PRAYERS IN PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNIONLord Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.A priest uses the following:Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things. Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life: Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.(3 times)Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us! Lord, cleanse us from our sins! Master,pardon our transgressions! Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.Lord, have mercy!(3 times)Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.(If there is a priest, he adds the usual exclamation)Lord, have mercy!(12 times)Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.NOTE: When the Prayers in Preparation for Holy Communion are read immediately after Morning Prayers, we begin the former at this point.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!Psalm 22The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;He makes me lie down in green pastures.He leads me beside still waters;He restores my soul.He leads me in paths of righteousnessfor His name’s sake.Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of deathI fear no evil;for Thou art with me;Thy rod and Thy staff,they comfort me.Thou preparest a Table before mein the presence of my enemies;Thou anointest my head with oil,and most excellent is Thy Cupwhich brings me joy!Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meall the days of my life;and I shall dwell in the house of the Lordfor ever.Psalm 23The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof,the world and those who dwell therein;for He has founded it upon the seas,and established it upon the rivers.Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?And who shall stand in His holy place?He who has clean hands and a pure heart,who does not lift up his soul to what is false,and does not swear deceitfully.He will receive blessing from the Lord,and vindication from the God of his salvation.Such is the generation of those who seek Him,who seek the face of the God of Jacob.Lift up your heads, O gates!and be lifted up, O ancient doors!that the King of glory may come in.Who is the King of glory?The Lord, strong and mighty,the Lord, mighty in battle!Lift up your heads, O gates!and be lifted up, O ancient doors!that the King of glory may come in.Who is this King of glory?The Lord of hosts,He is the King of glory!Psalm 115I kept my faith, even when I said,“I am greatly afflicted”;I said in my consternation,“Every man is a liar.”What shall I render to the Lordfor all His bounty to me?I will lift up the Cup of Salvationand call on the name of the Lord,I will pay my vows to the Lordin the presence of all His people.Precious in the sight of the Lordis the death of His saints.O Lord, I am Thy servant;I am Thy servant, the son of Thy handmaid.Thou hast loosed my bonds.I will offer to Thee the Sacrifice of Thanksgivingand call on the name of the Lord.I will pay my vows to the Lordin the presence of all His people,in the courts of the house of the Lord,in your midst, O Jerusalem.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 Thee, O God!(3 times)And the followingTROPARIA, TONE 8:Disregard my iniquities, O Lord Who wast born of a Virgin! Cleanse my heart and make it a temple of Thy most pureBody and Blood. Turn me not away from Thy countenance, for Thy great mercy is immeasurable.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:How dare I partake of Thy Holiness in my unworthiness? Even if I dare to approach Thee with the worthy, my garment accuses me, for it is not a wedding-garment, and I secure the condemnation of my most sinful soul. Cleanse, O Lord, the defilement of my soul and save me, for Thou lovest mankind.Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.Great is the multitude of my sins, O Theotokos! I come to you, O Pure One, in need of salvation. Visit my ailing soul, O You who alone are blessed, and pray to your Son and our God that He absolve the evil I have done.NOTE: On Great and Holy Thursday, the following TROPARION is used, in TONE 8:When the glorious disciples were enlightened at the washing of their feetbefore the supper, then the impious Judas was darkened, ailing with avarice, and to the lawless judges he betrayed Thee, the Righteous Judge. Behold, O lover of money, this man who because of money hanged himself. Flee from the greedy soul which dared such things against the Master. O Lord Who art good towards all men, glory to Thee!If the Canon of Preparation for Holy Communion has not been read the preceding evening, it may be read here.Lord, have mercy!(40 times, with as many prostrations as desired)Then, we read the following Verses of Instruction:When you intend, O man, to eat the Master’s Body,Approach with fear, lest you be burned—for It is fire!Before drinking the Divine Blood in Communion,Make peace with those who have grieved you.Only then may you dareTo eat the Mystical Food.We also add the following verses:Before partaking of the Dread Sacrifice,The life-giving Body of the Master,Pray, trembling, in this manner:1st Prayer, of Saint Basil the Great.O Lord and Master, Jesus Christ our God, the Fountain of life and immortality, the Creator of everything visible and invisible, the eternal and everlasting Son of the eternal Father: Thou hast come in these latter days because of the abundance of Thy goodness. Thou hast put on our human flesh and wast crucified and buried for us thankless and graceless men, and through Thine own blood Thou hast renewed our human nature which is corrupted by sin. And now, O Immortal King, accept the repentance of me a sinner, and incline Thine ear to me and listen to my words:I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned before heaven and before Thy face, and I am not worthy to look upon the height of Thy Glory.I have provoked Thy goodness, I have transgressed Thy commandments, I have not obeyed Thy statutes.But, O Lord, since Thou dost not remember evil, but art long-suffering and of great mercy, Thou hast not given me over to destruction for my lawlessness, but hast ever awaited my conversion.O Lover of mankind, Thou hast said by Thy prophets: “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.”For Thou dost not wish, O Master, that the work of Thy hands should perish, neither dost Thou take pleasure in the destruction of men, but Thou desirest that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.Therefore, although I am unworthy both of heaven and of earth and of this passing life, having wholly yielded myself to sin and defiled Thine image, yet being Thy creature and of Thy making, I do not despair of my salvation in my wickedness.But made bold by Thine infinite compassion, I draw near.Receive me, O Christ Who lovest mankind, as Thou didst receive the prostitute, the thief, the tax-collector and the prodigal. Take away the heavy burden of my sins, for Thou takest away the sins of the world, Thou healest the infirmities of mankind, Thou callest to Thyself and givest rest to those who labor and are heavy laden.Thou hast not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Cleanse me from every stain of flesh and spirit. Teach me to fulfill holiness in fear of Thee, that having the testimony of my own conscience clean, and having communion of Thy holy things, I may be united with Thy Body and Blood and may have Thee to dwell and abide in me, with the Father and Thy Holy Spirit.O Lord Jesus Christ my God, may the communion of Thy most pure and life-creating mysteries not bring me into judgment,nor may I become weak in soul and body by partaking in an unworthy manner, but grant me to receive communion of Thy holy things without condemnation even to my very last breath, and by them to receive communion of the Holy Spirit, provision for the journey of eternal life, and an acceptable answer at Thy dread judgment seat; that I, together with all Thy chosen ones, may also be a partaker of the incorruptible blessings which Thou hast prepared for those who love thee, O Lord, in whom Thou art glorified forever. Amen.2nd Prayer, of St. John ChrysostomO Lord my God, I know that I am not worthy nor sufficiently pleasing that Thou shouldst come under the roof of the house of my soul for it is entirely desolate and fallen in ruin, and Thou wilt not find in me a place worthy to lay Thy head. But as Thou didst humble Thyself from on high for our sake, so now humble Thyself to my lowliness.As Thou didst deign to lie in a cavern, in a manger of dumb beasts, so now deign to enter into the manger of my beastly soul, and into my soiled body.As Thou didst not disdain to enter and to eat with sinners in the house of Simon the leper, so now be pleased to enter into the house of my soul, humble and leprous and sinful.As Thou didst not cast away the sinful woman who came to touch Thee, so have compassion on me a sinner who comes to touch Thee.As Thou didst not abhor the kiss of her sin-stained and unclean mouth, do not abhor my mouth, worse stained and more unclean than hers, nor my stained and shamed and unclean lips, nor my still more impure tongue.But let the fiery coal of Thy most pure Body and Thy most precious Blood bring me sanctification, enlightenment and strengthening of my lowly soul and body, relief from the burden of my many transgressions,protection against every action of the devil, repulsion and victory over my wicked and evil habits, mortification of my passions, accomplishment of Thy commandments, increase of Thy divine grace, and inheritance of Thy Kingdom.For I do not come to Thee in presumption, O Christ my God, but made bold by Thine inexpressible goodness, lest I stray far away from Thy flock, O Master, and become caught by the wolf of souls.Therefore, I pray Thee, O Master, for Thou alone art holy: sanctify my soul and body, my mind and heart, my muscles and bones. Renew me entirely. Implant Thy fear in my fleshly members and let Thy sanctification never be removed from me.Be my helper and defender, guide my life in peace and make me worthy to stand at Thy right hand with all Thy saints.By the prayers and supplications of Thy most pure Mother, of Thy spiritual servants, the most pure angelic powers, and of all the saints who have been well-pleasingto Thee. Amen.3rd Prayer, of St. Simeon MetaphrastesO only pure and incorruptible Lord! Because of the inexpressible mercy of Thy love for mankind, Thou didst take to Thyself our entire human composition from the pure blood of the Virgin who gave birth to Thee beyond nature, by the descent of the Holy Spirit and the good-will of the ever-existing Father.O Christ Jesus, Wisdom of God and Peace and Power, through the human nature which Thou didst take to Thyself, Thou didst suffer the life-creating and saving passion: the Cross, the nails, the spear—death itself. Put to death in me the soul-destroying passions of the body.Through Thy burial Thou didst capture the kingdom of death. Bury in me the evil devices of the devil with good thoughts, and destroy the spirits of evil.Through Thy life-bringing Resurrection Thou didst raise up the first father who had fallen. Raise me up who am sunk downin sin and give me the image of repentance.Through Thy glorious Ascension Thou didst deify the flesh which Thou didst assume, and placed it on the throne at the Father’s right hand. Grant me to receive a place at the right hand with the saved through communion of Thy holy mysteries.Through the coming of Thy Spirit, the Comforter, Thou didst make Thy consecrated disciples to be honorable vessels. Show me also to be the receptacle of His coming.Thou hast promised to come again to judge the world in righteousness. Grant that I may go to meet Thee in the clouds, my Judge and Creator, with all Thy saints; that I may glorify and praise Thee without end, together with Thy Father Who is without beginning, and Thy most holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.4th Prayer, of St. John of DamascusO Lord and Master Jesus Christ our God, Who alone hast power to absolve men from their sins, for Thou art good and lovest mankind: forgive all my transgressions done in knowledge or in ignorance, and make me worthy without condemnation to have communion of Thy divine and glorious and pure and life-creating mysteries. Let them not be for my punishment, or for the increase of my sins. But let them be for my purification and sanctification, as a promise of the life and Kingdom to come, a defense and a help and a repulsion of every attacker and the removal of my many transgressions. For Thou art a God of mercy and generosity and love for mankind, and to Thee we ascribe glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.5th Prayer, of St. Basil the GreatI know, O Lord, that I have communion unworthily of Thy most pure Body and Thy most precious Blood, and that I amguilty and drink condemnation to myself not discerning Thy Body and Blood, O my Christ and God. But daring upon Thy generous loving-kindness I come to Thee Who hast said: “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him.” Be merciful, therefore, O Lord, and do not rebuke me, a sinner, but deal with me according to Thy mercy, and let Thy holy things be for my purification and healing, for enlightenment and protection, for the repulsion of every tempting thought and action of the devil which works spiritually in my fleshly members. Let them be for boldness and love for Thee, for the correction and grounding of my life, for the increase of virtue and perfection, for the fulfillment of Thy commandments, for the communion of the Holy Spirit, for the journey of eternal life, for a good and acceptable answer at Thy dread judgment, but not for judgment or condemnation. Amen.6th Prayer, of St. Simeon the New TheologianFrom lips defiledand a vile heart,from an impure tongueand a soul defiled,receive my prayer, O my Christ,and do not despisemy words, my appearance,nor my shamelessness.Grant me the boldness, my Christ,to say what I desireEven more—teach mewhat to do and say.I have sinned more than the harlotwho, on learning where Thou wast,bought myrrh and came boldlyto anoint thy feet, my God,my Master and my Christ.As Thou didst not turn her awaywhen she came with her heart,so, O Word, turn me not away,but give me Thy feetto hold, to kiss,and to anoint boldlywith a stream of tearsas a precious ointment.Wash me with my tears, O Word,and cleanse me with them!Remit my transgressionsand grant me forgiveness.Thou knowest the multitude of my evil:Thou knowest also my wounds!Thou seest my scars:Thou knowest also my faith!Thou seest my intentionsand hearest my sighs.Nothing is hidden from Thee,my God, my Maker, my Redeemer—not even a tear-dropor part of that drop.Thine eyes have seenthat which I have not yet done.Thou hast inscribed in Thy bookthings yet to happen.See my humility!See each of my labors and all of my sins!Absolve me, O God of all,that with a pure heart,trembling thoughtsand a contrite soulI may partake of Thine undefiledand most holy Mysterieswhich enliven and deifyall who partake of themwith a pure heart.Thou hast said, O Master:“Whoever eats my Bodyand drinks my Bloodabides in meand I in him!”True is every wordof my Master and God!When I partake of Thy divineand deifying Grace,I am no longer alone—I am with Thee, my Christ,the Light of the Triple Sunwhich enlightens the world.May I not remain alone—without Thee, O Life-Giver,My Breath, my Life and my Joy,the salvation of the world.I approach Thee, therefore,with tears, as Thou seest,and a contrite soul.I beg to receivedeliverance from my sins.May I partake uncondemnedof Thy life-givingand spotless Mysteries,that Thou mayest abide,as Thou hast said,with me, the thrice-wretched.May the Tempter not find mewithout Thy Graceand seize me deceitfullyand lead me, deceived,from Thy deifying words.Therefore, I fall down before Theeand fervently cry:as Thou didst receive the Prodigaland the harlot who came to Thee,O Gracious One, receive me,prodigal and defiled.With a contrite soulI approach Thee now:I know, O Savior, that no-one has sinnedagainst Thee as I have,nor done the deedsthat I have done.But I also knowthat neither the greatness of mytransgressionsnor the multitude of my sinssurpass the great patience of my Godand His extreme love for mankind.Through Thy merciful compassionThou dost cleanse and brightenthose who repent with fervor,making them partakers of Lightand full communicantsof Thy Divinity.To the astonishment of angelsand human minds,Thou dost converse with them oftenas with Thy true friends.This makes me bold, my Christ,this gives me wings!Emboldened by the wealthof Thy generosity towards us,with both joy and trepidation,I who am grasspartake of fire.O strange wonder!I am sprinkled with dewand am not burned,as the bush burned of oldwithout being consumed.With grateful thoughtsand a grateful heart,with my grateful members,my soul and my body,I now fall down and worshipand glorify Thee, my God,for blessed art Thou,now and for ever.7th Prayer, of St. John ChrysostomO God, absolve, remit and pardon me my transgressions—as many sins as I have committed by word or action or thought, willingly or unwillingly, consciously or unconsciously; forgive me everything since Thou art good and lovest mankind. And by the prayers of Thy most pure Mother, of Thy spiritual servants, the holy angelic powers and all the saints, who from all ages have been well-pleasing to Thee, be pleased to allow me to receive Thy most pure Body and Thy mostprecious Blood for the healing of my soul and body, and the purification of my evil thoughts. For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.8th Prayer, of St. John ChrysostomI am not worthy, Master and Lord, that Thou shouldst enter under the roof of my soul; yet inasmuch as Thou desirest to live in me as the Lover of mankind, I approach with boldness. Thou hast commanded: Let the doors be opened which Thou alone hast made and Thou shalt enter with Thy love for mankind just as Thou art. Thou shalt enter and enlighten my darkened reasoning. I believe that Thou wilt do this. For Thou didst not cast away the prostitute who came to Thee with tears, neither didst Thou turn away the tax-collector who repented, nor didst Thou reject the thief who acknowledged Thy Kingdom, nor didst Thou forsake the repentant persecutor, the Apostle Paul,even as he was. But all who came to Thee in repentance Thou didst unite to the ranks of Thy friends, Who alone art blessed forever, now and unto the endless ages. Amen.9th Prayer, of St. John ChrysostomO Lord Jesus Christ my God, absolve, loose, cleanse and forgive me Thy sinful and useless and unworthy servant my errors, transgressions and sinful failing as many as I have committed from my youth up to this present day and hour, consciously and unconsciously, in words or actions or reasonings, thoughts, pursuits and in all my senses. By the prayers of Thy Mother the most pure and ever-virgin Mary who gave birth to Thee without human seed, my only hope which will not put me to shame, my intercessor and salvation, grant me to have communion without condemnation of Thy most pure, immortal, life-creating and awesome mysteries; for the remission of sins and unto life everlasting; for sanctification,enlightenment, strength, healing and health of soul and body; for the most perfect removal and destruction of my evil thoughts and reasonings and intentions, fantasies by night, brought by dark and evil spirits; for Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory and the honor and the worship with the Father and Thy Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.10th Prayer, of St. John of DamascusI stand before the doors of Thy temple, and I do not forsake my wicked thoughts. But, O Christ my God, as Thou hast justified the tax-collector, and hast had mercy on the woman of Canaan and hast opened the gates of paradise to the thief, open to me the interior depths of Thy love for mankind and receive me as I come and repent before Thee. Receive me as Thou didst receive the sinful woman and the woman with the flow of blood. For the first embraced Thy most pure feet and received the forgiveness of her sins, and the secondjust touched the hem of Thy garment and received healing. But I who am lost, daring to receive Thy whole Body, may I not be burned; but receive me as Thou hast received them, and enlighten my spiritual senses, burning up my spiritual faults by the prayers of her who gave birth to Thee without human seed, and of the heavenly angelic powers, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.Another Prayer of St. John ChrysostomI believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the living God Who camest into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first. I believe also that this is truly Thine own most pure Body, and that this is truly Thine own precious Blood. Therefore, I pray Thee: have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, committed in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy to partake without condemnation of Thy most pure Mysteries, for the remissionof my sins, and unto life everlasting. Amen.As you approach to partake, say silently the following verses of Metaphrastes:Behold: I draw near to the Divine Communion.Burn me not as I partake, O Creator,For Thou art a Fire which burns the unworthy.Rather, cleanse me of all defilement.Then say:Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me this day as a communicant; for I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies, neither like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but like the thief will I confess Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.And the following verses:Be awed, O man, when you see the deifying Blood!It is a fire which burns the unworthy!The Divine Body both deifies and nourishes me.It deifies the spirit and wondrously nourishes the mind.Then, the following Troparia:With love hast Thou drawn me, O Christ, and with Thy divine love hast Thou changed me. Burn away my sins with a spiritual fire and satisfy me with joy in Thee, that I may joyfully magnify Thy two comings, O Good One.How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the radiance of Thy saints? If I dare to enter the bridal-chamber, my garment accuses me, for it is not a wedding garment, and the angels will bind me and cast me out. Cleanse, O Lord, the filth of my soul and save me, for Thou lovest mankind.And this prayer:O Master Who lovest mankind! O Lord Jesus Christ my God! May these holy things not be to my condemnation, though I am unworthy of them. May they be for the cleansing and sanctification of my soul and body and a pledge of the life andKingdom that are to come.It is good for me to cleave to God and to place in the Lord the hope of my salvationThen repeat:Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me this day as a communicant; for I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies, neither like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but like the thief will I confess Thee: remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.Cross/Alpha-Omega/Chi-Rho Monogram
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
A priest uses the following:
Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things. Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life: Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, and save our souls, O Good One.
Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.(3 times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us! Lord, cleanse us from our sins! Master,pardon our transgressions! Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy!(3 times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
(If there is a priest, he adds the usual exclamation)
Lord, have mercy!(12 times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
NOTE: When the Prayers in Preparation for Holy Communion are read immediately after Morning Prayers, we begin the former at this point.
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!
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;He makes me lie down in green pastures.He leads me beside still waters;He restores my soul.He leads me in paths of righteousnessfor His name’s sake.Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of deathI fear no evil;for Thou art with me;Thy rod and Thy staff,they comfort me.Thou preparest a Table before mein the presence of my enemies;Thou anointest my head with oil,and most excellent is Thy Cupwhich brings me joy!Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meall the days of my life;and I shall dwell in the house of the Lordfor ever.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want;
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters;
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I fear no evil;
for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff,
they comfort me.
Thou preparest a Table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
Thou anointest my head with oil,
and most excellent is Thy Cup
which brings me joy!
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for ever.
The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof,the world and those who dwell therein;for He has founded it upon the seas,and established it upon the rivers.Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?And who shall stand in His holy place?He who has clean hands and a pure heart,who does not lift up his soul to what is false,and does not swear deceitfully.He will receive blessing from the Lord,and vindication from the God of his salvation.Such is the generation of those who seek Him,who seek the face of the God of Jacob.Lift up your heads, O gates!and be lifted up, O ancient doors!that the King of glory may come in.Who is the King of glory?The Lord, strong and mighty,the Lord, mighty in battle!Lift up your heads, O gates!and be lifted up, O ancient doors!that the King of glory may come in.Who is this King of glory?The Lord of hosts,He is the King of glory!
The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein;
for He has founded it upon the seas,
and established it upon the rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false,
and does not swear deceitfully.
He will receive blessing from the Lord,
and vindication from the God of his salvation.
Such is the generation of those who seek Him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is the King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle!
Lift up your heads, O gates!
and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
He is the King of glory!
I kept my faith, even when I said,“I am greatly afflicted”;I said in my consternation,“Every man is a liar.”What shall I render to the Lordfor all His bounty to me?I will lift up the Cup of Salvationand call on the name of the Lord,I will pay my vows to the Lordin the presence of all His people.Precious in the sight of the Lordis the death of His saints.O Lord, I am Thy servant;I am Thy servant, the son of Thy handmaid.Thou hast loosed my bonds.I will offer to Thee the Sacrifice of Thanksgivingand call on the name of the Lord.I will pay my vows to the Lordin the presence of all His people,in the courts of the house of the Lord,in your midst, O Jerusalem.
I kept my faith, even when I said,
“I am greatly afflicted”;
I said in my consternation,
“Every man is a liar.”
What shall I render to the Lord
for all His bounty to me?
I will lift up the Cup of Salvation
and call on 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.
O Lord, I am Thy servant;
I am Thy servant, the son of Thy handmaid.
Thou hast loosed my bonds.
I will offer to Thee the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving
and call on 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 your midst, O Jerusalem.
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 Thee, O God!(3 times)
And the followingTROPARIA, TONE 8:
Disregard my iniquities, O Lord Who wast born of a Virgin! Cleanse my heart and make it a temple of Thy most pureBody and Blood. Turn me not away from Thy countenance, for Thy great mercy is immeasurable.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
How dare I partake of Thy Holiness in my unworthiness? Even if I dare to approach Thee with the worthy, my garment accuses me, for it is not a wedding-garment, and I secure the condemnation of my most sinful soul. Cleanse, O Lord, the defilement of my soul and save me, for Thou lovest mankind.
Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Great is the multitude of my sins, O Theotokos! I come to you, O Pure One, in need of salvation. Visit my ailing soul, O You who alone are blessed, and pray to your Son and our God that He absolve the evil I have done.
NOTE: On Great and Holy Thursday, the following TROPARION is used, in TONE 8:
When the glorious disciples were enlightened at the washing of their feetbefore the supper, then the impious Judas was darkened, ailing with avarice, and to the lawless judges he betrayed Thee, the Righteous Judge. Behold, O lover of money, this man who because of money hanged himself. Flee from the greedy soul which dared such things against the Master. O Lord Who art good towards all men, glory to Thee!
If the Canon of Preparation for Holy Communion has not been read the preceding evening, it may be read here.
Lord, have mercy!(40 times, with as many prostrations as desired)
Lord, have mercy!(40 times, with as many prostrations as desired)
Then, we read the following Verses of Instruction:
When you intend, O man, to eat the Master’s Body,Approach with fear, lest you be burned—for It is fire!Before drinking the Divine Blood in Communion,Make peace with those who have grieved you.Only then may you dareTo eat the Mystical Food.
When you intend, O man, to eat the Master’s Body,
Approach with fear, lest you be burned—for It is fire!
Before drinking the Divine Blood in Communion,
Make peace with those who have grieved you.
Only then may you dare
To eat the Mystical Food.
We also add the following verses:
Before partaking of the Dread Sacrifice,The life-giving Body of the Master,Pray, trembling, in this manner:
Before partaking of the Dread Sacrifice,
The life-giving Body of the Master,
Pray, trembling, in this manner:
O Lord and Master, Jesus Christ our God, the Fountain of life and immortality, the Creator of everything visible and invisible, the eternal and everlasting Son of the eternal Father: Thou hast come in these latter days because of the abundance of Thy goodness. Thou hast put on our human flesh and wast crucified and buried for us thankless and graceless men, and through Thine own blood Thou hast renewed our human nature which is corrupted by sin. And now, O Immortal King, accept the repentance of me a sinner, and incline Thine ear to me and listen to my words:
I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned before heaven and before Thy face, and I am not worthy to look upon the height of Thy Glory.
I have provoked Thy goodness, I have transgressed Thy commandments, I have not obeyed Thy statutes.
But, O Lord, since Thou dost not remember evil, but art long-suffering and of great mercy, Thou hast not given me over to destruction for my lawlessness, but hast ever awaited my conversion.
O Lover of mankind, Thou hast said by Thy prophets: “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.”
For Thou dost not wish, O Master, that the work of Thy hands should perish, neither dost Thou take pleasure in the destruction of men, but Thou desirest that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
Therefore, although I am unworthy both of heaven and of earth and of this passing life, having wholly yielded myself to sin and defiled Thine image, yet being Thy creature and of Thy making, I do not despair of my salvation in my wickedness.But made bold by Thine infinite compassion, I draw near.
Receive me, O Christ Who lovest mankind, as Thou didst receive the prostitute, the thief, the tax-collector and the prodigal. Take away the heavy burden of my sins, for Thou takest away the sins of the world, Thou healest the infirmities of mankind, Thou callest to Thyself and givest rest to those who labor and are heavy laden.
Thou hast not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Cleanse me from every stain of flesh and spirit. Teach me to fulfill holiness in fear of Thee, that having the testimony of my own conscience clean, and having communion of Thy holy things, I may be united with Thy Body and Blood and may have Thee to dwell and abide in me, with the Father and Thy Holy Spirit.
O Lord Jesus Christ my God, may the communion of Thy most pure and life-creating mysteries not bring me into judgment,nor may I become weak in soul and body by partaking in an unworthy manner, but grant me to receive communion of Thy holy things without condemnation even to my very last breath, and by them to receive communion of the Holy Spirit, provision for the journey of eternal life, and an acceptable answer at Thy dread judgment seat; that I, together with all Thy chosen ones, may also be a partaker of the incorruptible blessings which Thou hast prepared for those who love thee, O Lord, in whom Thou art glorified forever. Amen.
O Lord my God, I know that I am not worthy nor sufficiently pleasing that Thou shouldst come under the roof of the house of my soul for it is entirely desolate and fallen in ruin, and Thou wilt not find in me a place worthy to lay Thy head. But as Thou didst humble Thyself from on high for our sake, so now humble Thyself to my lowliness.
