THE
SERVICE OF PREPARATION
FOR HOLY
COMMUNION
THE CANON
OF PREPARATION FOR HOLY COMMUNION
Second
Tone.
Ode 1.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
May Thy holy Body be for me the Bread of life everlasting, O compassionate Lord, and may Thy precious Blood be a remedy for diverse maladies.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
Defiled by unseemly deeds, wretched as I am, I am unworthy, O Christ, to partake of Thine immaculate Body and divine Blood; but make me worthy of them.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O blessed Bride of God, O good land which produced the Ear of Wheat which knew no husbandry and which bringeth salvation to the world: grant that I who eat thereof may be saved.
Heirmos: Establishing me on the rock of faith, Thou hast enlarged my mouth over mine enemies; for my spirit rejoiceth in chanting: There is none holy as our God, and none righteous save Thee, O Lord.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
Grant me, O Christ, teardrops to cleanse the defilement of my heart, that, purified and with a good conscience, I may draw nigh with fear and faith, O Master, to the communion of Thy Divine Gifts.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
May Thine immaculate Body and divine Blood be for the forgiveness of mine offences, for communion with the Holy Spirit, and for life everlasting, O Thou Who lovest mankind, and for estrangement from passions and sorrows.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
O All-Holy one, table of the Bread of Life which for mercy’s sake came down from on high and gave new life to the world, make even me, who am unworthy, worthy now with fear to taste thereof and live.
Heirmos: From a Virgin didst Thou come, not as an ambassador, nor as an Angel, but the very Lord Himself incarnate, and didst save me, the whole man; wherefore I cry unto Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me..
O Most Merciful One, Who wast incarnate for us, Thou didst will to be slain as a sheep for the sins of mortals; wherefore also, I implore Thee to blot out mine offences.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
Heal the wounds of my soul, O Lord, and wholly sanctify me, the wretched one, and make me worthy, O Master, to partake of Thy divine Mystical Supper.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Make Him Who came forth from thy womb, O Lady, to be gracious also unto me; and keep me, thy suppliant, blameless and free of stain, that, by receiving within me the noetic Pearl, I may be sanctified.
O blessed Bride of God, O good land which produced the Ear of Wheat which knew no husbandry and which bringeth salvation to the world: grant that I who eat thereof may be saved.
Ode 3.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
Grant me, O Christ, teardrops to cleanse the defilement of my heart, that, purified and with a good conscience, I may draw nigh with fear and faith, O Master, to the communion of Thy Divine Gifts.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
May Thine immaculate Body and divine Blood be for the forgiveness of mine offences, for communion with the Holy Spirit, and for life everlasting, O Thou Who lovest mankind, and for estrangement from passions and sorrows.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
O All-Holy one, table of the Bread of Life which for mercy’s sake came down from on high and gave new life to the world, make even me, who am unworthy, worthy now with fear to taste thereof and live.
Ode 4.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me..
O Most Merciful One, Who wast incarnate for us, Thou didst will to be slain as a sheep for the sins of mortals; wherefore also, I implore Thee to blot out mine offences.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
Heal the wounds of my soul, O Lord, and wholly sanctify me, the wretched one, and make me worthy, O Master, to partake of Thy divine Mystical Supper.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Make Him Who came forth from thy womb, O Lady, to be gracious also unto me; and keep me, thy suppliant, blameless and free of stain, that, by receiving within me the noetic Pearl, I may be sanctified.
Ode 5.
Heirmos: O Bestower of light and Lord Creator of the ages: guide me in the light of Thy commandments; for we know none other God save Thee.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
As Thou didst foretell, O Christ, so let it be even now to Thine abject slave, and abide in me as Thou didst promise; for behold, I eat Thy Divine Body and drink Thy Blood.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
O Word of God and God, may the live coal of Thy Body be for the enlightenment of me who am darkened, and may Thy Blood be for the cleansing of my defiled soul.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O Mary, thou Mother of God, august tabernacle of the Sweet Fragrance: by thy prayers, make me a chosen vessel, that I may partake of the holy Gifts of thy Child.
Ode 6.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
O Saviour, sanctify my mind, soul, heart, and body; and grant that without condemnation, O Master, I may approach the dread Mysteries.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
Grant me estrangement from passions, and the increase of Thy Grace, and assurance of life by my participation in Thy holy Mysteries, O Christ.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O holy Word of God and God, as I now approach Thy Divine Mysteries, sanctify the whole of me, by the supplications of Thy holy Mother.
Kontakion. Second Tone. Seeking things on high.
Disdain me not to receive now, O Christ, the Bread which is Thy Body, and Thy Divine Blood, and to partake, O Master, of Thine immaculate and dread Mysteries; and may it not be unto me, the wretched one, for judgment, but for eternal and immortal life.
Ode 7.
Heirmos: When the golden image was adored in the plain of Deira, Thy three Youths trampled underfoot the ungodly decree; and though cast into the midst of the fire, as ones refreshed they chanted: Blessed art Thou, the God of our Fathers.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
May the reception of Thine immortal Mysteries, the Source of every good, O Christ, be now unto me light, and life, and dispassion, and the cause of furtherance and proficiency in Divine virtue, O only Good One, that I may glorify Thee.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
That I may redeemed from passions, enemies, want, and every affliction, I now draw nigh with trembling, love, and reverence to Thine immortal and Divine Mysteries, O Friend of man, and chant unto Thee: Blessed art Thou, the God of our Fathers.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O thou who art graced of God, and gavest birth incomprehensibly to Christ the Saviour, I thy slave, impure as I am, now beseech the, the pure one: From all defilement of flesh and spirit do thou cleanse me who am now about to approach the immaculate Mysteries.
Ode 8.
Heirmos: O ye works, praise ye the Lord God Who descended into the fiery furnace with the Hebrew Children and changed the flame into dew; and supremely exalt Him unto all the ages.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
Grant me, who am despairing, to be a communicant now of Thy heavenly, dread, and holy Mysteries, O Christ, and of Thy Divine and Mystical Supper, O God my Saviour.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
I flee for refuge under Thy compassion, O Good One, and I cry to Thee with fear: Abide in me, O Saviour, and I in Thee, as Thou didst say; for lo, trusting in Thy mercy, I eat Thy Body and drink Thy Blood.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I tremble as I receive the Fire, lest I should be burned as wax and as grass. O dread mystery! O Divine compassion! How is it that I who am but clay partake of the Divine Body and Blood and am made incorruptible?
Heirmos: Our God and Lord, the Son of the unoriginate Father, hath appeared to us incarnate of a Virgin, to enlighten those in darkness, and to gather the dispersed; wherefore do we magnify the all-hymned Theotokos.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
The Lord is good: O taste and see! For of old He became like unto us for our sake, and offered Himself once as an offering to His Father, and is ever slain, sanctifying them that partake of Him.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
May I be sanctified in body and soul, O Master; may I be enlightened; may I be saved; may I become Thy dwelling-place by the communion of the sacred Mysteries, having Thee with the Father and the Spirit abiding in me, O most merciful Benefactor.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
May Thy most precious Body and Blood be to me as fire and light, O my Saviour, consuming the substance of sin and burning the thorns of my passions, and enlightening the whole of me to worship Thy Divinity.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
God took flesh of thy pure blood; wherefore, every generation doth hymn thee, O Lady, and the multitudes of the noetic beings glorify thee; for through thee we have clearly seen the Master of all, Who assumed the nature of man.
Lord, have mercy. (12x)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O come, let us worship and fall down before God, our King.
O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God.
O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God.
PSALM 22
The Lord is my shepherd, and I shall not want. In a place of green pasture, there hath He made me to dwell; He hath nurtured me beside the water of rest. He hath converted my soul; He hath led me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff, they have comforted me. Thou hast prepared a table before me, in the presence of them that afflict me. Thou hast anointed my head with oil, and like the best wine doth Thy cup inebriate me. And Thy mercy shall pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord unto length of days.
PSALM 23
The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and all they that dwell therein. He hath founded it upon the seas, and prepared it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord, or who shall stand in His holy place? He that is innocent in hands, and pure in heart, who hath not received his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbor. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Savior. This is the generation of them that seek the Lord, that seek the face of the God of Jacob. Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting gates; and the King of Glory shall enter in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your gates, ye princes, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting gates; and the King of Glory shall enter in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory.
PSALM 115
I believed, and therefore have I spoken; I was greatly humbled. I said in mine ecstasy, Every man is a liar. What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the presence of all His people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. O Lord, I am Thy servant; I am Thy servant, and the son of Thine handmaid; Thou hast broken my bonds asunder. I will sacrifice to Thee a sacrifice of praise, and will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (3x)
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Overlook mine iniquities, O Lord Who wast born of a Virgin, and purify my heart, and make it a temple for Thine immaculate Body and Blood. Cast me not away from Thy presence as one despised, O Thou Who hast immeasurably great mercy.
Glory.
How can I, the unworthy one, shamelessly dare to partake of Thy holy Gifts? For should I dare to approach Thee with those who are worthy, my vesture doth betray me, for it befitteth not the Supper, and I shall bring condemnation upon my sin-laden soul. Cleanse, O Lord, the defilement of my soul, and save me, since Thou lovest mankind.
Both now.
Great are the multitudes of mine offences, O Theotokos; to thee have I fled, O pure one, and implore salvation. Visit mine ailing soul, and intercede with thy Son and our God that He may grant me forgiveness for the grievous deeds which I have committed, O only blessed one.
Lord, have mercy. (40x)
As many prostrations as desired; then, straightway, the following supplicatory prayers:
DIDACTIC VERSES
ON HOW ONE MUST APPROACH
THE IMMACULATE MYSTERIES
When thou, O man, art about to eat the Master’s Body,
Dray nigh with fear, lest thou be seared; It is Fire.
And as thou drinkest the Divine Blood unto communion,
First reconcile thyself with them that grieve thee,
Then, with daring, venture to eat the Mystic Food.
OTHER SIMILAR VERSES
Before partaking of the dread Sacrifice
Of the life-creating Body of the Master,
On this wise pray with trembling:
THE FIRST PRAYER,
OF SAINT BASIL THE GREAT
O Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, the Source of life and immortality, Who art the Maker of all creation, both visible and invisible, the co-eternal and co-beginningless Son of the beginningless Father, Who in the abundance of Thy goodness wast in the last days clothed in flesh, wast crucified and buried for us, the ungrateful and thankless ones, and by Thine own Blood didst refashion our nature which had been corrupted by sin: do Thou Thyself, O immortal King, accept the repentance even of me, a sinner, and incline Thine ear to me and hear my words. For I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned against Heaven and before Thee, and I am not worthy to gaze upon the height of Thy glory; for I have provoked Thy goodness by transgressing Thy commandments and by not obeying Thine ordinances. But Thou, O Lord, Who art forbearing, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy, hast not given me up to perish in mine iniquities, most surely awaiting my conversion. For Thou, Who lovest mankind, hast said through Thy Prophet that Thou dost not desire with desire the death of the sinner, but that he should return and live. For Thou dost not will, O Master, that the work of Thy hands should perish, neither art Thou well-pleased in the perdition of men, but Thou desirest that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Wherefore, though I am unworthy of both Heaven and earth, and even of this transient life, since I have wholly subjected myself to sin and am a slave to pleasure and have defaced Thine image, yet being Thy work and creation, I, the wretched one, do not despair of my salvation; but, emboldened by Thine immeasurable compassion, I draw nigh. Wherefore, receive even me, O Christ, Who lovest mankind, as Thou didst the harlot, the thief, the publican, and the prodigal; and take away the heavy burden of my sins, O Thou that takest away the sin of the world, Who healest men’s infirmities, Who callest to Thyself them that labour and are heavy laden and givest them rest, Who camest not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And cleanse me of all defilement of flesh and spirit. Teach me to attain holiness in the fear of Thee, that, with the witness of my conscience pure, I may receive the portion of Thy holy Gifts and be united with Thy holy Body and Blood, and have Thee dwelling and abiding in me with the Father and Thy Holy Spirit. Yea, O Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not the communion of Thine immaculate and life-creating Mysteries be to me for judgment, nor may I become infirm in soul and body by partaking of Them unworthily; but grant me till my last breath to receive without condemnation the portion of Thy holy gifts, for communion with the Holy Spirit, as a provision for life everlasting, and for an acceptable defence at Thy dread tribunal, that even I, with all Thine elect, may become a partaker of Thine undefiled good things, which Thou hast prepared for them that love Thee, O Lord, in whom Thou art glorified unto the ages. Amen.
THE SECOND PRAYER,
OF SAINT BASIL THE GREAT
I know, O Lord, that I partake of Thine immaculate Body and precious Blood unworthily, and that I am guilty, and eat and drink judgment to myself, not discerning the Body and Blood of Thee, my Christ and God. But trusting in Thy compassions, I take courage and approach Thee, Who didst say: He that eateth My Flesh and drinketh My Blood abideth in Me, and I in him. Wherefore, have compassion, O Lord, and make not an example of me, the sinner, but deal with me according to Thy mercy; and let these holy Gifts be unto my healing, and purification, and enlightenment, and protection, and salvation, and sanctification of both soul and body, unto the averting of every phantasy and evil deed and diabolical operation working noetically in my members; unto confidence and love toward Thee, unto amendment of life and stability, unto an increase of virtue and perfection, unto fulfilment of the commandments, unto communion with the Holy Spirit, as a provision for life everlasting, and as an acceptable defense at Thy dread tribunal, not unto judgment, nor unto condemnation.
THE THIRD PRAYER,
OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOMOS
O Lord my God, I know that I am not worthy, nor sufficient, that Thou shouldest come under the roof of the house of my soul, for all is desolate and fallen, and Thou hast not in me a place worthy to lay Thy head. But even as from on high Thou didst humble Thyself for our sake, so now conform Thyself to my lowliness. And even as Thou didst deign to lie in a cave and in a manger of irrational beasts, so also deign to lie in the manger of mine irrational soul and to enter my defiled body. And even as Thou didst not disdain to enter and dine with sinners in the house of Simon the leper, so consent also to enter the house of my lowly soul which is leprous and sinful. And even as Thou didst not reject the woman, who was a harlot and a sinner like me, when she approached and touched Thee, so also be compassionate with me, the sinner, as I approach and touch Thee. And as Thou didst not abhor her defiled and polluted mouth which kissed Thee, neither do Thou abhor my mouth, yet more defiled and polluted than hers, not my lips which are loathsome, impure, and unholy, nor my tongue, yet more unclean. But let the live coal of Thine all-holy Body and Thy precious Blood be unto sanctification and enlightenment and strengthening of my humble soul and body, unto alleviation of the burden of my many offences, unto defence against every operation of the devil, unto the averting and hindering of my vile and wicked habits, unto the mortification of the passions, unto the accomplishment of Thy commandments, unto the increase of Thy Divine grace, and unto the attainment of Thy Kingdom. For it is not as one presumptuous that I draw nigh to Thee, O Christ my God, but as one taking courage in Thine ineffable goodness, and that I may not, by long abstaining from Thy Communion, become a prey to the noetic wolf. Wherefore, I pray Thee Who alone at holy, O Master, sanctify my soul and body, my mind and heart, my reins and bowels, and wholly renew me. Root the fear of Thee in my members, and make Thy sanctification indelible within me. And be Thou my helper and defender, guide my life in peace, and make me worthy to stand at Thy right hand with Thy Saints, by the prayers and intercessions of Thine all-immaculate Mother, of Thine immaterial ministers and immaculate powers, and of all the Saints who, from ages past, have been well-pleasing unto Thee. Amen.
THE FOURTH PRAYER,
OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOMOS
I am not sufficient, O Master and Lord, that Thou shouldest enter under the roof of my soul; but since Thou, in Thy love for mankind, dost will to dwell in me, with trust I draw nigh. Thou commandest; I will open wide the gates which Thou alone hast fashioned, that Thou mayest enter, in Thy wonted love for man, that Thou mayest enter and enlighten my darkened thought. I believe that Thou wilt do this, for Thou didst not shun the harlot who approached Thee with tears, nor didst Thou reject the publican who repented, nor didst Thou drive away the thief who acknowledged Thy Kingdom, nor didst Thou abandon the repentant persecutor as he was; but all who had been brought to Thee by repentance hast Thou established in the choir of Thy friends, O Thou Who alone art blessed, always, now and unto endless ages. Amen.
