The Great Canon of St Andrew of Crete

The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete is designed to be prayed for in sections Monday through Thursday on the First week of Great Lent, also known as Pure Week or Clean Week.  It can be prayed in church iin the context of either Compline (first week) or Matins (fifth week).  However, it can be prayed by any of the faithful on these days any time of the day that they are able, even if only in part, and may be read in portions during breaks at work or portions during a married couple's prayer or during familiy prayer, and is a good start to the Great Fast. 

Before each Troparion we make the sign of the Cross and bow three times.  If it can't be sung then let it be read.  

At every Ode ("Song,"), we repeat "Have mercy on me O God, have mercy on me" after each stanza.  

The portion prayed on Monday of the First Week of the Great Fast, Clean Monday

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 (repeated after each stanza below)
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.

The Portion prayed during Tuesday of the First Week, Clean Tuesday
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
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:
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.
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:
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:
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:
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 Godloving deeds of the righteous and shun the sins of the wicked.
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:
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:
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.

The portion prayed on Wednesday of the First Week, Clean Wednesday
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:
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
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:
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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 renew natures. So in all generations we magnify
thee in orthodox fashion as Mother and Bride of God.

The Portion Prayed on Thursday of the First Week
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. (repeated after each stanza)
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 selfchosen 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
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:
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.
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:
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.
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:
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
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:
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:
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.
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.

The Portion prayed on Thursday (Wednesday evening) of the Fifth Week of Great Lent

The first half of the Life of Saint Mary of Egypt is now read.
Then, after Ps.50 we at once begin to sing the Canon, leisurely and with compunction.
Before each Troparion, we make the sign of the cross and bow three times, saying: Have mercy on
me, O God, have mercy on me.

