The Orthodox Pages THE PEOPLE'S HANDBOOK
GREAT COMPLINE
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PRIEST Blessed is our God always, now and for ever: world without end. READER: Amen. PRIEST: Glory be to Thee, O our God, glory be to Thee. O heavenly King and Comforter, Spirit of truth, which art in all places and fillest all things; Treasure of goodness and Giver of life: Come and abide in us, and cleanse us from all that defileth. And save our souls, O Thou who art good. READER O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen. Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake. Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. [3] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen. Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. PRIESTFor Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. READER: Amen. Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. [12] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen. O come, let us worship and bow down before our King and our God. O come, let us worship and bow down before Christ our King and our God. O come, let us worship and bow down before the very Christ our King and our God.
PSALM 4 Thou hast heard me when I called, O God of my righteousness; Thou hast set me at large when I was in trouble. Have pity upon me, and hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long will ye be slow of heart? Why love ye vanity, and seek after leasing? But know that the Lord hath made His holy one wonderful: the Lord will hear me when I cry unto Him. Be ye angry, and sin not: for what ye say in your hearts, feel compunction upon your beds. Offer a sacrifice of righteousness, and put your hope in the Lord. Many say, Who will shew us good things? The light of Thy countenance is signed upon us, O Lord. 8Thou hast given gladness in my heart; from the fruit of their wheat, and wine, and oil are they increased. In peace, in the selfsame, I will both lay me down and sleep; for Thou, O Lord, only hast made me to dwell in hope. PSALM 6
PSALM 12 How long wilt Thou forget me, O Lord, for ever? How long wilt Thou turn away Thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrows in my heart by day and by night? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; lighten mine eyes, lest at any time I sleep unto death. Lest mine enemy say at any time, I have prevailed against him; those that trouble me will rejoice if I be moved. But I have hoped in Thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation: I will sing unto the Lord my benefactor; yea, I will sing praise unto the name of the Lord most High. And again:
Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; lighten mine eyes, lest at any time I sleep unto death. Lest mine enemy say at any time, I have prevailed against him. Glory... now and for ever... Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory be to Thee, O God. [3] Kyrie eleison [3] Glory... now and for ever... PSALM 24
PSALM 30 In Thee, O Lord, have I put my hope, let me never be ashamed; deliver me in Thy righteousness, and rescue me. Bow down Thine ear to me; deliver me speedily. Be Thou unto me a defending God, and a house of refuge to save me. For Thou art my strength and my refuge; and for Thy name's sake shalt Thou guide and nourish me. Thou shalt bring me out of this snare that they have laid privily for me; for Thou art my defender, O Lord. Into Thine hands I will commend my spirit; Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. Thou hast hated them that hold to empty vanities, but I have hoped in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in Thy mercy, for Thou hast considered my lowliness; Thou hast saved my soul out of adversities, and hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; Thou hast set my feet in a large room. Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; mine eye is troubled with anger, yea, my soul and my belly. For my life is spent with grief, and my years with groaning; my strength is weakened through poverty, and my bones are troubled. I am become a reproach among all mine enemies, but especially among my neighbours, and a fear to mine acquaintance. They that did see me without fled from me. I am forgotten as a dead man from the heart; I am become like a broken vessel. For I have heard the slander of many that dwell on every side; when they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. But I hoped in Thee, O Lord; I said, Thou art my God; my lots are in Thy hands. Deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant; save me for Thy mercy’s sake. Let me not be ashamed, O Lord, for I have called upon Thee; let the ungodly be ashamed, and brought down into Hades. Let the lying lips be put to silence, which speak iniquity proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. Oh how great is the multitude of Thy goodness, O Lord, which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee; which Thou hast wrought for them that hope in Thee before the sons of men! Thou shalt hide them in the secret of Thy presence from the disturbance of men; Thou shalt shelter them secretly in Thy tabernacle from the strife of tongues. Blessed be the Lord, for He hath marvellously showed His mercy in a fortified city. But I said in my alarm, I am cut off from before Thine eyes. Nevertheless Thou heardest the voice of my supplication when I cried unto Thee. O love the Lord, all ye His saints, for the Lord requireth truth, and rewardeth the proud doers. Be of good courage, and let your heart be strengthened, all ye that hope in the Lord.
