THE GREAT CANON OF ST ANDREW OF CRETE
Full Canon for Fifth Week of Great Lent.

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T R I O D I O N

Thursday of the Fifth Week of Lent

THE ORDER OF THE GREAT CANON OF SAINT ANDREW OF CRETE.

This service is on Wednesday evening. Matins begins as usual in Lent, till the 8th Kathisma (55-63) and the Sedalion
with its Theotokion. The first half of the Life of Saint Mary of Egypt is now read. Then, after Psalm 50 we at once
begin to sing the Canon anon, leisurely and with compunction. Before each Troparion, we make the sign of the
cross and bow three times, saying: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Song 1.

Eirmos: He is my Helper and Protector, and has become my salvation.
This is my God and I will glorify Him. My father's God and I will
exalt Him. For gloriously has He been glorified. (Exodus 15:2, 1;
Psalm 117:14)

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

1. Where shall I begin to lament the deeds of my wretched life? What
first-fruit shall I offer, O Christ, for my present lamentation? But
in Thy compassion grant me release from my falls.

2. Come, wretched soul, with your flesh, confess to the Creator of
all. In future refrain from your former brutishness, and offer to God
tears in repentance.

3. Having rivalled the first-created Adam by my transgression, I
realize that I am stripped naked of God and of the everlasting kingdom
and bliss through my sins. (Genesis 3)

4. Alas, wretched soul! Why are you like the first Eve? For you have
wickedly looked and been bitterly wounded, and you have touched the
tree and rashly tasted the forbidden food.

5. The place of bodily Eve has been taken for me by the Eve of my mind
in the shape of a passionate thought in the flesh, showing me sweet
things, yet ever making me taste and swallow bitter things.

6. Adam was rightly exiled from Eden for not keeping Thy one
commandment, O Saviour. But what shall I suffer who am always
rejecting Thy living words? (Hebrews 12:25; Genesis 3:23)

7. I have willfully incurred the guilt of Cain's murder, since by
invigorating my flesh I am the murderer of my soul's awareness, and
have warred against it by my evil deeds. (Genesis 4:8)

8. I have not resembled Abel's righteousness, O Jesus. I have never
offered Thee acceptable gifts, nor divine actions, nor a pure
sacrifice, nor an unblemished life. (Genesis 4:4)

9. Like Cain, we too, O wretched soul, have likewise offered to the
Creator of all foul deeds, defective sacrifice and a useless life.
Therefore we too are condemned. (Genesis 4:5; Hebrews 11:4)

10. In molding my clay into life, O Potter, Thou didst put in me flesh
and bones, breath and vitality. But, O my Creator, my Redeemer and
Judge, accept me who repent. (Genesis 2:7; Jeremiah 18:1-10; Romans
9:21)

11. I confess to Thee, O Saviour, the sins I have committed, and the
wounds of my body and soul which murderous thoughts like robbers within
have inflicted upon me. (Luke 10:30)

12. I have sinned, O Saviour, yet I know that Thou art the Lover of
men. Thou strikest compassionately and pitiest warmly. Thou seest me
weeping and runnest towards me as the Father recalling the Prodigal.
(Luke 15:20)

13. In old age even, O Saviour, do not cast me out empty to hell as I
lie prostrate before Thy gates. But before my end, in Thy love for
men, grant me release from my falls.

14. I am the one by my thoughts who fell among robbers; and now I am
all wounded by them, full of sores. But stand by me, O Christ my
Saviour, and heal me. (Luke 10:30)

15. The priest saw me first and passed by on the other side. Then the
Levite took a look at my sufferings and disdained my nakedness. But
stand by me, O Jesus Who didst dawn out of Mary, and have compassion on
me. (Luke 10:31-33)

16. O Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of all, take from me the
heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me tears of
compunction[1] (John 1:29)

17. It is time for repentance. I draw near to Thee, my Creator. Take
from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me tears of
compunction.*

18. Abhor me not, O Saviour, cast me not away from Thy face. Take
from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me release
from my falls.*

19. All my sins, voluntary and involuntary, obvious and secret, known
and unknown, forgive, O Saviour, for Thou art God; be merciful and save
me.

20. From my youth, O Christ, I have rejected Thy commandments. I have
passed my whole life without caring or thinking as a slave of my
passions. Therefore, O Saviour, I cry to Thee: At least in the end
save me.

21. I have squandered in profligacy my substance, O Saviour, and I am
barren of virtues and piety; but famished I cry: O Father of mercies,
forestall and have compassion on me. (Luke 15:13,17)

22. I fall prostrate before Thee, O Jesus. I have sinned against
Thee, be merciful to me. Take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and in
Thy compassion grant me tears of compunction.

23. Enter not into judgment with me, by recording my deeds, demanding
an account of my words, and examining my motives and desires. But in
Thy compassion disregard my terrible past and save me, O God
All-Powerful.

ANOTHER CANON, OF SAINT MARY OF EGYPT to the same Tone and Eirmos:

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Grant me that illuminating grace from on high
given thee by Divine Providence that I may escape the darkening of the
passions and fervently sing of the thrilling achievements of thy life,
O Mary.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: By submitting to Christ's divine laws Thou didst
draw near to Him, having left the unbridled craving for pleasure, and
with all discretion thou didst achieve every virtue as one.

Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.

To St. Andrew of Crete: By thy prayers, O Andrew, deliver us from
degrading passions, and make us who with faith and love sing of thee
partakers now of the Kingdom of Christ, O renowned father, we pray.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

To The Trinity: Superessential Trinity, adored in Unity, take from me
the heavy yoke of sin, and in Thy compassion grant me tears of
compunction.

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

Theotokion: Mother of God, hope and intercessor of those who sing of
thee, take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and as thou art our pure
Lady, accept me who repent.

Song 2.

Eirmos: Attend, O heaven, and I will speak, and will sing of Christ who
came to dwell among us in flesh which He took from the Virgin.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

1. Attend, O heaven, and I will speak; O earth, give ear to a voice
repenting to God and singing praises to Him.

2. Attend to me, O God my Saviour, with Thy merciful eye, and accept
my fervent confession. (Proverbs 15:3; Psalm 33:15)

3. I have sinned above all men, I alone have sinned against Thee. But
as God have compassion, O Saviour, on Thy creature. (I Timothy 1:15)

4. A storm of passions besets me, O compassionate Lord. But stretch
out Thy hand to me too, as to Peter. (Matthew 14:31)

5. The tears of the harlot, O merciful Lord, I too offer to Thee. Be
merciful to me, O Saviour, in Thy compassion. (Luke 7:38; 18:13)

6. I have darkened the beauty of my soul with passionate pleasures,
and my whole mind I have reduced wholly to mud.

7. I have torn my first garment which the Creator wove for me in the
beginning, and therefore I am lying naked. (Genesis 3:21)

8. I have put on a torn coat, which the serpent wove for me by
argument, and I am ashamed. (Genesis 3:4-5)

9. I looked at the beauty of the tree, and my mind was seduced; and
now I lie naked, and I am ashamed. (Genesis 3:7)

10. All the demon-chiefs of the passions have plowed on my back, and
long has their tyranny over me lasted. (Psalm 128:3)

11. I have lost my first-created beauty and comeliness; and now I lie
naked, and I am ashamed.

12. Sin which stripped me of my former God-woven clothing has also
sewn on me coats of skin. (Genesis 3:21)

13. I am wrapped in a garment of shame as with fig leaves, in reproof
of my selfish passions.

14. I am clad in a coat that is spotted and shamefully bloodstained by
the flow of my passionate and pleasure-loving life.

15. I have stained the coat of my flesh, and soiled what is in Thy
image and likeness, O Saviour.

16. I fell under the burden of passions and corruption of matter, and
from then until now I am oppressed by the enemy.

17. Having preferred a possessive and pleasure-loving life to
spiritual poverty, O Saviour, I am now harnessed with a heavy yoke.
(Matthew 5:3)

18. I have adorned the idol of my flesh with the many-coloured
clothing of shameful thoughts, and I am condemned. (I John 5:21)

19. I have been anxiously concerned only about outward adornment, and
have neglected the inner temple made in the image of God. (I Peter
3:3-4)

20. Having formed by my pleasure-loving desires the deformity of my
passions, I have marred the beauty of my mind.

21. I have buried with passions the beauty of the original image, O
Saviour. But seek and find it, like the lost coin. (Luke 15:8)

22. Like the harlot I cry to Thee: I have sinned, I alone have sinned
against Thee. Accept my tears also, O Saviour, as perfume. (Luke
7:37-50)

23. I have slipped and fallen like David through lack of discipline,
and I am covered with filth; but wash me too, O Saviour, with my
tears. (II Kings 11:1-4)

24. Like the publican I cry to Thee: Be merciful, O Saviour, be
merciful to me; for no child of Adam has sinned as I against Thee.
(Luke 18:13)

25. No tears, no repentance have I, no compunction. But as God, O
Saviour, grant me these.

26. Close not Thy door to me then, Lord, Lord; but open it to me who
repent to Thee. (Matthew 25:11)

27. O Lover of men, Who wishest all to be saved, in Thy goodness
recall me and receive me who repent. (I Timothy 2:4)

28. Give ear to the sighs and groans of my soul, and accept the drops
of my eyes, O Saviour, and save me.

Refrain: Most holy Mother of God, save us.

Theotokion: Spotless Mother of God, only all-hymned Virgin, pray
intensely that we may be saved.

Another Eirmos: See, see that I am God, Who rained manna and made water
spout from the rock of old for my people in the wilderness, by My right
hand, and by My strength alone.

29. See, see that I am God: give ear, my soul, to the Lord Who is
appealing to you, and tear yourself from your former sin, and fear Him
as the Avenger, and as your Judge and God. (Deuteronomy 32:35; Hebrews
10:30)

30. Whom do you resemble, O most sinful soul? Surely the first Cain
and that wicked Lamech. For you have stoned your body with evil deeds,
and you have murdered your mind with irrational appetites. (Genesis 4;
4:23)

31. Running through all who lived before the Law, my soul, you have
not been like Seth, nor imitated Enos, nor Enoch by translation, nor
Noah. But you are seen to be bereft of the life of the righteous.
(Genesis 5)

32. You alone have opened the cataracts of the wrath of God, my soul,
and have flooded as the earth all your flesh and actions and life, and
have remained outside the Ark of Salvation. (Genesis 6-8)

33. "I have killed a man to the wounding of myself," said Lamech, "and
a young man to my own hurt," he cried out wailing. But you, my soul,
do not tremble, while polluting the flesh and defiling the mind.
(Genesis 4:23)

34. O how I have emulated that old murderer Lamech! By my
pleasure-loving cravings I have killed my soul as the man, my mind as
the young man, and my body as my brother, like Cain the murderer.
(Genesis 4:23)

35. You would have contrived to build a tower, my soul, and erect a
stronghold for your lusts, had not the Creator confounded your plans
and brought your schemes crashing to earth. (Genesis 11:3-4)

36. I am struck and wounded! See the arrows of the enemy with which
my soul and body are pierced all over! See the wounds, the sores and
the mutilations that cry out and betray the blows of my self-chosen
passions!

37. The Lord rained fire from the Lord of old, and burnt up the wanton
wickedness of Sodom. But you, my soul, have kindled the fire of hell,
in which you are about to be bitterly burnt. (Genesis 19:24)

38. Know and see that I am God, Who searches hearts, punishes
thoughts, reproves actions, and burns sins, and judges the orphan, the
humble and the poor. (Deuteronomy 10:18; Psalm 67:5)

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Thou didst stretch out thy hands to the merciful
God, O Mary, when sunk in the lowest vices. And He Who by every means
was seeking thy conversion, lovingly stretched out a helping hand as to
Peter.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: With all eagerness and love thou didst run to
Christ, abandoning thy former way of sin. And being nourished in the
untrodden wilderness, thou didst chastely fulfil His divine
commandments.

Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.

To St. Andrew of Crete: Let us see, let us see, O soul, our Lord and
God's love for men. So before the end let us fall down before Him with
tears and cry: By the prayers of Andrew, O Saviour, have mercy on us.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

To The Trinity: Unoriginate, uncreated Trinity, indivisible Unity,
accept me who repent, save me who have sinned. I am Thy creation,
despise me not, but spare me and deliver me from the fire of
condemnation.

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

Theotokion: Spotless lady, Mother of God, hope of those who run to
thee, and haven of those in distress, obtain grace for me from the
merciful One, Thy Son and Creator, by thy prayers.

Song 3.

Eirmos: Establish Thy Church on the unshakable rock of Thy
commandments, O Christ,

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

1. The Lord rained fire from the Lord, my soul, and burnt up the
former land of Sodom. (Genesis 19:24)

2. Escape to the mountain like Lot, my soul, and make Zoar your refuge
in time. (Genesis 19:22)

3. Run from the burning, my soul! Run from the heat of Sodom! Run
from the destruction of the divine flame. (Deuteronomy 4:24; Hebrews
12:29)

4. I confess to Thee, O Saviour, I have sinned, I have sinned against
Thee, but absolve and forgive me in Thy compassion.

5. I alone have sinned against Thee, sinned above all men. O Christ
my Saviour, spurn me not.

6. Thou art the good Shepherd; seek me, Thy lamb, and neglect not me
who have gone astray. (John 10:11-14)

7. Thou art my sweet Jesus, Thou art my Creator; in Thee, O Saviour, I
shall be justified.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

To The Trinity: O Trinity, Unity, God, save us from delusion and
temptations and distressing circumstances.

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

Theotokion: Rejoice, God-receiving womb! Rejoice, throne of the Lord!
Rejoice, Mother of our Life!

Another Eirmos: Establish, O Lord, my unstable heart on the rock of Thy
commandments, for Thou only art Holy and Lord.

8. In Thee, the Conqueror of death, I have found the Source of Life,
and from my heart I cry to Thee before my end: I have sinned, be
merciful, save me.

9. I have imitated those who were licentious in Noah's time, and I
have earned a share in their condemnation of drowning in the flood.
(Genesis 6)

10. I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned against Thee. Be merciful to
me. For there is no one who has sinned among men whom I have not
surpassed by my sins.

11. You have imitated Ham, that spurner of his father, my soul. You
have not concealed your neighbour's shame by returning to him looking
backwards.[2] (Genesis 9:20-27)

12. You have not inherited Shem's blessing, wretched soul, nor have
you received that vast possession like Japheth in the land of
forgiveness. (Genesis 9:26-27)

13. Come out, my soul, from sin, from the land of Haran! Come into
the land of eternal life flowing with incorruption which Abraham
inherited. (Genesis 12:4)

14. You have heard, my soul, how Abraham of old left the land of his
fathers and became a nomad. Imitate his resolution. (Genesis 12:1)

15. At the Oak of Mamre the Patriarch entertained Angels, and
inherited in his old age the spoil of the promise. (Genesis 18:1)

16. Knowing, my wretched soul, how Isaac was mystically offered to the
Lord as a new sacrifice and holocaust, imitate his resolution. (Genesis
22:2)

17. You have heard of Ishmael (be watchful, my soul!) who was driven
out as the son of a slave-girl. Beware lest you suffer something
similar by your lusting. (Genesis 21:10)

18. You, my soul, have become like Hagar the Egyptian of old. You
have become enslaved by your own choice and have a new Ishmael -
stubborn self-will. (Genesis 16:15)

19. You know, my soul, of the Ladder shown to Jacob reaching from
earth to Heaven. Why have you not clung to the sure step of piety?
(Genesis 28:12)

20. Imitate that Priest of God and solitary King who was an image of
the life of Christ in the world among men. (cf. Melchizedek: Hebrews
7:1-4; Genesis 14:18)

21. Do not be a pillar of salt, my soul, by turning back; but let the
example of the Sodomites frighten you, and take refuge up in Zoar.
(Genesis 19:26)

22. Run, my soul, like Lot from the fire of sin; run from Sodom and
Gomorrah; run from the flame of every irrational desire. (Genesis 19)

23. Have mercy, O Lord, have mercy on me, I implore Thee, when Thou
comest with Thy Angels to requite us all as our actions deserve.

