A Universal Christian Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ our God, we believe in you: increase our faith.
We trust in you: strengthen our trust.
We love you: let us grow to love you more and more, as we gain experience and knowledge to grasp deeper and deeper meaning of your love.
We are sorry for our failures, deepen our sorrow, help us to understand the sins we do not yet comprehend.
We worship you as the Alpha and the Omega, not just of the universe of things, but our beginning and the culmination of our living.
We praise you as our constant help in our need, and call on you as our loving protector.
Guide us to your Wisdom, your Holy Spirit, show us true judgment, comfort us in your mercy, protect us with your army of Saints and Angels, by your power O Lord.
We offer you, O Lord, our humble thoughts and stand in awe why that offering should have any meaning to you.  May our heart become so imbued with your Love, O Lord, that our minds may constantly flow with your wisdom, that the subtext of our words are always filled with your wisdom and love reflected in our actions. May our actions reflect our struggles for the good and be the course of our life, the liturgy of our living for your great Glory.
We want to do what you would have for us to do, for as long as you would have us do it, because it is what you have and want for us.
O Lord, enlighten our understanding, strengthen our will, purify our hearts, and make us holy.
Help us to repent of our sins and to resist future temptations.
Help us who know and call upon your precious name, to rise above our weaknesses common to humanity, and to grow stronger.
Again, let us love you, our Lord, and our God, and see ourselves as we really are, those attached to your healing grace, drawn to your salvation, Christians called to respect and love all whose lives we touch, those in authority over us and those under our authority, our friends, our enemies, even the stranger on the street in need.
O Lord help us to conquer bitterness; teach us the sinless anger, teach us not to accept the seeds of bitterness Satan tries to feed us.
Teach us the strength of gentleness; turn our greed to generosity, our apathy to fervor, our fear to certain knowledge of your providence, our panic in times of violence to the resolve of the warrior, our cynicism to shame, a challenge to our own lack of responsible action.
O Lord, teach us to know we are "some one" when we in frustration ask that question, "Why doesn't some one do something about this?" Awaken us to wise perception which guides love-imbued actions.
Teach us to reach out to others, willing to appear the wise person or the fool, in so doing.
Make us insightful in planning, and courageous in taking risks for the good.
Make us patient in suffering, unassuming in prosperity.
Keep us, O Lord, attentive at prayer, temperate in food and drink, diligent in our work, firm in our will to do what is right and needful.
Let our conscience be clear, our conduct filled with love, our speech circumspect, our daily lives ordered by your will for us.
Teach us the guarding of the mind, so that we learn which thoughts and ideas are of The Lie and The Liar, so that we may immediately reject them. Teach us to recognize Truth, no matter where Truth is found, and to absorb Truth; let us not be hypnotized by the entertainment of this world, those which teach knowledge that defiles.
Bathed in your Love, let us cherish virtue, and come at last to sanctity.
Teach us to realize the movement of time, that our real future rests in Your Body, in Your Life and that the future for all whom we know is ultimately in your Mercy.
Make us lights Lord, that draws those who hurt, who are lost, who do not know love, to You.
Help us prepare for death with a proper fear of judgment, but with a greater humility in our Trust in Your Goodness, and your plan for us.
Lead us to a peaceful and quiet death Lord, surrounded by our Guardian Angels to protect us from demonic temptations while carrying us to the endless joy of the many mansions you have created for those who know you and call upon your name.
Grant this O Lord, via Your Father, through your Holy Spirit. - Amen. - Archpriest Symeon Elias, inspired by many teachers.

General Intercession (Western Easter Vigil)

On this night of vigil, as three quarters of the Christian world await Your resurrection O Lord Jesus Christ our God; We offer general intercession for that whole world. O Lord, you in your mercy and loving-kindness regards the prayers of all who know your name and call upon You with their whole heart, incline Your ear and hear our prayer, which we humbly offer you.

Hold close to your heart, O Lord, broken Christianity, every piece of it that still holds the reality of your Blessed Body and Blood, and enlighten those churches that have become mere teaching institutions, but claim faith in Your Blood. Confirm and strengthen those who call upon You, increase them and keep them in peace, and preserve them till that dreaded day.

Hold close to your heart, O Lord, the leaders of Christ's Body The Church, the teachers, the elders, the Bishops, Priests, Deacons and all the Clergy, which you have established to feed that flock of THE WORD, who is The Way, The Truth and The Life.  By their prayers have mercy upon us and save us who struggle with the wickedness of the world and the wickedness of our own flesh.

Hold close to your heart, O Lord, all those in civil authority, our armed forces, our first responders, our state, county and city police forces; grant us peaceful times, that we may lead calm tranquil lives in all godliness and charity.

