Until the age of 7, Andrei was completely mute. But after he accepted the Holy Mysteries of Christ, he received healing. This was the reason for the strengthening of the boy’s faith, and this is how he made the choice of his life path.
Andrey Kritsky is a Christian theologian, preacher and author of spiritual hymns. He was canonized as a saint. Memorial Day is celebrated on July 4th.
Andrey Kritsky - Christian theologian, preacher and author of spiritual hymns
Saint Andrew of Crete was born in the Syrian city of Damascus in the middle of the 7th century.
Quite little is known about Andrey's life. Saint Andrew was born in the Syrian city of Damascus. The date of his birth is unknown, but it is approximately the first half or middle of the 7th century.
Until the age of 7, the boy was mute, but later he was healed by Divine power after he received the Holy Mysteries of Christ. This left a very strong mark on the child, so he devoted his future life to serving God.
In the Jerusalem Monastery of Saint Sava the Consecrated, Saint Andrew studies the Holy Scriptures.
At the age of 14-15, Saint Andrew decided to retire to the Jerusalem Monastery of Saint Sava the Sanctified in order to get rid of the vanity of the world. Here he begins to deeply study the Holy Scriptures.
For his good work, he was appointed to the position of clerk at the court of Fyodor, the leaders of the Jerusalem Patriarchate. But even this position did not prevent him from pursuing his salvation and leading an ascetic life.
Jerusalem Monastery of Saint Sava the Consecrated. It was here that Andrei Kritsky came to get rid of the bustle of the world
An important stage in his life was his participation in the work of the Fourth Ecumenical Council, which was convened in order to counter the heresy of the Monothelites. Andrei arrived there along with other trusted representatives.
When he returned back to Jerusalem, he brought with him a list of conciliar definitions. A little later, Andrei Kritsky was ordained a deacon of the Sofia Church. He arrived in Constantinople at the invitation of the Patriarch.
See also the article Life of Andrei Kritsky
What is known about the life of the venerable martyr
Andrey Kritsky was born on the island of Crete. His life was full of hardships and wanderings. For some time he lived as a monk among the monks of the Castron monastery. The monk's life was filled with calmness and pious leisureliness. He belonged to the admirers of icons and was firmly convinced that icon painting was pleasing to God himself. When the iconoclastic persecution began, the monk hurried to an audience with Emperor Constantine V. There he spoke out against the emperor’s heresy, openly accused Constantine, and demanded an end to the persecution.
After the speech, Andrei was captured and thrown to the bottom of a prison pit. He was threatened with a cruel death penalty, but death overtook him earlier. When the martyr was dragged by the hands to the place of execution, an aggressive merchant cut his legs with a sharp dagger. The wound was so serious that Andrei died from loss of blood. Andrei's death became a symbol of martyrdom.
Reference! After his death, 100 years passed before a canon was written about it by Joseph the Songwriter.
During the reign of Justinian II, Andrei was consecrated archbishop
During the reign of Justinian II, Andrei was awarded archbishop consecration. In this position he took up quite a lot of time and effort. With his blessing, new temples were built. Almshouses and shelters were organized.
With his prayers to God, he became famous as a great man of prayer. One day he prayed for the city of Drumeos when it was besieged by the Saracens. It was through his prayers that the enemies shamefully retreated. There were also cases when Andrei prayed during a drought, and through his prayer, the soil was poured with rain.
With his prayers to God, Andrei Kritsky became famous as a great prayer book
Various dates of death are attributed to the Archbishop of Crete. They said that he lived to a ripe old age. One day he went to Constantinople for church reasons. On the way, he became very ill and died.
There was evidence that this happened in 712, but other sources claim that it was in 740. It was also rumored that the saint already knew about his death in advance.
There are quite a few churches of St. Andrew of Crete. For example, in St. Petersburg, in Rostov-on-Don.
Church of St. Andrew of Crete in St. Petersburg
Lyrics
In honor of Andrei of Crete, a canon was compiled, which is read in churches on the days of memory of the venerable martyr.
Song 1
Irmos: In the depths of the post, sometimes the Pharaonic all-army is a re-armed power, but the incarnate Word of all-evil sin consumed food, the glorified Lord, gloriously glorified.
Manly passions of the flesh, Father, having enslaved, by the thought of courage as the name goes, you punished the tormentors with severity and you suffered rightfully. Thereby, having come together in faith, we please you.
Mentally, like a coal, you were kindled by the warmth of the Divine Spirit, you melted the ice of passions, and you extinguished the streams of blood fire of alien evil, most great Andre, confessor God blessed.
Having been bound by the love of Christ, Father, from my youth I have accepted your cross, rejoicing, You followed this, denying yourself through fasting, and confession, and the most complete suffering.
Theotokos: Despondency always burdens my soul, to Yours, Most Pure Virgin Mother, I flow to intercession: raise up to the vigor of repentance, then eternal torment that delivers me.
Song 3
Irmos: Having established my faith on the rock, you enlarged my mouth against my enemies, my spirit rejoiced, and always sang: none is holy, like our God, and none is righteous, What are you, Lord.
Having established your feet, Father, on the rock of the love of Christ, you were not swayed by any inspiration from the contrary, crying out to your Creator: Thou art our God, and there is none righteous than Thee. ́, Lord.
Exuding healing before the end and after the end, you help those who are infirm and drive away unclean spirits, O Reverend Andrew, crying out to your Creator: You are our God, and there is no one more righteous than You ́, Lord.
You washed yourself with the tears of fasting, you were fertilized with the blood of the martyr, and you showed yourself all the reddest, crying out to what you wanted: You are our God, and none is righteous more than You. , Lord.
Theotokos: In the likeness of the flesh, You gave birth to the Father of the One Essence of God, the Word, The All-Immaculate One, who remained above nature as a Virgin even after the Nativity. For this reason, by faith we please Thee.
Kontakion, voice 3
Today the Reigning City celebrates the bright holiday of your luminous memory, every calling the city and the country, rejoices because it has a treasure of greatness, your long-suffering body, Andrei Cheniche, Lamp of Orthodoxy.
Sedalen, voice 4
In wondrous fasting and suffering, let us praise, truly, according to duty, as the piety of a preacher and champion of the strong; Therefore, without fear of resisting the purulent, we will honor the preaching of the image of Christ, as the fertilizer of the fasters and the likeness of the martyrs of courage.
Theotokos: Who sits on the throne of the cherubs and dwells in the bosom of the Fathers, as He sits on His holy throne, O Lady, in Your bosom; For God has truly become incarnate and reigned over all nations, and now we will understandably sing to Him, Whom we begged to be saved by Your servant.
Theotokos: From the Beginningless Father, born, in the end, You who were born in the flesh, hanging on the Cross, behold, Christ, - alas for Me, dear Jesus, - crying out, - as I am glorified Who is God from angels, from lawless men today, Son, although you are crucified? I sing to You, long-suffering.
Song 4
Irmos: You came from the Virgin, neither an intercessor nor an angel, but the Lord Himself incarnate, and you saved all of me; Therefore I call you: Glory to Your power, Lord.
Having obeyed Christ’s commandments, in His likeness, Father, you honestly worshiped. Therefore, the most lawless one, I killed you with manifold wounds.
You were the peace-giver of the virtues, lying in the tomb with incense, the faces of those who call upon you with an undoubting heart, Reverend Father.
The ailing Mammon, the most omnipotent, condemned heresy, with boldness you, the champion of the former Orthodox, denounced Andre the most wonderful.
Theotokos: For the Blessed One has raised the gracious Class, nourishing all who Orthodoxy venerate Thee, the All-Singing Lady, and from Thee the incarnate Word, the All-Pure One.
Song 5
Irmos: Enlightenment in the darkness of those lying, salvation of the desperate, Christ my Savior, to You in the morning, King of the world, enlighten me with Your radiance, for I know no other God to You.
Having hated the darkness, Father, of sin, the light of all the brilliance of dispassion appeared, and you enlightened the faithful who come to your divine tomb, healing with the dawn, God’s grace.
Believing the godly pleasantly appeared, who had been driving and validly affected, and now, and now, in the grove, staying, blessed, and inseparable, all the faithful resolving the passions.
Having valiantly as a youth, O all-blessed one, against demons and heretical people, you have been granted eternal blessings and crowns, O Reverend Andrew, with this we will always please you.
Theotokos: Carrying Christ in your arms, having inexpressibly given birth, bowed down to the evil one and cursedly enslaved to the evil one, the All-Immaculate Youth, thereby we ever please Your faithfulness.
Song 6
Irmos: Lying in the abyss of sin, I call upon the unsearchable abyss of Thy mercy: from aphids, God lift me up.
Into prison, the lawless one, the Lord, Andrei, is preserved and will certainly observe the Divine will.
Thou art carelessly torn to pieces and shattered by wounds, blessed one, but just as thou hast endured another sufferer, we are divinely strengthened.
Like hidden wealth of great value, the Father appears before the face of the pious, and enriches all those who worship you with miracles.
Theotokos: The rational candlestick of the ancient prophet, the Divine Candle - Christ, Pure, bearing, by whom we are all enlightened.
Kontakion, tone 8
We give thanks to the courage of the same name, as piety to the secret verb, we cry out praise from love to you, blessed one, but as we have boldness in the Lord, save us from all evil ones, and let us eat : Rejoice, Father of everlasting memory.
Ikos
The angel of truth from Crete appeared to you, denouncing evilness, father, and with a theological voice, you are vulnerable in vain, to all your hearts, I am terrified of passion, calling and crying out to you: Rejoice, Bo a strong gunsmith; Rejoice, faithful servant of the Lord; Rejoice, defender of blasphemous enemies; Rejoice, curb the malicious people; Rejoice, for you suffered for the image of Christ; Rejoice, for you have delighted the carnal sweets; Rejoice, for by the forgiveness of the beginning of darkness you have overcome; Rejoice, for you resisted Copronymus with suffering; Rejoice, ever-flowing source of miracles; Rejoice, thou who hast enlightened the earth with thy sufferings; Rejoice, dwelling place of the faithful, Father; Rejoice, our representative and deliverer; Rejoice, Father of everlasting memory.
Song 7
Irmos: The ungodly command of the lawless tormentor raised a high flame: Christ spread spiritual dew to the Godly youth, He is Blessed and Glorified.
The exalted excitement of the wickedness of your mind will not shake you, And the more glorious, standing on the rock of the knowledge of Christ. In that non-stormy haven you were overwhelmed.
The wicked one, darkened by the mind, has been exacted by the bounty of stealing, having immersed himself in thee, fertilized by theology with lordship, but he is worthy of laughter, wise, filled with thy boldness.
We decorate your mind with the most Divine mantras, Andrey, the all-bright star appears to everyone, enlightening miracles every day, praising you.
Theotokos: You were the temple of the Living God, in which you created an ineffable dwelling, the All-Singing Virgin, who dwells in heaven, and for the goodness of many, Man deigned to be.
Song 8
Irmos: Sometimes the fiery furnace in Babylon separates the actions, scorching the Chaldeans by God's command, and watering the faithful, singing: bless all the works of the Lord the Lord.
Carnal passions, wise, having put to death the exploits of fasting, you suffered, most powerfully, the likeness of the Savior and the Ever-Virgin, reverently, and honorably kissed the saints.
Furiously, furiously at Christ, like a beast of ferocity, having entrusted, Father, to slay you. The more attractive and beating, plunging into the abyss, the witness of the Truth is clearly made to you.
Faithful miracles, like waters, drink, and drive away, O all-blessed spirits, wickedness, and cleanse ailments, the grace of healing from above is received from Christ our God.
Theotokos: You appeared in heaven, O Virgin, the most spacious, containing God in your womb, uncontainable by all, pray to Him to deliver oppression, Pure Lady, piously singing to the soul-stricken yushchy Tya.
One of the main works of Andrei Kritsky is the Great Penitential Canon
Over the years of his life he wrote a lot. Quite a lot of Andrei Kritsky’s works have survived to this day. Among them, the words for the Mother of God and Lord's feasts are very famous.
One of his most famous works is the Great Penitential Canon. It is read in all churches during Lent. The modern text contains some changes that were made by St. John of Damascus, Joseph and Theodore the Studites.
The repentant canon reflects Andrei's personal experience of repentance and grace-filled communication with God.
The modern text of the Great Canon contains some changes that were introduced by St. John of Damascus
The canon is amazing and unique, which does not require transcription in Russian. The Great Canon of Andrew of Crete can be read at home. It is read during the first four days of Lent - from Monday to Thursday.
The canon is read in parts, and while reading, one kneels. It is believed that it is this canon that prepares all believers for the great feat of abstinence during Lent. The Lord calls everyone to repent and come as close to Him as possible.
The Great Canon is a kind of panorama of biblical stories. A person sees the entire history of the human soul - from the first fall to the very last days of the earthly life of Jesus Christ.
The Great Canon is read in the church during the blessing of only candles. The canon is a kind of panorama of biblical stories
In the canon there is a story about a person. Poems awaken the desire to look deep into your soul and see what its state is at the moment. As you read, you need to understand the essence of each verse as best as possible.
There are 250 troparia in the canon, which is why it was called the Great. Because ordinary canons contain no more than 30.
In the canon of Andrew of Crete there are 250 troparions, which is why he was called the Great, that is, the largest in the number of troparions
A troparion, kontakion and prayer were written to Andrew of Crete, which are sung during the service on his memorial day.
Portal "Wonderful Diveevo"
Kontakion 1 To the chosen Voivode and Lord, for the joy of Thy repentant servants, I, a sinner, resort to Thee. Receive me, Father, as I repent, do not reject my tears and heartfelt sighs, and do not despise the one who calls to You in tenderness: Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Ikos 1 I was jealous of the first-created Adam in crime, breaking the commandments of my God, desecrating my soul and body with cruel deeds. And where do I start to mourn my bad life? What is the beginning of the current sobbing? But come, my accursed soul, with your flesh, confess to the Creator of all and cry out to Him with tears: Merciful, look at me with your gracious eye and accept my warm repentance. Merciful, I have sinned more than all people, only one has sinned before You, but You, like God, have mercy on Your creation. Merciful, like a harlot, I shed tears, have mercy on me according to Your mercy. You are merciful, having desecrated the robe of my flesh and those who have blackened within me, created in Your image and likeness. Merciful, I have darkened my soul with passionate pleasures and turned my whole mind into dust. Merciful, I lie naked from my virtues and am ashamed. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 2 See, my soul, that the end is drawing near at the door of the Judge. Wake up, think about your deeds, what you have done, bring them before your eyes and shed drops of your tears; Boldly tell your deeds and thoughts to Christ and cry out to Him with tenderness of heart: Alleluia.
