Canon to the Theotokos

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Kontakion, Tone 4: Show compassion to me, O holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, and leave not me, a defiled one, but illumine me with the light unapproachable, and make me worthy of the heavenly kingdom.

Direct my mind by thy prayer to fulfil the commands of God, that I may obtain of God forgiveness of sins, and teach me to hate all wickedness, I pray thee.

Sessional Hymn, Tone 1: O Jesus my Saviour, Thou didst save the prodigal. Jesus my Saviour, Thou didst accept the harlot. And now have mercy on me, O Jesus plenteous in mercy; have compassion and save me, O Jesus my Benefactor, as Thou hadst compassion on Manasseh, my Jesus, only Lover of mankind.

Theotokion: With my Guardian Angel, O Virgin, pray for me, thy servant, to the Gracious One, and teach me to fulfill the commandments of thy Son and my Creator.

Distressed by many temptations, I flee to thee, seeking salvation. O Mother of the Word, and Virgin, from ordeals and afflictions deliver me.

Kontakion, Tone 6: O protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, O mediation unto the Creator unfailing: Disdain not the suppliant voices of sinners; but be thou quick, O good one, to help us who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honour thee.

Prayer to Our Lord Jesus Christ

Sessional Hymn, Tone 2: Out of the love of my soul I cry to thee, O guardian of my soul, mine all-holy Angel! Protect and guard me always from the hunting of the evil one, and guide me to the heavenly life, teaching and enlightening and strengthening me.

Theotokion: Heal, O immaculate one, the most painful wounds of my soul, and drive away the enemies that ever fight against me.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Kontakion 10

Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos

Theotokion: Perplexity confronteth me from the evil surrounding me, O most pure one, but deliver me from it speedily, for I flee only to thee.

Outbursts of passions trouble me and fill my soul with great despondency. Calm it, O Maiden, by the peace of thy Son and God, O all-blameless one.

Kontakion 11

Prayer to the Holy Guardian Angel

Theotokion: O Mary, Lady Theotokos unwedded, O hope of the faithful, subdue the uprisings of the enemy, and gladden them that hymn thee.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Kontakion 12

Theotokion: The Word of God dwelt in thee, O Theotokos, and showed thee to men as the heavenly ladder; for by thee the Most High descended to us.

I implore thee who gavest birth to the Saviour and God, O Virgin, to deliver me from perils. For fleeing now unto thee for refuge, I lift up both my soul and my reasoning.

Kontakion 13

Theotokion: O Wisdom of the Most High Personified, for the sake of the Theotokos, fill with wisdom and divine strength all that faithfully cry: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Kontakion 10

Theotokion: Be unto me, thy servant, a helper and a calmness, O Ever-Virgin Theotokos, and leave me not bereft of thy protection.

Ailing am I in body and soul, do thou vouchsafe me the divine visitation, and thy care, O thou who alone art the Mother of God, for thou art good and the Mother of the Good.

Kontakion 11

Theotokion: Having great boldness towards Him Who took flesh of thee, deliver me from fetters and grant me absolution and salvation through thine intercessions.

O Lord Jesus Christ my (our) God, have mercy on me (us).

Kontakion 12

To Jesus: Vouchsafe me, Thy servant, O Saviour, worthily to sing a song and to praise the fleshless Angel, my guide and guardian.

Kontakion 13

Holy Angel of the Lord, my (our) Guardian, pray to God for me (us).

Alone I lie in folly and idleness, O my guide and guardian, forsake not me who am perishing.

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

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

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

I have chosen thee to be the protection and intercession of my life, O Virgin, Mother of God. Pilot me to thy haven, O author of blessings, O support of the faithful, O thou only all-lauded one.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

I pray thee, O Virgin, to dispel the tumult of my soul and the storm of my grief; for thou, O Bride of God, hast given birth to Christ, the Prince of Peace, O only immaculate one.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Since thou broughtest forth Him who is the Benefactor and Cause of good, from the wealth of thy loving-kindness do thou pour forth on all; for thou canst do all things, since thou didst bear Christ, the One Who is mighty in power; for blessed of God art thou.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

I am tortured by grievous sicknesses and morbid passions: O Virgin, help me! For I know thee to be the inexhaustible treasury of unfailing healings, O all-blameless one.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me.

All my thoughts and my soul I have committed unto thee, O my Guardian; do thou deliver me from all attacks of the enemy.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me.

The enemy troubleth and trampleth on me, and teacheth me always to do his will, but do thou, O my guide, forsake not me who am perishing.

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

Grant me to sing a song with thanksgiving and fervour to my Creator and God, and to thee my good Angel Guardian: O my deliverer, rescue me from foes that do me evil.

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

Lord, have mercy. Thrice

Ikos: Vouchsafe my soul, humiliated by many temptations, the ineffable glory, O holy intercessor and singer with the choirs of the fleshless hosts of God. Have mercy and guard me, and illumine my soul with good thoughts, that I may be enriched by thy glory, O my Angel, subdue the enemies that wish me evil, and make me worthy of the heavenly kingdom.