PSALM 90 He that dwelleth in the help of the Most High shall abide in the shelter of the God of heaven. He will say to the Lord, Thou art my helper and my refuge; my God, and in Him will I hope. For He shall deliver thee from the snare of the hunters, and from every sharp word. He shall overshadow thee with His shoulders, and under His wings shalt thou hope; His truth shall compass thee with a shield. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day: nor for the thing that walketh in darkness, nor for the mishap and the devil at noon. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold, and see the reward of the wicked. Because Thou, Lord, art my hope: Thou hast made the Most High Thy refuge. There shall no evils come upon thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge concerning thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. In their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the asp and basilisk, and the lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his hope in Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will shelter him, because he hath known My name. He shall cry unto Me, and I will hear him; I am with him in trouble, and I will deliver him, and glorify him. With length of days will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation. Glory... now and for ever... Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia. Glory be to Thee, O God. [3] Kyrie eleison [3] Glory... now and for ever... Then the following Verses, read without singing, except in Great Lent, when they are sung by both Choirs slowly and loudly. The first Choir begins as follows in Tone 6 God is with us, Know, ye nations, and be conquered; For God is with us. Give ear, even to the uttermost part of the earth. For God is with us. Be ye strengthened and conquered; For God is with us. For even if ye again be strengthened, ye shall again be conquered. For God is with us. And whatsoever counsel ye shall take, the Lord shall scatter it; For God is with us. And whatsoever word ye shall speak, it shall not stand for: For God is with us. Fear of ye we shall not fear, nor shall we be troubled. For God is with us. The Lord our God, him let us sanctify and he shall be our fear. For God is with us. And if I should trust in Him, He shall be to me for a sanctuary; For God is with us. And I will trust in him and I will be saved through him. For God is with us. Behold, I and the children whom God hath given me. For God is with us. The people that walked in darkness, beheld, a great light. For God is with us. We who dwell in the land and the shadow of death, a light will shine on us. For God is with us. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. For God is with us. Whose sovereignty was upon His shoulder: For God is with us. And of his peace shall there be no end; For God is with us. And His name shall be called Angel of Great Counsel, For God is with us. Wonderful Counsellor, For God is with us. Mighty God, Ruler, Prince of peace. For God is with us. Father of the age to Come; For God is with us. Glory... For God is with us. Now and for ever... For God is with us. Then the two Choirs together: God is with us, Know, ye nations, and be conquered; for God is with us. And straightway the reader with the following Troparia Now that I have passed through this day, I thank thee, O Lord, and ask that this evening and this night be without sin, grant me this, O Saviour and save me. Glory... Now that I have left behind this day, I glorify thee, O Master, and ask that this evening and this night be without temptation, grant me this, O Saviour and save me. Now and for ever... Now that I have crossed over this day, I hymn thee, O Holy One, and ask that this evening and this night be without assault, grant me this, O Saviour and save me.
