Akathist to Guardian Angel

Kontakion 1

O Holy Angel chosen by the Lord God to guard my sould and body, I, thine unworthy servant, make bold to chant hymns of praise unto thee. As thou hast boldness before the King of Heaven, from all misfortunes and sorrows, from enemies visible and invisible, defend me who cry: Rejoice, O Angel of the Lord, my tireless Guardian!

Ikos 1

O holy Angel who hast been sent from Heaven to guard and guide me all the days of my life, falling down I pray unto thee: Do thou thyself instruct and admonish me who begins to utter hymns of praise to thee with heartfelt love and zeal:

Rejoice, O Angel of God, mine intercessor before the All-holy Trinity!
Rejoice, O incorporeal soldier of the King of kings!
Rejoice, heavenly servant of the Lord of lords!
Rejoice, thou who dwellest with His noetic and immaterial ministers!
Rejoice, thou who ever doest the will of thy Master!
Rejoice, thou who hast received from God the mandate and authority to guard my soul!
Rejoice, thou who art never parted from me, a sinner!
Rejoice, thou who continually abides with me who am unworthy!
Rejoice, thou who keepest me in all my ways!
Rejoice, thou who preservest me from all evil!
Rejoice, O guide upon the paths of my life, who art given to me by God!
Rejoice, O my good instructor!
Rejoice, O Angel of the Lord, my tireless Guardian!

Kontakion 2

Seeing that, after the transgression of our first father Adam, all men were readily inclined to sin, in His ineffable mercy, the Lord, Who loveth mankind, sent His holy angels throughout all the earth, and to each man and woman He assigned one as guardian. Wherefore, fulfilling the command of their Master, the holy angels are ever ready to help us who chant in God-pleasing manner: Alleluia!

Ikos 2

From on high obtain for me the enlightenment of mine understanding, O holy Angel, that I may recognise what the good, pleasing and perfect will of God is; and direct thou my heart to do it eagerly. May I not cease to praise thee, my Guardian, with such cries as these:

Rejoice, thou who settest my heart aflame with love for God my Creator!
Rejoice, thou who dost urge me, every day and at every hour, to offer unto Him prayers, petitions and thanksgiving!
Rejoice, thou who encircleth the house of my soul with the fear of God, as with a faithful guard!
Rejoice, thou who directest all my thoughts to the Saviour who was crucified for the sins of the world!
Rejoice, thou who dost lodge within me the memory of His suffering and death on the Cross!
Rejoice, thou who teachest me to keep myself from sin by the remembrance of the passion of the Lord!
Rejoice, thou who instructest me to ask for the overshadowing of the grace of the Holy Spirit from on high!
Rejoice, thou who assurest me that He, the Comforter, will regard with mercy only the meek and humble of the heart!
Rejoice, thou who surroundest me with the awareness that God is everywhere present!
Rejoice, thou who dost present His omniscience before my spiritual eyes!
Rejoice, thou who dost comfort my heart with His lovingkindness towards penitent sinners!
Rejoice, thou who dost affright my soul with His just judgement upon the hardened and unrepentant!
Rejoice, O Angel of the Lord, my tireless Guardian!

Kontakion 3

Ask for me the power of divine grace, O mine Angel Guardian, that I may treat the saving path of the commandments of Christ without stumbling or straying, and may unceasingly glorify the most holy name of our God with heart and mouth, and chant unto Him: Alleluia!

Ikos 3

Thee do I have, O my divinely chosen protector, as a radiant beam enlightening the darkness of my soul and dispelling the gloom of the ignorance of my heart; wherefore, falling down before thee with compunction, I beseech thee, that all my senses, which have been darkened by passions, may be purified, that I may not become lost in the darkness of sin. And I hymn thus thine all-wondrous radiance:

Rejoice, O star of the never-waning Light, who hast shone forth from the three-Sunned Godhead and dost continually illumine me!
Rejoice, O most brilliant beam filling with radiance the eyes of my heart which have been darkened by sins!
Rejoice, for thou strives to guide to the true path me who am lost in the darkness of iniquities!
Rejoice, for thou settest before me the commandments of the Lord like a mirror for my whole life!
Rejoice, for thou presentest to me the law of God like a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my steps!
Rejoice, for thou teachest me to obey the words of the Gospel of Christ unto my delight!
Rejoice, for thou dost urge me to believe without doubting in the teaching of my diving Teacher and Lord!
Rejoice, for thou strengthenest me in submission to the canons of the Holy Church!
Rejoice, for thou instructest me to submit to the laws and traditions of the holy apostles and fathers!
Rejoice, for thou confirmest me in the confession of the holy Orthodox Faith!
Rejoice, for thou dost urge me to be ready unto death for this confession!
Rejoice, for thou dost warn me not to have fellowship with heretics and those who have fallen away from the true Church
Rejoice, O Angel of the Lord, my tireless Guardian!