Hold close to your heart, O Lord, our parents, siblings, children, friends, both those who hold faith in you and especially those who do not yet know you, grant them mercy, life, peace, health, salvation, and visitation, and pardon and remission of sins; that they may evermore praise and glorify thy holy Name.

Hold close to your heart, O Lord, those who travel by land, and sea, and air; of the young and the old; orphans and widows; the sick and the suffering, the sorrowing and the afflicted, all captives, those Christians suffering oppression, persecution, violence and death in Muslim lands, the prisoner especially those unjustly imprisoned, the poor, both monetarily poor and even those rich who are in poverty of spirit, upon them all send forth you mercies, for You are the Giver of all good things.

Hold close to your heart, O Lord, your humble servants everywhere in the world serving you, in their service to the least of the least, grant them grace, to be diligent and faithful and never to grow weary in good doing.  Grant that they may avoid not evil people, put evil influence, resisting all temptations, rebuking the hostile lust that destroy and the natural lust that stumble us. Grant that they may lead godly and righteous lives, blameless and peaceful, ever serving You that they may be accounted worthy at the last to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Hold close to your heart, O Lord, all those who have fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection unto life eternal, pardon all their transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, whether in word, or deed, or thought. Shelter them in a place of brightness, a place of green pastures, a place of repose, where all sickness, sorrow, and sighing have fled away, and where the sight of Your countenance rejoices in all Your saints from all ages.  Grant them your heavenly Kingdom and a portion of your ineffable and eternal blessings, and the enjoyment of Your unending Life.

Hear our prayers, O Lord, for you are merciful and compassionate, and love mankind, and to You are due all glory, honor and worship:  To the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto eons of eons.  Amen.

The Akathist Hymn to Our Sweetest Lord Jesus Christ.

 (Akathist = Hymn sung while standing)

Kontakion 1: O Mighty Leader in battle and Lord, Conqueror of hell, I, Thy creature and servant, offer Thee songs of praise, for I am delivered from eternal death. Since You possess ineffable loving-kindness, set me free from every peril, as I cry: *Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

Oikos 1: Creator of angels and Lord of hosts, open my perplexed mind and tongue to laud Thy most pure name, as of old You did loose the ear and tongue of a man deaf and dumb, who then called out, saying such words as these:

*Jesus most marvelous, Amazement of angels. *Jesus most powerful, Deliverance of fore-fathers. *Jesus most sweet, Exaltation of patriarchs. *Jesus most glorious, Strengthening of kings. *Jesus most beloved, Fulfillment of prophets.

*Jesus most wonderous, Fortitude of martyrs. *Jesus most tranquil, Joy of monks *Jesus most merciful, Sweetness of presbyters. *Jesus most clement, Abstinence of fasters. *Jesus most sweet, Gladness of the godly. *Jesus most honorable, Chastity of virgins. *Jesus eternally existent, Salvation of sinners. *Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

Kontakion 2: As when seeing the widow weeping bitterly, O Lord, You were moved with pity, and did raise her son who was being carried to his burial; likewise have pity on me also, and raise my soul which is deadened by sins, O Lover of mankind, as I cry: Alleluia. (3x)

Oikos 2: Seeking to understand the knowledge that cannot be understood, Philip asked, "Lord, show us the Father." But You answered him: "Have you been so long a time with me, and yet have you not known that I am in the Father and the Father in me?" Therefore, O Unfathomable One, I cry to Thee with fear:

*Jesus, eternally existent God. *Jesus, most powerful King. *Jesus, long-suffering Master. *Jesus, most merciful Savior *Jesus, my most gracious Guardian. *Jesus, purge away my sins. *Jesus, take away my iniquities. *Jesus, pardon my injustices. *Jesus, my Hope, forsake me not. *Jesus, my Helper, reject me not. *Jesus, my Creator, forget me not. *Jesus, my Shepherd, lose me not. *Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

Kontakion 3: Thou who did endue with power from on high Your Apostles who tarried in Jerusalem, O *Jesus, with the warmth of Your Holy Spirit endue me also, who am stripped bare of any good deeds, and grant that with love I may sing to Thee: Alleluia (3x)

Oikos 3: In the abundance of Your mercy, O *Jesus, You did call publicans, sinners and unbelievers. Now disdain me not who am like them, but as most precious myrrh accept this song: *Jesus, invincible Power. *Jesus, infinite Mercy. *Jesus, radiant Beauty. *Jesus, ineffable Love. *Jesus, Son of the living God *Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner. *Jesus, hear me who was conceived in iniquity. *Jesus, cleanse me who was born in sin. *Jesus, teach me who am unprofitable. *Jesus, enlighten me who am darkened. *Jesus, purify me who am defiled. *Jesus, restore me, a prodigal. *Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me. 

