In Orthodoxy there is a tradition of addressing the Mother of God: “Most Holy Lady Theotokos, save us”! This is not surprising, because she is the mother of God, and therefore the mother of all Christians. They resort to it in moments of danger, in difficult life circumstances, in case of family problems affecting children and grandchildren. Grandmothers and mothers pray, reading the akathist to the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, and hope for the support of the One who covered with her Robe those who gathered for prayer in the Blachernae Church before imminent death.
Akathist's words
The Akathist to the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos consists of thirteen kontakia and twelve ikos. The last kontakion should be chanted three times. After it, the first ikos is repeated, and then kontakion number one. Here is the canonical text of the akathist.
At the end of the reading, it is recommended to say two prayers to the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos. There is no clearly established procedure in this regard.
Text of the Akathist to the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God
Kontakion 1
Chosen by the eternal King, above all creation, heaven and earth, the Queen, who sometimes came to the Blachernae Church to pray, offers worthy worship with thanksgiving, as in the darkness of existence, under T let us resort to the howling luminous omophorion with faith and tenderness.
But You, who have an invincible power, free us from all troubles, so we call You: Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Ikos 1
The Archangel and the multitude of angels, with the Forerunner, the Theologian and all the saints, co-presented You, Your Queen, in the Church of Blachernae and, hearing Your tender prayer for the whole world, heard with surprise I cried out like this:
Rejoice, eternal and beginningless favor of God the Father; Rejoice, most pure receptacle of God the Son of the flightless.
Rejoice, chosen dwelling place of God the All-Holy Spirit; Rejoice, never-ending wonder of the ranks of angels on high.
Rejoice, all-threatening deterrent to the dark forces of hell; Rejoice, even in the air the multitudes of cherubim are gathered.
Rejoice, Her praiseworthy seraphim will be ascribed to her; Rejoice, even we, earth-born creatures, bow to Her most good protection.
Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 2
Having seen Thee, Saint Andrew and Epiphanius in the church in the air praying for Christians to God, they knew that You were the Mother of Christ our God who ascended into heaven, and, having fallen to earth, I faithfully worship Your all-good protection, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
You are a misunderstood mind, O Mother of God, in protecting Orthodox people, for this reason our enemies do not know how strong the prayer of God to the Mother is. We, knowing well about Your all-powerful intercession, call to You with tenderness:
Rejoice, most merciful comforter of all those who mourn and are burdened; Rejoice, never-ending teacher of all those who are lost and blind.
Rejoice, righteously driven wrath of God against us, quickly quenching your prayer; Rejoice, taming our evil passions with an omnipotent wave.
Rejoice, strong awakening of sleeping consciences; Rejoice, easy overcoming of illegal habits.
Rejoice, even for her sake hell groans and the souls of malice tremble; Rejoice, for her sake the gates of heaven are opened to all of us.
Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 3
The power of the Most High overshadows with faith and reverence those who resort to Your all-honorable protection: one for You, the Most Holy and Most Pure Mother of God, come, that every request of Yours may be fulfilled. Therefore, every age of the faithful will praise You and Your Son, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Having an infinite wealth of mercy, you extend your helping hand to the whole end of the earth, O Lady: to the sick - healing, to the afflicted - weakness, to the blind - sight, and to everyone whatever they need. shi, give thanks to those who cry:
Rejoice, indestructible fortress and fence of Orthodoxy; Rejoice, the first decoration of holy churches and altars.
Rejoice, the surest protection of piety; Rejoice, vigilant assistant of kind-hearted city rulers.
Rejoice, invincible commander of the leaders and armies of the Christians; Rejoice, holy mirror of truth to the unfriendly judges.
Rejoice, perfect understanding of teachers and teachers; Rejoice, blessing upon the homes and families of the pious.
Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 4
Through the storm of many troubles, you help us, O Lady: stand before the altar of the Lord, lifting up your hands and praying, so that our unworthy prayer will be looked upon by the Lord Yes, the King of glory, and will listen to the petitions of those who call on Your holy name, and to Your Son: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Having heard the Lord God of Joshua praying and commanding the sun to become, he will take revenge on the enemy. The Lord Jesus, the chosen chamber of the Holy Spirit, also hears your prayers today. Likewise, we, sinners, relying on Your protection, We dare to say to You, like the Mother of God:
Rejoice, illuminated by the mental Sun and enlightening us with unsetting light; Rejoice, having enlightened the whole earth with the radiance of your pure soul.
