What is evening prayer?
Evening prayer is not a benevolent law or dogma, but a daily conversation between a believing soul and God. There is a wide variety of evening rules - Elder Iliodor, Metropolitan Photius, the rule of the city of Makhachkala, the complete rule of Ermak, the complete rule of Seraphim of Sarov and Ambrose of Optina, Archbishop Polycarp or Alexy - and their interpretation is simple. All of them are simply named after the place where they were created or after the person on whose advice they were made at some time. If you want to find a rule for your life for constant reading with interpretation, it is better to contact your confessor. Of course, he will not be an archbishop or archimandrite, an elder like Iliodor, but you can find a priest you like, tell him your life and find out an explanation for you of the line of correct prayer in Orthodoxy, that is, life in the Church. A benevolent look is not the main thing here, what’s important is what’s inside. And miracles, for example, the miracle of myrrh, will come into your life on their own.
You can watch prayers in any language, not only Church Slavonic or Russian, with video translations and explanations, read prayer books in any language, listen to audio. The Church blesses us to watch and listen to even short evening prayers with explanations. Long, blessed prayers can be found in any prayer book. We offer you a list of different prayers that you can begin to read for guidance in Orthodox life. Let us note that it is incorrect to use the word blissful about prayers. Blessed is a pious line externally, but inside the line is unkind, that is, if a good grandmother comes up to you and looks sweetly, but speaks sarcasticly - this is wrong, you may not listen to her. Also read and interpret prayers before the Sacrament of Communion - this is church law, read about the rule for Communion.
Prayer of Ephraim the Syrian: when read at home during Lent
What brings you closest to God?
Firstly, a righteous lifestyle and following the laws of God. Secondly, giving up everything that relaxes the body and soul makes you vulnerable to the Fall. Finally, we must not forget about reading spiritual literature and, of course, prayers during Lent. What prayers to read at home every day during Lent
By turning to God, a person receives grace, which nourishes him and gives him strength to overcome the test in the form of long-term asceticism.
However, it is not at all necessary to visit the temple every day. All necessary actions can be performed at home, temporarily renouncing worldly affairs. What prayers are preferable to read every day during Lent?
First of all, you need to know the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian for the acquisition of virtues. But we should also not forget about morning, evening and penitential prayers for every day. Below you will find examples of each such appeal.
Rule of Evening Prayer
Let us immediately warn you about the church rule of Iliodor - you do not need an archbishop or archimandrite Iliodor and not Trufanov (who was only benevolent), but Elder Iliodor from Optina Hermitage. He adheres to the ancient rule of the elders to forgive. The most famous Optina elder is the founder of the Shamordino hermitage, Rev. Ambrose of Optina, a teacher and healer, whose heir is Elder Iliodor. Saint Ambrose had a very great influence not only on the peasants and church people who loved and revered him, but also on the educated society of the 19th century, just like Elder Iliodor today in Orthodoxy.
The holy elders of Optina and with them Iliodor blessed to read prayers according to the usual prayer book, possibly in Church Slavonic with translation, in order to forgive the sins of people. These prayers from the evening rule can be read from the Orthodox prayer book or listened to on the official website of the monastery.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother, our reverend and God-bearing fathers and all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
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.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times, with the substitution of the cross and a bow from the waist.)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
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.
Lord have mercy. (Thrice) Glory, and now:
Elder Iliodor always advised reading or listening to the following prayer to the Mother of God in Orthodoxy at night
My most blessed queen, my hope is the Mother of God! Receiver of orphans, wanderers, Representative, Joy of the grieving, Patroness of the unjustly offended! You see my misfortune, you see my sorrow - help me as a weak person, feed me as a stranger. You know my offense, deliver me from it as you wish. I have no other help than You, no other Representative before God, no good Comforter but You, O Mother of God! Save me and cover me forever and ever. Amen.
Ephraim the Syrian's prayer for Lent: when and how the repentance appeal is read at home
If this is the first time you hear about Ephraim the Syrian’s prayer for Lent, be sure to study when and how the repentant appeal is read at home. According to legend, it was written by the ascetic Ephraim the Syrian.
The text is small, but it very accurately reflects the meaning of abstinence itself.
The person praying asks for deliverance from the vices that poison his existence (laziness, idleness, despondency, lust for power). Next comes a request to receive virtues (wisdom, patience, chastity, love).
