A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: When Israel walked on foot in the sea as on dry land, * on seeing their pursuer Pharaoh drowned, * they cried: * Let us sing to God * a song of victory.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In that thou art possessed of abundant divine grace, О Mother unwedded, disdain not those who have recourse unto thee, ever saving them from misfortunes and tribulations.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Lo! the time of despair hath arrived for me. Arise, О most pure Lady, and extend unto me thy helping hand; for thou hast filled the world with divine gladness.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

As thou art our ally, О Theotokos, quickly grant thy mighty protection unto me w

Ode I, Irmos: When Israel walked on foot in the sea as on dry land, * on seeing their pursuer Pharaoh drowned, * they cried: * Let us sing to God * a song of victory.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In that thou art possessed of abundant divine grace, О Mother unwedded, disdain not those who have recourse unto thee, ever saving them from misfortunes and tribulations.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Lo! the time of despair hath arrived for me. Arise, О most pure Lady, and extend unto me thy helping hand; for thou hast filled the world with divine gladness.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

As thou art our ally, О Theotokos, quickly grant thy mighty protection unto me who am beset by perils, and preserve me unharmed by them.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Death rusheth headlong upon my soul, and the temptations of those who hate me have surrounded me like adders, to destroy me; but do thou save me, О Theotokos.

Ode III, Irmos: My mouth hath been enlarged against mine enemies, * for in the Lord * hath my heart been established.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In that thou hast given birth to Life, О Theotokos, enliven my soul, which hath been slain by transgressions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

From every temptation preserve those who have recourse unto thee, О Theotokos, our hope.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Save me from those perils which rise up bitterly against me, О most immaculate Mother of my Lord.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О thou who by thy divine birth-giving dost grant salvation to the world, deliver me from misfortunes.

Ode IV, Irmos: The prophet heard * of Thy coming, O Lord, * and he was afraid. * How wast Thou to be born of a virgin * and appear unto mankind? * and he said * “I have heard report of Thee and I am afraid”; * glory to Thy power, O Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The strength of my soul hath grown weak through poverty, О Theotokos, and the cruel darkness which ariseth from transgressions hath fallen upon me; but as thou art the light-bearing cloud of God, look down and illumine me, I pray.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thou art a calm haven, О all-immaculate one, transform the storms of mine evil deeds and the tumult of my transgressions into the tranquility of salvation, for, roaring like lions, they seek to slay me. Deliver me from destruction by them, I pray.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

As thou art steadfast salvation and invincible protection day and night, on land and at sea, and in every place, О Theotokos, save me; for after God it is in thee that we Christians truly place our trust.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

From great and divers transgressions and dangers thou dost ever save me; wherefore, I entreat thee who hast given birth to the Lord, and I hasten to thee, the invincible aid of the sorrowful; By thy prayers lead me up from misfortunes!

Ode V, Irmos: О Christ Who shineth Thy light upon the world, * illumine my heart * for I cry out to Thee in the night, * and save me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Unafraid of the assaults of men, we glorify thee, the shelter of salvation, О all- immaculate Mother of the Word.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having thee as an unassailable rampart, О most pure one, we are delivered from the uprisings of temptations and grief.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Rescue me from the tongue of evil men, О pure one, for they have sharpened it like a razor, to wreak bitter destruction upon my soul.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Earnestly do I fall down before thee, praying: As thou art the Mother of my Creator, free me from the misfortunes which encompass me.

Ode VI, Irmos: Slain by the sea-monster of sin, * I cry unto Thee, О Christ: * Free me from corruption, * as Thou didst the prophet.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Tasting bitterness, I have become a stranger to divine sweetness, О most pure one; wherefore, I cry unto thee: Grant me thy help.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The darkness of the passions hath made me the slave of corruption; wherefore, free me, О Lady who hast given birth to the Light.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

With harmonious faith I confess thee, О most pure one, and, delivered from sorrow by thee, I offer thee sacrifice.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The mouths of the unjust have been opened against me, О Lady; wherefore, as thou art my helper, free me quickly from them.

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, in Tone VI: О unashamed intercession for Christians, sure mediation before the Creator: Disdain not the cries of entreaty of Christians, but, in that thou art good, come thou to the aid of us who cry out to thee with faith: Haste thou to supplication and speed thou to entreaty, О Theotokos, ever interceding for those who honour thee.

Ode VII, Irmos: An Angel made the furnace bedew the holy Children. * But the command of God consumed the Chaldeans * and prevailed upon the tyrant to cry: * O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O most holy Virgin, do thou thyself free my soul from the temptations which have now surrounded it like fat bulls.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Earnestly defending those in misfortune and grief, О Theotokos, ever grant them joy.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

As thou art an indestructible shelter for all, О Virgin, protect me who am wholly overcome by grief and despair for my deeds.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

By thine intercession are we delivered from misfortunes and sorrows, and we find great riches which are inexhaustible.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Thou didst make flame bedew the holy children, * and didst burn the sacrifice of a righteous man with water. * For Thou alone, O Christ, dost do all as Thou willest, * Thee do we supremely exalt throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Consumed am I by the afflictions of men, О Theotokos, and I pray: Deliver me from their vain counsel.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have been vanquished in grief by my temptations, О Lady, and I pray: Preserve me unharmed by them.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

О pure one, save me from the lying man, from his tongue, mouth and tyranny, and from all want.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Led astray is my character, and, as I have no response, I cry to the Theotokos: Deliver me from all evils.

