ORDER OF THE AFTER DINNER PRAYER
OFFICE OF THE GREAT COMPLINE

The Great Compline is chanted on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening of the Great Lent in the following order:

Priest: Blessed is our God always, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Glory to you, 0 God, our hope, glory to you.

0 heavenly King, the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, who are everywhere and fill all things, the treasury of blessings and giver of life, come and dwell within us and cleanse us from every blemish and save our souls, 0 Good One.

People: Amen. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

All-Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions. Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake. Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

:For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.

People:

Amen. Lord, have mercy. (12)

Come, let us worship and fall down before our King and God. (Prostration)

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God. (Prostration)

Come, let us worship and fall down before the very Christ, our King and our God. (Prostration)

And directly, if it is the first week of the Great Lent, we start with Psalm 69.

PSALM 69 (70)

0 God, come to my assistance; Lord, hasten to help me. Let those who seek my soul be ashamed and reproached.

Let those who wish me evil turn back and be disgraced.

Let those who say to me: Well done! turn away in shame.

Let those who seek you, 0 God, rejoice and delight in you; and let those who love your salvation always say: The Lord be exalted.

But I am poor and destitute, 0 God; help me.

You are my helper and my deliverer, Lord; do not delay.

PSALM 4

When I called on you, you heard me, 0 God of my righteousness!

You relieved me when I was in distress; have pity on me and hear my prayer.

0 you, sons of men, how long will you be slow of heart? Why do you love vanity and seek falsehood?

But know that the Lord has done wondrous things for his holy one; the Lord will hear me when I cry unto him. 

Be angry but sin not; meditate on your beds what you say in your hearts.

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.

Many say: Who will show us anything good?

The light of your countenance has shone upon us, 0 Lord; you have put gladness in my heart.

They have been well satisfied with the abundance of wheat, wine and olive oil.

I will both lie down in peace and sleep.

For you alone, 0 Lord, make me dwell secure.

PSALM 6

0 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger, nor chastise me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, 0 Lord, for I am weak; 0 Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled, and my soul also is greatly troubled; but you, 0 Lord, how long?

Return, 0 Lord, deliver my soul; save me for your mercy's sake. For in death no one remembers you; and in Hades who will give you thanks?

I am weary with my groaning; shall I weep every night upon my bed and drench my couch with tears? My eye is troubled with my grief. I am worn out because of all my enemies.

Depart from me all you who work iniquity, for the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord heard my petition, the Lord has accepted my prayer.

Let all my enemies be ashamed and troubled; let them turn back and be greatly ashamed instantly.

PSALM 12 (13)

How long, 0 Lord, will you forget me? Forever? How long will you turn your face away from me?

How long shall I take counsel in my soul and have grief in my heart, day and night?

How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Look over me, hear me, 0 Lord, my God.

Enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest my enemy say: "I have prevailed over him!"

Those who trouble me would rejoice if I were to totter; but I have placed my trust in your mercy.

My heart shall rejoice in your salvation; I shall sing to the Lord who has done me so much good, and I shall sing psalms to the name of the Lord most high.

 

REPEAT

Look over me, hear me, 0 Lord, my God.

Enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest my enemy say: "I have prevailed over him!"

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, glory to you, 0 God (3); Lord have mercy (3); Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

PSALM 24 (25)

To you, 0 Lord, have I lifted up my soul; 0 my God in you have I trusted; let me never be put to shame, ever!

Neither let my enemies laugh at me; for all, those who seek you shall not be put to shame.

Let those who transgress without cause be put to shame; make known to me your ways, 0 Lord, and teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are God, my Savior and I have waited for you all day.

Remember your compassions, Lord, and your mercies, for they are from all ages.

The sins of my youth and my ignorance, remember not.

Remember me according to your mercy, for your goodness' sake, Lord.

The Lord is good and upright; therefore tie shall counsel sinners in the way.

He will lead the meek in judgment, he will teach the meek his ways.

All the ways of the Lord are mercy and truth for those who seek his covenant and his testimonies.

For your name's sake, Lord, do you also be merciful on my sin, for it is great.

Who is the man who fears the Lord? He will teach him in the way he has chosen.

His soul shall dwell in prosperity, and his seed shall inherit the earth.

The Lord is the strength of those who fear him, and he will reveal his covenant to them.

My eyes shall be forever turned toward the Lord, for lie will loose my feet from the snare.

Look upon me, and have mercy on me, for I am alone and destitute.

The afflictions of my heart have multiplied; deliver me from my straits.

Behold my affliction and my pain, and forgive all my sins.

Behold my enemies that they have multiplied; and have hated me with an unjust hatred.

Preserve my soul and deliver me; let me not be put to shame for I have hoped in you.

The harmless and the upright sided with me, for I waited for you Lord.

Deliver Israel, 0 God, from all his afflictions.

PSALM 30 (31)

In you, 0 Lord, have I put my trust; let me never be put to shame; in your justice deliver me and rescue me. Incline your ear to me and hasten to my deliverance.

Be for me a protecting God and a house of shelter to save me.

Because you are my strength and my shelter, and for your name's sake you shall guide me and feed me.

You shall pull me out of the snare which they have set secretly for me, because you are my protector.

In your hands shall I commit my spirit, for you have delivered me, 0 Lord, the God of truth.

You have hated those who idly persist in vanities, but I have put my trust in the Lord, I shall rejoice and delight in his mercy.

For he has looked upon my affliction and saved my soul from distress.

You have not trapped me in the hands of the enemy, but set my feet in an open place.

Have mercy on me, 0 Lord, for I am oppressed; my eye, my soul and my belly waste away with indignation.

For my life is spent with grief, and my years with groanings.

My strength has failed through misery, and my bones are troubled.

I am a reproach to all my enemies and especially so to my neighbors; and a terror to my acquaintances.

Those who see me outside flee from me, I have been forgotten as a dead man out of mind.

I became like a broken vessel, for I heard the accusations of. many who swelled around me.

When they were gathered together against me, they plotted to take my life.

But I put my trust in you, 0 Lord; I said: "You are my God and my fate is in your hands." Deliver me from the hands of my enemy and those who persecute me.

Let your face shine upon your servant, and save me in your mercy; Lord, do not let me be put to shame, for I called upon you. Let the ungodly be ashamed and be cast down to Hades.

Let the deceitful lips which speak iniquity against the righteous with pride and scorn, become dumb.

How great is the abundance of your goodness, 0 Lord, which you have in store for those who fear you. Which you have prepared for those who trust In you In the presence of the sons of man.

You shall hide them in the secret of your presence from the disturbances of men. You shall shelter them in your tent from the strife on tongues.

Blessed be the Lord for his mercy has marvelously encompassed me like a strong city.

Yet, in my distraction I did say: "I am cast out of the sight of your eyes."

Therefore, you did hear the voice of my petition when I cried out to you.

Love, the Lord, all you his holy ones for the Lord seeks the truth, and fully repays those who deal very proudly.

Take courage and be of strong heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

PSALM 90 (91)

He who dwells under the shadow of the Most High, shall abide under the shelter of the God of heaven.

He will say to the Lord: "You are my support and my refuge, 0 my God; in him I shall put my trust."

For he will deliver you from the hunter's snare, and from every troublesome slander.

With his broad shoulders he shall overshadow you, and under his wings you shall rest secure; his truth shall cover you like a shield.

You shall not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day; nor the thing that lurks about in the darkness, nor any calamity or the evil spirit at noon.

A thousand shall fall at your side and ten thousand at your right, but nothing shall come close to you.

Instead, you shall observe with your eyes and see the retribution of the sinners.

For you, Lord, are my hope; you made the Most High my shelter.

No evil shall come to you, and no pestilence shall approach your dwelling.

For he will put his Angels in charge of you to protect you in all your ways.

They will carry you on their hands, lest you stumble your foot against a stone.

You shall tread upon the asp and the viper, and you shall trample upon the lion and the dragon.

Because he hoped in me, I will deliver him; I will shelter him because he knew my name.

He will call on me and I will answer him; I am with him in trouble and I will deliver him and glorify him.

I will satisfy him with length of days and I will show him my salvation.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory to you, 0 God. Lord, have mercy (3). Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

People: (Chant loudly and melodiously the following verses):

TONE PLAGAL II

God is with us, know it you nations and be submissive,
For God is with us.

Hear it to the ends  of the earth.
For God is with us.

You mighty shall be defeated.
For God is with us.

Even if you should prevail, again you will be defeated,
For God is with us.

Whatever plan you conceive, the Lord will destroy,
For God is with us.

Whatever word you shall speak shall not abide among you,
For God is with us.

Your terror we shall never fear, nor be disturbed by it,
For God is with us.

The Lord, our God, him shall we bless, and only him do we fear.
For God is with us.

And if I trust in him, it shall be a blessing to me,
For God is with us.

And I shall trust in him, and shall, be saved by him,
For God is with us.

Lo, I and the children which God has given to me,
For God is with us.

The people that walked in darkness saw a great light,
For God is with us.

Upon us, who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, a light shall shine,
For God is with us.

For a Child was born unto us, a Son, and was given to us,
For God is with us.

Whose government is upon his shoulder,
For God is with us.

And of his peace, there shall be no boundary,
For God is with us.

And his name shall be called: Messenger of the Divine Will,
For God is with us.

Wonderful Counselor,
For God is with us.

Mighty God, Master, Prince of Peace,
For God is with us.

Father of the age to come,
For God is with us.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,
For God is with us.

Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.
For God is with us.

The two choruses together, slowly:

God is with us, know it you nations and be submissive,
For God is with us.

And the reader reads the following Troparia:

Having passed the day, I give thanks to you, Lord; and I ask of you to grant me the evening and the night without sin, 0 my Savior, and save me.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

Now that the day has gone by, I glorify you, Master; I ask of you to grant me the evening and the night without sin, 0 my Savior, and save me.

Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Having traversed the day, I sing hymns to you, 0 Holy One; I ask of you to grant me the evening and the night free of plots, 0 my Savior, and save me.

And we chant in Tone Plagal II

The world of the bodiless Cherubim, with hymns. sings your glory, incessantly.

The six-winged creatures, the Seraphim, with tireless voices do exalt you.

The army of Angels shouts praise to you, by singing thrice;holy hymns.

0 Father, you are before all else, and co-beginningless is your Son.

Holding as equal the Spirit of life, you show how indivisible the Trinity is.

Most Holy Virgin, Mother of God, eye-witness and ministers of the Word.

The host of Prophets and Martyrs all, who now live in immortality.

Intercede constantly for everyone, for all of us are in great distress.

That having been delivered from the evil one, we may sing to you the Angelic song.

Reader:

Holy, Holy, Holy, Thrice Holy Lord, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.

And in a low voice we recite the Creed

I believe in one God, Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all ages.

Light of light, true God of, true God, begotten not made, of one essence with the Father by whom all things were made.

Who for us humans and for our salvation came down from the heavens, took human flesh by the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary and became man.

He was also crucified for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried.

And on the third day, he rose, according to the Scriptures.

And he ascended into the heavens and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

And he will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who spoke through the Prophets.

I believe in One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.

I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins.

I await the resurrection of the dead; and the life of the ages to come. Amen.

Then we chant the following verses

Most Holy Lady Theotokos, for all of us sinners do intercede. (3)

All the heavenly powers of the holy Angels and Archangels, for all of us sinners do intercede. (2)

Holy John, Prophet and Forerunner and Baptizer of our Lord Jesus Christ, for all of us sinners do intercede. (2)

Holy glorious Apostles, Prophets and Martyrs and all the Saints, for all of us sinners do intercede. (2)

Righteous, God;bearing Fathers, Shepherds and Teachers of the Universe, for all of us sinners do intercede. (2)

The invincible and unconquerable and divine power of the precious and life-giving Cross, do not abandon us sinners, all. (2)

The two choruses alternately:

God be gracious on us sinners. (3).

The second chorus:

And have mercy on us. (once)

People:

Amen.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

All-Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions. Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake.

Lord, have mercy. (3)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, they will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Priest:

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.

People:

Amen.

If it happens to be a feastday, we recite the Troparia of the feast. If not, alternately, day by day, the following Troparia:

Tone II

Illumine my eyes, 0 Christ, my God, lest I sleep to death; lest my enemy say: "I prevailed over him."

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

0 God, be the protector of my soul, for I walk in the midst of many snares; deliver me from them and save me, 0 gracious one, as a good friend of man.

Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion.

Since we have no standing because of our many sins, urgently plead with him who was born of you, 0 Virgin Theotokos; for the pleadings of a Mother have much weight toward the favor of the Master; do not overlook the pleas of us sinners, 0 most venerable one, for he who condescended to suffer for us in the flesh is merciful and has the power to save us.

Other Troparia, chanted day by day

Tone Plagal IV

0 Lord, you know the wakefulness of my enemies, and the weakness of my miserable flesh, for you made man. Wherefore, into your hands I shall entrust my spirit. Cover me with the wings of your goodness, lest I sleep unto death; illumine my inner eyes with the delight of your divine words; and awaken me at the right time, that I may sing your glory, as the only good one and true friend of man.

Verse:

Look graciously upon me, and have mercy on me, as you do for those who love your name.

0 how awesome is your judgment, Lord! With the Angels standing by, the humans being brought in, the books of life being opened, the works being uncovered and the thoughts being searched! What judgment shall be on me who has been conceived in sin? Who shall extinguish the flames of my fire? Who shall illumine my darkness: Unless you, Lord, have mercy on me as a true friend of man?

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;

Give me tears, Lord, as you did once to the sinful woman; make me worthy to wet your feet, which freed me from the way of error and to offer you as a fragrant ointment, a pure life built in me through repentance; so that I may also hear your cherished words: "Your faith has saved you, go in peace."

Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen. Theotokion.

Trusting in your unashamable hope, 0 Theotokos, I shall be saved; possessing your protection. Most pure one, I shall not be afraid; I shall pursue my enemies and drive them away wearing only your refuge as a breastplate; and asking for your all;powerful help, I cry to you: 0 Lady, save me, through your intercessions and raise me from this dark slumber through the power of the Son and God born from you, so that I may sing your glory.

People:

Lord, have mercy (40).

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and past compare ;more glorious than the Seraphim, you who without corruption has borne God, the Word, the truly Theotokos, you do we magnify.

In the name of the Lord, Father give the blessing.

Priest:  

Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.

People:

Amen.

Priest: Recites the following prayer of St. Basil:

Lord, Lord, who have delivered us from every arrow that flies by day, deliver us from anything that lurks about in darkness. Accept the lifting of our hands as an evening sacrifice. Make us worthy to traverse the time of night blamelessly, untouched by evil, and redeem us from every disturbance and fear caused by the devil. Grant contrition to our souls and concern to our minds about the accounting at your awesome and just judgment. Nail down our bodies with your fear, and deaden our earthly members, so that even in the quiet of our slumber we may be enlightened by the contemplation of your ordinances. Keep away from us every indecent fantasy and harmful desire. Awaken us in the time of prayer rooted in the faith, and thriving in your instructions; through the good will and goodness of your only;begotten Son with whom you are blessed, together with your all;holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages.

People:

Amen. Come, let us worship and fall down ............... (3).

 

PSALM 50 (51)

Have mercy on me, 0 God, according to your great mercy, and according to the multitude of your compassions, blot out my offense.

Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.

For I am aware of my iniquity, and my sin is continually before me.

Against you only have I sinned and done evil before you, that you might be justified in your words, and emerge victorious when you are judged.

For behold, I was conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother carry and bear me.

For behold, you have loved the truth; you revealed to me the hidden and secret parts of your wisdom.

You shall sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be cleansed; you shall wash me and I will be whiter than snow.

You shall make me hear joy and gladness; the afflicted bones shall rejoice.

Turn away your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, 0 God, and renew a right spirit, in the depths of me.

Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take away your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and strengthen me with a guiding spirit.

I will teach transgressors your ways, and the ungodly shall return to you.

Deliver me from blood;guiltiness, 0 God, the God of my salvation; and my tongue will joyfully sing your justice.

0 Lord, you shall open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise.

For if you desired sacrifice, I would have offered it; you will not be pleased with whole;burnt offerings.

Sacrifice to God is a contrite spirit; a contrite and humbled heart God will not despise.

Do good, Lord, to Zion in your good pleasure, that the walls of Jerusalem may be built.

Then you will be pleased with a sacrifice of justice, offering and whole-burnt sacrifices.

Then shall they offer calves upon your altar.

 

PSALM 101 (102)

0 Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.

Do not turn your face away from me; and whenever I am afflicted, incline your ear to me.

On the day I will call on you, hear me speedily.

For my days have vanished like smoke, and my bones have been parched like dry sticks.

I am withered like grass, and my heart is dried up, for I have forgotten to eat my bread.

From the cries of my groanings, my bones have clung to my flesh.

I have become like the pelikan of the wilderness, I have become like a night-raven in a deserted house.

I went without sleep, and I became like a sparrow perched alone on the roof-top.

All day long, my enemies made fun of me, and my admirers swore against me.

Indeed, I have eaten ashes as if it were bread, and have mixed my drink with tears.

All because of your anger and your wrath, for after lifting me up, you dashed me down.

My days have declined like a shadow, and I am withered like grass.

But you, Lord, endure forever and you shall be remembered from generation to generation.

You shall rise and have mercy on Zion, for it is time to have mercy on her, for the time has come.

For your servants have desired her stones, and felt pity for her dust.

And the nations shall fear your name, Lord, and all the kings of the earth your glory.

For the Lord shall built Zion, and shall be seen in his glory.

He has regarded the prayer of the lowly, and has not despised their petition.

Let this be written for the coming generation, and the people yet to be created shall praise the Lord.

For he has looked out from the height of his dwelling place; the Lord has looked down from heaven upon the earth.

To hear the groanings of those in fetters, to loosen the sons of those put to death,

To proclaim in Zion the name of the Lord, and his praise in Jerusalem.

When the peoples are gathered together, along with their Kings to serve the Lord.

He said to the Lord in the waning of his strength: Tell me, how few my days are.

Do not take me away in the middle of my days; your years are for generations of generations.

In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands.

They shall perish, but you remain; and all shall grow old like a garment.

Like a cloak you shall change them, and they shall be changed, but you are the same, and your years shall never end.

The children of your servants shall dwell secure, and their seed shall prosper forever.

 

PRAYER OF MANASSES, KING OF JUDA

Priest: 

0 Lord, Almighty, the God of our Fathers, of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and of their righteous seed; who created the heaven and the earth with all their adornment; who bound the sea by the word of your command; who shut up the abyss and scaled it;with your awesome and glorious name; whom all things dread and before whose power they tremble, because the majesty of your glory is unbearable and the threat of your anger against the sinners unendurable; yet the mercy of your promise is both, immeasurable and unfathomable, for you are the Lord most high, compassionate, long-suffering and all;merciful, and relent on the wickedness of man.

You, Lord, in the multitude of your goodness promised repentance and forgiveness to those who have sinned against you, and in your infinite compassion appointed repentance for sinners that they may be saved. Therefore, Lord, the God of the powers, you have not appointed repentance for the righteous, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who have not sinned against you, but you appointed repentance for me the sinner, for I have committed more sins than the grains of the sand of the sea. My transgressions have multiplied, Lord; my transgressions have multiplied, and I am not worthy to look up and see the height of the sky from the multitude of my iniquities, being weighted down by many iron chains, so that I cannot raise my head; there is no respite left for me because I provoked your anger and committed evil before you not having done your will and not having kept your commandments. And now I bend the knee of my heart, beseeching your goodness. I have sinned, Lord, I have sinned and I acknowledge my transgressions; but I beg and ask of you: Forgive me, Lord, forgive me and do not destroy me with my transgressions; do not be angry with me forever and keep my evils in me, and do not condemn me to the depths of the earth; for you are God, the God of those who repent, and in me you shall show all your goodness; for even though I am unworthy, you shall save me according to the multitude of your mercy, and I shall praise you without ceasing all the days of my life. For every heavenly power sings your praises, and yours is the glory unto the ages of ages.

People: 

Amen.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

All;Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake. Lord have mercy (3).

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Priest:

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.

People:

Amen.

 

And we chant in a low voice the following penitential Troparia in tone Plagal II

Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, have mercy on us, for lacking every defense, we the sinners address this plea to you, the Master: Have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;

Lord, have mercy on us for we have trusted in you; do not be exceedingly angry with us and remember not our transgressions; but look graciously upon us now as a compassionate one and deliver us from our enemies. For you are our God and we your people, all of us are the works of your hands and we have called upon your name.

Now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

0 blessed Theotokos, open to us the gate of compassion, so that by placing our hopes in you we may not fail; but may be delivered, . through you, from adversity; for you are the salvation of the Christian family.

Lord, have mercy (40).

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and past compare more glorious than the Seraphim, you who without corruption has borne God the Word, the truly Theotokos, you do we magnify.

In the name of the Lord, Father, give the blessing.

Priest: 

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us.

People:

  Amen.

Priest: 

The followingprayer:

0 Master God, Father Almighty, only begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit: One Godhead, one Power, have mercy on me, a sinner, and in your knowing ways save me, your unworthy servant; for you are blessed unto the ages of ages.

People:

Amen.

Come, let us worship and fall down before our King and God (Prostration).

Come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God (Prostration).

Come, let us worship and fall down before the very Christ, our King and our God (Prostration).

 

PSALM 69 (70)

0 God, come to my assistance; Lord hasten to help me. 

Let those who seek my soul be shamed and reproached.

Let those who wish me evil turn back and be disgraced.

Let those who say to me: well done! well done! turn away in shame.

Let those who seek you, 0 God, rejoice and delight in you; and let those who love your salvation always say: The Lord be exalted. .