Rules for reading the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian at home
The prayer of Ephraim the Syrian should be read weekly from Monday to Friday in the following sequence:
1. The text itself is pronounced, followed by a bow to the ground.
2. The phrase is read twelve times (to oneself): “God, cleanse me, a sinner.” Each repetition is accompanied by a bow from the waist.
3. The prayer is said out loud again. It ends with another bow to the ground.
Text of Ephraim the Syrian's prayer for Lent
Lord and Master of my life, do not give me the spirit of idleness, despondency, covetousness and idle talk. Grant the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. To her, Lord, King, grant me to see my sins and not condemn my brother, for blessed are you forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer for the coming sleep
It is interesting that many point out that it is dangerous to be baptized in Makhachkala - they say that this is a Muslim city, not a Slavic one. But that's not true. It turns out that there are even traditional evening prayers of the fang of Makhachkala for the Slavic prayer book. They can be read if there are difficulties with the fang, the fang hurts.
“Into Your hands, Lord Jesus Christ my God, I commend my spirit. Bless me, your servant, have mercy on me and give me eternal life. Amen"
“Protect me, Lord, by the power of Your Honest and Life-giving Cross and save me among and from any evil.”
Evening prayers for Lent
Especially during the strict season of Lenten, the Church calls on Christians to read evening prayers daily. This is union with God. End the day with a prayer rule during Lent, reading the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian, not Slavic, Byzantine, but which archbishops, metropolitans, and archimandrites have been blessing to read for many centuries (for example, Polycarp of Smyrna wrote even earlier about the meaning of prayer during Lent). During Lent, the Patriarch also cooks myrrh, reading a special prayer that is unknown to the laity. Myrrh is used during Baptism in the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The texts of evening prayers for Lent will protect you with the power of the Cross, give you the protection of the Lord - with them you entrust your life into the hands of God and wait for the Resurrection of Christ - Easter. Here is the Lenten prayer of Ephraim Silin
Lord and Master of my life, take away the sins of laziness, melancholy, addiction to sins and empty talk from me.
You need to cross yourself and bow to the ground. In the second part, the believer asks the Lord to give him virtues in the midst of the world: Give me, Your worker, the spirit of chastity, humble, calm and peace-accepting thoughts, the strength to endure and love.
Again bow to the ground:
To her (Oh), Lord and King, help me to repent of my sins instead of condemning my neighbor. You, Lord, are blessed by all believers and I forever, amen. Then, with bows and the sign of the cross, they say 12 times:
God, cleanse me, a sinner!
Three days before the holiday of the Resurrection of Christ, the reading of the prayer stops.
What prayers should be read during Lent 2022
In 2022, Lent falls between March 7 and April 23. Its meaning for believers is repentance and spiritual renewal, and abstinence in food only contributes to this. And, as clergy say, fasting without prayer is not fasting. What prayers should you read at home during Lent? If you have not yet read the entirety of the Old and New Testaments, catch up in the coming time. Try to read Scripture every day, in a quiet environment, and then reflect on what you read.
Orthodox prayers for Lent 2022
There are two main prayers that are read during Lent. Firstly, this is the Great Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, who lived at the end of the 7th - first half of the 8th century and was one of the brightest church speakers and literary figures.
His canon can be described as a repentant cry, revealing the abyss of sin and shaking the human soul. The meaning of the Great Canon is to lead us to repentance.
Another Lenten prayer, which is read only during this period, every day throughout Lent, is the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian:
“Lord and Master of my life, do not give me the spirit of idleness, despondency, covetousness and idle talk. (Bow to the ground). Grant the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (Bow to the ground). To her, Lord the King, grant me to see my sins and not condemn my brother, for blessed are you forever and ever, amen. (Bow to the ground). God, cleanse me, a sinner! (Read 12 times with bows from the waist. And once again the entire prayer with one bow to the ground at the end).
The prayer of St. Efim the Syrian is heard in churches even before the start of Lent, during Cheese Week. During Lent, it is read from Monday to Friday, since Saturday and Sunday are not considered fast days.
What prayers are read on the first day of Lent?
In the first week, the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete is performed over four days. It is divided into four parts, one of which is played from Monday to Thursday. Also at this time Psalm 69 is read:
God, come to my help, Lord, strive for my help. Let those who seek my soul be ashamed and put to shame, let those who wish me evil turn back and be ashamed. May the abies return, ashamed, and say to us: better, better. Let all those who seek You, O God, rejoice and rejoice in You, and let them say, May the Lord be magnified, who love Your salvation: but I am poor and needy, O God, help me: Thou art my Helper and my Savior, O Lord, do not be stubborn.
What prayers should be read at home during Lent?
Offer prayers not only during services, but also at home, morning and evening. This will allow you to cleanse yourself spiritually and be in a positive mood. We will present prayers for every day that are read during Lent.
Morning prayers during Lent:
*** Lord, be merciful to your servant (name)! Send me your blessing and don’t look away. Give me the strength to resist the evil that tests me, help me cleanse my soul of sins committed willingly and unwillingly. Amen.
*** Lord Almighty! Lord of my life. Take away from me the spirit of idleness and allow me to spend the time of Lent in humility. Protect from sinful thoughts, do not let everyone stray from the righteous path You have outlined for everyone. Amen.
*** Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God. For the sake of the Virgin Mary, the Most Pure Mother, and all the Saints, have mercy on me (name), a sinner. Glory to Thee, Lord, deliverer and merciful Father in Heaven. Amen.
Evening prayers during Lent:
*** Lord God, creator of all life on earth and the King of Heaven, forgive me for the sins I have committed during the day in word or deed. Even in a dream, I, God’s servant, do not lose faith in You. I believe that You will save me from sins and cleanse my soul. Every day I hope for Your protection. Hear my prayer, answer my requests. Amen.
*** Guardian Angel, protector of my soul and my body. If I have sinned this day, deliver me from my sins. Don't let the Lord God be angry with me. Pray for me, God’s servant (name), before the Lord God, ask him for the forgiveness of my sins and protect me from committing evil. Amen.
What other prayers can believers read during Lent in 2022? In addition to morning and evening prayers, you can read the psalms of King David. The opening prayer is also performed :
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother and all the Saints, have mercy on us. Amen. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
Prayer for the blessing of food and drink for the laity:
Lord Jesus Christ, our God, bless us with food and drink through the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother and all Thy saints, as Blessed be unto the ages of ages. Amen. (Cross food and drink).
Prayer after eating food:
We thank Thee, Christ our God, for Thou hast filled us with Thy earthly blessings; Do not deprive us of Your Heavenly Kingdom, but as You came among Your disciples, Savior, give them peace, come to us and save us. Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen. Lord, have mercy (three times). Bless.
How to pray correctly during Lent 2022?
These days, believers turn to the Lord with requests to cleanse their souls from vices and strengthen them in faith. Petitions for love and prosperity are best left for holidays.
Prayer for remission of sins for every day:
I, servant of God (name), turn to You, Lord, and with all my heart I ask You to forgive my sins. Have mercy on me, Heavenly King, deliver me from mental torment and self-torture. I will turn to You, Son of God. You died for our sins and You rose again to live forever. I hope for Your help and ask you to bless me. Forever You are my Savior. Amen!
Cleansing Prayer:
God, my God! Give my heart ignorance of passions and lift my eye above the madness of the world, from now on make my life not to please them and grant me pity for those who persecute me. For Your joy in sorrows is known, my God, and a straight soul will receive it, but its fate comes from Your face and there is no diminishment of its bliss. Lord Jesus Christ, my God, make my ways straight on earth.
Try to cleanse your soul by forgiving people who have offended you in some way. Read the prayer:
Lord, I forgive (person's name) for his actions and words. I have no desire to take revenge on him. Give me the strength to let go of anger and resentment. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
On Sundays during Lent, believers attend liturgy. Before the service during the “hours” you can read the following prayer:
I believe, Lord, but You confirm my faith. I hope, Lord, but You strengthen my hope. I loved You, Lord, but You purify my love and ignite it. I am sorry, Lord, but do it so that I may increase my repentance. I honor You, my Creator, Lord, I sigh for You, I call upon You. Guide me with Your wisdom, protect and strengthen me. I commend to You, my God, my thoughts, may they come from You. Let my deeds be in Your name, and let my desires be in Your will. Illuminate my mind, strengthen my will, cleanse my body, sanctify my soul. May I see my sins, may I not be seduced by pride, help me overcome temptations. May I praise You all the days of the life that You have given me. Amen.
Short prayers for beginners
Short prayers for reading by Orthodox Christians in the midst of the world were written into the rule by the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov to his children. This is a saint who lived at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. Seraphim of Sarov is a heavenly doctor, a prayer book about many difficulties of people. The texts of Serafimov's rule are simple. According to the word of Seraphim, you need to start by reading the text of “Our Father” three times; we will present it for beginners
“Our Father, who is in the Kingdom of Heaven! We glorify and ask you to glorify Your holy name! Let Your Kingdom come, let Your will direct everything in heaven and on earth. Give us the food we need for the present time; and forgive us our sins, just as we forgive our insults and debts to our debtors; Let us not have the temptations of the devil, protect us Yourself from the influences of Satan and his spirits. After all, You reign in heaven and earth and demonstrate Your power and glory - the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen".
