The Canons for Holy Communion

Ode I

Irmos: In the deep of old the infinite Power overwhelmed Pharaoh’s whole army. But the incarnate Word annihilated pernicious sin. Exceedingly glorious is the Lord, for gloriously is He glorified.

Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ

Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: Sweetest Jesus Christ, long-suffering Jesus, heal the wounds of my soul, Jesus, and make sweet my heart, O Greatly-merciful One, I pray Thee, Jesus my Saviour, that being saved by Thee, I may magnify Thee.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Sweetest Jesus Christ, Jesus, open to me the door of repentance, O Jesus, Lover of mankind, and accept me, O Jesus my Saviour, as I fall down before Thee and fervently implore the forgiveness of my sins.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Sweetest Jesus Christ, Jesus, snatch me from the hand of deceitful Belial, O Jesus, and make me stand at the right of Thy glory, O Jesus my Saviour, delivering me from the lot of those on the left.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O Lady who gavest birth to Jesus our God, pray for us worthless servants, that by thy prayers, O immaculate one, we who are defiled may be delivered from torment, O spotless one, and enjoy everlasting glory.

Canon to the Theotokos

Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Distressed by many temptations, I flee to thee, seeking salvation. O Mother of the Word, and Virgin, from ordeals and afflictions deliver me.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Outbursts of passions trouble me and fill my soul with great despondency. Calm it, O Maiden, by the peace of thy Son and God, O all-blameless one.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
I implore thee who gavest birth to the Saviour and God, O Virgin, to deliver me from perils. For fleeing now unto thee for refuge, I lift up both my soul and my reasoning.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Ailing am I in body and soul, do thou vouchsafe me the divine visitation, and thy care, O thou who alone art the Mother of God, for thou art good and the Mother of the Good.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

To Jesus: O Lord Jesus Christ my God, have mercy on me.
Vouchsafe me, Thy servant, O Saviour, worthily to sing a song and to praise the fleshless Angel, my guide and guardian.
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Alone I lie in folly and idleness, O my guide and guardian, forsake not me who am perishing.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Direct my mind by thy prayer to fulfil the commands of God, that I may obtain of God forgiveness of sins, and teach me to hate all wickedness, I pray thee.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: With my Guardian Angel, O Virgin, pray for me, thy servant, to the Gracious One, and teach me to fulfill the commandments of thy Son and my Creator.

Ode III

Irmos: By establishing me on the rock of faith, Thou hast enlarged my mouth over mine enemies, and my spirit rejoiceth when I sing: There is none holy as our God, and none righteous beside Thee, O Lord.

Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ

Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: Hearken, O my Jesus, Lover of mankind, unto Thy servant calling with compunction; and deliver me, O Jesus, from condemnation and torment, O only long-suffering sweetest Jesus, plenteous in mercy.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Receive Thy servant, O my Jesus, who falleth down with tears, O my Jesus, and save me as one repentant, O my Jesus, delivering me from Gehenna, O Master, sweetest Jesus, plenteous in mercy.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O my Jesus, the time Thou gavest me I have squandered in passions, O my Jesus. Reject me not, O my Jesus, but call me, I pray, O Master, sweetest Jesus, and save me!
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O Virgin who gavest birth to my Jesus, implore Him to deliver me from Gehenna. Thou alone art the protectress of the afflicted, O thou who art full of divine grace. And vouchsafe me the life that ageth not, O all-blameless one.