Rejoice, who made all heaven rejoice with the purity of your body; Rejoice, covering and provision of the holy abodes of Christ.
Rejoice, cheerfulness and admonition of the faithful shepherds of the Church; Rejoice, God-fearing monks and nuns mentor.
Rejoice, undisturbed calm of the reverent elders; Rejoice, secret joy of pure virgins and widows.
Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 5
God-seer Moses is sometimes in the army against Amalek, when he lifts up his hand, Israel prevails, but when he lets down his hand, then Amalek is victorious, strengthened by those who support him, and defeats the enemy.
But You, O Mother of God, having raised Your hand in supplication, even if supported by no one, You always defeat the enemies of Christianity, and You are an invincible shield for us, crying out: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen Thee, the saints gathered in the air in the Church of Blachernae, extending prayers to the Son and God, joyfully with the archangels and angels singing a grateful song to Ty.
We, stronger than Moses’ hands, strengthen Your hand and cry out tenderly:
Rejoice, Her hand will support us all with Her one and only love and mercy for us; Rejoice, before our enemies, visible and invisible, they cannot stand.
Rejoice, thou who drivest away the dark horde of our passions and lusts; Rejoice, Divine Fire - holding Christ in His hand and igniting us, who are cold, without burning.
Rejoice, for those who wage war on the flesh with chastity have been greatly crowned; Rejoice, you who strive in fasting and silence for the everlasting interview.
Rejoice, thou who art quickly a comforter to those who are exhausted from despondency and sorrow; Rejoice, you who provide the grace of humility and patience.
Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 6
Saint Roman the Sweet Singer appeared as a preacher of your inexhaustible grace and mercies, when in a dream he received from you a scroll of books for consumption: the more wise he is, the wiser he began. sing to Your glory, write praise to the saints, crying out with faith: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
You have risen from the true Sun of righteousness, the dawn of the Virgin of God, enlightening everyone with the wisdom of God, Your Son, and bringing those who call upon You to the knowledge of the truth:
Rejoice, thou who gave birth to Christ in the flesh by the Power of God and the Wisdom of God; Rejoice, thou who has put to shame the foolish wisdom of this age, and taught those blinded by it to the right path.
Rejoice, guardian of the holy faith and Orthodox dogmas; Rejoice, destroyer of ungodly heresies and destructive schisms.
Rejoice, secret and foreseen inconvenience, who guides all good, and tells what is due; Rejoice, you disgrace false seers and vain fortune-telling.
Rejoice, in the hour of perplexity you put a good thought on your heart; Rejoice, you who redeem yourself from harmful undertakings and senseless wishes.
Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 7
Although the long-suffering All-Seer Lord showed His love for mankind the unsearchable bounty of the abyss, He chose You as His only Mother, and created for You an insurmountable protection for people: and whoever from And by the righteous judgment of God he is worthy of condemnation, Your sovereign veil is preserved for repentance, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
You showed your wondrous deeds in Your Most Pure Mother, Lord, when the most wonderful omophorion in Her hand appeared, shining more than the rays of the sun, which covered people, being and in the Church of Blachernais.
Having heard such a sign of His mercy and intercession, we were overcome with horror and joy and said all the words:
Rejoice, omophorion not made by hands, like a cloud, spreading over the whole world; Rejoice, O Eternal Bishop, Your Son, holding a sign on Your hand.
Rejoice, you who manifest new mercy and new grace in the Orthodox Church; Rejoice, pillar of the cloud, covering us all from the temptations and temptations of the world.
Rejoice, pillar of fire, showing us all the path of salvation in the midst of the darkness of sin; Rejoice, obvious strengthening of the apparent piety of the ascetics.
Rejoice, secret admonition for the secret servants of God in the midst of the world; Rejoice, and me, naked of good deeds, not abandoning Your protection and grace.
Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 8
It is marvelous that You appeared from heaven to the Blachernae Church, the angels sang, the apostles glorified, the face of the saints and saints, and the women of the saints praised the class, the Forerunner worshiped with the Theologian , and the people in the church cried out with joy: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
The Lord ruling over all above and below, having seen You in the church, His Mother, standing and praying to Him with tenderness, said: “Ask, My Mother, I will not turn away from You, but I will fulfill all “I will teach everyone to sing Thy petitions and thanksgiving to You”:
Rejoice, O ark of the covenant, in which is kept the sanctification of the entire human race; Rejoice, most holy one, in whom the Bread of eternal life is preserved for those who hunger for righteousness.
Rejoice, all-golden vessel, in which the flesh and blood of the Divine Lamb was prepared for us; Rejoice, you who receive those left by doctors into your omnipotent hands.
Rejoice, you who are weakened in body, but not in spirit and faith, who lift up those who are sick; Rejoice, you who give new and better meaning to those who destroy the mind from illness.
Rejoice, thou who wisely troubles us on the stubborn path of sin and passions; Rejoice, touching cruelty of our unrepentant heart.
Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 9
All angelic nature brings praise to You, the true Mother of God and the Intercessor of all who flow to You, leading, as with Your indestructible cover you rejoice the righteous, you protect the sinners Eat, deliver the needy and pray for all the faithful, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
The branches of many things, like voiceless fish, are perplexed as to how to properly praise the great feast of the all-honorable Protection of Your Protection: everything that is said about You from them is not enough for a single number. I appreciate Your bounties. We, seeing Your innumerable good deeds, cry out with joy:
Rejoice, you who preserve us from the plague and all-destruction of death; Rejoice, you who preserved cities and weights from the sudden shaking of the earth.
Rejoice, you who raised up your strong hand from the flooding of waters and drowning; Rejoice, thou who deliverest from the fiery dew of Thy prayers.
Rejoice, you who provide the Bread of Life from hunger of soul and body; Rejoice, you who take away the strikes of lightning and thunder from our head.
Rejoice, thou who savest from the invasion of foreigners and secret murderers; Rejoice, thou who protectest from domestic strife and enmity of half-blooded ones through peace and love.
Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 10
To save at least the human race from the charms of the enemy, O Lord, the lover of mankind, may You, Your Mother, grant to us on earth help, protection and protection, may You be consolation to the sad, joy to the sorrowful Adoration, intercessor of the offended, and may you raise up all from the depths of sin, singing: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
“O Heavenly King,” says the All-Immaculate Queen standing in the air from the angels in prayer, “receive every person who prays to You and calls on My name for help, so that he may not depart from My face. thin and unheard."
Having heard this all-good prayer, the congregation of saints cried out in gratitude:
Rejoice, thou who crownest farmers with pure hands and hearts with blessed fruits; Rejoice, I will buy help and righteous rewards for everyone who works.
Rejoice, nationwide denunciation of perjury and unrighteous acquisitions; Rejoice, sudden help to those in need on the way, on land and waters.
Rejoice, you who gladden childless parents with the fruits of faith and spirit; Rejoice, invisible teacher of motherless orphans.
Rejoice, strong intercessor of those in captivity and exile; Rejoice, ever-watchful guardian of those in bondage and prison.
Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 11
The singing of all-merciful hearing and the warmth of Your prayer for us is listening, we ask You, Virgin Mother of God, do not despise the voice of Your servants: for we resort to You in misfortunes and sorrows and before You in trouble We shed our tears, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
Like a light-receiving lamp, burning in prayer, seeing the Blachernae Church in the air, in agreement with the many people who were in it, exclaiming: “Where do I get this from, so that Ma may come Will you come to me from my Lord?
Saint Andrew and Epiphanius warmly pray to You, calling:
Rejoice, unenvious giver of all spiritual and physical gifts; Rejoice, faithful representative of those who have begun the repentance of sinners.
Rejoice, ever-present supporter of those who fight against the passions and attacks of the enemy; Rejoice, invisible taming of the cruel and bestial rulers.
Rejoice, secret peace and consolation of the meek and suffering servants; Rejoice, all-desired accomplishment of good marriages.
Rejoice, quick and painless resolution for mothers bearing children; Rejoice, at the hour of death you are our only helper.
Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 12
Ask us for Divine grace from Your Son and God, extend a helping hand to us, drive away from us every enemy and adversary, and let us die our lives, so that we may not perish violently, without repentance, but accept We are in eternal blood, our Patroness, and rejoicingly we call to You : Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing Your sovereign cover, we praise You all, as our steadfast representative, and we worship You, who prays for us: we believe and hope that You have asked Your Son and God for good Who is eternal and temporary, to all who cry out to You with love:
Rejoice, strong intercession of the whole universe; Rejoice, sanctification of all earthly and heavenly elements.
Rejoice, blessing of all seasons; Rejoice, all slander and temptations from the world, the flesh and the devil, found trampled under foot.
Rejoice, unexpected reconciliation of bitterly hostile people; Rejoice, unknown correction of unrepentant sinners.
Rejoice, you who do not reject the despised and rejected by all; Rejoice, you who snatch away the desperate from the pit of destruction.
Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 13
Oh, all-singing Mother, most pure Lady, Virgin Mary! I lift up my spiritual and physical eyes to You, I stretch out my relaxed hand to You and from the depths of my heart I cry: look at the faith and humility of my soul, cover me with Your omnipotent omophorion, so that I will fall from all troubles and misfortunes, and at the hour of my death, O All-Blessed One, present yourself to me and deliver the torment prepared for the sake of my sins, so that I may cry out in worship: Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos and the 1st kontakion.
Ikos 1
The Archangel and the multitude of angels, with the Forerunner, the Theologian and all the saints, co-presented You, Your Queen, in the Church of Blachernae and, hearing Your tender prayer for the whole world, heard with surprise I cried out like this:
Rejoice, eternal and beginningless favor of God the Father; Rejoice, most pure receptacle of God the Son of the flightless.
Rejoice, chosen dwelling place of God the All-Holy Spirit; Rejoice, never-ending wonder of the ranks of angels on high.
Rejoice, all-threatening deterrent to the dark forces of hell; Rejoice, even in the air the multitudes of cherubim are gathered.
Rejoice, Her praiseworthy seraphim will be ascribed to her; Rejoice, even we, earth-born creatures, bow to Her most good protection.
Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Kontakion 1
Chosen by the eternal King, above all creation, heaven and earth, the Queen, who sometimes came to the Blachernae Church to pray, offers worthy worship with thanksgiving, as in the darkness of existence, under T let us resort to the howling luminous omophorion with faith and tenderness.
But you, who have an invincible power, free us from all troubles, let us call You:
Rejoice, our Joy, cover us from all evil with Your honest omophorion.
Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos.
Oh, Most Holy Virgin, Mother of the Lord of the highest powers, heaven and earth to the Queen, city and country to our omnipotent Intercessor!
Accept this song of praise and gratitude from us, Thy unworthy servants, and lift up our prayers to the throne of God, Thy Son, that He may be merciful to our iniquities and add to His grace I who honor Your all-honorable name and with faith and love worship Your miraculous image.
For we are not worthy of mercy from Him, unless You propitiate Him for us, O Lady, for all that is possible for You from Him is possible.
For this reason we resort to You, as to our undoubted and speedy Intercessor: hear us praying to You, cover us with Your all-powerful protection and ask God, Your Son, to for our guardianship - zeal and vigilance for souls, for the city ruler - wisdom and strength, for the judges - truth and impartiality, a mentor - reason and humility, a spouse - love and harmony, a child - obedience, for the offended - patience, for those who offend - the fear of God, for those who mourn - complacency, for those who rejoice - caring strength, for all of us - the spirit of reason and piety, the spirit of mercy and meekness , the spirit of purity and truth.
Hey, Most Holy Lady, have mercy on your weak people: gather the scattered, guide those who have gone astray to the right path, support old age, keep the young chaste, raise babies, and look after everything Receive us with the contemplation of Your merciful intercession, raise us up from the depths of sin and enlighten our heartfelt eyes to vision of salvation.
Be merciful to us here and there, in the land of earthly coming and at the terrible judgment of Your Son. Having ceased in faith and repentance from this life, our fathers and brothers shared life with the angels and with all the saints in eternal life.
For You are, Lady, the glory of heaven and the hope of earthly, You, according to God, are our Hope and Intercessor of all who flow to You with faith.
We therefore pray to You and to You, as the Almighty Helper, to ourselves and to each other and to our entire lives we commit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
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Strong prayer to the Mother of God for children
It is allowed to read prayers before and after singing the akathist of the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God. Their choice depends on the purpose of the believers. Some help you get ready and get ready to work on your inner world. Others are to concentrate on people for whom there is a need to ask the Virgin Mary for something.
Often before or after the recitation of the akathist to the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, a prayer to the Mother of God for children is heard. It is recommended in cases where a person asks for health or other manifestations of a prosperous life for a son, daughter or grandson.
In what cases does prayer help?
The purpose of this prayer is to strengthen one’s own faith that the Higher powers will help the child or grandson of a Christian, and to cause a sequence of miracles and positive circumstances that will accompany the one for whom one is praying.
The most frequent requests to Our Lady:
- Maintain good health or cure. Prayer can strengthen the spirit of an Orthodox person during difficult periods when his child is very ill. A positive attitude will be passed on to the person under your care and can have a positive impact on well-being.
- Help to bear or conceive a child. For physiological reasons, this does not always work out. Strong and sincere faith combined with medicine can produce results.
- To assist in situations where a young person has gone missing. In order not to give up, in this time of crisis, trust in the Almighty will save you.
- Guide children or grandchildren on the true path if they are mired in sin. Belief in divine providence can give rise to ideas about how to influence an inexperienced relative.
How to read an akathist
The Akathist to the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos can be pronounced for different purposes. Including intercession for relatives. As a woman and mother, the Virgin Mary patronizes those asking for help in the family. This is manifested in the lines “Rejoice, perfect in understanding of mentors and schoolmasters; Rejoice, blessing upon the homes and families of the pious!”
It is believed that an akathist sounded in a church during a service carries great power. But it will not be a deviation from the canons to sing it in other circumstances, if it is not possible to visit the monastery.
Akathists to the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary are usually read:
- In the church. There is a schedule for their singing. You need to familiarize yourself with it and arrive on time. It is worth asking the priest in advance which of the “hymns” is right for you.
- In holy places associated with the Mother of God. The religious work is performed by pilgrims and priests.
- At home, with family. Such an environment helps to unite around a common misfortune.
There are no strictly defined regulations for reading the akathist addressed to the Mother of God. But there are instructions that will allow you to tune in to work on your inner world:
- do it standing if your health allows;
- in the temple it is necessary to follow all the recommendations of the holy father;
- free your head from distracting thoughts;
- before reading at home, familiarize yourself with the recording of the akathist, study the meaning of unclear words and try to remember the correct accents;
- in the church you can give the priest a note with the name of the child for whom you need to pray (it is acceptable to give your name and pray for the children).
The text of the akathist tells about a local miracle that has become important for the whole world
Today they hardly remember that the events to which the akathist refers first had local significance. And only then did they become a traditional episode in icon painting.
This happened in October 910. Almost the entire city gathered in the Byzantine Blachernae Church, where the robe of the Virgin Mary was kept. Frightened and besieged by enemies, people prayed for protection and deliverance. In their situation, all that was left was to trust in God’s help.
Among the worshipers were two important figures for this story - Saint Andrew, the Fool for Christ's sake, and his disciple Epiphanius.
Andrei the Fool, at the behest of the Lord, took upon himself the burden of pretending to be a crazy beggar
.
He and his disciple, as a person capable of looking at the world with a spiritual gaze, saw the miracle that happened in the temple.
The Mother of God entered through the western gate. She was accompanied by angels, archangels, apostles and prophets.
The Mother of God knelt down and prayed with tears for the salvation of the world. Then she took off her omophorion (scarf) and spread it over the people gathered in the temple.
The residents of the city did not see this miracle, but upon hearing about it, they felt inspired and gained hope for protection from enemies. And the enemy really retreated.
The Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a popular scene in Orthodox icon painting
There were other miracles associated with sieges and more. I would especially like to note the weekly miracle.
The weekly miracle is a continuation of the story of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
According to legend, on Fridays at the all-night service in the church where the Mother of God appeared, an unusual phenomenon was observed.
The cover that covered the icon of the Mother of God took off and hovered over the image while the prayer lasted.
Alas, it is not known what that icon was like. By the way, the temple itself can no longer be seen: it was destroyed by the Turks during the war.
Now there is another church in that place, but there are no more former relics in it - the belt of the Virgin Mary and particles of the Holy Cross - and miracles have not been heard for a long time.
The Blachernae Church looks different today than at the time of the Miracle of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary
And although this story was about a local misfortune, its connection with the Mother of God, the power of the scene, the historical context - everything played a role in the fact that the significance of the event grew throughout the entire Christian world.
Blachernae Church
The Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos became one of the favorite subjects of Russian icon painters.
The episode itself with the miracle gradually changed the context - the Mother of God was already seen as the intercessor and protector of all humanity, and the events in the Blachernae temple - as an illustration of her intervention in life.
The appearance of the Mother of God to Saint Roman is another plot that was subsequently often reproduced on icons depicting the scene of the Intercession. Saint Roman the Sweet Singer is a deacon of the very church where the miracle happened. He lived long before those events, in the 5th–6th centuries, and dreamed of performing long chants.
But the requirements for voice data turned out to be too stringent. The deacon prayed to the Mother of God, and then one day she appeared to him in a dream and gave him a paper scroll to eat.
The deacon ate the scroll that the Mother of God gave and this made him the best singer in Constantinople.