Kontakion 4

The tempest of the sea of life breaketh apart the ship of my soul with waves of worldly cares, and the peace of my wretched soul is shattered. Where then shall I find a calm haven of salvation? On thee alone, after God, do I place my trust, O mine Angel Guardian, for I have acquired thee as an all-wise helmsman amid the spiritual storms which beset me. Wherefore, in thanksgiving I chant unto my God: Allelluia!

Ikos 4

Hearing and seeing thee to be my mighty protector, O divine Angel, the evil spirits of the air dare not draw near to thine all-pure radiance to deal me a soul-destroying blow; wherefore, I humbly entreat thee: Depart not from me because of mine intemperance, but from their wicked pursuit and wiles ever preserve me who say with compunction:

Rejoice, thou who dost fortify and protect me with the mighty shelter of thy wings!
Rejoice, thou who ever wieldest a flaming sword round about me!
Rejoice, thou who art mine ally in the battle against the prince of darkness!
Rejoice, thou who helpest me to vanquish his evil minions!
Rejoice, thou who drivest away from me the soul-destroying demons like as they were birds of prey!
Rejoice, thou who dost admonish me to recognise the wiles of the devil as those of a wicked fox!
Rejoice, thou who fondest off their bestial attacks upon my mind and heart!
Rejoice, thou who dost banish from my heart their offspring – pride and hatred!
Rejoice, thou who drivest from my thoughts jealousy and the remembrance of wrongs!
Rejoice, thou who dost admonish me to protect myself from the assault of evil thoughts with the sign of the Cross!
Rejoice thou who dost strengthen me to tread fearlessly upon the asp and the basilisk!
Rejoice, thou who dost possess an invincible weapon against all mine enemies!
Rejoice, O Angel of the Lord, my tireless Guardian!

Kontakion 5

To the divinely moving and radiant star which of old guided the Magi to worship the Saviour of the world Who was born in Bethlehem do I dare compare thee, O my good Guardian; for with thy constant and luminous presence thou showest me the right path which leadeth to the Bethlehem on high, the Kingdom of Heaven, that I may be found worthy to hymn the pre-eternal King of glory, chanting there with the choirs of archangels and angels: Alleluia!

Ikos 5

Seeing me held fast and enshrouded by the gloomy night and dark cloud of the passions, O holy Guardian of my soul, be not embittered, neither forsake me, but, imitating the long-suffering of my Saviour, wait a little while, urging me to repent, until mine eyes pour forth springs of tears to wash away the impurity of my soul. For this I humbly beseech thee, saying:

Rejoice, for thou dost continually offer thy supplications unto God for me, a sinner, like incense of sweet savour before Him!
Rejoice, for thou dost ever mediate before my Creator for my salvation!
Rejoice, for His righteous wrath which is directed at me dost thou avert by thine intercession!
Rejoice, for thou dost entreat the most merciful Lord to grant me forgiveness for mine evil deeds!
Rejoice, for thou dost move His goodness to mercy, that He not destroy me in mine iniquities!
Rejoice, for thou dost unceasingly pray to my Redeemer, that He grant me time to amend my life!
Rejoice, for thou dost encourage me to spend all the days of my life in repentance!
Rejoice, for thou inspirest in me the desire to repent continually before the Lord for all my transgressions!
Rejoice, for thou dost admonish me to examine myself constantly in mind and to confess my sins!
Rejoice, for thou instillest in my heart contrition and sorrow for having angered mine All-good God!
Rejoice, for thou dost move me to lament my wretched and defiled life!
Rejoice, O luminous and constant mediator for my salvation!
Rejoice, O Angel of the Lord, my tireless Guardian!

Kontakion 6

I proclaim aloud thy constant care for me, a sinner, O mine Angel Guardian; for amid the tribulations and perils which vex the peace of my soul amid this most tumultuous world thou showest thyself to be a speedy comforter for me, making plain to me that all these are sent by the All-wise Creator as a cure for the infirmities of my soul, and teaching me to chant thus to the heavenly Physician, my Benefactor: Alleluia!