As Thou didst deign to lie in a cavern, in a manger of dumb beasts, so now deign to enter into the manger of my beastly soul, and into my soiled body.
As Thou didst not disdain to enter and to eat with sinners in the house of Simon the leper, so now be pleased to enter into the house of my soul, humble and leprous and sinful.
As Thou didst not cast away the sinful woman who came to touch Thee, so have compassion on me a sinner who comes to touch Thee.
As Thou didst not abhor the kiss of her sin-stained and unclean mouth, do not abhor my mouth, worse stained and more unclean than hers, nor my stained and shamed and unclean lips, nor my still more impure tongue.
But let the fiery coal of Thy most pure Body and Thy most precious Blood bring me sanctification, enlightenment and strengthening of my lowly soul and body, relief from the burden of my many transgressions,protection against every action of the devil, repulsion and victory over my wicked and evil habits, mortification of my passions, accomplishment of Thy commandments, increase of Thy divine grace, and inheritance of Thy Kingdom.
For I do not come to Thee in presumption, O Christ my God, but made bold by Thine inexpressible goodness, lest I stray far away from Thy flock, O Master, and become caught by the wolf of souls.
Therefore, I pray Thee, O Master, for Thou alone art holy: sanctify my soul and body, my mind and heart, my muscles and bones. Renew me entirely. Implant Thy fear in my fleshly members and let Thy sanctification never be removed from me.
Be my helper and defender, guide my life in peace and make me worthy to stand at Thy right hand with all Thy saints.
By the prayers and supplications of Thy most pure Mother, of Thy spiritual servants, the most pure angelic powers, and of all the saints who have been well-pleasingto Thee. Amen.
O only pure and incorruptible Lord! Because of the inexpressible mercy of Thy love for mankind, Thou didst take to Thyself our entire human composition from the pure blood of the Virgin who gave birth to Thee beyond nature, by the descent of the Holy Spirit and the good-will of the ever-existing Father.
O Christ Jesus, Wisdom of God and Peace and Power, through the human nature which Thou didst take to Thyself, Thou didst suffer the life-creating and saving passion: the Cross, the nails, the spear—death itself. Put to death in me the soul-destroying passions of the body.
Through Thy burial Thou didst capture the kingdom of death. Bury in me the evil devices of the devil with good thoughts, and destroy the spirits of evil.
Through Thy life-bringing Resurrection Thou didst raise up the first father who had fallen. Raise me up who am sunk downin sin and give me the image of repentance.
Through Thy glorious Ascension Thou didst deify the flesh which Thou didst assume, and placed it on the throne at the Father’s right hand. Grant me to receive a place at the right hand with the saved through communion of Thy holy mysteries.
Through the coming of Thy Spirit, the Comforter, Thou didst make Thy consecrated disciples to be honorable vessels. Show me also to be the receptacle of His coming.
Thou hast promised to come again to judge the world in righteousness. Grant that I may go to meet Thee in the clouds, my Judge and Creator, with all Thy saints; that I may glorify and praise Thee without end, together with Thy Father Who is without beginning, and Thy most holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O Lord and Master Jesus Christ our God, Who alone hast power to absolve men from their sins, for Thou art good and lovest mankind: forgive all my transgressions done in knowledge or in ignorance, and make me worthy without condemnation to have communion of Thy divine and glorious and pure and life-creating mysteries. Let them not be for my punishment, or for the increase of my sins. But let them be for my purification and sanctification, as a promise of the life and Kingdom to come, a defense and a help and a repulsion of every attacker and the removal of my many transgressions. For Thou art a God of mercy and generosity and love for mankind, and to Thee we ascribe glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
I know, O Lord, that I have communion unworthily of Thy most pure Body and Thy most precious Blood, and that I amguilty and drink condemnation to myself not discerning Thy Body and Blood, O my Christ and God. But daring upon Thy generous loving-kindness I come to Thee Who hast said: “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him.” Be merciful, therefore, O Lord, and do not rebuke me, a sinner, but deal with me according to Thy mercy, and let Thy holy things be for my purification and healing, for enlightenment and protection, for the repulsion of every tempting thought and action of the devil which works spiritually in my fleshly members. Let them be for boldness and love for Thee, for the correction and grounding of my life, for the increase of virtue and perfection, for the fulfillment of Thy commandments, for the communion of the Holy Spirit, for the journey of eternal life, for a good and acceptable answer at Thy dread judgment, but not for judgment or condemnation. Amen.
From lips defiledand a vile heart,from an impure tongueand a soul defiled,receive my prayer, O my Christ,and do not despisemy words, my appearance,nor my shamelessness.Grant me the boldness, my Christ,to say what I desireEven more—teach mewhat to do and say.I have sinned more than the harlotwho, on learning where Thou wast,bought myrrh and came boldlyto anoint thy feet, my God,my Master and my Christ.As Thou didst not turn her awaywhen she came with her heart,so, O Word, turn me not away,but give me Thy feetto hold, to kiss,and to anoint boldlywith a stream of tearsas a precious ointment.Wash me with my tears, O Word,and cleanse me with them!Remit my transgressionsand grant me forgiveness.Thou knowest the multitude of my evil:Thou knowest also my wounds!Thou seest my scars:Thou knowest also my faith!Thou seest my intentionsand hearest my sighs.Nothing is hidden from Thee,my God, my Maker, my Redeemer—not even a tear-dropor part of that drop.Thine eyes have seenthat which I have not yet done.Thou hast inscribed in Thy bookthings yet to happen.See my humility!See each of my labors and all of my sins!Absolve me, O God of all,that with a pure heart,trembling thoughtsand a contrite soulI may partake of Thine undefiledand most holy Mysterieswhich enliven and deifyall who partake of themwith a pure heart.Thou hast said, O Master:“Whoever eats my Bodyand drinks my Bloodabides in meand I in him!”True is every wordof my Master and God!When I partake of Thy divineand deifying Grace,I am no longer alone—I am with Thee, my Christ,the Light of the Triple Sunwhich enlightens the world.May I not remain alone—without Thee, O Life-Giver,My Breath, my Life and my Joy,the salvation of the world.I approach Thee, therefore,with tears, as Thou seest,and a contrite soul.I beg to receivedeliverance from my sins.May I partake uncondemnedof Thy life-givingand spotless Mysteries,that Thou mayest abide,as Thou hast said,with me, the thrice-wretched.May the Tempter not find mewithout Thy Graceand seize me deceitfullyand lead me, deceived,from Thy deifying words.Therefore, I fall down before Theeand fervently cry:as Thou didst receive the Prodigaland the harlot who came to Thee,O Gracious One, receive me,prodigal and defiled.With a contrite soulI approach Thee now:I know, O Savior, that no-one has sinnedagainst Thee as I have,nor done the deedsthat I have done.But I also knowthat neither the greatness of mytransgressionsnor the multitude of my sinssurpass the great patience of my Godand His extreme love for mankind.Through Thy merciful compassionThou dost cleanse and brightenthose who repent with fervor,making them partakers of Lightand full communicantsof Thy Divinity.To the astonishment of angelsand human minds,Thou dost converse with them oftenas with Thy true friends.This makes me bold, my Christ,this gives me wings!Emboldened by the wealthof Thy generosity towards us,with both joy and trepidation,I who am grasspartake of fire.O strange wonder!I am sprinkled with dewand am not burned,as the bush burned of oldwithout being consumed.With grateful thoughtsand a grateful heart,with my grateful members,my soul and my body,I now fall down and worshipand glorify Thee, my God,for blessed art Thou,now and for ever.