THE FIFTH PRAYER,
OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOMOS
O Lord Jesus Christ my God, loose, remit, forgive, and pardon the failings, faults, and offences which I, Thy sinful, unprofitable, and unworthy servant, have committed from my youth, up to the present day and hour, whether in knowledge or in ignorance, whether in words or deeds or thoughts, or reasonings and pursuits, or in any of my senses. And by the intercession of her that conceived Thee without seed, the immaculate and ever-virgin Mary, Thy Mother, mine only hope that putteth not to shame, my defence and salvation, do Thou count me worthy without condemnation to partake of Thine immaculate, immortal, life-creating, and dread Mysteries, unto forgiveness of sins and life everlasting, unto sanctification and enlightenment and strength and healing and health of both soul and body, and unto the blotting out and utter destruction of mine evil reasonings and thoughts and predispositions and nocturnal phantasies of the dark and evil spirits. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, and the honour, and the worship, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
THE SIXTH PRAYER,
OF SAINT JOHN THE DAMASCENE
O Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who alone hast authority to forgive men their sins: since Thou art good and lovest mankind, overlook all mine offences, whether committed in knowledge or in ignorance, and account me worthy to receive without condemnation Thy Divine, glorious, immaculate, and life-creating Mysteries, not unto punishment, nor unto an increase of sins, but unto purification and sanctification and as an earnest of the life and kingdom to come, as a rampart and help, and for the overturning of adversaries, and for the blotting out of my many transgressions. For Thou art a God of mercy and compassions and love for man, and to Thee do we send up glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
THE SEVENTH PRAYER,
OF SAINT SYMEON THE NEW THEOLOGIAN
From lips tainted and defiled,
From a heart unclean and loathsome,
From a tongue befouled and filthy,
From a soul bestained and soiled.
O my Christ, receive my pleading.
Yea, disdain me not, nor shun me,
Nor my words, nor yet my manner,
Nor my shamelessness and boldness.
But with freedom let me tell Thee,
O my Christ, what I desire;
Rather, do Thou now instruct me
What I need to do and utter.
I have sinned more than the harlot
Who, on learning of Thy lodging,
Went and purchased myrrh most precious,
And with boldness she approached Thee,
To anoint Thy feet and lave them,
O my Christ, my God and Master.
Even as Thou didst not shun her
When she came with heartfelt fervour,
Thus, O Word, do not disdain me.
Nay, but rather do Thou grant me
To embrace Thy feet and kiss them,
And with streams of tears to wash them,
As with precious myrrh most costly,
With great boldness to anoint them.
Wash me with my tears, and thereby
Cleanse me, Word of God, and lave me.
Grant remission of my failings,
And bestow on me forgiveness.
All mine evil deeds Thou knowest,
And my wounds Thou knowest also,
And my bruises Thou beholdest.
But my faith Thou knowest likewise,
And mine eagerness Thou seest,
And my groans Thou hearest also.
There doth not escape Thy notice
Even one tear, O Redeemer,
Nor a fraction of a teardrop,
O my Lord God and Creator.
Yea, Thine eyes did see my being
While as yet it was unfashioned.
In Thy Book all thoughts and actions,
Even those not yet enacted,
Are inscribed for Thee already.
See my lowliness and toil!
Lo, the greatness of my suffering!
And, O God of all, forgive me
All the sins I have committed.
So that with a cleansed and pure heart,
And a mind with fear atremble,
And a soul contrite and lowly,
I may draw nigh to partake of
Thine all-pure and spotless Myst’ries,
Whereby all who eat and drink Thee
With a heart sincere and guileless
Are both deified and quickened.
For Thou sayest, O my Master:
He that eateth of My Flesh and
That doth drink of My Blood also
Doth abide in Me most truly,
And in him am I found also.
Wholly true is this word spoken
By my Lord and God and Master;
For whoever doth partake of
These Divine and hallowed graces
Which impart deification
Is alone, in truth, no longer,
But is with Thee, Christ, Thou True Light
Of the Hallowed, Triple Daystar,
Which illumineth the whole world.
Lest, then, I remain alone now
And apart from Thee, Life-giver,
O my Breath, my Life, my Gladness,
The entire world’s Salvation,
For this cause do I approach Thee
With a soul contrite and tearful.
O Thou Ransom of my failings,
I entreat Thee to receive me,
So that I may now partake of
Thy life-giving, blameless Myst’ries,
And not suffer condemnation;
That, as Thou didst say, Thou mightest
Dwell with me, who am thrice-wretched;
Lest that foul deceiver find me
All bereft of Thy Divine grace,
And most guilefully seduce me,
And with scheming cunning lure me
From Thy words which make me Godlike.
Wherefore, I fall down before Thee,
And cry out to Thee with fervour:
As Thou didst receive and welcome
Both the prodigal and harlot
Who drew nigh to Thee, so likewise,
O Most Merciful, receive me,
The great profligate and sinner,
The most prodigal and vile one,
As I dare now to approach Thee
With a soul contrite and humbled.
Savior, well I know that no one
Hath sinned as have I against Thee,
Nor hath wrought the deeds which I have.
Yet again, I know this also:
Neither greatness of transgressions,
Nor enormity in sinning,
Can surpass my God and Savior's great long-suffering and mercy
And exceeding love for mankind.
For with the oil of compassion
Thou dost cleanse and render shining
All those who repent with fervour;
And Thou makest them partakers
Of Thy light in all abundance,
And true sharers of Thy Godhood.
And—O marvel for the Angels
And for human understanding!—
Thou hast converse with them often
As with friends most true and trusted.
These things now do give me daring,
These things give me wings, O Christ God;
Trusting, then, in the abundance
Of Thy benefactions toward us,
With rejoicing, yet with trembling,
I partake now of the Fire.
Though but grass—O awesome wonder!—
Yet bedewed am I past telling,
Like that bush of old on Sinai
Which was unconsumed, though burning.
Wherefore, with a mind most thankful,
And a heart most thankful also,
Thankful also in the members
Of my soul and of my body,
I adore and magnify Thee,
O my God, and glorify Thee,
As One verily most blessed,
Now and ever, to all ages.
