www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Traditional Byzantine-Ruthenian Prayers

For the nostalgic among us, here is a text for the older version of our Byzantine-Ruthenian Prayers- as they would have appeared in the My Prayer Book/Hidden Manna in the 40's, 50's and 60's- except without the filioque...

I. Introductory Prayers

The Trisagion Prayers
In the Name of the Father +, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (3 times)

By the prayers of our holy Fathers, O Lord, Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us.

Glory to Thee, Our God, glory to Thee.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere and fillest all things, Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life; come and dwell within us and cleanse us of all stain, and save, O Gracious, our souls.

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us. (3 times)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; O Lord, cleanse us of our sins; O Master, forgive our transgressions; O Holy One, visit us and heal our infirmities for Thy name�s sake.

Lord, have mercy. (3 times)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Our Father, Who 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 debts as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

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 forever and ever. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (12 times)

Come, let us adore + the King, our God.
Come, let us adore + Christ, the King our God.
Come, let us adore and worship + the Lord, Jesus Christ, the King and our God.





Here recite one of the Psalms from your Bible, and then read the New Testament passages shown on your parish calendar.

Psalm 50
Have mercy on me, God, in your goodness; in your abundant compassion blot out my offense. Wash away all my guilt; from my sin cleanse me. For I know my offense; my sin is always before me. Against you alone have I sinned; I have done such evil in your sight that you are just in your sentence, blameless when you condemn. True, I was born guilty, a sinner, even as my mother conceived me. Still, you insist on sincerity of heart; in my inmost being teach me wisdom. Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure; wash me, make me whiter than snow. Let me hear sounds of joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Turn away your face from my sins; blot out all my guilt. A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit. Do not drive me from your presence, nor take from me your holy spirit. Restore my joy in your salvation; sustain in me a willing spirit. I will teach the wicked your ways, that sinners may return to you. Rescue me from death, God, my saving God, that my tongue may praise your healing power. Lord, open my lips; my mouth will proclaim your praise. For you do not desire sacrifice; a burnt offering you would not accept. My sacrifice, God, is a broken spirit; God, do not spurn a broken, humbled heart. Make Zion prosper in your good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Then you will be pleased with proper sacrifice, burnt offerings and holocausts; then bullocks will be offered on your altar.

The Nicene Creed
I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. Light of Light, true God of true God; begotten not made; consubstantial with the Father, by Whom all things were made. Who, for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man. He 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 He ascended into heaven; and sitteth at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; and His kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, Who proceedeth from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, Who spoke by the prophets. In one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one baptism for the remission of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead. And the life of the age to come. Amen.

Prayer of Repentance
Remit, pardon and forgive, O God, our sins committed voluntarily and involuntarily, by word and deed, knowingly and in ignorance, by thought and purpose, by day and by night; forgive all these, for Thou art gracious and lover of mankind.

Prayers to the Mother of God
Hail, Mother of God, Virgin Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. For thou hast borne Christ, the Savior, Deliverer of our souls.

It is truly meet and just to glorify thee, ever blessed and immaculate Mother of our God. Who art more honorable than the Cherubim and incomparably more glorious than the Seraphim, who hast borne without corruption God, the Word; thee, O Mother of God, we extol.

We fly to thy patronage, O Virgin Mother of God. Despise not our prayers in our necessities, but who art alone pure and blessed, deliver us from all danger.
O most glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of Christ, our God, receive our prayers and transmit them to thy Son and our God, that He, for thy sake, enlighten and save our souls.

Prayers to the Angels and Saints
All ye heavenly powers, holy Angels and Archangels, beseech God for us sinners.
O, holy and glorious Apostles, Prophets, Martyrs, and all Saints, beseech God for us sinners.

Prayer of Repentance
God, have mercy on me, a sinner.
God, cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me.
I have sinned without number, forgive me, O Lord.

Adoration of the Holy Trinity
The Father + is our Hope, the Son our Refuge, the Holy Spirit our Protector; Most Holy Trinity, our God, glory to Thee.

In the Name of the Father +, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (3 times)


II. Evening Prayers

Evening Troparion
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for being utterly helpless ourselves, we, Thy sinful servants, offer this prayer to Thee, our Lord, have mercy on us.

+ Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O Lord have mercy on us, for we have hoped in Thee. Be not exceedingly angry with us, nor remember our transgressions; but even this day look down upon us mercifully, and deliver us from our enemies. For Thou art our God, and we Thy people; all being the work of Thy Hands, we invoke Thy Name.

Now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Open to us the gates of mercy, O Blessed Virgin, Mother of God, that we who trust in thee perish not, but be delivered through thee from misfortunes; for thou art the salvation of Christian generations.

Lord, have mercy. (12 times)

Prayer to God, the Father
(from St. Macarius)
O eternal God! Ruler of all creation! Who have vouchsafed that I attain this hour, forgive the sins I have this day committed by deed, word and thought. Purify, O Lord, my humble soul of all spiritual and corporal stain, and grant me to arise from my sleep and glorify Thee by my deeds throughout my whole life, and that I be victorious over all spiritual and physical enemies battling against me. Deliver me, O Lord, from all vain thoughts and evil desires, for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and glory of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer to God the Son
(from St. Antiochus)
O Only-begotten Word of the Father, Jesus Christ! Who alone art perfect! According to the greatness of Thy mercy do Thou not depart from me, Thy servant, but ever rest in my heart. Sweet Jesus, good Pastor of Thy flock, deliver me from the attacks of the devil; do Thou not allow me to become prey of satan�s evil intention, though I have in me the seed of eternal damnation. But do Thou, O adorable God, Jesus Christ, our holy King, protect me while I sleep, by Thy Holy Spirit, through Whom Thou hast sanctified Thy disciples. Enlighten my mind by the light of the holy Gospel, my soul by the love of Thy cross, my heart by the purity of Thy teaching. Protect my body by Thy sacred passion, my senses by Thy humility and awaken me in due time for Thy glorification. For Thou above all art adorable with Thine eternal Father and Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer to God, the Holy Spirit
(from St. Antiochus)
O H0ly Spirit, sweetest Comforter, Who proceedest from the Father in an ineffable manner, come, I beseech Thee, descend into my heart. Purify me and cleanse me from all sin, and sanctify my soul. Cleanse its impurities, bedew its aridity, melt its coldness and save it from aberrations. Make me truly humble and resigned that I may be pleasing to Thee, and Thou mayest abide with me forever. Most blessed Light, most amiable Light, enlighten me. O rapturous joy of Paradise, Fount of purest delights, my God, give Thyself to me, and kindle in my innermost soul the fire of Thy love. My Lord, instruct, direct, and defend me in all things. Give me strength against all immoderate fears and against despondency. Bestow upon me a true faith, a firm hope, and a sincere and perfect charity; and grant that I may ever do Thy most gracious will. Amen.


Prayer of Intercession to the Most Holy Mother of God
O loving Mother of our benign King! O pure and Blessed Virgin Mary! Pour forth into my turbulent soul the grace of thy Son, our God, lead me by thy prayers to salutary deeds, that I spend the remainder of my life without fault and attain Paradise through three, O Virgin Mother of God, who alone art pure and blessed forever.

Prayer of Intercession to the holy Guardian Angel
O my Guardian Angel, Protector of my body and soul, to whose care I am entrusted by Christ, forgive all the sins committed by me this day, protect me from the snares of my enemy, that I may never more offend God by sin. Pray for me, thy sinful and unworthy servant, that through thee I become worthy of the grace and mercy of the Most Holy Trinity and the Immaculate Mother of our Lord God, Jesus Christ. Amen.


III. Morning Prayers

Morning Troparia to the Holy Trinity
Awakening from sleep I prostrate myself before Thee, O Blessed One, and I sing the angelic hymn to Thee, O Powerful One: Holy, holy, holy art Thou, O God, through the intercession of Thy heavenly Hosts, have mercy on me.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit!