From lips defiled
and a vile heart,
from an impure tongue
and a soul defiled,
receive my prayer, O my Christ,
and do not despise
my words, my appearance,
nor my shamelessness.
Grant me the boldness, my Christ,
to say what I desire
Even more—teach me
what to do and say.
I have sinned more than the harlot
who, on learning where Thou wast,
bought myrrh and came boldly
to anoint thy feet, my God,
my Master and my Christ.
As Thou didst not turn her away
when she came with her heart,
so, O Word, turn me not away,
but give me Thy feet
to hold, to kiss,
and to anoint boldly
with a stream of tears
as a precious ointment.
Wash me with my tears, O Word,
and cleanse me with them!
Remit my transgressions
and grant me forgiveness.
Thou knowest the multitude of my evil:
Thou knowest also my wounds!
Thou seest my scars:
Thou knowest also my faith!
Thou seest my intentions
and hearest my sighs.
Nothing is hidden from Thee,
my God, my Maker, my Redeemer—
not even a tear-drop
or part of that drop.
Thine eyes have seen
that which I have not yet done.
Thou hast inscribed in Thy book
things yet to happen.
See my humility!
See each of my labors and all of my sins!
Absolve me, O God of all,
that with a pure heart,
trembling thoughts
and a contrite soul
I may partake of Thine undefiled
and most holy Mysteries
which enliven and deify
all who partake of them
with a pure heart.
Thou hast said, O Master:
“Whoever eats my Body
and drinks my Blood
abides in me
and I in him!”
True is every word
of my Master and God!
When I partake of Thy divine
and deifying Grace,
I am no longer alone—
I am with Thee, my Christ,
the Light of the Triple Sun
which enlightens the world.
May I not remain alone—
without Thee, O Life-Giver,
My Breath, my Life and my Joy,
the salvation of the world.
I approach Thee, therefore,
with tears, as Thou seest,
and a contrite soul.
I beg to receive
deliverance from my sins.
May I partake uncondemned
of Thy life-giving
and spotless Mysteries,
that Thou mayest abide,
as Thou hast said,
with me, the thrice-wretched.
May the Tempter not find me
without Thy Grace
and seize me deceitfully
and lead me, deceived,
from Thy deifying words.
Therefore, I fall down before Thee
and fervently cry:
as Thou didst receive the Prodigal
and the harlot who came to Thee,
O Gracious One, receive me,
prodigal and defiled.
With a contrite soul
I approach Thee now:
I know, O Savior, that no-one has sinned
against Thee as I have,
nor done the deeds
that I have done.
But I also know
that neither the greatness of my
transgressions
nor the multitude of my sins
surpass the great patience of my God
and His extreme love for mankind.
Through Thy merciful compassion
Thou dost cleanse and brighten
those who repent with fervor,
making them partakers of Light
and full communicants
of Thy Divinity.
To the astonishment of angels
and human minds,
Thou dost converse with them often
as with Thy true friends.
This makes me bold, my Christ,
this gives me wings!
Emboldened by the wealth
of Thy generosity towards us,
with both joy and trepidation,
I who am grass
partake of fire.
O strange wonder!
I am sprinkled with dew
and am not burned,
as the bush burned of old
without being consumed.
With grateful thoughts
and a grateful heart,
with my grateful members,
my soul and my body,
I now fall down and worship
and glorify Thee, my God,
for blessed art Thou,
now and for ever.
O God, absolve, remit and pardon me my transgressions—as many sins as I have committed by word or action or thought, willingly or unwillingly, consciously or unconsciously; forgive me everything since Thou art good and lovest mankind. And by the prayers of Thy most pure Mother, of Thy spiritual servants, the holy angelic powers and all the saints, who from all ages have been well-pleasing to Thee, be pleased to allow me to receive Thy most pure Body and Thy mostprecious Blood for the healing of my soul and body, and the purification of my evil thoughts. For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
I am not worthy, Master and Lord, that Thou shouldst enter under the roof of my soul; yet inasmuch as Thou desirest to live in me as the Lover of mankind, I approach with boldness. Thou hast commanded: Let the doors be opened which Thou alone hast made and Thou shalt enter with Thy love for mankind just as Thou art. Thou shalt enter and enlighten my darkened reasoning. I believe that Thou wilt do this. For Thou didst not cast away the prostitute who came to Thee with tears, neither didst Thou turn away the tax-collector who repented, nor didst Thou reject the thief who acknowledged Thy Kingdom, nor didst Thou forsake the repentant persecutor, the Apostle Paul,even as he was. But all who came to Thee in repentance Thou didst unite to the ranks of Thy friends, Who alone art blessed forever, now and unto the endless ages. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ my God, absolve, loose, cleanse and forgive me Thy sinful and useless and unworthy servant my errors, transgressions and sinful failing as many as I have committed from my youth up to this present day and hour, consciously and unconsciously, in words or actions or reasonings, thoughts, pursuits and in all my senses. By the prayers of Thy Mother the most pure and ever-virgin Mary who gave birth to Thee without human seed, my only hope which will not put me to shame, my intercessor and salvation, grant me to have communion without condemnation of Thy most pure, immortal, life-creating and awesome mysteries; for the remission of sins and unto life everlasting; for sanctification,enlightenment, strength, healing and health of soul and body; for the most perfect removal and destruction of my evil thoughts and reasonings and intentions, fantasies by night, brought by dark and evil spirits; for Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory and the honor and the worship with the Father and Thy Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
I stand before the doors of Thy temple, and I do not forsake my wicked thoughts. But, O Christ my God, as Thou hast justified the tax-collector, and hast had mercy on the woman of Canaan and hast opened the gates of paradise to the thief, open to me the interior depths of Thy love for mankind and receive me as I come and repent before Thee. Receive me as Thou didst receive the sinful woman and the woman with the flow of blood. For the first embraced Thy most pure feet and received the forgiveness of her sins, and the secondjust touched the hem of Thy garment and received healing. But I who am lost, daring to receive Thy whole Body, may I not be burned; but receive me as Thou hast received them, and enlighten my spiritual senses, burning up my spiritual faults by the prayers of her who gave birth to Thee without human seed, and of the heavenly angelic powers, for Thou art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.
I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the living God Who camest into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first. I believe also that this is truly Thine own most pure Body, and that this is truly Thine own precious Blood. Therefore, I pray Thee: have mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, of word and of deed, committed in knowledge or in ignorance. And make me worthy to partake without condemnation of Thy most pure Mysteries, for the remissionof my sins, and unto life everlasting. Amen.
As you approach to partake, say silently the following verses of Metaphrastes:
Behold: I draw near to the Divine Communion.Burn me not as I partake, O Creator,For Thou art a Fire which burns the unworthy.Rather, cleanse me of all defilement.
Behold: I draw near to the Divine Communion.
Burn me not as I partake, O Creator,
For Thou art a Fire which burns the unworthy.
Rather, cleanse me of all defilement.
Then say:
Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me this day as a communicant; for I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies, neither like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but like the thief will I confess Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.
And the following verses:
Be awed, O man, when you see the deifying Blood!It is a fire which burns the unworthy!The Divine Body both deifies and nourishes me.It deifies the spirit and wondrously nourishes the mind.
Be awed, O man, when you see the deifying Blood!
It is a fire which burns the unworthy!
The Divine Body both deifies and nourishes me.
It deifies the spirit and wondrously nourishes the mind.
Then, the following Troparia:
With love hast Thou drawn me, O Christ, and with Thy divine love hast Thou changed me. Burn away my sins with a spiritual fire and satisfy me with joy in Thee, that I may joyfully magnify Thy two comings, O Good One.
How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the radiance of Thy saints? If I dare to enter the bridal-chamber, my garment accuses me, for it is not a wedding garment, and the angels will bind me and cast me out. Cleanse, O Lord, the filth of my soul and save me, for Thou lovest mankind.
And this prayer:
O Master Who lovest mankind! O Lord Jesus Christ my God! May these holy things not be to my condemnation, though I am unworthy of them. May they be for the cleansing and sanctification of my soul and body and a pledge of the life andKingdom that are to come.
It is good for me to cleave to God and to place in the Lord the hope of my salvation
Then repeat:
Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me this day as a communicant; for I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies, neither like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but like the thief will I confess Thee: remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.
Cross/Alpha-Omega/Chi-Rho Monogram
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING AFTER COMMUNIONGlory to Thee, O God! Glory to Thee, O God! Glory to Thee, O God!I thank Thee, O Lord my God, for Thou hast not rejected me, a sinner, but hast made me worthy to be a partaker of Thy holy things. I thank Thee, for Thou hast permitted me, the unworthy, to commune of Thy most pure and heavenly Gifts. But, O Master, Who lovest mankind, Who for our sakes didst die and rise again, and gavest us these awesome and life-creating Mysteries for the good and sanctification of our souls and bodies; let them be for the healing of soul and body, the repelling of every adversary, the illumining 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 Thy commandments, the receiving of Thy Divine Grace, and the attaining ofThy Kingdom. Preserved by them in Thy holiness, may I always remember Thy Grace and live not for myself alone, but for Thee, our Master and Benefactor. May I pass from this life in the hope of eternal life, and so attain to the everlasting rest, where the voice of those who feast is unceasing, and the gladness of those who behold the goodness of Thy countenance is unending. For Thou art the true desire and the ineffable joy of those who love Thee, O Christ our God, and all creation sings of Thy praise forever. Amen.A Prayer of Saint Basil the GreatO Master Christ our God, King of the Ages, Maker of all things: I thank Thee for all the good things Thou hast given me, especially for the communion with Thy most pure and life-creating Mysteries. I pray Thee, O gracious Lover of Man: preserve me under Thy protection, beneath the shadow of Thy wings. Enable me even to my last breath, to partake worthily and with a pure conscience of Thy holy things, for the remission ofsins and unto life eternal. For Thou art the Bread of Life, the Fountain of Holiness, the Giver of all Good; to Thee we ascribe glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.A Prayer by Saint Simeon MetaphrastesFreely Thou hast given me Thy Body for my food, O Thou Who art a fire consuming the unworthy. Consume me not, O my Creator, but instead enter into my members, my veins, my heart. Consume the thorns of my transgressions. Cleanse my soul and sanctify my reasonings. Make firm my knees and body. Illumine my five senses. Nail me to the fear of Thee. Always protect, guard, and keep me from soul-destroying words and deeds. Cleanse me, purify me, and adorn me. Give me understanding and illumination. Show me to be a temple of Thy One Spirit and not the home of many sins. May every evil thing, every carnal passion flee from me as from a fire as I become Thy tabernaclethrough communion. I offer Thee as intercessors all the saints: the leaders of the bodiless hosts, Thy Forerunner, the wise apostles, and Thy pure and blameless Mother. Accept their prayers in Thy love, O my Christ, and make me, Thy servant, a child of light. For Thou art the only Sanctification and Light of our souls, O Good One, and to Thee, our Master and God, we ascribe glory day by day.Another PrayerO Lord Jesus Christ our God: let Thy holy Body be my eternal life; Thy precious Blood, my remission of sins. Let this Eucharist be my joy, health, and gladness. Make me, a sinner, worthy to stand on the right hand of Thy glory at Thine awesome second Coming, through the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and of all the saints.A Prayer to the TheotokosO most holy Lady Theotokos, the light of my darkened soul, my hope, my protection, my refuge, my rest, and my joy: Ithank you, for you have permitted me, the unworthy, to be a partaker of the most pure Body and precious Blood of your Son. Give the light of understanding to the eyes of my heart, you that gave birth to the True Light. Enliven me who am deadened by sin, you that gave birth to the Fountain of Immortality. Have mercy on me, O loving Mother of the merciful God. Grant me compunction and contrition of heart, humility in my thoughts, and a release from the slavery of my own reasonings. And enable me, even to my last breath, to receive the sanctification of the most pure Mysteries, for the healing of soul and body. Grant me tears of repentance and confession, that I may glorify you all the days of my life, for you are blessed and greatly glorified forever. Amen.Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the faceof all people: a light to enlighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of Thy people, Israel.Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.(3 times)Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.O most-holy Trinity, have mercy on us! O Lord, cleanse us from our sins! O Master, pardon our transgressions! O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.Lord, have mercy!(3 times)Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead usnot into temptation, but deliver us from evil.(If there is a priest, he adds the usual exclamation.)At the Liturgy of Saint John ChrysostomGrace shining forth from your lips like a beacon has enlightened the universe. It has shown to the world the riches of poverty. It has revealed to us the heights of humility. Teaching us by your words, O Father John Chrysostom, intercede before the Word, Christ our God, to save our souls.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:You received Divine Grace from Heaven, all blessed and venerable John Chrysostom, and taught all by your mouth to worship one God in the Trinity. We praise you worthily, for you are an instructor who reveals things divine.* * * * * * * *At the Liturgy of Saint Basil the GreatYour proclamation has gone out into all the earth, for it was divinely taught by hearing your voice. You expounded the nature of creatures and ennobled the manners of men. O holy father of royal priesthood, entreat Christ God that our souls may be saved.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:You were revealed as the sure foundation of the Church, granting all men a lord-ship which cannot be taken away, sealing it with your precepts, O venerable and heavenly father.* * * * * * * *At the Liturgy of the Presanctified GiftsTroparion of Saint Gregory the DialogistThe truth of things revealed you to your flock as a rule of faith, an Icon of meekness, and a teacher of abstinence. You thus reached the heights through humility and wealth through poverty. O holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray toChrist God for the salvation of our souls.* * * * * * * *Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Steadfast protectress of Christians, constant advocate before the Creator: do not despise the cry of us sinners, but in your goodness come speedily to help us who call on you in faith. Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us, O Theotokos, for you always protect those who honor you.Lord, have mercy!(12 times)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 defilement you gave birth to God the Word. True Theotokos, we magnify you.The priest pronounces the dismissal.ST. TIKHON’S SEMINARY PRESS1982
Glory to Thee, O God! Glory to Thee, O God! Glory to Thee, O God!
