History of the rule creation
In the Holy Scripture, in his letter to the Corinthians, the Holy Apostle Paul warns Christians against inappropriately accepting the Body and Blood of Christ, since the consequences can be very unpleasant: many illnesses and even the death of a person (1st Epistle to the Corinthians of St. Apostle Paul, 11 :29,30).
Over the centuries, the rule of preparation for Communion has gradually changed depending on the living conditions of Christians. In the V-VI centuries. These canons were read during the service. Undoubtedly, over time, the volume of succession (canon) increased and began to take too much time, which became beyond the power of believers. On this basis, prayer preparation for Holy Communion has no longer been read during divine services since the 11th century. A Christian, preparing to properly partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, must read all the prayers at home (privately), and with heartfelt attention, sincerely. The rule includes such prayers as:
- canon of repentance to the Lord Jesus Christ;
- canon to the Guardian Angel before Communion;
- The Theotokos Canon (prayer canon to the Most Holy Theotokos).
Composition of the penitential canon
The word “canon” translated into Russian means a generally accepted rule that has a clear structure according to which it can be built. The canon is essentially a spiritual hymnographic composition of a poetic nature, dedicated either to the All-Holy Trinity, or one of the hypostases of God, the Most Holy Lady Theotokos, Angels, holy people, as well as any significant events, in honor of which the currently existing Christian churches were formed celebrations and celebrations.
The canon includes:
Irmos;- choruses;
- troparia;
- sedalny;
- kontakion;
- ikos;
- prayers.
Unlike the akathist, for example, to the Sweetest Jesus and many others, the canon can be read while sitting. The canon is divided into only nine cantos (however, in fact there are usually eight of them, since the second one is skipped). Each song is preceded by an irmos.
Irmos is the first, pre-established text that does not change. Irmos can be of a certain voice (voice), there are eight of them in total. Therefore, it is usually signed “irmos, voice such and such.” Since the canon is, as mentioned, a hymnographic work, it includes singing inserts. Voice marking is important mainly for the church choir, which knows everyone's tunes.
The second hymn is omitted in ordinary modern canons, but is sung during Lent and is usually associated with events in the life of the Lord and the Church that occurred on the eve of the suffering of the Savior.
Canon structure:
- Each irmos, which opens each section (song), performs a connecting function between sections.
- This is followed by a certain number of troparia. It may vary. Before everyone, chants are proclaimed, which are short thematic prayer requests or magnification of the Lord. The canon contains one chant: “God have mercy on me, have mercy on me.” The final troparion of each song is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Before the penultimate troparion they read the standard glorification “Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit”, before the very last the standard conclusion “and now and ever and unto ages of ages” and add “Amen”.
- The troparion in the canon is a small poetic work following the irmos. In this troparion the one to whom the prayer is addressed is glorified.
- At the end of the third song, the sedalene is read.
- From the title itself it follows that while reading it you can sit to relax and more deeply understand what you read.
- At the end of the sixth song, kontakion and ikos are read.
- Kontakion, translated from Greek, means “house” and is a small text that can be read or sung, dedicated to God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as angels and saints.
- Ikos translated means “house”. This chant is similar in meaning and structure to the kontakion. The difference lies in the scale of the event's disclosure. That is, if a kontakion describes an event as a whole and schematically, simply naming the fact of its occurrence, then the ikos reveals it more widely, and therefore the volume of the ikos is larger.
- At the end of the ninth song, a prayer of repentance is read.
Full text in Russian
Voice 6th
Song 1
Irmos: As Israel walked across the dry land, with footsteps across the abyss, seeing the persecutor Pharaoh drowned, let us sing a song of victory to God, crying out.
Chorus: Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Now I, sinful and burdened, have come to You, my Master and God; I don’t dare look at the sky, I just pray, the verb: give me, Lord, mind, so that I 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; I have no repentance; Give me, Lord, tears, so that I may weep bitterly for my deeds.
Glory: Silly, wretched man, in laziness you waste time; think about your life, and turn to the Lord God, and weep bitterly for your deeds.
And now: 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.
Song 3
Irmos: There is no one holy like You, O Lord my God, Who has lifted up the horn of Your faithful, O Greater One, and established us on the rock of Your confession.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Whenever thrones are set at the Great Judgment, then the affairs of all people will be exposed; woe will be the sinner, sent to torment; and then, my soul, repent from your evil deeds.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Glory: Woe to me, the great sinner, who have been defiled by deeds and thoughts, and have not a drop of tears from cruelty; now arise from the earth, my soul, and repent of your evil deeds.
And now: Behold, O Lady, Thy Son cries, and teaches us good, but I am a sinner who always flees from good; but You, O Merciful One, have mercy on me, so that I may repent of my evil deeds.
