A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Having crushed battles with His arm * and drowned the mounted captains * let us sing unto Him, as to our God and Redeemer, * for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In song we offer unto thee as an adornment, gifts of thanksgiving and the divine hymn, “Rejoice now, О pure one!”, for thou hast given us joy in place of grief.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

We shall not remain silent concerning the grace of thy mercy and the might of thy protection, О most pure Virgin, for thou hast saved us from grievous misfortunes.

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

Delivered from divers trials and tribulations by thy maternal prayers, О most pure one, together we all fervently chant to thee hymns of thanksgiving.

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

Arrayed in the golden robes of the virtues and the grace of the Spirit, О most pure one, adorned as the Bride of the Father, thou wast truly shown to be the Mother of God.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord and Saviour, * Who in the beginning established the heavens * by Thine all-powerful Word, * and by the divine and all-accomplishing Spirit * hath granted them all their strength, * do Thou establish me on the unshakeable rock of Thy confession.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Let us earnestly offer cries of thanksgiving, honouring as our intercessor her who is the magnitude of divine joy and our gladness from the beginning.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Delivered by thee from misfortunes, and having received joy because of thee, О Mother unwedded, we all glorify thee as a good bestower of gifts and a praiseworthy helper.

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

Receiving release from transgressions and temptations by thy divine prayer, О Mother of Christ God, with cries of thanksgiving we faithfully hymn thee as the source of good things.

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

The Mother of Christ God is the wellspring of joy which ever poureth forth streams of immortality; and she herself saveth all, for she is for us the bestowal of life everlasting.

Ode IV, Irmos: The heavens hath been covered О Christ God * through Thy dispensation, * by virtue of Thine ineffable wisdom, * O Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

In gladness we offer thee the fitting hymnody of joy, О pure Virgin, having been delivered from misfortunes By thy prayers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

With the hands of our souls we thankfully raise hymnody unto thee, О pure Virgin, playing divine songs, having been delivered from great grief.

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

The sinful passions have raised up many tribulations against us; but do thou deliver us by thy divine protection, О pure one.

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

Truly blessed are those who honour thee, О most pure Theotokos, for through thee we have been delivered from sin and grief.

Ode V, Irmos: Night is bereft of light * for those without faith, О Christ, * but for the faithful there is enlightenment * in the sweetness of Thy words; * wherefore, I rise early unto Thee * and hymn Thy Divinity.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Virgin, thou hast given birth to Christ, the Destroyer of sin, by Whom the world hath been saved from perils and pain; wherefore, we who have been delivered from grief cry aloud unto thee: Rejoice!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Beset by divers perils, by grief and sorrow and adverse circumstances, О pure Lady, we who were bereft of gladness have found thee to be our hope.

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

As the preservation of salvation for us, thy servants, О pure one, thou dispellest dangers, keeping us unharmed; wherefore, we who have shared in thy manifold good things give thanks to thee with hymns.

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

Delivered by thee from many sins, from sickness and pain, and from grievous illness, О most pure Lady, we give thanks unto thee; for thou art the sure hope of thy faithful servants.

Ode VI, Irmos: Having fallen into the abyss of sin, О Good One, * like Jonah from the midst of the whale I cry unto Thee: * Lead my life up from corruption, * and save me, О Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Even the tongues of the angels are unable to fittingly sing thy praises, О pure one; but, acting now as servants, we offer thee the salutation of Gabriel.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having fallen into the abyss of grief and evil circumstances because of our sins, we are delivered by thee from want and danger, О pure Virgin Theotokos.

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

О pure one, the whole world is under debt to thank, praise and glorify thy grace with piety; for through thee we have been delivered from misfortunes and griefs.

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

Day and night, openly and secretly, we who glorify thee with faith flee beneath thy protection, О most pure Virgin.

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

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

Sessional Hymn, in Tone VI: О Lord, we are Thy people and the sheep of Thy pasture. Like a shepherd return us who have strayed, and gather us together who have been scattered by corruption. Have mercy upon Thy flock and take pity upon Thy people, through the prayers of the Theotokos, О Thou Who alone art sinless.

