Canons before confession and communion
Song 1
Irmos: As Israel walked on dry land, with footsteps in the abyss, seeing the persecutor Pharaoh drowned, we 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 heaven, only I pray, the verb: give me, Lord, 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, so that I may weep bitterly for my deeds.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Madness, wretched man, wasting time in laziness; think about your life, and turn to the Lord God, and weep bitterly for your deeds.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokos: Most Pure Mother of God, look upon 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.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
In the face of many misfortunes, I resort to You, seeking salvation: O Mother of the Word and the Virgin, save me from difficult and cruel ones.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Passions confuse me, and many despondencies have come to fill my soul: pacify, O Young Lady, with the silence of Thy Son and God, O All-Immaculate One.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Having given birth to Thee and God as the Savior, I pray, O Virgin, to be delivered from the cruel ones: for now, running to You, I extend both my soul and my thoughts.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Sick in body and soul, visits from the Divine and provision from You are the only Mother of God, as the Good One, the Mother of the Good.
To Jesus: Lord Jesus Christ my God, have mercy on me.
Sing a song and praise, O Savior, Your servant is worthy to be likened to the disembodied Angel, my mentor and guardian.
Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
Only I now lie in foolishness and laziness, my mentor and guardian, do not leave me perishing.
Glory: Direct my mind with your prayer, do God’s commandments, so that I may receive remission of sins from God, and teach me to hate the evil ones, I pray.
And now: Pray, O Maiden, for me, Thy servant, to the Benefactor, my guardian Angel, and instruct me to do the commandments of Thy Son and my Creator.
Song 3
Irmos: Having established me on the rock of faith, you enlarged my mouth against my enemies: for my spirit rejoiced, always singing: none is holy like our God, and none is righteous more than Thee, Lord.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Someday thrones will be set at the Last Judgment, then the deeds of all people will be exposed; woe will be the sinner who is sent to torment; and then, my soul, repent from your evil deeds.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
The righteous will rejoice, and the sinners will weep, then no one will be able to help us, but our deeds will condemn us; Therefore, before the end, repent of your evil deeds.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Woe to me, the great sinner, who have been defiled by my deeds and thoughts, and have not a drop of tears from cruelty; now arise from the earth, my soul, and repent from your evil deeds.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokos: Behold, O Lady, Thy Son calls us, and teaches us to do good, but I am a sinner who always runs from good; but You, Merciful One, have mercy on me, so that I may repent from my evil deeds.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I offer the representation and cover of my life to Thee, the Virgin Mother of God: You feed me to Your refuge, the one who is guilty of the good, the one who affirms the faithful, the One All-Singing One.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I pray, O Virgin, to destroy the storm of my spiritual confusion and sorrow: for you, O God-unfair, gave birth to Christ, the ruler of silence, the only Most Pure One.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Having given birth to the good of the guilty, the benefactor has given birth to wealth to all, for all you can, as you have given birth to the mighty one in the fortress of Christ, the blessed one.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Help me with fierce ailments and painful passions, O Virgin, for I know You’s inexhaustible treasure, Most Immaculate, inexhaustible.
Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
I place all my thoughts and my soul on you, my guardian; Deliver me from every misfortune of the enemy.
Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
The enemy tramples me, and embitters me, and teaches me to always do my own desires; but you, my mentor, do not leave me perishing.
Glory: Let me sing a song with gratitude and zeal to the Creator and God, and to you, my good guardian angel: my deliverer, save me from the enemies who embitter me.
And now: Heal, Most Pure One, my many painful scabs, even in my soul, the enemies who always fight with me.
Lord have mercy. (Thrice)
Sedal to Jesus, tone 6
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? Gracious Father, Only Son and Holy Soul, have mercy on me.
Sedalen to Angel, voice 2
Glory: From the love of my soul I cry out to you, the guardian of my soul, my all-holy Angel: cover me and keep me from the evil trap always, and guide me to life in heaven, admonishing and enlightening and strengthening me.
Theotokos
And now: To the Blessed Mother of God, Most Pure, Who without seed gave birth to all the Master, Who with my Guardian Angel pray, to rid me of all bewilderment, and to give tenderness and light to my soul and purification of sin, Even united and soon interceding.