Thou hast lifted me up, O Lord, from my bed and sleep; enlighten my mind, open my heart and my lips, that I may sing unto Thee, Holy Trinity: Holy, holy, holy art Thou, O God, through the prayers of all Thy Saints, have mercy on me.

Now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

The Judge shall come suddenly and the deeds of all shall be brought to light; but I exclaim with fear at midnight: Holy, holy, holy art Thou, O God, through the prayers of the Mother of God, have mercy on me.

Lord, have mercy. (12 times)

First Prayer from Saint Macarius
O, Lord, cleanse me a sinner, for I indeed I have never done good before Thee. Save me from evil and may Thy will be done in me, that I may open my unworthy lips without blame, and that I may praise the holy name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Second Prayer from Saint Macarius
Upon wakening from sleep, I offer unto Thee, O Saviour, a midnight hymn, and prostrate, I exclaim: Do not allow me to die in sinfulness, but have mercy on me, Thou, who hast been crucified willingly. Raise me lying in sloth, and having hastened me, save me in perseverance and prayer, and after the night�s sleep, grant me a day without sin, Christ our God, and save me.

Third Prayer from Saint Macarius
Arising from sleep, I hasten to Thee, O Lord, who lovest man, and assuming my duties to Thee through Thy graciousness, I beseech Thee, aid me at all times and in all deeds; save me from every earthly evil and from the snare of the devil; save and lead me into Thine eternal kingdom, for Thou art my Creator and the Giver of all blessings. In Thee I trust and to Thee do I render praise, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer to the Holy Theotokos
O, my most holy Queen, Mary, who hast borne God, by thy holy and omnipotent prayers, drive from me, thy humble and abject servant, discouragement, forgetfulness, misunderstanding, carelessness; drive away all impure, wicked and blasphemous thoughts from my distressed heart and befogged mind. Extinguish the flame of my passions because I am miserable and wretched. Save me from numerous and evil thoughts and deeds; guard me from every wicked act, for thou art blessed by all nations, and thy name is glorified now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer of Saint Peter the Studite to One's Angel Guardian
O holy Angel of Christ! With homage I come to thee, my holy guardian, who, since my baptism, hast been assigned to me to protect my sinful body and soul. I beseech thee for thy intercession. I have offended thee by my indolence and bad habits, who art without stain in glory, and I have often driven thee away from myself through my shameful acts, lies, calumnies, jealousies, rash judgments, haughtiness, pride, uncharitableness, malice, cupidity, miserliness, impurity, hate, gluttony in food and drink, evil and wicked thoughts, insolent habits and evil tendencies, possessing in myself all desire for carnal lust. Prostrating myself before thee, my holy guardian, I implore thee, be merciful to me, thy sinful and unworthy servant; be my defender, and aid me against my enemies and with thy intercession make me worthy to be a participant in the kingdom of God with all the Saints forever. Amen.


IV. A General Intercession

O Lord Jesus Christ our God, who in thy mercy and all-loving kindness dost regard the prayers of all who call upon thee with their whole heart, incline thine ear and hear my prayer, now humbly offered unto thee:

Be mindful, O Lord, of thy Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church; confirm and strengthen it, increase it and keep it in peace, and preserve it unconquerable forever; Be mindful, O Lord, of our Metropolitan N., and of our Bishop N.; and of every Bishop of the Orthodox; Be mindful, O Lord, of our priest N., and of all Priests and Deacons and all the Clergy of thy Church, which thou hast established to feed the flock of the Word; and by their prayers have mercy upon me and save me, a sinner.

Be mindful, O Lord, of all civil Authorities, of our Armed Forces, of this city in which we dwell, and of every city and land; grant us peaceful times, that we may lead a calm and tranquil life in all godliness and sanctity.

Be mindful, O Lord, of my parents, my brothers and sisters, my spouse, my children, my relatives and friends, and all who are near and dear to me, (name those who you wish to remember), and 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.

Be mindful, O Lord, of 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, and the needy poor; upon them all send forth thy mercies, for thou art the Giver of all good things.