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

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

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

The turmoil of my passions, and the storm of my sins do thou bestill, thou who gavest birth to the Lord and Pilot, O thou Bride of God.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

O bestow out of the abyss of thy compassion on me thy supplicant; for thou didst give birth to the Kindhearted One and Saviour of all that hymn thee.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

While delighting in thy gifts, O spotless one, we sing a song of thanksgiving to thee, knowing thee to be the Mother of God.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

As I lie on the bed of my pain and infirmity, do thou help me, as thou art a lover of goodness, O Theotokos, who alone art Ever-Virgin.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Having thee as our staff and hope, and as our salvation's unshaken battlement, from all manner of adversity are we then redeemed, O thou all-lauded one.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me.

Pray thou to God, the Lover of mankind, and forsake me not, O my Guardian, but ever keep my life in peace, and grant me the invincible salvation.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me.

As the defender and guardian of my life I received thee from God, O Angel. I pray thee, O holy one, free me from all danger.

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

Cleanse my defilement by thy holiness, O my Guardian, and may I be drawn from the left side by thy prayers, and become a partaker of glory.

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

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Fill my heart with gladness, O pure one, by giving me thine incorruptible joy, O thou who didst bear the Cause of gladness.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Deliver us from dangers, O pure Theotokos, who didst give birth to Eternal Redemption and the Peace that doth surpass all understanding.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Dispel the darkness of my sins, O Bride of God, by the radiance of thy splendour, for thou hast given birth to the Divine and Pre-eternal Light.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Heal, O pure one, the infirmity of my soul, when thou hast deemed me worthy of thy visitation, and grant me health by thine intercessions.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me.

As one having boldness toward God, O my holy guardian, do thou entreat Him to deliver me from the evils that afflict me.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me.

O radiant light, illumine my soul with radiance, O my guide and guardian, given me by God, O Angel.

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

Keep me vigilant who sleep from the evil burden of sin, O Angel of God, and raise me up to glorify Him, through thy supplication.

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

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

My nature, held by corruption and death hath He saved from out of death and corruption; for unto death He Himself hath submitted. Wherefore, O Virgin, do thou intercede with Him Who is thy Lord and Son, to deliver me from the enemies' wickedness.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

I know thee as the protection of my life, and most safe fortification, O Virgin; disperse the horde of temptations, and drive away demonic vexation; unceasingly I pray to thee: From corruption of passions, deliver me.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

We have acquired thee as a wall of refuge and the perfect salvation of our souls, and a relief in afflictions, O Maiden, and we ever rejoice in thy light, O Sovereign Lady, do thou also now save us from passions and dangers.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Bedridden, I lie supine with sickness now, and there is no healing for my flesh; but to thee, O good one who gavest birth to God and the Saviour of the world and the Healer of infirmities, I pray: From corruption of illness raise me up.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me.

Free me from every temptation, and save me from sorrow, I pray thee, O holy Angel, given to me as my good guardian by God.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me.

Enlighten my mind, O good one, and illumine me, I pray thee, O holy Angel, and teach me to think always profitably.

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

Abolish present disturbance from my heart, and strengthen me to be vigilant in good, O my Guardian, and guide me miraculously in quietness of life.

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

Here we say one of the following Akathists, or one to the current feast or saint:

For the Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos, go to page 21.

Akathist to Our Sweetest Jesus Lord Jesus Christ

O Champion Leader and Lord, Vanquisher of hades, I, Thy creature and servant, offer Thee songs of praise, for Thou hast delivered me from eternal death; but as Thou hast unutterable loving-kindness, free me from every danger, as I cry: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!

Creator of angels and Lord of hosts, as of old Thou didst open ear and tongue to the deaf and dumb, likewise open now my perplexed mind and tongue to the praise of Thy Most Holy Name, that I may cry to Thee: Jesus, Most-wonderful, Angels' Astonishment! Jesus, Most-powerful, Forefathers' Deliverance! Jesus, Most-sweet, Patriarchs' Exaltation! Jesus, Most-glorious, Kings' Stronghold! Jesus, Most-beloved, Prophets' Fulfillment! Jesus, Most-marvelous, Martyrs' Strength! Jesus, Most-peaceful, Monks' Joy! Jesus, Most-gracious, Presbyters' Sweetness! Jesus, Most-merciful, Fasters' Abstinence! Jesus, Most-tender, Saints' Rejoicing! Jesus, Most-honourable, Virgins' Chastity! Jesus, Everlasting, Sinners' Salvation!

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!

As when seeing the widow weeping bitterly, O Lord, Thou wast moved with pity, and didst raise her son from the dead as he was being carried to burial, likewise have pity on me, O Lover of mankind, and raise my soul, deadened by sins, as I cry: Alleluia!

Seeking to understand the incomprehensible, Philip asked: "Lord, show us the Father," and Thou didst answer him: "Have I been so long with you and yet hast thou not known that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? " Likewise, O Incomprehensible One, with fear I cry to Thee: Jesus, Eternal God! Jesus, All-Powerful King! Jesus, Long-suffering Master! Jesus, All-Merciful Saviour! Jesus, my gracious Guardian! Jesus, cleanse my sins! Jesus, take away mine iniquities! Jesus, pardon mine unrighteousness! Jesus, my Hope, forsake me not! Jesus, my Helper, reject me not! Jesus, my Creator, forget me not! Jesus, my Shepherd, destroy me not! Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!

Thou Who didst clothe with power from on high Thine Apostles who tarried in Jerusalem, O Jesus, clothe also me, stripped bare of all good work, with the warmth of Thy Holy Spirit, and grant that with love I may sing to Thee: Alleluia!

In the abundance of Thy mercy, O Jesus, Thou hast called publicans and sinners and infidels. Now disdain me not who am like them, but as precious myrrh accept this song:

Jesus, Invincible Power! Jesus, Infinite Mercy! Jesus, Radiant Beauty! Jesus, Unspeakable Love! Jesus, Son of the Living God! Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner! Jesus, hear me who was conceived in sins! Jesus, cleanse me who was born in sin! Jesus, teach me who am worthless! Jesus, enlighten my darkness! Jesus, purify me who am unclean! Jesus, restore me, a prodigal! Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!

Having an interior storm of doubting thoughts, Peter was sinking. But beholding Thee, O Jesus, in the flesh walking on the waters, he confessed Thee to be the true God; and receiving the hand of salvation, he cried: Alleluia!

When the blind man heard Thee, O Lord, passing by on the way, he cried: "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! " And Thou didst call him and open his eyes. Likewise enlighten the spiritual eyes of my heart with Thy love as I cry to Thee and say: Jesus, Creator of those on high! Jesus, Redeemer of those below! Jesus, Vanquisher of the power of hades! Jesus, Adorner of every creature! Jesus, Comforter of my soul! Jesus, Enlightener of my mind! Jesus, Gladness of my heart! Jesus, Health of my body! Jesus, my Saviour, save me! Jesus, my Light, enlighten me! Jesus, deliver me from all torments! Jesus, save me despite mine unworthiness! Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!

As of old Thou didst redeem us from the curse of the law by Thy Divine-flowing Blood, O Jesus, likewise rescue me from the snares in which the serpent hath entangled us through the passions of the flesh, through lustful suggestions and evil despondency, as we cry to Thee: Alleluia!

Having beheld the Creator in human form and knowing Him to be the Master, the Hebrew children hastened to please Him with branches, crying: Hosanna! But we offer Thee a song, saying: Jesus, True God! Jesus, Son of David! Jesus, Most Glorious King! Jesus, Blameless Lamb! Jesus, Most Wonderful Shepherd! Jesus, Guardian of mine infancy! Jesus, Nourisher of my youth! Jesus, Praise of mine old age! Jesus, my Hope at death! Jesus, my Life after death! Jesus, my Comfort at Thy Judgment! Jesus, my Desire, put me not then to shame! Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!

In fulfillment of the words and message of the inspired Prophets, O Jesus, Thou didst appear on earth, and Thou Who art uncontainable didst dwell with men. Thenceforth, being healed through Thy wounds, we learned to sing: Alleluia!

The light of Thy truth shone upon the world, and demonic delusion was driven away; for the idols have fallen, O our Saviour, unable to endure Thy strength. But we, having received salvation, cry to Thee:

Jesus, the Truth, dispelling falsehood! Jesus, the light above all radiance! Jesus, the King, surpassing all in strength! Jesus, God, constant in mercy! Jesus, Bread of Life, fill me who am hungry! Jesus, Source of Knowledge, refresh me who am thirsty! Jesus, Garment of Gladness, clothe me, the corruptible! Jesus, Shelter of Joy, cover me, the unworthy! Jesus, Giver to those who ask, give me sorrow for my sins! Jesus, Finder of those who seek, find my soul! Jesus, Opener to those who knock, open my wretched heart! Jesus, Redeemer of sinners, blot out my transgressions! Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!

Desiring to reveal the mystery hidden from the ages, Thou wast led as a sheep to the slaughter, O Jesus, and as a lamb before its shearer. But as God Thou didst rise from the dead and didst ascend with glory to heaven, and along with Thyself Thou didst raise us who cry: Alleluia!

New was the Creation which the Creator revealed to us when He appeared, for without seed He took flesh of a Virgin and rose from the tomb without breaking the seal, and entered bodily the Apostles' room when the doors were shut. Therefore, marveling at this we sing: Jesus, Infinite Word! Jesus, Inscrutable Word! Jesus, Incomprehensible Power! Jesus, Inconceivable Wisdom! Jesus, Inexpressible Divinity! Jesus, Boundless Dominion! Jesus, Invincible kingdom! Jesus, Endless Sovereignty! Jesus, Supreme Strength! Jesus, Eternal Power! Jesus, my Creator, have compassion on me! Jesus, my Saviour, save me! Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!

Seeing God wondrously incarnate, let us shun the vain world and set our mind on things divine; for God came down to earth that He might raise to heaven us who cry to Him: Alleluia!

The Immeasurable One was below all things, yet in no way separated from things above, when He willingly suffered for our sake, and by His death our death didst put to death, and by His Resurrection didst grant life to those who sing: Jesus, Sweetness of the heart! Jesus, Strength of the body! Jesus, Radiance of the soul! Jesus, Swiftness of the mind! Jesus, Joy of the conscience! Jesus, Well-known Hope! Jesus, Memory before the ages! Jesus, High Praise! Jesus, my Supremely-exalted Glory! Jesus, my Desire, reject me not! Jesus, my Shepherd, seek me! Jesus, my Saviour, save me! Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!

All the angelic nature of heaven doth glorify unceasingly Thy most holy Name, O Jesus, crying: Holy, Holy, Holy! But we sinners on earth, with lips of dust cry: Alleluia!

We see most eloquent orators voiceless as fish concerning Thee, O Jesus our Saviour. For they are at a loss to say how Thou art perfect man yet remainest God immutable. But we, marveling at this Mystery, cry faithfully: Jesus, God before the ages! Jesus, King of kings! Jesus, Master of rulers! Jesus, Judge of the living and the dead! Jesus, Hope of the hopeless! Jesus, Comfort of them that mourn! Jesus, Glory of the poor! Jesus, condemn me not according to my deeds! Jesus, cleanse me according to Thy mercy! Jesus, take from me despondency! Jesus, enlighten the thoughts of my heart! Jesus, grant me remembrance of death! Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!

Desiring to save the world, O Sunrise of the East, Thou didst come to the dark Occident of our nature, and didst humble Thyself even unto death. Wherefore Thy Name is supremely exalted above every name, and from all the tribes of heaven and earth, Thou dost hear: Alleluia!

King Eternal, Comforter, true Christ! Cleanse us from every stain as Thou didst cleanse the Ten Lepers, and heal us as Thou didst heal the greedy soul of Zacchaeus the Publican, that we may shout to Thee in compunction crying aloud: Jesus, Treasury Incorruptible! Jesus, Wealth Unfailing! Jesus, Strong Food! Jesus, Drink Inexhaustible! Jesus, Garment of the poor! Jesus, Protection of widows! Jesus, Defender of orphans! Jesus, Helper of toilers! Jesus, Guide of pilgrims! Jesus, Pilot of voyagers! Jesus, Calmer of tempests! Jesus, God, raise me who am fallen! Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!

Tenderest songs I, though unworthy, offer to Thee, and like the woman of Canaan, I cry to Thee: O Jesus, have mercy on me! For it is not a daughter, but my flesh cruelly possessed with passions and burning with fury. So grant healing to me who cry unto Thee: Alleluia!

Having previously persecuted Thee, the Light-bestowing Lamp of those in the darkness of ignorance, Paul heeded the power of the voice of Divine enlightenment, and understood the swiftness of the soul's conversion. Thus also do Thou enlighten the dark eye of my soul, as I cry: Jesus, my Most-mighty King! Jesus, my Most-powerful God! Jesus, mine Immortal Lord! Jesus, my Most-glorious Creator! Jesus, my Most-good Guide! Jesus, my Most-compassionate Shepherd! Jesus, my Most-merciful Master! Jesus, my Most-gracious Saviour! Jesus, enlighten my senses darkened by passions! Jesus, heal my body scabbed with sins! Jesus, cleanse my mind from vain thoughts! Jesus, keep my heart from evil! Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!

Grant me Thy grace, O Jesus, Absolver of all debts, and receive me who am repenting, as Thou didst receive Peter who denied Thee, and call me who am downcast, as of old Thou didst call Paul who persecuted Thee, and hear me crying to Thee: Alleluia! Ikos 12

Praising Thine incarnation, we all extol Thee and we believe, with Thomas, that Thou art Lord and God, sitting with the Father and coming to judge the living and the dead. Vouchsafe me then to stand on Thy right hand, who now cry: Jesus, King before the ages, have mercy on me! Jesus, Sweet-scented Flower, make me fragrant! Jesus, Beloved Warmth, make me fervent! Jesus, Eternal Temple, shelter me! Jesus, Garment of Light, adorn me! Jesus, Pearl of Great Price, irradiate me! Jesus, Precious Stone, illumine me! Jesus, Sun of Righteousness, shine on me! Jesus, Holy Light, make me radiant! Jesus, from sickness of soul and body deliver me! Jesus, from the hands of the adversary rescue me! Jesus, from the unquenchable fire and other eternal torments save me!

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!

O most-sweet and all-compassionate Jesus! Receive now this our small supplication, as Thou didst receive the widow's two mites, and keep Thine inheritance from all enemies, visible and invisible, from foreign invasion, from disease and hunger, from all tribulations and mortal wounds, and rescue from the torment to come all that cry to Thee: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! This kontakion is said thrice. Then:

Creator of angels and Lord of hosts, as of old Thou didst open ear and tongue to the deaf and dumb, likewise open now my perplexed mind and tongue to the praise of Thy Most Holy Name, that I may cry to Thee: Jesus, Most-wonderful, Angels' Astonishment! Jesus, Most-powerful, Forefathers' Deliverance! Jesus, Most-sweet, Patriarchs' Exaltation! Jesus, Most-glorious, Kings' Stronghold! Jesus, Most-beloved Prophets' Fulfillment! Jesus, Most-marvelous, Martyrs' Strength! Jesus, Most-peaceful, Monks' Joy! Jesus, Most-gracious, Presbyters' Sweetness! Jesus, Most-merciful, Fasters' Abstinence! Jesus, Most-tender, Saints' Rejoicing! Jesus, Most-honourable, Virgins' Chastity! Jesus, Everlasting, Sinners' Salvation!

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!

O Champion Leader and Lord, Vanquisher of hades, I, Thy creature and servant, offer Thee songs of praise, for Thou hast delivered me from eternal death; but as Thou hast unutterable loving-kindness, free me from every danger, as I cry: Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me!

The canons resume on page 30

Akathist to our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos

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

An archangel was sent from Heaven to say to the Theotokos: Rejoice! And beholding Thee, O Lord, taking bodily form, he was amazed and with his bodiless voice he stood crying to Her such things as these: Rejoice, Thou through whom joy will shine forth: Rejoice, Thou through whom the curse will cease! Rejoice, recall of fallen Adam: Rejoice, redemption of the tears of Eve! Rejoice, height inaccessible to human thoughts: Rejoice, depth undiscernible even for the eyes of angels! Rejoice, for Thou art the throne of the King: Rejoice, for Thou bearest Him Who beareth all! Rejoice, star that causest the Sun to appear: Rejoice, womb of the Divine Incarnation! Rejoice, Thou through whom creation is renewed:

Rejoice, Thou through whom we worship the Creator! Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded!

Seeing herself to be chaste, the holy one said boldly to Gabriel: The marvel of thy speech is difficult for my soul to accept. How canst thou speak of a birth from a seedless conception? And She cried: Alleluia!

Seeking to know knowledge that cannot be known, the Virgin cried to the ministering one: Tell me, how can a son be born from a chaste womb? Then he spake to Her in fear, only crying aloud thus: Rejoice, initiate of God's ineffable will: Rejoice, assurance of those who pray in silence! Rejoice, beginning of Christ's miracles: Rejoice, crown of His dogmas! Rejoice, heavenly ladder by which God came down: Rejoice, bridge that conveyest us from earth to Heaven! Rejoice, wonder of angels sounded abroad: Rejoice, wound of demons bewailed afar! Rejoice, Thou Who ineffably gavest birth to the Light: Rejoice, Thou Who didst reveal Thy secret to none! Rejoice, Thou Who surpassest the knowledge of the wise:

Rejoice, Thou Who givest light to the minds of the faithful! Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded!

The power of the Most High then overshadowed the Virgin for conception, and showed Her fruitful womb as a sweet meadow to all who wish to reap salvation, as they sing: Alleluia!

Having received God into Her womb, the Virgin hastened to Elizabeth whose unborn babe at once recognized Her embrace, rejoiced, and with leaps of joy as songs, cried to the Theotokos: Rejoice, branch of an Unfading Sprout: Rejoice, acquisition of Immortal Fruit! Rejoice, laborer that laborest for the Lover of mankind: Rejoice, Thou Who givest birth to the Planter of our life! Rejoice, cornland yielding a rich crop of mercies: Rejoice, table bearing a wealth of forgiveness! Rejoice, Thou Who makest to bloom the garden of delight: Rejoice, Thou Who preparest a haven for souls! Rejoice, acceptable incense of intercession: Rejoice, propitiation of all the world! Rejoice, good will of God to mortals:

Rejoice, boldness of mortals before God! Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded!

Having within a tempest of doubting thoughts, the chaste Joseph was troubled. For knowing Thee to have no husband, he suspected a secret union, O blameless one. But having learned that Thy conception was of the Holy Spirit, he said: Alleluia!

While the angels were chanting, the shepherds heard of Christ's coming in the flesh, and having run to the Shepherd, they beheld Him as a blameless Lamb that had been pastured in Mary's womb, and singing to Her, they cried: Rejoice, Mother of the Lamb and the Shepherd: Rejoice, fold of rational sheep! Rejoice, torment of invisible enemies: Rejoice, opening of the gates of Paradise! Rejoice, for the things of Heaven rejoice with the earth: Rejoice, for the things of earth join chorus with the heavens! Rejoice, never-silent mouth of the Apostles: Rejoice, invincible courage of the passion-bearers! Rejoice, firm support of faith: Rejoice, radiant token of Grace! Rejoice, Thou through whom hades was stripped bare:

Rejoice, Thou through whom we are clothed with glory! Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded!

Having sighted the divinely-moving star, the Magi followed its radiance; and holding it as a lamp, by it they sought a powerful King; and having reached the Unreachable One, they rejoiced, shouting to Him: Alleluia!

The sons of the Chaldees saw in the hands of the Virgin Him Who with His hand made man. And knowing Him to be the Master, even though He had taken the form of a servant, they hastened to serve Him with gifts, and to cry to Her Who is blessed: Rejoice, Mother of the Unsetting Star: Rejoice, dawn of the mystic day! Rejoice, Thou Who didst extinguish the furnace of error: Rejoice, Thou Who didst enlighten the initiates of the Trinity! Rejoice, Thou Who didst banish from power the inhuman tyrant: Rejoice, Thou Who didst show us Christ the Lord, the Lover of mankind! Rejoice, Thou Who redeemest from pagan worship: Rejoice, Thou Who dost drag us from the works of mire! Rejoice, Thou Who didst quench the worship of fire:

Rejoice, Thou Who rescuest from the flame of the passions! Rejoice, guide of the faithful to chastity: Rejoice, gladness of all generations! Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded!

Having become God-bearing heralds, the Magi returned to Babylon, having fulfilled Thy prophecy; and having preached Thee to all as the Christ, they left Herod as a babbler who knew not how to sing: Alleluia!

By shining in Egypt the light of truth, Thou didst dispel the darkness of falsehood; for its idols fell, O Savior, unable to endure Thy strength; and those who were delivered from them cried to the Theotokos: Rejoice, uplifting of men: Rejoice, downfall of demons! Rejoice, Thou who didst trample down the dominion of delusion: Rejoice, Thou who didst unmask the fraud of idols! Rejoice, sea that didst drown the Pharaoh of the mind: Rejoice, rock that doth refresh those thirsting for life! Rejoice, pillar of fire that guideth those in darkness: Rejoice, shelter of the world broader than a cloud! Rejoice, sustenance replacing manna: Rejoice, minister of holy delight! Rejoice, land of promise: Rejoice, Thou from whom floweth milk and honey!

Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded!

When Symeon was about to depart this age of delusion, Thou wast brought as a Babe to him, but Thou wast recognized by him as perfect God also; wherefore, marveling at Thine ineffable wisdom, he cried: Alleluia!

The Creator showed us a new creation when He appeared to us who came from Him. For He sprang from a seedless womb, and kept it incorrupt as it was, that seeing the miracle we might sing to Her, crying out: Rejoice, flower of incorruptibility: Rejoice, crown of continence! Rejoice, Thou from whom shineth the Archetype of the Resurrection: Rejoice, Thou Who revealest the life of the angels! Rejoice, tree of shining fruit, whereby the faithful are nourished: Rejoice, tree of goodly shade by which many are sheltered! Rejoice, Thou that has carried in Thy womb the Redeemer of captives: Rejoice, Thou that gavest birth to the Guide of those astray! Rejoice, supplication before the Righteous Judge: Rejoice, forgiveness of many sins!

Rejoice, robe of boldness for the naked: Rejoice, love that doth vanquish all desire! Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded!

Having beheld a strange nativity, let us estrange ourselves from the world and transport our minds to Heaven; for the Most High God appeared on earth as a lowly man, because He wished to draw to the heights them that cry to Him: Alleluia!

Wholly present was the Inexpressible Word among those here below, yet in no way absent from those on high; for this was a divine condescension and not a change of place, and His birth was from a God-receiving Virgin Who heard these things: Rejoice, container of the Uncontainable God: Rejoice, door of solemn mystery! Rejoice, report doubtful to unbelievers: Rejoice, undoubted boast of the faithful! Rejoice, all-holy chariot of Him Who sitteth upon the Cherubim: Rejoice, all-glorious temple of Him Who is above the Seraphim! Rejoice, Thou Who hast united opposites: Rejoice, Thou Who hast joined virginity and motherhood! Rejoice, Thou through whom transgression hath been absolved: Rejoice, Thou through whom Paradise is opened!

Rejoice, key to the kingdom of Christ: Rejoice, hope of eternal good things! Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded!

All the angels were amazed at the great act of Thine incarnation; for they saw the Unapproachable God as a man approachable to all, abiding with us, and hearing from all: Alleluia!

We see most eloquent orators mute as fish before Thee, O Theotokos; for they are at a loss to tell how Thou remainest a Virgin and could bear a child. But we, marveling at this mystery, cry out faithfully: Rejoice, receptacle of the Wisdom of God: Rejoice, treasury of His Providence! Rejoice, Thou Who showest philosophers to be fools: Rejoice, Thou Who exposest the learned as irrational! Rejoice, for the clever critics have become foolish: Rejoice, for the writers of myths have faded away! Rejoice, Thou Who didst rend the webs of the Athenians: Rejoice, Thou Who didst fill the nets of the fishermen! Rejoice, Thou Who drawest us from the depths of ignorance: Rejoice, Thou Who enlightenest many with knowledge!

Rejoice, ship for those who wish to be saved: Rejoice, harbor for sailors on the sea of life! Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded!

Desiring to save the world, He that is the Creator of all came to it according to His Own promise, and He that, as God, is the Shepherd, for our sake appeared unto us as a man; for like calling unto like, as God He heareth: Alleluia!

A bulwark art Thou to virgins, and to all that flee unto Thee, O Virgin Theotokos; for the Maker of Heaven and earth prepared Thee, O Most-pure one, dwelt in Thy womb, and taught all to call to Thee: Rejoice, pillar of virginity: Rejoice, gate of salvation! Rejoice, leader of mental formation: Rejoice, bestower of divine good! Rejoice, for Thou didst renew those conceived in shame: Rejoice, for Thou gavest wisdom to those robbed of their minds! Rejoice, Thou Who didst foil the corrupter of minds: Rejoice, Thou Who gavest birth to the Sower of purity! Rejoice, bridechamber of a seedless marriage: Rejoice, Thou Who dost wed the faithful to the Lord! Rejoice, good nourisher of virgins: Rejoice, adorner of holy souls as for marriage!

Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded!

Every hymn is defeated that trieth to encompass the multitude of Thy many compassions; for if we offer to Thee, O Holy King, songs equal in number to the sand, nothing have we done worthy of that which Thou hast given us who shout to Thee: Alleluia!

We behold the holy Virgin, a shining lamp appearing to those in darkness; for, kindling the Immaterial Light, She guideth all to divine knowledge, She illumineth minds with radiance, and is honored by our shouting these things: Rejoice, ray of the noetic Sun: Rejoice, radiance of the Unsetting Light! Rejoice, lightning that enlightenest our souls: Rejoice, thunder that terrifiest our enemies! Rejoice, for Thou didst cause the refulgent Light to dawn: Rejoice, for Thou didst cause the river of many streams to gush forth! Rejoice, Thou Who paintest the image of the font: Rejoice, Thou Who blottest out the stain of sin! Rejoice, laver that washest the conscience clean: Rejoice, cup that drawest up joy!

Rejoice, aroma of the sweet fragrance of Christ: Rejoice, life of mystical gladness! Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded!

When the Absolver of all mankind desired to blot out ancient debts, of His Own will He came to dwell among those who had fallen from His Grace; and having torn up the handwriting of their sins, He heareth this from all: Alleluia!

While singing to Thine Offspring, we all praise Thee as a living temple, O Theotokos; for the Lord Who holdeth all things in His hand dwelt in Thy womb, and He sanctified and glorified Thee, and taught all to cry to Thee: Rejoice, tabernacle of God the Word: Rejoice, Holy one, holier than the Holies! Rejoice, ark gilded by the Spirit: Rejoice, inexhaustible treasury of life! Rejoice, precious diadem of pious kings: Rejoice, venerable boast of reverent priests! Rejoice, unshakable fortress of the Church: Rejoice, inviolable wall of the kingdom! Rejoice, Thou through whom victories are obtained: Rejoice, Thou through whom foes fall prostrate! Rejoice, healing of my flesh: Rejoice, salvation of my soul!

Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded!

O all-praised Mother Who didst bear the Word, the Holiest of all Holies, accept now our offering, and deliver us from all misfortune, and rescue from the torment to come those who cry out to thee: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! This kontakion is said thrice. Then:

An archangel was sent from Heaven to say to the Theotokos: Rejoice! And beholding Thee, O Lord, taking bodily form, he was amazed and with his bodiless voice he stood crying to Her such things as these: Rejoice, Thou through whom joy will shine forth: Rejoice, Thou through whom the curse will cease! Rejoice, recall of fallen Adam: Rejoice, redemption of the tears of Eve! Rejoice, height inaccessible to human thoughts: Rejoice, depth undiscernible even for the eyes of angels! Rejoice, for Thou art the throne of the King: Rejoice, for Thou bearest Him Who beareth all! Rejoice, star that causest the Sun to appear: Rejoice, womb of the Divine Incarnation! Rejoice, Thou through whom creation is renewed:

Rejoice, Thou through whom we worship the Creator! Rejoice, Thou Bride Unwedded!

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

The Canons for Holy Communion, continued

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Having willed to accomplish our salvation, O Saviour, Thou didst dwell in the womb of the Virgin, and didst show her to the world as the mediatress; O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

The Dispenser of mercy, Whom thou didst bear, O pure Mother, do thou implore to deliver from transgressions and defilements of the soul, those who with faith cry out: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

A treasury of salvation, and a fountain of incorruption is she who gave Thee birth; a tower of safety, and door of repentance hast Thou proved her to them that shout: O God of our fathers, blessed art Thou.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

For weakness of body and sickness of soul, O Theotokos, do thou vouchsafe healing to those who with love draw near to thy protection, O Virgin, who for us gavest birth to Christ the Saviour.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me.

Be merciful to me and entreat God, O Angel of the Lord; for I have thee as my defender for the whole of my life, a guide and guardian given me by God forever.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me.

Leave not my wretched soul, which was given thee blameless by God, to be slain by robbers along the way, O holy Angel, but guide it to the way of repentance.

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

My whole soul is disgraced by the evil thoughts and deeds I have brought upon me, but make haste, O my guide, and grant me healing with good thoughts, that I may be inclined always to the right way.

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

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Disdain not those who need thy help, O Virgin, and who hymn thee and supremely exalt thee unto the ages.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou healest the infirmities of my soul and the pains of my body, O Virgin, that I may glorify thee, O pure one, unto the ages.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou pourest forth a wealth of healing, on those who with faith hymn thee, O Virgin, and supremely exalt thine ineffable Offspring.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Thou drivest away the assaults of temptations, and the attacks of the passions, O Virgin; wherefore we hymn thee unto the ages.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me.

O good Angel, sent by God, support me, thy servant, in my life and forsake me not unto the ages.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me.

O most blessed one, I hymn thee, O good Angel, guide and guardian of my soul unto the ages.

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

Be unto me a protection and fortification in the judgment day of all men, in which all deeds, both good and evil, shall be tried by fire.

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

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Turn not away from the torrent of my tears, O Virgin, who didst give birth to Christ, Who doth take away all tears from every face.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Fill my heart with joy, O Virgin, who didst receive the fullness of joy and didst banish the grief of sin.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Be the haven and protection, and a wall unshaken, a refuge and shelter and the gladness, O Virgin, of those who flee to thee.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

Illumine with the rays of thy light, O Virgin, those who piously confess thee to be the Theotokos, and do thou banish away all darkness of ignorance.

O most holy Theotokos, save us.

In the place of affliction, O Virgin, do thou heal me, transforming mine illness into healthfulness.

To Jesus: O Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me.

Have mercy on me, O my only Saviour, for Thou art merciful and kind hearted, and make me a member of the choirs of the righteous.

Holy Angel of the Lord, my Guardian, pray to God for me.

Grant me ever to think and do only what is useful, O Angel of the Lord, that I may be blameless and strong in infirmity.

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

As one having boldness toward the Heavenly King, do thou, with the rest of the bodiless ones, entreat Him to have mercy on me the wretched one.

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

O Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, my God, who for the sake of Thine ineffable love for mankind, at the end of the ages wast wrapped in flesh from the Ever-Virgin Mary, I glorify Thy saving providence and care for me, Thy servant, O Master. I praise Thee, for through Thee I have learned to know the Father; I bless Thee through Whom the Holy Spirit came into the world. I bow to Thy most pure Mother who served for the dread mystery of Thine Incarnation. I praise the angelic choir as the servants and singers of Thy majesty. I bless Saint John the Forerunner who baptized Thee, O Lord. I honour also the prophets who announced Thee, I glorify Thy holy Apostles, I celebrate the martyrs, I glorify Thy priests, I venerate Thy saints and praise all Thy righteous ones. This such countless and unutterable divine choir I, thy servant, in prayer offer to Thee, O all

compassionate God, and therefore I ask the forgiveness of my sins, which do Thou grant me for the sake of all Thy saints, but especially for the sake of Thy holy compassion, for blessed art Thou unto the ages. Amen.

Accept from us thine unworthy servants, O all-powerful-for-good, immaculate. Sovereign Lady Theotokos, these honourable gifts, which can be offered only to thee, who art the one chosen out of all generations, and who hast become higher than all creation, heavenly and earthly. For through thee the Lord of Hosts was with us, and through thee we came to know the Son of God, and were granted His holy Body and most pure Blood. Wherefore thou art blessed by all generations, the Favourite of God, more radiant than the Cherubim, and more honourable than the Seraphim. And now, O all-hymned, most holy Theotokos, cease not to pray for us thine unworthy servants, to be delivered from every snare of the subtle one, and from all besetting sins, and preserve us unharmed from every poisonous temptation of the devil. But preserve us by thy prayers to the end uncondemned; for saved by thy help and protection, we send up glory, praise, thanksgiving and worship for all, to the One God in Trinity and Creator of all, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

O holy Angel, my good guardian and protector! With broken heart and ailing soul I stand before thee, entreating: Hearken unto me, thy sinful servant (Name); with loud wailing and bitter weeping I cry: Remember not mine iniquity and unrighteousness, through which I, a wretched one, have angered thee every day and hour, and have made myself loathsome before our Lord the Creator; show me loving kindness and leave not me, the defiled, even until mine end. Awaken me from the sleep of sin, and enable me, through thine intercessions, to pass the remaining time of my life without stain, and bring forth fruits worthy of repentance; and above all preserve me from deadly falls into sin, lest I perish in despair, and mine enemy rejoice in my ruin. I know truly and confess with my mouth that there is no other friend and intercessor, protector and champion, such as thou, O holy Angel; for standing before the throne of the Lord, thou intercedest for me the useless and most sinful of all, lest the Most Good One take my soul in the day of my despair and in a day of evil doing. Cease not, therefore, to entreat mercy of my most kindhearted Lord and God, that He forgive mine offences, which I have committed throughout all my life, in deed, word, and all my senses, and by judgments which He knoweth, that He save me; that He may chasten me here according to His ineffable mercy, but that He may not expose and put me to trial there in accordance with His simple justice; that He may deem me worthy to bring repentance, and with penitence to worthily receive Divine Communion; for this above all I make entreaty, and I desire such a gift with all my heart. And in the terrible hour of death, be not far from me, my good guardian, driving away the demons of darkness, who have the power to terrify my trembling soul; defend me from their net, when I shall pass through the aerial toll

houses, in order that being guarded by thee, I may attain the desired paradise, where the choirs of the saints and the celestial hosts unceasingly praise the all honourable and majestic name in Trinity of God glorified: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, to Whom is due honour and worship, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Revised 7/2/2021

The translation used is primarily that of Fr. Lawrence of Jordanville

psalms are from The Psalter According to the Seventy, Transfiguration Monastery, Brookline, MA, used by permission. Some other nd hymns, are also Copyright HTM, used by permission All rights reserved. These works may not be further reproduced, beyond printing commercial use, without the prior written authorization of Holy Transfiguration Monaste A Supplicatory Canon to Our Lord Jesus Christ suffering Jesus, heal the wounds of my soul, Jesus, and merciful One, I pray Thee, Jesus my Saviour, that Sweetest Jesus Christ, Jesus, open to me the door of repentance, O Jesus, Lover of mankind, and accept me, O Jesus my Saviour, as I fall down before Thee and fervently implore the forgiveness of my s Sweetest Jesus Christ, Jesus, snatch me from the hand of deceitful Belial, O Jesus,

and make me stand at the right of Thy glory, O Jesus my Saviour, delivering me