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.

Ineffably didst thou conceive God, О most pure Lady, and supra-naturally didst thou give birth to Him Who hath set mortals free from their transgressions. Wherefore, I entreat thee: Deliver me from my manifold transgressions!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Though I am engulfed by tribulations and the abyss of countless sins and sorrows, yet through thy mighty guidance and supplication, О all-immaculate one, do thou direct me to the divine stillness of repentance.

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

From the manifold misfortunes of my whole life do thou deliver me, О intercessor, that I may raise my voice in thanksgiving to thee: О pure Theotokos, rescue me from the torment which is to come!

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

Still thou the assaults of evil circumstances and perils, О all-immaculate Mother of our Redeemer, Creator and God, granting me the grace of salvation and purification.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The sight of thy pure face delights the angels, and is salvific to mortals, but it is terrible to the spirits of wickedness! And, honouring and venerating it with faith, О Theotokos, we illumine our souls

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With virginal blood from thee, the Creator and Lord wrapped Himself in flesh. О all-immaculate one, entreat Him, that, in His ineffable mercy, He take pity on me who am become corrupt through mine unseemly deeds.

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

Having acquired thee as a preserver of our life and an unassailable rampart, may I also find thee after mine end to be a protection and an invincible helper, leading me to God and granting me glory and life everlasting, О most immaculate one.

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

Seedless was thy conception, and incorrupt thy birthgiving, О pure one; for God was manifestly born, setting aright the fall of human nature. Wherefore, we hymn thee, who art the true Theotokos.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

An unrestrainable urge for evil doth seize me through the activity of the enemy and mine own wicked habits. Help me, О Lady, that the most pernicious one not fall upon me utterly, depriving me of repentance through death.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

All the time of my life have I squandered in the prodigality of wickedness; and now the servants thereof lead my lowly soul into cruel woundings. Help me, О Virgin Birthgiver of God!

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

О all-immaculate one, hearken to my cry of pain, which I bring forth in groans from the depths of my soul; and grant me release from the debts which, wretch that I am, I have incurred through my mindless thoughts and character.

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

О Sovereign Lady of the world, О Theotokos, help me! The most wicked enemy seeketh evilly to devour me through my grievous imaginings and thoughts, which separate me from God. Wherefore, forsake me not, neither disdain me.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Behold, I have acquired a ready assistance toward salvation! Wherefore, I fall down before thee and cry out with tears: О Theotokos, deliver me from the darts of the alien and from the difficult tests that are to come!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art my strength, thou art my boast and joy! Thou art my preserver, my help, refuge and mine invincible intercessor, О most holy Virgin Theotokos. Wherefore, save thou thy servant!

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

With the sprinkling of thy divine supplication, О most pure Theotokos, cleanse my wretched soul which hath been defiled by the passions, granting it the splendid vesture of thy salvation.

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

Thou art the steady guidance of my life, delivering it from the threefold billows of many evil circumstances even at the time of my departure. I beseech thee: Stand thou forth, saving me, О Mother of Christ God!

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most pure Birthgiver of God who knewest not wedlock, extend thy hand unto me and rescue me from the abyss of the evils which, wretch that I am, I have brought upon my passion-plagued soul through mindlessness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Arise thou, О pure one, to aid thy servant who, placing my hope in thee and God, hastens to thine invincible aid, that the enemy be not able to seize and destroy me.

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

О Theotokos, I beseech thee, the healer of the sick, raising of the fallen and cleansing of the sinful, and with tears I fall down and cry out to thee: As thou art mighty, save me who am perishing!

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

Have mercy upon my lowly soul, О pure one, go thou before it and rescue it, snatching it from the talons of the evil one; for he seeketh to send it into the abyss because of the evils which my great slothfulness hath wrought.

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

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

Sessional hymn, Tone I: О pure one, we have all acquired thee as our supplicant before the Lord, and we hasten to thy holy church, asking help of thee, О Ever-virgin. Wherefore, deliver us who bless thee from the malice of the demons, from torment and dread condemnation.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou wast a divine tabernacle for the Master, having conceived Him in thy womb and given birth to Him in the flesh, О only immaculate one. Wherefore, deliver us from sufferings, pain, tribulations and debts, for thou hast might and great power.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure Lady, put an end to the unbearable pain of my most wretched soul, giving me true joy and freeing me from the raging billows of my many transgressions. For thou art my refuge and deliverance.

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

On thee have I set all my hope of salvation; for I have acquired thee as an invincible tower and foundation, a token of steadfastness, and through thee I hope to receive the kingdom, О Lady.

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

Thou wast the dawning of the Sun of glory, О pure Lady; for through thee hath He, appearing, freed all from darkness and ignorance, and from fetid transgressions. Wherefore, I cry to thee: Free me from the outer darkness!

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The turmoil of the passions cruelly afflicts my soul, О Theotokos. As thou hast given birth to the Author and Bestower of peace and tranquillity, О pure one, fill me with serene joy and gladness, preserving me in peace.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast been revealed to us as the mediatress of salvation who hast given birth to the Saviour and Master of all, О Theotokos. Wherefore, I entreat thee: Grant salvation to my lowly soul, that with faith I may sing hymns to thee throughout all ages.

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

Having ineffably conceived the God and Creator of all, save me from corruption and from every temptation, and grant that I may ever cry: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord! Hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

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

О Virgin, thou hast given birth to the God and Creator of all. Him do thou beseech, that He grant cleansing from transgressions and deliverance from tribulations, perils, from everlasting-fire and condemnation, to those who unceasingly glorify thy glory.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О all-immaculate Mother of God, open unto me the depths of thy mercy, and deliver me from the mouth of the noetic wolf, who seeketh to devour and ruin me. Have mercy, I pray thee, and turn not away from me, thy shameful servant.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Be thou the intercessor for my whole life and my steadfast aid, О all-pure one, and deliver me from manifold perils and grief, and from the blasphemy of mine enemies, and deliver me from everlasting fire.

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

Thou alone art the visitation of the sick. Thou alone art the setting aright of the fallen. Thou alone art our guide and entry unto God. Thou alone art the mediatress of everlasting good things. Have mercy upon me, who alone have sinned more than all others!

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

Accept thou my tearful supplication, and grant me remission of the offenses and many evils which I have committed, О Theotokos, all-hymned Lady; for I perish utterly in my boundless despair.

