The Project Gutenberg eBook ofOrthodox Daily Prayers

The Project Gutenberg eBook ofOrthodox Daily PrayersThis ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.Title: Orthodox Daily PrayersAuthor: AnonymousRelease date: January 16, 2011 [eBook #34981]Most recently updated: September 25, 2021Language: EnglishCredits: Gerard Arthus, Stephen Hutcheson, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ORTHODOX DAILY PRAYERS ***

This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

Title: Orthodox Daily PrayersAuthor: AnonymousRelease date: January 16, 2011 [eBook #34981]Most recently updated: September 25, 2021Language: EnglishCredits: Gerard Arthus, Stephen Hutcheson, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team

Title: Orthodox Daily Prayers

Author: Anonymous

Release date: January 16, 2011 [eBook #34981]Most recently updated: September 25, 2021

Language: English

Credits: Gerard Arthus, Stephen Hutcheson, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ORTHODOX DAILY PRAYERS ***

ORTHODOX DAILY PRAYERSCross/Alpha-Omega/Chi-Rho MonogramST. TIKHON’S SEMINARY PRESSCrossORTHODOX DAILY PRAYERSPraying FigureST. TIKHON’S SEMINARY PRESS1982Printedwith the blessingsofHis Grace,the Right ReverendHERMANBishop of PhiladelphiaandEastern Pennsylvania

ORTHODOX DAILY PRAYERSCross/Alpha-Omega/Chi-Rho MonogramST. TIKHON’S SEMINARY PRESS

Cross/Alpha-Omega/Chi-Rho Monogram

ST. TIKHON’S SEMINARY PRESS

Cross

ORTHODOX DAILY PRAYERSPraying FigureST. TIKHON’S SEMINARY PRESS1982Printedwith the blessingsofHis Grace,the Right ReverendHERMANBishop of PhiladelphiaandEastern Pennsylvania

Praying Figure

ST. TIKHON’S SEMINARY PRESS1982

Printedwith the blessingsofHis Grace,the Right ReverendHERMANBishop of PhiladelphiaandEastern Pennsylvania

TABLE OF CONTENTSIntroduction1Morning Prayers5Commemoration of the Living and the Dead25Prayers at the Table33The Order of Compline38Before Sleep68The Three Canons89Canon in Preparation for Holy Communion119Prayers in Preparation for Holy Communion130Prayers for Thanksgiving After Communion161

INTRODUCTIONTHE PRAYERBOOKThe present Prayerbook contains the most basic daily prayers of the Orthodox Christian as they have been transmitted to us essentially by the Russian Church, although the other Orthodox Traditions in this matter are very similar.In this book, we will find the Psalms of the Holy Prophet King David, the prayer which Our Lord Himself taught His holy disciples, prayers of the desert fathers, prayers of the great hierarchs and teachers of the Church, as well as the prayers of more recent fathers.The publication of such prayers does not limit the free expression of the Christian soul to the Creator, the Most-holy Theotokos and the Saints. On the contrary, by reading these prayers we learn how to pray. They become models for our own, personal prayers. Often, we would like to pray but, distracted by the bustling world around us, or troubled by fear or sorrow, we do not even know how to begin. We then begin with the Prayerbookand find that not only much of what we wanted to say is included in the prayers of the fathers, but that afterwards, we find words of our own to continue the outpouring of our soul.There is yet another gift in the Prayerbook. As Orthodox Christians we are all members of the same Body. We express and partake of that oneness in the services of the Church, especially in the Divine Liturgy. Through the Prayerbook, this oneness is brought into our homes or any place that an Orthodox Christian reads it. Our own prayers are carried to the Throne of God on the wings of prayers that have been used by the People of God for centuries. We no longer pray alone.THE RULE OF PRAYERMany rules of prayer have developed in the history of the Church. At no place or time has there been a uniform rule. In 19th Century Russia, for example, the rule varied considerably from one monastery to another, though certain basic elements were found in all of them. Therefore, the term “Rule of Prayer” should never be understood as a strait jacket, regulating and limiting our communion with God.What the Rules do teach us is the importanceof regularity in our life of prayer. It is better to say a few prayers every day without fail than to say a great number of prayers on an irregular, impulsive basis. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have a spiritual father should consult him before establishing our own Rule. Those of us who do not, should begin with a modest Rule, increasing it only when it has become a regular and integral part of our lives.THE TRANSLATIONWe have attempted to use a contemporary but dignified form of the English language throughout this present translation. Wherever possible, existing translations of the Orthodox Church in America have been used. For example, the Prayers in Preparation for Holy Communion are taken from the official Divine Liturgy book (St. Tikhon’s Seminary Press, 1977) with very few changes. The Psalms, verses, troparia, and prayers not included in that edition have now been translated and included to complete the traditional order.The Psalms are taken from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible with changes made wherever significant differences with the Orthodox liturgical Psalter (based on the Septuagint) made it necessary. The numbering ofthe Psalms follows the Septuagint throughout the Prayerbook. We are leaving to Biblical scholars the study of the merits of the various texts of the Holy Scriptures. Our object here is to provide the English-speaking Orthodox Christian with a Prayerbook as closely equivalent as possible to the Prayerbooks that Orthodox Christians of other nationalities have used for generations.Cross/Alpha-Omega/Chi-Rho Monogram

The present Prayerbook contains the most basic daily prayers of the Orthodox Christian as they have been transmitted to us essentially by the Russian Church, although the other Orthodox Traditions in this matter are very similar.

In this book, we will find the Psalms of the Holy Prophet King David, the prayer which Our Lord Himself taught His holy disciples, prayers of the desert fathers, prayers of the great hierarchs and teachers of the Church, as well as the prayers of more recent fathers.

The publication of such prayers does not limit the free expression of the Christian soul to the Creator, the Most-holy Theotokos and the Saints. On the contrary, by reading these prayers we learn how to pray. They become models for our own, personal prayers. Often, we would like to pray but, distracted by the bustling world around us, or troubled by fear or sorrow, we do not even know how to begin. We then begin with the Prayerbookand find that not only much of what we wanted to say is included in the prayers of the fathers, but that afterwards, we find words of our own to continue the outpouring of our soul.

There is yet another gift in the Prayerbook. As Orthodox Christians we are all members of the same Body. We express and partake of that oneness in the services of the Church, especially in the Divine Liturgy. Through the Prayerbook, this oneness is brought into our homes or any place that an Orthodox Christian reads it. Our own prayers are carried to the Throne of God on the wings of prayers that have been used by the People of God for centuries. We no longer pray alone.

Many rules of prayer have developed in the history of the Church. At no place or time has there been a uniform rule. In 19th Century Russia, for example, the rule varied considerably from one monastery to another, though certain basic elements were found in all of them. Therefore, the term “Rule of Prayer” should never be understood as a strait jacket, regulating and limiting our communion with God.

What the Rules do teach us is the importanceof regularity in our life of prayer. It is better to say a few prayers every day without fail than to say a great number of prayers on an irregular, impulsive basis. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have a spiritual father should consult him before establishing our own Rule. Those of us who do not, should begin with a modest Rule, increasing it only when it has become a regular and integral part of our lives.

We have attempted to use a contemporary but dignified form of the English language throughout this present translation. Wherever possible, existing translations of the Orthodox Church in America have been used. For example, the Prayers in Preparation for Holy Communion are taken from the official Divine Liturgy book (St. Tikhon’s Seminary Press, 1977) with very few changes. The Psalms, verses, troparia, and prayers not included in that edition have now been translated and included to complete the traditional order.

The Psalms are taken from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible with changes made wherever significant differences with the Orthodox liturgical Psalter (based on the Septuagint) made it necessary. The numbering ofthe Psalms follows the Septuagint throughout the Prayerbook. We are leaving to Biblical scholars the study of the merits of the various texts of the Holy Scriptures. Our object here is to provide the English-speaking Orthodox Christian with a Prayerbook as closely equivalent as possible to the Prayerbooks that Orthodox Christians of other nationalities have used for generations.

Cross/Alpha-Omega/Chi-Rho Monogram

MORNING PRAYERSHaving awakened, arise from your bed without laziness and, having gathered your thoughts, make the Sign of the Cross, saying:In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.Afterwards, stand in silence for a few moments until all your senses are calmed. At that point, make three prostrations, saying:Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.Then, begin the Morning Prayers with these words:Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things. Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life: Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, andsave 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)Having arisen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Blessed One, and sing to Thee, O Mighty One, the angelic hymn: Holy! Holy! Holy! art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:Having raised me from my bed and from sleep, O Lord, enlighten my mind and heart, and open my lips that I may praise Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy! Holy! Holy! art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.The Judge will come suddenly and the acts of every man will be revealed; but in the middle of the night we cry with fear: Holy! Holy! Holy! art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.Lord, have mercy!(12 times)Having risen from sleep, I thank Thee,the Holy Trinity. In the abundance of Thy kindness and long patience, Thou hast not been angry with me for my laziness and sinfulness, nor hast Thou destroyed me in my lawlessness. Instead, in Thy usual love for mankind, Thou hast raised me as I lay in despair, that I might rise early and glorify Thy Reign. Enlighten now the eyes of my mind and open my lips, that I might learn of Thy words, understand Thy commandments, accomplish Thy will, hymn Thee in heart-felt confession and praise Thine all-holy name, the Father and the Son, and 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!Psalm 50Have mercy on me, O God,according to Thy great mercy;according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies,blot out my transgressions.Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,and cleanse me from my sin!For I know my transgressions,and my sin is ever before me.Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned,and done that which is evil in Thy sight,so that Thou art justified in Thy sentenceand blameless in Thy judgment.Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,and in sins did my mother conceive me.Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward being;therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.Fill me with joy and gladness;let the bones which Thou hast broken rejoice.Hide Thy face from my sins,and blot out all my iniquities.Create in me a clean heart, O God,and put a new and right spirit within me.Cast me not away from Thy presence,and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation,and uphold me with a willing spirit.Then I will teach transgressors Thy ways,and sinners will return to Thee.Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,Thou God of my salvation,and my tongue will sing aloud of Thy deliverance.O Lord, open Thou my lips,and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.For Thou hast no delight in sacrifice;were I to give a burnt offering, Thou wouldst not be pleased.The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit;a broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.Do good to Zion in Thy good pleasure;rebuild the walls of Jerusalem,Then wilt Thou delight in right sacrifices,in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;then bulls will be offered on Thy altar.The Symbol of FaithI 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 arose 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 the Son together is worshipped 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.1st Prayer, by St. Macarius the Great.O God, cleanse me a sinner, for I have done nothing good before Thee. Deliver me from the evil one, and may Thy will bein me, that I might open my unworthy lips without condemnation and praise Thy holy name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.2nd Prayer, by St. Macarius the Great.Having risen from sleep, I offer Thee, O Savior, the midnight song. Falling down, I cry to Thee: let me not fall asleep in the death of sin. Be gracious to me, Thou Who wast willingly crucified. Raise me quickly as I lie in laziness, and save me as I stand in prayer. After the night’s sleep, O Christ God, shine a sinless day on me and save me.3rd Prayer, by St. Macarius the Great.Having risen from sleep, I run to Thee, O Master, for Thou lovest mankind, and I rush to accomplish Thy work. Help me, I pray Thee, at all times and in all things. Deliver me from every evil thing of this world and from works of the devil. Save me, and lead me into Thine eternal Kingdom. Thou art my Maker, The Providerand Giver of everything good. All my hope is in Thee and I glorify Thee, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.4th Prayer, by St. Macarius the Great.O Lord, through Thy abundant goodness and great generosity, Thou hast allowed me, Thy servant, to pass through the hours of this night untempted by any evil of the enemy. Grant also, O Master and Creator of all, that I might accomplish Thy will in Thy true light and with an illumined heart, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.5th Prayer, by St. Macarius the Great.O Lord, the Almighty God, Who acceptest the thrice-holy hymn from Thy heavenly hosts: accept this song of the night even from me, Thine unworthy servant. Grant that at every year and hour of my life I might glorify Thee, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.6th Prayer, by St. Basil the Great.Almighty Lord, the God of hosts and ofall flesh, Thou livest in the heights, yet lookest down on the humble, proving the hearts and emotions, clearly foreknowing the secrets of men. Thou art the Light without beginning, in Whom there is no variation nor shadow of change. O Immortal King, accept the prayers which we now offer Thee from defiled lips. Free us from the sins we have committed in deed, word or thought, knowingly and unknowingly. Cleanse us from all defilement of flesh and spirit. Grant us to pass through the entire night of this present life with a watchful heart and a sober mind, awaiting the coming of the bright and manifest day of Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, when the Judge of all will come with glory to reward each according to his deeds. May we not be found fallen and lazy, but alert and roused to action, prepared to enter into His joy and the divine chamber of His glory, where the voice of those who feast is unceasing and indescribable is the delight of those who behold the inexpressiblebeauty of Thy countenance. For Thou art the true Light which enlightens and sanctifies all, and all creation hymns Thee unto ages of ages. Amen.7th Prayer, also by St. Basil.We bless Thee, most high God and Lord of mercies, Who ever doest great and unfathomable things for us—glorious and awesome things without number. Thou givest us sleep for the repose of our frailty, relieving the labors of our over-burdened flesh. We thank Thee for not destroying us in our lawlessness. Instead, Thou hast shown Thy usual love for mankind, and raised us, as we lay in despair, to glorify Thy Reign. Therefore, we implore Thy boundless goodness: enlighten our thoughts and eyes, and awaken our minds from the heavy sleep of laziness. Open our lips and fill them with Thy praise, that we may unwaveringly hymn and confess Thee, the God glorified in all and by all, Father without beginning, with Thine only-begotten Son and Thine all-holy,and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.8th Prayer. A Midnight Song to the Most Holy Theotokos.I hymn your Grace, O Lady,and pray that you grace my mind.Teach me to walk correctlyon the path of Christ’s commandments.Strengthen me to watch in song,dispelling the despair of sleep.I am bound by fetters of sin,free me by your prayers, O Bride of God!Keep me in the night and in the day,delivering me from warring enemies.As you bore the life-giving God,give life to me, who am wounded by passions.As you bore the unsetting Light,enlighten my blinded soul.O wondrous palace of the Master,make me a home of the divine Spirit.As you bore the Physician,heal my soul of its passion-filled years.I am tossed in the tempest of life:direct me to the path of repentance.Deliver me from the eternal flame,from the evil worm, and from hell.Make me not a joy for demons,though I am guilty of many sins.Make me new, most undefiled one,for I am aged by senseless sins.Estrange me from all torments,and pray for me to the Master of all.Grant that, with all the saints,I may inherit the joys of heaven.Hear, most holy Virgin,the voice of your useless servant.Grant me a torrent of tears, most pure one,to wash the filth of my soul.The groans of my heart I bring you unceasingly:open your heart, O Lady!Accept my prayerful service,and take it to the compassionate God.You who are far higher than the angels,raise me above this world’s confusion.O light-bearing heavenly cloud,direct spiritual grace into me.I raise in praise, all-undefiled one,hands and lips defiled by sin.Deliver me from soul-corrupting harm,praying fervently to Christ,To Whom glory and worship are due,now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.9th Prayer, to Our Lord Jesus Christ.My most merciful and all-merciful God, O Lord Jesus Christ! In Thy great love, Thou didst come down and become flesh in order to save all. Again, I pray Thee, save me by Grace! If Thou shouldst save me because of my deeds, it would not be a gift, but merely a duty. Truly, Thou aboundest in graciousness and art inexpressibly merciful! Thou hast said, O my Christ: “He who believes in me shall live and never see death”. If faith in Thee saves the desperate, behold: I believe! Save me, for Thou art my God and my Maker. May my faith replace my deeds, O my God, for Thou wilt find no deeds tojustify me. May my faith be sufficient for all. May it answer for me; may it justify me; may it make me a partaker of Thine eternal glory; and may Satan not seize me, O Word, and boast that He has torn me from Thy hand and fold. O Christ my Savior: save me whether I want it or not! Come quickly, hurry, for I perish! Thou art my God from my mother’s womb. Grant, O Lord, that I may now love Thee as once I loved sin, and that I may labor for Thee without laziness as once I labored for Satan the deceiver. Even more, I will labor for Thee, my Lord and God Jesus Christ, all the days of my life, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.10th Prayer, to the Angel, the guardian of human life.O Holy Angel, who stand by my wretched soul and my passionate life: do not abandon me, a sinner, neither depart from me because of my lack of self-control. Leave no room for the evil demon to gain control of me through the violence of this mortal body. Strengthen my weak and feeblehand, and instruct me in the path of salvation. O holy Angel of God, the guardian and protector of my wretched soul and body: forgive all the sorrows I have caused you, every day of my life. If I have sinned in this past night, protect me during this day. Keep me from every adverse temptation, that I may not anger God by any sin. Pray to the Lord for me, that He may establish me in His fear and make me, His servant, worthy of His goodness. Amen.11th Prayer, to the Most Holy Theotokos.O Most Holy Theotokos, my Lady: through your holy and all-powerful prayers, turn away from me, your humble and unworthy servant, despair, forgetfulness, unreasonableness, indifference, and all unclean, evil and blasphemous thoughts from my wretched heart and darkened mind. Extinguish the flame of my passions, for I am poor and wretched. Deliver me from my numerous and wicked memories and fantasies. Free me from allevil acts, for you are blessed by all generations, and your most honorable name is glorified unto ages of ages. Amen.Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos! Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!Most glorious Ever-Virgin Mother of Christ our God, bear our prayer to your Son and our God, that through you He may save our souls.O heavenly hosts of holy Angels and Archangels, pray for us sinners.O glorious Apostles, Prophets, Martyrs, and all Saints, pray for us sinners.Pray to God for me holy ________ (your Patron Saint), for with fervor I run to you, swift helper and intercessor for my soul!O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries; and by virtue of Thy Cross, preserve Thy habitation.It is truly meet to bless you, OTheotokos, ever-blessed and most pure, and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: without defilement you gave birth to God the Word: true Theotokos, we magnify you.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to ages of ages. Amen.Lord, have mercy!(3 times)Lord Jesus Christ Son of God, for the sake of Thy most pure Mother, our venerable and God-bearing fathers, and all the saints, save me, a sinner. Amen.Some pious Christians use the following “Morning Prayer of the Last Elders of Optina” with their morning prayers.O Lord, grant that I may meet all that this coming day brings to me with spiritual tranquility. Grant that I may fully surrender myself to Thy holy Will.At every hour of this day, direct and support me in all things. Whatsoever news may reach me in the course of the day,teach me to accept it with a calm soul and the firm conviction that all is subject to Thy holy Will.Direct my thoughts and feelings in all my words and actions. In all unexpected occurrences, do not let me forget that all is sent down from Thee.Grant that I may deal straightforwardly and wisely with every member of my family, neither embarrassing nor saddening anyone.O Lord, grant me the strength to endure the fatigue of the coming day and all the events that take place during it. Direct my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to be patient, to forgive, and to love. Amen.

