Ode I, Irmos: Thy victorious right arm, * in a manner befitting God, * hath been glorified in strength, O Immortal One; * for in its infinite strength it shattered the enemy, * fashioning anew a path for the Israelites through the deep.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
He Who is incomprehensible to the armies of heaven received flesh of thy flesh, О all-immaculate Maiden, and hath restored her who became corrupt through the first sin of disobedience.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
О ye faithful, with hymns let us bless her who gave birth to the Word of God in a manner past all telling; for she, the most immaculate one, hath been revealed to be the adornment of mortals, becoming the intercessor for all who sin.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou hast been shown to be more spacious than the heavens, for thou didst contain the Creator of all things, О Ever-virgin Mother. Wherefore, I cry to thee: Deliver me from all deadly straits, О divinely joyous one.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
О pure one, grant help to us who are tempest-tossed by the turmoil of tribulations; cast down the wicked uprisings of our enemies; and grant salvation to all who glorify thee with piety.
Ode III, Irmos: Thou alone knowest the weakness of human nature * and in compassion hast assumed its form; * do Thou gird me with power from on high, * that I may cry unto Thee: * Holy is the animate temple of Thine ineffable glory, O Lover of mankind!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
He Who is full hath emptied Himself for our sake, and He Who is unoriginate hath received a beginning through thee, О most immaculate Virgin; the Invisible One is seen, and He Who sustaineth all things is fed with milk, intending thus to restore mankind.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Heal thou our broken state, О Virgin who knewest not wedlock, who hast given birth to the Lord and Healer Who through grace hath shown us the entry to life. Him do thou unceasingly beseech, that He have pity and save thy servants.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Having wasted my life in slothfulness, I fall down before thee, О most pure one: by thy constant supplications to God move thou my mind and with the radiance of repentance enlighten me who am wholly darkened, that I may glorify thee with faith and love.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Having wasted my life in slothfulness, I fall down before thee, О most pure one: by thy constant supplications to God move thou my mind and with the radiance of repentance enlighten me who am wholly darkened, that I may glorify thee with faith and love.
Ode IV, Irmos: Perceiving thee with prophetic eyes * as the mountain overshadowed by the grace of God, * Habbakuk proclaimed that the Holy One of Israel * would come forth from thee, * for our salvation and restoration.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
We know thee as the divine palace of the Word, wherein He made His abode in the flesh and hath restored us who had been corrupted by the passions. Wherefore, О pure one, we honour thee as the Mother of God, and we glorify Him Who was born from thee.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The incarnate Word made His abode within thy womb, О Virgin. He hath dispelled the curse which before resided in human nature, and by His divine union He hath in a godly manner deified it. Wherefore, we hymn thee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Mortality seized Adam because he tasted of the fruit of corruption, О all-immaculate one; but now, by thy birthgiving, he hath been restored to life and dwelleth in the mansions of paradise. Wherefore, we hymn thee as is meet.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Having given birth to Christ God, the Wellspring of immortality, thou hast caused the torrent of death to cease. Him do thou therefore entreat, О thou who art full of the grace of God, that He heal the deadly passions of my soul and save me.
Ode V, Irmos: Thou hast shone upon us with the radiance * of Thy coming O Christ, * and illumined the ends of the world with Thy Cross, * enlighten with the light of thine understanding * the hearts of those who with right worship hymn Thee.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The never-setting Sun shone forth from thy womb, О most immaculate one, and hath utterly destroyed the darkness, and illumined the earth with divine understanding. Wherefore, we hymn thee with faith.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
We cry out to thee with the voice of the angel: “Rejoice, О most pure one!” For thou hast given birth to the Angel of great Counsel, Who with the Father is unoriginate, О Virgin, and Who assumed flesh that He might save mankind.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Making His abode within thy womb, О pure one, the Lord delivered those who piously believe in Him from the dominion of the enemy; wherefore, we all hymn thee aloud, О most pure one.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Clothing Himself in me, the Master issued forth from thee, О all-immaculate one, deifying human nature. Him do thou entreat, О Birthgiver of God, that He strip me bare of every sin.
Ode VI, Irmos: The deepest abyss hath surrounded us, * and there is none to deliver us, * yea we have been counted as sheep for the slaughter; * save Thy people O our God, * for thou art the strength and restoration of the weak.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Without seed thou didst conceive God in thy womb, and after thy strange birthgiving thou didst remain a virgin, О all-immaculate one; wherefore, we who have been delivered from the curse by thee glorify thee with praises, О most pure one.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou art the ladder which Jacob saw, the mountain overshadowed, the most radiant cloud of the divine Light, the door through which God alone hath passed. Blessed art Thou among women, О most immaculate one!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
In a manner transcending the laws of nature, О Virgin who knewest not wedlock, thou hast given birth to the hypostatic Word of God Who healeth our broken state. Him do thou earnestly beseech, that He save us all.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Bearing my soul which is sick with transgressions, I cry to thee, О most holy, most glorious and pure one: Heal and save me by thy mediation, that I may hymn and magnify thine aid.
Lord, have mercy.Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Sessional hymn, Tone I: Possessing thine intercession, O most pure one, * and delivered from evils by thy supplications, * protected wholly by the Cross of thy Son, ** we all reverently magnify thee as is meet.
Ode VII, Irmos: We the faithful perceive thee, O Theotokos, * to be a noetic furnace; * for as He, the supremely exalted One, * saved the three children, * so hath He wholly refashioned fallen humanity, in thy womb, * O Thou praised and supremely glorified God of our fathers.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The shadows of the law and the former indistinct images of the divinely eloquent prophets manifestly proclaimed thy seedless birthgiving, О most pure and all-immaculate one. And we cry out, hymning the hymned and most glorious God of our fathers.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
О pure one full of the grace of God, thou hast given birth to the Sun of the East, Who hath illumined the fullness of all the faithful and caused the night of impiety to fade. Wherefore, we honour the hymned and most glorious God of our fathers.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Once, О all-immaculate one, the bush which burned yet was not consumed prefigured thy womb, for the fire of the Godhead in nowise consumed thee. Wherefore, I entreat thee: Deliver me from the unquenchable fire, that I may unceasingly hymn thy mighty works, О pure one
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
О Mother of God, help of the faithful, cleansing of the sinful, giver of all good things: in thy compassion accept me, who fall down and approach thee with weeping, begging release from mine offences.
Ode VIII, Irmos: In the furnace as in a fiery smelter * the Israelite children shone more brightly than gold * with the beauty of godliness, * as they exclaimed: Bless the Lord all ye works of the Lord, * hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The images of the law and the formerly unclear images clearly foretold that thou wouldst become the pure Mother of the Lord, О Virgin; and we, beholding now the fulfilment of these things, hymn thee together and glorify thee throughout all ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou hast indisputably been adorned with divine beauties among beauties, О all-immaculate one, having given birth to the Word of God, Who illumineth with divine beauties the hearts of all who hymn Him with faith throughout all ages.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
With sacred voices the prophets said of old that thou wouldst become the all-immaculate Mother of God the Master. To Him do we cry aloud: Bless the Lord, all ye works! Hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
In that thou art beauteous and all-comely, О Virgin, thou gavest, birth blamelessly to Christ Who is comely in beauties. To Him do we cry aloud: Bless the Lord, all ye works! Hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!
Ode IX, Irmos: The Bush, which burnt without being consumed, * prefigured thy pure birthgiving, O Theotokos. * Wherefore we now entreat Thee: * quench the raging furnace of temptations that beset us, * that we may unceasingly magnify Thee.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The nature of mortals, which before was condemned, О Virgin, hath received immortality through thy supra-natural and divine birthgiving; and they have received their former beauty, praising thee together with joyous hymns.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou bearest Him Who beareth all things, and thou feedest with milk Him Who giveth food unto all. Great and awesome and past understanding is thy mystery, О Virgin Theotokos, thou ark of the honoured priesthood! Wherefore, we all call thee blessed.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
О most pure one, shine light now upon me who lie in the darkness of slothfulness, freeing me from the thoughts of the passions which blind me, О all-immaculate one, and ever imparting profound peace to my soul, that I may glorify thee.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
I fear the implacable judgment seat and the impartial Judge, О most immaculate one; for the multitude of mine offences is beyond number, in that I live in slothfulness, wholly consumed by the passions. Wherefore, moved to pity, have mercy on me, О Theotokos.
It was our joy to celebrate the feast of the Nativity of the Holy, Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist, John, yesterday, congratulating Norman John and Martyn John on their nameday, on which we also commemorated St Calogero the Wonderworker with a litia at the end of Liturgy before his icon gifted to our parish by the priest-iconographer Father Efraim Augello and matushka Olypmia, in Sicily.
Our festal Liturgy ended with us singing “Many Years” not only for our Johns, but also for the newly elected, and newly enthroned Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria.
We were very pleased to have Father Luke with us, and I know that our parishioners appreciate having time to chat and catch up with him during trapeza, happily discussing not only Church matters, but also history and archeology, discussing what’s happening in the families of the parish, as well as having practical advice. With his many years managing the Citizens’ Advice Bureau in Llanelli and in benefit advice work in Neath / Port-Talbot, Father Luke has a wealth of practical knowledge that many of our South Wales faithful have found helpful!
Many thanks to all who made the Liturgy and trapeza such a joyful celebration, especially to our choir and sisterhood.
We look forward to there being three priests and a hierodeacon the next time Father Luke is with us on Sunday 21 July, when we will be blessed by Father Mark “the Younger’s” first priestly Liturgy in the parish. This will also be the Summer feast of the Kazan icon. As I mentioned on WhatsApp… “the Sunday after Deacon Mark’s ordination will be the summer feast of the Kazan Icon, and even though we will keep the principal celebration in November, this year, it would be good to make Sunday 21st (not 20th, as I wrote!) a celebratory day. I hope that whilst having our usual bring-and-share lunch, we might “pull the stops out” a little to mark the feast and Father Mark’s first priestly Liturgy in the parish. There is no Llanelli Liturgy that day, with the intention that the Llanelli faithful will be able to be with us for a doubly-joyful celebration.”
This week will see the end of what is a short Apostles’ Fast for us, this year, and Great Vespers will be chanted in the Oratory Church at 15:00 on Thursday, following/followed by confessions, as needed. Confessions will also be heard in Nazareth House before Compline at 19:00. I know that this relocation complicates things, but the Oratory Church closes after the 17:30 evening devotions. Having the chance to not only hear confessions for those at work during the day, but also to chant Compline is an added blessing. The Liturgy for Saints Peter and Paul will be celebrated in the Oratory Church at 10:30 on Friday morning, and I will be able to hear quick confessions before hand, as well as having time for confessions in the afternoon.
Please let me know if you would like confession before Thursday vespers as soon as possible.
On Saturday, we will celebrate the Divine Liturgy for the Synaxis of the Apostles in the Chapel of St Lawrence in Warminster at 10:30, followed by a bring-and-share-lunch. Sunday will see our celebration of All Saints of Rus’ in Cardiff, the feast falling a week later this year, due to yesterday’s celebration of Saint John the Forerunner.
As Branka shared on WhatsApp, there has been a change of plan for provision of food for trapeza on ordination day in the cathedral, so assistance will be appreciated regarding provision of zakusky/starters, as well as dessert. Please let Branka know if you are able to assist.
