Daily Prayers For Orthodox Christians

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Daily Prayers for Orthodox Christians: The

Synekdemos

Edited by N. Michael Vaporis

In memory of GREGORY (TAVLARIDES) TAYLOR, the greatest benefactor of Orthodox


Christian theological education in the New World

Preface

The need for a bilingual edition of the Synekdemos, the very popular prayer book of the
Orthodox Church, has been present for a long time among Greek Orthodox Christians.
Unfortunately for the translator/editor, the Synekdemos contains some 1300 pages of text in
the original Greek, making the publication of a bilingual volume of the entire book a
cumbersome task.

The present volume is much more modest. It contains only the first part of the Synekdemos,
that is, the prayers and services used by Orthodox Christians on a daily basis. I hope that
despite this limitation the book proves useful for those who wish an English translation of the
daily prayers and services but would also like to have the original Greek text on the facing
pages.

I owe special thanks to Father Peter Chamberas for reviewing the entire volume and offering
many valuable suggestions. Thanks are due to the translation committee of the faculty of
Hellenic College/Holy Cross Greek School of Theology whose English translation of the
Creed is used here. I am also indebted to Fathers Thomas FitzGerald and George
Papademetriou, Professor Ioanna Buttlar Clarke, Miss Georgia Stathopoulou, and Miss Eleni
Baker for their invaluable suggestions and assistance. Any imperfections are, of course, my
own.

Father N. Michael Vaporis

Contents

THE SYMBOL OF FAITH

MORNING PRAYERS PRAYERS

AT MEALTIME PRAYERS

BEFORE SLEEP

THE SIX PSALMS

SMALL COMPLINE

SERVICE OF PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION

THANKSGIVING FOLLOWING HOLY COMMUNION

The Symbol Of Faith


I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things
visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of
the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one
essence with the Father through whom all things were made. For us and for our salvation he
came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and
became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and he suffered and was buried.
On the third day he rose according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at
the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and dead. His
kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds
from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who
spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one
baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the
ages to come. Amen.

Morning Prayers

(After rising from sleep, stand with reverence and fear of God, make the sign of the cross,
and say:)

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. Glory to you, our God,
glory to you. Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who are present everywhere
filling all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us. Cleanse us
of every stain, and save our souls, gracious Lord. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal,
have mercy on us (3). Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever
and to the ages of ages. Amen. All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins.
Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s
sake. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father and the
Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Our Father, who are
in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those
who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours
is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

(Then the following prayers to the Holy Trinity:) Having risen from sleep, we fall before you,
O good One, and sing to you, mighty One, the angelic hymn: Holy, holy, holy are you, O
God. Through the prayers of the Theotokos, have mercy on us. Glory to the Father and the
Son and the Holy Spirit. Having aroused me from sleep and bed, O Lord, enlighten my mind
and open my heart and lips that I may sing to you, Holy Trinity: Holy, holy, holy are you, O
God. Through the Theotokos, have mercy on us. Now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Amen. Suddenly the Judge will come and everyone’s deeds will be revealed. But with awe we
cry out in the middle of the night: Holy, holy, holy are you, O God. Through the prayers of
the Theotokos, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy (12).

Psalm 120 (121)

I will lift, up my eyes to the hills. From where comes my help? My help comes from the
Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; he who keeps
you will not slumber. Behold, he who watches over Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord shall protect you; the Lord is your shelter at your right hand. The sun shall not burn
you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; the Lord shall
preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time
forth, and forevermore.

A Prayer Of Thanksgiving
As I rise from sleep, I thank you, Holy Trinity, for because of your great goodness and
patience, you were not angry with me, an idler and sinner, nor have you destroyed me in my
sins, but have shown your usual love for me. And when I was prostrate in despair, you raised
me to glorify with your power. Enlighten now my mind’s eye, open my mouth to study your
words and understand your commandments, to do your will and sing to you in heartfelt
adoration, and praise your most holy name, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Another Prayer

Glory to you, King, God almighty, who through your divine and loving providence have
consented that I, an unworthy sinner, should rise from sleep and obtain entrance into your
holy house. Accept, Lord, the voice of my prayer as you accept those of your holy and
spiritual powers; and that not through my defiled lips, but from a pure heart and humble
spirit, praise may be offered to you so that I also, with the bright lamp of my soul, may
become a companion of the wise virgins and glorify you, God the Word, who is glorified in
the Father and the Spirit. Amen. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and
forever and to ages of ages. Amen. I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of
heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the
only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of
true God, begotten not created, of one essence with the Father through whom all things were
made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy
Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate,
and he suffered and was buried. On the third day he rose according to the Scriptures. He
ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in
glory to judge the living and dead. His kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the
Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the
Son is worshiped and glorified, who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and
apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I expect the
resurrection of the dead. And the life of the ages to come. Amen.

Prayer of Saint Basil (Read daily except on Saturday)

We bless you, O God, most high and Lord of mercy. You are always doing great and
inscrutable things with us, glorious and wonderful, and without number. You grant us sleep
for rest from our infirmities, and repose from the burdens of our much toiling flesh. We thank
you, for you have not destroyed us with our sins, but have continued to love us; and though
we were sunk in despair, you have raised us up to glorify your power. Therefore, we implore
your incomparable goodness. Enlighten the eyes of our understanding and raise up our minds
from the heavy sleep of indolence. Open our mouth and fill it with your praise, that we may
be able without distraction to sing and confess that you are God, glorified in all and by all, the
eternal Father, with your only begotten Son, and your all holy, good, and life giving Spirit,
now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Another Prayer (Read on Saturday)

Remember, Lord, our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep in the hope of the
resurrection to eternal life, and all those who ended this life in piety and faith. Pardon their
every transgression, committed voluntarily or involuntarily, in word, or deed, or thought.
Place them in a place of light, a place of refreshment, a place of peace from which every
ailment, sorrow, and lamentation are banished, and from which the light of your countenance
shines and gladdens all your saints from all ages. Bestow on them and on us your kingdom.
Grant to them the participation of your ineffable and everlasting blessings, and the enjoyment
of your endless and blissful life. For you are the life, the resurrection, and the peace of your
departed servants, Christ our God, and to you we give glory, together with your all holy,
good, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer Of Saint Eustratios (Read on Saturday)

Most highly do I praise you, Lord, for you have taken notice of my lowliness and have not
delivered me into the hands of my enemies but have relieved my soul of its needs. Now,
Master, let your hand shelter me, and let your grace descend upon me, for my soul is
distracted and pained at the departure from this, my miserable and sordid body, that the end
design of the adversary may not overtake her and make her stumble into the darkness for the
unknown and known sins amassed by me in this life. Be gracious to me, Master, and do not
let my soul see the dark countenance of the evil spirits, but let her be received by your angels
bright and shining. Glorify your holy name, and by your might set me before your divine
judgment seat. When I am being judged, do not allow the hand of the prince of this world to
take hold of me, to throw me, a sinner, into the depths of hell, but stand by me and be a savior
and mediator to me. Have mercy, Lord, on my soul, defiled through the passions of this life,
and receive her cleansed by penitence and confession, for .you are blessed to the ages of ages.
Amen.

Prayers At Mealtime

Before Breakfast

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Our Father, who are in
heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those
who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours
is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Christ our God, bless the food and drink of
your servants, for you are holy always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Thanksgiving After Breakfast

We thank you, Christ our God, for you have satisfied us with earthly gifts. Do not deprive us
of your heavenly kingdom, but as you, O Savior, came among your disciples and gave them
peace, come among us also and save us.

