Ultimate union with God, of deification, is a constant pilgrimage which begins at the very inception of an individual’s life. As the Church Fathers stated centuries ago, this is man’s purpose for existence, and one to which he naturally moves. In order to become deified, one must become more than like Christ, or an imitation of Christ; one must become Christ. There are no separate ways in which one achieves this goal; an individual’s entire life must be consumed by Christ. Fidelity to the gospel, exercising extreme humility rather than pride, partaking of the sacramental Mysteries, and constant prayer are not separate exercises - all, taken together and without division, are the manifestation (singular case) of metanoja, or the conscientious decision to live totally in, with and for Christ, rather an in, with and for the world.

Although all these aspects, taken together, are absolutely necessary in making the pilgrimage to deification, perhaps the foundation is prayer. Without prayer, there is no mystical union with God; without prayer, there is no point in living the fruits of metanoia. In the Eastern Christian Churches, prayer is the key to metanoia, through which we become deified. Prayer is more than just attending liturgical celebrations and receiving the sacramental Mysteries, whether on occasion or as a constant practice. Prayer must begin in the home - the domestic Church - and must be carried out in practice in the outside world, including Church, the workplace, the school and every other area of life. Without prayer in the home, every other action, even "religious", is futile. Prayer requires discipline - the choice to pray with the same, or greater, fervor that one exercises in fulfilling other duties. It also requires true and sincere effort, coming from the heart, and not just from rote recitation. Prayer is conversation with God, and though this conversing, the individual comes to mystically know God, through Jesus Christ, as his Lord.

The Icon Corner

One’s home should be a place of tangible prayer. Each Christian home should have an "Icon Corner." This constitutes the Home Altar or Family Shrine. It serves as the focal point for prayer. The Icon Corner usually consists of a table, stand or shelf with a linen or other cloth covering. Over the table are the icons of Our Lord (on the right) and Our Lady (on the left), often with a crucifix in-between. Other icons of personal choice may and should flank the icon corner. A perpetual candle can be burned if it is not a safety hazard. Otherwise, candles are lit during times of prayer. Placed on the table are normally the following items: a festal icon depicting the season; the Bible; prayer books; holy water; blessed candles; the blessed palms and willows from Flowery Sunday; flowers from the Feast of the Dormition and rosaries. The Icon Corner is placed in a prominent room, such as the living room, the family room or the master bedroom. Traditionally, it faces east, if such an arrangement is possible.

• The Sign of the Cross

• The Heavenly King

• The Trisagion

• The Doxology

• The Prayer to the Holy Trinity

• The Lord’s Prayer

• Psalm 50/51

• The Nicene Creed

• The Act of Contrition

• Prayer of Repentance

• Christ is Risen

In the Name of the Father +, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Christ is risen from the dead! By death He conquered Death and to those in the graves He granted life! Three times, omitting the Glory be to You... and 0 Heavenly King...

Glory be to You , our God, glory be to You.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, You are everywhere present and fill all things. Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell within us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, 0 gracious Lord.

Holy God., Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. Three times.

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

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; 0 Lord, cleanse us of our sins; 0 Master, forgive our transgressions; 0 Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for Your Name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Three times.

Glory be…now and ever...

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 evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times.)

Glory be…now and ever...

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

Come, let us adore and bow down + to the only Lord Jesus Christ the King and our God.

Psalm 50/51

O God have mercy on me in the greatness of Your love; in the abundance of Your tender mercies wipe out my offense. Wash me thoroughly from malice and cleanse me from sin; for I am well aware of my malice and my sins are before me always. It is You alone I have offended, I have done what is evil in Your sight; wherefore, You are just in Your deeds and triumphant in Your judgment. Behold, I was born in iniquities and in sins my mother conceived me. But You are the Lover of Truth; You have shown me the depths and secrets of Your wisdom. Wash me with hyssop and I shall be pure, cleanse me and shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear sounds of joy and feasting, the bones that were afflicted shall rejoice. Turn Your face away from my offenses and wipe off all my sins. A spotless heart create in me O God, renew a steadfast spirit in my breast. Cast me not afar from Your face, take not Your blessed Spirit out of me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and let Your guiding Spirit dwell in me. I will teach Your ways to the sinners and the wicked shall return to You. Deliver me from blood-guilt, 0 God my saving God, and my tongue will joyfully sing Your justice. 0 Lord, You shall open my lips and my mouth will declare Your praise. Had You desired sacrifice, I would have offered it, but You will not b satisfied with whole-burnt offerings. Sacrifice to God is a contrite spirit; a crushed and humbled hear God will not spurn. In Your kindness, 0 Lord, be bountiful to Sion; may the walls of Jerusalem b4 restored. Then will You delight in just oblation, in sacrifice and whole-burnt offerings; then shall the’ offer calves upon Your altar. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now an ever and forever. Amen.

