Kontakion 1
Hear our prayer, Gracious Father, for we seek purification of heart as we journey into the Lenten season. We beseech Thee to grant us a disposition of meekness and loving- kindness. Lead us in the asking of forgiveness, for we have committed offenses knowingly and unknowingly. Guide us to release those who ask our pardon and those who ask not. Creator and Lord of all, forgiveness comes only through Thee, and therefore we declare in unity:
Glory to Thee, Holy God of Majesty and Mercy
Ikos 1
Brethren, let us repent and rejoice on this amazing day, that we may forgive one another and find peace within our souls. Let us prepare for the Kingdom that Christ has prepared for us, relying on the mercy of God and offering heartfelt supplications:
Forgive me, Holy Trinity, for disgracing Thy divine purpose
Forgive me, Heavenly Father, for disobeying Thy sacred will
Forgive me, Jesus Christ, for disrespecting Thy innocent sacrifice
Forgive me, Holy Spirit, for dishonoring Thy pure temple
Forgive me, Glorious Church, for distorting Thy perfect teachings
Forgive me, Wonderous Faith, for disrupting Thy righteous people
Forgive me, All- Sufficient God, for disregarding Thy sovereign rule
Forgive me, All Merciful God, for disdaining Thy helpless ones
Forgive me, All- Knowing God, for discarding Thy holy wisdom
Forgive me, All-seeing God, for disfiguring Thy sublime beauty
Forgive me, Holy God, and create in me a clean heart
Forgive me, Holy God, that I may praise Thee forevermore
Glory to Thee, Holy God of Majesty and Mercy
Kontakion 2
In humility, we bow our heads before the God Who made us and never forsook us in our sin. We worship the altar of this unfathomable and long-suffering God Whose love is never-ending and ever-outpouring. Let us respond to the call of forgiveness, and re-awaken our spiritual sensibilities, and let us all exclaim: Alleluia
Ikos 2
Our transgressions are legion, both the outrageous and the subtle these our offenses committed before God and His holy saints. Yet, with faith and hope, we turn to God today in recognition of our fallen condition and in supplication of His rich mercy:
Forgive me, for Thy love is stronger than the hardness of my sin
Forgive me, that I may always trust in Thy goodness despite my unworthiness
Forgive me, for Thy compassion is deeper than the pit of my failures
Forgive me, that I may always trust in Thy goodness, despite my unworthiness
Forgive me, for Thy wisdom is mightier than the force of my desolation
Forgive me, that I may always trust in Thy goodness despite my unworthiness
Forgive me, for Thy patience is greater than the tempest of my misgivings
Forgive me, that I may always trust in Thy goodness despite my unworthiness
Forgive me , for Thy consolation is wider than the chasm of my defilement
Forgive me, that I may always trust in Thy goodness despite my unworthiness
Forgive me, Holy God, and create within me a clean heart
Forgive me, Holy God, that I may praise Thee forevermore
Glory to Thee, Holy God of Majesty and Mercy
Kontakion 3
We know that the Theotokos wishes salvation to all mankind. She intercedes dependably as the Mother of Christians. Even while we slumber, she is ever- watchful and never fading in her loving-kindness towards those who follow her Son, Jesus Christ. On this day, let us be mindful of our need for her aid as we cry: Alleluia
Ikos 3
Let us hasten to the Theotokos and reveal our innermost thoughts and feelings, for she welcomes the repentant and the merciful. It is not too late, rather the time is right, to bring earnest supplications to the Mother of God:
Forgive me, Ever- Virgin Mary, for my spirituality is pretentious
Forgive me, Birthgiver of God, for I am driven by impurities
Forgive me, Sovereign Lady, for my charity is filled with vainglory
Forgive me, Queen of Heaven, for I am consumed with desires
Forgive me, holy Protectress, for my worship is inattentive
Forgive me, holy Directress, for I am unstable in my emotions
Forgive me, Mother of Life, for my goodwill is flawed by pride
Forgive me, Mother of Salvation, for I am enslaved to society
Forgive me, Gracious Lady, for I implore your intervention
Forgive me, Holy God, and create within me a clean heart
Forgive me, Holy God, that I may praise Thee forevermore
Glory to Thee, Holy God of Majesty and Mercy
Kontakion 4
We also see that Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker is a zealous helper of the human race. Let us not be unthankful to the God Who has sent us His saints, and Who blesses us with healing and unity for forgiveness of sins. We have been divinely forgiven, and therefore let us forgive one another and cry: Alleluia
Ikos 4