Three times in the Seraphim Rule they read the prayer “Mother of God, Virgin, Rejoice”
“Mother of God, Virgin, rejoice, blessed Mary, the Lord is with you! You are especially blessed of all women by God and people, and the fruit of your womb is blessed: after all, you gave birth to Jesus Christ, the Savior of our souls.
And once the “Symbol of Faith” was included in Seraphim’s prayer book. And during the day, how many times can you repeat the Jesus Prayer simply or with the rosary. The same rule is read in the morning.
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner”
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Lord and Master of my life, do not give me the spirit of idleness, despondency, covetousness and idle talk. (Bow to the ground). Grant the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love to Thy servant. (Bow to the ground). To her, Lord the King, grant me to see my sins and not condemn my brother, for blessed are you forever and ever, amen. (Bow to the ground).
At the end, read “God, cleanse me, a sinner” 12 times, accompanied by bows from the waist. Then repeat the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian again and complete the reading with one bow to the ground.
The short lines of St. Ephraim's prayer capture the message of the path of spiritual improvement of man, in which people ask God for help in the fight against their vices - despondency, laziness, idle talk, condemnation of others. And they ask to crown them with the crown of all virtues - humility, patience and love.
Morning prayers
In the morning, you can read short and light prayers, which allows you to set a positive mood for the whole day.
Publican's prayer:
“God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” (Bow).
According to the Gospel of Luke, this is the prayer of repentance that the publican said in the parable of the publican and the Pharisee. In this parable, Christ cited the publican’s prayer as an example of repentance and asking for God’s mercy.
Initial prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, prayers for the sake of Your Most Pure Mother and all the Saints, have mercy on us. Amen. Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.”
Trisagion: “Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Read three times, with the sign of the cross and a bow from the waist).
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen".
Prayer to the Most Holy Trinity:
“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. Lord have mercy. (Thrice) Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen".
Lord's Prayer:
“Our Father, who art in heaven! Hallowed be Thy name, Thy will be done as it is in heaven and on earth. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen". This prayer can be read at any time, including before meals and in the evening.
Evening prayers
Before going to bed, we can read the initial prayers and to the Most Holy Trinity, which are read in the morning.
Prayer to God the Father:
“Eternal God and King of every creature, who has made me worthy even at this hour, forgive me the sins I have committed this day in deed, word and thought, and cleanse, O Lord, my humble soul from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. And grant me, Lord, to pass through this dream in peace at night, so that, rising from my humble bed, I will please Your most holy name all the days of my life, and will trample the fleshly and incorporeal enemies that fight me. And deliver me, Lord, from vain thoughts that defile me, and from evil lusts. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages Amen.”
I thank You, Lord, for every day of my life!
Prayer to the Holy Guardian Angel:
“To the Angel of Christ, my holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me all who have sinned this day, and deliver me from every wickedness of the enemy against me, so that I may not anger my God in any sin; but pray for me, a sinner and unworthy servant, that you may show me worthy of the goodness of the mercy of the All-Holy Trinity and the Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ and all the saints. Amen".
You can also read prayers addressed to the Savior, Our Lady and the Holy Spirit.
And right before going to bed you should say:
“In Your hands, Lord Jesus Christ, my God, I commend my spirit: You bless me, You have mercy on me and grant me eternal life. Amen".
About repentance
One of the greatest Saints, the Venerable Macarius of Egypt said, if you look deeper into yourself, then everyone with all your heart will have to say the words of prayer:
“God, cleanse me, a sinner, for I have never (that is, never) done anything good before you.”
You can say prayers not only during services or at home - in the morning and evening. Lay people can pray at any time - when negative and sinful thoughts arise. A short prayer will allow you to spiritually cleanse yourself and tune into a positive mood.
God, my God! Give my heart ignorance of passions and lift my eye above the madness of the world, from now on make my life not to please them and grant me pity for those who persecute me. For Your joy in sorrows is known, my God, and a straight soul will receive it, but its fate comes from Your face and there is no diminishment of its bliss. Lord Jesus Christ, my God, make my ways straight on earth.
