| Icon "Praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary" |
Praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary
is a holiday of the Orthodox Church in memory of the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The celebration is also known as Akathist Saturday
Celebration on Saturday of the fifth week of Lent
The holiday was established in the century to praise the Mother of God for the repeated deliverance of Constantinople from enemy invasions. Among the victories that led to the establishment of the holiday was the miraculous deliverance of the city from the combined forces of the Hagarians and Persians, who approached Constantinople from the sea and from land, but were scattered in large numbers and drowned by a sudden night storm. The remaining enemies fled in shame. Then, all that night, the grateful people who were in the Blachernae church proclaimed to the Defender of the city a victorious, all-night and non-sedal (“akathist” in Greek) hymn: “To the chosen Voivode, victorious, as having gotten rid of the evil ones, let us sing thanksgiving to Thy servants, the Mother of God!”
The holiday also became a commemoration of the lifting of the siege of Constantinople in the summer of 626. At that time the city was besieged by Avars and Slavs. Patriarch Sergius of Constantinople walked around the city walls with an icon of the Most Holy Theotokos. The people sought protection in the churches of God, day and night begging the Zealous Intercessor to save their city, and the danger was averted. On this occasion, a prayer of gratitude was added to the already compiled Great Akathist to the Mother of God.
The Feast of the Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos was celebrated by the solemn singing of the Great Akathist on Saturday of the fifth week of Great Lent. Joseph the Studite wrote a canon for Akathist Saturday, and some other persons added prayers of thanks to the all-powerful governor of the Mother of God.
At first, the Akathist holiday was celebrated only in Constantinople itself, in the Blachernae Church, where the miraculous icon of the Mother of God and the sacred objects of Her earthly life - Her robe and belt - were kept. Later, the holiday was included in the statutes of the monasteries of St. Sava of Studium and then in the church liturgical books, thus becoming common to the entire Eastern Church.
During the celebration of the Praise of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Church confirms the penitents in the hope of the Heavenly Intercessor, who, by delivering the faithful from visible enemies, is all the more ready to help in the fight against invisible enemies.
In modern liturgical practice, the Great Akathist on Saturday of the fifth week of Great Lent is sung at matins (usually the day before, on Friday evening) - not all at once, but separately, in between other songs, in four different exits.
Song 1
Irmos:
I will open my mouth, and I will be filled with the Spirit, and I will vomit a word to the Queen Mother, and I will appear brightly triumphant, and I will sing, rejoicing at those miracles.
Chorus: Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The book of Christ, animated, sealed by Thee's Spirit, the great Archangel, Pure, in vain proclaimed to Thee: Rejoice, joy, friend, Her ancestral oath will be resolved.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Adam's correction, Rejoice, Virgin Bride of God, hellish mortification; Rejoice, All-Immaculate, Chamber of all the King; Rejoice, O fiery Throne of the Almighty.
Glory:
Unfading blossom, rejoice, One vegetated Fragrant Apple; Rejoice, thou who gave birth to the fragrance of the One King; Rejoice, O Unartful One, bring salvation to the world.
And now:
Treasure of purity, rejoice, Who has risen from our fall; Rejoice, sweet-smelling krina, Lady of the faithful, fragrant censer, fragrant censer and valuable ointment.
Song 3
Irmos:
Thy hymn-speakers, Mother of God, living and unenvious source, spiritually establish the face of the whole body: in Thy Divine glory the crowns of glory of the Lord.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Vegetated Divine class, like an unearthed field, Rejoice, animated Trapezo, containing animal bread; Rejoice, inexhaustible source of living waters, O Lady.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
You who gave birth to an immaculate Youth, rejoice to the faithful; rejoice. The Lamb, who gave birth to the Lamb of God, who takes away the peace of all sins; Rejoice, warm purification.
Glory:
Brightest morning, rejoice, One of the sun, bearing Christ the light of the dwelling; Rejoice, you who destroyed the darkness and drove away the dark demons.
