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Prayers

Drawing Closer to the Mother of God Through Prayer and Devotion

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During last night’s talk, I spoke of prayers and devotions as the primary way in which we draw closer to the Mother of God, and how the kannonik and akafistnik had been so instrumental in shaping the relationship that our forebears had with her, forging an especialy valuable connection when the Faith was persecuted, churches and monastery closed and the clergy and monastics incarcerated or martyred.

Even though he lived centuries before the appearance of the Mother of God in the chuch of the Blachernae in Constantinople, St Romanos the Melodist appears on the amvon in our festal icon – the feast of Pokrov also being HIS feast. This superimposed cameo-appearance of the great hymnographer is not out of place, as his supreme work the Akathist Hymn, is the greatest hymnographic celebration of the Mother of God and the finest address to her that we have as Orthodox Christians.

However, just as we have so many canons to the Mother of God, we also have many other akathists: some very fine, some frankly mediocre… some very late ones, well-meant but not written with a blessing, unfortunately being the liturgical equivalent of  kitsch.

Though the great work of St Romanos is the only akathist appointed to be chanted in services by the Church’s typikon, and the only one accepted by Old Rite Orthodox and some purists in other Orthodox countries, we do however have a wealth of good akathist hymns with which to address the Mother of God; to draw close to her; to share our trials, sorrows and needs; to celebrate her feasts and venerate her icons.

With the outbreak of war in Ukraine, thousands of Orthodox Christians united in the daily praying of the akathist to the Mother of God, in honour of her icon ‘The Softener of Evil Hearts’, as this has akathist loved and valued with the icon for centurie become a shared offering of prayer to the Theotokos across countries, continents and battle-lines, uniting people with one another as well as to the blessed Mother.

In our own Cardiff community, we have new Orthodox Christians for whom the wealth of canons and akathists is a brand-new-discovery, and one that can bring immeasurable spiritual wealth and strength. So, over the next few weeks, between the feast of the Protecting Veil and the Kazan Icon, I will endeavour to highlight our wealth of prayers and hymns to the Mother of God, so that through their words, whether chanted, or prayed quietly and contemplatively, we may draw near to the Mother whom the Saviour gave us as He battled hell and death on the battle-field of Golgotha from the vantage point from His Life-Giving Cross.

As pastoral circumstances have highlighted the need to turn to the Mother of God as the ‘Giver of Reason – Прибавление ума’ and her wonder-working icon of that name (also now as Loretskaya/of Loreto), I will start by re-posting the akathist which so many people turn to for themselves and for others: to pray for wisdom, clarity of mind, for right decisions, for the mentally troubled and ill, for those slow of learning, for those with learning disabilities…  crying “Rejoice, All-Merciful Lady who grantest wisdom and reason to all thy faithful people.”

Romanian text: https://rugainimii.wordpress.com/acatistul-maicii-domnului-icoana-sporirea-mintii/

Slavonic text: https://akafistnik.ru/akafisty-ko-presvyatoj-bogoroditse/akafist-presvyatoj-bogoroditse-pred-ikonoj-pribavlenie-uma/

English below…

Kontakion 1: To the Mother of God, chosen from all generations, the Queen of Heaven and earth, who grantest a spiritual remedy to the whole world, we offer a hymn of thanksgiving for receiving the divine treasure, her wonder-working icon ‘The Giver of Reason’. Guarded by it we feel radiant joy and lovingly call: Rejoice, All-Merciful Lady who grantest wisdom and reason to all thy faithful people.

Oikos 1: The angelic messenger was sent to the town of Nazareth to the pure Virgin Mary to say to her, ‘Rejoice’, when the divine Word was made flesh in her womb. Having heard the annunciation, the Most Pure Virgin spoke from the humility of her heart, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to Thy word.’ Wherefore, we sinful ones reverently honour the Mother of Christ our God, and taught by the Archangel we cry out with compunction:

Rejoice, thou who art blessed among women.

Rejoice, thou who art favoured by God.

Rejoice, thou who art shielded by God’s strength.

Rejoice, thou who art sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, thou who art God’s faithful handmaiden.

Rejoice, thou who art chosen by God.

Rejoice, thou who hast given birth to the Saviour of the world.

Rejoice, thou Mother of the Light, which illuminest all.

Rejoice, thou who surpassest the wisdom of the wise.

Rejoice, thou who grantest wisdom to thy faithful.

Rejoice, Queen of heaven and earth.

Rejoice, for all generations shall call thee blessed.

Rejoice, All-Merciful Lady, who grantest wisdom and reason to all thy faithful people.

Kontakion 2: Knowing the desire of the newly-enlightened, O Most Pure, thou hast blessed the herald of the Gospel’s mysteries, the Apostle Luke, to paint an image of thy Most Pure countenance. Looking upon this image, thou hast said regally: ‘My grace and strength will be with this image.’ Wherefore, reverently honouring thy holy icons, with which thou hast adorned the entire Christian commonwealth, we cry to God in thanksgiving for thee: alleluia.

Oikos 2: Opening heavenly reason for us, O Most Pure Virgin, thou dost grant all of thy faithful to learn of God’s will, which is good, pleasing and perfect; excelling all reason. O All-Praised Theotokos, grant us thy care; vouchsafe us the light of truth; comfort us as a mother and teach us the path of truth, that we may cry to thee, in prayer:

Rejoice, thou who hast given birth to Christ, God’s Power and Wisdom.

Rejoice, thou who hast united God and Man.

Rejoice, thou who hast enlightened our souls with the light of reason.

Rejoice, thou who hast held the ineffable glory of God.

Rejoice, thou who dost sanctify the honour given to the holy icons.

Rejoice, giver of spiritual treasures.

Rejoice, thou who hast granted grace to thy glorious icons.

Rejoice, for looking upon thy icons, we venerate thee.

Rejoice, thou who through thy holy icons grantest healing throughout the world.

Rejoice, thou who liftest our minds and hearts to heaven.

Rejoice, thou who hast enlightened the entire universe by thy rays of grace.

Rejoice, thou who reignest eternally with thy Son and God.

Rejoice, All-Merciful Lady, who grantest wisdom and reason to all thy faithful people.

Kontakion 3: Shielded by the power of God’s grace, the pious came to the town of Nazareth, finding there the house of the Mother of God, wherein the Most Pure Virgin was born and received the glad tidings: translated thence to the Italian lands, to the town of Loreto, where, on high, is an icon of the Mother of God, painted upon wood and surrounded by the invisible angelic powers, praising it magnificently and joyfully singing to God: alleluia.

Oikos 3: Having maternal mercy for Christians, O Most Pure, thou callest all lands on earth to salvation. Therefore, people of diverse nations visit thy house and confess their sins before thine icon, and its glory shineth in the East and in the West and people delivered from sicknesses, sorrow and misfortune give thee thanks, crying:

Rejoice, House, created by God’s Wisdom for Himself.

Rejoice, City of God, from the small town of Nazareth.

Rejoice, thou who hast sanctified the house of God by thy presentation.

Rejoice, thou who art greater than the Holy of the Holies.

Rejoice, thou who hast come to Nazareth with the pre-eternal Infant.

Rejoice, thou who hast served the mystery of salvation of mankind.

Rejoice, thou ladder by which we ascend from earth to heaven.

Rejoice, wondrous protecting veil for the whole world.

Rejoice, for we faithfully honour the image of thy Most Pure countenance.

Rejoice, for we receive from thee the blessed gifts for our salvation.

Rejoice, thou who dost manifest miraculous signs through thine icons.

Rejoice, powerful Protector of Christians.

Rejoice, All-Merciful Lady, who grantest wisdom and reason to all thy faithful people.

Kontakion 4: An iconographer seized by a storm of sorrow, whose reason was darkened, could find no help from earthly physicians. Then the Most Pure Mother of God appeared to him and commanded him to paint her icon, which sanctifies her house in Loreto. Having done this, the painter was healed and from thence he called the newly painted icon ‘The Giver of Reason’, singing before it God’s praise: alleluia.

