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 are all at a loss how to offer thee fitting hymnody, О Lady; for thy glory surpasseth all. Yet, О Bride of God, disdain not the entreaty offered to thee with fear and love.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We all have recourse to the water of thine inexhaustible wellspring, О Virgin Theotokos, crying out: О most pure one, thou sole joy of our race, ask peace for thy Churches.

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

God Who was well-pleased to receive flesh from thee hath appointed thee as a haven for all amid misfortunes, О pure one; wherefore, falling down before thee, we cry aloud: Grant thine aid unto thy servants!

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

Let thy prayer, О most pure Virgin, be for thy servants the dispelling of the passions, the eradication of sins and the washing away of all manner of pain, О Theotokos.

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.

Thou art the hope of mortals, their help and joy, protection and refuge, О Lady, Mother of Life; wherefore, we pray thee: Send down thy help upon all who hymn thee, О most pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О compassionate Author, God and Saviour of all, we who are infirm and are beset by grievous perils set Thy Mother before Thee as a most pure tabernacle, to supplicate Thee. Loose Thou the bonds of our transgressions.

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

О Bride of God, who alone hast given birth to the Creator, Fashioner and Lord of all while remaining a virgin, grant salvation from on high to thy servants who glorify thee as truly the Mother of God.

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

Fill me with life-creating waters, О Lady who hast poured forth the divine Water upon the world; and with thy divine tranquility.

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 that thou art more exalted than all creation, О all-hymned Theotokos, God hath given thee to those on earth as a source of mediation before Him.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Knowing thee to be the temple of God, О Virgin Mother, we who honor thee earnestly pray: Shut not the portals of thy mercy against thy servants, О Theotokos!

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

Knowing thee to be the true raiment of God all-adorned, О Mother who knewest not wedlock, we who honor thee all pray: Array us in the vesture of remission!

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

The whole world was filled with joy at thy nativity, О most pure one; wherefore, the great Gabriel announced to thee: Rejoice, О Virgin Mother Mary!

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.

Truly we are not chastened according to the measure of our offences! О most pure Virgin Mother, turn away from us all the wrath of thy Son!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure one who hast given birth, without knowing wedlock, to God Who alone brought forth light out of darkness, earnestly beseech Him, that He send down divine light upon thy servants.

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

With the incense of thy prayers, О pure Mother of the Creator, whom Solomon foretold as the divine bride out of Lebanon, spread fragrance upon thy servants.

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

Having given birth without seed to Christ, our justification and deliverance, О Theotokos, thou hast rendered the nature of our first parents free of the curse.

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 Lady Theotokos who hast given birth to the Creator, ask remission for thy servants, and raise us up in might, that we may hymn thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Be thou a help to us thy servants who entreat thee with faith, О pure Lady, in that thou art merciful, and raise us up in might, that we may hymn thee.

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

As thou hast the power to do what thou desirest, as is meet, О pure Lady, look upon thy servants with a merciful eye, and raise us up from corruption.

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

Unceasingly pouring forth streams of compassion upon those who ask, О most immaculate and good one, rain down upon me also the light of
thy Son’s commandments.

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: О all-holy Virgin, have mercy upon us who have recourse to thy tender compassion with faith, and who ask thy fervent aid; for thou art able to save us all, in that thou art the good Mother of God Most High, ever embracing Him with thy maternal supplications, О divinely joyous Virgin.

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.

О Christ, Thou unfathomable Wisdom of God, have pity upon Thy servants, for the sake of her who gave birth to Thee, for we unceasingly chant: Blessed art Thou, О God!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Lord, we entreat Thy goodness: heal Thou our wounds, for the sake of her who gave birth to Thee, for we chant with fear: Blessed art Thou, О God!

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

With thy merciful eye, О Mother of God, look down and deliver thy servants from every evil circumstance, for we chant with faith: Blessed art Thou, О God!

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

Committing evil deeds, we have fallen away from thee, О Lady; yet have we straightway found thy help, О most pure one, when we have cried: Blessed art Thou, О God!

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.

О our Lady, bestower of good things: grant the healing of the passions unto thy servants, О Virgin, that we may unceasingly hymn and supremely exalt thee throughout the ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure one who hast given birth indescribably to the Redeemer, thou didst ineffably give suck to Him while remaining a virgin. Him do thou entreat on behalf of those who hymn and glorify thee throughout all ages.

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

Forming ourselves into a most beautiful choir, we sing to thee, the radiant lamp of the Redeemer: О all ye works of the Lord, unceasingly hymn the Virgin Mary, and supremely exalt her throughout the ages!

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

О pure ewe-lamb, Virgin Maiden and Mother, cleanse me of the carnal passions, that I may be delivered from the snares of the deceiver, chanting hymns to thee, О divinely joyous one.

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.

Our hymnody is completed, О Christ Master, but our hope in Thee, our Creator, like Thy grace, knoweth no limitation. Wherefore, grant mighty power to Thy servants, both monastic and the laity, through the supplications of her who gave birth to Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thou art the true Mother of Life, О pure one, thou art the strength of the sick and infirm; wherefore, fleeing unto thee, О Lady, we have found the remission of all sorrows and have been saved by thy protection.

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

Beholding thy divine countenance in thine images, О Lady, we perceive thee clearly therein, in all ways hating the mindlessness of heretics on earth. And falling down before the icons, we receive healing.

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

О pure one, we sinners know thee to be an abyss of healings and a sea of grace; wherefore, we beseech thee: О most pure one, from all want rescue us who have recourse to thy protection.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos 

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.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

From the mire of the passions, from the threefold billows of wicked thoughts, from the darts of the evil one, and from, every assault of the adversary, deliver my wretched soul, О most pure Theotokos, and rescue me from everlasting fire.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Lead me up from the abyss of transgressions, О pure one, and guide me to the light of the divine commandments of Christ God our Savior; shine forth upon me the saving radiance of repentance, and grant me eternal life.

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

Having fallen into the evil mire of my wicked deeds, I am choked greatly on mine evils, and I find no firm place whereon to stand, О Virgin Lady and Mother, lead me up by thy power, and deliver me from fire and torment.

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

Thou hast destroyed death and corruption, О all-hymned Theotokos, having given birth to Christ, the Wellspring of incorruption, Who hath adorned human nature with immortality and grace, О most immaculate one.

Ode III, Irmos: Not in wisdom, nor in power do we glory, * but we glory in Thee O Christ, * the Hypostatic Wisdom of the Father, * for there is none more holy than Thee, O Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Having been made manifest, О pure Virgin, take the darkness away from, my soul, break asunder the bonds of sin, and save me by thine assistance, I pray.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

My heart, which hath been whirled about by the assaults of the passions, do thou make steadfast in the most pure fear of God, О most immaculate Virgin, by thy loving-kindness.

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

Despairing of any hope, О most immaculate one, I have fled to thee as my mighty preservation and shelter. Wherefore, take not away from me thy divine protection.

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

Arrayed like a queen in robes inwrought with gold, О Lady, thou standest now at the right hand of God, praying for thy servants.

Ode IV, 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.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

О divinely blessed Maiden, free me who am held fast by despondency, am wholly darkened by the gloom of the passions, and am enslaved to sin; and join me to thy Son and our God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

In that thou hast given birth to Life, О most immaculate one, give life to me who have been slain by the malice of the deceiver; for to thee have I fled. Lead me up who have been engulfed by abysmal falls, in that thou art merciful, О all-immaculate one.

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

I lie in the tomb of mine unseemly pleasures, and am held fast by despondency and slothfulness. Yet, О good one who hast given birth to the Resurrection of all, enliven and save me!

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

Of old, О Virgin, the prophet called thee the sacred mountain of God, wholly overshadowed by the virtues, from whence the saving Word appeared, unto the edification and enlightenment of our souls.