Ikos 6

The light of gracious consolation shineth in my soul, which hath been darkened by sorrow and despondency because of the multitude of my transgressions, and my heart is filled with joy and gladness when, prompted by thy continual instruction, O holy Angel, I make bold to lift up my voice to our compassionate God like the publican, that He be merciful and forgive me my transgressions. Wherefore, cease not, O mine instructor, to admonish and strengthen me who cry unto thee:

Rejoice, thou who helpest me to bear the easy yoke of saving endurance with love!
Rejoice, thou who strengthenest me with trust in the Lord God amid tribulations and misfortunes!
Rejoice, thou who teachest me with courage to withstand sorrows and pain!
Rejoice, thou who drivest all grief and despondency from my heart!
Rejoice, thou who dost urge me to do battle against the enemy who desireth to entrap me in the snare of despair!
Rejoice, thou who dost encourage me to believe the words of the Apostle, that all who desire to live piously will suffer persecution!
Rejoice, thou who dost inspire me to take the prophets and apostles as models of patience and the endurance of evils!
Rejoice, thou who dost point out to me for my consolation the choirs of the martyrs and confessors who contended for Christ unto the shedding of their blood!
Rejoice, thou who continually settest before the eyes of my mind the sufferings of the Lord and Saviour Himself!
Rejoice, thou who dost delight my heart with the hope of the reward which is to come!
Rejoice, thou who dost enliven my soul with the most joyous expectation of everlasting good things!
Rejoice, my good and faithful comforter!
Rejoice, O Angel of the Lord, my tireless Guardian!

Kontakion 7

Mine All-merciful Creator, Who desireth that all men be saved, hath sent thee, His Angel, to me as a faithful guard and good instructor throughout the whole of my life, that in every place and at all times thou mayest assist me by thy holy inspiration, defend me against the wiles of the devil, and prepare me by good works to enter with the wise virgins into the heavenly bridal-chamber, chanting the divinely beauteous hymn: Alleluia!

Ikos 7

My Lord and Master showeth forth new goodness upon me, His useless servant, who hath sinned more than any other; for, looking upon mine evil and grievous deeds, He hath not destroyed me in the iniquities which I have committed even unto the present day and hour, but, showing forth His long-suffering toward me, He mercifully awaiteth my conversion and repentance of heart. I believe, O my good Guardian, that by thy faithful mediation for me before God I have been preserved until now; wherefore, moved by love for thee, I cry:

Rejoice, for from utter drowning thou savest me who am tempest-tossed upon the sea of this life!
Rejoice, for with thy helping hand thou dost draw me forth from the pit of mine iniquities!
Rejoice, for thou dost rouse me from the sinful sleep of my soul-destroying slothfulness!
Rejoice, for by thy radiant presence thou dost illumine mine mind which hath been darkened by indifference!
Rejoice, for by thy supplications thou dost help me to kindle the flame of my cold and failing heart!
Rejoice, for thou dost ever raise me up to glorify God!
Rejoice, for thou dost dispose my voice to hymnody whereby it is meet and right to praise the Creator of all things!
Rejoice, for thou dost train me to glorify my Lord, not only with my mouth but with my heart as well!
Rejoice, for thou dost urge me to fulfil His all-holy will!
Rejoice, for thou dost strive to teach me self-denial and rejection of mine evil will!
Rejoice, for thou dost earnestly desire that I acquire the simplicity of the dove and the meekness of the lamb!
Rejoice, for thou dost mediate for me, that I be granted the innocence of children and the goodly prudence of elders!
Rejoice, O Angel of the Lord, my tireless Guardian!

Kontakion 8

A stranger and pilgrim am I upon this earth: my life is vain and short of duration; yet, wretch that I am, I never consider the certainty of death or ponder the dread tribunal at which I must stand before the righteous Judge and give answer for mine every deed and word. Wherefore, I beseech thee, O Guardian of my soul: Rouse me quickly from the sleep of sin, lest the hour of death find me uncorrected, and that I may be counted worthy to ask of the most merciful God forgiveness for mine iniquities, and may chant unto Him with a voice of rejoicing: Alleluia!