Ode VII, Irmos:  Cast into the fiery furnace, * the venerable children transformed the fire into dew, * crying aloud thus in hymnody: * Blessed art Thou O Lord, the God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

We offer thee the joy of thanksgiving, О Mother of God, for, truly delivered by thee from every evil power, we cry out to thee together: Blessed art thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

We have come to dwell in the gloom of evening, in the tears of lamentation, in the expectation of evils; yet, deified by thy godly protection, О Virgin, we have found the joy of the morning: for thou hast saved us.

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

Having acquired thy protection before God as a divine refuge amid perils, persecutions and sins, О most pure one, we all flee to thee, and through thee obtain release.

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

With mouth and spirit we proclaim the grace of thy prayer, О pure and glorious one; for because of thee we are all delivered from danger and tempest, from grievous sorrows and the sin of the passions.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Unto Him before whom the cherubim are in awe, * and the seraphim filled with wonder, * the Fashioner of the world: * O ye priests and servants and spirits of the righteous, * hymn ye, bless ye, and supremely exalt * throughout the ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

As one delivered By thy prayers from the tempest of sin, from passions and perils, О good Theotokos, with a voice of thanksgiving we cry aloud unto thee: “Rejoice!”; for through thee have we passed from grief to joy.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

О good one, disdain not those who are beset by sickness and danger; but, hearkening unto our poor supplication, free us from great sorrows, that we may hymn thine intercession with faith, О pure one.

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

О thou who hast caused our transgressions to be wiped away, raise us up now from griefs and perils, from human passions and unseemly temptations; and by thy divine supplications, О Theotokos, most gloriously deliver us therefrom.

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

Truly Thy compassions ever rain down upon everyone, О Christ, through the grace and entreaties of her who gave birth to Thee; for through Thee do we Christians receive Thy mercy, О merciful Saviour.

Ode IX, Irmos:   

О ye faithful, with hymns let us magnify the Theotokos, * who in a manner transcending nature became a mother, * and is a Virgin by nature, * she alone is blessed among women!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Delivered from, divers temptations By thy prayers, О Theotokos, with the Angel Gabriel we now offer unto thee joy and a cry of jubilation, as is meet.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Joy and gladness and divine rejoicing have been multiplied upon us, О Virgin who knewest not a man; for, lo! we who sorely weep rejoice through thy prayers.

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

With tongue and voice I shall offer unto thee a sacrifice of praise, О Virgin, and shall earnestly utter a hymn of thanksgiving unto thee that, praying to thee, I may be delivered by thee on the day of grief.

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

We piously rejoice together in thy divine birthgiving, О most pure one; for thou hast poured forth joy upon us in the midst of perils and griefs. Wherefore, with thanksgiving we who faithfully praise thee chant hymnody unto thee.

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. 

О Virgin, accept mine entreaty, which I make bold to offer to thee from an unworthy mouth and defiled lips; and shine thou the light of compunction upon thy servant, О pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

By thy prayers grant me showers of tears, О pure Virgin Mother, that I may weep fervently for what I have done on earth, and through thee may escape every torment.

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

Reject not my lamentation, О thou who hast given birth to the Source of tender compassion, but look upon me with thy merciful eye, О good Theotokos, and cure the passions of my soul.

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

Weep with groaning, О my soul, and bewail thyself in every way, falling down before the Mother of God and saying: Deliver me, the guilty one, from dreadful torment!

Ode III, Irmos: There is none as holy as Thou, * O Lord my God, * who hast exalted the horn of Thy faithful O good One, * and strengthened us upon the rock * of Thy confession.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

There is none that hath sinned as I have, becoming a slave to the evils of unbridled thoughts, О most holy and pure one; but, placing my hope in thee, I pray: Rescue me from them.!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Behold, all the evils of the enemy that have rained upon me like wounds, weigh me down; rendering me fetid and causing my soul to fall.

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

Many are my transgressions; wherefore, falling down before thee with faith, О most holy one, I, the lowly one, cry aloud: At the dread hour entreat Him to Whom thou hast given flesh.

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

О holy Theotokos, as thou hast maternal boldness before God, rescue me who am deserving of all condemnation, and make me to dwell in His dwelling-place.

Ode IV, Irmos:  Christ is my power, * my God and my Lord, * the holy Church divinely singeth, * crying with a pure mind, * keeping festival in the Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Grant me a wellspring of tears, О Lady, that I may wash away the defilement of my lowly soul and regain the beauty which I have lost through the lying counsel of the serpent.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

О my compassionate God, О God Who lovest mankind and willest mercy, pour forth Thy mercy now upon me; for Thy Mother, my hope and ally, entreateth Thee.

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

Taking pity, О most immaculate one, save me, the terrible prodigal one, who have mindlessly and shamelessly sinned against thee; and free me from Gehenna.

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

Having given birth to the Life of all, thou hast destroyed the field of death; wherefore, I cry out to thee: I have sinned! Save me, by thy maternal supplications, О pure one!

Ode V, Irmos: Illumine with Thy divine light, I pray, O Good One, * the souls of those who with love rise early to pray to Thee, * that they may know Thee, O Word of God, * as the true God, * Who recalleth us from the darkness of sin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure one, have mercy on me who have placed all my hope in thee, and take pity, overlooking all the grievous passions of my soul, for I cry out to thee with faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Save me from the passions, from tribulation and harm, and from the wicked adversaries; and deliver my lowly soul from their treachery, О Virgin, that they may not say: We have prevailed over him!

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

Having been revealed to be pure in body and soul, О most pure one, free thou my soul from defilement, granting me to live a pure life; and guide me in doing the divine will of the Lord.

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

Thee alone do I have as a refuge and my reconciliation with God, I who have wasted my whole life in many transgressions.

Ode VI, Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations, * I run to Thy calm haven, and cry to Thee: * Raise up my life from corruption, * O greatly Merciful One.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Lady, accept my sighs and the lifting up of my hands as a sacrifice of sweet savour, and grant that I may behold thy countenance with a pure conscience.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Disdain not my words of supplication, О good Lady, Mother of the merciful God Who shone forth from thy womb; but before the end grant me divine remission.

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

Utter wretch that I am, through fornication I have brought myself low and estranged myself from God. But do thou beseech Him to save me, О good one, for to thee have I fled. Clothe me in my former vesture.

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

Jesus, Who is fire, did not consume thy womb when He issued forth from thee in the flesh, pray thou to Him, О pure one, that He deliver from fire and all manner of torment those who hymn thee with faith.

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 pure and glorious Virgin, thou glory of the angels, who alone art blessed: when thou didst stand at the foot of the Cross of thy Son and God, unable to endure the malice of the enemy thou didst cry aloud, lamenting with sighs: How can He Who is the Lover of mankind endure the abuse of these men?

Ode VII, Irmos:  In Babylon the Children feared not the fiery furnace; * but cast into the midst of the flames * they were bedewed and sang: * ‘O Lord God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou.’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

O my soul, awake from all the evils thou hast committed! Why sleepest thou still? Wherefore liest thou in the slumber of despondency? Cry aloud to the Theotokos: О all-holy one, help me!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

I venerate the image of thy countenance, yet I dare not lift mine eyes unto thee, О most holy one. I pray that I may receive the forgiveness of my debts, and that in purity I may behold thy most pure icon.

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

To thine aid, О Birthgiver of God, do I flee and fall prostrate, begging to receive forgiveness. Disdain me not, О Lady, but taking pity, save me.

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

I have defiled my soul and mind with the many and various evils of the corrupter of souls, О most pure one, and I beseech thee: Disdain not thy servant, but rescue me from his temptations.

Ode VIII, Irmos:  Suffering affliction for the sake of the laws of their fathers, * the blessed Children in Babylon * scorned the foolish decree of the King. * Standing together in the midst of the flames, they remained unharmed, * and sang a song fitting for almighty God: * ‘O ye works of the Lord, praise ye the Lord * and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Having sinned beyond measure and defiled my body with sins, fool that I am, I consider the day of inexorable judgment, and at a loss and afraid, I am filled with fear and trembling, and fall down before thy compassion, О Lady. Spurn me not, but behold my sorrow, and deliver me from all condemnation and the many and varied torments.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Having spurned the divine law, wretch that I am, I lie wholly in slothfulness. But, looking upon me, arise quickly, О most pure one, and cause me to receive the portion of the saved; that, rejoicing, I may cry unto thee: Rejoice, О joy of the world, only intercessor for those who with faith invoke thy steadfast protection.

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

Woe is me, О my soul! How can I stand, in fear and trembling, before the dread tribunal, where even the angels shall be afraid and quake? But, as thou hast the Theotokos as a good ally, bend thy knees and lift up thy hands, crying: Direct thy merciful gaze upon me and have pity in that hour, О Virgin!

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

Show forth now the sure might of thine aid, for like one in thy debt, thy Son is moved by thy maternal pleas, О Virgin. Wherefore, come now in mine hour of need, that I not depart unprepared, but may live on, О all-hymned and pure Theotokos.

Ode IX, Irmos:  Weep not for Me, O Mother, * beholding in the tomb the Son Whom thou hast conceived * without seed in the womb; * for I shall arise and shall be glorified, * and as God I shall exalt with glory unceasing, * those that with faith and love magnify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

That I may receive the glory of heaven, I pray to thee, О Virgin: Absolve me, and deliver me from the debts of darkness, overlooking all that I have committed in knowledge or in ignorance, day or night, О most pure one; that, rejoicing, I may offer thee a hymn of thanksgiving.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Rescue me from all manner of tribulations, О Maiden, and set my feet upon the rock of divine salvation; for, having acquired thee now as an invincible intercessor, I trust that I may pass freely through the wall of separation erected by disobedience when the fruit of the tree was eaten.

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

I beseech thee, who hast given birth to the merciful Judge and Master: accept the boldness of my defiled lips and my wretched hymnody, and abhor me not, though I have sinned more than all others; for I, thy servant, have thee as my helper after God.

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

In that thou art more exalted than all creatures, thou didst conceive in thy womb the incarnate God, О Theotokos. Him do thou earnestly entreat, О pure one, that He release thy servant from all care, that I may freely glorify thee with praise.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos:  A helper and a protector * hath become unto me salvation. * My God, whom I will glorify, * the God of my fathers, * and I will exalt Him * for gloriously hath He been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

How can I, who am wholly sunk in the passions, wretch that I am, and am clothed in impurities, approach thee, О pure one? Yet, taking pity, save mine accursed soul, О most pureО Birthgiver of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Arising out of the depths of shame, О my lowly soul, cry aloud with fervor to her who alone is pure: Have mercy upon me, О most immaculate and pure Maiden, and deliver me from the passions!

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

I have been engulfed by a storm of perils and sins; but extend now thy helping hand unto me, О pure one, and deliver me from the indignity of the passions, that I may ever glorify thee.

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

Deliver me from the cruel tempest of sin, whereby I have been wholly defiled, О Birthgiver of God. As I flee unto thee, lighten now the burden of my transgressions.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, upon the rock * of Thy commandments * make firm my
heart, * for Thou alone art Holy and Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

О most immaculate one, make me young who have aged through the shameful passions of sin, easing the bonds of my transgressions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Cleanse me of the mire and filth of sin, О Theotokos, and make a divine temple of me who flee to thee who art pure.

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

Awake thou from the sleep of despondency, О my wretched soul, and lift up thine eyes to the divine Bride and Maiden who alone saveth thee.

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

In desperation and contrition, I hasten and fly to thy fervent supplication, О Lady: Save me, thy servant, О pure one!

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. 