I will be in the cathedral from Tuesday to Friday, next week, and serving in Walsingham for the first time this year the following week. Happily there will be much more time for confessions on the Sundays of those weeks, as our newly ordained priest will perform the proskomedia whilst I hear confessions.
Again – please keep Deacon Mark, Alla and Yuriy in your prayers as a momentous day draws near for them all.
Canon of the Theotokos, the acrostic whereof is: “I chant praise unto the Life-bearing Maiden”, Tone I
Ode I, Irmos: Traversing the impassible, uncommon path of the sea dry-shod, Israel the chosen cried aloud: Let us chant unto the Lord, for He hath been glorified!
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
The immaterial ladder of old, and the path of the sea made strangely firm, revealed thy birth-giving, O pure one. Her do we all hymn, for she hath been glorified!
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
The power of the Most High, the perfect Hypostasis, the Wisdom of God incarnate of thee, O all-pure one, hath conversed with men, for He hath been glorified!
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
The Sun of thy righteousness hath passed through the impassible door of thy locked womb, O pure one, and hath shone forth upon the world, for He hath been glorified!
Canon I of the saints, Tone VIII
Irmos: Having traversed the water as though it were dry land, and escaped the evil of Egypt, the Israelite cried aloud: Let us chant unto our Deliverer and God!
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
O God, grant that I may offer hymnody unto Peter, Who was pleasing unto Thee and glorified Thee on earth, that I may magnify Thee, the Giver of understanding, with hymns.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
To your homeland hath Christ shown you to be like an all-radiant sun, illumining with miracles all who have recourse to you with faith.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Having given no mind to the things of the body, hated earthly things as corruptible and renounced the world, ye have been vouchsafed the honour of the venerable. With them pray ye for the world.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
O all-pure Ever-virgin Theotokos, who gavest birth in the body to the eternal Word of the unoriginate Father, unto Him do we now cry aloud: Let us chant unto our Deliverer and God!
Canon II of the saints, the composition of Michael the Monk, Tone I
Irmos: Let us all chant a hymn of victory unto God, Who hath wrought marvellous wonders with His upraised arm and saved Israel, for He is glorious.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Assembling, let us praise as it meet the crowned and pious Peter and Fevronia, the bestowers of abundant miracles, who save our souls.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
With hymns and spiritual songs let us praise the blessed ones, crying thus: Rejoice, O all-lauded ones, all-radiant luminaries and steadfast helpers of our homeland!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Even though in the latter years the newly-enlightened Russian land gave rise to these blessed ones, yet have they been vouchsafed the honour of the ancients; for they impart gifts of miracles in abundance unto those who flee to them.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O most immaculate one, with thy light drive the gloom from my mind and deliver me from everlasting darkness, that I may hymn thy mighty works.
Ode III, Irmos: The bow of the mighty hath been broken by Thy might, O Christ, and the strengthless have girded themselves with power.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
He Who, as the Creator of time, is outside of all time, O Virgin, willingly made Himself a Child through thee.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
Let us hymn the womb that is far more spacious than the heavens, through which Adam came to make his abode in the heavens, rejoicing.
Irmos: O Lord, Fashioner of the vault of heaven and Creator of the Church: establish me in Thy love, O summit of desire, confirmation of the faithful, Who alone lovest mankind.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Be thou a helper for the helpless and merciful consolation for the grieving, O blessed Peter, that, delivered by your supplications, we may honour thee.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
As thou didst once commit the serpent to utter destruction, slaying him, O thrice blessed one, so now vanquish those who make war upon thy homeland, that we may glorify thee.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Behold our despondency; behold our grief; behold the misfortune that the enemy bringeth upon us! Wherefore, change it by your prayer unto the Lord, O Peter, that we may piously honour thee.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
Thee have all of us Christians acquired as a refuge and bulwark, and thee do we unceasingly glorify, O thou who knewest not wedlock.
Irmos: Let my heart be made steadfast in Thy will, O Christ God, Who didst establish the second heaven above the waters and didst found the earth upon the waters, O Almighty One.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
To the Russian lands hath God shown thee to be glorious in miracles, O all-blessed Peter, and hath adorned thee with heavenly gifts. Him do thou now entreat, that He have mercy on us all.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
O all-radiant beacons shining like another sun, illumine us who keep your memory, O all-blessed Peter and Fevronia.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
A conduit of gladness hath opened for us: the splendid day of the all-wise Peter and Fevronia, who grant great mercy unto those who hymn them with faith.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Deliver us from all perils, from the many temptations of the serpent and from darkness, O most immaculate one who for us gavest birth to the never-waning Light.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Sessional hymn, in Tone IV:O ye faithful, let us hasten to the blessed and splendid solemnity of Peter and Fevronia as to the shining sun, and let us unceasingly cry out: Even though ye have passed from this earth, O all-glorious ones, ye have not parted from us, but stand with the angels before the Trinity, Whom do ye entreat, that our souls be saved.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Christ our God Who became incarnate of thee have we acknowledged to be the Word of the Father, O Virgin Theotokos who alone art pure, alone art blessed. Wherefore, chanting, we unceasingly magnify thee.
Ode IV, Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, of Thy glorious dispensation, and I have glorified Thine unapproachable power, O Thou Who lovest mankind.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
Behold! the most manifest Mother of God, the divine mountain of the house of the Lord, is exalted far above the hosts of heaven.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
O Virgin, who, alone outside the laws of nature, gavest birth unto the Ruler of creation: thou hast been vouchsafed a divine calling.
Irmos: I have heard, O Lord, the mystery of Thy dispensation; I have understood Thy works, and have glorified Thy divinity.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
As a mediator and helper of thy homeland, be thou as one who scattereth the adversary, as an ally of thy people, who glorify thee, O Peter.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
As ye dwell in the mansions of heaven with the venerable and the righteous, O all-blessed Peter and Fevronia, never cease to pray for thy people.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Thee do we beseech, O all-blessed one: quell the uprisings of adversaries and ease the infirmities of men, that we may magnify thee with voices of praise.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
Grant us cleansing from our transgressions, in that Thou art all-good, and bring peace to Thy world, O God, through the supplications of her who gave Thee birth.
Irmos: Foreseeing in the Spirit the incarnation of the Word, O Prophet Habbakuk, thou didst announce, crying out: When the years draw nigh, Thou shalt be acknowledged; when the season cometh, Thou shalt be shown forth! Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Once, slaying the serpent, O blessed one, thou didst commit him to utter destruction. And so now also preserve thy homeland unassailed, O Peter, with Fevronia, by thy supplications.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Illumining your splendid feast with the radiance of the grace of the threefold Sun, O blessed one, from the passion-fraught darkness of the demons deliver those who keep thy memory with faith.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Today the holy festal day calleth the flock of monks to gladness, to a spiritual banquet, to the food of life incorruptible, to the divine delight of the wonderworkers.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Understanding through the Spirit of God, the prophet described thee beforehand as the mountain overshadowed, O pure one. By thy mediation, O Virgin, cool thou my soul, which withereth beneath the burning heat of many transgressions, for thou alone art the correction of men.
Ode V, Irmos: The burning Ember was revealed to Isaiah, and the Sun hath shone forth from the Virgin’s womb, granting the enlightenment of the knowledge of God to those who have gone astray in darkness.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
Clouds of darkness rain down delight upon those who are on earth, for unto us hath a Child been given, Who hath existed from before the ages: our God, Who is incarnate of the Virgin.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
Light hath shone forth upon my life and my flesh, and hath dispelled the gloom of sin: the most Exalted One, Who in the latter days was incarnate without seed of the Virgin.
Irmos: Wherefore hast Thou turned Thy face from me, O Light never-waning? And why hath a strange darkness covered me, wretch that I am? But turn me, and guide my steps to the light of Thy commandments, I pray.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
The ground that received your precious bodies hath been sanctified, O divinely blessed Peter and Fevronia; and receiving healing through you, men glorify Christ Who hath glorified you with might.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Even though ye have passed from this earth, yet have ye attained unto the abodes of heaven, where ye stand with the angels before the Trinity, Whom do ye entreat, that those who honour you with love may be saved, O blessed ones.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Having acquired you as all-radiant stars and a never-setting sun, your homeland boasteth, cherishing your all-honoured memory, O Peter and Fevronia.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
We hymn thee, who art virgin even after giving birth, O Theotokos; for for us thou gavest birth in the flesh to God the Word, to Whom we all cry out thus: Make straight our paths, we pray Thee!
Irmos: Shine forth thy radiant and everlasting light upon us who rise early unto the judgments of Thy commandments, O Master Christ our God, Who lovest mankind.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
O all-good twain! O all-radiant beacons! O goodly couple, who art a single light in two bodies! O ye who were goodly lamps unto your own life! Taking up the yoke of the Lord, ye followed Him with all your soul.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Your right wondrous and all-glorious memorial hath dawned in the Russian land, O blessed ones, and filleth with joy and gladness the assembly of the faithful, who earnestly glorify you in hymns, O holy ones.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
O ye hierarchs and priests, ye monks and lay folk, ye elders and youths, and people of every age: leap up with splendour, magnifying the memory of the all-glorious Peter and Fevronia in hymns.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Maiden, thou splendid temple of Christ, by thy supplications to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit make us also to be temples, O all-pure one, rendering us venerable.
Ode VI, Irmos: Hearkening unto the sound of cries of entreaty from a soul in pain, O Master, deliver me from my grievous sins, for Thou alone art the Cause of our salvation.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
Human nature, enslaved to sin, hath obtained freedom through thee, O pure Lady; for thy Son hath been sacrificed like a lamb.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
We all cry out to thee, the true Mother of God: Save thou thy servants, the objects of wrath, for thou alone hast boldness before thy Son.
Irmos: Cleanse me, O Saviour, for many are my transgressions; and lead me up from the abyss of evils, I pray, for to Thee have I cried, and Thou hast hearkened to me, O God of my salvation.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
O all-honoured couple! O great luminaries! Sanctify and glorify those who with love glorify you in hymns, O wonderworkers.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
As an all-radiant twain and an all-honoured summit and couple, who took up the yoke of the Lord, ye served Him with all your soul.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
As good counsellors for your own way of life, possessing a single mind in two bodies, ye illumine the world with miracles; wherefore, illumine us also by your supplications.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
The voices of the prophets make clear that thou art the Mother of God, O Virgin; and beholding the fulfilment of their honoured prophecies, we also hymn thee, who art truly the abode of virginity and purity.
Irmos: Imitating the Prophet Jonah, I cry out: O Good One, free my life from corruption! O Saviour of the world, save me who cry out: Glory to Thee!
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
From a most honourable root didst thou arise, an all-glorious scion, O Peter; and having lived on earth in piety, thou didst become a pure receptacle of the Holy Spirit, Who enlighteneth those who now hymn thy memory.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
The land of Russia is now filled with gladness on the appointed day of your feast, O all-glorious wonderworkers; and chanting, it saith thus: Entreat Christ to preserve your homeland from alien nations.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Ye are the helpers of orphans and widows, unassailable allies amid tribulations, the calm haven of all who have recourse unto you, and their true consolation amid sins.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Christ our God hath wrought mighty works in thee, O pure one. Him do thou ever beseech, that in us also He may magnify His mercy, O all-immaculate Mistress.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion, in Tone VIII:Pondering the transitory glory and governance of this world, for this thou didst live piously in peace with the all-wise Fevronia thy spouse, O Peter, pleasing God with almsgiving and prayers. Wherefore, lying inseparably in the tomb even after death, ye invisibly impart healing. Pray ye now unto Christ, that He preserve your city and the people who glorify you.