Ikos 8

When my Lord and Creator shall appoint the time for me to pass from this life, do thou, O my good Guardian, foreseeing the terrible torments which have been prepared for the evil spirits and for unrepentant sinners and which await me, shelter me beneath the wings of thy lovingkindness like as an eagle covereth its nestlings; and when my spirit departeth from me, let me behold thee standing near me and repelling the cruel foe. For this do I entreat thee with compunction, exclaiming thus:

Rejoice, thou who settest before the eyes of my mind the bitter and dreadful hour of death!
Rejoice, for thou dost ever remind me of that inescapable hour, whose time none can know!
Rejoice, thou who teachest me to look upon every day as the last of my life!
Rejoice, thou who at every hour prepares me to depart to the next world!
Rejoice, thou who dost give rise within me to compunction of soul and contrition of heart!
Rejoice, thou who ever desirest that I may repent, if only at the end of my days!
Rejoice, thou who dost forbid me to love the world and the things in the world!
Rejoice, thou who dost help me to uproot from my heart the passionate attachment to corruptible riches!
Rejoice, thou who showest me that all earthly good things are transitory and pass quickly away!
Rejoice, thou who warnest me that all the beauties of this world are like a flower of the field!
Rejoice, thou who adjures me not to seek the glory of men, in that it is like a fleeting shodow!
Rejoice, for thou strives ever to turn me away from this ephemeral world to the everlasting blessings of Heaven!
Rejoice, O Angel of the Lord, my tireless Guardian!

Kontakion 9

Every sin have I committed in this life, and, having passed mine entire life in great vanity, I have drawn near unto mine end; and mine enemies launch themselves at me, ravening to devour me and drag me down into the abyss of hell. Wherefore, I beseech thee, O my good Guardian, be thou my defender when I must pass through the cruel way-stations, and lead me unharmed to the gates of the Heavenly Kingdom, where with joy the choirs of angels greet those who cry aloud: Alleluia!

Ikos 9

Even the tongue of an orator is unable to recount what thou hast done for me throughout my life, O my holy Guardian; for, having received my soul from the font of holy baptism, thou didst preserve me in infancy, didst teach and admonish me in my childhood, didst keep me from stumbling into sin during my youth, didst guide me when I arrived at adulthood, and hast kept me in all my ways even unto old age, chastising and comforting me, always helping and guiding me toward the path of salvation. Wherefore, I cry out to thee with thanksgiving:

Rejoice, for thou dost never withhold from me thy help and assistance!
Rejoice, for thou dost rouse me from sleep to offer thanks unto the Lord Who strengtheneth my powers!
Rejoice, for thou dost teach me to sanctify the beginning of every day with prayer!
Rejoice, for thou dost admonish me that it is audacious to begin anything by myself, without praying to Providence most good!
Rejoice, for thou dost strive to remove self-regard from my heart!
Rejoice, for thou dost urge me to utter the most sweet name of the Lord Jesus Christ continually with my mouth and to keep it in my mind!
Rejoice, for thou dost inspire me to always utter with my tongue only those things which are needful and profitable!
Rejoice, for thou dost restrain me from idle talking, excess of speech and blasphemy!
Rejoice, for thou dost ever abide with me as I eat, drink, or do ought else!
Rejoice, for thou takest care to teach me temperance in eating and drinking!
Rejoice, for thou guardest me when I sleep, and drivest away the enemy who would tempt me with phantasmic dreams!
Rejoice, for thou restranest me from passionate urges and settest chaste shame before mine eyes!
Rejoice, O Angel of the Lord, my tireless Guardian!

Kontakion 10

O mine All-good Jesus who camest to save all, with compunction I pray to Thee: in Thy lovingkindness forgive Thou the incalculable multitude of mine evil deeds, inclined so to do by the entreaties of Thine immaterial minister, whom Thou hast appointed to guard me from mine infancy, in that Thou lovest mankind; that I may be shown to be worthy to enter into the bridal-chamber of Thy glory and to chant with the souls of the righteous: Alleluia!