And now
: Rejoice, O door of One, through which the One Word passed through, the faiths and gates of hell, Lady, who crushed by Thy Nativity; Rejoice at the Divine entry of those being saved, Bride of God.
Lord have mercy. ( Thrice.)
Song 4
Irmos:
Seated in glory, on the throne of the Divine, the Divine Jesus came in a light cloud, with an imperishable hand, and those who saved called: Glory, O Christ, to Thy power.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
In the voice of singing, O Virgin, we cry to Thee, O All-Singing One: Rejoice, fat Mountain and strewn with the Spirit; Rejoice, Candlebearer, who bears manna in abundance and delights all pious feelings.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Purifier of the world, Rejoice, Most Pure Lady; Rejoice at the Ladder, who raised everyone from the earth with grace; Rejoice at the Bridge, truly leading all those who sing Thee from death to life.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Exceeding the heavens, Rejoice, the foundation of the earth is in Your wombs, Most Pure One, who easily bore; Rejoice, Mother of Scarlet, who has washed the Divine scarlet with the blood of Your King's powers.
Glory:
Who gave birth to the true Lawgiver, Rejoice, Lady, who cleanses the iniquity of all; unknown Depth, unspeakable Height, unskillful, unskillful, by which we will adore.
And now:
Thee, who has woven the world’s unbroken crown, let us hymn, Rejoice, the Virgin calls to Thee: the guardian of all, and the protection, and the affirmation, and the sacred refuge.
Song 5
Irmos:
Everyone was terrified of Your Divine glory: You, the Unartificed Virgin, had in your womb God above all and gave birth to a flightless Son, giving peace to all who praised You.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
You who gave birth to the path of life, rejoice, Most Immaculate One, who saved the world from the flood of sin; Rejoice, Bride of God, terrible hearing and speech; Rejoice in the presence of the Lord of creation.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Strength and strengthening of people, Rejoice, Most Pure One, place of consecration of glory, mortification of hell, O All-Light One; Rejoice Angels Joy; Rejoice in the help of those who faithfully pray to You.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Fiery Chariot of the Word, Rejoice, Lady, animated by Paradise, tree in the midst of the life of the Lord, whose sweetness revives with faith those who partake, and the aphids of those who bow down.
Glory:
Strengthened by Thy Sylic, faithfully by the cry of Ty: Rejoice, the grade of all the kings, the gluttonous and amazed about the verbal of the Yayve, the city is unhealthy: to wound up, the depths of the immeasurable.
And now:
Vast village of the word, Rejoice, Most Pure One, in the vessel who produced the Divine beads; Rejoice at the all-wonderful reconciliation of all to God, who always bless Thee, Theotokos.
Akathist Praise to the Virgin Mary
Akathist Praise to the Mother of God is a prayerful song of thanksgiving dedicated to the One who gave birth to the Savior to the whole world. Once a year - in the fifth week of Lent - believers gather in church to turn to Her together. There are many songs of praise dedicated to Jesus, saints, and church holidays, but they all appeared later than the Akathist to the Mother of God. It was he who became the beginning of a new hymnographic tradition in the 6th-7th centuries. And to this day, this is the only akathist of all that is included in the liturgical charter and included directly in the church service.
“Rejoice..., rejoice..., rejoice...” - the words of the Archangel, who announced the birth of the Son to the Virgin Mary, are repeated throughout the entire akathist. And it seems that this call sounds so unexpectedly during the days of Great Lent, when everything in the church incites repentance: when just two days ago the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete was sounded here at St. Mary’s Station, Holy Week is getting closer and everything reminds us of the Sacrifice made on Golgotha...
But Christ Himself commanded not to be sad during Lent (Matthew 6:16). The Resurrection of Christ has happened, and we know about it. Can we not rejoice and thank the Lord and the Mother of God?..
We offer you the text of the Akathist of Praise of the Mother of God, which is read in the church on the evening before the holiday, that is, on Friday of the fifth week of Great Lent. It can be read at the request of the believer at home and on other days.
