Great Compline & Canon of St Andrew

St. Andrew’s Canon & Great Compline is perhaps the most pentitential service of the entire liturgical calendar. It is placed at the beginning of Great Lent to lead the faithful into a spirit of joy-creating sorrow.

Great Compline & the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete — Monday, 7:30pm

Heading us toward the bright sorrow that characterises the Orthodox experience of Great Lent, St. Andrew’s Canon leads us into a growing understanding of who we are before a Holy God.

I am clothed with the raiment of shame as with fig leaves, in condemnation of my self-willed passions.

I am clad in a garment that is defiled and shamefully bloodstained by a life of passion and self-indulgence.

I have fallen beneath the painful burden of the passions and the corruption of material things; and I am hard pressed by the enemy.

Instead of freedom from possessions, O Saviour, I have pursued a life in love with material things, and now I wear a heavy yoke.

I have adorned the idol of my flesh with a many-coloured coat of shameful thoughts, and I am condemned.

I have cared only for the outward adornment, and neglected that which is within — the tabernacle fashioned by God.

I have discoloured with the passions the first beauty of the image, O Saviour. But seek me, as once You have sought the lost coin, and find me. Like the harlot I cry to you: I have sinned, I alone have sinned against You. Accept my tears also as sweet ointment, O Saviour.

Like the Publican I cry to You: Be merciful, O Saviour, be merciful to me. For no child of Adam has ever sinned against You as I have sinned.

Arise, my soul, and review your deeds which have proceeded from you. Scrutinize them closely, and shed the rain of your tears, declaring openly to Christ your thoughts and deeds, so you may be justified. There has never been a sin in the world, O Saviour, no deed of iniquity that I have not committed, sinning in thought, word and intention; in plan, determination, and action, as no one else has done… I have erred, O Saviour; have mercy upon me, and have compassion on me, as I cry to You. Against You only have I sinned and done evil. Have mercy on me and save me.

— Selections from the Canon of St. Andrew of Crete

Details

The Good Shepherd Orthodox Church, located in Clayton, Melbourne, is a living witness to the power of the Gospel and the fullness of the Christian Faith in modern, secular Australia.

We are a vibrant Australian Christian community under the direction of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, New Zealand & the Philippines, within the jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East.

The Church of Antioch is the continuation of the Christian community founded in Antioch by the Apostles Peter (who served as its first bishop) and Paul. The Patriarchate of Antioch is the oldest of the ancient Patriarchates constituting the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ.

All services are in the English language and are held in the Main Chapel of the Religious Centre at Monash University, Clayton Campus, conveniently located in the centre of Melbourne’s residential population.

Parking in the University car parks is free after 7:00 pm, but please take note of all signs regarding Loading Zones, No Standing and Disabled Parking, these restrictions apply and are enforced.

For directions to the Religious Centre click here