The following translation has been made at the request of several readers. It appears to be the first liturgical translation made by a native English speaker which also remains faithful to the Church Slavonic.
Fr Andrew
Morning Prayers
Having risen from sleep, before all else stand
reverently as if before God Who seeth all things. Having made the sign
of the cross, say:
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then wait a little, until your feelings are calm and your thoughts have left all earthly things, and then make three bows, saying:
The Prayer of the Publican
God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
Prayers of Introduction
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy Most-Pure Mother and of all the Saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, O our God, glory to Thee.
O Heavenly King, O Comforter, O Spirit of Truth, Who art in all places and fillest all things, Treasure of Blessings and giver of life, come and abide in us, cleanse us from all impurity and save our souls, O Good One.
(Between Easter and Ascension Day the above prayer, 'O Heavenly King', is replaced by, 'Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and upon those in the graves bestowing life'. Moreover, between Ascension and Pentecost the Prayers of Introduction begin from 'Holy God').
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; O Lord, cleanse our sins; O Master, forgive our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (Three times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, Which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Hymns to the Trinity
Arising from sleep, we fall down before Thee, O Good One, and sing to Thee the angelic hymn, O Mighty One: holy, holy, holy art Thou, O God, by the Mother of God, have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
O Lord, Thou hast aroused me from bed and from sleep, enlighten my mind and my heart, and open my lips, that I may sing of Thee, O Holy Trinity: holy, holy, holy art Thou, O God, by the Mother of God, have mercy on us.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Suddenly the judge will come, and the deeds of all will be revealed, but with fear we cry out at midnight: holy, holy, holy art Thou, O God, by the Mother of God, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times)
Prayer to the Most Holy Trinity
Arising from sleep, I thank Thee, O Holy Trinity, that for the sake of Thy great goodness and longsuffering, Thou hast not been angered against me, slothful and sinful, neither hast Thou destroyed me with my iniquities, but Thou hast shown Thy customary love for mankind, and hast raised me up as I lay in heedlessness, that I might sing my morning hymn and glorify Thy might. Do Thou now enlighten the eyes of my thought, open my lips to learn Thy words and make me to understand Thy commandments, and to do Thy will, to sing of Thee in the confession of my heart, and to hymn Thine All-holy Name, of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O
come, let us worship God our King.
O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God.
O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ himself, our King and
God.
Here may be read the daily Epistle and Gospel.
Psalm 50
Have
mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the
multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgression.
Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgression, and my sin is ever before me.
Against Thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight; that
Thou mightest be justified in Thy sayings, and overcome when Thou art
judged.
For behold, I was conceived in iniquity, and in sins did my mother bear
me.
For behold, Thou hast loved truth; the hidden and secret things of Thy
wisdom hast Thou revealed to me.
Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be cleansed; Thou shalt
wash me, and I shall be made whiter than snow.
Thou shalt make me to hear joy and gladness; the bones that have been
humbled shall rejoice.
Turn away Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from
me.
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and establish me with Thy governing
Spirit.
I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn again
to Thee.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, Thou God of my salvation; my tongue
shall rejoice in Thy righteousness.
O Lord, Thou shalt open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise.
For hadst Thou desired sacrifice, I would have given it; Thou wilt not
delight in whole burnt offerings.
A sacrifice to God is a broken spirit; a broken and humbled heart God
will not despise.
Do good, O Lord, in Thy good pleasure unto Sion, and let the walls of
Jerusalem be builded.
Then shalt Thou be pleased with a sacrifice of righteousness, oblation
and whole burnt offerings.
Then shall they offer bullocks upon Thine altar.
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, Who was
begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, True God of True
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 became man.
Who was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and
was buried.
And on the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures.
And He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on 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 in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and giver of life, Who proceedeth from
the Father, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and
glorified, Who spake by the Prophets.
And 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 age to come. Amen.