Song 4
Irmos: You came from the Virgin, not a god, nor an angel, but the Lord Himself incarnate, and you saved all of me; to those I call Thee: glory to Thy power, 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 these, men, of the Kingdom for the sake of God.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Why do 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.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
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.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokos: 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 when I am not ready; and bring me, O Virgin, to the Kingdom of God.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The confusion of my passions, the helmsman who gave birth to the Lord, and the storm of my sins, the ignorant of God, calmed down.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I call upon the abyss of Your mercy to give me, Who gave birth to the Merciful One and the Savior of all who sing to Thee.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Enjoying, O Most Pure One, Your gifts, we sing songs of thanksgiving, leading You to the Mother of God.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
On the bed of my illness and weakness, as I lie down, like the God-loving One, help the Mother of God, the only Ever-Virgin.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
We give hope and affirmation and salvation to the unmovable wall of You, the All-Singing One, we get rid of every inconvenience.
Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
Pray to God, the lover of mankind, my guardian, and do not forsake me, but watch over my life always in the world and grant me irresistible salvation.
Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
As an intercessor and guardian of my life, you are received from God, Angel, I pray to you, holy one, to free me from all troubles.
Glory: Cleanse my filthiness with your sanctity, my guardian, and may I be excommunicated from part of Shuiya by your prayers and become a partaker of glory.
And now: I am bewildered by the evils that have befallen me, O Most Pure One, but deliver me from them quickly: for I will only come to You alone.
Song 5
Irmos: By Thy God's light, O Blessed One, illumine the souls of Thy morning with love, I pray, Lead Thee to the Word of God, the true God, crying out from the darkness of sin.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Remember, cursed man, how you were enslaved by lies, slander, robbery, weakness, cruel beasts for the sake of sins; My sinful soul, is this what you desire?
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
They tremble, for I have brought guilt to all: I have seen with my eyes, I have heard with my ears, I have spoken with an evil tongue, I have betrayed everything to myself to hell; My sinful soul, is this what you desire?
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Thou hast received the fornicator and the repentant thief, O Saviour, but I alone am aggravated by sinful laziness and enslaved to evil deeds; My sinful soul, is this what you desire?
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokos: Wonderful and quick helper to all people, Mother of God, help me, unworthy, for my sinful soul desires it.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Fill, O Pure One, my heart with joy, Your incorruptible joy that gives birth to the joy of the guilty.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Deliver us from troubles, O Pure Mother of God, having given birth to eternal deliverance and peace that prevails over all minds.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Resolve the darkness of my sins, O God-evident One, with the enlightenment of Your Lordship, Who gave birth to the Divine and Eternal Light.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Heal, O Pure One, the infirmity of my soul, make Thy visits worthy, and grant me health with Thy prayers.
Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
As I had boldness towards God, my holy guardian, I begged Him to deliver me from the evils that offend me.
Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
O bright light, brightly enlighten my soul, my mentor and guardian, given to me by God to Angela.
Glory: Sleeping me with the evil burden of sin, keep me vigilant, O Angel of God, and raise me up to be glorified by your prayer.
And now: Mary, Lady of the Blessed Mother of God, the hope of the faithful, lay down the offerings of the enemy, and those who sing make you glad.
Song 6
Irmos: The sea of life, raised up 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.
Having lived fornication on earth and given my soul into 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 such a thing, like I? Just as a pig lies in the dung, so I serve sin. But You, Lord, pluck me from this vileness and give me the heart to do Your commandments.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
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.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokos: Virgin Mary, protect 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.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
As if He saved death and aphids, He Himself gave birth to death, corruption and death my former nature, Virgin, pray to the Lord and Thy Son, to deliver me from the enemies of crime.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
We are Your representative and steadfast guardian, O Virgin, and I solve rumors of misfortunes and drive away taxes from demons; and I always pray to deliver me from the corruption of my passions.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Like a wall of refuge for money-grubbers, and all-perfect salvation for souls, and space in sorrows, O Young Lady, and through Your enlightenment we always rejoice: O Lady, save us even now from passions and troubles.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I now lie on my sickbed, and there is no healing for my flesh: but, O God and Savior of the world and the Savior of ailments, I pray to You, O Good One: raise me from aphids and illnesses.
Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
Free me from all misfortunes, and save me from sorrows, I pray to you, holy Angel, given to me by God, my good guardian.
Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
Illuminate my mind, O blessed one, and enlighten me, I pray to you, Holy Angel, and always instruct me to think usefully.
Glory: Tidy my heart from real rebellion and be vigilant, strengthen me in good things, my guardian, and guide me wonderfully towards the silence of animals.
And now: The Word of God dwells in Thee, Mother of God, and by man shows Thee the heavenly ladder; For through you the Most High came down to us to eat.
Lord have mercy. (Thrice)
Glory, and now:
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.
Ikos
Thoughts, my soul, the bitter hour of death and the Last Judgment of your Creator and God: The angels will understand you, my soul, and lead you into eternal fire: before you die, repent, crying: Lord, have mercy on me sinner.
Song 7
Irmos: The rosary-giving furnace was made by an angel like a venerable youth, and the Chaldeans received the scorching command of God, the tormentor exhorting: blessed art thou, O God of 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 out: have mercy on me, O Christ of God, who is not worthy.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Do not trust, my soul, in bodily health and in fleeting beauty, for you see how the strong and the young are dying, but cry out: have mercy on me, O Christ of God, unworthy.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
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 of God, the unworthy.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokos: Come, my soul, to the Mother of God and pray to her, for she is a quick helper to those who repent, she will beg the Son of Christ God, and will have mercy on the unworthy.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Our salvation, as you wished, O Savior, to arrange, you entered into the womb of the Virgin, and you showed the world a representative: our father, God, blessed are you.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The Commander of mercy, whom you gave birth to, O pure Mother, begging to be delivered from sins and spiritual defilements by faith, calling: our father, God, blessed are you.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The Treasure of Salvation and the Source of Incorruption, the One Who Generates, and the Pillar of Confirmation, and the Door of Repentance, You showed to those calling: Our Father God, blessed are You.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Bodily weaknesses and mental ailments, Mother of God, through the love of those who come to Thy blood, O Virgin, Heal, Who gave birth to us the Savior Christ.
Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
Be merciful to me and beg God, O Lord Angel, for I have you as an intercessor in my whole life, a mentor and guardian, bestowed upon me by God forever.
Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
Do not leave my accursed soul on its way to be killed by a robber, holy Angel, who was betrayed by God to be immaculate; but guide her on the path of repentance.
Glory: I bring all my shame to shame from my evil thoughts and deeds: but first, my mentor, grant me healing with good thoughts, always deviating to the right path.
And now: Fill everyone with wisdom and the strength of the Divine, Hypostatic Wisdom of the Most High, for the sake of the Mother of God, who cry with faith: our father, God, blessed are you.
Song 8
Irmos: From the flames of the saints you poured out the dew and you burned the righteous sacrifice with water: you did everything, O Christ, only as you wished. We exalt you to all ages.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Why shouldn’t I cry when I think about death, when I see my brother lying in the grave, inglorious and ugly? What am I hoping for, and what am I hoping for? Just give me, Lord, before the end, repentance. (Twice)
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
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.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokos: Most Pure Mother of God, accept my unworthy prayer and save me from insolent death, and grant me repentance before the end.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Do not despise those who demand help from You, O Virgin, who sing and extol You forever.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
You heal the infirmity of my soul and bodily illnesses, O Virgin, that I may glorify You, O Pure One, forever.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
You pour out wealth of healing to those who faithfully sing Thee, O Virgin, and extol Your ineffable Christmas.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
You drive away adversity and find passions, O Devo: therefore we sing of You forever and ever.
Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
Sent from God, strengthen the life of my servant, O most good Angel, and do not leave me forever.
Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
You are the essence of goodness, my soul’s mentor and guardian, most blessed, I sing unto the ages.
Glory: May I protect and protect all people on the day of testing, but the stench of fire will tempt good and evil deeds.
And now: Be my helper and silence, O Ever-Virgin Mother of God, to Your servant and do not leave me deprived of Your dominion.
Song 9
Irmos: It is impossible for man to see God; angels do not dare to look at Worthiness; By You, O All-Pure One, the Word Incarnate, Who magnifies Him as a man, we please You with the Heavenly Wars.
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.
Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me.
Now I will lift up my hand to you, holy martyrs, hermits, 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.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokos: Mother of God, help the one 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.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Do not turn away my tears, Even though every tear is taken away from every face, O Virgin who gave birth to Christ.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Fill my heart with joy, O Devo, who accepts fulfillment and consumes sinful sadness.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Be a refuge and representation for those who come running to You, O Virgin, and an unbreakable wall, a refuge and cover and joy.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Enlighten Your light with the dawns, O Virgin, driving away the darkness of ignorance, faithfully confessing Theotokos to You.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
In the place of embitterment of the infirmity of the humbled one, O Virgin, heal, transforming from ill health to health.
To Jesus: Lord Jesus Christ my God, have mercy on me.
Have mercy on me, my only Savior, for you are merciful and merciful, and make me a partaker of righteous faces.
Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
May the Lord grant us good and useful thoughts and creation, for He is strong in weakness and not vicious.
Glory: Because you have boldness towards the Heavenly King, pray to Him, along with other disembodied ones, to have mercy on me, the accursed one.
And now: You have much boldness, O Virgin, to Him who became incarnate from You, turn me from bonds and grant me permission and salvation through Your prayers.
Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ
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 sweeten my soul with Your Honest Blood from sorrow, with 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 tenderness, 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 be warmed by tears, even by love for You. But, Lord Jesus Christ, Treasure of the good, grant me complete repentance and a laborious heart to seek Yours, grant me Your grace and renew in me the eyes of Your image. Leave Thee, do not leave me; come to seek me, lead me to Your pasture and number me among the sheep of Your chosen flock, educate me with them from the grain of Your Divine Sacraments, through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and all Thy saints. Amen.
Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary
Blessings to my queen, my hope to the Mother of God, friend of the orphaned and strange to the representative, the sorrowful to joy, the offended to the patroness! See my misfortune, see my sorrow, help me as I am weak, feed me as I am strange. I have weighed my grievance, resolve it, as if I were crying: for I have no other help than You, no other representative, no good comforter, only You, O Mother of God, for save me and cover me forever centuries. Amen.
To whom shall I cry, Lady? To whom shall I turn in my grief, if not to You, Queen of Heaven? Who will accept my cry and my sighing, if not You, Most Immaculate, the hope of Christians and the refuge for us sinners? Who will protect you more in adversity? Hear my groaning, and incline Your ear to me, the Lady of the Mother of my God, and do not despise me, who requires Your help, and do not reject me, a sinner. Give understanding and teach me, O Queen of Heaven; do not depart from me, Thy servant, O Lady, for my murmuring, but be my Mother and intercessor. I entrust myself to Your merciful protection: lead me, a sinner, to a quiet and serene life, so that I may weep for my sins. To whom shall I turn when I am guilty, if not to You, the hope and refuge of sinners, with the hope of Your ineffable mercy and Your bounty? Oh, Lady Queen of Heaven! You are my hope and refuge, protection and intercession and help. Best regards to my queen and speedy intercessor! Cover my sins with Your intercession, protect me from enemies visible and invisible; soften the hearts of evil people who rebel against me. Oh, Mother of the Lord my Creator! You are the root of virginity and the unfading color of purity. Oh, Mother of God! Give me help to those who are weak with carnal passions and those who are sick at heart, for only Yours and with You Your Son and our God will intercede; and through Your wonderful intercession may I be delivered from all misfortune and adversity, O most immaculate and glorious Mother of God, Mary. In the same way, with hope I say and cry: Rejoice, full of grace, rejoice, full of joy; Rejoice, most blessed one, the Lord is with you.
Prayer to the Guardian Angel
Holy Angel of Christ, falling to you I pray, my holy guardian, given to me for the preservation of my soul and body as a sinner from holy baptism, but with my laziness and my evil custom I have angered you. I stand by your lordship and drive you away from me with all the stupid things: lies, slander , envy, condemnation, contempt, disobedience, brotherly hatred, and resentment, love of money, adultery, rage, stinginess, gluttony without satiety and drunkenness, verbosity, evil thoughts and crafty, proud custom and lustful indignation, having self-desire for all carnal lust. O my evil will, even the beasts do not do it without words! How can you look at me, or approach me like a stinking dog? Whose eyes, Angel of Christ, look upon me, entangled in evil in vile deeds? How can I ask for forgiveness for my bitter and evil and crafty deeds, where I fall into misery all day and night and at every hour? But I pray to you, falling down, my guardian saint, have mercy on me, your sinful and unworthy servant (name), be my helper and intercessor against the evil of my opponent, with your holy prayers, and Make me a partaker of the goodness of God with all the saints, always, now and forever and ever. Amen.
Preparation for Holy Communion: basic rules
Preparing for the Sacrament is a long process that takes several days. During this time, a person must strictly adhere to the following rules:
- Observe fasting – both spiritual and physical. Avoid consumption of food of animal origin and alcoholic beverages. A believer needs to purify his thoughts, heart and soul. Read spiritual literature, avoid any entertainment.
- Read the prayer rule - combined canons for Holy Communion, follow-up.
- Come to the evening service in the temple in order to confess and repent of all the sins you have committed. It is best to write down all your sins on paper so as not to forget anything. Without the Sacrament of Confession you will not be allowed to receive Communion. An important point is that children under 7 years old may not confess.
- The Eucharistic fast is strictly observed. A person should not eat or drink anything from midnight until Communion.
- After the ceremony, prayers of gratitude are read.
At home, Christians are sure to read special prayers in order to prepare to receive the Gifts of Christ. At the same time, thoughts must be pure.
According to the rules of the church, the prayer is read while standing. A praying man turns his gaze to the icons. The same rules apply to canons. An exception to the requirements is for people with poor health, reduced physical activity, disability, or sore legs. For them, the pronunciation of sacred texts is allowed in a sitting position.