Saint Nicholas is eager to help the destitute and guide the lost. Since we are impoverished in every way, let us turn to this holy wonderworker for truth and charity. In our travails and on our travels, we have recourse to this great pastor of souls on the road to Great Lent. Therein, everyone may truly offer supplications:
Forgive me, Saint Nicholas, for my life is unholy
Forgive me, for my demeanor is unchristian
Forgive me, for my words are unpleasant
Forgive me, for my words are unprofitable
Forgive me, for my thoughts are unwise
Forgive me, for my feelings are unsympathetic
Forgive me, for my ways are unbecoming
Forgive me, for my sins are unspeakable
Forgive me, for my attitude is ungrateful
Forgive me, for my life is unworthy
Forgive me, Holy God, and create within me a clean heart
Forgive me, Holy God, that I may praise Thee forevermore
Glory to Thee, Holy God of Majesty and Mercy
Kontakion 5
Heavenly Father, Thou hast showered us with right-thinking and liberated us from false-living. Through forgiveness of sins, Thou hast released us from the bondage of hopelessness and the prison of our past darkness. We have thanks to Thee God the Father for Thy incomprehensible condescension and, of one mind and heart, we Thy children cry out: Alleluia
Ikos 5
Brethren, this day is not a miserable burden but a bright moment on the journey to Great Lent. Let us beg forgiveness now, that we may truly rejoice and say “Christ is Risen” on the glorious Feast of the Resurrection. Let us crucify ourselves to worldly-mindedness and arise from our lethargy, appealing to God and to one another with supplications:
Forgive me, for my lack of honest repentance
Forgive me, that I may know nothing but Christ and His crucifixion
Forgive me, for my resistance to sincere forgiving
Forgive me, that I may know nothing but Christ and His crucifixion
Forgive me, for my absence of genuine charity
Forgive me, that I may know nothing but Christ and His crucifixion
Forgive me, for my reluctance to cheerfully assist
Forgive me, that I may know nothing but Christ and His crucifixion
Forgive me, for my withholding of loving-kindness
Forgive me, that I may know nothing but Christ and His crucifixion
Forgive me, Holy God, and create within me a clean heart
Forgive me, Holy God, that I may praise Thee forevermore
Glory to Thee, Holy God of Majesty and Mercy
Kontakion 6
Zacchaeus sought a glimpse of Christ, but Christ sought the salvation of Zacchaeus. From the height of the sycamore tree, Zacchaeus came down and learned of the profound humility of the only Savior Who offers forgiveness of sins. Then, Zacchaeus whole-heartedly repented and said: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
Jesus Christ seeks our redemption, whether or not we are aware of His many mercies toward mankind. Why else was He incarnated? Why else did He suffer death on the Cross? Why else did He rise from the dead? Let us unreservedly accept Him Who reaches out to the entire universe, acknowledging our sins and bringing ardent supplications:
Forgive me, Jesus Christ, for I preferred not to see Thee.
Forgive me, Son of God, for I decided not to hear Thee.
Forgive me, Savior, for I sought after sin.
Forgive me, Messiah, for I surrendered to society.
Forgive me, Good Shepherd, for I pursued the high places.
Forgive me, Lamb of God, for I passed by the glad news.
Forgive me, Redeemer, for I excused my unholy habits.
Forgive me, Teacher, for I neglected my second chances.
Forgive me, Crucified Christ, for I trusted not in Thy goodness
Forgive me, Resurrected Christ, for I depended not on Thy mercy.
Forgive me, Holy God, and create within me a clean heart.
Forgive me, Holy God, that I may praise Thee forevermore.
Glory to Thee, Holy God of Majesty and Mercy.
Kontakion 7
The Publican and the Pharisee show us two ways of life: whether to trust in our own righteousness or to trust in the mercy of God. Although we may have lived our lives in service to the Holy Church, let us not boast in our works but humble ourselves before the Almighty and Perfect God, saying: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Since all Christians are imperfect, let us condemn ourselves that we might not be condemned by God. However, let us deal with one another in patience and forbearance, with unceasing prayer to our Gracious Father, and with disclosure of all our weaknesses accompanied by supplications:
Forgive me, fathers, for misunderstanding you.
Forgive me, mothers, for underestimating you.
Forgive me, brothers, for I was not hospitable.
Forgive me, sisters, for I was not helpful.
Forgive me, children, for I was too busy.
Forgive me, neighbors, for not assisting with your burdens.
Forgive me, strangers, for not attending to your wounds.
Forgive me, that we may be reconciled in Christ.
