ON MONDAY EVENING

At, Lord, I have cried, Prosomoia.

Stichera for the Master.

Mode pl. 4. N/M (What a paradoxal.)

To what have you been likened, my soul, who have passed your life in great idleness, and weighed down by the profound sleep of a harsh fall? Run, hurry, and fall down before the one who knows all things; weep and ask time for repentance for yourself, before, unhappy wretch, you become fuel for the unquenchable fire.

O Christ, you know the weakness of human flesh, and the feebleness of nature you understand, Master, as Maker and God; still the tempest of my heart by giving calm to my lowly soul; set me upright again from my wicked deeds and deliver me from the unquenchable fire, as you alone are compassionate.

I have squandered my whole livelihood and my life shamefully and prodigally, making no account at all of the punishments there; but, my God, my Saviour, receive me as I turn back, as the Prodigal, at the holy entreaties of your Forerunner, all your Saints and her who bore you, O Christ, and save me.

Additional Stichera. For the Forerunner. Same Melody.

Shoot of the barren, plant of purity, adornment of mortals, the Master''s Forerunner, all-praised John, the godly guardian of my lowly soul, give me your intercession and help, delivering me from the wiles of the serpent and from his evil attack and assault.

That I may glorify and reverence, that I may honour and praise and celebrate with faith your divine and radiant name, O named after grace, do not ever abandon your servant, do not part from me, godly Forerunner; but with the wings of your holy intercession, shelter me at all times and guard me from evils of every kind.

You are wholly filled with sweetness and godlike delight, revered Forerunner, and you make glad those who approach with faith, as sweeten the senses of both soul and body and always rescue us from afflictions, disasters, evils and soul-destroying pains.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion. Same Melody.

Hail, Mother of God, Sovereign Lady; hail, Immaculate, pure dwelling place of God; hail, who contained God, godlike chariot of the Word; hail, palace made by God; hail, treasure given by God, living bridal chamber, godlike table and ark of God, and dwelling place of the divine Spirit.

At the Aposticha.

Aposticha. Mode pl. 4. For compunction.

Angels hymn you without ceasing as King and Master; but I fall before you like the Publican crying: O God, be merciful to me and save me.

Verse: I lift my eyes to You, who dwell in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hands of their masters, as the eyes of the maidservant look to the hands of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God until He shall have compassion on us. [SAAS]

My soul, you are immortal, do not hide yourself with the waves of life; come to your senses as you cry out to your Benefactor: O God, be merciful to me and save me.

Verse: Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we are greatly filled with contempt; our soul is greatly filled with it. We are a disgrace to those who prosper, and a contempt to the arrogant. [SAAS]

For the Martyrs.

Martyrs of the Lord, we beg you: intercede with our God and ask for our souls a multitude of mercies and pardon of our many transgressions.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

Your protection, Virgin Mother of God, is a spiritual surgery; for when we take refuge in it we are delivered from the diseases of the soul.

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ON TUESDAY MORNING

MATINS

After the first Psalter reading, Kathismata. For compunction.

Mode pl. 4.

With your compassionate eye, O Lord, see my humiliation, for little by little my life is being squandered, and there is no salvation for me from works; therefore I ask this: with your compassionate eye, Lord, see my humiliation and save me.

N/M (By conceiving.)

Reflecting on that dread day, my soul, watch, lighting your lamp and shining with the oil of mercy; for you do not know when the voice will come to you which says: Behold the Bridegroom. See then, my soul, that you do not doze and remain outside knocking like the five virgins; but persevere unsleeping, that you may meet Christ God with rich oil and the he may give you the divine bridal chamber of his glory.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion. Same Melody.

Duty-bound I present you this hymn of praise, * like the widow''s two cents, out of gratitude, * O Lady, because of all your benevolent favors. * For you are my shelter and likewise my help in need; * from troubles and temptations you ever deliver me. * Therefore being rescued from the things that afflict me, * as though from a furnace fire, from my heart I cry out to you, * Theotokos help me, I pray, * interceding with your Son and God * that He grant forgiveness of offences * to those who faithfully worship your Son, O immaculate one.