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.

Praising thee, О Queen of all, the captains of the angelic ranks were filled with awe and fear, and every mind, because of thy goodness, hymneth thee as the Mot her of the Creator; for thou hast surpassed every form of laudation, having given birth to Christ.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Troubled by grievous temptations and afflicted by mine enemies, wretch that I am, I cry out, weeping: Stretch forth thy hand to me from on high, О thou who art exceeding rich, delivering me; and by thy supplications grant that I may live free from danger.

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

With the balm of thy tender compassion heal thou the secret transgressions of my soul, and calm the assaults of my flesh, О Theotokos; and, turning back the spears and darts of the enemy upon them, do thou mightily pierce their hearts.

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

Thy virginal womb which gave birth to Christ hath destroyed the ancient pasture of the slayer of mankind; wherefore, all creation now rejoiceth, О most pure one, having been restored to life, with one accord hymning thy Son and God.

Ode III, Irmos: Let no mortal boast in his wisdom or wealth, * but rather in his faith in the Lord, * crying out to Christ God in an Orthodox manner, * ever chanting: do Thou Establish me O Master, * upon the rock of Thy commandments!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Once, the great Jacob, sleeping on the way, and beholding angels descending from on high to the earth by a ladder, marveled, О Virgin; and, having awakened, he clearly described thee beforehand as the portal of heaven.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Cast into misfortune by temporal restraint, wretch that I am, and beset by perilous tempests, I cry aloud: Woe is me! О thou who gavest birth to God and hast lifted up our horn, save me by thy supplications!

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

Stretching forth thy mighty hand from heaven, О Christ, King of all, put Thou the heads of the enemies, perceptible and noetic, under the feet of those who with faith proclaim Thy Mother to be the Theotokos, О my Jesus.

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

Isaiah, of old, purified by the burning coal of the Spirit, cried out that a Son would manifestly be born of thy womb, О Virgin who art exceeding rich, and to Whom in latter times thou hast given birth without a man for my sake.

Ode IV, Irmos: Of old, Habbakuk heard wondrous report of Thee O Christ, * and cried aloud in fear: * God shall come forth from Theman, * the Holy One from the mountain overshadowed and densely wooded, * to save His anointed ones! * Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thee, О Mother of God, hath the ruler of the world described beforehand as comely and all-honoured among women, as coming up from the wilderness, and bearing Christ, thine Offspring, in thine arms; and he cried: Glory to Thy power, О Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Incline thine ear unto me, О good one, behold mine oppression and the increase of my tribulations! For, lifting up the eyes of my soul to thee, О Lady, and bending my knees as I weep, I now pray, crying: Bring an end to the turmoil of my temptations!

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

Knowing thee to be an unassailable rampart, moved to entreaty, I, thy servant, now flee to thee, and I reckon the missiles of the enemy as impotent as the darts of children, О thou who art exceeding rich. Wherefore, rejoicing, I cry: Glory to thy birthgiving, О Mother of God!

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

The power of the Most High overshadowed thee with the visitation of the divine Spirit, О Virgin, and then, beyond nature, the Lord of all, having endowed flesh and soul with life, united them to Himself, bringing life thereto and remaining in the same nature.

Ode V, Irmos: Do Thou shine forth O Christ Thy never-waning light * upon the hearts of those who hymn Thee with faith, * granting us peace beyond understanding; * Wherefore by Thy light we flee the night of ignorance * coming unto the day, * glorifying Thee O Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Once, foreseeing thee, О all-hymned one, as a divine, unquarried mountain, Daniel manifestly cried aloud: From thee let the Stone of divine generation be cut: Christ, the Saviour of the world! Honouring Him now, we the faithful praise thee, О Bride of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have fallen under many dangers, wretch that I am, and, praying with pain of heart and weeping, I, thy servant, cry out unashamedly: О Birthgiver of God, deliver my lowliness from besetting pains, and fill me with gladness!

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

Calm the raging sea of my passions by thy mighty supplication, О good one who hast given birth to Christ without suffering, that, living now in tranquility of soul, I may praise thee in hymns for the rest of my life.

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

Tell me: how bearest thou God in thine arms; and how dost thou give suck to Him Who holdeth all things in His hand, О all-blessed Virgin? And she said: “Having given birth unto Christ God, I remain pure, taking away the debt of Adam and our first mother!”

Ode VI, Irmos: I am held fast in boundless passions, * and have fallen into the sea- monster of evil; * but do Thou lead me up from corruption O God, * as once Thou didst Jonah, * and by faith grant me dispassion, * that I may offer a noetic sacrifice of praise and salvation * unto Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Without departing from His place in the bosom of the Father, the pre-eternal Son rested in the bosom of His Mother. He, Who with the Father is before the ages, hath in latter times issued forth from the womb of the Virgin, leading all up to life immortal in His ineffable goodness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Bound through malice by the chains of the enemy, I have been cast down to the bars of hell. Woe is me! Yet, appearing from heaven, О pure divine Maiden, stand thou before me, thy servant, raising me up by thy supplications, and grant a helping hand to me who hymn thy divine birthgiving.

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

Wretch that I am, I have fallen into the pit of destruction, and many wild beasts surround me; yet, deflect their assaults by thy supplications, as with stones, О Lady, and keep thy servant unharmed; for thou didst bear in thy womb Christ, the Chief Cornerstone.

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

Of old, the choir of the divine prophets proclaimed the images of thy birthgiving, О Virgin, calling thee the radiant cloud, the lampstand, the jar, the table, the dew of heaven, the bread, the manna and the door, the throne and the palace, the rod and paradise, in that thou hast given birth to Christ.

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

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone I: Fleeing with love for thy goodness, we all know thee to be the Mother of God, who wast truly revealed as a virgin even after giving birth; for we sinners have thee as our intercessor, and we have acquired thee as our salvation amid misfortunes, the only all-immaculate one.

Ode VII, Irmos: Having passed through the unbearable flame of the furnace * as though it were a bridal-chamber, * the children who for the sake of piety, * were revealed as holy * chanted together, singing the hymn: * O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Pre-eternal One, passing through thine impassable doors, О Queen of all, preserved the tokens of thy virginity pure and intact, even after giving birth. Wherefore, we cry aloud: О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Cast into the furnace, I am consumed by the sevenfold flames of soul-slaying perils; yet do thou thyself rain down dew upon me by thine entreaties, О good Lady, that I may cry: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

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

Having grown old through the passions, through unremitting misfortunes and tribulations, and having reached the sunset of my life devoid of the virtues and devoured by slothfulness, I cry to thee, О Lady: О consolation of mortals, have mercy on me!

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

Worshipping the Trinity in Unity in an Orthodox manner, and proclaiming thee, О pure Virgin Mother, to be the one who gave birth to God in the flesh, in a godly manner we mortals chant: О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The supremely true word of the priest prefigured thy birthgiving, О Virgin; for thou didst truly give birth to the Word of God, and thy womb, through which God passed, He did not rend apart. Wherefore, rejoicing as is meet, with one accord we hymn thee, the Theotokos, as is due, and exalt thee, the pure one, throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With divine fire burn up the uncultivated thorns which have grown up in my soul, О most pure one, and by thy supplications raise me up to the virtues, that I may bear fruit for Christ; for the ever-living Flower, having sprung forth from thee, hath adorned all creation. Wherefore, we honour thee, the pure Theotokos, throughout all ages.

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

Quickly and painlessly grant me healing amid evils, О Birthgiver of God; for, having fallen into afflictions and perils, wretch that I am, I invoke thy quickness to help, lamenting. Wherefore, О most pure one, hasten thou to rescue me and save me from every torment, that, blessing thee, I may hymn thy birthgiving.

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

Of old, the rod of Aaron that budded forth prefigured thee, О Virgin; for, budding forth, thou alone hast given birth without a man, having now received the Rain of heaven in thy womb. Wherefore, in gladness we hymn thee, the Theotokos, as is due, and supremely exalt thee throughout all ages.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Most glorious is the mystery of the Virgin! For Him Whom the vast spaces above the heavens could not contain was contained within her womb. Wherefore, assembling, we call her blessed, and in gladness we magnify her with faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Seeing thee alone as higher than the heavens, the radiance of God, the throne of the cherubim and the bridal chamber, the holy couch, О undefiled one, we mortals, praising Christ our God, magnify Him to Whom thou hast given birth through thy pure loins.

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

Round about me are many afflictions; and evil misfortunes, sickness and grievous sins, now assailing me, have cast me into the pit. Wherefore, in the bitterness of my soul, I pray: О most holy Theotokos, find deliverance for me!

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

Through the entreaties of the pure divine Maiden, О Christ, bring peace to the world, casting the power of the enemy down beneath the feet of the faithful and, establishing unutterable tranquility thereby, preserve it throughout all ages.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Let us sing unto the Lord, * who led His people through the Red Sea: * for He alone hath gloriously been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Mortify the understanding of my flesh, О most pure Virgin who hast given birth unto life, and deliver me from every torment.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With the most radiant splendour of Him Who shone forth from thee, О Virgin, enlighten the eyes of my soul, that I may glorify thee.

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

Pray thou, О holy Lady who alone art the Theotokos, that I may obtain salvation and divine radiance on the day of judgment.

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

О most holy Theotokos who without pain hast given birth unto Christ in a manner transcending understanding and all telling: quell thou the pangs of my heart.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, thou art the confirmation of those who flee to Thee, * Thou art the Light of those in darkness, * and my spirit doth hymn Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy prayers deliver me from the darts of the enemy, О most pure one, and spare my heart from besetting thoughts.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Heal thou the wounds of my soul, О most immaculate Mother of God, and By thy prayers still the turmoil of my heart.

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

Subdue the chaos of my thoughts, О pure Lady, and take from, my soul every grief, О thou who hast given birth unto Joy.

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

Rejoice, О Virgin Mother of Christ, thou salvation of those who have recourse unto thee! Rejoice, О boast of the apostles and martyrs!

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Word of God Who wast wounded for my sake in Thy love for mankind: Heal the wounds of my soul, and enlighten the darkness of my mind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The sleep of sin hath overtaken me through the slumber of my slothfulness, О Virgin. But by thy vigilant supplication rouse me to repentance.

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

О most immaculate one who hast poured forth the water of remission from thy wellsprings: Give drink to my heart, which hath grown dry through all manner of transgressions.

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

О all-holy Bride of God, Sovereign Lady of the world: save me, delivering me from misfortunes and dispelling the tumult of the passions.

Ode V, Irmos: Rising early we cry to Thee, O Lord; * save us, for Thou art our God, * and we know none other besides Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Look down, О most pure Lady, hearken unto my voice, and wash away all mine iniquities.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Theotokos who hast given birth to the never-setting Sun, enlighten me who have become wholly dark through the passions, that I may glorify and praise thee, О most immaculate one.

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

Have pity on my soul, О most holy Maiden, and deliver it from damnation and everlasting torment.

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

Heal mine ailing soul, О most holy Lady who hast given birth to Him Who taketh away the infirmities of all.

Ode VI, Irmos: The abyss of my sins and the storm of my transgressions * disquieten me and thrust me down * into the depths of despondency; * but do Thou stretch forth Thy mighty arm, * unto me as Thou didst to Peter, * and save me, O my Guide.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy vivifying birthgiving mortify the unseemly uprisings of my flesh, О Theotokos who hast given life unto those slain by evil, that I may glorify thee as the cause of the restoration of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Virgin Theotokos who hast given birth to the Abyss of compassions, save my soul from the sorrows of life, and open unto me the spiritual portals of joy; for in thee alone have I placed my hope.

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

That I may joyously hymn thy mighty works and the great grace of thy miracles, О most pure Virgin, By thy prayers ever free me from the unseemly thoughts which afflict me.

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

In a manner transcending nature didst thou give birth unto Him Who did not depart from the bosom of the Father, yet through thee, О Virgin, conversed with men. As thou art the boast and confirmation of all of us, О Theotokos, take pity upon those who flee unto thee.

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

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone VIII: The Word of the Father descended to the earth, and the radiant angel said to the Theotokos: “Rejoice, О blessed one who alone hast preserved the bridal- chamber, accepting the conception of the pre-eternal God and Lord, that God might save the race of mankind from delusion!”