Then the two Choirs sing the following in Tone 6 The bodiless powers of the cherubim, with un-silent hymns, glorify thee. The six-winged creatures, the Seraphim, with unceasing voices, exalt thee. And all the host of angels, with the thrice-holy hymn they honour thee. For thou art the Father, who art before all things and hast with thee thy co-eternal Son. And the Spirit of life bearing equal honour, thou dost show forth the undivided Trinity. O Most holy Virgin, Mother of God, and ye eye-witnesses and ministers of the Word, All ye ranks of Prophets and Martyrs, having attained immortal life, Ardently intercede for all, for we are all in distress. That, being delivered from the delusion of the evil one, * we may cry aloud the angelic hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy, Thrice-holy Lord, have mercy upon us and save us. Amen. And straightway I believe in One God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in One Lord Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds. Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Ghost and the Virgin Mary, and was made man. And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, He suffered and was buried, and the third day He rose again according to the scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And He shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead: whose kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceedeth from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spake by the Prophets. And in one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins. And I look for the Resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. Then the following Verses, of which the first is sung three times and the rest twice, except for the last, which is sung once only. Tone 6 O Most holy Lady, Mother of God, intercede for us sinners. (3) O all ye heavenly Powers of Angels and Archangels, intercede for us sinners. (2) O holy John, Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of our Lord Jesus Christ, intercede for us sinners. (2) O holy and glorious Apostles, Prophets and Martyrs, and all ye Saints, intercede for us sinners. (2) O holy God-bearing Fathers, Shepherds and Teachers of the whole world, intercede for us sinners. (2) O Invincible and incomprehensible and divine power of the precious and life-giving Cross, forsake not us sinners. (2) The two choirs alternating O God, be gracious unto us a sinner, (3) The left Choir And have mercy upon us READER O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, world without end. Amen. Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake. Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. [3] Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen. Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. PRIESTFor Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. CHOIR: Amen. If the day is a feast we say the Troparia of the feast. But if there is no feast we say the following Troparia day by day. On Monday and Wednesday evenings Tone 2. Enlighten my eyes, Ο Christ God, lest I sleep unto death, lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him. Glory... Be thou, O God, the helper of my soul, for I walk in the midst of many snares, deliver me from them and save me, for thou art good and lovest mankind. Now and for ever... Theotokion In that we have no boldness because of our many sins, do thou, O Virgin Mother of God, intercede with the One born of thee, for a Mother's prayer has great strength to win the favour of the Master. Despise not the prayers of sinners, O most honourable, for he, who for our sake, willingly accepted to suffer, is merciful and able to save.
Other Troparia sung day by day. On Tuesday and Thursday Tone 8
Thou knowest well, O Lord, the sleepless vigilance of mine invisible enemies, and the weakness of my miserable flesh thou knowest, O thou who hast formed me. Wherefore into thine hands I commend my spirit. Shelter me under the wings of thy goodness, lest I sleep unto death, and enlighten the eyes of my spiritual understanding, that I may delight in thy divine words; and awaken me at a time thou hast appointed, that I may glorify thee. for thou alone art good and lovest mankind. Verse: Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, according to the judgment of those that love thy name. How fearful is thy judgement, O Lord, when the angels shall be standing round about, men shall be brought in, the books shall be opened, the deeds uncovered, the thoughts examined. What judgement shall be mine who was conceived in sin? Who shall put out the fire for me? Who shall give light to my darkness, if thou dost not, O Lord, have mercy upon me, for thou lovest mankind? Glory... Give me tears, O God, as thou once gave to the sinful woman, and account me worthy to wash thy feet, which have freed me from the way of error, and to offer thee, as fragrant myrrh, a pure life founded through repentance, that I also may hear thy voice which I long for: thy faith hath saved thee, go thy way in peace. Now and for ever... Theotokion Having thee, O Mother of God, as the hope that cannot be put to shamed, I shall be saved. Having gained thy protection, O thou Most pure, I shall not fear, I shall pursue mine enemies, and put them to flight, having covered myself, as with a breastplate, only with thy protection and beseeching thee for thine all-powerful help I cry to thee, O Lady, save me though thine intercessions, and raise me from dismal sleep, that I may glorify thee, through the power of the Son of God, who through thee was incarnate. Kyrie eleison (40) Glory… Now… More honourable than the cherubim and past compare more glorious than the seraphim, who inviolate didst bear God the Word, very Mother of God, thee we magnify. In the name of the Lord, Father, give the blessing. PRIEST By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us. READER: Amen. Then the following: PRIEST Prayer of Saint Basil the Great O Lord, O Lord, thou who hast delivered us from every arrow that flieth by day, deliver us also from everythng that walks in darkness. Accept the lifting up of our hands as an evening sacrifice. Vouchsafe that we may pass through the course of the night blameless, unoffended by evil, save us from every unrest and faint-heartedness that is caused in us by the devil. Grant contrition unto our souls, and unto our thoughts attentiveness for the trial at thy dread and righteous judgement. Nail down our flesh through fear of thee, and put to death our earthly members, that in the stillness of sleep we may be enlightened with the contemplation of thy judgements. Make distant from us every unseemly imagination and harmful desire. Raise us up in the time of prayer established in the faith, and advancing in thy commandments; through the goodwill and goodness of thine Only-begotten Son, with whom thou art blessed, together with thine all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen. READER O come, let us worship and bow down before our King and our God. O come, let us worship and bow down before Christ our King and our God.