24. Reject not the prayer of those who praise Thee, O Lord; but have
compassion on us, O Lover of men, and to those who ask with faith grant
forgiveness.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: I am hard pressed by the waves and billows of my
sins, mother. But now bring me safely through, and lead me to the
haven of divine repentance.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: In offering a fervent prayer at this time to the
compassionate Mother of God, O Saint, by thy intercession open to me
the divine right of entry.

Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.

To St. Andrew of Crete: By thy prayers grant me release from my debts,
O Andrew, prelate of Crete, for thou art an unsurpassed guide to the
mysteries of repentance.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

To The Trinity: Simple, uncreated Unity, unoriginate Nature praised in
a Trinity of Persons, save us who with faith worship Thy power.

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

Theotokion: O Mother of God, unwedded thou gavest birth in time to the
timeless Son of the Father, And - O strange wonder! - thou remainest a
Virgin while suckling Him.

And again the Eirmos:

Establish, O Lord, my unstable heart on The rock of Thy commandments,
for Thou only art Holy and Lord.

Little Litany: Again and again in peace ...

Exclamation: For Thou art our God ...

Sedalion, tone 8, the work of Joseph:

O divinely shining lights, Apostles and eyewitnesses of the Saviour,
enlighten us in the darkness of life, that we may walk honestly as in
the day, routing the passions of the night with the lamp of temperance
and continence, and may see the glorious Passion of Christ rejoicing.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

Another, the work of Theodore:

O God-chosen band of the Twelve Apostles, offer now especially prayer
to Christ, that we may all finish the course of the Fast, completing
the prayers with compunction, and zealously practising the virtues,
that we may attain to see the glorious Resurrect ion of Christ our God,
offering Him glory and praise.

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

Theotokion: Pray with the Apostles, O Mother of God, to the
incomprehensible Son and Word of God, Who beyond understanding was
ineffably born of thee, that He may bestow true peace on the world, and
before our end grant us forgiveness of sins, and in thy extreme
goodness make thy servants fit for the Kingdom of Heaven.

Second half of the Life of Saint Mary of Egypt is read here.

TRIODION or THREE SONGS (without bows) The work of Joseph.

Song 4. Tone 8.

Eirmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy plan, I contemplate
Thy works and glorify Thy divine nature.

Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.

Troparia:

1. Having lived in continence,[3] the enlightened Apostles of Christ
make easy for us the time of continence by their divine intercessions.

2. Like a twelve-stringed instrument, the divine choir of the
Disciples sings the song of salvation, and confounds the racket of the
evil one.

3. With showers of the Spirit, O all-blessed Apostles, you have
watered everything under the sun and banished the drought of
polytheism.

Refrain: Most holy Mother of God, save us.

Theotokion: Humble and save me who have lived high-mindedly, O all-pure
Virgin, who gavest birth to Him Who exalted our humbled nature.

ANOTHER TRIODION, the work of Theodore.

Eirmos: I have heard, O Lord, the report of Thee, and am afraid. I
contemplate Thy works and glorify Thy power, O Lord.

Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.

Troparia:

4. Most holy choir of Apostles, pray to the Creator of all and ask Him
to have mercy on us who sing your praises.

5. As workers who cultivated the whole world with the word of God, O
Apostles of Christ, you always offered Him your fruits.

6. You were a vineyard for the truly beloved Christ, for from you the
wine of the Spirit gushed into the world, O Apostles.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

To The Trinity: Eternal, co-equal, all-powerful Holy Trinity; Father,
Word and Holy Spirit; God, Light and Life, guard Thy flock.

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

Theotokion: Rejoice, fiery throne! Rejoice, luminous lamp! Rejoice,
mountain of sanctification, ark of life, tabernacle, holy of holies.

CONTINUATION OF THE GREAT CANON.

Song 4.

Eirmos: The Prophet heard of Thy coming, O Lord, and was afraid that
Thou wast to be born of a Virgin and appear to men, and he said "I have
heard the report of Thee and am afraid." Glory to Thy power, O Lord.
(Habbakuk 3:2)

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

1. Despise not Thy works and forsake not Thy creation, O just Judge
and Lover of men, though I alone have sinned as a man more than any
man. But being Lord of all, Thou hast power to pardon sins. (Mark
2:10)

2. The end is drawing near, my soul, is drawing near! But you neither
care nor prepare. The time is growing short. Rise! The Judge is near
at the very doors. Like a dream, like a flower, the time of this life
passes. Why do we bustle about in vain? (Matthew 24:33; Psalm 38:7)

3. Come to your senses, my soul! Consider the deeds you have done,
and bring them before your eyes, and pour out the drops of your tears.
Boldly tell your thoughts and deeds to Christ, and be acquitted.

4. There has never been a sin or act or vice in life that I have not
committed, O Saviour. I have sinned in mind, word and choice, in
purpose, will and action, as no one else has ever done.

5. Therefore I am condemned, wretch that I am, therefore I am doomed
by my own conscience, than which there is nothing in the world more
rigorous. O my Judge and Redeemer Who knowest my heart, spare and
deliver and save me, Thy servant.

6. The ladder of old which the great Patriarch saw, my soul, is a
model of mounting by action and ascent by knowledge. So, if you wish
to live in activity, knowledge and contemplation, be renewed. (Genesis
28:12; Romans 12:2; Titus 3:5)

7. Because of his crying need the Patriarch endured the scorching heat
of the day, and he bore the frost of the night, daily making gains,
shepherding, struggling, slaving, in order to win two wives. (Genesis
29:16-30; 31-40)

8. By the two wives understand action and direct knowledge in
contemplation: Leah as action, for she had many children, and Rachel as
knowledge, which is obtained by much labour. For without labours, my
soul, neither action nor contemplation will achieve success.

9. Watch, my soul! Be courageous like the great Patriarchs, that you
may acquire activity and awareness, and be a mind that sees God, and
may reach in contemplation the innermost darkness, and be a great
trader. (Genesis 32:28; Luke 19:13-15)

10. The great Patriarch, by begetting the twelve Patriarchs,
mystically set up for you, my soul, a ladder of active ascent, having
wisely offered his children as rungs, and his steps as ascents.

11. You have emulated the hated Esau, my soul, and have given up your
birthright of pristine beauty to your supplanter, and you have lost
your father's blessing, and have been tripped up twice in action and
knowledge. Therefore, O wretch, repent now. ( Genesis 25:31; 27:37)

12. Esau was called Edom for his extreme passion of madness for
women. For ever burning with incontinence and stained with pleasures,
he was named Edom, which means a red-hot sin-loving soul. (Genesis
25:30)

13. Have you heard of Job who was made holy on a dunghill, O my soul?
You have not emulated his courage, nor had his firmness of purpose in
all you have learned or known, or in your temptations, but you have
proved unpersevering. (Job 1)

14. He who was formerly on a throne is now naked on a dunghill and
covered with sores. He who had many children and was much admired is
suddenly childless and homeless. Yet he regarded the dunghill as a
palace and his sores as pearls. (Job 2:7-8)

15. The opulent and righteous man, arrayed in royal dignity, crown and
purple, abounding in wealth and cattle, was suddenly shorn of his
riches, glory and kingdom and became a beggar.

16. If he who was righteous and blameless beyond all did not escape
the snares and nets of the deceiver, what will you do, my soul, who are
sin-loving and wretched, if something unexpected happens to you?

17. My body is defiled, my spirit is sullied, and I am all covered
with sores. But as the Physician, O Christ, heal, wash and cleanse
both body and spirit with repentance, and make me, my Saviour, purer
than snow.

18. Thou didst lay down Thy body and blood for ail, O crucified Word:
Thy body in order to renew me, Thy blood in order to wash me, and Thou
didst surrender Thy spirit, O Christ, in order to bring me to the
Father.

19. Thou hast wrought salvation in the midst of the earth, O merciful
Creator, that we may be saved. Thou wast voluntarily crucified on the
Tree: Eden that was closed is open; things on high and below, creation
and all peoples are saved and worship Thee. (Psalm 73:12)

20. May the blood and water that wells from Thy side be a font for me
and a draught of forgiveness, that I may be cleansed, anointed and
refreshed by both as with drink and unction by Thy living words, O
Word. (John 19:34; Acts 7:38)

21. I am bereft of the bridal hall, I am bereft of the marriage and
supper. My lamp has gone out for want of oil, the door has been locked
while I was asleep; the supper is eaten; and I, bound hand and foot, am
cast outside. (Matthew 25; Luke 14:7-35; Matthew 22:1-14)

22. The Church has acquired Thy life-giving side as a chalice, from
which gushes forth for us a twofold torrent of forgiveness and
knowledge as a type of the two covenants, Old and New, O our Saviour.

23. Brief is my lifetime and full of pain and wickedness, but accept
me in penitence and recall me to awareness of Thee. May I never be the
possession or food of the enemy. O Saviour, have compassion on me.
(Genesis 47:9)

24. Boastful I am, and hard-hearted, all in vain and for nothing.
Condemn me not with the Pharisee, but rather grant me the humility of
the Publican, O only merciful and just Judge, and number me with him.
(Luke 18:9-14)

25. I have sinned, I know, O merciful Lord, and outraged the vessel of
my flesh, but accept me in penitence and recall me to awareness of
Thee. May I never be the possession or food of the enemy. O Saviour,
have compassion on me.

26. I am become my own idol, and have injured my soul with passions, O
merciful Lord, but accept me in penitence and recall me to awareness of
Thee. May I never be the possession or food of the enemy. O Saviour,
have compassion on me.

27. I have not listened to Thy voice, I have disobeyed Thy Scripture,
O Lawgiver, but accept me in penitence and recall me to awareness of
Thee. May I never be the possession or food of the enemy. O Saviour,
have compassion on me.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: By living a bodiless life in a body, O Saint,
thou hast truly received great grace from God to intercede for those
who faithfully honour thee. Therefore we implore thee: deliver us by
thy prayers from trials of all kinds.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Though dragged down to the depth of great
offences, thou wast not held there. But with better thought thou didst
return by action to consummate virtue beyond all expectation, to the
amazement of angel kind, O Mary.

Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.

To St. Andrew of Crete: O Andrew, glory of the Fathers, standing before
the transcendingly divine Trinity, by thy prayers cease not to
intercede that we who invoke thee with love may be delivered from
torment, O divine intercessor, adornment of Crete.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

To The Trinity: I confess Thee to be undivided in essence, unconfused
in persons, One Triune Divinity, co-enthroned and co-reigning. I sing
Thee the great song thrice sung on high.

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

Theotokion: Thou givest birth and livest a virgin life, and in both
remainest a virgin by nature. He Who is born of thee renews the laws
of nature, and a womb gives birth without travail. Where God wills,
the order of nature is overruled; for He does whatever He wishes.

Song 5.

Eirmos: Out of the night watching early for Thee, enlighten me, I pray,
O Lover of men, and guide even me in Thy commandments, and teach me, O
Saviour, to do Thy will.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

1. I have passed my life ever in night, for the night of sin has been
to me thick fog and darkness; but make me, O Saviour, a Son of the
day. (Ephesians 5:8)

2. Like Reuben, wretch that I am, I have planned an unprincipled and
lawless act against God Most High, having defiled my bed as he defiled
that of his father. (Genesis 35:21; 49:3-4)

3. I confess to Thee, O Christ my King: I have sinned, I have sinned,
like Joseph's brothers of old, who sold the fruit of purity and
chastity. (Genesis 37)

4. Righteous Joseph was given up by his brothers, that sweet soul was
sold into slavery, as a type of the Lord; and you, my soul, have sold
yourself completely to your vices. (Genesis 37:27-28)

5. Imitate, wretched and worthless soul, righteous Joseph and his pure
mind, and do not be wanton with irrational desires, ever
transgressing. (Genesis 39:7-23)

6. If Joseph of old also occupied a pit, O Sovereign Lord, yet it was
as a type of Thy Burial and Rising. But will I ever offer Thee
anything like it? (Genesis 37)

7. You have heard, my soul, of Moses' ark of old, borne on the waters
and waves of the river as in a shrine, which escaped the bitter tragedy
of Pharaoh's edict. (Exodus 1:22 - 2:3)

8. If you have heard of the midwives, wretched soul, who of old killed
in infancy the manly issue and practice of chastity, then like the
great Moses, suck wisdom. (Exodus 1:16; 2-9; Acts 7:22)

9. You, wretched soul, have not struck and killed your Egyptian mind,
like great Moses. Say, then, how will you dwell in that desert
solitude where the passions desert you through repentance? (Exodus
2:12)

10. Great Moses dwelt in the wilds, my soul. So go and imitate his
life, that you too may attain by contemplation to the vision of God in
the bush. (Exodus 3:1)

11. Imagine Moses' staff striking the sea and fixing the deep as a
type of the divine Cross, by which you too, my soul, can accomplish
great things. (Exodus 14:16)

12. Aaron offered to God the fire pure and undefiled; but Hophni and
Phinehas, like you, my soul, offered to God a foul and rebellious
life. (Leviticus 9:21-24; I Kings 2:12-34)

13. How heavy in character I have become, in soul and body, like
Jannes and Jambres in Pharaoh's bitter service, and my mind has sunk
low. But help me, O Lord. (Exodus 7:11; II Timothy 3:8)

14. I, wretch that I am, have rolled my mind in mud. But wash me, O
Lord, in the bath of my tears, I pray Thee, and make the robe of my
flesh as white as snow.

15. When I examine my actions, O Saviour, I see that I have gone
beyond all men in sins; for I have sinned with knowledge consciously,
and not in ignorance.

16. Spare, spare, O Lord, Thy works. I have sinned; forgive me, for
Thou alone art pure by nature, and apart from Thee there is none
without defilement. (I Peter 3:21)

17. Being God, for my sake Thou didst take my form, and didst work
miracles, healing lepers and bracing paralytics; and Thou didst stop
the flow of blood of the woman with hemorrhage, O Saviour, through the
touch of Thy hem. (Philemon 2:6; Matthew 4:24; Luke 8:43-48)

18. Imitate, wretched soul, the woman with hemorrhage. Run to Christ
and hold His hem, that you may be healed of your maladies and hear from
Him, "Your faith has saved you." (Matthew 9:22)

19. Imitate, my soul, the woman bent earthward; come and fall down at
the feet of Jesus, that He may straighten you to walk upright in the
footsteps of the Lord. (Luke 13:11)

20. Though Thou art a deep well, O Lord, pour on me streams from Thy
immaculate wounds, that like the Samaritan woman I may drink and thirst
no more; for from Thee gush rivers of life. (John 4:13-15)

21. May my tears be for me a Siloam, O Sovereign Lord, that I may wash
the eyes of my soul and mentally see Thee Who art that light which was
before creation. (John 9:7; Genesis 1:2-19)

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Thou, all-blessed one, didst yearn with matchless
love and longing to worship the Tree of Life, and thy desire was
granted; make us also worthy to attain to the glory on high.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Having crossed Jordan's stream, thou didst find
rest by giving a wide berth to the deadening pleasure of the flesh,
from which deliver us also by thy prayers, O saint.

Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.

To St. Andrew of Crete: Eminent as the best of pastors, O wise Andrew,
I pray thee with great love and veneration that by thy intercessions I
may obtain salvation and eternal life.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

To The Trinity: Thee, O Trinity, we glorify, the one God: Holy, Holy,
Holy art Thou, Father, Son and Spirit, simple Being, Unity ever
adored.

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

Theotokion: From thee, O pure maiden Mother and Virgin, God Who created
the worlds and ages was clad in my clay and united to Himself human
nature.

Song 6.

Eirmos: I cried with my whole heart to the merciful God, and He heard
me from the lowest hell and raised my life out of corruption.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

1. I sincerely offer Thee with a pure intention, O Saviour, the tears
of my eyes and groans from the depths of my heart, crying: O God, I
have sinned against Thee; be merciful to me. (Luke 18:13)

2. You, my soul, have revolted from the Lord like Dathan and Abiram.
But with all your heart cry, "Spare!" that a yawning gulf of the earth
may not swallow you. (Numbers 16)

3. Like a stampeding heifer stung to madness, my soul, you have
resembled Ephraim. Winged with action, resolve and contemplation, save
your life like a gazelle from the noose. (Hosea 4:16)

4. Let Moses' hand assure us, my soul, how God can whiten and cleanse
a leprous life. So do not despair of yourself, even though you are
leprous. (Exodus 4:6-8)

5. The waves of my sins, O Saviour, as in the Red Sea recoiled and
covered me unawares, like the Egyptians of old and their charioteers.
(Exodus 14:7-31)

6. Like Israel of old, my soul, you have had a foolish affection. For
like a brute you have preferred to divine manna the pleasure-loving
gluttony of the passions. (Numbers 21:5; I Corinthians 10:9)

7. The wells of Canaanite thoughts, my soul, you have prized above the
Rock with the cleft from which the river of wisdom like a chalice pours
forth streams of theology. (Genesis 21:23; Exodus 17:6)

8. Swine's flesh and hotpots and Egyptian food you, my soul, have
preferred to heavenly manna, as of old the senseless people in the
wilderness. (Exodus 16:3; Numbers 11:4-7)

9. When Thy servant Moses struck the rock with his staff, he
mystically typified Thy life-giving side, O Saviour, from which we all
draw the water of life. (Numbers 20:11; I Corinthians 10:4)

10. Explore and spy out the Land of Promise like Joshua the Son of
Nun, my soul, and see what it is like, and settle in it by observing
the laws. (Joshua 2)

11. Rise and make war against the passions of the flesh, as Joshua did
against Amalek, and ever conquer the Gibeonites - illusive thoughts.
(Exodus 17:8; Joshua 8:21)

12. Pass through the flowing nature of time, like the Ark of old, and
take possession of the Land of Promise, my soul: It is God's command.
(Joshua 3:17; Deuteronomy 1:8)

13. As Thou savedst Peter when he cried, "Save me!" forestall and
deliver me from the beast, O Saviour; stretch out Thy hand and raise me
from the depths of sin. (Matthew 14:25-31)

14. I know Thee as a calm haven, O Lord, Lord Christ; but forestall
and deliver me from the innermost depths of sin and despair.

15. I am the coin with the royal image which was lost of old, O
Saviour. But light the lamp, Thy Forerunner, O Word; seek and find Thy
image. (Luke 15:8)

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: To extinguish the flame of the passions, O Mary,
thou didst ever shed rivers of tears and fire thy soul with divine
love. Grant also to me, thy servant, the grace of tears.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Thou didst acquire heavenly dispassion by thy
sublime life on earth, O mother. Therefore pray that those who sing of
thee my be delivered from the grip of passions.

Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.

To St. Andrew of Crete: Knowing thee to be the shepherd and prelate of
Crete and intercessor for the world, O Andrew, I run to thee and cry:
Deliver me, father, from the depths of sin.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

To The Trinity: I am the Trinity, simple and undivided, divided
Personally, and I am the Unity, united in nature, says the Father, the
Son, and the Divine Spirit.

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

Theotokion: Thy womb bore God for us Who took our form. Implore Him as
the Creator of all, O Mother of God, that through thy intercessions we
may be justified.

And again the Eirmos:

I cried with my whole heart to the merciful God, and He heard me from
the lowest hell and raised my life out of corruption.

Little Litany: Again and again in peace ...

Exclamation: For Thou art the King of Peace and Saviour of our souls,
and to Thee we send up the glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to
the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Kontakion, tone 6:

My soul, my soul, arise! Why are you sleeping? The end is drawing
near, and you will be confounded. Awake, then, and be watchful, that
Christ our God may spare you, Who is everywhere present and fills all
things.

Eikos:

Seeing Christ's healing temple opened, and how health Streams from Him
to Adam, the devil suffered and was stricken. Then he wailed as if in
mortal danger and to his friends raised a bitter howl: what shall I do
to the Son of Mary? The Bethlehemite is killing illing me, Who is
everywhere present and fills all things.

Then we sing the Beatitudes:

In Thy Kingdom remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom.

1. Thou didst make the Robber a citizen of Paradise on the Cross when
he cried to Thee, O Christ, "Remember me!" Make me, unworthy as I am,
also worthy of his repentance. (Luke 23:42,43)

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

2. Have you heard, my soul, of Manoah of old who saw God in a waking
vision and received from his barren wife the fruit of God's promise?
Let us imitate his piety. (Judges 13)

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

3. You, my soul, have emulated Samson's easy-going laxity; you have
shorn the glory of your deeds, and by love of pleasure have surrendered
to the Philistines a chaste and blessed life. (Judges 14)

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

4. He who conquered the Philistines with an ass's jawbone is now found
to be a dissolute slave of passionate intercourse. But avoid, my soul,
his example, his action, his laxity.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they
shall be filled.

5. Barak and Jephthah, military leaders, with manly-minded Deborah,
were promoted to be Judges of Israel. Learn courage from their heroic
deeds, my soul, and master yourself. (Judges 4:11)

Blessed are the merciful, for the shall obtain mercy.

6. You know, my soul, of Jael's bravery, who impaled Sisera of old and
wrought salvation with a tent-peg, by which (are you listening?) the
Cross is typified to you. (Judges 5)

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

7. Offer the sacrifice of praise, my soul, offer action as a daughter
purer than Jephthah's, and slay your carnal passions as a sacrifice to
your Lord. (Judges 11)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

8. Think, my soul, of Gideon's fleece. Receive the dew from Heaven;
stoop down like a dog and drink the water that flows from the Law by
the pressure of study. (Judges 6-8)

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for
theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

9. You, my soul, for lack of understanding have drawn upon yourself
the priest Eli's condemnation, by allowing the passions to act sinfully
in you, as he allowed his children. (I Kings 2-4)

Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all
manner of evil against you falsely and on My account.

10. The Levite among the Judges, by negligence, divided his wife among
the twelve tribes, my soul, in order to blazon the lawless outrage of
Benjamin. (Judges 19-20)

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven.

11. Chaste Hannah when praying moved her lips in praise, while her
voice was not yet heard; but yet, though barren, she bears a son her
prayer deserved. (I Kings 1)

Remember us, O Lord, when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom.

12. Hannah's child, the great Samuel, was reckoned among the Judges,
and he was brought up in Arimathea and in the House of the Lord.
Imitate him, my soul, and before judging others, judge your own
actions. (I Kings 16:13)

Remember us, O Master, when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom.

13. David was chosen to be king, and he was royally anointed with the
horn of divine oil. So if you, my soul, desire the Kingdom on high, be
anointed with the oil of tears.

Remember us, O Holy One, when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom.

14. Have mercy on Thy creation, O merciful Lord; have compassion on
the work of Thy hands, and spare all who have sinned, and even me who
above all have ignored Thy commands.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

To The Trinity: Unoriginate both by generation and procession, the
Father Who begot I worship, I glorify the Son Who is begotten, and I
hymn the Holy Spirit, co-effulgent with the Father and the Son.

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

Theotokion: We worship thy supernatural childbirth, without dividing
the natural glory of thy Child, O Mother of God. For He is confessed
to be one in Person and twofold in Nature.

Song 7.

Eirmos: We have sinned, transgressed, done wrong before Thee, we have
not watched or done as Thou hast commanded us. But do not give us up
utterly, O God of our Fathers.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

1. I have sinned, offended and rejected Thy commandment, for I have
advanced in sins and added wounds to my sores. But in Thy compassion
have mercy on me, O God of our Fathers.

2. I have confessed to Thee, my Judge, the secrets of my heart. See
my humility, see also my distress, and attend to my judgment now. And
in Thy compassion have mercy on me, O God of our Fathers.

3. When Saul of old lost his father's asses, besides getting news of
them he incidentally found a kingdom. But watch, my soul, lest without
noticing it, you prefer your animal cravings to the Kingdom of Christ.
(I Kings 10:2)

4. If David, the father of our Divine Lord, doubly sinned of old, my
soul, when he was pierced with the arrow of adultery and struck with
the spear of remorse for murder, yet you have a sickness graver than
deeds in your will and appetites. (II Kings 11; 12:1-23)

5. David once joined sin to sin, for he mixed adultery with murder,
yet he immediately offered double repentance. But you, my soul, have
done things more wicked without repenting to God.

6. David of old composed a song, painting it as in a picture by which
he exposes the deed he had done, crying: Have mercy on me, for against
Thee only have I sinned, Who art God of all. Cleanse me. (Psalm 50)

7. When the Ark was being carried on a wagon, and when one of the oxen
slipped, Uzzah only touched it and experienced the wrath of God. But
avoid, my soul, his presumption and truly reverence divine things. (II
Kings 6:6)

8. You have heard of Absalom, how he rose against nature. You know
his accursed deeds and how he insulted the bed of his father David. But
you have imitated his passionate and pleasure-loving cravings. (II
Kings 15; 16:21)

9. You have enslaved your free dignity to your body, my soul, for you
have found in satan another Ahitophel and have consented to his
counsels. But Christ Himself scattered them, that you may at all
events be saved. (II Kings 16:20)

10. Wonderful Solomon, who was full of the grace of wisdom, at one
time did evil in God's sight and fell away from Him. And you, my soul,
have resembled him by your accursed life. (III Kings 11; Ecclus
47:12-20)

11. Carried away by the pleasure of his passions, he defiled himself.
Alas, the lover of wisdom is a lover of loose women and estranged from
God! And you, my soul, have in mind imitated him by your shameful
pleasures. (III Kings 3:12; 11:4-12)

12. You, my soul, have rivalled Rehoboam who would not listen to his
father's advisors, and that vicious slave Jeroboam the apostate of
old. But shun such mimicry and cry to God: I have sinned, have
compassion on me.(III Kings 12:13-20)

13. You have rivalled Ahab in defilements, my soul. Alas, you have
been a lodging-place of fleshly pollutions and a shameful vessel of
passions. But groan from your depths and tell God your sins. (III
Kings 16:30)

14. Elijah once burned a hundred of Jezebel's flunkeys when he had
destroyed her shameful prophets as a proof and rebuke for Ahab. But
avoid imitating these two, my soul, and master yourself. (IV Kings
1:10-15; III Kings 18:40)

15. Heaven is closed to you, my soul, and the famine of God has
reached you, for you have been disobedient as was Ahab of old to the
words of Elijah the Tishbite. But be like the woman of Sarepta, and
feed the Prophet's soul. (III Kings 17)

16. You have piled up sins like Manasseh by deliberate choice, my
soul, setting up your passions as idols and multiplying abominations.
But now fervently emulate his repentance and acquire compunction. (IV
Kings 21; II Chronicles 33)

17. I fall down before Thee and bring Thee as tears my words: I have
sinned like the harlot, and transgressed as no other on earth. But
have compassion, O Lord, on Thy work, and recall me.

18. I have buried Thy image and broken Thy commandment. All my beauty
is darkened and my lamp is extinguished by my passions, O Saviour. But
have compassion and restore to me, as David sings, joy. (Psalm 50:14)

19. Return, repent, uncover what is hidden. Say to God Who knows
everything: Thou knowest my secrets, O only Saviour; but have mercy on
me, as David sings, according to Thy mercy. (Psalm 50)

20. My days have vanished like a dream on waking. Therefore I weep on
my bed like Hezekiah that years may be added to my life. But what
Isaiah will come to you, my soul, except the God of all? (IV Kings
20:3; Isaiah 38:2)

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: By crying to the immaculate Mother of God, thou
didst repel the rage of passions which once violently harassed thee,
and didst put to shame the enemy tempter. But now grant me, thy
servant, also help out of trouble.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: He Whom thou lovest, He Whom thou desirest, He on
Whose track thou camest, mother, found thee and granted thee
repentance, for He is God Who alone is compassionate. Implore Him
unceasingly to deliver us from passions and adversities.

Refrain: Holy Father Andrew, pray for us.

To St. Andrew of Crete: Strengthen me on the rock of faith by thy
intercessions, O father, and wall and fortify me with an awed sense of
the divine indwelling, and grant me repentance, O Andrew, now. And I
implore thee to deliver me from the snares of foes actively seeking my
life.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

To The Trinity: O Trinity simple and undivided, of one essence and one
nature, Lights and Light, three Holies and one Holy, God the Trinity is
hymned. But sing, my soul, and glorify the Life and Lives, the God of
all.

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

Theotokion: We sing of thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, O Mother
of God, for thou gavest birth to one of the inseparable Trinity, the
one Son and God, and to us on earth thou hast opened the heavenly
realms.

THE TRIODION

Song 8. Tone 8.

Eirmos: The Eternal King of Glory, before Whom the Hosts of Heaven are
thrilled with awe and the Orders of the Angels tremble, praise Him, O
priests, and exalt Him, you people, throughout all ages.

Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.

Troparia:

1. Like coals of immaterial fire, burn my material passions, and
kindle in me now, O Apostles, a longing for divine love.

2. Let us honour the tuneful trumpets of the Word, through whom the
rickety walls of the enemy fell and the battlements of the knowledge of
God were built.

3. Smash the passionate idols of my soul, as you smashed the temples
and pillars of the enemy, O Apostles of the Lord, consecrated temples.

Refrain: Most holy Mother of God, save us.

Theotokion: Thou didst contain Him Who is uncontainable by nature, thou
didst carry Him Who carries all things, O pure Virgin, thou didst
suckle Him Who feeds creation, Christ the Lifegiver.

The Eirmos is repeated: The Eternal King of Glory, before Whom the
Hosts of Heaven are thrilled with awe and the Orders of the Angels
tremble, praise Him, O priests, and exalt Him, you people, throughout
all ages.

Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.

4. Having built the whole Church with the Spirit as architect, O
Apostles of Christ, bless Christ in it throughout the ages.

Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.

5. By blowing the trumpet of the dogmas, the Apostles have overthrown
all the delusion and error of idolatry, and exalted Christ throughout
all ages.

Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.

6. O Apostles, noble company, guardians of the world, and citizens of
heaven, deliver from dangers those who ever praise you.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

To The Trinity: Triune, all-radiant God, co-glorified and co-enthroned
Nature, Father Almighty, Son and Divine Spirit, I sing of Thee for
ever.

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

Theotokion: Let us, O you peoples, unceasingly sing of the Mother of
God, as an honoured and sublime throne, who alone after childbirth is
Mother and Virgin.

THE GREAT CANON

Song 8. Tone 6.

Eirmos: Him Whom the heavenly hosts glorify and before Whom Cherubim
and Seraphim tremble, let every breath and all creation praise, bless
and exalt throughout all ages.

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

1. I have sinned, O Saviour, have mercy! Awaken my mind to
conversion, accept me who repent, have compassion on me as I cry:
Against Thee only have I sinned and acted lawlessly; have mercy on me.

2. Elijah the charioteer once ascended by the chariot of the virtues
as to heaven and was carried above earthly things. Consider then, my
soul, this ascent. (IV Kings 2:11)

3. Jordan's stream of old was made to stand still on either side by
Elisha by Elijah's sheepskin. But you, my soul, have not shared this
grace owing to incontinence. (IV Kings 2:14)

4. Elisha received double grace from the Lord when he took up Elijah's
sheepskin. But you, my soul, have not shared this grace owing to
incontinence. (IV Kings 2:9)

5. The Shunammite woman of old with right good will entertained the
righteous man. But you, my soul, have taken into your house neither
stranger nor traveller. Therefore you will be cast out of the bridal
hall wailing. (IV Kings 4:8)

6. You have always imitated the vile mind of Gehazi, O wretched soul.
Rid yourself of his love of money, at least in old age; escape from the
fire of Gehenna by leaving your evil ways. (IV Kings 5:20-27)

7. Having emulated Uzziah, my soul, you have his leprosy in you
doubled. For you think disgusting thoughts and do outrageous things.
Let go of what you are holding and run to repentance. (IV Kings 15:5;
II Chronicles 26:19)

8. Have you heard, my soul, of the Ninevites, who repented before God
in sackcloth and ashes? You have not imitated them, but appear to be
more crooked than all who have sinned before and after the law. (Jonah
3:5)

9. You have heard of Jeremiah in the mud pit, my soul, how he cried
out with lamentations against the City of Zion, and was seeking tears.
Imitate his life of lamentation and you will be saved. (Jeremiah 38:6)

10. Jonah fled to Tarshish, foreseeing the conversion of the
Ninevites; for, being a Prophet, he was aware of God's compassion, and
was anxious that his prophesy should not prove false. (Jonah 1:3)

11. You have heard, my soul, of Daniel in the lion's den, and how he
shut the beasts' mouths. You know how the Children who were with
Azariah extinguished the flames of the burning furnace by faith.
(Daniel 6:16-22; 3:23)

12. I have reviewed all the people of the Old Testament as examples
for you, my soul. Imitate the God-loving deeds of the righteous and
shun the sins of the wicked.

13. Just Judge and Saviour, have mercy on me and deliver me from the
fire and the threat which I shall justly incur at the judgment. Forgive
me before my end by virtue and repentance.

14. Like the robber I cry, "Remember me!" Like Peter I weep bitterly,
"Release me, O Saviour!" I croak like the publican; I weep like the
harlot. Accept my lamentation as once the Canaanite woman. (Luke
23:42; Matthew 26:75; Luke 18:13; Luke 7:37-38; Matthew 15:22-28)

15. Heal, O Saviour, the corruption of my debased soul, O only
Physician. Apply the compress to me, and the oil and wine - works of
repentance, compunction and tears. (Luke 10:34)

16. Imitating the woman of Canaan, I also cry, "Have mercy on me, O
Son of David!" I touch Thy hem like the woman with hemorrhage. I weep
like Martha and Mary over Lazarus. (Matthew 15:22; Mark 5:27; John
11:33)

17. The alabaster jar of my tears, O Saviour, I pour out on Thy head
as the perfume, and like the harlot I cry to Thee, seeking Thy mercy. I
offer prayer and ask to receive forgiveness. (Matthew 26:7; Luke 7:38)

18. Though no one has sinned against Thee as I, yet accept even me, O
compassionate Saviour, repenting with fear and crying with love:
Against Thee only have I sinned. I have done wrong, have mercy on me.

19. Spare, O Saviour, Thy own creation., and seek as Shepherd Thy lost
sheep; snatch the stray from the wolf, and make me a pet lamb in Thy
sheep pasture. (Psalm 118:176; John 10:11-16)

20. When Thou sittest as Judge and in Thy compassion showest Thy dread
glory, O Christ, O what fear there will be then, when the furnace is
burning and all shrink from Thy inexorable Tribunal! (Matthew 25:31-46)

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us,

To St. Mary of Egypt: The Mother of the unwaning Light enlightened
thee, and freed thee from the darkness of the passions. So now thou
art admitted to the grace of the Spirit, enlighten, O Mary, those who
faithfully praise Thee.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Beholding in thee a new wonder, O mother, divine
Zosimas was truly amazed. For he saw an angel in a body and, filled
with utter astonishment, he praises Christ for ever.

Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.

To St. Andrew of Crete: As thou hast boldness with the Lord, O Andrew,
venerable credit of Crete, intercede, I implore thee, that by thy
prayers I may now find release from the chain of my sins, O teacher of
repentance, glory of Saints.

Let us bless the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Lord:

To The Trinity: Eternal Father, co-eternal Son, gracious Comforter,
Spirit of Truth; Father of the Divine Word, Word of the Eternal Father,
living and creative Spirit, Trinity Unity, have mercy on us.

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

Theotokion: As from scarlet silk, O spotless Virgin, within thy womb
the spiritual purple was woven, the flesh of Emmanuel. Therefore we
honour thee as in truth Mother of God.

Let us praise, bless and worship the Lord, sing and exalt Him
throughout all ages.

And again the Eirmos:

Him Whom the heavenly hosts glorify and before Whom Cherubim and
Seraphim tremble, let every breath and all creation praise, bless and
exalt throughout all ages.

Then the Magnificat, and More honourable...

THEN THE TRIODION

Song 9. Tone 8.

Eirmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we confess thee to be truly
Mother of God, and with Bodiless Choirs we magnify thee.

Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.

Troparia:

1. Having been shown the springs of the water of salvation, O
Apostles, bedew my soul that is racked with thirst by sin.

Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.

2. Swimming in the sea of destruction as I am and already under water,
save me like Peter with Thy right hand, O Lord.

Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.

3. Since you are the salt of the teachings of health, dry the decay of
my mind and dispel the darkness of ignorance.

Refrain: Most holy Mother of God, save us.

Theotokion: As the one of whom Joy was born, grant me mourning, O Lady,
through which I shall be able to find divine consolation in the coming
day.

Another Eirmos: As the Mediatress of Heaven and earth, all generations
magnify thee. For there dwelt in thee bodily, O Virgin, the fullness
of the Godhead.

Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.

4. O glorious company of the Apostles, we magnify you with songs; for
you are the bright lights of the world that banish delusion and error.

Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.

5. Ever catching rational fish with the net of your Gospel, you
continually bring them as food to Christ, O blessed Apostles.

Refrain: Holy Apostles, pray for us.

6. Remember us in your prayer to God, O Apostles, we pray, that we who
sing your praises with love may be delivered from all temptation.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

To The Trinity: Of Thee, the Tri-Personal Unity, I sing; Father and Son
with the Spirit, One God of one essence, Trinity one in power and
without beginning.

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

Theotokion: All generations bless thee as the Child-bearer and Virgin,
since through thee we have been redeemed from the curse, for thou didst
bear for us the Lord, our Joy.

AND THE REST OF THE GREAT CANON

Song 9. Tone 6.

Eirmos: Ineffable is the childbearing of a seedless conception,
unsullied the pregnancy of a Virgin Mother, for the birth of God renews
natures. So in all generations we magnify thee in orthodox fashion as
the Mother and Bride of God. (2)

Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.

Troparia:

1. The mind is wounded, the body is feeble, the spirit is sick, the
word has lost its power, life is ebbing, the end is at the doors. What
then will you do, wretched soul, when the Judge comes to try your
case?