Before Lunch

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Our Father, who are in
heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in
heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those
who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours
is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Christ our God, bless the food and drink of
your servants, for you are holy always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Thanksgiving After Lunch

We thank you, Christ our God, for you have satisfied us with earthly gifts. Do not deprive us
of your heavenly kingdom, but as you, O Savior, came among your disciples and gave them
peace, come among us also and save us.

Prayers Before Dinner


The poor shall eat and be satisfied, and they who seek the Lord shall praise him; their hearts
shall live to the ages of ages. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and
forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have
mercy. Christ our God, bless the food and drink of your servants, for you are holy always,
now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Thanksgiving After Dinner

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of
ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, you have
gladdened our hearts in your creation, and we have rejoiced in the work of your hands. The
light of your countenance has shined upon us, Lord. You have gladdened our hearts. We have
been satisfied with the good things of the earth. We shall sleep in peace and repose in you, for
you alone, Lord, have sustained us in hope.

Another Prayer

Blessed is God, who has mercy upon us and nourishes us from his bountiful gifts by his grace
and love always, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayers Before Sleep

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

Glory to you, our God, glory to you. Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who are
present everywhere filling all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and
dwell in us. Cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, gracious Lord.

Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).

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

All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions.
Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be
done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and
the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Now that the day has come to a close, I thank you, Lord, and entreat that the evening and the
night be sinless. Grant this to me, Savior, and save me. Glory to the Father and the Son and
the Holy Spirit. Now that the day has passed, I glorify you, Master, and I entreat that the
evening with the night be without offense. Grant this to me, Savior, and save me. Now and
forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Now that the day has ended, I praise you, Holy One, and entreat that the evening and the
night be undisturbed. Grant this to me, Savior, and save me.

Lord, have mercy (12).


A Prayer For Children

Lord Jesus Christ, you received the children who came to you, receive also from the lips of
your child this evening prayer. Shelter me under the protection of your wings that I may lie
down in peace and sleep. Awaken me in due time that I may glorify you, for you alone are
good and love all people.

A Prayer For Adults

Lord our God, whatever sins I have committed this day, in word, deed or thought, forgive me,
for you are good and love all people. Grant me a peaceful and undisturbed sleep. Protect me
from every abuse and plot of the evil one. Raise me up in due time that I may glorify you, for
you are blessed, together with your only begotten Son, and your all holy Spirit, now and
forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things
visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of
the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one
essence with the Father through whom all things were made. For us and for our salvation he
came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and
became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and he suffered and was buried.
On the third day he rose according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at
the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and dead. His
kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds
from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who
spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one
baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the
ages to come. Amen.

At all times and in every hour, you are worshiped and glorified in heaven and on earth, Christ
our God. Long in patience, great in mercy and compassion, you love the righteous and show
mercy to sinners. You call all to salvation through the promise of good things to come. Lord,
receive our prayers at the present time. Direct our lives according to your commandments.
Sanctify our souls. Purify our bodies. Set our minds aright. Cleanse our thoughts and deliver
us from all sorrow, evil, and distress. Surround us with your holy angels that, guarded and
guided by their host, we may arrive at the unity of the faith and the understanding of your
ineffable glory. For you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.

Virgin Theotokos

Theotokos virgin, hail most blessed Mary, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among
women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, for you have given birth to the Savior of our
souls.

Baptizer Of Christ

Baptizer of Christ, remember us, so that we may be saved from our sins. For to you has been
given grace to intercede for us. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Intercede
for us, holy Apostles, and all you saints, so that we may be saved from danger and sorrow.
We have received you as fervent defenders before the Savior. Now and forever and to the
ages of ages. Amen.

Beneath your compassion we seek refuge, Theotokos. Do not overlook our prayers, but
deliver us from danger, only pure and blessed one. My hope is the Father; my refuge, the
Son; my protection, the Holy Spirit. Holy Trinity, glory to you. I place all my hope in you,
Mother of God. Keep me under your protection. Through the prayers of our holy Fathers,
Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy and save us. Amen.
(When ready for sleep, say:) Under the protection of your wings I shall be covered and fall
asleep, for in you only, Lord, does my hope lie. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my soul
and my body. Do bless me, do have mercy on me, and grant me eternal life. Amen.

Service Of The Six Psalms

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3). Glory to the Father and the
Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions.
Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake. Glory to the Father and the Son
and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be
done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and
the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance. Grant victory to the Orthodox over their
adversaries and guard your commonwealth with your cross. Glory to the Father and the Son
and the Holy Spirit. You were lifted up upon the cross of your own will, Christ our God.
Grant your mercy upon the new commonwealth that bears your name. In your strength make
glad the Orthodox, giving them victory over their adversaries. May they have your alliance as
a weapon of peace, and an invincible trophy. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

O awesome and ever present protection, do not overlook, O gracious one, our supplications.
Most praised Theotokos, establish the Orthodox people, save those whom you have called to
govern and grant them victory from above, for you have given birth to God, only blessed one.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace, good will among all people (3). Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall proclaim
your praise (3).

Psalm 3

Lord, why have they multiplied who afflict me? Many rise up against me. Many say to my
soul, there is no salvation for him in his God. But you, Lord, are my helper, my glory, and the
one who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and he heard me from his holy
mountain. I lay down and slept. I awoke, for the Lord will help me. I will not be afraid of ten
thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around. Arise, Lord, save me,
my God. For you have struck all those who without cause are my enemies; you have broken
the teeth of sinners. Salvation belongs to the Lord, and your blessing is upon your people.

Psalm 37 (38)

Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor chasten me in your wrath. For your arrows pierce me
deeply, and your hand presses me down. There is no health in my flesh because of your
anger, nor is there any health in my bones because of my sins. For my iniquities have risen
higher than my head; like a heavy burden they have pressed heavily upon me. My wounds are
foul and festering because of my foolishness. I am troubled and bowed down greatly; I go
mourning all the day long. For my loins are filled with mockings, and there is no healing in
my flesh. I am afflicted and exceedingly humbled; I have roared from the groaning of my
heart. Lord, all my desire is before you; and my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart is
troubled, and my strength has failed me; and the light of my eyes, it also has gone from me.
My friends and my neighbors drew near me and stood against me. And my kinsmen stood
afar off. Those who sought my soul used violence; those who sought evil for me spoke vain
things and meditated deception all day long. But I became like a deaf man who does not hear;
and I am like a mute who does not open his mouth. Thus I am like a man who does not hear,
and in whose mouth there is no response. For in you, Lord, have I hope; you will hear me,
Lord my God. For I said, never let my enemies rejoice over me, and when my feet are
shaken, they magnify themselves against me. For I am ready for scourges, and my sorrow is
continually before me. For I will declare my iniquity, and I will be in anguish over my sin.
But my enemies live and become stronger than me. And those who hate me unjustly have
multiplied. Those who render evil for good slandered me because I pursued goodness. Do not
forsake me, Lord, my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, Lord of my salvation.