Prayers of St Macarius the Great
O God, cleanse me a sinner, for I have done nothing good before Thee. Deliver me from the evil one and may Thy will be in me: may I open my unworthy lips uncondemned and praise Thy Holy name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Rising from sleep I offer to Thee, O Saviour, a midnight hymn and falling down I cry unto Thee: give me not over to slumber in sinful death, but show mercy to me, O Thou who of Thine own will wast crucified, hasten to arouse me as I lie in sloth and save me by prayer and intercession: after the sleep of night make the day to shine forth on me without sin, O Christ God, and save me. Amen.
To Thee, O Master that lovest mankind, I hasten on rising from sleep, by Thy mercy I go forth to do Thy works. I pray Thee: help me at all times and in all things and deliver me from every evil thing of this world and suggestion of the devil, and save me and lead me into Thy eternal Kingdom. For thou art my Creator and the Provider and Giver of every good, in Thee is all my hope and to Thee I send up glory, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Lord, Who of Thy plentiful goodness and Thy great bounties hast granted that I Thy servant should pass through the time past of this night without assault from any evil of the Enemy: Do Thou, O Master, Maker of all things, vouchsafe me to do Thy will in Thy true light and with enlightened heart, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer of St Basil the Great
O Lord Almighty, God of hosts and of all flesh, that dwellest in the highest and carest for the humble, that searchest the inner parts and the heart and clearly discernest the hidden things of men, Ever-existing Light from Eternity, with Whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning: Do Thou, O King Immortal, accept our prayers which we, hoping in the multitude of Thy mercies, offer to Thee at this present time from our soiled lips, pardon us our transgressions which we have committed, knowingly or unknowingly, in word and thought and deed: and cleanse us from every stain of flesh and spirit. Grant us to pass through all the night of this present life with watchful heart and sober thought, awaiting the coming of the bright and manifest day of Thine Only-Begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour Jesus Christ, in which the Judge of all men shall come with glory, when to each shall be given the reward of his deeds: may we not fall away into sloth, but take heart and, roused to action, may we be found ready and enter together into the joy and Divine bridal chamber of His glory, where the voice of those that feast is never silent and the sweetness of those that behold the inexpressible beauty of Thy countenance is beyond all words, for Thou art the true Light that enlighteneth and halloweth all things, and Thee doth every creature hymn unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer to your Guardian Angel
O holy angel, standing by my wretched soul and passionate life, forsake me not, a sinner, nor depart from me for my lack of restraint: grant not a place to the evil demon to take possession of me by the force of this mortal body: strengthen my weak and feeble hand, and set me on the path of salvation. Yea, holy Angel of God, guardian and protector of my wretched soul and body, forgive me everything wherein I have offended thee all the days of my life, and if I have sinned this past night; protect me during the present day, and preserve me from every temptation of the Enemy: may I not anger God by any sin: pray for me to the Lord, that He may establish me in His fear, and show me a servant worthy of his goodness. Amen.
Prayer to the Most Holy Mother of God
O my Most Holy Sovereign Lady Mother of God, by Thy holy and all-powerful prayers drive away from me, thy humble and wretched servant, despondency, forgetfulness, lack of understanding, carelessness and all unclean, evil and blasphemous thoughts from my wretched heart and my darkened mind: quench the flame of my passions, for I am poor and wretched, and deliver me from the many cruel recollections and undertakings, and free me from all evil deeds: for Thou art blessed by all generations and Thy most honourable name is glorified unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer to your Patron-Saint
Pray to God for me, holy N, who art pleasing to God, for I eagerly betake myself to thee, who art the speedy helper and intercessor for my soul.
Hymn of the Most Holy Mother of God
Rejoice, O Mother of God and Maiden, Mary full of grace, the Lord is with Thee, blessed art Thou among women and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, for Thou hast given birth to the Saviour of our souls.
Troparion of the Holy Cross and Prayer for your native land
O Lord, save Thy people and bless Thine inheritance, granting victories to Orthodox Christians over their enemies, and by Thy Cross preserve Thy commonwealth.
For the Living
Remember, O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, Thy mercies and bounties which are from everlasting, for the sake of which Thou didst become man and deign to endure crucifixion and death for the salvation of all who rightly believe in Thee: Thou rose from the dead, ascended into heaven and sittest on the right hand of God the Father, and regardest the humble prayers of all who call upon Thee with their whole heart: incline Thine ear and hearken to the humble entreaty of me, Thine unprofitable servant, who offer it as a sweet-smelling spiritual fragrance for all Thy people. And first of all remember Thy Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church, which Thou hast purchased with Thy precious blood; confirm it and strengthen it, enlarge it and multiply it, keep it in peace and preserve it unconquerable by the gates of hell for ever: calm the divisions of the churches, quench the ragings of the heathen, and speedily destroy and root out the risings of heresies, and bring them to naught by the power of Thy Holy Spirit. Bow.
O Lord, save and have mercy on our land, its rulers and all those in seats of authority, and the Orthodox Christians that dwell herein. Bow.
O Lord, save and have mercy on the most holy Orthodox Patriarchs, the most Reverend Metropolitans, Orthodox Archbishops and Bishops, and all the priestly and monastic order and all the clergy of the Church, which Thou hast established to feed the flock of Thy Word, and by their prayers have mercy on me and save me, a sinner. Bow.
O Lord, save and have mercy on my spiritual father, N, and by his holy prayers forgive me my transgressions. Bow.
O Lord, save and have mercy on my parents, N. and N, my brothers and sisters, my kinsmen after the flesh, and all those near to me and my friends, and grant them Thy good things, both here and hereafter. Bow.
O Lord, save and have mercy on the old and the young, the poor, the orphans and the widows, and all that are in sickness and sorrow, in distress and affliction, in oppression and captivity, in prison and confinement, more especially have mercy on Thy servants that are persecuted for Thy sake and for the sake of the Orthodox Faith, by heathen nations, by apostates and heretics: remember them, visit, strengthen, and comfort them, and make haste to grant them by Thy power relief, freedom and deliverance. Bow.
O Lord, save and have mercy on all who are sent on duty, all who travel, our fathers and brothers and sisters, and on all Orthodox Christians. Bow.
O Lord, save and have mercy on those that hate and affront me and do me mischief, and let them not perish through me, a sinner. Bow.
Those that have departed from the Orthodox Faith, dazzled by destroying heresies, do Thou enlighten by the light of Thy understanding and unite them to Thy Holy, Apostolic, Catholic Church.
Commemoration of the Departed
O Lord, remember those that have departed this life, Orthodox kings and queens, faithful princes and princesses, most holy Patriarchs, most reverend Metropolitans, Orthodox Archbishops and Bishops, and all who served Thee in the priesthood and clergy of the Church, and in the monastic order, and grant them rest with Thy saints in Thine eternal habitations. Bow.
O Lord, remember the souls of Thy servants who have fallen asleep, my parents, N. and N., and all my kinsmen after the flesh: and forgive them all their transgressions voluntary and involuntary, granting them the Kingdom and the partaking of Thy eternal good things and the delight of Thine unending and blessed life. Bow.
O Lord, remember all who have fallen asleep in hope of the resurrection and eternal life, our fathers and brethren, and sisters, Orthodox Christians, who rest here and in all the world; and set them with Thy saints, where shineth the light of Thy countenance, and have mercy on us, for Thou art good and Thou lovest mankind. Amen. Bow.