Ode IX, Irmos: О Virgin who received the angel’s salutation * and hast given birth to thine own Creator, * save those who magnify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Be thou merciful unto me amid the griefs of life, О Theotokos, and save me from misfortunes who now flee unto thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Truly thou, alone upon the earth and the sea, hast been shown to be an indestructible shelter for those who flee to thee with unwavering soul.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

By thine supplications, О all-hymned one, do thou grant freedom unto me who have mindlessly become a slave through all manner of evil falls.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Having acquired thee as my hope and steadfast help, О pure one, I bring this hymn to an end with faith, magnifying thee as the Theotokos.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Christ, who with an upraised arm * bringeth wars to naught, * hath shaken horse and rider in the Red Sea; * but Israel hath He saved * as they chanted a song of victory.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

All the generations of mankind praise thee, О Virgin, as thou didst foretell in prophecy of old; wherefore, accept me who hymn thee, О Lady, and enlighten and make me wise.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast broken the sting of death and the sin of the world, О Virgin Lady, having given birth to true Life. Quickly break also the sharp arrows of my passions.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Having been revealed to be the only one arrayed in virgin’s vesture, thou didst rend asunder the fig-leaves which Adam wore; wherefore, clothe me in the garments of chastity by thy prayers.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Many daughters of Adam before thee acquired riches and divine glory, but thou hast surpassed them all beyond compare, О Lady; wherefore, enrich me now with heavenly and divine grace.

Ode III, Irmos: By Thy command Thou didst establish the earth upon nothing * and suspended it unsupported; * do Thou establish Thy Church on the unshakeable rock of Thy commandments, O Christ, * who alone art good * and the Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The depths and heights of the unapproachable wisdom of God, Who was born from thy womb, have been recognised in thee, whereby deliver my heart from the depths of the serpent’s reasoning.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Christ, Who of old fashioned out of water the winged creatures and serpents, which before had not existed: Thou didst straightway fashion the strange vesture of Thy divine incarnation out of the blood of the pure Virgin.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Thou alone, О most pure one, art clearly the cleansing of our nature, for in thee the divine Fire made His abode without consuming thee, that He might purify it; wherefore, cleanse me of the defilement of the offences of my passions, and illumine me by thy prayers.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Knowing thee to be the cup of the Offshoot of the new vine, manifestly giving drink to the faithful for the remission offences, О most pure one, I pray: Give drink to my heart with an outpouring of divine water.

Ode IV, Irmos: Habbakuk, prophetically apprehending * Thy divine self-emptying, O Christ, * cried out to Thee with trembling: * Thou hast come for the salvation of Thy people; * to save Thine anointed Ones.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast been revealed to be the unploughed furrow which produced the unsown divine Grain, whereby I, who hunger, am fed with divine gifts and grace.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Giving drink with the water of thy prayers to me who am truly sick unto death and am stuck fast in the fire of the passions of my soul, raise me up quickly.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

As thou art the animate city of God, gladdened by the flow of noetic rivers, make steadfast the house of my soul with the pillars of thy prayers.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Knowing thee to be the cloud raining down true righteousness, О most pure Lady, I pray that thou speedily deliver me thy servant from all who oppress me.

Ode V, Irmos: O Thou Who hast clothed Thyself in light as with a garment, * I rise early unto Thee and cry out to Thee: * Enlighten my darkened soul, O Christ, * in that Thou alone art compassionate!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Utterly suppress the turbulence and billows of sin and my passions, О Virgin Lady, having given birth to the Cause of dispassion.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Shown from on high to be Christ’s cloth of the divine vesture of majesty, О pure one, with the raiment of the virtues clothe my naked soul.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Grant me cleansing offences by thy supplications, О pure Virgin who hast given birth for us to Christ the Lord, our divine Purification.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

By thy prayers, О Virgin, do away with the sores, wounds and stripes of my sins, and grant power to thy servant.

Ode VI, Irmos: Calm the raging sea of the passions, * O Master Christ, * with its soul-destroying tempest, * and lead me up from corruption * in that Thou art compassionate.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О thou who hast given birth to the Light Who created the luminaries of the sky, illumine now my soul and deliver me from the darkness of the passions, О all-radiant one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Entreat thy Son, Who of old sweetened the waters of Mara, О Theotokos, that He quickly deliver me from grievous suffering and bitterness.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

The torrents of the passions disturb my soul, О most pure one; yet dry them up by thy prayers, and destroy my wicked thoughts.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Delivering mankind, Christ hath issued forth out of Sion, from thy womb, О most immaculate Lady; and hath thereby delivered me from perils and tribulations.

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, in Tone V: Wherefore, growing despondent, hast thou forgotten thy God, Who hath mercy upon thee, О my passion-plagued soul? Despising His precepts, thou hast come in wickedness and prodigality to the end of thy life. But shun evil, crying out to the Theotokos: Have mercy on mine accursed soul!

Ode VII, Irmos: Irmos: The supremely exalted Lord of our fathers * quenched the flame, * and bedewed the Youths * as they chanted in harmony: * O God, blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The hordes of the demons fear and tremble before the invocation of thy name, О most pure one. Deliver me from them, save and preserve me, protecting me from all harm.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Inexpressible is thy glory, О Virgin; for thou hast given birth to the Lord of glory. Wherefore, grant unto me the glory of thy Son and my God, by thy prayers.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Incline thine ear to the supplications of thy servant, О Lady, and speedily deliver me from tribulations and misfortunes, from all temptations, visible and invisible.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

With purity wash me who am wholly shameful and have sullied and defiled myself with the passions, and make me radiant through the sprinkling of thy prayers, О Virgin.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Unto Thee the Fashioner of all, * the children in the furnace chanted a hymn: * All ye works of the Lord, * supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The passion-plagued water of barrenness hath rendered the womb of my soul fruitless and dried it up. Rain down the divine Dew upon me, О light cloud, that I may bring forth fruits of repentance.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy prayers, О most pure one, calm, thou the water and storm of passionate thoughts, and guide me to the stream of dispassion, that I may glorify thee fervently throughout all ages.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

О noetic portal, closed gate, which God alone hath passed through: Close and lock the gates of my passions, and open unto me the portals of hope.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Remove from me the burden of transgressions, О Virgin Mother, who alone ineffably hast given birth to the Lamb and Word of God, Who taketh away all the sin of the world.

Ode IX, Irmos: O Isaiah, rejoice and be glad! * The Virgin hath conceived in her womb, * and hath borne a Son, Emmanuel, * who is both God and man; * and Orient is His name; * Him we magnify, and the Virgin we call blessed.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having as a man defiled my soul with many transgressions and sullied it with carnal passions, I now earnestly beseech thee and pray to thee: From all evil cleanse me, О pure one, by thy prayers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast given birth to Him Who willeth mercy, the God of compassions and the Lover of mankind, Who alone is Good, Long-suffering and full of loving- kindness. By thy supplications, О pure one, show Him to be well-disposed toward me, and grant me release from offences.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

By thy ceaseless maternal supplications, О Lady, to the virtues of good works do thou rouse thy servant, who am stuck fast in the slumber of despondency and asleep now in pleasures.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Blessing, I bless thee, О most pure one, and I magnify thee fervently. Wherefore, bless me who hymn thee; deliver me from all violence and grief, and by thy hands preserve me invincible.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Christ, who with an upraised arm * bringeth wars to naught, * hath shaken horse and rider in the Red Sea; * but Israel hath He saved * as they chanted a song of victory.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We know thee to be another, noetic garden of paradise, О Virgin Bride of God, beyond compare surpassing the Garden of Eden, О Mother of God; for thou hast budded forth incorruption for mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In paradise Adam was hindered from touching the tree of life, having partaken of the fruit of knowledge; but the Fruit received from thee hath given him immortality.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Adam was the first man created from earth by the most pure hands of the Almighty; but thou, О Virgin Theotokos, hast given birth without seed to the new Adam, the Creator of mankind.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The uttermost abyss of boundless transgressions hath engulfed me, and led me down into the depths of grievous despondency. О thou who hast given birth to the Abyss of loving-kindness, hasten thou and save me!

Ode III, Irmos: By Thy command Thou didst establish the earth upon nothing * and suspended it unsupported; * do Thou establish Thy Church on the unshakeable rock of Thy commandments, O Christ, * who alone art good * and the Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О immutable Word of God, Who didst make the earth the mother of living plants which did not exist on it in the beginning: Thou hast straightway come forth, seedlessly incarnate, from the woman who knew not a man, as from the earth.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art the hope and help, the joy, protection and refuge of mortals, О Lady and Mother of life; wherefore, we pray: Send down thine aid upon all who hymn thee.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Afflicted and stuck fast by grievous perils, О compassionate Accomplisher of all, Who art the God of all, we all set Thy thrice-holy tabernacle to pray before Thee, and we cry unto Thee: Loose Thou the bonds of Thy servants!

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The billows of sin cruelly batter me and drag me down into the abyss of transgressions; and the tempests of adverse thoughts batter my soul. О thou who hast given birth to the Helmsman, hasten thou to rescue thy servant.

Ode IV, Irmos: Habbakuk, prophetically apprehending * Thy divine self-emptying, O Christ, * cried out to Thee with trembling: * Thou hast come for the salvation of Thy people; * to save Thine anointed Ones.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In submitting to the serpent, Eve begat grief for women; but having believed the tidings of God, О Virgin, thou didst cause Joy to blossom forth for the whole world.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Eve was first formed from the rib of Adam of old; and now God is begotten of the Mother and Bride of God: He is born, incarnate without a father, from the Virgin.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Eve rejoiceth, for the Maiden who incorruptly conceived the Judge and gave birth to the Compassionate One, hath shown her first mother to be free from the ancient curse.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

My life hath been filled with transgressions, my mind is plagued with passions, and my soul is condemned; wherefore, in thy compassion, have mercy and save me, О Lady.

Ode V, Irmos: O Thou Who hast clothed Thyself in light as with a garment, * I rise early unto Thee and cry out to Thee: * Enlighten my darkened soul, O Christ, * in that Thou alone art compassionate!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having found thee to be a pillar and cloud of light, О Virgin Mother of the Bestower of light, we who walk in the wilderness of deception escape evils.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Rejoice, О thou who hast given birth in the flesh to God Who before the ages was incorporeally begotten of the Father, and hath been well-pleased to appear to us openly.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

The sun hath been surpassed by thy radiance, О Mary; for thou hast held in thine arms Him Who adorned the sky with luminaries, and didst feed Him at thy breast.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Condemn me not to the unquenchable fire, О Christ my Saviour, by the supplications of the pure one who gave birth to Thee.

Ode VI, Irmos: Calm the raging sea of the passions, * O Master Christ, * with its soul-destroying tempest, * and lead me up from corruption * in that Thou art compassionate.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure Ever-virgin, without sustaining harm thou didst bear in thy womb the wondrous God Who of old saved the Prophet Jonah in the sea monster.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Bearing the Lord God of hosts Who restraineth the storms of the sea, О most pure Virgin, thou didst still the briny billows of delusion.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Having given birth to Christ, the Peace of all, О most pure one, by thy prayers to Him tame the raging storms of the passions which assail me.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

On the day of grief, when the bonds holding soul and body together will be severed, intercede for me, and rescue me from the surrounding demons.

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, in Tone V: Beholding Thee willingly hanging upon the Cross between two thieves, О Christ, Thy Mother, her maternal womb rent with pain, exclaimed: “O my sinless Son, how have they unjustly crucified Thee on the Cross as a malefactor, Thee Who desireth to bring life to the race of mankind, in that Thou art supremely good?”

Ode VII, Irmos: Irmos: The supremely exalted Lord of our fathers * quenched the flame, * and bedewed the Youths * as they chanted in harmony: * O God, blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

God Who made a journey to meet with Abraham the forefather became thy Son, О blessed one; and He made his seed a blessing for the nations.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art the ladder of Jacob, О undefiled one; for God depicted thee as the one Mother, for whose sake God gathered together his children.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

The incarnate Son, Who is supremely exalted with the Father and the Spirit, having chosen thee, О pure one, loved thee exceedingly, that thou mightest become a dwelling-place for Him.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Do thou ever entreat the God to Whom thou hast given birth, that He save me, wretch though I am, and accept me, the simple one who cries out with faith: Blessed art Thou, О God!

Ode VIII, Irmos: Unto Thee the Fashioner of all, * the children in the furnace chanted a hymn: * All ye works of the Lord, * supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy birth-giving eludes examination, О Virgin, and is revealed to those who cry out with faith: All ye works of the Lord, hymn ye the Lord, and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In nowise having fallen from the glory of virginity, thou hast been enriched also with the honour of motherhood, О thou who knewest not wedlock. He Who worketh wonders hath made this clearly known, and we supremely exalt Him throughout the ages.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Behold the affliction of my lowly soul, О most pure one, and quickly deliver me from pain, that I may glorify thee throughout the ages.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Mercifully accept Thy Mother, who prayeth that Thou save Thy people, whom Thou hast acquired by Thy precious Blood, О good Word, that we may call Thee blessed throughout all ages.

Ode IX, Irmos: O Isaiah, rejoice and be glad! * The Virgin hath conceived in her womb, * and hath borne a Son, Emmanuel, * who is both God and man; * and Orient is His name; * Him we magnify, and the Virgin we call blessed.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Lady Theotokos, entreat the adored Trinity, to Whom alone thou hast given birth for us without suffering in the flesh, that He grant peace to those on earth, and that remission of sins be granted to those who hymn thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Even though Emmanuel is understood to be a single Person, yet He hath two natures; for, lo! we proclaim two wills and activities in Him, and we confess thee, His Mother, to be the Theotokos.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

I utter lamentation for myself, pondering the multitude of my sins, the uprisings of my passions, the despondency of my soul and the inconstancy of my mind. Grant salvation to me, wretch that I am,

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Assailing me like brigands, and stripping me of my radiant and luminous vesture, mine enemies have inflicted many wounds upon me. О Lord, raise me up who am barely alive.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos 

Ode I, Irmos: Unto God the Saviour * Who made His people pass dry-shod through the sea, * but drowned Pharaoh with all his host, * unto Him alone let us sing: * For He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О radiant tabernacle of Christ the King, illumine my mind, which hath been darkened by the deceit of the enemy and blinded by the darkness of my transgressions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Theotokos, free my humbled soul from wicked thoughts, and make it a dwelling-place for God, that I may ever glorify thee as is meet.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. 

