The following text is the service of the Great Paraklesis as read when a priest is not present.
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
O Heavenly King, O Comforter, the Spirit of truth, Who art in all places and fillest all things, Treasury of good things and Giver of life: come and abide in us, and cleanse us from every stain, and save our souls, O Gracious One.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy immortal, have mercy on us. (3 times)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (3 times)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Lord, have mercy (12 times).
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O come, let us worship and fall down before our King and God.
O come, let us worship and fall down before Christ, our King and God.
O come, let us worship and fall down before Him, Christ the King and our God.
Lord, I cry out unto Thee; make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out unto Thee. Let my prayer be set before Thee as incense, and The lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth: keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men who work iniquity; and do not let me eat of their delicacies.
Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; it shall be as excellent oil; let my head not refuse it.
For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked. Their judges are overthrown by the sides of the cliff, and they hear my words, for they are sweet. Our bones are scattered at the mouth of the grave, as when one plows and breaks up the earth.
But my eyes are upon Thee, O God the Lord; In Thee I take refuge; do not leave my soul destitute. Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, and from the traps of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I escape safely.
God is the Lord, and hath revealed Himself to us; blessed is he who cometh in the Name of the Lord.
O give thanks unto the Lord, and call upon His holy Name.
God is the Lord, and hath revealed Himself to us; blessed is he who cometh in the Name of the Lord.
All the nations have surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord, I overcome them.
God is the Lord, and hath revealed Himself to us; blessed is he who cometh in the Name of the Lord.
This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
God is the Lord, and hath revealed Himself to us; blessed is he who cometh in the Name of the Lord.
Let us run now most earnestly, we sinners all and wretched ones, and fall prostrate in repentance, calling from the depths of our souls: Lady, come and help us. Have compassion upon us; hasten, for we are lost in a throng of transgressions; do not turn thy servants away with empty hands, for thou alone art our only hope.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Let us run now most earnestly, we sinners all and wretched ones, and fall prostrate in repentance, calling from the depths of our souls: Lady, come and help us. Have compassion upon us; hasten, for we are lost in a throng of transgressions; do not turn thy servants away with empty hands, for thou alone art our only hope.
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
O Theotokos, we shall not cease from speaking of all thy mighty acts, all we the unworthy ones; for if thou hadst not stood to intercede for us, who would have delivered us from such numerous dangers? Who would have preserved us all until now in true freedom? O Lady, we shall not turn away from thee; for thou always savest thy servants from all manner of grief.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness; 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 know mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned and done this evil in Thy sight, that Thou mayest be found just when Thou speakest, and blameless when Thou judgest.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquities, and in sins did my mother conceive me. Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part Thou wilt make me to know wisdom.
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me hear joy and gladness, that the bones Thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide Thy face away from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Thy presence, and do not take Thine Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation, and uphold me by Thy generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Thy ways, and sinners shall be converted to Thee.
Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Thy righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Thy praise. For Thou desirest not sacrifice, else I would give it; Thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart; these, O God, Thou wilt not despise.
Do good in Thy good pleasure to Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem. Then Thou shalt be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offerings; then they shall offer bulls upon Thine altar.
The charioteer of Pharaoh was sunk in olden times by Moses' rod, which worked a mighty wonder when, in the Cross's form, it struck the sea, dividing it in two; and it led into safety sojourning Israel that fled by foot, chanting to the Lord God a song of praise.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
My humble soul is troubled by the rising storms of afflictions and woes; and clouds of misfortunes overcome me, bringing darkness to my heart, O Bride of God. But since thou art the Mother of the Divine and Eternal Light, shine thy gladsome light and illumine me.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
From countless trials and afflictions, grievous woes, and from misfortunes of life have I been delivered by thy mighty strength, O spotless and pure Maiden. I extol and I magnify thine immeasurable sympathy, and the loving care that thou hast for me.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Having my hope now in thy mighty help, O Maiden, I flee for refuge unto thee. Unto thy shelter have I run wholeheartedly, O Lady, and I bow my knee; and I mourn and cry weeping: Do not disdain me, the wretched one, for thou art the refuge of Christian folk.
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
I shall not cease from making known most manifestly thy great deeds, Maiden of God; for if thou wast not present to intercede on my behalf and importune thy Son and God, who would free and deliver me from such storms and turbulence, and surmount the perils that trouble me?
Preserve and save, O Theotokos, thy servants from every danger; after God do all of us for refuge flee unto thee; a firm rampart thou art, and thou art our protection.
With good will, look upon me, O All-hymned Theotokos; behold my body's grievous infirmity, and heal the cause of my soul's sorrow.
The vault of the heavens is Thee, O Lord, Fashioner; and the Holy Church's great founder; likewise establish me in unfeigned love for Thee, for Thou art the height of things sought for, the staff of the faithful and the only Friend of all.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
At a loss and despairing, I cry with pain unto thee: Hasten, O fervent protection; grant thine help to me, thy lowly slave and wretched servant, O Maiden; for with heartfelt fervor I come seeking thine aid.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Thou, O Lady, hast truly been shown to be wondrous now in thy benefactions and mercies granted unto me, O Maiden; hence do I glorify and acclaim thee, whilst praising thy great loving care and thy boundless solicitude.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Mighty storms of misfortunes, O Lady, pass over me; and the swelling waves of afflictions plunge me into the depths. But be quick to come; lend me thy helping hand, Maiden, for thou art my fervent protectress and sure support.
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
I profess thee, O Lady, as the true Mother of God: thou, who hast both banished and triumphed over the might of death; for as the source of Life, thou hast freed me from Hades' bonds, raising me to life, though to earth was I fallen down.
Preserve and save, O Theotokos, thy servants from every danger; after God do all of us for refuge flee unto thee; thou art a firm rampart and our protection.
With good will, look upon me, O All-hymned Theotokos; behold my body's grievous infirmity, and heal the cause of my soul's sorrow.
O fervent advocate, invincible battlement, fountain of mercy, and sheltering retreat for the world, earnestly we cry unto thee: Lady Theotokos quickly save us from all imperilment; for thou alone art our speedy protectress.
Thou art my strength; Thou art my power and might, O Lord; Thou art my God; Thou Who art not absent from Thy Father's arms, Thou, Lord, art my joy. Thou hast deigned to visit our lowliness and our poverty. Unto Thee, therefore, I cry out with Habbakoum the Prophet: Glory be to Thy power, O Friend of man.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Where else shall I find another to be my help? To what refuge shall I hasten to be saved? Whose fervent aid shall I have in need? Alas, life's affliction and turbulence shake me. In thee alone, O Maiden, do I hope, trust, and glory; and I run to thy shelter; save me.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
I magnify and I proclaim, thee, All-pure one, the sweet river of thy tender mercy and loving care; for with many gifts it hath greatly refreshed my tormented and truly lowly soul, afire in a furnace of misfortunes and sorrows; and I run unto thy shelter; save me.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Thou, O pure Maiden, All-holy Virgin and Spotless one, art my only steadfast shelter and retreat and mighty wall that cannot be breached, my weapon of salvation. Do not disdain me, the prodigal, O Hope of the despairing and ally of the ailing; thou art the gladness and help of afflicted ones.
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
How shall I praise thee, how shall I worthily sing the praise of thy boundless mercies and compassions which have ever cooled and refreshed my soul, aflame and tormented, O Lady, and wounded grievously? Indeed thy benefactions and providence, O Maiden, are bestowed upon me most abundantly.
Preserve and save, O Theotokos, thy servants from every danger; after God do all of us for refuge flee unto thee; thou art a firm rampart and our protection.
With good will, look upon me, O All-hymned Theotokos; behold my body's grievous infirmity, and heal the cause of my soul's sorrow.
Thou hast deprived me and cast me, the unfortunate one, far from Thy countenance; and the outer darkness has enshrouded and casts its gloom over me. Yet, now I beseech Thee: convert and direct me to the light of Thy precepts, O Lord my God.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
As one grateful I cry out: Rejoice, O Virgin Mother; rejoice, O Bride of God; rejoice, O holy shelter; rejoice, O weapon and rampart invincible; rejoice, thou art the protection and the assistance and salvation of all them that run to thee, O Maiden of God.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
They that hate me without cause have made ready a dart and a sword and pit for me. My unfortunate body do they seek to destroy and to tear apart; and they seek to bring me into the depths of earth, O pure one; but be quick and come save me from them, O Maiden.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Thou deliverest me from all need, affliction and from all disease and harm; and by thy power, thou preservest me unwounded in thy shelter, O Maiden; and from every peril and foe that hate and war against me, hasten to save me, O All-hymned one.
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
What gift of thanksgiving shall I offer in gratefulness unto thee, O Maiden, for thy boundless goodness and the favors and gifts that I have from thee? Hence, indeed I praise thee, and glorify and magnify thine inexpressible sympathy shown unto me.
Preserve and save, O Theotokos, thy servants from every danger; after God do all of us for refuge flee unto thee; thou art a firm rampart and our protection.
With good will, look upon me, O All-hymned Theotokos; behold my body's grievous infirmity, and heal the cause of my soul's sorrow.
My petition, I pour out unto the Lord, and unto Him do I proclaim all my sorrows, for many woes fill my heart to its limits, and unto Hades my whole life hath now approached; like Jonas I pray unto Thee: Raise me up from corruption, O Lord my God.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
The storm clouds of grievous sorrows and distress shroud my unfortunate heart and soul in affliction, and with their gloom have they filled me, O Virgin. Yet, since thou broughtest forth the Light Unapproachable, be quick to drive them far from me with the breeze of thine holy entreaties, O Maiden.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
A comfort thou art to me in my distress, and I have thee as a healer of all illness; thou art the most perfect destruction of death; thou art an unfailing fountain flowing with life, and speedy help and quick support of all them that are found in misfortunes, O Maiden.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
I shall not conceal the ever-flowing spring of the sympathy that thou hast for me, O Lady, nor the abyss of thine infinite mercy, nor yet the fountain of thy boundless miracles; but ceaselessly do I cry out and confess and declare and proclaim them, O Maiden.
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
The turmoils of this life encircle me like unto bees about a honeycomb, O Virgin, and they hath seized and now hold mine heart captive, and I am pierced with the stings of afflictions, O Maiden; yet be, O All-holy one, my defender and helper and rescuer.
Preserve and save, O Theotokos, thy servants from every danger; after God do all of us for refuge flee unto thee; thou art a firm rampart and our protection.
With good will, look upon me, O All-hymned Theotokos; behold my body's grievous infirmity, and heal the cause of my soul's sorrow.
O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, thou art the most constant mediation to the Creator. O despise not the suppliant voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come to our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession, and speed to make supplication, thou who always protectest, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
From my youth do many passions war against me; but Thou, Who art my Saviour, assistest and savest me. (2 times)
The Lord shall shame thee, haters of Zion; for, like grass, the fire shall wither thee. (2 times)
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
In the Holy Spirit every soul is quickened, and through cleansing is exalted and made radiant by the Triple Unity in a hidden sacred manner.
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
By the Holy Spirit, the streams of grace gush forth, watering all creation for the begetting of life.
I shall commemorate thy name in every generation and generation. (2 times)
Listen, O daughter, and see, and incline thine ear; and forget thine own people, and thy father's house; and the King shall greatly desire thy beauty.
I shall commemorate thy name in every generation and generation. (2 times)
The reading is from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke.
Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
At that time, Jesus entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His word. But Martha was distracted about much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me". And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things; but one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her". And it came to pass, as He spoke these things, that a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said unto Him, "Blessed is the womb that bore You, and the breasts which nursed You!" But He said, "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it!"
Glory to Thee, O Lord, glory to Thee.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
O Father, Word, and Spirit, the Trinity in Unity: blot out the multitude of mine offences.
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Merciful One, blot out the multitude of mine offences.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions blot out my transgression.
Through the intercessions of the Theotokos, O Merciful One, blot out the multitude of mine offences.
O entrust me not, I pray, to any human protection, O our Lady, holy one, but accept the prayer of thy supplicant. Sorrow hath overpowered me, and I am unable to endure and bear the demons' darts; shelter have I not, neither place to run, I, the wretched one; embattled from all sides am I, and thou art my only consolation. Mistress of creation, protection and hope of faithful ones: Turn not away when I pray unto thee; do that which will profit me.
No one is turned away from thee ashamed and empty, who flee to you for refuge, O pure Virgin Theotokos; but he asketh the favor and receiveth the gift from thee, to the advantage of his own request.
In truth, thou art the transformation of the afflicted and the relief of those in sickness, O Virgin Theotokos; save thy people and thy flock, thou who art the peace of the embattled and the calm of the storm-driven, the only Protectress of those who believe.
The three Hebrew Children in the furnace trampled on the flames with courage and great boldness; they turned fire to dew, and cried out with a great voice: Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, unto ages of ages.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Illumine my way, for I am darkened by the night of many sins, O Theotokos; for thou broughtest forth the Light, and art in truth the blameless and undefiled vessel of light; hence with love do I praise thee.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Be my shelter and protection and my help and boast, O Virgin Theotokos; of all manner of help have I now been stripped naked, O strength of those bereft of help, and thou art the hope of those without hope.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
I praise thee with my whole soul and understanding and with all mine heart and with my lips, having truly enjoyed thy many benefactions; yet boundless are thy miracles, and thy goodness is unending.
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Look upon me with graciousness, and dispel the evil plight that besets me; and from grievous distress, harm, temptations, and perils do rescue me by thine infinite mercy.
Preserve and save, O Theotokos, thy servants from every danger; after God do all of us flee unto thee for refuge; thou art a firm rampart and our protection.
With good will, look on me, O All-hymned Theotokos; behold my body's grievous infirmity, and heal the cause of my soul's sorrow.
Let us ever applaud and praise the Lord God Who wast seen of old on the holy mount in glory, Who by the fiery bush revealed the great mystery of the Ever-virgin and undefiled Maiden unto the Prophet Moses.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Be moved to compassion, O Virgin, and disdain me not, for life's storms overwhelm me. But be quick, O modest one, and lend me thine helping hand, O Maiden, for I perish drowning engulfed by life's misfortunes.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
Times of sorrows, necessity, and trouble, and misfortunes in life have found me, O pure Maiden; and from all sides temptations have encircled me; but be my ally, and protect me in thine almighty shelter.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
In distress I have thee, O Maiden, as mine haven, and in sorrows and grief thou art my joy and gladness; and in all illness, thou hast been my quick help and rescuer in perils, and in all temptations my guardian and protectress.
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice, fiery throne of the Lord God; rejoice, the sacred vessel that is filled with manna; rejoice, the golden lamp-stand and unquenchable lamp; rejoice, O glory of virgins and the boast and adornment of mothers.
Preserve and save, O Theotokos, thy servants from every danger; after God do all of us flee unto thee for refuge; thou art a firm rampart and our protection.
With good will, look upon me, O All-hymned Theotokos; behold my body's grievous infirmity, and heal the cause of my soul's sorrow.
The heavens were astonished and stood in awe, and the ends of the earth, O Maiden, were sore amazed, for God appeared bodily to mankind as very man. And behold, thy womb hath proved to be vaster and more spacious than heaven's heights. For this, O Theotokos, the choirs and assemblies of men and angels magnify thy name.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
To whom else shall I flee, O Maiden most pure, and to whom shall I run for help and be saved? Where shall I go, and where shall I find a safe retreat? Whose warm protection shall I have? Who shall be a helper in my distress? In thee alone I hope, O Maiden; in thee alone I glory; and trusting in thee, I have fled unto thee.