Sedalen, voice 6th
I think about the terrible day and weep for the deeds of my evil ones: how will I answer the Immortal King, or with what boldness will I look at the Judge, you prodigal one? Compassionate Father, Only Begotten Son and Holy Spirit, have mercy on me.
Glory, and now:
Theotokos: Bound now by many captive sins and held by fierce passions and troubles, I resort to You, my salvation, and cry out: help me, O Virgin, Mother of God.
Song 4
Irmos: Christ is my strength, God and Lord, the honest Church sings divinely, crying out from a pure meaning, celebrating the Lord.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
The path here is wide to create pleasing sweets, but it will be bitter on the last day, when the soul will be separated from the body: beware of these, men, of the Kingdom for the sake of God.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Why have you offended the poor, taken bribes from a mercenary, disliked your brother, persecuted fornication and pride? Forsake this, my soul, and repent of the Kingdom for the sake of God.
Glory: Oh, foolish men, how long will you fly like a bee, collecting your wealth? Soon it will perish like dust and ashes: but seek more the Kingdom of God.
And now: Lady Theotokos, have mercy on me, a sinner, and strengthen me in virtue, and keep me, so that insolent death does not kidnap me unprepared; and bring me, O Virgin, to the Kingdom of God.
Song 5
Irmos: By Thy God's light, O Blessed One, illumine the souls of those who are in love with You, I pray, Lead You to the Word of God, the true God, from the darkness of sin.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Remember, accursed man, how you were enslaved by lies, slander, robbery, weakness, cruel beasts for the sake of sins; My sinful soul, is this what you wanted?
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
We tremble, for we have committed guilt for all: behold with your eyes, hear with your ears, speak with an evil tongue, betray everything to yourself; My sinful soul, is this what you desire?
Glory: You have accepted the fornicator and the repentant thief, O Savior, who alone have become burdened with sinful laziness and enslaved by evil deeds; My sinful soul, is this what you desire?
And now: Wonderful and quick helper to all people, Mother of God, help me, unworthy, for my sinful soul desires it.
Song 6
Irmos: The sea of life, raised in vain by the misfortunes of the storm, has flowed into Your quiet refuge, crying out to You: lift up my life from aphids, O Many-Merciful One.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
I lived in prodigal life on earth and lost my soul to darkness, now I pray to You, Gracious Master: free me from the work of sowing the enemy, and give me the mind to do Your will.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Who creates things like I do? Just as a pig lies in feces, so I also serve sins. But You, Lord, pluck me from this infamy and give me heart to do Your commandments.
Glory: Arise, damned man, to God, remembering your sins, falling to the Creator, crying and groaning; He, who is merciful, will give you the mind to know His will.
And now: Virgin Mary, protect me from visible and invisible evil, Most Pure One, and accept my prayers, and I will convey them to Your Son, that He may give me the mind to do His will.
Kontakion
My soul, why are you rich in sins, why do you do the will of the devil, in what hope do you place your hope? Stop from these things and turn to God weeping, calling: Merciful Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Ikos
Thoughts, my soul, the bitter hour of death and the Last Judgment of your Creator and God: The angels of evil will understand you, my soul, and lead you into eternal fire: for before you die, repent, crying: Lord, have mercy on me sinner.
Song 7
Irmos: The furnace was made by the angel as a venerable youth, and the Chaldeans received the scorching command of God, the tormentor exhorted them to cry out: Blessed art thou, O God of our father.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Do not trust, my soul, in perishable wealth and in unrighteous gatherings, for you will not leave all this to anyone, but cry out: have mercy on me, O Christ God, the 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 out: have mercy on me, O Christ God, the unworthy.
Glory: Remember, my soul, eternal life, the Kingdom of Heaven, prepared for the saints, and the pitch darkness and the wrath of God for the wicked, and cry: have mercy on me, O Christ God, the unworthy.
And now: 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.
Song 8
Irmos: From the flame of the saints you poured out dew and you burned the righteous sacrifice with water: you did everything, O Christ, just as you willed. We extol You forever.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Why shouldn’t I cry when I think about death, because I see my brother lying in the grave, inglorious and ugly? What do I drink and what do I hope for? Just grant me, Lord, before the end, repentance. (Twice)
Glory: 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 priestesses; where will I find myself? For this reason I cry: grant me, Lord, before the end, repentance.
And now: Most Pure Mother of God, accept my unworthy prayer and save me from insolent death, and grant me repentance before the end.
Summary of prayers
The first hymn of the canon contains evidence of a repentant feeling for what was done. This allows the reader to tune in to a repentant mood, to realize himself not as a pompous master of this life, full of pride and lack of love for his neighbor, but as unworthy of God’s mercy. The troparia indicate forgiveness, so that the Lord would give the person praying repentant feelings and tears for sins to mourn his atrocities.
At the same time, the repentant dares to rush to God in his spiritual trouble. And also this part of the canon calls not to spend time aimlessly in laziness, and also asks for the help of the Most Holy Theotokos, her intercession before God for those who have fallen in sin.
The second hymn , as mentioned, is omitted because it is included only in liturgical texts, and only in the canons of special events.
The third contains memories of the Last Judgment and hellish torment. The soul is called to repentance before the hour of death in order to avoid eternal torment. Sedalen concludes with reflections on how difficult it will be to stand before the throne of God with such a restless heart.
The fourth song praises the Creator and the Holy Church gathered by him. They talk about everyday joys and pleasures, but the authors of the canon warn that a person should protect himself from these pleasures if he strives to be worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven. There is a call not to accumulate worldly goods and not to get hung up on their accumulation, because they are all finite and will turn to dust. But the glory of God and His Kingdom will never end.
The fifth song invokes the grace of God. A person realizes that with every sense organ and every member he constantly sins and asks his soul, is this what she wanted?
The sixth contains a request to tear your soul out of a sinful situation, so that atrocities cease, the soul is resurrected, remembering its deeds, and bows with contrition before the Creator in anticipation of transformation and sanctification.
In the kontakion, the soul of the person praying is called to account for why it does what the devil desires, and is called to turn to God.
Ikos encourages repentance before the soul is sent to hell.
In the seventh there is a call for a person so that he does not count on earthly riches, on the health of the body, beauty and strength. No one can know for sure who he is actually collecting his wealth, because the hour of death may come tomorrow. And it will not go to the one who spent his whole life accumulating it. And these works will not really help the one praying at the Judgment, because man did not grow rich in God, but in vanity. In addition, health, strength and beauty leave the human body over time.
The eighth describes the fossilization of the heart, which does not allow a person to repent and experience the necessary feelings. Also mentioned is the fact that every person is equal before the Court of the Creator, and before Him, neither spiritual rank, nor title, nor age counts in weight - nothing, only deeds, thoughts and actions.
In the ninth song, the prayer calls for help to the Most Holy Theotokos, all the saints of God and His angels, so that they pray for the salvation of his soul.
The canon ends with a prayerful appeal to the Lord Jesus Christ.
In prayer, a person realizes his sinful actions, therefore he asks the Lord for forgiveness and healing for his wounds. Despite the fact that a person once abandoned God, he asks the Heavenly Father not to do the same, but, on the contrary, to enter into his life and help, to save him from the abyss of sin, so that he can bring the Creator a worthy fruit of repentance. Man longs to renounce evil and become an heir to the Father's Kingdom.
Prayer of repentance
A prayer to God, said by a person who has realized his need for a Savior and forgiveness of sins, is called a prayer of repentance. This prayer in itself cannot lead to salvation, but only sincere repentance, understanding of one’s sinfulness and the need for salvation.
The first aspect of the prayer of repentance is the recognition of our sinfulness. The text in Romans 3:10 reads, “There is none righteous, not even one.” The Bible clearly states that we have all sinned. We are all sinners in need of God's mercy and forgiveness (Titus 3:5-7) because because of our sin we deserve eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46). Thus, the prayer of repentance is a plea for mercy instead of just punishment.
The second aspect of this prayer is an understanding of what God has done to correct our deplorable condition. He took on a body and became a man—Jesus Christ (John 1:1, 14). Jesus revealed to us the truth about God and lived a righteous and sinless life (John 8:46; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Then He died on the cross in our place, taking upon Himself the punishment intended for us (Romans 5:8). The fact that Jesus rose from the dead proves His victory over sin, death and hell (Colossians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 15). Only through this can we receive forgiveness of our sins, and we are also promised eternal life in heaven - if we only believe in Jesus Christ. All we have to do is believe that He died in our place and rose from the dead (Romans 10:9-10). We can be saved by grace alone, through faith alone, and in Jesus Christ alone. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
When we say the prayer of repentance, we tell God that we trust Jesus Christ as our Savior. You don’t need any “magic” words for salvation. It is only through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus that we receive salvation! If you realize that you have sinned and feel the need for salvation in Jesus Christ, then the following prayer of repentance that you can turn to the Lord will help you: “God, I know that I have sinned against You. I understand that I deserve to bear the consequences of my sin, but I believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided me with forgiveness. I trust Jesus, and Him alone, as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You, Lord, for saving and forgiving me! Amen!"
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Preparation for the Sacraments
Most often, the canon of repentance to the Lord is read as an integral part of the prayer for Holy Communion. He tunes the inner world to a wave of repentance . So that the sinner is able to comprehend his actions, settle down and receive the salvation of his soul for eternal life with God in His Kingdom. In the rule of preparation for Communion, there are three canons for Communion combined; they should be read as one, but the refrains are given in turn from each specific one. It includes three other canons: a repentant prayer to the Lord, a prayer service to the Most Holy Theotokos and the Guardian Angel. Only some of their parts are included there.
When approaching Holy Communion, it is necessary to adequately prepare and free your soul from sinful damage . This is achieved through repentance. Canons before confession and
Communion helps to understand in what state one should approach the Sacraments and gives the opportunity to properly set oneself up at home.
It is important that turning to the penitential canon does not turn into mechanical proofreading, but is true spiritual repentance . If everything is done correctly, you can get great benefits and cleansing. Perhaps this is why prayers of thanksgiving are read after Communion.
The Penitential Canon in Everyday Life
Reading about the repentant prayer to the Lord God, only from the point of view of preparation for the Sacrament of Repentance (confession), it is impossible to know all the possibilities of this small prayer service. In modern spiritual practice, priests often resort to the advice of reading this rule when a person is in various difficult states:
- in case of serious troubles;
- in illness;
- in sorrows and sorrows;
- in the absence of children;
- with difficulties in personal and family life.
Most often, this rule is suggested to be read in case of health problems. If we consider that all the troubles and misfortunes happen to us because of our own sins, even seemingly causeless anger on the part of others, then bringing our disposition to repentance to God inclines the Lord to mercy.
Real story
In the practice of one fairly well-known modern priest, there are many real cases where reading the Canon of Penitence for even six months turned the life of the worshiper and his loved ones in the most favorable direction.
One day, a woman who was dying of cancer was brought to a priest for guidance and advice on how to live. They led her by the arms into the holy temple of the Lord and brought her to the priest. She told him that she was dying and that none of the doctors could help her. During the conversation, it became clear that at one time this woman had committed a lot of abortions in her youth, and this was not consciously understood by her as a mortal sin of murder, moreover, of her own children. Father explained to her the scale of what she had done and called everything by its proper name.
The woman asked what she should do, because the dead cannot be returned. The priest blessed her to read the Canon of Repentance every day for her deeds, to try to dispose her soul to sincere repentance and change, to invite the priest more often for confession and communion if she herself is not able to come to church. This was the end of the conversation.
A year later, according to the priest’s story, at the time of the service, a fresh-looking middle-aged but pretty smiling woman in a hat entered the church where the fateful conversation took place. She was looking for someone in the crowd. When she saw the priest, she joyfully approached him, took the blessing and began to thank him. He did not immediately recognize her as the woman who a year ago, dying, was brought under his arms for what was most likely the last conversation.
It turned out that upon arriving home, where the doctors had discharged her to die, she began to fulfill the blessing exactly: she read the canon every day, tried to induce repentance in herself, diligently confessed and received communion. Six months later, she no longer needed support from relatives, began to go to church on her own, her appetite improved, and the cancer receded. But that is not all. During this year, both of her daughters met their love, things improved, and so many favorable events happened in their lives that had not happened throughout their lives. The Lord joyfully accepted the repentant and hastened to bestow both her and her loved ones with His rich mercies.
Prayer of repentance
Dear friend!
Welcome to the family of God!
If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we encourage you to turn to Him in prayer right now. God will give your soul true joy, peace and happiness. Only in God will you find answers to all your questions, only He will solve all your problems. Living with God, believing God is true happiness. God loves and is waiting for you. He needs you.
PRAYER OF REPENTANCE
I come to You in prayer, aware of all my sinfulness. I believe Your Word. I believe that You accept everyone who comes to You. Lord, forgive all my sins, be merciful to me.
I don't want to live my old life. I want to belong to you, Jesus!
Come into my heart, cleanse me. Be my Savior and Shepherd. Guide my life.
I confess You, Jesus Christ, as my Lord.
I thank You that You hear my prayer, and I accept Your salvation by faith.
Thank You, my Savior, for accepting me as I am. Amen".
If you sincerely prayed, then God heard you and forgave all your sins. Now God is your Father and Jesus is your friend. Read the Word, live with God, pray.
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Divine Trinity. He is the One whom the Father sent to be with His children. The Holy Spirit speaks to us when we do wrong. He brings us back to the right path. We often cause Him grief. When we find ourselves in difficulty trying to figure out what is right and what is wrong, He helps us clear away the fog of doubt if we listen carefully to Him. The Holy Spirit will also teach you to discern true teachings from false ones. He will help you find a church where Jesus Christ is the head of the Christians.
PRAYER FOR THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
“Now I am born again! I am a Christian, a child of Almighty God! I'm saved! Lord, You said in Your word:
“If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him” (Luke 11:13).
I ask you, Lord, to fill me with the Holy Spirit.
Holy Spirit, rise within me as I praise God. I believe that I will speak in other tongues. Amen".
If you prayed the prayer of repentance, please write to us by e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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