THE EIGHTH PRAYER,
OF SAINT SYMEON METAPHRASTES
O Lord, Who alone art pure and incorrupt, Who through the ineffable compassion of Thy love for man didst assume our whole substance from the pure and virginal blood of her that, in a manner surpassing nature, conceived Thee by the coming of the Divine Spirit and by the good will of the Everlasting Father; O Christ Jesus, the Wisdom, Peace, and Power of God; O Thou Who, in that nature taken upon Thyself, didst accept Thy life-creating and saving Passion, the Cross, the nails, the spear, and death: do Thou mortify all the soul-corrupting passions of my body. Thou Who by Thy burial didst despoil the dominions of Hades: do Thou bury with good thoughts mine evil schemes and dispel the spirits of wickedness. Thou Who by Thy life-creating Resurrection on the third day didst raise up our fallen first parent: raise me up who have slipped down into sin, and set before me the ways of repentance. Thou Who by Thy glorious Ascension didst deify the flesh that Thou hadst taken upon Thyself and didst honour it by Thy session at the right hand of the Father: by my partaking of Thy holy Mysteries make me worthy of the portion of the saved at Thy right hand. Thou Who by the coming of the Comforter, Thy Spirit, didst make Thy sacred Disciples precious vessels: show me forth also as a receptacle of His coming. Thou Who art to come again to judge the world in righteousness: be it Thy good will that I also meet Thee in the clouds, O my Creator and Fashioner, with all Thy Saints, that without end I may glorify and hymn Thee, with Thy Father which is without beginning, and Thine All-Holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
THE NINTH PRAYER,
OF SAINT JOHN THE DAMASCENE
I stand before the doors of Thy temple, yet I do not put away my grievous thoughts. But do Thou, O Christ God, Who didst justify the publican, and have mercy on the Canaanite woman, and open the gates of Paradise to the thief: open unto me the depths of Thy love for mankind; and as I approach and touch Thee, receive me like the woman with an issue of blood and like the harlot. For the one, by touching the hem of Thy garment received healing readily, and the other, by clasping Thine immaculate feet obtained release from her sins. And I, pitiable though I be, dare to receive Thy whole Body; may I not be consumed, but receive me even as these. And do Thou enlighten the senses of my soul, and burn up the indictments of my sins, by the intercessions of her that seedlessly bare Thee, and of the Heavenly hosts, for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.
THE TENTH PRAYER,
OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOMOS
I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Who camest into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief. Furthermore, I believe that This is indeed Thine immaculate Body, and that This is indeed Thy precious Blood. Wherefore, I pray Thee: Have mercy on me and forgive me my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, in knowledge and in ignorance. And vouchsafe that, uncondemned, I may partake of Thine immaculate Mysteries unto the remission of sins and unto life everlasting. Amen.
As you approach the Cup, memorize and silently say the following verses of Saint Symeon Metaphrastes:
Behold, I approach Divine Communion;
O Creator, burn me not as I partake,
For Fire art Thou which burneth the unworthy;
But purify me from every stain.
Then the Troparion:
Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Thine enemies; nor will I give Thee a kiss, as did Judas, but like the thief do I confess Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy kingdom.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
I flee for refuge under Thy compassion, O Good One, and I cry to Thee with fear: Abide in me, O Saviour, and I in Thee, as Thou didst say; for lo, trusting in Thy mercy, I eat Thy Body and drink Thy Blood.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I tremble as I receive the Fire, lest I should be burned as wax and as grass. O dread mystery! O Divine compassion! How is it that I who am but clay partake of the Divine Body and Blood and am made incorruptible?
Ode 9.
Heirmos: Our God and Lord, the Son of the unoriginate Father, hath appeared to us incarnate of a Virgin, to enlighten those in darkness, and to gather the dispersed; wherefore do we magnify the all-hymned Theotokos.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
The Lord is good: O taste and see! For of old He became like unto us for our sake, and offered Himself once as an offering to His Father, and is ever slain, sanctifying them that partake of Him.
Have mercy upon me, O God, have mercy upon me.
May I be sanctified in body and soul, O Master; may I be enlightened; may I be saved; may I become Thy dwelling-place by the communion of the sacred Mysteries, having Thee with the Father and the Spirit abiding in me, O most merciful Benefactor.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
May Thy most precious Body and Blood be to me as fire and light, O my Saviour, consuming the substance of sin and burning the thorns of my passions, and enlightening the whole of me to worship Thy Divinity.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
God took flesh of thy pure blood; wherefore, every generation doth hymn thee, O Lady, and the multitudes of the noetic beings glorify thee; for through thee we have clearly seen the Master of all, Who assumed the nature of man.
And we complete the Service
of Small Compline.
ON THE
FOLLOWING DAY
After the usual Morning
Prayers say:
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (3x)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
All-Holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, be gracious unto our sins; Master, forgive our iniquities; Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities, for Thy Name’s sake.
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Our Father, Which art in the Heavens, hallowed by 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One.
Exclamation: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Exclamation: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O come, let us worship and fall down before God, our King.
O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and our God.
O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ Himself, our King and our God.
PSALM 22
The Lord is my shepherd, and I shall not want. In a place of green pasture, there hath He made me to dwell; He hath nurtured me beside the water of rest. He hath converted my soul; He hath led me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff, they have comforted me. Thou hast prepared a table before me, in the presence of them that afflict me. Thou hast anointed my head with oil, and like the best wine doth Thy cup inebriate me. And Thy mercy shall pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord unto length of days.
PSALM 23
The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and all they that dwell therein. He hath founded it upon the seas, and prepared it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord, or who shall stand in His holy place? He that is innocent in hands, and pure in heart, who hath not received his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbor. He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Savior. This is the generation of them that seek the Lord, that seek the face of the God of Jacob. Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting gates; and the King of Glory shall enter in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your gates, ye princes, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting gates; and the King of Glory shall enter in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory.
PSALM 115
I believed, and therefore have I spoken; I was greatly humbled. I said in mine ecstasy, Every man is a liar. What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the presence of all His people. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. O Lord, I am Thy servant; I am Thy servant, and the son of Thine handmaid; Thou hast broken my bonds asunder. I will sacrifice to Thee a sacrifice of praise, and will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord in the presence of all His people, in the courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Glory to Thee, O God. (3x)
Lord, have mercy. (3x)
And the following Troparia: Plagal of the Fourth Tone.
Glory.