Most Holy Theotokos save us.
To number thy great deeds and thy mighty acts is not possible for man, O Bride of God, nor yet can one tell of the unfathomable abyss of thine unending miracles that surpass all knowledge, and which are granted unto those that venerate and honor thee, with longing, as the true Mother of our Lord and God.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
With anthems of thanksgiving I glorify and chant praise to thine infinite mercy, and thy boundless might I confess unceasingly unto all. With my soul and heart and mind and my lips I magnify and proclaim the many benefactions that thou hast poured upon me in thy compassion, O Bride of God.
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Accept my appeal and my poor prayer, and disdain not my weeping and sighs, O Maiden, nor my lament, but be quick to help me since thou art good. Fulfill my every plea; thou canst since thou broughtest forth our mighty God and Master, if thou but lookest upon me and bow down to mine utter lowliness.
Preserve and save, O Theotokos, thy servants from every danger; after God, we flee unto thee for refuge; thou art a firm rampart and our protection.
With good will, look upon me, O All-hymned Theotokos; behold my body's grievous infirmity, and heal the cause of my soul's sorrow.
It is truly meet to call thee blessed, the Theotokos, the ever-blessed and all-pure Mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and beyond compare more glorious than the Seraphim, thou who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word, true Theotokos, we magnify thee.
Thou art higher than the heavens above, and thou art much purer than the radiance of the sun; for thou hast redeemed us out of the curse that held us, O Mistress of creation; with hymns we honor thee.
From the great abundance of all my sins, ill am I in body, ailing also am I in soul. I have thee as my refuge; help me, therefore, O hope of all the hopeless, for thou art full of grace.
O Lady and Mother of Christ our God Who saveth, receive supplication from us wretches who beg for thine entreaty unto the One born from thee; O Mistress of creation, intercede for us.
Now we chant with eagerness unto thee with this ode most joyful, O All-hymned Theotokos; together with the Baptist and all the saintly choirs, beseech, O Theotokos, that we find clemency.
Speechless be the lips of the impious who refuse to reverence thy revered icon which is known by the name Directress, and which has been depicted for us by the Apostle Luke the Evangelist.
O all arrays of Angelic Hosts, with the holy Baptist, the Apostles' twelve-numbered band, all the Saints together, as well as God's Birthgiver, we seek thine intercessions for our deliverance.
Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy immortal, have mercy on us. (3 times)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.
All-holy Trinity, have mercy on us. Lord, cleanse us from our sins. Master pardon our iniquities. Holy One, visit and heal our infirmities for Thy Name's sake.
Lord, have mercy. (3 times)
Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; both now and ever, and unto ages of ages. 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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Through the prayers of our holy fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us; for lacking as we are in all defense, this supplication do we sinners offer Thee, as our Master: Have mercy on us.
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Lord, have mercy on us, for we have placed all our trust in Thee. Do not be greatly angry with us, nor remember our iniquities; but look upon us even now, since Thou art compassionate, and Thou redeemest us from our enemies. For Thou art our God, and we Thy people; all are the works of Thine hands, and upon Thy Name have we called.
Now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Open the portal of compassion to us, O most blessed Theotokos; for hoping in thee, let us not fail, we pray; through thee may we be delivered from adversities, for thou art the salvation of the Christian race.
O thou Apostles from afar, being now gathered together here in the village of Gethsemane, lay my body in burial; and Thou, my Son and my God, receive my spirit.
Thou art the sweetness of Angels, the gladness of afflicted ones, and the protectress of Christians, O Virgin Mother of our Lord; be mine helper, and save me from out of eternal torments.
I have thee as Mediateress with the man-befriending God; may He not censure mine actions before the hosts of the Angels. I supplicate thee, O Virgin, come to mine aid most quickly.
Thou art a gold-entwined tower and a twelve-wall encircled city, a shining throne touched by the sun, a royal chair of the King, O unexplainable wonder! Thou that milk-feedest the Master.
Through the prayers of our holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us. Amen.
