To St. Mary of Egypt: With all eagerness and love thou didst run to Christ, abandoning thy former way of sin. And being nourished in the untrodden wilderness, thou didst chastely fulfill His divine commandments.
+ The Great Canon of St. Andrew, Song 2 Wed
Having preferred a possessive and pleasure-loving life to spiritual poverty, O Savior, I am now harnessed with a heavy yoke.
I have adorned the idol of my flesh with the many-colored clothing of shameful thoughts, and I am condemned. [1 John 5:21]
I have been anxiously concerned only about outward adornment, and have neglected the inner temple made in the image of God. [I Peter 3:3-4]
+ The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, Tue 2.5-7
Text of the Canon
Christ became man and called to repentance robbers and harlots. Repent, my soul! The door of the Kingdom is already open, and the transformed pharisees, publicans and adulterers are seizing it ahead of you. [Matthew 21:31; 11:12]
+ The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, Mon 9.5
Text of the Canon
When the Lord had fasted for forty days in the wilderness, He at last became hungry, showing His human nature. Do not be despondent, my soul, if the enemy attacks you, but let him be beaten off by prayer and fasting. [Matthew 4:1-11; 17:21; Mark 9:29]
+ The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, Mon 9.8
Text of the Canon
I have passed my life ever in night, for the night of sin has
been to me thick fog and darkness; but make me, O Savior,
a son of the day. [Ephesians 5:8]
+ The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, Mon 5.1
Text of the Canon
I have stained the coat of my flesh, and soiled what is in Thy image and likeness, O Savior.
I have darkened the beauty of my soul with passionate pleasures, and my whole mind I have reduced wholly to mud.
+ The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, Mon 2.5-6
Text of the Canon
The end is drawing near, my soul, is drawing near! But you neither care nor prepare. The time is growing short. Rise! The Judge is near at the very doors. Like a dream, like a flower, the time of this life passes. Why do we bustle about in vain? [Matthew 24:33; Psalm 38:7]
Come to your senses, my soul! Consider the deeds you have done, and bring them before your eyes, and pour out the drops of your tears. Boldly tell your thoughts and deeds to Christ, and be acquitted.
+ The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, Mon 4.2-3
Text of the Canon
The mind is wounded, the body is feeble, the spirit is sick,
the word has lost its power, life is ebbing, the end is at the
doors. What then will you do, wretched soul, when the Judge
comes to try your case?
+ The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, Mon 9.1
Text of the Canon
Where shall I begin to lament the deeds of my wretched life? What first-fruit shall I offer, O Christ, for my present lamentation? But in Thy compassion grant me release from my falls.
Come, wretched soul, with your flesh, confess to the Creator of all. In future refrain from your former brutishness, and offer to God tears in repentance.
+ The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, Mon 1.1-2
Text of the Canon