O come, let us worship and bow down before the very Christ our King and our God. Then the following Psalms Psalm 50 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgression. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgression, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight; that Thou mightest be justified in Thy sayings, and mightest overcome when Thou art judged. For behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy wisdom hast Thou revealed to me. Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed: Thou shalt wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that are humbled shall rejoice. Turn away Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and stablish me with Thy sovereign spirit. I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn again to Thee. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness. O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall shew forth Thy praise. For hadst Thou desired sacrifice, I would have given it; Thou wilt not delight in whole burnt offerings. A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; a broken and humbled heart God will not despise. Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Zion, and let the walls of Jerusalem be builded. Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, oblation and whole burnt offerings: then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.
PSALM 101 Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto Thee. Turn not away Thy face from me; in the day when I am in trouble incline Thine ear unto me; in the day when I call unto Thee, hear me speedily. For my days have vanished like smoke, and my bones are consumed like wood for burning. I am smitten like grass, and my heart is withered, for I forgot to eat my bread. By reason of the voice of my groaning, my bone hath cleaved to my flesh. I am become like a pelican of the wilderness; I am become like an owl within a ruined house. I have watched, and am become as a sparrow that sitteth alone upon the housetop. Mine enemies reproached me all the day, and they that praised me are sworn against me. For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping, because of Thine indignation and Thy wrath: for Thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down. My days declined like a shadow, and I am withered like grass. But Thou, O Lord, endurest for ever, and Thy remembrance from generation to generation. Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion; for it is time to have mercy upon on her, yea, the time is come. For Thy servants have taken pleasure in her stones, and they shall have pity for the dust thereof. And the nations shall fear Thy name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth Thy glory. For the Lord shall build up Zion, and He shall be seen in His glory. He hath regarded the prayer of the humble, and hath not despised their supplication. Let this be written for a generation to come, and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord. For He hath looked out from His holy height; out of heaven did the Lord behold the earth; to hear the groaning of the prisoners; to deliver the sons of the slain; to declare the name of the Lord in Zion, and His praise in Jerusalem, when the people are gathered together, and the kings, to serve the Lord. He answered him in the way of his strength, Declare unto me the fewness of my days. Take me not away in the midst of my days; Thy years are from generation to generation. Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast lay the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Thine hands. They shall perish, but Thou remainest; yea, they shall all wax old as doth a garment, and as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they shall be changed. But Thou art the same, and Thy years shall not fail. The sons of Thy servants shall dwell, and their seed shall be guided aright for ever.
And the Prayer THE PRAYER OF MANASSES KING OF JUDAH O Lord, Almighty God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of their righteous seed; who hast made heaven and earth, with all the ornament thereof; who hast bound the sea by the word of thy commandment; who hast shut up the deep, and sealed it by thy terrible and glorious name; whom all men fear, and tremble before thy power; for the majesty of thy glory cannot be borne, and thine angry threatening toward sinners is importable: but thy merciful promise is unmeasurable and unsearchable; for thou art the most high Lord, of great compassion, longsuffering, very merciful, and repentest of the evils of men. Thou, O Lord, according to thy great goodness hast promised repentance and forgiveness to them that have sinned against thee: and of thine infinite mercies hast appointed repentance unto sinners, that they may be saved. Thou therefore, O Lord, that art the God of the just, hast not appointed repentance to the just, as to Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, which have not sinned