The Great Canon of St Andrew of Crete (read online)

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As chanted on Monday of the First Week
As chanted on Tuesday of the First Week
As chanted on Wednesday of the First Week
As chanted on Thursday of the First Week

As chanted on Monday of the First Week

On Monday of the First Week of Lent, during Great Compline, after Ps.69, the Canon is sung. The Eirmosi are sung twice, at the beginning and end of each Song. Before each Troparion we make the sign of the Cross and bow three times.

Song 1. Tone 6

Eirmos: He is my Helper and Protector, and has become my salvation. This is my God and I will glorify Him. My father’s God and I will exalt Him. For gloriously has He been glorified. (Ex.15:2,1; Ps.117:14)

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

Where shall I begin to lament the deeds of my wretched life? What first-fruit shall I offer, O Christ, for my present lamentation? But in Thy compassion grant me release from my falls.

Come, wretched soul, with thy flesh, confess to the Creator of all. In future refrain from thy former brutishness, and offer to God tears in repentance.

Having rivaled the first-created Adam by my transgression, I realize that I am stripped naked of God and of the everlasting kingdom and bliss through my sins. (Gen.3)

Alas, wretched soul! Why art thou like the first Eve? For thou hast wickedly looked and been bitterly wounded, and thou hast touched the tree and rashly tasted the forbidden food.

The place of bodily Eve has been taken for me by the Eve of my mind in the shape of a passionate thought in the flesh, showing me sweet things, yet ever making me taste and swallow bitter things.

Adam was rightly exiled from Eden for not keeping Thy one commandment, O Savior. But what shall I suffer who am always rejecting Thy living words? (Hebr.12:25; Gen.3:23)

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

To The Trinity: Superessential Trinity, adored in Unity, take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me tears of compunction.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Mother of God, hope and intercessor of those who sing of thee, take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and as thou art our pure Lady, accept me who repent.

Song 2

Eirmos: Attend, O heaven, and I will speak, and will sing of Christ who came to dwell among us in flesh which He took from the Virgin.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

Attend, O heaven, and I will speak; O earth, give ear to a voice repenting to God and singing praises to Him.

Attend to me, O God my Savior, with Thy merciful eye, and accept my fervent confession. (Prov.15:3; Ps.33:15)

I have sinned above all men, I alone have sinned against Thee. But as God have compassion, O Savior, on Thy creature. (1Tim.1:15)

Having formed by my pleasure-loving desires the deformity of my passions, I have marred the beauty of my mind.

A storm of passions besets me, O compassionate Lord. But stretch out Thy hand to me too, as to Peter. (Mt.14:31)

I have stained the coat of my flesh, and soiled what is in Thy image and likeness, O Savior.

I have darkened the beauty of my soul with passionate pleasures, and my whole mind I have reduced wholly to mud.

I have torn my first garment which the Creator wove for me in the beginning, and therefore I am lying naked. (Gen.3:21)

I have put on a torn coat, which the serpent wove for me by argument, and I am ashamed. (Gen.3:4-5)

The tears of the harlot, O merciful Lord, I too offer to Thee. Be merciful to me, O Savior, in Thy compassion. (Lk.7:38, 18:13)

I looked at the beauty of the tree, and my mind was seduced; and now I lie naked, and I am ashamed. (Gen.3:7)

All the demon-chiefs of the passions have plowed on my back, and long has their tyranny over me lasted. (Ps.128:3)

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

To The Trinity: I sing of Thee as one in three Persons, O God of all, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Spotless Mother of God, only all-hymned Virgin, pray intensely that we may be saved.

Song 3

Eirmos: Establish Thy Church on the unshakable rock of Thy commandments, O Christ.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

The Lord rained fire from the Lord, my soul, and burnt up the former land of Sodom. (Gen.19:24)

Escape to the mountain like Lot, my soul, and make Zoar thy refuge in time. (Gen.19:22)

Run from the burning, my soul! Run from the heat of Sodom! Run from the destruction of the divine flame. (Deut.4:24; Hebr.12:29)

I alone have sinned against Thee, sinned above all men. O Christ my Savior, spurn me not.

Thou art the good Shepherd; seek me, Thy lamb, and neglect not me who have gone astray. (Jn.10:11-14)

Thou art my sweet Jesus, Thou art my Creator; in Thee, O Savior, I shall be justified.

I confess to Thee, O Savior, I have sinned, I have sinned against Thee, but absolve and forgive me in Thy compassion.

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

To The Trinity: O Trinity, Unity, God, save us from delusion and temptations and distressing circumstances.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Rejoice, God-receiving womb! Rejoice, throne of the Lord! Rejoice, Mother of our Life!

Song 4

Eirmos: The Prophet heard of Thy coming, O Lord, and was afraid that Thou wast to be born of a Virgin and appear to men, and he said, “I have heard the report of Thee and am afraid.” Glory to Thy power, O Lord. (Habak.3:2)

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

Despise not Thy works and forsake not Thy creation, O just Judge and Lover of men, though I alone have sinned as a man more than any man. But being Lord of all, Thou hast power to pardon sins. (Mk.2:10)

The end is drawing near, my soul, is drawing near! But thou dost neither care nor prepare. The time is growing short. Rise! The Judge is near at the very doors. Like a dream, like a flower, the time of this life passes. Why do we bustle about in vain? (Mt.24:33; Ps.38:7)

Come to thy senses, my soul! Consider the deeds thou hast done, and bring them before thy eyes, and pour out the drops of thy tears. Boldly tell thy thoughts and deeds to Christ, and be acquitted.

There has never been a sin or act or vice in life that I have not committed, O Savior. I have sinned in mind, word and choice, in purpose, will and action, as no one else has ever done.

Therefore I am condemned, wretch that I am, therefore I am doomed by my own conscience, than which there is nothing in the world more rigorous. O my Judge and Redeemer Who knowest my heart, spare and deliver and save me, Thy servant.

The ladder of old which the great Patriarch saw, my soul, is a model of mounting by action and ascent by knowledge. So, if thou dost wish to live in activity, knowledge and contemplation, be renewed. (Gen.28:12; Rom.12:2; Tit.3:5)

Because of his crying need the Patriarch endured the scorching heat of the day, and he bore the frost of the night, daily making gains, shepherding, struggling, slaving, in order to win two wives. (Gen.29:16-30, 31-40)

By the two wives understand action and direct knowledge in contemplation: Leah as action, for she had many children, and Rachel as knowledge, which is obtained by much labor. For without labors, my soul, neither action nor contemplation will achieve success.

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

To The Trinity: I confess Thee to be undivided in essence, unconfused in persons, One Triune Divinity, co-enthroned and co-reigning. I sing Thee the great song thrice sung on high.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Thou givest birth and livest a virgin life, and in both remainest a virgin by nature. He Who is born of thee renews the laws of nature, and a womb gives birth without travail. Where God wills, the order of nature is overruled; for He does whatever He wishes.