The stichera of the canon for the 5th week are numbered, and the day of clean week that they are
used (if applicable) is also indicated.
Song 1
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 (repeated after each stanza)
Troparia:
mon.1. 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.
mon.2. Come, wretched soul, with thy flesh, confess to the Creator of all. In the future refrain from
thy former brutishness, and offer to God tears in repentance.
mon.3. 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)
mon.4. 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.
mon.5. 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.
mon.6. 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)
7. 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)
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)
9. 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)
10. 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 repents. (Gen.2:7; Jer.18:1-10;
Rom.9:21)
11. 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)
12. 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)
13. 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.
14. 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)
15. 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)
16. 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)
17. 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.
18. Abhor me not, O Savior, cast me not away from Thy face. Take from me the heavy yoke of sin,
and in Thy compassion grant me release from my falls.
19. All my sins, voluntary and involuntary, obvious and secret, known and unknown, forgive, O
Savior, for Thou art God; be merciful and save me.
20. 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.
21. 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)
22. 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.
23. 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.
Another canon, of Saint Mary of Egypt
To the same Tone and Eirmos
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.
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.
Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.
To St. Andrew of Crete: By thy prayers, O Andrew, deliver us from degrading passions, and make us
who with faith and love sing of thee partakers now of the Kingdom of Christ, O renowned father, we
pray.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
(Mon) 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 repents.
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:
1. Attend, O heaven, and I will speak; O earth, give ear to a voice repenting to God and singing
praises to Him.
2. Attend to me, O God my Savior, with Thy merciful eye, and accept my fervent confession.
(Prov.15:3; Ps.33:15)
3. 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)
4. A storm of passions besets me, O compassionate Lord. But stretch out Thy hand to me too, as to
Peter. (Mt.14:31)
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)
6. I have darkened the beauty of my soul with passionate pleasures, and my whole mind I have
reduced wholly to mud.
7. I have torn my first garment which the Creator wove for me in the beginning, and therefore I am
lying naked. (Gen.3:21)
8. I have put on a torn coat, which the serpent wove for me by argument, and I am ashamed.
(Gen.3:4-5)
9. 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)
10. All the demon-chiefs of the passions have plowed on my back, and long has their tyranny over me
lasted. (Ps.128:3)
11. I have lost my first-created beauty and comeliness; and now I lie naked, and I am ashamed.
12. Sin which stripped me of my former God-woven clothing has also sewn on me coats of skin.
(Gen.3:21)
13. . I am wrapped in a garment of shame as with fig leaves, in reproof of my selfish passions.
14. I am clad in a coat that is spotted and shamefully bloodstained by the flow of my passionate and
pleasure-loving life.
15. I have stained the coat of my flesh, and soiled what is in Thy image and likeness, O Savior.
16. I fell under the burden of passions and corruption of matter, and from then until now I am
oppressed by the enemy.
17. Having preferred a possessive and pleasure-loving life to spiritual poverty, O Savior, I am now
harnessed with a heavy yoke. (Mt.5:3)
18. I have adorned the idol of my flesh with the many-colored clothing of shameful thoughts , and I
am condemned. (I Jn.5:21)
19. 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)
20. Having formed by my pleasure-loving desires the deformity of my passions, I have marred the
beauty of my mind.
21. 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)
22. 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)
23. 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)
24. 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)
25. No tears, no repentance have I, no compunction. But as God, O Savior, grant me these.
26. Close not Thy door to me then, Lord, Lord; but open it to me who repents to Thee. (Mt.25:11)
27. O Lover of men, Who wishest all to be saved, in Thy goodness recall me and receive me who
repent. (1Tim.2:4)
28. Give ear to the sighs and groans of my soul, and accept the drops of my eyes, O Savior, and save
me.
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.
29. 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)
30. 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)
31. 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)
32. 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)
33. "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 thou, my soul, dost not tremble, while polluting the flesh and defiling
the mind. (Gen.4:23)
34. 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)
35. Thou wouldst have contrived to build a tower, my soul, and erect a stronghold for thy lusts, had
not the Creator confounded thy plans and brought thy schemes crashing to earth. (Gen.11:3-4)
36. 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 selfchosen passions!
37. The Lord rained fire from the Lord of old, and burnt up the wanton wickedness of Sodom. But
thou , my soul, hast kindled the fire of hell, in which thou art about to be bitterly burnt. (Gen.19:24)
38. Know and see that I am God, Who searches hearts, punishes thoughts , reproves actions, and
burns sins, and judges the orphan, the humble and the poor. (Deut.10:18; Ps.67:5)
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.
Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.
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.
Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.
To St. Andrew of Crete: Let us see, let us see, O soul, our Lord and God's love for men. So before the
end let us fall down before Him with tears and cry: By the prayers of Andrew, O Savior, have mercy
on us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
To The Trinity: Unoriginate, uncreated Trinity, indivisible Unity, accept me who repents, 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:
1. The Lord rained fire from the Lord, my soul, and burnt up the former land of Sodom. (Gen.19:24)
2. Escape to the mountain like Lot, my soul, and make Zoar thy refuge in time. (Gen.19:22)
3. 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)
4. I confess to Thee, O Savior, I have sinned, I have sinned against Thee, but absolve and forgive me
in Thy compassion.
5. I alone have sinned against Thee, sinned above all men. O Christ my Savior, spurn me not.
6. Thou art the good Shepherd; seek me, Thy lamb, and neglect not me who have gone astray.
(Jn.10:11-14)
7. Thou art my sweet Jesus, Thou art my Creator; in Thee, O Savior, I shall be justified.
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!
Another Eirmos Establish, O Lord, my unstable heart on the rock of Thy commandments, for Thou
only art Holy and Lord.
8. 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.
9. 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)
10. 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.
11. 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)
12. 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)
13. . 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)
14. 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)
15. At the Oak of Mamre the Patriarch entertained Angels, and inherited in his old age the spoil of
the promise. (Gen.18:1)
16. Knowing, my wretched soul, how Isaac was mystically offered to the Lord as a new sacrifice and
holocaust, imitate his resolution. (Gen.22:2)
17. 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)
18. Thou, my soul, hast become like Hagar the Egyptian of old. Thou hast become enslaved by thy
own choice and have a new Ishmael - stubborn self-will. (Gen.16:15)
19. Thou knowest, my soul, of the Ladder shown to Jacob reaching from earth to Heaven. Why hast
thou not clung to the sure step of piety? (Gen.28:12)
20. 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)
21. Do not be a pillar of salt, my soul, by turning back; but let the example of the Sodomites frighten
thee, and take refuge up in Zoar. (Gen.19:26)
22. 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)
23. 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.
24. 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.
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.
Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.
To St. Andrew of Crete: By thy prayers grant me release from my debts, O Andrew, prelate of Crete,
for thou art an unsurpassed guide to the mysteries of repentance.
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.
And again the Eirmos: Establish, O Lord, my unstable heart on The rock of Thy commandments, for
Thou only art Holy and Lord.
Little Litany:
Deacon: Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy
Deacon: Calling to remembrance our most holy, most pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos
and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and all our life
unto Christ our God.
Choir: Lord, have mercy
Exclamation:
Priest: For Thou art our God and unto Thee do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and
to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages.
Choir: Amen.
Sedalion, tone 8, the work of Joseph:
O divinely shining lights, Apostles and eyewitnesses of the Savior, enlighten us in the darkness of
life, that we may walk honestly as in the day, routing the passions of the night with the lamp of
temperance and continence, and may see the glorious Passion of Christ rejoicing.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Another, the work of Theodore:
O God-chosen band of the Twelve Apostles, offer now especially prayer to Christ, that we may all
finish the course of the Fast, completing the prayers with compunction, and zealously practicing the
virtues, that we may attain to see the glorious Resurrection of Christ our God, offering Him glory
and praise.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Pray with the Apostles, O Mother of God, to the incomprehensible Son and Word of God,
Who beyond understanding was ineffably born of thee, that He may bestow true peace on the world,
and before our end grant us forgiveness of sins, and in thy extreme goodness make thy servants fit
for the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Second half of the Life of Saint Mary of Egypt is read here.
Triodion or Three songs (without bows)
The work of Joseph.
Song 4. Tone 8
Eirmos I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy plan, I contemplate Thy works and glorify Thy
divine nature.
Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.
Troparia:
1. Having lived in continence, the enlightened Apostles of Christ make easy for us the time of
continence by their divine intercessions.
2. Like a twelve-stringed instrument, the divine choir of the Disciples sings the song of salvation, and
confounds the racket of the evil one.
3. With showers of the Spirit, O all-blessed Apostles, thou hast watered everything under the sun
and banished the drought of polytheism.
Refrain: Most holy Mother of God, save us.
Theotokion: Humble and save me who have lived high-mindedly, O all-pure Virgin, who gavest birth
to Him Who exalted our humbled nature.
Another Triodion, the work of Theodore.
Eirmos I have heard, O Lord, the report of Thee, and am afraid. I contemplate Thy works and glorify
Thy power, O Lord.
Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.
Troparia:
4. Most holy choir of Apostles, pray to the Creator of all and ask Him to have mercy on us who sing
thy praises.
5. As workers who cultivated the whole world with the word of God, O Apostles of Christ, you always
offered Him thy fruits.
6. You were a vineyard for the truly beloved Christ, for from you the wine of the Spirit gushed into
the world, O Apostles.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
To The Trinity: Eternal, co-equal, all-powerful Holy Trinity; Father, Word and Holy Spirit; God, Light
and Life, guard Thy flock.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Rejoice, fiery throne! Rejoice, luminous lamp! Rejoice, mountain of sanctification, ark of
life, tabernacle, holy of holies.
Continuation of The Great Canon.
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:
1. 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)
2. The end is drawing near, my soul, is drawing near! But thou neither dost 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)
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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)
7. 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)
8. 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.
9. 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)
10. 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.
11. Thou hast emulated the hated Esau, my soul, and hast given up thy birthright of pristine beauty
to thy supplanter, and thou hast lost thy father's blessing, and hast been tripped up twice in action
and knowledge. Therefore, O wretch, repent now. (Gen.25:31, 27:37)
12. 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)
13. . 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)
14. 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)