against thee; but thou hast appointed repentance unto me that am a sinner: for I have sinned above the number of the sands of the sea. My transgressions, O Lord, are multiplied: my transgressions are multiplied, and I am not worthy to behold and see the height of heaven for the multitude of mine iniquities. I am bowed down with many iron bands, that I cannot life up mine head, neither have any release: for I have provoked thy wrath, and done evil before thee: I did not thy will, neither kept I thy commandments: I have set up abominations, and have multiplied offences. Now therefore I bow the knee of mine heart, beseeching thee of grace. I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, and I acknowledge mine iniquities: wherefore, I humbly beseech thee, forgive me, O Lord, forgive me, and destroy me not with mine iniquities. Be not angry with me for ever, by reserving evil for me; neither condemn me to the lower parts of the earth. For thou art the God, even the God of them that repent; and in me thou wilt shew all thy goodness: for thou wilt save me, that am unworthy, according to thy great mercy. Therefore I will praise thee for ever all the days of my life: for all the powers of the heavens do praise thee, and thine is the glory for ever and ever. Amen. O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3) Glory...now and for ever... Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake. Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. [3] Glory... now and for ever... Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. PRIEST For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. READER: Amen. And the following Contrite Troparia are sung. Tone 6 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for destitute of all defence, we sinners, O Master, offer unto Thee this prayer. Have mercy upon us. Glory... O Lord, have mercy upon us, for in Thee have we put our trust. Be not altogether wroth with us, neither remember our iniquities, but inasmuch as Thou art merciful, look down upon us even now, and deliver us from our enemies. For Thou art our God and we are Thy people. We all are the work of Thy hands, and we call upon Thy name. Now and for ever... Open the gate of compassion unto us, O blessed Mother of God, so that hoping in thee we shall not fail, but through thee may we be delivered from all adversity; for thou art the salvation of all Christian peoples. Kyrie eleison (40) Glory… Now… More honourable than the cherubim and past compare more glorious than the seraphim, who inviolate didst bear God the Word, very Mother of God, thee we magnify. In the name of the Lord, Father, give the blessing. PRIEST By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us. READER: Amen. And the Prayer PRIEST O God the Master, Father Almighty, O only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ and thou, O Holy Spirit, one Godhead, one Power, have mercy upon me a sinner, and by the judgements known to thee, save me thine unworthy servant; for blessed art thou unto the ages of ages. READER: Amen. O come, let us worship and bow down before our King and our God. O come, let us worship and bow down before Christ our King and our God. O come, let us worship and bow down before the very Christ our King and our God. Then the following Psalms Psalm 69 O God, look to help me; O Lord, make haste to help me. Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul; let them be turned backward and put to shame that desire my hurt. Let them be turned back at once ashamed that say to me, Well, well! Let all those that seek Thee, O God, be glad and rejoice in Thee; and let such as love Thy salvation say continually, Let the Lord be magnified. But I am poor and needy; help me, O God. Thou art my help and my deliverer: O Lord, make no tarrying. Psalm 142 Hear my prayer, O Lord; give ear unto my supplication in Thy truth; hear me in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath humbled my life to the ground; he hath sat me in darkness, as those that have been long dead; and my spirit hath fainted within me, my heart within me is troubled. I remembered the days of old, I meditated on all Thy works, I considered the works of Thy hands. I stretched forth my hands unto Thee; my soul thirsteth after Thee as a thirsty land. Hear me speedily, O Lord; my spirit hath fainted away; turn not Thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear Thy mercy in the morning, for in Thee have I put my trust; cause me to know, O Lord, the way wherein I should walk, for I have lifted up my soul unto Thee. Deliver me, O Lord, from mine enemies; I have fled unto Thee for refuge. Teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God; Thy good Spirit shall lead me into the land of uprightness. Thou shalt quicken me, O Lord, for Thy name’s sake; in Thy righteousness shalt Thou bring my soul out of trouble; and of Thy mercy shalt Thou cut off mine enemies. And Thou shalt destroy all them that afflict my soul, for I am Thy servant.