Kontakion 4: Having within him a storm of disbelieving thoughts, Peter was sinking. But when he beheld Thee in the flesh, O *Jesus, walking on the water, he knew Thee to be the true God, and taking the hand of salvation, he said: Alleluia. (3x)

Oikos 4: When the blind man heard Thee, O Lord, passing by on the way, he cried, "*Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me." And You did summon him and open his eyes. In Thy mercy enlighten also the spiritual eyes of my heart, as I cry to Thee and say:

*Jesus, Creator of those on high. *Jesus, Redeemer of those below. *Jesus, Destroyer of the powers of hell. *Jesus, Adorner of all creation. *Jesus, Comforter of my soul. *Jesus Enlightener of my mind. *Jesus, Gladness of my heart. *Jesus, Health of my body. *Jesus, my Savior, save me. *Jesus, my Light, enlighten me. *Jesus, deliver me from every torment. *Jesus, save me despite mine unworthiness. *Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

Kontakion 5: As Thou did redeem us from the curse of the law by Thy divinely-shed Blood, O *Jesus, likewise rescue me from the snares in which the serpent has entangled us through the passions of the flesh, lustful suggestions, and sinful despondency, as we cry to Thee: Alleluia. (3x)

Oikos 5: When the Hebrew children saw in human form Him who with His hand formed man, they understood Him to be the Master, and with branches they made haste to please Him, crying, Hosanna. But we offer Thee song, saying: *Jesus, True God. *Jesus, Son of David *Jesus, pre- eminent King *Jesus, spotless lamb. *Jesus, Shepherd most wonderful. *Jesus, my Guardian in infancy. *Jesus, my Guide in youth. *Jesus, my Praise in old age. *Jesus, my Hope in life. *Jesus, my Life after death. *Jesus, my Comfort at Thy judgement. *Jesus, my Desire, put me not to shame in that day. *Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

Kontakion 6: Fulfilling the prophetic words of the God-bearing heralds, O Jesus, Thou did appear on earth, and though Thou art uncontainable, Thou did dwell with men and bear our griefs. Whence we were healed by Thy wounds and learned to sing: Alleluia. (3x)

Oikos 6: The light of Thy truth shone upon the world, and demonic deceit was dispelled. For idols fell down, unable to withstand Thy power, O our Savior. But we who have received salvation cry to Thee: *Jesus, Truth that dispels deceit. *Jesus, Light that surpasses all brightness. *Jesus, King Who excels all in strength. *Jesus, God Who abides in mercy. *Jesus, Bread of life, fill me who am hungry. *Jesus, Fountain of knowledge, refresh me who am thirsty. *Jesus, Garment of gladness, clothe my corruptness. *Jesus, Veil of joy, cover my unworthiness. *Jesus, Giver to those who ask, give me sorrow for my sins. *Jesus, Finder of those who seek, find my soul. *Jesus, Opener to those who knock, open my wretched heart. *Jesus, Redeemer of sinners, wash away my iniquities. *Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

Kontakion 7: Desiring to reveal the mystery hidden from the ages, O Jesus, You were led as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer was silent. But as God You rose from the dead, and did ascend into heaven with glory, and along with Yourself, You did raise us who cry: Alleluia. (3x)

Oikos 7: A wondrous creation did the Creator reveal when He appeared to us: without seed He was incarnate of the Virgin; He rose from the tomb without breaking its seals; and in the flesh He entered the Apostles' room when the doors were shut. Wherefore, we marvel, singing: *Jesus, uncontainable Word. *Jesus, inscrutable Logos. *Jesus, in comprehensible Power, *Jesus, unfathomable Wisdom. *Jesus, indescribable Deity. *Jesus, immeasurable Dominion. *Jesus, invincible Kingdom. *Jesus, infinite Sovereignty. *Jesus, supreme Strength. *Jesus, eternal Authority. *Jesus, my Creator, have compassion on me. *Jesus, my Savior, save me. *Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

Kontakion 8: Seeing God strangely made man, let us become strangers to this vain world, and raise our minds to things divine. For this cause did God descend to earth, to raise to heaven us who cry to Him: Alleluia. (3x)

Oikos 8: The Infinite was wholly present here below, yet in no wise absent from the realm on high, when He voluntarily suffered for our sakes, and by His death, put to death our death, and by His Resurrection, granted life to them that sing: *Jesus, Sweetness of heart. *Jesus, Strength of the body. *Jesus, Splendour of the soul *Jesus, Sharpness of the mind. *Jesus, Joy of the conscience. *Jesus, sure Hope. *Jesus, eternal Memory. *Jesus, high Praise. *Jesus, my most exalted Glory. *Jesus, my Desire, reject me not. *Jesus, my Shepherd, recover me. *Jesus, my Savior, save me. *Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

Kontakion 9: All the angelic world ceaselessly glorifies Your most holy name, O Jesus, crying in heaven: Holy, holy, holy. But we sinners on earth with lips of clay exclaim: Alleluia. (3x)

Oikos 9: Worldly orators we see to be mute as fish concerning Thee, O Jesus our Savior. For they are at a loss to say how You remain both immutable God and perfect Man. But we, marvelling at the mystery, cry aloud with faith: *Jesus, eternal God: *Jesus, King of Kings. *Jesus, Lord of Lords. *Jesus, Judge of the living and the dead. *Jesus, Hope of the hopeless. *Jesus, Consolation of mourners. *Jesus, Glory of the poor. *Jesus, judge me not according to my deeds. *Jesus, cleanse me according to Thy mercy. *Jesus, drive from me despondency. *Jesus, enlighten the thoughts of my heart. *Jesus, give me the remembrance of death. *Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me. 

 Kontakion 10: Wishing to save the world, O Dayspring of the east, You came to the darkness of our nature and did humble Yourself even unto death. Therefore Your name is exalted above every name, and from the divisions of heaven and earth You hear: Alleluia. (3x)

Oikos 10: Eternal King, Comforter, True Christ, cleanse us from all impurity as You did cleanse the ten lepers, and heal us as You did heal the avaricious soul of Zacchaeus the publican, that we may cry to Thee calling with compunction: *Jesus, incorruptible Treasure. *Jesus, unfailing wealth. *Jesus, strong Food. *Jesus, inexhaustible Drink. *Jesus, Garment of the poor. *Jesus, Defender of widows. *Jesus, Protector of orphans. *Jesus, Help of laborers. *Jesus, Guide of pilgrims. *Jesus, Pilot of voyagers. *Jesus, Calm of the storm-tossed. *Jesus, my God, raise me who am fallen. *Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

Kontakion 11: Tenderest songs do I, though unworthy, offer Thee. Like the woman of Canaan I cry to Thee: Jesus, have mercy on me. For not my daughter, but my flesh is cruelly possessed by passions and burning with fury. Grant healing to me who cry to Thee: Alleluia. (3x)

Oikos 11: Paul once persecuted Thee, the light-giving Lamp of those in the darkness of ignorance. However, he hearkened to the power of the voice of divine knowledge, and lit the light of spiritual sight. Do Thou also shed light upon the darkened eyelids of my soul, as I cry: *Jesus, my most mighty Monarch. *Jesus, my most powerful God. *Jesus, my most immortal Lord. *Jesus, my most glorious Creator. *Jesus, my Guide most good. *Jesus, my Shepherd most compassionate. *Jesus, my Master most merciful. *Jesus, my Savior most clement. *Jesus, enlighten my senses, which are darkened by passions. *Jesus, heal my body, which is wounded by sins. *Jesus, cleanse my mind from vain thoughts. *Jesus, keep my heart from evil desires. *Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

Kontakion 12: Grant me grace, O Jesus, You who looses all debts, and accept me, a penitent, as You did accept Peter who denied Thee, and call me who am downcast, as of old You did call Paul who persecuted Thee. Hear me crying to Thee: Alleluia. (3x)

Oikos 12: As we sing of Thine incarnation, we all laud Thee, and with Thomas we believe that Thou art Lord and God, Who sits with the Father and will come to judge the living and the dead. In that day grant that I may stand at Thy right hand, for I call out:

*Jesus, pre-eternal King, have mercy on me. *Jesus, fragrant Flower, fill me with Thy fragrance. *Jesus, beloved Fervency, warm me. *Jesus, everlasting Temple, shelter me. *Jesus, Garment of light, adorn me. *Jesus, priceless Jewel, gleam upon me. *Jesus, precious Pearl, beam upon me. *Jesus, Sun of righteousness, give me light. *Jesus, holy Light, make me bright. *Jesus, save me from sickness of soul and body. *Jesus, rescue me from the hands of the adversary. *Jesus, free me from the fire unquenchable and other eternal torments. *Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

Kontakion 13: O sweetest and all-compassionate Jesus, accept now this our small supplication, as You did accept the widow's two mites, and keep Your inheritance from visible and invisible enemies, from foreign invasion, from disease and famine, from all tribulations and mortal wounds, and from future punishment deliver all who cry to Thee: Alleluia. (3x)

Then the first Kontakion and Oikos are repeated:

Kontakion 1

O Mighty Leader in battle and Lord, Conqueror of hell, I, Thy creature and servant, offer Thee songs of praise, for I am delivered from eternal death. Since You possess ineffable loving-kindness, set me free from every peril, as I cry: *Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

Oikos 1: Creator of angels and Lord of hosts, open my perplexed mind

The Akathist Hymn: "Glory to God for All Things"

This Akathist, also called the "Akathist of Thanksgiving," was composed by Protopresbyter Gregory Petrov shortly before his death in a prison camp in 1940. The title is from the words of Saint John Chrysostom as he was dying in exile. It is a song of praise from amidst the most terrible sufferings.