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible And in one Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, the only-begotten, born of the Father before all ages. Light c light, true God of true God, begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father through Whom a things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnat from the Holy Spirit and Mary the Virgin, and became man. He was also crucified for us under Pontiu Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And He rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures And He ascended into heaven, and sits as the right hand of the Father. And He will come again wit glory to judge the living and the dead, and of His kingdom there will be no end. And in the Holy Spin the Lord and Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father, Who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, Who spoke through the Prophets. In one, holy, catholic and apostolic Churci I profess one baptism for the remission of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead, and the life of th world to come. Amen.

O God, remit, pardon and forgive the sins I have committed deliberately and through human frailty, t word and deed, knowingly and in ignorance, with foreknowledge and purpose, by day and night; forgiv all these, for You are gracious and + You love mankind. Amen.

O God , be merciful to me, a sinner!

O God , cleanse me of my sins and have mercy on me!

O Lord , forgive me, for I have sinned without number!

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Virgin, gave birth to God the Word, you - truly - the Mother of God we magnify. Amen.

We fly to your Protection, 0 Virgin Theotokos. Do not despise our prayers in our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, for you - alone - are pure and blessed. 0 most glorious ever-Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ our God, accept our prayers and present them to your Son and our God, so that -through you, Mother of God - He may enlighten and save our souls. Amen.

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O Lord Jesus Christ +, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.

All you Angels and Saints, intercede with God for me, a sinner.

We bow + to Your Cross, 0 Lord, and we praise Your holy Resurrection! Three times.

All you + who have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ! Alleluia! Three times.

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Concluding Prayers

Concluding Prayers are taken at the end of a particular devotion. Outside the Paschal Season, include the Common Hirmos, and the Doxology, along with Lord, have mercy recited three t following the Doxology. Then, conclude with:

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, 0 Lord Jesus Christ our God, + have mercy on us. Amen.

During the Paschal Season, take the Paschal Hirmos and the Christ is risen..., with Lord, have mercy recited three times following the Christ is risen..., and then conclude with Through the prayers…as above.

From Easter until Wednesday before Ascension Thursday.

From Christmas until New Year’s Eve.

From Theophany and during the Posifestive.

Christ is baptized! In the Jordan!

O Guardian Angel of my right hand, attend to me this night. Rescue me in the raging floods; cover me in your robe for I am without defense. Answer me, for I am weak and alone. Amen.

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in the time of battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him I humbly pray, and do you the Prince of the Heavenly Hosts - by the power of God - cast into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

O Lord, into Your most merciful hands I commend my body and soul, thoughts and acts, desires and intentions. I commend the needs of my body and soul, future and past, my faith and hope, the end of my life, the day and hour of my death, the burial and resurrection of my body. 0 most merciful God, whose clemency the sins of the world can never transcend, take me, a sinner, under the wings of Your protection and deliver me from every evil. Cleanse my iniquities, grant me a reformation of my life, and protect me against future transgressions, that I may in no manner ever anger You. Shelter my weakness from passions and evil persons, guard me against my visible and invisible enemies, lead me on the road of salvation and to Yourself, the safe harbor and haven of my desires. Grant me a happy, peaceful, Christian death, and protect me from evil spirits. Be merciful to me, Your servant, at the great judgment, and number me among the blessed flock who stand on Your right, that, together with them, I may forever glorify You +, my Creator. Amen.

My God, by whose grace I am able to distinguish good from evil, I beseech You: do not permit me to act against Your commandments by word, deed, or thought. Especially guard me, Lord, when passions assail me and tempt me against Your commandments. Grant me strength against the enemies of my salvation, and protect me that, with my advancing years, I may each day become more wise and virtuous. Grant this through the grace and mercies of Your only-begotten Son, with Whom You are blessed +, together with Your all-holy, gracious, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

O Mother of Perpetual Help! With the greatest of confidence I approach you to implore your aid. You have seen the wounds of your Son and His blood shed for our salvation. You know how He desires our salvation. Because of this, I kneel before you and beseech you to obtain for me the mercy of which I stand in such great need. 0 Mary, most amiable among women, obtain the favor I seek from Jesus, the source of all good. Here, state intention. 0 Mother of Perpetual Help, you desire our salvation more than we ourselves do. Your Son has given you to be our mother, and you have chosen for yourself the name: Mother of Perpetual Help. I do not trust in my own merits, but in your powerful intercession. I trust in your goodness and in your motherly love. For the love that you have for Jesus, your Son, and my Savior, for the love of the souls faithful to you, and for the sake of your love for my soul, obtain for me all the graces and favors I ask of you. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (Three times.)