I thank Thee, O Lord my God, for Thou hast not rejected me, a sinner, but hast made me worthy to be a partaker of Thy holy things. I thank Thee, for Thou hast permitted me, the unworthy, to commune of Thy most pure and heavenly Gifts. But, O Master, Who lovest mankind, Who for our sakes didst die and rise again, and gavest us these awesome and life-creating Mysteries for the good and sanctification of our souls and bodies; let them be for the healing of soul and body, the repelling of every adversary, the illumining 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 Thy commandments, the receiving of Thy Divine Grace, and the attaining ofThy Kingdom. Preserved by them in Thy holiness, may I always remember Thy Grace and live not for myself alone, but for Thee, our Master and Benefactor. May I pass from this life in the hope of eternal life, and so attain to the everlasting rest, where the voice of those who feast is unceasing, and the gladness of those who behold the goodness of Thy countenance is unending. For Thou art the true desire and the ineffable joy of those who love Thee, O Christ our God, and all creation sings of Thy praise forever. Amen.
O Master Christ our God, King of the Ages, Maker of all things: I thank Thee for all the good things Thou hast given me, especially for the communion with Thy most pure and life-creating Mysteries. I pray Thee, O gracious Lover of Man: preserve me under Thy protection, beneath the shadow of Thy wings. Enable me even to my last breath, to partake worthily and with a pure conscience of Thy holy things, for the remission ofsins and unto life eternal. For Thou art the Bread of Life, the Fountain of Holiness, the Giver of all Good; to Thee we ascribe glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Freely Thou hast given me Thy Body for my food, O Thou Who art a fire consuming the unworthy. Consume me not, O my Creator, but instead enter into my members, my veins, my heart. Consume the thorns of my transgressions. Cleanse my soul and sanctify my reasonings. Make firm my knees and body. Illumine my five senses. Nail me to the fear of Thee. Always protect, guard, and keep me from soul-destroying words and deeds. Cleanse me, purify me, and adorn me. Give me understanding and illumination. Show me to be a temple of Thy One Spirit and not the home of many sins. May every evil thing, every carnal passion flee from me as from a fire as I become Thy tabernaclethrough communion. I offer Thee as intercessors all the saints: the leaders of the bodiless hosts, Thy Forerunner, the wise apostles, and Thy pure and blameless Mother. Accept their prayers in Thy love, O my Christ, and make me, Thy servant, a child of light. For Thou art the only Sanctification and Light of our souls, O Good One, and to Thee, our Master and God, we ascribe glory day by day.
O Lord Jesus Christ our God: let Thy holy Body be my eternal life; Thy precious Blood, my remission of sins. Let this Eucharist be my joy, health, and gladness. Make me, a sinner, worthy to stand on the right hand of Thy glory at Thine awesome second Coming, through the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and of all the saints.
O most holy Lady Theotokos, the light of my darkened soul, my hope, my protection, my refuge, my rest, and my joy: Ithank you, for you have permitted me, the unworthy, to be a partaker of the most pure Body and precious Blood of your Son. Give the light of understanding to the eyes of my heart, you that gave birth to the True Light. Enliven me who am deadened by sin, you that gave birth to the Fountain of Immortality. Have mercy on me, O loving Mother of the merciful God. Grant me compunction and contrition of heart, humility in my thoughts, and a release from the slavery of my own reasonings. And enable me, even to my last breath, to receive the sanctification of the most pure Mysteries, for the healing of soul and body. Grant me tears of repentance and confession, that I may glorify you all the days of my life, for you are blessed and greatly glorified forever. Amen.
Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the faceof all people: a light to enlighten the Gentiles and to be the glory of Thy people, Israel.
Holy God! Holy Mighty! Holy Immortal! Have mercy on us.(3 times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O most-holy Trinity, have mercy on us! O Lord, cleanse us from our sins! O Master, pardon our transgressions! O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy!(3 times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead usnot into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
(If there is a priest, he adds the usual exclamation.)
Grace shining forth from your lips like a beacon has enlightened the universe. It has shown to the world the riches of poverty. It has revealed to us the heights of humility. Teaching us by your words, O Father John Chrysostom, intercede before the Word, Christ our God, to save our souls.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
You received Divine Grace from Heaven, all blessed and venerable John Chrysostom, and taught all by your mouth to worship one God in the Trinity. We praise you worthily, for you are an instructor who reveals things divine.
* * * * * * * *
Your proclamation has gone out into all the earth, for it was divinely taught by hearing your voice. You expounded the nature of creatures and ennobled the manners of men. O holy father of royal priesthood, entreat Christ God that our souls may be saved.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
You were revealed as the sure foundation of the Church, granting all men a lord-ship which cannot be taken away, sealing it with your precepts, O venerable and heavenly father.
* * * * * * * *
The truth of things revealed you to your flock as a rule of faith, an Icon of meekness, and a teacher of abstinence. You thus reached the heights through humility and wealth through poverty. O holy hierarch, father Gregory, pray toChrist God for the salvation of our souls.
* * * * * * * *
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Steadfast protectress of Christians, constant advocate before the Creator: do not despise the cry of us sinners, but in your goodness come speedily to help us who call on you in faith. Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us, O Theotokos, for you always protect those who honor you.
Lord, have mercy!(12 times)
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 defilement you gave birth to God the Word. True Theotokos, we magnify you.
The priest pronounces the dismissal.
ST. TIKHON’S SEMINARY PRESS1982