Any faith is rich in liturgical customs and rules.
The main tradition of the Orthodox religion in service is the reading of the penitential canon to the Lord Jesus Christ, which is included in all services without exception. The canon is a chant consisting of complex works. Chanting is part of the rule before the sacrament of communion, which is read by all believers. A canon is a clearly structured rule that is accepted by society (in this case, believers). One can compare such chant with an unshakable hymn dedicated to the Creator.
What is canon? How to read correctly?
The word itself has a literal meaning, defined when translated from ancient Greek: “unchangeable,” and therefore not subject to revision, a set of church rules and laws. There is also a biblical canon - this is the totality (list) of the sacred books that make up the Bible. Other definitions of the word "canon", which vary depending on the context:
- form of church poetry;
- a list of clergy, which is compiled for the specific needs of the diocesan administration;
- liturgical text.
In addition, there is another meaning of this word - a musical instrument. In Orthodoxy, the definition of “canon” most often means liturgical texts (a special genre). They are said as part of various services, for example, before communion, during funeral services, and at evening services.
The most important is the Great Canon of repentance to Our Lord Jesus Christ,
read during Lent.
The age of this genre of liturgical texts is not very old. Today they represent a set of troparia (songs in honor of someone), along with which the irmos (verse) is read. In most cases, the canons are short. But there are also longer ones. Such a text may contain several songs, which include from 8 to 20 troparia. There are also longer varieties.
Particular attention is paid to penitential sacred text (for example, the Great Canon of St. Andrew). Read during Great Lent. It is very extensive, but it is also a masterpiece of theology and is truly conducive to repentance. There is a combined version - the three-canon (repentant to Jesus Christ, prayer service to the Most Holy Theotokos and Guardian Angel).
These are combined songs, pronounced together.
The combined text is read before the sacrament. It takes several days to prepare before the event.
The canon should be read in accordance with the rules:
- the text is spoken out loud;
- It is important, if possible, to concentrate on sacred words, in order to better understand them, you can first read the version of the text in the prayer book in Russian, and not in Church Slavonic, or clarify unclear points with a clergyman;
- it is better to read the sacred words while standing in front of the icon, but this is not always possible, therefore it is acceptable to accept other body positions (for example, if a person is sick);
- For different occasions, special sacred texts are read, for example, before communion, for a sick person, for the purpose of repentance, etc.
Why do people repent? Repentance in Orthodoxy
Repentance when translated from ancient Greek means “regret,” “repentance,” “change of thoughts.” Those who have sinned before the Lord must repent. The absence of regret for what he has done makes a person infallible in his own eyes and leads to the denigration of the soul, the final fall from grace, as was the case with Satan. Internal changes during repentance allow you to abandon sinful thoughts and actions and turn to God. However, the duration of this process may vary. Sometimes repentance lasts a lifetime, in other cases it does not take even a couple of days. It depends on the depth of a person’s love, his willingness to change.
There are no infallible people. The ancestors Adam and Eve chose the path of sin (original). Since then, it has become impossible to completely purify oneself, to become “like God.” This means that it is important to constantly cleanse the soul of the consequences of one’s actions and thoughts. The greatest sin is unrepentant. An important part of the repentance process is the recognition of one's sins, which occurs in confession.
Preparation for Communion
Before the sacrament of Communion, it is necessary to undergo repentance. Confessing your sins, realizing them, receiving forgiveness is the first step towards cleansing the soul. Before confession, be sure to ask for forgiveness from relatives and acquaintances. Mentally remember everyone who was offended.
Before confession, you can read the penitential canon. Prayerful preparation will set a person up for repentance. This is the ability to see, realize, admit your sins and imperfections. Repentance cleanses a person from sins and defilement. A person's sincere repentance of all his unseemly deeds is necessary. And then getting rid of these sins, preventing them from entering your life, fighting them.
The canons before confession and Communion bring with them only temporary cleansing of the soul. The person must do all the rest of the work himself. Honesty with oneself, understanding the slightest movements of the soul, awareness of mistakes, shame for them - this is the true essence of repentance.
Read the canon of repentance to our Lord Jesus Christ - can be downloaded for free
The main meaning of the songs is repentance. Turn to the Lord. Christ is all-forgiving, may he hear the prayers of those who sincerely cry out to him. Part of the sacred text is a hymn addressed to the Virgin Mary (Theotokos).
Listen to the canon of repentance to the Lord, online audio version
Song 1
Irmos: As Israel walked on dry land, with footsteps in the abyss, seeing the persecutor of Pharaoh drowned, we sing a song of victory to God, crying out.
Chorus: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.*
Now I, a sinner and burdened, have come to You, my Master and God; I don’t dare look at the sky, I just pray with the verb: give me, Lord, my mind, so that I may weep bitterly for my deeds.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Oh, woe to me, a sinner! I am more damned than all men; there is no repentance in me; Give me, Lord, tears, let me cry bitterly for my deeds.
Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Foolishly, wretched man, you waste time in laziness; think about your life, and turn to the Lord God, and weep bitterly for your deeds.
And now, and forever, and forever and ever, amen. Most Pure Mother of God, look at me, a sinner, and deliver me from the snare of the devil, and guide me on the path of repentance, so that I may weep bitterly for my deeds.
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Song 3
Irmos: There is nothing holy like You, O Lord my God, Who has lifted up the horn of Your faithful, O Good One, and established us on the rock of Your confession.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Sometimes thrones will be set for a more terrible judgment, then the deeds of all men will be exposed; woe will be the sinner who is sent to torment; And then you know, my soul, repent from your evil deeds.
Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Woe to me, a great sinner, who have been defiled by deeds and thoughts, and have not a drop of tears from hard-heartedness; now arise from the earth, my soul, and repent from your evil deeds.
And now, and forever, and forever and ever, amen. Behold, O Lady, Your Son calls, and teaches us to do good, but the sinner always flees from good; but You, O Merciful One, have mercy on me, so that I may repent of my evil deeds.
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Sedalen, voice 6th
I think about the terrible day and weep for my evil deeds: how will I answer the Immortal King, or with what boldness will I look at the Judge, you prodigal one? Gracious Father, Only Begotten Son and Holy Soul, have mercy on me.
Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and now, and ever, and unto ages of ages, amen.
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Theotokos
Bound now by many captives of sins and held by fierce passions and troubles, I resort to You, my salvation, and cry out: help me, O Virgin, Mother of God.
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Send this prayer to your loved ones
Song 4
Christ is my strength, God and Lord, the honest Church sings divinely, crying out from a pure meaning, celebrating in the Lord.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
The path here is wide and pleasing to create sweets, but it will be bitter on the last day, when the soul will be separated from the body: beware of this, O man, of the Kingdom for the sake of God.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Why did you offend the poor, withhold bribes from a mercenary, dislike your brother, persecute fornication and pride? Forsake this, my soul, and repent for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. O foolish man, how long will you scrabble like a bee, collecting your wealth? Soon he will perish like dust and ashes: but seek more the Kingdom of God.
And now, and forever, and forever and ever, amen. Lady Theotokos, have mercy on me, a sinner, and strengthen me in virtue, and keep me, so that insolent death does not snatch me away, unprepared, and bring me, O Virgin, to the Kingdom of God.
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Song 5
Irmos: With Your divine light, O Blessed One, illumine the souls of You in the morning with love, I pray, Lead You, the Word of God, the true God, crying out from the darkness of sin.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Remember, O accursed man, how you were enslaved by lies, slander, robbery, infirmity, by a fierce beast, for the sake of sins; My sinful soul, is this what you desired?
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
They tremble, for I have brought guilt to all: with eyes behold, ears heard, with an evil tongue spoken, betraying all to hell; My sinful soul, is this what you desire?
Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Thou hast received the fornicator and the repentant thief, O Saviour, but I am the only one burdened with sinful laziness and enslaved to evil deeds, my sinful soul, is this what you desire?
And now, and forever, and forever and ever, amen. Wonderful and quick helper to all people, Mother of God, help me, unworthy, for my sinful soul desires it.
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Song 6
Irmos: The sea of life, raised in vain by the misfortunes of the storm, has flowed into Your quiet refuge, I cry to You: lift up my life from aphids, O Many-Merciful One.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Having lived on earth fornication and given my soul into darkness, now I pray to Thee, Merciful Master: free me from the work of sowing hostility, and let my mind do the will Yours.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Who creates things like I do? Just as a pig lies in a dung, so I serve sin. But You, Lord, pluck me from this vileness and give my heart to do Your commandments.
Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Arise, damned man, to God, remembering your sins, falling to the Creator, crying and groaning; The same, like a merciful one, will give you the mind to know His will.
And now, and forever, and forever and ever, amen. Mother of God Virgin, save me from visible and invisible evil, Most Pure One, and accept my prayers, and convey them to Your Son, that He may give me the mind to do His will.
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Kontakion
My soul, why are you rich in sins, why do you do the will of the devil, why do you place hope in? Stop from these things and turn to God weeping, calling: Merciful Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
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Ikos
Thoughts, my soul, the bitter hour of death and the terrible judgment of your Creator and God: For the angels of menace will understand you, my soul, and will lead you into eternal fire: for before you die, repent, cry cabbage soup: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
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Song 7
Irmos: The dew-bearing furnace was made by the Angel like a venerable youth, and the Chaldeans, the scorching command of God, exhorted the tormentor to cry out: Blessed are you, God our father.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Do not trust, my soul, in corruptible wealth and in unrighteous gatherings, for you will not leave all this to anyone, but cry: have mercy on me, O Christ God, who is unworthy.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Do not trust, my soul, in bodily health and fleeting beauty, for you see how the strong and the young die; but cry: have mercy on me, O Christ God, who is unworthy.
Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Remember, my soul, eternal life, the Kingdom of Heaven, prepared for the saints, and the pitch darkness and the wrath of God, and cry: have mercy on me, O Christ God, unworthy.
And now, and forever, and forever and ever, amen. Come, my soul, to the Mother of God and pray to her, for she is a quick helper to those who repent, she will pray to the Son of Christ God, and she will have mercy on me, the unworthy.
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Song 8
Irmos: From the flames of the saints you poured out the dew and you burned the righteous sacrifice with water: do everything, O Christ, only as you will. We exalt you to all ages.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Why should I not cry when I always think about death, when I see my brother lying in the grave, inglorious and ugly? What am I drinking and what am I hoping for? Just grant me, Lord, before the end, repentance. (Twice)
Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I believe that you will come to judge the living and the dead, and all will stand in their rank, old and young, rulers and princes, virgins and priests; where will I find myself? For this reason I cry: grant me, Lord, before the end, repentance.
And now, and forever, and forever and ever, amen. Most Pure Mother of God, accept my unworthy prayer and save me from impudent death, and grant me repentance before the end.
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Song 9
It is impossible for man to see God; the officials of the Angels do not dare to look at God; By You, O All-Pure One, the Word Incarnate, Who magnifies Him as a man, we please You with the heavenly howls.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Now I come running to you, Angels, Archangels and all the heavenly powers standing at the Throne of God, pray to your Creator that He may deliver my soul from eternal torment.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Now I cry to you, holy patriarchs, kings and prophets, apostles and saints and all the chosen ones of Christ: help me in judgment, that He may save my soul from the power of the enemy.
Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Now I will lift up my hand to you, holy martyrs, desert women, virgins, righteous women and all the saints who pray to the Lord for the whole world, that He may have mercy on me at the hour of my death.