Ikos 10

Thou dost ever reveal thyself to me as a steadfast rampart against the predations of mine evil enemies who seek mine eternal destruction and weaken my soul with slothfulness and negligence. Wherefore I beseech thee, O my Guardian, that by thy mediation I may be vouchsafed, when my soul will be parted from my body, to partake of the all-pure Body and most holy Blood of my Saviour; that, strengthened by that incorruptible Food and life-creating Drink, I may pass over to the next world without trembling, singing to thee, my benefactor:

Rejoice, for power and authority have been given thee, to fend off the demons’ assaults upon me!
Rejoice, for thou hast received from God the strength to vanquish mine invisible foes!
Rejoice, for thou art able to deliver me from all the malice and wiles of the demons!
Rejoice, for thou repellest from me the attacks of the governor of the cruel way-stations, the evil prince of this world!
Rejoice, for, protected by thy presence, I have hope that, at the hour of my death, I shall escape the horror of the dark countenances of the spirits of evil!
Rejoice, for, preserved by thee, I hope to pass the aerial toll-houses unharmed!
Rejoice, for, strengthened by thine aid, I do not expect to be kept outside the gates of the garden of Paradise which I desire!
Rejoice, for so mighty is thine intercession for me before God, that it will prevent me from being cast into the outer darkness!
Rejoice, for thou dost ever urge me to move the Lord to mercy with tears of repentance, that I may be delivered from the Gehenna of hell!
Rejoice, for thou dost prompt me to pray, day and night, that I be not sent into torment with the demons!
Rejoice, O my constant guide and instructor!
Rejoice, O my mighty ally and speedy helper!
Rejoice, O Angel of the Lord, my tireless Guardian!

Kontakion 11

Even though this hymnody is offered to thee with fervor, O my holy Guardian, I know that it doth not suffice to express the gratitude of my heart for all the good things thou hast done for me, and which thou dost continue to do to this very day and hour; yet I entreat thee to move Him who hath created both of us, that He have mercy upon me, and that at His dread judgement He deliver me from a place at His left hand, but may vouchsafe me to chant unto Him with all the saints: Alleluia!

Ikos 11

My lamp hath gone out, and I have not the oil of good works wherewith to light it. Where shall I turn, a wretch who am heavy with the sleep of sin, when midnight, the hour of mine end, shall suddenly come upon me? Let me not hear the dread voice of the Bridgegroom say to me what He said to the foolish virgins: I know thee not! O my tireless Guardian, help me to fill the vessel of my soul with the oil of good deeds, with lovingkindness and humility. And accept now from me these hymns:

Rejoice, thou who dost ever urge me to have the Lord alone in my thoughts!
Rejoice, thou who renewest in my heart the commandment to love the All-good One!
Rejoice, thou who dost admonish me to love the Creator with all my mind and all my thoughts!
Rejoice, thou who remindest me continually to please God by nurturing sincere love for my neighbours!
Rejoice, thou who teachest me to express my love for them not merely by word and tongue, but in deed and truth!
Rejoice, thou who instillest within me the desire to help them in all their needs!
Rejoice, thou who directest me to comfort the sorrowful and to help the oppressed!
Rejoice, thou who inclinest my heart to share what I have with the poor and indigent!
Rejoice, thou who dost urge me to lay down my life for my friends, as the Saviour hath commanded!
Rejoice, thou who dost cover mine eyes, that I may not see the transgressions of my brother!
Rejoice, thou who dost not permit me to judge my neighbour who hath fallen into sin!
Rejoice, thou who forbiddest me to place credence in the accusations of my friends!
Rejoice, O Angel of the Lord, my tireless Guardian!

Kontakion 12

O my holy protector, the Lord Almighty hath imparted to thee the grace to preserve me in all my ways, that my feet may not stumble over the rock of any temptation, until thou shalt present me, saved, before Christ God, to Whom all the hosts of Heaven cry out unceasingly: Alleluia!

Ikos 12

I hymn thy right wondrous lovingkindness and thy great condescension, O incorporeal servant of the Lord, thou keen intelligence; for thou dost not reject me due to the stench of my sin, nor dost thou cease to offer up before the most holy throne of God in three Hypostases thy holy supplications for me who am unprofitable, that He not destroy me utterly, but may grant that I inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Wherefore, be thou well-pleased to accept the hymnody offered unto thee from the treasuries of my soul:

Rejoice, for thou dost separate me from sin by the remembrance of the coming dread judgement of God!
Rejoice, for thou dost encourage me to prepare my soul like a bride to greet Christ, the All-comely Bridegroom!
Rejoice, for thou dost ever desire to make me worthy of His bridal-chamber!
Rejoice, for thou dost continually teach me to light the lamp of my soul, that I may enter therein with the wise virgins, the souls of the righteous!
Rejoice, for thou dost urge me to cast off from myself the garments of sin!
Rejoice, for thou dost assist me in putting on the vesture of blamelessness and purity!
Rejoice, for thou dost mediate, that I may be vouchsafed to stand at Christ’s right hand at His dread judgement!
Rejoice, for thou dost entreat the compassion of God, that He assign me to the choir of His elect!
Rejoice, for thou movest thy fellow inhabitants of Heaven to pray to the Lord, that He cause me to dwell with them in His Kingdom!
Rejoice, O my good and vigilant watchman!
Rejoice, O fervent advocate and good intercessor for me, a sinner!
Rejoice, O my mighty hope, after the Lord God and the All-holy Theotokos!
Rejoice, O Angel of the Lord, my tireless Guardian!

Kontakion 13 (repeated 3 times)

O Angel of God, thou all-glorious and spiritual Intelligence! Accept this hymnody of thanksgiving and supplication, and when I must depart this earth and present myself for trial, show forth thy lovingkindness upon me, a sinner; stand near me, calm and full of joy, removing my fear with the hope of salvation, that with thee I may be counted worthy to chant forever unto the pre-eternal King of glory in the mansions of Paradise: Allelluia, Allelluia, Alleluia

Ikos 1

O holy Anel who hast been sent from Heaven to guard and guide me all the days of my life, falling down I pray unto thee: Do thou thyself instruct and admonish me who begins to utter hymns of praise to thee with heartfelt love and zeal:

Rejoice, O Angel of God, mine intercessor before the All-holy Trinity!
Rejoice, O incorporeal soldier of the King of kings!
Rejoice, heavenly servant of the Lord of lords!
Rejoice, thou who dwellest with His noetic and immaterial ministers!
Rejoice, thou who ever doest the will of thy Master!
Rejoice, thou who hast received from God the mandate and authority to guard my soul!
Rejoice, thou who art never parted from me, a sinner!
Rejoice, thou who continually abides with me who am unworthy!
Rejoice, thou who keepest me in all my ways!
Rejoice, thou who preservest me from all evil!
Rejoice, O guide upon the paths of my life, who art given to me by God!
Rejoice, O my good instructor!
Rejoice, O Angel of the Lord, my tireless Guardian!

Kontakion 1

O Holy Angel chosen by the Lord God to guard my soul and body, I, thine unworthy servant, make bold to chant hymns of praise unto thee. As thou hast boldness before the King of Heaven, from all misfortunes and sorrows, from enemies visible and invisible, defend me who cries: Rejoice, O Angel of the Lord, my tireless Guardian!

Prayer

O Holy Angel, my good Guardian and Protector! With contrite heart and anguish of soul I stand before thee, praying: hearken unto me, thy sinful servant, who cries aloud with a mighty voice and bitter lamentation. Remember not mine iniquities and injustices, whereby, wretch that I am, I anger thee every day and hour, and render myself abominable to our Lord and Creator. Show thyself to be loving towards me, and, even thou I have defiled myself, depart not from me until the end of my life. Rouse me from the sleep of sin, and by thy supplications enable me to pass the remaining time of my life blamelessly, and to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. Preserve me from falling into deadly sins, lest I perish in despair, that the enemy may not rejoice at my destruction. I truly know, and I confess with my lips, that no one hath such a friend and intercessor, such a defender and ally as thee, O holy Angel; for, standing before the throne of the Lord, thou prayest for me, who more than all others am useless and most sinful, that the All-good One not call my soul away on a day when I am in despair, on a day when I have committed evil. Wherefore, never cease to move mine All-loving Lord and God to pity, that He remit the offenses which I have committed throughout my whole life, in deed and word and with all my senses, and that He save me by the judgement which He knoweth; that He chastise me here according to His ineffable mercy, but that He not denounce and punish me after my death, according to His impartial judgement; that He count me worthy to offer repentance, and that with repentance I may worthily receive divine Communion, for which I fervently beg, most earnestly desiring such a gift. Do not hold thyself aloof at the dread hour of my death, O my good Guardian, but drive away the dark demons who will seek to terrify my trembling soul; defend me from their pursuit when I must inevitably pass through the aerial toll-houses, that, preserved unharmed by thee, I may safely attain unto the paradise which I have desired, where the choirs of saints and the heavenly hosts unceasingly praise the most worshipful and majestic name of God Who is glorified in Trinity – the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit – to Whom is due honour and worship unto the ages of ages. Amen