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.

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.

Most glorious things have been said of thee, О most pure one, who alone art the glory of the faithful; wherefore, By thy prayers show me, who glorify thee, to be a partaker of the glory which is to come, О most holy and all-hymned Virgin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, О all-pure and blessed one, whereby all of us mortals have been delivered from the curse. О the ineffable wonder, the indescribable report, the salvation of the all the faithful!

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

A multitude of angels, the assembly of the disciples and prophets, the company of the martyrs and Thy venerable ones ever entreat Thee, О Lord. For the sake of the Theotokos grant us forgiveness of sins, in that Thou lovest mankind.

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

With faith I entreat thee, the most pure one, who received in thy womb the unbearable Fire, that I may be delivered and rescued from the fire of Gehenna, and by thy right acceptable prayers may be freed from everlasting torment.

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 a life of purity, О most pure one, I have become like the dumb beasts and am wholly condemned. О thou who hast given birth to the Judge, deliver and save me from all damnation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure Maiden, grant me groaning, spiritual tears and constant compunction, that I may weep over the passions which beset me due to mine indifference, О thou who art full of the grace of God.

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

The ranks of heaven, the ministering spirits, the assembly of prophets and apostles, and Thy martyrs unceasingly beseech Thee, О Compassionate One: Grant remission of sins unto Thy people.

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

As thou art merciful, О most pure one, do thou now entreat Him Who is full of loving-kindness, that He grant unto us divine and tender compassion; for having unmercifully acquired unmerciful ways, I have become worthy of everlasting fire.
on me.

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.

Rend asunder the record of my wicked sins with the divine spear which pierced the divine side of Him Who desired to become a man through thee, О most pure one, and entreat Him to write me in the Book of the Saved, even though I have foolishly estranged myself from Him.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Let me glorify thee with cries of thanksgiving, let me magnify thee with divine love, О most immaculate one. О thou who by thy great birthgiving hast exalted all who have estranged themselves, grant divine forgiveness unto me who have greatly estranged myself and have fallen grievously.

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

In thee were the laws of nature overcome; for in a manner transcending nature thou hast given birth to God the Word. Wherefore, I entreat thee with faith, О most immaculate one: By thy prayers save and convert me who have sinned greatly, surpassing human nature, and have gone far away from God.

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

With the arrows of sin the enemy hath wounded my soul; and hath defiled my heart with lusts, and drawn me away from the straight path. Wherefore, I cry to thee, О Virgin: Turning me, heal and save me.

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.

Generations of generations now bless thee, the ever-blessed one, and the hosts of heaven praise thee as the one who hath united those below with those on high, the only one blessed among women, the restoration of fallen Adam.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О good one who hast given birth to the Word, beseech the Good One Who hath delivered us from irrationality, that I may remain whole, may attain an unshakable disposition, and may journey well, doing those things which are pleasing unto God.

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

О Word Who didst shed Thine own blood upon the Cross in the surpassing depths of Thy mercy, dry up the abyss of my passions, and for the sake of the Theotokos grant that I may please Thee, my God, in humility.

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

О Virgin Mother and Maiden, who hast given birth to the Infinite One in the flesh, the glory of the angels and the wounding of the demons: Grant divine healing unto my heart which hath been wounded by sin, О Bride of God.

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.

In thee hath human nature found mercy, О merciful Lady; for thou hast given birth to the Merciful One, О most pure one. Wherefore, I beseech thee: Have mercy upon my soul!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The ranks of the incorporeal beings, of the martyrs, prophets and Thine apostles, entreat Thee, О Christ: For the sake of her who gave birth to Thee, save Thy people from every evil circumstance.

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

О unploughed earth who gavest rise to the Husbandman and Creator of all, through divine understanding show forth as fertile my soul which hath been rendered hard and stony by the passions.

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

I have violated the commandments which lead me to God, and without desiring it, have become enslaved to wicked passions; wherefore, I entreat thee, О Ever-Virgin: Rescue me from their dominion.

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: О ye faithful, let us praise the Virgin Mother and Maiden, the object of the veneration of the heavenly hosts and the all-praised exaltation of our souls: Rejoice, О thou who didst conceive the Creator of the angels in thy womb! Rejoice, cleansing of those who fall, who gavest flesh to God the Word! Rejoice, thou Bride unwedded!