Text of the akathist Praise to the Mother of God
Song 6
Irmos:
This divine and all-honorable celebration of the Divine Wisdom, Mother of God, come, let us clasp our hands, from Her we glorify the God who was born.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
O Devil of the Word, wine of all deification, Rejoice, Most Pure One, announcement of the prophets; Rejoice, fertilizer of the apostles.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
From You the dew will fall, the flame of polytheism that has quenched; Thus we cry to Ti: Rejoice, animated Fleece, even Gideon, the Virgin, foreseen.
Glory:
Behold Thee, O Virgin, rejoice, we call: be a haven for us who rule, and a rest in the abyss of sorrows and temptations of all warriors.
And now:
Joy of wine, grace to our thoughts, even your name is: Rejoice, burning bush, all-bright cloud, constantly overshadowing the faithful.
Lord have mercy. ( Thrice.
) Glory, and now:
Ikos
A representative angel was sent from heaven and quickly said to the Mother of God: Rejoice! And with a disembodied voice, You were incarnated in vain, Lord, terrified, and standing, calling to Her like this: Rejoice, for Her joy will shine forth; Rejoice, the oath will disappear. Rejoice, proclamation to fallen Adam; Rejoice, deliverance of the tears of the Evins. Rejoice, height unattainable by human thoughts; Rejoice, depth unfathomable and of the eyes of angels. Rejoice, for you are the seat of the King; Rejoice, for you have carried Him who bears everything. Rejoice, star that represents the sun; Rejoice, womb of the Divine Incarnation. Rejoice, the creation is being renewed; Rejoice, we worship the Creator. Rejoice, Unbride-less Bride.
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos. Praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary (text)
Akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos. Praise to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Kontakion 1 To the chosen Voivode, victorious, as if we were delivered from the evil ones, let us sing thanksgiving to Thy servants, the Mother of God; but, as if you have an invincible power, free us from all troubles, let us call to You:
Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Ikos 1 A representative angel was sent from Heaven and quickly said to the Mother of God: Rejoice, and with an incorporeal voice, You were incarnated in vain, Lord, horrified and standing, calling to Her like this:
Rejoice, whose joy will shine forth; Rejoice, Her oath will disappear.
Rejoice, proclamation to fallen Adam; Rejoice, deliverance of the tears of Eve.
Rejoice, height beyond the reach of human thoughts; Rejoice, depths beyond comprehension and angelic eyes.
Rejoice, for you are the King's seat; Rejoice, for you bear Him who bears all.
Rejoice, Star that reveals the Sun; Rejoice, womb of the Divine Incarnation.
Rejoice, even the creation is being renewed; Rejoice, we worship the Creator.
Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 2 Knowing the Holy One to Himself in purity, He says to Gabriel boldly: The glorious thing of your voice is displeasing to My soul; The seedless birth of Christmas is like a verb, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 2 Understand the misunderstood mind. The virgin seeks, cry out to the servant: from a clean side, How can a Son be born powerfully, O Lord? He speaks to Neyzha with fear, both calling to her:
Rejoice, ineffable advice to the Mystery; Rejoice, silence of those who ask for faith.
Rejoice, the beginning of the miracles of Christ; Rejoice, His commandments are supreme.
Rejoice, heavenly ladder, from which God descended; Rejoice, bridge, lead those who are from earth to Heaven.
Rejoice, prolix miracle of angels; Rejoice, much-lamentable defeat of demons.
Rejoice, who gave birth to the Light inexpressibly; Rejoice, you who have taught not a single person.
Rejoice, thou who surpassest the understanding of the wise; Rejoice, illuminating meanings for the faithful.
Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 3 The power of the Most High is then for the conception of the Braconial, and the fertile Toya is false, like a sweet village, to all who want to reap salvation, never sing to her: Alleluia.
Ikos 3 Having the God-pleasant womb, the Virgin rose to Elizabeth; And the baby, Abiye, having known this kiss, rejoiced, and played like songs, crying out to the Mother of God:
Rejoice, branches of unfading rose; Rejoice, acquisition of immortal fruit.