Psalm 62 (63)

O God, my God, early at dawn I rise to you. My soul thirsts for you; my flesh longs for you
in a barren, untrodden and unwatered land. So I have appeared before you in the sanctuary to
see your power and your glory. For your mercy is better than life; my lips shall praise you.
Thus I shall bless you while I live, and I will lift up my hands in your name. Let my soul be
filled with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips. When I
remember you on my bed, I meditate on you at dawn. For you have become my helper; I shall
rejoice in the shelter of your wings. My soul follows close behind you; your right hand has
been quick to help me. But those who seek my life, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts
of the earth. They shall fall by the sword; they shall be a portion for jackals. But the king
shall rejoice in God; everyone who swears by him shall be praised; but the mouths of those
who speak lies shall be stopped. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and
forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Lord, have mercy. Lord,
have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and
forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Psalm 87 (88)

O Lord, God of my salvation, I have cried out day and night before you. Let my prayer come
before you; incline your ear to my cry. For my soul is filled with evil, And my life draws near
to Hades. I am counted with those who go down into the pit; I am like a man without help,
adrift among the dead. Like the bodies of the slain who sleep in the grave, whom you
remember no more, and who are cut off from your hand. They have laid me in the lowest pit,
in darkness, and the shadow of death. Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you have afflicted
me with all your waves. You have made me an abomination to them; I am shut up, and I
cannot get out; my eyes have grown weak from poverty. I have cried to you, Lord, the entire
day. I have stretched out my hands to you. Will you work wonders for the dead? Or shall
physicians raise them up so that they might thank you? Shall any in the grave speak of your
mercy and your truth in the place of destruction? Shall your wonders be known in the dark,
and your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? But as for me, I have cried out to you,
Lord, and in the morning my prayer shall come before you. Lord, why do you cast off my
soul, and turn away from me? I am a poor man and in trouble. From my youth, having been
exalted, I was humbled and brought to distress. Your fierce wrath has gone over me, and your
terrors have sorely troubled me. They came around me all day long like water; they engulfed
me altogether. You have put far away from me friend and neighbor, and my acquaintances
because of my misery.

Psalm 102 (103)

Bless the Lord, my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, my
soul, and forget not all that he has done for you. He forgives all your iniquities. He heals all
your infirmities. He redeems your life from corruption. He crowns you with mercy and
compassion. He satisfies your desire with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the
eagle’s. The Lord performs deeds of mercy, and justice for all who are wronged. He made
known his ways to Moses, his acts to the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and
compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor
will he keep his anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our iniquities, nor has he
rewarded us according to our sins. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his
mercy toward those who fear him; As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed
our iniquities from us. As a father has compassion upon his son, so has the Lord compassion
upon those who fear him. For he knows what we are made of, he remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so shall he blossom. For the wind
passes over it, then it shall be gone. And its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the
Lord is from eternity to eternity upon those who fear him, and his righteousness is upon sons
of sons, upon those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments. The
Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, all
of his angels, who excel in strength, who do his word, heeding the voice of his word. Bless
the Lord, all you his hosts, you ministers of his, who do his pleasure. Bless the Lord, all his
works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, my soul.

Psalm 142 (143)

Lord, hear my prayer. In your truth, give ear to my supplications; in your righteousness, hear
me. And enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is justified in your sight.
For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me
dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead, and my spirit is overwhelmed within
me; my heart within me is distressed. I remembered the days of old; I meditated on all your
works; I pondered on the work of your hands. I spread out my hands to you; my soul longs
for you like a thirsty land. Lord, hear me quickly; my spirit fails. Turn not your face away
from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Let me to hear your mercy in the
morning, for in you I have put my trust. Lord, teach me to know the way in which I should
walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies; to you have I fled for
refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your good Spirit shall lead me on a
level path; Lord, for your name’s sake, you shall preserve my life. In your righteousness, you
shall bring my soul out of trouble, and in your mercy, you shall utterly destroy my enemies.
And you shall destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am your servant. Hear me, Lord, in
your righteousness, And enter not into judgment with your servant (2). Your good Spirit shall
lead me on a level path. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever
and to the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory to you, God (3). Lord, you
are our hope, glory to you.

Small Compline

In the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of
ages. Amen. Glory to you, our God, glory to you. Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of
truth who are present everywhere filling all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life,
come and dwell in us. Cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, gracious Lord. Holy
God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3). Glory to the Father and the Son
and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. All holy Trinity, have
mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit and
heal our infirmities, for your name’s sake. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have
mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Now and forever and unto the
ages of ages. Amen. Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom
come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and
forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of
the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and
the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Psalm 50 (51)

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your great mercy; and according to the multitude
of your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and
cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done evil in your sight, that you may be found just
when you speak, and victorious when you are judged. For behold, I was conceived in
iniquity, and in sin my mother bore me. For behold, you have loved truth; you have made
known to me the secret and hidden things of your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with
hyssop, and I shall be made clean; you shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make
me to hear joy and gladness, that the afflicted bones may rejoice. Turn your face away from
my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a
steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy
Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and establish me with your governing
Spirit. I shall teach transgressors your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to you. Deliver
me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, my tongue shall joyfully declare
your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise. For if you
had desired sacrifice, I would give it; you do not delight in burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God
is a broken spirit; God will not despise a broken and a humbled heart. Do good in your good
pleasure to Sion; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then you shall be pleased with a
sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole burnt offerings. Then they shall offer
bulls on your altar.

Psalm 69 (70)

O God, be attentive to help me. Lord, make haste to help me. Let them be ashamed and
confounded who seek my life. Let them be turned back and be ashamed who desire evil
against me. Let them be turned back because of their shame, who say to me, Well done! Well
done! Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; and let those who love your
salvation say continually, Let God be magnified! But as for me, I am poor and needy; O God,
help me! You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay.

Psalm 142 (143)

Lord, hear my prayer. In your truth, give ear to my supplications; in your righteousness, hear
me. And enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is justified in your sight.
For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me
dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead, and my spirit is overwhelmed within
me; my heart within me is distressed. I remembered the days of old; I meditated on all your
works; I pondered on the work of your hands. I spread out my hands to you; my soul longs
for you like a thirsty land. Lord, hear me quickly; my spirit fails. Turn not your face away
from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Let me to hear your mercy in the
morning, for in you I have put my trust. Lord, teach me to know the way in which I should
walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies; to you have I fled for
refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your good Spirit shall lead me on a
level path; Lord, for your name’s sake, you shall preserve my life. In your righteousness, you
shall bring my soul out of trouble, and in your mercy, you shall utterly destroy my enemies.
And you shall destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am your servant.

Doxology

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to all people. We praise you, we
bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory. Lord
God, heavenly King, God the Father, almighty Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and
Holy Spirit. Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father who take away the sin of the world,
have mercy upon us, you who take away the sins of the world. Receive our prayer, you who
sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy upon us. For you only are holy, only you
are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Each evening we bless you, and
we praise your name forever and to the ages of ages. Lord, you have been our refuge from
generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy upon me; heal my soul, for I have sinned
against you. Lord, to you have I fled; teach me to do your will, for you are my God. For you
are the source of life, and in your light we shall see light. Continue your mercy to those who
know you. Lord, grant to keep us this night without sin. Blessed are you, Lord, God of our
fathers. Your name is praised and glorified from all ages. Amen. Let your mercy, Lord,
lighten upon us, as our trust is in you. Blessed are you, Lord, teach me your commandments.
Blessed are you, Master, teach me your commandments. Blessed are you, Holy One,
enlighten me in your commandments. Yourmercy, Lord, endures forever; turn not away from
the works of your own hands. To you belongs praise, to you belongs worship, to you belongs
glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Amen.

The Symbol Of Faith

I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things
visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of
the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one
essence with the Father through whom all things were made. For us and for our salvation he
came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and
became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and he suffered and was buried.
On the third day he rose according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at
the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and dead. His
kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds
from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who
spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one
baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the
ages to come. Amen.

