The Great Canon Á-? On Thursday of the First Week - Page 5 of 20
Song 3.
Eirmos:
Establish Thy Church on the unshakable rock of
Thy commandments, O Christ.
Refrain:
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia:
You, my soul, have become like Hagar the Egyptian of old.
You have become enslaved by your own choice and have a
new Ishmael - stubborn self-will. (Genesis 16:15)
You know, my soul, of the Ladder shown to Jacob reaching
from earth to Heaven. Why have you not clung to the sure
step of piety?
(Genesis 28:12)
Imitate that Priest of God and solitary King who was an
image of the life of Christ in the world among men.
(cf. Melchizedek:
Hebrews 7:1-4; Genesis 14:18)
Be converted and groan, wretched soul, before the pageant
of life comes to an end, before the Lord shuts the door of the
bridal hall.
Do not be a pillar of salt, my soul, by turning back; but let the
example of the Sodomites frighten you, and take refuge up
in Zoar.
(Genesis 19:26)
Reject not the prayer of those who praise Thee, O Lord; but
have compassion on us, O Lover of men, and to those who
ask with faith grant forgiveness.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Spirit: