THE THREE CANONS

First Ode (Tone 6)

(Heirmos) Treading over the floor of the sea as over dry land, and seeing their pursuer Pharoah drown, Israel cried out: Let us sing to God a song of victory!

Canon of Repentance

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

Sinful and burdened, I now approach Thee, my Master and my God. I dare not look up towards heaven, but simply pray, saying: grant me, Lord, the sense to weep bitterly over my deeds.

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

O woe is me, a sinner! I am the most wretched of men! There is no repentance in me! Grant me tears, Lord, that I may weep bitterly over my deeds.

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

O senseless and wretched man, you are destroying your life in laziness! Think about your life and turn to the Lord God, weeping bitterly over your deeds.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

O most pure Mother of God, look on me, a sinner, and deliver me from the snares of the devil. Direct me onto the path of repentance, that I may weep bitterly over my deeds.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Beset by many temptations, I run to you, seeking salvation. Save me from burdens and evils, O Virgin Mother of the Word.

The increase of passions troubles me, filling my soul with great despondency. Still it, O Maiden, with the stillness of your Son and God, O All-Undefiled One.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

I pray you, O Virgin who bore our Saviour and God, deliver me from terrors! I run to you now, laying before you my soul and my thoughts.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

O only Mother of God, grant me, who am afflicted in body and soul, divine visitation and your own concern, for you are good and gave birth to the Good One.

 

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Lord Jesus Christ, my God, have mercy on me!

Grant, O Saviour, that Thy servant may worthily hymn and praise the bodiless Angel who is my instructor and guardian.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.

I lie alone in folly and laziness, O my instructor and Guardian. Do not leave me to perish!

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

Direct my mind, through your prayers, to accomplish the commandments of God, that I may receive from God the remission of my sins. Teach me to hate evil, I pray you.

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

With my Guardian Angel, O Virgin, pray to the Benefactor for your servant. Teach me to accomplish the commandments of your Son and my Creator.

 

Third Ode

(Heirmos) None is holy as Thou, O Lord my God! Thou hast raised the strength of Thy faithful, O Good One, and made us stand firmly on the rock of Thy confession.

Canon of Repentance

When the thrones will be set up for the dread Judgement, the deeds of all men will be recalled. Alas for the sinners who will be sent to torment! Knowing this, my soul, repent of your evil deeds!

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

The righteous shall rejoice, but sinners shall lament. No one will be able to help us at that moment -- our deeds will condemn us! Before the end comes, repent of your evil deeds!

Woe is me, a great sinner! I have defiled myself in deed and thought and cannot even shed a single tear in my hard-heartedness. Free yourself from the earth, my soul, and repent of your evil deeds.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Your Son calls, O Lady, and teaches us what is good. Yet I, a sinner, always flee from good. Have mercy on me, nevertheless, O merciful one, that I may repent of my evil deeds.

 

Canon to the Theotokos

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

I hold you as the Intercessor and Protection of my life, O Virgin Theotokos. Pilot me to your haven, O Cause of good things, O only all-hymned Support of the faithful.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

I pray, O Virgin: dispel the storm of my sorrows and spiritual turmoil. You are the Bride of God who bore the Origin of stillness and alone are most pure.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Pour a wealth of generosity for all, O you who bore the Benefactor, the Cause of all good. You can do anything, for God has blessed you, the Bearer of Christ Who is mighty in strength.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Help me, O Virgin, for I am cruelly tried by severe illness and painful afflictions. I know, Ever-Undefiled One, that you are an inexhaustible and generous treasury of healings.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.

I have laid all my thoughts and my soul before you, my Guardian. Deliver me from every assault of the Enemy.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.

The Enemy humiliates and oppresses me and teaches me always to do his will. But you, my Instructor, leave me not to perish!

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

Grant me with thanksgiving and fervor to sing a hymn to my Creator and God and to you my good Guardian Angel. Free me from my oppresive enemies, O my Deliverer.

Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Heal, Most Pure One, the most painful wounds of my soul and drive off the enemies that are constantly warring against me.

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Sessional Hymn in tone 6

I think of the Dread Day and weep over my evil deeds. How shall I answer the immortal King? Or how shall a prodigal like me dare to look up at the judge? O compassionate Father, only-begotten Son, and Holy Spirit: have mercy on me.

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

Sessional Hymn in tone 2

In fervent love I cry to you, O Guardian of my soul, my all-holy Angel: protect me and keep me always from the entrapment of the evil one. Direct me to the heavenly life, enlightening, illumining, and strenghtening me.

Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion in tone 6

Steadfast protectress of Christians, constant advocate before the Creator: do not despise the cry of us sinners, but in your goodness come speedily to help us who call on you in faith. Hasten to hear our petition and to intercede for us, O Theotokos, for you always protect those who honour you.

Fourth Ode

(Heirmos) A Christ is my strength, my God and my Lord, @ the sacred Church reverently sings with a mighty voice, rejoicing in the Lord.

Canon of Repentance

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

Our present path is wide and conducive to pleasures, but bitter will the Last Day be when the soul will part from the body. O man, beware of those pleasures, for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

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

Why do you mistreat the poor? Why do you withhold the worker=s pay? Why do you not love your brother? Why do you pursue lust and pride? Abandon all of that, my soul, and repent for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

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

O foolish man! How long will you bustle like a bee, gathering your wealth? It will soon perish like dust and ashes. Seek rather the Kingdom of God.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Have mercy on me, a sinner, O Lady Theotokos, and strengthen me in virtues. Protect me, so that insolent death may not seize me unprepared, and bring me, O Virgin, to the Kingdom of God.

Canon to the Theotokos

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

O Bride of God, who bore the Lord Pilot, still the tumult of my passions and the storm of my transgressions.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Grant me the abyss of your kindness, upon which I call, O you who gave birth to the Compassionate One, the Saviour of those who hymn you.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Enjoying your gifts, O Pure One, we sing a hymn of thanksgiving to you whom we know to be the Mother of God.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

As you love good, O Theotokos, the only ever-Virgin, help me as I lie on my bed of illness and infirmity.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

We are delivered from every difficulty, O All-Hymned One, for we have you as our hope, our confirmation, and immovable wall.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.

Pray to God Who loves mankind, my Guardian, and do not abandon me. Keep my life in peace and grant me invincible salvation.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.

I received you from God, holy Angel, as a helper and guardian of my life. Free me from all harm, I pray you!

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

Cleanse my vileness with your holiness, my Guardian. May I be excluded from the left side through your prayers and become a partaker of glory.

Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

I am bewildered by the evils that surround me, Most Pure One. Deliver me from them quickly, for I run only to you.

 

Fifth Ode

(Heirmos) I pray Thee, O Good One: Enlighten with Thy Divine Light the souls which look to Thee from early dawn, that they may know Thee, O Word of God, as the True God Who calls them out from the darkness of sin.

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

Remember, wretched man, how you have been enslaved to lies, slander, crime, infirmities, and wild beasts because of your sins. Is this what you wanted, my sinful soul?

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

My members tremble, for I have been guilty through all of them: my eyes by seeing, my ears by hearing, my tongue by speaking evil, surrendering my whole self to Gehenna. Is this what you wanted, my sinful soul?

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

Thou didst receive the Prodigal and the thief who repented, O Saviour. I alone have been weighed down by sinful laziness and submitted to evil deeds. Is this what you wanted, my sinful soul?

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

O Mother of God, the wondrous and swift helper of all mankind, help me, the unworthy, for this is what my sinful soul wants!

 

 

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Fill my heart with joy, O Pure One who bore the Cause of Joy, by giving us your incorruptible joy.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Deliver us from harm, Pure Theotokos who bore the Eternal Redemption and the Peace which passes all understanding.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Lessen the gloom of my transgressions with the enlightenment of your brightness, O Bride of God who bore the divine and eternal Light.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Heal the infirmity of my soul by granting me your visitation, O Pure One, and grant me wholeness by your prayers.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.

Since you have boldness before God, my holy Guardian, pray to Him for my deliverance from the evils that harm me.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.

Brightly illumine my soul, O bright Light, the Angel given to me by God, my instructor and guardian.