How can I, the unworthy one, shamelessly dare to partake of Thy holy Gifts? For should I dare to approach Thee with those who are worthy, my vesture doth betray me, for it befitteth not the Supper, and I shall bring condemnation upon my sin-laden soul. Cleanse, O Lord, the defilement of my soul, and save me, since Thou lovest mankind.
Both now.
Great are the multitudes of mine offences, O Theotokos; to thee have I fled, O pure one, and implore salvation. Visit mine ailing soul, and intercede with thy Son and our God that He may grant me forgiveness for the grievous deeds which I have committed, O only blessed one.
On Holy and Great Thursday, the following is said:
When the glorious Disciples were enlightened at the washing of the feet, then Judas the ungodly one was stricken and darkened with the love of silver. And unto the lawless judges did he deliver Thee, the righteous Judge. O thou lover of money, behold thou him who for the sake thereof did hang himself; flee from that insatiable soul that dared such things against the Master. O Thou Who art good unto all, Lord, glory to Thee.Then:
Lord, have mercy. (40x)
As many prostrations as desired; then, straightway, the following supplicatory prayers:
DIDACTIC VERSES
ON HOW ONE MUST APPROACH
THE IMMACULATE MYSTERIES
When thou, O man, art about to eat the Master’s Body,
Dray nigh with fear, lest thou be seared; It is Fire.
And as thou drinkest the Divine Blood unto communion,
First reconcile thyself with them that grieve thee,
Then, with daring, venture to eat the Mystic Food.
OTHER SIMILAR VERSES
Before partaking of the dread Sacrifice
Of the life-creating Body of the Master,
On this wise pray with trembling:
THE FIRST PRAYER,
OF SAINT BASIL THE GREAT
O Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, the Source of life and immortality, Who art the Maker of all creation, both visible and invisible, the co-eternal and co-beginningless Son of the beginningless Father, Who in the abundance of Thy goodness wast in the last days clothed in flesh, wast crucified and buried for us, the ungrateful and thankless ones, and by Thine own Blood didst refashion our nature which had been corrupted by sin: do Thou Thyself, O immortal King, accept the repentance even of me, a sinner, and incline Thine ear to me and hear my words. For I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned against Heaven and before Thee, and I am not worthy to gaze upon the height of Thy glory; for I have provoked Thy goodness by transgressing Thy commandments and by not obeying Thine ordinances. But Thou, O Lord, Who art forbearing, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy, hast not given me up to perish in mine iniquities, most surely awaiting my conversion. For Thou, Who lovest mankind, hast said through Thy Prophet that Thou dost not desire with desire the death of the sinner, but that he should return and live. For Thou dost not will, O Master, that the work of Thy hands should perish, neither art Thou well-pleased in the perdition of men, but Thou desirest that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. Wherefore, though I am unworthy of both Heaven and earth, and even of this transient life, since I have wholly subjected myself to sin and am a slave to pleasure and have defaced Thine image, yet being Thy work and creation, I, the wretched one, do not despair of my salvation; but, emboldened by Thine immeasurable compassion, I draw nigh. Wherefore, receive even me, O Christ, Who lovest mankind, as Thou didst the harlot, the thief, the publican, and the prodigal; and take away the heavy burden of my sins, O Thou that takest away the sin of the world, Who healest men’s infirmities, Who callest to Thyself them that labour and are heavy laden and givest them rest, Who camest not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And cleanse me of all defilement of flesh and spirit. Teach me to attain holiness in the fear of Thee, that, with the witness of my conscience pure, I may receive the portion of Thy holy Gifts and be united with Thy holy Body and Blood, and have Thee dwelling and abiding in me with the Father and Thy Holy Spirit. Yea, O Lord Jesus Christ, my God, let not the communion of Thine immaculate and life-creating Mysteries be to me for judgment, nor may I become infirm in soul and body by partaking of Them unworthily; but grant me till my last breath to receive without condemnation the portion of Thy holy gifts, for communion with the Holy Spirit, as a provision for life everlasting, and for an acceptable defence at Thy dread tribunal, that even I, with all Thine elect, may become a partaker of Thine undefiled good things, which Thou hast prepared for them that love Thee, O Lord, in whom Thou art glorified unto the ages. Amen.
THE SECOND PRAYER,
OF SAINT BASIL THE GREAT
I know, O Lord, that I partake of Thine immaculate Body and precious Blood unworthily, and that I am guilty, and eat and drink judgment to myself, not discerning the Body and Blood of Thee, my Christ and God. But trusting in Thy compassions, I take courage and approach Thee, Who didst say: He that eateth My Flesh and drinketh My Blood abideth in Me, and I in him. Wherefore, have compassion, O Lord, and make not an example of me, the sinner, but deal with me according to Thy mercy; and let these holy Gifts be unto my healing, and purification, and enlightenment, and protection, and salvation, and sanctification of both soul and body, unto the averting of every phantasy and evil deed and diabolical operation working noetically in my members; unto confidence and love toward Thee, unto amendment of life and stability, unto an increase of virtue and perfection, unto fulfilment of the commandments, unto communion with the Holy Spirit, as a provision for life everlasting, and as an acceptable defense at Thy dread tribunal, not unto judgment, nor unto condemnation.
THE THIRD PRAYER,
OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOMOS
O Lord my God, I know that I am not worthy, nor sufficient, that Thou shouldest come under the roof of the house of my soul, for all is desolate and fallen, and Thou hast not in me a place worthy to lay Thy head. But even as from on high Thou didst humble Thyself for our sake, so now conform Thyself to my lowliness. And even as Thou didst deign to lie in a cave and in a manger of irrational beasts, so also deign to lie in the manger of mine irrational soul and to enter my defiled body. And even as Thou didst not disdain to enter and dine with sinners in the house of Simon the leper, so consent also to enter the house of my lowly soul which is leprous and sinful. And even as Thou didst not reject the woman, who was a harlot and a sinner like me, when she approached and touched Thee, so also be compassionate with me, the sinner, as I approach and touch Thee. And as Thou didst not abhor her defiled and polluted mouth which kissed Thee, neither do Thou abhor my mouth, yet more defiled and polluted than hers, not my lips which are loathsome, impure, and unholy, nor my tongue, yet more unclean. But let the live coal of Thine all-holy Body and Thy precious Blood be unto sanctification and enlightenment and strengthening of my humble soul and body, unto alleviation of the burden of my many offences, unto defence against every operation of the devil, unto the averting and hindering of my vile and wicked habits, unto the mortification of the passions, unto the accomplishment of Thy commandments, unto the increase of Thy Divine grace, and unto the attainment of Thy Kingdom. For it is not as one presumptuous that I draw nigh to Thee, O Christ my God, but as one taking courage in Thine ineffable goodness, and that I may not, by long abstaining from Thy Communion, become a prey to the noetic wolf. Wherefore, I pray Thee Who alone at holy, O Master, sanctify my soul and body, my mind and heart, my reins and bowels, and wholly renew me. Root the fear of Thee in my members, and make Thy sanctification indelible within me. And be Thou my helper and defender, guide my life in peace, and make me worthy to stand at Thy right hand with Thy Saints, by the prayers and intercessions of Thine all-immaculate Mother, of Thine immaterial ministers and immaculate powers, and of all the Saints who, from ages past, have been well-pleasing unto Thee. Amen.
THE FOURTH PRAYER,
OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOMOS
I am not sufficient, O Master and Lord, that Thou shouldest enter under the roof of my soul; but since Thou, in Thy love for mankind, dost will to dwell in me, with trust I draw nigh. Thou commandest; I will open wide the gates which Thou alone hast fashioned, that Thou mayest enter, in Thy wonted love for man, that Thou mayest enter and enlighten my darkened thought. I believe that Thou wilt do this, for Thou didst not shun the harlot who approached Thee with tears, nor didst Thou reject the publican who repented, nor didst Thou drive away the thief who acknowledged Thy Kingdom, nor didst Thou abandon the repentant persecutor as he was; but all who had been brought to Thee by repentance hast Thou established in the choir of Thy friends, O Thou Who alone art blessed, always, now and unto endless ages. Amen.
THE FIFTH PRAYER,
OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOMOS
O Lord Jesus Christ my God, loose, remit, forgive, and pardon the failings, faults, and offences which I, Thy sinful, unprofitable, and unworthy servant, have committed from my youth, up to the present day and hour, whether in knowledge or in ignorance, whether in words or deeds or thoughts, or reasonings and pursuits, or in any of my senses. And by the intercession of her that conceived Thee without seed, the immaculate and ever-virgin Mary, Thy Mother, mine only hope that putteth not to shame, my defence and salvation, do Thou count me worthy without condemnation to partake of Thine immaculate, immortal, life-creating, and dread Mysteries, unto forgiveness of sins and life everlasting, unto sanctification and enlightenment and strength and healing and health of both soul and body, and unto the blotting out and utter destruction of mine evil reasonings and thoughts and predispositions and nocturnal phantasies of the dark and evil spirits. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, and the honour, and the worship, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
THE SIXTH PRAYER,
OF SAINT JOHN THE DAMASCENE
O Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who alone hast authority to forgive men their sins: since Thou art good and lovest mankind, overlook all mine offences, whether committed in knowledge or in ignorance, and account me worthy to receive without condemnation Thy Divine, glorious, immaculate, and life-creating Mysteries, not unto punishment, nor unto an increase of sins, but unto purification and sanctification and as an earnest of the life and kingdom to come, as a rampart and help, and for the overturning of adversaries, and for the blotting out of my many transgressions. For Thou art a God of mercy and compassions and love for man, and to Thee do we send up glory, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
THE SEVENTH PRAYER,
OF SAINT SYMEON THE NEW THEOLOGIAN
From lips tainted and defiled,
From a heart unclean and loathsome,
From a tongue befouled and filthy,
From a soul bestained and soiled.
O my Christ, receive my pleading.
Yea, disdain me not, nor shun me,
Nor my words, nor yet my manner,
Nor my shamelessness and boldness.
But with freedom let me tell Thee,
O my Christ, what I desire;
Rather, do Thou now instruct me
What I need to do and utter.
I have sinned more than the harlot
Who, on learning of Thy lodging,
Went and purchased myrrh most precious,
And with boldness she approached Thee,
To anoint Thy feet and lave them,
O my Christ, my God and Master.
Even as Thou didst not shun her
When she came with heartfelt fervour,
Thus, O Word, do not disdain me.
Nay, but rather do Thou grant me
To embrace Thy feet and kiss them,
And with streams of tears to wash them,
As with precious myrrh most costly,
With great boldness to anoint them.
Wash me with my tears, and thereby
Cleanse me, Word of God, and lave me.
Grant remission of my failings,
And bestow on me forgiveness.
All mine evil deeds Thou knowest,
And my wounds Thou knowest also,
And my bruises Thou beholdest.
But my faith Thou knowest likewise,
And mine eagerness Thou seest,
And my groans Thou hearest also.
There doth not escape Thy notice
Even one tear, O Redeemer,
Nor a fraction of a teardrop,
O my Lord God and Creator.
Yea, Thine eyes did see my being
While as yet it was unfashioned.
In Thy Book all thoughts and actions,
Even those not yet enacted,
Are inscribed for Thee already.
See my lowliness and toil!
Lo, the greatness of my suffering!
And, O God of all, forgive me
All the sins I have committed.
So that with a cleansed and pure heart,
And a mind with fear atremble,
And a soul contrite and lowly,
I may draw nigh to partake of
Thine all-pure and spotless Myst’ries,
Whereby all who eat and drink Thee
With a heart sincere and guileless
Are both deified and quickened.
For Thou sayest, O my Master:
He that eateth of My Flesh and
That doth drink of My Blood also
Doth abide in Me most truly,
And in him am I found also.
Wholly true is this word spoken
By my Lord and God and Master;
For whoever doth partake of
These Divine and hallowed graces
Which impart deification
Is alone, in truth, no longer,
But is with Thee, Christ, Thou True Light
Of the Hallowed, Triple Daystar,
Which illumineth the whole world.
Lest, then, I remain alone now
And apart from Thee, Life-giver,
O my Breath, my Life, my Gladness,
The entire world’s Salvation,
For this cause do I approach Thee
With a soul contrite and tearful.
O Thou Ransom of my failings,
I entreat Thee to receive me,
So that I may now partake of
Thy life-giving, blameless Myst’ries,
And not suffer condemnation;
That, as Thou didst say, Thou mightest
Dwell with me, who am thrice-wretched;
Lest that foul deceiver find me
All bereft of Thy Divine grace,
And most guilefully seduce me,
And with scheming cunning lure me
From Thy words which make me Godlike.
Wherefore, I fall down before Thee,
And cry out to Thee with fervour:
As Thou didst receive and welcome
Both the prodigal and harlot
Who drew nigh to Thee, so likewise,
O Most Merciful, receive me,
The great profligate and sinner,
The most prodigal and vile one,
As I dare now to approach Thee
With a soul contrite and humbled.
Savior, well I know that no one
Hath sinned as have I against Thee,
Nor hath wrought the deeds which I have.
Yet again, I know this also:
Neither greatness of transgressions,
Nor enormity in sinning,
Can surpass my God and Savior's great long-suffering and mercy
And exceeding love for mankind.
For with the oil of compassion
Thou dost cleanse and render shining
All those who repent with fervour;
And Thou makest them partakers
Of Thy light in all abundance,
And true sharers of Thy Godhood.
And—O marvel for the Angels
And for human understanding!—
Thou hast converse with them often
As with friends most true and trusted.
These things now do give me daring,
These things give me wings, O Christ God;
Trusting, then, in the abundance
Of Thy benefactions toward us,
With rejoicing, yet with trembling,
I partake now of the Fire.
Though but grass—O awesome wonder!—
Yet bedewed am I past telling,
Like that bush of old on Sinai
Which was unconsumed, though burning.
Wherefore, with a mind most thankful,
And a heart most thankful also,
Thankful also in the members
Of my soul and of my body,
I adore and magnify Thee,
O my God, and glorify Thee,
As One verily most blessed,
Now and ever, to all ages.
THE EIGHTH PRAYER,
OF SAINT SYMEON METAPHRASTES
O Lord, Who alone art pure and incorrupt, Who through the ineffable compassion of Thy love for man didst assume our whole substance from the pure and virginal blood of her that, in a manner surpassing nature, conceived Thee by the coming of the Divine Spirit and by the good will of the Everlasting Father; O Christ Jesus, the Wisdom, Peace, and Power of God; O Thou Who, in that nature taken upon Thyself, didst accept Thy life-creating and saving Passion, the Cross, the nails, the spear, and death: do Thou mortify all the soul-corrupting passions of my body. Thou Who by Thy burial didst despoil the dominions of Hades: do Thou bury with good thoughts mine evil schemes and dispel the spirits of wickedness. Thou Who by Thy life-creating Resurrection on the third day didst raise up our fallen first parent: raise me up who have slipped down into sin, and set before me the ways of repentance. Thou Who by Thy glorious Ascension didst deify the flesh that Thou hadst taken upon Thyself and didst honour it by Thy session at the right hand of the Father: by my partaking of Thy holy Mysteries make me worthy of the portion of the saved at Thy right hand. Thou Who by the coming of the Comforter, Thy Spirit, didst make Thy sacred Disciples precious vessels: show me forth also as a receptacle of His coming. Thou Who art to come again to judge the world in righteousness: be it Thy good will that I also meet Thee in the clouds, O my Creator and Fashioner, with all Thy Saints, that without end I may glorify and hymn Thee, with Thy Father which is without beginning, and Thine All-Holy and good and life-creating Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
THE NINTH PRAYER,
OF SAINT JOHN THE DAMASCENE
I stand before the doors of Thy temple, yet I do not put away my grievous thoughts. But do Thou, O Christ God, Who didst justify the publican, and have mercy on the Canaanite woman, and open the gates of Paradise to the thief: open unto me the depths of Thy love for mankind; and as I approach and touch Thee, receive me like the woman with an issue of blood and like the harlot. For the one, by touching the hem of Thy garment received healing readily, and the other, by clasping Thine immaculate feet obtained release from her sins. And I, pitiable though I be, dare to receive Thy whole Body; may I not be consumed, but receive me even as these. And do Thou enlighten the senses of my soul, and burn up the indictments of my sins, by the intercessions of her that seedlessly bare Thee, and of the Heavenly hosts, for blessed art Thou unto the ages of ages. Amen.
THE TENTH PRAYER,
OF ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOMOS
I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Who camest into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief. Furthermore, I believe that This is indeed Thine immaculate Body, and that This is indeed Thy precious Blood. Wherefore, I pray Thee: Have mercy on me and forgive me my transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, in word and deed, in knowledge and in ignorance. And vouchsafe that, uncondemned, I may partake of Thine immaculate Mysteries unto the remission of sins and unto life everlasting. Amen.
As you approach the Cup, memorize and silently say the following verses of Saint Symeon Metaphrastes:
Behold, I approach Divine Communion;
O Creator, burn me not as I partake,
For Fire art Thou which burneth the unworthy;
But purify me from every stain.
Then the Troparion:
Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, receive me today as a communicant; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Thine enemies; nor will I give Thee a kiss, as did Judas, but like the thief do I confess Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy kingdom.
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