THE DOXOLOGY Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men. We praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify Thee, we give thanks to Thee, for Thy great mercy. Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty; O Lord the Only- begotten Son Jesus Christ, and Thou O Holy Spirit. O 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 on the right hand of the Father, and have mercy upon us. For Thou only art Holy, Thou only art the Lord, O Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Amen. Everyday I will bless Thee and praise Thy name for ever and ever. O Lord, Thou hast been our refuge from generation to generation. I said, Lord have mercy upon me, heal my soul, for I have sinned against Thee. O Lord, unto Thee have I fled for refuge, teach me to do Thy will, for Thou art my God. For with Thee is the fountain of life, and in Thy light shall we see light. Continue Thy mercy upon those that know Thee. Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin. Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers, and praised and glorified is Thy name for evermore. Amen. O Lord, let Thy mercy lighten upon us as our trust is in Thee. Blessed art Thou, O Lord: teach me Thy statutes. Blessed art Thou, O Master: make me to understand Thy statutes. Blessed art Thou, O Holy One: enlighten me with Thy statutes. O Lord, Thy mercy is for ever: despise not the works of Thine hands. To Thee belongeth praise, to Thee belongeth hymns, to Thee belongeth glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen.
During the first week of Great Lent we sing the appointed daily sections from the Great Canon "My helper and my shelter..." saying before each Troparion: "Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me." After the 6th Ode we chant slowly and melodiously the Kontakion: "My soul, my soul...". After the 9th ode the Eirmos: "Of the immaculate conception...". From the second week of Lent we say the Canon to the Mother of God according to the tone and day of the week from the Theotokarion. After the completion of the Troparia of the Canon: READER O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3) Glory...now and for ever... Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake. Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. [3] Glory... now and for ever... Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. PRIEST For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. READER: Amen. And we sing the following Troparion with the verses: Tone 6. O Lord of hosts, be thou with us, for in times of sorrow we have no other help but thee; O Lord of hosts have mercy upon us. Verse: Praise God in the sanctuary: praise Him in the firmament of His power. O Lord of hosts, be thou with us, for in times of sorrow we have no other help but thee; O Lord of hosts have mercy upon us. Verse: Praise Him for His mighty acts: praise Him according to His excellent greatness. O Lord of hosts, be thou with us, for in times of sorrow we have no other help but thee; O Lord of hosts have mercy upon us. Verse: Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet: praise Him with the psaltery and harp. O Lord of hosts, be thou with us, for in times of sorrow we have no other help but thee; O Lord of hosts have mercy upon us. Verse: Praise Him with the timbrel and dance: praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. O Lord of hosts, be thou with us, for in times of sorrow we have no other help but thee; O Lord of hosts have mercy upon us. Verse: Praise Him upon the loud cymbals: praise Him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. O Lord of hosts, be thou with us, for in times of sorrow we have no other help but thee; O Lord of hosts have mercy upon us. Then the first Choir: Praise God in the sanctuary: And the second Choir: Praise Him in the firmament of His power. And both Choirs together: O Lord of hosts, be thou with us, for in times of sorrow we have no other help but thee; O Lord of hosts have mercy upon us.
READER Glory... O Lord, if we had not thy Saints as intercessors, and thy goodness compassionate towards us, how could we dare to hymn thee, O Saviour, whom the Angels unceasingly praise? O thou who knowest the hearts of men, spare our souls. Now and for ever... Theotokion. Greatly have mine iniquities multiplied, O Mother of God, Wherefore, I take refuge in thee, O pure one, seeking salvation. Visit my ailing soul, and intercede with thy Son and our God, that he may grant me forgiveness of the dreadful sins I have committed, O thou who alone art blessed. And the 1st Choir sings O Most holy Mother of God, throughout the span of my life, do not abandon me, do not hand me over to human protection, but do thou thyself help me and have mercy upon me. And the 2nd Choir All my hope I entrust unto thee, O Mother of God, do thou keep me safe under thy shelter. Then: Kyrie eleison (40) O Thou, who at all times and every hour, art worshipped and glorified, Christ our God, who art long-suffering, plenteous in mercy and ever-compassionate, who lovest the righteous and hast mercy upon sinners, who callest all to salvation through the promise of the blessings to come: Do Thou, O Lord, at this very hour accept our supplications, and direct our lives in the way of Thy commandments. Sanctify our souls, purify our bodies, correct our reasoning, cleanse our thoughts: and deliver us from all affliction, evil and pain. Compass us about with Thy holy angels, that being guarded and guided by their interposition, we mat attain unto the unity of the faith, and to the knowledge of Thine unapproachable glory: For blessed art Thou, unto the ages of ages. Amen. Kyrie eleison (3) Glory… Now… More honourable than the cherubim and past compare more glorious than the seraphim, who inviolate didst bear God the Word, very Mother of God, thee we magnify. In the name of the Lord, Father, give the blessing. PRIEST God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause His face to shine upon us and have mercy upon us. And as the Priest says the Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian we make a deep prostration after each verse. O Lord and Master of my life, take from me the spirit of sloth, despondency, lust for power, and vain words. But the spirit of integrity, humility, patience and love, grant unto me Thy servant. Yea, O Lord and King, grant me awareness of my own sins and let me not judge my brother: for blessed art Thou for ever and ever. Amen.
Then we make 12 small prostrations each saying to himself: O God, be gracious unto me, a sinner and have mercy upon me. Then the last verse of the prayer is repeated with another deep prostration. Yea, O Lord and King, grant me awareness of my own sins and let me not judge my brother: for blessed art Thou for ever and ever. Amen. O Holy God, Holy and Strong, Holy and Immortal, have mercy upon us. (3) Glory...now and for ever... Most Holy Trinity, have mercy upon us; O Lord, cleanse us from our sins; O Master, pardon our transgressions; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake. Kyrie eleison or Lord have mercy. [3] Glory... now and for ever... Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. PRIEST For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. READER: Amen. The first Chanter Kyrie eleison (12) and save us Most holy Virgin. Then PRAYER TO THE MOST HOLY MOTHER OF GOD (By Paul, monk of the Monastery of Evergetis.) O spotless, undefiled, incorrupt, immaculate, pure Virgin, Lady and Bride of God, who didst by thy glorious birth-giving join God the Word to mankind, and the banished nature of our race didst thou unite with the heavenly. The only hope of the hopeless and the help of the oppressed: the constant help of those who flee to thee, and refuge for all Christians. Despise not me a sinner, abominable and wretched that I am, who has become wholly unprofitable through my shameful thoughts, words and deeds, and by slothful mind am become a slave to the pleasures of life. But as the Mother of God, who loveth mankind, with loving kindness have compassion on me a sinner and prodigal, and accept my supplication offered thee from lips defiled, and with maternal boldness, implore thy Son and our Lord and Master, that He may of His goodness, open unto me also, the bowels of His loving-kindness, and disregarding my countless offences, to direct me towards repentance, and to manifest me as a tried worker of His commandments. And as thou art merciful, compassionate, and loving-kind, do thou be ever present with me: In this life be thou my fervent protector and helper, a fortress guarding me from the assaults of my adversaries. And guide me towards salvation, and at the time of my departure, watch over my wretched soul and drive away from it the dark forms of the evil demons. And on that dread day of judgement, deliver me from the eternal punishment, and manifest me as an heir of the ineffable glory of thy Son and our God. All of which I may obtain, my Lady, and most holy Mother of God, through thy mediation and help. By the grace and love for mankind of thine only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ: to whom belongs all glory, honour and worship, together with His eternal Father and His all-holy, good and life-giving Spirit; now and for ever: world without end. Amen.
The second Chanter
PRAYER
TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST And grant us, O Master, as we go forth to our sleep, rest for body and soul, and preserve us from the dark sleep of sin, and from every dark passion of the night. Calm the assaults of the passions, quench the fiery arrows of the evil one, that are deceitfully cast at us, restrain the insurrection of our flesh and every earthly and material thought do Thou put to rest. And grant us, O God, a watchful mind, chaste thoughts, a sober heart, and a gentle sleep, free from every satanic illusion. And raise us at the hour of prayer established in Thy commandments, and holding steadfast within us the remembrance of Thy judgements. Grant us all the night long to utter Thy praises, that we may hymn, bless and glorify Thy most honourable and majestic Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever: world without end. Amen. O most glorious and ever-Virgin blessed Mother of God, commend our prayer to thy Son and our God, and entreat Him, that through thee, He may save our souls. The Father is my hope, the Son my refuge, the Holy Spirit my protection: Holy Trinity, glory to Thee. All my hope I entrust unto thee, O Mother of God, do thou keep me safe under thy shelter.