It is truly right to bless you, the Theotokos, ever blessed and most pure and mother of our
God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the
Seraphim, incorruptibly you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true
Theotokos.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3). Glory to the Father and the
Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. All holy Trinity,
have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions. Holy One, visit
and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord,
have mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the
ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be
done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and
the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

God of our fathers, you always treat us with leniency. Do not withdraw your mercy from us,
but by the intercessions of our fathers, guide our life in peace. With the blood of your martyrs
throughout the world, as if with purple and fine linen having been adorned, your Church
through them cries out to you, Christ our God. Send down your mercies upon your people.
Grant peace to your commonwealth, and to our souls your great compassion. Glory to the
Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

With your saints, O Christ, give rest to the souls of your servants where there is no pain nor
sorrow, nor suffering, but life everlasting. Through the intercessions of all your saints and the
Theotokos, O Lord, grant us your peace and have mercy upon us, only merciful One. Lord,
have mercy (40).
At all times and in every hour, you are worshiped and glorified in heaven and on earth, Christ
our God. Long in patience, great in mercy and compassion, you love the righteous and show
mercy to sinners. You call all to salvation through the promise of good things to come. Lord,
receive our prayers at the present time. Direct our lives according to your commandments.
Sanctify our souls. Purify our bodies. Set our minds aright. Cleanse our thoughts and deliver
us from all sorrow, evil, and distress. Surround us with your holy angels that, guarded and
guided by them, we may arrive at the unity of faith and the understanding of your ineffable
glory. For you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Amen. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the
Seraphim, without corruption you gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true
Theotokos. In the name of the Lord, Father bless. Through the prayers of our holy Fathers,
Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy and save us. Amen.

Prayer To The All Holy Theotokosby Paul the Monk of the Monastery of Evergetis

Spotless, undefiled, immaculate, unstained, pure Virgin, Lady, and Bride of God, by your
wondrous conceiving you united God the Word with human beings and joined the fallen
nature of our race to heavenly things. You are the only hope of the hopeless, and the help of
those oppressed. You are the ready protection of those who flee to you and the refuge of all
Christians. Do not spurn me an accused sinner, though I have made myself completely
useless by my shameful thoughts, words, and deeds and through indolence have become a
slave to the pleasures of life. But as the Mother of God who loves all people, mercifully have
compassion upon me a sinner and a prodigal and receive my prayer though it be offered to
you by unclean lips. Entreat your Son and our Lord and Master, using your boldness as a
mother, so that he may open to me the loving mercy of his goodness, overlook my
numberless transgressions, turn me to repentance, and make me an acceptable doer of his
commandments. Always be near me, for you are merciful, compassionate, and loving. Be my
ardent help and protection in this present life, defending me from the assaults of adversaries,
and lead me to salvation. At the hour of my death, care for my miserable soul and drive the
dark visions of evil spirits far from it. On the awesome day of judgment, save me from
eternal punishment and make me an inheritor of the ineffable glory of your Son, our God.
May this be my lot, my Lady, all holy Theotokos, through your intercession and help, by the
grace and love of your only begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ; to
whom belong all glory, honor, and worship, with his eternal Father, and his all holy,
righteous, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer To Our Lord Jesus Christ

By the Monk Antiochos of Pandektes

Grant us, Master, as we depart for sleep, rest for body and soul. Protect us from the gloom of
sinful sleep and from all dark pleasures of the night. Calm the impulses of passion, and
quench the fiery darts of evil which are treacherously cast against us. Check the turbulence of
our flesh and lull all our earthly and mundane thoughts. Grant us, O God, a watchful mind,
prudent reason, a vigilant heart, and tranquil sleep, free from all evil dreams. Raise us up at
the hour of prayer, strengthen us in your commandments, and keep unshaken within us the
remembrance of your judgments. Grant us to glorify you all night long that we may praise
and bless and glorify your all honorable and magnificent name, of the Father and the Son and
the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Most glorious, ever virgin, blessed Theotokos, present our prayers to your Son and our God,
and plead with him, that through you he may save our souls. My hope is the Father; my
refuge, the Son; my protection, the Holy Spirit. Holy Trinity, glory to you. My every hope I
place in you, Mother of God, keep me under your protection.

Dismissal

May Christ our true God have mercy upon us and save us through the intercessions of his
most pure and holy Mother, and of all your Saints, for he is a good and loving God. Through
the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us, and save us. Amen.

Service of Preparation For Holy Communion

Glory to you, our God, glory to you. Heavenly King, Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who are
present everywhere filling things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell
in us. Cleanse us of every stain, and save our souls, gracious Lord.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).

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

All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions.
Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be
done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and
the Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Psalm 50 (51)

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to your great mercy; and according to the multitude
of your compassion, blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and
cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my iniquity, and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned, and done evil in your sight, that you may be found just
when you speak, and victorious when you are judged. For behold, I was conceived in
iniquity, and in sin my mother bore me. For behold, you have loved truth; you have made
known to me the secret and hidden things of your wisdom. You shall sprinkle me with
hyssop, and I shall be made clean; you shall wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make
me to hear joy and gladness, that the afflicted bones may rejoice. Turn your face away from
my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a
steadfast spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy
Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and establish me with your governing
Spirit. I shall teach transgressors your ways, and the ungodly shall turn back to you. Deliver
me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, my tongue shall joyfully declare
your righteousness. Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise. For if you
had desired sacrifice, I would give it; you do not delight in burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God
is a broken spirit; God will not despise a broken and a humbled heart. Do good in your good
pleasure to Sion; and let the walls of Jerusalem be built. Then you shall be pleased with a
sacrifice of righteousness, with oblation and whole burnt offerings. Then they shall offer
bulls on your altar.

Psalm 69 (70)

O God, be attentive to help me. Lord, make haste to help me. Let them be ashamed and
confounded who seek my life. Let them be turned back and be ashamed who desire evil
against me. Let them be turned back because of their shame, who say to me, Well done! Well
done! Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; and let those who love your
salvation say continually, Let God be magnified! But as for me, I am poor and needy; O God,
help me! You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay.

Psalm 142 (143)

Lord, hear my prayer. In your truth, give ear to my supplications; in your righteousness, hear
me. And enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is justified in your sight.
For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me
dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead, and my spirit is overwhelmed within
me; my heart within me is distressed. I remembered the days of old; I meditated on all your
works; I pondered on the work of your hands. I spread out my hands to you; my soul longs
for you like a thirsty land. Lord, hear me quickly; my spirit fails. Turn not your face away
from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. Let me to hear your mercy in the
morning, for in you I have put my trust. Lord, teach me to know the way in which I should
walk, for I lift up my soul to you. Rescue me, Lord, from my enemies; to you have I fled for
refuge. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your good Spirit shall lead me on a
level path; Lord, for your name’s sake, you shall preserve my life. In your righteousness, you
shall bring my soul out of trouble, and in your mercy, you shall utterly destroy my enemies.
And you shall destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am your servant.

Doxology

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will to all people. We praise you, we
bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory. Lord
God, heavenly King, God the Father, almighty Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and
Holy Spirit. Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father who take away the sin of the world,
have mercy upon us, you who take away the sins of the world. Receive our prayer, you who
sit at the right hand of the Father, and have mercy upon us. For you only are holy, only you
are Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Each evening we bless you, and we praise your name forever and to the ages of ages. Lord,
you have been our refuge from generation to generation. I said: Lord, have mercy upon me;
heal my soul, for I have sinned against you. Lord, to you have I fled; teach me to do your
will, for you are my God. For you are the source of life, and in your light we shall see light.
Continue your mercy to those who know you. Lord, grant to keep us this night without sin.
Blessed are you, Lord, God of our fathers. Your name is praised and glorified from all ages.
Amen.

Let your mercy, Lord, lighten upon us, as our trust is in you. Blessed are you, Lord, teach me
your commandments. Blessed are you, Master, teach me your commandments. Blessed are
you, Holy One, enlighten me in your commandments. Your mercy, Lord, endures forever;
turn not away from the works of your own hands. To you belongs praise, to you belongs
worship, to you belongs glory, to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever
and to the ages of ages. Amen.

The Symbol Of Faith


I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things
visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of
the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not created, of one
essence with the Father through whom all things were made. For us and for our salvation he
came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and
became man. He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and he suffered and was buried.
On the third day he rose according to the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at
the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and dead. His
kingdom will have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of life, who proceeds
from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who
spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one
baptism for the forgiveness of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the
ages to come. Amen.

First Ode Second Tone

May your sacred body and your precious blood, compassionate Lord, become for me the
bread of eternal life and the guardian from manifold afflictions. Defiled as I am by disgusting
deeds, O Christ, I am unworthy to receive your pure body and your divine blood. But make
me worthy of this communion.

Theotokion

Blessed Theotokos, the good earth that grew the unsown wheat that saved the world, make
me worthy to eat of it and be saved.

Third Ode

Grant me, O Christ, the tears to cleanse the uncleanliness of my heart, that I may in good
conscience, faith, and fear approach, O Master, the communion of your divine gifts. May
your pure body and sacred blood become for me, loving God, forgiveness of sins,
communion with the Holy Spirit, eternal life, and estrangement from passion and affliction.

Theotokion

All holy one, you are the table of the bread of life, who out of mercy came down from above
giving new life to the world. Make me also worthy, who am now unworthy, to eat from it
with fear and live.

Fourth Ode

Most merciful One, you put on flesh for our sake and as a lamb you were willing to be slain
for our sins. Therefore, I beseech you: also wipe out my sins. Heal the wounds of my soul, O
Lord, wretched as I am; and Master, make me worthy, totally, to receive your mystical
Supper.

Theotokion

Lady, propitiate on my behalf him who was born of you, and preserve me; your supplicant,
pure and undefiled, so that by receiving the intelligible pearl I may be sanctified.

Fifth Ode

As you foretold, O Christ, let it be to your unworthy servant as you promised, and abide in
me. For behold, I eat your divine body and drink your blood. God and Word of God, may the
ember of your body light up my darkness, and may your blood cleanse my defiled soul.
Theotokion

Mary, Mother of God, honorable tabernacle of sweet ointments, make me through your
prayers a chosen vessel that I may receive the sanctification of your son.

Sixth Ode

Savior, sanctify my mind, soul, heart, and body, and deem me worthy, Master, to approach
your fearful Mysteries without condemnation. O Christ, grant, that I may be rid of my pas-
sions, increase in your grace, and be confirmed in my life by the communion of your holy
Mysteries.

Theotokion

Holy, divine Word of God, sanctify me wholly as I now approach your holy Mysteries
through the prayers of your holy Mother.

Kontakion Second Tone

As I now receive your awesome Mysteries, your pure body and your precious blood, O
Christ, do not turn away from me, wretched as I am. Let my communion not be a judgment
upon me but lead to everlasting and immortal life.

Seventh Ode

May the communion of your immortal Mysteries be for me light and life, freedom from
passion, progress, and an increase in more spiritual virtues that I may glorify you, O Christ,
for you alone are good. Approaching now your immortal and divine mysteries, trembling and
longing for piety, grant, loving God, that I may be delivered from passions and enemies and
every affliction. Grant that I may sing to you: Blessed are you, O God of our fathers.

Theotokion

I pray that you, the pure one, who are favored by God and who incomprehensively gave birth
to Christ the Savior, cleanse me, your impure servant, from all defilement of flesh and spirit
as I desire now to approach the most pure Mysteries.

Eighth Ode

O God my Savior, grant that I, your despairing servant, may now become a partaker of your
heavenly, awesome and holy Mysteries, and of your divine and mystical Supper. Seeking
refuge in your loving kindness, good Savior, I cry to you with fear; abide in me and, as you
promised, let me also abide in you. For behold, trusting in your mercy, I eat your body and
drink your blood. I tremble as I take this fire lest I be consumed as wax and grass. O fearful
mystery! O divine love! How is it that I, an earthly creature, partake of the divine body and
blood and am made incorruptible?

Ninth Ode

Taste and see that the Lord is good. For our sake he became like us and offered himself once
for all to his Father to be forever slain, sanctifying those who partake. Master, let me be
sanctified in body and soul. Let me be enlightened and saved, and let me become your
dwelling place through the communion of your holy Mysteries by having you, most merciful
Benefactor, live in me with the Father and the Spirit. May your body and your precious
blood, Savior, be like fire and light to me, consuming the substance of sins, burning the tares
of my passions, and wholly enlightening me to worship your divinity.
Theotokion

God took flesh from your pure blood. Therefore, all generations praise you, Lady, while the
hosts of incorporal powers glorify you. For they clearly behold him who rules all things to be
endowed with human nature through you. It is truly right to bless you, the Theotokos, ever
blessed and most pure and mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and
beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, you incorruptibly you gave birth to God
the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).

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

All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our transgressions.
Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for your name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

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

Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be
done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and
the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

God of our fathers, you always treat us with leniency. Do not withdraw your mercy from us,
but by the intercessions of our fathers, guide our life in peace. With the blood of your martyrs
throughout the world, as if with purple and fine linen having been adorned, your Church
through them cries out to you, Christ our God. Send down your mercies upon your people.
Grant peace to your commonwealth, and to our souls your great compassion.

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

With your saints, O Christ, give rest to the souls of your servants where there is no pain nor
sorrow, nor suffering, but life everlasting. Through the intercessions, of all your saints and
the Theotokos, O Lord, grant us your peace and have mercy upon us, only merciful One.

Lord, have mercy (40).

At all times and in every hour, you are worshiped and glorified in heaven and on earth, Christ
our God. Long in patience, great in mercy and compassion, you love the righteous and show
mercy to sinners. You call all to salvation through the promise of good things to come. Lord,
receive our prayers at the present time. Direct our lives according to your commandments.
Sanctify our souls. Purify our bodies. Set our minds aright. Cleanse our thoughts and deliver
us from all sorrow, evil, and distress. Surround us with your holy angels that, guarded and
guided by their host, we may arrive at the unity of faith and the understanding of your
ineffable glory. For you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Amen.
More honorable than the Cherubim, and incomparably more glorious than the Seraphim, you
incorruptibly gave birth to God the Word. We magnify you, the true Theotokos. In the name
of the Lord, Father bless. Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God,
have mercy and save us. Amen.

Prayer To The All Holy Theotokos

byPaul the Monk of the Monastery of Evergetis

Spotless, undefiled, immaculate, unstained, pure Virgin, Lady, and Bride of God, by your
wondrous conceiving you united God the Word with human beings and joined the fallen
nature of our race to heavenly things. You are the only hope of the hopeless, and the help of
those oppressed. You are the ready protection of those who flee to you and the refuge of all
Christians. Do not spurn me an accused sinner, though I have made myself completely
useless by my shameful thoughts, words, and deeds and through indolence have become a
slave to the pleasures of life. But as the Mother of God who loves all people, mercifully have
compassion upon me a sinner and a prodigal and receive my prayer though it be offered to
you by unclean lips. Entreat your Son and our Lord and Master, using your boldness as a
mother, so that he may open to me the loving mercy of his goodness, overlook my
numberless transgressions, turn me to repentance, and make me an acceptable doer of his
commandments. Always be near me, for you are merciful, compassionate, and loving. Be my
ardent help and protection in this present life, defending me from the assaults of adversaries,
and lead me to salvation. At the hour of my death, care for my miserable soul and drive the
dark visions of evil spirits far from it. On the awesome day of judgment, save me from
eternal punishment and make me an inheritor of the ineffable glory of your Son, our God.
May this be my lot, my Lady, all holy Theotokos, through your intercession and help, by the
grace and love of your only begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ; to
whom belong all glory, honor, and worship, with his eternal Father, and his all holy,
righteous, and life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer To Our Lord Jesus Christ

By the Monk Antiochos of Pandektes

Grant us, Master, as we depart for sleep, rest for body and soul. Protect us from the gloom of
sinful sleep and from all dark pleasures of the night. Calm the impulses of passion, and
quench the fiery darts of evil which are treacherously cast against us. Check the turbulence of
our flesh and lull all our earthly and mundane thoughts. Grant us, O God, a watchful mind,
prudent reason, a vigilant heart, and tranquil sleep, free from all evil dreams. Raise us up at
the hour of prayer, strengthen us in your commandments, and keep unshaken within us the
remembrance of your judgments. Grant us to glorify you all night long that we may praise
and bless and glorify your all honorable and magnificent name, of the Father and the Son and
the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Most glorious, ever virgin, blessed Theotokos, present our prayers to your Son and our God,
and plead with him, that through you he may save our souls. My hope is the Father; my
refuge, the Son; my protection, the Holy Spirit. Holy Trinity, glory to you. My every hope I
place in you, Mother of God, keep me under your protection.

Dismissal

May Christ our true God have mercy upon us and save us through the intercessions of his
most pure and holy Mother, and of all your Saints, for he is a good and loving God. Through
the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on us, and save us. Amen.

On The Next Day(After the usual morning prayers say:)


Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us (3).

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Amen. All holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, forgive our sins. Master, pardon our
transgressions. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for your name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy (3).

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

Our Father, who are in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be
done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our
trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and
the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy (12).

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages.
Amen. Come, let us worship and bow down to God, our king. Come, let us worship and bow
down to Christ, our king and God. Come, let us worship and bow down to Christ himself, our
king and God.

Psalm 22 (23)

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he
leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; he leads me in the paths of
righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You
prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my
cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will
dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Psalm 23 (24)

The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it. For he has
founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters. Who shall ascend to the hill of
the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who has not lifted up his soul to what is false, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbor. He shall
receive a blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the
generation of those who seek the Lord, of those who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Lift
up your gates, you princes, and be lifted up, you everlasting gates. And the King of glory
shall enter. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in war.
Lift up your gates, you princes, and be lifted up, you everlasting gates, and the King of glory
shall enter. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory.

Psalm 115

I believed and therefore I spoke. But I was humbled exceedingly. I said in my ecstasy, every
man is a liar. What shall I render to the Lord for all that he has rendered to me? I will take the
cup of salvation, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord in
the presence of all his people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Lord,
I am your servant, and the son of your handmaiden. You have broken my bonds. I will offer a
sacrifice of praise to you, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the
Lord in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of
you, Jerusalem. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to
the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. (Then the following hymns).

Tone 6

Turn away from my transgressions Lord, born of the Virgin, and purify my heart, making it a
temple for your most pure and precious body and blood. Do not cast me away from your
presence, for your great mercy is boundless.

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

How shall I, the unworthy, be not ashamed of your holy things? If I dare to approach you
with the worthy, my garment will condemn me, for it is not a supper garment, and I shall
bring reproach upon my most sinful soul. Therefore, cleanse me Lord of the defilement of my
soul and save me, for you are a loving God. Now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Because of the multitude of my transgressions, I come to you, pure Theotokos, asking for
salvation. Visit my ailing soul, only blessed one, and beseech your Son, our God, to grant me
remission of the evil I have done.

On Holy And Great Thursday

The glorious disciples were illumined at the Supper during the washing of the feet. But
ungodly Judas was darkened by the disease of avarice, and he delivered you, the righteous
judge, to lawless judges. Behold, lover of money, how for the sake of money he hanged
himself. Flee from greed which made him dare to do such things against his Master. Glory to
you, Lord, who are good towards all people.

Lord, have mercy (40).

(Prostrations as desired, and immediately the following supplicatory prayers:)

Instructive Verses (How one should approach the immaculate Mysteries).

As you are about to eat the body of the Master, approach with fear lest you be burned, for it is
fire. And before you drink in communion the blood, be first reconciled with all those you
have offended; then you may take courage to eat the mystic Food. Before you take part in the
awesome sacrifice of the life-giving body of the Master, take care and pray with fear of God.

First Prayer: Saint Basil

Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, the source of life and of immortality, creator of
everything visible and invisible, coeternal and co-everlasting Son of the Father without
beginning; because of abundant goodness, you put on flesh and were crucified and buried for
us unthankful and ungrateful people in these latter days, and have by your own blood
renewed our nature corrupted by sin. Accept, immortal king, my repentance, that of a sinner,
and turn towards me, and hear my words. I have sinned, Lord, I have sinned before heaven
and before you, and I am not worthy to look upon the height of your glory, for I have
provoked your goodness. I have transgressed your commandments. I have disobeyed your
ordinances. But you, Lord, being long-suffering, and of great mercy, do not remember evil,
and have not given me over to destruction because of my lawlessness, but have ever awaited
my conversion. You who love all people, said by your prophet, I do not desire the death of a
sinner but that he should turn and live. For, Master, you do not wish that the work of your
hands should perish, nor do you take pleasure in the destruction of human beings, but desire
that everyone should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Therefore, even I,
although I am unworthy both of heaven and earth and of this temporary life, having wholly
yielded myself to sin, and become the slave of pleasure and have defiled your image, yet
being your creature and of your shaping, I do not despair for my salvation in my
wretchedness. But I am emboldened by your infinite compassion and I draw near. Therefore,
O Christ, you who love all people, receive even me as the harlot, as the thief, as the publican,
as the prodigal. Take away the heavy burden of my sins, you who take away the sin of the
world, who heal the infirmities of all people, who call to yourself the weary and burdened and
give them rest, who came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. Do cleanse me
from defilement of the flesh and spirit, and teach me to fulfill holiness in your fear, that in the
pure testimony of my conscience, receiving my portion of your holy gifts, I may be united to
your holy body and precious blood, and have you dwell and remain within me with the Father
and your Holy Spirit. Yes, Lord Jesus Christ my God, grant that the communion of your holy
and life giving mysteries may not be to my condemnation. Do not let me be afflicted in soul
and body by partaking of them unworthily. But grant that to the last breath of my life I shall
partake of my share uncondemned of your holy gifts, looking to the fellowship of the Holy
Spirit for eternal life, and to a favorable answer at your awesome judgment seat, that even I
may also become a partaker with your elect of your incorruptible blessings which you have
prepared for those who love you and in whom, Lord, you are glorified to the ages of ages.
Amen.

Second Prayer: Saint Basil

I know, Lord, that I partake unworthily of your pure body and precious blood, and that I am
guilty, my Christ and my God, as I eat and drink condemnation to myself not discerning your
body and blood. Yet, emboldened by your loving kindnesses, I come to you, who said, “he
who eats my flesh and drinks my blood, abides in me and I in him.” Take pity, therefore,
Lord, and do not rebuke me, a sinner, but deal with me mercifully. Let these holy gifts give
me healing and cleansing, enlightenment and protection, salvation and sanctification of soul
and body. May they avert every fantasy, evil practice, and operation of the devil enacted in
my members by design. May they give me confidence in and love for you; amendment of life
and perseverance, increase of virtue and perfection, fulfillment of your commandments,
fellowship of the Holy Spirit, provisions for the journey of eternal life, and an acceptable
answer at the awesome judgment seat. But let them not be for judgment or condemnation.
Amen.

Third Prayer: John Chrysostom

Lord my God, I know that I am not worthy, nor sufficient, that you should come under the
roof of the house of my soul, for it is entirely desolate and in ruins, and you do not have a
worthy place in me to lay your head. But as you humbled yourself from on high for our sake,
do likewise also for my unworthiness. And as you willed in the cave to lie in a manger of
dumb animals, take it upon yourself now to enter the manger of my dumb soul and into my
soiled body. And as you did not refuse to enter and eat with sinners in the house of Simon the
leper, so also deign to enter into the house of my soul, leper and sinner that I am. And as you
did not cast out the harlot, a sinner like me, who came and touched you, so have compassion
on me the sinner who now comes to touch you. And as you did not abhor the kiss of her
sinful and unclean mouth, do not abhor my mouth, more stained and unclean than hers, nor
my sordid and unclean and shameless lips, nor my more unclean tongue. But let the fiery coal
of your most pure body and of your most precious blood bring sanctification, illumination,
and strengthening of my lowly soul and body, relief of the burden of my many transgressions,
protection against every operation of the devil, an averting and hindering of my mean and
evil habits, mortification of my passions, fulfillment of your commandments, an increase of
your divine grace, and inheritance of your kingdom. For it is not with a light heart, Christ my
God, that I venture to approach you. But I trust in your ineffable goodness. May I not become
prey to Satan by abstaining for long from your communion. Therefore, Lord, I pray to you
who alone are holy that you sanctify my soul and body, my heart, and my mind, and
renewing me wholly, implant in my members fear of you. Do not let your sanctification be
taken from me, but be my help and protector, governing my life in peace. Make me worthy to
obtain a place at your right hand with your saints, through the prayers and supplications of
your most pure Mother, of your bodiless ministers and pure angelic powers, and of all your
saints who from the ages have found favor in you. Amen.

Fourth Prayer: John Chrysostom

I am not worthy, Sovereign Lord, for you to come under the roof of my soul. Yet because of
your love for all people, you wish to dwell in me. I boldly come. Command that the gates
open which you alone made and you will come in with love toward all people, as is your
nature. You will come in and enlighten my darkened reasoning. I believe that you will do
this, for you did not send away the harlot who came to you with tears, nor cast out the
repenting publican, nor reject the thief who acknowledged your kingdom, nor forsake the
repentant persecutor for what he was. But you counted as your friends all of those who came
to you in repentance. You alone are blessed, always, now and to the endless ages. Amen.

Fifth Prayer: John Chrysostom

Lord Jesus Christ my God, absolve, remit, forgive, and pardon me, your sinful, unprofitable,
and unworthy servant the errors, transgressions, and trespasses which I have committed from
my youth to the present day and hour, whether in knowledge or in ignorance, in words, or
deeds, or thoughts, or reasonings and pursuits, and in all my senses. And through the
intercession of the all pure and ever virgin Mary, your Mother, who conceived you without
sin, my only hope, protection, and salvation, count me worthy, uncondemned, to partake of
your pure and immortal and life giving, awesome Mysteries, for the remission of sins, for
eternal life, for sanctification and enlightenment, for strength, and healing and health of both
soul and body, for the erasing and complete removal of my evil thoughts and recollections,
superstitions and nocturnal phantasies brought by dark and evil spirits. For yours is the
kingdom, the power, the honor, and worship, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
now and forever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Sixth Prayer: John Of Damascus

Master Lord Jesus Christ our God, you alone have the authority to forgive human beings their
sins, for you are good and love everyone. Forgive all my transgressions committed in
knowledge or in ignorance. Make me worthy uncondemned to receive your divine and
glorious, pure and life giving Mysteries; incurring thereby neither punishment, nor the
increase of my sins, but receiving cleansing, sanctification, and a pledge of the life to come
and of the kingdom. Let them be for me a rampart, a help, and an overturning of my
adversaries, and a wiping out of my many transgressions. For you are a God of mercy,
compassion, and love of all human beings, and to you we give glory, with the Father and the
Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Seventh Prayer: Symeon The New Theologian

From foul lips and impure heart, from unclean tongue and a defiled soul, receive my prayer,
O my Christ. Take not into account my words, my ways, or my shamelessness. Grant me
boldness, my Christ, to say all that I wish. But rather teach me all that I should do and say. I
have sinned more than the harlot who, learning where you lived, boldly came forward to
anoint your feet, O my Christ, my Master, and my God. And as you did not reject her to come
with eagerness of heart, reject not me, O Word, but extend to me your feet that I may hold
and kiss and with streams of tears, as with a precious myrrh, I may boldly anoint them. Wash
me in my tears and purify me in them, O Word. Forgive my errors, and grant me pardon. You
know the multitude of my sins, you also know my wounds and see my bruises. Yet you know
my faith, you see my eagerness and hear my sighs. From you, my God, my Creator, and my
Redeemer is hid not one tear, nor even a part of one. Your eyes know my imperfections; in
your book already written down are all the acts yet not done. Behold my lowliness, behold
how great is my weariness and all my sins. God of all, remit everything so that with a clean
heart, a conscience filled with holy fear, and a contrite soul, I may partake of your most pure,
and wholly spotless mysteries, that give life and divinity to all who eat and drink of you with
a pure heart. For you have said, Master, that whoever eats my flesh and also drinks my blood,
does indeed abide in me, and I in him. True indeed is the word of my Master and my God.
For he who shares in these divine and deifying graces is in no way alone, but is with you, my
Christ, the triple-radiant light that enlightens the world. But so that I may never be alone
without you, O Giver of life, my breath, my life, my joy, and the world’s salvation, I have, as
you see, with tears and a contrite soul drawn near to you to ransom my errors, beseeching you
to rescue me and uncondemned to share in your life giving Mysteries. So as you have said
you might dwell with me, the most wretched one, that I not be found by the deceiver, without
your grace, and be seized by deception and seducing me lead me away from your life giving
words. Therefore, I fall before you and fervently cry out to you: as you received the prodigal
and the harlot when she came to you, so receive me, the harlot and prodigal, compassionate
One, as I come to you now, with a contrite heart. I know Savior that no one has offended you
as I have, nor committed the deeds that I have done. But this again I know, that neither the
greatness of my sins nor the multitude of my transgressions exceed my God’s great
forbearance and his great love for all. But with the oil of forgiveness you cleanse and
illumine those who fervently repent and make sharers of your light and partakers of your
divinity. And although this is strange to the minds of angels and of men, you speak with them
often as your true friends. These thoughts make me bold, these thoughts give me wings, my
Christ, and seeing your rich kindness towards us, I rejoice and tremble too. I partake of fire,
being grass, and behold, a strange wonder, I am unexpectedly refreshed as was the burning
bush, burning but not consumed. Therefore, thankful in mind, thankful in heart, thankful in
every member of my body and soul, I worship and magnify and glorify you, my God, as
being blessed both now and to the ages.