O Christ our God, bless + this food and drink of Your servants, for You are holy, always now and ever and forever. Amen.

Glory be…now and ever... During the Paschal Season: Christ is risen... Lord, have mercy. Three times.

Blessed is our God + who, through His grace and loving kindness, is merciful to us and nourishes us from the abundance of His gifts, always now and ever and forever. Amen.

"Without Me, you can do nothing." My Lord, I embrace Your words with my heart and soul, and bow before Your goodness and say: "Help me, Your unworthy servant, to complete this, my present undertaking, in the name of the Father +, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

O most sweet Jesus, You are the fulfillment of all blessings. Fill my soul with joy and gladness and save me. Grant that Your Name be glorified; for, not to us, but to Your Name are forever due + honor, glory and adoration. Amen.

O my most good God, I entreat You to listen to my humble prayer; may I always feel that the married state is holy and that I must keep it holy. Grant me Your grace, that I may never sin against faithfulness and love in this marriage. Foster in me the spirit of understanding and of peace, so that no strife, quarrel or misunderstanding may arise between us. Grant us our daily bread whereby we may serve You + evermore. Amen.

O holy Father, Eternal God, from Whom all goodness and blessing flow; I humbly pray to You for the children You have graciously given me. You have given them existence, and have renewed them in the waters of rebirth by virtue of which they are able to obey Your commandments and attain the kingdom of heaven. Preserve them in Your grace to the end of their life, and sanctify them that Your Name be hallowed in them. Aid me also by your grace that I may bring them up for the glory of Your holy Name and for the benefit of our fellowman. Grant me the necessary means to this end, together with patience and fortitude. 0 Lord, enlighten them by the light of Your wisdom that they may love Your will with all their heart and soul. Instill in their hearts a fear of evil so that their way may be without sin. Adam their soul with Your virtues that they may prosper in holiness and grow in Your favor. And if, at any time, theyshould sin against You, do not turn away from them but be merciful to them and awaken in them the spirit of contrition. Give them the goodness of the earth and everything necessary for eternal salvation. Protect them from misfortune, anger, privation and from the snares of the devil all the days of their life. O Lord, grant me joy and happiness in my children. Enable me to appear with them at Your awesome judgment, and there, without fear, to say: "Here I am, Lord, with the children You have given me." That, together with them, praising Your great goodness and eternal love, I may glorify Your most holy Name, Father +, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

O merciful Lord God, You commanded me to honor my father and mother, and gave an example of obedience in Your own earthly life. I humbly beseech You to hear my prayer and have mercy on my parents. Protect them from every evil, danger and sickness. Grant them health, and, in Your mercy, pour out upon them Your bountiful blessings. Bless their efforts and deeds. Have mercy on them according to Your great mercy, that they may faithfully serve You, and that, through them, I also may be worthy to praise + and serve You. Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, Shepherd of all the faithful; I humbly pray You to look upon Your vicar on earth, our Holy Father Pope _____. Bless his work and fulfill his good desires for the welfare of the Holy Church. Give him strength and health that in peace he may govern the fold entrusted to his care and lead it to the heavenly kingdom. Amen.

O Lord, remember our bishops, especially (Arch)bishop , and bestow up on them the blessing of body and soul, that, by their word and example, they may point out the way that leads to You. Amen.

O Lord, bless and protect your representatives on earth, our priests, especially Father(s) —, who labor in your vineyard for the salvation of souls redeemed by Your most precious Blood. Give them prudence, perseverance, humility, and patience. Enkindle in their hearts the burning ardor which consumed the Apostles. May their lives be as holy as the truth they preach. Make them priests according to Your own heart. Let their light so shine before men that they, seeing their good work, may glorify the heavenly Father. Amen.