During the first week of Great Lent the Priest reads the appointed Gospel readings from the Royal Doors
PRIEST That we may be accounted worthy to hear the Holy Gospel... etc. PRIEST Let us bow down our heads before the Lord. CHOIR: To Thee, O Lord. PRIEST O most merciful Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, our God, by the prayers of our most pure, Lady, Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary, by the precious and life-giving Cross; by the protection of the heavenly bodiless hosts, through the supplications of the glorious Prophet and Forerunner, John the Baptist; of the holy and all-glorious Apostles; of the holy, glorious and triumphant Martyrs; of our holy God-bearing Fathers; of the holy and righteous progenitors of God, Joachim and Anna, and of all Thy saints: Do Thou make acceptable our supplication, grant us the remission of our transgression, shelter us under the shadow of Thy wings, drive away from us every enemy and hostility, bring peace to our lives, O Lord; have mercy upon us and upon Thy world, and save our souls, for Thou art good and lovest mankind. CHOIR: Amen. PRIEST Let us pray for the peace of the whole world. For the pious Orthodox Christians, For our father and Archbishop [Name] and for all our brethren in Christ, For our pious nation, For the success and strengthening of the armed forces in Christ, For our absent fathers and brethren, For those who minister and have ministered unto us, For those who hate and love us, For those who have asked of us sinners to pray for them, For the deliverance of those held captive, For the fair sailing of those at sea, For those who in sickness are bedridden, Let us pray also for the abundance of the fruits of the earth. And for all our departed fathers, brethren, and Orthodox Christians everywhere who have fallen asleep. Let us say for them, Kyrie eleison, Kyrie eleison, Kyrie eleison. On Monday and Wednesday Evenings:
Tone 2 'Οτε εκ του ξύλου To all who in faith come unto thee, thou dost give protection, O Good One, with thy mighty hand, for we sinners have no other as our unwavering, mediator with our God, in dangers and sorrows, we who have been burdened down with our abundant sins, Mother of our God in the Highest. Wherefore do thou rescue thy servants, who fall down before thee, from adversities. On Tuesday and Thursday Evenings: Tone 1 When the Virgin beheld thee, O Christ, unjustly slaughtered, in lament she cried to thee, O my sweetest Child, how dost thou die unjustly, how art thou hanging on a tree, who hung the whole earth upon the waters? Do not I beseech thee, O most merciful Benefactor, leave me alone, thy Mother and servant. PRIEST By the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy upon us and save us. CHOIR: Amen. This order for Great Compline is obliged to be said throughout Holy and Great Lent until Great Tuesday Evening, except for the Gospel readings which are assigned only for the first week. On Holy and Great Monday and Tuesday, instead of the Canon to the Mother of God from the Theotokarion, we sing the Canon for Great Compline from the Triodion. At the end we sing "When the Virgin beheld thee, O Christ, unjustly slaughtered..."
In Monasteries, the brethren having received pardon from the Elder (Abbot), retire to their cells where they say the following prayer. Forgive, O Lord, those who hate us and do us wrong, do good to those that do good, Unto our brethren and those of our household, grant their request that are unto salvation and eternal life, visit the sick and grant them healing, guide those that are at sea, accompany those that journey, be with our rulers in war, to those that serve us and are merciful unto us, grant forgiveness of sins, unto those that have asked us to pray for them, though we be unworthy, forgive and have mercy according to thy great mercy. Remember, O Lord, all our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep and give them rest where shineth the light of thy countenance. Remember, O Lord, our brethren in captivity, and deliver them from every suffering. Remember, O Lord, them that strive and bring forth the fruit of good works in thy holy churches, and grant them their requests that are unto salvation and eternal life. Remember also, O Lord, us thine humble and sinful and unworthy servants and enlighten our minds with the light of thy knowledge and guide us in the way of thy commandments; through the prayers of thy most pure Mother, our Lady Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary, and all the Saints, for thou art blessed, unto all ages of ages. Amen.
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