(Chanting Key: / = re me fa ; \ fa me re ; _ = do do re ' ~ = re me do re : ^ la re re re re etc.

Kontakion 1: /Everlasting King, Thy will for our salvation is \ full of power. /Thy right arm controls the whole course _ of human life. / We give Thee thanks for all Thy mercies, seen and \ unseen. ~ For eternal life, /for the heavenly joys of the Kingdom which \ is to be. /Grant mercy to us who sing Thy \ praise, ~both now and in the time to come.

~Glory to Thee, O God, ~from age to age.

Ikos 1: /I was born a weak, defenceless \child, /but Thine angel spread his wings over my cradle _ to defend me. /From birth until now Thy love has illumined my \path, ~and has wondrously guided me ~towards the light of eternity; /from birth until now the generous gifts of Thy providence have been marvelously showered \upon me. ~I give Thee thanks, ~with all who have come to know Thee, ~who call upon Thy name.

/Glory to Thee for calling me \into being

/Glory to Thee, for showing me the beauty \of the universe

/Glory to Thee, spreading out before me heaven and \earth

~Like the pages in a book ~of eternal wisdom

/Glory to Thee for Thine eternity in this fleeting \world

/Glory to Thee for Thy mercies, _seen and unseen

/Glory to Thee through every sigh \of my sorrow

/Glory to Thee for every step _of my life's journey

~For every moment of glory

~Glory to Thee, O God, ~from age to age

Kontakion 2: ^O Lord, how lovely it is to ~be Thy guest. ^Breeze full of scents; mountains reaching ~to the skies; ^waters like boundless mirrors, reflecting the sun's golden rays and ~the scudding clouds. /All nature murmurs mysteriously, breathing the \depth of tenderness. /Birds and beasts of the forest bear the _imprint of Thy love. /Blessed art thou, mother earth, in thy \fleeting loveliness, ~which wakens our yearning ~for happiness that will last for ever, ~in the land where, amid beauty that grows not old, ~the cry rings out: ~Alleluia!

Ikos 2: ^Thou hast brought me into life as into an enchanted paradise. ^We have seen the sky like a chalice of deepest blue, /where in the azure heights the _birds are singing. ^We have listened to the soothing murmur of the forest and ~the melodious music of the streams. ^We have tasted fruit of fine flavour and the ~sweet scented honey. ^We can live very well on Thine earth. ^It is a pleasure to ~be Thy guest.

/Glory to Thee for the Feast \Day of life

/Glory to Thee for the perfume _of lilies and roses

/Glory to Thee for each different taste of \berry and fruit

/Glory to Thee for the sparkling silver ~of early morning dew

/Glory to Thee for the joy of \dawn's awakening

/Glory to Thee for the new life _each day brings

~Glory to Thee, O God, ~from age to age

Kontakion 3 ^It is the Holy Spirit who makes us find ~joy in each flower, ^the exquisite scent, ~the delicate colour, /the beauty of the Most High in the _tiniest of things. /Glory and honour to the Spirit, the \Giver of Life, /who covers the fields with their \carpet of flowers, /crowns the harvest with gold, and gives to us the joy of gazing at it _with our eyes. /O be joyful and sing to Him: \Alleluia!

Ikos 3 /How glorious art Thou in the \springtime, /when every creature awakes to new life and joyfully sings Thy praises _with a thousand tongues. /Thou art the Source of Life, the \Destroyer of Death. ~By the light of the moon, _nightingales sing, /and the valleys and hills lie like \wedding garments, _white as snow. /All the earth is Thy promised bride awaiting her \spotless husband. /If the grass of the field is like this, how gloriously shall we be transfigured in the \Second Coming /after the Resurrection! How splendid our bodies, _how spotless our souls!

/Glory to Thee, bringing from the depth of the earth an endless \variety of colours,

~tastes and scents

/Glory to Thee for the warmth and tenderness of the \world of nature

/Glory to Thee for the numberless _creatures around us

/Glory to Thee for the depths of \Thy wisdom, ~the whole world ~a living sign of it

/Glory to Thee; on my knees, I kiss the traces of Thine \unseen hand

/Glory to Thee, enlightening us with the clearness _of eternal life

/Glory to Thee for the hope of the unutterable, imperishable beauty of \immortality

~Glory to Thee, O God, ~from age to age

Kontakion 4 ^How filled with sweetness are those whose thoughts dwell on Thee; ^how life giving Thy holy Word. ^To speak with Thee is more soothing than anointing with oil; ^sweeter than the honeycomb. /To pray to Thee lifts the \spirit, ~refreshes the soul. /Where Thou art not, there is on_ly emptiness; /hearts are smitten with sadness; nature, and life itself, become \sorrowful; /where Thou art, the soul is _filled with abundance, ~and its song resounds ~like a torrent of life: ~Alleluia!