When I must needs depart from this transitory life at the command of God, О most pure one, show me to elude the hands of the demons, providing me angels as companions.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Why hast thou wasted all thy life in great despondency, О my soul? Wherefore, hasten thou and cry out to the Mother of the Lord: Cleanse thou and save me, О Theotokos!

Ode III, Irmos: By the power of Thy Cross, O Christ, * do Thou make steadfast mine understanding, * that I may hymn and glorify Thine arising on the third day.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Out of the pit of torments and sufferings do thou lead me up who hymn thee constantly, О all-blessed Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Rend asunder the rags of my boundless transgressions, and gird me about with the gladness of the virtues, О thou who art full of the grace of God.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Grant me tear-drops, О pure one, that I may dispel the perplexity of my heart and may hymn thee earnestly.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Cast down the arrogance of the incorporeal foe, О most immaculate one, and quickly free me from their tyranny.

Ode IV, Irmos: I have heard report of the mighty deed * of Thy Cross, O Lord, * how Paradise was opened thereby, and I cried: * Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Why hast thou likened thyself to the barren fig-tree, О my soul, in nowise afraid of being cut down and cast into everlasting flames? Hasten thou, therefore, and rouse thyself before it is too late.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

What tongue can describe the boundless sea of the evils I have committed and the abyss of my transgressions? Save me, who am in despair, О most immaculate Virgin!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

I weep for myself when I bring to mind my manifold transgressions and the fire which will never be quenched, and I entreat thee: Grant me time for repentance, О pure one.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Let not the enemy seize my wretched soul like a savage lion, but by thy power break his soul-destroying fangs, О good one.       

Ode V, Irmos:  Waking at dawn, * we cry unto Thee, O Lord: * Save us, for Thou art our God; * we know none other besides Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Look down and hearken to my voice, О Lady; and deliver me from everlasting condemnation, I pray.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have been wounded by the arrows of sin, and I cry to thee: Heal the wounds of my heart, О most pure one!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Have mercy on me, О only Compassionate One Who lovest mankind, through the supplications of her who gave birth to Thee; for Thou art my God and Lord.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

I entreat thy goodness, be compassionate to me О thou who alone art all-hymned; and grant me mercy.

Ode VI, Irmos: The abyss hath encompassed me, * the sea monster hath become my grave; * but I cried unto Thee, * the Lover of mankind, * and Thy right hand saved me, O Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Like a lion, the deceitful one seeketh after me to devour me, wickedly showing forth his gaping jaws, but from such do thou rescue me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Do Thou cleanse me O Lover of mankind, and by the pure prayers of her who gave birth to thee, deliver Thy world from every manner of suffering, and grant me everlasting glory.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

A multitude of transgressions hath encompassed me, and I have fallen into the depths of despair. I pray thee O pure one, lead me up from the deepest depths of Hades, that I may glorify thee.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

My life hath been filled with transgressions and all manner of slothfulness; wherefore, before mine end, О pure one, turn me back to repentance and save me, О all-hymned one.

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, in Tone V: Rejoice, О firm rampart of divine victory! Rejoice, most militant felling of barbarians! Rejoice, О Theotokos, thou triumph of faithful Orthodox Christians, who truly set their hope on thee, delivering us from all misfortunes and ungodly enemies by thy supplications

Ode VII, Irmos: The children were saved * in the burning furnace, * chanting: Blessed art Thou * O God of our fathers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy goodness, О Lady, grant me forgiveness of evils, voluntary or involuntary.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

My mind is weakened by the assaults of wicked thoughts of ungodliness. Help me, О good one.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

О Theotokos, with the remedy of thine entreaties heal now the wounds of the passions of my soul. Grant me a contrite soul and humble mind, О good one, that I may glorify thee.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Grant me a contrite soul and humble mind, О good one, that I may glorify thee.

Ode VIII, Irmos: The Son of God who before all ages * wast born of the Father * hath in these last times * become incarnate of the Virgin-Mother, * O ye priests hymn, * and ye peoples supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having lived my life in slothfulness, wretch that I am, and drawn nigh to the end of my life, I cry out to thee O Theotokos: Preserve my lowly soul from the snares of the adversary.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Grant unto me healing of bodily ailments, spiritual wounds, and deliverance from besetting passions by thy divine power, since thou alone art compassionate.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Engulfed by the tempest of life, and covered over by the waves of demonic temptations, do thou save me O pure Maiden, leading me to a God- pleasing life of godly struggles.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Like a herald entering a bridal chamber, Gabriel cried out, saying: Rejoice, О Virgin, thou most glorious palace of Christ, the King of all, wherein dwelling He hath deified all mortals!

Ode IX, Irmos: Thee the true Mother of God, * who above all understanding * and beyond all description, * ineffably brought forth in time * the Eternal One, * with one mind do we the faithful magnify.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thee, who hast ineffably given birth to God, have we acquired as an ally, an immovable rampart, the salvation of our souls, and a wellspring of miracles.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

On the day of judgment be Thou merciful to me, О Word of the true God, by the supplications of her who gave birth to Thee, and number me with those who are on Thy right hand.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Deliver me from everlasting fire, from the worm which sleepeth not and from all manner of torment, for I have placed my hope in thee.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

When my soul shall be separated from my wretched body, О Bride of God, deliver me from the tyranny of the invisible foe.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos 

Ode I, Irmos: Christ, who with an upraised arm * bringeth wars to naught, * hath shaken horse and rider in the Red Sea; * but Israel hath He saved * as they chanted a song of victory.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О good and most immaculate one, grant me contrition of soul, humility of heart, purity of mind, correction of life, remission of transgressions and fountains of tears.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Behold my tribulation and compunction, heal thou the stripes of mine ancient transgressions, and grant me time to repent and confess my sins.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Pondering the abyss of mine evils, О all-immaculate one, I weep for myself befo

re my departure; wherefore, I beseech thee: Entreat thy Son, that He deliver me from torment.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

As thou hast time for repentance, О my soul, depart from all evil and cry out with tears to thy Creator: О my God, save me by the supplications of
her who gave birth to Thee!

Ode III, Irmos: By Thy command Thou didst establish the earth upon nothing * and suspended it unsupported; * do Thou establish Thy Church on the unshakeable rock of Thy commandments, O Christ, * who alone art good * and the Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The foremost of my passions have seized me, О most pure one, and have filled me with shame who have been created according to the image and likeness of God; yet deliver me from the harm thereof, for I hymn thee in compunction.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The enemy wickedly seeks to hunt me down, desiring to show me utterly consumed in everlasting flame, О most pure one; yet set at naught his wiles and counsels, that, rejoicing, I may glorify thee.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

The enemies of the righteous have deceitfully set me in the uttermost pit of many offences, yet as one now helpless and wholly wounded, I call upon thy supplication: О most immaculate Lady, save me!

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

I have wasted my life in slothfulness, wretch that I am, and have now arrived at the gates of death; and, terrified of the assault of the enemy, I cry unto thee: deliver me from their temptations, that saved, I may glorify thee.

Ode IV, Irmos: Habbakuk, prophetically apprehending * Thy divine self-emptying, O Christ, * cried out to Thee with trembling: * Thou hast come for the salvation of Thy people; * to save Thine anointed Ones.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have been wounded by the darts of sin, and wounds now cover mine entire body; wherefore, I cry out to thee, О most pure one: by thy speedy prayers heal the wounds of my soul.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Have mercy upon thy servants, О pure one; for we have acquired thee as our mediatress before God, and we pray that we be delivered from all want and everlasting torment.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

О good one, thou art my hope, shield and confirmation, my deliverance from evils, the enlightenment of my soul, my boast, bulwark and might.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Prodigally have I wasted the riches of good works which Christ gave me, in that He is good. Yet disdain me not, О most pure Maiden, for I am perishing of hunger.

Ode V, Irmos: O Thou Who hast clothed Thyself in light as with a garment, * I rise early unto Thee and cry out to Thee: * Enlighten my darkened soul, O Christ, * in that Thou alone art compassionate!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Behold the weakness of my lowly soul, О Lady, the infirmity of my flesh and the captivity of my mind, and save me who am bereft of hope.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

God to Whom thou hast given birth do thou ever entreat, that He save all of us who confess thee to be the Theotokos, and glorify thy birth-giving, О most pure one.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Who doth not call thee blessed, О all-immaculate one? For thou didst ineffably give birth to the one Master, the Saviour of the whole world.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О most pure one, send down upon me streams of tears, that, having purified myself of the defilements and blemishes of my sins, I may hymn the magnitude of thy goodness.

Ode VI, Irmos: Calm the raging sea of the passions, * O Master Christ, * with its soul-destroying tempest, * and lead me up from corruption * in that Thou art compassionate.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have been cast into the abyss of transgressions and iniquities, О all-immaculate one; yet stretch forth thy hand, and lead me up from the despair of Hades.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I know the multitude of the offences and thoughts which vex me; wherefore, hasten thou and deliver me, О most pure one.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Take pity on thy servant, О Christ Master, by the supplications of her who in purity gave birth to Thee, when Thou shalt come to judge the world which Thou hast fashioned.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О pure Lady, my soul hath been dragged down into the abyss of transgressions, to become food for the demons; wherefore, save me who am beyond hope.