Ikos: Make clear my tongue and pacify my heart; enlarge my mouth and fill it with the Spirit and wisdom, that therewith I may give utterance and chant thus to Thy wonderworkers: Rejoice with the all-praised Fevronia, O blessed Peter; Rejoice, allies of the land of Russia and helpers of Orthodox princes! Rejoice, preservers of our homeland and confirmation of our city! O all-honoured twain and goodly couple, pray ye to Christ, that He preserve the city and people who glorify you!
Ode VII, Irmos: The youths of old showed themselves to be rhetors with the greatest love of wisdom, for, theologising with their lips, they sang from the depths of their God-pleasing souls: O most divine God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
At night Jacob beheld God as in a dream, and He Who was incarnate of thee hath manifested Himself in splendour unto those who chant: Most divine and supremely glorified is the God of our fathers!
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
He Who wrestled with Jacob, prefiguring the ineffable union in thee, O pure one, whereby He willingly united Himself to mankind, is the most divine and supremely glorified God of our fathers!
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
The vile one who had not proclaimed Thee, the Son of the Virgin, to be One of the all-hymned Trinity, cried out with steadfast thought and with his tongue: Most divine and supremely glorified is the God of our fathers!
Irmos: Once, in Babylon, the youths who had come forth from Judæa trod down the flame of the furnace with their faith in the Trinity, chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
O all-blessed Peter and all-praised Fevronia, deliver those who flee unto you amid sickness and who cry out unto Christ: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Be ye a refuge for all and tranquillity untouched by storms for those amid sins, that with you we also may cry out to Christ: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Be ye a refuge for me on the day of wrath, O divinely blessed ones, for I walk among many snares; wherefore, deliver me from them, that I may hymn you.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Today the all-glorious memorial of Peter and Fevronia hath shone forth in the world like the sun; and gathering together for it, we all chant thus: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
The Drop, divinely flowing, that was born of thee, O Virgin Theotokos, hath sanctified the world. Pour forth upon me the drops of mercy that sanctify the souls and minds of those on earth.
Irmos: The young men raised together in piety, disdaining the impious command, feared not the threat of the fire, but, standing in the midst of the flame, they chanted: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Among all lands did the word spread that all-glorious wonderworkers had appeared to the city of Murom, who grant a multitude of healings unto all who have recourse unto them and hymn them with faith.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Lo! From all cities and lands have hierarchs and priests, monks and lay folk, the rich and the poor, hastened now, all of them rejoicing together, to render praise unto you, O ye who are blessed of God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Like a flower didst thou flourish in thy miracles, O all-glorious Peter, as saith the prophet: The righteous man shall flourish like a palm-tree. Wherefore, all of us now glorify thee, O blessed one.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Thee, O most holy and pure one, do thy servants ever entreat, day and night, with contrite mind, asking that we be granted deliverance from our sins through thy supplications.
Ode VIII,Irmos: The thrice-blessed youths, disdaining the golden image and beholding the immutable and living image of God, chanted in the midst of the fire: Let all existing creation hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
Through thee did He Who is incomparable in grace and might become visible on earth and dwell with men. Chanting unto Him, O all ye faithful, let us cry out: Let all existing creation hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
Truly proclaiming thee the pure one, we glorify thee, O Theotokos, for thou gavest birth to the One of the Trinity Who became incarnate. And to Him, with the Father and the Spirit, we sing: Let all existing creation hymn the Lord and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Irmos: The King of heaven, Whom the hosts of angels hymn, praise and exalt ye supremely for all ages!
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Wash away and forgive our offences, O Sinless One, through the supplications of Peter and Fevronia who pleased Thee, that we may hymn Thee, O Christ, forever.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Accept the praise offered thee with an unworthy hand from the depths of my heart, O blessed ones, and make entreaty on our behalf unto Christ God.
Most Holy Trinity, our God, glory to Thee.
Remit the offences of the singers who hymn Thee, O all-holy Trinity, in that Thou art all-good, through the supplications of Peter and Fevronia, that we may hymn Thee forever.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
As thou art the vessel of divinity, O pure one, enlighten me, that I may walk in the commandments of the Light Who shone forth from thy womb and hath illumined the hearts of the faithful, O all-pure one,.
Irmos: Him of Whom the angels and all the hosts of heaven stand in awe as their Creator and Lord, hymn, ye priests; glorify, ye children; bless, ye people, and exalt Him supremely for all ages!
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
The ranks of angels praise you, O all-glorious ones, and the generations of men hymn you unceasingly, celebrating your memory with faith.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
O Christ God, grant me the intelligence and sense to hymn the all-glorious wonderworkers with worthy praises, that, rejoicing, I may hymn their memory.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Truly victory hath been proclaimed by the faithful, for Peter and Fevronia have shown themselves to be mighty allies amid misfortunes.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Cure the passions of my heart, O all-pure one who gavest birth to God the King; and show me to share in the lot of the righteous, O Virgin Theotokos, entreating Christ thy Son.
Ode IX, Irmos: Thou art all desire, all sweetness, O Word of God, Son of the Virgin, God of gods, all-holy Lord of the saints. Wherefore, we magnify Thee and her who gaveth Thee birth.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
In thy womb, O pure one, the Word of God was given to corruptible nature as a staff of strength. And He restored what had been dragged down to hell. Wherefore, we magnify thee, O all-pure one, as the Theotokos.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
O Master, mercifully accept Thy Mother as an intercessor on our behalf, as Thou hast willed, and all things will be filled with Thy goodness, that we all may magnify Thee as our Benefactor.
Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, we confess thee to be in truth the Theotokos, magnifying thee with the incorporeal choirs.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Possessed of a conscience pure before God from your youth, ye therefore lived in piety and have passed over to the Most High. Entreat Christ God on our behalf, that we may honour you with love.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
As ye stand before the Holy Trinity with the venerable and the righteous, O blessed ones, pray ye that He deliver us from wrath and every threat, that we may unceasingly magnify you.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Thy people beseech thee, O Peter blessed of God: with the all-wise Fevronia, with whom ye lived a God-pleasing life in the world, entreat Christ to deliver us from all evils.
Most Holy Mother of God, save us.
O great wonder! How did Christ God, Whom naught can contain, make His abode in thy womb? Beseech Him on behalf of those who praise thee, O Virgin, that He ever deliver us from misfortunes and from iniquitous men.
Irmos: The radiant cloud upon which the Unoriginate Master of all descended from heaven, like rain upon the fleece, and of whom He was incarnate, becoming man for our sake, let us all magnify as the pure Mother of God.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Comely of soul and body, and resplendent in piety, O glorious Peter, full of divine understanding and wisdom thou wast an instrument of the Holy Spirit; and thou hast passed over, rejoicing, to immortal life, to endless bliss.
Holy Wonderworkers, Peter and Fevronia, pray to God for us.
Your feast hath appeared like the morn, like the radiant day, O glorious ones, and all manner of healings pour forth from your shrine like a stream, watering the hearts of the faithful, who honour you with love.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
You have been found to be a great shield and a mighty fortress for the land of Russia, O blessed Peter and Fevronia, the boast of the Orthodox people and their glory among all the nations. And now we beseech you to preserve our homeland from barbarian invasion.
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O most immaculate one who gavest birth to the divine Light, enlighten me who am benighted by all the assaults of the evil one, who live in despondency and anger God, and guide me unto good works, for thou art the cause of all good things.
Troparion, Tone VIII:Having lived well in piety, O blessed Peter, thou wast like a most precious offshoot of the root of piety; and thus having pleased God in peace with thy spouse, the all-wise Fevronia, ye were vouchsafed the life of the holy monastics. With them pray ye to the Lord, that He preserve your homeland unharmed, that we may honour you unceasingly.
Ode I, Irmos: Let us all chant a triumphant hymn unto God * Who wrought wondrous miracles * with His upraised arm, * and saved Israel, * for He hath been glorified.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, О most pure sanctuary, О Virgin, adornment of the angels and receptacle of the Spirit, О immaculate Bride of the Unoriginate Father and Mother of God the Word!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou art a Queen, in that thou art the daughter of the King, О Lady Theotokos, having produced and given birth to God the King in the flesh; and thou reignest with Him.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
From the manifold misfortunes of my whole life do thou deliver me, О intercessor, that I may raise my voice in thanksgiving to thee: О pure Theotokos, rescue me from the torment which is to come!
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The Church proclaimeth thy birthgiving with Orthodox doctrines and divine hymnody, О Virgin Bride of God, for it venerateth the signs of the incarnation of thy Son.
Ode III, Irmos: The stone which the builders have rejected, * the same hath become the cornerstone: * this is the rock upon which Christ hath established the Church, * which He hath redeemed from among the nations.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
As thou hast the glory of virginity, thou hast been invested with the grace of the Holy Spirit, О most pure Mary, who hast been shown to be the Theotokos. О new and hidden mystery! For how dost thou remain a virgin, having given birth to God in the flesh?
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Who can recount what Thou hast done, О Lord? For Thou hast shown Thyself to be the Son of one who should have been cursed to give birth to children amid grief. Yea, the fallen nature of women rejoiceth in Thee our God, because of the Theotokos.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Through thee, О most pure Mary, who alone art the Theotokos, hath the world been freed from the tempest of transgressions. Wherefore, having thee as a haven of salvation, we the faithful praise thy mighty works with hymnody.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The prophets of old hymned thy virginity, saying that thou wouldst give birth within time to the Timeless One, to the Word Who is beyond words, Christ our God, One of the Trinity. Him doth the Church honour with images, О pure Mary.
Ode IV, Irmos: Foreseeing in the Spirit O Prophet Habbakuk, * the incarnation of the Word, * thou didst proclaim, crying aloud: * When the years draw nigh, Thou shalt be known; * when the season cometh, Thou shalt be shown forth! * Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
In many ways the mirror of the divine prophets, sevenfold in radiance, hymneth thy prefigurations; and we, receiving the signs of thy departure in deed, believe thee to be the true Theotokos, beholding thee in matter.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Honouring thee as the true Mother of God as is meet, О pure Virgin, we offer our own cry to thee, who wast proclaimed in the law and the prophets: Rejoice, О joyous one! The Lord is with thee!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Behold! the Theotokos, the divine mountain, which Habbakuk saw manifestly overshadowed with the virtues, hath shone forth in the world. And through her we who of old fell away through disobedience have straightway drawn nigh again to God.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Blessed is the tongue which hath been deemed worthy to honour thy birthgiving with Orthodox faith and doctrine and works, О most pure and pure one, truly showing forth all the images of the incarnation of thy Son.
Ode V, Irmos: Seeking Thee early in the morn, * we sing Thy praises, O Christ God, * who for our sake became poor * and in Thy flesh * endured the Cross and death.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
In a secret and hidden manner Moses revealed thee as the bush which burned without being consumed, О Lady Theotokos; for thy material womb was not consumed by the Godhead.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou art my strength, thou art my boast and joy! Thou art my preserver, my help, refuge and mine invincible intercessor, О most holy Virgin Theotokos. Wherefore, save thou thy servant!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Turn not away from the praise of our defiled lips, О most pure Theotokos; for there is no one on earth who dare hymn thee as is meet.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
He Who was born from the Virgin is One Being in two natures: Invisible God and visible Man, Who for our sake assumed the likeness of men.
Ode VI, Irmos: Emulating the Prophet Jonah, I cry aloud: * Free Thou my life from corruption, O Good One; * and save me who crieth out: * O Saviour of the world, Glory be to Thee!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The seven-branched candlestand of the prophets perceived thee to be the noetic lamp-stand, О Virgin, manifestly showing forth the activity of the Spirit Who shineth forth within thee.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
О Virgin, thou wast, truly shown to be the tree of Life which hath slain the deceiving serpent with thy fruit, having given birth to Christ God, our Life.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Beauteous praises should not be offered to thee from defiled lips, О pure Mother of our God; rather, behold thou the desire of my soul, and accept it.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The iniquitous rage in tumult of bitter unbelief when they behold the assemblies of the Orthodox venerating thine image, О Virgin.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Sessional hymn, Tone I: Guide thou my wretched life, О pure one, and take pity on my soul, which hath stumbled into the abyss of perdition through many transgressions, О all-immaculate one; and at the hour of my death free me from the accusing demons and from the terrible sentence.
Ode VII, Irmos: Thy children who were in the furnace O Saviour, * were neither touched nor troubled by The fire. * Whereupon the three sang, as with a single mouth * Thy praises and blessed Thee, saying: * ‘O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou.’
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou hast been revealed to be all-adorned with the virtues, with glory and the honour of virginity, О Bride of God; for thy comeliness is truly most beautiful in magnificence, and the Lord Who loveth thee hath brought Thee, His divine Mother, to Himself.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou hast manifestly become a staff of uprightness, a most precious staff of royalty; wherefore, thou didst bring forth as fruit, the Word of God, which the miracle of Aaron’s rod clearly prefigured of old.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Having defiled my body, mind and soul with many carnal passions, О pure one, how can I hymn the beauty of thy virtues? I am at a loss and am afraid. Yet be thou thyself my helper through thy supplications.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
I honour the union of Thine incarnation, О Christ, and I reverently venerate the image thereof, for, though Thou art the pre-eternal God, yet didst Thou become an immutable man, being perfect in both natures.
Ode VIII, Irmos: Him of whom the angels and all the hosts of heaven are in awe * as their Lord and Creator, * ye priests hymn, ye children praise, * ye peoples bless and supremely exalt * throughout all ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Let the divine sanctity of God be hymned, whereby the world hath been delivered from corruption! Let all who have fallen then rise up, for Mary hath given birth to Christ, our salvation!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
We hymn thee, О most pure Mother of God. Who will not glorify thee, who art truly good, the hope of our souls? Wherefore, О most holy one, accept thou our cries.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Adorn yourselves today with hymns, О ye faithful! Ye angels and men, give glory together; for the devil and despair are fallen! Mary hath for us given birth to our hope of salvation!
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
О ye who are blind, describe not the Godhead, and tell no falsehoods! For He is simply invisible and unseeable. Yet, depicting the image of the flesh, I venerate it, and with faith I glorify the Virgin who gave birth to the Lord.
Ode IX, Irmos: The light-bearing cloud upon whom * the Unoriginate Master of all descended from heaven, * like the dew upon the fleece, * and of whom He was incarnate, * becoming a man for our sake, * let us all magnify as the pure Mother of God.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Rejoice, О Mary, thou great wonder of all creation! Rejoice, О daughter of David and Mother of the Lord! Rejoice, subject of Gabriel’s hymnody! Rejoice, О pure one, thou refuge, confirmation and help of all sinners on earth!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The wondrous Joachim and the godly Anna, beholding on earth Mary, the Mother of the Creator, to whom they gave birth as a daughter, hymn her through the divine Spirit and chant songs of thanksgiving. By her supplications save us all, in that Thou art God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
О most holy Virgin Mother of God Most High, thy birthgiving on earth hath been shown to be the salvation of sinners and the lowly; for in thee have we been saved who have faith. Yet save me also, now and throughout all the living ages.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
I know the Word to be incarnate, yet immutable. Wherefore, I hymn Thee with faith, Who art in two natures but one hypostasis. And proclaiming Thee to be truly God and man, I end my hymnody.
Ode I, Irmos: Thy victorious right arm, * in a manner befitting God, * hath been glorified in strength, O Immortal One; * for in its infinite strength it shattered the enemy, * fashioning anew a path for the Israelites through the deep.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Ineffably didst thou conceive God, О most pure Lady, and supra-naturally didst thou give birth to Him Who hath set mortals free from their transgressions. Wherefore, I entreat thee: Deliver me from my manifold transgressions!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Though I am engulfed by tribulations and the abyss of countless sins and sorrows, yet through thy mighty guidance and supplication, О all-immaculate one, do thou direct me to the divine stillness of repentance.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
From the manifold misfortunes of my whole life do thou deliver me, О intercessor, that I may raise my voice in thanksgiving to thee: О pure Theotokos, rescue me from the torment which is to come!
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Still thou the assaults of evil circumstances and perils, О all-immaculate Mother of our Redeemer, Creator and God, granting me the grace of salvation and purification.
Ode III, Irmos: Thou alone knowest the weakness of human nature * and in compassion hast assumed its form; * do Thou gird me with power from on high, * that I may cry unto Thee: * Holy is the animate temple of Thine ineffable glory, O Lover of mankind!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The sight of thy pure face delights the angels, and is salvific to mortals, but it is terrible to the spirits of wickedness! And, honouring and venerating it with faith, О Theotokos, we illumine our souls
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
With virginal blood from thee, the Creator and Lord wrapped Himself in flesh. О all-immaculate one, entreat Him, that, in His ineffable mercy, He take pity on me who am become corrupt through mine unseemly deeds.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Having acquired thee as a preserver of our life and an unassailable rampart, may I also find thee after mine end to be a protection and an invincible helper, leading me to God and granting me glory and life everlasting, О most immaculate one.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Seedless was thy conception, and incorrupt thy birthgiving, О pure one; for God was manifestly born, setting aright the fall of human nature. Wherefore, we hymn thee, who art the true Theotokos.
Ode IV, Irmos:Perceiving thee with prophetic eyes * as the mountain overshadowed by the grace of God, * Habbakuk proclaimed that the Holy One of Israel * would come forth from thee, * for our salvation and restoration.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
An unrestrainable urge for evil doth seize me through the activity of the enemy and mine own wicked habits. Help me, О Lady, that the most pernicious one not fall upon me utterly, depriving me of repentance through death.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
All the time of my life have I squandered in the prodigality of wickedness; and now the servants thereof lead my lowly soul into cruel woundings. Help me, О Virgin Birthgiver of God!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
О all-immaculate one, hearken to my cry of pain, which I bring forth in groans from the depths of my soul; and grant me release from the debts which, wretch that I am, I have incurred through my mindless thoughts and character.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
О Sovereign Lady of the world, О Theotokos, help me! The most wicked enemy seeketh evilly to devour me through my grievous imaginings and thoughts, which separate me from God. Wherefore, forsake me not, neither disdain me.
Ode V, Irmos: Thou hast shone upon us with the radiance * of Thy coming O Christ, * and illumined the ends of the world with Thy Cross, * enlighten with the light of thine understanding * the hearts of those who with right worship hymn Thee.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Behold, I have acquired a ready assistance toward salvation! Wherefore, I fall down before thee and cry out with tears: О Theotokos, deliver me from the darts of the alien and from the difficult tests that are to come!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou art my strength, thou art my boast and joy! Thou art my preserver, my help, refuge and mine invincible intercessor, О most holy Virgin Theotokos. Wherefore, save thou thy servant!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
With the sprinkling of thy divine supplication, О most pure Theotokos, cleanse my wretched soul which hath been defiled by the passions, granting it the splendid vesture of thy salvation.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Thou art the steady guidance of my life, delivering it from the threefold billows of many evil circumstances even at the time of my departure. I beseech thee: Stand thou forth, saving me, О Mother of Christ God!
Ode VI, Irmos: The deepest abyss hath surrounded us, * and there is none to deliver us, * yea we have been counted as sheep for the slaughter; * save Thy people O our God, * for thou art the strength and restoration of the weak.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
О most pure Birthgiver of God who knewest not wedlock, extend thy hand unto me and rescue me from the abyss of the evils which, wretch that I am, I have brought upon my passion-plagued soul through mindlessness.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Arise thou, О pure one, to aid thy servant who, placing my hope in thee and God, hastens to thine invincible aid, that the enemy be not able to seize and destroy me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
О Theotokos, I beseech thee, the healer of the sick, raising of the fallen and cleansing of the sinful, and with tears I fall down and cry out to thee: As thou art mighty, save me who am perishing!
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Have mercy upon my lowly soul, О pure one, go thou before it and rescue it, snatching it from the talons of the evil one; for he seeketh to send it into the abyss because of the evils which my great slothfulness hath wrought.
Lord, have mercy.Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Sessional hymn, Tone I:О pure one, we have all acquired thee as our supplicant before the Lord, and we hasten to thy holy church, asking help of thee, О Ever-virgin. Wherefore, deliver us who bless thee from the malice of the demons, from torment and dread condemnation.
Ode VII, Irmos: We the faithful perceive thee, O Theotokos, * to be a noetic furnace; * for as He, the supremely exalted One, * saved the three children, * so hath He wholly refashioned fallen humanity, in thy womb, * O Thou praised and supremely glorified God of our fathers.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou wast a divine tabernacle for the Master, having conceived Him in thy womb and given birth to Him in the flesh, О only immaculate one. Wherefore, deliver us from sufferings, pain, tribulations and debts, for thou hast might and great power.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
О pure Lady, put an end to the unbearable pain of my most wretched soul, giving me true joy and freeing me from the raging billows of my many transgressions. For thou art my refuge and deliverance.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
On thee have I set all my hope of salvation; for I have acquired thee as an invincible tower and foundation, a token of steadfastness, and through thee I hope to receive the kingdom, О Lady.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Thou wast the dawning of the Sun of glory, О pure Lady; for through thee hath He, appearing, freed all from darkness and ignorance, and from fetid transgressions. Wherefore, I cry to thee: Free me from the outer darkness!
Ode VIII, Irmos: In the furnace as in a fiery smelter * the Israelite children shone more brightly than gold * with the beauty of godliness, * as they exclaimed: Bless the Lord all ye works of the Lord, * hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The turmoil of the passions cruelly afflicts my soul, О Theotokos. As thou hast given birth to the Author and Bestower of peace and tranquillity, О pure one, fill me with serene joy and gladness, preserving me in peace.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou hast been revealed to us as the mediatress of salvation who hast given birth to the Saviour and Master of all, О Theotokos. Wherefore, I entreat thee: Grant salvation to my lowly soul, that with faith I may sing hymns to thee throughout all ages.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Having ineffably conceived the God and Creator of all, save me from corruption and from every temptation, and grant that I may ever cry: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord! Hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
О Virgin, thou hast given birth to the God and Creator of all. Him do thou beseech, that He grant cleansing from transgressions and deliverance from tribulations, perils, from everlasting-fire and condemnation, to those who unceasingly glorify thy glory.