15. 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.
16. If he who was righteous and blameless beyond all did not escape the snares and nets of the
deceiver, what wilt thou do, my soul, who are sin-loving and wretched, if something unexpected
happens to thee?
17. 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.
18. Thou didst lay down Thy body and blood for ail, 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.
19. 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)
20. 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)
21. 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)
22. 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.
23. 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)
24. 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)
25. 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.
26. 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.
27. 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: By living a bodiless life in a body, O Saint, thou hast truly received great grace
from God to intercede for those who faithfully honor thee. Therefore we implore thee: deliver us by
thy prayers from trials of all kinds.
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.
Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.
To St. Andrew of Crete: O Andrew, glory of the Fathers, standing before the transcendingly divine
Trinity, by thy prayers cease not to intercede that we who invoke thee with love may be delivered
from torment, O divine intercessor, adornment of Crete.
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:
1. 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)
2. 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)
3. 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)
4. Righteous Joseph was given up by his brothers, 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)
5. 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)
6. 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)
7. 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)
8. 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)
9. 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)
10. 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)
11. Imagine Moses' staff striking the sea and fixing the deep as a type of the divine Cross, by which
thou too, my soul, can accomplish great things. (Ex.14:16)
12. 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)
13. . 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; 2Tim.3:8)
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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)
17. 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. (Phlm.2:6; Mt.4:24; Lk.8:43-48)
18. Imitate, wretched soul, the woman with hemorrhage. Run to Christ and hold His hem, that thou
mayest be healed of thy maladies and hear from Him, "thy faith has saved thee." (Mt.9:22)
19. Imitate, my soul, the woman bent earthward; come and fall down at the feet of Jesus, that He
may straighten thee to walk upright in the footsteps of the Lord. (Lk.13:11)
20. 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)
21. 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.
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.
Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.
To St. Andrew of Crete: Eminent as the best of pastors, O wise Andrew, I pray thee with great love
and veneration that by thy intercessions I may obtain salvation and eternal life.
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:
1. 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)
2. Thou , my soul, have 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)
3. 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)
4. 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)
5. 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)
6. 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)
7. 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.21:23; Ex.17:6)
8. 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)
9. 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)
10. 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)
11. 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)
12. 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)
13. . 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)
14. I know Thee as a calm haven, O Lord, Lord Christ; but forestall and deliver me from the
innermost depths of sin and despair.
15. 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)
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.
Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.
To St. Andrew of Crete: Knowing thee to be the shepherd and prelate of Crete and intercessor for
the world, O Andrew, I run to thee and cry: Deliver me, father, from the depths of sin.
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.
And again the 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.
Little Litany:
Deacon: Again and again in peace let us pray to the Lord.
Choir: Lord, have mercy
Deacon: Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by Thy grace.
Choir: Lord, have mercy
Deacon: Calling to remembrance our most holy, most pure, most blessed, glorious Lady Theotokos
and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commit ourselves and one another, and all our life
unto Christ our God.
Choir: Lord, have mercy
Exclamation:
Priest: For Thou art the King of Peace and Savior of our souls, and to Thee we send up the glory, to
the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.
Choir: 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 spare thee, Who is everywhere
present and fills all things.
Eikos:
Seeing Christ's healing temple opened, and how health Streams from Him to Adam, the devil
suffered and was stricken. Then he wailed as if in mortal danger and to his friends raised a bitter
howl: what shall I do to the Son of Mary? The Bethlehemite is killing me, Who is everywhere present
and fills all things.
Then we sing the Beatitudes:
In Thy Kingdom remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom.
1. Thou didst make the Robber a citizen of Paradise on the Cross when he cried to Thee, O Christ,
"Remember me!" Make me, unworthy as I am, also worthy of his repentance. (Lk.23:42,43)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
2. Hast thou heard, my soul, of Manoah of old who saw God in a waking vision and received from his
barren wife the fruit of God's promise? Let us imitate his piety. (Judg.13)
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
3. Thou, my soul, hast emulated Samson's easy-going laxity; thou hast shorn the glory of thy deeds,
and by love of pleasure have surrendered to the Philistines a chaste and blessed life. (Judg.14)
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
4. He who conquered the Philistines with an ass's jawbone is now found to be a dissolute slave of
passionate intercourse. But avoid, my soul, his example, his action, his laxity.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
5. Barak and Jephthah, military leaders, with manly-minded Deborah, were promoted to be Judges of
Israel. Learn courage from their heroic deeds, my soul, and master thyself. (Judg.4:11)
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
6. Thou knowest, my soul, of Jael's bravery, who impaled Sisera of old and wrought salvation with a
tent-peg, by which (art thou listening?) the Cross is typified to thee. (Judg.5)
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
7. Offer the sacrifice of praise, my soul, offer action as a daughter purer than Jephthah's, and slay
thy carnal passions as a sacrifice to thy Lord. (Judg.11)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
8. Think, my soul, of Gideon's fleece. Receive the dew from Heaven; stoop down like a dog and drink
the water that flows from the Law by the pressure of study. (Judg.6-8)
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
9. Thou, my soul, for lack of understanding hast drawn upon thyself the priest Eli's condemnation, by
allowing the passions to act sinfully in thee, as he allowed his children. (1Sam.2-4)
Blessed art thou when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you
falsely and on My account.
10. The Levite among the Judges, by negligence, divided his wife among the twelve tribes, my soul,
in order to blazon the lawless outrage of Benjamin. (Judg.19-20)
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is thy reward in Heaven.
11. Chaste Hannah when praying moved her lips in praise, while her voice was not yet heard; but
yet, though barren, she bears a son her prayer deserved. (1Sam.1)
Remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom.
12. Hannah's child, the great Samuel, was reckoned among the Judges, and he was brought up in
Arimathea and in the House of the Lord. Imitate him, my soul, and before judging others, judge thy
own actions. (1Sam.16:13)
Remember us, O Master, when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom.
13. David was chosen to be king, and he was royally anointed with the horn of divine oil. So if thou,
my soul, desirest the Kingdom on high, be anointed with the oil of tears.
Remember us, O Holy One, when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom.
14. Have mercy on Thy creation, O merciful Lord; have compassion on the work of Thy hands, and
spare all who have sinned, and even me who above all have ignored Thy commands.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
To The Trinity: Unoriginate both by generation and procession, the Father Who begot I worship, I
glorify the Son Who is begotten, and I hymn the Holy Spirit, co-effulgent with the Father and the
Son.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: We worship thy supernatural childbirth, without dividing the natural glory of thy Child,
O Mother of God. For He is confessed to be one in Person and twofold in Nature.
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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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)
4. 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)
5. 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.
6. 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)
7. 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)
8. 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 pleasureloving cravings. (2Sam.15; 16:21)
9. 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)
10. 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)
11. 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, have in mind imitated him by thy
shameful pleasures. (1King.3:12, 11:4-12)
12. Thou, my soul, have 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)
13. 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)
14. 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)
15. Heaven is closed to thou, 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)
16. 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)
17. 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.
18. 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)
19. 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. (Ps.50)
20. My days have vanished like a dream on waking. Therefore I weep on my bed like Hezekiah that
years may be added to my life. But what Isaiah will come to thou, my soul, except the God of all?
(2King.20:3; Is.38:2)
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 desirest, 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.
Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.
To St. Andrew of Crete: Strengthen me on the rock of faith by thy intercessions, O father, and wall
and fortify me with an awed sense of the divine indwelling, and grant me repentance, O Andrew,
now. And I implore thee to deliver me from the snares of foes actively seeking my life.
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.
The Triodion
Song 8. Tone 8
Eirmos The Eternal King of Glory, before Whom the Hosts of Heaven are thrilled with awe and the
Orders of the Angels tremble, praise Him, O priests, and exalt Him, you people, throughout all ages.
Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.
Troparia:
1. Like coals of immaterial fire, burn my material passions, and kindle in me now, O Apostles, a
longing for divine love.
2. Let us honor the tuneful trumpets of the Word, through whom the rickety walls of the enemy fell
and the battlements of the knowledge of God were built.
3. Smash the passionate idols of my soul, as you smashed the temples and pillars of the enemy, O
Apostles of the Lord, consecrated temples.
Refrain: Most holy Mother of God, save us.
Theotokion: Thou didst contain Him Who is uncontainable by nature, thou didst carry Him Who
carries all things, O pure Virgin, thou didst suckle Him Who feeds creation, Christ the Lifegiver.
The Eirmos is repeated: The Eternal King of Glory, before Whom the Hosts of Heaven are thrilled
with awe and the Orders of the Angels tremble, praise Him, O priests, and exalt Him, you people,
throughout all ages.
Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.
4. Having built the whole Church with the Spirit as architect, O Apostles of Christ, bless Christ in it
throughout the ages.
Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.
5. By blowing the trumpet of the dogmas, the Apostles have overthrown all the delusion and error of
idolatry, and exalted Christ throughout all ages.
Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.
6. O Apostles, noble company, guardians of the world, and citizens of heaven, deliver from dangers
those who ever praise you.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
To The Trinity: Triune, all-radiant God, co-glorified and co-enthroned Nature, Father Almighty, Son
and Divine Spirit, I sing of Thee for ever.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Let us, O you peoples, unceasingly sing of the Mother of God, as an honored and
sublime throne, who alone after childbirth is Mother and Virgin.
The Great Canon
Song 8. Tone 6
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:
1. I have sinned, O Savior, have mercy! Awaken my mind to conversion, accept me who repents,