But I am poor and destitute, 0 God; help me.

You are my helper and my deliverer, Lord; do not delay.

 

PSALM 142 (143)

0 Lord, hear my prayer, lend your ear to my supplication in your truth, and in your justice hear me.

And do not enter into judgment with your servant, for in your sight no living person can be justified.

For the enemy has persecuted my soul, and has brought my life down to the ground.

He has forced me to live in the darkness like those dead for centuries, and my spirit is in anguish, my heart within me is troubled.

I reminisced the days of old, I meditated on all your works, on all the creations of your hands did I contemplate.

I stretched out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like parched land.

Hear me speedily, Lord, my spirit has failed me

Do not turn away your face from me, else I will be like those who go down in the graves.

Make me hear your mercy in the morning, for I have hoped in you.

Make known to me, Lord, the road I should walk on, for I have lifted up my soul to you.

Deliver me from my enemies, Lord, for I have fled to you; teach me to do your will, for you are my God.

May your good Spirit lead me in straight paths; for your name's sake, Lord, you shall give me life.

In your justice you shall bring my soul out of affliction, and in your mercy you shall destroy my enemies.

And will utterly destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am your servant.

 

DOXOLOGY

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will to man.

We praise you, we bless you, we worship you, we glorify you, and we thank you, for your great glory.

Lord, King, Heavenly God, Father Almighty; only;begotten Son, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit.

Lord God, 'the Lamb of God, the Son of the Father who take away the sin of the world, have mercy on us, who take away the sins of the world.

Accept our supplication, you who sit at the right of the Father, and have mercy on us.

For you are the only Holy One, you are the only ;Lord, Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Every evening I shall bless you, and I shall praise your name forever, and unto the centuries of centuries.

Lord, you have become for us a refuge from generation to generation. I have said: Lord, have mercy on me, heal my soul for I have sinned against you.

Lord, to you I have fled; teach me to do your will for you are my God.

For with you is the fountain of life;. in your light we shall see light.

Extend your mercy to those who know you.

Grant, 0 Lord, that in this night we may be kept without sin.

Blessed are you, 0 Lord, the God of our Fathers, and praised and glorified is your name unto the ages. Amen.

Let your mercy, Lord, come upon us, just as we have hoped in you.

Blessed are you, 0 Lord, teach me your rules of life.

Blessed are you, 0 Master, make me understand your rules of life.

Blessed are you, 0 Holy One, enlighten me with your rules of life.

Lord, your mercy remains forever, do not turn away from the works of your hands.

To you becomes praise, to you becomes a hymn, to you becomes glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

During the 1st week in Lent we chant the appropriate segment of the Great Canon each day: "My helper and my shelter..." prefacing each Troparion with the Verse: Have mercy on me, 0 God, have mercy on me.

After the 6th Ode we chant slowly and melodiously the Kontakion: "My soul, my soul.....

After the 9th ode the Irmos: "Of the immaculate conception.....

After the completion of the Troparia of the Canon:

People:

Amen.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

All;Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions. Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake. Lord have mercy (3).

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Priest:

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.

People:

Amen.

 

And we chant the following Troparion with its verses in:

Tone Plagal II

People:

Lord of the Powers, be with us; for other helper have we not, in tribulations but you. Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us.

Verse:    

Praise God in all his Holies; praise him in the firmament of his might.

                  Lord of the Powers, be with us....

Verse:

     Praise him in his sovereign Powers; praise him in the multitude of his greatness.

                  Lord of the Powers, be with us....

Verse:

     Praise him with the sound of the trumpet; praise him with psaltery and harp.               

                  Lord of the Powers, be with us....

Verse:

     Praise him with drums and dancing; praise him with string instruments and organ.          

                  Lord of the Powers, be with us....

Verse:

     Praise him with sweet;sounding cymbals; praise him with cymbals of joy. Let every breath praise the Lord.

                  Lord of the Powers, be with us....

The 1st chorus:

Praise God in his Holies.

The 2nd chorus:

Praise him in the firmament of his might.

The two choruses together: (slower)

People:

Lord of the Powers, be with us; for other helper have we not, in tribulations but you. Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;

Lord, if we did not have your Saints as intercessors, and your goodness feeling compassion for us, how would we dare, 0 Savior, to sing hymns to you, whom the Angels unceasingly bless? 0 you who know our hearts, spare our souls.

Now and ever and to the ages of ages amen. Theotokion.