Ikos 2 I understood, my Savior, that there is no sin, no deed, no evil in life, in which I would not have sinned in mind, word and will more than all people. Conscience convicts me, conscience condemns me in my evil deeds. But Judge, my Deliverer and Leader, have mercy, deliver and save me, Your servant, who cries to You: Merciful, those who have sinned, those who have sinned, having sold their soul to sinful habits, like Joseph’s brothers. You are merciful, like Cain, and I offered you a vicious sacrifice: vile deeds and indecent living, and thus I was condemned. Merciful, I have transgressed Thy commandments from youth, I have passed away from a sad life, save me by Thy mercy. Merciful, like the prodigal son, I wasted my wealth in fornication and hunger of soul, and I cry out to You: Generous One, saturate my soul with Your grace. Merciful, I was all wounded by my thoughts, I was filled with wounds, as if I had fallen among thieves, but You came and healed me. Merciful, listen to the groaning of my soul, accept the tears of my eyes and cleanse me, the repentant one. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 3 By Thy power, O Savior, Adam was worthily expelled from Eden, because he had not kept Thy one commandment; and this one, sitting straight up in paradise and weeping bitterly in his nakedness, crying out: Alas, for me, paradise, my beautiful paradise! Am I to suffer, my Lord and God, always rejecting Your life-giving words? But give me time, so that I may weep bitterly for my deeds, and I will sing to You: Alleluia.
Ikos Z Having in mind the many cruel things I have done, I tremble, accursed one. And what will I do when the Lord comes with thousands of angels to judge the universe? Alas for me, alas! God of the fathers, before you even close the door of Your mercy to me, I run to You, the Generous One, and together with David I cry: Merciful, I was born in sins and added other wounds to my wounds, but have mercy on me, God of the fathers. You are merciful, like David, who sinned with You and I: for I wounded my soul with the arrow of adultery, but, like him, I cry out to You: have mercy on me according to Your mercy. Merciful, awaken my mind to conversion, accept me, the repentant one, have mercy on him who calls: save those who have sinned. Most merciful, I did not bring either a stranger or a traveler under my roof, rejecting the good will of the Shunammite, and therefore I weep: do not deprive me of Your palace. I am merciful and obsessed with the love of money, and like Gehazi I am condemned. Mercifully, by the will of the murderer of the soul’s conscience, armed with my evil deeds. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 4 A storm of sins has befallen me, and who will extend a helping hand to me, if not You, who shone forth from the Virgin Jesus. Save me, I cry out to You, save me, just as you saved Peter when he drowned; May the storm of passions not drown me. Lead me to a serene haven, and with love I will sing to You: Alleluia.
Ikos 4 Hearing that the Lord sometimes rained down fire, they hit the land of Sodom, alas! I cry out. Soul, arise! May the fire of Gehenna not burn you. Flee from the flames, flee from the Divine flame, save yourself on the mountain, like Lot, crying out to God: You are merciful, even if you have sinned, but we know, as a Lover of mankind, you punish mercifully and are merciful warmly and hasten, like a father, calling on the prodigal. Mercifully, I have weaved a foul robe to expose my self-willed passions, exposing me to the first godly garments. Merciful, I have clung to earthly things and am burdened with a heavy burden. Mercifully, I have adorned the idol of my flesh with the robe of foul thoughts, despising the inner godlike tabernacle. Merciful, I buried the beauty of the first image with passions, and, like once a drachma, having sought and found. Mercifully, I cry to You for those who have sinned, like a harlot: I am the only one who has sinned before You, but accept these and my tears. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 5 You, O Savior, poured out your rich blood on the cross to wash me; Thou hast given up the spirit, that thou mayest bring me to Thy Parent; We go, closed and opened, all creation and all the nations worship You for salvation and sing everlastingly: Alleluia.
Ikos 5 You see, you see, for I am God: listen, O my soul, to the Lord when it cries out, flee from your former sin, and fear, Lord, as the righteous Judge and God. Turn, repent, reveal your hidden things, fall to Him like the prodigal son, with tears and, beating your chest, say to God, who knows everything: Mercifully, I am wounded and ulcerated: behold, the arrow of the enemy struck soul and body, and so I came running to You with tears . Most merciful, like a publican, I cry to You: cleanse, cleanse me, none of those who are from Adam, even as I have sinned with You. Merciful, remove the heavy burden of my sins and forgive me my sins. Merciful, forgiving my voluntary and involuntary sins, obvious and secret, known and unknown, save me. Merciful, the storm of passions drowns me, and there is no salvation for me, but stretch out Your hand to me, like Petrov. Most merciful, do not close the door of Your mercy on the day of judgment, but open, O mountaineer who repents to You. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 6 The desert-loving turtledove, the voice of one crying, the Lamp of Christ the Forerunner, cried out to all people: repent and purify yourself: all Judea and Samaria, having heard, suffered and confessed their sins. Fathers and you, my soul, to the source of life, so that you do not get bogged down in a lawless net, kiss repentance and sing to Christ: Alleluia.
Ikos 6 Listen to the sky, and I will say: inspire in the earth a voice repentant to God. Who else is corporeal from man, like I am: the mind is wounded, the body is sick, the spirit is weak, the scabs are multiplying. Blessed Physician, before I even completely perish, save me, as I cry out to You: Merciful, You are God, test hearts, torture intentions and expose deeds, the thorns of my sins have fallen and show me pure before You. Merciful, You are the Good Shepherd, seek me like a sheep perishing among the thorns of sins. Merciful, You are my Creator, By You, Savior, I will be justified. Merciful, You are the source of life, pour out life into my soul, revive it, until death befalls me. Merciful, those like those who were under Noah committed sins, and like them, I am immersed in the waters of the flood. Merciful, I did not cover up my neighbor’s shame, having defiled my conscience with arrogant linguistics, I became like Ham the parricide. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 7 If you wished for everyone to be saved and to come into the understanding of truth, You, the Son of God, descended to earth, became human, and, calling robbers and harlots to repentance, opened the doors of the Kingdom to all who repent, open the doors of repentance for me too, O Life-Giver, to You for the morning and I cry to you: Alleluia.
Ikos 7 The Ninevites brought wondrous repentance to God, when Jonah the prophet cried out to them about their destruction, for they put on sackcloth and sprinkled ashes on their heads and created great lamentation, saying: May the Lord turn away His righteous wrath. Therefore, you too, my soul, cry out to God, like the Ninevites, and thus say: Mercifully, Ishmael was cast out like the offspring of a slave, so that this may not befall me for lust. Mercifully, by the will of subservience to sin and like Hagar, I gave birth to a new Ishmael - insolence. Most merciful, do not reject the prayers of those who sing Your praises and grant forgiveness to those who ask with faith. Merciful, have mercy, I cry to You, have mercy, when you come with the Angels to reward each one according to the merits of his deeds. Merciful, do not despise Your creation, even if people have sinned above all others. You are the Lord of the universe, I am dust, and in Your power I can forgive my sins. You are merciful, even if you have desecrated your soul and body, but You, my Savior, cleanse, wash, make me whiter than snow. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 8 Make yourself strange before You, Jesus, for I preferred the storehouses of Canaanite thoughts to Your stone with the source of wisdom, and pork meat to the food of heaven. Moreover, like the prodigal son, I am dying with hunger, not knowing how to sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 8 All I was wounded by my thoughts and filled with wounds, as if I had fallen among the robbers and, seeing me, the Mimoida priest and the Levite also, seeing me lying in trouble, despised me. But You Yourself, Christ, pour oil and wine on me, so that I cry to You: You are merciful, let Your Blood be a font of cleansing for me, and the water that flows from Your side be a drink of consolation, give life to me with Yourself. I am merciful, like a Pharisee, I am proud and, like him, I act insolently before you, but kill the sin in me and give me a humble heart. Merciful, we know that I have sinned before You, but I repent - accept me, I confess - raise me up, so that I will not be a source of wealth and food for the enemy, You yourself have mercy on me. O Merciful One, I have not listened to Your voice, nor have I submitted to Your Scripture, and so I stand naked before You. Merciful, the night of sin became darkness and deep darkness for me, but you, O Savior, make me a son of the day. Merciful, alas for me, for I have desecrated my mind with uncleanness, but I pray for Your goodness, wash me in the font of my tears and make the garment of my flesh white like snow. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 9 of the Old Testament I bring all of you, my soul, into likeness: imitate the righteous, God-loving deeds and avoid the pack of evil sins, so that Christ may spare you on the day of judgment and may you be worthy to sing to Him with all the saints: Alleluia.
Ikos 9 The many-spoken people are perplexed with which words to awaken me to repentance: for my heart is hardened and I am not below tears, below crying. Merciful, Generous One, touching my heart with Your goodness and strengthening me with the Lord’s Spirit, send me a cloud of tears to Your servant, who prays to You: Merciful, as one who was bleeding, I came running to You, touching the tears of Your garments, and say to me, like her: Your faith saved you . O great one, give me streams of life-giving flow from Your most pure veins, give me to drink like a Samaritan woman, so that I may not thirst forever. Merciful, may my tears be like Siloam, that I may wash the apples of my soul with them, and with my mind I may see Your ever-present light. Most merciful, I offer You the tears of my eyes and deep sighs, my heart cries out in me: God, those who have sinned before You; have mercy, forgive me. Merciful, like Dathan and Aviron, my soul has departed from You, and so I call to You: have mercy, so that the earth does not swallow me up, like them. Merciful, the waves of my sins covered me, like the horsemen of Egypt covered the Red Sea, but call me from the underworld and deliver my belly from corruption. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 10 Even though Lot would be saved by the Divine flame, he fled from Sodom, as the Lord commanded him. My soul, if you want to be saved, imitate the righteous, run from the flames of sin, run from the fire kindled by crazy lust, do not wake up the glorious pillar by returning back. Let the image of Sodom frighten you, sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10 Holy King, the time of my life is short and full of illnesses and wickedness, but in repentance, accept me and call me to reason, so that I will not be an acquisitive person, nor a stranger to cruelty. sin, so that the fire does not consume me from despair. Merciful, I am the lost drachma, seek me, kindle Your light and find Your image. Merciful, David, having sinned greatly, both cried bitterly, and even more than this he committed evil, the fruits did not bear thee of repentance. Merciful, Solomon, sometimes wise, love dissolute wives, depart from God, and I imitated this in my thoughts with shameful voluptuousness. Merciful, alas for me! In abominations comparable to Achaab, having made his soul a vitality of carnal impurities and a vessel of vile passions. Merciful, all the beauty in me has become blackened, and the lamp has gone out from passions, but have mercy and return to me, as David sings, joy. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 11 A wonderful hymn was written by You, sometimes David denounces the very act he committed, so that you, my soul, repent and arise, leave your evil deeds and, like him, cry out: Have mercy on me, for You alone have sinned against all God: Cleanse me Yourself. according to Your mercy, - and may you be able to sing to Him with a pure heart: Alleluia.
Ikos 11 Light-giving Lord, send down Your light and enlighten my heart, cleanse my soul from all sin, for to You, like Jonah I cry to my face, saying: Merciful, my days disappear like a dream, and I cry like Hezekiah on my bed, prolong my life, so that I may wash away my sins. Mercifully, like a thief, I cry: remember me! Like Peter, I cry bitterly, like a publican, I cry: forgive me, Savior. Merciful, like a harlot, I shed tears, accept my weeping, like once the wife of the Canaanites. Merciful, You are the only Doctor, heal the ulcers of my soul, put a plaster on my face, pour oil and wine and grant me tenderness and tears. Mercifully, as if I were bleeding, I touch the hem of Your garments and weep, like Martha and Mary over Lazarus. Merciful, I pour out my tears to You, like a vessel of the world on your head, I offer prayer and ask you to grant me your petition. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 12 Do not take Your grace from me, O Good Jesus, even though men have sinned above all others, You are a merciful God, You do not want the death of a sinner, You forgive the repentant and call the lost. Sanctify me with Your grace and renew the Right Spirit in my womb. I call you in repentance: Alleluia.
Ikos 12 I weep and weep, O Lord, for the evil things I have done and I pray for Your goodness: do not run short of the fruits worthy of repentance, for my strength in me is impoverished: grant me an ever-contrite heart, but let me bring this spiritual poverty to You as an acceptable sacrifice. Save me, crying out to You: O Merciful One, see my fear, see the contrition of my soul and grant me forgiveness. Merciful, You are my Judge and God, may my soul heed this and depart from all sin, as You command. Merciful, do not go into court with me, do not torture my deeds; but despise, as you are Generous, my atrocities and save me, O All-Powerful One. Most merciful, I bow down to You, cleanse those who have sinned, take away from me the burden of heavy sin and, as you are gracious, give me tears of tenderness. Most merciful, I have told You the sins I have committed, and the ulcers of my soul and body, even the murderous thoughts of robbery within that you have placed on me. Merciful, I have been cast down before Thy gates in my old age, do not cast me into hell as someone worthless, but before the end grant me remission of sins. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 13 O Most Gracious and All-Bountiful Jesus, all the secrets of my heart and all the things I have done from my youth even to this day, confessed to You, my Judge, see my suffering, see my sorrow and attend to my judgment now, and have mercy on me, for You are Compassionate, To you crying: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. This Kontakion is read three times, then Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1
written by Andrei Kritsky - a penitential akathist that can be read at home
There is also a repentant akathist, which was compiled on the basis of the Great Canon of Andrew of Crete. I read it in church, and you can also read it at home.
Akathist:
Kontakion 1
Chosen Governor and Lord, the Joy of Your repentant servants, I, a sinner, resort to You in repentance. Receive me, Father, who repents, do not reject my tears and heartfelt sighs and do not despise the one who calls to You in tenderness: Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Ikos 1
I was jealous of the primordial Adam in crime, I violated the commandments of my God, I desecrated my soul and body with cruel deeds. And where should I start to mourn my bad life? What is the beginning of the current sobbing? But come, my accursed soul, with your flesh, confess to the Creator of all and cry out to Him with tears: Merciful, look at me with Your gracious eye and accept my warm repentance. Merciful, I have sinned more than all people, only one has sinned before You, but You, like God, have mercy on Your creation. Merciful, like a harlot, I shed tears, have mercy on me according to Your mercy.
Merciful, I have desecrated the robe of my flesh and blackened within myself what was created in Your image and likeness. Merciful, I have darkened my soul with passionate pleasures and turned my whole mind into dust. Merciful, I lie naked from my virtues and am ashamed. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 2
See, my soul, that the end is approaching, there is a Judge near the door. Wake up, think about your deeds, what you have done, bring them before your eyes and shed drops of your tears; Boldly tell your deeds and thoughts to Christ and cry out to Him with tenderness of heart: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
I understand, my Savior, that there is no sin, no deed, no evil in life in which I, above all people, have not sinned in mind, word and will. Conscience convicts me, conscience condemns me in my evil deeds. But Judge, my Deliverer and Leader, have mercy, deliver and save me, Your servant, who cries to You: Merciful, those who have sinned, those who have sinned, selling their soul to sinful habits, like Joseph’s brothers. You are merciful, like Cain, and I offered You a vicious sacrifice: vile deeds and an indecent life, likewise those who were condemned, Merciful, having transgressed Your commandments from their youth, passed away their lives in despondency, save me by Your mercy.
