parresia

The Kathismata

The Kathismata

This is a chant recited on Holy Tuesday in every Orthodox Church around the world.

The Harlot came to Thee, O Merciful Master, and poured out upon Thy feet myrrh with her tears, and redeemed the offenses of her vices at Thy command: but Thy graceless disciple, breathing Thy grace, rejected it, and becoming involved in a morass of crime, he sells Thee in his avarice. O Christ, Glory to Thy Compassion...

The treacherous Judas, wrapped up in avarice, set out treacherously to betray Thee, O Lord, the Treasure of life. Wherefore in his violence he goes to the transgressors and saith to them: What will ye give me, and I will deliver Him to you, that He may be crucified?

The harlot, in her grief, called upon Thee, O Lord of compassion, and fervently dried Thy sacred feet with the hair of her head and from the depths of her lamentations cried: Cast me not out, neither destroy me, O my God, but receive me in my repentance and save me, for Thou alone are merciful...

I have transgressed, O Good Master, more than the harlot, and I come near to Thee without her flood of tears, but in silence I pray and bow before Thee; with fervour I embrace Thy sacred feet, that Thou mayest grant forgiveness of sins to me when I cry to Thee, O Saviour: Deliver me from the morass of my evil deeds.

OIKOS

She who was formerly a prodigal, showed herself suddenly wise, and she loathed her shameful deeds and carnal pleasure; she reflected on the magnitude of her shame, and the judgement of condemnation which awaits prodigals and harlots. Of these indeed the first am I, and I am in terror, but foolishly abide in my perverse habits. The harlot also was in terror, and at once she hastened and came and cried to the Redeemer: Of Thy mercy and pity, deliver me from the morass of my evil deeds...

When the woman who was a sinner was offering the myrrh, then the disciple was making terms with the lawless men; she rejoiced in emptying out that which was all-precious; he hastened to sell Him, Who was above all price; she recognized the Master, he severed himself from the Master; she was set free, and Judas became a slave of the enemy. Fearful is the rashness! Great is the repentance! This do Thou, O Saviour, grant to me; O Thou Who didst suffer for us, save us.

Lord, Have mercy on me a sinner.

Posted by jeremy stock at May 1, 2002 06:24 PM