After the second Psalter reading, Kathismata. For compunction.

As though the Judge were present, be anxious, my soul, and think on the moment of the dread day; for the judgement is merciless for those who have not acted with mercy; therefore before the end cry out: Spare me, O Saviour, for you alone love humankind.

As the harlot I fall down before you that I may receive forgiveness, and instead of precious ointment I offer you the tears from my heart, Christ God, that you may take pity on me as on her, O Saviour, and grant me pardon of my sins; for like her I cry to you: Deliver me from the mire of my deeds.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion. N/M (When You, the Life.)

I fell into the ocean of terrible depression * because of all my deeds that were wicked and unlawful. * Now I am at a loss, and desperation possesses me. * O Lady Theotokos, in your compassion save me and deliver me. * For we know you to be the one who helps * and cleanses sinners for salvation.

After the third Psalter reading, Kathismata.

For compunction.

N/M (When You, the Life.)

My soul, since you have wasted your life, being carefree, * arise now from your torpor and look to your repentance. * Bitterly weep with feeling, lest in the next life you grieve to no avail. * Shudder now as you ponder * the Second Coming of Christ the righteous Judge. * Before the judgment comes convict yourself, * and thus escape a just conviction.

For the Martyrs.

Holy Martyrs, you were shown to be spiritual luminaries; for by faith you ended the fogginess of error, you brightened the lamps of our souls, and with glory you entered the celestial bridal hall with the Bridegroom. Now we pray you entreat Him to save our souls.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O Believers, let us magnify the Theotokos in hymns. She is the unshakable support of the Faith, and the venerable gift to our souls. "Rejoice! for in your womb you contained the Rock of life. Rejoice! as the hope of all the earth, and the help of those in trouble! Rejoice, O unwedded Bride!"

Canon of Compunction.

Mode pl. 4. Ode i. Heirmos.

To the Lord who crushed combatants * by His strong and upraised arm * for His people Israel, * and led them as they passed over the Red Sea, * let us sing, for He is our deliverer and God and greatly glorified. [SD]

Troparia.

Send Your light and fill my heart now with compunction, O my Christ. * Lead me to Your tabernacles, so that I may enter in repentance. * There will I give thanks to You and also my confession, which forgives my debts.

Lord, release me from the bonds of my countless sins, I pray, * so that in repentance I may walk Your paths of righteousness, O Logos. * Set me on a path that leads me to Your divine rest with its eternal delights.

For the Martyrs.

The magnificence and grandeur of Your Martyr Saints, O Christ, * is indeed exalted to the greatest height; for when they had competed, * they were magnified by Your extraordinary gifts of grace to them, O God.

Ever since the Martyr Athletes gave their holy blood for Christ, * sacrifice of blood upon a pagan altar is no longer practiced. * Now the earth is sanctified and consecrated by the Holy Spirit''s grace.

Theotokion.

I implore you, holy Virgin, to divert me from the path * that leads me away to sin, and show me ways that guide me to repentance; * and I will extol you, the all-lauded and all-blessed Mother of God.

Canon for the Forerunner. He overthrew.

Forerunner and preacher of repentance, * ever implore the Lord our God, * that I may wholeheartedly repent while I still have time; * and send down His holy light * upon my mind and heart, as I extol you.

You are the finest son of the desert, * Forerunner and preacher of Christ. * Guide me on the way of salvation, by your holy prayer; * for desolate is my soul, * devoid of virtue, dwelling in the desert.

Sin, like a tyrant, now dominates me. * Therefore I earnestly entreat: * By your intercession, quickly free me, O Forerunner; * and quiet the raging storm * of the temptations that demons rouse against me.

Theotokion.

The passions throw me into confusion, * and I repeatedly succumb * to their waves, and grievously I sink in sea of sin. * Save me, O Mother of Truth. * Steer me to the calm harbor of salvation.

Ode iii. Heirmos.

My heart exults and in the Lord firmly is established; * and in my God is my horn exalted; * and my mouth is open wide at my enemies, and in Your salvation I rejoice. [SD]

Troparia.