have compassion on me as I cry: Against Thee only have I sinned and acted lawlessly; have mercy on
me.
2. 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)
3. Jordan's stream of old was made to stand still on either side by Elisha by Elijah's sheepskin. But
thou, my soul, have not shared this grace owing to incontinence. (2King.2:14)
4. Elisha received double grace from the Lord when he took up Elijah's sheepskin. But thou, my soul,
have not shared this grace owing to incontinence. (2King.2:9)
5. The Shunammite woman of old with right good will entertained the righteous man. But thou, my
soul, have taken into thy house neither stranger nor traveler. Therefore thou wilt be cast out of the
bridal hall wailing. (2King.4:8)
6. 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. (2King.5:20-27)
7. 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)
8. 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)
9. 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)
10. 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 prophesy should not prove false. (Jona.1:3)
11. Thou hast heard, my soul, of Daniel in the lion's den, and how he shut the beasts' mouths. Thou
dost know how the Children who were with Azariah extinguished the flames of the burning furnace
by faith. (Dan.6:16-22; 3:23)
12. I have reviewed all the people of the Old Testament as examples for thou, my soul. Imitate the
God-loving deeds of the righteous and shun the sins of the wicked.
13. 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.
14. 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 once the Canaanite woman.
(Lk.23:42; Mt.26:75; Lk.18:13. ; Lk.7:37-38; Mt.15:22-28)
15. 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)
16. 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. (Mt.15:22; Mk.5:27;
Jn.11:33)
17. 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)
18. 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.
19. 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)
20. 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.
Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.
To St. Andrew of Crete: As thou hast boldness with the Lord, O Andrew, venerable credit of Crete,
intercede, I implore thee, that by thy prayers I may now find release from the chain of my sins, O
teacher of repentance, glory of Saints.
Let us bless the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Lord:
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.
Let us praise, bless and worship the Lord, sing and exalt Him throughout all ages.
And again the 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.
Then the Magnificat, and More honorable...
Then the Triodion
Song 9. Tone 8
Eirmos Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we confess thee to be truly Mother of God, and with Bodiless
Choirs we magnify thee.
Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.
Troparia:
1. Having been shown the springs of the water of salvation, O Apostles, bedew my soul that is racked
with thirst by sin.
Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.
2. Swimming in the sea of destruction as I am and already under water, save me like Peter with Thy
right hand, O Lord.
Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.
3. Since thou art the salt of the teachings of health, dry the decay of my mind and dispel the
darkness of ignorance.
Refrain: Most holy Mother of God, save us.
Theotokion: As the one of whom Joy was born, grant me mourning, O Lady, through which I shall be
able to find divine consolation in the coming day.
Another Eirmos As the Mediatress of Heaven and earth, all generations magnify thee. For there
dwelt in thee bodily, O Virgin, the fullness of the Godhead.
Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.
4. O glorious company of the Apostles, we magnify you with songs; for thou art the bright lights of
the world that banish delusion and error.
Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.
5. Ever catching rational fish with the net of thy Gospel, you continually bring them as food to
Christ, O blessed Apostles.
Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.
6. Remember us in thy prayer to God, O Apostles, we pray, that we who sing thy praises with love
may be delivered from all temptation.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
To The Trinity: Of Thee, the Tri-Personal Unity, I sing; Father and Son with the Spirit, One God of
one essence, Trinity one in power and without beginning.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: All generations bless thee as the Child-bearer and Virgin, since through thee we have
been redeemed from the curse, for thou didst bear for us the Lord, our Joy.
And the rest of The Great Canon
Song 9. Tone 6
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:
1. 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 wily thou do, wretched soul, when the Judge comes to try
thy case?
2. 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, have
copied the latter and not the former, and have sinned against God.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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)
6. 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 thou, my soul, an example and image of His
own condescension. (Mt.1:25)
7. 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.2:2, 5-38)
8. 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)
9. 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)
10. 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)
11. 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, have not imitated them.
(Mt.3:5-6)
12. Marriage is honorable 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)
13. 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 thou, my soul, how to worship in spirit. (Mt.9: 2-7; Lk.7:14; Mt.8:6-13. ;
Jn.4:26; Sir.4:24)
14. 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)
15. 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)
16. 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)
17. 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)
18. 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)
19. 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)
20. 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)
21. 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
thee, thou wilt be with Me in Paradise when I rise in My glory." (Lk.9:38-42; 23:43)
22. 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)
23. 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)
24. 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)
25. 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.
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 memory .
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
To The Trinity: Trinity of one essence, Tri-Personal Unity, we sing Thy praise, glorifying the Father,
magnifying the Son, and adoring the Spirit, Who art truly one God by nature, Life and Lives,
Kingdom unending.
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.
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.