
Octoechos: A book containing the variable portions for the daily offices throughout the week, based on an eight-week cycle of tones.
Ode: Prayers or poetic compositions found in the Bible (other than Psalms) or subdivisions of the canon (see above).
Office: A rite or service of prayers, hymns and Scripture readings.
Pascha: From the Hebrew for Passover; Easter. Paschaltide: The period between Pascha and Pentecost.
Pentecost: The Sunday, fifty days after Pascha, on which the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles. See Acts 2:1-41.
Pentecostarion: A book containing the hymnography for the period from Pascha to Pentecost.
Prokeimenon: From the Greek for 'that which precedes.' In Orthodox liturgy, it is the verse that precedes Scripture reading. Generally taken from Psalms or other Old Testament songs (sometimes, though, from the Magnificat), it may relate to the significance of the lesson that follows it or the significance of the day.
Reader: Strictly speaking, 'Reader' is an office of minor clergy in the Orthodox Church. When I use the term 'reader' in the text of this book, though, I mean it only as a shorthand for "one who prays."
Septuagint: A translation of the Old Testament into Greek, completed in the third century before Christ (sometimes abbreviated 'LXX' 'seventy' because seventy-two scholars participated in the translation). Greek was the universal language at the time. Most New Testament quotes from 'Scripture' are from the Septuagint. Today, the Orthodox Church still accepts the validity of this version, but because there is not a widely accepted English translation available, we use the best we can find generally considered among Orthodox scholars to be the Revised Standard Version or the King James Version. (I used the New King James for this book because it has modern language and the flow of its language works well for chant.) See the Bibliography for a translation of the Septuagint that is available in English.
Sticheron (plural stichera): Stanzas inserted between Psalm verses.
Theotokos: Greek, 'God Bearer'; the Virgin Mary.
Tone: A melody. There are various sets of eight tones sung in a weekly cycle throughout the year.
Trisagion: Greek, 'thrice holy.' Basic prayers to the Holy Trinity. Troparion (plural troparia): A stanza of song that summarizes the liturgical theme of the day.
Vespers: The office (service) of evening prayer.