I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ, the Son
of the living God Who camest into the world to save sinners, of whom I
am first. I believe also that this is truly Thine own most pure Body, and
that this is truly Thine own precious Blood. Therefore, I pray Thee: have
mercy upon me and forgive my transgressions both voluntary and
involuntary, of word and of deed, committed in knowledge or in ignorance.
And make me worthy to partake without condemnation of Thy most pure
Mysteries, for the remission of my sins, and unto life everlasting. Amen.
_As you approach to partake, say silently the following verses of
Metaphrastes:_
Behold: I draw near to the Divine Communion.
Burn me not as I partake, O Creator,
For Thou art a Fire which burns the unworthy.
Rather, cleanse me of all defilement.
_Then say:_
Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me this day as a
communicant; for I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies,
neither like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but like the thief will I
confess Thee: Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.
_And the following verses:_
Be awed, O man, when you see the deifying Blood!
It is a fire which burns the unworthy!
The Divine Body both deifies and nourishes me.
It deifies the spirit and wondrously nourishes the mind.
_Then, the following Troparia:_
With love hast Thou drawn me, O Christ, and with Thy divine love hast
Thou changed me. Burn away my sins with a spiritual fire and satisfy me
with joy in Thee, that I may joyfully magnify Thy two comings, O Good
One.
How shall I, who am unworthy, enter into the radiance of Thy saints? If I
dare to enter the bridal-chamber, my garment accuses me, for it is not a
wedding garment, and the angels will bind me and cast me out. Cleanse, O
Lord, the filth of my soul and save me, for Thou lovest mankind.
_And this prayer:_
O Master Who lovest mankind! O Lord Jesus Christ my God! May these holy
things not be to my condemnation, though I am unworthy of them. May they
be for the cleansing and sanctification of my soul and body and a pledge
of the life and Kingdom that are to come.
It is good for me to cleave to God and to place in the Lord the hope of
my salvation
_Then repeat:_
Of Thy Mystical Supper, O Son of God, accept me this day as a
communicant; for I will not speak of Thy Mystery to Thine enemies,
neither like Judas will I give Thee a kiss; but like the thief will I
confess Thee: remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom.