The Canon of Repentance to Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the most vital penitential texts of the Orthodox ascetic tradition, traditionally recited on the evening before receiving Holy Communion. Its primary spiritual purpose is to awaken in the soul sincere repentance, contrition of heart, and the realization of one’s weakness before God’s boundless mercy.
Canon of Repentance
Ode 1
Irmos: When Israel walked on dry land as in the wilderness, beholding the pursuer Pharaoh engulfed in the deep, they cried: ‘Let us sing a song of victory unto God!’
Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Now I, a sinner burdened with transgressions, approach Thee, my Master and my God. I dare not lift my eyes to heaven, but pray: grant me, O Lord, understanding, that I may weep for my deeds bitterly.
Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O woe to me, a sinner! More than all men am I wretched, and there is no repentance in me. Grant me, O Lord, tears, that I may weep for my deeds bitterly.
Ode 3
Irmos: There is none holy as Thou, O Lord my God, Who hast exalted the horn of Thy faithful, O Good One, and established us upon the rock of Thy confession.
Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
When the thrones are set at the Dread Judgment, then the deeds of all men shall be exposed. Woe shall be to the sinners there, sent into eternal torment. Remembering this, my soul, repent of thy evil deeds.
Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The righteous shall rejoice, and the sinners shall weep. Then no one can help us, but our own deeds shall condemn us. Therefore, before the end, repent of thy evil deeds.
Ode 6
Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations, and fleeing to Thy quiet harbor, I cry to Thee: Raise up my life from corruption, O Most Merciful One.
Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
My soul! Why dost thou grow rich in sins, why dost thou fulfill the will of the devil, on what dost thou place thy hope? Awake and turn to God with weeping, crying: O Merciful Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Have mercy on me, my Savior, Son of God, raise me up from the depth of sin; cleanse my mind from the defilement of passions and grant me repentance, that I may be saved.
Ode 9
Irmos: It is impossible for men to see God, upon Whom the ranks of angels dare not look; but through Thee, O Most Pure One, the Word incarnate appeared to men; Him magnifying, with the heavenly hosts we bless Thee.
Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Now I flee to you, angels, archangels, and all heavenly powers standing before the Throne of glory: pray to your Creator and mine, that He may save my soul from eternal torment.
Refrain: Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Now with tears I fall before Thee, my merciful Savior: have mercy and save me, Your unworthy servant, and before my death grant me sincere repentance, that I may enter Your Heavenly Kingdom. Amen.
Prayer to Our Lord Jesus Christ
O Sovereign Master Christ our God, Who by Thy passions hast healed my passions, and by Thy wounds hast cured my wounds; grant me, who have greatly sinned against Thee, tears of contrition. Mix my body with the fragrance of Thy life-giving Body, and sweeten my soul with Thy precious Blood. Raise up my mind, which is dragged down by sins, and lead me out of the pit of perdition, for I have no sincere repentance, no tears of consolation. Enlighten my mind with the light of Thy knowledge, and keep me under Thy protection from all evil. Amen.
References (Canonical Links and Literature)
1. Orthodox Prayer Book of the Orthodox Church — Complete liturgical texts of the pre-communion canons and rules. Available online: parafia.org.ua.
2. The Service Book of the Orthodox Church — Holy Canons and Prayers of Preparation. Available online: kyrios.org.ua.