Song 5

Eirmos: Out of the night watching early for Thee, enlighten me, I pray, O Lover of men, and guide even me in Thy commandments, and teach me, O Savior, to do Thy will.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

I have passed my life ever in night, for the night of sin has been to me thick fog and darkness; but make me, O Savior, a son of the day. (Eph.5:8)

Like Reuben, wretch that I am, I have planned an unprincipled and lawless act against God Most High, having defiled my bed as he defiled that of his father. (Gen.35:21, 49:3-4)

I confess to Thee, O Christ my King: I have sinned, I have sinned, like Joseph’s brothers of old, who sold the fruit of purity and chastity. (Gen.37)

His brothers gave up righteous Joseph, that sweet soul was sold into slavery, as a type of the Lord; and thou, my soul, hast sold thyself completely to thy vices. (Gen.37:27-28)

Imitate, wretched and worthless soul, righteous Joseph and his pure mind, and do not be wanton with irrational desires, ever transgressing. (Gen.39:7-23)

If Joseph of old also occupied a pit, O Sovereign Lord, yet it was as a type of Thy Burial and Rising. But will I ever offer Thee anything like it? (Gen.37)

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

To The Trinity: Thee, O Trinity, we glorify, the one God: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, Father, Son and Spirit, simple Being, Unity ever adored.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: From thee, O pure maiden Mother and Virgin, God Who created the worlds and ages was clad in my clay and united to Himself human nature.

Song 6

Eirmos: I cried with my whole heart to the merciful God, and He heard me from the lowest hell and raised my life out of corruption.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

I sincerely offer Thee with a pure intention, O Savior, the tears of my eyes and groans from the depths of my heart, crying: O God, I have sinned against Thee; be merciful to me. (Lk.18:13)

Thou, my soul, hast revolted from the Lord like Dathan and Abiram. But with all thy heart cry, “Spare!”, that a yawning gulf of the earth may not swallow thee. (Num.16)

Like a stampeding heifer stung to madness, my soul, thou hast resembled Ephraim. Winged with action, resolve and contemplation, save thy life like a gazelle from the noose. (Hos.4:16)

Let Moses’ hand assure us, my soul, how God can whiten and cleanse a leprous life. So do not despair of thyself, even though thou art leprous. (Ex.4:6-8)

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

To The Trinity: I am the Trinity, simple and undivided, divided Personally, and I am the Unity, united in nature, says the Father, the Son, and the Divine Spirit.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Thy womb bore God for us Who took our form. Implore Him as the Creator of all, O Mother of God, that through thy intercessions we may be justified.

Lord, have mercy (Three times).

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

Kontakion, tone 6:

My soul, my soul, arise! Why art thou sleeping? The end is drawing near, and thou wilt be confounded. Awake, then, and be watchful, that Christ our God may spart thou, Who is everywhere present and fills all things.

Song 7

Eirmos: We have sinned, transgressed, done wrong before Thee, we have not watched or done as Thou hast commanded us. But do not give us up utterly, O God of our Fathers.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

I have sinned, offended and rejected Thy commandment, for I have advanced in sins and added wounds to my sores. But in Thy compassion have mercy on me, O God of our Fathers.

I have confessed to Thee, my Judge, the secrets of my heart. See my humility, see also my distress, and attend to my judgment now. And in Thy compassion have mercy on me, O God of our Fathers.

When Saul of old lost his father’s asses, besides getting news of them he incidentally found a kingdom. But watch, my soul, lest without noticing it, thou dost prefer thy animal cravings to the Kingdom of Christ. (1Sam.10:2)

If David, the father of our Divine Lord, doubly sinned of old, my soul, when he was pierced with the arrow of adultery and struck with the spear of remorse for murder, yet thou hast a sickness graver than deeds in thy will and appetites. (2Sam.11, 12:1-23)

David once joined sin to sin, for he mixed adultery with murder, yet he immediately offered double repentance. But thou my soul, hast done things more wicked without repenting to God.

David of old composed a song, painting it as in a picture, by which he exposes the deed he had done, crying: Have mercy on me, for against Thee only have I sinned, Who art God of all. Cleanse me. (Ps.50)

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

To The Trinity: O Trinity simple and undivided, of one essence and one nature, Lights and Light, three Holies and one Holy, God the Trinity is hymned. But sing, my soul, and glorify the Life and Lives, the God of all.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: We sing of thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, O Mother of God, for thou gavest birth to one of the inseparable Trinity, the one Son and God, and to us on earth thou hast opened the heavenly realms.

Song 8

Eirmos: Him Whom the heavenly hosts glorify and before Whom Cherubim and Seraphim tremble, let every breath and all creation praise, bless and exalt throughout all ages.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

I have sinned, O Savior, have mercy! Awaken my mind to conversion, accept me who repent, have compassion on me as I cry: Against Thee only have I sinned and acted lawlessly; have mercy on me.

Elijah the charioteer once ascended by the chariot of the virtues as to heaven and was carried above earthly things. Consider then, my soul, this ascent. (2King.2:11)

Elisha received double grace from the Lord when he took up Elijah’s sheepskin. But thou, my soul, hast not shared this grace owing to incontinence. (2King.2:9)

Jordan’s stream of old was made to stand still on either side by Elisha by Elijah’s sheepskin. But thou, my soul, hast not shared this grace owing to incontinence. (2King.2:14)

The Shunammite woman of old with right good will entertained the righteous man. But thou, my soul, hasttaken into thy house neither stranger nor traveler. Therefore thou wilt be cast out of the bridal hall wailing. (2King.4:8)

Thou hast always imitated the vile mind of Gehazi, O wretched soul. Rid thyself of his love of money, at least in old age; escape from the fire of Gehenna by leaving thy evil ways.

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

To The Trinity: Eternal Father, co-eternal Son, gracious Comforter, Spirit of Truth; Father of the Divine Word, Word of the Eternal Father, living and creative Spirit, Trinity Unity, have mercy on us.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: As from scarlet silk, O spotless Virgin, within thy womb the spiritual purple was woven, the flesh of Emmanuel. Therefore we honor thee as in truth Mother of God.

Song 9

Eirmos: Ineffable is the childbearing of a seedless conception, unsullied the pregnancy of a Virgin Mother, for the birth of God renews natures. So in all generations we magnify thee in orthodox fashion as the Mother and Bride of God.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

The mind is wounded, the body is feeble, the spirit is sick, the word has lost its power, life is ebbing, the end is at the doors. What then wilt thou do, wretched soul, when the Judge comes to try thy case?

I have reviewed Moses’ account of the creation of the world, my soul, and then all canonical Scripture which tells thee the story of the righteous and the unrighteous. But thou, my soul, hastcopied the latter and not the former, and have sinned against God.

The Law has grown weak, the Gospel is unpracticed, the whole of the Scripture is ignored by thee; the Prophets and every word of the Just have lost their power. Thy wounds, my soul, have multiplied, and there is no physician to heal thee.

I am bringing before thee examples from the New Scripture, my soul, to lead thee to compunction. So emulate the righteous and avoid following the sinners, and regain Christ’s grace by prayers, fasts, purity and reverence.