You are merciful, like the prodigal son, who squandered my wealth in fornication and hunger of the soul, and I also cry out to You: Generous One, saturate my soul with Your grace. Merciful, I was all wounded by my thoughts, I was filled with wounds, as if I had fallen into the hands of robbers, but You came and healed me. Merciful, listen to the groaning of my soul, accept the tears of my eyes and cleanse me, the repentant one. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 3
By Thy power, O Savior, Adam was worthily expelled from Eden, as if he had not kept Thy one commandment; and this one sat down straight from heaven and, weeping bitterly at his nakedness, cried out: “Woe is my paradise, my beautiful paradise!” Why should I suffer, O my Lord and God, always rejecting Your life-giving words? But give me time, so that I may weep bitterly for my deeds and sing to You: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Keep in mind the many cruel things I have done, I tremble, wretched one. And what will I do when the Lord comes with thousands of angels to judge the universe? Alas for me, alas! God of the Fathers, before I even closed the door of Your mercy, I run to You, the Generous One, and together with David I cry: Merciful, I was born in sins and added other wounds to my wounds, but have mercy on me, God of the Fathers. You are merciful, as David sinned against You and I: for I wounded my soul with the arrow of adultery, but, like him, I cry out to You: have mercy on me according to Your mercy. Merciful, awaken my mind to conversion, accept me, the repentant one, have mercy on him who calls: save those who have sinned. Most merciful, I have not brought a stranger or a traveler under my roof, having rejected the good will of the Samaritan woman, and therefore I weep: do not deprive me of Your palace.
I am merciful and possessed by the love of money, and like Gehazi, I am condemned. Mercifully, by will, I was a murderer of the conscience of my soul, armed with my crafty deeds. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 4
A storm of sins has befallen me, and who will extend a helping hand to me, if not You, who shone forth from the Virgin Jesus. Save me, I cry out to You, save me, just as you saved Peter when he drowned; May the storm of passions not drown me. Lead me to a serene haven, and with love I will sing to You: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing that the Lord sometimes rained down the fire, they hit the land of Sodom, alas! - I cry, - soul, arise! - Let the fire of hell not burn me. Flee from the flames, flee from the burning Sodom, flee from the Divine flame, save yourself on the mountain, like Lot, crying out to God: You are merciful, even if you have sinned, but we know, as a Lover of mankind, you punish mercifully, and you are merciful warmly, and you hasten, like the Father calling for the prodigal.
Mercifully, I have weaved a foul robe to expose my self-willed passions, exposing me to the first godly garments. Merciful, I have clung to earthly things and am surrounded by a heavy burden. Mercifully, I have adorned the idol of my flesh with the robe of evil thoughts, despising the inner God-like tabernacle. Most merciful, I buried the beauty of the first image with passions, and, like once a drachma, having sought and found. Most merciful, I cry to You for those who have sinned, as I am the only harlot who has sinned before You, but accept my tears as well. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 5
You, O Savior, poured out your rich blood on the Cross to wash me; Thou hast given up the spirit, that thou mayest bring me to Thy Parent; We go, closed and opened, all creation and all the nations of salvation worship You and sing everlastingly: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
You see, you see, for I am God! - Hear, my soul, the Lord’s cry, flee from your former sin and fear the Lord, as the Righteous Judge and God. Turn, repent, open your innermost being, fall to Him like the prodigal son, with tears and, beating your chest, say to God, who knows everything: Merciful, I am wounded and ulcerated: behold, the arrows of the enemy pierced my soul and body, and so I came running to You with tears. Most merciful, like a publican, I cry to You: cleanse, cleanse me, none of those who are from Adam, even as I have sinned with You. Merciful, remove the heavy burden of my sins and forgive me my sins. Merciful, my voluntary and involuntary sins, obvious and secret, known and unknown, forgive me and save me. Merciful, the storm of passions drowns me, and there is no salvation for me, but stretch out Your hand to me too, like Petrov. Merciful, do not close the door of Your mercy on the Day of Judgment, but open to the Highlander who repents of You. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 6
Desert-loving turtledove, the voice of the Crying One, the Lamp of Christ the Forerunner, cry to all people: “Repent and purify yourself”; and all Judea and Samaria heard it, and confessed their sins. Fathers and you, my soul, to the Source of life, so that you do not get bogged down in a lawless net, kiss repentance and sing to Christ: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Listen, heaven, and I will say, earth, inspire a voice repentant to God. Who else has sinned as I have: the mind is wounded, the body is sick, the spirit is weak, the scabs have multiplied. To the Blessed Physician, before I even completely perish, save me, as I cry out to You: Merciful, You are God, test hearts, torture intentions and expose deeds, the thorns of my sins have fallen and show me pure before You. Merciful, You are the Good Shepherd, seek me like a sheep perishing among the thorns of sins. Merciful, You are my Creator, By You, Savior, I will be justified. Merciful, You are the Source of life, pour out life into my soul, revive it until death befalls me. Merciful, like those who committed sins under Noah, likewise I am immersed in the waters of the flood. Merciful, I did not cover up my neighbor’s shame, I defiled my conscience with impudent tongue-lashing, I became like Ham the parricide. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 7
Although everyone will be saved and come to the understanding of truth, You, the Son of God, descended to earth, becoming human and calling robbers and harlots to repentance, and You opened the doors of the Kingdom to all who repent. Open the doors of repentance for me too, O Life-Giver, for I cry to You in the morning and cry out to You: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The Ninevites brought wondrous repentance to God, when Jonah the prophet proclaimed to them about their destruction, putting on sackcloth and sprinkling ashes on his head, creating great lamentation, saying: “May the Lord turn away His righteous wrath.” Therefore, you too, my soul, cry out to God, like the Ninevites, and say: Mercifully, Ishmael was expelled quickly, like the offspring of a slave, so that this does not befall me for lust. Mercifully, by the will of subservience to sin and, like Hagar, I gave birth to a new Ishmael - insolence. Most merciful, do not reject the prayers of those who sing Your praises and grant forgiveness to those who ask with faith. Merciful, have mercy, I cry to You, have mercy, when you come with the angels to reward each according to the deeds. Merciful, do not despise Your creation, even if people have sinned above all others. You are the Lord of the universe, I am dust, and in Your power I can forgive my sins. You are merciful, even if you defile your soul and body, but You, my Savior, cleanse, wash, make me whiter than snow. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 8
I have created a strange thing for myself before You, Jesus, preferring the treasures of Canaanite thoughts to Your Stone with the source of wisdom and pork meat than the Food of Heaven. Moreover, like the prodigal son, I am dying with hunger, not knowing how to sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
All I, wounded by my thoughts and filled with wounds, as if I had fallen into the hands of robbers, and when the priest saw me and the Levite, seeing me lying in trouble, they despised me. But You Yourself, Christ, pour oil and wine on me, so that I cry to You: You are merciful, that Your Blood and the water flowing from Your side may be a font of cleansing and a drink of joy for me, and revive me with Yourself. Merciful, like a Pharisee, I am arrogant and, like him, I act insolently before You, but take away the sin in me and grant me a humble heart. You are merciful, we know that those who have sinned before You, but who repent, accept me, and raise me up crying, so that I will not be a source of wealth and food for the enemy, You yourself have mercy on me. Merciful, I did not listen to Your voice, nor did I submit to Your Scripture, and therefore I stand naked before You. Merciful, the night of my sin was darkness and deep darkness, but You, my Savior, make me a son of the day. Merciful, alas for me, for I have desecrated my mind with uncleanness, but I pray for Your goodness, wash me in the font of my tears and make the garment of my flesh white like snow. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 9
I bring the whole Old Testament, my soul, to its likeness. Imitate the righteous, God-loving deeds, and avoid the pack of evil sins, so that Christ may spare you on the Day of Judgment and may you be worthy to sing to Him with all the saints: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The prophets of many things are perplexed by what words to encourage me to repentance: for the heart within me has become hardened, and I am not lower than tears, lower than crying. Merciful, Generous One, touching my heart with Your goodness and strengthening me with the Lord’s Spirit, send me a cloud of tears to Thy servant, who prays to You: Merciful, like one who is bleeding, I came running to You, touching the tears of Your garments, and say to me, like her: “Faith yours will save you.” Merciful, give me streams of life-giving flow from Your most pure veins, give me a drink like the Samaritan woman, so that I may not thirst forever.