Priests advise reading all four Gospels on your own during Lent, since it is difficult to be a Christian without knowing the Holy Scriptures. It is recommended that you read Scripture every day, in a quiet environment where you can concentrate, and after reading reflect on what you read and consider how to relate the Scripture to your life. The time of Lent is given specifically by the Church so that we can gather, concentrate and prepare for the Easter holidays.
The word is the servant of the mind. What the mind wants, the word expresses.
Venerable Anthony the Great
Material from open sources on the RuNet
Prayers for children
It is very important for children to call on the name of God and their Guardian Angel, helper and intercessor, who is given to every person in holy Baptism. A sick child, if his canine tooth hurts, can also pray, but his health must also be treated. Let the child first read the Lord's Prayer, and then this prayer from the rule. This prayer also helps with pain if a fang tooth hurts.
To the Angel of Christ, my holy guardian and patron of my soul and body, forgive me all that I have sinned this day, and deliver me from all the wickedness of the enemy who opposes me and grant me health, and in no way sin. I will anger my God; but pray for the sinful and unworthy servant, that I may be worthy of showing the goodness and mercy of the All-Holy Trinity and the Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ and all the saints. Amen
Also, a child can ask the study assistant of St. Sergius of Radonezh for support and help with canine pain. There is a similar prayer to Alexy, Metropolitan of Moscow.
“O venerable and God-bearing Father Sergei of Radonezh! Look upon us mercifully, and lead us to the heights of heaven, those who are devoted to the earth. Strengthen our cowardice and confirm us in faith, so that we undoubtedly hope to receive all the good things from the mercy of the Lord God through your prayers. Ask, O Saint Sergei, through your intercession the gift of understanding science, and through your prayers that help us all (with the help of your prayers), grant that on the day of the Last Judgment we will be delivered from the right parts of the land, and will be able to hear the blessed voice of the Lord Christ: “Come, blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Amen"
Evening prayers to the Guardian Angel
You can pray to the Angel - Intercessor, Helper and Guardian - in your own words, sincerely, simply and at any time. Reading a prayer to your personal intercessor helps both children and adults. Don’t forget to light a candle when praying - this is not necessary, a candle is a tradition, but a candle is also a symbol of prayer.
Holy Angel, accompanying my sinful soul and my passionate life, do not leave me, a sinner, under any circumstances, do not leave me because of cases of my intemperance. Do not let the evil demon possess me through the violence of my mortal body; hold me by my weak hand and guide me on the path of salvation. Oh, holy Angel of God, guardian and patron of my sinful soul and unclean body, forgive me everything with which I offended you all the days of my life, and everything I sinned with this past night, cover me in the coming day, and save me from any temptation, so that I do not anger God with any sin, and pray to the Lord for me, so that He will confirm me in His fear, and see me worthy as a servant of His grace. Amen.
Evening prayer before Communion
The Sacrament of Communion was established by Christ Himself during the Last Supper before His death on the Cross and commanded the apostles to always receive communion for the sake of the memory of Him and life in eternity: “He who eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood has eternal life, and I will resurrect him on the last day.” . Christ said that in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, bread and wine will constantly be miraculously transformed into His Body and Blood, and the people who eat (taste) them will be united with Himself. The Church blesses us to receive communion at least once a year: preferably about once a month.
You need to prepare yourself for the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and also prepare for Confession, this is called “conversation”, “fasting”. Preparation includes reading special prayers according to the prayer book, fasting and repentance. There is a long list, but these are the last of the rules for Communion. They are also read before Confession so that the confession is prepared.
I believe, Lord, and I confess that You are truly the Christ, the Son of the living God, who came into the world to save sinners, from whom I am the first. I also believe that this is Your most pure Body, and this is Your most pure Blood. I pray to You: have mercy on me, and forgive me my sins, voluntary and involuntary, in word, in deed, in knowledge and ignorance, and grant me uncondemned communion of the Lord. Your steadfast Sacraments, for the remission of sins, and for eternal life. Amen.
The meaning of Lent
The main meaning of Lent is not to give up meat and dairy products, but to cleanse the soul. That is why the church recommends abstaining not only from certain foods, but also from usual entertainment.
During fasting, it is recommended to spend less time in front of the TV or on the Internet. Entertainment programs and meaningless information only clog our lives. Free hours are best spent in church, where you can pray and repent of your sins.
During this period, you can rethink your life, think about your purpose. During fasting, you will be able to look into your heart and understand what you really want from life.
Take care not only of cleansing your body, but also your soul. Get rid of negative thoughts and try to let go of old grievances. Imagine that every day you have the opportunity to start life from scratch, but to do this you need to say goodbye to the past.