Rejoice, Worker of Work, Lover of Humanity; Rejoice, you who gave birth to the Gardener of our life.
Rejoice, O field, growing the bounty of bounty; Rejoice, table, bearing abundance of purification.
Rejoice, for you are flourishing as a food paradise; Rejoice, for you are preparing a haven for souls.
Rejoice, pleasant censer of prayer; Rejoice, purification of the whole world.
Rejoice, God's favor towards mortals; Rejoice, mortals have boldness towards God.
Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 4 Having a storm within, having doubtful thoughts, the chaste Joseph was disturbed, to You in vain the unmarried one, and thinking about the stolen marriage, Immaculate One; Having taken away Your conception from the Holy Spirit, he said: Alleluia.
Ikos 4 Hearing the shepherding angels singing the carnal coming of Christ, and, flowing as to the Shepherd, they see Him, like a blameless lamb, fallen in Mary’s womb, and singing:
Rejoice, Lamb and Shepherd Mother; Rejoice, courtyard of verbal sheep.
Rejoice, torment of invisible enemies; Rejoice, the doors of heaven are opening.
Rejoice, as those in heaven rejoice in those on earth; Rejoice, for the earthly things rejoice in heavenly things.
Rejoice, silent lips of the apostles; Rejoice, invincible boldness of the passion-bearers.
Rejoice, firm affirmation of faith; Rejoice, bright knowledge of grace.
Rejoice, even hell has been laid bare; Rejoice, You are clothed with Her glory.
Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 5 Having seen the divine star, it followed the dawn, and like a lamp holding it, I tested the mighty King, and having reached the Incomprehensible One, rejoicing, crying out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 5 Seeing the youths of Chaldeystia at the hand of the Maiden Who created Him with the hands of men, and the Master, understanding Him, even if the slave’s form was accepted, they endeavored to serve Him freely and cry out to the Blessed One:
Rejoice, Mother of Never Setting Stars; Rejoice, dawn of the mysterious Day.
Rejoice, thou who has extinguished the delights of the furnace; Rejoice, enlightening the mysteries of the Trinity.
Rejoice, thou who destroyest the inhuman tormentor from the authorities; Rejoice, you who showed Christ the Lord the Lover of Mankind.
Rejoice, deliverer of barbaric service; Rejoice, timenia that takes away matters.
Rejoice, you who extinguished the fire of worship; Rejoice, thou who changest the flame of passions.
Rejoice, faithful teacher of chastity; Rejoice, joy of all kinds.
Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 6 The preachers of the God-bearing former volsvi, having returned to Babylon, having finished Your prophecy and preaching Your Christ to everyone, left Herod, as if she were unspoken, not leading the song: Alleluia.
Ikos 6 Having shone forth the enlightenment of truth in Egypt, you drove away the darkness of lies; idolize him, O Savior, not tolerating Your fortress, falling, having delivered these, I cry to the Mother of God:
Rejoice, correction of men; Rejoice, fall of demons.
Rejoice, thou who hast corrected the charms of the empire; Rejoice, you who have exposed idolatry flattery.
Rejoice, sea that drowned the mental Pharaoh; Rejoice, stone, who gave water to those thirsty for life.
Rejoice, pillar of fire, guide those who are in darkness; Rejoice, cover of the world, covering the clouds.
Rejoice, receiver of food and manna; Rejoice, holy sweets to the servant.
Rejoice, land of promise; Rejoice, honey and milk flow from nothing.
Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 7 I wish for Simeon to pass away from the charming age from this present age; you were like a child to him, but you also became known to him as the perfect God. I was also amazed at Your ineffable wisdom, calling: Alleluia.
Ikos 7 A new creation was shown, the Creator appeared to us, who came from Him, from the seedless vegetative womb and preserved You, as if incorruptible, but knowing a miracle, let us sing to You, crying out:
Rejoice, color of incorruption; Rejoice, crown of abstinence.