Canon to the Theotokos

Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
I have chosen thee to be the protection and intercession of my life, O Virgin, Mother of God. Pilot me to thy haven, O author of blessings, O support of the faithful, O thou only all-lauded one.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
I pray thee, O Virgin, to dispel the tumult of my soul and the storm of my grief; for thou, O Bride of God, hast given birth to Christ, the Prince of Peace, O only immaculate one.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Since thou broughtest forth Him who is the Benefactor and Cause of good, from the wealth of thy loving-kindness do thou pour forth on all; for thou canst do all things, since thou didst bear Christ, the One Who is mighty in power; for blessed of God art thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
I am tortured by grievous sicknesses and morbid passions: O Virgin, help me! For I know thee to be the inexhaustible treasury of unfailing healings, O all-blameless one.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
All my thoughts and my soul I have committed unto thee, O my Guardian; do thou deliver me from all attacks of the enemy.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
The enemy troubleth and trampleth on me, and teacheth me always to do his will, but do thou, O my guide, forsake not me who am perishing.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Grant me to sing a song with thanksgiving and fervour to my Creator and God, and to thee my good Angel Guardian: O my deliverer, rescue me from foes that do me evil.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Heal, O immaculate one, the most painful wounds of my soul, and drive away the enemies that ever fight against me.
Lord, have mercy. Thrice
Sessional Hymn, First Tone: O Jesus my Saviour, Thou didst save the prodigal. Jesus my Saviour, Thou didst accept the harlot. And now have mercy on me, O Jesus plenteous in mercy; have compassion and save me, O Jesus my Benefactor, as Thou hadst compassion on Manasseh, my Jesus, only Lover of mankind.
Kontakion, Fourth Tone: Show compassion to me, O holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, and leave not me, a defiled one, but illumine me with the light unapproachable, and make me worthy of the heavenly kingdom.
Ekos: Vouchsafe my soul, humiliated by many temptations, the ineffable glory, O holy intercessor and singer with the choirs of the fleshless hosts of God. Have mercy and guard me, and illumine my soul with good thoughts, that I may be enriched by thy glory, O my Angel, subdue the enemies that wish me evil, and make me worthy of the heavenly kingdom.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Sessional Hymn, Second Tone: Out of the love of my soul I cry to thee, O guardian of my soul, mine all-holy Angel! Protect and guard me always from the hunting of the evil one, and guide me to the heavenly life, teaching and enlightening and strengthening me.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion, Sixth Tone: O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, O mediation unto the Creator unfailing: Disdain not the suppliant voices of sinners; but be thou quick, O good one, to help us who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honour thee.

Ode IV

Irmos: 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 to Thee: Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ

Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: Heal, O my Jesus, the wounds of my soul, O my Jesus, I pray, and snatch me from the hand of soul-corrupting Belial, O my compassionate Jesus, and save me.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
I have sinned, O my sweetest Jesus; O Compassionate One, O my Jesus, save me who flee to Thy protection, O long-suffering Jesus, and vouchsafe me Thy kingdom.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
No one hath sinned, O my Jesus, as have I, the wretched one; but now I fall down praying: Save me, O my Jesus, and grant me life, O my Jesus.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O all-hymned one, who gavest birth to the Lord Jesus, implore Him to deliver from torment all who hymn thee and call thee truly the Theotokos.

Canon to the Theotokos

Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
The turmoil of my passions, and the storm of my sins do thou bestill, thou who gavest birth to the Lord and Pilot, O thou Bride of God.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
O bestow out of the abyss of thy compassion on me thy supplicant; for thou didst give birth to the Kindhearted One and Saviour of all that hymn thee.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
While delighting in thy gifts, O spotless one, we sing a song of thanksgiving to thee, knowing thee to be the Mother of God.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
As I lie on the bed of my pain and infirmity, do thou help me, as thou art a lover of goodness, O Theotokos, who alone art Ever-Virgin.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Having thee as our staff and hope, and as our salvation’s unshaken battlement, from all manner of adversity are we then redeemed, O thou all-lauded one.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Pray thou to God, the Lover of mankind, and forsake me not, O my Guardian, but ever keep my life in peace, and grant me the invincible salvation.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
As the defender and guardian of my life I received thee from God, O Angel. I pray thee, O holy one, free me from all danger.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Cleanse my defilement by thy holiness, O my Guardian, and may I be drawn from the left side by thy prayers, and become a partaker of glory.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen
Theotokion: Perplexity confronteth me from the evil surrounding me, O most pure one, but deliver me from it speedily, for I flee only to thee.

Ode V

Irmos: O Thou Who art the Light of those lying in darkness, and the salvation of the despairing, O Christ my Saviour, I rise early to pray to Thee, O King of Peace. Enlighten me with Thy radiance, for I know none other God beside Thee.

Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ

Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: Thou art the light of my mind, O my Jesus; Thou art the salvation of my despairing soul, O Saviour. O my Jesus, do Thou deliver me from torment and Gehenna, as I cry: Save me, the wretched one, O Christ my Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Utterly cast down to shameful passions, O my Jesus, I now cry: Stretch down to me a helping hand, O my Jesus, and pluck me out as I cry: Save me, the wretched one, O Christ my Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Carrying about a mind defiled, I call to Thee, O Jesus: Cleanse me from the dirt of sin, and redeem me who slipped down to the depths of evil through ignorance, and save me, O Saviour my Jesus, I pray.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O maiden Mother of God, who gavest birth to Jesus, implore Him to save all Orthodox monastics and laity, and to deliver from Gehenna those who cry: Beside thee we know no certain protection.