And now, and forever, and forever and ever, amen. Mother of God, help me, who trusts most strongly in You, beg Your Son to place me, unworthy, at His right hand, when the judge of the living and the dead sits, amen.
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Prayer
Master Christ God, who healed my passions with His passions and healed my ulcers with His wounds, grant me, who have sinned much against You, tears of compunction;
dissolve my body from the smell of Your Life-giving Body, and delight my soul with Your Honest Blood from sorrow, from which the enemy gave me a drink;
lift up my mind to You, which has fallen to the ground, and lift me up from the abyss of destruction: for I am not the imam of repentance, I am not the imam of compunction, I am not the imam of consoling tears that lead children to their inheritance.
My mind has been darkened by worldly passions, I cannot look to You in illness, I cannot warm myself with tears, even love for You.
But, Lord Jesus Christ, treasury of good things, grant me complete repentance and a laborious heart to seek Yours, grant me Your grace and renew the eyes of Yours in me image.
Leave you, don’t leave me; come to seek me, lead me to Thy pasture and number me among the sheep of Thy chosen flock, educate me with them from the grain of Thy Divine Sacraments, through the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother Tere and all Your saints.
Amen.
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Behavior before Communion
Before Communion, one should pacify greed, envy, and give up excesses and bad habits. Forget evil thoughts, greed, anger, rage. Try to forgive those who offended. Do not remember or keep negative manifestations within yourself. Ask for forgiveness from friends and relatives. Feel humility within yourself, readiness to repent.
Stay in solitude more often. Focus on prayers and communication with the Lord. Communion heals the souls of people. The hot-tempered and irritable become kind and calm. The obstinate and indifferent become flexible and attentive. Rude - polite. Lazy people are hardworking. People stop being offended and swearing. Apathy and depression disappear. The soul is filled with kindness and joy.
After communion, be sure to thank the Lord, the Mother of God, and the Guardian Angel. Ask to preserve the gift of Communion. This is done so that the peace of the soul does not leave. After leaving the church, do not talk to anyone, go straight home. Before going to bed, say prayers of gratitude again. Try not to quarrel with anyone, not to swear, to be silent anymore, not to watch TV.
Preliminary prayers recited before the Canon
They are pronounced out loud and must be accompanied by bows. Considering that the canon is often the introductory part of the Divine Services, the question arises as to why additional prayers should be read.
The purpose of the initial sacred text is
in providing the opportunity to renounce before the start of the service and the reading of the canon.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit
They praise the King of Heaven. This definition refers to the Holy Spirit. They pray that he would descend upon the believers, inhabit them, and cleanse them of filth. The prayer text is not read during the period starting from Easter and ending with the celebration of Trinity.
Heavenly King, Comforter, Soul of truth, Who is everywhere and fulfills everything, Treasure of good things and Giver of life, come and dwell in us, and cleanse us from all filth, and save, O Good One, souls ours.
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Trisagion
The prayer is short. It is addressed to the Most Holy Trinity and is pronounced three times. At the same time, the sign of the cross must be raised and a bow made from the waist (also 3 times).
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Read three times, with the sign of the cross and bow from the waist.)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
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Prayer to the Most Holy Trinity
Believers ask for forgiveness of sins because they repent. They turn to the Most Holy Trinity to be cleansed from the consequences of the lawlessness that they commit. At the same time, they ask for healing of the soul and body of the weak.
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; Lord, cleanse our sins; Master, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy name's sake.
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Send this prayer to your loved ones
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Lord's Prayer
The text “Our Father” is pronounced, its interpretation covers many aspects of the life of a believer. For this reason, prayer is considered universal and can be said for different purposes. When it is read before the canon is pronounced, at the end they call to worship the Savior Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, as it is in Heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, just as we forgive our debtors; and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Come, let us worship the King our God. (Bow)
Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King God. (Bow)
Come, let us bow and fall down to Christ Himself, the King and our God. (Bow)
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My prayer "My story"
“I wasn’t religious before. I delved into this topic some time ago when I developed depression. It’s difficult to say why this happened: a lot of work, problems in the family, and I can’t have children with my husband. I accidentally ended up on one of the Orthodox sites (Optina Pustyn) and was looking for other information, but when I asked “how to help myself,” the search engine returned a page here.