O Christ, I pray You, most benevolent, to prepare me * to stand before You completely blameless * on that fearful day of judgment, and purify * my heart of the stains passion and sin.

The devil tricked me into sinning and thus he killed me: * the sting of sin, after all, is deadly. * Now I pray You, Christ, revive me through penitence, * that life-saving antidote, O Word.

For the Martyrs.

The Martyrs shouted their encouragement to one another, * as they competed with faith and courage, * "Know that Christ the Lord is present and helping us! * We stand valiantly and no one deserts!"

Come, all believers, let us honor the holy Martyrs. * They are like towers that guard the true Faith, * for they overthrew deception. And now the Church * displays them like very precious gems.

Theotokion.

Since you restore those broken down, Lady Theotokos, * I who have fallen beg you to raise me * from the cesspool of my vices, and stand me firm * on the rock of the commandments of God.

Canon for the Forerunner. By Your word.

Forerunner of Christ, you baptized in the river * the infinite sea of mercy, namely Jesus * the Lord of all, and announced Him. Now I entreat you, * rain down a droplet of repentance on me.

When I am beset by troubles and temptations * and upset by life''s confusing circumstances, * I turn to you, holy Forerunner of the Savior. * Hurry, for I your servant need your help.

When I pray at night, O Baptist, I invoke you, * guiding light by day for me and for the whole world. * O holy Forerunner blessed of God, illumine * the sensing organs of my soul and heart.

Theotokion.

As the one who bore the light from light, O Virgin, * illumine my soul, all-holy Theotokos; * and let me be among those who receive salvation, * and I will praise you, the all-lauded one.

Ode iv. Heirmos.

I heard Your report, O Lord, and was afraid and greatly astonished, * that You the eternal God, in counsel ineffable, * became incarnate and were born of the Virgin. * Glory to Your glory, O Christ! * Glory to Your strength, O Lord! [SD]

Troparia.

O Lord, the archenemy, that great deceiver, of old deceived me * to try the sweet taste of sin, * and he dragged me far away from You; and I was devoured by his teeth. * Good God and Savior, now I pray, * quickly come and rescue me.

You know me completely, Lord; You even know all my unknown secrets, * how I have sinned many times. * In Your many tender-mercies, only Savior, be merciful to me. * In Your compassion, give me time * to repent and cleanse myself.

For the Martyrs.

The tortures that you endured were like the waves in the sea, O Martyrs, * but by the steering of Christ * you were brought to harbor, that is to the kingdom of heaven, and received * crowns for your victory from Him. * Now you are extolled by all.

With true faith you tilled your hearts like land, O holy all-lauded Martyrs, * and there you planted the seed * of the good confession of your faith in Christ God, for which you clearly reaped * a hundredfold the sweetest corn of your sacred martyrdom.

Theotokion.

O Lady, extolled by all, I sing my prayer to you with a loud voice. * Please fill my mind with all joy. * Also, grant me grief and joy-creating sorrow, that benefit the soul, * and the occasions to repent * and all I need to know to be saved.

Canon for the Forerunner. I have heard, Lord.

Holy Forerunner, rescue me, * perishing in sins as I am, and pity me, * as I am weep in grief about myself, * ruing the incorrigible life I lead.

May I have you, O blessed man, * praying and entreating the Lord on my behalf, * holy Forerunner, and strengthening * my enfeebled soul and shining light on my mind.

Now immersed in the waves of sin, * I am in grave danger of sinking under them. * Holy Baptist of the Savior Christ, * steer me to the stillness of the knowledge of God.

Theotokion.

You gave birth to the One who raised * humbled human nature and then exalted it. * Pure one, save me now by humbling me, * for I have exalted thoughts about myself.

Ode v. Heirmos.

You drove out the abyss''s * primal darkness, O Christ God, of old, as Giver of light. * Now dispel gloomy darkness * from my soul, I entreat You, * O Word, and grant me the light * of Your commands, so that rising early, I may glorify You.. [SD]

Troparia.