Canon to the Theotokos

Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Fill my heart with gladness, O pure one, by giving me thine incorruptible joy, O thou who didst bear the Cause of gladness.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Deliver us from dangers, O pure Theotokos, who didst give birth to Eternal Redemption and the Peace that doth surpass all understanding.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Dispel the darkness of my sins, O Bride of God, by the radiance of thy splendour, for thou hast given birth to the Divine and Pre-eternal Light.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Heal, O pure one, the infirmity of my soul, when thou hast deemed me worthy of thy visitation, and grant me health by thine intercessions.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
As one having boldness toward God, O my holy guardian, do thou entreat Him to deliver me from the evils that afflict me.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
O radiant light, illumine my soul with radiance, O my guide and guardian, given me by God, O Angel.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Keep me vigilant who sleep from the evil burden of sin, O Angel of God, and raise me up to glorify Him, through thy supplication.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O Mary, Lady Theotokos unwedded, O hope of the faithful, subdue the uprisings of the enemy, and gladden them that hymn thee.

Ode VI

Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: From corruption raise me up, O God.

Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ

Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: O my Jesus Christ plenteous in mercy, accept me who confess my sins, O Master, and save me, O Jesus, and snatch me from corruption, O Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O my Jesus, no one else hath been so prodigal as I, the wretched one, O Jesus Lover of mankind, but do Thou Thyself save me, O Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O my Jesus, with my passions I have surpassed the harlot and the prodigal, Manasseh and the publican, O my Jesus, and the robber and the Ninevites, O Jesus.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O thou who didst give birth to my Jesus Christ, O only undefiled and immaculate Virgin, cleanse me now, the defiled one, by the hyssop of thine intercessions.

Canon to the Theotokos

Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
My nature, held by corruption and death hath He saved from out of death and corruption; for unto death He Himself hath submitted. Wherefore, O Virgin, do thou intercede with Him Who is thy Lord and Son, to deliver me from the enemies’ wickedness.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
I know thee as the protection of my life, and most safe fortification, O Virgin; disperse the horde of temptations, and drive away the demonic vexation; unceasingly I pray to thee: From corruption of passions, deliver me.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
We have acquired thee as a wall of refuge and the perfect salvation of our souls, and a relief in afflictions, O Maiden, and we ever rejoice in thy light, O Sovereign Lady, do thou also now save us from passions and dangers.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Bedridden, I lie supine with sickness now, and there is no healing for my flesh; but to thee, O good one who gavest birth to God and the Saviour of the world and the Healer of infirmities, I pray: From corruption of illness raise me up.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Free me from every temptation, and save me from sorrow, I pray thee, O holy Angel, given to me as my good guardian by God.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Enlighten my mind, O good one, and illumine me, I pray thee, O holy Angel, and teach me to think always profitably.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Abolish present disturbance from my heart, and strengthen me to be vigilant in good, O my Guardian, and guide me miraculously in quietness of life.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: The Word of God dwelt in thee, O Theotokos, and showed thee to men as the heavenly ladder; for by thee the Most High descended to us.

Ode VII

Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped in the plain of Dura, Thy three children despised the godless order. Thrown into the fire, they were bedewed and sang: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.

Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ

Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: O Christ Jesus, no one on earth hath ever sinned, O my Jesus, as I, the wretched one and prodigal, have sinned. Wherefore, I cry to Thee, my Jesus, have compassion on me as I sing: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O Christ Jesus, I cry: Nail me down with the fear of Thee, O my Jesus, and pilot me to Thy calm haven now, O my compassionate Jesus, that as one saved I may sing to Thee: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O Christ Jesus, ten thousand times have I, the passionate one, promised Thee repentance, O my Jesus, but wretch that I am, I deceived Thee. Wherefore, I cry to Thee, my Jesus: Enlighten my soul which remaineth unfeeling: O Christ, the God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O thou who gavest birth to Jesus awesomely and above nature, O all-blameless one, implore Him, O Maiden, to forgive me all the sins that I have committed against my nature, that as one saved I may cry: Blessed art thou who didst give birth to God in the flesh.

Canon to the Theotokos

Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Having willed to accomplish our salvation, O Saviour, Thou didst dwell in the womb of the Virgin, and didst show her to the world as the mediatress; O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
The Dispenser of mercy, Whom thou didst bear, O pure Mother, do thou implore to deliver from transgressions and defilements of the soul, those who with faith cry out: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
A treasury of salvation, and a fountain of incorruption is she who gave Thee birth; a tower of safety, and door of repentance hast Thou proved her to them that shout: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
For weakness of body and sickness of soul, O Theotokos, do thou vouchsafe healing to those who with love draw near to thy protection, O Virgin, who for us gavest birth to Christ the Saviour.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Be merciful to me and entreat God, O Angel of the Lord; for I have thee as my defender for the whole of my life, a guide and guardian given me by God forever.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Leave not my wretched soul, which was given thee blameless by God, to be slain by robbers along the way, O holy Angel, but guide it to the way of repentance.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
My whole soul is disgraced by the evil thoughts and deeds I have brought upon me, but make haste, O my guide, and grant me healing with good thoughts, that I may be inclined always to the right way.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O Wisdom of the Most High Personified, for the sake of the Theotokos, fill with wisdom and divine strength all that faithfully cry: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.

Ode VIII

Irmos: O ye works, praise 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 ages.

Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ

Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: I implore Thee, O my Jesus: As Thou didst redeem the harlot from many sins, O my Jesus, likewise redeem me, O Christ my Jesus, and cleanse my foul soul, O my Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
O Jesus, having yielded to irrational pleasures, I have become irrational, O my Jesus; and wretch that I am, I have truly become like unto the beasts, O Saviour. Wherefore, O Jesus, deliver me from irrationality.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Having fallen, O Jesus, into the hands of soul-corrupting thieves, I have been stripped now of my divinely-woven garment, O my Jesus, and I am lying all bruised with wounds. O my Christ, do thou pour on me oil and wine.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Theotokion: O Theotokos Mary, who ineffably didst carry the Christ, my Jesus and God: Do thou ever implore Him to save from perils thy servants and them that praise thee, O Virgin who knewest not wedlock.

Canon to the Theotokos

Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Disdain not those who need thy help, O Virgin, and who hymn thee and supremely exalt thee unto the ages.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou healest the infirmities of my soul and the pains of my body, O Virgin, that I may glorify thee, O pure one, unto the ages.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou pourest forth a wealth of healing, on those who with faith hymn thee, O Virgin, and supremely exalt thine ineffable Offspring.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou drivest away the assaults of temptations, and the attacks of the passions, O Virgin; wherefore we hymn thee unto the ages.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
O good Angel, sent by God, support me, thy servant, in my life and forsake me not unto the ages.
Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
O most blessed one, I hymn thee, O good Angel, guide and guardian of my soul unto the ages.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Be unto me a protection and fortification in the judgment day of all men, in which all deeds, both good and evil, shall be tried by fire.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Be unto me, thy servant, a helper and a calmness, O Ever-Virgin Theotokos, and leave me not bereft of thy protection.

Ode IX

Irmos: God the Word, Who came forth from God, and Who by ineffable wisdom came to renew Adam after his grievous fall to corruption through eating, and Who ineffably took flesh from the holy Virgin for our sake, Him do we the faithful with one accord magnify with hymns.

Canon to our Lord Jesus Christ

Refrain: O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Troparia: I have surpassed, O my Jesus, Manasseh and the publican, the harlot and the prodigal, O compassionate Jesus, and the robber, O my Jesus, through all my shameful and unseemly deeds, O Jesus; but do Thou forestall me, O my Jesus, and save me.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
By my passions, O my Jesus, have I, the wretched one, surpassed all those from Adam who have sinned both before the Law and in the Law, O Jesus, and after the Law and Grace, O my Jesus; but by Thy judgments save me, O my Jesus.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
May I not be parted from Thine ineffable glory, my Jesus, nor may the portion on the left fall to me, O sweetest Jesus; but set me on the right hand with Thy sheep and give me rest, O Christ my Jesus, since Thou art compassionate.
O sweetest Jesus, save me.
Theotokion: O Theotokos, who didst carry Jesus, O only unwedded Virgin Mary who knewest not wedlock, O pure one invoke Him, thy Son and Creator, to deliver them that hasten to thee from temptation and perils, and the fire that is to come.

Canon to the Theotokos

Refrain: O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Turn not away from the torrent of my tears, O Virgin, who didst give birth to Christ, Who doth take away all tears from every face.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Fill my heart with joy, O Virgin, who didst receive the fullness of joy and didst banish the grief of sin.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Be the haven and protection, and a wall unshaken, a refuge and shelter and the gladness, O Virgin, of those who flee to thee.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
Illumine with the rays of thy light, O Virgin, those who piously confess thee to be the Theotokos, and do thou banish away all darkness of ignorance.
O most holy Theotokos, save us.
In the place of affliction, O Virgin, do thou heal me, transforming mine illness into healthfulness.

Canon to the Guardian Angel

To Jesus: O Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us.
Have mercy on me, O my only Saviour, for Thou art merciful and kind–hearted, and make me a member of the choirs of the righteous.
Refrain: Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me, a sinner.
Grant me ever to think and do only what is useful, O Angel of the Lord, that I may be blameless and strong in infirmity.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As one having boldness toward the Heavenly King, do thou, with the rest of the bodiless ones, entreat Him to have mercy on me the wretched one.
Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Having great boldness towards Him Who took flesh of thee, deliver me from fetters and grant me absolution and salvation through thine intercessions.

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