Rejoice, thou who shinest the image of the resurrection; Rejoice, you who reveal the life of angels.
Rejoice, bright-fruitful tree, from which the vernias feed; Rejoice, blessed-leaved tree, with which many trees are covered.
Rejoice, you who bear in your womb the Deliverer to the captives; Rejoice, you who gave birth to a Guide to the lost.
Rejoice, Judge of the righteous supplication; Rejoice, forgiveness of many sins.
Rejoice, clothing of the naked of boldness; Rejoice, beloved, conqueror of every desire.
Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 8 Having seen a strange Christmas, let us withdraw from the world, turning our minds to Heaven: for this reason, for the sake of the high God, a humble man appeared on earth, although he would draw to the heights those who cry out: Alleluia.
Ikos 8 All the indescribable Words in the lower and the highest departed: the descent was divine, not a local passing away, and the birth was from the Virgin of God, who heard this:
Rejoice, God is the inconceivable container; Rejoice, honest sacrament of the door.
Rejoice, doubtful hearing of the unbelievers; Rejoice, well-known praise of the faithful.
Rejoice, O holy chariot of Jehovah upon Cherubim; Rejoice, glorious village of Existence on Seraphimech.
Rejoice, you who gathered the opposite in the same way; Rejoice, you who combined virginity and Christmas.
Rejoice, for the crime was resolved; Rejoice, heaven has already opened.
Rejoice, key of the Kingdom of Christ; Rejoice, hope of eternal blessings.
Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 9 Every angelic nature was amazed at the great work of Your incarnation: for the unapproachable Man, like God, who is visible to all, is present to us, hearing from everyone: Alleluia.
Ikos 9 We see many things, like fish, silent about You, Mother of God: they are perplexed to say that the Virgin remained and was able to give birth. We, marveling at the mystery, truly cry out:
Rejoice, friend of the wisdom of God; Rejoice, His providences are His treasure.
Rejoice, you who reveal the wise to the unwise; Rejoice, thou who accusest the cunning of the wordless.
Rejoice, for you have conquered the lute seeker; Rejoice, for the creators of fables have faded away.
Rejoice, tearer of the Athenian weaving; Rejoice, fulfiller of fishermen's waters.
Rejoice, you who draw forth from the depths of ignorance; Rejoice, you who enlighten many in their understanding.
Rejoice, ship of those who want to be saved; Rejoice, haven of worldly voyages.
Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 10 Although He, the Decorator of all, has come to save the world, He has come to this self-promise, and this Shepherd, like God, has appeared for us for our sake: having called upon like like, for God hears: Alleluia.
Ikos 10 Thou art a wall to the virgins, O Virgin Mother of God, and to all who come running to Thee: for the Creator of heaven and earth has built Thee, O Most Pure One, dwelling in Thy womb, and teach all to invite Thee:
Rejoice, pillar of virginity; Rejoice, door of salvation.
Rejoice, director of the mental creation; Rejoice, giver of Divine goodness.
Rejoice, for you have renewed those who were conceived in cold; Rejoice, for you have punished those who were stolen by their minds.
Rejoice, thou who exercisest the cultivator of meanings; Rejoice, you who gave birth to the Sower of Purity.
Rejoice, Devil of seedless disgrace; Rejoice, you who united the faithful of the Lord.
Rejoice, good nurse of young virgins; Rejoice, bride-blesser of the souls of the saints.
Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 11 All singing is conquered, striving to meet the multitude of Thy bounties: equal in number to the sand of the songs that we bring to Thee, the Holy King, we do nothing worthy of what Thou hast given to us, crying out to Thee: Alleluia.
Ikos 11 The light-receiving candle, which appears to those who exist in darkness, we see the Holy Virgin, who burns the immaterial Fire, instructs all to the Divine mind, enlightening the mind with the dawn, and revered by these titles:
Rejoice, ray of the intelligent Sun; Rejoice, shining light of the never-setting Light.