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.

By thine ineffable birthgiving thou hast granted unto us ineffable things, О Theotokos; wherefore, deliver me from terrifying torment, and fill me with ineffable joy, that I may ever hymn thee who art all-hymned.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having wasted my life in slothfulness, I have become barren, and I fear the interrogation and unquenchable fire of Gehenna. О Theotokos who hast given birth to the unbearable Fire, By thy prayers persuade Him to deliver me.

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

The miracle of thy birthgiving surpasses all wonders, О pure Virgin; wherefore, I cry unto thee, О Birthgiver of God: Show forth upon me the wonders of thy mercies; deliver me from the coming wrath, and save me.

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

О Christ my Saviour, for the sake of her who gave birth to Thee have pity on me who have lived in slothfulness and have spurned Thy holy laws and Thine honoured precepts, in that Thou art a beneficent and greatly merciful God,

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.

Give life to my soul, for it is dying; raise it up, for it hath fallen; heal it, for it hath been wounded. Grant peace to my mind; still thou the waves of temptations, О Virgin; and save me who cry aloud: Ye children bless; ye priests hymn; ye people supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Like the thief I cry out to Thee: Have mercy on me, О Lover of mankind! Like the harlot, I weep and cry aloud: I have sinned like the prodigal of old! For the sake of the Theotokos accept me, a wretched penitent, that with zeal I may cry out to Thee: Ye children bless; ye priests hymn; ye people supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

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

As befitteth a servant, I cry out to thee, О all-hymned Theotokos: With the countless noetic hosts, with the prophets and the venerable, the apostles and the martyrs, make entreaty for all those who chant in a godly manner: Ye children bless; ye priests hymn; ye people supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

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

О all-immaculate Theotokos, thou art more honourable than the angelic ranks of heaven, for through thy virginal womb which knew not wedlock thou hast given birth to their Creator and Lord in two natures, without commingling or change, incarnate in a single Hypostasis, О Theotokos.

Ode IX, Irmos: Every ear is awestruck at hearing of God’s ineffable condescension, * for the Most High voluntarily descended and assumed flesh, * becoming man in the Virgin’s womb; * wherefore, we the faithful magnify the most pure Theotokos.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О divine couch of Solomon, upon which God hath rested, and who art now surrounded by sixty mighty utterances from the divine Scriptures: By thy power, О pure Ever-virgin, preserve me unharmed, who am ever surrounded by myriads of demons.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О thou who pourest forth divine sweetness, О thou who hast given birth to the Sweetness of all, sweeten thou my soul which hath become bitter through the venom of the serpent, by thy mediation ever remove bitter harm from me, О unashamed intercessor for the faithful.

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

О Jesus, thou Sun of glory, enlighten my wretched soul through the prayers of the pure divine Maiden who gave birth to Thee, of the incorporeal ministers, Thine honoured apostles, the holy hierarchs and prophets, Thy chosen martyrs and the venerable.

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

Wholly condemned and at a loss what to do, I fear Thy dread second coming, only King and Lord; wherefore, before the end I cry unto Thee: For the sake of her who gave birth to Thee take pity upon me and save me, О Merciful and Good One Who lovest mankind.

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.

Come, О ye faithful brethren, and let us mystically offer a new hymn to the holy Theotokos, praising her mighty works today as from the beginning.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Of old Moses, illumined in mind by divine vision, clearly learned of thy divine conceiving which transcendeth nature, О Virgin, and which was revealed to him in the bush.

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

Unto thee do I offer up the works of my heart, and to thee I offer in an acceptable manner these writings, setting thee before Christ the Master as intercessor, in that thou art close to the divine shelter of aid.

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

О pure one, incline thine ear unto me who with Orthodox Faith and love devoutly hastens to thee in the tabernacle of thy countenance, worshiping thee with fear. Hearken thou to my cry of supplication.

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.

The patriarch’s ladder of old prefigured thee, О most immaculate one; for the angels’ descent revealed to us the divine descent of God into thy womb.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The tribe of Judah rejoiced, as Jacob foretold, for from his tribe budded forth the one who would cause Jesus Christ, our Deliverance, to bud forth. Having given birth to Him, О most pure one, thou hast been glorified.

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

In despair over my sins, I have found thee to be a refuge of salvation, О most pure Theotokos, our hope and aid; wherefore, guide me to repentance.

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

I have thee near the Master, О most glorious Lady, and with faith have entrusted to thee the book of my deeds. Cease thou never to take pity on me.

Ode IV, Irmos: From the overshadowed mountain, * from the only Theotokos, * the Prophet in divine vision * foresaw Thy coming in the flesh, O Word, * and with fear he glorified Thy power.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having received grace and been adorned with the beauty of virginity, thou wast likened to the Bride of the Father, adorned with golden coins, and revealed to be the Mother of the Son of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Christ the Word was pleased to make thee, the true Sion, a divine habitation for Himself, О Theotokos, choosing thee as His elect, for the restoration of the whole world.

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

Rejoice, О beauteous palace of the Word, virginal bridal-chamber of the King! Rejoice, О boast of all the bodiless ones! Rejoice, O help of all mankind.

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

They who reject the icons of thy Son, О Virgin Theotokos, Mother of God, withdraw from God, and therefore perish; but those who honour thee are saved by the same images.

Ode V, Irmos: Disperse, O Word, the darkness from my soul, * O Christ God, the Light-Giver, * Having driven out the primordial darkness of the abyss, * grant unto me the light of Thy commandments, * that early in the morning I may glorify Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Joining the divine Gabriel, let us cry aloud to the Theotokos with faith: Rejoice, О holy Virgin who art full of grace! The Lord is with thee Who, having put an end to grief on thine account, hath given us joy.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Gideon beheld thy most pure womb, О pure Virgin, wherein the Word, Who is inseparable from the divinity of the Father, became incarnate through the divine Spirit, descending like rain.

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

Thou art the helper of the world and an aid of the sinful, О Virgin Birthgiver of God; and for those who with faith and love have recourse unto thee thou art the saving deliverance and the absolution of many transgressions.

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

By the divine Spirit thou gavest rise without seed to the Son, the Offspring of the Father, Who existed before all creation, timeless and unoriginate, О pure Birthgiver of God, and we all honour the likeness of His visage.

Ode VI, Irmos: Held fast by a multitude of sins O Lover of mankind, * like the Prophet I fall down before Thy tender compassions. * Accept me O Lord and save me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О unwedded Virgin, with hymns we praise thee as the mirror of virginity and the pure receptacle of the Godhead.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In an awesome and dispassionate manner God became incarnate within thy womb, О Bride of God, written, as it were, by the finger of the Father on a new scroll.

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

Thy protection do we have as cleansing, excellent hope and aid, О pure Virgin. О Lady, put not thy servants to shame!

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

By thy mediation, О Bride of God, reduce the never-ending mayhem of the passions to stillness, and guide us to the haven of tranquility.

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.

Kontakion, Tone VIII: To thee, the Champion Leader, we thy servants dedicate a feast of victory and of thanksgiving * as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos: * but as thou art one with might which is invincible, * from all dangers that can be do thou deliver us, that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, thou Bride Unwedded!

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.

Thou hast been revealed to be the mediatress of our joy, О Virgin, and offering thee a crown of grace with love, and praising thee we cry aloud: “Rejoice, О pure and blessed one!”.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou art the holy mountain of God overshadowed, the rich mountain, О most immaculate one, the mountain rendered fertile by divine effulgence, the mountain wherein God was pleased to dwell.

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

No sin is too great for thy grace; for thou hast a mother’s boldness and will, and by thy prayers thou dost loose transgressions, leading us safely through all assaults.

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

О Theotokos, thou hast given birth to One of the Trinity Who, by uniting Himself to the flesh, remained immutable, being of two natures, wherefore we venerate the image of His countenance.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Glorified in the holy mountain, * the Lord revealed the mystery of the Ever-Virgin unto Moses * in the flames of the burning bush: * praise ye and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou wast revealed to the prophet as the censer bearing the divine Coal Who taketh away sins, О Virgin Theotokos, Mother of our God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Daniel foresaw thee as a great mountain, О Virgin Theotokos, from whence Christ, the precious Stone, arrayed Himself in the flesh and brought down the temples of the falsehood of idolatry.

