Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos before the “Merciful” (“Kykkos”) icon

Kontakion 1.

Chosen from all generations, the Virgin Mother of the Lord God Most High, in the radiant glory of Heaven above the Cherubim and Seraphim, to the Lady Queen, incline Your mercy to us sinners, quench the sadness of our hearts; spread Your honorable cover over us, visit our sorrowful life, for there is no other help for the Imams, for there is no other hope for You, the Mother of our race. In fear and trembling before the greatness of Thy mercy, on bended knee, Thy intercession before Thy immortal Son, we ask, calling with tenderness:

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Ikos 1.

The Archangel, the bearer of good news from Heaven, was quickly sent to the righteous Joachim to announce the joy of your birth, and the holy old man rejoiced, having foreseen your greatness in the world of God, and so we are the Mother of God. Therefore, with him we joyfully cry out to You:

Rejoice, all the world to the Lady; Rejoice, Queen of Angels.

Rejoice, Most Pure One; Rejoice, most fragrant of all flowers.

Rejoice, loving one; Rejoice, you who teach meekness and mercy.

Rejoice, thou who extendest Thy holy cover over all of us; Rejoice, radiant Virgin.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Kontakion 2.

Seeing You upon the clouds, spreading Your honorable cover, and thereby protecting us, we cry out to God with gratitude: Alleluia.

Ikos 2.

Our mind, overwhelmed by carnal thoughts, strives to break the earthly shackles. We are weak and lazy in our sins, but we cry tearfully to Your mercy: raise us from the abyss of sin, guide us on the path of salvation, and from the angels to You, Most Pure Mother, we glorify:

Rejoice, our protection and salvation; Rejoice, you instruct us in piety.

Rejoice, sinners' prayer book; Rejoice, you who do not reject our sighs;

Rejoice, you who wipe away our tears; Rejoice, Mother of mercy.

Rejoice, Life-Receiving Source; Rejoice, you who heal many of our infirmities.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Kontakion 3.

The power of the Most High protects You, when with your infant feet you created the ascent of the ladder of the temple of the Lord, and we, sinners, trusting in Your Motherly mercy, we sadly pray: erect take us along the ladder of salvation; Let us draw closer to the Throne of the Glory of God, calling with gratitude: Alleluia.

Ikos 3.

Having the purest heart of all virgins and a mind directed to what is above, the Virgin Mary, abiding in the temple of God, not thinking about earthly things, has prepared her entire being to receive the King of kings you are. The powers of Heaven bow before Your purity, and the entire human race sends forth a joyful song to You:

Rejoice, Most Pure Virgin of all virgins; Rejoice, you who did not damage your mind by carnal sin.

Rejoice, meek lamp shining for the whole world; Rejoice, Thy heart is the purest of all hearts.

Rejoice, God-chosen maiden; Rejoice, ineffable and indescribable beauty.

Rejoice, decoration of all Heaven and earth; Rejoice, joy to all saints.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Kontakion 4.

Enduring desperate storms in our hearts, having depended on You for our lives in sins, we run to the Mother of God and humbly pray: give us the strength of the spirit, give us meekness and humility, be patient knowledge and wisdom to endure all our sorrows, so let us sing to God: Alleluia.

Ikos 4.

You humbly accepted the good news brought by the Archangel Gabriel and, realizing this holy hour, you proclaimed: “Behold the servant of the Lord, be according to Your word,” - O Most Holy One Virgo, teach us to remain submissive to the will of God and to endure without complaint the trials sent to us by God may our souls be purified by the fire of suffering; may all the filth of our sins be removed from our hearts; Let us rise vigorously and pure in heart, sending up thanksgiving praises to God: we thank You God, King of Heaven and earth, with Your wisdom You have built and the hidden things of men. Oh, we accept this worthy thing in our deed. May Your holy will be over us. To you, Blessed Virgin, who gave birth to all God, we tenderly glorify:

Rejoice, humble servant of the Lord; Rejoice, you who encourage us by your example.

Rejoice, Most Holy Virgin; Rejoice, you who dedicated your youth to God.

Rejoice, unspeakable meekness; Rejoice, unshakable pillar of faith.

Rejoice, hope of all the ends of the earth; Rejoice, immeasurable sea of love.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Kontakion 5.

The godly star appeared to the wise men in heaven, and illuminated the den with a wondrous display, showing the King of glory lying in a manger; and with him His Mother, a pure and holy Virgin, composing songs in Her heart like an angel. O Virgin of meekness and humility, lift up our praise to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 5.

Seeing the glory of the eternal child Christ, for the sake of us born in the flesh, they rendered Divine worship to Him. The Angel of the Lord appeared to Elder Joseph, commanding the immortal Child and His Mother to save Egypt from Herod’s wrath. Thinking with tenderness, Mother of God, about Your arduous path, we sinners humbly resort to You: make our earthly path easier, filled with sorrows, lift up those who are discouraged, support the strength sick and sick, extend the hand of salvation to the despondent, strengthen Orthodoxy in our country, which is bleeding . Oh, Most Holy, All-Sung Virgin Mother of God, be merciful today to us sinners who cry about our sins; beseech Thy Son to pour out His mercy upon us sinners and weaklings: may we joyfully cry out to Thee in the tenderness of our hearts:

Rejoice, Mother of God, quenching maternal sorrow; Rejoice, covering for widows and the orphans.

Rejoice, salvation of your people; Rejoice, praise be given to those who pray.

Rejoice, consolation of the elders; Rejoice, encouragement of youth.

Rejoice, charity of the poor; Rejoice, there is joy in the whole world.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Kontakion 6.

The preaching of love, meekness and forgiveness of the world, proclaiming with Christ, Your Son, having endured all the sorrows of earth. She adopted the Apostle John and with him the entire Christian family into her mother’s heart. Oh, Ever-Virgin Most Immaculate, be to us our Heavenly Mother, consolation and maternal warmth to those in need, and with gratitude we call to the Lord: Alleluia.

Ikos 6.

Having arisen throughout the entire universe, like a wondrous fragrant temple of God, filled with Divine glory and grace, O Most Pure Virgin Mother, Queen of Heaven, Queen of men and angels, Apostle ov and martyrs; Be a guiding star for us in the darkness of our sorrowful days, make our hearts gladdened by the darkness of passions; restore our strength in exhausted passions; increase our faith, strengthen our hope and warm our bitter and embittered souls with the fire of fiery love, let us call Ty with tenderness:

Rejoice, Mother of the Christian race; Rejoice, protector of our country.

Rejoice, you who call upon You as an ambulance; Rejoice, hope of sinners.

Rejoice, joy of the righteous; Rejoice, shining one above all other lights.

Rejoice, O blessed one.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Kontakion 7.

Although you were inseparable from your only begotten Son until death on the cross, you followed the innocent Sufferer to Golgotha and at the foot of the Cross heard the cries of an enraged host, and in silence you suffered. And fill your very soul with this great sorrow. We, marveling at Your indescribable maternal courage, call: Alleluia.

Ikos 7.

The Archangel of the Lord will announce new news to You, Mother of God, about the Resurrection of Your Son; with him, all the armies of Heaven loudly glorify the immortal Christ. Grant us, O Christ God, to rejoice today in Your Mother, exclaiming tenderly:

Rejoice, O Gracious One, for the Lord is with You; Rejoice, pure Virgin.

Rejoice, for the glory of the Lord has risen upon You; Rejoice at the rise of Your Nativity.

Rejoice, never-setting dawn of Truth; Rejoice, guiding star.

Rejoice, you who lead us to the truth of God; Rejoice, pacifier of our souls.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Kontakion 8.

The great and glorious mystery of Your ascension, O Christ God, revealed to the world and at the right hand of God the Father, who sits also for us who live on earth, for the sorrowing villages of paradise, send down the Comforter, the Spirit and truth and instill in us, O Life-Giver, through the prayers of Your Mother, let us call: Alleluia.

Ikos 8.

Our entire earthly path is filled with trials and sorrows, but we cry to You, Mother of God the Virgin, have mercy on us, our Divine patroness, and shelter us under Your honest protection, strengthen the weak elders, heal the sick, satisfy the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, inspire the young to the bright deeds of those who strive, instruct parents to educate their children, save babies from all harm, protect our spiritual shepherds with Your grace, lift up our prayers to the Throne of the Most High, yes Let us praise Thee Mother of God calling:

Rejoice, our joy and consolation; Rejoice, bright joy to those who mourn.

Rejoice, Mother of all who seek salvation; Rejoice, protector of virginity.

Rejoice, champion of Heavenly truth; Rejoice, inexhaustible source of holiness.

Rejoice, you who nourish us with grace; Rejoice, constant intercessor for our souls.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Kontakion 9.

“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, and I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,” says the Lord. On You, Mother of God, the grace of the Holy Spirit was poured out beyond all measure. You have contained our Creator and Founder. Pour out the mercy of Your Son on our suffering souls, and let our relieved hearts cry out: Alleluia.

Ikos 9.

The holy apostles, not thinking about anything earthly, glorify Your glorious Dormition with reverence and awe. The King of kings and Lord of lords, having descended to earth, received Your holy soul, and in great glory ascended Her to Heaven, where He prepared an abode at the right hand of His Throne To you. We cry to Your mercy, Mother of God: give us shelter for the homeless, gather us all together, send us peace and blessing, so that we may sing to You:

Rejoice, you who save us who are perishing; Rejoice, you who pray for us.

Rejoice, Divine protection for Your servant; Rejoice, salvation of your people.

Rejoice, praise be given to those who pray; Rejoice, Thy bright face does not turn away from us.

Rejoice, you who do not leave the world after Your Assumption; Rejoice, for in You the Christian race boasts.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Kontakion 10.

To save the world, the Good Shepherd calls everyone to salvation and draws everyone to himself; O righteous lovers and merciful sinners, save us sinners through the prayers of the Mother of God, let us sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 10.

Protection and intercession of all repentant sinners, accept our repentance, O All-Blessed Virgin Mary, soften our hearts, heal the painful wandering of our minds, cast down our pride into the abyss of peace Enenia, lift up our sorrowful eyes, bound by the earth; open our lips, let us sing this praise:

Rejoice, Life-Giving Source; Rejoice, you sprinkle us with life-giving dew.

Rejoice, you who listen to the voice of those who pray; Rejoice, you who extend the hand of salvation to those who are perishing.

Rejoice, sufferer of human sorrow; Rejoice, for You give us Your consolation.

Rejoice, beautiful flower of paradise; Rejoice, door of our salvation.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Kontakion 11.

Angelic singing accompanies the righteous departing after death. How will we, sinners, find salvation, how will we appear before the righteous Judge; but on Thee, Mother of God, we tenderly ask those who hope: save by Your maternal intercession our singing souls: Alleluia.

Ikos 11.

Singing of Thy mercy, O One of grace among women, One blessed, Who bestowed the Savior of the world, and thereby gained eternal glory and worship, be the intercessor and intercessor for us, sinners them, and say to Your Son: Lord, cover them with Your merciful providence and fill their hearts with joy and consolation, we are grateful to You, Lady, and exclaim:

Rejoice, unquenchable Heavenly Light; Rejoice, for from You the Sun of righteousness has risen, O Christ our God.

Rejoice, incomprehensible mystery of the Incarnation; Rejoice, thou who didst contain the inconceivable God.

Rejoice, I sit at the right hand of God Your Son; Rejoice, greater than the Powers of Heaven.

Rejoice, consolation of simple minds; Rejoice, you who raise sinners to Heaven.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Kontakion 12.

The grace of Your Son has been revealed to the world, Ever Immaculate, save us sinners who cry for Your mercy: Alleluia.

Ikos 12.

Oh, All-Merciful Mother of God, You pour out Your Motherly love on everyone who flows to You, and fill our hearts with Your love. How we, sinners, thank You for Your ineffable mercies towards us, Your unworthy children; let us sing to You with reverence and humility:

Rejoice, you who unite our hearts with love; Rejoice, thou who teachest us to sing Thy Son with one mouth and one heart.

Rejoice, you who pour out tenderness and joy into our souls; Rejoice, and teach us to love those who hate us.

Rejoice, love that cleanses our souls from sins and illnesses; Rejoice, for our trust is in You.

Rejoice, and on earth you give heavenly bliss to those who love You; Rejoice, you place gracious sweetness in the hearts of those who pray to You.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Kontakion 13.

O all-singing Mother, O Mother filled with grace. Accept our tearful prayers to You, even at this time, at Your mercy, boldly, from the depths of our souls we bring You a song: Alleluia.

This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos and the 1st kontakion.

Ikos 1.

Rejoice, all the world to the Lady; Rejoice, Queen of Angels.

Rejoice, Most Pure One; Rejoice, most fragrant of all flowers.

Rejoice, loving one; Rejoice, you who teach meekness and mercy.

Rejoice, thou who extendest Thy holy cover over all of us; Rejoice, radiant Virgin.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Kontakion 1.

Rejoice, Merciful Mother of God, pouring out Your mercy on us.

Prayer.

Oh, Mother of All Sings, Intercessor of the World. With fear, faith and love, we fall before Your honest icon and fervently pray to You: do not turn Your face away from those who come running to You. Pray, merciful Mother, to Your Son and our God, the sweetest Lord Jesus Christ, to keep our country in peace, to establish our state in prosperity and to deliver us from civil strife war, may it strengthen our Orthodox Church and preserve it unshakably from unbelief and schism , and heresies. We are not imams, for we have no other help than You, Most Pure Virgin. For you are the omnipotent Christian intercessor before God, softening His righteous wrath. Deliver all those who pray to You from the falls of sin, from the slander of evil people, from hunger, from sorrow. Grant us the spirit of contrition, humility of heart, purity of thoughts, correction of our sins, and let us all gratefully sing of Your greatness, let us become worthy of the Kingdom of Heaven, and so with everyone Let us glorify as saints the most honorable and magnificent name in the Trinity of the One God - the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What does it help with? Description of the icon.

The image of the Kykkos Icon of the Mother of God shows the Child playing: in the hands of the Mother of God the Child Christ is depicted in an unusual pose. She lightly touches the Son of God with her cheek, and He pulls his hands forward from Her - this is what all little children often do. Theologians interpret this icon as the human side of the Lord, that is, revealing His natural feelings and instincts for humans.

According to legend, this icon, like the similar one, the Leaping of the Child, illustrates one of the episodes of the event of the Presentation of the Lord. When the Infant Christ was brought to the Jerusalem Temple, Elder Simeon came out to meet the Mother of God and Joseph. He was one of 70 Bible translators who at one time doubted the possibility of the birth of the Son of God from a Virgin. God told Simeon that he would not die until he saw Christ born. And this moment came, and the elder, realizing by the grace of God who was before him, stretched out his hands to take the Infant of God. Jesus Christ was then just a Baby and, of course, He did not want to go into the arms of an unfamiliar old man - that’s why he pulled back, away from him.

The Kykkos Icon of the Mother of God – how does it help, many ask. The image, by name, helps in everything - after all, the Mother of God is merciful to all people.

In recovery from illness,
In conceiving children,
In pregnancy,
For depression,
For fears and worries.