Angelina, 29 years old, Yaroslavl
I delved into reading - I was literally drawn into it and sat there all night. I felt like this was exactly what I was looking for. I read about following, initial prayers, akathists. And then I come across the canons. There were different ones: Slavic, thanksgiving, the one that is read on the Savior and Easter. But I was attracted by the penitential canon. I read it for a long time, thoughtfully, and then repeated it faster. In the morning I fell asleep, and in the evening of the next day I woke up more alert. It felt like I had finally gotten enough sleep. For the first time I smiled in recent months. I realized then that a person cannot live without God in the Soul, he dies.”
Sacrament of Confession
Confession is not a lengthy discussion about one’s sins. It does not lead to self-justification. This is sincere repentance of your unworthy thoughts, feelings, and actions. Therefore, before Communion, confession is mandatory. She prepares the soul with prayers, awareness of sinfulness, and the need for forgiveness.
The canon before communion should also be read before confession. This is not a mechanical voicing of the text, but a purposeful preparation of the soul. That confession did not become a formal ritual, but brought purification and forgiveness.
You should not hide your sins in front of a clergyman. Only the truth should be heard in confession. Then pangs of conscience, repentance, shame will lead to full awareness and desire to fight one’s sins and eradicate them.
Prayerful preparation for confession will help to reconcile with loved ones and acquaintances. It will eradicate callousness and narcissism. A person will want to change, become kinder.
The path to God can be long. One confession, one Communion will not make an indifferent person immediately attentive and positive. Most likely, you will have to go through these Sacraments many times before you come to understand the essence of Orthodox rituals.
Question-answer section
The mysteries of theology and divine services can be comprehended by any believer. To do this, you need to study the prayer texts and order, as well as the rules for pronouncing them. All questions can be asked to ministers in the church or on the Orthodox website.
What canon is said before communion?
Expert opinion
Father Innocent
“In accordance with Orthodox traditions, several sacred texts are read. The main ones at the preparation stage are songs consisting of a three-canon: the Canon of repentance to Our Lord Jesus Christ, the prayer service to the Most Holy Theotokos, the canon to the Guardian Angel. Additionally, the Follow-up to Holy Communion is pronounced.”
Which saints are prayed to before communion?
Expert opinion
Father Innocent
“They turn to the Lord Jesus Christ. At the same time, you need to repent of your sins. An important stage before communion is the person’s acceptance of the Holy Spirit, and therefore they read a prayer to the “King of Heaven.” They also turn to the Mother of God.”
Is it possible to read the canon for a sick person in Russian?
Expert opinion
Father Innocent
“Prayers in Church Slavonic and Russian carry the same meaning (provided that the translation is carried out correctly). So it is permissible to read the canon in both languages. Moreover, it is important not to forget to place emphasis as expected, and also to understand the meaning. In this regard, the Russian version makes the task easier.”
Sacrament of Communion
Communion is communion with God, the most important Sacrament in the life of a Christian. This ritual can be performed once a year or more often. What is important here is not the number of Communions performed, but their sincerity.
For the laity, there are several rules before taking Communion.
- Keep the fast.
- Read prayers and canons before communion.
- Receive absolution from sins in confession.
- Abstain from carnal relations.
- Perform acts of mercy.
The entire preparatory process takes 7 days. You should know that you should fast the same amount. If your health condition does not allow you to fast for a week, then it can be limited to 3-5 days. In rare cases, fasting is allowed for a day.
The canon before Communion is read every evening. After it - prayers. On fasting days you should attend church services.