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

The great sea-monster of grievous sin and the despair of my passions seek to slay me; but do thou anticipate my need, and save thy servant, О Lady.

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

The God of all, Who through thee came to converse with mortals, assumed the guise of a man, wherefore we venerate His countenance in icons, О Virgin.

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.

With songs the most wise one hymneth thee as the enclosed garden and the fountain sealed by the divine Spirit, О Virgin Theotokos; wherefore, Christ became incarnate within thee as the Tree of life.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Describing thine ineffable birthgiving beforehand, the prophet foresaw thee as a sealed book, and the mystery of the incarnation of thine offspring remaineth incomprehensible.

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

In compunction of soul we all beseech thee: О Lady, disdain not our supplications, but be thou our compassionate protectress, and hearken unto our prayer.

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

I fall down before the images of thee and thy Son, О Virgin Theotokos, but those who refuse to venerate them I reject, as I do the deception of Manes; wherefore, in an Orthodox manner I complete my hymnody.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: To God Who overthrew Pharaoh in the Red Sea * let us chant a hymn of victory, * for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Looking toward the impending end of my life, О Lady, I cry aloud: Grant me the cleansing of mine offences, О Bride of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Hastening to the abyss of Thy beneficence, I cry aloud: О good Lady, deliver me from all torment.

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

О Lady, accept us who flee to thee with faith, and grant us deliverance from perils and tribulations.

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

In accordance with the prophecy thou hast restored the fallen tabernacle of Adam, О most pure one who didst bear God the Saviour in thy womb.

Ode III, Irmos: My heart hath been established in the Lord; * my horn hath been exalted in my God; * my mouth hath been enlarged over the enemy; * and I am gladdened in Thy salvation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most pure one who didst ineffably conceive God the Master, deliver and save me who am beset by the tempest of sin.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With rays of repentance illumine me who am held fast in the night of unseemly offences, О Maiden, ever granting that I may become a child of the light.

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

О Theotokos who hast given birth to the Bread of heaven, feeding the hearts of all the faithful, fill thou my starving and passion-plagued soul.

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

Acknowledging thy divine birthgiving, I have been made steadfast, О Virgin, and, enriched by thy help, I cry out: Holy art Thou, О Lord Who savest our souls!

Ode IV, Irmos: I heard report of Thee * and became filled with fear; * I understood Thy works * and became filled with awe, O Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Disdain me not, neither put me to shame for I earnestly groan and cry out to thee from the depths of my heart, О Lady.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Utterly consume the thorns which pierce my wretched soul, the lusts of the flesh, О Lady who hast given birth to the divine Fire.

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

Grant me remission offences, О most blessed and pure one, and deliver me from everlasting and terrible torment.

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

The Word Who made His abode within thee, О most pure one, hath transformed my nature, which had fallen through disobedience.

Ode V, Irmos: My soul riseth unto Thee at dawn, O God, * for Thou art light, and Thy commandments * have become healing for Thy servants, * O Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have made myself like unto the irrational beasts, utter wretch that I am, serving mine accursed flesh with irrational passions. But do thou, О Theotokos, grant that I may come to my senses.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Have mercy upon me who have sinned more than all mankind, and who flee to thy fervent protection, О Virgin Theotokos, and rescue me from torments.

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

May those who confess thee to be the Theotokos, О Virgin Mother of God, be deemed worthy to receive through thee the kingdom and sustenance which pass not away.

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

О blessed and most glorious Mother who knewest not a man, grant life to my soul, which hath been slain by my sins and buried beneath unrestrained passions.

Ode VI, Irmos: Jonah cried out from the belly of Hades: * Lead my life up from corruption! * And we cry aloud unto Thee: * O almighty Saviour, have mercy on us!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The tempest of sin assails me, leading me into the corruption of despair, О Virgin; but extend unto me a firm and mighty helping hand.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Pour forth upon me the oil of the fervent loving-kindness which is within thee, О Lady, delivering me from offences and rescuing me from everlasting fire.

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

О Virgin Maiden who hast released Eve from pain by thy most pure birthgiving, release me also from the pain of the passions which assail my soul and body.

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

Thou dost hymn God Who was incarnate from thee, О pure and most immaculate Virgin Mother; and, gazing upon Him, thou dost lament Him Who was lifted up upon the Cross.

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

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

Sessional Hymn, in Tone VII: О pure one, the Fruit of thy womb hath planted the Cross in the ends of the earth and delivered the world from corruption; wherefore, we magnify thee, the most glorious one.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The threat of my manifold transgressions hath increased, О pure one, and, deserving condemnation, I fall down and cry unto thee: Before the end grant me cleansing, tears of compunction and the correction of my morals.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In that thou hast given birth to the Life of all, О pure and most pure one, by thy divine works grant life unto me who am in sore distress because of my vile transgressions, and approach the grave in despair.

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

О good Birthgiver of God, delivering from spiritual death those who with faith call upon thine immortal grace, grant them the kingdom by thy most pure prayers.

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

We glorify the unapproachable birthgiving of the Virgin, whereby we have been delivered from death; wherefore, reborn unto incorruption, we cry out: Blessed art Thou, О Lord God of our fathers!

Ode VIII, Irmos: The King of glory, who is alone without beginning, * Before Whom all the powers of heaven stand in awe * and the hosts of angels tremble: * O ye priests praise, and ye people * supremely exalt Him throughout the ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The furnace of the passions consumes me, О Virgin, and devours me with the fire of lusts; but, anticipating my need, quench it with the dew of thy mercy, imparting coolness unto my soul.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have defiled my soul and rendered my flesh corrupt through lust, wallowing therein. And I have become the mockery of all, and an object of ridicule unto the enemy. О Lady Theotokos, be thou my helper!

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

Beseech God to Whom thou hast given birth, О Virgin, that He send down upon those who honour thee with faith salvation, release from misfortunes, speedy deliverance from grievous ailments, and eternal grace.

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

The Lord, Who created Adam according to His image, having assumed his substance and abolished the primal curse, hymn ye, О priests, and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: O all-hymned one, * who art higher in eminence than the heavens: * having seedlessly conceived the Unoriginate Word * thou hast given birth to the incarnate God for all mankind. * Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most radiant Virgin Mother and Theotokos, with the light of thy supplications do thou radiantly guide to the fear of God my wretched soul, which hath been grievously darkened by carnal pleasures.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Despairing of salvation because of the multitude of mine offences, I am at a loss, О all-holy Lady. Send down upon me thy benefactions and mercy.

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

Thy birthgiving, which transcendeth nature, О Theotokos, filleth the angels with wonder and mankind with awe; for it is ineffable and unapproachable to all. And hymning it, we piously glorify thee.

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

Thou hast stripped away my garments of mortality and corruption, О Virgin who for us gave birth to the incarnate Word, the robe of salvation. Wherefore, we all ever magnify thee.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: At thy command O Lord, * the nature of the waters that beforehand flowed freely was transformed * and became like the earth; * whereby Israel having traversed them dryshod * chanted unto Thee a hymn of victory.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With waters flowing with life, О Virgin, give drink to my soul which withereth away under the burning heat of sin, that I may produce the fruitful grain of godly compunction.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Rain down upon me drops of compunction, О pure Maiden, and with drops of compassion wash away all the defilement of my soul which hath come upon it through inattention.

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

Having taken thy Creator into thy womb, thou hast given birth unto Him without seed, and God became an infant. О strange wonder! Thou art both a handmaiden and mother, О Lady unwedded!

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

О most pure Virgin Mother, thou hast given birth for us to Christ, the Redeemer of the race of mankind, our Liberator and Saviour; wherefore, knowing thee to clearly be the mediatress of eternal life, we glorify thee.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having dyed a purple robe – His body – in thy most pure blood, and put it on without assuming the corruption of nature, the King of all issued forth from thee as both God and man, О Virgin, possessed of immutable royalty.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As a treasury of good and ineffable things given by God unto all, О Virgin, thou bestowest an abundance of grace and wondrous gifts upon us who pray to thee amid perils, misfortunes and infirmities.

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

Thee, О pure one, did the wondrous Daniel foresee as the mountain from whence Christ was cut, Who hath crushed the graven images of the demons. Wherefore, delivered by thy birthgiving, we hymn thee as the cause of all good things.

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

The divinely eloquent one once foresaw thee as a scroll whereon the Word was writ by the finger of the Father, О pure one; wherefore, pray that He inscribe me in the Book of Life, rending asunder the evil record of my sins.

Ode IV, Irmos: Having never left the bosom of the Father, * Thou didst descend to earth O Christ God, * I have heard of the mystery of Thy dispensation, * and I have glorified Thee, * O only Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Entreat Him Who was born from thee, О Theotokos, that we who glorify His sufferings may find help in the time of evil troubles.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Author of nature, the Myrrh Who poured forth from thee, О most pure one, hath filled all things with sweet fragrance through divine understanding, and dispelling the fetor of falsehood.

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

Christ God hath set thee up as a noetic ladder for those on earth, О pure one, and by thee He leadeth the faithful up to divine and celestial works, in that He is full of loving-kindness.

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

Weighed down by the great burden of sin, О good one, I cry unto thee: Be thou my cleansing, О thou who hast given birth to Him Who taketh away the transgressions of the world!

Ode V, Irmos: Having risen at dawn out of the night, * I entreat Thee O Lord my God: * grant me the forgiveness of my sins, * and guide my steps to the light * of thy commandments, I pray Thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Mother of God Who art the Lover of mankind, О all-hymned Theotokos, by thine entreaties send down the cleansing of sins upon me who ever praise thee with faith, love and hymns.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most pure Theotokos, in that thou art the receptacle of the immutable Light and the temple of the divine Effulgence, with thy light illumine my darkened soul, I pray.

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

О Lord my God, Whose pleasure it was to become man, I entreat Thee: Be thou well-pleased to save me, a prodigal, for the sake of the pure and virgin Maiden who gave birth unto Thee in purity.

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

О Lady Mother of God, О most immaculate one who for the world hast given birth to the hypostatic Life, grant thou the forgiveness of my transgressions.

Ode VI, Irmos: Sailing in the tempest of the cares of life, * together with the ship I have been submerged by sins, * and cast to the soul-corrupting beast, * wherefore like Jonah I cry to Thee, O Christ: * Lead me up from the deadly abyss.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy seedless birthgiving, О Theotokos, have we been delivered from the corruption of death and the sin of Adam; for thy Son, Who alone is both God and man, granteth to the faithful deliverance from offences.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Rend asunder the record of my transgressions, О Lady, through thy divine supplications recording me in the Book of the Saved, that in praise I may hymn thee, who art more holy than the cherubim.

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

They who of old were cast from before Thy face by Thy righteous judgment, О Christ, hast Thou recalled by Thine advent in the flesh, in that Thou art full of tender compassion. And now, О Good One, accept us who have committed offense, and free us from evils.

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

О most pure Virgin, I entreat thee who hast given birth to the Benefactor and Cleansing of sinners: By thy maternal supplication cleanse the guilt of my countless transgressions, for thou hast the power so to do, as the Mother of thy Son.

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

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

Sessional Hymn, in Tone VII: Beneath thy protection do all mortals flee. Deliver our souls from the everlasting fire, О good one.

Ode VII, Irmos: Of old the Children were shown to be * bedewed in the fiery furnace, * chanting and praising the one God saying: * ‘Supremely exalted and exceedingly glorified is the God of our Fathers’.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

My mind, which is weighed down by sin, О all-immaculate one, do thou rouse unto good works, that I may bless thee who art more honourable than all creation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In the furnace the three young children prefigured thy birthgiving, for thou wast not consumed when thou didst give birth to Fire, О pure one; wherefore, consume now the tinder-like passions of my heart.

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

Perceiving thee to be beauteous and comely among women, the Lord became incarnate from thee; wherefore, entreat Him, О most holy Maiden, that He save me.