Merciful, may my tears be Siloam to me, may I wash the apples of my soul with them and see with my mind Your ever-present Light. Merciful, I bring You the tears of my eyes and deep sighs. My heart cries out in me: “O God, I have sinned against You; have mercy, forgive me." Merciful, like Dathan and Aviron, my soul has departed from You, and so I call to You: “Have mercy, so that the earth does not swallow me up like them.” Merciful, the waves of my sins have covered me, like the horsemen of the Egyptian Red Sea, but call me from the underworld and deliver my belly from corruption. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 10
Although Lot could be saved by the Divine flame, he fled from Sodom, as the Lord commanded him. My soul, if you also want to be saved, imitate the righteous, flee from the flames of sin, flee from the fire kindled by insane lust, do not wake up the glorious pillar, returning back, let the image of Sodom frighten you. Sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Holy King, the time of my life is short and full of illnesses and wickedness, but in repentance, accept me and call me to reason, so that I will not be a covetous person or a stranger to the goods. sin, so that the fire does not consume me from despair. Merciful, I am the lost coin, seek me, kindle Your light and reveal Your image. Merciful, David sinned greatly, both of which he wept bitterly, and even more than this, he committed evil and did not bear fruit for repentance. Merciful, Solomon, once wise, love dissolute wives and depart from God, and I imitated this in my thoughts with shameful will. Merciful, alas for me! In abominations I was compared with Ahab, having made my soul a vitality of carnal impurities and a vessel of vile passions. Merciful, all the goodness in me has been blackened, and the lamp has gone out from passions, but have mercy and reward me, as David sings, with joy. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 11
A wonderful song was written by David sometimes, who denounces the very act he committed, so that you, my soul, repent and groan, leave your evil deeds and, like him, cry out: “Have mercy on me, for You alone have sinned, all of them to God, cleanse me Yourself.” according to Your mercy,” and may you be able to sing to Him with a pure heart: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Light-giving Lord, send down Your light and enlighten my heart, cleanse my soul from all sin, for to You, like Jonah, I cry out, saying: Merciful, my days disappear like a dream, and I also cry like Hezekiah on his bed, prolong my life and may I wash away my sins. Mercifully, like a thief, I cry: remember me! Like Peter, I cry bitterly, like a tax collector, I cry: forgive me, Savior.
Merciful, like a harlot, I shed tears, accept my weeping, as once the Canaanite women did. Merciful, You are the only Doctor, heal the ulcers of my soul, put a plaster on my face, pour oil and wine and grant me tenderness and tears. Mercifully, as if I were bleeding, I touch the excrements of Your garments and weep, like Martha and Mary over Lazarus. Merciful, I pour out my tears to You, like a vessel of peace on your head, I offer a prayer and ask you to grant me forgiveness. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 12
Do not take Your grace from me, O Good Jesus, even though men have sinned above all others, You are the Merciful God, You do not want the death of the sinner, You forgive the repentant and call the erring. Sanctify me with Your grace and renew the Right Spirit in my womb. I call you in repentance: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
I cry and weep, Lord, for the evil things I have done and I pray for Your goodness: do not take away from me the fruits worthy of repentance, for my strength in me is impoverished: grant me an ever-contrite heart, but spiritual poverty, so that I may offer this to You as a pleasant sacrifice. Save me, crying out to You: O Merciful One, see my fear, see the contrition of my soul and grant me forgiveness. Merciful, You are my Judge and God, may my soul heed this and may it depart from all sin, as You command. Merciful, do not go into court with me, do not torture my deeds, but despise, as you are Generous, my sins and save me, O All-Powerful One. Most merciful, I bow down to You, cleanse those who have sinned, take away the heavy sinful burden from me and, as you are gracious, give me tears of tenderness. Mercifully, I have told You the sins I have committed, and the ulcers of my soul and body, even the murderous thoughts of robbery that you have placed on me.
Merciful, I have been cast down before Your gates as unworthy, do not bring me down to hell, but before the end grant me remission of sins. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 13
O Most Gracious and All-Bountiful Jesus, all the secrets of my heart and all the things I have done from my youth even to this day, confessed to You, my Judge. See my groaning, see my sorrow and listen to my judgment now, and have mercy on me, as I am gracious to you, crying out to you: Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “To the primeval Adam...” and the 1st kontakion “The Chosen Voevodo...”.
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Kontakion 1
Chosen Governor and Lord, the Joy of Your repentant servants, I, a sinner, resort to You in repentance. Receive me, Father, who repents, do not reject my tears and heartfelt sighs, and do not despise the one who calls to You in tenderness:
Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Ikos 1
I was jealous of the primordial Adam in crime, I violated the commandments of my God, I desecrated my soul and body with cruel deeds. And where should I start to mourn my bad life? What is the beginning of the current sobbing? But come, my accursed soul, with your flesh, confess to the Creator of all and cry out to Him with tears:
Merciful, look at me with Your gracious eye and accept my warm repentance. Merciful, I have sinned more than all people, only one has sinned before You, but You, like God, have mercy on Your creation. Merciful, like a harlot, I shed tears, have mercy on me according to Your mercy. Merciful, I have desecrated the robe of my flesh and blackened within myself what was created in Your image and likeness. Merciful, I have darkened my soul with passionate pleasures and turned my whole mind into dust. Merciful, I lie naked from my virtues and am ashamed. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 2
See, my soul, that the end is approaching, there is a Judge near the door. Wake up, think about your deeds, what you have done, bring them before your eyes and shed drops of your tears; Boldly tell your deeds and thoughts to Christ and cry out to Him with tenderness of heart: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
I understand, my Savior, that there is no sin, no deed, no evil in life in which I, above all people, have not sinned in mind, word and will. Conscience convicts me, conscience condemns me in my evil deeds. But Judge, my Savior and Savior, have mercy, deliver and save me, Your servant, who cries out to You:
Merciful, those who have sinned, have sinned by selling their souls to sinful habits, like Joseph’s brothers. You are merciful, like Cain, and I offered you a vicious sacrifice: vile deeds and indecent living, and thus I was condemned. Most merciful, having transgressed Thy commandments from youth, and passed away from life in despondency, save me by Thy mercy. You are merciful, like the prodigal son, who squandered my wealth in fornication and hunger of the soul, and I also cry out to You: Generous One, saturate my soul with Your grace. Merciful, I was all wounded by my thoughts, I was filled with wounds, as if I had fallen into the hands of robbers, but You came and healed me. Merciful, listen to the groaning of my soul, accept the tears of my eyes and cleanse me, the repentant one. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 3
By Thy power, O Savior, Adam was worthily expelled from Eden, as if he had not kept Thy one commandment; and this one sat down straight from heaven and, weeping bitterly at his nakedness, cried out: “Woe is my paradise, my beautiful paradise!” Why should I suffer, O my Lord and God, always rejecting Your life-giving words? But give me time, so that I may weep bitterly for my deeds and sing to You: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Keep in mind the many cruel things I have done, I tremble, wretched one. And what will I do when the Lord comes with thousands of angels to judge the universe? Alas for me, alas! God of the fathers, before you even close the door of Your mercy to me, I run to You, O Generous One, and together with David I cry:
Merciful, I was born in sins and added other wounds to my wounds, but have mercy on me, God of the Fathers. You are merciful, as David sinned against You and I: for I wounded my soul with the arrow of adultery, but, like him, I cry out to You: have mercy on me according to Your mercy. Merciful, awaken my mind to conversion, accept me, the repentant one, have mercy on him who calls: save those who have sinned. Most merciful, I have not brought a stranger or a traveler under my roof, having rejected the good will of the Samaritan woman, and therefore I weep: do not deprive me of Your palace. I am merciful and possessed by the love of money, and like Gehazi, I am condemned. Mercifully, by will, I was a murderer of my soul’s conscience, armed with my crafty deeds. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 4
A storm of sins has befallen me, and who will extend a helping hand to me, if not You, who shone forth from the Virgin Jesus. Save me, I cry out to You, save me, just as you saved Peter when he drowned; May the storm of passions not drown me. Lead me to a serene haven, and with love I will sing to You: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing that the Lord sometimes rained down the fire, they hit the land of Sodom, alas! - I cry, - soul, arise! - May the fire of hell not burn me. Run from the flames, run from the burning Sodom, run from the Divine flame, save yourself on the mountain, like Lot, crying out to God:
You are merciful, even if you have sinned, but we know that you are a lover of mankind, you punish mercifully, and you are warmly merciful, and you hasten, like the Father, when calling the prodigal.
Mercifully, I have weaved a foul robe to expose my self-willed passions, exposing me to the first godly garments. Merciful, I have clung to earthly things and am surrounded by a heavy burden. Mercifully, I have adorned the idol of my flesh with the robe of evil thoughts, despising the inner God-like tabernacle. Most merciful, I buried the beauty of the first image with passions, and, like once a drachma, having sought and found. Most merciful, I cry to You for those who have sinned, as I am the only harlot who has sinned before You, but accept my tears as well. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 5
You, O Savior, poured out your rich blood on the Cross to wash me; Thou hast given up the spirit, that thou mayest bring me to Thy Parent; We go, closed and opened, all creation and all the nations of salvation worship You and sing everlastingly: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
You see, you see, for I am God! - Hear, my soul, the Lord’s cry, flee from your former sin and fear the Lord, as the Righteous Judge and God. Turn, repent, reveal your innermost, fall to Him like the prodigal son, with tears and, beating your chest, say to God, who knows everything:
Merciful, I am wounded and ulcerated: behold, the arrows of the enemy pierced my soul and body, and I also came running to You with tears. Most merciful, like a publican, I cry to You: cleanse, cleanse me, none of those who are from Adam, even as I have sinned with You. Merciful, remove the heavy burden of my sins and forgive me my sins. Merciful, my voluntary and involuntary sins, obvious and secret, known and unknown, forgive me and save me. Merciful, the storm of passions drowns me, and there is no salvation for me, but stretch out Your hand to me too, like Petrov. Merciful, do not close the door of Your mercy on the Day of Judgment, but open to the Highlander who repents of You. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 6
Desert-loving turtledove, the voice of the Crying One, the Lamp of Christ the Forerunner, cry to all people: “Repent and purify yourself”; and all Judea and Samaria heard it, and confessed their sins. Fathers and you, my soul, to the Source of life, so that you do not get bogged down in a lawless net, kiss repentance and sing to Christ: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Listen, heaven, and I will say, earth, inspire a voice repentant to God. Who else has sinned as I have: the mind is wounded, the body is sick, the spirit is weak, the scabs have multiplied. Blessed Physician, before I even die completely, save me as I cry out to You:
Merciful, You are God, test hearts, torture intentions and expose deeds; the thorns of my sins fell and show me pure before You. Merciful, You are the Good Shepherd, seek me like a sheep perishing among the thorns of sins. Merciful, You are my Creator, By You, Savior, I will be justified. Merciful, You are the Source of life, pour out life into my soul, revive it until death befalls me. Merciful, like those who committed sins under Noah, likewise I am immersed in the waters of the flood. Merciful, I did not cover up my neighbor’s shame, I defiled my conscience with impudent tongue-lashing, I became like Ham the parricide. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 7
Although everyone will be saved and come to the understanding of truth, You, the Son of God, descended to earth, becoming human and calling robbers and harlots to repentance, and You opened the doors of the Kingdom to all who repent. Open the doors of repentance for me too, O Life-Giver, for I cry to You in the morning and cry out to You: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
The Ninevites brought wondrous repentance to God, when Jonah the prophet proclaimed to them about their destruction, putting on sackcloth and sprinkling ashes on his head, creating great lamentation, saying: “May the Lord turn away His righteous wrath.” Therefore, you too, my soul, cry out to God, like the Ninevites, and say this:
Mercifully, Ishmael was expelled quickly, like the offspring of a slave, so that this would not befall me for lust. Mercifully, by the will of subservience to sin and, like Hagar, I gave birth to a new Ishmael - insolence. Most merciful, do not reject the prayers of those who sing Your praises and grant forgiveness to those who ask with faith. Merciful, have mercy, I cry to You, have mercy, when you come with the angels to reward each according to the deeds. Merciful, do not despise Your creation, even if people have sinned above all others. You are the Lord of the universe, I am dust, and in Your power I can forgive my sins. You are merciful, even if you defile your soul and body, but You, my Savior, cleanse, wash, make me whiter than snow. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 8
I have created a strange thing for myself before You, Jesus, preferring the treasures of Canaanite thoughts to Your Stone with the source of wisdom and pork meat than the Food of Heaven. Moreover, like the prodigal son, I am dying with hunger, not knowing how to sing: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
All I, wounded by my thoughts and filled with wounds, as if I had fallen into the hands of robbers, and when the priest saw me and the Levite, seeing me lying in trouble, they despised me. But You Yourself, Christ, pour oil and wine on me, as I cry to You:
Merciful, may Thy Blood and the water flowing from Thy side be a font of cleansing and a drink of consolation for me, and revive me with Thyself. Merciful, like a Pharisee, I am arrogant and, like him, I act insolently before You, but take away the sin in me and grant me a humble heart. You are merciful, we know that those who have sinned before You, but whoever repents, accept me, and raise me up, so that I will not be a source of wealth and food for the enemy, You yourself have mercy on me. Merciful, I did not listen to Your voice, nor did I submit to Your Scripture, and therefore I stand naked before You. Merciful, the night of my sin was darkness and deep darkness, but You, my Savior, make me a son of the day. Merciful, alas for me, for I have desecrated my mind with uncleanness, but I pray for Your goodness, wash me in the font of my tears and make the garment of my flesh white like snow. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 9
I bring the whole Old Testament, my soul, to its likeness. Imitate the righteous, God-loving deeds, and avoid the pack of evil sins, so that Christ may spare you on the Day of Judgment and may you be worthy to sing to Him with all the saints: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The prophets of many things are perplexed by what words to encourage me to repentance: for the heart within me has become hardened, and I am not lower than tears, lower than crying. Merciful, Generous, touch my heart with Your goodness and strengthen me with the Master’s Spirit, send me a cloud of tears, Thy servant who prays to You:
Merciful, as one bleeding, I came running to You, touching Your holy garments, and said to me, like her: “Your faith will save you.” Merciful, give me streams of life-giving flow from Your most pure veins, give me a drink like the Samaritan woman, so that I may not thirst forever. Merciful, may my tears be Siloam to me, may I wash the apples of my soul with them and see with my mind Your ever-present Light. Merciful, I bring You the tears of my eyes and deep sighs. My heart cries out in me: “O God, I have sinned against You; have mercy, forgive me." Merciful, like Dathan and Aviron, my soul has departed from You, and so I call to You: “Have mercy, so that the earth does not swallow me up like them.” Merciful, the waves of my sins have covered me, like the horsemen of the Egyptian Red Sea, but call me from the underworld and deliver my belly from corruption. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 10
Although Lot could be saved by the Divine flame, he fled from Sodom, as the Lord commanded him. My soul, if you also want to be saved, imitate the righteous, flee from the flames of sin, flee from the fire kindled by insane lust, do not wake up the glorious pillar, returning back, let the image of Sodom frighten you. Sing to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Holy King, the time of my life is short and full of illnesses and wickedness, but in repentance accept me and call me to reason, so that I will not be a covetous person or a stranger to the goods, You yourself have mercy on the cry:
Merciful, You are an unstormable refuge, speed up and rescue me from the depths of sin, so that the fire does not consume me from despair. Merciful, I am the lost coin, seek me, kindle Your light and reveal Your image. Merciful, David sinned greatly, both of which he wept bitterly, and even more than this, he committed evil and did not bear fruit for repentance. Merciful, Solomon, once wise, love dissolute wives and depart from God, and I imitated this in my thoughts with shameful will. Merciful, alas for me! In abominations I was compared with Ahab, having made my soul a vitality of carnal impurities and a vessel of vile passions. Merciful, all the goodness in me has been blackened, and the lamp has gone out from passions, but have mercy and reward me, as David sings, with joy. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 11
A wonderful song was written by David sometimes, who denounces the very act he committed, so that you, my soul, repent and groan, leave your evil deeds and, like him, cry out: “Have mercy on me, for You alone have sinned, all of them to God, cleanse me Yourself.” according to Your mercy,” and may you be able to sing to Him with a pure heart: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Light-giving Lord, send down Your light and enlighten my heart, cleanse my soul from all sin, for like Jonah I cry out to You, saying:
Merciful, my days disappear like a dream, and I also cry like Hezekiah on the bed, prolong my life and may I wash away my sins. Mercifully, like a thief, I cry: remember me! Like Peter, I cry bitterly, like a tax collector, I cry: forgive me, Savior. Merciful, like a harlot, I shed tears, accept my weeping, as once the Canaanite women did. Merciful, You are the only Doctor, heal the ulcers of my soul, put a plaster on my face, pour oil and wine and grant me tenderness and tears. Mercifully, as if I were bleeding, I touch the excrements of Your garments and weep, like Martha and Mary over Lazarus. Merciful, I pour out my tears to You, like a vessel of peace on your head, I offer a prayer and ask you to grant me forgiveness. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 12
Do not take Your grace from me, O Good Jesus, even though men have sinned above all others, You are the Merciful God, You do not want the death of the sinner, You forgive the repentant and call the erring. Sanctify me with Your grace and renew the Right Spirit in my womb. I call you in repentance: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
I cry and weep, Lord, for the evil things I have done and I pray for Your goodness: do not take away from me the fruits worthy of repentance, for my strength in me is impoverished: grant me an ever-contrite heart, but spiritual poverty, so that I may offer this to You as a pleasant sacrifice. Save me, crying out to You:
Merciful, see my fear, see the contrition of my soul and grant me forgiveness. Merciful, You are my Judge and God, may my soul heed this and may it depart from all sin, as You command. Merciful, do not go into court with me, do not torture my deeds, but despise, as you are Generous, my sins and save me, O All-Powerful One. Most merciful, I bow down to You, cleanse those who have sinned, take away the heavy sinful burden from me and, as you are gracious, give me tears of tenderness. Mercifully, I have told You the sins I have committed, and the ulcers of my soul and body, even the murderous thoughts of robbery that you have placed on me. Merciful, I have been cast down before Your gates as unworthy, do not bring me down to hell, but before the end grant me remission of sins. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 13
O Most Gracious and All-Bountiful Jesus, all the secrets of my heart and all the things I have done from my youth even to this day, confessed to You, my Judge. See my groaning, see my sorrow and listen to my judgment now, and have mercy on me, as I am gracious to you, crying out to you: Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “To the primeval Adam...” and the 1st kontakion “The Chosen Voevodo...”.
Ikos 1
I was jealous of the primordial Adam in crime, I violated the commandments of my God, I desecrated my soul and body with cruel deeds. And where should I start to mourn my bad life? What is the beginning of the current sobbing? But come, my accursed soul, with your flesh, confess to the Creator of all and cry out to Him with tears:
Merciful, look at me with Your gracious eye and accept my warm repentance. Merciful, I have sinned more than all people, only one has sinned before You, but You, like God, have mercy on Your creation. Merciful, like a harlot, I shed tears, have mercy on me according to Your mercy. Merciful, I have desecrated the robe of my flesh and blackened within myself what was created in Your image and likeness. Merciful, I have darkened my soul with passionate pleasures and turned my whole mind into dust. Merciful, I lie naked from my virtues and am ashamed. Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Kontakion 1
Chosen Governor and Lord, the Joy of Your repentant servants, I, a sinner, resort to You in repentance. Receive me, Father, who repents, do not reject my tears and heartfelt sighs, and do not despise the one who calls to You in tenderness:
Merciful, have mercy on me, the fallen one.
Prayer
Lord, Lord, behold, I stand before You like the prodigal son, confessing my sins to Your goodness. You have sinned, my Savior, you have sinned. Since my youth I have committed sin and desecrated my soul and body with cruel deeds. You have sinned, like our forefathers Adam and Eve, by disobeying Your commandments; sinned like Cain and like all human sinners in the Old and New Testaments. Their minds have been blackened by inappropriate thoughts, their hearts have been filled with impurity and every sinful feeling, their will has been weakened by laziness and an inclination to sin. I am completely covered with sinful plagues, like one who fell among the robbers; all the wounds of my soul exude pus. Who will heal me? Or who will raise me up from the depths of a sinful life, if not You, O Blessed Physician?
For this reason I have come running to You, my King and my God, praying tearfully. Heal and heal me. Cleanse my mind from obscene thoughts, free my heart from sinful impurity, so that I can glorify Thee, my Creator and God, with a pure heart and mind. Strengthen my will for good deeds, to do exactly what is pleasing to You and worthy of Your Shrine. Forgive me every sin, voluntary and involuntary, and everything I have done, whether in knowledge or in ignorance. You are Goodness Itself and Love Itself and You have the power to forgive sins, and to You we send glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer to Andrei Kritsky Life of Andrei Kritsky