Having awakened, arise from your bed without laziness and, having gathered your thoughts, make the Sign of the Cross, saying:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Afterwards, stand in silence for a few moments until all your senses are calmed. At that point, make three prostrations, saying:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Then, begin the Morning Prayers with these words:

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

Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth Who art everywhere and fillest all things. Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life: Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every impurity, andsave 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)

Having arisen from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Blessed One, and sing to Thee, O Mighty One, the angelic hymn: Holy! Holy! Holy! art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

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

Having raised me from my bed and from sleep, O Lord, enlighten my mind and heart, and open my lips that I may praise Thee, O Holy Trinity: Holy! Holy! Holy! art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

The Judge will come suddenly and the acts of every man will be revealed; but in the middle of the night we cry with fear: Holy! Holy! Holy! art Thou, O God; through the Theotokos, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy!(12 times)

Having risen from sleep, I thank Thee,the Holy Trinity. In the abundance of Thy kindness and long patience, Thou hast not been angry with me for my laziness and sinfulness, nor hast Thou destroyed me in my lawlessness. Instead, in Thy usual love for mankind, Thou hast raised me as I lay in despair, that I might rise early and glorify Thy Reign. Enlighten now the eyes of my mind and open my lips, that I might learn of Thy words, understand Thy commandments, accomplish Thy will, hymn Thee in heart-felt confession and praise Thine all-holy name, the Father and the Son, and 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!

Have mercy on me, O God,according to Thy great mercy;according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies,blot out my transgressions.Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,and cleanse me from my sin!

Have mercy on me, O God,

according to Thy great mercy;

according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies,

blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

and cleanse me from my sin!

For I know my transgressions,and my sin is ever before me.Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned,and done that which is evil in Thy sight,so that Thou art justified in Thy sentenceand blameless in Thy judgment.Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,and in sins did my mother conceive me.

For I know my transgressions,

and my sin is ever before me.

Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned,

and done that which is evil in Thy sight,

so that Thou art justified in Thy sentence

and blameless in Thy judgment.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,

and in sins did my mother conceive me.

Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward being;therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.Fill me with joy and gladness;let the bones which Thou hast broken rejoice.Hide Thy face from my sins,and blot out all my iniquities.Create in me a clean heart, O God,and put a new and right spirit within me.Cast me not away from Thy presence,and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation,and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward being;

therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Fill me with joy and gladness;

let the bones which Thou hast broken rejoice.

Hide Thy face from my sins,

and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and put a new and right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from Thy presence,

and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation,

and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors Thy ways,and sinners will return to Thee.Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,Thou God of my salvation,and my tongue will sing aloud of Thy deliverance.

Then I will teach transgressors Thy ways,

and sinners will return to Thee.

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,

Thou God of my salvation,

and my tongue will sing aloud of Thy deliverance.

O Lord, open Thou my lips,and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.For Thou hast no delight in sacrifice;were I to give a burnt offering, Thou wouldst not be pleased.The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit;a broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.

O Lord, open Thou my lips,

and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.

For Thou hast no delight in sacrifice;

were I to give a burnt offering, Thou wouldst not be pleased.

The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.

Do good to Zion in Thy good pleasure;rebuild the walls of Jerusalem,Then wilt Thou delight in right sacrifices,in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;then bulls will be offered on Thy altar.

Do good to Zion in Thy good pleasure;

rebuild the walls of Jerusalem,

Then wilt Thou delight in right sacrifices,

in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;

then bulls will be offered on Thy altar.

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 arose 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 the Son together is worshipped 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.

O God, cleanse me a sinner, for I have done nothing good before Thee. Deliver me from the evil one, and may Thy will bein me, that I might open my unworthy lips without condemnation and praise Thy holy name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Having risen from sleep, I offer Thee, O Savior, the midnight song. Falling down, I cry to Thee: let me not fall asleep in the death of sin. Be gracious to me, Thou Who wast willingly crucified. Raise me quickly as I lie in laziness, and save me as I stand in prayer. After the night’s sleep, O Christ God, shine a sinless day on me and save me.

Having risen from sleep, I run to Thee, O Master, for Thou lovest mankind, and I rush to accomplish Thy work. Help me, I pray Thee, at all times and in all things. Deliver me from every evil thing of this world and from works of the devil. Save me, and lead me into Thine eternal Kingdom. Thou art my Maker, The Providerand Giver of everything good. All my hope is in Thee and I glorify Thee, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Lord, through Thy abundant goodness and great generosity, Thou hast allowed me, Thy servant, to pass through the hours of this night untempted by any evil of the enemy. Grant also, O Master and Creator of all, that I might accomplish Thy will in Thy true light and with an illumined heart, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Lord, the Almighty God, Who acceptest the thrice-holy hymn from Thy heavenly hosts: accept this song of the night even from me, Thine unworthy servant. Grant that at every year and hour of my life I might glorify Thee, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Almighty Lord, the God of hosts and ofall flesh, Thou livest in the heights, yet lookest down on the humble, proving the hearts and emotions, clearly foreknowing the secrets of men. Thou art the Light without beginning, in Whom there is no variation nor shadow of change. O Immortal King, accept the prayers which we now offer Thee from defiled lips. Free us from the sins we have committed in deed, word or thought, knowingly and unknowingly. Cleanse us from all defilement of flesh and spirit. Grant us to pass through the entire night of this present life with a watchful heart and a sober mind, awaiting the coming of the bright and manifest day of Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, when the Judge of all will come with glory to reward each according to his deeds. May we not be found fallen and lazy, but alert and roused to action, prepared to enter into His joy and the divine chamber of His glory, where the voice of those who feast is unceasing and indescribable is the delight of those who behold the inexpressiblebeauty of Thy countenance. For Thou art the true Light which enlightens and sanctifies all, and all creation hymns Thee unto ages of ages. Amen.

We bless Thee, most high God and Lord of mercies, Who ever doest great and unfathomable things for us—glorious and awesome things without number. Thou givest us sleep for the repose of our frailty, relieving the labors of our over-burdened flesh. We thank Thee for not destroying us in our lawlessness. Instead, Thou hast shown Thy usual love for mankind, and raised us, as we lay in despair, to glorify Thy Reign. Therefore, we implore Thy boundless goodness: enlighten our thoughts and eyes, and awaken our minds from the heavy sleep of laziness. Open our lips and fill them with Thy praise, that we may unwaveringly hymn and confess Thee, the God glorified in all and by all, Father without beginning, with Thine only-begotten Son and Thine all-holy,and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

I hymn your Grace, O Lady,and pray that you grace my mind.Teach me to walk correctlyon the path of Christ’s commandments.Strengthen me to watch in song,dispelling the despair of sleep.I am bound by fetters of sin,free me by your prayers, O Bride of God!Keep me in the night and in the day,delivering me from warring enemies.As you bore the life-giving God,give life to me, who am wounded by passions.As you bore the unsetting Light,enlighten my blinded soul.O wondrous palace of the Master,make me a home of the divine Spirit.As you bore the Physician,heal my soul of its passion-filled years.I am tossed in the tempest of life:direct me to the path of repentance.Deliver me from the eternal flame,from the evil worm, and from hell.Make me not a joy for demons,though I am guilty of many sins.Make me new, most undefiled one,for I am aged by senseless sins.Estrange me from all torments,and pray for me to the Master of all.Grant that, with all the saints,I may inherit the joys of heaven.Hear, most holy Virgin,the voice of your useless servant.Grant me a torrent of tears, most pure one,to wash the filth of my soul.The groans of my heart I bring you unceasingly:open your heart, O Lady!Accept my prayerful service,and take it to the compassionate God.You who are far higher than the angels,raise me above this world’s confusion.O light-bearing heavenly cloud,direct spiritual grace into me.I raise in praise, all-undefiled one,hands and lips defiled by sin.Deliver me from soul-corrupting harm,praying fervently to Christ,To Whom glory and worship are due,now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

I hymn your Grace, O Lady,

and pray that you grace my mind.

Teach me to walk correctly

on the path of Christ’s commandments.

Strengthen me to watch in song,

dispelling the despair of sleep.

I am bound by fetters of sin,

free me by your prayers, O Bride of God!

Keep me in the night and in the day,

delivering me from warring enemies.

As you bore the life-giving God,

give life to me, who am wounded by passions.

As you bore the unsetting Light,

enlighten my blinded soul.

O wondrous palace of the Master,

make me a home of the divine Spirit.

As you bore the Physician,

heal my soul of its passion-filled years.

I am tossed in the tempest of life:

direct me to the path of repentance.

Deliver me from the eternal flame,

from the evil worm, and from hell.

Make me not a joy for demons,

though I am guilty of many sins.

Make me new, most undefiled one,

for I am aged by senseless sins.

Estrange me from all torments,

and pray for me to the Master of all.

Grant that, with all the saints,

I may inherit the joys of heaven.

Hear, most holy Virgin,

the voice of your useless servant.

Grant me a torrent of tears, most pure one,

to wash the filth of my soul.

The groans of my heart I bring you unceasingly:

open your heart, O Lady!

Accept my prayerful service,

and take it to the compassionate God.

You who are far higher than the angels,

raise me above this world’s confusion.

O light-bearing heavenly cloud,

direct spiritual grace into me.

I raise in praise, all-undefiled one,

hands and lips defiled by sin.