O Lord, grant to all that have gone before us in faith and hope of the resurrection, our fathers and brethren and sisters, pardon of sins, and grant them eternal memory. (Three times)
Conclusion of the Prayers
It is truly meet to bless Thee, Who didst bring forth God, ever blessed and most pure and the Mother of our God. More honourable than the cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the seraphim, Who without defilement didst bear the God the Word, Thee, very Mother of God, we magnify.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (Three times)
O Lord, give the blessing. And the Dismissal
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother, of Saint N, (the name of the Patron Saint), of Saints NN (the saints of the day) and of all Thy Saints, of our holy and God-bearing fathers and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for Thou art a merciful God and Thou lovest mankind. Amen.
Evening Prayers
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy Most-Pure Mother, of our holy and God-bearing fathers and of all the Saints, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, O our God, glory to Thee.
O Heavenly King, O Comforter, O Spirit of Truth, Who art in all places and fillest all things, Treasure of Blessings and giver of life, come and abide in us, cleanse us from all impurity and save our souls, O Good One.
(Between Easter and Ascension Day the above prayer, 'O Heavenly King', is replaced by, 'Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and upon those in the graves bestowing life'. Moreover, between Ascension and Pentecost the Prayers of Introduction begin from 'Holy God').
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us. (Three times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; O Lord, cleanse our sins; O Master, forgive our iniquities; O Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (Three times)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father, Which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Troparia
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us; for we sinners, lacking all defence, offer unto Thee, as to our Master, this prayer: have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
O Lord, have mercy on us, for in Thee have we hoped: be not very wrath with us, neither call to remembrance our iniquities: but even now look down on us in Thy goodness, and deliver us from our enemies: for Thou art our God, and we are Thy people, all the works of Thy hands, and we call on Thy Name.
Now
and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Open unto us the door of mercy, O blessed Mother of God, that we who set
our hope on Thee may not perish, but may be delivered by Thee from all
misfortunes: for Thou art the salvation of all Christian people.
Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times)
Prayer of St. Macarius the Great
O Eternal God and King of all creation, Who hast vouchsafed me even to attain to this hour, forgive me the sins which I have committed this day, in deed, word and thought, and, O Lord, cleanse my humble soul from every stain of flesh and spirit. Grant me, O Lord, to pass through the sleep of this night in peace, that when I have risen from my lowly bed, I may please Thy most holy Name all the days of my life, and vanquish the enemies, both bodily and bodiless, that contend against me. And deliver me, O Lord, from vain thoughts that stain me and from evil desires. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer of St Antiochus
O Almighty, Word of the Father, Jesus Christ Who art Thyself perfect, for Thy great mercy's sake never depart from me, Thy servant, but ever rest in me. O Jesus, Good Shepherd of Thy sheep, let me not fall into the disobedience of the serpent, nor leave me to the will of satan: for the seed of corruption is in me. Do Thou, therefore, O Lord God Whom we worship, O Holy King Jesus Christ, keep me while I sleep by Thy unfading light, Thy Holy Spirit, with Which Thou didst hallow Thy disciples. O Lord, grant even to me, Thy unworthy servant, Thy salvation on my bed: enlighten my mind with the light of the understanding of Thy holy Gospel, my soul with the love of Thy Cross, my heart with the purity of Thy Word, my body with Thy passionless passion, keep my thought in Thy humility, and rouse me in due time to glorify Thee. For Thou art most glorified, together with Thine Eternal Father and the Most Holy Spirit unto the ages. Amen.
O Lord our God, what sins I have this day committed, in word, deed and thought, forgive me, for Thou art good and Thou lovest mankind. Grant me peaceful and undisturbed sleep: send me Thy guardian Angel to protect and keep me from every evil; for Thou art the guardian of our souls and bodies, and to Thee we send up glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer of St. John Chrysostom according to the number of hours of the day and night.
(1) O Lord, deprive me not of Thy heavenly blessings. (2) O Lord, deliver me from eternal torments. (3) O Lord, if I have sinned in mind or thought, in word or deed, forgive me. (4) O Lord, deliver me from every ignorance and forgetfulness, from littleness of soul and stony lack of feeling. (5) O Lord, deliver me from every temptation. (6) O Lord, enlighten my heart which evil desire hath darkened. (7) O Lord, as man, I have sinned, as bountiful God, do Thou have mercy on me, seeing the infirmity of my soul. (8) O Lord, send Thy grace to help me, that I may glorify Thy Holy name. (9) O Lord Jesus Christ, write me, Thy servant, into the book of life, and grant me a blessed end. (10) O Lord my God, even if I have done nothing good before Thee, yet grant me according to Thy grace to make a beginning of good. (11) O Lord, sprinkle the dew of Thy grace in my heart. (12) O Lord of heaven and earth, remember me, Thy sinful servant, cold of heart and impure, in Thy Kingdom. Amen.
(13) O Lord, accept me in repentance. (14) O Lord, leave me not. (15) O Lord, lead me not into temptation. (16) O Lord, grant me the thought of good. (17) O Lord, grant me tears and the memory of death and tender mercy. (18) O Lord, grant me mindfulness to confess my sins. (19) O Lord, grant me humility, chastity and obedience. (20) O Lord, grant me patience, generosity and gentleness. (21) O Lord, plant in me the root of all goodness, the fear of Thee in my heart. (22) O Lord, vouchsafe that I may love Thee with all my soul and thoughts and that in all things I may do Thy will. (23) O Lord, shield me from evil men and devils and passions and all other unseemly things. (24) O Lord, Thou knowest what Thou doest, as Thou willest, may Thy will also be fulfilled in me a sinner, for Thou art blessed for evermore. Amen.
Prayers for Children
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who didst receive the children who came unto Thee, receive also from the lips of me, Thy child, this evening prayer. Shelter me under the shadow of Thy wings, that in peace I may lie down and sleep, and awaken me in due time, that I may glorify Thee, for Thou alone art righteous and merciful. Amen.
Guardian Angel, keep and preserve all of us from every evil, sickness, and grief. Help us, O Lord, to be good, obedient and kind. I thank Thee, O Lord, for all good things Thou has sent to me during the past day. Let me spend this night in peace and protect me from all harm. Amen.
Prayer to the Most Holy Mother of God
O Gracious Mother of our gracious King, Most Pure and Blessed Mother of God Mary, pour out the mercy of Thy Son and our God on my passionate soul and by Thy prayers set me to good deeds, that I may pass the remaining time of my life without fault, and through Thee find paradise, O Mother of God and Virgin alone pure and blessed. Amen.
Prayer to your Holy Guardian Angel
O Angel of Christ, my holy guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me every transgression which I have committed this day: and deliver me from all evil of my enemy and adversary, that I may not anger my God in any sin: but pray for me, His sinful and unworthy servant, that thou mayest show me worthy of the goodness and mercy of the All-Holy Trinity and of the Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ and of all the saints. Amen.
To Thee, O Mother of God, chosen leader of triumphant hosts, we, Thy servants, delivered from evil, sing our thanks: but since Thou hast invincible might, free us from every calamity, that we may call to Thee: Rejoice, O Bride Unwedded.
Most Glorious Ever-Virgin Mother of Christ our God, bring our prayer unto Thy Son and our God, that by Thee He may save our souls.
All my hope I put in Thee, O Divine Mother, keep me beneath Thy protection.
O Virgin Mother of God, despise not me, a sinner, who seek Thy help and Thy intercession: for in Thee hath my soul hoped, and have mercy on me.
Prayer of St. Ioannicus
The Father is my hope, the Son is my refuge, the Holy Spirit is my protection, O Holy Trinity, glory to Thee.
It is truly meet to bless Thee, Who didst bring forth God, ever blessed and most pure and the Mother of our God. More honourable than the cherubim and beyond compare more glorious than the seraphim, Who without defilement didst bear the God the Word, Thee, very Mother of God, we magnify.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Lord, have mercy. (Three times)
And the dismissal:
O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, for the sake of the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother, of Saint N, (the name of the Patron Saint), of Saints NN (the saints of the day) and of all Thy Saints, of our holy and God-bearing fathers and of all the saints, have mercy on us and save us, for Thou art a merciful God and Thou lovest mankind. Amen.