Christ became man and called to repentance robbers and harlots. Repent, my soul! The door of the Kingdom is already open, and the transformed pharisees, publicans and adulterers are seizing it ahead of thee. (Mt.21:31, 11:12)

Christ became a babe and conversed in the flesh with me, and he voluntarily experienced all that pertains to our nature, apart from sin; and He showed thee, my soul, an example and image of His own condescension. (Mt.1:25)

Christ saved wise men, called shepherds, made crowds of infants martyrs, glorified old men and aged widows, whose deeds and life, my soul, thou hast not emulated. But woe unto thee when thou art judged! (Mt.2:12; Lk.2:9-12; Mt.2:16; Lk.2:25-38)

When the Lord had fasted for forty days in the wilderness, He at last became hungry, showing His human nature. Do not be despondent, my soul, if the enemy attacks thee, but let him be beaten off by prayer and fasting. (Mt.4:1-11, 17:21; Mk.9:29)

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

To The Trinity: Let us glorify the Father, exalt the Son, and faithfully worship the Divine Spirit, inseparable Trinity, Unity in essence, as the Light and Lights, the Life and Lives, giving life and light to the ends of the earth.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Protect thy city, spotless Mother of God, for in thee it faithfully reigns, and in thee is made strong, and through thee it conquers and routs every trial and temptation, and spoils its foes and rules its subjects.

Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.

To St. Andrew of Crete: Venerable Andrew, thrice-blessed father, shepherd of Crete, cease not to pray to God for those who sing of thee, that He may deliver from anger, oppression, corruption and our countless sins, all of us who faithfully honor thy memory.

And again the Eirmos: Ineffable is the childbearing of a seedless conception, unsullied the pregnancy of a Virgin Mother, for the birth of God renews natures. So in all generations we magnify thee in orthodox fashion as Mother and Bride of God.

As chanted on Tuesday of the First Week

As sung on Clean Tuesday

On Tuesday of the First Week of Lent, during Great Compline, after Ps.69, the Canon is sung.

The Eirmosi are sung twice, at the beginning and end of each Song.

Before each Troparion we make the sign of the Cross and bow three times.

Song 1. Tone 6

Eirmos: He is my Helper and Protector, and has become my salvation. This is my God and I will glorify Him My father’s God and I will exalt Him. For gloriously has He been glorified. (Ex.15:2, 1; Ps.117:14)

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

I have willfully incurred the guilt of Cain’s murder, since by invigorating my flesh I am the murderer of my soul’s awareness, and have warred against it by my evil deeds. (Gen.4:8)

I have not resembled Abel’s righteousness, O Jesus. I have never offered Thee acceptable gifts, nor divine actions, nor a pure sacrifice, nor an unblemished life. (Gen.4:4)

Like Cain, we too, O wretched soul, have likewise offered to the Creator of all foul deeds, defective sacrifice and a useless life. Therefore we too are condemned. (Gen.4:5; Hebr.11:4)

In molding my clay into life, O Potter, Thou didst put in me flesh and bones, breath and vitality. But, O my Creator, my Redeemer and Judge, accept me who repent. (Gen.2:7; Jer.18:1-10; Rom.9:21)

I confess to Thee, O Savior, the sins I have committed, and the wounds of my body and soul which murderous thoughts like robbers within have inflicted upon me. (Lk.10:30)

I have sinned, O Savior, yet I know that Thou art the Lover of men. Thou strikest compassionately and pitiest warmly. Thou seest me weeping and runnest towards me as the Father recalling the Prodigal. (Lk.15:20)

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

To The Trinity: Superessential Trinity, adored in Unity, take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me tears of compunction.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Mother of God, hope and intercessor of those who sing of thee, take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and as thou art our pure Lady, accept me who repent.

Song 2

Eirmos: Attend, O heaven, and I will speak, and will sing of Christ who came to dwell among us in flesh which He took from the Virgin.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

Sin which stripped me of my former God-woven clothing has also sewn on me coats of skin. (Gen.3:21)

I am wrapped in a garment of shame as with fig leaves, in reproof of my selfish passions.

I am clad in a coat that is spotted and shamefully blood-stained by the flow of my passionate and pleasure-loving life.

I fell under the burden of passions and corruption of matter, and from then until now I am oppressed by the enemy.

Having preferred a possessive and pleasure-loving life to spiritual poverty, O Savior, I am now harnessed with a heavy yoke. (Mt.5:3)

I have adorned the idol of my flesh with the many-colored clothing of shameful thoughts, and I am condemned. (1Jn.5:21)

I have been anxiously concerned only about outward adornment, and have neglected the inner temple made in the image of God. (1Pet.3:3-4)

I have buried with passions the beauty of the original image, O Savior. But seek and find it, like the lost coin. (Lk.15:8)

Like the harlot I cry to Thee: I have sinned, I alone have sinned against Thee. Accept my tears also, O Savior, as perfume. (Lk.7:37-50)

Like the publican I cry to Thee: Be merciful, O Savior, be merciful to me; for no child of Adam has sinned as I against Thee. (Lk.18:13)

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

To The Trinity: One in three Persons I praise Thee, O God of all, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Spotless Mother of God, only all-hymned Virgin, pray intensely that we may be saved.

Song 3

Eirmos: Establish, O Lord, my unstable heart on the rock of Thy commandments, for Thou only art Holy and Lord.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

In Thee the Conqueror of death, I have found the Source of Life, and from my heart I cry to Thee before my end: I have sinned, be merciful, save me.

I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned against Thee. Be merciful to me. For there is no one who has sinned among men whom I have not surpassed by my sins.

I have imitated those who were licentious in Noah’s time, and I have earned a share in their condemnation of drowning in the flood. (Gen.6)

Thou hast imitated Ham, that spurner of his father, my soul. Thou hast not concealed thy neighbor’s shame by returning to him looking backwards. (Gen.9:20, 27)

Run, my soul, like Lot from the fire of sin; run from Sodom and Gomorrah; run from the flame of every irrational desire. (Gen.19)

Have mercy, O Lord, have mercy on me, I implore Thee, when Thou comest with Thy Angels to requite us all as our actions deserve.

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

To The Trinity: Simple, uncreated Unity, unoriginate Nature praised in a Trinity of Persons, save us who with faith worship Thy power.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: O Mother of God, unwedded thou gavest birth in time to the timeless Son of the Father. And – O strange wonder! – thou remainest a Virgin while suckling Him.

Song 4

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

Watch, my soul! Be courageous like the great Patriarchs, that thou mayest acquire activity and awareness, and be a mind that sees God, and may reach in contemplation the innermost darkness, and be a great trader. (Gen.32:28; Lk.19:13-15)

The great Patriarch, by begetting the twelve Patriarchs, mystically set up for thee, my soul, a ladder of active ascent, having wisely offered his children as rungs, and his steps as ascents.