Be mindful, O Lord, of me, thy humble servant; grant me thy grace, that I may be diligent and faithful; that I may avoid evil company and influence, and resist all temptation; that I may lead a godly and righteous life, blameless and peaceful, ever serving thee, that I may be accounted worthy at the last to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Be mindful, O Lord, of all those who have fallen asleep in the hope of resurrection unto life eternal, especially N., NN.; pardon all their transgressions both voluntary and involuntary, whether in word, or deed, or thought. Shelter them in a place of verdure, a place of repose, whence all sickness, sorrow and sighing have fled away, and where the sight of thy countenance rejoiceth all thy Saints from all the ages. Grant them thy heavenly Kingdom, and a portion in thine ineffable and eternal blessings, and the enjoyment of thine unending Life.

Hear my prayer, O Lord, for thou art merciful and compassionate, and lovest mankind, and to thee are due all glory, honor, and worship: to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen.

This also appears in Fr. Alexander Duchnovic's Chlib Dusi. For us Rusyns, he is one of our national awakeners.

lanceg:

The General Intercession is word-for -word identical to the one found in my Romananian Orthodox prayerbook, published for youth in the 1960s. I've use it daily and find it a very good reminder of how we are connected to the Communion of Saints.

I've also added to the intercessions some of my own categories of people that I want to commemorate in a special way. I add them for the edification of my brethren here. It's not that I ever thought this prayer was lacking something, but it just seemed at certain times in my prayer life that these categories of people needed a special petition by me in my own practice.
___________________________________________________________

Be mindful, O Lord, of those who are persecuted for the sake of Thy Holy Name. Grant that they may ever remember that this life, which passes so quickly away, is nothing compared to that life of blessedness that You have prepared for those who remain faithful. Grant that none may be lost due to human weakness, but let all be saved by Thy Grace and Great Mercy. (This one seemed necessary after I read some stories about persecuted Christians in the former Soviet bloc.)

Be mindful, O Lord, of all those in need of a prayer and who have no one to pray for them. Grant them Your Grace that they may have in this life that which is necessary for health of soul, mind, and body and in the life to come life everlasting.
(This one seemed necessary after I'd been called to bury a few people who had not one soul come to their funeral service.)

Be mindful of all caregivers, especially those in the medical professions. Grant them Your Grace that they may have in this life that which is necessary for health of soul, mind, and body and in the life to come life everlasting.

Be mindful, O Lord, of all those who post on the Byzantine forum and all their intentions. Grant them Your Grace that they may have in this life that which is necessary for health of soul, mind, and body and in the life to come life everlasting.

Be mindful, O Lord, of all those who have been abused psychologically, socially, emotionally, or sexually, by parents, teachers, clergy, or others in authority over them, and grant them Your Grace that they may turn to You in this life to find healing and in the life to come find life everlasting.

Be mindful, O Lord, of all those who falsely accuse priests. Grant them Your Grace that they may turn to You in this life to find healing and conversion of life, and in the life to come find life everlasting.

Rusyn,

is this available either in print or on-line?

Theophan,

I actually got the general intercession from the small red Antiochian prayer book, I forgot to mention that; so I am not surprised that it is also in the Romanian Orthodox book.

The Ruthenian Prayer book does not have those intercessions, either in the old or contemporary versions, which is the only thing it lacks.

Some times, I use the Litany of Peace from the beginning of the Divine Liturgy if I am without a book having the general intercessions.

But what I have done now is printed out the posted prayers, with the intercession, and but it in a presentation folder for use at home. When I am not at home, I use my old Ruthenian Prayer book.

lanceg:

I memorized the General Intercession when I was at university so that I could recite it when I was alone or walking some distance or had a spare minute here and there.

In Christ,

BOB

lanceg,

I have not found this online, but if you google Chlib Dusi, you'll get a few hits on where to get a newer copy.

I have a few copies, but unfortunately do not have the capability now to scan them as .pdf's. I hope to do so one day.

Dear Friends,

Taking Rusyn31's advice, I google Chlib Dusi and found this:

http://www.holoviak.com/acatalog/Holoviaks_Divine_Liturgy_and_Prayerbooks_98.html