Ode VII, Irmos: The Hebrew children in the furnace * boldly trampled upon the flames, * changing the fire into dew, they cried aloud: * ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, throughout the ages’.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Woe is me! How shall I escape the torments which await me who have lived wickedly on earth? How shall I appear to the dread Judge as other than accursed? О Lady, Birthgiver of God, be thou my helper then!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Quench thou the flame of my passions and still the tempest of my heart, О pure Mother of God; and deliver me from the tyranny of the demons and from the eternal fire, О most pure one.

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

Behold the sorrow which the multitude of mine evils have brought upon me, О Virgin, and before my departure grant me rest, assuaging thy Son by thy maternal supplications.

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

With thy dew extinguish the flame of the passions of my heart, О Virgin Maiden, and rescue me from the dread fire, from eternal damnation and the tyranny of the demons.

Ode VIII, Irmos: O ye Children, equal in number to the Trinity, * bless ye God the Father and creator; * sing ye the praises of the Word who descended and changed the fire into dew; * and supremely exalt ye throughout the ages * the all-Holy Spirit, who giveth life unto all.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Mortify all the uprisings of our bodies, О Virgin who by thy Life-bearing birthgiving didst slay the serpent, and pray that we may receive the life which ageth not, that we may hymn thee forever.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I ever invoke thine aid, О Birthgiver of God. Put me not to shame who have already acquired shame, but take pity upon me, О most pure one, rescue me from the flame, and deliver me from eternal torments.

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

Show thyself to me as a joyous helper amid evil circumstances, delivering me from the assaults which the demons launched at me, that I may ever bless thee, О Theotokos, as the intercessor for all.

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

О most holy Maiden, thou boast of the apostles and glory of the martyrs, cause me to share in eternal glory, who cry aloud: Bless the Most Holy Spirit throughout all ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: Thou hast passed the limits of nature, * having conceived the Maker and the Lord, * and didst become a door of salvation * unto the world; * wherefore we unceasingly magnify thee, O Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With thy never-waning light drive away the cruel darkness from my soul, О portal of the Light, and show me the luminous paths of repentance, that, treading them, I may elude the gloom of sin and may unceasingly magnify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Cleanse thy servants, О Good One, and grant us forgiveness of transgressions; deliver us from the eternal flame, that we may share in Thy kingdom, О Word of God, for Thou didst endure the Cross in Thy desire to save the race of mankind.

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

Grant that I may easily pass through the journey of this life, О Theotokos, subduing the uprisings of temptations and perils, in that thou art good, and guide me to the virtues of the heavenly kingdom and divine rest, that, saved, I may glorify thee.

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

In that thou hast given birth to the supremely good God and art merciful, heal thou my soul, which is sick with grievous suffering, and ever deliver me from the evils which oppress and assail me, О most pure one, that, saved, I may fervently magnify thee who hast magnified our race.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Let us sing unto the Lord, * who led His people through the Red Sea: * for He alone hath gloriously been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most immaculate Virgin, render Christ merciful unto me, setting me free on the day of the dread judgment.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Rain down upon me drops of compunction, O Lady, washing away my defilement, that I may glorify thee.

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

Illumine me, О Virgin who hast given birth to the never-waning Light, driving away the profound darkness of my slothfulness.

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

Save me who have perished amid many sins, О Theotokos, and deliver me from every torment and grievous condemnation.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, Creator of the vault of Heaven * and Builder of the Church, * do Thou strengthen me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, * O Support of the faithful, * O only Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having fallen, away from the life of sanctity, О most pure one, I have joined the dumb beasts and am wholly condemned; but do thou who hast given birth to the Judge deliver me from all damnation, and save me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Unto thee do I flee, О Lady. Ever save me who am beset by a multitude of perils, taking pity upon me, О only all-hymned one who hast given birth to the Saviour and Lord of all.

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

О Lady, thou impassable gate leading to God, open unto me the gates of repentance, I pray, cleansing me of the impurity of my sins with the showers of thy mercy, О thou who art full of the grace of God.

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

Deliver me from the assaults of the passions, О Lady, and vanquish now the foes which wage war upon me; establish me upon the rock of the will of God, and illumine my soul, О portal of the divine Light.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Heal thou the stripes of my soul, О Virgin full of the grace of God, and illumine my mind, which hath been darkened by the incursions of the passions, О pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In that thou art the Mother of the Word, О most pure one, rouse me to repentance, for I sleep the sleep of despondency and am covered with sin.

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

О Lady unwedded, thou who hast given birth to the incarnate Word, enlighten my soul, and deliver me from Gehenna and torment.

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

In thee have I placed all my hope, О Virgin Mother; preserve my soul, О thou who hast given birth to God my Saviour.

Ode V, Irmos: O Light never-waning, * why hast Thou turned Thy face from me * and why hath the alien darkness surrounded me, * wretched though I be? * But do Thou guide my steps I implore Thee * and turn me back towards the light of Thy commandments.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Heal thou the wholly incurable sufferings of my soul, О Maiden, light my lamp, which hath gone out through slothfulness, and guide me to the paths of repentance, О Virgin, that I may glorify thee with faith and love.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I condemn myself even before the trial, О divinely joyous one. I alone among the accused bear shameful deeds. But intercede for me, in that thou art the advocate of all, and deliver me from grievous condemnation.

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

Cease thou never to deliver me from captivity, from the soul- corrupting turmoil which surrounds me, and from the grievous passions which slay me, О most holy Maiden, ally of sinners and our ready helper.

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

О most pure one who didst conceive the Life of the world, the Redeemer and King, impart life unto me who am wholly slain by the sting of death because of disobedience, and guide me to the Light.

Ode VI, Irmos: Cleanse me, O Saviour, * for many are mine iniquities; * lead me up from the abyss of evils I pray Thee, * for unto Thee have I cried, * and Thou hast hearkened unto me, * O God of my salvation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Grant life unto me who have been slain by many transgressions, О most pure Virgin Theotokos who ineffably gave birth to the Life of mankind, and teach me to do the will of the Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

All of us, the faithful, who are ever drowning in the abyss of evils, turmoil and griefs, have acquired thee as an intercessor and bulwark, О Theotokos, thou only refuge of the faithful.

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

О most immaculate and most pure one, who through thy holy Offspring hast caused the growths of ungodliness to wither away: destroy the evil of the enemy which ever groweth within me.

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

Sanctify my mind and illumine my heart, О holy Mother of God, and deliver me from the evils which assail me, that I may glorify thee, my steadfast helper.

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

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone VIII: “O the new wonder! О the awesome mystery!” the ewe-lamb cried, beholding her Son stretched out upon the Tree; “What is this, О immortal Word of God? How art Thou seen to be dead Who dost cause the earth to quake, in that Thou art almighty? Yet I hymn Thine awesome and divine condescension.”

Ode VII, Irmos: The Hebrew children in the furnace * boldly trampled upon the flames, * changing the fire into dew, they cried aloud: * ‘Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, throughout the ages’.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Be merciful unto me, О Virgin, and with the dressing of thy prayer heal me who have been wounded by the sword of sin; and forever rescue me from the unquenchable fire.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Deliver me from the cruel captivity which hath befallen me, from wicked thoughts and besetting transgressions, О Mother of the Saviour, that, saved, I may ever glorify thee as is meet.

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

I now flee unto thee, О Mother of God, bound by the fetters of transgressions. In the tender compassion of thy mercy loose me, О Virgin, and deliver me from the torment and malice of the demons.

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

Take pity and save me, О Virgin who hast given birth to the compassionate Word of God, and with the light which is within thee illumine my soul, and deliver me from the cruel wiles of the demons.

Ode VIII, Irmos: In his wrath the Chaldean Tyrant made the furnace blaze, * with heat fanned sevenfold for the servants of God; * but when he perceived that they had been saved by a greater power * he cried aloud to the Creator and Redeemer; * ‘ye children bless, ye priests praise, * ye people, supremely exalt Him throughout all ages’.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who is perfect in every way and unapproachable in essence hath shown Himself to be accessible to me, having been clothed in the flesh through thee, О thou who knewest not wedlock. Him do thou earnestly entreat, that He lighten the burden of mine iniquities and deliver me from the judgment which is to come.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most holy one, who in a manner past all telling hast given birth to the Judge and Lord, entreat Him as thy Son, that on the day of judgment He deliver from fire, from the darkness which is devoid of light, and from the gnashing of teeth me who ever piously hymns thee with faith.

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

О most pure Birthgiver of God, cleanse thou the wounds of my soul and the temptations of sin, washing them away with the streams gushing forth from fountain which emanated from the side of thine Off-spring, for to thee I cry, unto thee I flee, and thee do I entreat, who art full of the grace of God.

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

О most immaculate one, who alone hast manifestly given birth unto Life, grant life to my soul which hath been slain by the sting of the serpent; and hasten to do the will of Him Who was born for our sake, О Virgin, for I cry: Ye children bless; ye priests hymn; ye people supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, * and the ends of the earth were filled with amazement, * for God hath appeared in the flesh, * and thy womb was rendered more spacious than the heavens. * Wherefore, the ranks of men and of angels * magnify thee as the Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

My soul, which hath been blinded by the passions, blackened by wicked thoughts and is beset by danger, do thou enlighten, О portal of the Light; and deliver me from perils, from the oppression of the demons, from grievous testing, and the coming flame and torment.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Saviour Who wast born from the Virgin, and Who preserved her who gave birth to Thee incorrupt even after birthgiving, have pity on me when Thou shalt sit to judge my deeds. As Thou art sinless, overlook mine iniquities and sins, in that thou art a merciful God Who lovest mankind.

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

Carrying the heavenly Fire in thine arms, as though with tongs, О pure one who art full of the grace of God, utterly consume the passions of my soul, and free me from dread judgment and fire, and from the cruel tyranny of the demons.

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

With thy mystical effulgence enlighten our thoughts, hearts and reasoning powers, О Maiden full of the grace of God, that treading the paths of life aright, we may obtain mercy, ever singing praises unto thee.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: The wonderworking staff of Moses, * striking and dividing the sea in the figure of a cross, * once drowned Pharaoh the pursuing charioteer, * while it saved the fleeing people of Israel * as they fled on foot, * chanting a hymn unto God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In a manner transcending nature, О Virgin Theotokos, thou hast given birth to God the Word incarnate, Who before was incorporeal, yet came to dwell in the world as God and man; wherefore, we all glorify thee who, after God, art our sure help.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Arrayed in a vesture of many colours, О blessed one who art full of the grace of God, in a manner transcending understanding and all telling thou hast given birth to the Word of the Father, Who became flesh in His ineffable loving-kindness; and thou didst remain an undefiled virgin.

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

From a royal root thou didst put forth Christ the King, the Word of God, in a manner transcending understanding and comprehension, О pure one, and hast given birth to Him, incarnate from thy pure blood, revealed in two natures, but in a single Hypostasis.

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

He who proclaimeth thee the Theotokos, О most pure one, prevaileth over every heresy; wherefore, О Birthgiver of God, having given birth unto the eternal Word of God Who immutably became flesh, thou art higher than all creation.

Ode III, Irmos: O Christ fortify me on the rock of Thy commandments, * Thou Who in the beginning didst establish the heavens with understanding * and didst establish the earth upon the waters, * for there is none holy save Thee, O only Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

God made His abode within thy holy womb, О Mother of God, and became incarnate in a manner He Himself knew, and hath saved us by His life-bearing sufferings; wherefore, we glorify thee as the portal of salvation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Supremely divine One, Who hath breathed the spirit (of life) into all, became incarnate on earth and dwelt with mankind, having been produced by thy womb seedlessly; wherefore, all of us, the faithful, bless thee with hymns, О pure one.

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

Having conceived in thy womb Him Who was begotten of the Father before all ages, О Virgin, without knowing a man, thou hast given birth for us to Him as both God and man, perfect and indivisible in both natures.

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

О pure and divinely blessed Virgin, we all know thee to be the rod which budded forth Christ, the Flower of incorruption, and the golden censer who bore the burning Coal of the divine Essence in thine arms.

Ode IV, Irmos: Thou, O Lord, art my strength and Thou art my power, * Thou art my God and Thou art my joy, * Thou Who, while never leaving the bosom of Thy Father, * hast visited our poverty. * Therefore with the Prophet Habbakuk I cry unto Thee, * ‘Glory to Thy power, O Lover of mankind!’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Of old the ark which received the divinely written law prefigured the life- creating Word Who was ineffably conceived within thy womb, О most immaculate one, richly nourishing the souls of those who chant: Glory to Thy power, О Lover of mankind!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou alone wast the true source of salvation, О Mother of God, who through thine all-pure blood gave flesh to the Creator and Fashioner, and through whom the gates of death have been broken down and life given to us.

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

That in the richness of thy goodness Thou mightest seek out Thine image which was buried by the passions, Thou didst make Thine abode within the Virgin’s womb, and Thou, the Wisdom of God, didst make a temple from her; and having thereby come to dwell among mankind, О Compassionate One, Thou hast saved the ends of the world.

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

After God it is thee whom we have acquired as an intercessor, О most immaculate one; for thou wast the Mother of God the Creator and Fashioner, Who took upon Himself our form, saved it from corruption and tribulations, and glorified it with divine glory.

Ode V, Irmos: O Light never-waning, * why hast Thou turned Thy face from me * and why hath the alien darkness surrounded me, * wretched though I be? * But do Thou guide my steps I implore Thee * and turn me back towards the light of Thy commandments.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The generations of all mankind bless thee as the one who gave birth to the Creator, Fashioner and Lord, О most pure one, and the noetic leaders of the incorporeal hosts glorify thee as the Mother of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The armies of the hosts on high bless thee, О most pure one; for through thee alone we on earth have been united to those in heaven, wherefore we hymn thy birthgiving.

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

In an ineffable manner, О Virgin, He Who alone is compassionate, the Word Who shone forth from the Father before all ages, made His abode within thee and became a man, delivering us from corruption and leading us up to a life of incorruption.

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

Thou wast clothed with the beauties of virginity, О most pure Virgin, and hast done away with the nakedness of the first Eve, having given birth to Christ Who bestoweth the vesture of incorruption upon those who hymn thee.

Ode VI, Irmos: Cleanse me, O Saviour, * for many are mine iniquities; * lead me up from the abyss of evils I pray Thee, * for unto Thee have I cried, * and Thou hast hearkened unto me, * O God of my salvation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who upholdeth all things with His omnipotent power arrayed Himself in the weakness of the flesh through thee, О all-immaculate Virgin, for the good of mankind, in that He is the Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The all-accomplishing Spirit descended upon thee, О all-immaculate one, and the Word, of God made His abode within thee and ineffably assumed flesh, though He remained immutable.

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

Illumine the souls of those who hymn thee in an Orthodox manner, О Bride of God, for the sayings of the prophets proclaimed beforehand thy most pure conception and birthgiving, which are beyond all telling.

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

We piously hymn the most pure Mary, the truly divine and honoured dwelling-place of God; for she contained God, receiving Him Who is infinite and unapproachable.

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

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone VIII: As the all-immaculate Bride of the Creator, * Mother of the Redeemer, who knewest not a man, * and as the receptacle of the Comforter O all-hymned one, * hasten thou to deliver me, * the vile abode of iniquity and noetic plaything of the demons, * from their evil machinations; * and make me the bright dwelling-place of the virtues, * O thou incorrupt light-bearing one. * Drive away the clouds of the passions and grant that, * by thy supplications, * I may receive a portion on high ** and share in the never-waning light.

Ode VII, Irmos: Once in Babylon the fire stood in awe * of God’s condescension; * for which sake the youths in the furnace, * dancing with joyous steps as in a meadow, chanted: * O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most pure Lady who conceived the Redeemer of all, grant ineffable and divine deliverance unto me who cry aloud and sing: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Now have all things been filled with divine light through thee, О most pure one; for thou hast been revealed to be the door through which God held converse, enlightening those who cry out with faith: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

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

Lo! the divine prophecy of the godly David hath now been fulfilled: They who have acquired the riches of grace truly entreat thy countenance, О pure Birthgiver of God, and now bless the God of our fathers.

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

О most pure one, thou didst conceive Him Who is God and Lord over all, Whose good pleasure it was to save the race of mankind from death and corruption; and hymning Him as is meet, we cry aloud: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Ode VIII, Irmos: By Thy grace the children became vanquishers * of both the tyrant and the flames, * carefully observing Thy commandments, * wherefore they cried aloud: * Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Cleanse thou the wounds of my soul and the stripes of my sins, О blessed, and most pure Maiden, who from thy virginal womb which knew not wedlock gave birth to Him Who is God over all. Him do the children bless and supremely exalt, throughout the ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Resplendent with the beauties of virginity, thou didst become the receptacle of the never-waning Light, О all-pure one, enlightening those who with all their soul confess thee to be the true Theotokos, and who cry aloud: Ye children bless; ye priests hymn; ye people supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

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

Sanctified by the Holy Spirit, О all-immaculate Theotokos, thou didst truly receive in thy womb the Unoriginate Son Who with the Father is equally eternal, Who became incarnate within thee, О pure one, for the benefit of those who cry out with faith: Ye children bless; ye priests, hymn; ye people, supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

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

In that thou hast given birth to God in a manner past all telling and understanding, О most pure Mother of God, Him do thou beseech, that all of us who are unworthy may be treated with lenience by Him at the time of His awesome and dread coming, when He shall discern the nature of all who with fear will stand naked before Him and be judged.

Ode IX, Irmos: Heaven was stricken with awe, * and the ends of the earth were filled with amazement, * for God hath appeared in the flesh, * and thy womb was rendered more spacious than the heavens. * Wherefore, the ranks of men and of angels * magnify thee as the Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

All of us who have rejected eternal life and have fallen, accursed, into death thou hast called again, О most pure Mother of the Redeemer, and hast granted them to hasten to our former homeland; wherefore, О Mother of God, we unceasingly magnify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Readily grant that I may pass over the waves of the perils of this life and its present sufferings, О Theotokos, stilling them, in that thou art good, and guiding me to the virtues of the way of heaven, that I may unceasingly magnify thee as my benefactress.

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

О pure and most glorious Mother of God, save those who hymn thee with love from all perils, mercifully subduing our turmoil, in that thou hast given birth unto God; for thou canst freely do all that thou dost desire, О Virgin. Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

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

The honoured Church which Christ thy Son hath acquired with His precious blood, and hath saved from misfortunes and the violence which assails us, in that He is good, do thou show forth as victorious over budding heresy, О joyous Lady.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Beset by many perils, I flee unto thee, seeking salvation. О Virgin Mother of the Word, save me from every grievous and cruel circumstance.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Assaults of the passions disquiet me and fill my soul with great despondency. Bring peace to me with the tranquility of thy Son and God, О all-immaculate Maiden.

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

I entreat thee, О Virgin who hast given birth to God the Saviour, that I may be delivered from grievous circumstances; for, fleeing now unto thee, I raise unto thee my soul and mind.

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

In that thou art good, О only Mother of God who hast given birth to Him Who is good, unto me who am sick in body and soul grant divine visitation and providence.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, Creator of the vault of Heaven * and Builder of the Church, * do Thou strengthen me in Thy love, O Summit of desire, * O Support of the faithful, * O only Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I count thee the intercession and protection of my life, О Virgin Birthgiver of God. Guide me to thy haven, О cause of good things, confirmation of the faithful, who alone art all-hymned.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I beg thee to quell the tumult of my soul and the tempest of my grief, О Virgin; for thou hast given birth to Christ, the Origin of tranquility, О Bride of God who alone art most pure.

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

О thou who hast given birth unto the Benefactor, the Cause of good things, pour forth the riches of beneficence upon all; for as thou hast given birth to Christ Who is mighty in strength, thou art able to accomplish all things, О thou who art blessed of God.

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

When I am wracked by cruel afflictions and painful sufferings, О Virgin, do thou help me; for I know thee to be an inexhaustible and never-failing treasury of healings, О most immaculate one.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Bride of God, who hast given birth to the Lord and Helmsman, still thou the tumult of my passions and the tempest of my transgressions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О thou who hast given birth to the compassionate Saviour of all who hymn thee, bestow the abyss of thy tender compassion upon me who invoke thee.

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

Delighting in thy gifts, О most pure one, we chant hymnody of thanksgiving unto thee, knowing thee to be the Mother of God.

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

As I lie upon my bed of sickness and infirmity, help me, О only Ever- virgin Theotokos, in that thou art full of love.

Ode V, Irmos: Illumine us O Lord with Thy commandments, * and with Thine arm raised on high * grant us Thy peace, * O Lover of mankind!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Fill thou my heart with gladness, О pure one, granting me thine unfading joy, О thou who hast given birth to the Cause of gladness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Deliver us from misfortunes, О pure Theotokos, who hast given birth to eternal Deliverance, the Intelligence which passeth all understanding.

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

Dispel thou the gloom of my transgressions with the radiance of thy splendour, О Bride of God who hast given birth to the divine and pre-eternal Light.

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

О all-pure Lady, thy Son hath given thee as salvation for all who believe in Him and proclaim Him to be God manifestly incarnate from thee; wherefore, save me from divers misfortunes and tribulations.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

He Who gave Himself over to death hath saved from death and corruption my nature which hath been held captive by corruption, О Virgin. Entreat thy Lord and Son, that He deliver me from the wickedness of the enemy.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I know thee to be the intercessor and steadfast guardian of my life who doeth away with the tumults of temptations and repelleth the onslaughts of the demons; and I ever pray to be delivered from the corruption of my passions.

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

О Maiden, we have acquired thee as a bulwark of refuge, the perfect salvation of our souls, and latitude amid tribulations; and we ever rejoice in thy splendour. О Lady, even now save us from sufferings and misfortunes.

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

I lie now, sick, upon my bed, and there is no healing for my flesh; but to thee, the good one who gave birth to God, the Saviour and Redeemer of the world, do I pray: Raise me up from the corruption of infirmities.

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

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone VIII: Beholding Thee, the Lamb and Shepherd, * the Saviour of the world, upon the Cross, * she that gaveth birth to Thee said, weeping: * The world rejoiceth, having received deliverance; * but my womb doth burn, beholding Thy crucifixion, ** which Thou dost endure on behalf of all, O my Son and God!

Ode VII, Irmos: The Children of Judaea, * who of old came to dwell in Babylon, * trampled underfoot the flame of the furnace * through their faith in the Trinity, * as they sang: ‘O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As Thou didst desire to arrange our salvation, О Saviour, Thou madest Thine abode within the womb of the Virgin, and hast shown her to be an intercessor for the world. О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast given birth to Him Who willeth mercy, О pure Mother. Him do thou beseech, that He deliver from transgressions and defilement of soul those who cry out with faith: О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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

Thou hast shown her who gave birth to Thee to be a treasury of salvation, a wellspring of incorruption, a tower of safety and a portal of repentance for those who cry: О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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

О Virgin Birthgiver of God who hast given birth for us to Christ the Saviour, grant healing of bodily weakness and infirmity of soul unto those who with love have recourse to thy protection.

Ode VIII, Irmos: The King of heaven, * Who is glorified by the hosts of angels, * let us praise and supremely exalt throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Virgin, disdain not those who are in need of thine aid, and who hymn and supremely exalt thee throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou healest, the infirmity of my soul and my bodily pangs, О pure Virgin, that I may glorify thee throughout all ages.

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

О Virgin, thou pourest forth a wealth of healings upon those who with faith hymn thee and supremely exalt thine ineffable offspring.

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

О Virgin, thou drivest away the assaults of temptations and the attacks of the passions; wherefore, we hymn thee throughout all ages.

Ode IX, Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, * we confess thee to be truly the Theotokos, * and together with the choirs of the bodiless hosts * thee do we magnify.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Turn not away from the torrent of my tears, О Virgin who hast given birth unto Christ, and wiped away every tear from every face.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Fill thou my heart with joy, О Virgin who received the fullness of Joy, setting at naught the grief of sin.

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

With the rays of thy light, О Virgin, illumine those who in an Orthodox manner confess thee to be the Theotokos, dispelling the darkness of ignorance.

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

Heal thou the infirmities of one who hath been brought down to a place of affliction, О Virgin, transforming illness into health.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

We all know thee to be the Theotokos, a wellspring of the waters of prayer, gushing forth in streams upon the souls and bodies of the faithful; wherefore, we unceasingly glorify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In a manner transcending nature didst thou give birth to the Word Whose origin is in God (the Father), О Virgin, and hast thereby delivered nature from corruption; wherefore, free me from irrational and unnatural passions.

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

Fields of carnal passions now surround me and grievously vex me; speedily visit thy servant, О Virgin, and save me from those who afflict me.

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

He Who sustaineth, upholdeth and saveth all creation hath appeared, circumscribed, in thine arms, О pure one, and hath restored the race of mankind.

Ode III, Irmos: O Lord, thou art the confirmation of those who flee to Thee, * Thou art the Light of those in darkness, * and my spirit doth hymn Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Quell thou the turmoil of the grievous affliction which now beset me, О most pure Lady, and free me from my transgressions and passions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Ineffable is the abyss of thy compassions, О most pure one. Thereby do thou deliver me from transgressions and infirmities.

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

Haste thou, О most pure one, and visit me who am infirm, and deliver me from grievous illness and every sorrow.

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

Magnify the mercy and aid of thy prayers upon me, О most pure one, and deliver me from perils and tribulations.
on me.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most pure one, ever show the remembrance of the saints and the cleansing of transgressions to be the purification of my heart.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Grant me salvation of soul and body, О most immaculate one; impart healing to me who am sick, and deliverance from evils.

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

Set at naught the wiles of the evil demons and the uprisings of the passions, О most pure one, and grant strength to us who are sick.

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

From thy womb hath the Sun of righteousness shone forth and illumined the world, О all-pure one. With His divine rays illumine me also.

Ode V, Irmos: O Light never-waning, * why hast Thou turned Thy face from me * and why hath the alien darkness surrounded me, * wretched though I be? * But do Thou guide my steps I implore Thee * and turn me back towards the light of Thy commandments.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy birthgiving the bonds of death have been loosed and the might of corruption bound, О most holy and all-hymned Virgin; wherefore, quickly loose also the bonds of my transgressions and my heavy grief.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Deliver me from the wickedness of the demons and the malice of men, О Lady, and quickly heal the sickness of my soul and body, О thou who alone hast given birth to the Savior and Lord, the Physician of spirits and all flesh.

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

О most pure one, thee do I implore as the tongs which held the divine Coal: Utterly consume every passionate lust of thy servant and my grievous infirmities which are hard to bear, and do thou dry up the torrents of my grief.

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

О all-pure Lady, thy Son hath given thee as salvation for all who believe in Him and proclaim Him to be God manifestly incarnate from thee; wherefore, save me from divers misfortunes and tribulations.

Ode VI, Irmos: Cleanse me, O Savior, * for many are mine iniquities; * lead me up from the abyss of evils I pray Thee, * for unto Thee have I cried, * and Thou hast hearkened unto me, * O God of my salvation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Look upon me with thy merciful eye, О Lady, and quickly deliver me from cruel infirmities, from every affliction and fall which now awaiteth me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy supplications, О most pure Lady, deliver me from mindlessly passionate behavior, from unseemly jealousy, from, all evil and the oppression of life.

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

He Who hath created us took form within thee, О Virgin, delivering human nature from corruption; wherefore, By thy prayers deliver me from the temptations which beset me, О pure one.

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

Thou wast shown to be the most pure temple of God Whom naught can contain, О most pure Lady. By thy prayers show me to be a temple of His grace, and preserve me unharmed.

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

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone VIII: All we, the generations of mankind, * call thee blessed, * in that thou art the Virgin who alone among women * hast given birth without seed unto God in the flesh; * for the fire of the Godhead made its abode within thee, * and thou didst feed the Creator and Lord * with milk as an infant. * Wherefore, we, the race of mankind and of angels, * glorify thy birthgiving, * and together we cry out to thee: * Entreat Christ God to grant forgiveness of sins ** unto those who with faith worship thy most holy Offspring.

Ode VII, Irmos: The Children of Judaea, * who of old came to dwell in Babylon, * trampled underfoot the flame of the furnace * through their faith in the Trinity, * as they sang: ‘O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.Grievous pangs have I found to be my reward, and, afflicted, I experience the pain of great illness; yet I entreat thee, О Theotokos: Help me, and quickly grant me health by thy prayers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О blessed Virgin, refuge of all the faithful who sorrow, rescue me from all temptation and grief, and from the malice of those who envy me, and deliver me from sins and divers ailments.

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

О jar of beaten gold, from whence the life-creating Myrrh hath flowed forth upon the faithful: By thine aid, О pure Birthgiver of God, purge my soul and body of infirmities and the defilement of transgressions.

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

Unceasingly glorifying the Word Who with the Father and the Spirit is equally without beginning, and Who was ineffably born from thee, О Mother of God, we chant in praise: О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Ode VIII, Irmos: In his wrath the Chaldean Tyrant made the furnace blaze, * with heat fanned sevenfold for the servants of God; * but when he perceived that they had been saved by a greater power * he cried aloud to the Creator and Redeemer; * ‘ye children bless, ye priests praise, * ye people, supremely exalt Him throughout all ages’.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

All of us who in faith have recourse to thine aid proclaim the magnitude of thy divers miracles, О Lady. Save me now from cruel infirmity, from pangs of soul and body, and show me to be healthy, that I may glorify Christ thy Son throughout the ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Of a sudden the winds of those who envy me have blown and the rivers of the wicked have grievously smitten the house of my mind, О pure Virgin; but repel the assault of all griefs as it were that of the mindlessly raging sea, and By thy prayers grant me stillness throughout all ages.

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

He Who fashioned the clay body of man and instilled therein an immortal soul, took form within thee, О Virgin, and restored it. By thy prayers render Him well and kindly disposed toward me, and grant strength and speedy deliverance to all who sorrow.

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

Illumine with light those who ever glorify thee, О most pure one, for from thee shone forth the never-waning Light, and thou deliverest thy servants from the dark nocturnal treachery of the demons. Deliver me also from them, and By thy prayers save me from the evils which beset me.

Ode IX, Irmos: Saved by thee, O pure Virgin, * we confess thee to be truly the Theotokos, * and together with the choirs of the bodiless hosts * thee do we magnify.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Lift up the horn of the Church, О most pure one, grant might to the faithful over the heathen, and make firm the scepters of kingdoms.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Bring low those who have been exalted, vanquish the alien hordes which attack us, О pure Virgin, and free thy servants unharmed by them, О Maiden.

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

О only champion of the Orthodox Christians who glorify thee, By thy prayers quickly put to shame the weapon-bearing Moslems.

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

Grant understanding to the choirs of the faithful, О Virgin, strengthening them against enemies visible and invisible, and save them from all sorrow.