Thou hast emulated the hated Esau, my soul, and have given up thy birthright of pristine beauty to thy supplanter, and thou hast lost thy father’s blessing, and have been tripped up twice in action and knowledge. Therefore, O wretch, repent now. (Gen.25:31, 27:37)

Esau was called Edom for his extreme passion of madness for women. For ever burning with incontinence and stained with pleasures, he was named Edom which means a red-hot sin-loving soul. (Gen.25:30)

Hast thou heard of Job who was made holy on a dunghill, O my soul? Thou hast not emulated his courage, nor had his firmness of purpose in all thou hast learned or known, or in thy temptations, but thou hast proved unpersevering. (Job.1)

He who was formerly on a throne is now naked on a dunghill and covered with sores. He who had many children and was much admired is suddenly childless and homeless. Yet he regarded the dunghill as a palace and his sores as pearls. (Job.2:7-8)

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

To The Trinity: I confess Thee to be undivided in essence, unconfused in persons, One Triune Divinity, co-enthroned and co-reigning. I sing Thee the great song thrice sung on high.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Song 5

Eirmos: Out of the night watching early for Thee, enlighten me, I pray, O Lover of men, and guide even me in Thy commandments, and teach me, O Savior, to do Thy will.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

Thou hast heard, my soul, of Moses’ ark of old, borne on the waters and waves of the river as in a shrine, which escaped the bitter tragedy of Pharaoh’s edict. (Ex.1:22-2:3)

If thou hast heard of the midwives, wretched soul, who of old killed in infancy the manly issue and practice of chastity, then like the great Moses, suck wisdom. (Ex.1:16-2:9; Act.7:22)

Thou, wretched soul, hast not struck and killed thy Egyptian mind, like great Moses. Say, then, how wilt thou dwell in that desert solitude where the passions desert thee through repentance? (Ex.2:12)

Great Moses dwelt in the wilds, my soul. So go and imitate his life, that thou too mayest attain by contemplation to the vision of God in the bush. (Ex.3:1)

Imagine Moses’ staff striking the sea and fixing the deep as a type of the divine Cross, by which thou too, my soul, canst accomplish great things. (Ex.14:16)

Aaron offered to God the fire pure and undefiled; but Hophni and Phinehas, like thee, my soul, offered to God a foul and rebellious life. (Lev.9:21-24; 1Sam.2:12-34)

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

To The Trinity: Thee, O Trinity, we glorify, the one God: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, Father, Son and Spirit, simple Being, Unity ever adored.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: From thee, O pure maiden Mother and Virgin, God Who created the worlds and ages was clad in my clay and united to Himself human nature.

Song 6

Eirmos: I cried with my whole heart to the merciful God, and He heard me from the lowest hell and raised my life out of corruption.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

The waves of my sins, O Savior, as in the Red Sea recoiled and covered me unawares, like the Egyptians of old and their charioteers. (Ex.14:7-31)

Like Israel of old, my soul, thou hast had a foolish affection. For like a brute thou hast preferred to divine manna the pleasure-loving gluttony of the passions. (Num.21, 5; 1Cor.10:9)

The wells of Canaanite thoughts, my soul, thou hast prized above the Rock with the cleft from which the river of wisdom like a chalice pours forth streams of theology. (Gen.21:25; Ex.17:6)

Swine’s flesh and hotpots and Egyptian food thou, my soul, hast preferred to heavenly manna, as of old the senseless people in the wilderness. (Ex.16:3; Num.11:4-7)

When Thy servant Moses struck the rock with his staff, he mystically typified Thy life-giving side, O Savior, from which we all draw the water of life. (Num.20:11; 1Cor.10:4)

Explore and spy out the Land of Promise like Joshua the Son of Nun, my soul, and see what it is like, and settle in it by observing the laws. (Sir.2)

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

To The Trinity: I am the Trinity, simple and undivided, divided Personally, and I am the Unity, united in nature, says the Father, the Son, and the Divine Spirit.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Thy womb bore God for us Who took our form. Implore Him as the Creator of all, O Mother of God that through thy intercessions we may be justified.

Kontakion, tone 6:

My soul, my soul, arise! Why art thou sleeping? The end is drawing near, and thou wilt be confounded. Awake, then, and, be watchful, that Christ our God may spare thee, Who is everywhere present and fills all things.

Song 7

Eirmos: We have sinned, transgressed, done wrong before Thee, we have not watched or done as Thou hast commanded us. But do not give us up utterly, O God of our Fathers.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

When the Ark was being carried on a wagon, and when one of the oxen slipped, Uzzah only touched it and experienced the wrath of God. But avoid, my soul, his presumption and truly reverence divine things. (2Sam.6:6)

Thou hast heard of Absalom, how he rose against nature. Thou knowest his accursed deeds and how he insulted the bed of his father David. But thou hast imitated his passionate and pleasure-loving cravings. (2Sam.15, 16:21)

Thou hast enslaved thy free dignity to thy body, my soul, for thou hast found in Satan another Ahitophel and have consented to his counsels. But Christ Himself scattered them, that thou may at all events be saved. (2Sam.16:20)

Wonderful Solomon, who was full of the grace of wisdom, at one time did evil in God’s sight and fell away from Him. And thou, my soul, hast resembled him by thy accursed life. (1King.11; Eccl.47:12-20)

Carried away by the pleasure of his passions, he defiled himself. Alas, the lover of wisdom is a lover of loose women and estranged from God! And thou, my soul, hast in mind imitated him by thy shameful pleasures. (1King.3:12, 11:4-12)

Thou, my soul, hast rivaled Rehoboam who would not listen to his father’s advisors, and that vicious slave Jeroboam the apostate of old. But shun such mimicry and cry to God: I have sinned, have compassion on me. (1King.12:13-20)

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

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Song 8

Eirmos: Him Whom the heavenly hosts glorify and before Whom Cherubim and Seraphim tremble, let every breath, and all creation praise, bless and exalt throughout all ages.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

Having emulated Uzziah, my soul, thou hast his leprosy in thee doubled. For thou dost think disgusting thoughts and do outrageous things. Let go of what thou art holding and run to repentance. (2King.15:5; 2Chron.26:19)

Hast thou heard, my soul, of the Ninevites, who repented before God in sackcloth and ashes? Thou hast not imitated them, but appear to be more crooked than all who have sinned before and after the law. (Jona.3:5)

Thou hast heard of Jer.in the mud pit, my soul, how he cried out with lamentations against the City of Zion, and was seeking tears. Imitate his life of lamentation and thou wilt be saved. (Jer.38:6)

Jonah fled to Tarshish, foreseeing the conversion of the Ninevites; for, being a Prophet, he was aware of God’s compassion, and was anxious that his prophecy should not prove false. (Jona.1:3)

Thou hast heard, my soul, of Daniel in the lion’s den. and how he shut the beasts’ mouths. Thou knowest how the Children who were with Azariah extinguished the flames of the burning furnace by faith. (Dan.6:16-22, 3:23)

I have reviewed all the people of the Old Testament as examples for thee, my soul. Imitate the God-loving deeds of the righteous and shun the sins of the wicked.

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

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: As from scarlet silk, O spotless Virgin, within thy womb the spiritual purple was woven, the flesh Of Emmanuel. Therefore we honor thee as in truth Mother of God.