O Lord, enkindle the fire of holy zeal in the heart of all priests, that they may ever and in all things seek only Your glory and incite us to an ever-increasing love for You. Give them strength, that they may always labor for Your glory + and for the salvation of our souls. Amen.

O holy Father, Physician of souls and bodies, You sent Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to heal every infirmity and to deliver us from death. Heal Your servant of every spiritual and bodily ill which afflicts him/her. Restore him/her by the grace of Your Christ through the prayers of our most holy Lady, the Mother of God and ever-Virgin Mary, and of all Your Saints. For You, our God, are the Fountain of healing, and we glorify You together with Your only-begotten Son +, and Your Consubstantial Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

Almighty Master, Physician of our souls and bodies, who both humbles and uplifts, who chastises and heals; visit me with Your mercy in my time of illness. Stretch forth Your arm that is full of health and healing, and heal me, and allow me to leave my sick-bed. Banish my weakness and pains, heal my wounds, quench my fever, and prevent a relapse. If I am guilty of sins or transgressions, loose, remit and forgive them for the sake of Your love toward mankind. Yes, 0 Lord, pity me, Your creature, through Jesus Christ our Lord with Whom You are blessed +, together with Your all-holy, gracious and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

O Lord Jesus Christ, the Life and Strength of all who place their trust in You; Your mercies are numberless and the treasury of Your goodness is infinite. I thank You for the blessings which You have bestowed upon me, and I humbly beseech You to continue Your goodness toward me. As it pleases You to restore my bodily health, so now endow my soul with all heavenly graces and perseverance in good works. Prepare me by Your blessings in this life for the enjoyment of eternal happiness in the life to come. For to You are due all glory, thanksgiving and adoration, together with Your eternal Father + and Your all-holy, gracious and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

O my Lord and Savior, strengthen me in my last hour by the powerful armor of Your Holy Mysteries and the fragrance of Your consolation. Let Your absolving words be said over me, and let the holy oil anoint and seal me. Give me Your Body and Blood to be my food and drink. Let Your holy Mother come to me, and my Guardian Angel bring me peace. Let Your glorious Saints and my own Patron, Saint _____ look upon me that, in and through them, I may die, as I also desire to live in Your faith and love + and united to Your Church. Amen.

O God of spirits and of all flesh, who have trampled death, broken the power of Satan, and have granted life to Your world; grant rest, 0 Lord, to the soul(s) of Your departed servant(s) ______ in a place of light, joy and peace, where there is no pain, sorrow, or mourning. As a kind and gracious God, forgive every sin committed by him/her/them in word, deed or thought, since there is no man who lives and does not sin. You alone are without sin, Your justice is everlasting justice, and Your word is the truth. For You are the resurrection, the life, and the repose of Your departed servant(s) _____, 0 Christ our God, and we glorify You, together with Your etemal Father +, and Your all-holy gracious, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

May God grant rest to the soul of His servant(s) Name and may his/her/their memory + be eternal. Amen.

In the Name of the Father +, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Christ is risen from the dead! By death He conquered Death and to those in the graves He granted life! Three times, omitting the Glory be to You... and 0 Heavenly King...

Glory be to You , our God, glory be to You.

O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, You are everywhere present and fill all things. Treasury of Blessings and Giver of Life, come and dwell within us, cleanse us of all stain, and save our souls, 0 gracious Lord.

Holy God., Holy and Mighty, Holy and Immortal, have mercy on us. Three times.

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

O Most Holy Trinity, have mercy on us; 0 Lord, cleanse us of our sins; 0 Master, forgive our transgressions; 0 Holy One, come to us and heal our infirmities for Your Name’s sake.

Lord, have mercy. Three times.

Glory be…now and ever...

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 evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, Father 4, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

Lord, have mercy. (Twelve times.)

Glory be…now and ever...

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

Come, let us adore and bow down + to the only Lord Jesus Christ the King and our God.

O Lord, I know that if I partake unworthily of Your most pure Body and precious Blood, I will be guilty. I will be eating and drinking my own condemnation by not giving proper reverence to Your Body and Blood. But, trusting in Your mercy, I dare come to You, for You have said: "He who eats My Flesh and drinks My Blood abides in Me and I in him." Be merciful to me, a sinner, 0 Lord, and do not reject me, but deal with me according to Your mercy. Grant that this Holy Mystery be for the healing of my soul and body, for the enlightenment of my mind, and for the protection of my life. Let it be for the amendment of my conduct, for perseverance, for the increase of virtue, and for protection in the communion of Your Holy Spirit. Give me Your Body and Blood, 0 Lord, as a provision for the journey to eternal life, and for an acceptable answer at Your judgment seat. Do not let it be for my judgment or condemnation. + Amen.

O Lord my God, how well I know that I am unworthy that You should enter into the temple of my soul. But I pray You, as You humbled yourself and became man for our sake, now also be patient with my lowliness. As You did not refuse to enter the house of Simon and dine there with sinners, now enter the abode of my humble and sinful soul. As You did not reject the sinful woman who approached and touched You, in like manner, do not reject me, a sinner, as I come to You and also touch You. Grant that I partake of Your most pure Body and precious Blood for the health of my soul and body, for the remission of my sins, for my protection against attacks of the Devil, for the increase of Your divine grace, and for the inheritance of Your heavenly kingdom. I pray You, 0 gracious Lord, sanctify my soul and body, and make me worthy to stand at Your right with all Your saints. + Amen.

O Lord and Master Jesus Christ my God; You alone have power to absolve men from their sins. Forgive all my transgressions committed deliberately or through human frailty, in word or by deed. Grant that, without condemnation, I may partake of Your divine, glorious, most pure, and life-giving Mysteries. Let my sharing in Your Body and Blood be for the forgiveness of my sins and for the healing of my soul and body, as well as for a pledge of the life to come in Your kingdom; for You are a merciful and gracious God, and we glorify You, Father +, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

Most blessed and glorious Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary; you are the nourisher of our lives. Your Blessed Fruit strengthens and enlivens with the Bread of Life and with the Wine of Endearment those who trust in Him. I beseech you, make me worthy to partake of this truly divine Food and Drink which your only Son, our God, has given us to fill us with grace and glory. Make us worthy to bless Him and you, now and ever and forever. Amen.

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Recite the Prayers of Introduction.

O Lord my God, I thank you for not rejecting me, a sinner, and for deeming me worthy to be a partaker of Your Holy Mysteries. I thank you for having allowed me, unworthy though I am, to be a partaker of Your most pure and heavenly Gifts. 0 Lord and Lover of Mankind, You died and rose again for our sake, and gave us these awesome and life-giving Mysteries for the good of our body and the sanctification of our soul. Grant that they serve to heal my body and soul, and that they set to flight every foe. Enlighten the eyes of my heart, give peace to the powers of my mind, inspire me with faith, with a sincere love and deep wisdom, and with obedience to Your commandments. May these Mysteries increase Your divine grace in me and make me an inhabitant of your kingdom. Being preserved in Your holiness by them, I will remember Your love at all times. From now on, I will not live for myself, but for You, my Lord and Benefactor. Thus, having spent my earthly life in the hope of life without end, I will one day reach eternal rest where the sound of rejoicing never ceases, and where the delight of those who look upon the beauty of Your Face has no bounds. For You, Christ our God, are truly the object of our desire and the inexpressible joy of those who love You, and all creatures glorify You +, now and ever and forever. Amen.

O Master, Christ our God, King of Ages, Maker of all things; I thank You for all the favors You have granted me, and for having given me Your pure and life-giving Mysteries. I pray You, 0 gracious God who loves Mankind, keep me under Your protection and under the shadow of Your wings; grant that, until my last breath, I may worthily receive Your Holy Mysteries with a clear conscience for the remission of my sins and for life everlasting. For You are the Bread of Life, the Fountain of Holiness, and the Provider of Graces, and we glorify You together with Your Father +, and Your Holy Spirit, now and ever and forever. Amen.

O Christ our God, You have deemed me worthy to be a partaker of Your most pure Body and most precious Blood. I praise, bless, and adore You; I glorify You + and extol Your eternal salvation, now and ever and forever. Amen.

O most holy Lady, Theotokos, light of my poor soul, my hope, my protection, my refuge, my comfort, and my joy! I thank you for having enabled me to be a partaker of the most pure Body and most precious Blood of your Son. Enlighten the eyes of my heart, 0 Blessed One who carried the Source of Immortality. 0 most tender and loving Mother of the merciful God; have mercy on me and grant me a repentant and contrite heart with humility of mind. Keep my thoughts from wandering into all kinds of distractions, and make me worthy always, even to my last breath, to receive the most pure Mysteries of Christ for the healing of my soul and body. Give me tears of repentance and thanksgiving that I may sing of you and praise you all the days of my life, for you are ever-blessed and praised. Amen.

Recite the Concluding Prayers.