Ode V, Irmos: The wicked will not behold Thy glory, O Christ, * but we who rise early to hymn Thee shall behold Thee, * the Only-Begotten effulgence of Thy Father’s divinity, * O Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

May my lowly soul rejoice to fear thy Son, О Lady, and to carry out His commandments with, a willing heart. О all-immaculate and most pure one, guide me by thy supplications.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

О good Lady, grant that my passion-plagued soul may confess the Redeemer with all my heart, dispelling the ignorance of my heart, О all-immaculate one.

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

Keep thou my soul as the apple of thine eye under the shelter of thy wings, О good and most pure one, and deliver it from the oppression and tyranny of the evil spirits.

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

О most pure one, thou hast appeared, delivering from the assaults of the passions and the evil demons thy servant who hath acquired thee as a mighty ally and unashamed intercessor.

Ode VI, Irmos:  Prefiguring Thy three-day burial * Prophet Jonah praying in the belly of the sea-monster cried aloud: * Deliver me from corruption * O Jesus Thou King of hosts.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Cast down those who ever wage war upon me, О Lady, and dispel the clouds of mine evil thoughts, О Mother of God who art the portal of the Sun of righteousness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Shine upon me the radiance of repentance, О Lady, and break through the clouds of mine evil thoughts, for I have been attracted and corrupted by grievous corruption.

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

Still thou the raging billows of my passions and quell the storm of mine evil thoughts, О most immaculate one, thou steadfast intercessor and protection of all.

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

The transgressions of my soul have multiplied more than the sand of the sea, and like a heavy burden they crush me; yet, taking pity, О Virgin, save me before the end.

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 IV: We, the faithful, bless thee as the Theotokos, our helper and fervent aid amid misfortunes, our reconciliation with God, by whom we have been delivered from corruption.

Ode VII, Irmos: Of old the Children of Abraham in Babylon * trampled down the flame of the furnace, * crying aloud with hymns: * O God of our Fathers, blessed art Thou.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

О pure Theotokos, I call upon thee with faith: Keep safe my lowly heart, and deliver me from the flame of torment and everlasting darkness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

With, the spear of thy Son, О pure Virgin, rend asunder the record of my transgressions, and deliver me, I pray, from all restraint at the hour of mine end.

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

With the streams of my tears and the down-pouring of thy compassions, О pure Virgin, quench thou the furnace which the multitude of mine evils have prepared for me through the activity of the demons.

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

From the temptations which assail us and from every torment. О thou who alone art the Ever-virgin Mother of the Word, do thou deliver us who truly hymn thee with understanding throughout all ages.

Ode VIII, Irmos:  The Offspring of the Theotokos * saved the holy children in the furnace. * He who was then prefigured hath now been born on earth, * and He gathereth all creation to hymn thee: * all ye works praise ye the Lord * and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages. 

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.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Heal thou my ailing soul, О Theotokos, Virgin Bride of God; illumine my darkened mind, and rescue me from fire and the indescribable and everlasting torments.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Bent beneath the weight of irrational passions, I have fallen into the abyss of destruction and have made myself fuel for the flame; yet do thou deliver me, thy servant, from thence, О Virgin Theotokos.

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

Dry up the depths of mine evils, О thou who hast given birth to the Abyss of loving-kindness, the Redeemer and Lord, and before the end loose thou the bonds of mine evils, О thou who hast given birth to the Savior of all.

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

The Lord Who became incarnate through thy womb, He Who hath dominion over all creation, showed thee, О Virgin, to be the Sovereign Lady who reignest over all creatures, visible and invisible, glorifying thee as His immaculate Mother.

Ode IX, Irmos:  Eve dwelt under the curse of sin * because of the infirmity of disobedience; * but thou, O Virgin Theotokos, * hast through the Offspring of thy pregnancy * blossomed forth blessing upon the world. * Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

My heart, which is barren of divine virtues, О most pure Virgin Theotokos, do thou show forth as fruitful, in that thou wast born from a barren woman at the command of, and by the will of, Him Who transformeth all things: that I may hymn thee, the all-hymned one.

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

With thy light illumine me, О most immaculate one, for thou hast given birth to the unapproachable Light; burn away the clouds of my passions, rescue me from the darkness devoid of light, and grant unto me divine light, that I may hymn thee, О Virgin Mother.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

With the sprinkling of thy compassions, О pure one, cleanse my putrid heart, and grant that I may ever shed my tears in streams, and cutting off the torrents of the passions, may I be delivered from torment.

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

O right loving Theotokos who hast given birth to the right loving God, do thou now quickly free me from wicked carnal love, that I, who am perishing through slothfulness, may serve the will of God, О Lady.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos 

Ode I, Irmos: I shall open my mouth, * and be filled with the Spirit, * and utter discourse to the Queen and Mother; * and be seen radiantly keeping festival, * joyfully praising her wonders. 

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Thou alone art the help, refuge and preserver of thy servants, О pure Birthgiver of God. Wherefore, I fall down before thee and cry aloud: Save me, the accursed one, in that thou art merciful! 

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Vile deeds have wounded my conscience, holding up my guilt before my face. О Lady, hasten thou and help me! Before the end, deliver me and save me! 

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

О Lady who hast given birth to the most holy Word and art more holy than all the hosts on high, О thou who alone art all-hymned, sanctify my defiled heart. 

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

In thee have I placed my hope of salvation, and to thee who art compassionate have I fled with faith. Disdain me not, О hope of the hopeless, neither show me to be a joy to the demons. 

Ode III, Irmos: O Theotokos, thou living and plentiful fount, * establish in spiritual fellowship those who sing hymns to thee, * and in thy divine glory * grant them crowns of glory. 

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

О pure one, grant the dew of thy tender compassion unto me who am melting under the burning heat of sin, cooling me with light, in that thou art good, and imparting divine joy. 

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Dispel the darkness of my mind with the Light which was within thee, О Theotokos, I pray, that thou mayest render me steadfast through examples of repentance, in that thou art compassionate and greatly merciful; that, saved I may call thee blessed. 

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

With the sprinkling of thy mercy, О divinely joyous Virgin, extinguish the burning embers of my passions, and light the burning lamp of my heart, О all-immaculate golden lamp-stand. 

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

The billows of sin and the tempest of mine unseemly thoughts engulf me; yet take pity on me, О all-immaculate one, and stretch forth unto me thy helping hand, in that thou art merciful, that saved I may call thee blessed. 

Ode IV, Irmos:  The Most High, * will be from a Virgin, * the Prophet Habbakuk cried aloud: * Glory to Thy power, O Lord! 

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

О thou who art the most wondrous Mother of God, shine forth upon me beams of repentance and dispel the gloom of my wretched soul, driving away the wicked thoughts of my heart, О Virgin. 

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

With faith I pray thee, the purification of all, О blessed one, and I pray: Render the Judge, thy Son, merciful unto me, that I may glorify thee with praises. 

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

О only pure one, in that thou art a physician, heal thou my lowly heart which hath become leprous through exposure to unclean passions, and rescue me from the hands of the demons. 

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

Of old, bolding forth most manifestly, the blessed Habbakuk described thee with divinely inspired words as the pure and overshadowed mountain of Him Who came forth from Thaeman and assumed flesh through thee, О Lady. 

Ode V, Irmos: All creation stands in awe of thy divine glory; * for thou, O Virgin who hast not known wedlock, * didst contain within thy womb the God of all, * and gave birth to the timeless Son, * bestowing peace, upon all who hymn thee. 

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Slain by passions and evil thoughts, О all-immaculate Lady, I flee to thy compassions and hasten to thy fervent protection and aid. O thou who alone hast given birth to Life, enliven my heart. 

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

With thine active healing cure me who have been bitten deep by the sword of sin, О pure one, for thou hast given birth to the Lord Who for my sake was pierced by a spear and thereby wounded the heart of the serpent. 

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

Treat thou my broken heart, О most immaculate one, heal the sufferings of my soul, and dispel the darkness of despondency, that in praises I may hymn thee, the ever-blessed one, О all-hymned Theotokos. 

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

Beholding the Grapes of the vine Whom she had produced, hanging upon the Tree, the Virgin cried aloud: “O my Child, thou pourest forth the sweet new-wine, doing away with the drunkenness of the foes who have crucified Thee in vain, for Thou art long-suffering in all things!” 

Ode VI, Irmos: Celebrating the divine and solemn feast * of the Mother of God * O ye divinely wise, * let us come, clapping our hands, * and glorify God who was born of her. 

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

О thou who alone art the help of all, help us who are in tribulation, grant us thy hand, and steer us to the haven of salvation, О thou who alone art full of the grace of God. 

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

О most pure one, in the dread hour rescue me from the torture and delusion of the evil demons, from condemnation, fire, darkness and torment. 

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

I hymn thee, О all-hymned one, glorify thine honoured and mighty works. Do thou free me from, impure passions and grant unto me everlasting glory. 

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

We must needs be sing of thee, yet are truly unable to do so as is meet; wherefore, we quietly hymn thee, О Virgin, honouring in silence the ineffable mystery wrought within 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 IV: Upon beholding Thee suspended upon the Cross, * O Word of God, * Thy most pure Mother exclaimed, lamenting maternally: * “What is this new and strange wonder, O my Son? * How is it that Thou, the Life of all, hast tasted death, * desiring to bring life to mortals, ** in so far as Thou art compassionate?” 

Ode VII, Irmos: Refusing to worship created things * in place of the Creator, * The divinely wise youths bravely trampled down the threatening fire * and rejoicing they sang aloud: * O supremely hymned Lord and God of our Fathers, Blessed art Thou. 

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

О pure one, who alone art full of the grace of God, pray thou to the Immutable One to Whom thou hast given birth, that with His right hand He change my mind towards the good, for it hath been grievously altered by the temptations of the demons. 

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

О Virgin Queen who hast given birth to Christ the King, have pity and save me who have been brought low by the passions. Establish me with faith and. guide me to the path of salvation, О salvation of the faithful. 

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

О most immaculate one, be thou mine advocate before Him Who was born from thee; grant me remission of my cruel debts and divine entry into the kingdom of God, that I may receive its food and partake of its light. 

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

О all-immaculate Mary, pure Virgin who knewest not wedlock, who art infinite in goodness, having given birth to God in the flesh: Beseech Him, that He deliver us from all grief and sin. 

Ode VIII, Irmos:  The Offspring of the Theotokos * saved the holy children in the furnace. * He who was then prefigured hath now been born on earth, * and He gathereth all creation to hymn thee: * all ye works praise ye the Lord * and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages. 

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Having prodigally squandered my life and committed every vile deed, I tremble before the judgment, before the trial, before the sentence which will be pronounced. Have mercy upon mine accursed soul, О pure one, and, before I die, grant me illumination. 

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

On thee have I set all my hope of salvation, O Mother of God who tasted not of wedlock, and ever call upon thee for help: Save me from grief, from the assaults of the enemy; loose thou the bonds of mine evils, and rescue me from everlasting darkness. 

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

Thou hast been revealed to be more exalted than the angels, having ineffably given flesh unto God. Him do thou therefore beseech, О all-immaculate Lady, that I may transcend carnal temptations and be delivered from the coming judgment and everlasting torment, О Virgin. 

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

Fill me with divine waters, О Virgin who didst bear the Wellspring in thy womb. Deliver me from the burning heat of my sins, guide me to the life of salvation, and dispel despondency from my wretched soul, О pure Virgin, and deliver me from the demons. 

Ode IX, Irmos: Let every mortal born on earth, * radiant with light, in spirit leap for joy; * and let the host of the angelic powers * celebrate and honour the holy feast of the Mother of God, * and let them cry aloud: * Rejoice! O all- blessed Theotokos, * thou pure Ever-Virgin. 

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

With the power of thy prayer, О all-immaculate, divinely joyous and most pure Lady, mow down the meadow of my sins, granting me saving healing – the most pure fear of the Master. 

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

Thou art mine enlightenment, thou art my deliverance and joy, thou art mine ally, thou art my glory, my boast, hope and my salvation, and I cry unto thee: Save me, thy wretched servant, and rescue me from the gates of Hades. 

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Save me, О pure one who hast given birth to the most compassionate Saviour, and take pity on thy servant; guide me to the path of repentance, dispel from within me the temptations of the evil one, deliver me from his pursuit, and rescue me from everlasting fire, О most immaculate one. 

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

The Word, Who from the beginning was incorporeal, abased Himself, clothing Himself in flesh from thee and dwelt incarnate in the world, О most immaculate one; and with divine power He hath cast down him who from of old hath tormented all. 

 

 

 

 

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Through the deep of the Red Sea, * marched dry shod Israel of old, * and by Moses’ outstretched hands, * raised in the form of a cross, * the power of Amalek was routed in the wilderness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Truly, yea surely, thou hast given birth to the Lord God, and truly, yea surely, thou alone hast been called the Theotokos, О pure one. Wherefore, with faith we hymn and glorify thee as is meet.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

From thee, О most pure one, hath the Star shone forth out of Jacob, Who as God hath numbered the multitude of the stars. Wherefore, by His effulgence remove thou the darkness of my sins.

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

I know thee to be clearly the rational bridal-chamber of the incarnation of God, О pure and all-immaculate one; and I entreat thee to deliver me from carnal passions, tribulations, temptations and evil circumstances.

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

In that thou art the ladder of the coming of the Almighty unto us, whereby God descended to the earth, raise me up to heaven from earthly carnal passions, and lead me to God.

Ode III, Irmos: Not in wisdom, nor in power do we glory, * but we glory in Thee O Christ, * the Hypostatic Wisdom of the Father, * for there is none more holy than Thee, O Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art a wellspring pouring forth consolation upon the sorrowful, О Lady; wherefore, pour forth upon me a torrent of the waters of thy supplications, and quench thou the furnace of my passions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure one who hast healed the grievous wounds of our nature by giving birth to the Creator and Lord, heal me who am wounded by unseemly thoughts.

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

Tempest-tossed amid the deep of my many transgressions, passions and temptations, О all-immaculate one, by thine aid I hasten to the most tranquil haven.

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

By the divine Rain which descended into thy womb as upon a fleece, and with thy supplications, bedew thou my heart, which is aflame with the fire of the passions.

Ode IV, Irmos: Beholding Thee, the Sun of righteousness, * lifted up upon the Cross, * the Church now standeth arrayed and doth worthily cry aloud: * Glory be to Thy power, O Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

From the flowing ointment of thy Son, the Perfume of the life of all, О pure one, pour forth the myrrh of dispassion upon my soul, and remove from it the mire of its passions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With the hyssop of thy prayers sprinkle me who am defiled with the mire of sin, О Lady; wash me clean and cleanse me of the impurity of my passions, and show me to be a dwelling- place of Christ.

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

I beseech thee, О most pure one, thou book inscribed and sealed by the finger of God: with the finger of thy supplications prescribe for me the remission of sins, and deliver me from perils.

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

Thou wast the temple of God out of all the holy mountains, as the prophet said of old. Show me to be a pure temple of Christ, О Lady, by thine aid.

Ode V, Irmos: Thou, O Lord, who didst come into the world, * art my light, * a holy light turning from the darkness of ignorance * those who sing Thy praises in faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Knowing thee to be the dew of Hermon which descended upon Sion, О Birthgiver of God, I pray that thou quench the burning of my flesh.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As the paradise of life, О Theotokos, do thou quickly deliver me from deadly sin and the many and varied passions.

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

О pure one, thou art the noetic phial of alabaster. Wherefore, with the perfume of the Myrrh Who was poured forth upon earth from heaven, do thou fill me now.

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

Thou hast restored mankind who was inclined toward corruption, О Bride of God. Wherefore, lead me up now from the depths of transgressions and the passions.

Ode VI, Irmos: The church crieth out unto Thee O Lord, * ‘I will sacrifice unto Thee with a voice of praise * having been cleansed of the blood of the demons’ * by the blood that for mercy’s sake flowed from Thy side.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having become the exceedingly beauteous palace of the King of glory, О glorious Lady, thou hast glorified mankind; wherefore, grant incorrupt glory to me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With pure incorruption thou hast allayed the vile corruption of nature, О most pure one; wherefore, dry up the torrents of my passions and the rivers of my carnal knowledge.

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

Quell thou the passionate movements of my body and tame thou the uprisings of my flesh, making them subject to my mind as if they were a foal, О pure one, lulling them to sleep by thy prayers.

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

I hymn thee who hast given birth to the supremely hymned God, О Maiden, and I beseech thee: О Theotokos, deliver and save me from dreadful strife and everlasting condemnation.

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 IV: О intercessor unopposed, О Theotokos, thou ready advocate for those who have recourse unto thee: deliver me from misfortunes, and disdain me not, О helper of all.

Ode VII, Irmos: In the Persian furnace the youths and descendants of Abraham, * burning with a love of piety * rather than by a flame of fire, * cried aloud saying: * Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In that thou art the fiery and God-bearing bush, О pure one, burn up the thorns of my wicked contemplations, illumine the thoughts of my soul, and dry up the abyss of my passions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou alone hast manifestly acquired the majesty and divine glory of eternity on the earth, having been revealed to be another heaven; wherefore, set at naught mine enemies, the boastful demons.

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

О divine vessel of loving-kindness and goodness, pour forth upon me the riches of thy compassions in abundance, washing away the defilement of my transgressions, and quench thou the burning of my flesh.

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

Having lived prodigally, I have ever wasted the spiritual wealth given me by God in carnal pleasures; yet by thy supplications do thou grant me justification, О Virgin.

Ode VIII, Irmos:  Having spread his hands, Daniel closed the lions’ jaws * in their den; * while the zealously pious youths, * girded with virtue, * quenched the power of the fire and cried aloud: * Bless ye the Lord, all ye works of the Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Break thou the chains of my transgressions and quell thou the uprisings of my body, cut down mine evil thoughts and quickly cleanse thy servant of secret thoughts, О Theotokos, thou intercessor and help of all the faithful.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most pure one, who hast been shown to be the unquarried mountain of God, rich, densely wooded and overshadowed, shield me with the shelter of thy supplications, deliver me from the snares of the hunters, and preserve me from the darts of the demons and from vile thoughts.

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

О Lady, grant that I may receive the fear of God and the spirit of compunction within me, and that I may bring forth a virtuous life; and render me frightful to the wicked demons and a partaker of the divine glory of the angelic choirs.

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

Quickly open unto me the doors of life, the portals of my hope, О most pure one; guide me to life without end, and show me, thy servant, to be an heir to the kingdom of heaven and a partaker of the divine glory of the saints.

Ode IX, Irmos: Eve dwelt under the curse of sin * because of the infirmity of disobedience; * but thou, O Virgin Theotokos, * hast through the Offspring of thy pregnancy * blossomed forth blessing upon the world. * Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In thy prayers look down upon thy servant, О pure one; go thou quickly before me, and deliver me from the invisible foes who afflict and oppress me. Save me from misfortunes, sorrows and multifarious evil circumstances.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Virgin, heal me who am condemned and wounded by the stripes of sin, and deliver me from wicked thoughts, О thou who hast given birth to the omnipotent Word, the Good One Who lovest mankind.

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

For the sake of Adam who of old fell into sin, thy Son, О exceedingly good one, Who hath dominion over life and death, partook of death; wherefore, by thy supplications raise me up from the passions and the fall.

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

О Theotokos, from misfortunes and falls, from sin and tempest, from the passions of the body, from the billows and violent griefs of life, and from wicked malice save those who have recourse unto thee.

A Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Through the deep of the Red Sea, * marched dry shod Israel of old, * and by Moses’ outstretched hands, * raised in the form of a cross, * the power of Amalek was routed in the wilderness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most pure one, who alone provides defence amid perils and tribulations, in that thou art good accept the heartfelt supplication of us who fervently flee unto thy protection.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Wretch that I am, I have found thee to be a calm haven fending off the assaults of perils and want, О divine bearer of the God-man, and I chant hymns of thanksgiving unto thee.

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

Gazing upon me, who am stuck fast in evil circumstances and sorrow, with thy meek and merciful eye, О Birthgiver of God, quickly free me, for I call upon thee for help.

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

Adam and Eve have been delivered from condemnation by thee, О pure one, and with them I fall down before thee. Transform my tears of grief now into joy, and free me from perils.

Ode III, Irmos: The bow of the mighty hath waxed feeble * and the weak have girded themselves with strength: * therefore is my heart established * in the Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having acquired thee as a mighty weapon and bulwark, I vanquish hordes of the adversary, and I hymn thy mighty acts, О Theotokos who knewest not wedlock.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou destroyest the furnace of grief and dost extinguish the burning heat of despair. Who is a help for us like unto thee, О Virgin Theotokos?

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

Hearken unto the cry of thy servant, who am in need of thine aid, О Mother of God. О my hope, hear me and hasten to save me.

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

Look down, О pure one, and save me, for at the command of God, in a manner which transcendeth all telling and understanding, thou hast given flesh to the Word of God Who sustaineth all things.

Ode IV, Irmos: Beholding Thee, the Sun of righteousness, * lifted up upon the Cross, * the Church now standeth arrayed and doth worthily cry aloud: * Glory be to Thy power, O Lord

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having vanquished those who have become mine enemies in vain and have striven cruelly to seize my soul, preserve me unassailed, О Lady, that, rejoicing, I may glorify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Delivering me from the deceitful tongue, in that thou art my good intercessor, show me to be unsullied by the works of this life, for as the Mother of the Creator thou art able to accomplish much.

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

Afflicted as I am, but knowing thee to be a painless physician, I cry out with spirit and mouth: Heal me, О Lady! Have mercy and save me, for I, thy servant, flee unto thee!

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

О Virgin Mary, we all hymn thee as the boast of angels and mortals, and we pray with faith: О Lady, pray that we be delivered from all sorrow!

Ode V, Irmos: Thou, O Lord, who didst come into the world, * art my light, * a holy light turning from the darkness of ignorance * those who sing Thy praises in faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure one, direct the prayer of thy servant to the Lord thy Son, that I may find remission of my many and varied transgressions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Deliver me from sufferings and misfortunes, О Bride of God, for God hath appointed thee as a mediator before Him for my lowliness.

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

Thou art my protectress and constant boast, О Lady Theotokos, for thou dost in nowise spurn me who am beset by griefs.

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

Ask now, that by thy prayers we may be granted remission of sins, and deliverance from perils and impure passions, О all-hymned one.

Ode VI, Irmos: The church crieth out unto Thee O Lord, * ‘I will sacrifice unto Thee with a voice of praise * having been cleansed of the blood of the demons’ * by the blood that for mercy’s sake flowed from Thy side.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Amid the desperate tribulations which greatly assail me, thou art my strength, О most pure Lady, and I cry unto thee: For thou art thy servant’s great helper.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Heal thou the wounds of my soul, О Virgin Lady; help me, and deliver thy servant from slander, attack and unjust assault.

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

Destroy thou the unjust assailants who ever attack me and leave me not to perish, for I have recourse to thee О pure one, for all things are possible for thee, О divine Maiden.

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

Still thou the raging billows of my soul, for a multitude of transgressions, temptations and griefs have risen up against me; but do thou save me, О Lady.

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 IV: All of us who have recourse to thy protection, О Virgin, cry out to thee: Accept our entreaty, and cease thou never to pray to Him Who is the Lover of mankind, that thy servants may be saved.

Ode VII, Irmos: Thou didst save the children of Abraham in the fire * and slay the Chaldeans, * who unjustly entrapped the righteous ones. * O supremely hymned Lord, God of our fathers, * blessed art Thou.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having quickly repelled the force of the Moslems with the sword of thy supplications, О Mary, preserve thy people and flock, who cry unto thy Son: О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О thou who art equal in majesty to the tabernacle, О Mother of God, accept me who flee unto thee, that the enemy who strives to destroy me may not overtake me who chant to thy Son: О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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

О Mary, Birthgiver of God, go thou quickly before thy servant, for I am engulfed in the threefold waves of perils and am bereft of help, and I cry unto thee: О Theotokos my help, have mercy upon me!

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

The human temptations which are the cause of sins do thou now destroy by thy divine prayers, О good Theotokos, and deliver thy servants from painful transgressions and all perils.

Ode VIII, 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.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

An iniquitous nation hath arisen against us, boasting that it will destroy thy servants, О most pure one; but, destroying it, protect those who cry: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy many compassions mercifully save us from the judgment of sin and divers perils, О only Mother of God, for, having given birth unto God, thou hast pity for His world.

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

Take pity now upon me in my supplication, and grant me joy in place of grief, О Lady, that I may hymn thee and cry out to thy Son: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

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

In that thou art my strength and helper, I am not afraid of the hostility of the enemy, but I hymn thee, О Lady, and cry out to thy Son: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Ode IX, Irmos: Eve dwelt under the curse of sin * because of the infirmity of disobedience; * but thou, O Virgin Theotokos, * hast through the Offspring of thy pregnancy * blossomed forth blessing upon the world. * Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having sharpened his weapons, the iniquitous and false Arabian taketh counsel against us; yet having armed thy servants against him with the power of the Cross of thy Son and thy supplications, О Virgin Theotokos, we proclaim thy glory.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast been given to me as strength against the enemy and deliverance amid trials. I know not what I shall offer unto thee, О pure one. Yet accept thou from thy servant, that which I do have; my thanks which I offer unto thee, О Lady, and save me.

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

О Mother of the Creator of all, all-pure comfort of the sorrowful, intercessor for the drowning and helper of the vanquished: keep me safe until the end of my life!

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

О all-hymned one, though I am oppressed by many sins and cruel perils, I now offer thee the sacrifice of praise and earnestly cry out to thee: О holy Theotokos, help me, for, glorifying thee, I complete my hymnody.

The Canon to the Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, in Tone VIII.

Ode I, Irmos: Having passed through the water as upon dry land, * and having escaped the malice of the Egyptians, * the Israelites cried aloud: * Unto our God and Redeemer let us sing.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, pray to God for us.

O Thou Who alone art the King of heaven, through the entreaties of Thy favourites, free Thou my lowly soul from sin, which now reigneth within me.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, pray to God for us.

As one who loved the kingdom on high, O blessed Constantine, believing with a pure mind, thou didst worship the King and Master of all.

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

Illumined with divine light, O divinely wise Helena, thou didst truly forsake the darkness of ignorance and most sincerely enslave thyself to the King of the ages.

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

O Lady, thou portal of the divine East, open unto me the door of repentance, and by thine intercession deliver me from the gates of deadly sin.

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.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, pray to God for us.

Thou didst strive to receive heavenly rewards; wherefore, O divinely wise father, thou didst follow Him Who called thee, forsaking the darkness of the falsehood bequeathed to thee, and didst become a luminary through the divine Spirit.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, pray to God for us.

Having cleaved unto Christ and set all thy hope on Him, O most honoured one, thou didst attain unto His sacred places, wherein the Supremely good One, having become incarnate, endured His most pure sufferings.

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

Burning with divine desire, O divinely blessed one, thou didst uncover the precious Cross, the weapon of salvation, the insuperable victory, the hope of Christians, which had been hidden in malice.

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

Having fallen away from my sacred citizenship, O most pure one, I have become like a beast and am wholly condemned. O thou who hast given birth to the Judge, deliver and save me from all condemnation.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Sessional Hymn, Tone VIII, Spec. Mel. “Of the Wisdom…”: Having stretched forth thy senses toward heaven and acquired the beauty of the stars, thou wast taught by them the mysteries of the Lord of all; and the weapon of the Cross shone forth in their midst, signifying that in which thou shouldest conquer and achieve dominion. Wherefore, opening the eyes of thy soul, thou didst read the writings and learn about the image. O most honoured Constantine, entreat Christ God, that He grant remission of sins unto those who celebrate thy holy memory with love. (Twice)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Theotokion, Tone VIII: Having conceived the Wisdom and Word in thy womb without being consumed, O Mother of God, thou hast given birth for the world unto the Nourisher of all and Fashioner of creation; and thou didst bear in thine arms Him Who holdeth all things. Wherefore, I beseech thee, O all-holy Virgin, and glorify thee with faith: May I be delivered from transgressions, and, on the day of judgment when I shall stand before the face of my Creator, O pure Virgin Sovereign Lady, grant me thine aid; for thou canst do all things whatsoever thou dost will, O thou who art all-hymned.

Ode IV, Irmos: O Lord, I have heard the mystery of Thy dispensation; * I have considered Thy works, * and I have glorified Thy Divinity.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, pray to God for us.

Christ the Lord pursued thee from heaven, as He had Paul of old, O Constantine, teaching thee to worship Him as the only King.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, pray to God for us.

With a most radiant sign of stars, O blessed one, Christ the Sun illumined thee, showing thee to be a luminary for the darkened.

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

O blessed one, thou wast God-loving in nature and right wondrous in thy divine works; wherefore, we glorify thee with faith.

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

O Ever-virgin who hast given birth to the Sun of righteousness, illumine my soul, which hath been darkened by sins.

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.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, pray to God for us.

Having risen at dawn unto the never-waning Sun and Master, O divinely wise emperor, thou wast filled with light.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, pray to God for us.

Wearing love and perfect loving-kindness like a robe of royal purple, thou hast now made thine abode in the kingdom on high.

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

O Helena, thou hast joined the choirs of the incorporeal ones, having pleased God by thy virtuous works.

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

Cleanse thou my soul, which hath been defiled by carnal pleasures through the treachery of the serpent, O Virgin.

Ode VI, Irmos: I will pour out my prayer unto the Lord, * and to Him will I proclaim my grief; * for my soul is filled with evils, * and my life unto Hades hath drawn nigh, * and like Jonah I pray unto Thee: * Raise me up from corruption, O God.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, pray to God for us.

Most gloriously didst thou assemble the divine choir of the God-bearing fathers, O Constantine, and through them make steadfast the storm-tossed hearts of all, that they might glorify the Word as equal in honor and co-enthroned with the One Who begat Him.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, pray to God for us.

Having believed on the living Lord Who giveth life unto all, O Helena, thou didst spurn the abominable worship of vain idols and joyously received the kingdom of heaven.

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

Guided by Thy hand, O Word, through Thee the sovereigns thrust aside the most profound darkness of ignorance and the tempest of cruel godlessness, and arrived, rejoicing, at the calm havens of piety.

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

Heal thou my heart, which hath grown incurably sick and hath been grievously wounded by the sting of the evil one, O Maiden, and by thine entreaties grant healing unto me, and save me who trust in thee, O most pure 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 and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Kontakion, Tone III, Spec. Mel. “Today the Virgin…”: Today Constantine and his mother Helena * have revealed the Cross, the most precious Tree, * which putteth to shame all the Jews * and is the weapon of faithful kings against the adversary. ** For our sake the great standard hath appeared, terrible in battle.

Ikos: Let us honor Constantine, and Helena his mother; for, hearing the words of David, they recognised the three parts of the Cross in the cedar, the pine and the cypress, upon which the suffering of the Saviour was accomplished. And having found it, in preparation to display it before the people, they set it before all the Jews, hidden because of their hatred and jealousy; revealing it to be the great justification. Wherefore, they have been revealed to all as victors, bearing the invincible trophy, the great standard, terrible in battle.

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’.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, pray to God for us.

Keeping Thy precepts, Constantine submitted to Thy law. Wherefore, he hath cast down hordes of the iniquitous, crying out to Thee: Blessed art Thou, O Lord God!

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, pray to God for us.

The Tree which hath drawn all from the pit of destruction, O right wondrous one, and which was buried out of malice, thou didst disclose unto us, burying the most pernicious demons forever.

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

By godly works thou didst make thy heart a temple of God, O Helena, and didst likewise build sacred churches for Him, where for our sake He endured His most pure sufferings for our sake.

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

Willingly committing sins, and enslaved by unseemly habits, I flee now to thy tender compassion. O most holy Sovereign Lady, save me who am in despair!

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, * ‘O ye youths bless, O ye priests praise, * O ye people, supremely exalt Him throughout all ages’.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, pray to God for us.

Arrayed in loving-kindness as in a robe and in goodly meekness as in cloak, O glorious one, thou wast adorned with a mind perfect in the virtues as with a crown; and having been translated from earth to the kingdom on high, thou dost cry aloud: O ye priests bless; O ye people supremely exalt Christ throughout all ages!

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, pray to God for us.

Beholding thee rejoicing with thy divinely wise son, in the kingdom of God, O glorious Helena, we magnify Christ Who hath shown us your honoured festival, which illumineth us more brightly than the rays of the sun, wherefore we chant with faith: O ye people supremely exalt Christ throughout all ages!

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

Wondrous is thy desire and godly thy character, O glorious Helena, thou boast of women! For having attained unto the places where the precious sufferings took place, thou didst adorn them with all-beauteous temples of the Master of all, crying: O ye people supremely exalt Christ throughout all ages!

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

O Theotokos, enlighten the eyes of my soul, which have been blinded by many crimes; grant peace to my mind and heart, which have been vexed by multifarious pleasures, I pray, and save me who cry: O ye priests bless; ye people supremely exalt the pure one throughout all 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.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, pray to God for us.

The tomb wherein thy sacred and precious body doth lie, O Constantine, doth ever pour forth the radiance of divine healings upon those whoever approach it in purity, driving away the darkness of divers passions and illumining those who praise thee with never-waning light.

Holy Equals-to-the-Apostles, Constantine and Helena, pray to God for us.

Having finished thy life in holiness, thou hast now made thine abode with the saints, full of sanctity and enlightenment. Wherefore, ever pouring forth rivers of healings, thou dost burn up our sufferings, giving drink to our souls, O blessed Helena.

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

O unoriginate and immortal King, Thou hast vouchsafed Thy heavenly kingdom to the holy Helena and the great Constantine, whom of old thou didst grant to reign piously on earth, and who loved Thee in purity, O Lord. By their supplications have pity on us all.

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

Having conceived, thou hast given birth to the King and Creator of all, O Virgin. And, lo! as a Queen thou standest forth now at His right hand. Wherefore, I beseech thee: at the hour of judgment deliver me from the left side, and number me with the sheep on the right.

Troparion, Tone VIII: Beholding the image of Thy Cross in the sky, * and like Paul receiving a call not from men, * Thine apostle among kings placed the imperial city in Thy hands, O Lord. * Do Thou ever preserve it in peace, ** through the supplications of the Theotokos, O Thou Who alone lovest mankind.

A Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Through the deep of the Red Sea, * marched dry shod Israel of old, * and by Moses’ outstretched hands, * raised in the form of a cross, * the power of Amalek was routed in the wilderness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Accept the supplication of my soul, О most pure Lady who hast given birth to God in the flesh; for I have fled unto thy mighty assistance, lest my hope utterly fail.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Like a slave I fall down before thee, О most pure Birthgiver of God, for, as thou hast great boldness, by thy supplications mediating before thy Son, deliver me from all tribulations.

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

Engulfed by the waves of the sea of life and beset by cruel temptations, I have hastened to the calm haven of thy protection; wherefore, deliver me from evils, О Theotokos.

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

With thy compassionate and calm gaze look upon thy servant and make haste to hearken unto me, О good one, fulfilling the supplication of thy servant and destroying the counsels of the evil, О most pure one.

Ode III, Irmos: Thy Church, O Christ, rejoiceth in Thee crying aloud: * Thou, O Lord, art my strength, * my refuge and foundation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Lady, thou art an aide for the faithful against the enemy, an ally in battles, and a refuge for those who grieve.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In that He is thy Son, pray to the God of all, to Whom thou hast given birth in the flesh, that throughout all circumstances of life He grant me remission of mine evils.

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

Mercifully regard our lowliness, О Lady, that thy servants may be delivered from the wrath which ever besets us.

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

Ever saved from all sorrows by thy protections, О good Lady, we offer praise to thy Son.

Ode IV, Irmos: I have heard report of Thee, O Lord * and I am afraid. * Having understood Thy works, * I am in awe of Thee O Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thou hast boldness before thy Son, О pure Birthgiver of God, free me from this present temptation, setting at naught the constant machinations of the enemy who ever wages war upon me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О ye choirs of the ranks on high, ye martyrs and apostles, ye assembly of the divine prophets, ye righteous and venerable: with the Mother and Theotokos pray to Christ on our behalf.

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

О Christ, accept Thy most glorious Mother who prayeth for the world and mercifully crieth out to Thee: “O my Son, accept my supplication and calm the wrath which hangeth over the world!”

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

I fall down before thee, О Theotokos, and pray from the depths of my heart: Rescue me from these present trials, that, delivered from evils, I may offer hymnody to thy splendour.

Ode V, Irmos: The wicked will not behold Thy glory, O Christ, * but we who rise early to hymn Thee shall behold Thee, * the Only-Begotten effulgence of Thy Father’s divinity, * O Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure one, thou hope and help of mortals, take pity on our lowliness, we pray, and free us from this present wrath.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Availing ourselves of thy prayer as it were an insuperable rampart, О pure one, we cry out to thee: О Lady, drive away the invisible foe!

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

Let us who put our trust in thee never be put to shame, О most pure one, we pray with tears, rendering homage to thy goodness.

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

With thy most pure hand drive away the enemy who warreth against us, О all-hymned one; and let the accursed ones understand that we have placed our hope in thee.

Ode VI, Irmos: Prefiguring Thy three-day burial * Prophet Jonah praying in the belly of the sea-monster cried aloud: * Deliver me from corruption * O Jesus Thou King of hosts.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Wash away our sins, we pray, О Lover of mankind, by the supplications of her who gave birth to Thee without seed; for, for our sake О Word, Thou didst shed Thy precious blood.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Against us hath a wicked assembly of those who unjustly war against us gathered together, O Bride of God; but cast them down, like Peter cast down Simon Magus of old.

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

Hearken unto our prayer, О Lady, we pray, and still thou the waves of the tempest of divers pangs whereby enemies have assembled against us.

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

Transform my grief into joy, in that Thou art compassionate, replace my lamentation with gladness, and have pity, О Christ Who, for the sake of the Theotokos, transformed water into wine in Cana of Galilee.

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 IV: Darkened in mind by many transgressions, I, the prodigal, cry out to thy mighty aid, O Theotokos: Enlighten the eyes of my soul, shine upon me a radiant beam of repentance, and clothe me in the armour of light, O pure Virgin Birthgiver of God.

Ode VII, Irmos: Forsake us not to the end for Thy names sake, * for we have not forsaken Thy commandments, * and take not Thy mercy from us * O Lord God of our Fathers, * who art supremely hymned throughout the ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Amid divers perils and tribulations, I have now fled to thee, my salvation, О pure one, and I cry aloud: Let me not be turned away, ashamed, from my hope, but hearken, and deliver me from the snares of those who pursue me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Like a slave I bend my neck, wretch that I am, and I utter a cry from the depths of my heart; stretching forth my hands, I bend my knees and entreat thee, the most pure Virgin, that I be delivered from the tribulations of those who ever assail me with the assaults of the evil one.

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

О most glorious and pure Mary, boast of mortals, we pray: Grant thine aid unto us who pray and piously worship thine Offspring, for we have acquired none other hope or helper than thee.

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

О Mary who knewest not a man, О helper of the faithful, who hast given birth to God in a manner transcending understanding and all nature, from sudden temptations deliver as pure those who honour thee, unharmed by all enemies, visible and invisible.

Ode VIII, Irmos:  Having spread his hands, Daniel closed the lions’ jaws * in their den; * while the zealously pious youths, * girded with virtue, * quenched the power of the fire and cried aloud: * Bless ye the Lord, all ye works of the Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I dare not raise my hands unto thy Son, О pure one, for I am wholly defiled; wherefore, in boldness I flee to thee, О Lady. Mediate with the compassionate God Who is easily placated, that we may be delivered from the adverse foes who afflict us.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

To thee have I entrusted mine eyes, heart and soul, О most pure one; wherefore, have pity, О pure Lady, falling down before the Compassionate One, on behalf of me who am wicked and unable to endure, that He save me from all want, wounds and grief.

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

“With Thy weaponry fell those who war against us, О Lord, in that Thou art mighty, and grant victory unto those who trust in Thee with faith, О Master!” prayeth the Theotokos with John the forerunner, the choir of the apostles and Thy martyrs.

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

Once Gabriel brought thee the joy of the annunciation, О pure virgin, and by thy birth-giving hath loosed the grief of our first mother; wherefore, having cleansed my soul of despondency, by thy prayers render me unashamed.

Ode IX, Irmos: A cornerstone not cut by hand O Virgin, * was cut from thee the unhewn mountain: * even Christ, Who hath joined together the disparate natures; * therefore rejoicing we magnify thee, * O Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Quickly manifest thine aid, О Virgin Theotokos; and eagerly bend thine ear and hearkening to us who fervently cry aloud, free us from evils, and deliver us by thy prayers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Wholly stuck fast in slothfulness, I find myself in an abyss of despair due to my transgressions; wherefore, stretch forth thy hand unto me, О Virgin Mother, as Christ did to Peter, and deliver me from the depths of sin.

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

Lay low the tongue of the ungovernable and haughty one which, like a sharpened arrow, aims to slay me, О Virgin; melt it like wax, and show forth his counsels to be in vain.

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

Destroy all the counsels of those who have armed themselves against us, О Mother of God Most High, and fill with joy those who trust in thee, that we may all earnestly proclaim thine aid.

A Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Through the deep of the Red Sea, * marched dry shod Israel of old, * and by Moses’ outstretched hands, * raised in the form of a cross, * the power of Amalek was routed in the wilderness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O thou who alone art the defender amid perils and tribulations of those who fervently flee beneath thy protection О most pure one, accept our heartfelt supplications, in that thou art exceedingly good.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Ignorant though I am, I have found thee to be a tranquil haven repelling dangers and violent assaults, О thou who hast given birth to the God-man, and I chant hymns of thanksgiving unto thee.

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

Regarding me, who am stuck fast amid evil circumstances and sorrows, with thy meek and merciful eye, О Birthgiver of God, quickly free me from them, for I call upon thee for help.

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

In that thou alone art a good and merciful intercessor for thy servants, О Lady, extend the hand of entreaty and deliver me from cruel misfortunes for I am grievously bowed down by violent tribulations.

Ode III, Irmos: The bow of the mighty hath waxed feeble * and the weak have girded themselves with strength: * therefore is my heart established * in the Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having acquired thee as a mighty weapon and a rampart, О Theotokos who knewest not wedlock, I vanquish the hordes of the adversary and hymn thy mighty works.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou destroyest the furnace of griefs and dost extinguish the burning heat of despair, О Virgin Theotokos. Who then is a hope for us like unto thee?

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

Attend unto the voice of thy servant who am in need of thy help, О Mother of God. О my hope, hearken unto me and rescue me from perils!

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

Oppression hath come upon us because of the multitude of our transgressions, bearing pernicious death; but save thy servants, О Theotokos, for thou art able so to do.

Ode IV, Irmos: Beholding Thee, the Sun of righteousness, * lifted up upon the Cross, * the Church now standeth arrayed and doth worthily cry aloud: * Glory be to Thy power, O Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast vanquished those who make war upon me in vain, for they strove cruelly to make my soul captive. Preserve me, О Lady, have mercy upon me and save me, for I, thy servant, flee unto thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Delivering me from the tongue which speaketh falsehood, О my good ally, show me forth as unpunished for the deeds of my life, for, in that thou art the Mother of the Creator, thou art able to accomplish much.

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

Afflicted as I am, I know thee to be a painless physician, and I cry to thee: О Lady, heal me, have mercy on me, and save me, for I, am thy servant, and flee unto thee.

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

Leave me not to be given over to tortures, О Mother of our God, but preserve me unharmed by any affliction and the malice of men; for thou art the helper of us all.

Ode V, Irmos: Thou, O Lord, who didst come into the world, * art my light, * a holy light turning from the darkness of ignorance * those who sing Thy praises in faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Set forth the supplication of thy servant before the Lord thy Son, О pure one, that I may obtain, remission of my many transgressions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Deliver me from sufferings and misfortunes, О Bride of God, for God hath appointed thee to be true cleansing for my lowliness.

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

Thou art my protection and sure boast, О Lady Theotokos, for thou dost in nowise spurn those who have recourse unto thee.

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

Have mercy upon those who worship thine Offspring, О pure one, and deliver them from the torment and bitterness of men; for thou art able so to do.

Ode VI, Irmos: The church crieth out unto Thee O Lord, * ‘I will sacrifice unto Thee with a voice of praise * having been cleansed of the blood of the demons’ * by the blood that for mercy’s sake flowed from Thy side.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most pure Lady, thou thyself art my strength amid the exceedingly hopeless sorrows which beset me; and I cry unto thee, for thou art a mighty protectress for thy servant.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Heal thou my spiritual wounds, О most pure Virgin, help me, and deliver thy servant from slander, attack and undeserved ruination.

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

Crush thou those who unjustly assail me, for I ever flee unto thee, and leave me not to their destruction, for all things are possible for thee, О pure one, in that thou art the Theotokos.

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

Quell thou the savage billows of my soul, О Lady, for a multitude of transgressions, temptations and sorrows have risen up against me; but do thou thyself save me.

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 IV: Darkened in mind by many transgressions, prodigal that I am, I cry out for thy mighty aid, О Theotokos: Illumine the eyes of my soul, shine upon me the radiant light of repentance, and thus array me in an armour of light, О pure Birthgiver of God.

Ode VII, Irmos: Thou didst save the children of Abraham in the fire * and slay the Chaldeans, * who unjustly entrapped the righteous ones. * O supremely hymned Lord, God of our fathers, * blessed art Thou.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Quickly routing the assault of the Moslems with the sword of thy prayers, О Mary, preserve thy people and flock who cry out to thy Son: О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О thou who art equal in majesty to the tabernacle, receive me who flee to thee, that the enemy not seize me, desiring to destroy me who cry aloud: О supremely exalted God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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

О Mary, Birthgiver of God, go thou quickly before me, thy servant, who am drowning, helpless, amid the threefold billows of perils, and who cry to thee: О thou hope of the ends of the earth, have mercy upon me!

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

By thy divine supplications, О good Theotokos, do thou dispel my human thoughts, in that they are the cause of sins, and deliver thy servant from painful dangers and all harm.

Ode VIII, 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.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

An iniquitous nation hath assailed us, boasting that it will destroy thy servants; but, destroying it, О most pure one, protect those who cry out: Bless and hymn the Lord, all ye works.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy many and varied compassions mercifully save us from sinful judgment and divers perils О only Mother of God, for, having given birth unto God, thou takest pity on His world.

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

Since thou art our might and help, I am undaunted by the wrath of the enemy, but I hymn thee, О Lady, and cry out to thy Son: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

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

Take pity now on my turmoil and grant me joy instead of grief, that I may hymn thee, О Lady, and cry out to thy Son: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Ode IX, Irmos: Eve dwelt under the curse of sin * because of the infirmity of disobedience; * but thou, O Virgin Theotokos, * hast through the Offspring of thy pregnancy * blossomed forth blessing upon the world. * Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having sharpened their swords, the iniquitous and false Moslems take counsel against us; but by the power of the Cross and thy supplications, О Virgin Theotokos, arm thy servants against them; that we may proclaim thy glory.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Might hath been given thee against the enemy and deliverance from misfortunes for me, О Lady, and I know not what I shall offer thee; yet accept thou the thanksgiving which I bring to thee: Receive it now, and save me!

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

О most radiant Mother of the Creator of all, thou consolation of the grieving, intercessor for the drowning and helper of those who are in utter affliction: Keep me safe throughout my life!

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

Disdain me not who am beset by many sins and misfortunes, О all-hymned one, for I now offer thee the sacrifice of praise, earnestly crying out to thee: О holy Lady, help me, for I conclude my hymnody, glorifying thee.

A Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: He who of old gathered the waters * into one by His divine decree, * divided the sea for the people of Israel. * For He is our God and supremely glorious, * to Him alone let us sing, for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having given birth to the Author of salvation and Bestower of life, in a manner transcending understanding, О pure Theotokos, thou hast thereby loosed the bonds of the condemnation of Eve our first mother; wherefore, all creation doth call thee blessed.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

From the depths of despair do thou rescue me who am afflicted by cruel pangs in soul and body, О most holy Virgin, delivering me from all want; for thou art the wellspring of loving-kindness, О most pure one.

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

I have cast off the vesture of gladness, falling into sorrow and pain, and have been cruelly wounded in every place. But go thou before me and deliver me from the falsehood which assails me, for thou art my refuge and hope, О Lady.

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

Having acquired thee as a steadfast intercessor, О Bride of God, I flee to thy protection, praying: Spurn not thy servant, who am weighed down by many passions, pangs and sorrows, but heal me by thy prayers, О Mother of God.

Ode III, Irmos: O Most High, Ruler of all, * who out of nothing hath established all things, * fashioned by Thy Word, * perfected by the Spirit, * confirm me in Thy love.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Wretch that I am, I find myself in painful perplexity and sorrow, beholding death following close upon me; wherefore, О most pure one, save me by thy supplications.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

All my life, which hath become corrupt through evil and prodigal works, doth accuse me and plungeth me into despair. О pure one, save me!

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

The abyss of thy compassions, О Lady, poured forth everywhere solely because of thy goodness, doth anoint with rich oil all who ever hymn thee.

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

Thy Son and Lord, receiving thee as from the origin of our nature, О Bride of God, joineth those who hymn thee by thy prayers.

Ode IV, Irmos: Thou hast shown us steadfast love, O Lord, * for Thou gavest Thine only-begotten Son over to death for our sake. * Wherefore with thanksgiving we cry unto Thee, * ‘Glory to Thy power, O Lord!’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

All my hope have I placed in thee, О Lady. I pray and fall down before thee with all my soul: Deliver me from deadly sickness, and lead me up to the life of salvation, О thou who hast given birth to our Life.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy supplications, О pure one, heal me, thy servant who have become desperate because of grievous and corrupt wounds; for thou hast given birth to the Physician, our God Who is rich in mercy.

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

By thy divine enlightenment deliver me who have fallen into cruel passions and grant me a vesture of gladness, О Virgin who hast caused the Joy which passeth all understanding to blossom forth.

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

Thou hast been revealed to be another heaven, О pure Theotokos, who hast ineffably shone forth the Sun of righteousness on earth, by Whom the everlasting light of divine knowledge hath shone forth.

Ode V, Irmos: I rise at dawn unto Thee, * the Creator of all, * surpassing all worldly understanding; * for Thy commandments are light, * wherein do Thou guide me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Because of my boundless sins I have drawn nigh unto the passions, bringing about death. О Mother of God, I earnestly beseech thee to become my deliverance from many evils.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I stretch forth the hands of my soul unto thee, О pure one, for, wretch that I am, I have been enfeebled by carnal deeds. Yet do thou deliver me from many wounds, imparting healing unto me.

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

I have cast off the garments of health and in pain have clothed myself in a robe of tears. To thee I pray, О Lady: Clothe me again in health!

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

In that thou art the sacred majesty of the martyrs and apostles and the help of the faithful, О Theotokos, we all glorify thee as is meet.

Ode VI, Irmos: Lead me up from corruption, О Lord my God! * cried Jonah unto Thee; * and I also cry aloud to Thee: * Deliver me from the abyss of my many evils, О Saviour, * and guide me I pray, to Thy light!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

A multitude of pangs hath assailed me because of my boundless offences, corrupt as I am, and clothed me in mortality; yet do thou, О Theotokos, deliver me from them and rescue me from all want.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have been cast into the abyss of transgressions, pangs and boundless sorrows, and I can in nowise deliver myself from them; yet, stretching forth thy hand, О Theotokos, lead me up to salvation.

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

We know thee to be a steadfast foundation and a mighty help for those in sorrow, О Theotokos; wherefore, having fled to thy protection, I beseech thee: Deliver me from grievous misfortunes and from cruel pangs.

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

Let us hymn the divine ark, the Virgin Mother of God, the furrow which hath put forth the divine Grain whereby the hearts of the faithful are fed with faith and spiritual famine is brought to an end.       

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 III: Without separating Himself from the divine Essence, and becoming incarnate within thy womb, God became a man yet remained God, the one Lord, preserving thee, the Virgin Mother, as immaculate after giving birth as thou wast before birth-giving. Him do thou earnestly entreat, that He grant us great mercy.

Ode VII, Irmos: As of old Thou didst bedew * the three pious children in the Chaldean flames, * so also with the radiant fire of Thy divinity * illumine us who cry to Thee, * ‘Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Take pity on me, О Virgin Bride of God, for I have stumbled headlong into the depths of despair. I entreat thee to be tranquility for me, О most pure one, for thou art ever a haven of salvation for those in need.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Ineffably, in a manner transcending understanding, thou hast given birth to Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God; wherefore, as thou art mighty in mercy and compassionate, grant me thy saving healing, О Theotokos, thou hope of the faithful.

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

Having enriched the ends of the earth and granting the sweetness of incorruption by thy divine birth-giving, free me from corrupting sickness and the bitter passions, О most glorious Mother of God.

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

Setting thee forth as the mystical door to Himself and the wondrous helper of those on earth, О pure one, through thee, He hath given to mankind a portal leading all to eternal life, in that He is compassionate and the God of all.

Ode VIII, Irmos: The Babylonian furnace burnt not the children, * neither did the fire of the Godhead consume the Virgin, * wherefore with the faithful children we cry aloud: * ‘Bless ye the Lord, all ye works of the Lord’.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having accumulated an unfathomable abyss оf transgressions, I am now drowning, engulfed in sickness, О pure one. Wherefore, stretching forth to me a helping hand, I pray thee; lead me up from the abyss of pain.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure Ever-virgin, all-hymned Theotokos, thou hast been revealed to be the earthly throne of God and the portal of heaven; wherefore, open unto me the door of salvation, O Mother of God, and free me from the darkness: of the passions.

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

Like a vine thou didst produce the uncultivated Grape, exuding the wine which maketh glad the souls of those who hymn Him with faith, О pure and all-immaculate one.

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

Remaining incorrupt after giving birth, О all-immaculate and pure one we pray: Deliver from corruption thy servants, who faithfully chant with oneness of soul: Bless the Lord, all ye works, and supremely exalt Him, throughout the ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: Upon Mount Sinai Moses saw thee in the bush, * as one who didst conceive the fire of the Godhead within thy womb, * and yet remained unconsumed. * Daniel saw thee as a mountain not cut by the hand of man, * and Isaiah proclaimed thee as the Rod that blossomed forth * from the root of David.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О good Virgin, thou joy and refuge of the world! protection of the faithful and deliverance from sorrows! Do thou stand before me at the hour of my death, and deliver me from the demons who seek to destroy me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In that thou didst conceive the Creator and God within thy womb, О pure Virgin Mother, by the power which is in thee cast down the arrogance of the demons and lift up the horn of those who hymn thy divine might and venerate thine image with faith.

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

He Who became incarnate from thee, О pure Virgin, restoring our nature, hath made new and renewed through thy maternal supplications, those who in hymns unceasingly magnify thee, our radiant and vigilant ally, the Theotokos.

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

Thou art the joy of the angels, the beauty of the righteous; thou art the hope of the faithful and our preservation. Thou art the bridge, which conveyeth to the life which growth not old, those who magnify thee with faith and love.