The Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete

Where shall I begin to lament the deeds of my wretched life? What shall be, O Christ, the first notes of this hymn of sorrow? But in that thou art merciful, grant me remission of my sins.

Come, wretched soul, clothed in thy flesh, confess to the Maker of all things. Cast away thy former iniquities, and bring unto God tears of repentance.

I rivalled Adam the first-created in transgression, and know myself dispossessed of God, of the everlasting Kingdom and all its delights, because of my sins.

Woe unto me, unhappy soul, why wouldst thou resemble unto the first Eve? Thou didst look upon evil, and were grievously wounded. Thou didst touch the tree and boldly taste of the food of folly.

In stead of Eve of the flesh, an Eve of the mind hath arisen in me – sensual thoughts seemingly agreeable yet ever bitter to the taste.

Adam was justly sent forth from Eden, O Saviour, because he disobeyed Thy one commandment. What then shall I suffer that ever transgress the words of eternal life?

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost: O Trinity which art above all substance, worshipped in One: Take from me my heavy yoke of sin, and in that thou are loving-kind, grant me tears of contrition.

Now, and for ever world without end: Amen: Mother of God, hope and mediator for them that hymn thee: Take from me my heavy yoke of sin, and, O Virgin undefiled, accept me who repent.

— Excerpt from: The Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete • Troparia (p. 9-11)

O Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world: Take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and of Thy mercy grant me tears of repentance.

I fall prostrate before Thee, O Jesus. I have sinned in Thy sight: Have mercy upon me. Take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and of Thy mercy grant me tears of repentance.

Enter not into judgement with me, weighing my deeds, examining my words, and discerning my desires. Rather of Thy bounty heeding not my wrong-doing, Save me, O God All-Powerful.

Time is it for repentance: to Thee I come, my Creator. Take from me the heavy yoke of sin, and of Thy mercy grant me tears of repentance.

I have wasted the substance of my soul with riotous living, O Saviour. I am empty of godly fruits; but hungry I cry: O merciful Father, be swift, and have compassion on me.

— Excerpt from: The Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete • Troparia: Thursday in the First Week of Lent (p. 89-91)

‘Thou doest ask me, Father Zossima, something of which I tremble to speak. If I recall to memory all the perils that I suffered, all the terrible thoughts that agitated me, I am afraid they might attack me again. (…) And as for the thoughts urging me back to harlotry, how can I tell thee about them, Father? A fire would kindle in my wretched heart, and set me all on fire, and awaken the thirst for embraces. So soon as this happened, I would cast myself on the ground and water it with my tears, as if I held before me my Protectress, appearing to me in my disobedience, and forewarning me with retribution for my crime. And I would not rise from the ground until that sweet light shone around me, and drove away the thoughts which tossed me to and fro.’

— Excerpt from: The Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete with the Life of Saint Mary of Egypt (p. 226-227)

Righteous Mother Mary, pray unto God for us: The Mother of Light that never setteth illumined and delivered thee from the darkness of the passions. Wherefore, O Mary, who dwellest in the grace of the Spirit, give light to them that faithfully do praise thee.

Righteours Mother Mary, pray unto God for us: The pious Zosimas was amazed, O Mother, behodling in thee a wonder trully strange and new. For he saw an angel clothed in flesh, and was filled with awe, praising Christ, world without end.

— Excerpt from: The Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete with the Life of Saint Mary of Egypt