Great is the multitude of my errors, 0 Mother of God; to you have I fled, 0 Pure one, seeking salvation; visit my ailing soul, and intercede with your Son and our God, to grant me forgiveness for all the evils I have done, 0 only blessed one.

The 1st chorus chants the following: (Words fit the music)

All;Holy Theotokos, in the time of my life, never do forsake me, to any human protection; never trust me blindly, but personally take charge, and have mercy on me.

And the 2nd chorus chants the following: (Words fit the music)

My one and my every hope, now I entrust in you, 0 Mother of God, under your shelter, cover me.

Lord have mercy (40)

Reader:

0 Christ our God, who at all times and at every hour, both in heaven and on earth, are worshipped and glorified, long;suffering and plenteous in mercy and compassion; who love the just and show mercy to the sinners; who call all men to salvation through the promise of the blessings to come: Do you, the same Lord, receive also our supplications at this present time, and direct our lives according to your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set our minds right; clear up our thoughts, and deliver us from every sorrow, evil and distress. Surround us with your holy Angels so that being guarded and guided by their presence, we may arrive at the unity of the faith and the knowledge of your ineffable glory; for blessed are you unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy (3).

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and past compare more glorious than the Seraphim, you who without corruption have borne God the Word, the true Theotokos, you do we magnify.

In the name of the Lord, Father give the blessing.

Priest:  

May God have compassion on us and bless us; May his face shine upon us and have mercy on us.

And we recite the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, making a deep prostration after each verse.

0 Lord and Master of my life, do not permit the spirit of laziness and meddling, the lust for power and idle talk to come into me. (Prostration).

Instead, grant me, your servant, the spirit of prudence, humility, patience and love. (Prostration).

Yes, Lord and King, give me the power to see my own faults and not to judge my brother. (Prostration).

For you are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.

People:

Amen.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3)

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

All-Holy Trinity have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious to our sins. Master, forgive our transgressions. Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities, for your name's sake. Lord have mercy (3).

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Priest:

For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.

People:

Amen. Lord, have mercy. (12)

 

1st Reader:Prayer to the Virgin by Paul the Monk
of the Monastery of Evergetis

0 spotless, unstained, incorruptible, undefiled, pure Virgin, Lady Bride of God, who through your wondrous birth-giving united God the Word with mankind, and linked the fallen nature of our human race with the heavenly; the only hope of the hopeless and the help of the persecuted; the ready support of those who seek refuge in you, and the shelter of all the Christians: do not despise me, the wretched sinner;who have defiled myself with shameful thoughts and words and deeds, and through negligence of thought have become slave to the pleasures of life.

But as the Mother of our compassionate God, and a friend of man, have compassion on me the sinner and prodigal, and accept this prayer from my impure lips; and using your motherly standing, entreat your Son and our Master and Lord to open unto. me the depths of his loving goodness and, overlooking my innumerable faults, to return me to repentance and make me a worthy servant of his commandments. Stand by me forever; in this life as a merciful and compassionate and good and lovingly warm protector and helper, by repulsing the assaults of the adversary and leading me toward salvation; and at the time of my death, by embracing my miserable soul and driving far away from it the dark fares of the evil demons; and at the awesome day of judgment by redeeming me from eternal hell, and proclaiming me an heir of the ineffable glory of your Son and our God. May I enjoy such fate, my Lady, most-holy Theotokos, through your intercession and protection; through the grace and love for mankind of your only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Savior Jesus Christ. To whom belong all glory, honor and worship, together with his beginningless Father, and the all-holy and good and life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

 

2nd Reader:

Prayer to our Lord Jesus Christ
by Antiochus, Monk of Pandektos

And grant to us, Master, as we depart for sleep, rest of body and soul, and preserve us from the gloomy slumber of sin, and from every dark and nocturnal pleasure. Arrest the drives of passion; extinguish the burning arrows of the Evil One which insidiously fly in our direction; suppress the rebellions of our flesh, and calm our every earthly and material thought. And grant to us, 0 God, alert mind, prudent thinking, sober heart, light sleep free of any satanic fantasy. Awaken us at the time of prayer rooted in your commandments and having unbroken within us the remembrance of your ordinances. Grant that we may sing your glory through the night by praising and blessing and glorifying your most honorable and majestic name, of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

 

Again, alternately

Most glorious, ever-virgin, blessed Theotokos, bring our prayer before your Son and our God, and entreat him, through you, to save our souls.

 

Prayer of St. loannikios

The Father is my hope, the Son is my refuge, the Holy Spirit is my shelter, Holy Trinity, glory to you.

My one and my every hope, now I entrust in you, 0 Mother of God, under your shelter cover me.

During the first week in Lent-Monday through Friday, the Priest reads at this time, from the Holy Gate, the Gospel of the day.

Priest:    

And let us beseech the Lord, our God, that we may be counted worthy to hear the holy Gospel.

People:  

Lord, have mercy (3) (intoned)

Priest:    

The reading is from the holy Gospel according to

                  St. Luke (21, 8-36).

People:  

Glory to you, 0 Lord, glory to you.

Priest:    

Let us attend.

(The following Gospel passage is for the first Monday in Lent)

The Lord said: Take. heed that you not be deceived. For many, will come in my name saying, I am he, and, the time has drawn near. Therefore do not go after them. * But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified, for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immediately. Then he said to them: Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences, and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will send some of you to your death. And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head shall be lost. In your patience you will possess your souls.

But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then they. will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.

And He spoke to them a parable: Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you, likewise, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things are fulfilled. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.

But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighted down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.

People:

Glory to you, 0 Lord, glory to you.

Priest:

     Peace be with all.

People:

  And with your spirit.

Priest:  

   Let us bow our heads to the Lord.

People: 

To you, 0 Lord.

Priest: 

Most merciful Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, through the intercessions of our most-pure Lady Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary; through the power of the precious and life-giving Cross; through the protection of the venerable bodiless powers in heaven; through the prayers of the venerable and glorious Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist; of the holy glorious and all-praised Apostles; of the holy glorious and victorious Martyrs; of our venerable and God;bearing Fathers; of the holy and righteous ancestors of the Lord God Joachim and Anna, and of all your Saints: Make our supplication acceptable to you. Grant the remission of our errors. Cover us under the shelter of your wings. Drive away from us everyenemy and foe. Bring peace into our lives. Lord, have mercy on us and your world, and save our souls as a good friend of man.

People: 

Amen.

Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Lord, have mercy (3). Holy Father, give the blessing.

Priest:    

Let us pray for the peace of the world.

People:  Lord, have mercy. (Said after every petition)

For the pious and Orthodox Christians.

For our Archbishop (N), our Bishop (N) and all our brothers and sisters in Christ.

For our absent fathers, brothers and sisters.

For those who hate us and those who love us.

For those who help us and those who serve us.

For those who have asked us, the unworthy, to pray for them.

For the release of the captives.

For those sailing the seas.

For those laid up with illnesses.

Let us also pray for the abundance of the fruits of the earth.

And for all our fathers and brethren departed like life, those who lie here in peace, and  

the Orthodox everywhere.

Let us say for ourselves, also: Lord, have mercy; Lord have mercy; Lord, have mercy.

And all receive forgiveness from the Priest by kissing his right hand while the people chant the following:

All of us, do you protect, 0 Good One, who seek refuge in faith, in your mighty hand; for none other have we, the sinners before God; in danger and in sorrow, forever interceding, for us who are laden by so many faults; Mother of the God the Most High, on our knees we ask you: deliver your servants from all tribulation.

On Tuesday and Thursday evening they chant in Tone I

Watching, 0 Christ, your slaughter the unjust, in torment the Virgin cried to you: 0 my sweetest child, how needlessly you die,, and you hang upon the wood, you who on the waters suspended all the earth. Benefactor, most merciful, do not abandon alone now, your Mother and servant, I pray to you.

Priest:    

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us.

People:

    Amen.

Those living in the Monasteries and the Hermitages, having asked forgiveness from the Elder, retire to their cells where they recite the following prayer:

Lord, forgive those who hate us and those who wrong us; do good to those who do good; to our brethren and relatives, grant their requests for salvation and eternal life; visit the sick and grant them' healing; govern those at sea; accompany the travelers; to those who serve us and those who help us grant remission of sins; forgive those who have asked us to pray for them and have mercy on them according to your great mercy. Remember, Lord, all our fathers and brethren departed this life and rest them where the light of your face shines.  Remember, Lord, our brethren, the captives, and spare them from every tribulation. Remember, Lord those who labor and bring forth fruit in your holy Churches, and grant to them all requests for salvation and eternal life. Remember us, as well, Lord, your humble and sinful servants and illumine our mind with the light of your knowledge and guide us in the way of your commandments; through the intercessions of your most sacred Mother, our Lady Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary, and all your Saints; for you are blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Liturgical Texts courtesy and copyright of Holy Cross Press, Brookline, MA