A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Come, O ye people, * let us sing a song to Christ our God, * Who divided the sea, * and made a way for the nation * which He had brought up out of the bondage of Egypt; * for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art the well-spring of Life, О pure Virgin Mother, having given birth to the Source, Lord and Life of all, bedewing those who glorify thee with faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We who confess thee to be the Theotokos, О most pure one, have thee as an intercessor and a firm foundation which enricheth us, and we are saved from the threefold billows of life, О all-immaculate Virgin.

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

As thou hast given birth to the Wellspring of life, О Maiden, heal me who am wounded by the passions, and rescue me from the eternal fire, О thou who alone art full of the grace of God.

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

As the refuge of the faithful and the mighty help of those who have recourse unto thee, О Ever-Virgin, save us from all want, and the harm of the adversary.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, who didst slay sin upon the tree, * firmly establish us in Thee, * and in the hearts of us who hymn Thee * plant the fear of Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Virgin, we truly call thee the golden censer, the jar of the Manna, the divine mountain, the all-comely palace.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thou art the temple and sacred dwelling-place of the Word, О Theotokos, be thou ever the cleansing of my transgressions, О most holy Virgin.

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

Neither the tongue of mortal man nor the mind of the incorporeal beings can describe thy birthgiving; for in a manner transcending nature and understanding, О Theotokos, thou hast given birth to the Creator.

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

О Virgin Birthgiver of God, be thou the confirmation, refuge and protection of those who have recourse to thee with faith and confess thee to be the Mother of God.

Ode IV, Irmos: I have heard report O Lord, * of Thy glorious dispensation, * and I have glorified, Thine unapproachable power, * O Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.   

We Christians acquired thee have as our great help, О Theotokos. Rescue us from cruel misfortunes.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.   

О Lady who knewest not wedlock, having conceived God in thy womb, deliver us all from perils and grief.

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

We, the faithful, have acquired thee as an invincible rampart and a mighty hope amid dangers, О pure one.

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

Having acquired thy supplication as a firm foundation, О Lady, we are delivered from divers sorrows.

Ode V, Irmos: O Lord, Bestower of light and Creator of the ages: * guide us in the
light of Thy commandments, * for we know none other God than Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Birthgiver of God, we, the faithful, know the Son Who was incarnate and born from thee without seed to be truly God and man by nature. Wherefore, we glorify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Ever fleeing with faith beneath thy protection and help. О most pure Theotokos, we, the faithful, are delivered by thee from every grievous invasion.

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

О most pure Virgin, deliver us from perils, the tempest of evil thoughts, from all wrath and every sin, from famine and plague, and from everlasting torment.

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

As thou art our helper and salvation, the hope of Christians, О Lady, save those who ever hymn thee with love and faith, О all-hymned Virgin.

Ode VI, Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, * I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: * Raise me up from corruption, O God.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who made all things by His will, having willingly made His abode within the womb of her who knew not wedlock, hath enriched with incorruption those afflicted by corruption, in that He is full of tender compassion.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art more exalted and holy than the hosts on high, О all-immaculate one, having supra-naturally contained the infinite Word within thy womb.

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

О Lady, to the paths of repentance guide me who am lost on the path of life and have often wandered into sins as into trackless wastes.

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

Disdain not the entreaties of thy servants who place their hope in thee, О pure one, for thou art the refuge and cleansing of our souls, 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 II: Thou didst conceive the Word without seed, and hast given birth to the one Christ; for thou didst bear a new Child, thy Creator. Wherefore, we magnify thee, О Theotokos.

Ode VII, Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped on the plain of Dura, * Thy three children spurned the impious command, * and, cast into the midst of the flame, * they were bedewed, and sang: * O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By the power of the Most Holy Spirit thou hast given flesh to the noetic Son Who is of the same nature as the Father, О Lady full of the grace of God. Wherefore, unceasingly entreat Him, that He have pity on those who chant: Blessed art thou who hast given birth to God in the flesh!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure Virgin who knewest not wedlock, О holy and blessed one, thou setting aright of the fallen and deliverance of sinners: Save me, О save me, prodigal though I am, for I cry out to thy Son: Blessed art thou who hast given birth to God in the flesh!

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

As thou art a sure haven, an awesome intercessor, an impregnable bulwark for those who languish in want and are tempest-tossed in grief, О Theotokos, by thy supplications to thy Son save thy servants from the many and varied temptations.

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

О Birthgiver of God, who art the sole hope and help of the faithful, hasten thou to help thy servants who are overwhelmed by sorrows, who are thus at a loss amid their pain, and flee to thee with love of soul.

Ode VIII, Irmos: God Who descended into the fiery furnace * with the Hebrew children, * and transformed the flame into dew, * do ye works hymn, * and supremely exalt as Lord throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thou hast given birth to the Wellspring of life, the Water of life, О Virgin Theotokos, bedew my soul, which is being laid waste by the flame of sin, that I may glorify thee throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having given birth to Christ our God, the Author of life, О pure and blessed Virgin Lady, thou alone hast raised up those slain and cast down into the dust of death and corruption.

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

О pure Lady, deliver me from everlasting fire and condemnation, and rescue me from corrupt men who seek to trip my heels, that I may ever bless thee whom all creation calls blessed in a divine manner.

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

Through thee, О pure Virgin, did the Supremely divine One become visible in the likeness of the flesh. Him do thou unceasingly beseech, that He have mercy upon us who live in evil and tremble in the expectation of ever- lasting torment.

Ode IX, Irmos: God the Word, God of God, * Who by ineffable wisdom came to create Adam anew * after his grievous fall to corruption through eating * and Who took flesh beyond all telling from the Holy Virgin for our sake, * Him we faithful with one accord magnify in song.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Grant unto me God’s love for mankind, О Maiden who alone hast ineffably given birth to God the Lover of mankind, Who borrowed flesh from thee, and deliver me from the coming flame and all torment, for I glorify thee with love.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having acquired thee as a mighty helper, our hope and bulwark, our foundation and steadfast protection, an invincible confirmation, a harbour unbeset by storms and a refuge of strength, О all-hymned one, we are all saved.

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

О all-hymned Virgin, Mother of the Light, drive away the clouds from my soul, and grant that I may gaze in purity upon the saving beauty which shone forth ineffably from thy most holy womb to enlighten the nations.

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

О Virgin Maiden Who hast given birth to the divine Light, illumine my heart, which hath been darkened by many passions and the assaults of alien thoughts, ever granting me teardrops which cleanse away the defilement of sin.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Come, O ye people, * let us sing a song to Christ our God, * Who divided the sea, * and made a way for the nation * which He had brought up out of the bondage of Egypt; * for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The discourse granted me is in nowise capable of hymnody, О all-pure one, for the darkness of my sins doth cover me; yet accept my limitations, О Birthgiver of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I finally flee from my countless sins to thy protection, О most pure one. Render our God and Master easily reconciled with me, and save me, О pure one.