You purified the harlot * and the lepers by Your command, O Creator of all. * Now I entreat You, O Master, * purify my humble soul * from sin, as from putrid sores, * and with the splendid apparel of grace make it beautiful.

O Christ God, I now implore You * to release me from the shackles of my numerous sins, * that I might walk unimpeded; * and guide me on Your straight paths, * so that, released from the flesh, * I may reside in a holy resting place and glorify You.

For the Martyrs.

The Martyrs, by the torments * they endured, were weaving garments of glory for themselves. * And now most nobly appareled, * and finely decorated * with halos of victory, * they dwell on high in the royal residences joyfully.

O godly-minded Martyrs, * you exchanged what is fleeting for what is permanent. * You were constrained and afflicted * and variously tortured, * then you, O wise ones, arrived * at the heavenly kingdom, the true wide place extolled in the Psalms.

Theotokion.

O holy Theotokos, * you gave birth to the incarnate holy Logos of God, * who only rests in the holy, * the saints of all the ages. * I pray you, hallow my mind, * for it persists in unholy endeavors and wicked deeds.

Canon for the Forerunner. You lit the world.

This life is like the night-time, * and I am aimlessly wandering through it all. * Shine on me, holy Baptist, * as the lamp of the Sun of Righteousness.

My life is now in crisis, * and demonic assaults have unsettled me. * I entreat you, confirm me * in the will of God, famous Forerunner.

At the impending judgment, * when I will stand in the presence of Christ, O John, * may you be my defender. * From a dreadful sentence deliver me.

Theotokion.

Mother of God, Ever-Virgin, * you are highest of every created thing. * Make me be likewise higher * than the traps the enemy sets for me.

Ode vi. Heirmos.

O Christ my God, as You rescued * Prophet Jonah of old from the depths of the sea, * I pray You, now rescue me * from my sins, and steer the ship * of my life, as the Lord who loves humanity. [SD]

Troparia.

When Your divine Prophet warned them, * then the once disobedient Ninevites * repented. And now, O Christ, * I am likewise penitent. * Please accept me, as You did them, and steer my life.

O Christ, I weep like the harlot, * and with head down I sigh as did the Publican. * Like Peter, I shout to You: * Save me! Lend a helping hand! * I am sinking in the sea of my many sins.

For the Martyrs.

O holy Martyrs, with medals * for your contests, you shine on the whole wide world * like new stars, most radiant; * and as such you drive away * the nefarious darkness of demonic deceit.

O blessed Martyrs, in dying * for the Lord, you indeed had a blessed end. * And now for eternity * you honor the blessed God, * as you bask in the splendor of His brilliant light.

Theotokion.

You were prefigured in times past * by the jar with the manna, O Mother of God. * For Christ, who was born of you, * rains down the true manna bread * of the knowledge of God on all who honor you.

Canon for the Forerunner. Grant me a tunic of light. (NM)

Like Jonah in the whale, I am constrained * by temptations. Thus from the depths of my heart I cry: * Rescue me from my distress, holy Forerunner.

The axe of true repentance will cut down * the brushwood within my heart, and thus it will bear the fruit * of the virtues, by your prayers, holy Forerunner.

O soul of mine, the judgment is at hand. * Fervently repent and with sobriety cry to God, "O my Jesus, pity me, at the prayers of John."

Theotokion.

We pray you now, O Virgin, who alone * by a word conceived the Word and carried Him in your womb: * From the snares of the enemy deliver us.

Ode vii. Heirmos.

O Lord, You saved those Servants from the fire by an Angel, * and made the raging furnace be as though dewy refreshment. * We sing to You: Blessed are You, O God of our fathers. [SD]

Troparia.

Behold, I was conceived in iniquities, O Good One, * and after I was born in sins, I sinned more than all others. * O Savior, vindicate me and give me time to repent.

Foolishly, like the Pharisee, I was self-exalted. * I fell into calamity, and now the foe rejoices * seeing me thus. O Word of God, I pray, despise me not.

For the Martyrs.