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

Though I sleep in the evil weight of sin, protect me as one who keeps vigil, O Angel of God, and rouse me to praise through your prayers.

Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

O Lady Mary, the unwedded Theotokos and hope of the faithful: Cast down the arrogance of the Enemy and give joy to those who hymn you.

Sixth Ode

(Heirmos) Beholding the Sea of Life raging with the storm of temptations, I have fled to Thy calm haven and cry to Thee: Deliver my life from destruction, O Most-merciful One!

Canon of Repentance

I have lived my life on earth prodigally and committed my soul to darkness. Now, O Merciful Master, I pray: free me from the Enemy=s labour and give me the intelligence to do Thy will.

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

Who does what I do? As a pig wallows in mud, so do I serve sin! Pull me out of this mire, Lord, and give me the heart to accomplish Thy commandments.

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

Lift yourself towards God, wretched man, recalling your transgressions! Fall down before the Creator with tears and groans! Being merciful, He will give you the mind to know His will.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Keep us from both visible and invisible harm, O Virgin Theotokos. Receive my prayers, Most Pure One, and bear them to your Son, that He may give me the mind to do His will.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

My nature was captive of death and corruption, O Virgin, but your Son and Lord saved it from both by surrendering Himself to death. Pray to Him for my deliverance from the evil deeds of my enemies.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

I know that you are the Intercessor of my life, O Virgin, my firm Protectress, healing the rebellions of temptations and dispelling the wiles of demons. I pray constantly that you will deliver me from my destructive passions.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

We have obtained you, O Maiden, as a wall of refuge and a most thorough salvation of souls. The multitude of human sorrows is not too great for you, and we ever rejoice in your illumination. Save us now, O Lady, from passions and misfortunes.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

I am lying on a bed of infirmity and there is no cure for my flesh. But I pray to you, the Good One who bore the God and Saviour of the world: raise me from the destruction of illnesses.

 

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.

I pray to you, holy Angel whom God has given to me as my good guardian: free me from every temptation.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.

Shine light on my mind, O good one, and enlighten me. I pray you, holy Angel: teach me always to have wholesome thoughts.

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

Deliver my heart from this present noise, O my Guardian, and strengthen me to keep a good vigil, wondrously instructing me towards life-giving stillness.

Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

The Word of God dwelt in you, O Theotokos, and showed you to mankind as a Ladder to Heaven. Through you, He Who is on high came down to us.

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

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

Kontakion in tone 6

O my soul, why do you enrich yourself with sins? Why do you do the Devil=s will? In what have you put your hope? Cease all this and turn to God, weeping and crying: O compassionate Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner!

Ikos

Contemplate, my soul, the bitter hour of death and the dread judgement of your Creator and God. Threatening angels will seize you, my soul, and lead you to eternal flames. Repent before your death, therefore, crying: O Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner!

 

Seventh Ode

(Heirmos) The Angel made the furnace a source of dew for the pious youths, and the Will of God, which burned the Chaldeans, made the persecutor call out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!

Canon of Repentance

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

Put not your hope in corruptible wealth, my soul, nor in things unjustly gathered. You do not know to whom you will leave it all. Instead, cry out: O Christ God, have mercy on me, the unworthy!

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

Remember, my soul, both the eternal life and the Heavenly Kingdom prepared for the saints and the outer darkness and divine wrath prepared for the wicked. Then cry out: O Christ God, have mercy on me, the unworthy!

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

Do not count on physical health, my soul, nor on fleeting beauty. You see how both the strong and the young die. Instead, cry out: O Christ God, have mercy on me, the unworthy!

 

Canon to the Theotokos

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Desiring to establish our salvation, O Saviour, Thou didst enter the Virgin=s womb, showing her as the Intercessor for the world. Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Pray to Him Who is mercifully disposed and Whom you bore, O Pure Mother, that we may be delivered from transgressions and defilement of soul, who cry out with faith: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou didst show her who gave birth to Thee as a source of healing, a strong pillar, and a gate of repentance for those who cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Grant healing from physical weakness and spiritual infirmities to those who draw near to your Protection with love, O Virgin Theotokos, who bore Christ the Saviour for us.

 

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.