Ikos 4 /When the sun is setting, when quietness falls like the peace of \eternal sleep, /and the silence of the _spent day reigns, /then in the splendour of its \declining rays, /filtering through the clouds, _I see Thy dwelling place: ~fiery and purple, gold and blue, /they speak prophet like of the ineffable beauty \of Thy presence, ~and call to us in their majesty. ~We turn to the Father.

/Glory to Thee at the hushed hour \of nightfall

/Glory to Thee, covering the earth _with peace

/Glory to Thee for the last ray of the sun \as it sets

/Glory to Thee for sleep's repose _that restores us

/Glory to Thee for Thy goodness even in the \time of darkness

~When all the world ~is hidden from our eyes

/Glory to Thee for the prayers offered by a \trembling soul

/Glory to Thee for the pledge _of our reawakening

~On that glorious last day, ~that day which has no evening

~Glory to Thee, O God, ~from age to age

Kontakion 5 ^The dark storm clouds of life bring no terror to those in whose hearts Thy fire is burning brightly. ^Outside is the darkness of the whirlwind, the terror and howling of the storm, ^but in the heart, in the presence of Christ, ~there is light and peace, silence: ~Alleluia!

Ikos 5 /I see Thine heavens re\splendent with stars. /How glorious art Thou _radiant with light! /Eternity watches me by the rays of the \distant stars. ~I am small, insignificant, _but the Lord is at my side. /Thy right arm guides me _wherever I go.

/Glory to Thee, ceaselessly \watching over me

/Glory to Thee for the encounters _Thou dost arrange for me

/Glory to Thee for the love of parents, for the \faithfulness of friends

/Glory to Thee for the humbleness ~of the animals which serve me

/Glory to Thee for the unforgettable \moments of life

/Glory to Thee _for the heart's innocent joy

/Glory to Thee for the \joy of living

/Moving and being able _to return Thy love

~Glory to Thee, O God, ~from age to age

Kontakion 6 ^How great and how close art Thou in the powerful track of the storm! ^How mighty Thy right arm in the blinding flash of the lightning! ^How awesome Thy majesty! /The voice of the Lord fills the fields, it speaks in the \rustling of the trees. /The voice of the Lord is in the thunder _and the downpour. /The voice of the Lord is heard a\bove the waters. ~Praise be to Thee ~in the roar of mountains ablaze. /Thou dost shake the earth _like a garment; /Thou dost pile up to the sky the _waves of the sea. /Praise be to Thee, bringing low _the pride of man. ~Thou dost bring from his heart ~a cry of Penitence: ~Alleluia!

Ikos 6 /When the lightning flash has lit up the \camp dining hall, ~how feeble seems the light from the lamp. /Thus do You, like the lightning, unexpectedly \light up my heart ~with flashes of intense joy. /After Thy blinding light, how drab, how colourless, how illusory _all else seems. ~My souls clings to Thee.

/Glory to Thee, the highest peak of \men's dreaming

/Glory to Thee for our unquenchable thirst _for communion with God

/Glory to Thee, making us dissatisfied with \earthly things

/Glory to Thee, turning on us _Thine healing rays

/Glory to Thee, subduing the power of the \spirits of darkness

_And dooming to death _every evil

/Glory to Thee for the signs \of Thy presence

~For the joy of hearing Thy voice ~and living in Thy love

~Glory to Thee, O God, ~from age to age

Kontakion 7 ^In the wondrous blending of sounds it is Thy call we hear; ^in the harmony of many voices, ^in the sublime beauty of music, ^in the glory of the works of great composers: /Thou leadest us to the threshold of \paradise to come, ~and to the choirs of angels. /All true beauty has the power to draw the soul \towards Thee, ~and to make it sing ~in ecstasy: ~Alleluia!

Ikos 7 /The breath of Thine Holy Spirit inspires artists, poets and \scientists. /The power of Thy supreme knowledge makes them prophets and interpreters _of Thy laws, /who reveal the depths of Thy cre\ative wisdom. ~Their works speak unwittingly of Thee. ~How great art Thou in Thy creation! ~How great art Thou in man!

/Glory to Thee, showing Thine unsurpassable power in the \laws of the universe

/Glory to Thee, for all nature is _filled with Thy laws

/Glory to Thee for what Thou hast revealed to us \in Thy mercy

/Glory to Thee for what Thou hast hidden from us \in Thy wisdom

/Glory to Thee for the inventiveness _of the human mind

/Glory to Thee for the dignity \of man's labour

/Glory to Thee for the tongues of fire that \bring inspiration

/Glory to Thee, O God, _from age to age

Kontakion 8 ^How near Thou art in the day of sickness. ^You Yourself visit the sick; ^You Yourself bend over the sufferer's bed. ^His heart speaks to You. /In the throes of sorrow and suffering Thou bringest peace and unexpected \consolation. ~Thou art the comforter. /Thou art the love which watches over \and heals us. ~To Thee we sing the song: ~Alleluia!