Eighth Prayer: Symeon Metaphrastes

Jesus Christ, wisdom of God, peace and power, only pure and spotless Lord, moved by the
ineffable pity in your love toward all people, you took upon yourself our whole frame from
the chaste and virgin blood of her who wondrously conceived you at the coming of the Holy
Spirit and by the favor of the eternal Father. In this assumed nature you underwent the life
giving and saving passion: the cross, the nails, the spear-death itself. Mortify in me the
passions of the body that destroy the soul. You who destroyed the power of Hades by your
burial, bury and destroy the devices of the evil spirits through pure thoughts. You who raised
the fallen forefather by your resurrection, raise me up from the sin that I have fallen into and
show me the way of repentance. By your glorious ascension you deified the assumed body
and honored it at the right hand of the Father. Make me worthy, by partaking of your holy
Mysteries, of a place at your right hand with the saved. You made your holy disciples
precious vessels by the coming of the Comforter, the Spirit. Declare me also a vessel of your
coming. You promised to come again to judge the world in righteousness. Grant that I shall
go to meet you, my Creator and Maker, in the clouds, with all the saints, and that I may
glorify you forever and praise you, with your eternal Father, and your all holy, gracious and
life giving Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Ninth Prayer: John Of Damascus

I stand before the doors of your temple, but I have not refrained from wicked thoughts. But
you, O Christ, my God, justified the publican, and showed mercy to the Canaanite woman,
and opened the gates of paradise to the thief. Open for me the depth of your love, and receive
me as I draw near and touch you, as did the harlot and the woman with the issue of blood.
The latter only touched the hem of your garment, and she immediately received healing,
while the former, clinging to your pure feet, obtained forgiveness of her sins. But may I, the
miserable one, be not consumed, by daring to receive your whole body. Receive me as you
did them, and enlighten the perception of my soul, through the intercession of her who gave
birth to you without sin, and of the heavenly powers. For you are blessed to the ages of ages.
Amen.
Tenth Prayer: John Chrysostom

I believe and confess, Lord, that you are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came
into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first. I also believe that this is truly your pure
body, and that this is truly your precious blood. Therefore, I pray to you, have mercy upon
me, and forgive my transgressions, those voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed,
known and unknown. And make me worthy without condemnation to partake of your pure
Mysteries for the forgiveness of sins and life eternal. Amen.

When coming forward to receive communion, say these verses of Symeon Metaphrastes:

Behold, my Maker, I approach holy Communion. Burn me not as I partake, for you are fire
which burns the unworthy. But cleanse me from every stain. Receive me today, Son of God,
as a partaker of your mystical Supper. I will not reveal your Mystery to your adversaries. Nor
will I give you a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess to you: Lord, remember me in
your kingdom.

And the following verses:

Seeing the divine blood, have fear, O man, for it is coal that burns the unworthy. It is God’s
body that deifies and nourishes me; it deifies the spirit and nourishes the mind mystically.

And the following hymns:

You have smitten me with yearning, O Christ, and with your divine love you have changed
me. Burn away my sins with spiritual fire and make me worthy to be filled with your joy, that
rejoicing in your goodness, I may magnify your two Comings.

How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the splendor of your saints? If I dare to enter into
the bridal chamber, my clothing will accuse me, since it is not a wedding garment; and being
bound up, I shall be cast out by the angels. In your love, Lord, cleanse the vileness of my soul
and save me.

Loving Master, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, do not let these Holy Things be to my con-
demnation because of my unworthiness, but rather for purification and sanctification of my
soul and body, and as a pledge of the life and kingdom to come. For it is good for me to
cleave to God, and to place the hope of my salvation in the Lord.

Receive me today, Son of God, as a partaker of your mystical Supper. I will not reveal your
mystery to your adversaries. Nor will I give you a kiss as did Judas. But as the thief I confess
to you: Lord, remember me in your kingdom.

Thanksgiving After Holy Communion

When you have had your due and rightful part in these life giving and mysterious gifts, give
immediate praise and great thanks to God, and say the following with fervent soul:

Glory to you, O God (3). (Then the following thanksgiving prayers:)

Anonymous

I thank you, Lord, my God, that you have not rejected me, a sinner, but have made me worthy
to partake of your holy Mysteries. I thank you that you have permitted me, although I am
unworthy, to receive your pure and heavenly gifts. O loving Master, who died and rose for
our sake, and granted to us these awesome and life-giving Mysteries for the well-being and
sanctification of our souls and bodies, let these gifts be for healing of my own soul and body,
the averting of every evil, the illumination of the eyes of my heart, the peace of my spiritual
powers, a faith unashamed, a love unfeigned, the fulfilling of wisdom, the observing of your
commandments, the receiving of your divine grace, and the inheritance of your kingdom.
Preserved by them in your holiness, may I always be mindful of your grace and no longer live
for myself, but for you, our Master and Benefactor. May I pass from this life in the hope of
eternal life, and attain to the everlasting rest, where the voices of your saints who feast are
unceasing, and their joy, beholding the ineffable beauty of your countenance, is unending.
For you, Christ our God, are the true joy and the inexpressible gladness of those who love
you, and all creation praises you forever. Amen.

Prayer Of Saint Basil

I thank you, Christ and Master our God, King of the ages and Creator of all things, for all the
good gifts you have given me, and especially for the participation in your pure and life-giving
mysteries. I, therefore, pray to you, good and loving Lord: keep me under your protection and
under the shadow of your wings. Grant that to my last breath I may with a pure conscience
partake worthily of your gifts for the forgiveness of sins and for eternal life. For you are the
bread of life, the source of holiness, the giver of all good things, and to you we give glory,
with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer Of Symeon Metaphrastes

You who have voluntarily given me your flesh as food, who are a burning fire to the
unworthy, do not consume me. No, my Creator. Rather, penetrate into my members, all my
joints, my organs, my heart and burn like thorns all my iniquities. Cleanse my soul, hallow
my thoughts, make firm my knees and my bones as well. Illumine my five senses and make
my entire being vigilant with the fear of you. Watch over me always, shield and protect me
from every deed and word that corrupts the soul. Cleanse me, purify and put me in order.
Adorn me, give me understanding, and illumine me. Mark me as your dwelling place, of the
Spirit only and no longer a place of sin, so that when you enter as if into your own home of
communion, every evil doer and every passion will flee from me as from fire. As advocates, I
bring to you all the saints, the captains of the incorporeal hosts, your Forerunner, your wise
Apostles, and more than these, your spotless, pure Mother, whose prayers accept, my
compassionate Christ. Make your servant a child of light. For in your goodness, you alone
sanctify and enlighten our souls, and to you, our God and Master, do we give, as it is right,
glory every day.

Anonymous

Let your sacred body, Lord Jesus Christ our God, lead me to eternal life, and your precious
blood to remission of sins. Let this Eucharist be to me joy, health, and gladness. And at your
fearful Coming deem me a sinner worthy to stand at the right hand of your glory, by the
intercession of your most pure Mother, and of all your saints. Amen.

All holy Lady, Theotokos, light of my darkened soul, my hope, shelter, refuge, comfort, and
joy, I thank you, for you have deemed me, the unworthy one, worthy to partake of the most
pure body and of the precious blood of your Son. But you who gave birth to the true Light,
enlighten the spiritual eyes of my heart. You conceived the source of immortality. Now give
life to me who am dead in sin. You, the compassionate Mother of the merciful God, have
mercy on me and give me penitence and contrition of heart and meekness in my thoughts and
an awakening of my thoughts from captivity. And grant me, until my last breath, to receive
without condemnation the sanctification of your sacred Mysteries for the healing of soul and
body. Grant me tears of repentance and confession that I may praise ad glorify you all the
days of my life. For you are blessed and glorified to the ages. Amen.

Lord, now let your servant depart in peace according to your word. For my eyes have seen
your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all people, a light to enlighten the
Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.
Glory Be To God

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