Ode IX, Irmos: The Bush, which burnt without being consumed, * prefigured thy pure birthgiving, O Theotokos. * Wherefore we now entreat Thee: * quench the raging furnace of temptations that beset us, * that we may unceasingly magnify Thee.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
О all-immaculate Mother of God, open unto me the depths of thy mercy, and deliver me from the mouth of the noetic wolf, who seeketh to devour and ruin me. Have mercy, I pray thee, and turn not away from me, thy shameful servant.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Be thou the intercessor for my whole life and my steadfast aid, О all-pure one, and deliver me from manifold perils and grief, and from the blasphemy of mine enemies, and deliver me from everlasting fire.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Thou alone art the visitation of the sick. Thou alone art the setting aright of the fallen. Thou alone art our guide and entry unto God. Thou alone art the mediatress of everlasting good things. Have mercy upon me, who alone have sinned more than all others!
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Accept thou my tearful supplication, and grant me remission of the offenses and many evils which I have committed, О Theotokos, all-hymned Lady; for I perish utterly in my boundless despair.
Ode I, Irmos: Having been delivered from bitter slavery, * Israel traversed the impassable as though dry land; * and beholding the enemy drowned, * they chanted unto God as to their Redeemer, * Who worketh wonders with His upraised arm, * for He hath been glorified.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Praising thee, О Queen of all, the captains of the angelic ranks were filled with awe and fear, and every mind, because of thy goodness, hymneth thee as the Mot her of the Creator; for thou hast surpassed every form of laudation, having given birth to Christ.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Troubled by grievous temptations and afflicted by mine enemies, wretch that I am, I cry out, weeping: Stretch forth thy hand to me from on high, О thou who art exceeding rich, delivering me; and by thy supplications grant that I may live free from danger.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
With the balm of thy tender compassion heal thou the secret transgressions of my soul, and calm the assaults of my flesh, О Theotokos; and, turning back the spears and darts of the enemy upon them, do thou mightily pierce their hearts.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Thy virginal womb which gave birth to Christ hath destroyed the ancient pasture of the slayer of mankind; wherefore, all creation now rejoiceth, О most pure one, having been restored to life, with one accord hymning thy Son and God.
Ode III, Irmos: Let no mortal boast in his wisdom or wealth, * but rather in his faith in the Lord, * crying out to Christ God in an Orthodox manner, * ever chanting: do Thou Establish me O Master, * upon the rock of Thy commandments!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Once, the great Jacob, sleeping on the way, and beholding angels descending from on high to the earth by a ladder, marveled, О Virgin; and, having awakened, he clearly described thee beforehand as the portal of heaven.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Cast into misfortune by temporal restraint, wretch that I am, and beset by perilous tempests, I cry aloud: Woe is me! О thou who gavest birth to God and hast lifted up our horn, save me by thy supplications!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Stretching forth thy mighty hand from heaven, О Christ, King of all, put Thou the heads of the enemies, perceptible and noetic, under the feet of those who with faith proclaim Thy Mother to be the Theotokos, О my Jesus.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Isaiah, of old, purified by the burning coal of the Spirit, cried out that a Son would manifestly be born of thy womb, О Virgin who art exceeding rich, and to Whom in latter times thou hast given birth without a man for my sake.
Ode IV, Irmos: Of old, Habbakuk heard wondrous report of Thee O Christ, * and cried aloud in fear: * God shall come forth from Theman, * the Holy One from the mountain overshadowed and densely wooded, * to save His anointed ones! * Glory to Thy power, O Lord!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thee, О Mother of God, hath the ruler of the world described beforehand as comely and all-honoured among women, as coming up from the wilderness, and bearing Christ, thine Offspring, in thine arms; and he cried: Glory to Thy power, О Lord!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Incline thine ear unto me, О good one, behold mine oppression and the increase of my tribulations! For, lifting up the eyes of my soul to thee, О Lady, and bending my knees as I weep, I now pray, crying: Bring an end to the turmoil of my temptations!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Knowing thee to be an unassailable rampart, moved to entreaty, I, thy servant, now flee to thee, and I reckon the missiles of the enemy as impotent as the darts of children, О thou who art exceeding rich. Wherefore, rejoicing, I cry: Glory to thy birthgiving, О Mother of God!
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The power of the Most High overshadowed thee with the visitation of the divine Spirit, О Virgin, and then, beyond nature, the Lord of all, having endowed flesh and soul with life, united them to Himself, bringing life thereto and remaining in the same nature.
Ode V, Irmos: Do Thou shine forth O Christ Thy never-waning light * upon the hearts of those who hymn Thee with faith, * granting us peace beyond understanding; * Wherefore by Thy light we flee the night of ignorance * coming unto the day, * glorifying Thee O Lover of mankind.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Once, foreseeing thee, О all-hymned one, as a divine, unquarried mountain, Daniel manifestly cried aloud: From thee let the Stone of divine generation be cut: Christ, the Saviour of the world! Honouring Him now, we the faithful praise thee, О Bride of God.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I have fallen under many dangers, wretch that I am, and, praying with pain of heart and weeping, I, thy servant, cry out unashamedly: О Birthgiver of God, deliver my lowliness from besetting pains, and fill me with gladness!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Calm the raging sea of my passions by thy mighty supplication, О good one who hast given birth to Christ without suffering, that, living now in tranquility of soul, I may praise thee in hymns for the rest of my life.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Tell me: how bearest thou God in thine arms; and how dost thou give suck to Him Who holdeth all things in His hand, О all-blessed Virgin? And she said: “Having given birth unto Christ God, I remain pure, taking away the debt of Adam and our first mother!”
Ode VI, Irmos: I am held fast in boundless passions, * and have fallen into the sea- monster of evil; * but do Thou lead me up from corruption O God, * as once Thou didst Jonah, * and by faith grant me dispassion, * that I may offer a noetic sacrifice of praise and salvation * unto Thee.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Without departing from His place in the bosom of the Father, the pre-eternal Son rested in the bosom of His Mother. He, Who with the Father is before the ages, hath in latter times issued forth from the womb of the Virgin, leading all up to life immortal in His ineffable goodness.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Bound through malice by the chains of the enemy, I have been cast down to the bars of hell. Woe is me! Yet, appearing from heaven, О pure divine Maiden, stand thou before me, thy servant, raising me up by thy supplications, and grant a helping hand to me who hymn thy divine birthgiving.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Wretch that I am, I have fallen into the pit of destruction, and many wild beasts surround me; yet, deflect their assaults by thy supplications, as with stones, О Lady, and keep thy servant unharmed; for thou didst bear in thy womb Christ, the Chief Cornerstone.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Of old, the choir of the divine prophets proclaimed the images of thy birthgiving, О Virgin, calling thee the radiant cloud, the lampstand, the jar, the table, the dew of heaven, the bread, the manna and the door, the throne and the palace, the rod and paradise, in that thou hast given birth to Christ.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Sessional Hymn, Tone I: Fleeing with love for thy goodness, we all know thee to be the Mother of God, who wast truly revealed as a virgin even after giving birth; for we sinners have thee as our intercessor, and we have acquired thee as our salvation amid misfortunes, the only all-immaculate one.
Ode VII, Irmos: Having passed through the unbearable flame of the furnace * as though it were a bridal-chamber, * the children who for the sake of piety, * were revealed as holy * chanted together, singing the hymn: * O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The Pre-eternal One, passing through thine impassable doors, О Queen of all, preserved the tokens of thy virginity pure and intact, even after giving birth. Wherefore, we cry aloud: О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Cast into the furnace, I am consumed by the sevenfold flames of soul-slaying perils; yet do thou thyself rain down dew upon me by thine entreaties, О good Lady, that I may cry: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Having grown old through the passions, through unremitting misfortunes and tribulations, and having reached the sunset of my life devoid of the virtues and devoured by slothfulness, I cry to thee, О Lady: О consolation of mortals, have mercy on me!
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Worshipping the Trinity in Unity in an Orthodox manner, and proclaiming thee, О pure Virgin Mother, to be the one who gave birth to God in the flesh, in a godly manner we mortals chant: О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!
Ode VIII, Irmos: The furnace moist with dew * was an image and prefiguring of a wonder past nature, * burning not the Children whom it had received, * so the fire of the Godhead consumed not the Virgin’s womb * into which it had descended. * Therefore in song let us sing: * Let the whole creation bless the Lord * and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The supremely true word of the priest prefigured thy birthgiving, О Virgin; for thou didst truly give birth to the Word of God, and thy womb, through which God passed, He did not rend apart. Wherefore, rejoicing as is meet, with one accord we hymn thee, the Theotokos, as is due, and exalt thee, the pure one, throughout all ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
With divine fire burn up the uncultivated thorns which have grown up in my soul, О most pure one, and by thy supplications raise me up to the virtues, that I may bear fruit for Christ; for the ever-living Flower, having sprung forth from thee, hath adorned all creation. Wherefore, we honour thee, the pure Theotokos, throughout all ages.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Quickly and painlessly grant me healing amid evils, О Birthgiver of God; for, having fallen into afflictions and perils, wretch that I am, I invoke thy quickness to help, lamenting. Wherefore, О most pure one, hasten thou to rescue me and save me from every torment, that, blessing thee, I may hymn thy birthgiving.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Of old, the rod of Aaron that budded forth prefigured thee, О Virgin; for, budding forth, thou alone hast given birth without a man, having now received the Rain of heaven in thy womb. Wherefore, in gladness we hymn thee, the Theotokos, as is due, and supremely exalt thee throughout all ages.
Ode IX, Irmos: Ineffable is the mystery of the Virgin: * for she is heaven and the throne of the cherubim, * and hath been revealed as the radiant bridal- chamber * of Christ God Almighty. * Wherefore we piously magnify her as the Theotokos.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Most glorious is the mystery of the Virgin! For Him Whom the vast spaces above the heavens could not contain was contained within her womb. Wherefore, assembling, we call her blessed, and in gladness we magnify her with faith.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Seeing thee alone as higher than the heavens, the radiance of God, the throne of the cherubim and the bridal chamber, the holy couch, О undefiled one, we mortals, praising Christ our God, magnify Him to Whom thou hast given birth through thy pure loins.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Round about me are many afflictions; and evil misfortunes, sickness and grievous sins, now assailing me, have cast me into the pit. Wherefore, in the bitterness of my soul, I pray: О most holy Theotokos, find deliverance for me!
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Through the entreaties of the pure divine Maiden, О Christ, bring peace to the world, casting the power of the enemy down beneath the feet of the faithful and, establishing unutterable tranquility thereby, preserve it throughout all ages.
Ode I, Irmos: Let us sing unto the Lord, * who led His people through the Red Sea: * for He alone hath gloriously been glorified.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Mortify the understanding of my flesh, О most pure Virgin who hast given birth unto life, and deliver me from every torment.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
With the most radiant splendour of Him Who shone forth from thee, О Virgin, enlighten the eyes of my soul, that I may glorify thee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Pray thou, О holy Lady who alone art the Theotokos, that I may obtain salvation and divine radiance on the day of judgment.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
О most holy Theotokos who without pain hast given birth unto Christ in a manner transcending understanding and all telling: quell thou the pangs of my heart.
Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, thou art the confirmation of those who flee to Thee, * Thou art the Light of those in darkness, * and my spirit doth hymn Thee.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
By thy prayers deliver me from the darts of the enemy, О most pure one, and spare my heart from besetting thoughts.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Heal thou the wounds of my soul, О most immaculate Mother of God, and By thy prayers still the turmoil of my heart.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Subdue the chaos of my thoughts, О pure Lady, and take from, my soul every grief, О thou who hast given birth unto Joy.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Rejoice, О Virgin Mother of Christ, thou salvation of those who have recourse unto thee! Rejoice, О boast of the apostles and martyrs!
Ode IV, Irmos: O Lord, I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation; * I have considered Thy works, * and I have glorified Thy Divinity.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
О Word of God Who wast wounded for my sake in Thy love for mankind: Heal the wounds of my soul, and enlighten the darkness of my mind.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The sleep of sin hath overtaken me through the slumber of my slothfulness, О Virgin. But by thy vigilant supplication rouse me to repentance.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
О most immaculate one who hast poured forth the water of remission from thy wellsprings: Give drink to my heart, which hath grown dry through all manner of transgressions.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
О all-holy Bride of God, Sovereign Lady of the world: save me, delivering me from misfortunes and dispelling the tumult of the passions.
Ode V, Irmos: Rising early we cry to Thee, O Lord; * save us, for Thou art our God, * and we know none other besides Thee.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Look down, О most pure Lady, hearken unto my voice, and wash away all mine iniquities.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
О Theotokos who hast given birth to the never-setting Sun, enlighten me who have become wholly dark through the passions, that I may glorify and praise thee, О most immaculate one.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Have pity on my soul, О most holy Maiden, and deliver it from damnation and everlasting torment.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Heal mine ailing soul, О most holy Lady who hast given birth to Him Who taketh away the infirmities of all.
Ode VI, Irmos: The abyss of my sins and the storm of my transgressions * disquieten me and thrust me down * into the depths of despondency; * but do Thou stretch forth Thy mighty arm, * unto me as Thou didst to Peter, * and save me, O my Guide.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
By thy vivifying birthgiving mortify the unseemly uprisings of my flesh, О Theotokos who hast given life unto those slain by evil, that I may glorify thee as the cause of the restoration of mankind.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
О Virgin Theotokos who hast given birth to the Abyss of compassions, save my soul from the sorrows of life, and open unto me the spiritual portals of joy; for in thee alone have I placed my hope.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
That I may joyously hymn thy mighty works and the great grace of thy miracles, О most pure Virgin, By thy prayers ever free me from the unseemly thoughts which afflict me.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
In a manner transcending nature didst thou give birth unto Him Who did not depart from the bosom of the Father, yet through thee, О Virgin, conversed with men. As thou art the boast and confirmation of all of us, О Theotokos, take pity upon those who flee unto thee.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Sessional Hymn, Tone VIII: The Word of the Father descended to the earth, and the radiant angel said to the Theotokos: “Rejoice, О blessed one who alone hast preserved the bridal- chamber, accepting the conception of the pre-eternal God and Lord, that God might save the race of mankind from delusion!”
Ode VII, Irmos: The Hebrew children in the furnace * boldly trampled upon the flames, * changing the fire into dew, they cried aloud: * ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, throughout the ages’.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Woe is me! How shall I escape the torments which await me who have lived wickedly on earth? How shall I appear to the dread Judge as other than accursed? О Lady, Birthgiver of God, be thou my helper then!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Quench thou the flame of my passions and still the tempest of my heart, О pure Mother of God; and deliver me from the tyranny of the demons and from the eternal fire, О most pure one.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Behold the sorrow which the multitude of mine evils have brought upon me, О Virgin, and before my departure grant me rest, assuaging thy Son by thy maternal supplications.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
With thy dew extinguish the flame of the passions of my heart, О Virgin Maiden, and rescue me from the dread fire, from eternal damnation and the tyranny of the demons.
Ode VIII, Irmos: O ye Children, equal in number to the Trinity, * bless ye God the Father and creator; * sing ye the praises of the Word who descended and changed the fire into dew; * and supremely exalt ye throughout the ages * the all-Holy Spirit, who giveth life unto all.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Mortify all the uprisings of our bodies, О Virgin who by thy Life-bearing birthgiving didst slay the serpent, and pray that we may receive the life which ageth not, that we may hymn thee forever.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I ever invoke thine aid, О Birthgiver of God. Put me not to shame who have already acquired shame, but take pity upon me, О most pure one, rescue me from the flame, and deliver me from eternal torments.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Show thyself to me as a joyous helper amid evil circumstances, delivering me from the assaults which the demons launched at me, that I may ever bless thee, О Theotokos, as the intercessor for all.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
О most holy Maiden, thou boast of the apostles and glory of the martyrs, cause me to share in eternal glory, who cry aloud: Bless the Most Holy Spirit throughout all ages!
Ode IX, Irmos: Thou hast passed the limits of nature, * having conceived the Maker and the Lord, * and didst become a door of salvation * unto the world; * wherefore we unceasingly magnify thee, O Theotokos.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
With thy never-waning light drive away the cruel darkness from my soul, О portal of the Light, and show me the luminous paths of repentance, that, treading them, I may elude the gloom of sin and may unceasingly magnify thee.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Cleanse thy servants, О Good One, and grant us forgiveness of transgressions; deliver us from the eternal flame, that we may share in Thy kingdom, О Word of God, for Thou didst endure the Cross in Thy desire to save the race of mankind.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Grant that I may easily pass through the journey of this life, О Theotokos, subduing the uprisings of temptations and perils, in that thou art good, and guide me to the virtues of the heavenly kingdom and divine rest, that, saved, I may glorify thee.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
In that thou hast given birth to the supremely good God and art merciful, heal thou my soul, which is sick with grievous suffering, and ever deliver me from the evils which oppress and assail me, О most pure one, that, saved, I may fervently magnify thee who hast magnified our race.
Ode I, Irmos: Let us sing unto the Lord, * who led His people through the Red Sea: * for He alone hath gloriously been glorified.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
О most immaculate Virgin, render Christ merciful unto me, setting me free on the day of the dread judgment.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Rain down upon me drops of compunction, O Lady, washing away my defilement, that I may glorify thee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Illumine me, О Virgin who hast given birth to the never-waning Light, driving away the profound darkness of my slothfulness.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Save me who have perished amid many sins, О Theotokos, and deliver me from every torment and grievous condemnation.
Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, Creator of the vault of Heaven * and Builder of the Church, * do Thou strengthen me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, * O Support of the faithful, * O only Lover of mankind.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Having fallen, away from the life of sanctity, О most pure one, I have joined the dumb beasts and am wholly condemned; but do thou who hast given birth to the Judge deliver me from all damnation, and save me.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Unto thee do I flee, О Lady. Ever save me who am beset by a multitude of perils, taking pity upon me, О only all-hymned one who hast given birth to the Saviour and Lord of all.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
О Lady, thou impassable gate leading to God, open unto me the gates of repentance, I pray, cleansing me of the impurity of my sins with the showers of thy mercy, О thou who art full of the grace of God.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Deliver me from the assaults of the passions, О Lady, and vanquish now the foes which wage war upon me; establish me upon the rock of the will of God, and illumine my soul, О portal of the divine Light.
Ode IV, Irmos: O Lord, I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation; * I have considered Thy works, * and I have glorified Thy Divinity.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Heal thou the stripes of my soul, О Virgin full of the grace of God, and illumine my mind, which hath been darkened by the incursions of the passions, О pure one.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
In that thou art the Mother of the Word, О most pure one, rouse me to repentance, for I sleep the sleep of despondency and am covered with sin.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
О Lady unwedded, thou who hast given birth to the incarnate Word, enlighten my soul, and deliver me from Gehenna and torment.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
In thee have I placed all my hope, О Virgin Mother; preserve my soul, О thou who hast given birth to God my Saviour.
Ode V, Irmos: O Light never-waning, * why hast Thou turned Thy face from me * and why hath the alien darkness surrounded me, * wretched though I be? * But do Thou guide my steps I implore Thee * and turn me back towards the light of Thy commandments.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Heal thou the wholly incurable sufferings of my soul, О Maiden, light my lamp, which hath gone out through slothfulness, and guide me to the paths of repentance, О Virgin, that I may glorify thee with faith and love.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
I condemn myself even before the trial, О divinely joyous one. I alone among the accused bear shameful deeds. But intercede for me, in that thou art the advocate of all, and deliver me from grievous condemnation.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Cease thou never to deliver me from captivity, from the soul- corrupting turmoil which surrounds me, and from the grievous passions which slay me, О most holy Maiden, ally of sinners and our ready helper.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
О most pure one who didst conceive the Life of the world, the Redeemer and King, impart life unto me who am wholly slain by the sting of death because of disobedience, and guide me to the Light.
Ode VI, Irmos: Cleanse me, O Saviour, * for many are mine iniquities; * lead me up from the abyss of evils I pray Thee, * for unto Thee have I cried, * and Thou hast hearkened unto me, * O God of my salvation.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Grant life unto me who have been slain by many transgressions, О most pure Virgin Theotokos who ineffably gave birth to the Life of mankind, and teach me to do the will of the Lord.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
All of us, the faithful, who are ever drowning in the abyss of evils, turmoil and griefs, have acquired thee as an intercessor and bulwark, О Theotokos, thou only refuge of the faithful.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
О most immaculate and most pure one, who through thy holy Offspring hast caused the growths of ungodliness to wither away: destroy the evil of the enemy which ever groweth within me.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Sanctify my mind and illumine my heart, О holy Mother of God, and deliver me from the evils which assail me, that I may glorify thee, my steadfast helper.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Sessional Hymn, Tone VIII: “O the new wonder! О the awesome mystery!” the ewe-lamb cried, beholding her Son stretched out upon the Tree; “What is this, О immortal Word of God? How art Thou seen to be dead Who dost cause the earth to quake, in that Thou art almighty? Yet I hymn Thine awesome and divine condescension.”
Ode VII, Irmos: The Hebrew children in the furnace * boldly trampled upon the flames, * changing the fire into dew, they cried aloud: * ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, throughout the ages’.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Be merciful unto me, О Virgin, and with the dressing of thy prayer heal me who have been wounded by the sword of sin; and forever rescue me from the unquenchable fire.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Deliver me from the cruel captivity which hath befallen me, from wicked thoughts and besetting transgressions, О Mother of the Saviour, that, saved, I may ever glorify thee as is meet.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
I now flee unto thee, О Mother of God, bound by the fetters of transgressions. In the tender compassion of thy mercy loose me, О Virgin, and deliver me from the torment and malice of the demons.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Take pity and save me, О Virgin who hast given birth to the compassionate Word of God, and with the light which is within thee illumine my soul, and deliver me from the cruel wiles of the demons.
Ode VIII, Irmos: In his wrath the Chaldean Tyrant made the furnace blaze, * with heat fanned sevenfold for the servants of God; * but when he perceived that they had been saved by a greater power * he cried aloud to the Creator and Redeemer; * ‘ye children bless, ye priests praise, * ye people, supremely exalt Him throughout all ages’.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
He Who is perfect in every way and unapproachable in essence hath shown Himself to be accessible to me, having been clothed in the flesh through thee, О thou who knewest not wedlock. Him do thou earnestly entreat, that He lighten the burden of mine iniquities and deliver me from the judgment which is to come.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
О most holy one, who in a manner past all telling hast given birth to the Judge and Lord, entreat Him as thy Son, that on the day of judgment He deliver from fire, from the darkness which is devoid of light, and from the gnashing of teeth me who ever piously hymns thee with faith.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
О most pure Birthgiver of God, cleanse thou the wounds of my soul and the temptations of sin, washing them away with the streams gushing forth from fountain which emanated from the side of thine Off-spring, for to thee I cry, unto thee I flee, and thee do I entreat, who art full of the grace of God.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
О most immaculate one, who alone hast manifestly given birth unto Life, grant life to my soul which hath been slain by the sting of the serpent; and hasten to do the will of Him Who was born for our sake, О Virgin, for I cry: Ye children bless; ye priests hymn; ye people supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!
Ode IX, Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, * and the ends of the earth were filled with amazement, * for God hath appeared in the flesh, * and thy womb was rendered more spacious than the heavens. * Wherefore, the ranks of men and of angels * magnify thee as the Theotokos.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
My soul, which hath been blinded by the passions, blackened by wicked thoughts and is beset by danger, do thou enlighten, О portal of the Light; and deliver me from perils, from the oppression of the demons, from grievous testing, and the coming flame and torment.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
О Saviour Who wast born from the Virgin, and Who preserved her who gave birth to Thee incorrupt even after birthgiving, have pity on me when Thou shalt sit to judge my deeds. As Thou art sinless, overlook mine iniquities and sins, in that thou art a merciful God Who lovest mankind.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Carrying the heavenly Fire in thine arms, as though with tongs, О pure one who art full of the grace of God, utterly consume the passions of my soul, and free me from dread judgment and fire, and from the cruel tyranny of the demons.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
With thy mystical effulgence enlighten our thoughts, hearts and reasoning powers, О Maiden full of the grace of God, that treading the paths of life aright, we may obtain mercy, ever singing praises unto thee.
Being the season of the celebration of St Calogero (with local commemorations over the next few weeks in Sicily), who icon was gifted to our community by Father Efraim and matushka Olympia, in Sicily, we are sharing the canon to the saint and beloved wonderworker of not only Sicilians, but Orthodox believers across Italy and the Italian diaspora.
One account, describes the saint fleeing to Sicily from the monophysite persecution of the Orthodox in Thrace.
Wandering around the island preaching and celebrating the Holy Mysteries, he found shelter in ancient tombs and volcanic caves, with his last abode being the cave on Monte Kronio where he died during the night between 17th and 18th June, 561. He was 95 years of age. The cave in which St Calogero had lived was subsequently made into a small church, and cells for monks were dug into the rock, in the same way that the first hermitage developed in Kiev.
Another account, believed to be an error based on mistranslation, describes him as an opponent of Arianism, who fled from North Africa to Sicily in the latter half of the fifth century to escape persecution, though there were also Arian heretics in Sicily. After missionary labours in the area of Fragalata, near Messina, he retreated to a cave on Monte Kronio to live a strict and ascetical eremtical life.
Despite their differences, both accounts agree that he was a refugee from persecution, a pillar of Orthodoxy surrounded by heresy, who did not simply teach a vague Faith, but the Truth of Orthodox Christology and the teachings of the Church.
Ode I, Irmos: O Thou who wast born of the Virgin, * drown I implore Thee, in the depth of dispassion * the triune nature of my soul, * as Thou didst the mighty strongholds of the warriors, * that in the mortality of my flesh * as on a timbrel * I may chant a hymn of victory.
Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
Enlighten my spirit and my mind, O Saviour, to celebrate with hymns the ascetic Calogero, O Christ, who art the timeless Light, that through his intercession, I may be worthy to receive the forgiveness of my sins from thee.
Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
Since thou hast been a healer of souls and bodies for those who come with faith to thy church, O wise and pious Calogero, quickly heal also the passions of my soul, accepting, O Father, the praises that I thy servant raise to thee.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Having left thy homeland of Chalcedon after having worked against the deadly and lawless cult, thou didst stop, O Father, in Sicily and, together with the prophet Gregory, didst began to teach the worship of the Divine Trinity in an Orthodox manner.
Both now and ever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Thou didst bear the Word of God in an incomprehensible way, just as He was pleased by first being begotten by Him; O Lady who knewest not wedlock, cease not to intercede for the world, that it may be freed from all manner of evil.
Ode 3, Irmos: From on high didst Thou willingly descend to earth, * O Thou Who art more exalted than every noetic principality, * and from the uttermost depths of Hades * thou didst raise up lowly human nature; * for there is none more holy than Thee, O Lover of mankind.
Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
Let us make haste to compete in the cave, O brothers, and we will see wonders where the Saint was wont to withdraw and put the armies of the demons to flight; and for those who come, it overflows with remedies for ills.
Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
Thy fame didst spread throughout the earth, O Calogero, all-admirable; indeed, thou didst abandon this corruptible world and, taking the Cross upon thy shoulders, didst strike down the Serpent, the source of evils; therefore, we celebrate thee with hymns.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
We pray ye, grant remedies for torrents, O most famous Gregory, most admirable Demetrius and Calogero with God-filled hearts, ye gloriously victorious martyrs, saints of God, our protectors.
Both now and ever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Having born God, thou art the harbour and the defence of thy servants, O All- Virgin Mother; therefore, I also, a useless servant, bow down before thee, O Lady: help me and deliver me from tribulations.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Sedalion, Tone I: Thou didst climb the mountain of contemplation and action with wisdom, O Most Blessed One, * and didst, therefore, continue to shine like the sun, in Sicily, * with the rays of miracles, O most admirable one;* therefore, today, celebrating thy radiant memory, * we praise thee with faith, O Calogero, * with a heart filled with God.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Shake yourself, O soul, from the sleep of indolence * and light the resplendent lamp of penance, * coming forth from the agitation of this life * to the encounter of the Immortal Bridegroom, saying: * “Accept me and reject me not, O Word, * by the prayers of Her who bore Thee”.
Ode 4, Irmos: He who sitteth in glory upon the throne of the Godhead, * Jesus the true God, * is come in a swift cloud * and with His sinless hands he hath saved those who cry: * Glory to Thy power, O Christ.
Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
As the persecution suggested by the impious depravity broke out in the territory of Chalcedon, the hierarch Gregory gathered the servants of the Holy Trinity; and boarding a ship, they escaped secretly to an island.
Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
The great Saint Gregory, being a hierarch, having taken with him the famous deacon of the church Demetrius and many other saints, including our Calogero, sailed forth joyfully.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Not to escape suffering – never - but to announce to everyone the power of the Trinity, they landed together at Lilybaeum and separated to begin preaching.
Both now and ever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Virgin who didst not know wedlock, fortress and boast of those who praise thee, save the faithful who beseech thee, and free them from all misery, O thou who, according to His good pleasure, hast brought forth God in the flesh.
Ode 5, Irmos: Now I shall arise said God prophetically, * now I shall be glorified, now I shall be exalted, * elevating fallen human nature, * which I received from the Virgin, * to the noetic light of My divinity.
Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
Calogero, the inflexible and great ascetic, didst dwell in a cave, and purifying that den of demons with prayer, by the power of the Cross he drove them into the depths of hell.
Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
Even today the saint shines upon all the faithful brighter than the sun, increasing the healing for those who come to his sanctuary with faith, and celebrate his splendid and holy feast.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Remember in thy prayers, O holy Father Calogero, all the faithful who celebrate thy praise-worthy memory, and free them from the plague, from impending dangers, from punishments and siege.
Both now and ever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Behold the miseries and great tribulations of us, thy servants, O all-good Mother of God, and immediately beseech thy Son to free us from the servitude of the children of Ishmael.
Ode 6, Irmos: I have reached the depths of the sea * and the tempest of my many sins hath engulfed me; * but do Thou raise up my life from the abyss * O Greatly-Merciful One.
Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
Through continence, O Father, thou didst mortify the passions of the flesh; emulating the zeal of the divine Elijah, thou didst cast out and rout with firmness and might of soul the spiritual perversion of Jezebel.
Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
The prophet David, the ancestor of God, already sang in ancient times: “Behold, wandering, I have fled away”; and thou, O Father, having faithfully imitated him also, thou didst land on the island.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Incline to us who celebrate thy glorious memory, and seeing our oppression, thy soul filled with God, make supplication to Him who is the All-Merciful God, to free us from the assaults of the enemies.
Both now and ever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O most-praised Lady, O Virgin, who didst give birth to God, as He was well pleased, beseech Him to grant forgiveness of sins to those who praise thee.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion. Tone IV: Celebrating today the sacred memory of Calogero with songs, * we give glory to Christ,* to him who grantest him the grace of miracles to heal infirmities.
Ikos (read, not chanted): You, O God-bearers, truly grant us a flood of remedies day by day, O hierarch Gregory, and Demetrius, most celebrated invincible martyrs of Christ; whilst your companion Calogero, emulating the Lord in love, truly offers healing to the sick, quickly interceding together with you for our flock.
Ode 7, Irmos: The three youths in Babylon, * regarded the tyrant’s command as foolishness, * and cried aloud in the midst of the flame: * Blessed art Thou, O Lord God of our fathers!
Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
How can I, miserable and sorrowful, celebrate thee with hymns, O blessed Calogero? But, do thou welcome this hymn from me, thine unworthy servant, and also him who is its author.
Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
Taking up the Cross of Jesus upon thy shoulders as a weapon, thou, O Glorious Calogero, didst overthrow the error of the godless; and now, by thy power, cast out demons, O ever-memorable one.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
We who with faith celebrate thy holy, radiant and celebrated feast, shout to Christ: “Blessed are Thou, Lord, who dost glorify Thy saints!”.
Both now and ever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
As thou knowest, O Saviour, by Thy will Thou alone wast borne ineffably from the Virgin; through her well-received prayers, free from all evil those who worship Thee with faith.
Ode 8, Irmos: O almighty Redeemer of all, * having descended and bedewed the children * in the midst of the flame, * Thou didst teach them to sing: * All ye works bless and hymn the Lord.
Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
Thou didst imitate well, O holy one, the ancient father Abraham; by thy deeds, having left thy homeland and living in a cave in Sicily, thou didst ceaselessly bless the Lord.
Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
O Blessed One, thou didst make all friends of the teachings of God, both by illuminating them faithfully with the light of faith, and by teaching them to sing the psalm: “All ye works, bless and praise the Lord”.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
By thy constancy, O most admirable Calogero, thou didst gain the trophy; entrusting thy spirit into the hands of God ceaselessly chanting: “Bless and praise ye the Lord”.
Both now and ever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The prophecies of the prophets, O Mother of God, were fulfilled; for thou wert a mountain, a throne, and glorious: the Impassable Door, through which only He who is our God didst enter and leave.
Ode 9, Irmos: The ineffable hidden mystery of God hath been revealed in thee, * O most pure Virgin; * for in His tender compassion * God become incarnate of thee. * Wherefore, we magnify thee as the Theotokos.
Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
By the might of God, the absolute ruler of the universe, thou didst overthrew the power of the Adversary, O wise Father; therefore thou, O glorious one, having received a diadem upon thy head, dost continue to enjoy rest.
Venerable Father, Calogero, pray to God for us.
Turn Thy gaze, O Lord, from heaven and behold at the humiliation of us Thy servants; by the prayers of Thy Saint, make low the pride of the enemies and speedily grant us peace.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Beseech, O Saint Calogero, that invincible strength against the passions to always be given to those who sing thy praises and to all who with faith draw nigh thy temple, as also to the Orthodox sovereigns.
Both now and ever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Thou are the sole desire and sweetness for those who worship Thee with faith, O All-Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; who art exalted with hymns in the Unity of divinity, save us all.
Troparion, Tone 8. By the streams of thy tears, thou didst make the soil of the desert fertile * and with thy deep groans didst make thy labours to bear fruit an hundredfold; * and thou didst became a beacon for the whole world, * radiating light by miracles, O Calogero, our Father;* intercede with Christ-God to save our souls.
Prayer: O great Saint of God, O glorious and venerable father, Calogero, we rejoice with thee in the glory thou enjoyest both in heaven and on earth, as the reward for thy virtue and the graces with which the Lord hath enriched thee, working great miracles through thine intercession: in giving sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, speech to the dumb, and health to all manner of the sick; and we beseech thy help and swift intercession for those who are sick and suffering.
Look down from the glory that is above, upon us who are humble and weak, burdened with our many sins, and who ask thy help and consolation; for thou, art our protector, thou art our guide and defence.
And, as thou didst hearken to the multitude of poor who didst resort unto thee, so hearken unto our prayers. Incline to us thy loving kindness, and help us to fulfil God’s commandments without stain; to keep the Orthodox Faith firmly; to approach God in heartfelt contrition for all our sins; to make progress in Christian devotion and to be worthy of thy prayers before God.
Receive us under thy paternal care, and as in the world thou didst cast the devil from the bodies of a multitude of people, so do thou now cast out sin from our hearts.
Hearken unto us, who pray to thee in faith and love, and despise not us who seek thee as our defender. Now, and at the hour of our departure, help us and defend us by thy prayers from the wicked assaults of the devil, lest evil powers should have dominion over us; but let us be granted, by thy help, to inherit the blessedness of the heavenly mansions.
For we place our hope in thee, O kind-hearted father: be thou indeed our guide to salvation, and bring us to the unwaning light of eternal life, by thy good intercession before the throne of the Most Holy Trinity, so that we may glorify and hymn with all the Saints, the Name worthy of adoration, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
We bless thee, O venerable father Calogero, and we honour thy holy memory, thou instructor of monastics and converser with the angels.
Ублажаем тя, преподобне отче Калогере, и чтим святую память твою, наставниче монахов, и собеседниче Ангелов.
Ode I, Irmos: The wonderworking staff of Moses, * striking and dividing the sea in the figure of a cross, * once drowned Pharaoh the pursuing charioteer, * while it saved the fleeing people of Israel * as they fled on foot, * chanting a hymn unto God.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
In a manner transcending nature, О Virgin Theotokos, thou hast given birth to God the Word incarnate, Who before was incorporeal, yet came to dwell in the world as God and man; wherefore, we all glorify thee who, after God, art our sure help.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Arrayed in a vesture of many colours, О blessed one who art full of the grace of God, in a manner transcending understanding and all telling thou hast given birth to the Word of the Father, Who became flesh in His ineffable loving-kindness; and thou didst remain an undefiled virgin.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
From a royal root thou didst put forth Christ the King, the Word of God, in a manner transcending understanding and comprehension, О pure one, and hast given birth to Him, incarnate from thy pure blood, revealed in two natures, but in a single Hypostasis.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
He who proclaimeth thee the Theotokos, О most pure one, prevaileth over every heresy; wherefore, О Birthgiver of God, having given birth unto the eternal Word of God Who immutably became flesh, thou art higher than all creation.
Ode III, Irmos: O Christ fortify me on the rock of Thy commandments, * Thou Who in the beginning didst establish the heavens with understanding * and didst establish the earth upon the waters, * for there is none holy save Thee, O only Lover of mankind.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
God made His abode within thy holy womb, О Mother of God, and became incarnate in a manner He Himself knew, and hath saved us by His life-bearing sufferings; wherefore, we glorify thee as the portal of salvation.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The Supremely divine One, Who hath breathed the spirit (of life) into all, became incarnate on earth and dwelt with mankind, having been produced by thy womb seedlessly; wherefore, all of us, the faithful, bless thee with hymns, О pure one.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Having conceived in thy womb Him Who was begotten of the Father before all ages, О Virgin, without knowing a man, thou hast given birth for us to Him as both God and man, perfect and indivisible in both natures.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
О pure and divinely blessed Virgin, we all know thee to be the rod which budded forth Christ, the Flower of incorruption, and the golden censer who bore the burning Coal of the divine Essence in thine arms.
Ode IV, Irmos: Thou, O Lord, art my strength and Thou art my power, * Thou art my God and Thou art my joy, * Thou Who, while never leaving the bosom of Thy Father, * hast visited our poverty. * Therefore with the Prophet Habbakuk I cry unto Thee, * ‘Glory to Thy power, O Lover of mankind!’
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Of old the ark which received the divinely written law prefigured the life- creating Word Who was ineffably conceived within thy womb, О most immaculate one, richly nourishing the souls of those who chant: Glory to Thy power, О Lover of mankind!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou alone wast the true source of salvation, О Mother of God, who through thine all-pure blood gave flesh to the Creator and Fashioner, and through whom the gates of death have been broken down and life given to us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
That in the richness of thy goodness Thou mightest seek out Thine image which was buried by the passions, Thou didst make Thine abode within the Virgin’s womb, and Thou, the Wisdom of God, didst make a temple from her; and having thereby come to dwell among mankind, О Compassionate One, Thou hast saved the ends of the world.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
After God it is thee whom we have acquired as an intercessor, О most immaculate one; for thou wast the Mother of God the Creator and Fashioner, Who took upon Himself our form, saved it from corruption and tribulations, and glorified it with divine glory.
Ode V, Irmos: O Light never-waning, * why hast Thou turned Thy face from me * and why hath the alien darkness surrounded me, * wretched though I be? * But do Thou guide my steps I implore Thee * and turn me back towards the light of Thy commandments.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The generations of all mankind bless thee as the one who gave birth to the Creator, Fashioner and Lord, О most pure one, and the noetic leaders of the incorporeal hosts glorify thee as the Mother of God.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The armies of the hosts on high bless thee, О most pure one; for through thee alone we on earth have been united to those in heaven, wherefore we hymn thy birthgiving.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
In an ineffable manner, О Virgin, He Who alone is compassionate, the Word Who shone forth from the Father before all ages, made His abode within thee and became a man, delivering us from corruption and leading us up to a life of incorruption.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Thou wast clothed with the beauties of virginity, О most pure Virgin, and hast done away with the nakedness of the first Eve, having given birth to Christ Who bestoweth the vesture of incorruption upon those who hymn thee.
Ode VI, Irmos: Cleanse me, O Saviour, * for many are mine iniquities; * lead me up from the abyss of evils I pray Thee, * for unto Thee have I cried, * and Thou hast hearkened unto me, * O God of my salvation.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
He Who upholdeth all things with His omnipotent power arrayed Himself in the weakness of the flesh through thee, О all-immaculate Virgin, for the good of mankind, in that He is the Lover of mankind.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The all-accomplishing Spirit descended upon thee, О all-immaculate one, and the Word, of God made His abode within thee and ineffably assumed flesh, though He remained immutable.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Illumine the souls of those who hymn thee in an Orthodox manner, О Bride of God, for the sayings of the prophets proclaimed beforehand thy most pure conception and birthgiving, which are beyond all telling.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
We piously hymn the most pure Mary, the truly divine and honoured dwelling-place of God; for she contained God, receiving Him Who is infinite and unapproachable.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Sessional Hymn, Tone VIII: As the all-immaculate Bride of the Creator, * Mother of the Redeemer, who knewest not a man, * and as the receptacle of the Comforter O all-hymned one, * hasten thou to deliver me, * the vile abode of iniquity and noetic plaything of the demons, * from their evil machinations; * and make me the bright dwelling-place of the virtues, * O thou incorrupt light-bearing one. * Drive away the clouds of the passions and grant that, * by thy supplications, * I may receive a portion on high ** and share in the never-waning light.
Ode VII, Irmos: Once in Babylon the fire stood in awe * of God’s condescension; * for which sake the youths in the furnace, * dancing with joyous steps as in a meadow, chanted: * O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
О most pure Lady who conceived the Redeemer of all, grant ineffable and divine deliverance unto me who cry aloud and sing: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Now have all things been filled with divine light through thee, О most pure one; for thou hast been revealed to be the door through which God held converse, enlightening those who cry out with faith: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Lo! the divine prophecy of the godly David hath now been fulfilled: They who have acquired the riches of grace truly entreat thy countenance, О pure Birthgiver of God, and now bless the God of our fathers.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
О most pure one, thou didst conceive Him Who is God and Lord over all, Whose good pleasure it was to save the race of mankind from death and corruption; and hymning Him as is meet, we cry aloud: Blessed is the God of our fathers!
Ode VIII, Irmos: By Thy grace the children became vanquishers * of both the tyrant and the flames, * carefully observing Thy commandments, * wherefore they cried aloud: * Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Cleanse thou the wounds of my soul and the stripes of my sins, О blessed, and most pure Maiden, who from thy virginal womb which knew not wedlock gave birth to Him Who is God over all. Him do the children bless and supremely exalt, throughout the ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Resplendent with the beauties of virginity, thou didst become the receptacle of the never-waning Light, О all-pure one, enlightening those who with all their soul confess thee to be the true Theotokos, and who cry aloud: Ye children bless; ye priests hymn; ye people supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Sanctified by the Holy Spirit, О all-immaculate Theotokos, thou didst truly receive in thy womb the Unoriginate Son Who with the Father is equally eternal, Who became incarnate within thee, О pure one, for the benefit of those who cry out with faith: Ye children bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
In that thou hast given birth to God in a manner past all telling and understanding, О most pure Mother of God, Him do thou beseech, that all of us who are unworthy may be treated with lenience by Him at the time of His awesome and dread coming, when He shall discern the nature of all who with fear will stand naked before Him and be judged.
Ode IX, Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, * and the ends of the earth were filled with amazement, * for God hath appeared in the flesh, * and thy womb was rendered more spacious than the heavens. * Wherefore, the ranks of men and of angels * magnify thee as the Theotokos.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
All of us who have rejected eternal life and have fallen, accursed, into death thou hast called again, О most pure Mother of the Redeemer, and hast granted them to hasten to our former homeland; wherefore, О Mother of God, we unceasingly magnify thee.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Readily grant that I may pass over the waves of the perils of this life and its present sufferings, О Theotokos, stilling them, in that thou art good, and guiding me to the virtues of the way of heaven, that I may unceasingly magnify thee as my benefactress.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
О pure and most glorious Mother of God, save those who hymn thee with love from all perils, mercifully subduing our turmoil, in that thou hast given birth unto God; for thou canst freely do all that thou dost desire, О Virgin. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.
Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
The honoured Church which Christ thy Son hath acquired with His precious blood, and hath saved from misfortunes and the violence which assails us, in that He is good, do thou show forth as victorious over budding heresy, О joyous Lady.
Ode I, Irmos: Thy victorious right arm, * in a manner befitting God, * hath been glorified in strength, O Immortal One; * for in its infinite strength it shattered the enemy, * fashioning anew a path for the Israelites through the deep.
Ode I, Irmos: Let us sing unto the Lord, * who led His people through the Red Sea: * for He alone hath gloriously been glorified.