Have pity on me, Angel of the Lord, and pray to God for me, for He has given you to me forever as a helper, instructor, and guardian throughout my life.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.

God entrusted my wretched soul to you undefiled, Holy Angel. Do not let it be killed by thieves on its journey, but direct it rather to the path of repentance.

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

I bring my soul, completely shamed by my evil thoughts and deeds. Hasten to me, my Instructor, and grant me the healing of good thoughts, which lead me forever on the right path.

Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

For the sake of the Theotokos, O Personal Wisdom of the Most High, fill with wisdom and divine strength those who cry out: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.

 

Eighth Ode

(Heirmos) Thou didst cause dew to pour from the flames over the pious youths, and didst burn the sacrifice of a righteous man with water, for Thou doest all things, O Christ, by Thy Will alone. We exalt Thee throughout all ages.

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

How can I not weep when I think of death? I have seen my brother lying in the tomb without glory and without form. What can I expect? What can I hope? Only grant me, Lord, repentance before the end. (Twice)

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

I believe that Thou wilt come to judge the living and the dead, and that everyone will stand in his rank: the old and the young; masters and princes; virgins and priests. Where will I find myself? Therefore, I cry out: grant me, Lord, repentance before the end.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Receive my unworthy prayer, Most Pure Theotokos. Keep me from sudden death, and grant me repentance before the end.

 

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin, do not disdain those who need your help, hymning and exalting you forever.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

You heal the infirmities of my soul and the illnesses of my body, O Virgin, that I may glorify you, O Pure One, forever.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

You pour an abundance of healing, O Virgin, on those who hymn you with faith and exalt your inexpressible birth-giving.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

You chase away the wiles of temptation and the onsets of passions, O Virgin. We therefore hymn you forever.

 

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.

Most good Angel, sent from God: strengthen my life and never abandon me.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.

I hymn you forever, most blessed and good Angel, the Instructor and Guardian of my soul.

We bless the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Lord.

Be my protection and rampart on the day when all mankind will be tried and all deeds will be tested, both the good and the bad.

Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Be the help and stillness of your servant, Ever-Virgin Theotokos, and never release me from your service.

 

Ninth Ode

(Hiermos) No man can see God, upon Whom the Angelic ranks dare not gaze. But through you, O Pure One, the Incarnate Word was revealed to mankind. Magnifying Him with the heavenly hosts, we call you blessed.

Canon of Repentance

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

I now turn to you, angels, archangels, and all the heavenly host who stand by the throne of God: pray to your Creator that He deliver my soul from eternal torments.

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

I now weep before you, holy patriarchs, kings and prophets, apostles and hierarchs, and all the elect of Christ: help me at the Judgement, that my soul be saved from the strength of the Enemy.

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

I now lift up my hands to you, holy martyrs, desert-dwellers, virgins, righteous ones, and all saints who pray to the Lord for the whole world: may He have mercy on me at the hour of my death.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Help me, O Theotokos, for I have great hope in you. Pray to your Son, that when He sits to judge the living and the dead, He may place me at His right hand, even though I am unworthy.

 

Canon to the Theotokos

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin who bore Christ and wipes away every tear from every face: turn not away from my flowing tears.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

O Virgin who received the fullness of joy, which destroyed the sorrow of sin: fill my heart with joy!

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Be a haven and intercession, an indestructible wall, a refuge, protection and rejoicing for those who run to you, O Virgin.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Enlighten with the rays of your light those who in the True Faith confess you to be the Theotokos, O Virgin, dispelling the darkness of ignorance.

Most holy Theotokos, save us.

Heal me, O Virgin, as I lie humbled on the place of misfortune, bringing me from illness to health.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Lord Jesus Christ, my God, have mercy on me.

Have mercy on me, my only Saviour, since Thou art merciful and compassionate, and join me to the choir of the Just.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.

Grant that I may always think and do what is good and useful, O Angel of the Lord, and show me to be strong and spotless in weakness.

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

Since you are bold before the Heavenly King, pray to Him with all the bodiless powers, that He may have mercy on me, a wretch.

Now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

You have great boldness before the One Who took flesh from you, O Virgin. Remove me from my fetters and grant me freedom and salvation through your prayers.