Deliver me from soul-corrupting harm,

praying fervently to Christ,

To Whom glory and worship are due,

now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

My most merciful and all-merciful God, O Lord Jesus Christ! In Thy great love, Thou didst come down and become flesh in order to save all. Again, I pray Thee, save me by Grace! If Thou shouldst save me because of my deeds, it would not be a gift, but merely a duty. Truly, Thou aboundest in graciousness and art inexpressibly merciful! Thou hast said, O my Christ: “He who believes in me shall live and never see death”. If faith in Thee saves the desperate, behold: I believe! Save me, for Thou art my God and my Maker. May my faith replace my deeds, O my God, for Thou wilt find no deeds tojustify me. May my faith be sufficient for all. May it answer for me; may it justify me; may it make me a partaker of Thine eternal glory; and may Satan not seize me, O Word, and boast that He has torn me from Thy hand and fold. O Christ my Savior: save me whether I want it or not! Come quickly, hurry, for I perish! Thou art my God from my mother’s womb. Grant, O Lord, that I may now love Thee as once I loved sin, and that I may labor for Thee without laziness as once I labored for Satan the deceiver. Even more, I will labor for Thee, my Lord and God Jesus Christ, all the days of my life, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Holy Angel, who stand by my wretched soul and my passionate life: do not abandon me, a sinner, neither depart from me because of my lack of self-control. Leave no room for the evil demon to gain control of me through the violence of this mortal body. Strengthen my weak and feeblehand, and instruct me in the path of salvation. O holy Angel of God, the guardian and protector of my wretched soul and body: forgive all the sorrows I have caused you, every day of my life. If I have sinned in this past night, protect me during this day. Keep me from every adverse temptation, that I may not anger God by any sin. Pray to the Lord for me, that He may establish me in His fear and make me, His servant, worthy of His goodness. Amen.

O Most Holy Theotokos, my Lady: through your holy and all-powerful prayers, turn away from me, your humble and unworthy servant, despair, forgetfulness, unreasonableness, indifference, and all unclean, evil and blasphemous thoughts from my wretched heart and darkened mind. Extinguish the flame of my passions, for I am poor and wretched. Deliver me from my numerous and wicked memories and fantasies. Free me from allevil acts, for you are blessed by all generations, and your most honorable name is glorified unto ages of ages. Amen.

Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos! Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have borne the Savior of our souls!

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

O heavenly hosts of holy Angels and Archangels, pray for us sinners.

O glorious Apostles, Prophets, Martyrs, and all Saints, pray for us sinners.

Pray to God for me holy ________ (your Patron Saint), for with fervor I run to you, swift helper and intercessor for my soul!

O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries; and by virtue of Thy Cross, preserve Thy habitation.

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

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

Lord, have mercy!(3 times)

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

Some pious Christians use the following “Morning Prayer of the Last Elders of Optina” with their morning prayers.

O Lord, grant that I may meet all that this coming day brings to me with spiritual tranquility. Grant that I may fully surrender myself to Thy holy Will.

At every hour of this day, direct and support me in all things. Whatsoever news may reach me in the course of the day,teach me to accept it with a calm soul and the firm conviction that all is subject to Thy holy Will.

Direct my thoughts and feelings in all my words and actions. In all unexpected occurrences, do not let me forget that all is sent down from Thee.

Grant that I may deal straightforwardly and wisely with every member of my family, neither embarrassing nor saddening anyone.

O Lord, grant me the strength to endure the fatigue of the coming day and all the events that take place during it. Direct my will and teach me to pray, to believe, to hope, to be patient, to forgive, and to love. Amen.

COMMEMORATION OF THE LIVING AND THE DEADTo be read daily by every monastic and pious Christian at the end of his rule of prayer.Remember, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, Thine eternal mercies and compassion, for whose sake Thou didst become man and willingly endured crucifixion and death for the salvation of those who rightly believe in Thee. Thou didst rise from the dead and ascend into Heaven and sittest at the right hand of God the Father, looking down on the humble petitions of those who call upon Thee with their whole heart. Bow down Thine ear and hear the prayer which I, Thy useless servant, offer Thee for all Thy people as a spiritual fragrance. First of all, remember Thy Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church which Thou didst obtain through Thy precious Blood. Establish, strengthen, broaden, and multiply her. Give her peace and keep hereternally unassailable by the gates of hell. Calm the quarrels of the churches, put out the arrogance of the heathen, and swiftly destroy and uproot the rebellions of heresies, turning them into nothing through the power of Thy Holy Spirit.Prostration.Save, Lord, and have mercy on the Holy Orthodox Patriarchs, our Lord, the Most Blessed ________, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada; on our Lord, the Right Reverend ________, Bishop of ________; on priests, deacons and all the clergy whom Thou hast installed to tend Thy reason endowed flock. Through their prayers, save me also, a sinner, and have mercy on me.Prostration.Save, Lord, and have mercy on the President of our country, on all our civil authorities and armed forces. Surround them with peace, and speak peace and goodness into their hearts for Thy Holy Church and all Thy people. In their calmmay we live a calm and silent life in the True Faith and in all piety and purity.Prostration.Save, Lord, and have mercy on our father (the name and title of the abbot of your monastery or of your parish priest) with all our brethren in Christ, and have mercy on me, who am wretched, through their prayers.Prostration.Save, Lord, and have mercy on my spiritual father ________, and forgive my transgressions through his holy prayers.Prostration.(In Monasteries)Save, Lord, and have mercy on all our brethren who labor in this holy community—the laborers, the lay workers, and those who work the land for this monastery, and all Christians.(In Parishes)Save, Lord, and have mercy on all our brethren who serve this holy Church—theparish council, the choir, the teachers, the custodians and cleaners, and all who work for our parish, and all Christians.Prostration.(Any inapplicable terms in the following petition are simply omitted.)Save, Lord, and have mercy on my parents ________(if they are still living), my wife/husband ________, my children ________, my brothers and sisters and all my relatives according to the flesh, those who are close to my family, and my friends. Grant them Thy worldly and heavenly good things.Prostration.Save, Lord, and have mercy on our fathers, brothers, and sisters who live with patient faith in the monasteries of the Holy Mountain, Russia, America, and any other place. Through their prayers, have mercy on me a sinner.Prostration.Save, Lord, and have mercy, according to the multitude of Thy compassions, onall hieromonks, monks, and nuns, and on all who in virginity, reverence, and fasting live in monasteries, in deserts and caves, on mountains and pillars, in hermitages and cleft rocks, on islands in the sea, and who live in the True Faith in every place of Thy dominion, serving Thee piously and praying to Thee. Lighten their burden and console them in sorrow. Grant them strength and resolution in their struggles, and grant me remission of sins through their prayers.Prostration.Save, Lord, and have mercy on the old and the young, the poor, the orphans and widows, and on those who are in sickness and in sadness, in misfortunes and in sorrow, in war and in captivity, in prison and in exile—especially those who, being Thy servants, are persecuted for Thy sake and the Orthodox Faith by godless heathens, apostates, and heretics. Remember, visit, strengthen, and comfort them, giving them early release, freedom, anddeliverance by Thy might.Prostration.Save, Lord, and have mercy on our benefactors who have mercy on us and feed us, giving us alms and security, and ask us to pray for them, despite our unworthiness. Be Thou merciful to them and grant their every petition for salvation and the reward of eternal good things.Prostration.Save, Lord, and have mercy on all our fathers, brothers, and sisters and all Orthodox Christians who are travelling in Thy service.Prostration.Save, Lord, and have mercy on those whom I have caused to stumble, turning them away from the path of salvation and leading them to evil and unseemly deeds. Return them to the path of salvation by Thy Divine Providence.Prostration.Save, Lord, and have mercy on thosewho hate and offend me, and do me harm. Do not let them perish because of me, a sinner.Prostration.Enlighten with the light of Thy knowledge those who have left the Orthodox Faith and have been blinded by devastating heresies, reuniting them to Thy Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.Prostration.For the DepartedRemember, Lord, all Orthodox Patriarchs and Metropolitans; archbishops and bishops; priests and those who serve in holy orders; those who serve Thee in monastic ranks and the blessed founder of our holy community (or Church). Grant them rest with the saints in Thine eternal dwellings.Prostration.Remember, Lord, the souls of Thy departed servants, my parents ________(if they are already dead), and all myrelatives according to the flesh. Forgive all their sins, both voluntary and involuntary. Grant them participation in Thine eternal good things and the enjoyment of the eternal and blessed life.Prostration.Remember, Lord, all our departed fathers, brothers, and sisters, the Orthodox Christians who lie here and everywhere in the hope of the Resurrection and eternal life. Grant them to live with Thy saints under the Light of Thy countenance. Have mercy on us also, for Thou art good and lovest mankind. Amen.Prostration.The following is said three times, each with a prostration.Grant remission of sins, Lord, to all our fathers, brothers, and sisters who have departed before us in faith and the hope of the Resurrection, and make their memory eternal.

To be read daily by every monastic and pious Christian at the end of his rule of prayer.

Remember, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, Thine eternal mercies and compassion, for whose sake Thou didst become man and willingly endured crucifixion and death for the salvation of those who rightly believe in Thee. Thou didst rise from the dead and ascend into Heaven and sittest at the right hand of God the Father, looking down on the humble petitions of those who call upon Thee with their whole heart. Bow down Thine ear and hear the prayer which I, Thy useless servant, offer Thee for all Thy people as a spiritual fragrance. First of all, remember Thy Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church which Thou didst obtain through Thy precious Blood. Establish, strengthen, broaden, and multiply her. Give her peace and keep hereternally unassailable by the gates of hell. Calm the quarrels of the churches, put out the arrogance of the heathen, and swiftly destroy and uproot the rebellions of heresies, turning them into nothing through the power of Thy Holy Spirit.

Prostration.

Save, Lord, and have mercy on the Holy Orthodox Patriarchs, our Lord, the Most Blessed ________, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada; on our Lord, the Right Reverend ________, Bishop of ________; on priests, deacons and all the clergy whom Thou hast installed to tend Thy reason endowed flock. Through their prayers, save me also, a sinner, and have mercy on me.

Prostration.

Save, Lord, and have mercy on the President of our country, on all our civil authorities and armed forces. Surround them with peace, and speak peace and goodness into their hearts for Thy Holy Church and all Thy people. In their calmmay we live a calm and silent life in the True Faith and in all piety and purity.

Prostration.

Save, Lord, and have mercy on our father (the name and title of the abbot of your monastery or of your parish priest) with all our brethren in Christ, and have mercy on me, who am wretched, through their prayers.

Prostration.

Save, Lord, and have mercy on my spiritual father ________, and forgive my transgressions through his holy prayers.

Prostration.(In Monasteries)

Save, Lord, and have mercy on all our brethren who labor in this holy community—the laborers, the lay workers, and those who work the land for this monastery, and all Christians.

(In Parishes)

Save, Lord, and have mercy on all our brethren who serve this holy Church—theparish council, the choir, the teachers, the custodians and cleaners, and all who work for our parish, and all Christians.

Prostration.

(Any inapplicable terms in the following petition are simply omitted.)

Save, Lord, and have mercy on my parents ________(if they are still living), my wife/husband ________, my children ________, my brothers and sisters and all my relatives according to the flesh, those who are close to my family, and my friends. Grant them Thy worldly and heavenly good things.

Prostration.

Save, Lord, and have mercy on our fathers, brothers, and sisters who live with patient faith in the monasteries of the Holy Mountain, Russia, America, and any other place. Through their prayers, have mercy on me a sinner.

Prostration.

Save, Lord, and have mercy, according to the multitude of Thy compassions, onall hieromonks, monks, and nuns, and on all who in virginity, reverence, and fasting live in monasteries, in deserts and caves, on mountains and pillars, in hermitages and cleft rocks, on islands in the sea, and who live in the True Faith in every place of Thy dominion, serving Thee piously and praying to Thee. Lighten their burden and console them in sorrow. Grant them strength and resolution in their struggles, and grant me remission of sins through their prayers.

Prostration.

Save, Lord, and have mercy on the old and the young, the poor, the orphans and widows, and on those who are in sickness and in sadness, in misfortunes and in sorrow, in war and in captivity, in prison and in exile—especially those who, being Thy servants, are persecuted for Thy sake and the Orthodox Faith by godless heathens, apostates, and heretics. Remember, visit, strengthen, and comfort them, giving them early release, freedom, anddeliverance by Thy might.

Prostration.

Save, Lord, and have mercy on our benefactors who have mercy on us and feed us, giving us alms and security, and ask us to pray for them, despite our unworthiness. Be Thou merciful to them and grant their every petition for salvation and the reward of eternal good things.

Prostration.

Save, Lord, and have mercy on all our fathers, brothers, and sisters and all Orthodox Christians who are travelling in Thy service.

Prostration.

Save, Lord, and have mercy on those whom I have caused to stumble, turning them away from the path of salvation and leading them to evil and unseemly deeds. Return them to the path of salvation by Thy Divine Providence.

Prostration.

Save, Lord, and have mercy on thosewho hate and offend me, and do me harm. Do not let them perish because of me, a sinner.

Prostration.

Enlighten with the light of Thy knowledge those who have left the Orthodox Faith and have been blinded by devastating heresies, reuniting them to Thy Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

Prostration.

Remember, Lord, all Orthodox Patriarchs and Metropolitans; archbishops and bishops; priests and those who serve in holy orders; those who serve Thee in monastic ranks and the blessed founder of our holy community (or Church). Grant them rest with the saints in Thine eternal dwellings.

Prostration.

Remember, Lord, the souls of Thy departed servants, my parents ________(if they are already dead), and all myrelatives according to the flesh. Forgive all their sins, both voluntary and involuntary. Grant them participation in Thine eternal good things and the enjoyment of the eternal and blessed life.

Prostration.

Remember, Lord, all our departed fathers, brothers, and sisters, the Orthodox Christians who lie here and everywhere in the hope of the Resurrection and eternal life. Grant them to live with Thy saints under the Light of Thy countenance. Have mercy on us also, for Thou art good and lovest mankind. Amen.

Prostration.

The following is said three times, each with a prostration.

Grant remission of sins, Lord, to all our fathers, brothers, and sisters who have departed before us in faith and the hope of the Resurrection, and make their memory eternal.

PRAYERS AT THE TABLEBefore BreakfastO 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.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Lord, have mercy!(3 times)O Christ God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for Thou art holy, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.After BreakfastMore honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: without defilement you gave birth to God the Word: true Theotokos, we magnify you.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and untoages of ages. Amen.Lord, have mercy!(3 times)God is with us, through His Grace and love for mankind, always now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.Before LunchOur 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.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Lord, have mercy!(3 times)O Christ God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for Thou art holy, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.After LunchWe thank Thee, Christ our God, forThou hast satisfied us with Thine earthly gifts. Deprive us not of Thy Heavenly Kingdom, but as Thou camest among Thy disciples, O Savior, giving them peace, so come to us and save us!Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Lord, have mercy!(3 times)Blessed is God, Who has had mercy on us and fed us from His rich gifts, through His Grace and love for mankind, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Before SupperThe poor shall eat and be satisfied, and those who seek the Lord shall praise Him; their hearts shall live forever!Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Lord, have mercy!(3 times)O Christ God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for Thou art Holy,always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.After SupperGlory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Your womb became a Heavenly Table, bearing the Heavenly Bread—Christ our God. Whoever eats of him shall not die, O Birth-giver of God, according to the word of the Nourisher of all.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!Thou, O Lord, hast made us glad by Thy works; in the works of Thy hands shall we rejoice. Lift up the Light of Thy countenance upon us, O Lord! Thou hast put joy in my heart. With the fruit of wheat, wine and oil have we been satisfied. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for Thou alone, O Lord, makest me to dwell inhope.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Lord, have mercy!(3 times)God is with us through His Grace and love for mankind, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Cross/Alpha-Omega/Chi-Rho Monogram

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.

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

Lord, have mercy!(3 times)

O Christ God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for Thou art holy, always, 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.

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

Lord, have mercy!(3 times)

God is with us, through His Grace and love for mankind, always now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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

Lord, have mercy!(3 times)

O Christ God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for Thou art holy, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

We thank Thee, Christ our God, forThou hast satisfied us with Thine earthly gifts. Deprive us not of Thy Heavenly Kingdom, but as Thou camest among Thy disciples, O Savior, giving them peace, so come to us and save us!

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

Lord, have mercy!(3 times)

Blessed is God, Who has had mercy on us and fed us from His rich gifts, through His Grace and love for mankind, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

The poor shall eat and be satisfied, and those who seek the Lord shall praise Him; their hearts shall live forever!

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

Lord, have mercy!(3 times)

O Christ God, bless the food and drink of Thy servants, for Thou art Holy,always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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

Your womb became a Heavenly Table, bearing the Heavenly Bread—Christ our God. Whoever eats of him shall not die, O Birth-giver of God, according to the word of the Nourisher of all.

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!

Thou, O Lord, hast made us glad by Thy works; in the works of Thy hands shall we rejoice. Lift up the Light of Thy countenance upon us, O Lord! Thou hast put joy in my heart. With the fruit of wheat, wine and oil have we been satisfied. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for Thou alone, O Lord, makest me to dwell inhope.

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

Lord, have mercy!(3 times)

God is with us through His Grace and love for mankind, always, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Cross/Alpha-Omega/Chi-Rho Monogram

The Order of ComplineThe priest gives the blessing:Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages!NOTE: In the absence of a priest, laymen begin with:Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us!The Reader continues: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, andto 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.The priest exclaims: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.The Reader continues:Amen! 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.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 50Have mercy on me, O God,according to Thy great mercy;according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies,blot out my transgressions.Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,and cleanse me from my sin!For I know my transgressions,and my sin is ever before me.Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned,and done that which is evil in Thy sight,so that Thou art justified in Thy sentenceand blameless in Thy judgment.Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,and in sins did my mother conceive me.Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward being;therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.Fill me with joy and gladness;let the bones which Thou hast broken rejoice.Hide Thy face from my sins,and blot out all my iniquities.Create in me a clean heart, O God,and put a new and right spirit within me.Cast me not away from Thy presence,and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation,and uphold me with a willing spirit.Then I will teach transgressors Thy ways,and sinners will return to Thee.Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,Thou God of my salvation,and my tongue will sing aloud of Thy deliverance.O Lord, open Thou my lips,and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.For Thou hast no delight in sacrifice;were I to give a burnt offering, Thou wouldst not be pleased.The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit;a broken and contrite heart, O God,Thou wilt not despise.Do good to Zion in Thy good pleasure;rebuild the walls of Jerusalem,Then wilt Thou delight in right sacrifices,in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;then bulls will be offered on Thy altar.Psalm 69O God, attend to helping me!O Lord, make haste to help me!Let them be put to shame and confusionwho seek my life!Let them be turned back and brought to dishonorwho desire my hurt!Let them be turned back in their shamewho jeer saying: “Well done! Well done!”May all who seek Theerejoice and be glad in Thee!May those who love Thy salvationsay evermore, “God is great!”But I am poor and needy;hasten to me, O God!Thou art my help and my deliverer;O Lord, do not tarry!Psalm 142Hear my prayer, O Lord;give ear to my supplications!In Thy faithfulness answer me,in Thy righteousness!Enter not into judgment with Thy servant;for no man living is righteous before Thee.For the enemy has pursued my soul;he has crushed my life to the ground;he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.Therefore my spirit faints within me;my heart within me is appalled.I remember the days of old,I meditate on all Thou hast done;I muse on what Thy hands have wrought.I stretch out my hands to Thee;my soul thirsts for Thee like a parched land.Make haste to answer me, O Lord!My spirit fails!Hide not Thy face from me,lest I be like those who go down to the Pit.Let me hear in the morning of Thy steadfast love,for in Thee I put my trust.Teach me the way I should go,for to Thee I lift up my soul.Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies!I have fled to Thee for refuge!Teach me to do Thy will,for Thou art my God!Let Thy Good Spirit lead meon a level path!For Thy name’s sake, O Lord, give me life!in Thy righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!And in Thy steadfast love cut off my enemiesand destroy all those who afflict my soul,for I am Thy servant.The DoxologyGlory to God in the Highest,and on earth peace,good will towards men.We praise Thee! We bless Thee! We worship Thee! We glorify Thee!We give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory!O Lord, heavenly King,God the Father Almighty!O Lord, the only-begotten Son Jesus Christand the Holy Spirit!O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,Who takest away the sins of the world,have mercy on us!Thou that takest away the sins of the world,receive our prayer.Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Fatherhave mercy on us!For Thou alone art holy, Thou only art Lord,Thou only, O Jesus Christ, art most highin the glory of God the Father. Amen!Every night will I give thanks to Theeand praise Thy name for ever and ever!Lord, Thou hast been our refugefrom generation to generation!I said, Lord be merciful to me,heal my soul for I have sinned against Thee.Lord, I flee unto Thee.Teach me to do Thy will,for Thou art my God.For with Thee is the fountain of life,and in Thy light shall we see light.O continue forth Thy mercyupon those who know Thee!Grant, Lord, that we may be kept this nightwithout sin!Blessed art Thou, Lord God of our fathers,and praised and glorifiedbe Thy name forever. Amen!Let Thy mercy, Lord, be upon us,as we have set our hope on Thee.Blessed art Thou, Lord,teach me Thy statutes!Blessed art Thou, Master,make me to understand Thy commandments!Blessed art Thou, Holy One,enlighten me with Thy precepts!Thy mercy, Lord, endures forever!O despise not the works of Thy hands!To Thee belongs worship! To Thee belongs praise!To Thee belongs glory:To the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen!The Symbol of FaithI 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, andwas 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 the Son together is worshipped 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.NOTE: In churches, the appointed Compline Canon to the Theotokos is sung from the Octoechos at this point.When Compline is read privately, one or more Canons and/or an Akathist Hymn is sung instead.It is the tradition of the Russian Church that those preparing to receive the Holy Mysteries (Communion) read at least three Canons and one Akathist Hymn the evening before (See page 89). Some read the Canon of Preparation at this point (See page 119).Whenever a Canon is sung, the following is sung to the same melody as the Irmos of the Canon. If there is no Canon, it is either read or sung to the 8th Tone.It is truly meet to bless you, O Theotokos, ever-blessed and most pure, and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: without defilement you gave birth to God the Word: true Theotokos, we magnify you.The Reader continues: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 gives the usual exclamation.After saying AMEN!, the Reader reads the appropriate TROPARIA:Sunday EveningWe, the unworthy, ever pray to you, Supreme Commanders of the Heavenly Hosts: shelter us, through your prayers, with the protective wings of your glory. Keep us who fall down with fervor andcry: deliver us from misfortunes, for you command the powers on high.O God of our fathers, Who dealest ever with us according to Thy meekness: take not Thy mercy from us, but direct our lives in peace through their prayers.Thy Church has been adorned with a robe of fine purple linen—the blood of Thy Martyrs throughout the world, O Christ God. She therefore cries to Thee: send Thy mercies upon Thy people, give peace to Thy community and great mercy to our souls.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:O Christ, give rest to the souls of Thy servants with the saints, where there is no sickness, sorrow or sighing, but everlasting life.Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.Grant us Thy peace, O Lord, through the prayers of all the saints and the Theotokos. Have mercy on us, for Thoualone art compassionate.Monday EveningThe just man is remembered with praises. For you, O Forerunner, the witness of the Lord is sufficient. You truly showed yourself more honorable than the prophets, for you were made worthy to baptize in the streams the One Whom you proclaimed. Having gladly suffered for the truth, you proclaimed to those in Hades the true God Who has revealed Himself in the flesh, taken away the sin of the world and given us great mercy.O God of our Fathers ...Thy Church has been adorned ...Glory to the Father ...O Christ, give rest ...Now and ever ...Grant us Thy peace, O Lord, ...Tuesday EveningO Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries;and by the virtue of Thy Cross, preserve Thy habitation.O God of our Fathers ...Thy Church has been adorned ...Glory to the Father ...O Christ, give rest ...Now and ever ...Grant us Thy peace, O Lord, ...Wednesday EveningO holy Apostles, pray to our merciful God, that He grant remission of sins to our souls.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 Nicholas, pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.O God of our Fathers ...Thy Church has been adorned ...Glory to the Father ...O Christ, give rest ...Now and ever ...Grant us Thy peace, O Lord, ...Thursday EveningThe same as Tuesday evening.Friday EveningWe pray to you, apostles, martyrs and prophets, hierarchs, venerable and righteous ones, who have fought the good fight and kept the faith: having boldness before the Savior, pray to Him Who is good for the salvation of our souls.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.To Thee, Lord, the Planter of Creation, the universe offers the God-bearing Martyrs as the first-fruits of nature. Through their prayers and the Theotokos, Most Merciful One, keep Thy Church and Thy people in profound peace.Saturday EveningThe Sunday Troparia and Kontakia are read, according to the Tone of the week.Tone 1When the stone had been sealed by the Jews; while the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure Body; Thou didst rise on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. The powers of heaven therefore cried to Thee, O Giver of Life: Glory to Thy resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Thy Kingdom! Glory to Thy dispensation, O Thou who lovest mankind.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.As God, Thou didst rise from the tomb in glory, raising the world with Thyself. Human nature praises Thee as God, for death has vanished! Adam exults, O Master! Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage, and cries to Thee: Thou art the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!Tone 2When Thou didst descend to death, O Life Immortal, Thou didst slay hell with the splendor of Thy Godhead! And when from the depths Thou didst raise the dead, all the powers of heaven cried out: O Giver of Life! Christ our God! Glory to Thee!Glory to the Father.... Now and ever....Hell became afraid, O Almighty Savior, seeing the miracle of Thy resurrection from the tomb! The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with Thee! And the world, O my Savior, praises Thee forever.Tone 3Let 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 hell, and has granted the world great mercy!Glory to the Father.... Now and ever....On this day Thou didst rise from thetomb, 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 Thy power!Tone 4When the women disciples of the Lord learned from the angel the joyous message of Thy Resurrection; they cast away the ancestral curse and elatedly told the apostles: Death is overthrown! Christ God is risen, granting the world great mercy.Glory to the Father.... Now and ever....My Savior and Redeemer as God rose from the tomb and delivered the earthborn from their chains. He has shattered the gates of hell, and as Master, He has risen on the third day!Tone 5Let us, the faithful, praise and worship the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born for our salvation from the Virgin; for He willed to be lifted up on theCross in the flesh, to endure death, and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.Glory to the Father.... Now and ever....Thou didst descend into hell, O my Savior, shattering its gates as Almighty; resurrecting the dead as Creator, and destroying the sting of death. Thou hast delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of Man, and we all cry to Thee: O Lord, save us!Tone 6The angelic powers were at Thy tomb; the guards became as dead men. Mary stood by Thy grave, seeking Thy most pure Body. Thou didst capture hell, not being tempted by it. Thou didst come to the Virgin, granting life. O Lord who didst rise from the dead: glory to Thee!Glory to the Father.... Now and ever....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 isthe Savior of all, the Resurrection, the Life, and the God of all.Tone 7By Thy Cross, Thou didst destroy death! To the thief, Thou didst open Paradise! For the myrrhbearers, Thou didst change weeping into joy! And Thou didst command Thy disciples, O Christ God, to proclaim that Thou art risen, granting the world great mercy!Glory to the Father.... Now and ever....The dominion of death can no longer hold men captive, for Christ descended, shattering and destroying its powers! Hell is bound, while the prophets rejoice and cry: The Savior has come to those in faith! Enter, you faithful, into the Resurrection!Tone 8Thou didst descend from on high, O Merciful One! Thou didst accept the three-day burial to free us from our sufferings! O Lord, our Life and Resurrection: glory to Thee!Glory to the Father.... Now and ever....By rising from the tomb, Thou didst raise the dead and resurrect Adam. Eve exults in Thy Resurrection, and the world celebrates Thy rising from the dead, O greatly Merciful One!NOTE: On the eve of Great Feasts of the Lord or the Theotokos, the Troparion and Kontakion of the Feast are read.After the Troparia, the Reader continues:Lord, have mercy!(40 times)A Prayer of St. Basil the GreatO Christ God, Who art worshipped and glorified at every place and time; Who art long-suffering, most merciful and compassionate; Who lovest the righteous and art merciful to sinners; Who callest all to salvation with the promise of good things to come: receive, Lord, the prayers we now offer, and direct our lives in the way of Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, cleanse our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our minds and deliver us from all affliction, evil and illness. Surround us with Thy holy angels, thatguarded and instructed by their forces, we may reach unity of faith and the understanding of Thine unapproachable glory: for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen.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.More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: without defilement you gave birth to God the Word: true Theotokos, we magnify you!When a priest is serving, the Reader concludes:Bless, father, in the name of the Lord!The priest exclaims:O God, be gracious to us and bless us! Shine Thy countenance upon us, and have mercy on us!In the absence of a priest, a layman says:“Through the prayers of our holy fathers,Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen”.In either case, the Reader, after saying“Amen”,continues with the following:NOTE: During Great Lent the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim is said at this point of most services during the week (not on Saturday or Sunday). It is also appropriate for Morning Prayers and the Prayers Before Sleep on the same days.Prayer of St. EphraimO Lord and Master of my life! Take from me the spirit of sloth, despair, lust of power and idle talk.(Prostration)But give rather the spirit of chastity, humility, patience, and love to Thy servant.(Prostration)Yea, O Lord and King! Grant me to see my own transgressions and not to judge my brother, for blessed art Thou, unto ages of ages.(Prostration)O God, cleanse me a sinner.(12 times)(Then the entire Prayer of St. Ephraim is read and a single prostration is made at the end.)Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokosby the Monk PaulO undefiled, immaculate, incorrupt and most pure Lady, the pure Virgin Bride of God! Through your most glorious birth-giving, you united God the Word to mankind and joined our fallen human nature to the heavenly. You are the only hope of the hopeless, the aid of the embattled a ready help to those who run to you and a refuge for all Christians. Do not turn away from me who am sinful and vile, even though I have made myself totally useless through defiled thoughts, words and deeds, and my mind has become enslaved to the lazy pleasures of this life. As Mother of the God Who loves mankind, have pity on me, a prodigal sinner, in that same love for mankind. Receive the prayer I offer to you with defiled lips and pray to your Son, our Master and Lord, with your maternal boldness. May He open even to me the goodness of His deep love for mankind.May He overlook my countless transgressions, turn me to repentance and make me an experienced accomplisher of His commandments. Stand by me always in your mercy, compassion and love of good. Be my fervent intercessor and help in this life, driving off the assaults of enemies and guiding me to salvation. Guard my wretched soul at the time of my death, driving away the dark forms of the evil demons. Deliver me from eternal torments at the Day of Judgment and reveal me an heir of the inexpressible glory of your Son and our God. May I receive this, my Lady most glorious Theotokos, through your help and intercession: through the Grace and love for mankind of your only-begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, to Whom belong all glory, honor and worship, with His Father Who is without beginning, and His most holy, good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.A Prayer to Our Lord Jesus Christby the Monk AntiochusAs we prepare for sleep, Master, grant rest to our bodies and souls. Keep us from the dark sleep of sin and from every dark and passionate pleasure of the night. Still the impulses of passions and put out the flaming arrows which the Evil One looses deceitfully against us. Still the rebellions of the flesh and put to sleep our worldly and material reasonings. O God, grant us an alert mind, chaste thoughts, a sober heart, and a light sleep, free of every satanic dream. Raise us at the time of prayer confirmed in Thy commandments—the memory of Thy judgments firmly in us. Grant that we may glorify Thee throughout this night, singing, blessing and glorifying Thy most honorable and majestic name: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.NOTE: In churches, Compline concludes at this point with brief prayers and a Litany. (See the BOOK OF HOURS)When read privately, Compline moves into PRAYERS BEFORE SLEEP, beginning with the Troparia: “Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us....” (page 68).Cross/Alpha-Omega/Chi-Rho Monogram

The priest gives the blessing:

Blessed is our God, always, now and ever, and unto ages of ages!

NOTE: In the absence of a priest, laymen begin with:

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

The Reader continues:

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, andto 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.

The priest exclaims:

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.

The Reader continues:

Amen! 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.

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!

Have mercy on me, O God,according to Thy great mercy;according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies,blot out my transgressions.Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,and cleanse me from my sin!

Have mercy on me, O God,

according to Thy great mercy;

according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies,

blot out my transgressions.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,

and cleanse me from my sin!

For I know my transgressions,

and my sin is ever before me.

Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned,

and done that which is evil in Thy sight,

so that Thou art justified in Thy sentence

and blameless in Thy judgment.

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,

and in sins did my mother conceive me.

Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward being;

therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;

wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Fill me with joy and gladness;

let the bones which Thou hast broken rejoice.

Hide Thy face from my sins,

and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and put a new and right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from Thy presence,

and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation,

and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Then I will teach transgressors Thy ways,and sinners will return to Thee.Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,Thou God of my salvation,and my tongue will sing aloud of Thy deliverance.

Then I will teach transgressors Thy ways,

and sinners will return to Thee.

Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,

Thou God of my salvation,

and my tongue will sing aloud of Thy deliverance.

O Lord, open Thou my lips,

and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.

For Thou hast no delight in sacrifice;

were I to give a burnt offering, Thou wouldst not be pleased.

The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart, O God,

Thou wilt not despise.

Do good to Zion in Thy good pleasure;rebuild the walls of Jerusalem,Then wilt Thou delight in right sacrifices,in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;then bulls will be offered on Thy altar.

Do good to Zion in Thy good pleasure;

rebuild the walls of Jerusalem,

Then wilt Thou delight in right sacrifices,

in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;

then bulls will be offered on Thy altar.

O God, attend to helping me!O Lord, make haste to help me!Let them be put to shame and confusionwho seek my life!Let them be turned back and brought to dishonorwho desire my hurt!Let them be turned back in their shamewho jeer saying: “Well done! Well done!”May all who seek Theerejoice and be glad in Thee!May those who love Thy salvationsay evermore, “God is great!”But I am poor and needy;hasten to me, O God!Thou art my help and my deliverer;O Lord, do not tarry!

O God, attend to helping me!

O Lord, make haste to help me!

Let them be put to shame and confusion

who seek my life!

Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor

who desire my hurt!

Let them be turned back in their shame

who jeer saying: “Well done! Well done!”

May all who seek Thee

rejoice and be glad in Thee!

May those who love Thy salvation

say evermore, “God is great!”

But I am poor and needy;

hasten to me, O God!

Thou art my help and my deliverer;

O Lord, do not tarry!

Hear my prayer, O Lord;give ear to my supplications!In Thy faithfulness answer me,in Thy righteousness!Enter not into judgment with Thy servant;for no man living is righteous before Thee.For the enemy has pursued my soul;he has crushed my life to the ground;he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.Therefore my spirit faints within me;my heart within me is appalled.I remember the days of old,I meditate on all Thou hast done;I muse on what Thy hands have wrought.I stretch out my hands to Thee;my soul thirsts for Thee like a parched land.Make haste to answer me, O Lord!My spirit fails!Hide not Thy face from me,lest I be like those who go down to the Pit.Let me hear in the morning of Thy steadfast love,for in Thee I put my trust.Teach me the way I should go,for to Thee I lift up my soul.Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies!I have fled to Thee for refuge!Teach me to do Thy will,for Thou art my God!Let Thy Good Spirit lead meon a level path!For Thy name’s sake, O Lord, give me life!in Thy righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!And in Thy steadfast love cut off my enemiesand destroy all those who afflict my soul,for I am Thy servant.

Hear my prayer, O Lord;

give ear to my supplications!

In Thy faithfulness answer me,

in Thy righteousness!

Enter not into judgment with Thy servant;

for no man living is righteous before Thee.

For the enemy has pursued my soul;

he has crushed my life to the ground;

he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead.

Therefore my spirit faints within me;

my heart within me is appalled.

I remember the days of old,

I meditate on all Thou hast done;

I muse on what Thy hands have wrought.

I stretch out my hands to Thee;

my soul thirsts for Thee like a parched land.

Make haste to answer me, O Lord!

My spirit fails!

Hide not Thy face from me,

lest I be like those who go down to the Pit.

Let me hear in the morning of Thy steadfast love,

for in Thee I put my trust.

Teach me the way I should go,

for to Thee I lift up my soul.

Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies!

I have fled to Thee for refuge!

Teach me to do Thy will,

for Thou art my God!

Let Thy Good Spirit lead me

on a level path!

For Thy name’s sake, O Lord, give me life!

in Thy righteousness bring my soul out of trouble!

And in Thy steadfast love cut off my enemies

and destroy all those who afflict my soul,

for I am Thy servant.

Glory to God in the Highest,and on earth peace,good will towards men.We praise Thee! We bless Thee! We worship Thee! We glorify Thee!We give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory!O Lord, heavenly King,God the Father Almighty!O Lord, the only-begotten Son Jesus Christand the Holy Spirit!O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,Who takest away the sins of the world,have mercy on us!Thou that takest away the sins of the world,receive our prayer.Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Fatherhave mercy on us!For Thou alone art holy, Thou only art Lord,Thou only, O Jesus Christ, art most highin the glory of God the Father. Amen!Every night will I give thanks to Theeand praise Thy name for ever and ever!Lord, Thou hast been our refugefrom generation to generation!I said, Lord be merciful to me,heal my soul for I have sinned against Thee.Lord, I flee unto Thee.Teach me to do Thy will,for Thou art my God.For with Thee is the fountain of life,and in Thy light shall we see light.O continue forth Thy mercyupon those who know Thee!Grant, Lord, that we may be kept this nightwithout sin!Blessed art Thou, Lord God of our fathers,and praised and glorifiedbe Thy name forever. Amen!Let Thy mercy, Lord, be upon us,as we have set our hope on Thee.Blessed art Thou, Lord,teach me Thy statutes!Blessed art Thou, Master,make me to understand Thy commandments!Blessed art Thou, Holy One,enlighten me with Thy precepts!Thy mercy, Lord, endures forever!O despise not the works of Thy hands!To Thee belongs worship! To Thee belongs praise!To Thee belongs glory:To the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen!

Glory to God in the Highest,

and on earth peace,

good will towards men.

We praise Thee! We bless Thee! We worship Thee! We glorify Thee!

We give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory!

O Lord, 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 takest away the sins of the world,

have mercy on us!

Thou that takest away the sins of the world,

receive our prayer.

Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father

have mercy on us!

For Thou alone art holy, Thou only art Lord,

Thou only, O Jesus Christ, art most high

in the glory of God the Father. Amen!

Every night will I give thanks to Thee

and praise Thy name for ever and ever!

Lord, Thou hast been our refuge

from generation to generation!

I said, Lord be merciful to me,

heal my soul for I have sinned against Thee.

Lord, I flee unto Thee.

Teach me to do Thy will,

for Thou art my God.

For with Thee is the fountain of life,

and in Thy light shall we see light.

O continue forth Thy mercy

upon those who know Thee!

Grant, Lord, that we may be kept this night

without sin!

Blessed art Thou, Lord God of our fathers,

and praised and glorified

be Thy name forever. Amen!

Let Thy mercy, Lord, be upon us,

as we have set our hope on Thee.

Blessed art Thou, Lord,

teach me Thy statutes!

Blessed art Thou, Master,

make me to understand Thy commandments!

Blessed art Thou, Holy One,

enlighten me with Thy precepts!

Thy mercy, Lord, endures forever!

O despise not the works of Thy hands!

To Thee belongs worship! To Thee belongs praise!

To Thee belongs glory:

To the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,

now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen!

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, andwas 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 the Son together is worshipped 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.

NOTE: In churches, the appointed Compline Canon to the Theotokos is sung from the Octoechos at this point.

When Compline is read privately, one or more Canons and/or an Akathist Hymn is sung instead.

It is the tradition of the Russian Church that those preparing to receive the Holy Mysteries (Communion) read at least three Canons and one Akathist Hymn the evening before (See page 89). Some read the Canon of Preparation at this point (See page 119).

Whenever a Canon is sung, the following is sung to the same melody as the Irmos of the Canon. If there is no Canon, it is either read or sung to the 8th Tone.

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

The Reader continues:

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.

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 gives the usual exclamation.

After saying AMEN!, the Reader reads the appropriate TROPARIA:

We, the unworthy, ever pray to you, Supreme Commanders of the Heavenly Hosts: shelter us, through your prayers, with the protective wings of your glory. Keep us who fall down with fervor andcry: deliver us from misfortunes, for you command the powers on high.

O God of our fathers, Who dealest ever with us according to Thy meekness: take not Thy mercy from us, but direct our lives in peace through their prayers.

Thy Church has been adorned with a robe of fine purple linen—the blood of Thy Martyrs throughout the world, O Christ God. She therefore cries to Thee: send Thy mercies upon Thy people, give peace to Thy community and great mercy to our souls.

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

O Christ, give rest to the souls of Thy servants with the saints, where there is no sickness, sorrow or sighing, but everlasting life.

Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Grant us Thy peace, O Lord, through the prayers of all the saints and the Theotokos. Have mercy on us, for Thoualone art compassionate.

The just man is remembered with praises. For you, O Forerunner, the witness of the Lord is sufficient. You truly showed yourself more honorable than the prophets, for you were made worthy to baptize in the streams the One Whom you proclaimed. Having gladly suffered for the truth, you proclaimed to those in Hades the true God Who has revealed Himself in the flesh, taken away the sin of the world and given us great mercy.

O God of our Fathers ...

Thy Church has been adorned ...

Glory to the Father ...

O Christ, give rest ...

Now and ever ...

Grant us Thy peace, O Lord, ...

O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries;and by the virtue of Thy Cross, preserve Thy habitation.

O God of our Fathers ...

Thy Church has been adorned ...

Glory to the Father ...

O Christ, give rest ...

Now and ever ...

Grant us Thy peace, O Lord, ...

O holy Apostles, pray to our merciful God, that He grant remission of sins to our souls.

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 Nicholas, pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.

O God of our Fathers ...

Thy Church has been adorned ...

Glory to the Father ...

O Christ, give rest ...

Now and ever ...

Grant us Thy peace, O Lord, ...

The same as Tuesday evening.

We pray to you, apostles, martyrs and prophets, hierarchs, venerable and righteous ones, who have fought the good fight and kept the faith: having boldness before the Savior, pray to Him Who is good for the salvation of our souls.

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

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

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

To Thee, Lord, the Planter of Creation, the universe offers the God-bearing Martyrs as the first-fruits of nature. Through their prayers and the Theotokos, Most Merciful One, keep Thy Church and Thy people in profound peace.

The Sunday Troparia and Kontakia are read, according to the Tone of the week.

When the stone had been sealed by the Jews; while the soldiers were guarding Thy most pure Body; Thou didst rise on the third day, O Savior, granting life to the world. The powers of heaven therefore cried to Thee, O Giver of Life: Glory to Thy resurrection, O Christ! Glory to Thy Kingdom! Glory to Thy dispensation, O Thou who lovest mankind.

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

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

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

As God, Thou didst rise from the tomb in glory, raising the world with Thyself. Human nature praises Thee as God, for death has vanished! Adam exults, O Master! Eve rejoices, for she is freed from bondage, and cries to Thee: Thou art the Giver of Resurrection to all, O Christ!

When Thou didst descend to death, O Life Immortal, Thou didst slay hell with the splendor of Thy Godhead! And when from the depths Thou didst raise the dead, all the powers of heaven cried out: O Giver of Life! Christ our God! Glory to Thee!

Glory to the Father.... Now and ever....

Hell became afraid, O Almighty Savior, seeing the miracle of Thy resurrection from the tomb! The dead arose! Creation, with Adam, beheld this and rejoiced with Thee! And the world, O my Savior, praises Thee forever.

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 hell, and has granted the world great mercy!

Glory to the Father.... Now and ever....

On this day Thou didst rise from thetomb, 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 Thy power!

When the women disciples of the Lord learned from the angel the joyous message of Thy Resurrection; they cast away the ancestral curse and elatedly told the apostles: Death is overthrown! Christ God is risen, granting the world great mercy.

Glory to the Father.... Now and ever....

My Savior and Redeemer as God rose from the tomb and delivered the earthborn from their chains. He has shattered the gates of hell, and as Master, He has risen on the third day!

Let us, the faithful, praise and worship the Word, coeternal with the Father and the Spirit, born for our salvation from the Virgin; for He willed to be lifted up on theCross in the flesh, to endure death, and to raise the dead by His glorious Resurrection.

Glory to the Father.... Now and ever....

Thou didst descend into hell, O my Savior, shattering its gates as Almighty; resurrecting the dead as Creator, and destroying the sting of death. Thou hast delivered Adam from the curse, O Lover of Man, and we all cry to Thee: O Lord, save us!

The angelic powers were at Thy tomb; the guards became as dead men. Mary stood by Thy grave, seeking Thy most pure Body. Thou didst capture hell, not being tempted by it. Thou didst come to the Virgin, granting life. O Lord who didst rise from the dead: glory to Thee!

Glory to the Father.... Now and ever....

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 isthe Savior of all, the Resurrection, the Life, and the God of all.

By Thy Cross, Thou didst destroy death! To the thief, Thou didst open Paradise! For the myrrhbearers, Thou didst change weeping into joy! And Thou didst command Thy disciples, O Christ God, to proclaim that Thou art risen, granting the world great mercy!

Glory to the Father.... Now and ever....

The dominion of death can no longer hold men captive, for Christ descended, shattering and destroying its powers! Hell is bound, while the prophets rejoice and cry: The Savior has come to those in faith! Enter, you faithful, into the Resurrection!

Thou didst descend from on high, O Merciful One! Thou didst accept the three-day burial to free us from our sufferings! O Lord, our Life and Resurrection: glory to Thee!

Glory to the Father.... Now and ever....

By rising from the tomb, Thou didst raise the dead and resurrect Adam. Eve exults in Thy Resurrection, and the world celebrates Thy rising from the dead, O greatly Merciful One!

NOTE: On the eve of Great Feasts of the Lord or the Theotokos, the Troparion and Kontakion of the Feast are read.

After the Troparia, the Reader continues:

Lord, have mercy!(40 times)

O Christ God, Who art worshipped and glorified at every place and time; Who art long-suffering, most merciful and compassionate; Who lovest the righteous and art merciful to sinners; Who callest all to salvation with the promise of good things to come: receive, Lord, the prayers we now offer, and direct our lives in the way of Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, cleanse our bodies, correct our thoughts, purify our minds and deliver us from all affliction, evil and illness. Surround us with Thy holy angels, thatguarded and instructed by their forces, we may reach unity of faith and the understanding of Thine unapproachable glory: for blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen.

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.

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!

When a priest is serving, the Reader concludes:

Bless, father, in the name of the Lord!

The priest exclaims:

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

In the absence of a priest, a layman says:

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

In either case, the Reader, after saying“Amen”,continues with the following:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cross/Alpha-Omega/Chi-Rho Monogram

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