2. I have reviewed Moses' account of the creation of the world, my
soul, and then all canonical Scripture which tells you the story of the
righteous and the unrighteous. But you, my soul, have copied the
latter and not the former, and have sinned against God.

3. The Law has grown weak, the Gospel is unpractised, the whole of the
Scripture is ignored by you; the Prophets and every word of the Just
have lost their power. Your wounds, my soul, have multiplied, and
there is no physician to heal you.

4. I am bringing before you examples from the New Scripture, my soul,
to lead you to compunction. So emulate the righteous and avoid
following the sinners, and regain Christ's grace by prayers, fasts,
purity and reverence.

5. Christ became man and called to repentance robbers and harlots.
Repent, my soul! The door of the Kingdom is already open, and the
transformed pharisees, publicans and adulterers are seizing it ahead of
you. (Matthew 21:31; 11:12)

6. Christ became a babe and conversed in the flesh with me, and he
voluntarily experienced all that pertains to our nature, apart from
sin; and He showed you, my soul, an example and image of His own
condescension. (Matthew 1:25)

7. Christ saved wise men, called shepherds, made crowds of infants
martyrs, glorified old men and aged widows, whose deeds and life, my
soul, you have not emulated. But woe unto you when you are judged!
(Matthew 2:12; Luke 2:9-12; Matthew 2:16; Luke 2:2 5-38)

8. When the Lord had fasted for forty days in the wilderness, He at
last became hungry, showing His human nature. Do not be despondent, my
soul, if the enemy attacks you, but let him be beaten off by prayer and
fasting. (Matthew 4:1-11; 17:21; Mark 9:29)

9. Christ was tempted, the devil was tempting Him, showing Him stones
to be turned into bread; and he led Him up a mountain to see all the
kingdoms of the world in a flash. Dread, my soul, the scene; watch and
pray at every hour to God. (Matthew 4:3-9; 26:41)

10. The desert-loving dove, the lamp of Christ, the Voice crying in
the wilderness sounded, preaching repentance; while Herod sinned with
Herodias. See, my soul, that you are not caught in the toils of sin,
but embrace repentance. (Mark 1:3; Matthew 14: 3)

11. The Forerunner of grace dwelt in the desert and all Judea and
Samaria ran to hear him; and they confessed their sins, and eagerly
received baptism. But you, my soul, have not imitated them. (Matthew
3:5-6)

12. Marriage is honourable and the bed undefiled, for Christ earlier
blessed both, eating in His flesh at the marriage in Cana and changing
water into wine, and showing His first miracle so that you, my soul,
might be changed. (Hebrews 13:4; John 2:1-11)

13. Christ braced the paralytic and he carried his bed; He raised up
the dead young man, the son of the widow, and the Centurion's servant;
and by revealing Himself to the Samaritan woman, He traced in advance
for you, my soul, how to worship in spirit. (Matthew 9: 2-7; Luke
7:14; Matthew 8:6-13; John 4:26; Joshua 4:24)

14. The Lord healed the woman with hemorrhage by the touch of His hem,
cleansed lepers, gave sight to the blind, and cured cripples; the deaf
and the dumb and the woman bent earthward he healed with His word, that
you, wretched soul, might be saved. (Mat Matthew 9:20-22; 10:8; 11:5;
Luke 13:11-13)

15. Christ the Word healed diseases, preached the Gospel to the poor,
cured cripples, ate with publicans, conversed with sinners, and He
brought back the departed soul of Jairus' daughter by the touch of His
hand. (Matthew 9:11; Mark 5:41-42)

16. The publican was saved, the harlot was made chaste, but the
pharisee through boasting was condemned. For the first said, "Be
merciful," the second, "Have mercy on me," but the last boasted and
cried, "O God, I thank Thee," and then some foolish word s. (Luke
7:36-50; 18:9-14)

17. Zacchaeus was a publican, but yet was healed, and Simon the
Pharisee was disappointed, but the harlot received the release of full
forgiveness from Him Who has power to forgive sins. Obtain His
forgiveness yourself, my soul. (Luke 19:1-10; 7:36-50)

18. You, my wretched soul, have not emulated the harlot who took the
alabaster jar of perfumed oil and anointed with tears and wiped with
her hair the feet of the Saviour, Who tore up for her the handwriting
of her old accusation. (Luke 7:37-38; Colossians 2:14)

19. You know how the towns to which Christ offered the Gospel were
cursed. Fear this example, my soul, do not be like them; for the Lord
compared them to the Sodomites and condemned them to hell. (Luke
10:13-15)

20. Do not let despair make you worse than the Canaanite woman, my
soul, for you have heard of her faith through which her daughter was
healed by the Word of God. Call to Christ like her from the depth of
your heart, "Son of David, save me." (Matthew 15:22)

21. Have compassion and save me, have mercy on me, O Son of David, Who
didst heal with a word the demoniac. And let Thy voice of tender
compassion speak to me as to the robber, "Truly I tell you, you will be
with Me in Paradise when I rise in My glory." (Luke 9:38-42; 23:43)

22. A robber accused Thee, and a robber confessed Thee to be God, for
both were hanging on a cross with Thee. But open even to me, O most
compassionate Saviour, the door of Thy glorious Kingdom as to Thy
faithful robber who acknowledged Thee to be God. (Luke 23:32-42)

23. Creation was in anguish, seeing Thee crucified; mountains and
rocks were split with fear, the earth quaked, hell was emptied, and the
light grew dark in the daytime, beholding Thee, Jesus, nailed to the
Cross in Thy flesh. (Matthew 27:51-53; Luke 23:44-45)

24. Do not require of me fruits worthy of repentance, for my strength
is spent in me. Grant me ever a contrite heart and spiritual poverty,
that I may offer these gifts to Thee as an acceptable sacrifice, O only
Saviour. (Matthew 3:8; 5:3; Psalm 50:17)

25. O my Judge and my Light Who alone knowest me and art coming again
with Thine Angels to judge the whole world, regard me then with Thy
merciful Eye and spare me, O Jesus. And have compassion on me who have
sinned more than all mankind. (Matthew 25:31-32)

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Thou didst astonish all by thy strange life, both
the Orders of Angels and the councils of men, by living immaterially
and surpassing nature. Then treading firmly the waves like an
immaterial being, O Mary, thou didst cross the Jordan an.

Refrain: Holy mother Mary, pray for us.

To St. Mary of Egypt: Intercede with the Creator on behalf of those who
praise thee, holy mother, that we may be delivered from the sufferings
and afflictions which beset us on all sides, that being delivered from
our temptations, we may unceasingly magnify the Lord Who glorified
thee.

Refrain: Holy father Andrew, pray for us.

To St. Andrew of Crete: Venerable Andrew, thrice-blessed father,
shepherd of Crete, cease not to pray to God for those who sing of thee,
that He may deliver from anger, oppression, corruption and our
countless sins, all of us who faithfully honour thy memory .

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

To The Trinity: Trinity of one essence, Tri-Personal Unity, we sing Thy
praise, glorifying the Father, magnifying the Son, and adoring the
Spirit, Who art truly one God by nature, Life and Lives, Kingdom
unending.

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

Theotokion: Protect thy city, spotless Mother of God, for in thee it
faithfully reigns, and in thee is made strong, and through thee it
conquers and routs every trial and temptation, and spoils its foes and
rules its subjects.

And again the Eirmos:

Ineffable is the childbearing of a seedless conception, unsullied the
pregnancy of a Virgin Mother, for the birth of God renews natures. So
in all generations we magnify thee in orthodox fashion as Mother and
Bride of God.

Little Litany: Again and again in peace...

Exclamation: For all the Powers of Heaven praise Thee, and to Thee we
send up the glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages.

Choir: Amen.

Then the Photogogikon or Lucern of the Trinity, tone 8:

O Thou Who art the Light, enlighten... (For Thursday)

The Praises and Doxology are read, not sung.