Ikos 8 /When in childhood I called upon Thee consciously \for the first time, /Thou didst hear my prayer, and Thou didst fill my heart with the \blessing of peace. /At that moment I knew Thy goodness and knew how blessed are those who \turn to Thee. /I started to call upon Thee _night and day; /and now even now _I call upon Thy name.

/Glory to Thee, satisfying my desires \with good things

/Glory to Thee, watching over me _day and night

/Glory to Thee, curing affliction and emptiness with the healing \flow of time

/Glory to Thee, no loss is irreparable \in Thee, ~giver of eternal life to all

/Glory to Thee, making immortal all that is \lofty and good

/Glory to Thee, _promising us the longed for meeting ~with our loved ones who have died

~Glory to Thee, O God, ~from age to age

Kontakion 9 ^Why is it that on a Feast Day the whole of nature mysteriously smiles? ^Why is it that then a heavenly gladness fills our hearts; ^a gladness far beyond that of earth and the very air in church ~and in the altar becomes luminous? /It is the breath _of Thy gracious love. /It is the reflection of the glory \of Mount Tabor. ~Then do heaven and earth sing Thy praise: ~Alleluia!

Ikos 9 /When Thou did call me to serve my brothers and filled my soul \with humility, /one of Thy deep, piercing rays _shone into my heart; /it became luminous, full of light like iron glowing \in the furnace. ~I have seen Thy face, ~face of mystery and of unapproachable glory. /Glory to Thee, transfiguring our lives with \deeds of love

/Glory to Thee, making wonderfully Sweet the \keeping of Thy commandments

/Glory to Thee, making Thyself known where man shows mercy \on his neighbour

/Glory to Thee, sending us failure and misfortune that we may understand the \sorrows of others /Glory to Thee, rewarding us so well _for the good we do

/Glory to Thee, welcoming the impulse \of our heart's love

/Glory to Thee, raising to the heights of heaven every act of love in \earth and sky

~Glory to Thee, O God, ~from age to age

Kontakion 10 ^No one can put together what has crumbled into dust, ^but Thou canst restore a conscience turned to ashes. ^Thou canst restore to its former beauty a soul lost and without hope. /With Thee, there is nothing that \cannot be redeemed. _Thou art love; ~Thou art Creator and Redeemer. ~We praise Thee, singing: ~Alleluia!

Ikos 10 /Remember, my God, the fall of Lucifer \full of pride, /keep me safe with the power \of Thy Grace; /save me from falling _away from Thee. /Save me from doubt. Incline my heart to hear Thy mysterious voice every moment \of my life. /Incline my heart to call upon Thee, present in \everything.

/Glory to Thee for \every happening

~Every condition Thy providence has put me in

/Glory to Thee for what Thou speakest to me \in my heart

/Glory to Thee for what Thou revealest to me, _asleep or awake

/Glory to Thee for scattering our vain i\maginations

/Glory to Thee for raising us \from the slough _of our passions through suffering

/Glory to Thee for curing our pride of heart by hu\miliation

~Glory to Thee, O God, ~from age to age

Kontakion 11 ^Across the cold chains of the centuries, ^I feel the warmth of Thy breath, ^I feel Thy blood pulsing in my veins. /Part of time has already gone, but now \Thou art the present. ~I stand by Thy Cross; ~I was the cause of it. /I cast myself down in the \dust before it. ~Here is the triumph of love,

~the victory of salvation. /Here the centuries themselves cannot re\main silent, _singing Thy praises: ~Alleluia!

Ikos 11 ^Blessed are they that will share in the King's Banquet: ^but already on earth Thou givest me a foretaste of this blessedness. ^How many times with Thine own hand hast Thou held out to me Thy Body and Thy Blood, ^and I, though a miserable sinner, have received this Mystery, ^and have tasted Thy love, ~so ineffable, ~so heavenly.

/Glory to Thee for the unquenchable fire \of Thy Grace

/Glory to Thee, _building Thy Church, ~a haven of peace ~in a tortured world

/Glory to Thee for the life giving \water of Baptism ~in which we find new birth

/Glory to Thee, restoring to the penitent purity \white as the lily

_Glory to Thee ~for the cup of salvation ~and the bread of eternal joy

/Glory to Thee for exalting us to the \highest heaven

~Glory to Thee, O God, ~from age to age

Kontakion 12 ^How often have I seen the reflection of Thy glory in the faces of the dead. ^How resplendent they were, with beauty and heavenly joy. ^How ethereal, how translucent their faces. ^How triumphant over suffering and death, their felicity and peace. /Even in the silence _they were calling upon Thee. /In the hour of my death, enlighten my soul, too, that it may \cry out to Thee: ~Alleluia!

Ikos 12 ^What sort of praise can I give Thee? ^I have never heard the song of the Cherubim, a joy reserved for the spirits above. /But I know the praises that \nature sings to Thee. /In winter, I have beheld how silently in the moonlight the whole earth \offers Thee prayer, ~clad in its white mantle of snow, ~sparkling like diamonds. /I have seen how the rising sun re\joices in Thee, /how the song of the birds is a chorus of \praise to Thee. /I have heard the mysterious mutterings of the forests \about Thee, /and the winds singing Thy praise as they \stir the waters. /I have understood how the choirs of stars pro\claim Thy glory /as they move forever in the depths _of infinite space. ~What is my poor worship! ~All nature obeys Thee, _I do not. /Yet while I live, I \see Thy love, ~I long to thank Thee, ~and call upon Thy name.

/Glory to Thee, \giving us light

/Glory to Thee, loving us with love so deep, di\vine and infinite

/Glory to Thee, blessing us with light, and with the host of \angels and saints

/Glory to Thee, Father all holy, promising us a share_ in Thy Kingdom

/Glory to Thee, Holy Spirit, life giving \Sun of the world to come

/Glory to Thee for all things, _Holy and most merciful Trinity

~Glory to Thee, O God, ~from age to age

Kontakion 13 ^Life giving and merciful Trinity, ^receive my thanksgiving for all Thy goodness. ~Make us worthy of Thy blessings, /so that, when we have brought to fruit the talents Thou hast en\trusted to us, ~we may enter into the joy of our Lord, ~forever exulting in the shout of victory: ~Alleluia!

(repeat Kontakion 13 and Alleluia three times * Then repeat Ikos 1 and then Kontakion 1) 

The Brotherhood's Rosary

(An optional private devotion)

1. The Nicene Creed (* marks an article of the creed)

*I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible;

*And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Only-begotten, Begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by Whom all things were made:

*Who for us men and for our salvation came down from Heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and was made man;

*And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried;

*And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures;

*And ascended into Heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father;

*And He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, Whose Kingdom shall have no end.

*And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who with the (+) Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, Who spoke by the prophets;

*And I believe in One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.

*I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins.

*I look for the resurrection of the dead,

*And the life of the world to come. Amen.

2. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God. The Lord is One. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. And you shall love your neighbor as yourself.

3. In the name of the Father who is the Father of Light and the giver of all good gifts. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, Holy One, Have Mercy Upon Us. 4. In the name of the Son who is my Redeemer and the source of my salvation. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, Holy One, Have Mercy Upon Us.

5. In the name of the Holy Spirit who is my comforter and guide. Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, Holy One, Have Mercy Upon Us.

6. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done that which is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified in Your sentence and blameless in Your judgement. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity and in sins did my mother conceive me. Behold, You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Fill me with joy and gladness; let the bones which You have broken rejoice. Hide Your Face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways and sinners will return to You. Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of Your deliverance. Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall show forth Your praise. For You have no delight in sacrifice; were I to give a burnt offering, You would not be pleased. The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. Do good to Zion in Your good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then You will delight in a sacrifice of righteousness, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings: then bulls will be offered on Your Altar.

The Crest: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in darkness; and the darkness comprehends it not. He is the true Light, which lighteth every man that comes into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came to his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

7 16. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women. And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Son of Mary, Son of the living God, have mercy on us, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.

17. We set the keeping of Christ about us. We beseech the guarding of God with us to possess us and protect us. May the Gospel of Christ, King of salvation, be as a mantle to our bodies. Amen.

18 27. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women. And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Son of David, Son of the living God, have mercy on us, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

28. May the Cross of Christ be between us and all ill will, encompassing us in His might and shielding us from every harm, from every specter, from every evil. Amen. 29 38. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Son of Mary, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

39. Our Father, who art in heaven, 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. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

40 49. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Son of Mary, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

50. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be forever, world without end. Amen.

51 60. Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Son of Mary, Son of the Living God, have mercy on us, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

The Crest: Prayer for others.

61. Abba Father, we adore Thee. 62. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Have mercy on us.

63. Lord Jesus Christ Son of the Living God, Have Mercy on Us.

64. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Grant us Thy Peace.

65. I adore thee, O Christ, and I bless thee, because by thy holy Cross thou hast redeemed the world. Amen.

66. I bind unto myself this day, the Name, the Strong Name of the Trinity, by invocation of the same. In the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Three in One, The One in Three by whom all nature has creation, Eternal Father, Spirit, Word   Praise to the Lord of my Salvation. My Salvation is in Christ the Lord. Amen