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 V, Spec. Mel. “The co-unoriginate Word…”: The greatly painful passions of my soul and the infirmities of my flesh do thou quickly heal; still the wandering of my mind, О most immaculate Theotokos, and grant that in serenity of thought I may offer pure prayers unto the King, and beg remission of offences.

Ode VII, Irmos: The supremely exalted Lord of our fathers * quenched the flame, * and bedewed the youths * as they chanted in harmony: * O God, blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

When I bring to mind the multitude of mine unseemly deeds and transgressions, О all-immaculate one, I am afraid and horrified. О Virgin, by thy prayers free me from them.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The sleepless word and the unquenchable fire ever erode and devour my soul. Let me not become food for them, О most holy Theotokos.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

О all-immaculate Virgin, from the outmost darkness and dread torment deliver thy servants who cry out to thy Son: О God, blessed art Thou!

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

I have defiled my flesh with shameful passions, and have darkened by mind with vile thoughts; yet take pity, О pure one, and save me, Thy useless servant.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Unto Thee the Fashioner of all, * the children in the furnace chanted a hymn: * All ye works of the Lord, * supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Unto thee, the Theotokos, do I bring the weakness of my lowly soul, the infirmity of my heart and the delusion of my mind; and I cry aloud, asking thine aid, О Virgin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Be Thou merciful to Thy servants, О Word, through the supplications of her who gave birth to Thee, and save those who chant: О all ye works of the Lord, hymn the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

О thou who hast given birth to Him Who hath willed mercy, have mercy upon all who chant with faith: О all ye works of the Lord, hymn the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Deliver me from the outermost darkness and the worm which sleepeth not, О good Virgin, in that thou hast given birth to the Creator of the world; for all things whatsoever He desireth, He can accomplish by thy prayers.

Ode IX, Irmos: O Isaiah, rejoice and be glad! * The Virgin hath conceived in her womb, * and hath borne a Son, Emmanuel, * who is both God and man; * and Orient is His name; * Him we magnify, and the Virgin we call blessed.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

God to Whom thou hast ineffably given birth, О pure Lady, do thou earnestly beseech, that He deliver us from misfortunes and sorrows, and from the dread judgment which is to come; and that He grant unto us the splendours of His saints.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have sinned more than all others, disobeying Thy life-creating commandments, О Christ, making myself like the irrational beasts; yet by the prayers of Thy Mother, О Word, may I not be taken unrepentant from this life.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

In that thou hast given birth to the Word of God, the Abyss of mercy, О good one, have mercy upon the souls of all who flee beneath thy protection; for thee have we all acquired as an unashamed intercessor before God.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Ask now for our purification and remission, deliverance from all needs, and correction of life which is pure and radiant, О Mother of God, that we may glorify thy great beneficence.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos 

Ode I, Irmos: Christ, who with an upraised arm * bringeth wars to naught, * hath shaken horse and rider in the Red Sea; * but Israel hath He saved * as they chanted a song of victory.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

A truly awesome miracle was wrought within thee, О Virgin, for thou didst bear in thy womb Him Who is in nowise circumscribed, and hast ineffably given birth to Him, remaining a virgin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Rain down remission of sins upon me, О Lady who didst ineffably contain the Rain of heaven which came upon thee.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

О only blessed and divinely joyous one who hast given birth to ineffable Joy for al mankind: take the grief away from my soul, I pray, and gladden my heart.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

He Who shone forth from thee in His surpassing goodness is all the desire and sweetness of life, О most immaculate one. Him do thou beseech, that He save me who now unceasingly glorifies thee.

Ode III, Irmos: By Thy command Thou didst establish the earth upon nothing * and suspended it unsupported; * do Thou establish Thy Church on the unshakeable rock of Thy commandments, O Christ, * who alone art good * and the Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The works of the law have passed by as though they were a shadow; for Thou, О most pure one, hast given birth unto Christ Who in place of the law hath appointed for us the grace of purification and enlightenment, and hath lifted the curse, О all-immaculate Virgin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

God was born in the flesh from thee, О pure one; He Who before was invisible became visible. Wherefore, earnestly entreat Him, О Maiden, that He deliver me who glorifies thee with splendour, from enemies visible and invisible.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Cruel waves of the passions assail me, the abyss of evil spirits besets me, and the tempest of sin troubles my heart. О Theotokos, make me steadfast, for I hymn thee with splendour.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Having the divine Gabriel as our commander, with faith we cry out reverently together to the Theotokos and Mother who knewest not wedlock. By her we have been delivered from tribulations, sorrows and infirmities.

Ode IV, Irmos: Habbakuk, prophetically apprehending * Thy divine self-emptying, O Christ, * cried out to Thee with trembling: * Thou hast come for the salvation of Thy people; * to save Thine anointed Ones.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Virgin who within thyself wove a robe of incorruption with thy virginal blood for Him Who clothes the sky with clouds, clothe me who before was stripped naked through deception.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy womb, О Virgin, became a holy and ineffable palace for God the King, in which He made His abode; whereby He hath made us temples.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

As thou art compassionate, have compassion on my most wretched soul, О all-immaculate Theotokos, for it hath been cruelly darkened and fettered by the passions and sin.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Thou didst shine forth the Sceptre of the kingdom of incorruption from the root of Jesse, О pure one, and without knowing a man thou hast given birth to a Babe, the God of David, the Creator and Lord.

Ode V, Irmos: O Thou Who hast clothed Thyself in light as with a garment, * I rise early unto Thee and cry out to Thee: * Enlighten my darkened soul, O Christ, * in that Thou alone art compassionate!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Even after giving birth thou hast remained an incorrupt virgin, О most immaculate one; leading all the corrupt toward Life, and illumining them with incorruption.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

To the Pre-eternal One, Who shone forth timelessly from the Father, thou hast given birth as a newborn Babe, О most pure one. Him do thou entreat on behalf of the world, О Bride of God.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

О let me find thee, О Virgin, to be my helper, rescuing me from the sentence of the Judge at the hour of judgment, when I shall stand before the tribunal of Him Who was born from thee.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О Virgin Bride of God, my beloved from out of Lebanon, wholly beautiful and immaculate art thou. By the Holy Spirit the incarnation of the Son of God was made known in thee.

Ode VI, Irmos: Calm the raging sea of the passions, * O Master Christ, * with its soul-destroying tempest, * and lead me up from corruption * in that Thou art compassionate.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Without knowing a man, thou hast given birth to Emmanuel, Who hath taken pity on our lowliness, О Theotokos; wherefore, we ever glorify thee as is meet.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O most holy one, in a manner transcending understanding and past all telling, thou hast given birth to the Timeless One, the Creator Who delivereth from all corruption those who hymn thee, the Theotokos.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Having given birth to the Benefactor and Creator, О most holy and right-beloved Lady, bless thou mine afflicted soul.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

О all-pure one, we offer thee praise both new and old; for we have naught better for thy praise than “Rejoice!”, which we sing to thee with Gabriel.

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 V: I lament for myself before the judgment, pondering mine evil and grievous deeds, and the abyss of transgressions which hath surrounded me from my youth and which drown my mind; yet by thy prayers, О pure one, grant me remission, and vouchsafe that I may receive salvation.

Ode VII, Irmos: The supremely exalted Lord of our fathers * quenched the flame, * and bedewed the Youths * as they chanted in harmony: * O God, blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Deliver me from evil despondency, from the darkness of the passions and everlasting condemnation, О most pure one, that I may glorify thee with faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Mortify my passions, О thou who hast given birth to Life, and lift me up who lie in the grave of senselessness, О Bride of God, that I may glorify thee with love.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

О most immaculate one, thou hast given birth to the incorporeal God clad in the flesh, Who doth deliver us who chant with fear: Blessed art Thou, О God!

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Finding thy pure supplication to be priceless healing, О Virgin, chanting, we ask of thee goodly transformation of soul and health of body.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Unto Thee the Fashioner of all, * the children in the furnace chanted a hymn: * All ye works of the Lord, * supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О portal of the Light, open unto me the radiant gates of repentance, showing forth each straight path of righteousness leading into the entries of God’s will.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Virgin Mother, thou hast given birth on earth to a newborn Child, the Son Who is co-unoriginate with the Father, Who in His ineffable loving-kindness became like unto us who have become corrupt through sin.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

О most glorious Ever-Virgin whom God hath loved and chosen, thou hast been revealed to be wholly elect, wholly all-adorned; wherefore, we hymn thee throughout the ages, О pure one.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

“Thou art wholly pure, full of divine glory, my dear one!” the Spirit of God said, proclaiming thee, О most pure one, whom we praise with hymns, chanting: Thou must needs rejoice, having given birth unto the God-man!

Ode IX, Irmos: O Isaiah, rejoice and be glad! * The Virgin hath conceived in her womb, * and hath borne a Son, Emmanuel, * who is both God and man; * and Orient is His name; * Him we magnify, and the Virgin we call blessed.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Disdain not the sighs of those who now hasten unto thee, О all-pure one, but look upon us who are in sorrows, and transform our lamentation into joy, and our compunction into gladness, for we praise thee in hymns.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art an immovable foundation, О pure one, having given birth to the Saviour Who founded the earth upon the waters by His divine commands. Pray thou that He splendidly establishes thereon those who call thee blessed.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.  

Thy birth-giving transcends understanding О Theotokos, for conception and a virginal birth took place within thee without the aid of a man; for it was God Who was born, and magnifying Him, we bless thee who gave birth to Him.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Awesome art Thou, О Lord. Who then can withstand Thy threat, О Christ, only King, when Thou shalt render judgment? Wherefore, have pity and save me, О Saviour, through the right acceptable supplications of her who gave birth to Thee.