Those troops of honored Martyrs -- that invincible army * and holy regiment -- have been enrolled and admitted * into the heavens as citizens, for they excelled on earth.

O valiant Martyrs, voluntarily you suffered torture, * which brought you immortality. And now you pour out healings, * alleviating the suff''ring of humanity.

Theotokion.

O Virgin, without causing you distress, the Cause of all * was born of you, becoming man in His exceeding goodness. * All generations call you blessed now harmoniously.

Canon for the Forerunner. O Lord, You founded earth.

Forerunner, you are famous for preparing * the ways of Christ. I pray you now to make straight * my paths to God, so that I may cry out: * O Lord, the God of our fathers, blessed are You.

Herald of light, I pray you to illumine * my soul, and save me from the outer darkness * and from the hell fire of Gehenna. * I unhesitatingly take refuge in you.

Baptist of Christ, you are the very fruitful * son of the barren woman. I entreat you, * transform my heart, barren and unfruitful, * and make fruitful, by your holy prayers for me.

Theotokion.

I pray you, chosen Ewe of God the Logos, * implore Him who from you became incarnate, * that He, as God, in that fearful hour, * number me together with His chosen sheep.

Ode viii. Heirmos.

In the waters You lay the beams of upper chambers, O Christ. * For the sea You placed the sand as its bound. You hold all things in Your hand. * Sun and moon glorify, sing Your praise, and extol You. * Lord, to You the Maker and Creator, * all creation offers worship, unto the ages. [SD]

Troparia.

You defiled your hands with every sordidness, O my soul, * so how dare you lift them up when you pray now * and you speak to the Lord? * You have debased your feet, for you walked to your shameful deeds. * Now, through repentance, rise, and hasten * to walk down the paths that will lead to your salvation.

I have not persevered at all in Your commandments, O Lord. * There is not a single day when I followed Your divine will, O God. * How will I look at You when I face You, O Good One, * on that day You render righteous judgment * and You send the guilty to eternal perdition?

For the Martyrs.

You extinguished the furnace fires that the pagans had lit, * pouring out on them, like buckets of water, * your own blood that was spilled * unjustly for love of the Lord and Creator. * Therefore you inherited the river * of delight from God, wise and holy Martyr Athletes.

You, O Martyrs, were tortured, and your arms and legs were cut off. * You endured it stoically, as if it were someone else who suffered. * Thus you transcended the earthly body of our humiliation. * Now you have been counted worthy to enjoy * superior life forever.

Theotokion.

Overwhelmed by my sin, as if by waves in turbulent seas, * I cry out to you, immaculate Lady: By your prayers for me, * steer me to calm and saving harbors of repentance, * that I, who am blinded by indifference, * might see the light of salvation, by your intercessions.

Canon for the Forerunner. The regiments.

O Forerunner, pray for me to the Savior, * the Lamb of God who takes away the world''s sins, * whom you announced to all, to mortify my passions * and save my soul, O Baptist.

You fled far away and lodged in a desert * impassable, holy Prophet and Baptist. * I pray you now to make my soul''s unruly passions * to speedily desert me.

Alleviate all my soul''s heavy burdens. * Make war against those who wage war against me, * O Baptist of the Lord, I pray you, and preserve me * uninjured by their malice.

Theotokion.

O Virgin Maid, like a grape-vine you brought forth * the Lord, who is like a sweet ripened cluster. * Reverse the drunkenness of sin in me by giving me the drink of compunction.

Ode ix. Heirmos.

Blessed is He who raised a horn of salvation in the house * of His servant David, as He spoke by the mouth * of Prophets, the Lord God of Israel. * The Day dawned upon us from on high, and He gave light and guided * our feet into the way of peace through His mercy. [SD]

Troparia.

I bear the many wounds the foe has inflicted on my back. * Look at me and heal me, I entreat You, O Christ, * applying the unctions of wine and oil, * those signs of Your mercy, so that saved by You, O my Savior, * with eternal gratitude I may magnify You.

That grateful robber on the cross uttered but a single prayer. * You released him from his many murders and sins. * You pitied the harlot who wept for You. * On David the Prophet and Your great Disciple You had mercy. * Likewise, Lord, be merciful to me who am desperate.

For the Martyrs.

In what you suffered, you became like Him who suffered for us. * Martyrs, you are glorified with Him, * by divine communion now deified. * Resplendently shining like the sun, or rather even brighter, * you illuminate the hearts of devout believers.

The virtue of the Martyr Saints has resplendently shone forth. * They are the secure and sacred treasure for all * who faithfully honor them everywhere. * Like lightning they flash abundant grace of miraculous wonders. * Let us sing in praise of them, our common protectors.

Theotokion.

All-blameless Lady, faithfully we extol you and we pray: * Shine on us illuminating flashes of light * of Him who came forth from your holy womb; * and rescue us from eternal hell and everlasting darkness * that is void of any light, by your intercessions.

Canon for the Forerunner. The Offspring of the Ever-Virgin. (NM)

When I will appear at Your fearful and just tribunal, * and the record of all my deeds will undergo an audit, * what defense will I proffer, O Logos? * Spare me and forgive me then, O Lord my God.

As the voice of the Word, wise and holy Baptist, * guide to God the voice of my prayer, and save me from the evil * of demons and malice of bad people, * so that I may call you blessed as is right.

Forerunner, I pray you to keep me in your protection. * Nourish me with the immortal food of Christ''s commandments * and the drink of life, O Baptist and Prophet, * and to God present me as one of the saved.

Theotokion.

O all-holy Lady, and glorious all-pure Virgin, * join the holy Baptist to pray in earnest for your servants * to your Son and our King to save us from disasters, * as we ever call you blessed faithfully.

At the Aposticha of Lauds.

Aposticha. Mode pl. 4. For compunction.

Whenever I call to mind the multitudes of my dreadful deeds, and come to consider that dread examination, overcome with terror I flee to you, the God who loves humankind. And so, do not despise me, only sinless one, grant compunction to my lowly soul before the end and save me.

Verse: We were filled with Your mercy in the morning, and in all our days we greatly rejoiced and were glad; gladden us in return for the days You humbled us, for the years we saw evil things. And behold Your servants and Your works, and guide their sons. [SAAS]

Give me tears, O God, as you did once to the sinful woman, and grant that with them I may water your feet, which have freed me from the road of error, grant that I may offer you fragrant myrrh: a life made pure for me, that I too may hear your longed-for voice: your faith has saved you, go in peace.

Verse: And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the works of our hands. [SAAS]

For the Martyrs.

Holy Martyrs, you contested greatly: you bravely endured the tortures of the lawless, and you confessed Christ before kings. And now, since you have passed from this life, you work miracles in the world, and you heal the infirm of their ailments. We entreat you to intercede for the salvation of our souls.

Glory. Both now. Theotokion.

O Virgin and holy Theotokos, I take refuge in your protection. I am confident of my salvation, for you, O Pure One, are able to help me.

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LITURGY

The Beatitudes. Mode pl. 4.

Remember us, Christ, Saviour of the world, as you remembered the Thief on the tree, and count us all worthy, O only Merciful, of your heavenly Kingdom.

Christ our God, You are an ocean of compassion. * I pray You to dry up the seas of my offences;* wash them away with the teardrops of my compunction, and wholly purify me, merciful Lord.

Holy Baptist John, you baptized in the waters * Christ of old. Now I am drowning in the sea storm * of sinful passions. So guide me into the harbor * of true repentance, by your prayers for me.

For the Martyrs.

With your holy blood, O Martyrs, you extinguished * the unholy fire of the worshiping of idols; * and now each day you pour out streams of wondrous healings, * curing all kinds of ills and suffering.

Glory.

Unoriginate Father and Son and Spirit, * I entreat you now to end the chronic passions * of my soul, and to save me Your humble servant, * by the entreaties of the Baptist John.

Both now. Theotokion.

Deliver us from all the shameful sinful passions, * also from the torments of punishment in Hades, * by your entreaties, immaculate Theotokos, * for us who honor you and call you blest.