Forgive me, that we may overcome the world through Christ.
Forgive me, for God forgives.
Forgive me, Holy God, and create within me a clean heart.
Forgive me, Holy God, that I may praise Thee forevermore.
Glory to Thee, Holy God of Majesty and Mercy.
Kontakion 8
The Prodigal Son also teaches us divergent ways of life: whether to degenerate into recklessness or to thrive in obedience, and whether to spiral downward into ruin or to humbly return to the fatherland and repent. What is worldly gain compared to a life of piety? What is the satisfaction of carnality compared to the blessings of eternity? May we no longer waste our time and talents, but glorify God with all our words and deeds, saying Alleluia.
Ikos 8
God is glorious and marvelous, ever-flowing in goodness and never-failing in mercy. Notwithstanding, let us not tempt the God Who sacrificed His Only-Begotten Son for the salvation of us sinners. Let us welcome the repentant brethren with open arms, and let us likewise seek forgiveness with true supplications:
Forgive me, Holy God, for I chose rags over Thy majesty.
Forgive me, Holy Mighty, for I desired filth rather than Thy glory.
Forgive me, Holy Immortal, for I set pleasure above Thy blessings.
Forgive me, brethren, for I took everything and gave nothing.
Forgive me, royal priesthood, for I separated myself from holiness
Forgive me, all living things, for I squandered my advantages.
Forgive me, earth and sky, for I polluted my existence.
Forgive me, friend, for I was absorbed in selfishness.
Forgive me, enemy, for I contributed to your downfall.
Forgive me, Heaven, for I am bankrupt of spiritual profit.
Forgive me, Holy God, and create within me a clean heart.
Forgive me, Holy God, that I may praise Thee forevermore.
Glory to Thee, Holy God of Majesty and Mercy.
Kontakion 9
We pray fervently on Forgiveness Sunday, so that we might pray and forgive on every day and at every hour from this point forward. In this way, we can ready ourselves for that final minute and breathe our last breath in peace. Let us leave all judgment to the All-Sufficient God and say: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Only with the help of God can we fulfill all forgiveness, since we can do nothing good of our own. Let us not take pride in our spiritual progress, but give all thanks and glory to the God Who uplifted us and found us worthy though unworthy of His wondrous care. We bow our heads, Holy God, and we offer earnest supplications:
Forgive me, for my arrogant intrusion into the Divine Mysteries.
Forgive me, for my disgraceful ingratitude for Holy Communion.
Forgive me, for my inexcusable repetition of wrongdoings.
Forgive me, for my inexpressible attraction to worldly distractions.
Forgive me, for my inclination toward faintheartedness.
Forgive me, for my intolerance of others' weaknesses.
Forgive me, for my inconsiderate treatment or the clergy.
Forgive me, for my injurious words against the congregation.
Forgive me, for my insipid repentance.
Forgive me, for my inordinate demands.
Forgive me, Holy God, and create within me a clean heart.
Forgive me, Holy God, that I may praise Thee forevermore.
Glory to Thee, Holy God of Majesty and Mercy.
Kontakion 10
It is a privilege to be of service to the Heavenly Father, and as we journey through Great Lent we can purify our purpose and renew our discipleship. Let us put aside all conflict, rather let us rejoice if we are persecuted for His Namesake, so that we may forgive all: unnoticed by all except the True God to Whom we say: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
Seek not the approval of men in your state of forgiving, or abuse the charitable pardons bestowed on you, but remain hidden in Christ with meekness and humility. God knows the pure in heart, and He rewards each penitent who brings sincere supplications:
Forgive me, that my disposition may exalt Thy holiness.
Forgive me, and teach me the way that I should go.
Forgive me, that my words may impart Thy mercy.
Forgive me, and teach me the way that I should go.
Forgive me, that my deeds may reveal Your goodness.
Forgive me, and teach me the way that I should go.
Forgive me, that my prayers may reflect Thy sanctity.
Forgive me, and teach me the way that I should go.
Forgive me, that my walk may magnify Thy precepts.
Forgive me, and teach me the way that I should go.
Forgive me, Holy God, and create within me a clean heart.
Forgive me, Holy God, that I may praise Thee forevermore.
Glory to Thee, Holy God of Majesty and Mercy.
Kontakion 11
We see that the Archangel Michael is a swift and trustworthy helper in overcoming evil. His courage is ever-vigilant and his valor is never-waning, and therefore we may continually beseech his aid throughout all our spiritual struggles. We are never bereft of support on the road to Great Lent, but are enclosed within a heavenly army of saints and angels who enable us to say: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Our struggles should not be with one another, brethren, but with the powers of darkness which desire our captivity. Let us be prudent in understanding the treachery of these evil forces, which the lives of the saints demonstrate so well, yet also be simple as children when we open our hearts to God with supplications:
Forgive me, for Thou art my shield of protection.
