The Canon to the Guardian Angel is a moving and deeply personal prayer to our heavenly protector, whom every Christian receives in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. It is traditionally recited on the evening before Holy Communion to invoke angelic protection and purify one’s thoughts.
Canon to the Guardian Angel
Ode 1
Irmos: Let us sing to the Lord, Who led His people through the Red Sea, for He alone has gloriously triumphed.
Refrain: Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
Vouchsafe me, thy sinful servant, O holy Angel, to sing a song of praise to glorify thy goodness, for thou hast been given to me by God as a guardian and protector of my life.
Refrain: Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
In my foolishness and sloth, I have sinned greatly before God and grieved thee, my holy patron; I pray thee, entreat the Lord and ask for the forgiveness of my sins.
Ode 3
Irmos: Thou art the stronghold of those who run to Thee, O Lord; Thou art the light of those in darkness, and my spirit sings to Thee.
Refrain: Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
Turn away all my sinful thoughts and deeds, O holy guardian, and direct my mind to good works, that I may bring fruits of repentance to the Creator.
Refrain: Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
Thou hast been appointed to me by God as a mighty defender against the spirits of evil under heaven; do not abandon me during temptations and strengthen my weak will.
Ode 6
Irmos: The abyss of sin has surrounded me, and like Jonah I pray: ‘O Master, raise me up from corruption!’
Refrain: Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
Guard my mind from the vain thoughts of this world, O holy Angel, and help me focus on prayer before God on the eve of receiving the awesome and most pure Mysteries of Christ.
Refrain: Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
Thou seest the weakness of my heart and the cunning of enemies visible and invisible; be my shield and sword, and let me not perish in my sins.
Ode 9
Irmos: Truly we confess Thee as the Theotokos, we who are saved by Thee, O Pure Virgin, magnifying Thee with the bodiless hosts.
Refrain: Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
When the terrifying hour of my death arrives and my soul departs from my body, do not abandon me then, my good guardian, but protect me from demonic toll-houses and lead me safely to the Throne of God.
Refrain: Holy Angel of God, my guardian, pray to God for me.
Singing of thy gracious care, I thank thee, O holy Angel, for guarding me day and night. Pray to the All-Merciful God for the salvation of my soul. Amen.
Prayer to the Guardian Angel
O Holy Angel of Christ, falling before thee I pray, my holy guardian, given to me for the protection of my sinful soul and body from holy Baptism! In my sloth and sins I have grieved thy angelic purity. I pray thee, ask the All-Merciful God to grant me mercy, forgive all my transgressions, keep me under thy protection from all evil visible and invisible, and pray for the salvation of my soul before the Throne of the Lord. 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.