Evening prayers from the Valaam Monastery
The Valaam Monastery and its cell rule were compiled for the monks and spiritual children of this monastery on the island of Valaam, which is famous for the ringing of bells. This monastery is located in Lake Ladoga, and from its monks came many great saints - archimandrites, archbishops, metropolitans: Alexy, Ambrose, Lev... The Valaam cell monastic rule is three special combined canons (Christ, the Mother of God and the Angel - they are in many prayer books ) plus an akathist to the Mother of God “The Unbrided Bride,” which is read after the bell rings for Vespers. The reading of the Valaam cell rule and the ringing of the bells of Valaam require a special blessing. Read the wonderful prayer to the Mother of God from the last Akathist of the cell rule from Valaam. It is also useful to bring a sacrifice to the monastery.
To the chosen Voivode, victorious, as having got rid of the evil ones, let us sing thanksgiving to Thy servants, the Mother of God; but since you have an invincible power, free us from all troubles, let us call to You:
Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride.
My Most Holy Lady Theotokos, through Your saints and all-powerful prayers, drive away from me, your humble and accursed servant, despondency, oblivion, foolishness, negligence, and all that is unclean, evil and blasphemous thoughts from my damned heart and from my darkened mind, and extinguish the flame my passions, for I am poor and damned: and deliver me from many and cruel memories and enterprises, and free me from all the actions of evil: for blessed art thou of all generations and glorify Your most honorable name forever and ever. Amen.
Evening prayers to the Virgin Mary
The purest and most beautiful spirit of all people of all times was and remains the Mother of God, the Virgin Mary. The explanation for this is that God chose the best person for His Son, but She herself tried to be good. Many of Her icons were painted over the centuries, there are a number of Catholic and Orthodox icons, but according to the explanation of those copied from Catholic ones, this is not scary, no special sacrifice is needed to pray in front of them. We have given the first prayer to the Mother of God from the Valaam cell rule. Here's the sequel.
Glorious Ever-Virgin, Mother of Christ God, bring our prayer to Your Son and our God, may You save our souls.
I place all my trust in You, Mother of God, keep me under Your roof.
Mother of God Virgin, do not despise me, a sinner, who requires Your help and Your intercession, for my soul trusts in You, and have mercy on me.
What is the meaning of Orthodox Lent?
Lent is not a refusal of food, but a restriction: you cannot eat dairy and meat products, eggs, or drink milk. The meaning of fasting is not in food, not in fasting, but in spiritual cleansing, therefore on fasting days they do not go to entertainment venues or have fun.
During fasting you cannot:
- eat certain foods;
- watch TV;
- use Internet;
- watch entertaining TV shows;
- visit clubs and other similar institutions.
During Lent, people try to attend church every day, confess, repent, and be sure to pray every morning and evening. This period allows you to rethink life, change your attitude towards yourself, improve relationships with relatives, make plans, get rid of bad habits, negative thoughts, old grievances, forgive offenders, ask for forgiveness.
Evening prayers for the suddenly deceased
Let's supplement the list of prayers with a mention of Flavian. Flavian is a perspicacious priest who does not allow death, the hero of the books of Archpriest Alexander Torik. Flavian is almost a saint and a very interesting person, although he is not an archbishop, and not a Catholic archimandrite, but simply an Orthodox priest Flavian with a big belly, looking like a lion. In the book about Flavian, you can read an explanation of how to survive and not be overwhelmed by the grief associated with a sudden death, a deceased person, if you have to die or you are on the verge of dying or becoming a sudden victim of an attack. Here is a prayer that will help you not to drown in grief
“O Lord and our God, do not forget Your servant (Your) (name) who died in faith and hope for eternal life. You are the Good and Loving Lord of all people, you forgive sins and destroy the lies of the lion, forgive and forget all his sins and mistakes, accidental and intentional, deliver him from eternal torment and do not let him float in the flames of hell, give him the sacrament and joy of Your eternal joys prepared for all who love You. Even if he (she) sinned, he did not depart from You, believed without a doubt in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Holy Trinity, You, the Lord in the Holy Trinity, One and Glorified, and until his last breath he confessed the Holy Trinity Orthodoxy. Be merciful to him (her), reward at least for faith instead of works, rest with all Your saints, as a Generous God: after all, there is no person who has lived life and not sinned. You, Lord, He is Sinless, Your truth is the Truth in all ages, only You are the God of mercy and generosity, May we all, living and dead, give eternal glory to You, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen".