Forgive me, for Thou art the sword of deliverance.
Forgive me, for Thou art my fortress of salvation.
Forgive me, for Thou art the habitation of righteousness.
Forgive me, and accomplish a good work in me.
Forgive me, and let me be of service to Thy people.
Forgive me, and gather me into Thy household.
Forgive me, and let me praise Thee to the end.
Forgive me, that I may know divine love.
Forgive me, that I may love Him Who first loved me.
Forgive me, Holy God, and create within me a clean heart.
Forgive me, Holy God, that I may praise Thee forevermore.
Glory to Thee, Holy God of Majesty and Mercy.
Kontakion 12
Let us overcome all malice and temptation through forgiveness of one another and thanksgiving to God. In this way, we shall not crucify Christ anew, nor shall we betray His Holy Resurrection, but we shall be faithful to the end. Let us cheerfully repent, and let us be jubilant even now as we anticipate the conclusion of our Lenten journey. God is faithful in his promises and in his dan or salvation, and therefore everyone may say: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
The mercy of God is ever-streaming and far-reaching, such that all the weary may quench their thirst and strengthen their resolve. Herein is our only joy: to worship God unceasingly. Let us begin today by offering our supplications with humility:
Forgive me, that I may know the glory of Thy ways
Forgive me, that I may live in the peace of Thy mercies.
Forgive me, that I may have no other gods but Thee.
Forgive me, that I may disown all my idols.
Forgive me, that I may become Thy obedient child.
Forgive me, that I may bury my old self.
Forgive me, that I may rise with Christ.
Forgive me, that I may inherit the Kingdom.
Forgive me, that I may see Thy image in others.
Forgive me, that I may be a blessing to all.
Forgive me, Holy God, and create within me a clean heart.
Forgive me, Holy God, that I may praise Thee forevermore.
Glory to Thee, Holy God of Majesty and Mercy.
Kontakion 13
We give thanks to Thee, Holy God, for allowing us to receive the blessings of Forgiveness. You have drawn us together in the indestructible and undivided Church. Where the Church is, love is, and by this Your true people are recognized. Forgive us in our trespasses and grant us the heart to forgive one another, so that Your goodness may triumph and endure forever as we say: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
Repeat Kontakion 13 thrice, and continue to Ikos 1 below
Ikos 1
Brethren, let us repent and rejoice on this amazing day, that we may forgive one another and find peace within our souls. Let us prepare for the Kingdom that Christ has prepared for us, relying on the mercy of God and offering heartfelt supplications:
Forgive me, Holy Trinity, for disgracing Thy divine purpose.
Forgive me, Heavenly Father, for disobeying Thy sacred will.
Forgive me, Jesus Christ, for disrespecting Thy innocent sacrifice.
Forgive me, Holy Spirit, for dishonoring Thy pure temple.
Forgive me, Glorious Church, for distorting Thy perfect teachings.
Forgive me, Wondrous Faith, for disrupting Thy righteous people.
Forgive me, All-Sufficient God, for disregarding Thy sovereign rule.
Forgive me, All-Merciful God, for disdaining Thy helpless ones.
Forgive me, All-Knowing God, for discarding Thy holy wisdom.
Forgive me, All-Seeing God, for disfiguring Thy sublime beauty.
Forgive me, Holy God, and create within me a clean heart.
Forgive me, Holy God, that I may praise Thee forevermore.
Glory to Thee, Holy God of Majesty and Mercy.
Kontakion 1
Hear our raver. Gracious Father, for we seek purification of heart as we journey into the Lenten season. We beseech Thee to grant us a disposition of meekness and loving-kindness. Lead us in the asking of forgiveness, for we have committed offenses knowingly and unknowingly. Guide us to release those who ask our pardon and those who ask not Creator and Lord of all, forgiveness comes only through Thee, and therefore we declare in unity:
Glory to Thee, Holy God of Majesty and Mercy
A Prayer
Father and Creator of all, we pray that Thou wilst form within us a pure heart and bring us together into the Holy Church. Forgive us for our wrongs, and forgive those who have wronged us. Heal the harm which we have caused others and renew their faith and vitality. Establish us as Your true people, that none will be lost for whom Christ was crucified, and let us go forward into holiness of life. Amen