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

Thou art my fervent mercy-seat, Lady, and, fleeing to thee, I am saved and obtain salvation of soul; for thou canst do all things, in that thou art the Mother of the God of all.

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

The deceiver of souls hath lured me into the pit of destruction; but stretch forth to me thy mighty hand, О Virgin Theotokos, and quickly lead me up to the light.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, who didst slay sin upon the tree, * firmly establish us in Thee, * and in the hearts of us who hymn Thee * plant the fear of Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having fallen among many thieves, wretch that I am, I have been stripped naked, wounded and left for dead; but disdain me not, О pure Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The serpent who wrought deception through the tree stripped Adam naked, and hath now easily made my soul captive. Yet I entreat thee, О Lady: Have pity on me!

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

I now bring my secret deeds before thee, my true intercessor and protection, that thy Son may not denounce me with them at His righteous judgment.

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

Have mercy, О pure one, have mercy, for we derive no salvation from our deeds. Wherefore, with ardent faith we cry out to thee: Have mercy upon thy servants!

Ode IV, Irmos: I hymn Thee, O Lord, for I have heard report of Thee, * and I was afraid; * for Thou comest to me, seeking me who am lost. * Wherefore, I glorify Thy great condescension towards me, * O greatly Merciful One.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Disdain me not who am incurably ill and infirm, О Lady; but grant unto me the oil of thy goodness, О Virgin, and enrich me with thoughts of thee, as with incorruptible gold from God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have been stripped bare of all good works and lie arrayed in evils more than all who fell of old; but do thou now adorn me with good deeds and deliver me from wickedness, О Bride of God.

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

In word and with my will, I have surpassed the harlot in fornication and the publican in usury; yet before the end grant that I may acquire the repentance of both, О Lady.

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

I have dwelt in the desert of grief and have withdrawn from thee, О Birthgiver of God. Who shall give me wings, that I may fly and go to thee, my hope, who dost save me from faintheartedness, wretch that I am?

Ode V, Irmos: O Lord, Bestower of light and Creator of the ages: * guide us in the light of Thy commandments, * for we know none other God than Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In that the never-waning Light shone forth from thy womb upon those on earth, О Lady, illumine my fetid soul, and drive all darkness from my heart, О pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The cruel night of my wicked and evil deeds covereth me, O Lady; yet I cry out to thee: Guide me to the divine light of thy Son and Master, О all-hymned one.

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

О pure one, accept me as thy Son, the Creator of all, accepted the prodigal son, for I cry out with him: I have truly sinned! Save me, О Lady!

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

In that thou art merciful, О most pure one, heal thou my heart, which hath been wounded by the assaults of the evil one, for thou hast ineffably given birth to Him Who was wounded in the flesh upon the Cross.

Ode VI, Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, * I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: * Raise me up from corruption, O God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have fallen into the pit of sin and, held fast by fear, I cannot lift my gaze to our unforgettable God; yet I cast myself down before thee, О Bride of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thine omnipotent supplication, О Virgin Theotokos, pilot my heart, which hath been grievously covered by the waves of mine incomprehensible transgressions.

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

In that thou art my confirmation, О Lady, grant that I may behold the beauty of thy glory when my soul shall be separated from my flesh, that I may thus know remission.

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

By thy prayers to God deliver thy servants, who have recourse to thee with faith, from perils, misfortunes and sorrows, О holy 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 II: We magnify thee, O Theotokos, crying aloud: * Thou art the un-burnt bush, * wherein Moses beheld as a flame ** the Fire of the Divinity.

Ode VII, Irmos: When the golden image was worshipped on the plain of Dura, * Thy three children spurned the impious command, * and, cast into the midst of the flame, * they were bedewed, and sang: * O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Gaping wide, the enemy now strives to devour me, for from every quarter he brings temptations and snares to bear upon me, wholly cutting off my progress; yet anticipating my need, О Virgin Mother, deliver me from his wicked assaults.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The adversary defiles and vexes my senses and mind, striving to drag me down into the pit of despair; wherefore, I cry out to thee alone: О Bride of God, my refuge, deliver me from the hands of the evil one!

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

О my Christ Who art Thyself the Word, Who of old delivered the three youths from the furnace, by the supplications of Thy Mother who knew not wedlock, bedew me and deliver me from the flame which I have enkindled by my boundless evil deeds.

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

Coming upon my material heart, the corrupter hath slain it; but by thy divine power cause rain to fall upon me, О Mother who knewest not wedlock, and grant that I may vanquish him, that I may cry out to thee with faith: Blessed art thou who hast given birth to God in the flesh.

Ode VIII, Irmos: God Who descended into the fiery furnace * with the Hebrew children, * and transformed the flame into dew, * do ye works hymn, * and supremely exalt as Lord throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Cruelly buried beneath my many evils and weighed down by the multitude of sins, I dare not in anywise lift up mine eyes to heaven, but cry out to thee: Have mercy upon me who have fallen, О only Theotokos!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have fallen under the wrath of thy Son and God, О pure one. Deliver me, and in the hour when He shall conduct the trial, be thou my helper, О most pure one, and deliver me from standing with the goats on the left side.

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

О Maiden Bride of God, raise me up who have been spiritually slain by my countless sins, and by thy supplication deliver me from all the deception of the soul-corrupting enemy and murderer.

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

How hast thou besmirched thy pristine beauty with evil, О my incorrigible and wicked soul? How hast thou broken all thy promises to thy Creator and accepted evils? Yet go thou and hasten with piety to the Theotokos.

Ode IX, Irmos: God the Word, God of God, * Who by ineffable wisdom came to create Adam anew * after his grievous fall to corruption through eating * and Who took flesh beyond all telling from the Holy Virgin for our sake, * Him we faithful with one accord magnify in song.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have truly defiled my senses with grievous actions and am wholly filled with shameful deeds; but cleanse me, О most pure one, asking that I be granted time for goodly compunction, that I may unceasingly magnify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

When the hidden deeds of everyone shall be revealed, О Theotokos, be my justification, since thou truly hast the power to do so, and deliver me from darkness, that by thy prayers I may dwell in the land of light, where there is ineffable joy.

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

I beseech Thee, О Word: Before Thy final coming grant me fervent repentance, tearful compunction, chastity and humility, divine love, and a place in Thy flock, through the prayers of her who gave birth to Thee.

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

О Virgin who dost surpass all noetic and material beings in glory and honour, except for God, disdain me not who have surpassed in transgressions all people, past and present, who have sinned on the earth; and by thy prayer save me.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: In the deep of old the infinite Power overwhelmed Pharaoh’s whole army. * But the Incarnate Word annihilated pernicious sin. * Exceedingly glorious is the Lord, * for gloriously hath He been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having taken our form from thee, the never-setting Sun manifestly showed thee forth as a noetic and most splendid heaven. Wherefore, deliver me from the stench of the passions, that with love I may hymn thee, the only Virgin Mother.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I beseech thee, О Lady, who art the tongs which held the noetic Ember which hath purified human nature: Wash away the defilement of my manifold transgressions, and by thy supplications deliver me from defiling passions.

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

О most pure Theotokos, who hast given birth to Christ, the Wellspring of mercy, and hast opened Eden to mankind: open unto me the portals of thy mercy, and grant me forgiveness offences, О Sovereign Lady of the world.

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

Rend asunder the bonds of my transgressions, О Ever-virgin Lady, entreating thy Son and God; and cast down sin which oppresseth me, that, saved, I may ever hymn thee, О most immaculate one.

Ode III, Irmos: Thou hast established me on the rock of faith, * and my mouth hath been emboldened against mine enemies. * For my spirit rejoiceth when I sing: * There is none as holy as our God * and none more righteous than Thee, O Lord.

 Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Dispel the gloom and darkness of my passions with the rays of thy supplications, and enlighten me, О most pure Lady who hast given birth to Christ, the never-setting Sun Who shone forth from the Sun before the morning-star.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy birthgiving, О most pure one, thou hast restored the fallen and broken tabernacle of David thy father; wherefore, О Theotokos, raise me up, thy servant, who am crushed by transgressions and the passions.

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

Be thou a sword, О Virgin, driving away the sins and passions of my soul, and show me to be another garden of paradise, preserved by thee un- assailed, offering thee the flowers of the Spirit.

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

Stretching forth the hand of compassions, receive me, О Birthgiver of God, and from all condemnation rescue me who flee to thee, and falling down before thee, call upon thine aid.

Ode IV, Irmos: I hymn Thee, O Lord, for I have heard report of Thee, * and I was afraid; * for Thou comest to me, seeking me who am lost. * Wherefore, I glorify Thy great condescension towards me, * O greatly Merciful One.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Taking the leaven of human nature like dough, the Creator made it undefiled and holy; and washing me clean of the defilement of the passions, He hath cleansed me of the mire of my transgressions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With the remedy of thy prayers, as with bandages and oil, О pure Lady, heal now the stripes of my soul and the wounds of sin, in that thou hast given birth to the divine Healing of nature.

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

Loose thou the bonds of my passions, О Lady, and cleave asunder the chains of my sins with the sword of thy prayers, О thou who hast given birth to Christ Who granteth deliverance to those bound in Hades.

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

Cure thou the passions of my soul which most wretchedly shroud me in gloom, and enlighten my thoughts, О pure one, driving far away the darkness of the demons who oppress me and who lay traps for me all the day long.

Ode V, Irmos: O Christ my Saviour, the enlightenment of those lying in the darkness of sin. * I rise early to hymn Thee O King of Peace, * enlighten me with Thy radiance, * for I know no other God than Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast delivered the world from the ancient curse, О Lady who hast given birth to Christ, the Blessing of the world. Deliver me from unseemly thoughts and from all grief, for thou alone art the joy of the faithful.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

A horde of demons surroundeth the city of my soul, striving mightily to take it captive. О most glorious Lady, thou city of the King of all, defend me by thy supplications as with entowered ramparts, and save me.

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

The cruel storm of the sedition of the spirits of evil doth trouble my mind. Quickly anticipate my need, and still it, О thou who hast given birth to Christ, the only almighty Helmsman of all creation.

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

О Birthgiver of God, shine the light of repentance upon me who am enclosed in the darkness of perdition. Give a helping hand to me who lie prostrate, and by thy supplications raise me up, О pure one, that I may accomplish the judgments of God.

Ode VI, Irmos: Whirled about in the abyss of sin, * I appeal to the unfathomable abyss of Thy compassion: * Raise me up from corruption, O God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thou hast given birth to Life everlasting, О most pure one, when my soul departeth from my body, slay death by thy supplications.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The serpent who hates mankind pursues me, subjecting me to trials. О Lady, set him at naught, for thou hast given birth to Him Who crushed the heads of the serpents.

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

О thou who hast given birth to Christ our God, the Way of life, to the straight path direct me who walk with faltering steps.

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

Heal the sufferings of my soul and vanquish the perplexity of grief, О most pure one who hast given birth to God, for our salvation.

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 II: As the wellspring of loving-kindness, О Theotokos, grant mercy unto us. Look upon the people who have sinned, and show forth, as ever, thy power; for, trusting in thee, we cry out to thee: Rejoice!’’, as once did Gabriel, the supreme commander of the incorporeal beings.

Ode VII, Irmos: The wise children did not adore the golden idol, * but went themselves into the flame and defied the pagan gods. * They prayed in the midst of the flame, * and an Angel bedewed them saying: * ‘The prayer of your lips hath been heard’.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The waves of the passions trouble my mind and shake my soul; yet, О Virgin who hast given birth to Him Who by His divine command restrained the raging sea, transport me to the tranquility of dispassion and halt the turmoil of my flesh.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Knowing thee to be the gate of the noetic East who hast appeared from heaven, О Virgin. I, thy servant, pray that through thee I might enter into the heavens. Wherefore, accept me, О Lady, and guide me by thy light.

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

Crucified on the Cross of His own will, Christ thy Son put the princes of darkness to shame and destroyed the corrupting power of death. Thereby, О most pure Lady, do thou slay the passion-plagued understanding of my flesh.

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

Cease not, О pure one, to pray to God Who was born from thee, on behalf of those who approach thee with faith and ask deliverance, О only helper of the world, for thou art the hope and help of the despairing and the aid of those who are ever tempest-tossed amid evils.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Disdaining the golden image, the thrice-blessed children, * beholding the immutable and living image of God, * chanted in the midst of the flame: * Let all existing creation hymn the Lord * and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Virgin, thou divinely made tabernacle of the Holy of holies, of Him Who set thee forth as the image of the ancient tabernacle, having the great High Priest in thy midst: Show my heart to be a holy tabernacle of the Most High: Christ, the King of all.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having borne, О Virgin, the divine ark and the tablets of the law: the most pure Word of God, Christ, thine uncircumscribable Son: by thy prayers, as with the finger of God, inscribe Him upon the surface of my soul.

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

As from a mountain the precious Stone hath been cut from thy womb, О most immaculate Lady, and as the only Almighty One He hath broken the pillars of all falsehood. Thereby do thou now destroy the images of the passions of my soul, having broken the jaws of the noetic foe.

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

With the waters of life, О Virgin Theotokos, water thou my heart which hath been seared by the flame of sin, ever preserving me in compunction, who chant with fear: Let all existing creation hymn the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: Thee do we magnify, O blessed and all-pure Theotokos, * who through thy virginal womb ineffably brought forth * God incarnate, * the Luminary Who shone forth before the sun * and hath come to us in the flesh.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou didst shine forth Christ, the Sun of righteousness, О pure one, showing thyself to be a most radiant heaven. By thy supplications destroy the night of my passions, illumine my soul, and enlighten and make bright my heart.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Condemn and trample underfoot mine adversary, О Theotokos, and deliver me from his oppression; for thou hast given birth to the Good and Righteous One Who resteth in the bosom of the Godhead and hath condemned death.

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

He Who as God formed the essence of the incorporeal ones became incarnate from thee, О Virgin Maiden. Wherefore, by thy supplications deliver me, thy servant, from the evil circumstances and the carnal understanding of the passions of the flesh.

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

Thou hast done away with the grief of Eve, having given birth to the new Adam Who created the nature of the first Adam. Wherefore, erase also with the record of my transgressions, freeing me from perils, sorrows and the passions.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Let us all chant a triumphant hymn unto God * Who wrought wondrous miracles * with His upraised arm, * and saved Israel, * for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art a haven of salvation and protection for those who call upon thee, О most pure Theotokos. Wherefore, I fervently cry out to thee from the depths of my soul: О Lady, save me!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O most pure Mary, Mother of the Creator, in that thou art good and easy to reconcile, heal thou my lowly soul which hath been corrupted by the passions and transgressions.

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

О Lady unwedded, cease thou never to entreat my Creator and God on behalf of one who ever flees to thy protection, that I may receive mercy.

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

О animate palace and fiery throne of the King, with the holy martyrs and apostles do thou ever entreat Christ, that He deliver us from perils.

Ode III, Irmos: The stone which the builders have rejected, * the same hath become the cornerstone: * this is the rock upon which Christ hath established the Church, * which He hath redeemed from among the nations.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The darkness of transgressions surroundeth my heart, О Lady, and I dare not lift up mine eyes to heaven. Wherefore, I cry: Enlighten my mind, soul and heart with the precepts of Christ!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I gaze upon thy divine image, and I honour thee, the seal of the Master, the most pure Mother, as the prototype. And I kiss it, and bow down, and praise it, knowing thine honour and His alone.

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

Halt the cruel assaults of the body, and quench thou the flame of the passions, О Virgin, wherewith the cruel serpent weaves greatly tangled bonds offences round about me, desiring to drag me down to destruction.

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

Issuing forth bodily, the Word clothed Himself wholly in Adam through thee. Him do thou therefore beseech, that He deliver us from the passions, from divers perils and everlasting fire.

Ode IV, Irmos: Foreseeing in the Spirit O Prophet Habbakuk, * the incarnation of the Word, * thou didst proclaim, crying aloud: * When the years draw nigh, Thou shalt be known; * when the season cometh, Thou shalt be shown forth! * Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having given birth to the Creator and Fashioner of all, О Virgin, thou hast ineffable power and invincible might, and savest those who approach thee with faith. Wherefore, I cry to thee: О Sovereign Lady of the world, help me!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Set at naught the battles of the invisible and noetic foe who assail in vain my wretched heart, О Lady, and grant me divine serenity and peace, that I may hymn thee in gladness.

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

Thou art the hope of the hopeless, helper of the poor, consolation of those who weep, cleansing of the sinful, guide of the lost, healer of the sick and correction of the fallen.

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

О pure and blessed Virgin Mary, who alone hast done away with the curse of all; with the apostles, martyrs and prophets entreat Him Who issued forth from thy womb, that He save the souls of those who hymn thee.

Ode V, Irmos: Grant us Thy peace, O Son of God, * for we know no other God than Thee, * and we call upon Thy Name, * for Thou art the God of the living and the dead.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Save me from the abyss of perils, tribulations, griefs and bodily passions, О Lady, and preserve my soul in divine tranquility.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art my fervent and steadfast preservation all throughout my life, О most immaculate one. Wherefore, I beseech thee; even after my death, extend unto me thy rich loving-kindness.

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

О thou who hast given birth to the Creator and Redeemer of all, deliver me from the bodily passions which consume my heart and drag me into unseemly deeds.

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

In that thou hast been revealed to be a place of noetic sanctity, О Virgin Lady, wholly sanctify me, and with the holy and wise apostles pray that I be saved.

Ode VI, Irmos: Emulating the Prophet Jonah, I cry aloud: * Free Thou my life from corruption, O Good One; * and save me who crieth out: * O Saviour of the world, Glory be to Thee!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou preservest me alive, delivering me from dangers. In thy loving-kindness do thou also stand before me when I depart this earth for life everlasting, О Virgin Mother.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art an indestructible rampart, thou art a firm wall of protection, thou art a mighty intercessor for thy servant, О good Theotokos; wherefore, I ever call upon thee.

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

Having acquired powerful supplications before God, О good Theotokos, disdain not me who fervently flee to thy protection and cry aloud: Have mercy on me, О Mother of the God of all!

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

Reject me not, neither spurn me, О Saviour, for the ewe-lamb who gave Thee birth in the flesh entreateth Thee with Thine apostles, prophets
and passion-bearers.

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

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

Sessional hymn, Tone I: О most pure Maiden, the prophets foretold thee as the cloud of the eternal light of God, the ark, the candlestand and jar, and the unquarried mountain; for in the latter times Christ our God came forth from thee without seed, as was the Father’s good pleasure.

Ode VII, Irmos: Thy children who were in the furnace O Saviour, * were neither touched nor troubled by The fire. * Whereupon the three sang, as with a single mouth * Thy praises and blessed Thee, saying: * ‘O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou.’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Hastening in thy loving-kindness, О most pure Lady, deliver me, who am brought to despondency by transgressions and the pleasures of the flesh and who am thrust into the abyss of destruction, О pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Theotokos, thou art the refuge and mighty protection of all the faithful. Be thou for me a guide to the Creator, granting me deliverance from transgressions in thy compassion.

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

Thou hast destroyed the curse, О pure one who hast given birth to Christ our joy. By thy power, О most immaculate one, break thou also the curse which I have incurred through sin, and grant me joy.

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

О most holy and pure one, thy servants ever entreat thee day and night, praying with contrite thoughts. Grant us deliverance from our offences by thy supplications.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Him of whom the angels and all the hosts of heaven are in awe * as their Lord and Creator, * ye priests hymn, ye children praise, * ye peoples bless and supremely exalt * throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Arise, go forth and do battle against the enemies who trouble and oppress us in vain, delivering us by thy power, О holy virgin, thou helper of the world!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast saved the world from death and corruption by thy divine birthgiving, О good Virgin; and now, by thy supplications, rescue from the passions and save us who praise thee.

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

Great and ineffable is thy might, О Virgin, and many and invincible are thy divine compassions and loving-kindness. Wherefore, save us who call upon thee in truth.

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

As an animate vine, О Virgin, thou didst put forth for us the ripe Cluster, Who hath poured forth the wine of remission and dried up the
drunkenness of sin.

Ode IX, Irmos: The light-bearing cloud upon whom * the Unoriginate Master of all descended from heaven, * like the dew upon the fleece, * and of whom He was incarnate, * becoming a man for our sake, * let us all magnify as the pure Mother of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Greatly tempest-tossed upon the sea of life by carnal pleasures, I fall down before thee and cry aloud: Have mercy on me, who flee unto thee, О Lady, and extend to me a hand of salvation, delivering me from the abyss of destruction!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

To thee do I confess my sins, О Virgin; before thy face do I disclose my shame; and I cry to thee from the depths of my soul “Have mercy and take pity, О most pure one, for on thee and God have I set my firm hope”!

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

With all my soul I call upon thee who hast given birth without seed to the Creator and Master, and I cry out earnestly: Save me from the corruption of manifold transgressions, and deliver me from the unquenchable fire, О most holy and good Theotokos!

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

О pure one, thou impassable door, gate of paradise, path of the saved, way of salvation: with the martyrs and prophets, the righteous and venerable, and the divine apostles, pray thou, that our souls be saved.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Having been delivered from bitter slavery, * Israel traversed the impassable as though dry land; * and beholding the enemy drowned, * they chanted unto God as to their Redeemer, * Who worketh wonders with His upraised arm, * for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I am held fast in despondency as I consider the multitude of my transgressions and the answer I must make to the Judge, О Lady Theotokos. Yet be thou for me a divine mediator, placating Him by thy loving-kindness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most pure one, thou refuge of Christians, setting aright of the fallen and cleansing offences; at the hour of the dread judgment deliver me from the ever-burning fire, granting me life everlasting.

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

Thee, О Virgin, have we all, the faithful, acquired as our only sure helper; for thou hast given birth unto God. Wherefore, all of us, all the generations of the earth, bless thee, as thou didst foretell, О pure one.

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

Beholding thy Creator and Son upon the Cross, О pure and all-immaculate one, thou wast filled with awe and didst say: “What is this, О my Child? How have the wicked repaid Thee with evil for the good which Thou didst show them?”

Ode III, Irmos: To the Son who was begotten of the Father * without change before all ages, * and in the last times, without seed, was made flesh of the Virgin, * to Christ our God let us cry aloud: * Thou hast raised up our horn, holy art Thou, O Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

All the prophets proclaimed thee the Mother of God in most glorious images; and we, clearly beholding their fulfilment, also believe, and ask that through thee we may receive divine serenity.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Sovereign Lady of the world, salvation and help of the faithful; accepting the signs which issue forth from the depths of my heart and the streams of my tears, deliver me who am bound by many transgressions, and save me, О pure one.

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

Possessed of boldness before Christ God, in that thou art His Mother, О pure one, pray thou ever that we be delivered from the children of Hagar and from all harm, and make us steadfast, that we may glorify Him with thanksgiving, О most immaculate one.

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

Beholding her Son lifted up upon the Cross, the most pure one exclaimed, and, crying out, gave utterance from the depths of her heart: “What have the wicked and iniquitous ones, who were filled to repletion with Thy gifts, done to Thee, О my Son?”

Ode IV, Irmos: Rod of the root of Jesse, * and flower that blossomed from his stem, * O Christ, Thou hast sprung from the Virgin. * From the Mountain overshadowed by the forest * Thou hast come, made flesh from her that knew not wedlock, * O God who art not formed from matter. * Glory to Thy power, O Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Cast down the savagery of the wicked foe and the machinations they direct against me, and invest me with thy might, О all-immaculate one, ever preserving me unharmed, whole and unvanquished, who radiantly hymn thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Vanquished by the law of the flesh, full of the passions, I do unseemly and iniquitous things. And I dare not in anywise lift up mine eyes to thee, О pure Lady. But do thou save me, wretch that I am, by the law of thy tender compassions. Do thou save me!

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

О Lady, we the faithful have thee and God alone as our hope unashamed and our help. By thy supplications deliver us from all enemies, visible and invisible, from harm and temptations, that we may unceasingly glorify thee.

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

Beholding the Son to Whom thou hast given birth without seed nailed to the Cross, О all-immaculate one, thou didst cry out maternally and, lamenting, didst say: “What is this new, most glorious and incomprehensible wonder which I behold in Thee, О my Son?”

Ode V, Irmos: As Thou art the God of peace and Father of compassions, * Thou hast sent unto us Thine Angel of great counsel, * granting us peace. * Wherefore guided towards the light of the knowledge of God, * and watching by night we glorify Thee, * O Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thy supplication is tireless and thy helping of thy servants fervent, О Virgin, rescue and save us, anticipating our needs amid all the perilous misfortunes of life, that we not fall victim to grief and become corrupt.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Mary, dwelling-place of God, show me forth through repentance to be a habitation for God, for I have become the haunt of wicked demons through my vile deeds, mindlessly carrying out their will.

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

As thou art the compassionate Mother of God, heal us, who are cruelly afflicted in body and soul with sinful passions; for thou truly hast given birth to Christ, the Physician of souls and bodies, the abundant Wellspring of life.

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

Beholding her Son upon the tree of the Cross, the most immaculate one was stricken with pain in her womb, and with tears she cried out: I am in awe to see Thy long-suffering, О my Son, beholding this new wonder! How is it that Thou, Who art sinless, dost endure an unjust death?”

Ode VI, Irmos: The sea monster spat forth Jonah as it had received him, * like a babe from the womb: * while the Word, having dwelt in the Virgin and taken flesh, * came forth from her yet kept her incorrupt. * For being Himself not subject to decay. * He preserved His Mother free from all harm.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou wast the receptacle of the noetic Myrrh Who hath perfumed the whole earth with the sweet fragrance of His divinity, О most holy Bride of God. Wherefore, with the fragrance of thy supplication dispel all the stench of my transgressions from my soul.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The fire of pleasures doth utterly consume me, afflicting my lowly heart, and iniquitously moving me to commit unseemly deeds. Hasten thou to extinguish it, in that thou hast given birth to the divine Fire, my salvation, О Bride of God.

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

Deliver us from the temptations of enemies visible and invisible, О all-hymned Virgin, and preserve those who with Orthodox Faith truly confess thee to be the Theotokos, О Mother of God; for thou dost ever possess might, in that thou hast given birth to Him Who hath created all things.

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

Standing before the Cross and beholding her Son hanging thereon in the flesh, the most immaculate one felt her womb burn with grief, and, shedding tears, she cried: “O my Child, truly ineffable is Thy compassion for all men!”

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

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

Sessional hymn, Tone I: Upon seeing the Lamb and Shepherd hanging dead upon the Tree, * the unblemished ewe-lamb, cried aloud, weeping * and exclaiming maternally: * “How is it that Thou dost willingly endure abasement and sufferings * which surpass all telling, ** O my Son, and supremely good God?”

Ode VII, Irmos: Scorning the impious decree of the godless one, * the Children brought up together in godliness * feared not the threat of fire, * but standing in the midst of the flames, they sang: * O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I cannot bear the assaults and tumult of the demons, for the flame of carnal passions darkens my mind. Yet disdain me not, О holy Theotokos, for I set all my hope on thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Virgin who knewest not wedlock, О all-holy Bride and Lady of God, through thy prayers loose thou the bonds of my transgressions, and bind me to Christ with bonds of love, that I may bring forth the virtues as fruit.

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

Thou art the helper, the bulwark and sure refuge of all Orthodox Christians, О pure Mary. Wherefore, honouring thee with faith, we cry out to Christ: О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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

The most holy virgin, beholding her Son suspended upon the Cross, was stricken with awe, and marvelling, said: “How can I bear the sight of Thee slain, Who art the Author and Bestower of life?”

Ode VIII, Irmos: The furnace moist with dew * was an image and prefiguring of a wonder past nature, * burning not the Children whom it had received, * so the fire of the Godhead consumed not the Virgin’s womb * into which it had descended. * Therefore in song let us sing: * Let the whole creation bless the Lord * and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Theotokos, Sovereign Lady of the world, do thou alone, by thy lovingkindness, lead me up, who by my wicked mind have been plunged into the abyss of perdition and evils by carnal pleasures and my passionate attachment to the things of life. For I in nowise have any hope of salvation, being wholly despondent, О pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art the salvation of all, having given birth ineffably to God. Thou art the saviour of the faithful, О Theotokos, the guide of the blind and the setting aright of the fallen. Wherefore, praising thee, we cry out to Christ: Bless the Lord, all ye works! Hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

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

Having acquired thee as a most firm bulwark, we have placed in thee our hope of salvation, О Mother of God. Be thou for thy servants a haven and an unshakable rampart, and guide us continually, that we may chant: Let all creation bless the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

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

Her womb was rent maternally, and filled with a multitude of tears, when she who gave birth to Thee in purity beheld Thee on the Cross, she cried out with inconsolable groaning: “Having escaped pain in Thy birth, О my Son, I am now held fast by pain, beholding Thy countenance dishonoured.”

Ode IX, Irmos: Ineffable is the mystery of the Virgin: * for she is heaven and the throne of the cherubim, * and hath been revealed as the radiant bridal-chamber * of Christ God Almighty. * Wherefore we piously magnify her as the Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have besmirched my soul with dishonourable passions, wretch that I am, and have defiled all my flesh with soul-corrupting passions; yet as thou art pure and undefiled, cleanse me by the magnitude of thy mercy.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have not acquired any other refuge than thee, О pure Lady, neither do I know any other steadfast helper and protection on earth. Wherefore, I have fled with fervour to thee, asking that through thee I might receive deliverance from offences.

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

From on high thou dost now look mercifully upon thy servants, О all-hymned one, preserving us with pious faith and delivering from every evil circumstance by thy prayers those who honour thee as the true and honoured Theotokos.

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

When she who knew a seedless birthgiving saw Thee suspended upon the tree of the Cross, О Thou Who lovest mankind, she cried aloud: “O my Son and almighty God, in Thy desire to save mankind how hast Thou now accepted crucifixion?”

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Let us all chant a triumphant hymn unto God * Who wrought wondrous miracles * with His upraised arm, * and saved Israel, * for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The bush prefigured thee, О Birthgiver of God; for, remaining unconsumed, thou didst truly hold the unbearable Fire. Wherefore, with faithful voices we ever hymn thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

God the Word, clothing Himself in human nature, became incarnate from thee in a manner transcending understanding, О most pure one. Wherefore, every breath doth glorify thee and renders thee homage, and honour, as is meet.

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

О most pure one, thou didst conceive the ineffable Word Who upholdeth all the ends of the earth, and thou hast given birth to Him. Him do thou earnestly beseech, that He have mercy on us.

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

In that thou alone hast given birth within time to the timeless God incarnate, О most pure Lady, heal thou the immemorial sufferings of my passion-plagued soul.

Ode III, Irmos: Let my heart be established in Thy will O Christ God, * Who hath established a second heaven over the waters, * and founded the earth upon the waters, * O all-powerful One.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

That He might deify humanity, God became man through thee, О pure Virgin, in a manner past all telling and understanding. Wherefore together we, the faithful, call thee blessed.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who by nature is uncircumscribable became circumscribed, incarnate from thee, О pure one who art full of the grace of God. Him do thou unceasingly entreat, that He take pity and enlighten the souls of those who bless thee.

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

Dispel all the fruitlessness of mine unfruitful thoughts, and show forth my soul as fruitful in the virtues, О most holy Theotokos, thou helper of the faithful.

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

Deliver me from every evil circumstance, from the many temptations of the serpent, and from eternal fire and darkness, О most immaculate one who for us hast given birth to the never-waning Light.

Ode IV, Irmos: : Foreseeing in the Spirit O Prophet Habbakuk, * the incarnation of the Word, * thou didst proclaim, crying aloud: * When the years draw nigh, Thou shalt be known; * when the season cometh, Thou shalt be shown forth! * Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Christ made His abode within thy most pure womb, О all-holy Lady, and deified us, assuming animate flesh. Wherefore O pure Mother, we hymn thee in an Orthodox manner, О Lady, thou helper of the world.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Sanctify us, О holy Theotokos who hast given birth in the flesh to the Most holy One Who desired to become like unto men; and by thy supplications, О most pure one, show us all to be partakers of the heavenly kingdom.

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

О Virgin Theotokos, undefiled tabernacle, with the pure beams of thy compassions cleanse me who have defiled myself with transgressions, and grant me a helping hand, that I may cry: Glory to Thy power, О Lord!

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

Thou wast revealed to be a temple sanctified for God, О Virgin, and He made His abode in thee in a manner transcending understanding. Him do thou beseech, that He wash away the defilement of our sins, that we may be shown to be temples and habitations of the Spirit.

Ode V, Irmos: Grant us Thy peace, O Son of God, * for we know no other God than Thee, * and we call upon Thy Name, * for Thou art the God of the living and the dead.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The wicked eating which once was done in Eden made me mortal; but do thou, О pure one who hast given birth to Life, restore me to life who have been slain by the tree of old, that I may lift up my voice in hymns, glorifying thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О all-pure one, save me from cruel tribulations! Raise me up from the vile passions, and from the captivity and oppression of the evil demons deliver me who honour thee with love.

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

О pure Virgin Mother, we know thee to be the cloud and garden of paradise, the portal of the Light, the table and fleece, and the jar holding within thee the Manna which is the delight of the world.

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

О most immaculate one who hast given birth to God, Emmanuel, Who in His loving-kindness manifestly became a man: Him do thou beseech, that He have pity on sinful people, in that He is the Lover of mankind, О pure one.

Ode VI, Irmos: Lead my life up from corruption O Christ God, * as didst Thou the Prophet Jonah, * I cry to Thee O Lover of mankind, * for with Thee is life, incorruption and might.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I entreat thee who art the good and undefiled tabernacle: By thy mediation wash away all defilement from me who have been defiled by many sins.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure one, be thou guidance for me who am tempest-tossed upon the cruel abyss of the perils of life; direct me to the harbour of salvation, and save me.

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

The threefold billows of evil thoughts, the assaults of the passions and the abyss of sins bestorm my wretched soul. Heal me, О holy Lady!

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

О Mary who art called the tabernacle of sanctification, sanctify my wretched soul which hath been defiled by pleasures, and make me a partaker of divine glory.

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

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

Sessional hymn, Tone I: О Virgin who gavest nourishment to One of the Trinity, О beauteous garden of paradise, salvation of mortals: by thy protection save those who piously hymn thee, for thou hast given birth to Him Who spake in the prophets, and didst bear Him Who upholdeth all things, in that thou art the Mother of Christ God.

Ode VII, Irmos: Thy children who were in the furnace O Saviour, * were neither touched nor troubled by The fire. * Whereupon the three sang, as with a single mouth * Thy praises and blessed Thee, saying: * ‘O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou.’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Son of the Unoriginate Father made His abode within thy womb, receiving a beginning, that He might deliver us who worship Him from the evil princes of darkness, in that He is God, О pure Birthgiver of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Arrayed in divine virtues, О pure Virgin, thou hast given birth to the Word Who with the Father is unoriginate, and hath truly covered the heavens with virtues. Him do thou ever entreat, that He have pity on us.

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

Sanctify our thoughts, make steadfast the souls of all, О Mother of God, that we may execute well the judgments of the Word of the Unoriginate Father Who, in His ineffable loving-kindness, became incarnate from thee, О Virgin.

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

Revive my mind which hath been slain by many passions, О most immaculate one, and strengthen me to do God-pleasing works, that I may magnify thee ever as the helper and hope of Christians.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Him of whom the angels and all the hosts of heaven are in awe * as their Lord and Creator, * ye priests hymn, ye children praise, * ye peoples bless and supremely exalt * throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy vigilant supplications to God, О most immaculate one, we who acknowledge thee to be the blessed and all-joyous Theotokos are delivered from all manner of temptations.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In a godly manner the Incorporeal One became incarnate from thee. Him do thou entreat, О most pure one, that He mortify the passions of my flesh and revive my soul, which hath been slain by sins.

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

О most pure one who hast given birth to God the Saviour, Who hath healed the abasement of Adam: Him do thou beseech, that He heal the incurably painful wounds of my soul.

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

Raise me up who lie in the abyss of evils, and vanquish the enemies who now assail me, the unseemly pleasures which eat away my soul. Disdain me not, О pure one, but have pity and save me!

Ode IX, Irmos: The light-bearing cloud upon whom * the Unoriginate Master of all descended from heaven, * like the dew upon the fleece, * and of whom He was incarnate, * becoming a man for our sake, * let us all magnify as the pure Mother of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most immaculate one who hast given birth to the divine Light Who shone forth from the Father, have pity on my soul, which hath become darkened by the deceptions of life and is become an object of mockery to mine enemies; and grant unto me the light of saving repentance, О pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most immaculate one, Isaiah beheld thee as a luminous cloud from whence the Sun of righteousness hath shone forth upon us, mystically to enlighten creation. Wherefore, with faith we hymn thee who art beautiful among women.

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

Loving sin, I live in slothfulness, О pure one. I tremble before the unfailing judgment, at which do thou preserve me uncondemned by thy holy prayers, О Virgin Bride of God, that I may ever bless thee as my helper.

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

I tremble before the judg­ment and the inescapable eye of thy Son, having committed many sins on earth. Wherefore, I cry to thee: О most merciful Lady, help me! О pure one, rescue me uncondemned from my need at that time!

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Thy victorious right arm, * in a manner befitting God, * hath been glorified in strength, O Immortal One; * for in its infinite strength it shattered the enemy, * fashioning anew a path for the Israelites through the deep.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who is incomprehensible to the armies of heaven received flesh of thy flesh, О all-immaculate Maiden, and hath restored her who became corrupt through the first sin of disobedience.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О ye faithful, with hymns let us bless her who gave birth to the Word of God in a manner past all telling; for she, the most immaculate one, hath been revealed to be the adornment of mortals, becoming the intercessor for all who sin.

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

Thou hast been shown to be more spacious than the heavens, for thou didst contain the Creator of all things, О Ever-virgin Mother. Wherefore, I cry to thee: Deliver me from all deadly straits, О divinely joyous one.

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

О pure one, grant help to us who are tempest-tossed by the turmoil of tribulations; cast down the wicked uprisings of our enemies; and grant salvation to all who glorify thee with piety.

Ode III, Irmos: Thou alone knowest the weakness of human nature * and in compassion hast assumed its form; * do Thou gird me with power from on high, * that I may cry unto Thee: * Holy is the animate temple of Thine ineffable glory, O Lover of mankind!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who is full hath emptied Himself for our sake, and He Who is unoriginate hath received a beginning through thee, О most immaculate Virgin; the Invisible One is seen, and He Who sustaineth all things is fed with milk, intending thus to restore mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Heal thou our broken state, О Virgin who knewest not wedlock, who hast given birth to the Lord and Healer Who through grace hath shown us the entry to life. Him do thou unceasingly beseech, that He have pity and save thy servants.

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

Having wasted my life in slothfulness, I fall down before thee, О most pure one: by thy constant supplications to God move thou my mind and with the radiance of repentance enlighten me who am wholly darkened, that I may glorify thee with faith and love.

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

Having wasted my life in slothfulness, I fall down before thee, О most pure one: by thy constant supplications to God move thou my mind and with the radiance of repentance enlighten me who am wholly darkened, that I may glorify thee with faith and love.

Ode IV, Irmos: Perceiving thee with prophetic eyes * as the mountain overshadowed by the grace of God, * Habbakuk proclaimed that the Holy One of Israel * would come forth from thee, * for our salvation and restoration.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We know thee as the divine palace of the Word, wherein He made His abode in the flesh and hath restored us who had been corrupted by the passions. Wherefore, О pure one, we honour thee as the Mother of God, and we glorify Him Who was born from thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The incarnate Word made His abode within thy womb, О Virgin. He hath dispelled the curse which before resided in human nature, and by His divine union He hath in a godly manner deified it. Wherefore, we hymn thee.

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

Mortality seized Adam because he tasted of the fruit of corruption, О all-immaculate one; but now, by thy birthgiving, he hath been restored to life and dwelleth in the mansions of paradise. Wherefore, we hymn thee as is meet.

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

Having given birth to Christ God, the Wellspring of immortality, thou hast caused the torrent of death to cease. Him do thou therefore entreat, О thou who art full of the grace of God, that He heal the deadly passions of my soul and save me.

Ode V, Irmos: Thou hast shone upon us with the radiance * of Thy coming O Christ, * and illumined the ends of the world with Thy Cross, * enlighten with the light of thine understanding * the hearts of those who with right worship hymn Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The never-setting Sun shone forth from thy womb, О most immaculate one, and hath utterly destroyed the darkness, and illumined the earth with divine understanding. Wherefore, we hymn thee with faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We cry out to thee with the voice of the angel: “Rejoice, О most pure one!” For thou hast given birth to the Angel of great Counsel, Who with the Father is unoriginate, О Virgin, and Who assumed flesh that He might save mankind.

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

Making His abode within thy womb, О pure one, the Lord delivered those who piously believe in Him from the dominion of the enemy; wherefore, we all hymn thee aloud, О most pure one.

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

Clothing Himself in me, the Master issued forth from thee, О all-immaculate one, deifying human nature. Him do thou entreat, О Birthgiver of God, that He strip me bare of every sin.

Ode VI, Irmos: The deepest abyss hath surrounded us, * and there is none to deliver us, * yea we have been counted as sheep for the slaughter; * save Thy people O our God, * for thou art the strength and restoration of the weak.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Without seed thou didst conceive God in thy womb, and after thy strange birthgiving thou didst remain a virgin, О all-immaculate one; wherefore, we who have been delivered from the curse by thee glorify thee with praises, О most pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art the ladder which Jacob saw, the mountain overshadowed, the most radiant cloud of the divine Light, the door through which God alone hath passed. Blessed art Thou among women, О most immaculate one!

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

In a manner transcending the laws of nature, О Virgin who knewest not wedlock, thou hast given birth to the hypostatic Word of God Who healeth our broken state. Him do thou earnestly beseech, that He save us all.

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

Bearing my soul which is sick with transgressions, I cry to thee, О most holy, most glorious and pure one: Heal and save me by thy mediation, that I may hymn and magnify thine aid.

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

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

Sessional hymn, Tone I: Possessing thine intercession, O most pure one, * and delivered from evils by thy supplications, * protected wholly by the Cross of thy Son, ** we all reverently magnify thee as is meet.

Ode VII, Irmos: We the faithful perceive thee, O Theotokos, * to be a noetic furnace; * for as He, the supremely exalted One, * saved the three children, * so hath He wholly refashioned fallen humanity, in thy womb, * O Thou praised and supremely glorified God of our fathers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The shadows of the law and the former indistinct images of the divinely eloquent prophets manifestly proclaimed thy seedless birthgiving, О most pure and all-immaculate one. And we cry out, hymning the hymned and most glorious God of our fathers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure one full of the grace of God, thou hast given birth to the Sun of the East, Who hath illumined the fullness of all the faithful and caused the night of impiety to fade. Wherefore, we honour the hymned and most glorious God of our fathers.

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

Once, О all-immaculate one, the bush which burned yet was not consumed prefigured thy womb, for the fire of the Godhead in nowise consumed thee. Wherefore, I entreat thee: Deliver me from the unquenchable fire, that I may unceasingly hymn thy mighty works, О pure one

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

О Mother of God, help of the faithful, cleansing of the sinful, giver of all good things: in thy compassion accept me, who fall down and approach thee with weeping, begging release from mine offences.

Ode VIII, Irmos: In the furnace as in a fiery smelter * the Israelite children shone more brightly than gold * with the beauty of godliness, * as they exclaimed: Bless the Lord all ye works of the Lord, * hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The images of the law and the formerly unclear images clearly foretold that thou wouldst become the pure Mother of the Lord, О Virgin; and we, beholding now the fulfilment of these things, hymn thee together and glorify thee throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast indisputably been adorned with divine beauties among beauties, О all-immaculate one, having given birth to the Word of God, Who illumineth with divine beauties the hearts of all who hymn Him with faith throughout all ages.

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

With sacred voices the prophets said of old that thou wouldst become the all-immaculate Mother of God the Master. To Him do we cry aloud: Bless the Lord, all ye works! Hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

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

In that thou art beauteous and all-comely, О Virgin, thou gavest, birth blamelessly to Christ Who is comely in beauties. To Him do we cry aloud: Bless the Lord, all ye works! Hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: The Bush, which burnt without being consumed, * prefigured thy pure birthgiving, O Theotokos. * Wherefore we now entreat Thee: * quench the raging furnace of temptations that beset us, * that we may unceasingly magnify Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The nature of mortals, which before was condemned, О Virgin, hath received immortality through thy supra-natural and divine birthgiving; and they have received their former beauty, praising thee together with joyous hymns.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou bearest Him Who beareth all things, and thou feedest with milk Him Who giveth food unto all. Great and awesome and past understanding is thy mystery, О Virgin Theotokos, thou ark of the honoured priesthood! Wherefore, we all call thee blessed.

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

О most pure one, shine light now upon me who lie in the darkness of slothfulness, freeing me from the thoughts of the passions which blind me, О all-immaculate one, and ever imparting profound peace to my soul, that I may glorify thee.

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

I fear the implacable judgment seat and the impartial Judge, О most immaculate one; for the multitude of mine offences is beyond number, in that I live in slothfulness, wholly consumed by the passions. Wherefore, moved to pity, have mercy on me, О Theotokos.