A Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: Through the deep of the Red Sea, * marched dry shod Israel of old, * and by Moses’ outstretched hands, * raised in the form of a cross, * the power of Amalek was routed in the wilderness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O thou who alone art the defender amid perils and tribulations of those who fervently flee beneath thy protection О most pure one, accept our heartfelt supplications, in that thou art exceedingly good.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Ignorant though I am, I have found thee to be a tranquil haven repelling dangers and violent assaults, О thou who hast given birth to the God-man, and I chant hymns of thanksgiving unto thee.

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

Regarding me, who am stuck fast amid evil circumstances and sorrows, with thy meek and merciful eye, О Birthgiver of God, quickly free me from them, for I call upon thee for help.

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

In that thou alone art a good and merciful intercessor for thy servants, О Lady, extend the hand of entreaty and deliver me from cruel misfortunes for I am grievously bowed down by violent tribulations.

Ode III, Irmos: The bow of the mighty hath waxed feeble * and the weak have girded themselves with strength: * therefore is my heart established * in the Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having acquired thee as a mighty weapon and a rampart, О Theotokos who knewest not wedlock, I vanquish the hordes of the adversary and hymn thy mighty works.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou destroyest the furnace of griefs and dost extinguish the burning heat of despair, О Virgin Theotokos. Who then is a hope for us like unto thee?

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

Attend unto the voice of thy servant who am in need of thy help, О Mother of God. О my hope, hearken unto me and rescue me from perils!

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

Oppression hath come upon us because of the multitude of our transgressions, bearing pernicious death; but save thy servants, О Theotokos, for thou art able so to do.

Ode IV, Irmos: Beholding Thee, the Sun of righteousness, * lifted up upon the Cross, * the Church now standeth arrayed and doth worthily cry aloud: * Glory be to Thy power, O Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou hast vanquished those who make war upon me in vain, for they strove cruelly to make my soul captive. Preserve me, О Lady, have mercy upon me and save me, for I, thy servant, flee unto thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Delivering me from the tongue which speaketh falsehood, О my good ally, show me forth as unpunished for the deeds of my life, for, in that thou art the Mother of the Creator, thou art able to accomplish much.

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

Afflicted as I am, I know thee to be a painless physician, and I cry to thee: О Lady, heal me, have mercy on me, and save me, for I, am thy servant, and flee unto thee.

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

Leave me not to be given over to tortures, О Mother of our God, but preserve me unharmed by any affliction and the malice of men; for thou art the helper of us all.

Ode V, Irmos: Thou, O Lord, who didst come into the world, * art my light, * a holy light turning from the darkness of ignorance * those who sing Thy praises in faith.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Set forth the supplication of thy servant before the Lord thy Son, О pure one, that I may obtain, remission of my many transgressions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Deliver me from sufferings and misfortunes, О Bride of God, for God hath appointed thee to be true cleansing for my lowliness.

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

Thou art my protection and sure boast, О Lady Theotokos, for thou dost in nowise spurn those who have recourse unto thee.

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

Have mercy upon those who worship thine Offspring, О pure one, and deliver them from the torment and bitterness of men; for thou art able so to do.

Ode VI, Irmos: The church crieth out unto Thee O Lord, * ‘I will sacrifice unto Thee with a voice of praise * having been cleansed of the blood of the demons’ * by the blood that for mercy’s sake flowed from Thy side.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О most pure Lady, thou thyself art my strength amid the exceedingly hopeless sorrows which beset me; and I cry unto thee, for thou art a mighty protectress for thy servant.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Heal thou my spiritual wounds, О most pure Virgin, help me, and deliver thy servant from slander, attack and undeserved ruination.

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

Crush thou those who unjustly assail me, for I ever flee unto thee, and leave me not to their destruction, for all things are possible for thee, О pure one, in that thou art the Theotokos.

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

Quell thou the savage billows of my soul, О Lady, for a multitude of transgressions, temptations and sorrows have risen up against me; but do thou thyself save me.

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

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone IV: Darkened in mind by many transgressions, prodigal that I am, I cry out for thy mighty aid, О Theotokos: Illumine the eyes of my soul, shine upon me the radiant light of repentance, and thus array me in an armour of light, О pure Birthgiver of God.

Ode VII, Irmos: Thou didst save the children of Abraham in the fire * and slay the Chaldeans, * who unjustly entrapped the righteous ones. * O supremely hymned Lord, God of our fathers, * blessed art Thou.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Quickly routing the assault of the Moslems with the sword of thy prayers, О Mary, preserve thy people and flock who cry out to thy Son: О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О thou who art equal in majesty to the tabernacle, receive me who flee to thee, that the enemy not seize me, desiring to destroy me who cry aloud: О supremely exalted God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

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

О Mary, Birthgiver of God, go thou quickly before me, thy servant, who am drowning, helpless, amid the threefold billows of perils, and who cry to thee: О thou hope of the ends of the earth, have mercy upon me!

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

By thy divine supplications, О good Theotokos, do thou dispel my human thoughts, in that they are the cause of sins, and deliver thy servant from painful dangers and all harm.

Ode VIII, Irmos: O almighty Redeemer of all, * having descended and bedewed the children * in the midst of the flame, * Thou didst teach them to sing: * All ye works bless and hymn the Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

An iniquitous nation hath assailed us, boasting that it will destroy thy servants; but, destroying it, О most pure one, protect those who cry out: Bless and hymn the Lord, all ye works.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy many and varied compassions mercifully save us from sinful judgment and divers perils О only Mother of God, for, having given birth unto God, thou takest pity on His world.

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

Since thou art our might and help, I am undaunted by the wrath of the enemy, but I hymn thee, О Lady, and cry out to thy Son: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

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

Take pity now on my turmoil and grant me joy instead of grief, that I may hymn thee, О Lady, and cry out to thy Son: Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Ode IX, Irmos: Eve dwelt under the curse of sin * because of the infirmity of disobedience; * but thou, O Virgin Theotokos, * hast through the Offspring of thy pregnancy * blossomed forth blessing upon the world. * Wherefore, we all magnify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having sharpened their swords, the iniquitous and false Moslems take counsel against us; but by the power of the Cross and thy supplications, О Virgin Theotokos, arm thy servants against them; that we may proclaim thy glory.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Might hath been given thee against the enemy and deliverance from misfortunes for me, О Lady, and I know not what I shall offer thee; yet accept thou the thanksgiving which I bring to thee: Receive it now, and save me!

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

О most radiant Mother of the Creator of all, thou consolation of the grieving, intercessor for the drowning and helper of those who are in utter affliction: Keep me safe throughout my life!

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

Disdain me not who am beset by many sins and misfortunes, О all-hymned one, for I now offer thee the sacrifice of praise, earnestly crying out to thee: О holy Lady, help me, for I conclude my hymnody, glorifying thee.

A Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: He who of old gathered the waters * into one by His divine decree, * divided the sea for the people of Israel. * For He is our God and supremely glorious, * to Him alone let us sing, for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having given birth to the Author of salvation and Bestower of life, in a manner transcending understanding, О pure Theotokos, thou hast thereby loosed the bonds of the condemnation of Eve our first mother; wherefore, all creation doth call thee blessed.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

From the depths of despair do thou rescue me who am afflicted by cruel pangs in soul and body, О most holy Virgin, delivering me from all want; for thou art the wellspring of loving-kindness, О most pure one.

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

I have cast off the vesture of gladness, falling into sorrow and pain, and have been cruelly wounded in every place. But go thou before me and deliver me from the falsehood which assails me, for thou art my refuge and hope, О Lady.

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

Having acquired thee as a steadfast intercessor, О Bride of God, I flee to thy protection, praying: Spurn not thy servant, who am weighed down by many passions, pangs and sorrows, but heal me by thy prayers, О Mother of God.

Ode III, Irmos: O Most High, Ruler of all, * who out of nothing hath established all things, * fashioned by Thy Word, * perfected by the Spirit, * confirm me in Thy love.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Wretch that I am, I find myself in painful perplexity and sorrow, beholding death following close upon me; wherefore, О most pure one, save me by thy supplications.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

All my life, which hath become corrupt through evil and prodigal works, doth accuse me and plungeth me into despair. О pure one, save me!

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

The abyss of thy compassions, О Lady, poured forth everywhere solely because of thy goodness, doth anoint with rich oil all who ever hymn thee.

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

Thy Son and Lord, receiving thee as from the origin of our nature, О Bride of God, joineth those who hymn thee by thy prayers.

Ode IV, Irmos: Thou hast shown us steadfast love, O Lord, * for Thou gavest Thine only-begotten Son over to death for our sake. * Wherefore with thanksgiving we cry unto Thee, * ‘Glory to Thy power, O Lord!’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

All my hope have I placed in thee, О Lady. I pray and fall down before thee with all my soul: Deliver me from deadly sickness, and lead me up to the life of salvation, О thou who hast given birth to our Life.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

By thy supplications, О pure one, heal me, thy servant who have become desperate because of grievous and corrupt wounds; for thou hast given birth to the Physician, our God Who is rich in mercy.

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

By thy divine enlightenment deliver me who have fallen into cruel passions and grant me a vesture of gladness, О Virgin who hast caused the Joy which passeth all understanding to blossom forth.

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

Thou hast been revealed to be another heaven, О pure Theotokos, who hast ineffably shone forth the Sun of righteousness on earth, by Whom the everlasting light of divine knowledge hath shone forth.

Ode V, Irmos: I rise at dawn unto Thee, * the Creator of all, * surpassing all worldly understanding; * for Thy commandments are light, * wherein do Thou guide me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Because of my boundless sins I have drawn nigh unto the passions, bringing about death. О Mother of God, I earnestly beseech thee to become my deliverance from many evils.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I stretch forth the hands of my soul unto thee, О pure one, for, wretch that I am, I have been enfeebled by carnal deeds. Yet do thou deliver me from many wounds, imparting healing unto me.

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

I have cast off the garments of health and in pain have clothed myself in a robe of tears. To thee I pray, О Lady: Clothe me again in health!

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

In that thou art the sacred majesty of the martyrs and apostles and the help of the faithful, О Theotokos, we all glorify thee as is meet.

Ode VI, Irmos: Lead me up from corruption, О Lord my God! * cried Jonah unto Thee; * and I also cry aloud to Thee: * Deliver me from the abyss of my many evils, О Saviour, * and guide me I pray, to Thy light!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

A multitude of pangs hath assailed me because of my boundless offences, corrupt as I am, and clothed me in mortality; yet do thou, О Theotokos, deliver me from them and rescue me from all want.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have been cast into the abyss of transgressions, pangs and boundless sorrows, and I can in nowise deliver myself from them; yet, stretching forth thy hand, О Theotokos, lead me up to salvation.

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

We know thee to be a steadfast foundation and a mighty help for those in sorrow, О Theotokos; wherefore, having fled to thy protection, I beseech thee: Deliver me from grievous misfortunes and from cruel pangs.

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

Let us hymn the divine ark, the Virgin Mother of God, the furrow which hath put forth the divine Grain whereby the hearts of the faithful are fed with faith and spiritual famine is brought to an end.       

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

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone III: Without separating Himself from the divine Essence, and becoming incarnate within thy womb, God became a man yet remained God, the one Lord, preserving thee, the Virgin Mother, as immaculate after giving birth as thou wast before birth-giving. Him do thou earnestly entreat, that He grant us great mercy.

Ode VII, Irmos: As of old Thou didst bedew * the three pious children in the Chaldean flames, * so also with the radiant fire of Thy divinity * illumine us who cry to Thee, * ‘Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers!’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Take pity on me, О Virgin Bride of God, for I have stumbled headlong into the depths of despair. I entreat thee to be tranquility for me, О most pure one, for thou art ever a haven of salvation for those in need.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Ineffably, in a manner transcending understanding, thou hast given birth to Christ, the Wisdom and Power of God; wherefore, as thou art mighty in mercy and compassionate, grant me thy saving healing, О Theotokos, thou hope of the faithful.

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

Having enriched the ends of the earth and granting the sweetness of incorruption by thy divine birth-giving, free me from corrupting sickness and the bitter passions, О most glorious Mother of God.

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

Setting thee forth as the mystical door to Himself and the wondrous helper of those on earth, О pure one, through thee, He hath given to mankind a portal leading all to eternal life, in that He is compassionate and the God of all.

Ode VIII, Irmos: The Babylonian furnace burnt not the children, * neither did the fire of the Godhead consume the Virgin, * wherefore with the faithful children we cry aloud: * ‘Bless ye the Lord, all ye works of the Lord’.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having accumulated an unfathomable abyss оf transgressions, I am now drowning, engulfed in sickness, О pure one. Wherefore, stretching forth to me a helping hand, I pray thee; lead me up from the abyss of pain.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О pure Ever-virgin, all-hymned Theotokos, thou hast been revealed to be the earthly throne of God and the portal of heaven; wherefore, open unto me the door of salvation, O Mother of God, and free me from the darkness: of the passions.

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

Like a vine thou didst produce the uncultivated Grape, exuding the wine which maketh glad the souls of those who hymn Him with faith, О pure and all-immaculate one.

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

Remaining incorrupt after giving birth, О all-immaculate and pure one we pray: Deliver from corruption thy servants, who faithfully chant with oneness of soul: Bless the Lord, all ye works, and supremely exalt Him, throughout the ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: Upon Mount Sinai Moses saw thee in the bush, * as one who didst conceive the fire of the Godhead within thy womb, * and yet remained unconsumed. * Daniel saw thee as a mountain not cut by the hand of man, * and Isaiah proclaimed thee as the Rod that blossomed forth * from the root of David.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О good Virgin, thou joy and refuge of the world! protection of the faithful and deliverance from sorrows! Do thou stand before me at the hour of my death, and deliver me from the demons who seek to destroy me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In that thou didst conceive the Creator and God within thy womb, О pure Virgin Mother, by the power which is in thee cast down the arrogance of the demons and lift up the horn of those who hymn thy divine might and venerate thine image with faith.

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

He Who became incarnate from thee, О pure Virgin, restoring our nature, hath made new and renewed through thy maternal supplications, those who in hymns unceasingly magnify thee, our radiant and vigilant ally, the Theotokos.

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

Thou art the joy of the angels, the beauty of the righteous; thou art the hope of the faithful and our preservation. Thou art the bridge, which conveyeth to the life which growth not old, those who magnify thee with faith and love.

A Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: He who of old gathered the waters * into one by His divine decree, * divided the sea for the people of Israel. * For He is our God and supremely glorious, * to Him alone let us sing, for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I entreat thee, О most pure one, thou mountain overshadowed which the Prophet Habbakuk beheld in the Spirit, that thou cover me who am burned by the heat of the passions, and that I be delivered from the deadly shadow of grievous misfortunes.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With the sprinkling of the divine blood which flowed from the divine side of thy Son, О pure one, wash the wounds of my heart, that I may magnify and glorify thee, the ever-blessed and most immaculate one, as is meet.

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

Thou hast given birth to the Word Who is equally active with the Father and hath deified our nature. Him do thou beseech, О pure one, that He grant divine ease unto me who am confused and weakened by the wiles of the enemy.

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

Grant me cleansing of transgressions by thy divine supplications, О Virgin, for thou art possessed of powerful supplications. О Lady, from transgressions, sufferings, sorrows and evil circumstances deliver those who hymn thee.

Ode III, Irmos: O Most High, Ruler of all, * who out of nothing hath established all things, * fashioned by Thy Word, * perfected by the Spirit, * confirm me in Thy love.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thou art merciful, О most pure one, entreat Him Who is ineffable in mercy and rich in compassions, that He take pity upon us, the oppressed.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thou art the temple of the Creator of all, entreat the Comforter, that He make His abode within me for I have become the den of soul-destroying robbers, О pure Virgin.

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

At the command of Him Who as God upholdest all, Whom thou didst bear in thine arms, O Theotokos, look upon me and deliver me from looking upon the passions as I ought not to do.

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

О most pure Theotokos, open unto me the tender compassion of thy mercy, and show thyself to be my fervent helper and salvation amid perils.

Ode IV, Irmos: Thou hast shown us steadfast love, O Lord, * for Thou gavest Thine only-begotten Son over to death for our sake. * Wherefore with thanksgiving we cry unto Thee, * ‘Glory to Thy power, O Lord!’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O only abundantly merciful Christ, Who as God willingly endured wounds and execution, by the supplications of her who gave birth to Thee heal my soul, which hath been wounded by the robbers’ afflictions of the demons.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I am the work and creation of Thy hands, О Creator, but the malice of the serpent hath broken me through the pleasures of life. Wherefore, О Christ the Word, renew me by the supplications of her who gave birth to Thee.

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

In a manner transcending description thou hast given birth to the Word Who looseth men from all irrationality. Him do thou earnestly entreat, that He free me who am enslaved by irrational pleasures, О only Ever-virgin.

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

О all-sacred tabernacle wholly filled with light, thou dost ever cause healing to gush forth upon us from thy hand, pouring forth fragrant myrrh upon all, O all-pure Bride of God.

Ode V, Irmos: In a vision Isaiah saw upon a throne, * God lifted up on high * borne aloft by angels of glory; * and he cried: ‘Woe is me! * For I have foreseen God made flesh, * the Lord of the never-setting light * and the King of peace.’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Transform the pangs of my flesh and the grief of my soul, and drive away the clouds of despondency, О Virgin, thou cloud of the Light; and grant health and release from pain to me who hymn and glorify thee with love.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Full of every sin, I now set thee as mediatress and advocate before Him Who was born from thee. O Virgin, be thou the correction of my life and my guide to the path of divine understanding.

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

Sanctify my mind, enlighten my soul, and make me a partaker of divine glory, О Virgin. For, lo! I have been filled with evils and am enslaved to all manner of pleasures; yet I offer unto thee my defiled conscience.

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

О holy Virgin Maiden, thou divine vine who produced the beautiful Grapes which pour forth abundant drink upon our souls: give me to drink of His sweetness, take the drunkenness of the passions away from me, and save me.

Ode VI, Irmos: О Lover of mankind, disdain not those * who have reached the end of the ages * and are assailed with destruction by the threefold billows of perils, * yet cry aloud: О Saviour, save us, * as Thou didst save the prophet from the sea monster!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Ever arrogant, I have surpassed the haughty Pharisee in mind and have joined myself to the defilements of boundless transgressions. О thou who alone art pure, deliver and take pity on me who am grievously humbled.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О thou whose conceiving and birth-giving were most wondrous, show forth now the wonder of thy mercies upon me, wretch though I am; for I have been conceived and born in iniquities, and have become enslaved by pleasures.

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

I lament, weep and groan when I remember the dread judgment; for I have amassed only evil deeds. Yet stand up for me at that awesome hour, О Virgin Mother of God who knewest not a man.

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

No mind can understand or describe the strange and most glorious miracle wrought within thee, О pure Virgin. How didst thou give birth, yet remain pure? God it is Who was born from thee in essence.

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

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone III: Beholding Thee hanging dead upon the Tree, О Christ, Thy pure Mother who knew not wedlock said, lamenting maternally: “How hath the iniquitous and ungrateful assembly of the Jews rewarded Thee, having enjoyed Thy many and great gifts, О my Son? I hymn Thy divine condescension!

Ode VII, Irmos: The three children in the furnace, prefiguring the Trinity: * trampled underfoot the threat of the fire * and cried aloud, chanting: * Blessed art Thou, О God of our fathers!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

There are no works fit for salvation within me, О Lady, for I add sins unto sins and heap evil upon evil. О pure one, by thy prayers stand before me and save me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The judgment is at the gates, the tribunal hath been made ready, О my lowly soul. But cry out: When Thou shalt judge me, О Word, condemn me not, through the supplications of her who gave birth to Thee!

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

Laying hold of the fruits of sin, I have been slain; yet do I offer thee my barren soul, and cry to thee, О most pure one: Show me to be fruitful, О thou who by thy Fruit hast destroyed corruption!

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

О strange mystery! О awesome concept! How hath God appeared on earth as a man? As He knoweth, as He desireth, as is His good pleasure: for He acteth as He wisheth

Ode VIII, Irmos: United together in the unbearable fire, * yet not harmed by the flame, * the children, champions of godliness, sang a divine hymn: * O all ye works of the Lord, * bless ye the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As thou art wholly good, having become the favourite of the King of all, О Theotokos, fill me with good works, who have lived in evil and have reached the end of my life in slothfulness, that I may glorify thee throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

As of old thou didst most gloriously deliver the prophet from the belly of the sea monster, О Word of God, so deliver my soul, О Word, which hath been plunged into the abyss of destruction, for I have thee to pray for me, the Virgin who gave birth without knowing wedlock.

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

The workers of evil, finding me clad in beautiful raiment, have stripped me naked; yet do thou thyself, О Virgin Theotokos, array me in a divine vesture through repentance, by thy prayers, О Theotokos.

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

О pure one, thou didst hold in thine arms Him before Whom every creature doth tremble, Who for our sake became a babe in His loving- kindness. Him do thou beseech, that He save all who cry out with faith: Thee do we supremely exalt, О most pure one, throughout all ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: In the shadow and the letter of the Law, * let us, the faithful, discern a figure: * every male child that openeth the womb * shall be sanctified to God. * Therefore we magnify the firstborn Word * and Son of the Unoriginate Father, * the firstborn Child of a Mother who hath not known a man.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О incorrupt and immaculate Virgin, disdain me not who have become corrupt in mind and soul, have defiled my conscience with evil and am shown to be devoid of all good deeds; but adorn me with the works of piety.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I have been filled with evils and am satiated with thoughts which alienate me from Thee the Lover of mankind. Wherefore, I groan and cry: Accept me who repent, and reject me not, through the supplications of her who gave birth to Thee, О greatly merciful Benefactor!

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

By thy prayers, О all-immaculate Maiden, may I be delivered from all wrath, deadly sufferings, the cruel fire of Gehenna, unjust men and evil enemies, for I flee to thy protection and cry out to thee for aid.

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

The supremely beauteous One, having found thee to be beautiful of soul, beautiful of mind, and comely of body, became incarnate from thy virginal womb in a way which He alone knew, thereby adorning our ugliness. О Virgin, entreat Him, that we be saved.

A Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: He who of old gathered the waters * into one by His divine decree, * divided the sea for the people of Israel. * For He is our God and supremely glorious, * to Him alone let us sing, for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О Theotokos, grant me contrition and spiritual tears, that I may weep for my many transgressions and my failure to correct my conscience. О Maiden, I entreat thy loving-kindness.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Stumbling over my thoughts, I fall headlong into the abyss of destruction. О Virgin, I now entreat thy help: set thou unshakeably the weakness of my mind upon the firm rock of the commandments of God.

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

I bear the barrenness of the fig tree, and fear felling and disputation, lest my Creator and God send me into the fire. О Lady, anticipating my needs, render me fruitful in works of repentance, that I may glorify thee.

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

I beseech thee, О most pure one who art full of grace, in that thou art the immaculate temple of the King, with chastity and a pure life cleanse thou my heart, which hath been defiled by unseemly passions, and enrich it with grace.

Ode III, Irmos: O Most High, Ruler of all, * who out of nothing hath established all things, * fashioned by Thy Word, * perfected by the Spirit, * confirm me in Thy love.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Many are they who war against me and afflict me, and I can find no ease of deliverance from those who beset me; yet disdain not my prayer, О pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Weighed down by a multitude of evils and my manifold transgressions, I am unable to lift up mine eyes to the heights of heaven; yet do thou grant me remission, О most pure one.

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

All my days the evil serpent strives to destroy my lowly soul; yet do thou break his soul-destroying fangs, О Theotokos.

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

О Theotokos, deliver me from all the misfortunes which beset me, thy servant, and from tempests of sin, and by thy supplications direct me to the haven of salvation.

Ode IV, Irmos: Thou hast shown us steadfast love, O Lord, * for Thou gavest Thine only-begotten Son over to death for our sake. * Wherefore with thanksgiving we cry unto Thee, * ‘Glory to Thy power, O Lord!’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

I tremble, considering the depths of my sins and the grievous and great billows of mine adverse thoughts; yet do thou direct and pilot me to the calm haven, О most pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Grievous ignorance, incomprehension and the heedlessness of mine evils have now come upon my soul; yet do thou, О most pure one, lead me to repentance for those things which I have done.

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

With streams of tears extinguish the fire of the passions and with the fire of the Spirit bum up the thorns and billows of life which choke my mind, О Theotokos, for thou art my protection and boast.

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

I am wholly engulfed by the tumult and threefold billows of perils and evil thoughts, and ever dragged down into the abyss of despair, I cry to thee: О Lady, save me, thy servant! 

Ode V, Irmos: The Invisible One hath appeared on earth, * and the Unapproachable One hath willingly dwelt among mankind; * and, rising early at dawn, we hymn Thee, * O Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou knowest the pain of my soul, the weakness of my flesh and the corruption and inconstancy of my mind, О Lady. Wherefore, grant me thy mercy and grace, that, saved by thy protection, I may glorify thee.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Deny me not thy loving-kindness and compassion, О all-immaculate Lady; but grant thy mercies, and the release and forgiveness of mine evil deeds to me who approach thee in compunction, that I may hymn thy mighty acts with thanksgiving.

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

Those who hate me in vain and oppress me have now increased in number more than the hairs of my head, О pure Virgin, seeking to destroy me and make of me food for them to devour; wherefore, turn them back, filling them with shame.

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

О pure Virgin who hast given peace to the world and salvation unto all, having given birth to divine Peace, with the peace and love of Christ the Saviour quell thou the battle of the passions against my soul and body.

Ode VI, Irmos: The uttermost depths of sin have surrounded me, * and my spirit perisheth. * but do Thou, O Master, stretch forth Thy lofty arm * and like Peter O Helmsman, * do Thou save me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

There is no one on earth who lives as wickedly as I do in deed, word and action. Wherefore, О Lady, I beg thee to grant me the mercies of thy love for mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Actions of evil transgression beget grief for all; wherefore, we are now beset by bitter perils. Help us, О thou who alone art the salvation of Christians!

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

Thou hast given birth, yet hast remained pure after birth-giving, О Virgin Theotokos; wherefore, do thou ever entreat thine Offspring, that we, thy servants, may be delivered from all the harm of the enemy.

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

Through the supplications of Thy most pure Mother, of all the prophets, martyrs and sacred disciples, О Word of God, grant us peace and the cleansing of transgressions.

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

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone III: I have passed my whole life in great slothfulness, О most pure one, and have now drawn nigh unto my departure from this time; and I am afraid of mine enemies, lest they destroy my soul, О all-immaculate one, and cast me into the abyss of destruction. Yet take pity on thy servant, О Virgin, and deliver me from their affliction.

Ode VII, Irmos: As of old Thou didst bedew * the three pious children in the Chaldean flames, * so also with the radiant fire of Thy divinity * illumine us who cry to Thee, * ‘Blessed art Thou, the God of our fathers!’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Defiled in body and soul, and sullied by mine unclean acts, I beseech thee, the pure and immaculate Mother of God, О Lady, trusting in thy mercy: Have pity on me, О most pure one!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The multitude of my transgressions and temptation of evils fill me greatly with perplexity and drag me down into the abyss of despondency; but do thou, О most pure Lady, save me who am perishing and cruelly drowning.

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

In the magnitude of the compassions of thy goodness, О Good One, overlook the multitude of our sins, and be thou well disposed toward those who cry out unceasingly: Blessed art Thou, О Lord God of our fathers!  

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

О pure and blessed one, from the mire of the passions and the depths of sorrows and the perils of life do thou draw toward dispassion and gladsome joy us who cry: Thou alone art full of the grace of God!

Ode VIII, Irmos: The flame of material fire withered * through the immaterial flame brought about by the god-seeing children, * wherefore they chanted: * Bless the Lord, all ye works of the Lord!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The bitterness of pleasures, overcoming all the senses of my body, doth foully sully my soul, drawing me toward death. О Sovereign Lady of the world, be thou my salvation!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

To thee have I entrusted soul, heart and body, for I have no other help than thee, О Lady, through whom I obtain mercy; wherefore, grant me thy rich mercy and grace.

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

Poisoning me with his venom, the serpent hath grievously slain my wretched soul with bodily death; yet bring it to life again, using thy supplications as remedies to counter the adversary.

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

О thou who hast given birth to God the Saviour, the Prince of peace, beseech Him, that He quickly bestow peace upon the world, that we may glorify Him in peace.

Ode IX, Irmos: We magnify thee, the unburnt bush, * the holy Virgin, * and the Mother of the Light, * the Theotokos, the hope of us all.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Wash away the defilement of passionate thought from my mind, О pure one, clothing me in the splendid robe of dispassion.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Open unto me the divine portals of repentance, О Virgin, terminating and hindering my passions and pleasures.

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

Hearken unto the voice of my groaning, the voice of my lamentation, and grant cleansing and salvation to my wretched soul, О all-immaculate Virgin.

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

Verily and in truth Daniel the Prophet beheld thine Offspring, О Virgin, and he called Him Who sitteth on the throne the Ancient of days.

The first canon, in tone IV

Ode I, Irmos: Through the deep of the Red Sea, * marched dry shod Israel of old, * and by Moses’ outstretched hands, * raised in the form of a cross, * the power of Amalek was routed in the wilderness.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

The great benefactions and gifts, the graces and divine illuminations of Thine incomprehensible and divine Incarnation, do Thou abundantly pour forth and shine upon us, O Master.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

At Mid-feast Thou hast come, O Christ, manifestly sending forth the radiant flashes of Thy Godhead; for Thou art the joyous Festival of the saved and the Cause of our salvation.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Thou art become wisdom, righteousness from God, and redemption for us, O Lord. Thou dost convey us from earth to the height of Heaven, and dost grant us the Divine Spirit.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Thy flesh knew not corruption in the sepulchre, O Master. Rather, inasmuch as it was formed without seed, it received not corruption, for in a transcendent manner it was not subject to the order of nature.

Second canon, in tone VIII – a composition of Andrew of Crete

Irmos: Thou didst make the sea a wall…

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Clap your hands, O ye nations; lament, O ye Hebrews. For Christ, the Giver of Life, hath broken asunder the bonds of Hades, and hath raised up the dead and healed sicknesses by a word. This is our God, Who granteth life unto them that believe in His Name.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Thou didst show a wonder by changing the water into wine, O Master, Who didst change the rivers of Egypt into blood. Thou didst also raise up the dead, accomplishing this sign in these latter times. Glory be to Thine ineffable counsel, O Saviour; glory be to Thy self-abasement, whereby Thou hast renewed us.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Thou art an ever-flowing stream of true life, O Lord; Thou art our Resurrection. Willingly didst Thou become weary, O my Saviour, and willingly didst Thou thirst, submitting to the laws of nature. And when Thou didst come to Sychar in the flesh, Thou didst ask the Samaritan woman for water, that Thou mightest drink.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Thou didst bless the loaves and multiply the fish, O incomprehensible God; Thou didst fill the people bounteously and didst promise an ever-flowing spring of wisdom to them that thirst. Thou art our God, O Saviour, Who givest life unto them that believe in Thy Name.

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

I glorify the Three Who are co-Unoriginate and of equal sovereignty: the Father, Who is Unoriginate God; the Son, Who is co- Unoriginate; and the Spirit, Who is co-eternal with the Son; one essence in three Hypostases. I praise and honour one supreme sovereign Principle of the Unoriginate Godhead and Essence.

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

Thou alone didst contain within thy womb the Creator, O Theotokos, ineffably conceiving Him in the flesh yet remaining a Virgin, while thy virginity in no wise suffered harm. Do thou ever entreat Him unceasingly on behalf of thy flock, since He is thy Son and God.

Katavasia: Thou didst make the sea a wall; * Thou didst overwhelm boastful Pharaoh in the deep * together with his chariots. * Thou didst save the people dry-shod, O Lord, * and didst lead them forth to a mountain of sanctification, as they cried: * We shall sing a song of victory to Thee, our God, * for Thou hast been glorified.

Ode III, Irmos: Thy Church, O Christ, rejoiceth in Thee crying aloud: * Thou, O Lord, art my strength, * my refuge and foundation.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Thou didst open unto the Church the springs of life-creating waters, O Good One, and didst cry: If any zealous man thirst, let him come and drink.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Thou didst say plainly that Thou wouldst be lifted up from earth unto Heaven, and Thou didst promise to send the Holy Spirit from thence.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The Lord, Who by nature is life-creating and Who was born of a Virgin, hath granted incorruption unto all the faithful, since He is compassionate.

Irmos: My heart is established…

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Do not judge a judgment according to appearance, O ye Jews; thus, as it is written, said the Master when He came unto the temple and taught at the Judaic Mid-feast.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Do not judge a judgment according to appearance, O ye Jews, for Christ is come. The Prophets named Him: He that cometh from Sion and hath restored the world.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Even though ye believe not His Words, O ye Jews, be convinced by the works of the Master. Why do ye deceive yourselves and disregard the Holy One, of Whom Moses wrote in the Law?

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

If the Messiah must assuredly come, O ye Jews, then the Messiah hath now come, Who is Christ. Why do ye deceive yourselves and disregard the Righteous One, of Whom Moses wrote in the Law?

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

We worship Thee, O Father, Who art Unoriginate in Thine essence, and we piously praise Thine Unoriginate Son and the all-holy Spirit, O ye Three Who are by nature one God.

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

Though Thou art one of the Trinity, Thou didst assume flesh, neither undergoing change in Thine essence nor burning the uncorrupted womb of her that gave birth to Thee, O Lord, Who art wholly God and Fire.

Katavasia: My heart is established in the Lord, * my horn is exalted in my God, * my mouth is enlarged against mine enemies, * and I rejoice in Thy salvation.

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

Sessional Hymns, Tone VIII: At Mid-feast Thou didst stand in the temple’s court * in a god-befitting manner * and didst cry aloud: * Let him who doth suffer thirst now draw nigh unto Me and drink. * He that drinketh of the sacred water that I shall give, * from within shall the springs of My teachings issue forth. * Whosoever doth believe that the Divine Father hath sent Me, * and that I came forth from Him, * with Me he shall be glorified. * Therefore we cry unto Thee: * Glory be to Thee, O Christ God, * Who dost cause the streams of Thy great love for mankind, * to abundantly well forth unto us, Thy servants.

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

Tone VIII: Thou, O Saviour, dost pour out for all the world living waters * of wisdom and endless life, * inviting all to partake and to drink thereof; * for he who receiveth and keepeth Thy holy law * doth thereby quench the coals of deception. * Wherefore, he shall not thirst throughout the ages, * nor fail to be filled with Thee, O Master King of Heaven. * For this cause we glorify Thy power, O Christ God, * asking that the forgiveness of sins ** be abundantly granted unto us, Thy servants.

Ode IV, Irmos: Beholding Thee, the Sun of righteousness, * lifted up upon the cross, * the Church now standeth arrayed and doth worthily cry aloud: * Glory to Thy power, O Lord!

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Having shattered the gates of death by Thy might, Thou hast made known the ways of life; and Thou didst open the gates of immortality unto them that cry with faith: Glory be to Thy power, O Lord.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Since Thou Who art Unoriginate dost have in the grasp of Thy hand the beginning of all things, and dost hold fast their middle and final end as well, Thou didst stand in the midst and cry aloud: Come, O ye of godly mind; enjoy the divine gifts.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Since Thou as God hast authority over all things, and as one mighty didst destroy the dominion of death, O Christ, Thou didst promise to send the Holy Spirit, Who proceedeth from the Father.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

O all-immaculate Mother who knewest not wedlock, thou dost bestow grace abundantly upon those who praise thee; and from the Word Who is before the ages and Who was born from thee, thou dost entreat for the forgiveness of their offences.

Irmos: With noetic eyes the Prophet Habbakuk…

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

If the Messiah must come, then Christ is the Messiah, O ye lawless ones; Why do ye not believe in Him? Behold, He is come, and the things He doth bear witness to Him: He made the water into wine and strengthened the paralytic by a word.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Since ye do not understand the Scriptures, ye are all deceived, O ye lawless Hebrews; for Christ is truly come and hath enlightened all mankind, showing forth many signs and wonders among you. In vain do ye deny Him Who is the true Life.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Christ cried unto the Jews: One work have I shown unto you, and already ye marvel. Ye circumcise a man even on the Sabbath, He saith; Why then do ye accuse Me, Who have raised up a paralytic by a word?

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

I have done many works; for which work, then, do ye stone Me? cried Christ unto the Jews, reproaching them. For by a word I have made a man completely whole; judge not according to appearance, O ye men.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Thou Who workest through the Apostles and Who, together with the Spirit, dost Thyself rest in the Prophets, O Christ, Thou immaculate Offspring of the Father’s nature, Thou didst lead the nations up unto knowledge of Thee through Thy signs.

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

O Trinity, undivided Unity; Unoriginate Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; Thou Trinity in Unity; O life-creating, uncreated God, equal in honour and in rank: Save those who praise Thee, and deliver them from dangers and afflictions.

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

O Bride of God and pure Virgin Mother, who didst contain God in thy womb while He yet remained uncircumscribed: Cease not to intercede on our behalf, that through thee we may be delivered from adversities, for unto thee do we ever flee for refuge.

Katavasia: With noetic eyes the Prophet Habbakuk * foresaw Thy coming, O Lord; * wherefore he cried aloud: * “God shall come out of Thaeman!” Glory to Thy power! * Glory to Thy condescension!

Ode V, Irmos: Thou, O Lord, who didst come into the world, * art my light, * a holy light turning from the darkness of ignorance * those who sing Thy praises in faith.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Having reached the middle of the divine feasts, let us be godly-wise and zealously adorn ourselves with the perfection of divine virtue.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

How truly sacred is this present feast; for it marketh the mid-point of the great feasts and doth shine forth from both.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The mind of the Archangel is not able to comprehend Thine ineffable and most pure birth-giving from a Virgin, O my greatly merciful Saviour.

Irmos: O Lord our God, bestow Thy peace…

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Having adorned Thine Apostles with miracles and magnified Thy disciples with wonders throughout the World, Thou hast glorified them and bestowed upon them Thy Kingdom, O our Saviour.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

The disciples have enlightened all the ends of the earth with miracles and teachings, and in diverse ways they preached the word of Thy Kingdom, O Christ Saviour.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

We send up praise unto Thy Kingdom, and we offer a hymn unto Thee Who didst appear on earth for our sake and didst enlighten the World and restore Adam.

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

Glory be to Thee, O holy Father, unbegotten God. Glory be to Thee, O timeless, only-begotten Word. Glory be to Thee, O Divine Spirit, of one throne and of one essence with the Father and the Son.

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

Thy womb is become a holy table which holdeth the Heavenly Bread, whereof he that eateth dieth not, as the Nourisher of all hath said, O Theotokos.

Katavasia: O Lord our God, bestow Thy peace upon us; * O Lord our God, take us for Thy possession; * O Lord, besides Thee we know none other: * and we call upon Thy Name.

Ode VI, Irmos: The church crieth out unto Thee O Lord, * “I will sacrifice unto Thee with a voice of praise * having been cleansed of the blood of the demons’ * by the blood that for mercy’s sake flowed from Thy side.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

The mid-point of Pentecost hath come this day. By the former feast it is illumined with the most divine radiance of the divine Pascha, and by the latter feast it is made to shine with the grace of the Comforter.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

While standing in the temple, O Christ, Thou didst speak unto the assemblies of the Jews and didst reveal Thine own glory, thereby manifesting Thy consubstantiality with the Father.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Be thou my protection and mine unshaken rampart, O only Mother of God. Redeem me from the stumbling-blocks of the world, and illumine me by thy divine effulgence.

Irmos: The billows of life trouble me…

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

O Jesus, Who takest care for all the ends of the earth, Thou didst go up to the temple at Mid-feast, as John hath said, and taught the multitudes the Word of truth.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Thou didst open Thy lips, O Master, and didst preach to the world the most pure Father and the all-holy Spirit, preserving Thy kinship with both even after Thine Incarnation.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Thou didst accomplish the work of the Father and didst confirm Thy words by Thy deeds, for Thou didst perform healings and signs, O Saviour, raising the paralytic, cleansing lepers, and resurrecting the dead.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

The Unoriginate Son received a beginning and became a man, taking upon Himself that which is proper to our nature. And at Mid-feast He taught and said: Hasten ye unto the ever-flowing Spring, that ye may draw forth life.

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

We all glorify the one Godhead in Trinity, the uncreated and undivided essence in three Hypostases, even the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Who while being Three are One.

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

We praise thee who didst remain a virgin after giving birth; thee alone do we glorify as both Virgin and Mother, O pure Maiden, Bride of God; for from thee God truly became incarnate and thus Quickened us.

Katavasia: The billows of life trouble me like the waters of the sea, * O Lover of Mankind. * Wherefore, like Jonah I cry unto Thee, O Word: * Raise up my life from corruption, O compassionate Lord.

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

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

Kontakion, Tone IV: Having come to the Mid-feast of the Judaic Law, * O Master and Creator of all things, * Thou didst cry unto those present, O Christ God: * Come hither and draw forth the water of immortality. * Wherefore, we fall down before Thee and faithfully cry aloud: * Grant unto us Thy compassions, ** for Thou art truly the Well-spring of our life.

Ikos: With the streams of Thy Blood do Thou Water my soul, which is grown dry and barren because of mine iniquities and offences, and show it forth to be fruitful in virtues. For Thou didst tell all to draw nigh Thee, O all-holy Word of God, and to draw forth the water of incorruption, which is living and which washeth away the sins of those who praise Thy glorious and divine arising. Unto them that know Thee as God, O Good One, grant from on high the strength of the Spirit, which verily was borne by Thy disciples, for Thou art truly the Well-spring of life for all.

Ode VII, Irmos: In the Persian furnace the youths and descendants of Abraham, * burning with a love of piety * rather than by a flame of fire, * cried aloud saying: * Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Having dispelled the power of death by Thy might, O Saviour, Thou hast made known unto all mankind the path of life. With thankfulness they cry to Thee: Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Beholding Thee bearing flesh, the assemblies of the Hebrew people did not recognise Thee, O Word of God; but we sing to Thee: Blessed art Thou in the temple of Thy glory, O Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Rejoice O sanctified and divine tabernacle of the Most High; for through thee, O Theotokos, joy hath been granted to those who cry: Blessed art thou among women, O most immaculate Lady.

Irmos: The Chaldean furnace, burning with fire…

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Thou Who art rest for all didst grow weary in the flesh; Thou Who art the well-spring of miracles didst willingly thirst. Thou didst seek after water, O Jesus, promising living water.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Thou didst converse with a Samaritan woman, O Lord, thereby reproving the mindlessness of the lawless Hebrews, insofar as she believed Thee to be the Son of God, and they denied Thee.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

O Saviour, Thou ever-living well-spring, Thou didst promise to grant living water which springeth forth, the water of immortality, unto those who with faith receive Thy Spirit, which proceedeth from the Father.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

With five loaves Thou didst feed the thousands that hungered, and made the child’s morsels to be more than enough for yet another multitude, O Saviour. Thus showing Thy glory unto Thy sacred disciples.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

He that eateth Thy Bread shall live forever, and he that drinketh Thy Blood abideth in Thee, my Saviour, and Thou abidest in him, and Thou shalt raise him up at the last day.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Thou madest Thy dispensation wondrous, O Master, confirming by miracles Thy divine authority. Thou didst drive out illnesses, raise up the dead, and enlighten the blind, since Thou art God.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Thou didst cleanse the lepers and restore the lame; Thou didst strengthen the paralytics and heal the blood-streaming woman, and didst walk upon the sea. Thus showing Thy glory unto Thy sacred disciples.

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

We worship Thy timeless Father and the grace of the Spirit, which Thou as God didst apportion unto Thine Apostles, sending them forth to preach, O Lord.

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

Thou didst contain within thy womb the uncontainable Word, thou didst suckle at thy breasts Him that nourisheth the world and didst hold in thine arms our Sustainer, O pure Theotokos.

Katavasia: The Chaldean furnace, burning with fire, * was bedewed by the Spirit * through the presence of God; * and the children chanted: * O God of our fathers, Blessed art Thou!

Irmos: Having spread his hands, Daniel closed the lions’ jaws * in their den; * while the zealously pious youths, * girded with virtue, * quenched the power of the fire and cried aloud: * Bless ye the Lord, all ye works of the Lord.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Having arisen from the grave as one comely, and adorned with the glory of the Godhead, O Lord, Thou didst appear unto Thine Apostles and didst promise to send the power of the Spirit unto those who cry aloud: Bless ye the Lord, all ye works of the Lord.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

In a manner befitting Thee, since Thou as God art the Supreme Author of life, Thou didst slay Hades and didst well forth eternal life unto all, wherefore the graces of these radiant days now constitute a most clear image of the everlasting life of those who cry: Bless ye the Lord, all ye works of the Lord.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Thou didst cause rays of righteousness to shine upon the world like the sun, O Christ, in that Thou didst send Thine Apostles unto the world. Bearing Thee, the incomprehensible Light, they drove away the darkness of ignorance, and cried: Bless ye the Lord, all ye works of the Lord.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Behold now, a prince and ruler hath manifestly come from the tribe of Judah, for thou, O all-immaculate one, hast given birth to Him Who is the Expectation of the nations which were set aside for Him aforetime. Yea, thou hast borne Christ, to Whom we chant: Bless ye the Lord, all ye works of the Lord.

Irmos: O ye angels and ye powers of heaven…

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Come, O ye peoples, and behold Him Who is praised upon a throne of glory, being blasphemed by lawless people. And as ye behold Him, praise Him as the Messiah, Who was foretold by the Prophets.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Thou art truly the Christ, Who hast come into the world. With Thee there is salvation and the remission of the failings of our fathers; Thou art indeed the Life of those who have come to believe in Thee.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

As it is written, the Wisdom of God came into the temple at Mid-feast and taught that He is truly Christ the Messiah, from Whom there cometh salvation.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

On the Sabbaths and on all days Christ wrought manifest signs, healing those in diverse illnesses. But the deceitful people were consumed with malice and wrath.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

The Jews bitterly reviled Christ and said: On the Sabbath did this Man hath healed the paralytic who had lain sick for many years, therefore He hath transgressed the Law.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Christ said to the Jews: Did not Moses in giving you the Law command that ye be circumcised? Yet ye circumcise on the Sabbath, lest the Law of your fathers be broken.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

They that were wholly ungrateful and who of old had sojourned in the wilderness, out of malice cast blasphemies at their Benefactor. They wagged their unjust tongues while they meditated vain things.

We bless the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Lord

Of a truth, the Trinity is one God, without the Father leaving that which is proper to Himself and assuming Sonship, nor with the Son transforming His attributes into procession. But I glorify the Three apart and together, as Light and God, throughout the ages.

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

Tell us, O Theotokos: How didst thou give birth unto Him Who hath shone forth timelessly from the Father and Who is praised together with the Holy Spirit? – except in a manner known only to Him Who was well-pleased to be born from thee.

Katavasia: Seated upon the throne of glory, * and unceasingly glorified as God, * O ye angels and heavens bless, ** hymn and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages!.

Ode IX, Irmos: A cornerstone not cut by hand O Virgin, * was cut from thee the unhewn mountain: * even Christ, Who hath joined together the disparate natures; * therefore rejoicing we magnify thee, * O Theotokos.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Since we have learned from Christ a new and unprecedented way of life, let us all be especially diligent to preserve it until the end, that We may enjoy the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

O Life-Giving Saviour, Thou didst clothe my mortal nature with the garment of immortality and the grace of incorruption, and didst raise it up together with Thyself. Thou didst lead it unto the Father, having dispelled my warfare of many years.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Since we have been restored again to the life of Heaven by virtue of the mediation of Him Who emptied Himself even so far as to assume the form of a servant and hath exalted us, let us magnify Him as is meet.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

All we the faithful have put our trust in thee, and we acclaim thee with songs of praise as the root, source, and cause of incorruption, O Virgin, for thou didst well forth for us the Hypostatic Immortality.

Irmos: Virginity is alien to motherhood…

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

At the Judaic Mid-feast, O my Saviour, Thou didst go up to Thy temple and didst teach all. And the Jews marvelled and said: Whence knoweth this Man letters, having never learned?

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

My Redeemer performed wonders and signs, welling forth gifts of healings. He drove away illnesses and healed the ailing, but the Jews raged with frenzy at the multitude of His miracles.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

My Redeemer cried out as He reproached the disobedient Jews: Judge not according to appearance, but judge ye a righteous judgment. For the Law also commandeth that every man be circumcised, even if it be on the Sabbath.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

As Thou didst promise, O Saviour, Thou didst grant the greater miracles unto Thy disciples when Thou didst send them to preach Thy glory unto the nations. And they proclaimed unto the world Thy grace and Resurrection and Incarnation.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

Christ said unto the Jews: If ye circumcise a man on the Sabbath that the Law might not be broken, why are ye now angry with Me, in that by a word I have made a man completely whole? Ye judge according to the flesh.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

O Word, Who didst heal the withered hand by a word, do Thou heal the earth of my heart, which hath long ago become parched, and show me forth as one fruitful, that I also might bring forth fruit in fervent repentance, O Saviour.

Glory to Thee our God; glory to Thee.

I lie upon my bed of pain, O Word. Make me to stand aright by cleansing my leprous heart and enlightening the eyes of my soul, even as Thou didst raise up the paralytic who lay upon his bed.

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

It is alien to the lawless to reverence the Unoriginate Trinity, even the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the uncreated Omnipotence, through Whom the whole world was established by the might of His power.

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

Thou, O Virgin Mother, didst contain in thy womb Christ, the Giver of life, Who is One of the Trinity; Whom all creation praiseth and before Whom the thrones on high tremble. Do thou beseech Him, O all-blessed one, that our souls be saved.

Katavasia: Virginity is alien to motherhood, * and childbearing is a thing strange to virgins: * yet in thee, O Theotokos, both have come to pass. * Therefore we, and all the nations of the earth, * without ceasing call thee blessed.

Troparion, Tone VIII: At Mid-feast give Thou my thirsty soul to drink of the waters of piety; * for Thou, O Saviour, didst cry out to all: * Whosoever is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. ** Wherefore, O Well-spring of life, Christ our God, glory be to Thee.

A Canon of Supplication to the Most Holy Theotokos

Ode I, Irmos: He who of old gathered the waters * into one by His divine decree, * divided the sea for the people of Israel. * For He is our God and supremely glorious, * to Him alone let us sing, for He hath been glorified.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having lived out my life in slothfulness, I have drawn nigh unto the end of my life; yet do thou thyself, О most pure one, if but one last time, grant me compunction, I pray, that I may weep bitterly over my countless transgressions.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With the passions of my flesh, О Virgin, I have mindlessly defiled the beauty of the divine image, and am afraid of God’s displeasure and the terrible threat of fire; yet do thou thyself have mercy upon me who flee to thee.

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

Falling to my knees, wretch that I am, I beg thy help, О most holy Virgin: hearken thou to my pain-wracked soul, and by the radiance of thy prayers dispel the cloud of grief which weighs heavily upon me. 

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

Grant that the furrows of my passion-plagued soul may be watered abundantly with tears, and grant that I may produce fruit an hundredfold, О Lady; and fill my heart with all manner of gladness, that I may glorify thee.

Ode III, Irmos: O Most High, Ruler of all, * who out of nothing hath established all things, * fashioned by Thy Word, * perfected by the Spirit, * confirm me in Thy love.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О good Theotokos, grant me a torrent of tears, and thereby quench the furnace of my passions, and wash away all defilement from my soul.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

In iniquities have I defiled the nobility of my soul, О most pure one, and I tremble at the thought of the interrogation, when the Word will examine the state of my worthiness.

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

Beset now by the tempest of transgressions, I have been brought down into the abyss of despair; yet grant me thy hand, О pure one, and lead me to repentance.

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

Deliver thy servant from Gehenna and every other threat at the hour of judgment, О most immaculate one, and cause me to share in the kingdom of thy Son and God.

Ode IV, Irmos: Thou hast shown us steadfast love, O Lord, * for Thou gavest Thine only-begotten Son over to death for our sake. * Wherefore with thanksgiving we cry unto Thee, * ‘Glory to Thy power, O Lord!’

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The waters of unseemly deeds have flooded my wretched soul, О pure one; wherefore, beset by worldly thoughts, I cry out in pain: Spurn not thy servant, О Lady!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Noetic beasts have now mercilessly surrounded me and have striven pitilessly to seize my lowly soul, О all-immaculate one; yet do thou, О most pure one, break their soul-destroying jaws.

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

О all-pure Lady, be thou merciful to thy servant, I pray, and rescue thy people from the coming threat, that we may cry out to thee in thanksgiving: Glory to Thee, О Queen of all!

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

When the Bridegroom will come at night to judge the earth, О most pure one, then be thou well-pleased that I may go forth to meet Him with a lighted lamp, and may worship His coming.

Ode V, Irmos: The Invisible One hath appeared on earth, * and the Unapproachable One hath willingly dwelt among mankind; * and, rising early at dawn, we hymn Thee, * O Lover of mankind.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Many dogs have truly set themselves against me, and a horde of evil spirits have surrounded me; yet set their counsels now at naught, О most pure one.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Having dug now a pit for me, the evil one strives to cast me into it; yet with thy right hand, О Lady, may he fall into the pit which he hath made.

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

Let me not be denounced by the wrath of thy Son at the time of His coming, neither let me be punished by His anger, О all-hymned one; but save me by thine entreaties.

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

Behold my weakness, behold the lowliness of my soul, О pure one, and the uprising of mine incorporeal enemies; and deliver me from their harm.

Ode VI, Irmos: The uttermost depths of sin have surrounded me, * and my spirit perisheth. * but do Thou, O Master, stretch forth Thy lofty arm * and like Peter O Helmsman, * do Thou save me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

At the behest of the Creator of all, when my soul must needs part from the flesh, О all-immaculate and all-hymned Theotokos, free me from the hands of those who hate me.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With streams of compunction dry up the turbulent rivers of my wicked deeds, О Birth-Giver of God, and guide me to the waters of tranquility on the day of judgment.

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

Thou knowest the weakness of my soul, the feebleness of my mind and the infirmity of my flesh, О most pure one. Wherefore, save thy servant, for thee have I acquired as an invincible ally.

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

Grant me streams of spiritual tears, О most immaculate Lady, whereby I may wash away the mire of my transgressions, the tumult of the passions and the defilement of my body.

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

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

Sessional Hymn, Tone III, Spec. Mel. “Awed by the beauty of thy virginity …”: О Lady who bore the Merciful One within thy womb, have pity on me who flee beneath thy protection and with all my soul ask thy divine help, and grant mercy unto me when we will stand before the Author of creation, О pure one, and deliver me from everlasting fire and all condemnation.

Ode VII, Irmos: Of old the three children did not worship the golden image, * of the Persian idol, * but chanted in the midst of the furnace: * O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The waters of transgressions have been poured out upon me and my soul drowns, O pure one, and the uttermost abyss hath engulfed me; yet rescue me from its threefold billows.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

Sprinkle me with the blood which flowed from the side of thine Offspring and by the multitude of thy mercies; wash thou and cleanse me of all defilement with streams of tears.

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

Grant thou contrition to my soul and humility to my heart, О all- pure one, that I may be delivered from all the wiles of those who ever pitilessly pursue me.

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

As thou art merciful, О Lady Mother of God, grant mercy to those who with faith cry out to thy Son: О God of our fathers, blessed art Thou!

Ode VIII, Irmos: United together in the unbearable fire, * yet not harmed by the flame, * the children, champions of godliness, sang a divine hymn: * O all ye works of the Lord, * bless ye the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout all ages.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With the might of thy Son thou hast broken the arrows of the archer, О pure one. Let his unrighteousness now descend upon his own head, that I may cry out: All ye works of the Lord, hymn the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

With thy light do thou illumine my darkened heart, О Maiden, and with the sword of light open thou the portals of light to me who cry: All ye works of the Lord, hymn the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

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

Falling into the sleep of death, I lie in the grave of despondency; yet do thou thyself raise me up, О Virgin, and grant that I may chant with vigilance: All ye works of the Lord, hymn the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

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

О pure one, cease thou never to pray for those who honor thee, that, delivered in compunction from the snares of the devil, we may cry out to thy Son: All ye works of the Lord, hymn the Lord and supremely exalt Him throughout the ages!

Ode IX, Irmos: In the shadow and the letter of the Law, * let us, the faithful, discern a figure: * every male child that openeth the womb * shall be sanctified to God. * Therefore we magnify the firstborn Word * and Son of the unoriginate Father, * the firstborn Child of a Mother who hath not known a man.

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

The turbulence of the passions and the turmoil of vile thoughts bestorm my soul, and evil men ever smite me like a tempest; yet as thou lovest mankind, О Virgin, quickly deliver me from my besetting needs

Most Holy Theotokos, save us.

О my lowly soul, leave off thy wicked deeds and cease from doing evil and angering God; but earnestly embrace His commandments, for thou hast the Theotokos directing thy ways.

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

As thou hast given birth to the Lord of all, free me from the passions and from grievous sins, and in thy surpassing loving-kindness enrich me wholly with good works, that, rejoicing, I may magnify thee, О all-immaculate one. 

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

The end approacheth, О my soul, judgment is at the door! Forsake thy shameful works and undertake to live a good life; for thou hast the Theotokos as thine ally, delivering thee from all oppression.