Oikos 4: When the people of Russia came to know that the most holy Theotokos gave them, for their joy and consolation, her icon, called ‘The Giver of Reason’ they adorned their temples and houses with many copies. A multitude of wondrous signs and miracles happen for those who faithfully come before them and sing to the most blessed one:

Rejoice, thou who hast granted us thy glorious image to sanctify and comfort us.

Rejoice, thou who quickly curest bodily and spiritual illnesses.

Rejoice, thou who hast shielded the Russian land with the veil of thy favour.

Rejoice, thou who hast delivered those who love and honour thine image, from all misfortunes.

Rejoice, thou who dost enter invisibly our houses through thine intercession.

Rejoice, thou who bringest us blessing and joy.

Rejoice, thou who takest in thine all-mighty hands those abandoned by physicians.

Rejoice, thou who healest those who lost their mind through illness.

Rejoice, hope of the hopeless.

Rejoice, enlightener of our minds.

Rejoice, pure mirror which reflects the truth.

Rejoice, thou whose name is praised in East and West.

Rejoice, All-Merciful Lady, who grantest wisdom and reason to all thy faithful people.

Kontakion 5: Thine icon, O Theotokos, hath appeared as a divine star, for it sanctifies our land and its cities; it enlightens those darkened by ignorance with the light of theology; illumining our reason, darkened by sin, it sets the lost on the path following the commandments of thy Son and God, and we cry to Him thankfully: alleluia.

Oikos 5: Having seen the divine treasure, the wondrous icon of the Mother of God, we pray to her diligently, finding therein the cure of our ailments, relief from our sorrows and salvation from our misfortunes; wherefore we sing to our Lady and protector:

Rejoice, thou who hast enlightened the faithful by the appearance of thine icon.

Rejoice, thou through whom the Sun of Truth, Christ, our God, began to shine in the darkness.

Rejoice, Mother of the Light of Reason, that enlightened by its grace the whole universe.

Rejoice, thou who enlightenest us by thy blessing.

Rejoice, thou who dispellest the gloom of our ignorance by thy light.

Rejoice, O Virgin, for through thee the light of theology began to shine for all.

Rejoice, inextinguishable candle, which kindlest the light of faith.

Rejoice, thou who illuminest the path of virtue.

Rejoice, thou who art the source of all that is holy.

Rejoice, thou who powerfully guardest us from adversities and misfortune.

Rejoice, inextinguishable light of divine love.

Rejoice, thou who dost proclaim to us the spring of salvation by the light of thy miracles.

Rejoice, All-Merciful Lady, who grantest wisdom and reason to all thy faithful people.

Kontakion 6: Thy favours are known in the entire world, O Mother of our Lord; for in many cities and villages of the Russian land, thy icon ‘The Giver of Reason’ shines with the rays of miracles; enlightening our souls by the light of God’s Grace and prompting us to sing to God, Who honoured thee: alleluia.

Oikos 6: There appeared the light of salvation in thy glorious icon, O Theotokos, for all who stray in the darkness of sins and passions, and swift help is rendered to all who pray before it with reverence and faith. Remove the darkness from our minds, O all-praised, by thy light and show the True Light to all who lovingly cry to thee:

Rejoice, inextinguishable star, that hast given to the world, the Sun of Truth.

Rejoice, thou Mother of True Light, which enlightenest the souls of the faithful.

Rejoice, mentor of blessed instruction.

Rejoice, thou who dost shield our darkened mind with a luminous veil.

Rejoice, thou who art the dawn which dispellest the fog of our sins.

Rejoice, thou who dost deliver us from darkness and eternal torment.

Rejoice, thou who dost free us from the snares of the enemy.

Rejoice, thou who gainest a victory over the madness of the world.

Rejoice, thou who expellest teachings harmful for the soul.

Rejoice, giver of knowledge beneficial for the soul.

Rejoice, thou who comfortest us with thine icon.

Rejoice, thou who encouragest souls with the light of joy.

Rejoice, All-Merciful Lady, who grantest wisdom and reason to all thy faithful people.

Kontakion 7: Wishing all men to be saved and to realise the truth, our most merciful Lord and Creator hath granted us the image of His Most Pure Mother, called ‘The Giver of Reason’, that those praying before it, having received strength in word, reason and wisdom, freed from wandering thoughts, may sing to our King and God: alleluia.

Oikos 7: O Mother of God, who dost manifest new and even more glorious wonders through thy holy icon; by the power of Christ’s grace thou enlightenest those with darkened minds, deterring men from madness, strengthening the weak, and swiftly helping all who turn to thy healing image, inspiring them to sing to thee:

Rejoice, thou who pullest us from the depth of ignorance.

Rejoice, thou who enlightenest many minds.

Rejoice, thou who grantest wise words to those who ask.

Rejoice, thou who makest fools to reason clearly.

Rejoice, thou who drivest away sinful designs.

Rejoice, thou who softenest embittered hearts.

Rejoice, thou who raisest the mind to God.

Rejoice, thou who makest the unwise to be wise.

Rejoice, thou who encouragest us to strive for piety.

Rejoice, thou who clothest us with eternal joy.

Rejoice, thou who bringest the prayers of the faithful to thy Son and God.

Rejoice, thou who prayest ceaselessly for all before the throne of the Almighty.

Rejoice, All-Merciful Lady, who grantest wisdom and reason to all thy faithful people.

Kontakion 8: It is wondrous to see, O Most Pure Theotokos, thine icon painted upon wood, drive away the spirits of darkness by thy divine power, giving reason to those seized by feebleness of mind and by trouble in learning. Therefore, we, perishing because of our sins, plead with thee tearfully: deliver us from our visible and invisible enemies, from the darkness of ignorance, so that we may always sing to our Saviour and God: alleluia.

Oikos 8: The whole Russian land hath an abundance of thy wonder-working icons, O Virgin Theotokos, shining like God’s bright stars. Amongst them also the grace of thine icon ‘The Giver of Reason’ shines and warms our frozen hearts by the signs of thy favour to us sinful ones. Therefore, kneeling before thy holy countenance, we praise thee, our Most Pure Mother:

Rejoice, thou who transformest our sorrows into joy.

Rejoice, thou who defendest us from the burning arrows of the Evil One.

Rejoice, thou who dost bring up children and shield them with thy grace.

Rejoice, thou who art the wise protector and mentor of the young.

Rejoice, thou who grantest reason to children poor of learning.

Rejoice, thou who destroyest the traps of the enemy.

Rejoice, thou who enlightenest the minds of the faithful.

Rejoice, thou who dost disgrace those without faith.

Rejoice, thou who healest those seized by madness.

Rejoice, thou whose blessed icon drives away demons.

Rejoice, Mother of mercy and benevolence.

Rejoice, hope of our salvation.

Rejoice, All-Merciful Lady, who grantest wisdom and reason to all thy faithful people.

Kontakion 9: All the angels serve thee reverently, O Queen of heaven and earth, whilst mankind praises thee and honours thy holy icon that thou hast granted to comfort us and give us joy. Teach us, O most good Lady, to praise thee worthily and to sing to the Saviour of the world, who was born from thee: alleluia.

Oikos 9: The eloquent orators of mankind can neither grasp the mystery of thy service to Christians nor explain the miraculous power of thine icons, which benefit in every way the soul and body of man. We, Orthodox, standing with tears of joy before thy holy icons praise thee, O grace-giving one, and say:

Rejoice, thou who art the joy of the angels.

Rejoice, thou who art adored by the archangels.

Rejoice, thou whom the cherubim receive in the air.

Rejoice, thou who art praised by the seraphim.

Rejoice, bright adornment of both the Churches of heaven and earth.

Rejoice, thou who art above all the powers of the heaven.

Rejoice, thou who art honoured by the heavenly host.

Rejoice, thou who art the glory of all who live on earth.

Rejoice, thou who dost elevate our minds to the Highest by thine example.

Rejoice, guide to our homeland in the heavens.

Rejoice, thou who enlightenest the whole earth by the radiance of thy soul.

Rejoice, thou who hast adopted us all at the cross of thy Son.

Rejoice, All-Merciful Lady, who grantest wisdom and reason to all thy faithful people.

Kontakion 10: Having wished to save the world from insanity and the delusions of the enemy, the Lord, the lover of mankind, has granted us thy wondrous icon, O Mother of God. Praying before it the insane are cured, the possessed are freed from demons, the sorrowful find joy and comfort. Praising God, Who is so merciful to us, with thanksgiving we cry to Him: alleluia.

Oikos 10: Be for us an impregnable wall and protecting veil, all-pure Mother of God, from the armies of enemies, visible and invisible and guard us from misfortune and disease. Wherefore, kneeling before thine icon ‘The Giver of Reason’ and firmly believing in thy blessed help and cure from all spiritual and bodily illness, we joyfully cry to thee:

Rejoice, thou who dost deter us from the ways of perdition.

Rejoice, thou who guidest the faithful on the path of truth.

Rejoice, thou who drivest away the spirit of sickness and despair.

Rejoice, thou who helpest us to obtain the spirit of reason and strength.

Rejoice, thou who dost disgrace the enemies by God’s might.

Rejoice, thou who bringest to ruin the assemblies of the impious.

Rejoice, thou cure of the possessed.

Rejoice, thou who healest all aggressive diseases.

Rejoice, thou who deliverest us from spiritual death.

Rejoice, thou who washest away our sins with thy tears.

Rejoice, thou who dost satisfy us miraculously with spiritual joy.

Rejoice, thou who grantest us eternal joy, also in the age to come.

Rejoice, All-Merciful Lady, who grantest wisdom and reason to all thy faithful people.

Kontakion 11: We sing in thanksgiving before thy Most Pure image, O Most Pure, beseeching thine ineffable mercy, and we pray to thee who art full of divine grace: guard our minds and hearts against pernicious teaching, disbelief and superstitions; keep our land free from all manner of disorders, stirred up by the enemies of faith, and let us praise our Creator with a pure heart, singing: alleluia.

Oikos 11: We see thine icon, O Theotokos, like a burning candle, which enlightenest our land with the light of thy miracles, sets us on the path of salvation and kindles our hearts with love for thee, Most Pure Mother of our God. Therefore, knowing the power of thy grace, we glorify thee with hymns of joy:

Rejoice, thou whose wisdom is immeasurably higher than the wisdom of Solomon.

Rejoice, thou who revealest God’s most secret mysteries to thy faithful.

Rejoice, thou who transformest the dull-witted into lovers of wisdom.

Rejoice, thou light which enlightenest our souls.

Rejoice, thou who dost disgrace the vain wisdom of this age.

Rejoice, thou who settest on the right path those blinded by vain wisdom.

Rejoice, thou who renewest the minds of those who pray with conviction.

Rejoice, thou who placest a joyful thought in the heart in times of confusion.

Rejoice, thou who art the revelation of God’s Wisdom and Goodness.

Rejoice, thou who art the beauty of the heavens.

Rejoice, thou who hast given us a heavenly gift, thy wonder-working icon.

Rejoice, source of incessant joy.

Rejoice, All-Merciful Lady, who grantest wisdom and reason to all thy faithful people.

Kontakion 12: Obtain for us divine grace from thy Son and God, O all-good one; extend to us thy helping hand, that we may not perish without repentance; shield us with thy love; cleanse our minds of sinful designs; clear the eyes of our heart that we may see the path of salvation and grant us to sing to our Creator and God in this life and in the Heavenly Kingdom: alleluia.

Oikos 12: Singing the miracles, which have been manifested through thine icon, O Lady, we praise, glorify and honour thee, who art more honourable than the  cherubim, and more glorious, beyond compare, than the seraphim. Look upon us, standing before thy holy icon, O Theotokos, who art now in the heavens, and send us thy blessing; deliver us from all misfortune and the enemy’s temptations, for we honour thee with songs as our protector and keeper:

Rejoice, thou who dost save the entire universe by thy prayers.

Rejoice, thou who art the comfort of this sorrowful age.

Rejoice, Mother of Light, who enlightenest all with the light of thy purity.

Rejoice, thou who revealest to us the mysteries of God’s will.

Rejoice, thou who hast chosen Russia as thy portion and thy domain.

Rejoice, thou who by thy wonder-working icons hast blessed this land.

Rejoice, thou who raisest us to the Light of Truth through thine image.

Rejoice, thou who shieldest us invisibly with its divine grace.

Rejoice, thou who pourest blessed joy into God-loving hearts.

Rejoice, thou who by thine entreaties openest the doors of God’s mercy.

Rejoice, thou who helpest us to court the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, thou who art the only pure and blessed one amongst women.

Rejoice, All-Merciful Lady, who grantest wisdom and reason to all thy faithful people.

Kontakion 13: O all-praised Mother of the pre-eternal Light and Wisdom of the Father, who art the light of the darkened, the increase of intelligence and the joy of our hearts; hear and accept the pleading of us sinful ones; make us, who are unwise, wiser and teach us to sing and pray before thine icon, called ‘The Giver of Reason’. Cease not to pray for us, thine unworthy servants, who glorify thee and sing to thy Son and God: alleluia. (Thrice)

Oikos 1: The angelic messenger was sent to the town of Nazareth to the pure Virgin Mary to say to her, ‘Rejoice’, when the divine Word was made flesh in her womb. Having heard the annunciation, the Most Pure Virgin spoke from the humility of her heart, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to Thy word.’ Wherefore, we sinful ones reverently honour the Mother of Christ our God, and taught by the Archangel we cry out with compunction:

Rejoice, thou who art blessed among women.

Rejoice, thou who art favoured by God.

Rejoice, thou who art shielded by God’s strength.

Rejoice, thou who art sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, thou who art God’s faithful handmaiden.

Rejoice, thou who art chosen by God.

Rejoice, thou who hast given birth to the Saviour of the world.

Rejoice, thou Mother of the Light, which illuminest all.

Rejoice, thou who surpassest the wisdom of the wise.

Rejoice, thou who grantest wisdom to thy faithful.

Rejoice, Queen of heaven and earth.

Rejoice, for all generations shall call thee blessed.

Rejoice, All-Merciful Lady, who grantest wisdom and reason to all thy faithful people.

Kontakion 1: To the Mother of God, chosen from all generations, the Queen of Heaven and earth, who grantest a spiritual remedy to the whole world, we offer a hymn of thanksgiving for receiving the divine treasure, her wonder-working icon ‘The Giver of Reason’. Guarded by it we feel radiant joy and lovingly call: Rejoice, All-Merciful Lady who grantest and reason to all thy faithful people.

Prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos before her icon, called ‘The Giver of Reason’ 

O most holy Virgin, thou art the Bride of God the Father and the Mother of His Divine Son Jesus Christ! Thou art the Queen of Angels and the salvation of mankind, thou who dost unmask sinners and punish apostates. Have mercy upon us, who have sinned greatly and not fulfilled God’s commandments; who have broken the vows of baptism and of the monastic life and many other vows that we had promised to keep.  When the Holy Spirit abandoned King Saul, fear and despondency seized him and the darkness of despair and a joyless soul tortured him. And now we also, because of our sins, are deprived of the Grace of the Holy Spirit. Our mind is corrupted by idle thoughts, our soul is darkened since we have forgotten God, and now our hearts are crowded with all manner of sorrows, grievances, illnesses, hatred, malice, hostility, vindictiveness, pleasure at another’s misfortune, and other sins. And, having no joy or consolation, we call to thee, the Mother of our God Jesus Christ, to move thy Son by thine entreaties to forgive us our transgressions and to send us the Spirit the Comforter, as He sent Him to the apostles so that we, being comforted and enlightened by Him, would sing to thee a song of thanksgiving: rejoice, most holy Theotokos who hast increased our intelligence so that we may find our salvation. Amen. 

My good Queen, my holy hope, shelter of the lost and the protector of strangers, the helper of the poor and the protecting veil of those in temptations, see my misfortune, see my sorrow: I am surrounded by temptations and there is no one to guard me against them. Wherefore help me, thyself, as I am feeble, guide me as I am a stranger; instruct me as I have strayed; heal me and save me for I am hopeless. I have no other help, no other hope, besides thee, my Lady: help us, as we have placed our hope in thee and we glorify thee ceaselessly, as we are thy servants, let us not be disgraced. I kneel before thy mercy, O Virgin Theotokos, reject not mine entreaties as I am full of sorrows, but deliver me from my misfortunes, as thou only art pure and blessed. Amen.  

O Most Pure Theotokos, the House that God’s Wisdom has created for Himself, Giver of spiritual gifts, who dost elevate our minds from the world to the spiritual spheres and teach us reason! Accept the prayerful singing of thine unworthy servants, who venerate thee with faith and compunction before thy Most Pure image. Entreat thy Son and our God that He may grant our authorities wisdom and power; our judges truth and justice; our pastors spiritual wisdom, zeal and vigilant guarding of our souls; our mentors humble wisdom; our children obedience, and to all of us the spirit of reason and piety, the spirit of humility and meekness, the spirit of purity and truth. And now, our all-praised and all-loved Mother, increase our intelligence, pacify and unite those in hostility and separation, and give them an unbreakable bond of love; direct all those who have strayed through lack of reason, to the light of Christ’s truth and edify them in fear of God, abstention and love of work; give words of wisdom and knowledge, useful for the souls of those pleading with thee, who art more radiant than the cherubim and more honourable than the seraphim; that we, seeing God’s glorious works and His unfathomable wisdom, in the world and in our lives, shall abandon all earthly vanity and needless earthly concerns, raising our minds and our hearts to the heavens, and with thy protection and help shall glorify, thank and praise God, One in three and Creator of all, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen  

Troparion, tone 4:  O most glorious Mother of Christ, our God, who art the Giver of all good, preserve the universe by thy mercy; give us, thy servants, wisdom and reason; enlighten our souls with the light of thy Son, thou only all-praised, who art glorified by the cherubim and the seraphim.  

Kontakion, tone 2:  As thou enlightenest us by the reason of the one God, we praise thee, the Most Pure Mother of Reason which upholds the entire Universe. Thou art the beauty of the visible and the invisible world who enlightenest us by the rays of Life.  

Akathist to the Protecting-Veil of the Mother of God

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Kontakion 1: O Chosen by the Pre-Eternal God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, higher than all creation, who hast in days past entered praying into the Church of the Blachernae we, offering Thee with thanksgiving due veneration, flee with faith and compunction under Thy shining vestment for we lie in darkness. And as Thou who hast invincible power dost set us free from every affliction that we may cry to Thee: Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious veil.

Ikos 1: Archangels and angels with John the Forerunner, John the Divine and the choir of all the saints, were present with Thee, their Queen, in the Church of the Blachernae and hearing Thy moving supplication for all the world, they cried out with wonder as follows:

Rejoice, O pre-eternal good will of God the Father Who has no beginning of days.

Rejoice, timeless and most pure one who contained God the Son.

Rejoice, Thou chosen dwelling-place of God the all-Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, Thou never ceasing wonder of the angelic hosts on high.

Rejoice, Thou all-threatening terror of the dark forces of hell.

Rejoice, Thou whom the many-eyed cherubim meet in the air.

Rejoice, Thou to whom the six-winged seraphim ascribe praises.

Rejoice, Thou whose most precious veil we born on earth thankfully venerate.

Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 2: Saint Andrew with Epiphanios having seen Thee inside the Church praying to God in the air all Christians, acknowledged Thee to be the Mother of Christ our God Who ascended into heaven and falling to the ground they joyfully venerated Thine all-precious veil, crying: Alleluia!

Ikos 2: Thou O Theotokos Virgin art knowledge unknowable in defense of Orthodox people. Therefore our enemies know not how strong is the prayer of the Mother of God: while we well aware of Thine all-mighty protection cry to Thee with tender feeling:

Rejoice, Most merciful Comforter of all the afflicted and heavy laden.

Rejoice, never sleeping Guide of all those who have strayed and gone blind.

Rejoice, Thou who by Thy supplication dost swiftly appease the wrath of God rightly poured out on us.

Rejoice, Thou who by an all-powerful behest dost tame out evil passions.

Rejoice, strong waker of sleeping consciences.

Rejoice, easy overcomer of sinful practices.

Rejoice, Thou for whose sake hell groans and the spirits of evil tremble.

Rejoice, Thou for whose sake the gates of paradise are opened to all.

Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 3: Power from on high overshadows those who run for refuge with faith and reverence to Thy precious protection: for to Thee alone, O all holy and all pure only Mother of God is it given that every petition of Thine be fulfilled. Therefore the faithful of all ages glorify Thee and Thy Son, crying: Alleluia!

Ikos 3: O Lady, having a never-failing wealth of mercy, Thou dost stretch the hand of help to all the ends of the earth: and dost  give healing to the sick, relief to the suffering, sight to the blind, and to all everything that is expedient for them as they cry aloud in thanksgiving:

Rejoice, indestructible fortress and bulwark of Orthodox rulers.

Rejoice, principle adornment of holy churches and altars.

Rejoice, truest guard of holy monasteries.

Rejoice, vigilant Helper of stouthearted civil authorities.

Rejoice, unconquerable Leader of Christian captains and armies.

Rejoice, holy mirror of justice for judges who take no bribes.

Rejoice, perfect knowledge for teachers and those who bring up children.

Rejoice, Blessing of pious homes and families.

Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 4: O Lady, Thou dost help us held fast by a storm of many afflictions: for Thou dost stand before the altar of the Lord, lifting Thine hands and praying that the Lord of glory look down on our unworthy prayer and hearken to the petitions of those who call upon Thy holy Name crying to Thy Son: Alleluia!

Ikos 4: The Lord God heard Joshua, son of Nun, praying and He commanded the sun to stand still until he defeated the enemy. The Lord Jesus now hears Thy supplication, O chosen dwelling of the Holy Spirit. Therefore we sinners, putting our trust in Thy protection, make bold to say to Thee, Mother of God:

Rejoice, Thou who are lit by the Sun of the mind and who dost enlighten us with the light that never sets.

Rejoice, Thou who hast illumined the whole earth by the brightness of Thy most pure soul.

Rejoice, Thou who hast made glad the whole heavens by the purity of Thy body.

Rejoice, Protector and Provider of the holy monasteries of Christ.

Rejoice, Thou who art the strength and understanding of the pastors of the Church.

Rejoice, Guide of God-fearing monks and nuns.

Rejoice, untroubled rest of the pious aged.

Rejoice, secret gladness of pure virgins and widows.

Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 5: When Moses who saw God lifted his arms while the battle with Amalek raged, Israel overcame and when he let his hands fall, Amalek was victorious and strengthened by those who hold up his arms, Israel defeated the enemy; and Thou, O Mother of God, having raised Thine hands in supplication, even though no man hold them up, dost always conquer the enemies of Christ and art an invincible shield for us who cry: Alleluia!

Ikos 5: The assemblies of saints when they had seen Thee in the air inside the church of the Blachernae stretching Thy hands in prayer to Thy Son and God, sang Thee a song in Thanksgiving with the archangels and angels: while we, our hands fortified by Thee made stronger than the arms of Moses, cry aloud with compunction:

Rejoice, Thou whose love and mercy towards us alone hold out Thine hands for us.

Rejoice, Thou before Whom our enemies, visible and invisible, cannot stand.

Rejoice, Thou who drivest away the dark hordes of our passions and lusts.

Rejoice, Thou who holdest in Thine hand without being consumed, the divine fire of Christ, and who with it dost set us in our coldness aflame.

Rejoice, Thou who crownest with a fair crown of chastity those who fight against the flesh.

Rejoice, Thou perpetual Converser with those who strive in fasting and silent prayer.

Rejoice, Thou speedy Comforter of those who fall from despair and sadness.

Rejoice, Thou who dost by grace provide us with humility and patience.

Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 6: Saint Roman the Melodist, appeared as an unfailing proclaimer of Thy grace and mercy when he had received from Thee in a dream a paper roll to swallow: for thereby made wise, he began to sing with skill in Thine honor and to write praises for the saints, calling out with faith: Alleluia!

Ikos 6: O Virgin, Maid of God, who hast shone forth the Dawn from the true Sun of righteousness, enlightening all with the wisdom of Thy God and Son and who leadest all to knowledge of the truth those who cry to Thee:

Rejoice, Thou who hast given birth to Christ in the flesh, the power of God and wisdom of God.

Rejoice, Thou who hast confounded the foolish wisdom of this world and who hast guided those blinded by it on the way of truth.

Rejoice, Preserver of our holy faith and teacher of Orthodox dogma.

Rejoice, Uprooter of impious heresies and corrupting divisions.

Rejoice, Thou who well knowest secret and unforeseen difficulties and dost tell those whom it is proper about them.

Rejoice, thou who puttest to shame false seers and vain divining.

Rejoice, Thou who in the hour of perplexity dost put a good thought in our hearts.

Rejoice, Thou who dost turn us from perilous purposes and senseless desires.

Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 7: The all-seeing, long suffering Lord, wishing to manifest the unsearchable deep of His mercies and love for mankind, chose Thee alone to be His Mother, and made Thee into an invincible defense for His people: that even though one of them appear worthy of condemnation by the righteous judgment of God, yet all the more shall he be preserved for repentance by Thy mighty protection, crying: Alleluia!

Ikos 7: O Lord, Thou hast shown in Thine all-pure Mother, how wonderful are Thy works when Her most marvelous veil was revealed in Her hand shining brighter than the rays of the sun and with it She protected the people in the Church of Blachernae: for hearing of such a sign of Her defense, held by fear and joy, all say:

Rejoice, thou veil not made by hand of man that is spread over the whole world like a cloud.

Rejoice, Thou who dost hold in Thine hands the banner of Thy Son, the Pre-Eternal High-Priest.

Rejoice, Thou who hast thereby made manifest a new mercy and new grace in the Orthodox Church.

Rejoice, pillar of cloud who protectest all of us in the world from temptations and scandals.

Rejoice, pillar of fire amidst the darkness, showing us all the path of salvation.

Rejoice, visible strength of manifest strivers for godliness.

Rejoice, secret Giver of understanding to the secret servants of God in this world.

Rejoice, Thou who also leavest not without Thy grace and protection me who am stripped of all good works.

Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 8: Angels sang Thy praises when Thou didst appear in wondrous wise from heaven in the Church of the Blachernae and apostles gave Thee glory. The choir of holy bishops and monks and the band of holy women extolled Thee, the Forerunner with John the Theologian venerated Thee, and the people present in the Church cried aloud with joy: Alleluia!

Ikos 8: The Lord Who reignest over all things above and below, when He had seen Thee, His Mother, standing in the Church and praying with tender feeling to Him, said: Ask, O my Mother, because I shall never turn from Thee but will fulfil all Thy petitions and teach all to sing to Thee in thanksgiving:

Rejoice, Ark of the law in which is kept the sanctification of all mankind.

Rejoice, all-holy Jar in which the bread of eternal life is preserved for those who hunger for righteousness.

Rejoice, all-golden Vessel in which the flesh and blood of the divine Lamb are prepared for us.

Rejoice, Thou who dost receive in Thine all-powerful arms those foresaken by the physicians.

Rejoice, Thou who dost raise from their bed of sickness those crippled in body, but not in spirit and faith.

Rejoice, Thou who givest a new and better understanding to those who are perishing from infirmity of mind.

Rejoice, Thou who dost wisely trip us up on the stubborn path of sin and passion.

Rejoice, Thou who dost turn to mercy the cruelty of our unrepentant hearts.

Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 9: The whole assembly of angels offers Thee praises, Thou true Mother of God and Defender of all who run to Thee, knowing how with Thine unfailing protection Thou dost rejoice the righteous, protect and deliver the poor, and pray for all the faithful crying: Alleluia!

Ikos 9: The wordy orators, become as dumb fish, are at a loss as to how to praise as is due, the great feast of Thine all-precious protection: for all the things said by them about Thee suffice not to number Thy mercies alone. And we, seeing Thy good works without number, cry with gladness:

Rejoice, Thou who dost guard us from the deadly plague in which all perish.

Rejoice, Thou who dost preserve cities and villages from sudden earthquakes.

Rejoice, Thou who dost lead us out with Thy strong arm from flood and drowning.

Rejoice, Thou who by the dew of Thy prayers dost deliver us from the kindling of fire.

Rejoice, Thou who dost provide against hunger of soul and body by the Bread of Life.

Rejoice, Thou who dost lead away from our heads the blows of lightening and thunder.

Rejoice, Thou who dost save us from the attacks of strangers and secret murderers.

Rejoice, Thou who dost guard us with peace and love against family quarrels and enmities of those of our own blood.

Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 10: Wishing to save mankind from the error of the enemy, the Lord Who lovest mankind gave us on earth Thee His Mother to be our help, protection and defense, for Thee to be the Comforter of those that sorrow, the Joy of the afflicted, the Defender of the injured, and to raise all from the depth of sin, singing: Alleluia!

Ikos 10: “O King of Heaven”, spoke the all-pure Queen in prayer as She stood with the angels, “do Thou accept every man praying to Thee and calling upon my name for help, that he go not away from my face empty and unheard.” Hearing this most good supplication, the assemblies of the saints cried in thanksgiving:

Rejoice, Thou who crownest with blessed fruits the husbandman pure in hand and heart.

Rejoice, Succour and righteous Rewarder for all those who honestly trade.

Rejoice, Reprover before all nations of those who keep not their oaths and whose gains are unjust.

Rejoice, unexpected Helper of those in distress in travels by land and water.

Rejoice, Thou who makest childless couples glad with the fruits of faith and spirit.

Rejoice, unseen Tutor of motherless orphans.

Rejoice, strong Defender of those in captivity and exile.

Rejoice, ever-watchful Guardian of those sitting in bonds and prison.

Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 11: Hearing a most moving song and attending to Thy prayer for us, we beg Thee, O Virgin Theotokos, look not away from the voices of Thy servants for we run to Thee in assaults and affliction and in our distress we pour out our tears before Thee, crying: Alleluia!

Ikos 11: Seeing Thee in the air inside the Blachernae Church burning in prayer as a candle aflame with light, I gave voice together with a multitude of people there present: “how can this be that the Mother of my Lord has come to me?” And Saint Andrew with Epiphanios prayed warmly to Thee, crying:

Rejoice, abundant Giver of all spiritual and bodily gifts.

Rejoice, true Advocate of sinners who have started to repent.

Rejoice, perpetual Champion of those fighting with enemy passions and intents.

Rejoice, invisible Tamer of cruel and bestial masters.

Rejoice, secret Rest and Consolation of humble and suffering servants.

Rejoice, most longed-for Fulfiller of blessed marriages.

Rejoice, swift and painless relief of mothers in childbirth.

Rejoice, our only Help in the hour of death.

Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 12: Ask Thy Son to give us divine grace; stretch towards us a helping hand; ward off from us every enemy and adversary and give our lives peace that we perish not grievously, without repentance, but accept us, O our Protector, in the eternal mansions, that, rejoicing we may cry to Thee: Alleluia!

Ikos 12: Singing the praises of Thy mighty protection, we praise Thee for Thou art to us all our firm Advocate and we venerate Thee who dost pray for us: for we believe and we trust that Thou wilt beg of Thy Son and God eternal and temporal good things for all who cry thus to Thee with love:

Rejoice, strong Defense of the whole inhabited earth.

Rejoice, sanctification of all the earthly and heavenly elements.

Rejoice, Thou Blessing of all the seasons of the year.

Rejoice, Thou Conqueror of all assaults and temptations that come from the world, the flesh and the devil.

Rejoice, unhoped for Reconciliation of those who are at daggers drawn.

Rejoice, Amendment without their knowledge of unrepentant sinners.

Rejoice, Thou who dost not turn away those despised and forsaken by all.

Rejoice, Thou who dost pluck from the pit of destruction those that indeed despair.

Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 13 (3x): O all-praised Mother, Most pure Lady, Virgin, Theotokos, to Thee do I lift up the eyes of my soul and body, to Thee do I stretch forth my hands grown feeble and I cry from the depth of my heart: look down on the faith and humility of my soul; shelter me with Thy almighty protection, that I be saved from all assault and distress, and in the hour of my death, be by me, O Thou all-blessed, and deliver me from the torment prepared for me because of my sins, that venerating Thee, I may ever cry: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Ikos 1 Repeated: Archangels and angels with John the Forerunner, John the Theologian and the choir of all the saints, were present with Thee, their Queen, in the Church of the Blachernae and hearing Thy moving supplication for all the world, they cried out with wonder as follows:

Rejoice, O pre-eternal good will of God the Father Who has no beginning of days.

Rejoice, timeless and most pure one who contained God the Son.

Rejoice, Thou chosen dwelling-place of God the all-Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, Thou never ceasing wonder of the angelic hosts on high.

Rejoice, Thou all-threatening terror of the dark forces of hell.

Rejoice, Thou whom the many-eyed cherubim meet in the air.

Rejoice, Thou to whom the six-winged seraphim ascribe praises.

Rejoice, Thou whose most precious veil we born on earth thankfully venerate.

Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious Veil.

Kontakion 1 Repeated: O Chosen by the Pre-Eternal God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, higher than all creation, who hast in days past entered praying into the Church of the Blachernae we, offering Thee with thanksgiving due veneration, flee with faith and compunction under Thy shining vestment for we lie in darkness. And as Thou who hast invincible power dost set us free from every affliction that we may cry to Thee: Rejoice, our Joy, protect us from every ill by Thy precious veil.

First Prayer: O all-holy Virgin, Mother of the Lord of the hosts on high, Thou Queen of heaven and earth and almighty Defender of our country, accept from us Thine unworthy servants this song of praise and thanksgiving and bring our prayer up to the throne of Thy God and Son, that He be merciful towards our unrighteousness, and extend His grace to those who honor Thy name and venerate with faith and love Thy wonder-working ikon. For we are not worthy to be forgiven by Him hadst Thou, O Lady, not made Him merciful towards us, for all things from Him are possible to Thee. Therefore we run to Thee as Thou art our swift and undoubted Protector. Hear us who pray to Thee: overshadow us with Thine almighty veil and ask from Thy God and Son zeal and vigilance for our shepherds, wisdom and strength for the souls of those who govern our cities, righteousness and impartiality for our judges, understanding and humility for our leaders, love and concord for the married, obedience for our children, patience for those who have been offended, the fear of God for those that offend, stoutheartedness for the afflicted, restraint for those that rejoice, and for all of us the spirit of understanding and godliness, the spirit of mercy and meekness, the spirit of chastity and truth. Yea, O all-holy Lady, be merciful towards Thy feeble people: gather together the dispersed, guide on the right way those that have gone astray, uphold old age, make the young pure, bring up the children and look down upon all of us with the care of Thy merciful protection. Raise us from the depth of sin and enlighten the eyes of our hearts to see salvation. Be merciful to us both here and yonder, during our wandering in the land of this earth and at the Last Judgement of Thy Son: and make our fathers and brothers who have departed this life live the eternal life with the angels and all the saints. For Thou, O Lady, art the glory of those in heaven and the trust of those on earth. After God, Thou art the hope and Defender of all who flee to Thee with faith. We then pray to Thee and to Thee as our almighty Helper, do we commend ourselves and one another, now and for ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Second Prayer: O my most blessed Queen, my all-holy hope, Receiver of orphans and Defender of the strangers, Helper of those in poverty, Protector of the sick, behold my distress, behold my affliction. On all sides am I held by temptation, and there is none to defend me. Help me then as I am weak, feed me as I am a pilgrim, guide me as I have strayed, heal and save me as I lie without hope. For I have no other help, nor advocate nor comforter, save Thee, O Mother of all the afflicted and heavy laden. Look down then on me, a sinner lying in sickness, and protect me with Thine all-holy Veil, that I be delivered from all the ills surrounding me and may ever praise Thy Name that all men sing. Amen.

The Canon to the Holy, Right-Believing Prince Wenceslaus

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Ode I, Irmos: When Israel walked on foot in the sea as on dry land, * on seeing their pursuer Pharaoh drowned, * they cried: * Let us sing to God * a song of victory.

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

O ye faithful, with joy let us join chorus, hymning the Savior with radiant souls, on the most wondrous memorial of Wenceslaus, the servant of Christ!

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

Slain unjustly like an innocent lamb, thou didst emulate the sufferings of the Master, O glorious one; wherefore, thou dost now rejoice with the choirs of the martyrs, O thou who art blessed of God.

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

Receiving a death which won thee life, thou standest now in glory before the Master of all. Pray thou that we who keep thy most wondrous memory may also obtain it, O holy one.

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

Who can tell of the countless wonders which thou workest in the world, O glorious one? For thou dost continually grant healing in abundance unto all the faithful.

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

O Sovereign Lady, raise me up who have fallen among thieves through my soul-destroying deeds and am drowning in death. I pray thee: Entreat thy Son and God for me.

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

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

Thou didst ever burn with Christian love for the Holy Church, O most blessed one, where, like an innocent lamb, thou didst look forward to thine unjust slaughter.

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

Adorned with thy most splendid blood, thy Church emitteth the radiant beams of miracles, hymning thy memory, O right glorious one.

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

Enlightened from childhood by the rays of the Trinity, O venerable one, thou didst become an heir of Christ. Him do thou entreat, that He send peace unto our souls.

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

Thy divine birthgiving doth transcend every other miracle, O pure one; for, having conceived in thy womb and given birth unto the transcendent God, thou didst remain Ever-virgin.

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

Sessional Hymn, Tone VIII: Spec. Mel.: “Of the Wisdom …”: Seeking to prevent thee from ascending thy throne, the enemies of the Orthodox Faith murdered thy pious grandmother, the saintly Lyudmila, that she might no longer guide thee with Christian counsel; yet so well grounded wast thou by her in reverence for things divine and in love for Christ, that her martyrdom in nowise moved thee from thy sacred purpose, and the wiles of thine enemies served only to strengthen thee in thy resolve, and to gain for the Holy Church another martyr in heaven.

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

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

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

Lovingly raised in the pure Faith from childhood, by thy pure works thou didst lovingly follow the Master and put His false enemy to shame by thy hope.

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

Shining with radiance, O holy Wenceslaus, by thy supplications enlighten those who are darkened by sins, for with the choirs of the martyrs thou hast boldness to pray for us.

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

Cut down by the sword, O invincible saint, thou didst cut down the wicked foe with the sword of patience; wherefore, thou hast received a crown from the hand of the Almighty.

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

Truly the mysteries of thy divine birthgiving are ineffable and unattainable for those on earth and those in heaven, O Ever-virgin Theotokos.

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

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

Having received through thy sufferings the life which is devoid of pain, O all- praised and holy Wenceslaus, thou hast been shown to be a help for all who suffer and with faith call upon thee for aid.

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

With the most radiant beams of thy miracles thou hast enlightened the north, the south and the west more than the sun, O blessed one; wherefore, illumine us who celebrate thy memory, O saint.

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

Thou wast a helper of those amid misfortunes, the sustainer of the poor, and the comfort of the grieving; wherefore, even after thy death, O holy one, thou dost deliver all who with faith call upon thee for help.

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

O good Sovereign Lady of the world, save those who with all their soul confess thee to be the Theotokos; for we have thee, who art truly the Theotokos, as our help, O immaculate one.

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

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

Having acquired a pure life through fasting, O most wondrous Wenceslaus, thou hast been revealed to be a fellow citizen with the angels. With them pray thou for the salvation of our souls.

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

Forsaking a transitory earthly princedom, and receiving a royal adornment from the right hand of the Master, thou didst acquire through corruptible things that which is eternal, in that thou art wise.

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

O holy one, accept praise from the accursed lips of one who is unable to fashion worthy praises for thee, and entreat the merciful God, that He grant us great mercy.

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

O most pure Lady who for mortals gave birth to the Helmsman and Lord, confound my wicked lusts, and grant serenity unto my heart.

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice)

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

Kontakion, Tone I, Spec. Mel.“The choir of the angels …”: Standing with the choirs of the angels, * O blessed Prince Wenceslaus, * thou delightest in divine and ineffable goodness; * and drawing thence the goodly gifts of miracles, * thou pourest forth abundant cures upon all ** who with faith flee to thy holiness.

Ikos: Great is the consternation of the enemy of our salvation! For, seeking to destroy the Christian Faith which was planted in Bohemia by the pious Borivoy and the holy Lyudmila, he instilled within the accursed Prince Boleslaus the treacherous intention to murder his godly brother, the holy Prince Wenceslaus, and thus unjustly to seize his throne. Yet the Savior bestowed upon His martyr so great an abundance of the grace of miracles that the people of Bohemia were amazed and hastened to be enlightened. Thus the machinations of the devil were utterly foiled, and the Holy Orthodox Church grew and thrived. And even to this day the precious relics of the martyr pour forth an abundance of cures upon all who with faith flee to his holiness.

Ode VII, Irmos: An Angel made the furnace bedew the holy Children. * But the command of God consumed the Chaldeans * and prevailed upon the tyrant to cry: * O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

The ancient malefactor envied thy sacred life and incited the mindless brigand to slay thee; but with a pure conscience thou didst unceasingly cry out to thy Creator: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

Prague, thy most glorious city, danceth with gladness today, honoring thy memory, and, radiantly emitting thy miracles, it calleth the whole land to cry aloud: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

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

Through the deception of the wicked one, of old the ground was stained by the hand of Cain, who slew his own brother; but sprinkled now with blood, it offereth sacrifices of sweet savor unto Christ, crying: Blessed is the God of our fathers!

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

Through thee, O Virgin, Light hath shone forth upon those in darkness, for thou hast given birth to the Creator and God of all. Him do thou beseech, O most pure one, that He ever send down great mercy upon us, the faithful.

Ode VIII, Irmos: Thou didst make flame bedew the holy children, * and didst burn the sacrifice of a righteous man with water. * For Thou alone, O Christ, dost do all as Thou willest, * Thee do we supremely exalt throughout all ages.

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

Sanctified from on high by rays of grace, O most glorious one, thou didst shine forth more brightly than the sun in the land of Bohemia with the beauties of gladness, supremely exalting Christ throughout the ages.

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

Receiving thy holy body today, O blessed one, Prague, thine all-praised city, proclaimeth thy most wondrous miracles unto all the world, supremely exalting Christ throughout the ages.

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

Adorned with meekness and illumined with a proper understanding of Orthodoxy, O most wondrous one, thou wast truly shown to be a herald of the most holy Trinity, supremely exalting Christ throughout the ages.

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

Thou didst ineffably conceive and give birth unto the Transcendent One, the Word, the Bestower of light, Who is begotten of Light, O Virgin, for the Spirit of God made His abode within thee. Wherefore, we hymn thee, O pure one, throughout all ages.

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

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

Thou wast deemed worthy of great grace, O glorious one, and hast illumined the whole world, granting healings in abundance unto all.

Holy, right-believing prince,Wenceslaus, pray to God for us.

Accept the joy of the angels, O holy one, and, standing before thy Creator, pray for us who magnify thee.

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

Thou hast now received blessed repose, O most glorious one. Cease thou never to pray that those who magnify thee may continually share in holy blessedness.

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

O Virgin Theotokos, who after the word of the archangel hast given birth to thy Creator in a manner beyond all telling, entreat Him, that our souls be saved.

Troparion, in Tone IV: Today angels and men share a common joy. * Heaven and earth join together in splendid chorus for thy memorial, O holy one. * And we sinners earnestly cry aloud unto thee: * Pray thou to the Master on our behalf, * that from dangers and from visible and invisible foes, * He may deliver us ** who honor thine all-honored memory.

The Canon of the New Indiction

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Ode 1, Irmos: O all ye people, let us chant a hymn of victory unto Him Who delivered Israel from the bitter bondage of Pharaoh and led them through the depths of the sea dry-shod, for He hath been glorified.

Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

Let us all chant a hymn of victory unto Christ, by Whom all things were fashioned and in Whom the incomprehensible is perfected, as the hypostatic Word begotten of God the Father, for He hath been glorified.

Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

Let us all chant a hymn of victory unto Christ, Who through the Father’s good pleasure appeared from the Virgin and proclaimed unto us the acceptable year of the Lord for deliverance, for He hath been glorified.

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

The Bestower of the law, arriving in Nazareth, taught on the Sabbath day, laying down for the Jews the law of His ineffable coming, whereby He saveth our race, in that He is merciful.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O all ye faithful, chanting, let us ever praise the all-wondrous Maiden who shone forth Christ upon the world and hath filled all things with the joy of everlasting life, for she hath been glorified.

Ode 3, Irmos: Establish me, O Christ, upon the immovable rock of Thy commandments, and illumine me with the light of Thy countenance, for none is holier than Thou, Who lovest mankind.

Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

O Good One, establish Thou that which Thy right hand hath lovingly planted on the earth, preserving Thy Church, the fertile vineyard, O Almighty One.

Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

O Master, God of all things, lead through this year which beginneth those who adorn themselves with divinely beautiful spiritual works, and who hymn Thee with faith.

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

O compassionate Christ, grant me a tranquil year and fill me with Thy divine words which Thou didst reveal when Thou didst speak to the Jews on the Sabbath.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

We ever glorify thee, for thou alone didst, in manner surpassing nature, beyond human comprehension, receive grace in thy womb and didst, without changing, give birth unto Christ God.

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

Sedalion of the Indiction, in Tone 8: O Thou Who bestowest fruitful seasons and rains from heaven upon those on earth, and dost now accept the supplications of Thy servants: from all want do Thou deliver Thy city, for truly Thy compassions are evident in all Thy works. Wherefore, bless Thou our goings out and our comings in, set aright among us the work of our hands, and grant us forgiveness of offenses O God: For, as Thou art mighty, Thou didst bring all things from non-existence into being.

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

(repeat sedalion)

Ode 4, Irmos: I have considered Thy dispensation, O Almighty One, and with fear have I glorified Thee, O Saviour.

Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

The beginning of the year do Thy people offer unto Thee, O Saviour, glorifying Thee with angelic hymns.

Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

As Thou lovest mankind, O Christ, count those who begin the year worthy to complete it in a manner well-pleasing unto Thee.

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

O only and almighty Lord, having calmed the world, grant it cycles of years.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Let us all now hymn the Theotokos as the haven of our souls and our steadfast hope.

Ode 5, Irmos: Waking at dawn out of the night, we hymn Thee, O Christ, Who art consubstantial with the Father, and the Saviour of our souls: Grant peace to the world, O Thou Who lovest mankind!

Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

O Christ, Who fillest all things with goodness: do Thou grant unto Thy servants a year of varied seasons, crowned with mildness, fruitfulness and blessings.

Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

Yearly recompense, a turn for the better and a state of peace do Thou show unto us who know Thee to be Him Who became like unto men, O Word of God.

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

Thou didst come to earth proclaiming from the Father the release of captives and the recovery of the blind, and the acceptable time, O Thou that art equally unoriginate with the Father.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

We set our hopes and our desire on thee, O pure Theotokos. Him Whom thou didst bear do thou render merciful unto us, O Virgin.

Ode 6, Irmos: Thou didst save the prophet from the sea monster, O Lover of mankind; do Thou lead me up from the abyss of transgressions, I pray.

Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

O Master, with the beginning of the year vouchsafe us to begin a life well-pleasing unto Thee.

Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

O Master, with the beginning of the year vouchsafe us to begin a life well-pleasing unto Thee.

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

O compassionate Saviour, show us forth who hymn Thee to be full of spiritual days in the study of Thy law.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O all-pure and most immaculate Theotokos who gavest birth to the Lord, from misfortunes deliver us who hymn thee.

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

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

Kontakion of the Indiction, tone 2: O Christ our King Who livest in the highest, Creator and Maker of all things, visible and invisible, Who hast fashioned days and nights, seasons and years: bless Thou now the crown of the year; preserve and keep in peace Orthodox hierarchs, this city and Thy people, O greatly Merciful One.

Ode 7, Irmos: The children raised together in piety, disdaining the impious command, feared not the threat of the fire, but, standing in the midst of the flame, they chanted: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

O ye Orthodox people who now begin the year, let us set a beginning to our hymns to Christ Who reigneth over the everlasting Kingdom; and let us piously chant: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

O ye Orthodox people who now begin the year, let us set a beginning to our hymns to Christ Who reigneth over the everlasting Kingdom; and let us piously chant: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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

O Christ, Who before wast, shalt be and art the Lord: fill Thou this year with Thy good gifts for those who hymn Thee, the Source of goodness, chanting: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

As servants petitioning their Master, we set before Thee Thy pure Mother, O Christ, that Thou mayest deliver from every evil circumstance Thy servants who chant: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Ode 8, Irmos: Christ God, Who saved the chanting children in the furnace and transformed the raging flames into dew, hymn ye, supremely exalting Him for all ages!

Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

O Christ, the honoured Church offereth Thee the beginning of the year, as to the Author of our salvation, crying: Hymn ye and supremely exalt Christ forever!

Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

The Creator Who hath wisely renewed all that He brought into existence, and hath brought forth the cycles of the seasons by His will, hymn ye and supremely exalt forever!

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

Let us chant unto God, Who hath brought forth all things and Who changeth the seasons for the manifold prosperity of men: Praise and exalt Christ supremely forever!

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

With the cycles and seasons of time, we, the assemblies of men, hymn thee in Orthodox manner as the Theotokos, the pure Virgin Mother of God, the salvation of all.

Ode 9, Irmos: The bush which burnt with fire yet was not consumed showed forth an image of thy pure birth giving. And now we pray that the furnace of temptation which rageth against us be extinguished, that we may unceasingly magnify thee, O Theotokos.

Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

O Word of God, Power, true and hypostatic Wisdom, Who sustaineth and directeth all things wisely, do Thou now peacefully order the season which hath dawned for Thy servants.

Glory to Thee, O God, glory to Thee.

All Thy works, O Lord: the heavens, the earth, light, and the sea, the waters and all the springs, the sun, the moon, darkness, the stars, fire, men and beasts, praise Thee with the angels. Thou alone art pre-eternal, in that Thou art the Creator of the ages.

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

O reigning Godhead, One, indivisible, in three Persons: through the supplications of the pure Mother of God, show forth this year as fruitful for Thine inheritance.

Both now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O Saviour of all, Maker, Creator, and Ruler of all creation: through the supplications of her who gaveth birth to Thee without seed, grant peace to Thy world, preserving Thy Church ever undisturbed.

Troparion of the Indiction: O Fashioner of all creation, Who in Thine authority hast appointed the times and seasons: bless Thou the crown of the year with Thy goodness, O Lord, preserving in peace Orthodox Christians and Thy city, and save us through the prayers of the Theotokos.

Thursday Evening Compline : Canon in Tone I

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A Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos.

Ode 1, Irmos: Having been delivered from bitter slavery, * Israel traversed the impassable as though dry land; * and beholding the enemy drowned, * they chanted unto God as to their Redeemer, * Who worketh wonders with His upraised arm, * for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

granting me life everlasting.

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

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

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

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

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

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice).

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday Evening Compline : Canon in Tone I

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A Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos.

Ode1, Irmos: Let us all chant a triumphant hymn unto God * Who wrought wondrous miracles * with His upraised arm, * and saved Israel, * for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

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

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

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

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

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice).

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Evening Compline : Canon in Tone I

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On Sunday evening  of Tone I, at Compline: Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos.

Ode1, 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. (Thrice).

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 Savior 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.

Thursday Evening Compline : Canon in Tone VIII

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As Thursday’s evening services are for the Transfiguration, a Supplicatory Canon to the Mother of God is not appointed to be read.

However, I will still post the canon for the evening of Thursday, in the week of tone 8, as it is still of value in prayer and devotions for the Dormition Fast.

On Thursday evening of Tone VIII, at Compline: Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode 1, 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. (Thrice).

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.

Wednesday Evening Compline : Canon in Tone VIII

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Further to my encouragement to pray the supplicatory canons to the Theotokos as part of the praxis of the Dormition Fast, the canon for compline for Wednesday of  tone 8 is posted, below.

This could easily be incorporated into your evening prayers, and though relatively short may be part of the ongoing prayerful-dedication of these days of the Dormition Fast to the Mother of God.

On Wednesday evening of Tone VIII, at Compline: Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode1, 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 …;

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 become a man, delivering us from corruption and leading us up to a life of incorruption.

Now & ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.  О pure one, heal thou the sickness of my soul, granting me thy

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 honored dwelling-place of God; for she contained God, receiving Him Who is infinite and unapproachable.

Lord, have mercy. (Thrice).

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 beginningless 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.

Preparing for the Dormition

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Dear brothers and sisters,

With yesterday’s feast, we began the Dormition Fast, which is a small but strict period  of abstinence before our celebration of the Falling Asleep of the Mother of God and her Assumption into Heaven.

This feast is a powerful echo of the Lord’s Resurrection and, as such, it is our Summer Pascha. This is reflected in the various ceremonies and services celebrated across the Orthodox world for the feast, including the Burial Service of the Mother of God, which mirrors Holy and Great Saturday.

Given this Paschal nature of the feast, it is not surprising that we should prepare with fasting. But, what about our spiritual preparation in terms of prayer?

The spiritual praxis of the Great Fast is shaped by the Lenten Triodion, but the other fasting periods of the year have no such source of a schematised liturgical framework.

However, in the Greek tradition, the Great and Small Supplicatory Canons to the Mother of God are chanted in a pareklisis/ moleben each night up until the eve of the feast, starting with the Small Supplicatory Canon if August 1st (14th New Style) falls on a weekday, but with the Great Supplicatory Canon if August 1st falls on a Saturday or Sunday.

The canon is not chanted on Saturdays, being the eve of the Lord’s Day, and on the Lord’s Day the Great Supplicatory Canon is chanted unless it is the eve of Transfiguration, when the vigil will be celebrated.

Having said all of this, the Great Supplicatory Canon is not traditionally part of Russian liturgical custom, as only the Small Canon was part of the transmitted liturgical tradition at the time it was received form Byzantium.

As I’ve posted before, there are actually fifty-six Supplicatory Canons to the Mother of God in the Octoechos (the book of the eight tones, from which we take the daily variables on our eight-week cycle). In each tone, there is a canon for use at compline for each night of the week.

Reflecting our own Slavic tradition, it would be good if the faithful could integrate either the Supplicatory Canon from our prayerbooks, or the Supplicatory Canon of the day into evening prayers, in preparation for the celebration of the Dormition.

For the Canons of the Octoechos, see:

English: http://st-sergius.org/services/services2A.html

Slavonic: http://st-sergius.org/services/services3.html

The canons are to be found in the compline variables, and we start are currently in Tone 8, returning to Tone 1 on Saturday evening, at vespers.

The refrain between the verses is, of course. ‘Most Holy Theotokos, save us’, with ‘Glory be to the Father etc.’ before the penultimate troparion, and ‘Both now and ever etc…’ before the final troparion in each ode.

These are days in which we should be seeking to draw closer to the Mother of God, as we spiritually approach her Falling Asleep, to joyously celebrate her new life – body and soul – with her Son in Heaven.

Wishing you a good struggle with prayer and fasting. Find time for the Mother of God in these two weeks of fasting, and thank the Lord for her maternal care for the Church and Christian people.

May God bless you –

Hieromonk Mark