Song 9

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

Christ was tempted, the devil was tempting Him, showing Him stones to be turned into bread; and he led Him up a mountain to see all the kingdoms of the world in a flash. Dread, my soul, the scene; watch and pray at every hour to God. (Mt.4:3-9, 26:41)

The desert-loving dove, the lamp of Christ, the Voice crying in the wilderness sounded, preaching repentance; while Herod sinned with Herodias. See, my soul, that thou art not caught in the toils of sin, but embrace repentance. (Mk.1:3; Mt.14:3)

The Forerunner of grace dwelt in the desert and all Judea and Samaria ran to hear him; and they confessed their sins, and eagerly received baptism. But thou, my soul, hast not imitated them. (Mt.3:5-6)

Marriage is honourable and the bed undefiled, for Christ earlier blessed both, eating in His flesh at the marriage in Cana and changing water into wine, and showing His first miracle so that thou, my soul, might be changed. (Hebr.13:4; Jn.2:1-11)

Christ braced the paralytic and he carried his bed; He raised up the dead young man, the son of the widow, and the Centurion’s servant; and by revealing Himself to the Samaritan woman, He traced in advance for thee, my soul, how to worship in spirit. (Mt.9:2-7; Lk.7:14; Mt.8:6-13; Jn.4:26; Sir.4:24)

The Lord healed the woman with hemorrhage by the touch of His hem, cleansed lepers, gave sight to the blind, and cured cripples; the deaf and the dumb and the woman bent earthward he healed with His word, that thou, wretched soul, might be saved. (Mt.9:20-22, 10:8, 11:5; Lk.13:11-13)

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

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.

As chanted on Wednesday of the First Week

As sung on Clean Wednesday

On Wednesday of the First Week of Lent, during Great Compline, after Ps.69, the Canon is sung.

The Eirmosi are sung twice, at the beginning and end of each Song.

Before each Troparion we make the sign of the Cross and bow three times.

Song 1. Tone 6

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

From my youth, O Christ, I have rejected Thy commandments. I have passed my whole life without caring or thinking as a slave of my passions. Therefore, O Savior, I cry to Thee: At least in the end save me.

In old age even, O Savior, do not cast me out empty to hell as I lie prostrate before Thy gates. But before my end in Thy love for men grant me release from my falls.

I have squandered in profligacy my substance, O Savior, and I am barren of virtues and piety; but famished I cry: O Father of mercies, forestall and have compassion on me. (Lk.15:13, 17)

I am the one by my thoughts who fell among robbers, and now I am all wounded by them, full of sores. But stand by me, O Christ my Savior, and heal me. (Lk.10:30)

The priest saw me first and passed by on the other side. Then the Levite took a look at my sufferings and disdained my nakedness. But stand by me, O Jesus Who didst dawn out of Mary, and have compassion on me. (Lk.10:31-33)

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Grant me that illuminating grace from on high given thee by Divine Providence that I may escape the darkening of the passions and fervently sing of the thrilling achievements of thy life, O Mary.

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

To The Trinity: Superessential Trinity, adored in Unity, take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me tears of compunction.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Mother of God, hope and intercessor of those who sing of thee, take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and as thou art our pure Lady, accept me who repent.

Song 2

Eirmos: Attend, O heaven, and I will speak, and will sing of Christ who came to dwell among us in flesh which He took from the Virgin.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

2:1 I have slipped and fallen like David through lack of discipline, and I am covered with filth; but wash me too, O Savior, with my tears. (2Sam.11:1-4)

2:2 No tears, no repentance have I, no compunction. But as God, O Savior, grant me these.

2:3 I have lost my first-created beauty and comeliness; and now I lie naked, and I am ashamed.

2:4 Close not Thy door to me then, Lord, Lord; but open it to me who repent to Thee. (Mt.25:11)

2:5 Give ear to the sighs and groans of my soul, and accept the drops of my eyes, O Savior, and save me.

2:6 O Lover of men, Who wishest all to be saved, in Thy goodness recall me and receive me who repent. (1Tim.2:4)

Refrain: Most holy Mother of God, save us.

Theotokion: Spotless Mother of God, only all-hymned Virgin, pray intensely that we may be saved.

Another Eirmos: See, see that I am God, Who rained manna and made water spout from the rock of old for my people in the wilderness, by My right hand, and by My strength alone.

Troparia:

2:7 See, see that I am God: give ear, my soul, to the Lord Who is appealing to thee, and tear thyself from thy former sin, and fear Him as the Avenger, and as thy Judge and God. (Deut.32:35; Hebr.10:30)

2:8 Whom dost thou resemble, O most sinful soul? Surely the first Cain and that wicked Lamech. For thou hast stoned thy body with evil deeds, and thou hast murdered thy mind with irrational appetites. (Gen.4; 4:23)

2:9 Running through all who lived before the Law, my soul, thou hast not been like Seth, nor imitated Enos, nor Enoch by translation, nor Noah. But thou art seen to be bereft of the life of the righteous. (Gen.5)

2:10 Thou alone hast opened the cataracts of the wrath of God, my soul, and hast flooded as the earth all thy flesh and actions and life, and hast remained outside the Ark of Salvation. (Gen.6-8)

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

2:11 To St. Mary of Egypt: With all eagerness and love thou didst run to Christ, abandoning thy former way of sin. And being nourished in the untrodden wilderness, thou didst chastely fulfill His divine commandments.

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

2:12 To The Trinity: Unoriginate, uncreated Trinity, indivisible Unity, accept me who repent, save me who have sinned. I am Thy creation, despise me not, but spare me and deliver me from the fire of condemnation.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Spotless Lady, Mother of God, hope of those who run to thee, and haven of those in distress, obtain grace for me from the merciful One, Thy Son and Creator, by thy prayers.

Song 3

Eirmos: Establish, O Lord, my unstable. heart on the rock of Thy commandments, for Thou only art Holy and Lord.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

Thou hast not inherited Shem’s blessing, wretched soul, nor hast thou received that vast possession like Japheth in the land of forgiveness. (Gen.9:26-27)

Come out, my soul, from sin, from the land of Haran! Come into the land of eternal life flowing with incorruption which Abraham inherited. (Gen.12:4)

Thou hast heard, my soul, how Abraham of old left the land of his fathers and became a nomad. Imitate his resolution. (Gen.12:1)

At the Oak of Mamre the Patriarch entertained Angels, and inherited in his old age the spoil of the promise. (Gen.18:1)

Knowing, my wretched soul, how Isaac was mystically offered to the Lord as a new sacrifice and holocaust, imitate his resolution. (Gen.22:2)

Thou hast heard of Ishmael (be watchful, my soul!) who was driven out as the son of a slave-girl. Beware lest thou suffer something similar by thy lusting. (Gen.21:10)

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: I am hard pressed by the waves and billows of my sins, mother. But now bring me safely through, and lead me to the haven of divine repentance.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: In offering a fervent prayer at this time to the compassionate Mother of God, O Saint, by thy intercession open to me the divine right of entry.

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

To The Trinity: Simple, uncreated Unity, unoriginate Nature praised in a Trinity of Persons, save us who with faith worship Thy power.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: O Mother of God, unwedded thou gavest birth in time to the timeless Son of the Father. And – O strange wonder! – thou remainest a Virgin while suckling Him.

Song 4

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

My body is defiled, my spirit is sullied, and I am all covered with sores. But as the Physician, O Christ, heal, wash, and cleanse both body and spirit with repentance, and make me, my Savior, purer than snow.

Thou didst lay down Thy body and blood for all, O crucified Word: Thy body in order to renew me, Thy blood in order to wash me, and Thou didst surrender Thy spirit, O Christ, in order to bring me to the Father.

Thou hast wrought salvation in the midst of the earth, O merciful Creator, that we may be saved. Thou wast voluntarily crucified on the Tree: Eden that was closed is open; things on high and below, creation and all peoples are saved and worship Thee. (Ps.73:12)

May the blood and water that wells from Thy side be a font for me and a draught of forgiveness, that I may be cleansed, anointed and refreshed by both as with drink and unction by Thy living words, O Word. (Jn.19:34; Act.7:38)

The Church has acquired Thy life-giving side as a chalice, from which gushes forth for us a twofold torrent of forgiveness. and knowledge as a type of the two covenants, Old and New, O our Savior.

I am bereft of the bridal hall, I am bereft of the marriage and supper. My lamp has gone out for want of oil, the door has been locked while I was asleep; the supper is eaten; and I, bound hand and foot, am cast outside. (Mt.25; Lk.14:7-35; Mt.22:1-14)

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

To The Trinity: I confess Thee to be undivided in essence, unconfused in persons, One Triune Divinity, co-enthroned and co-reigning. I sing Thee the great song thrice sung on high.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Song 5

Eirmos: Out of the night watching early for Thee, enlighten me, I pray, O Lover of men, and guide even me in Thy commandments, and teach me, O Savior, to do Thy will.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

How heavy in character I have become, in soul and body, like Jannes and Jambres in Pharaoh’s bitter service, and my mind has sunk low. But help me, O Lord. (Ex.7: 11; 2 Tim. 3:8)

I, wretch that I am, have rolled my mind in mud. But wash me, O Lord, in the bath of my tears, I pray Thee, and make the robe of my flesh as white as snow.

When I examine my actions, O Savior, I see that I have gone beyond all men in sins; for I have sinned with knowledge consciously, and not in ignorance.

Spare, spare, O Lord, Thy works. I have sinned; forgive me, for Thou alone art pure by nature, and apart from Thee there is none without defilement. (1Pet.3:21)

Being God, for my sake Thou didst take my form, and didst work miracles, healing lepers and bracing paralytics; and Thou didst stop the flow of blood of the woman with hemorrhage, O Savior, through the touch of Thy hem. (Phil. 2:6; Mt.4:24; Lk.8:43-48)

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Having crossed Jordan’s stream, thou didst find rest by giving a wide berth to the deadening pleasure of the flesh, from which deliver us also by thy prayers, O saint.

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

To The Trinity: Thee, O Trinity, we glorify, the one God: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, Father, Son and Spirit, simple Being, Unity ever adored.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: From thee, O pure maiden Mother and Virgin, God Who created the worlds and ages was clad in my clay and united to Himself human nature.

Song 6

Eirmos: I cried with my whole heart to the merciful God, and He heard me from the lowest hell and raised my life out of corruption.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

Rise and make war against the passions of the flesh, as Joshua did against Amalek, and ever conquer the Gibeonites – illusive thoughts. (Ex.17:8; Sir.8:21)

Pass through the flowing nature of time, like the Ark of old, and take possession of the Land of Promise, my soul: It is God’s command. (Sir. 3:17; Deut.1:8)

As Thou savedst Peter when he cried, “Save me!”, forestall and deliver me from the beast, O Savior; stretch out Thy hand and raise me from the depths of sin. (Mt.14:25-31)

I know Thee as a calm haven, O Lord, Lord Christ; but forestall and deliver me from the innermost depths of sin and despair.

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

To The Trinity: I am the Trinity, simple and undivided, divided Personally, and I am the Unity, united in nature, says the Father, the Son, and the Divine Spirit.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Thy womb bore God for us Who took our form. Implore Him as the Creator of all, O Mother of God, that through thy intercessions we may be justified.

Kontakion, tone 6:

My soul, my soul, arise! Why art thou sleeping? The end is drawing near, and thou wilt be confounded. Awake, then, and be watchful, that Christ our God may spare thee, Who is everywhere present and fills all things.

Song 7

Eirmos: We have sinned, transgressed, done wrong before Thee, we have not watched or done as Thou hast commanded us. But do not give us up utterly, O God of our Fathers.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

Thou hast piled up sins like Manasseh by deliberate choice, my soul, setting up thy passions as idols and multiplying abominations. But now fervently emulate his repentance and acquire compunction. (2King.21; 2Chron.33)

Thou hast rivaled Ahab in defilements, my soul. Alas, thou hast been a lodging-place of fleshly pollutions and a shameful vessel of passions. But groan from thy depths and tell God thy sins. (1King.16:30)

Heaven is closed to thee, my soul, and the famine of God has reached thee, for thou hast been disobedient as was Ahab of old to the words of Elijah the Tishbite. But be like the woman of Sarepta, and feed the Prophet’s soul. (1King.17)

Elijah once burned a hundred of Jezebel’s flunkeys when he had destroyed her shameful prophets as a proof and rebuke for Ahab. But avoid imitating these two, my soul, and master thyself. (2King.1:10-15; 1King.18:40)

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

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Song 8

Eirmos: Him Whom the heavenly hosts glorify and before Whom Cherubim and Seraphim tremble, let every breath and all creation praise, bless and exalt throughout all ages.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

Just Judge and Savior, have mercy on me and deliver me from the fire and the threat which I shall justly incur at the judgment. Forgive me before my end by virtue and repentance.

Like the robber I cry, “Remember me!” Like Peter I weep bitterly, “Release me, O Savior!” I croak like the publican; I weep like the harlot. Accept my lamentation as Thou once did the Canaanite woman. (Lk.23:42; Mt.26:75; Lk.18:13; Lk.7:37-38; Mt.15:22-28)

Heal, O Savior, the corruption of my debased soul, O only Physician. Apply the compress to me, and the oil and wine – works of repentance, compunction and tears. (Lk.10:34)

Imitating the woman of Canaan, I also cry, “Have mercy on me, O Son of David!” I touch Thy hem like the woman with hemorrhage. I weep like Martha and Mary over Lazarus.

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

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: As from scarlet silk, O spotless Virgin, within thy womb the spiritual purple was woven, the flesh of Emmanuel. Therefore we honor thee as in truth Mother of God.

Song 9

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

Christ the Word healed diseases, preached the Gospel to the poor, cured cripples, ate with publicans, conversed with sinners, and He brought back the departed soul of Jairus’ daughter by the touch of His hand. (Mt.9:11; Mk.5:41-42)

The publican was saved, the harlot was made chaste, but the pharisee through boasting was condemned. For the first said, “Be merciful”, the second, “Have mercy on me”, but the last boasted and cried, “O God, I thank Thee”, and then some foolish words. (Lk.7:36-50; 18:9-14)

Zacchaeus was a publican, but yet was healed, and Simon the Pharisee was disappointed; but the harlot received the release of full forgiveness from Him Who has power to forgive sins. Obtain His forgiveness thyself, my soul. (Lk.19:1-10; 7:36-50)

Thou, my wretched soul, hast not emulated the harlot who took the alabaster jar of perfumed oil and anointed with tears and wiped with her hair the feet of the Savior, Who tore up for her the handwriting of her old accusation. (Lk.7:37-38; Col.2:14)

Thou knowest how the towns to which Christ offered the Gospel were cursed. Fear this example, my soul, do not be like them; for the Lord compared them to the Sodomites and condemned them to hell. (Lk.10:13-15)

Do not let despair make thee worse than the Canaanite woman, my soul, for thou hast heard of her faith through which her daughter was healed by the Word of God. Call to Christ like her from the depth of thy heart, “Son of David, save me.” (Mt.15:22)

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

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.

And again the Eirmos: Ineffable is the childbearing of a seedless conception, unsullied the pregnancy of a Virgin Mother, for the birth of God renew natures. So in all generations we magnify thee in orthodox fashion as Mother and Bride of God.

As chanted on Thursday of the First Week

On Thursday of the First Week of Lent, during Great Compline, after Ps.69, the Canon is sung. The Eirmosi are sung twice, at the beginning and end of each Song. Before each Troparion we make the sign of the Cross and bow three times.

Song 1. Tone 6

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

O Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of all, take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me tears of compunction. (Jn.1:29)

I fall prostrate before Thee, O Jesus. I have sinned against Thee, be merciful to me. Take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me tears of compunction.

Enter not into judgment with me, by recording my deeds, demanding an account of my words, and examining my motives and desires. But in Thy compassion disregard my terrible past and save me, O God All-Powerful.

It is time for repentance. I draw near to Thee, my Creator. Take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me tears of compunction.

I have squandered in profligacy the substance of my soul, and I am barren of virtues and piety; but famished I cry: O Father of mercies, forestall and have compassion on me. (Lk.15:13, 17)

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: By submitting to Christ’s divine laws Thou didst draw near to Him, having left the unbridled craving for pleasure, and with all discretion thou didst achieve every virtue as one.

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

To The Trinity: Superessential Trinity, adored in Unity, take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me tears of compunction.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Mother of God, hope and intercessor of those who sing of thee, take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and as thou art our pure Lady, accept me who repent.

Song 2

Eirmos: See, see that I am God, Who rained manna and made water spout from the rock of old for my people in the wilderness, by My right hand, and by My strength alone.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

“I have killed a man to the wounding of myself”, said Lamech, “and a young man to my own hurt”, he cried out wailing. But you, my soul, do not tremble, while polluting the flesh and defiling the mind. (Gen.4:23)

You would have contrived to build a tower, my soul, and erect a stronghold for your lusts, had not the Creator confounded your plans and brought your schemes crashing to earth. (Gen.11:3-4)

O how I have emulated that old murderer Lamech! By my pleasure-loving cravings I have killed my soul as the man, my mind as the young man, and my body as my brother, like Cain the murderer. (Gen.4:23)

The Lord rained fire from the Lord of old, and burnt up the wanton wickedness of Sodom. But you, my soul, have kindled the fire of hell in which you are about to be bitterly burnt. (Gen.19:24)

I am struck and wounded! See the arrows of the enemy with which my soul and body are pierced all over! See the wounds, the sores and the mutilations that cry out and betray the blows of my self-chosen passions!

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Thou didst stretch out thy hands to the merciful God, O Mary, when sunk in the lowest vices. And He Who by every means was seeking thy conversion, lovingly stretched out a helping hand as to Peter.

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

To The Trinity: Unoriginate, uncreated Trinity, indivisible Unity, accept me who repent, save me who have sinned. I am Thy creation, despise me not, but spare me and deliver me from the fire of condemnation.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Spotless Lady, Mother of God, hope of those who run to thee, and haven of those in distress, obtain grace for me from the merciful One, Thy Son and Creator, by thy prayers.

Song 3

Eirmos: Establish Thy Church on the unshakable rock of Thy commandments, O Christ.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

You, my soul, have become like Hagar the Egyptian of old. You have become enslaved by your own choice and have a new Ishmael – stubborn self-will. (Gen.16:15)

You know, my soul, of the Ladder shown to Jacob reaching from earth to Heaven. Why have you not clung to the sure step of piety? (Gen.28:12)

Imitate that Priest of God and solitary King who was an image of the life of Christ in the world among men. (cf. Melchizedek: Hebr.7:1-4; Gen.14:18)

Be converted and groan, wretched soul, before the pageant of life comes to an end, before the Lord shuts the door of the bridal hall.

Do not be a pillar of salt, my soul, by turning back; but let the example of the Sodomites frighten you, and take refuge up in Zoar. (Gen.19:26)

Reject not the prayer of those who praise Thee, O Lord; but have compassion on us, O Lover of men, and to those who ask with faith grant forgiveness.

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

To The Trinity: Simple, uncreated Unity, unoriginate Nature praised in a Trinity of Persons, save us who with faith worship Thy power.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: O Mother of God, unwedded thou gavest birth in time to the timeless Son of the Father. And – O strange wonder! – thou remainest a Virgin while suckling Him.

Song 4

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

Brief is my lifetime and full of pain and wickedness, but accept me in penitence and recall me to awareness of Thee. May I never be the possession or food of the enemy. O Savior, have compassion on me. (Gen.47:9)

The opulent and righteous man, arrayed in royal dignity, crown and purple, abounding in wealth and cattle, was suddenly shorn of his riches, glory and kingdom and became a beggar.

If he who was righteous and blameless beyond all did not escape the snares and nets of the deceiver, what will you do, my soul, who are sin-loving and wretched, if something unexpected happens to you?

Boastful I am, and hard-hearted, all in vain and for nothing. Condemn me not with the Pharisee, but rather grant me the humility of the Publican, O only merciful and just Judge, and number me with him. (Lk.18:9-14)

I have sinned, I know, O merciful Lord, and outraged the vessel of my flesh, but accept me in penitence and recall me to awareness of Thee. May I never be the possession or food of the enemy. O Savior, have compassion on me.

I am become my own idol, and have injured my soul with passions, O merciful Lord, but accept me in penitence and recall me to awareness of Thee. May I never be the possession or food of the enemy. O Savior, have compassion on me.

I have not listened to Thy voice, I have disobeyed Thy Scripture, O Lawgiver, but accept me in penitence and recall me to awareness of Thee. May I never be the possession or food of the enemy. O Savior, have compassion on me.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Though dragged down to the depth of great offences, thou wast not held there. But with better thought thou didst return by action to consummate virtue beyond all expectation, to the amazement of angel kind, O Mary.

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

To The Trinity: I confess Thee to be undivided in essence, unconfused in persons, One Triune Divinity, co-enthroned and co-reigning. I sing Thee the great song thrice sung on high.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Song 5

Eirmos: Out of the night watching early for Thee, enlighten me, I pray, O Lover of men, and guide even me in Thy commandments, and teach me, O Savior, to do Thy will.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

Imitate, my soul, the woman bent earthward; come and fall down at the feet of Jesus, that He may straighten you to walk upright in the footsteps of the Lord. (Lk.13:11)

Though Thou art a deep well, O Lord, pour on me streams from Thy immaculate wounds, that like the Samaritan woman I may drink and thirst no more; for from Thee gush rivers of life. (Jn.4:13-15)

May my tears be for me a Siloam, O Sovereign Lord, that I may wash the eyes of my soul and mentally see Thee Who art that light which was before creation. (Jn.9:7; Gen.1:2-19)

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Thou, all-blessed one, didst yearn with matchless love and longing to worship the Tree of Life, and thy desire was granted; make us also worthy to attain to the glory on high.

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

To The Trinity: Thee, O Trinity, we glorify, the one God: Holy, Holy, Holy art Thou, Father, Son and Spirit, simple Being, Unity ever adored.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: From thee, O pure maiden Mother and Virgin, God Who created the worlds and ages was clad in my clay and united to Himself human nature.

Song 6

Eirmos: I cried with my whole heart to the merciful God, and He heard me from the lowest hell and raised my life out of corruption.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

I am the coin with the royal image which was lost of old, O Savior. But light the lamp, Thy Forerunner, O Word; seek and find Thy image. (Lk.15:8)

Rise and make war against the passions of the flesh, as Joshua did against Amalek, and ever conquer the Gibeonites – illusive thoughts. (Ex.17:8; Sir.8:21)

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: To extinguish the flame of the passions, O Mary, thou didst ever shed rivers of tears and fire thy soul with divine love. Grant also to me, thy servant, the grace of tears.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Thou didst acquire heavenly dispassion by thy sublime life on earth, O mother. Therefore pray that those who sing of thee may be delivered from the grip of passions.

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

To The Trinity: I am the Trinity, simple and undivided, divided Personally, and I am the Unity, united in nature, says the Father, the Son, and the Divine Spirit.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: Thy womb bore God for us Who took our form. Implore Him as the Creator of all, O Mother of God, that through thy intercessions we may be justified.

Kontakion, tone 6:

My soul, my soul, arise! Why are you sleeping? The end is drawing near, and you will be confounded. Awake, then. and be watchful, that Christ our God may spare you, Who is everywhere present and fills all things.

Song 7

Eirmos: We have sinned, transgressed, done wrong before Thee, we have not watched or done as Thou hast commanded us. But do not give us up utterly, O God of our Fathers.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

My days have vanished like a dream on waking. Therefore weep on my bed like Hezekiah that years may be added to my life. But what Isaiah will come to you, my soul, except the God of all? (2King.20:3; Is.38:2)

I fall, down before Thee and bring Thee as tears my words. I have sinned like the harlot, and transgressed as no other on earth. But have compassion, O Lord, on Thy work, and recall me.

I have buried Thy image and broken Thy commandment. All my beauty is darkened and my lamp is extinguished by my passions, O Savior. But have compassion and restore to me, as David sings, joy. (Ps.50:14)

Return, repent, uncover what is hidden. Say to God Who knows everything: Thou knowest my secrets, O only Savior; but have mercy on me, as David sings, according to Thy mercy.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: By crying to the immaculate Mother of God, thou didst repel the rage of passions which once violently harassed thee, and didst put to shame the enemy tempter. But now grant me, thy servant, also help out of trouble.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: He Whom thou lovest, He Whom thou desires, He on Whose track thou camest, mother, found thee and granted thee repentance, for He is God Who alone is compassionate. Implore Him unceasingly to deliver us from passions and adversities.

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

To The Trinity: 0 Trinity simple and undivided, of one essence and, one nature, Lights and Light, three Holies and one Holy, God the Trinity is hymned. But sing, my soul, and glorify the Life and Lives, the God of all.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Song 8

Eirmos: Him Whom the heavenly hosts glorify and before Whom Cherubim and Seraphim tremble, let every breath and all creation praise, bless and exalt throughout all ages.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

The alabaster jar of my tears, O Savior, I pour out on Thy head as the perfume, and like the harlot I cry to Thee, seeking Thy mercy. I offer prayer and ask to receive forgiveness. (Mt.26:7; Lk.7:38)

Though no one has sinned against Thee as I, yet accept even me, O compassionate Savior, repenting with fear and crying with love: Against Thee only have I sinned. I have done wrong, have mercy on me.

Spare, O Savior, Thy own creation, and seek as Shepherd Thy lost sheep; snatch the stray from the wolf, and make me a pet lamb in Thy sheep pasture. (Ps.118:176; Jn.10:11-16)

When Thou sittest as Judge and in Thy compassion showest Thy dread glory, O Christ, O what fear there will be then, when the furnace is burning and all shrink from Thy inexorable Tribunal! (Mt.25:31-46)

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: The Mother of the unwaning Light enlightened thee, and freed thee from the darkness of the passions. So now thou art admitted to the grace of the Spirit, enlighten, O Mary, those who faithfully praise Thee.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Beholding in thee a new wonder, O mother, divine Zosimas was truly amazed. For he saw an angel in a body and, filled with utter astonishment, he praises Christ for ever.

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

To The Trinity: Eternal Father, co-eternal Son, gracious Comforter, Spirit of Truth; Father of the Divine Word, Word of the Eternal father, living and creative Spirit, Trinity Unity, have mercy on us.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion: As from scarlet silk, O spotless Virgin, within thy womb the spiritual purple was woven, the flesh of Emmanuel. Therefore we honor thee as in truth Mother of God.

Song 9

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

Have compassion and save me, have mercy on me, O Son of David, Who didst heal with a word the demoniac. And let Thy voice of tender compassion speak to me as to the robber, “Truly I tell you, you will be with Me in Paradise when I rise in My glory.” (Lk.9:38-42; 23:43)

A robber accused Thee, and a robber confessed Thee to be God, for both were hanging on a cross with Thee. But open even to me, O most compassionate Savior, the door of Thy glorious Kingdom as to Thy faithful robber who acknowledged Thee to be God. (Lk.23:32-42)

Creation was in anguish; seeing Thee crucified; mountains and rocks were split with fear, the earth quaked, hell was emptied, and the light grew dark in the daytime; beholding Thee, Jesus, nailed to the Cross in Thy flesh. (Mt.27:51-53; Lk.23:44-45)

Do not require of me fruits worthy of repentance, for my strength is spent in me. Grant me ever a contrite heart and spiritual poverty, that I may offer these gifts to Thee as an acceptable sacrifice, O only Savior. (Mt.3:8, 5:3; Ps.50:17)

O my Judge and my Light, Who alone knowest me and art coming again with Thine Angels to judge the whole world, regard me then with Thy merciful Eye and spare me, O Jesus. And have compassion on me who have sinned more than all mankind. (Mt.25:31-32)

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Thou didst astonish all by thy strange life, both the Orders of Angels and the councils of men, by living immaterially and surpassing nature. Then treading firmly the waves like an immaterial being, O Mary, thou didst cross the Jordan an.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Intercede with the Creator on behalf of those who praise thee, holy mother, that we may be delivered from the sufferings and afflictions which beset us on all sides, that being delivered from our temptations, we may unceasingly magnify the Lord Who glorified thee.

Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.

To St. Andrew of Crete: Venerable Andrew, thrice-blessed father, shepherd of Crete, cease not to pray to God for those who sing of thee, that He may deliver from anger, oppression, corruption, and our countless sins, all of us who faithfully honor thy me memory.

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

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.