Rejoice, lightning, enlightening souls; Rejoice, for the thunder is terrifying to enemies.
Rejoice, for you have shone with many lights of enlightenment; Rejoice, for you are a multi-flowing river.
Rejoice, image-painting font; Rejoice, you who take away sinful filth.
Rejoice, bath that washes the conscience; Rejoice, cup that draws joy.
Rejoice, smelling the fragrance of Christ; Rejoice, belly of secret joy.
Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 12 The grace of giving, having rejoiced the debts of the ancients, of all debts, the Decider of man, came with Himself to those who had departed from His grace and, tearing apart the handwriting, hears from everyone: Alleluia.
Ikos 12 Singing Thy Nativity, we all praise Thee, like an animated temple, the Mother of God: for in Thy womb, holding all things with the Lord's hand, sanctify, glorify and teach everyone to cry out to Thee:
Rejoice, village of God and the Word; Rejoice, great holy of holies.
Rejoice, ark, gilded by the Spirit; Rejoice, inexhaustible treasure of the belly.
Rejoice, honorable one crowned with pious kings; Rejoice, honest praise of the reverent priests.
Rejoice, unshakable pillar of the Church; Rejoice, unbreakable wall of the Kingdom.
Rejoice, victories will arise from her; Rejoice, from where enemies fall.
Rejoice, healing of my body; Rejoice, salvation of my soul.
Rejoice, Unbrided Bride.
Kontakion 13 O All-Sung Mother, who gave birth to all the saints, the Most Holy Word! Having accepted this present offering, deliver everyone from all misfortune and remove future torment from those who cry out for You: Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “Representative Angel...” and the 1st kontakion “To the Chosen Vodevoda...”.
Prayer O, Most Holy Lady Lady Theotokos, you are the highest Angel and Archangel of all creatures, the most honorable of all creatures, the Helper of the offended, the hopeless hope, the poor Intercessor, the sad consolation, the hungry Nurse, the naked robe, the healing of the sick, the salvation of sinners, the help and intercession of all Christians. Oh, All-Merciful Lady, Virgin Mother of God and Lady, by Your mercy save and have mercy on the most holy Orthodox patriarchs, the most Reverend metropolitans, archbishops and bishops and the entire priestly and monastic rank, and all Orthodox Christians through the robe of Your honest protection; and pray, Lady, from You, without seed, Christ our God, incarnate, may gird us with His power from above against our invisible and visible enemies. Oh, All-Merciful Lady Lady Theotokos! Raise us from the depths of sin and deliver us from famine, destruction, from cowardice and flood, from fire and sword, from the presence of foreigners and internecine warfare, and from vain death, and from the attacks of the enemy, and from corrupting winds, and from deadly plagues, and from all evil. Grant, O Lady, peace and health to Thy servant, all Orthodox Christians, and enlighten their minds and the eyes of their hearts, leading to salvation; and we, Thy sinful servants, have been made worthy of the Kingdom of Thy Son, Christ our God, for His power is blessed and glorified, with His Beginning Father and with His Most Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
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Song 7
Irmos:
Having not served the creation of God more than the Creator, but having bravely overcome the fiery rebuke, I rejoice and sing: O blessed father, the Lord and God are blessed.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
We sing praises to You crying out: Rejoice, Chariot of the clever Sun, True Vine, Thou who cultivated the ripe grape, flowing wine, gladdening the souls of those who glorify Thee with faith.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou who has given birth to the physician of all men, Rejoice Bride of God, Secret Rod, Blooming unfading flower, Rejoice Lady, with Her we are filled with joy, and we inherit life.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
The orbiting tongue cannot, O Lady, sing songs to Thee, more so than the Seraphim, Thou hast exalted herself, having given birth to the King Christ; Pray to this city to get rid of many temptations.
Glory:
The ends praise You blessedly, and call You with love: Rejoice, Switch, in whose finger the Father’s Word was written, O Pure One; Pray to Him, in the books of the living, that Your servant may write to the Mother of God.
And now:
We pray, Thy servants, and bow the knee of our hearts: incline Thy ear, O Pure One, and save everlastingly immersed in sorrow, and keep Thy city from captivity, O Theotokos, from every enemy.
Prayers
Troparion of Saturday Akathist, tone 8
The commanded secretly received in the mind, / in the blood of Joseph with diligence the Bodiless One appears, / the verb is more unartificial: / bowed by the descent of Heaven / invariably fits entirely into Thee, / Him and seeing Him in the false I have accepted Your slave form, / I am horrified to call You // Rejoice, Bride Non-bride
.
Kontakion of Saturday Akathist, tone 8
To the chosen Voivode, victorious,/ as having been delivered from the evil ones, grateful/ let us write to Thy servants, O Mother of God:/ but as having an invincible power,/ free us from all troubles, let us call Thee: Rejoice, O Neve one hundred unbride
.
Song 8
Irmos:
The pious youths in the cave saved the Nativity of the Mother of God; Then what was formed, now in action, raises up the entire universe to sing to You: Sing to the Lord’s deeds and exalt Him to all the ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Thou art false, Thou hast received the Word, Thou hast borne all that beareth, Thou hast nourished with milk, Thou hast nourished the whole universe with mania, Pure One, unto whom we sing: Sing unto the works of the Lord, and exalt them unto all the ages.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Moses understood in the bush the great mystery of Your Nativity, but the youths foreshadowed this more clearly in the middle of the fire, standing and not being scorched, the incorruptible Holy Virgin; Thus we honor You forever.
Most Holy Theotokos, save us.
Having first been exposed by delusion, in the robe of incorruption we are clothed with Your Nativity, and those who sit in the darkness of sins, We see the Light, the dwelling of the Light, the Maiden; therefore we sing to Thee forever.
Glory:
The dead are revived by You, You have given birth to Hypostatic Life, those who were never before, have good graces, lepers are cleansed, sicknesses are driven away, multitudes of aerial spirits are defeated, Virgo, you save men knowledge.
And now: Miro, having grown saving, and also from the ground to the height is taken by by Byhh, rejoice, omnipotent, covered and holding, the wall and affirmation of the singing, pure: go to the work and exalt the whole beliefs.
Saturday Akathist
Saturday of the 5th week of Great Lent is called Saturday Akathist , or Praise of the Blessed Virgin Mary . The service of this day is unlike any other service. Regarding the reasons for the establishment of this holiday, it must be said that they are quite complex. In the synaxarion of this day it is noted that the celebration was established in honor of the repeated deliverance of Constantinople from the invasions of Arabs, Persians, and even Russians through the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos, Who was always considered the intercessor, the special patroness of Constantinople. However, the structure and content of the service has very little to do with any military victories or celebrations on this occasion.
A lot of the content of the service is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, many texts are dedicated to this event. It is called Saturday Akathist, the Akathist to the Mother of God is read, the main theme of which is the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos and the Incarnation of the Son of God. There is no contradiction here, because the Annunciation in ancient times was thought of as the Lord's holiday, as the day of the Incarnation. There is an assumption that the establishment of the celebration of Saturday of the 5th week is also to some extent connected with the transfer of fixed holidays to mobile memories. The Council of Laodicea (IV century) did not provide permission to perform the full liturgy on the day of the Annunciation; permission to perform the full liturgy on the day of the Annunciation dates back only to the 6th century.
Perhaps the establishment of this holiday is due to the fact that the Feast of the Annunciation was moved to Sunday, and Akathist Saturday was a kind of forefeast. But, of course, the intercession of the Mother of God and repeated miraculous deliverances contributed to the fact that this celebration was preserved and became more and more solemn.
How is the service of this day arranged? On Friday evening, our parishes celebrate Saturday Matins of the 5th week of Great Lent. At Matins, God the Lord is sung and then a special troparion for this day is sung, which speaks of the event of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. It is indicated to sing it “inertly”, i.e. slowly, without haste:
