Home       Faith      The Orthodox Tradition      The Actual Horologion       News & Politics      About This Site      E-mail     Guestbook Jesus Christ, author of life A renewed version of the Byzantine hours of prayer I found this scheme by Fr Deacon Lance Weakland, a Catholic, most helpful when I drew up my own office/prayer rule. Basically it takes the best aspect of the Roman (breviary, Liturgy of the Hours) and Anglican divine offices (Matins/Morning Prayer and Evensong/Evening Prayer) — the prominence of the Bible — and pours it into the moulds of three existing Byzantine Rite hours, Prime, Sext and Little Compline. An ingenious reform that uses all Byzantine sources! At home, I have used it — taking the psalms and canticles from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer and the Bible readings from the King James Version. For the ordo and repeating daily propers (troparia and kontakia) I use The Hours of Prayer from Icon & Book Service, Washington, DC, USA. For saint’s-day propers I use a Russian Orthodox book of hours (in Slavonic). Prayer rules I’ve used over the years • Byzantinised Rosary: 2000-2002 • This: 2002-2003 • Byzantinised BCP: 2003-2004 • Today (description at bottom of linked page: actual Byzantine hours or excerpts with KJV Bible translations and BCP psalm and canticle translations) Actually, when using only two offices a day, Prime and Little Compline, like I do, the daily psalm readings as laid out in the Book of Common Prayer work fine (because it is laid out for two offices, Morning and Evening Prayer), taking you through the psalter in a month. The Bible readings are listed on church wall calendars. Lance adds: For those who don't have a calendar with the readings or a menaion with the troparia this site has a downloadable program, Menologion, that will give you both daily along with an icon or two of the saint or feast: http://cs-people.bu.edu/butta1/menologion/ This program is usable by those who follow either Byzantine calendar, Gregorian or Julian, and who follow the Orthodox date for Easter. Thanks a million, Lance!

I’d also like to thank David Ignatius Brown, whose link to this page on his Byzantine Catholic site is the No. 1 source of visitors here.

I understand the Orthodox monks of New Skete have made a similar reform to the Byzantine Rite hours.

How does one maintain a Byzantine spirituality in daily prayer without becoming overly repetitious or becoming overly frustrated trying to use Horologia that are near impossible to follow?

I think the first thing to do is forget trying to use the Byzantine Horologion like the reformed Roman Liturgy of the Hours. It will simply not work. The reformed Roman Office is designed to be prayed as a personal private prayer that can be used liturgically. The Byzantine Office (at least Vespers and Matins) is designed for liturgical use without any thought given to someone praying it privately.

This doesn't mean one can't adapt the Office to a private rule. Personally, I pray daily Prime, Sext and Compline as Morning, Daytime and Evening Prayer respectively. However, instead of taking the normally assigned three Psalms at the beginning of those offices I substitute one Stasis from the Psalter on a rotating basis. The first morning stasis at Prime, the second at Sext, the evening stasis at Compline. This puts the Psalter on a three-week cycle. I then take the Epistle of the day with Compline and the Gospel of the day with Prime. During Lent there is a reading from Isaiah added to Sext.

In the Byzantine tradition the 150 Psalms are divided up into 20 kathismata, and each kathisma into three stases. Following the numeration of the Psalms in the Septuagint or Greek Psalter:

Kathisma 1: Psalms 1-3, 4-6, 7-8
Kathisma 2: 9-10, 11-13, 14-16
Kathisma 3: 17, 18-20, 21-23
Kathisma 4: 24-26, 27-29, 30-31
Kathisma 5: 32-33, 34-35, 36
Kathisma 6: 37-39, 40-42, 43-45
Kathisma 7: 46-48, 49-50, 51-54
Kathisma 8: 55-57, 58-60, 61-63
Kathisma 9: 64-66, 67, 68-69
Kathisma 10: 70-71, 72-73, 74-76
Kathisma 11: 77, 78-80, 81-84
Kathisma 12: 85-87, 88, 89-90
Kathisma 13: 91-93, 94-96, 97-100
Kathisma 14: 101-102, 103, 104
Kathisma 15: 106, 107, 108
Kathisma 16: 109-111, 112-114, 115-117
Kathisma 17: 118:1-72, 73-131, 132-176
Kathisma 18: 119-123, 124-128, 129-133
Kathisma 19: 134-136, 137-139, 140-142
Kathisma 20: 143-144, 145,147, 148-150

The kathismata are normally distributed as follows:

Sunday: Matins 2&3, Vespers none
Monday: Matins 4&5, Vespers 6
Tuesday: Matins 7&8, Vespers 9
Wednesday: Matins 10&11, Vespers 12
Thursday: Matins 13&14, Vespers 15
Friday: Matins 19&20, Vespers 18
Saturday: Matins 16&17, Vespers 1

Also the numbering of the Psalms varies from the Septuagint (Orthodox and older Catholic Bibles) to those in modern (and all Protestant) Bibles. I place the correspondence below.

Greek Psalm #s/Hebrew Psalm #s
1-8/1-8
9/9-10
10-112/11-113
113/114-115
114-115/116
116-145/117-146
146-147/147
148-150/148-150

One could also add Canticles to the plan above. In present Byzantine usage the Canticles have been replaced with liturgical poetry called Canons. Only the Canticles of Mary, Zechariah and Simeon are actually used. The first two at Matins and the last at Vespers. In ancient Byzantine usage the Canticles are:

1. Canticle of Moses 1: Exodus 15:1-19
2. Canticle of Moses 2: Deuteronomy 32:1-43
3. Canticle of Anna: 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 2:1-10
4. Canticle of Habakkuk: Habakkuk 3:2-19
5. Canticle of Isaiah: Isaiah 26:9-20
6. Canticle of Jonah: Jonah 2:3-10
7. Canticle of the Three Children 1: Dan 3:26-56
8. Canticle of the Three Children 2: Dan 3:57-88
9. Canticle of Mary: Luke 1:46-55
10.Canticle of Zechariah Luke 1:68-79
11.Canticle of Simeon Luke 2:29-32

These were distributed as follows: three at Matins, one variable (Sunday has two) according to the day always followed by the Canticles of Mary and Zechariah. Vespers always has the Canticle of Simeon. The Matins arrangement by day looks like this:

Sun: 1,8,9,10
Mon: 2,9,10
Tues: 3,9,10
Wed: 4,9,10
Thur: 5,9,10
Fri: 6,9,10
Sat: 7,9,10

This could also be added to my system by taking the Canticles of Mary and Zechariah with Prime, a variable Canticle at Sext, and the Canticle of Simeon with Compline.

Prime and Sext

X In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. (3x)

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Your most pure Mother and of all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You. O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, You are everywhere present and fill all things. Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell within us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, 0 gracious Lord. X Holy God, Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. (3x) X Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; 0 Lord, cleanse us of our sins; 0 Master, forgive our transgressions; 0 Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for Your name’s sake. Lord, have mercy. (3x) X Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto 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 evil.

Having arisen from sleep, we fall down before You, O blessed One, and sing to You, O mighty One, the angelic hymn: holy, holy, holy are You, O God. Through the Mother of God have mercy on us.

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

From my bed and sleep You have raised me up, O Lord. Enlighten my mind and my heart, and open my mouth, that I may sing Your praises, O holy Trinity: holy, holy, holy are You, O God. Through the Mother of God have mercy on us.

Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Suddenly the Judge shall come, and the deeds of each one shall be revealed, but with fear do we cry out to You at midnigh: holy, holy, holy are You, O God. Through the Mother of God have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy. (12x)

As I rise from sleep, I thank You, O holy Trinity, for of Your great goodness You were not angry with me, an idler and a sinner, nor have You destroyed me in my iniquity, but You have shown Your usual love for mankind, and when I was sunk in despair You have raised me up that I may keep the morning watch and glorify Your power. And now enlighten my mind and my heart and open my mouth that I may understand Your commandments and do Your will and hymn you in heartfelt confession, singing praises to Your all-holy Name,X to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

X Come, let us adore the King, our God. X Come, let us adore Christ, the King and our God. X Come, let us adore and bow down to Christ Himself, our King and our God.

Monday:
Prime Kathisma 4: Psalms 24-26, 27-29, 30-31
Sext Kathisma 5: Psalms 32-33, 34-35, 36

Tuesday:
Prime Kathisma 7: Psalms 46-48, 49-50, 51-54
Sext Kathisma 8: Psalms 55-57, 58-60, 61-63

Wednesday:
Prime Kathisma 10: Psalms 70-71, 72-73, 74-76
Sext Kathisma 11: Psalms 77, 78-80, 81-84

Thursday:
Prime Kathisma 13: Psalms 91-93, 94-96, 97-100
Sext Kathisma 14: Psalms 101-102, 103, 104

Friday:
Prime Kathisma 19: Psalms 134-136, 137-139, 140-142
Sext Kathisma 20: Psalms 143-144, 145,147, 148-150

Saturday:
Prime Kathisma 16: Psalms 109-111, 112-114, 115-117
Sext Kathisma 17: Psalms 118:1-72, 73-131, 132-176

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

X Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3x)
Lord, have mercy. (3x)

X Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
The Troparia of the Day
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen:

The Theotokion of the First Hour:
What shall we call you, O Full of Grace?
A Heaven; for you have born the Sun of Justice?
A Paradise; for you have brought forth the Flower of Immortality?
A Virgin; for you have remained undefiled?
A pure Mother, holding in her holy arms the Son Who is the God of all?
Intercede with Him for the salvation of our souls.

The Theotokion of the Sixth Hour:
Since we have no one in whom to confide because of our many sins,
O Virgin Mother of God, intercede for us with the One Who was born of You;
for a mother’s prayer is a powerful means for obtaining the Master’s favor.
You are most worthy of veneration, so do not turn away from the pleading of us sinners; for the One Who willed to suffer in the flesh for our sake is full of mercy, and His power is sufficient to save us.

The appointed scripture reading: At Prime the Gospel of the day. At Sext during the Great Fast there is a reading from Isaiah.

After which, at Prime, a daily reading from a church father or other saint.

At the First Hour:
Let my way be straight according to Your word; let no sin overcome me. Save me from the wickedness of evildoers and I will keep Your commandments. Let Your face shine upon Your servants, and teach me Your laws. Let my mouth be filled with Your praise, O Lord, and let me sing Your glory and magnificence all the day long.

At the Sixth Hour:
Let Your bounties, O Lord, come down upon us in haste, for our need has become great indeed. Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of Your name. Save us, O Master, and forgive our sins for the sake of Your name.

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

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

O Most Holy Trinity have mercy on us; O Lord, cleanse us of our sins; O Master, forgive our transgressions; O Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for Your name's sake.

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

X Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto 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 evil.

X Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Kontakion of the day:

The Canticle:

At Prime it is always:
Canticle of Mary: Luke 1:46-55 & Canticle of Zechariah: Luke 1:68-79

Canticle of Mary
X My soul doth magnify the Lord : and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
Refrain: More honorable than the cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the seraphim art thou, who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word : thou truly the Mother of God we magnify.
For He hath regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. Refrain
For He that is mighty hath magnifièd me : and holy is His Name. And His mercy is on them that fear Him : throughout all generations. Refrain
He hath showèd strength with His arm : He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. Refrain
He hath put down the mighty from their seat : and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath fillèd the hungry with good things : and the rich He hath sent empty away. Refrain
He remembering His mercy hath holpen (come to the help of) His servant Israel. As He promised to our forefathers : Abraham and His seed for ever. Refrain

Canticle of Zechariah
X Blessed be the Lord God of Israel : for he hath visited and redeemed his people; And hath raised up a mighty salvation for us : in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy Prophets : which have been since the world began; That we should be saved from our enemies : and from the hand of all that hate us. To perform the mercy promised to our forefathers : and to remember his holy Covenant; To perform the oath which he sware to our forefather Abraham : that he would give us; That we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies : might serve him without fear; In holiness and righteousness before him : all the days of our life. And thou, Child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest : for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people : for the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God : whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us; To give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death : and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

At Sext it varies according to day:
Sunday: Canticle of Moses 1: Exodus 15:1-19 & Canticle of the Three Children 2: Dan 3:57-88
Monday: Canticle of Moses 2: Deuteronomy 32:1-43
Tuesday: Canticle of Anna: 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 2:1-10
Wednesday: Canticle of Habakkuk: Habakkuk 3:2-19
Thursday: Canticle of Isaiah: Isaiah 26:9-20
Friday: Canticle of Jonah: Jonah 2:3-10
Saturday: Canticle of the Three Children 1: Dan 3:26-56

Lord have mercy. (40x)

O Christ our God, in all times and every hour You are worshipped and glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are long-suffering and generous in your mercy and compassion. You love the just and show mercy to the sinner, calling all people to salvation through the promise of blessings to come. Deem, O Lord, at this very hour, to receive our supplications and to direct our lives in the path of your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set aright our minds; cleanse our thoughts; deliver us from all affliction, trouble and distress; surround us with Your holy angels so that, guided and guarded in their camp, we may attain oneness of faith and the knowledge of Your unspeakable glory. For You are blessed for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

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

More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, you, a virgin, gave birth to God, the Word. You, truly the Mother of God, we magnify.

X Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

At the First Hour:
O Christ, the true Light who enlightens and sanctifies everyone in the world, mark us with the light of Your countenance so that we may see the unapproachable radiance. Let our life be straight along the path of Your commandments, through the prayers of Your most pure Mother and of all Your saints. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone 8
Queen of the Heavenly Host,/ Defender of our souls,/ we thy servants offer to thee songs of victory and thanksgiving,/ for thou, O Mother of God,/ hast delivered us from dangers./ But as thou hast invincible power,/ free us from conflicts of all kinds/ that we may cry to thee:/ Rejoice, unwedded Bride!

At the Sixth Hour:
O God, Lord of Powers and Maker of the whole creation, through Your compassion beyond our understanding, You sent down Your Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the salvation of our race. Through His cross He cancelled the debt of our sins and triumphed over the powers and masters of darkness. Now accept from us sinners these prayers of thanksgiving and petition, and preserve us from any deadly fall in the darkness and against every visible and invisible enemy who may seek our harm. Pierce our bodies with fear of You, and let not our souls fall into evil words or thoughts, but instead, wound them with longing for You so that, looking upon You at all times and guided by the light that emanates from You, we may contemplate the unapproachable eternal light. May we ever address our thanksgiving and worship to You, O Eternal Father, and to Your Only-begotten Son, and to Your All-holy, gracious, and life creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

X Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

Little Compline

X In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O God, be merciful to me, a sinner. (3x)

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, through the prayers of Your most pure Mother and of all the saints, have mercy on us. Amen.

Glory be to You, our God, glory be to You.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, You are everywhere present and fill all things. Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell within us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, 0 Gracious Lord.

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

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

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; O Lord, cleanse us of our sins; 0 Master, forgive our transgressions; O Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for Your name's sake.

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

X Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto 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 evil.

Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we have no defence. This prayer do we as sinners offer You as Master, have mercy on us.

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

Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have hoped in You. Be not angry with us greatly nor remember our iniquities, but have mercy on us now for You are compassionate, and deliver us from our enemies. For You are our God, and we Your people. All are the works of Your hands and we call upon Your Name.

Both now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Open to us the doors of compassion, O holy Mother of God, for hoping in you let us not perish, but through you may we be delivered from all adversity, since you are the salvation of Christians.

Lord, have mercy. (12x)

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

X Come, let us adore the King, our God.
X Come, let us adore Christ, the King and our God.
X Come, let us adore and bow down to Christ Himself, our King and our God.

The appointed Psalm stasis
The Psalms are arranged on a three-week cycle. Take the first stasis of the appointed Kathisma the first week and so on.
Sunday: none
Monday: Kathisma 6: Psalms 37-39, 40-42, 43-45
Tuesday: Kathisma 9: Psalms 64-66, 67, 68-69
Wednesday: Kathisma 12: Psalms 85-87, 88, 89-90
Thursday: Kathisma 15: Psalms 106, 107, 108
Friday: Kathisma 18: Psalms 119-123, 124-128, 129-133
Saturday: Kathisma 1: Psalms 1-3, 4-6, 7-8

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

X Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to You, O God! (3x)
Lord, have mercy. (3x)

The Epistle of the Day

The Small Doxology:

Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace to men of good will.
We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify Thee, we give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory.
O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.
O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us.
Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer.
Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.
For Thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord, Jesus Christ, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.
I will bless You day after day, and praise your name forever.
O Lord, You have been our refuge from one generation to the next.
I said: Lord, have mercy on me, heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.
O Lord, I have fled to You, teach me to do your will, for You O Lord, are my God.
In You is the source of life and in your light we see light.
Keep on loving those who know You, count us worthy, O Lord, of passing this day without sin.
Blessed are You, O Lord, God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is your name forever. Amen.
Let your mercy, O Lord, be upon us because we have set our hope in You.
X Blessed are You, O Lord teach me your commandments.
X Blessed are You, O Master, make me understand your commandments.
X Blessed are You O Holy One enlighten me with your laws.
O Lord, your mercy endures forever; do not despise the work of your hands.
It is proper to praise You, and hymns belong to You.
Glory belongs to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

X I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, the only-begotten, born of the Father before all ages. Light of light, true God of true God, begotten, not made, of one essence with the Father, through Whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and Mary the Virgin, and became man. He was also crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And He rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures. And He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, and of His kingdom there will be no end. And in the Holy Spirit the Lord and 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. In one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I profess one baptism for the remission of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

It is truly proper to glorify you, who have born God, the ever-blessed, immaculate, and the Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, you, a virgin, gave birth to God, the Word. You, truly the Mother of God, we magnify.

Canticle of Simeon
X Lord, now lettest Thou thy servant depart in peace: according to Thy word. For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation: which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people. To be a light to enlighten the Gentiles: and to be the glory of Thy people, Israel.

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

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

O Most Holy Trinity have mercy on us; O Lord, cleanse us of our sins; O Master, forgive our transgressions; O Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for Your name's sake.

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

X Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto 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 evil.

X Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

The Troparion of the Day

Then after the Troparion of the Day:
O God of our fathers, *You always deal with us according to your everlasting compassion. *Take not your mercy away from us; *but through the prayers of our fathers, *guide our lives along the ways of peace. Tone 4

Your Church throughout the world, O Lord, *is clothed with the blood of your martyrs *as with fine linens and purple robes; *and so the Church cries out to You, O Christ our God: *send down your goodness upon your people; *grant peace to your Church and great mercy to our souls. Tone 4

X Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit: With the saints, O Christ, *give rest to your servants, *where there is no pain, sorrow, nor mourning, *but life everlasting. Tone 8

Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen: Through the prayers of the Mother of God *and all the saints, *give us peace and have mercy on us, O Lord, *for you alone are merciful. Tone 8

Lord, have mercy. (40x)

O Christ our God, in all times and every hour You are worshipped and glorified both in heaven and on earth. You are long-suffering and generous in your mercy and compassion. You love the just and show mercy to the sinner, calling all people to salvation through the promise of blessings to come. Deem, O Lord, at this very hour, to receive our supplications and to direct our lives in the path of your commandments. Sanctify our souls; purify our bodies; set aright our minds; cleanse our thoughts; deliver us from all affliction, trouble and distress; surround us with your holy angels so that, guided and guarded in their camp, we may attain oneness of faith and the knowledge of your unspeakable glory. For You are blessed for ever and ever. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

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

More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, you, a virgin, gave birth to God, the Word. You, truly the Mother of God, we magnify.

X Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

O chaste and spotless Lady never touched by blame or corruption or defilement, O Bride of the Most High himself, you brought forth the Word of God into this world in a marvelous and mysterious way, thus uniting Him to us and joining our nature to the divine. You are the only hope of those who have no hope, always ready to come to the aid of every Christian who seeks refuge in you. Though I have often defiled myself with all sorts of impure thoughts, words, and deeds, though slothfulness has enslaved me to lust, though I often find myself weighed down by despair and depression, do not despise me. As the Mother of God, your heart is filled with love and compassion for all mankind. Therefore, pity me in spite of my sinfulness; accept this prayer from these impure lips of mine. With boldness that only a mother could manifest, implore your Son, our Lord and God, to show me his deep and tender mercy. Entreat Him not to regard the numberless times I have fallen, but lead me to true repentance, that as his friend and follower I may always be conscious of his precepts and ever ready to observe them. And you sweet Lady, in your graciousness, stay with me. Take my part at all times. Enable me to repel all temptations, to achieve my eternal salvation. At the moment of my death, embrace and comfort my sorry soul, and drive off the terrifying specters of the evil one. On that awesome day of judgement, save me from everlasting punishment; reveal me as a true heir of that ineffable glory which your Son has promised in his grace and love. To Him, to his eternal Father, and to his all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit is due all glory, honor, and worship, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

As we prepare for bed, Master, we ask for rest of body and soul, for gentle peaceful sleep free of all nightmares and temptations, free of all disturbing dreams. Arrest the assaults of the powers of darkness, and calm the interior commotion of mind and body. Fill us with your peace that we may not be overcome by the restless fantasies of our imagination. Make our minds aware and alert, quick to discern right and wrong, ever ready and able to foster thoughts conducive to spiritual living. When the time for prayer comes, raise us from bed, and inspire us with strength and determination. Keep us always conscious of your commandments, aware of how You wish us to live, that we may ever sing your glory: praising, blessing, and extolling that magnificent name of yours, which deserves all honor, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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

Lord, have mercy. (3x)

X Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

O God, absolve, remit and pardon our voluntary and involuntary sins, in word and deed, known and unknown, by day and by night, in mind and thought; forgive us all in your goodness and love for mankind.

O Lord, lover of mankind, forgive those who hate and wrong us. Do good to those who do good. Grant our brethren and relatives their saving petitions and eternal life. Visit the sick and grant them healing. Guide those at sea. Travel with the travelers. Struggle alongside the Orthodox. To those who serve and are kind to us, grant remission of sins. On those who have charged us, unworthy as we are, to pray for them, have mercy according to your great mercy. Remember, O Lord, our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep, and grant them repose where the light of your countenance shines. Remember, Lord, those who offer gifts and perform deeds of kindness in your holy churches, and grant them their saving petitions and eternal life. Remember also, O Lord, us your humble, sinful and unworthy servants, and enlighten our minds with the light of knowledge of Yourself, and guide us in the way of your commandments, by the prayers of your most holy Mother, the ever-virgin Mary, and of all your saints, for You are blessed forever and ever. Amen.

X Through the prayers of our holy fathers, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us. Amen.

 

H O M E   P A G E


HOME