Doxologia maior (Great Doxology)
Glòria in excèlsis Deo et in terra pax homìnibus bonae voluntàtis. Laudàmus te, benedìcimus te, adoràmus te, glorifcàmus te, gràtias àgimus tibi propter magnam glòriam tuam, Domine Deus, Rex caelèstis, Deus Pater omnìpotens. Dòmine Fili unigènite, Jesu Christe, Dòmine Deus, Agnus Dei, Fìlius Patris; qui tollis peccàta mundi, miserère nobis; qui tollis peccàta mundi, sùscipe deprecatiònem nostram; Qui sedes ad dèxteram Patris, miserère nobis. Quòniam tu solus Sanctus, Tu solus Dòminus, Tu solus Altìssimus, Jesu Christe, cum Sacto Spìritu in glòria Dei Patris. Amen.
Interpretation of the prayer “Virgin Mother of God, rejoice”
The meaning of prayer is in the highest purpose of Mary, as the Mother of God who gives life to Christ, who is called to save humanity and give eternal life. The earthly origin of the Virgin Mary helps us realize our destiny and feel a piece of God within ourselves. After all, we are able to fill this world with love, as the Virgin Mary did. It is not difficult to follow this path; you just need to sincerely believe in the creator and pray.
Prayer literally means the following:
"Theotokos" - who gave birth to God; “Rejoice, the Lord is with You, blessed are You among women” - these words greet Archangel Gabriel at the Annunciation, when he descended to inform the Blessed Virgin Mary that she was to give birth to Jesus Christ the Son of God (Luke 1:28). “Blessed are you among women” - this means that the Most Holy Virgin Mary was chosen by the Lord to become the Mother of God among many other women, that is, she was glorified more than all other wives (Luke 1:42; Ps. 44:18). “Gracious” Mary means full of grace, mercy from God. “Blessed is the Fruit of Your womb” —with these words Elizabeth greeted the Virgin Mary when she wished to visit her after the Annunciation (Luke 1:42). “The fruit of Her womb” means the baby of the Virgin Mary, i.e. son of God Jesus Christ.
Thus, the meaning of the prayer and the text is very simple and easy to remember, you can also find it in every prayer book, we present here two versions in Russian and Church Slavonic.
The word “Rejoice” in the prayer to Mary is addressed not only to the Blessed Virgin, but to all people. It means the advent of a new era. Now the Kingdom of God is open to all people, they are cleansed from all sins by the sacrifice of Christ, and have the opportunity to be with God in paradise. The whole universe is ready to rejoice at these words.
Symbolum Nicaenum (Nicene Creed)
Credo in unum Deum, Patrem omnipotentem, factorem caeli et terrae,visibilium omnium et invisibilium.
Et in unum Dominum Iesum Christum, Filium Dei unigenitum, et ex Patre natum ante omnia saecula. Deum de Deo, Lumen de Lumine, Deum verum de Deo vero, genitum non factum, consubstantialem Patri; per quem omnia facta sunt.
Qui propter nos homines et propter nostram salutem descendit de caelis. Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine, et homo factus est.
Crucifixus etiam pro nobis sub Pontio Pilato, passus et sepultus est, et resurrexit tertia die, secundum Scripturas, et ascendit in caelum, sedet ad dexteram Patris.
Et iterum venturus est cum gloria, iudicare vivos et mortuos, cuius regni non erit finis.
Et in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem, qui ex Patre Filioque procedit.
Qui cum Patre et Filio simul adoratur et conglorificatur: qui locutus est per prophetas.
Et unam, sanctam, catholicam et apostolicam Ecclesiam.
Confiteor unum baptisma in remissionem peccatorum. Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum, et vitam venturi saeculi. Amen.
Who does prayer help and with what?
The Virgin Mary is the mother of all people, so she is ready to help everyone and in everything, if it is not something sinful. The power of the prayer “Rejoice to the Virgin Mary” is enormous, therefore the prayer can be said in different circumstances every time we feel the need for support and protection. Our heavenly intercessor is always ready to help, and the Lord is not inclined to refuse her. In prayer you can ask for things like:
- patronage during travel;
- stopping the flow of bad thoughts, softening the heart;
- help during illnesses;
- softening the hearts of enemies;
- help in solving family problems.
The Most Holy Theotokos herself was a mother who experienced what it means to love a child and the fear of losing him, therefore “Virgin Mother of God, rejoice” is a prayer addressed to mothers or women who want to have children, but are still deprived of the happiness of motherhood. Girls who want to get married successfully also ask for help.
The Blessed Virgin is ready to help people of all races and nations. At the same time, in Rus' she has always been regarded as the intercessor and patroness of our state and all its inhabitants.
Symbolum Apostolorum (Apostles' Creed)
Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae. Et in Iesum Christum, Filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum, qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus, descendit ad infernos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis, ascendit ad caelos, Sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis, inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem et vitam aeternam. Amen.
How to pray correctly
The main thing in any prayer is its constancy. The power of prayer requests increases many times over if we turn to the Mother of God not only in times of danger or problems, but make it part of our daily affairs. The hymn to the Mother of God is short, so it is easy to remember and recite the full text when the occasion is appropriate.
According to ancient tradition, this prayer was read every morning 150 times, and during reading it is necessary to remember the entire path of the Mother of God.
Despite its apparent simplicity, this prayer is endowed with enormous power, because it is one of the most ancient Christian prayers. In its classic version in Latin, it is called “Ave Maria” and is heard not only in the Vatican, but also on the stages of opera houses. The Mother of God responds to the requests of all those who suffer and surrounds them with protection and care like her own mother. It may seem to you that your life situation is hopeless, but you just have to turn to the Virgin Mary and help will come.
When turning to the Mother of God, you should follow several rules:
- Remember that prayer is not a conspiracy. We don't perform a ritual - we ask for help. We need sincere faith that the Mother of God is ready to help us.
- A prayer request requires complete concentration. Not all people can spend most of the day in a state of prayer, like holy ascetics. But if you decide to pray, then get rid of all worldly thoughts. Let it be only 2-3 minutes, but you will completely devote it to communicating with higher powers.
- You should not limit yourself to prayers at home. There are many holidays dedicated to the Mother of God in the Orthodox calendar. Try to attend a service on 1 of these days.
Quicumque (Athanasian Creed)
Quicumque vult salvus esse, ante omnia opus est, ut teneat catholicam fidem:
Quam nisi quisque integram inviolatamque servaverit, absque dubio in aeternam peribit.
Fides autem catholica haec est: ut unum Deum in Trinitate, et Trinitatem in unitate veneremur.
Neque confundentes personas, neque substantiam seperantes.
Alia est enim persona Patris alia Filii, alia Spiritus Sancti:
Sed Patris, et Fili, et Spiritus Sancti una est divinitas, aequalis gloria, coeterna maiestas.
Qualis Pater, talis Filius, talis Spiritus Sanctus.
Increatus Pater, increatus Filius, increatus Spiritus Sanctus.
Immensus Pater, immensus Filius, immensus Spiritus Sanctus.
Aeternus Pater, aeternus Filius, aeternus Spiritus Sanctus.
Et tamen non tres aeterni, sed unus aeternus.
Sicut non tres increati, nec tres immensi, sed unus increatus, et unus immensus.
Similiter omnipotens Pater, omnipotens Filius, omnipotens Spiritus Sanctus.
Et tamen non tres omnipotentes, sed unus omnipotens.
Ita Deus Pater, Deus Filius, Deus Spiritus Sanctus.
Et tamen non tres dii, sed unus est Deus.
Ita Dominus Pater, Dominus Filius, Dominus Spiritus Sanctus.
Et tamen non tres Domini, sed unus est Dominus.
Quia, sicut singillatim unamquamque personam Deum ac Dominum confiteri christiana veritate compelimur: ita tres Deos aut Dominos dicere catholica religione prohibemur.
Pater a NULLO est factus: nec creatus, nec genitus.
Filius a Patre solo est: non factus, nec creatus, sed genitus.
Spiritus Sanctus a Patre et Filio: non factus, nec creatus, nec genitus, sed procedens.
Unus ergo Pater, non tres Patres: unus Filius, non tres Filii: unus Spiritus Sanctus, non tres Spiritus Sancti.
Et in hac Trinitate nihil prius aut posterius, nihil maius aut minus: sed totae tres personae coaeternae sibi sunt et coaequales.
Ita ut per omnia, sicut iam supra dictum est, et unitas in Trinitate, et Trinitas in unitate veneranda sit.
Qui vult ergo salvus esse, ita de Trinitate sentiat.
Sed necessarium est ad aeternam salutem, ut incarnationem quoque Domini nostri Iesu Christi fideliter credat.
Est ergo fides recta ut credamus et confiteamur, quia Dominus noster Iesus Christus, Dei Filius, Deus et homo est.
Deus est ex substantia Patris ante saecula genitus: et homo est ex substantia matris in saeculo natus.
Perfectus Deus, perfectus homo: ex anima rationali et humana carne subsistens.
Aequalis Patri secundum divinitatem: minor Patre secundum humanitatem.
Qui licet Deus sit et homo, non duo tamen, sed unus est Christus.
Unus autem non conversione divinitatis in carnem, sed assumptione humanitatis in Deum.
Unus omnino, non confusione substantiae, sed unitate personae.
Nam sicut anima rationalis et caro unus est homo: ita Deus et homo unus est Christus.
Qui passus est pro salute nostra: descendit ad inferos: tertia die resurrexit a mortuis.
Ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis: inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos.
Ad cuius adventum omnes homines resurgere habent cum corporibus suis: et reddituri sunt de factis propriis rationem.
Et qui bona egerunt, ibunt in vitam aeternam: qui vero mala, in ignem aeternum.
Haec est fides catholica, quam nisi quisque fideliter firmiterque crediderit, salvus esse non poterit. Amen.
Prayer “Virgin Mother of God, rejoice”
In Russian
Although the text of the prayer was originally compiled in Old Church Slavonic, nothing prevents you from praying using your native language. If you do not dwell on the peculiarities of outdated words, this will help you better focus on the meaning of addressing the Mother of God. Contact the Blessed Virgin every day, and she will not be slow to respond to your requests. Text of the prayer “Rejoice, Virgin Mary” in Russian:
Mother of God Virgin Mary, filled with the grace of God, rejoice! The Lord is with You; Blessed are You among women and blessed is the Fruit born of You, because You gave birth to the Savior of our souls.
In Church Slavonic
Although prayer in Russian is considered normal, we should not forget that the use of Church Slavonic is a long-standing Orthodox tradition. Russian saints prayed in this language, our ancestors turned to God in it. Priests suggest that using a separate language during worship helps to better detach oneself from everyday worries and prepare for a spiritual meeting with God.
It would be useful to learn how to say prayers in the ancient church language. Moreover, it is not so difficult for any person who knows Russian. In the prayer under consideration there will not be a single unfamiliar word. You can listen to the recording. to pronounce words correctly, with accents in the right places.
Virgin Mary, Rejoice, full of grace Mary, the Lord is with You, Blessed are You among women and blessed is the Fruit of Your womb, for You have given birth to the Savior of our souls.
Benedictio Mensae (Blessings before and after meals)
Ante
Benedic, Domine, nos et haec tua dona quae de tua largitate sumus sumpturi. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.
Ante prandium;
Mensae coelestis participes faciat nos, Rex aeternae gloriae. Amen.
Ante cenam;
Ad coenam vitae aeternae perducat nos, Rex aeternae gloriae. Amen.
Post
Agimus tibi gratias, omnipotens Deus, pro universis beneficiis tuis, qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
V. Deus det nobis suam pacem.
R. Et vitam aeternam.
Amen.
Te Deum (Hymn of Thanksgiving to St. Ambrose of Milan)
Te Deum laudamus: te Dominum confitemur. Te aeternum Patrem omnis terra veneratur.
Tibi omnes Angeli; tibi Caeli et universae Potestates; Tibi Cherubim et Seraphim incessabili voce proclamant: Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus, Dominus Deus Sabaoth. Pleni sunt caeli et terra maiestatis gloriae tuae.
Te gloriosus Apostolorum chorus, Te Prophetarum laudabilis numerus, Te Martyrum candidatus laudat exercitus.
Te per orbem terrarum sancta confitetur Ecclesia, Patrem immensae maiestatis: Venerandum tuum verum et unicum Filium; Sanctum quoque Paraclitum Spiritum.
Tu Rex gloriae, Christe.
Tu Patris sempiternus es Filius.
Tu ad liberandum suscepturus hominem, non horruisti Virginis uterum.
Tu, devicto mortis aculeo, aperuisti credentibus regna caelorum.
Tu ad dexteram Dei sedes, in gloria Patris.
Iudex crederis esse venturus.
Te ergo quaesumus, tuis famulis subveni: quos pretioso sanguine redemisti.
Aeterna fac cum sanctis tuis in gloria numerari.
V. Salvum fac populum tuum, Domine, et benedic hereditati tuae.
R. Et rege eos, et extolle illos usque in aeternum.
V. Per singulos dies benedicimus te.
R. Et laudamus nomen tuum in saeculum, et in saeculum saeculi.
V. Dignare, Domine, die isto sine peccato nos custodire.
R. Miserere nostri, Domine, miserere nostri.
V. Fiat misericordia tua, Domine, super nos, quemadmodum speravimus in te.
R. In te, Domine, speravi: non confundar in aeternum.
Benedictus (Song of Zechariah)
Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel, * quia visitavit, et fecit redemptionem plebis suae.
Et erexit cornu salutis nobis * in domo David pueri sui.
Sicut locutus est per os sanctorum, * qui a saeculo sunt, prophetarum eius.
Salutem ex inimicis nostris, * et de manu omnium qui oderunt nos.
Ad faciendam misericordiam cum patribus nostris: * et memorari testamenti sui sancti.
Iusiurandum, quod iuravit ad Abraham patrem nostrum, * daturum se nobis.
Ut sine timore, de manu inimicorum nostrorum liberati, * serviamus illi.
In sanctitate et iustitia coram ipso, * omnibus diebus nostris.
Et tu puer, propheta Altissimi vocaberis: * praeibis enim ante faciem Domini parare vias eius.
Ad dandam scientiam salutis plebi eius: * in remissionem peccatorum eorum.
Per viscera misericordiae Dei nostri: * in quibus visitavit nos, oriens ex alto.
Illuminare his qui in tenebris et in umbra mortis sedent: * ad dirigendos pedes nostros in viam pacis.
Magnificat (Song of Mary)
Magnificat * anima mea Dominum, et exultavit spiritus meus * in Deo salvatore meo, quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae. *
Ecce enim ex hoc beatem me dicent omnes generationes, quia fecit mihi magna, qui potens est,* et sanctum nomen eius, et misericordia eius in progenies et progenies * timentibus eum.
Fecit potentiam in brachio suo, * dispersit superbos mente cordi sui; deposuit potentes de sede * et exaltavit humiles; esurientes implevit bonis * et divites dimisit inanes.
Suscepit Israel puerum suum, * recordatus misericordiae, sicut locutus est ad patres nostros, * Abraham et semini eius in saecula.