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

The divine Dew which issued forth from thee, О most immaculate one, bedeweth those who have withered under the burning heat of sin; wherefore, I beseech thee: Bedew my soul which hath withered also.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Unconsumed by fire, the bush on Sinai spake unto Moses, * slow of speech and stammering, * and revealed God unto him; * and zeal for God showed forth the three children who chanted hymns * to be unvanquished by the fire. * O all ye His works, praise ye the Lord * and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The bush which burned, yet was not consumed, and with which Moses the God-seer conversed with on Sinai, showed forth thy strange birthgiving, wherefore, marvelling at this, О pure one, he cried aloud, rejoicing: Hymn the Lord, all ye works of the Lord, and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure Virgin who hast given birth to Life, grant life to my mind which hath been slain by sin, and by thy maternal pleas to God save me who ever chant: Hymn the Lord, all ye works of the Lord, and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

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

At night and during the day I have thee, О pure one, as my steadfast protector against foes visible and invisible, and I am in nowise daunted by their evil and wicked assaults, chanting: Hymn the Lord, all ye works of the Lord, and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

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

Moved by His love for mankind, in that He is good, thy Son, О Theotokos, hath given thee as a help against the enemy and the healing of sufferings of those who cry: Hymn the Lord, all ye works of the Lord, and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: Conceiving without knowing corruption, * and lending thy flesh to the Word, * O Mother unwedded and Virgin Theotokos, * thou art the vessel of the Uncircumscribable One, * and dwelling place of thy Creator, * thee do we magnify.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having nourished as an infant Him Who as Creator sustaineth and sanctifieth the whole world, thou hast been revealed to be the Mother of the Almighty according to the flesh, the irremovable riches of virginity, О Virgin Theotokos, thou Bride who knewest not a man.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having given birth to the Word Who exceedingly loveth manking and taketh away the sin of the world, О Virgin, entreat Him to send down the remission of sins upon us who with unwavering faith bless thee as is meet.

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

Enamoured of sin, I tremble in fear lest I suddenly reach the end of my life, О pure Lady, intercessor of all the oppressed. Wherefore, be thou now entreated, that thou strengthen me by examples of repentance.

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

Let me not be sent into the fire prepared for me, О most Compassionate and greatly Merciful One, for the Virgin who gave birth to Thee, together with the divine choir of the incorporeal hosts, the apostles, prophets, martyrs and holy hierarchs, and the souls of the righteous, ever beseech Thee.

A Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: At thy command O Lord, * the nature of the waters that beforehand flowed freely was transformed * and became like the earth; * whereby Israel having traversed them dryshod * chanted unto Thee a hymn of victory.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

With the serenity of thy divine prayer cause thou the tempest of my lusts and passions to cease, О most immaculate one, that with a calm heart I may glorify thine ineffable birthgiving.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Through thine Offspring hath all desire and sweetness come to be, О Lady Theotokos, for He driveth away all the bitterness engendered by the passions and transgressions of thy servants.

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

Deliver me from the delusion of the demons, from oppression, harm and temptation, О most pure one, that with faith I may glorify thee who, after God, art my helper and protection.

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

О Word of God, in the bush Thou didst reveal Thyself unto Moses, burning like fire, yet in nowise consuming it, showing forth an image of Thy nativity from the Virgin, through whom Thou didst assume human form.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Earnestly entreat Him Who was lifted up upon the Cross and hath cast down Hades, О Theotokos, on behalf of those who ever faithfully hymn thee with sacred songs and hymns, О hope of the world and help of the faithful.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Earnestly entreat Him Who was lifted up upon the Cross and hath cast down Hades, О Theotokos, on behalf of those who ever faithfully hymn thee with sacred songs and hymns, О hope of the world and help of the faithful.

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

О Lady who by thy birthgiving hast freed mankind from the corruption of death: Deliver me from the corruption of the passions, from infirmities and grievous transgressions, and by thy divine mediation grant me the life which groweth not old.

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

Having immutably made Thyself like unto man in all things, О Word of God, thou didst manifestly issue forth from the pure Virgin, and hast revealed to all the thrice-radiant Godhead in the unchangeable Essence and immutable Hypostases.

Ode IV, Irmos: Having never left the bosom of the Father, * Thou didst descend to earth O Christ God, * I have heard of the mystery of Thy dispensation, * and I have glorified Thee, * O only Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Spread forth thy mercy and tender compassion upon thy servants who ever pray to thee, О pure one, delivering them from dreadful torment By thy prayers.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

With pure prayer and fervent love I flee unto thee, О most immaculate one. Be thou the remission of my many transgressions, delivering and saving me.

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

By thy birthgiving, О most pure Lady, thou hast shown thyself to be the mediatress of our Joy. Beseech Him, О most immaculate one, to deliver us from perils and grant unto me eternal life.

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

О Christ God, Who left not the bosom of the Father when Thou didst become incarnate from the Virgin: Preserve Thy flock which worshippeth the divine images of Thy dispensation.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thee do I entreat, О pure Virgin, to deliver my soul from gloomy sin, and to illumine it with the divine radiance of repentance and thy mercy.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy prayers and supplications deliver those who find themselves in the midst of an abyss of cruel temptations and violent passions, О most holy and pure one, and save those who praise thee.

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

О most holy Theotokos, who didst conceive God in thy virginal womb and hast given birth unto Him: from all eternal damnation deliver those who hymn thee.

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

Knowing thee to be the Mother of God and our helper, О pure one, we set thee before the compassionate Lord as the mediatress of our salvation.

Ode VI, Irmos: I cried out to Thee, О Lord, when I was afflicted, * and Thou didst raise up my life, * О greatly Merciful One.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

Entreat thy Son, Who was lifted up upon the Cross and hath delivered mankind from corruption, О Lady, that we be saved.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

О most pure Lady, forsake me not who place my trust in thee; but hasten thou unto mine aid.

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

From grief deliver those who invoke thy divine name, and free them from dreadful torment.

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

О most pure Lady our steadfast hope, preserve those who with love hymn thee as the true Theotokos.

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

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

Sessional Hymn, in Tone VII: Christ God, Who was crucified for our sake and hath cast down the dominion of death, do thou unceasingly entreat, О Virgin Theotokos, that He save our souls.

Ode VII, Irmos: Of old the Children were shown to be * bedewed in the fiery furnace, * chanting and praising the one God saying: * ‘Supremely exalted and exceedingly glorified is the God of our Fathers’.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

In distraction and grief, and amid misfortunes, О most pure one, I fervently call upon thee with all my heart: Anticipate my need, and deliver me and grant me peace, О pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

The threefold billows of many transgressions and passions batter me and cause me to sink into the depths of destruction; but grant me thy hand and save me, О Theotokos, and have mercy upon me in thy might.

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

I bring Thy Mother before Thee, О Saviour and Lover of mankind, to pray for me. Receiving her, deliver me from transgressions and the judgment which is to come, and rescue me from everlasting torment.

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

Possessed of a soul deadened by grievous crimes, I beseech thee, О Lady, who hast slain Hades by thy birthgiving: Grant me life through examples of repentance.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Christ Who is truly God, * the Cause of the existence of all, * let us supremely exalt and glorify * throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

From misfortunes, corruption and the passions save me, О most pure one; for I flee to thee, my hope and divine salvation.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having delivered me from evil accusers at the last hour, О Lady and Virgin, do thou thyself guide me to the divine habitation.

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

Rouse thyself, О my soul, and, falling down, cry aloud unto the Theotokos: О hope and salvation of all, deliver me from eternal fire!

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

Let us hymn the Virgin who alone among women is blessed, glorifying and supremely exalting Christ throughout all ages.

Ode IX, Irmos: O Mother of God and Virgin, * thou hast given birth and yet remained a virgin, * not in accordance with nature, * but by the condescension of God; * wherefore, we ever magnify thee, * who alone wast deemed worthy * of the wonders of God.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

The Theotokos offereth Thee entreaty on my behalf, О Christ my Master. Accepting it, deliver me from all torment.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us. 

I ever entreat thee, О Lady: Deliver my lowly soul from the judgment and torment which are to come.

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

Beseech my Creator and Fashioner, О Virgin, that He deliver me from the dread judgment and grant me life.

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

О all-immaculate and pure Virgin Mother, from spiritual defilement deliver thy flock which magnifies thee.