Prayer of St. John of Damascus, which you say as you approach your bed:
O Master that lovest all men, will not this couch be my grave? Or wilt Thou again enlighten my wretched soul with the day; Behold, the grave lieth before me, behold, death standeth before me. Thy judgement, O Lord, I fear, and the unending torments, yet I cease not from doing evil. O Lord my God, I always anger Thee and Thy Most Pure Mother and all the heavenly Powers and my holy guardian Angel. For I know, O Lord, that I am not worthy of Thy love for mankind, but am worthy of every condemnation and torment. But, O Lord, whether I wish it or not, save me. For if Thou savest the just, it is nothing great, and if Thou hast mercy upon the pure, it is nothing marvellous: for they are worthy of Thy mercy. But on me, a sinner, show the wonder of Thy mercy: in this show Thy love for mankind, and let not my evil overcome Thine inexpressible goodness and mercy: and as Thou wishest, order all things about me.
And when you wish to lie down, say this:
Enlighten mine eyes, O Christ my God, that I may never sleep in death, lest mine enemy say: I have prevailed against him.
Glory
to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
.
Be Thou the defender of my soul, O God, for I walk in the midst of many
snares; deliver me from them, and save me, O Blessed One, for Thou lovest
mankind.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
With heart and lips let us continually hymn the Most Glorious Divine Mother, Who is more holy than the Holy Angels, confessing that She is the Mother of God, for in truth She bare for us God Incarnate, and She prayeth unceasingly for our souls.
Then kiss the cross and, making the sign of the cross over your bed and also the four corners of the room, say:
Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered, let them also that hate Him flee from before His face: like as the smoke vanisheth, so shall they vanish, like as wax melteth before the face of fire, so let the demons perish before the face of those that love God and sign themselves with the sign of the Cross and say in gladness: Rejoice, O most honourable and life-giving Cross of the Lord, driving away the demons by the power of our Lord Jesus Christ Who was crucified on thee, who descended into hell, and trampled down the power of the devil, and granted us His honourable Cross, to repulse every foe. O most honourable and life-giving Cross of the Lord, help me, together with the holy Virgin Lady, the Mother of God, and with all the saints unto the ages. Amen.
Or:
O Lord, fence me around with the power of Thy honourable and life-giving Cross and keep me from every evil.
O God, absolve, remit and forgive our transgressions, voluntary and involuntary, whether in word or deed, whether knowingly or unknowingly, whether by day or night, whether in mind or in thought: forgive us everything, for Thou art Good and Thou lovest mankind.
O Lord, Lover of mankind, forgive those who hate and offend us. Do good to those who do good. Grant the petitions of our brethren and kin which are for salvation and eternal life: visit those who are sick and grant them healing. Guide those at sea. Travel with those who travel. Help Orthodox Christians in their struggles. To those who help us and are merciful to us, grant forgiveness of sins. On those who charge us in our unworthiness to pray for them, have mercy according to Thy great mercy. O Lord, remember our fathers and brethren who have fallen asleep before us, and grant them rest where the light of Thy countenance visiteth them. O Lord, remember those who bring forth fruit and do good works in Thy holy churches, and grant to them their petitions that are for salvation and eternal life. O Lord, remember also us Thy humble, and sinful and unworthy servants, and enlighten our minds with the light of Thy understanding, and set us on the path of Thy commandments: through the prayers of our Most Pure Mother, the Sovereign Lady, the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, and of all Thy saints, for Thou art blessed unto the ages of ages. Amen.
As you give yourself up to sleep, say:
Into Thy hands, O Lord Jesus Christ, my God, I commend my spirit. Do thou bless me, have mercy on me and grant me eternal life. Amen.
