Commemoration of the Living and the Dead
Commemoration of the Living and the Dead
To be read daily by every monastic and pious Christian at the end of his rule of prayer.
Remember, O Lord Jesus Christ our God, Thine eternal mercies and compassion, for whose sake Thou didst become man and willingly endured crucifixion and death for the salvation of those who rightly believe in Thee. Thou didst rise from the dead and ascend into Heaven and sittest at the right hand of God the Father, looking down on the humble petitions of those who call upon Thee with their whole heart. Bow down Thine ear and hear the prayer which I, Thy useless servant, offer Thee for all Thy people as a spiritual fragrance. First of all, remember Thy Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church which Thou didst obtain through Thy precious Blood. Establish, strengthen, broaden, and multiply her. Give her peace and keep her eternally unassailable by the gates of hell. Calm the quarrels of the churches, put out the arrogance of the heathen, and swiftly destroy and uproot the rebellions of heresies, turning them into nothing through the power of Thy Holy Spirit.
Prostration.
Save, Lord, and have mercy on the Holy Orthodox Patriarchs, our Lord, the Most Blessed ________, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada; on our Lord, the Right Reverend ________, Bishop of ________; and on priests, deacons, and all the clergy whom Thou hast installed to tend Thy reason-endowed flock. Through their prayers, save me also, a sinner, and have mercy on me.
Prostration.
Save, Lord, and have mercy on the President of our country, on all our civil authorities, and on the armed forces. Surround them with peace, and speak peace and goodness into their hearts for Thy Holy Church and all Thy people. In their calm may we live a calm and silent life in the True Faith and in all piety and purity.
Prostration.
Save, Lord, and have mercy on our father (the name and title of the abbot of your monastery or of your parish priest) with all our brethren in Christ, and have mercy on me, who am wretched, through their prayers.
Prostration.
Save, Lord, and have mercy on my spiritual father ________, and forgive my transgressions through his holy prayers.
Prostration.
(In Monasteries)
Save, Lord, and have mercy on all our brethren who labor in this holy community—the laborers, the lay workers, and those who work the land for this monastery, and all Christians.
(In Parishes)
Save, Lord, and have mercy on all our brethren who serve this holy Church—the parish council, the choir, the teachers, the custodians and cleaners, and all who work for our parish, and all Christians.
Prostration.
(Any inapplicable terms in the following petition are simply omitted.)
Save, Lord, and have mercy on my parents ________ (if they are still living), my wife/husband ________, my children ________, my brothers and sisters and all my relatives according to the flesh, those who are close to my family, and my friends. Grant them Thy worldly and heavenly good things.
Prostration.
Save, Lord, and have mercy on our fathers, brothers, and sisters who live with patient faith in the monasteries of the Holy Mountain, Russia, America, and any other place. Through their prayers, have mercy on me a sinner.
Prostration.
Save, Lord, and have mercy, according to the multitude of Thy compassions, on all hieromonks, monks, and nuns, and on all who in virginity, reverence, and fasting live in monasteries, in deserts and caves, on mountains and pillars, in hermitages and cleft rocks, on islands in the sea, and who live in the True Faith in every place of Thy dominion, serving Thee piously and praying to Thee. Lighten their burden and console them in sorrow. Grant them strength and resolution in their struggles, and grant me remission of sins through their prayers.
Prostration.
Save, Lord, and have mercy on the old and the young, the poor, the orphans and widows, and on those who are in sickness and in sadness, in misfortunes and in sorrow, in war and in captivity, in prison and in exile—especially those who, being Thy servants, are persecuted for Thy sake and the Orthodox Faith by godless heathens, apostates, and heretics. Remember, visit, strengthen, and comfort them, giving them early release, freedom, and deliverance by Thy might.
Prostration.
Save, Lord, and have mercy on our benefactors who have mercy on us and feed us, giving us alms and security, and ask us to pray for them, despite our unworthiness. Be Thou merciful to them and grant their every petition for salvation and the reward of eternal good things.
Prostration.
Save, Lord, and have mercy on all our fathers, brothers, and sisters and all Orthodox Christians who are travelling in Thy service.
Prostration.
Save, Lord, and have mercy on those whom I have caused to stumble, turning them away from the path of salvation and leading them to evil and unseemly deeds. Return them to the path of salvation by Thy Divine Providence.
Prostration.
Save, Lord, and have mercy on those who hate and offend me, and do me harm. Do not let them perish because of me, a sinner.
Prostration.
Enlighten with the light of Thy knowledge those who have left the Orthodox Faith and have been blinded by devastating heresies, reuniting them to Thy Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
Prostration.
For the Departed
Remember, Lord, all Orthodox Patriarchs and Metropolitans; archbishops and bishops; priests and those who serve in holy orders; those who serve Thee in monastic ranks and the blessed founder of our holy community (or Church). Grant them rest with the saints in Thine eternal dwellings.
Prostration.
Remember, Lord, the souls of Thy departed servants, my parents ________ (if they are already dead), and all my relatives according to the flesh. Forgive all their sins, both voluntary and involuntary. Grant them participation in Thine eternal good things and the enjoyment of the eternal and blessed life.
Prostration.
Remember, Lord, all our departed fathers, brothers, and sisters, the Orthodox Christians who lie here and everywhere in the hope of the Resurrection and eternal life. Grant them to live with Thy saints under the Light of Thy countenance. Have mercy on us also, for Thou art good and lovest mankind. Amen.
Prostration.
The following is said three times, each with a prostration:
Grant remission of sins, Lord, to all our fathers, brothers, and sisters who have departed before us in faith and the hope of the Resurrection, and make their memory eternal.