Ode 6. I am held fast by an abyss.

Kontakion. Tone 3. Today the Virgin.

The depth of sin ever holds me fast, and a tempest of transgressions drags me down. Pilot me, Christ my God, to the harbour of life and save me, King of glory.

I have wickedly squandered my Father’s wealth, and reduced to poverty, I am filled with shame, enslaved to fruitless thoughts. Therefore I cry to you who love humankind, ‘Take pity on me and save me’.

I am wasted with starvation of every good, and estranged from you, O Christ supremely good. Take pity on me as I now return, and save me as I sing the praise of your love for humankind.

Maiden, who conceived Christ the Saviour and Master, count me, beggared of every kind of good, worthy of salvation, pure Virgin, that I may sing the praise of your mighty acts.

I am held fast by an abyss of sins, O Saviour, and am drowning in the ocean of life. But like Jonas from the beast, bring me up too from the passions and save me.

I have foolishly run away, O Father, from your glory; I have squandered in evil deeds the riches you entrusted to me; therefore I offer you the words of the Profligate: I have sinned before you, compassionate Father**:** take me now repentant and make me as one of your hired servants.

Our Saviour teaches us every day through his own voice. Let us therefore listen to the Scriptures concerning the Profligate who became temperate again, and with faith let us imitate his fair repentance. With humble heart let us cry out to him who knows all secrets, ‘We have sinned against you, merciful Father, and are not worthy ever to be called your children as before. But since you are by nature full of love for humankind, accept me and make me as one of your hired servants.

Synaxarion from the Menaion, then what follows.

On this day we commemorate the parable of the Profligate Son from the holy Gospel, which our most godly Fathers prescribed for the second Sunday of the Triodion.

If you’re a Profligate, like me, take heart!

All doors to God’s compassion open lie.

By your ineffable love for humankind, Christ our God, have mercy on me.