I shall rightly be judged by thy Son for my words and deeds, О most immaculate Birthgiver of God. May I find thee at that hour to be a refuge and most mighty ally, saving me from all torments.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

My life is vile, my character is rendered impure through sins, and I am wholly sunk in the passions. О pure one, cleanse me of the defilement of my transgressions, and make me as white as snow by thy mediation before our tender-hearted God.

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

I am bound all over by the bonds of mine offences, and am unable to move toward the paths of repentance. Stretch forth thy hand, О most immaculate one, and direct me to the path which leadeth me to the way of salvation.

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

By thy prayers free me from cruel torments, from the outermost darkness and Gehenna, О Virgin; for thou hast the will and power so to do, О thou who hast given birth to the Lord Who alone is supremely good.

Ode V, Irmos: Out of the night I seek Thee early, * enlighten me I pray Thee, O Lover of mankind, * and guide me in Thy commandments, * and teach me, O Saviour, * to do Thy will.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

On the day of judgment reveal thyself, О Lady, and stand as an advocate for me, freeing me from torments and fire, that, saved, I may hymn thine invincible grace.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Seeing that I have wandered away from thy protection, О Lady, the enemy hath cast my soul into the depths of transgressions, and beholding me he laughs me to scorn; but do thou help me.

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

Make mine accursed and passion-plagued soul to arise, I beseech thee, О pure and most immaculate one, and remove from it the weight of its many sins.

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

I offer thee entreaty from my defiled and impure lips, О most immaculate one: Take pity on me by thy prayers, I beseech thee.

Ode VI, Irmos: With my whole heart, I cried * unto the tenderly compassionate God, * and he heard me * from the lowest depths of Hades; * and raised up my life from corruption.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Accept me who am prodigal and most accursed, О Master Christ, and free me from torments through the prayers of her who gave birth to Thee, and deliver me from standing on Thy left side.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The dark fear of hell embraces me, О pure one, and the lot of the goats doth terrify me. Deliver me from such things, О most pure Theotokos, I pray thee.

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

Mortifying the passions of my flesh, О pure Lady Theotokos, impart life to my most wretched soul, and guide me to the straight path.

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

Though I am a fool, yet I offer thee the supplication of a servant, and I flee to thy compassionate loving-kindness. Turn me not away ashamed, О 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 & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Sessional Hymn, in Tone VI: I offer thee groaning from my heart and the depths of my being, О most immaculate one, asking thy right conciliatory aid. Have mercy upon my passionate soul, and move the greatly merciful God to pity, that He may deliver me from damnation and the lake of fire, О thou who alone art blessed.

Ode VII, Irmos: We have sinned, we have transgressed, * and we have done evil before Thee. * We have not kept nor followed * Thy commandments, but reject us not utterly, * O God of our fathers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Knowing thee, to be the merciful and right loving Virgin Mother, and wholly pure, I flee to thee, wretch that I am. Turn me not away from thee ashamed, О all-immaculate one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Awaken, О passion-plagued soul! Arise, О wretched one! Beat thou thy breast, and from thine innermost depths send forth fountains of tears, that the Mother of Christ God may have mercy upon thee who art accursed.

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

Of old I became a temple of God through divine baptism, but I have wholly defiled myself, wretch that I am, and am grievously brought low through terrible falls. Yet do thou raise me up, О most immaculate one, thou hope of the despairing.

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

A dense cloud hath covered my heart, and darkness and gloom hath come upon my passion-plagued soul. О Bride of God, illumine me with rays of repentance, that I may glorify thee.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Him whom the hosts of heaven glorify, * and before whom tremble the Cherubim and Seraphim, * let every breath and all creation * praise, bless, and supremely exalt, * throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

The river of fire terrifies me, and thick darkness causes me to quake; the worm and the gnashing of teeth fill me with horror. Virgin, at that hour may I find thee to be a mighty ally.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Let me not become fuel for the fire, О Lord, neither let me hear Thy voice pronounce sentence, for I have Thy pure Mother beseeching Thee. I cry to Thee: By her prayers have mercy upon me.

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

Make me to hear the divine voice, and show me to share a place with the elect, О Christ; let me not occupy a place of lamentation, for I have the Theotokos beseeching Thee for this.

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

Send streams of tears now down upon me, and cause groaning to erupt within me from the depth of my soul, О pure one, that I may ever fall down before thy protection and receive the remission of my sins through thy prayer.

Ode IX, Irmos:  Ineffable is the birth-giving * of a seedless conception, * from a mother who knew not a man; * an undefiled childbearing. * For the birth of God hath renewed nature, * wherefore all generations rightly worship and magnify thee * as the Bride and Mother of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

The day of judgment terrifies me, О Virgin; the gnashing of teeth fills my heart with dread, and the place where the goats stand horrifies me; but let me find thee, the Theotokos, to be my help amid evils when I shall be judged.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Trembling doth now seize me, and the horror of Gehenna terrifies me. What shall I do? I know not, accursed and condemned as I am. Therefore, I flee unto thee and cry out with fervent compunction: Disdain me not, О most pure one!

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

Beholding the judgment-seat, I think upon thy judgment, О my Christ, whereat I, who am condemned, shall be rightly judged for my deeds. Yet may I have as an advocate in that hour – Thy Mother, the divine Bride – entreating Thy great compassions.

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

Noetically touching thy feet, О all-immaculate one, I beseech thee: Accept my lamentation, hearken to my hymnody, and grant me remission of transgressions through thy supplications, I pray thee, that I may magnify thee with love.

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.

Drive the cloud of the passions from my mind, О pure one, and shine light upon me, О most pure one who hast given birth to the Son, the Effulgence of the Father, that I may hymn thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Come, ye people, and like Gabriel let us cry aloud to the Virgin with reverence of soul: Truly adorned art thou, О pure one who hast given birth to Joy! Rejoice, most pure one!

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

The Son Who was dispassionately begotten of the Father before all ages didst thou in latter days bear in thy womb, О most pure one, giving birth to Him as both God and man.

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

Without corruption thou hast given birth to the one God, and didst remain a virgin after giving birth, as thou wast before birth-giving, О most pure one; wherefore, we, the faithful, cry out to thee: Rejoice!

Ode III, Irmos: There is none as holy as Thou, * O Lord my God, * who hast exalted the horn of Thy faithful O good One, * and strengthened us upon the rock * of Thy confession.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

There are none as immaculate as thee, О all- pure Theotokos, who hast given birth to the Creator and Master of all things; wherefore, all of us, the faithful, cry out to thee in thanksgiving: Rejoice!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The cruel waves of the passions buffet me, О pure one, and I am truly cast into the abyss of evils by my many bitter falls. О pure one, extend to me a helping hand, and save me.

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

Break through the darkness of my transgressions, О Virgin, and shine upon me the light of dispassion, О pure one who ineffably hast given birth to the intangible Sun.

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

Having cleansed me of transgressions and defilement with the fire of the fear of God, О Maiden, clothe me in the radiant vesture of the virtues and set me among the choirs of the saints.

Ode IV, Irmos: Christ is my power, * my God and my Lord, * the holy Church divinely singeth, * crying with a pure mind, * keeping festival in the Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With thy radiance dispel the gloom of my many transgressions, О most immaculate Lady who hast given birth to the Light, Who hast shone upon the faithful the Sun of righteousness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In mine affliction I now set my hope on thee, О most pure one. Let me not depart from thee untreated, but rather rejoicing, having received salvation.

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

О most pure one, grant thy rich compassions unto us who with faith and love have recourse to thy temple, and deliver us from all temptations and sorrows.

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

The Word made His abode within thee, О most pure Lady, delivering the world from the mindlessness of the passions, and granting the kingdom of heaven unto those who hymn thee.

Ode V, Irmos: Illumine with Thy divine light, I pray, O Good One, * the souls of those who with love rise early to pray to Thee, * that they may know Thee, O Word of God, * as the true God, * Who recalleth us from the darkness of sin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With the divine radiance of Him who shone forth from thy womb do thou illumine my soul which sleepeth in darkness, О Virgin, and drive away the darkness of sin, illumining me with thy light.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Heal thou my soul, which hath fallen among thieves, О good one, pouring forth the oil of mercy and the wine of thy tenderheartedness upon my wounds, granting me abundant understanding.

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

Heal thou the infirmities of flesh and soul of us who have recourse to thee, О all-hymned one; for thou art the strength of those who flee beneath the shelter of thy supplication, O Theotokos.

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

The Holy Spirit of God, dwelling within thy womb, О most pure one, and overshadowing thee, showed thee to be the habitation of the Trinity, for at the Father’s good pleasure thou didst conceive the Son and give birth unto Him.

Ode VI, Irmos: Beholding the sea of life surging with the tempest of temptations, * I run to Thy calm haven, and cry to Thee: * Raise up my life from corruption, * O greatly Merciful One.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Dispel the gloom, of mine accursed soul, and shine upon me the light which shone forth from thy womb illumining all human nature, О most pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Deliver me from the assaults of enemies visible and invisible, О pure one, and grant me the mighty shelter of thine aid; for to thee, О Virgin, have I now fled.

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

He Who created all things became incarnate through thy holy womb in the latter days and, setting aright human nature, which had grievously fallen through Adam, He hath restored the world.

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

The majesty of the angels hymned thee, О most immaculate one, and I beseech thee: Drive from me the unseemly fantasies of the demons, preserving my heart in peace.

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: The majesty of the angels hymned thee, О most immaculate one, and I beseech thee: Drive from me the unseemly fantasies of the demons, preserving my heart in peace.

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.

Shedding unapproachable light upon me who am in the darkness of ignorance, О most pure one, guide me to the Light, that I may piously cry out to thy Son with faith: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Drive the cloud of gloom from my soul, О Theotokos, illumining me with the light of the Creator of all; for thou art the receptacle of the pre-eternal Light Who shone forth dispassionately from the Father.

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

Incline thyself to our pleas, О pure Theotokos, and in thy mercy be thou moved to entreat God, rendering Him merciful to us who ever place our hope in thee, О good one.

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

Grant cleansing unto me who am defiled by the passions of wicked deeds, О pure one, and send me tear-drops to wash away the evil shame of my sin, the outpouring of filth.

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.

О Maiden who hast given birth to the Master of all in the flesh, rescue me from the violence of the passions, and unite me to the Creator of all by love, that I may hymn Him throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy visitation, О Maiden, raise me up who lie upon the bed of pain, and grant health of body and soul unto me who hymn Christ throughout all ages.

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

With the dew of thy supplications quench thou the flame of my pas- sions, О Lady, and save me, as before thy Son saved the children who supremely exalted Him.

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

I fear not the treachery of the foe, setting my hope and expectation upon thee, О good one; for thou dost ever help, saving those who praise thee from misfortunes.

Ode IX, Irmos: It is impossible for mankind to see God * upon Whom the orders of Angels dare not gaze; * but through thee, O all-pure one, * did the Word Incarnate become a man * and with the Heavenly Hosts * Him we magnify and thee we call blessed.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

From all manner of evils deliver me who have recourse to thee with faith, О most pure Virgin, and grant health and deliverance from the wicked unto me who flee to thy protection, О Maiden, that I may ever glorify thee with cries of thanksgiving.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast abolished the curse of grief, О pure one, and hast poured forth joy upon the world through thy birth-giving, having borne the Well-spring of blessing. Wherefore, praising thee, the all-hymned one, all of us, the faithful, ever bless thee with thanksgiving.

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

Thy womb became a receptacle of the Light Who shone forth from the Father before all ages, О all-hymned Theotokos; wherefore, we all glorify thee, the Theotokos, and magnify Him as thy Son and God.

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

When the divine Spirit had come upon thee, thou hast given birth in time to the timeless Son who shone forth from the Father; wherefore, with tongue and heart all of us, the faithful, confess thee to be the Theotokos who knewest not a man.

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.