Canon of Repentance — Ode I

To our Lord Jesus Christ · Sixth Tone · Eirmos: When Israel walked on foot in the deep as on dry land, on seeing their pursuer Pharaoh drowned, they cried: Let us sing to God a song of victory.Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.Now I, a burdened sinner, have approached Thee, my Lord and God. But I dare not raise mine eyes to heaven. I only pray, saying: Give me, O Lord, understanding, that I may weep bitterly over my deeds.O woe is me, a sinner! Wretched am I above all men. There is no repentance in me. Give me, O Lord, tears, that I may weep over my deeds.O woe is me, for I am become like the barren fig tree, and I bear no fruits worthy of repentance. My time is passing as a dream. But, O Master, may Thine anger not come upon me.Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.Who would not groan, when looking into my soul? For I, a sinner, am wounded and lying on the way of life. Many passers-by see me — angels, men and saints — but none has come to help me. Show me mercy, O Saviour, according to Thy love for mankind.Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.O Theotokos, hope and protection of them that hymn thee, take away from me the heavy burden of sin, and as Sovereign Lady receive me, repentant, and save me.